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1233399
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC L
3 1833 02299 8931
HTSTORY
OF
GIBSON COUNTY
INDIANA
HER PEOPLE, INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS
BY
GIL R. STQRMONT
With Biographical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical
Records of Many of the Old Families
ILLUSTRATED
1914
B. F. BOWEN & CO., Inc.
Indianapolis, Indiana
DEDICATION.
This work is respectfully dedicated to
THE PIONEERS,
long since departed. May the memory of those who laid down their burdens
by the wayside ever be fragrant as the breath of summer
flowers, for their toils and sacrifices have made
Gibson County a garden of sun-
shine and delights.
12333B9
PREFACE
All life and achievement is evolution; present wisdom comes from past
experience, and present commercial prosperity has come only from past exer-
tion and suffering. The deeds and motives of the men that have gone before
have been instrumental in shaping the destinies of later communities and
states. The development of a new country was at once a task and a privi-
lege. It required great courage, sacrifice and privation. Compare the pres-
ent conditions of the people of Gibson County, Indiana, with what they
were one hundred years ago. From a trackless wilderness and virgin land,
it has come to be a center of prosperity and civilization, with millions of
wealth, systems of railways, grand educational institutions, splendid indus-
tries and immense agricultural and mineral productions. Can any think-
ing person be insensible to the fascination of the study which discloses the
aspirations and efforts of the early pioneers who so strongly laid the founda-
tion upon which has been reared the magnificent prosperity of later days ? To
perpetuate the story of these people and to trace and record the social, polit-
ical and industrial progress of the community from its first inception is the
function of the local historian. A sincere purpose to preserve facts and per-
sonal memoirs that are deserving of perpetuation, and which unite the pres-
ent ttj the past, is the motive for the present publication. The historical
chapters, prepared by and under the personal supervision of Col. Gil R.
Stormont, compose a valuable collection and will prove not only i)f interest
to the present generation, but of inestimal)le worth to future historians, Ix-mg
the result of patient toil and earnest research. Colonel Stormont lias con-
scientiously endeavored to make this work authentic, and to him an! those
who co-operated with him, the publishers desire to express appreciatifin of
their efforts. A specially valuable and interesting department is that one
devoted to the sketches of representative citizens of Gibson county whose
records deserve preservation because of their worth, effort and accomplish-
ment. The publishers desire to extend their thanks to the gentlemen who
have so faithfully labored to this end. Thanks are also due t(j the citizens
of Gibson county for the uniform kindness with which they have regarded
this undertaking and for their many services rendered in the gaining of
necessary information.
In placing the "History of Gibson County, Indiana," before the citizens,
the publishers can conscientiously claim that they have carried out the plan
as outlined in the prospectus. Every biographical sketch in the work has
been submitted to the party interested, for correction, and therefore any error
of fact, if there be any, is solely due to the person for whom the sketch was
prepared. Confident that our effort to please will fully meet the approbation
of the public, we are,
Respectfully,
THE PUBLISHERS.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER I— GEOLOGY AND TOPOGRAPHY 25
State Geological Report — Surface of the Count}' — Timber — Soil — Min-
erals— Agricultural Possibilities — Bituminous Coal — Natural Gas — Pe-
troleum— Altitude.
CHAPTER II— INDIAN OCCUPANCY 32
Indians in Gibson County — Indian Titles Quieted — Burning of Indian Vil-
lage— Capt. Jacob Warrick — Appearance of White Men.
CHAPTER III— EARLY SETTLEMENT OF GIBSON COUNTY 37
John Severns. Gibson County's First Settler — Other Pioneers — David
Robb — Hargrove. Milburn, McClure and Montgomery Families — The Woods
Family and Others Prominent in the Early Life of the Community — Pio-
neer Customs — Early Cabin Homes — Vocations and Recreations.
CHAPTER IV— ORGANIZATION OF GIBSON COUNTY 64
The Beginning — State Government — County Organized in 1813 — Or-
ganizing Act — Division into Townships — Locating the County Seat — Naming
of Town — Its Survey — Early Newspaper Notice.
CHAPTER V— COUNTY GOVERNMENT . 71
Various Forms of Local Government — Proceedings of Early Courts and
Commissioners — First Provisions for Roads — Constables — Ferry Licenses —
Tax Levy of 1813 — First Board of County Commissioners — Justices of the
Peace — Whipping Post — Various Proceedings of the Commissioners — The
County Board of Justices, Followed Again by the Commissioners — Navi-
gation of the Patoka — Formation of L^nion Township — Court Houses — Jail
History — Cart of the Poor — Present Valuation of Taxables — County's
Financial Standing.
CHAPTER VI— POLITICAL HISTORY 87
Presidential Election Results — State Senators— Representatives — Delegates
to Constitutional Convention — County Collectors — County Recorders —
County Clerks — County Treasurers — County .Auditors — Sheriffs — County
Surveyors — Assessors and Appraisers — County Commissioners — County Su-
perintendent of Schools.
CHAPTER VII— RAILROADS AND TRANSPORTATION 93
Wabash and Erie Canal — Provisions by Congress — State Embarrassed in
the Work — Final Completion of the Canal — Its Route — Freight and Pas-
senger Service — Canal Contractors — The Know-nothings — Conflict Between
Irish and Americans — Unsanitary Conditions — The Story of Pat McTurbon
— The Southern Railroad — Evansville & Terre Haute Railroad — Evansville
& Indianapolis Railroad — Big Four Railroad — Evansville & Princeton Trac-
tion Line — Southern Railroad Shops — Hazelton Railroad Wreck.
CHAPTER VIII— AGRICULTURE IN GIBSON COUNTY 110
Importance of Agriculture — Quality of Soil and Adaptability of Land^Farm
Statistics — Agriculture Thirty Years Ago — Gibson County Agricultural and
Horticultural Society — Fairs — Gibson County Fair Association — Boys' Corn
Show — Prize Winners.
CHAPTER IX— GIBSON COUNTY NEWSPAPERS 120
The First Journalistic Venture, the Princeton Chronicle — Democratic
Clarion — Early Advertisements and Newspaper Notices — Gibson County
Leader and the Clarion-Leader — Princeton Courier — Other Newspapers of
Bygone Days — Owensville Star — Baptist Messenger — Oakland City Journal
— Fort Branch Papers — Other Ventures.
CHAPTER X— EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS 132
First Constitutional Provisions — Gibson County Schools One Hundred
Years Ago — Old-time Schoolmaster and His School — Early Courses of
Study — Newer Methods and Better Text-books — County Seminaries Estab-
lished by Legislature — Vote on Free School Question — School Laws — Semi-
naries Abolished — Description of Early Schools — School Statistics for 1884
and 1913 — School Examiners, Commissioners and Superintendents — Oakland
City College — Schools of Princeton — The Seminary Period — Princeton
Academy — Private Schools and Academies — Princeton Female High School
— Graded School Period — Present Educational Conditions — High School
Enrollment.
CHAPTER XI— CHURCHES OF GIBSON COUNTY 154
Religious Character of Pioneers — Methodism in Gibson County — Presby-
terian Churches of the County — Fairview Church — Cumberland Presbyterian
Churches — United Presbyterians — Reformed Presbyterians — A .Proud War
Record — Baptist Churches — General Baptists of Pioneer Days — Christian
Churches — Catholic Churches — The Evangelical Church — Colored Churches
of Princeton — Other Religious Societies.
CHAPTER XII— MEDICAL MEN OF THE COUNTY 176
Reminiscences by Dr. W. W. Blair — Early Doctors — ( )ther Physicians —
Physicians at Owensville — Medical Societies — List of Physicians Now
Practicing in the County.
CHAPTER XIII— THE BENCH AND BAR 182
High Standard of Indiana's Judiciary — Circuit Judges — Gibson County
Courts — How a Juror Outwitted a Bailiff — Personal Mention of Our Judges
— Circuit-Riding Attorneys — Interesting Sessions of the Court — List of
Lawyers — Vincennes University Litigation — Attorneys at the Gibson Coun-
ty Bar in 1914.
CHAPTER XIV— SECRET SOCIETIES OF THE COUNTY 198
Free and Accepted Masons — Princeton Masonic Temple — Royal Arch
Masons — Knights Templar — Independent Order of Odd Fellows — Knights
of Pythias.
CHAPTER XV— MILITARY HISTORY OF GIBSON COUNTY 204
The Spirit of the Early Settlers in Gibson County — Indian War of 1811 —
Battle of Tippecanoe — Death of Capt. Jacob Warrick — Roster of Gibson
County Companies — ^^■ar of 1812 — Mexican W'ar — Black Hawk War — Revo-
lutionary War — The Civil War — Gibson County's Proud Record — Various
Enlistments — Commands in Which Gibson County Men Enlisted — The
County's Splendid Contribution to the Success of the War — Spanish-Amer-
ican War.
CHAPTER XVI— THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD IN GIBSON COUNTY 224
An Interesting Topic in Early History of the County — David Stormont's
Station — Seth Concklin's Mission — Its Tragic Ending — Slave Hunters — An
Exciting Slave Hunt Thwarted— Kidnapping Cases— A BlufT That Failed
to Work — How Reube Obtained His Ereedom — Treacherously Kidnapped —
Montgomery to the Rescue.
CHAPTER XVII— PATRIOTIC ORDERS OF GIBSON COUNTY 245
Grand Army of the Republic — Its Origin and Growth — Decoration of Sol-
diers' Graves — Archer Post No. 28 — Its Past Commanders — Department
Honors — Twenty-fifth Anniversary — Other Posts — Woman's Relief Corps —
.Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution — Sons of Veterans.
CHAPTER XVIII— SOLDIERS' MONUMENTS 263
Gibson County Soldiers' Monument — Fifty-eighth Indiana Regiment Monu-
ment— An Unique Instance — Company F, Forty-second Indiana Monument.
CHAPTER XIX— CHOLERA EPIDEMICS IN GIBSON COUNTY 271
A Large Toll of Lives — Lack of Modern Medical .Attention — Epidemics of
1852 and 1873— Many Deaths— Great Excitement— Physicians of the Period
— Fear Gives Rise to Amusing Incidents.
CHAPTER XX— A NEIGHBORHOOD RETROSPECT 280
Historical and Personal Reminiscences — Early Time Wedding Ceremonies
— How a V/ild Steer Created a Panic in a Wedding Procession — Character
Sketches — Visions of the Past from a Hill-top — Escapade of Boys Who
Escaped Their Just Deserts — Memories of a Home and a Moss-covered
Bucket — The Makemison Home — Old Log School House — The Old Cross-
way Leading to Kirk's Mill — Religious Habits of the Covenanters — Schools
and Schoolmasters — A Notable Record of Military Service in the Civil War.
CHAPTER XXI— MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS OF INTEREST 296
Population of Gibson County — Sale of a Negro Girl — Liberating Slaves in
Gibson County — A Slave-Trader Trick — Extracts from Valuable Historical
Papers — Bee Hunting — Pioneer Mills — Early Marriages — Market Prices
Then and Now — Village Plats — Towns, Past and Present — Cyclones — Flat
Boating — Fear of First Stoves — First Legal Hanging — Getting "Churched"
— Stage Coach Days — Passing of the Old Survey Marks — Incidents and
Sketches of Early Times — The Big Well at Somerville — Faith in John Mc-
Master's Prayers — Pioneer Industries — Oakland City — The Beginning of
Buckskin— The Old Grist Mill— School Disturbed by a Panther Visit— Flood
Waters — Flood Figures.
CHAPTER XXII— CITY OF PPfNCETON 321
Location — Characteristics— Before the Laying Out of the Citj' — Naming of
the Town — First Events — First Postofifice and Early Business Houses — Post-
otfice History — Princeton Sanitarium — Public Library Movement — Early In-
CONTENTS.
dustries of Princeton — Great Fire of 1893 — Municipal History of the City —
Banking in Princeton.
CHAPTER XXIIl— PATOKA TOWNSHIP 339
Organization — Boundaries — Bald Plill — Early Settlements — Tecumseh's Con-
spiracy— First Schools.
CHAPTER XXIV— MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP 342
How Named — Location — Early Settlement — Pioneer Experiences — Owens-
villc — Origin, Platting and Incorporation — Early Merchants — Business In-
terests— Banks.
CHAPTER XXV— JOHNSON TOWNSHIP 347
Original Extent — Present Area — Natural Features — Early Settlement —
Indian Scare — First Schools — Haubstadt — Municipal History — Business In-
terests— Bank.
CHAPTER XXVI— UNION TOWNSHIP 353
Youngest Township in the County — Surface — Soil — Fort Branch — Business
Directory — Public Utilities — Banking Interests.
CHAPTER XXVIl— BARTON TOWNSHIP 356
Location — Organization — Early Settlement — First Events — An Early Un-
punished Crime — Somerville.
CHAPTER XXVIII— COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP 359
Boundaries— Earliest Settlers— Oakland City— First Events— In 1913— Town
Officers — Business Interests — Banks.
CHAPTER XXIX— CENTER TOWNSHIP 362
Location — First Settlers^Francisco — Incorporation — Present Officers —
Reminiscences of Early Days — Killing of Worrell — Militant Women Dur-
ing War Days — Getting the Daily News.
CHAPTER XXX— WHITE RIVER TOWNSHIP 371
Boundaries — Early Mills — Drainage — First Settlers — Patoka — Smithville, a
Remarkable Town — Present Patoka — Business Interests — Defunct Village
of Port Gibson — Hazelton — Commercial History.
CHAPTER XXXI— WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP 379
Natural Features — Boundaries — Pioneers — First Events — An Amusing Inci-
dent— Buena Vista.
CHAPTER XXXII— WABASH TOWNSHIP 382
Early Description — Organization — First Events — Early Settlement — Soil.
HISTORICAL INDEX
A
A Bluff That Failed to Work 239
Act Organizing County 65
Agricultural Society 112
Agriculture 110
Agriculture in the Eighties 111
Altitude 31
Appraisers 91
Archer Family 52
Archer Post No. 28, G. A. R 249
Assessors 91
Auditors, County 90
B
Banking in Princeton 337
Baptist Churches 164
Barton Township 356
Bee Hunting 300
Beginning of Buckskin 313
Bench and Bar 182
Big Four Railroad 105
Big Well at Somerville 311
Black Hawk War 208
Black Plague 371
Blair, Dr. W. W., Reminiscences. _. 176
Boyd Family 61
Boys' Corn Show 117
Braselton Family 56
Bridge Tolls 76
Buckskin, Beginning of 313
Buena Vista 381
Burning of Indian Village 33
C
Cabin, Pioneer 62
Canal, Wabash and Erie 93
Care of the Poor 85
Catholic Churches 171
Center Township 362
Changes in County Government 78
Character Sketches 284
Chief Trackwell 32
Cholera Epidemics 271
Christian Churches 170
Church History 154
City of Princeton 321
Civil War ^ 209
Clay Deposits . 26
Clerks, County 90
Coal Deposits 26,28
Cockrum Post No, 520, G. A. R 255
Collectors, County 89
Colored Churches 174
Columbia Township 359
Commissioners, County 79, 91
Commissioners, First Coimty 75
Company F, Forty-second Indiana,
Monument 268
Constables. First 73
Constitutional Convention Dele-
gates 74, 89
Corn Show, Boys' 117
County .Auditors 90
County Clerks 90
County Collectors 89
Count.v Com.niissioners, First 75
County Divided into Townships 66, 75
County Fairs 113
County Finances 86
County Government __- 71
County Government Changes 78
County Organizing .Act 65
County Recorders 90
County Seat Located 67,69
County Seminaries 137
County Superintendent of Schools 92
County Surveyors 91
County Treasurers 90
County Valuation 86
Court Customs 188
HISTORICAL INDEX.
Court, First Term of 66
Court Houses 81
Covenanters, Religious Habits of 291
Crops 111
Cumberland Presbyterian Churches 158
Cyclones 305
D
Daughters of American Revolution 258
Delegates to Constitutional Conven-
tion 74. 89
Doctors at Owensville 179
Doctors, Early 177
Doctors in 1884 178
Doctors in 1914 181
Duncan Family 350
E
Early Court Customs 188
Early Doctors 177
Early Hospitality 61
Early Industries. Princeton 332
Early Lawyers 189
Early Market Prices 302
Early Marriages . 301
Early Newspaper Notices :._ 123
Early School Text-books 136
Early Schools 133,140.292
Early Settlement 37
Early-time Wedding Ceremonies 281
Early Tax Items 75
Educational Interests 132
Eightieth Indiana Regiment 218
Election Results 87
Elevations 31
Embree Family 59
Escapade of Boys 285
Evangelical Church 173
Evans Family 49
Evansville & Princeton R. R 105
Evansville & Terre Haute R. R 103
Exciting Slave Hunt 233
F
Fairs 113
Fairview Church 157
Farm Statistics 110
Ferry Licenses 73
Fifty-eighth Indiana Regiment 214
Fifty-eighth Regiment Monuments- 265
Finances of County 86
Fire of 1893, Princeton 335
First Constables 73
First County Commissioners 75
First Court House 82
First Events in Princeton 323
First Jail 83
First Justices of the Peace 75
First Laid-out Road 72
First Legal Hanging 306
First Newspaper 120
First Settler 37
First Term of Court 66
Flat Boating 306
Flood Figures 319
Flood Waters 317
Fort Branch 353
Fort Branch Banks 355
Fort Branch Newspapers 131
Forty-second Indiana Regiment 212
Francisco 363
Francisco Baptist Church 165
Free and Accepted Masons 198
Free Schools 139
G
Gas, Natural 29
General Baptists, Early 167
Geology 25
Getting War News , 369
Gibson County Companies in Civil
War 215
Gibson County Fair Association — 115
Gibson County Medical Society 180
Gibson County Newspapers 120
Gibson County Organized 64
Gibson County Soldiers 221
Gibson County Soldiers' Monument 263
Gibson, Gen. John 64
Graff, Dr. George B 112
Grand Army of the Republic 245
Grist Mills, Early 315,371
Cudgel Family 60
H
Hanging, First Legal 306
Hargrove Family 44
HISTORICAL INDEX.
Harrington Family 52
Haubstadt 351
Hazelton 377
Hazelton Railroad Wreck 108
High Waters 319
Historical Items 299
Hospitality of Pioneers 61
Hundred Years of School History— 132
I "
Independent Order of Odd Fellows 201
Indian Occupancy 32
Indian Relics 33
Indian Scare 40
Indian Village Burned 33
Indian War of 1811 204
Indianapolis & Evansville R. R 104
Irish-American Combat 97
J
Jail History 83
Johnson Family 43
Johnson Township 347
Judiciary 182
Juror Outwits Bailiff 184
Judges, County 182
Justices of the Peace, First 75
K
Kidnapping Cases 236
Killing of Worrell 367
Knights of Pythias 203
Knights Templar 199
Know-nothings 97
L
Lawyers, Early 189
Lawyers in 1914 196
Liberating Negro Slaves 297
Library, Princeton 328
Licenses, Early 71
Locating County Seat 67
Mc
McClure Family 46
McMaster's Prayers, Faith in 312
McTurbon, Pat, Story of 99
M
Makemson Home 288
Market Prices, Early 302
Marriages, Early 301
Marvel Family 59
Masonic Order 198
Mead, Stephen 349
Medical History 176
Medical Societies 180
Memorial Day 248
Memories of a Home 288
Methodist Episcopal Churches 154
Mexican War 208
Miami Indians 32
Milburn Family 45
Military History 204
Mills, Caleb 138
Mills, Early Grist 315,371
Miscellaneous Civil-war Commands 220
Miscellaneous Items 296
Montgomiery Family 47
Montgomery Township 342
Mounts Family 54
Municipal History of Princeton 336
N
Name of County 64
Naming of Princeton 68,322
Natural Gas 29
Navigation of Patoka 79
Neighborhood Retrospect 280
Newspaper History 120
Notable Military Record 294
O
Oakland City 359
Oakland City Banks 861
Oakland City College 144
Oakland City Newspapers 130
Odd Fellows 201
Oil Fields 29
Old Crossway to Kirk's Mill 290
Old Grist Mills 315,371
Old-time School-master 134, 292
One Hundred Forty-third Indiana
Regiment 220
One Hundred Thirty-sixth Indiana
Regiment 220
HISTORICAL INDEX.
One Hundred Twentieth Indiana
Regiment 219
Organization of Gibson County 64
Organization of Wabash Township 382
Owensville 343
Owensville Banks 345
Owensville Newspapers 130
Owensville Physicians 179
P
Panther Disturlis School 316
Passing of Old Survey Marks 308
Patoka 372
Patoka, Navigation of 79
Patoka Township 339
Patriotic Orders 245
Petroleum Oil Fields 29
Physicians, Early 177
Pioneer Cabin j 62
Pioneer Customs 61
Pioneer Industries : 313
Pioneer Mills 300
Pioneer Schools 133. 140, 292
Plats, Village 303
Political History 87
Poor Farm 85
Population Statistics 296
Port Gibson 376
Pottawatomie Indians 32
Presbyterian Churches 156
Present Court House 83
Present Jail 84
Present Lawyers 196
Presidential Election Results 87
Press, The 120
Princeton 321
Princeton Academy 146
Princeton Banks 337
Princeton Chapter. D. A. R 258
Princeton Early Industries 332
Princeton Early Merchants 325
Princeton Female High School 149
Princeton, Fire of 1893 335
Princeton, First Events 323
Princeton High School 152
Princeton, How Named 68
Princeton Laid Out 68
Princeton, Municipal History 336
Princeton Named 322
Princeton Newspapers 120
Princeton Postoffice 327
Princeton Public Library 328
Princeton Sanitarium 327
Princeton Schools 145
Proud War Record 161
Public Library. Princeton 328
Public Square 84
R
Railroads 93
Recorders 90
Reformed Presbyterian Churches — 159
Religious Habits of Covenanters 291
Reminiscences of Mrs. Ralston 50
Representatives 89
Revolutionary War Soldiers 208
Road, the First Laid-out 72
Robb Family 40
Roster of Militia, 1811 205
Royal and Select Masters 200
Royal Arch Masons 199
S
Sale of a Negro Girl 296
School Commissioners 143
School Development 137, 141
School Disturbed by Panther 316
School Examiners ^143
School Statistics, 1884 *141
School Statistics. 1914 142
Schools 132
Schools. Free 139
Second Court House 82
Second Jail 84
Secret Societies 198
Seminaries, County 137
Seminary Period 146
Senators. State 88
Seth Concklin 224
Settlement, Early 37
Settlement of Barton Township 356
Settlement of Center Township 362
Settlement of Columbia Township__ 359
Settlement of Johnson Township__ 347
Settlement of Montgomery Town-
ship 342
Settlement of Patoka Township 340
Settlement of Wabash Township 382
Settlement of Washington Township 379
HISTORICAL INDEX.
Settler, the First 37
Seventeenth Indiana Regiment 210
Severns, John i7
Shawnee Indians 22
Sheriffs 90
Sixty-fifth Indiana Regiment 217
Slave Hunters 232
Slave-trade Trick 298
Smithfield 372
Soil of County 25
Soil Types 27
Soldiers' Monuments 263
Somerville 357
Somerville Well 311
Sons of Veterans 261
Southern Railroad 101
Southern Railroad Shops 105
Spanish-American War 222
Stage Coach Days 307
State Senators 88
Stephen Mead Post No. 187, G. A. R. 256
Stone Formations 26
Stormont, David 225,231
Stoves, Fear of First 306
Superintendent of Schools 92, 144
Surface of County 25
Survey Marks, Passing of Old 308
Surveyors, County 91
T
Tavern Licenses 71, 77
Tax Levy. 1813 73
Taxables in County, 1913 86
Taxes, Early 75
Taylor Family 57
Third Court House 83
Thirty-third Regiment 211
Timber 28
Tolls, Bridge 76
Topography 25
Town Plats 303
Towns, Past and Present 305
Townships Formed 66, 75
Trackwell, Chief 32
Transportation 93
Treacherously Kidnapped 240
Treasurers, County 90
Twenty-fourth Indiana Regiment 211
U
LTnderground Railroad 224
Union Township 353
L'nion Township, Formation of 81
United Presbyterian Churches 159
L^npunished Crime 357
V
Value of Lands 110
Village Plats 303
Vincennes LTniversity Litigation 193
Visions of the Past 284
Vote of County in 1856 122
W
Wabash and Erie Canal 93
Wabash Township 382
War of .1812 207
War of the Rebellion 209
War News, Getting 369
Warrick, Capt. Jacob 34, 53, 205
Washington Township 379
Wheeler Family 46
Whipping Post 76
White River Township 371
Wild Steer Creates Panic 282
Wilkinson Family 56
Witness Trees 310
Woman's Relief Corps 257
Woods Family 51
Worrell, Killing of 367
Wreck at Hazelton 108
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX
Adams, James W. 1050
Allbright, John T. 858
Allen, Robert A. 718
Anderson, Philip .M. 470
Anderson, R. S., M. D. 624
Arbuthnot, John 941
Archer, David 615
Archer, Samuel H. 498
Armstrong, James H. 685
Armstrong, Pinkney S. 828
Ashcraft, Benjamin K. 515
B
Baldridge, Pressley R. 636
Ballard, James H. 466
Barnett, W. A. 1042
Bass, Herschel L., M. D. 692
Beloat, James E. 582
Bennett, Isaac R. 788
Benson, Benjamin F. 798
Benson, Luther 517
Berger, John H. 898
Bieger, John 1036
Biggs, Floyd J. 458
Bingham, G. B. 755
Bingham, William B. 740
Binhack, George 543
Binkley, Elijah 958
Black, James A. 786
Blair, William W., M. D. 404
Boren, Thomas J. 758
Brademeyer, Henry J. 1071
Braselton, Samuel F. 552
Broadwell, Henry F. 906
Brown, Arthur F 978
Brown, John L. 792
Brownlee, Charles 504
Bruner, James W. 974
Bucklin, Theodore M. 648
Burton, A. R., M. D. 622
Burton, George C. 419
Butler, Fred 1070
Butler, John E. 400
C
Carithers, James 436
Carpenter, Lewis 529
Carter, Virgil R., M. D. 683
Casey, William P 743
Chism, John D. 766
Clark, Jonathan E. 669
Cockrum, James H. 916
Cockrum, James W. 800
Cockrum, William M. 392
Coleman, Maryfield M. __... 909
Coulter, Levi W. 954
Cox, James P. 519
Coyne, Thomas 782
Crawford, Theodore W. 846
Criswell, W. E. 427
Crowe, Anderson E. 446
Crowe, Mrs. Martha A. 848
Cunningham, Joseph W. 920
Cunningham, James W. 554
Cushman, Milton 639
D
Danks, Joseph C. 438
Davis, S. R. 984
Davison, David A. 464
Dearing, William P. 928
Depriest, Jackson 998
DePriest, William H. H. 844
Deutsch, L. J. 784
Dill, WiUard A. 421
Downey. William D. 539
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX.
E
Eisler, Michael 964
Embree, Elisha 183, 472
Embree, Lucius C. 472
Emerson, Charles N. 561
Emerson, Columbus 578
Emerson, James V. 561
Emmerson, Lemuel 667
Emmerson, Lemuel O. 768
Emmerson, Vivian H. 822
Ennes, William 1017
Ervin, John R. 508
Eskew, Cyrus N. 728
Ewing, Fred R. 536
Ewing, John W. 536
F
Finch, J. W. 991
Fisher, Wilbur F. 410
Forbes, George 529
Ford, Alfred S. 424
Fowler, Ephraim M. 698
French, Simon 569
French, Thomas H. 988
G
Galligan, Walter T. 934
Gamble, James B. 568
Genung, Homer T. 868
Genung, William R., M. D. 864
Goodman, John Q. A. 560
Gorman, John C. 856
Gray, James 1052
Greek Family 1027
Green, Alexander D. 869
Grigsby, Francis M. 541
Gudgel, Harry B., M. D. 965
H
Hallock. Richard B 501
Hanna, Hugh, Sr 640
Harmon, Harvey 423
Harmon, John W. 693
Hartin, Joseph C. 651
Heldt, Humphrey C. 880
Heston, Samuel T. 922
Hillman, James W. 1065
Hitch, Nathaniel 510
Holcomb, Albert G. 832
HoUis, Bartlett B. 760
Hollis, John J. 496
Hopkins. Ezekiel T. 547
Hopkins, W. G., M. D. 596
Howe, Calvin R. 619
Hudelson, John F. 448
Hudelson, William C. 1030
Hulfish, Ewin D. 855
Hull, David W. 1048
Hussey, Joseph D. 795
Hussey, R. L. 1038
Hyneman, William 1011
I
Ingle, David, Sr. 416
Irwin, Elizabeth 720
Irwin, Isabella 720
J
Jenkins, Robert A. 702
Johnson, Benjamin F. 779
Johnson, George W. 834
Johnson, Warrick D. — 749
Jones. P'ranklin 774
Jones, John W 1061
K
Kell, Landon 441
Keneipp, George T. 709
Kendle, Joseph R. 949
Kendle, Wilham D. 918
Kennedy, Michael M. 634
Kern, LycurguS' L. 59-
Key, Janies W. 912
Kightly, Charles 772
Rightly, Francis J. 907
Kightly, Josiah 907, 1019
Kilmartin, James 770
Kimball, J. C. 608
King, John K. 527
Knowles, Mrs. Mary Ann 1025
Knowles, Nathan B. 645
Knowles, Samuel N. 1074
Kuester, Fred C. 930
Kurtz, J. W. 600
BIOGRAPillCAI. INDEX.
L
Land, William M. 412
Lawrence, Samuel H. 1003
LeGrange, Jonah G. 736
Leister, William L. 860
Lenime, Victor 712
Lewis, James W. 467
Lincoln, Elijah L. 688
Lockhart, R. P. 830
Lockwood, Isaac A. 512
Lockwood, S. R. 606
Lowe, William J. 609
Lowery, W. H. 732
Luhring. Fred D. 605
Mc
McCleary, Zadok M. 111
McClure, A. D. 745
McClure, William M. 450
McElderry, William E. 1055
McEllhiney, Cunacum 926
McEUhiney, Moses 935
McEllhiney, Thomas J. 932
McGary, Hugh D. 738
McGary, Joseph K. 944
McGowan, J. W., M. D. 896
McGowan, Michael 537
McGregor, Andrew 444
McGregor, John K. 871
McKedy, John N. 940
McRoberts, Milton 1006
McRoberts, Rev. William L. 1008
M
Mahan, John 454
Maier, Paul 643
Makemson, Anderson G. 456
Malone. Hugh 1033
Mangrum, John 593
Mangrum, Thomas A. 679
Marvel, Samuel O. 853
Mason, George C., M. D. 752
Mauck. Alfred 961
Mauck, Edgar 960
Mauck, Jacob W 574
Ma-xam, Franklin H., M. D. 628
Maxam, Rollin 630
Maxam, Thomas M. 986
Meade, John F. 1001
Milbucn, H. A. 741,
Milburn, Harvey 415
Milburn, Preston 730
Miller, Andrew J. 475
Miller, Charles A., M. D. 633
Miller, John H. 947
Mills, Albert - 520
Mills Family 1027
Montgomery, David B. 565
Montgomery, James R.. M. D. 588
Montgomery, Martin A., M. D 564
Montgomery, Richard 460
Montgomery, William 968
Moore, Abram T. 632
Morris, John L., M. D. 491
Morris, W\ F., M. D. 696
Morrow, James R. 996
Morton, Robert M. 505
Mounts, Isaac L. 716
Mowrer, Henry 807
Mowry, James S. 851
Munford, Robert M. 617
Munford, Samuel E, 488
N
Noble, Simeon 1068
O
Ohning, Fred H. 1053
P
Palmer, Thomas M 1004
Parrett, Charles K. 1045
Parrett. Richard M. 723
Patten, J. C, M. D. 664
Pauley, Willis 1010
Peoples, John K. 463
Phillips, Henry P. 849
Phillips. Reuben 550
Pritchett, Alfred 802
Pritchett, William H. 590
Providence Spring 976
R
Reavis, Frank 889
Reed, Samuel S. 700
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX.
Reinhart. Philip J. 1059
Rembe, Henry 982
Rickard, Edward 894
Ritchie, John W. 660
Ritterskamp, W. J. 611
Robb, Eli J. 763
Robbins, W. L. 838
Robinson, Sylvester B. 1015
Roby, James P. 641
Rutter, George A. 646
S
Sasse, Theodore 661
Scantlin, James M. 625
Schafer, George 993
Schumacher, Albert 812
Scull, Charles S. 425
Sebastian, Joseph 952
Seitz, George D. 601
Shipp, John H. 994
Shubart, C. A. 943
Shull, George W. 672
Siegert, Herman 637
Sisson, Joshua S. 428
Sloan, John 704
Smith, Claude A. 837
Smith, George W. 816
Smith, James A. 805
Smith, John D. 840
Smith, John W. 862
Smith, Leander 876
Smith, W. H., M. D. 735
Spain, Byron S. 1047
Spence, John A. 721
Sprowl, James A. 408
Stewart, James L. 714
Stewart, Samuel A. 544
Stormont, David 675
Stormont, David Riley 480
Stormont Family 882
Stormont, Gilbert R. 394
Strain, George 791
Suhling, Henry 1044
Sumners, Richey 557
Swan, D. H.. M. D. 989
Swinney, Charles B. 495
T
Thomas, Theodore F. 842
Thompson, Francis M. 477
Thompson, Samuel B. 827
Thorne, William H. 848
Thurston, William 529
Tichenor, Daniel N. 533
Tichenor, Henry 535
Tichenor, James A. 493 -■
Tichenor, William N. 656
Tichenor, Willis H. 571
Trippet, Aaron 973
Trippet, Sanford 627
Trippett, V. W. S. 440
Turnage, John W. 809
Turpin, Franklin 530
Twineham, Arthur P. 584
V
\'andeveer, Simon L. 402
Vickers, Henry C. 707
W
Walters, Thomas A. 824
Wark, Thomas 720
Waters, William A. 747
Watson, Rev. Morris 487
Watson, William T. 878
Watt, George M. 756
Weber, George 951
Weisgerber, Edward 887
Welborn, Francis M. 681
Welborn, George R. 663
Welborn, Oscar M. 385
Welborn, William P. 899
West, Samuel Hamilton 603
West, William L. 397
Westfall, Felix N. 937
Westfall, James A. 971
Westfall, Lowell R. 980
Wheeler. William A. 999
White. Harrison ___: 654
White. Henry 576
White, John 904
Whitsitt, William A. 726
Wildeman, Charles 1064
Wildeman, Henry 946
Wildemann, Andrew J. 956
Wilder, Benjamin O. 874
Williams, John M. 914
Willis, Cleve E. 690
Wilm, Matthew 587
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX.
Wilson, Alvin 658
Wirth, Louis 524
Witherspoon, George 924
Witherspoon, Stanford 967
Witherspoon, William P. 891
Woodburn, Samuel 485
Woods, Arthur B. 814
Woods, Samuel Hamilton 432
Woods, William L. 819
Y
Yeager, Absalom 733
Yochum, Joseph P. 406
Youngman, Jacob C. 529
Youngman, Mrs. Sarah .A. 528
Z
Zwissler, John A. 1013
HISTORICAL
CHAPTER I.
GEOLOGY AND TOPOGRAPHY.
Professors Cox and CoUett made state geological reports which, in
substance, contain the following facts :
"The surface of Gibson county, in the western part, is level or mildly
undulating. Nearly half is the bottom land and a small portion of barrens.
East from the center and along the eastern and northeastern boundary are
to be seen elevated plateaus, pierced by deep valleys, and covered with
excellent timber, as late as the nineties. The soil is generally an alluvial
loam and is everywhere very fertile. The alluvial bottoms along the streams,
originating from the ordinary floods, are made up of sands and clays spread
out by overflow, and rest upon or against the sides of the gravel terraces.
The terraces are consequently next m age and rest upon or against the sides
of more ancient alluvium or sand hills, which, in turn, are more recent than
the loess clays, which superimpose the true boulder or glacial drift. From
the terminus of the conglomerate spur which pierces the county like a promon-
tory from the east, a ridge of yellow loam sets in and continues westward,
forming the present, as it probably formed the ancient, line of demarkation
between the waters of the Patoka and White rivers. This ridge was clothed
with a magnificent growth of oak, poplar and other valuable timber and,
from the ciuality of the soil, was formed at a time when the headwaters of
the rivers were rapidly cutting their channels in the sub-carboniferous lime-
stones to the east, constituting a rich loam. This ridge, with like character-
istics as to soil and timber, is continued from northeast to southwest across
the county, constituting a broad belt of agricultural country about Prince-
ton and Owensville. Outliers of this poplar soil are seen even west of the
Wabash, at and southwest of Mt. Carmel, which indicate the wayward
course of the river currents then flowing through a broad, lake-like sheet
of w^ater at an elevation from one hundred and twenty to one hundred and
26 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
fifty feet above their present channels. At Buena Vista, on White river,
extensive mounds surround the village. Outcrops of the rash coals were
observed in the vicinity, and the companion limestones develop a thickness
of from two to five feet. The high ridge and tableland south of town has a
rocky skeleton, covered with lacustral loams. But above and against the
bluffs of loess are extensive bars of beds of fluvatile sand, some of which
obtain in different localities at an elevation of two hundred and thirty-five
feet above the present bed of White river. These indicate the high water
level of the ancient river. On the sides of the bluffs are occasionally found
small beds of gravel containing a few specimens of the harder stone sorted
from the glacial drift, surviving on account of the obduracy of material, but
notably containing geodes and cherts from the mountain limestone at the
headwaters of the river. The last mentioned mark the bars of low water
line and plainly indicate the former presence of the river at these points.
South of the Patoka powerful erosive forces have swept across the eastern
part of the county, leaving isolated mounds, knobs and hills, monumental
tokens of the ancient surface; but, generally, excavating the rocks to the
depth of from fifty to one hundred and sixt}^ feet and creating broad valleys
or valley plains now waterless or used by insignificant brooks. This epoch
is dated back to the time of the glacial river and the soil to the lacustral, for
we find that on the hillsides an ash gray soil prevails, very sensitive to
draught or moisture, the modified or washed residual sands of the latter
epoch."
"It was written of this county thirty years and more ago that, owing to
the [jcculiar formations, the surface deposits endow the county with a variety
of fertile soils and insure a variety of pursuits so necessary for the social
and pecuniary development of the community. Stone suitable for building
purposes is not very common. The ']\Ierom rock' is usually friable, and
will soon distintegrate on exposure. Fair quarry stone is found at a point
east of Hazelton, at Severns' Bridge, on Patoka. and near the county line.
Stone of a much superior grade is found in the vicinity of Oakland."
Coal of an excellent quality in abundance sufficient to supply any pos-
sible demand occurs along the line which separates Gibson from Pike county.
Clay, bricks and tile of a good quality can be made from material found
in almost all parts of Gibson county. All the coals are underlaid and the
places of the barren seams occupied by fire clays, which in the future will
equal the coals in value. These clays are suitable for the manufacture of
tiles, terra-cotta and potter's ware, fire-brick, etc.
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. 2"]
A recent soil survey of this county states that the cuunty has a large
variet_v of soil types, with a wide range of adaptability. All the ordinary
crops are grown, nianx^ special crops, truck farming and fruit growing, and
each finds a soil especially suited to its needs, corn along the streams and
river flats, the uplands for wheat, the sand hills for melons, etc. These soils
all have a good degree of fertility and fertilizers are little needed, save where
some special crop is raised.
The following table will show the area of the various types of soil :
Common loess (loam) 302 scjuare miles
Marl loess 10 square miles
Lake plain 27 sc|uare miles
Sand dunes and ridges 30 square miles
Alluvial — Upper flood plains 75 square miles
Lower flood plains 42 square miles
Swamp deposits 4 square miles
SUMMARY.
Under the above caption, the state geologist's report on soil survey in
Gibson county in 1909, has the following:
"Gibson county is in a prosperous condition agriculturally. The county
is large, has great wealth, and the farming population for the most part are
a progressive people, as is evinced by the appearance of the homes, farms
and general conditions throughout the county. All crops are grown suc-
cessfully. The melou industry, however, has made the county famous. A
superior quality of melons are grown on the soils and they find a ready
market in St. Louis, Louisville, Indianapolis, Chicago, Pittsburgh and other
large markets. The sand areas were formerly considered of little value, but
at the present time little can be bought at less than a hundred dollars an acre,
and there is little desire to sell at any price. Three varieties of cantaloupes
are grown, chiefly nutmegs, netted Rockyfords and large netted. There is a
good sale for all these varieties. They are marketed in baskets which hold
on the average about eighteen melons and the yield is from two to four
hundreds baskets per acre. The cantaloupe season begins about July 15th
and they bring about fifty cents per basket to the grower ; later in the season
the price drops to from twenty to twenty-five cents per basket. The baskets
cost the growers about four or five cents each. Some shipments are made
loose in the car, also hauled loose in wagons to surrounding markets, but the
28 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
price obtained is usually lower. In drawing to the cars the growers take
from eighty-five to one hundred and fifty baskets at a load. Cantaloupes
average about sixty dollars per acre to the grower.
"Watermelons begin about August ist. They are hauled in wagons to
the market and about one hundred and twenty-five is a usual load. The first
cars shipped bring the grower about twenty-two cents each. Watermelons
average about two to three hundred melons per acre, but many fields run as
high as seven hundred to one thousand to the acre. The principal fertilizer
used is well rotted stable manure. The melon crop is generally plowed four
times in cultivation and additional care is used to keep all grass out."
"The county was formerly covered with a heavy forest growth. Some
good timber yet remains and considerable tracts of small timber are found in
])arts of the county. Practically all of the trees of this section are of value
and those which usually indicate a good quality of soil. Fifty or more
species may be found in any wooded tract anrl in some parts one class of
trees will predominate and in other locations different species will take the
lead.
"The soil condition in this county should be carefully studied and a
series of investigations made as to their needs. The soil is naturally pro-
ductive, but by the continual cropping the soil is depleted unless proper
attention is given to the rotation of crops and the methods of cultivation."
THE BITUMINOUS COAL OF GIBSON COUNTY.
Of the thirteen coal-producing counties in this state, Gibson is within
two of the bottom of the list, Daviess and Perry counties only producing less
tons than Gibson, while the greatest coal-producing county in Indiana is
Vigo, which produced in 1908, 3,490,349 tons. The same year the output
in Gibson was only 208,654 tons.
The 1909 state reports show that Gibson county mines employed 172
miners, at an average wage of $769 per year. The Oswald mines employed
137 men inside and twelve men outside; Fort Branch mines worked twenty-
seven men inside and a total of forty-three; Francisco mine employed a total
of thirteen men.
The output of coal in the county during the last named year was : From
the Oswald mine (now the Princeton Coal Company), 176,403 tons; from the
Fort Branch mine, 28,926 tons ; from the Francisco mine, 3,325 tons, making
a grand total of 208,654 tons.
GIBSON COi'NTY, INDIANA.
NATURAL GAS.
At one time the natural gas industry was one of consideraljle import-
ance in Gibson county, but with the passing years the supply here, as well as
in most Indiana points, has greatly diminished. In and near Oakland City,
in IQOQ, a numljer of wells were sunk for gas. There are numerous gas
wells in the northern half of the county, but none of great force, hence it is
no longer spoken of as among the notable industries in the county.
PETROLEUM OIL FIELDS.
The state geological reports for 1907 contain much concerning the
Gibson county oil fields, a portion of which the writer draws from in
■ writing this chapter. The hrst discovery of oil in this county was in 1903,
at least that was the first of any commercial value. It was struck in a sand-
stone varying from eight hundred and tw.enty to nine hundred and twenty
feet below the surface. The history of this industry, however, goes back to
189 1, when a subsidy was voted by I'atoka township to the Southern Railway
Company, inducing that company to locate their central shops at Princeton.
A little before that time William R. Wright, of Princeton, while in search of
coal and gas, had completed a well known as "Evans" Well," on the eastern
edge of the city. A considerable pressure of gas was found, which induced
him to pipe it to the court house yard and burn it, so attracting public interest
to his well. This event, along with the voting of the subsidy, created some
excitement and in a short time afterward four wells were completed. These,
however, were unsuccessful in producing any quantity of gas, although the
presence of heavy strata of coal and shale was shown. Three of these
wells were near the Evans well and one located in the yards of the Southern
railway shops. Then another well was located on the J. B. Hall tract on the
western edge of Princeton, directly south of the Evansville & Terre Haute
railroad depot. It was carried down to a depth of 1,274 feet, and at 355
feet a vein of coal strata measuring six feet in thickness was passed through ;
at 470 feet another six-foot vein was found and still another at the depth of
670 feet. The largest vein was struck at 730 feet, being seven feet in thick-
ness, and finally, at the depth of 1,020 feet, three feet of coal was encountered,
showing five strata of coal in this one location. But a small amount of gas
ever emitted from this well. In fact none of the 1891 gas wells exer pro-
30 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
diiced a commercial natural gas. Ten years rolled by and nothing of import-
ance was done in the way of sinking" more wells. But in January, 1902, a
company composed of business men in Princeton was organized and incor-
porated as The Inter-State Oil and Gas Company. These men were the
pioneers in the Princeton oil field and were as follows : Seth Ward, Sr.,
S. T. Heston, Eugene Criswell, G. E. Bryant, Harry Kurtz and J. W.
Archer. The capital stock was $500,000, in one dollar shares. They leased
three thousand acres of land in the vicinity of Princeton, and early in the
spring of 1902 let a contract to drill two thousand feet, with the understand-
ing that Trenton rock was to be reached. A bore was put down on the
Charles Brownlee farm, south half of the southwest quarter of section 6,
township 2, range 1 1 west, a half mile north of the limits of the city. Indi-
cations of oil appeared at the depth of 869 feet, but on the workmen went
until 1,026 feet was reached, when another showing of oil was discovered,
but this, too, was not a paying oil find and so more work was done, and on a
day in February, 1903, after expending $5,000, the discouraged operators
abandoned the enterprise and some time elapsed before another entry was
made in the field. But capital and enterprise kept steadily pressing forward,
and by the close of 1906 there were one hundred and twenty-two gas-pro-
ducing wells, forty- four dry holes, eleven abandoned pay wells and one well
drilling, making a total of one hundred and seventy-six wells, eight}'-two of
which yielded gas. None of these wells are large producers, but they have
lieen the source of much- wealth in the county in the few years they have
been in operation. In 1904 there were shipped from Gibson county 32,000
barrels of oil; in 1905 there were 65,000 barrels shipped and in 1906 there
were 103,843 barrels shipjied. These wells are largely to the north and west
of Princeton scattered over quite a territory.
The output of the wells are largely under the control of the Standard
Oil Company, known here as the Indiana Pipe Line Company, who change
the prices here in harmony with the oil markets everywhere in the country,
hence- some months the wells are more profitable than in others of the same
year.
This oil field extends over an area of about twelve square miles and
lies in section 35, township i, range 11 west, and in sections 2, 3. 10 and 11,
in township 2, range 11 west. They are mostly all in Patoka civil township.
The eastern limit of the field is about one and a half miles from the north-
west corner of the corporate limits of the city of Princeton.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
ELEVATION? ABOVE SEA LEVEL.
The following are the elevations at various ])oints within Gibson county :
Yeager's Hill, 642 feet; Bald Hill, 634 feet; Francisco, 430 feet; Fort
Branch, 440 feet; Gordon Hills, 500 feet; Haubstadt. 473 feet; Hazelton,
422 feet; King's Station, 463 feet; I-yles, 400 feet; Owensville, 507 feet;
Patoka, 429 feet; Princeton, at the Evansville & Terre Haute railroad sta-
tion, 478 feet; Southern station in Princeton, 429 feet; court house, 501 feet.
CHAPTER II.
[NDIAN OCCUPANCY OTHER RACES.
Before the pioneer white settlers invaded the green glad solitude of
what is now known as Gibson county, the red man inhabited this territory.
The Indians who roamed at will over the hills and valleys of this region
were made up from remnants of several tribes, including the Shawnee, Sacs,
Fox, Kickapoo,' Miami and Pottawatomies. Of the Shawnee, old "Track-
well" was a noted chief. He had a village of several wigwams located on
Indian creek, about two miles northeast of where Princeton is located.
The Miamis had a fort on the Patoka river and claimed ownership to a por-
tion of the territory. As civilization approached from the south and east,
the Indians gradually disappeared, moving westward. The forest wilds
yielded to the axe of the sturdy pioneer and were transformed into fields of
waving grain and corn. Long decades since the foundations of industry
were established on the ruins of the Indian wigwam and the noise and din
of the trades of civilized artisans have been heard where once the stillness
of the dark, dense forests was unbroken, save by the whoop of the sa^•age
Indian tribes, warring one with the other.
The Indiana Legislature requested the Congress of the United States in
the early thirties to quiet all the Indian titles in this state. This request was
granted and by treaty the Pottawatomies ceded to the government of the
United States six million acres of land, all they possessed. A little later the
Aliamis, through the labors of Col. A. C. Pepper, Indian agent, sold a con-
siderable portion of their most desirable reserves to the United States.
In 1838 Colonel Pepper and General Tipton, with an escort of United
States soldiers, conducted about one thousand- Pottawatomies to the west of
the Mississippi river, western Iowa getting many of the tribe, and later
these were induced to move on to the southwestern territories. A few, how-
ever, of both tribes lingered around their old haunts and hunting grounds,
refusing to lie consoled at their loss. But after white men commenced gath-
ering in thicker settlements, they, too, sought the sinking sun and joined
their brethren in the western country above named.
While we cannot stop here to discuss a question of ethics, we may
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 33
sympathize with the Indian in what he has suffered at the hand of the white
man; yet we may recollect that he, too, was a despoiler. A civilization of
no small pretensions antedated his advent, or at least his savage condition.
Whether this civilization was that of a tlistinct race, or something which
the Indians had lost, cannot be certainly told. Certain it is, however, that what
is now Gibson county was inhabited by a pre-historic race. Evidences of its
existence and civilization are numerous. Specimens of pottery, of fair
workmanship and artistic adornments, are found in the mounds which these
ancient people, for reasons best known to themselves, threw up In some
parts of the state various implements of copper have been found, the work
of these aborigines. Copper l^lades have been discovered, tempered so
highly as to defy the efforts of modern art. The Indians who roamed and
hunted over the wooded hills and vales of Gibson county were chiefly rem-
nants of the Kickapoos, Shawnees, Sacs, Foxes, Pottawatomies and the
Miamis. They were generally friendly, seldom committing any depredations
beyond occasionally stealing poultry, hogs and sheep. Old "Trackwell," a
chief of the Shawnee tribe, had a town of several wigwams. The town was
here when the first settlers came in and was located on Indian creek, two
miles northeast of Princeton, on section 4, township 2, range 10. The old
chief and his'tribe were very friendly with the whites. The Miamis claimed
ownership to a part of this localit}'. They had a fort on the south side of the
river a short distance from the present site of the Patoka bridge.
BURNING OF AN INDIAN VILLAGE NEAR OWEN.SVILLE.
Cockrum's Pioneer History of Indiana says of this event:
"The last village inhabited by the Indians in the southwestern part of
Gibson county was located in the northeast corner of section 9, township 3,
range 12, and in section 4, township 3, range 12, two miles west of Owens-
ville. It was a straggling village, extending westward from the northeast
corner of section 9, for about a mile, composed of wigwams and ijuilt along
the springs coming out of the foot of the sand hills.
"The Indians were driven away late in the summer or early in the fall
of 1807, and the wigwams burned all except a few which w^ere still there in
1809. The village was destroyed by Capt. Jacob Warrick and others. If
there was any fighting done or Indians killed it was ne\er known except I)y
those engaged in it. There were very good reasons for their silence, as tlie
government did not allow such acts when at peace with the Indians.
(3)
34 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
"Captain Warrick settled on the northwest quarter of section ii, east
of the village. Purty Old Tom Montgomery, Captain Warrick's father-in-
law, settled on the southwest quarter of section 12, Robert Anderson and
sons settled northeast of Owensville and others were living in the vicinity
of Owensville ten }-ears before the town was laid out. The men who assisted
Captain Warrick in driving the Indians away and destroying their town
were men who had settled west and southwest of :\nderson's creek, now
Marsh creek, in the neighborhood of Owens\-ille and i)robably others from
the neighborhood of Princeton, seven years before Princeton was laid out.
The village belonged to the Piankeshaws, and the Indians who got away
crossed the M'abash river into southern Illinois, which was then Indiana Ter-
ritory.
"The destruction of the village made the Indians hostile and it came
near bringing on war, and no doubt would, had it not been for the second
raid across the Wabash river.
"After the destruction of the village, the settlers found the Indians were
coming back and prowling around in the neighborhood. of nights. They also
found that they were going back along the old Indian trace from the bluff
to the island, their crossing.
"The settlers, becoming very uneasy for fear they would be attacked
and massacred, hastih' organized a company about the first of October,
1807, all well mounted and armed. They took the old Indian trace early
one: morning for Coffee Island ford on the Wabash river. They rode across
the ford to the west bank of the ri\er and there held a council and laid plans
for advancing. Captain Warrick was to follow the Indian trace and the
others to deploy on each side of him within hearing distance. The old Indian
fighters were placed on the extreme right and left flanks. Robert Anderson
and his son. Watt, were on the right and Purty Old Tom Montgomery was
on the left of the line and the younger men were between Montgomery and
Warrick and Anderson and Warrick. The orders were for Warrick to
ride down the trace slowly and cautiously. Young Sam Anderson, with
Warrick, was carrying a large cow's horn instead of a bugle. The signal to
retreat, if too many Indians were found, was to be two long blasts on the
horn and a shot from a rifle. The objective point was the Piankeshaw In-
dian village located on a small stream running in a westerly direction into
Bumpas.
"They folloAved the trace to the east end of a small prairie. Captain
Warrick and others rode into the edge of the prairie and disco\'ered fifty or
1233399
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 33
sixt}^ Indian warriors advancing east to meet them, bnt out of reach of their
guns. They rode back inti) the timlter. Ca])tain AA'arrick ordered /Vnderson
to give the retreat signal (jn tlie horn, and tlie}' retreated to the ford as
rapidly as possible, all reaching there about the same time except Purty Old
Tom Montgomery. Captain Warrick ordered them to cross the ford in
haste, but four or five old Indian fighters — Old Bob Anderson, his- son Watt
and a few others — stayed with Warrick to wait for Montgomer)-. They
waited as long as they dared, and then crossed the river to the rest of the com-
pany. The}' hadn't been across long when twenty-five or thirty Indians
came up on the other side of the ri\'er. Then Bob Anderson said to Captain
\\'arrick. 'Tom's gone this time," Ixit he was wrong; a man who had fought
Indians over half of old \'irginia, all of Kentucky and southLTii Indiana
could ni;it be captured by Piankeshaw Indians. In advancing, Montgomery-
had got too far to the left and away in advance of the line. Wdien he heard
the signal to retreat he turned his liorse and rode into the south edge (jf the
prairie. W'hen he saw that the Indians were going into the forest from the
east end of the prairie and that he was cut off from the others, he rode
back into the timber and rode for the river as fast as his horse would carry
him. AA'hen he reached the river he swam his horse to the Indiana side and
rode up on the bank where he could see over the brush at the point where
he crossed the river, knowing the Indians would come on the trail of his
horse.
"Eight or ten Indians had followetl him to the edge of the water, and
he shot at them across the ri\er. When the company at the island heard the
shot, old Robert Anderson said, 'Boys, that's Tom's gun,' and they answered
him. They did not have to wait long until Purty Old Tom came riding up
to the company as unconcernedly as if lie had been on a deer hunt.
"The little creek that the Piankeshaw village was on drained a low, wet
prairie, that since that time was named X'illage creek, and the ])rairie named
Compton prairie.
"The Montgomery referred to in this story was the first of the family
to locate in southwestern Indiana. From him has descended the large in-
fluential family of ]\Iontgomerys and their descendants in southwestern In-
diana and Illinois."
36 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
THE APPEARANCE OF WHITE MEN.
Four hundred years ago this vast region known as the "Territory of
the United States Northwest of the Ohio River," washed by more than three
thousand miles of navigable waters, was unknown to the white race. This
region contained an area of almost two hundred and sixty-seven thousand
square miles and had within its boundaries what are now known as the
states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and that portion of
Minnesota east of the Mississippi river. It was thinly settled by numerous
tribes of Indians who had for unknown centuries roamed at will over its
beautiful prairies and rich valleys, with forests and glens as charming hunt-
ing and fishing grounds, where all was as the hand of the Creator had fash-
ioned it. The fertile soil found in this great domain furnished these tribes
with corn and tobacco. The buffalo, bear, the nimble-footed deer and elk
provided them with ample supply of meat and clothing. The lakes and
swift-running streams all abounded in many fine fishes.
Nearly a hundred and fifty years had passed after the discovery of
America before any part of the region just named had been visited by Euro-
peans, and then only by some few daring explorers and adventurers.
In 1607 the English effected a settlement at Jamestown, Virginia, and a
year later French adventurers founded the city of Quebec, and from that
date on, for a century and a half, France and Great Britain were animated
rivals to secure the trade and commerce of North America. The French
settlers were nearly all adventurers, traders and religious teachers of the
Roman Catholic faith. The English people were of the home-seeking class,
with a goodly number of adventurers and traders. During this period the
chief characters known now in history were the French adventurers, Joliette,
Marquette, LaSalle and their associates.
CHAPTER in.
L'TLE.MENT OF GIBSON COUNTY.
To the ])resent inhaljitants, whose ancestcjrs were pioneers in Gibson
county, this chapter will Ije of unusual interest. The mere mention of names
and families will bring to mind some story often related by father, mother
or grandparents concerning the hardships endured by pioneers. Yet not all
was hard work and trials, for the pioneer had a cheerful heart and his family
growing up around liim looked into the future with a hope that made life
worth living every day. The simple life, simple diet and the easy-going
customs of our forefathers made health and strength, and character as well.
GIBSON county's FIRST SETTLER.
From the pen of J. R. Strickland, in the centennial numljer of the
Princeton Clarion-News, March, 1913, appeared the following graphic ac-
count of the county's first actual settler, John Severns, and, with the per-
mission of the publishers, we here quote the same :
The wholesouled honesty and manly honor of John Severns are the
two principal things that enabled him to lay claim to the proud distinction of
being the first white settler to tread the soil now comprised of Gibson county.
These two characteristics were demanded of him by the Indians and John
Severns was equal to the occasion. It was a test that taxed the power of
human endurance. However, in the confidence game of Indian versus White
Man this fellow Severns was a close rival to the great Williaui Penn.
The coming of the first white settler to Gibson county was preceded by
a thrilling and tragic incident, the scene of which was enacted in Virginia.
A natives of Wales, Severns came with his parents to America several )'ears
before the Revolutionary war. When the war for independence was declared,
John Severns answered the trumpet's call for volunteers. On the occasion
of the first visit home with his parents, some months later, a band of blood-
thirsty Indians swooped down on the family one evening and took them
prisoners. The father, mother, sister and younger brother were killefl, while
John and an elder brother were kept as prisoners.
3° GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
John Severns remained a prisoner seven long years. At divers times
he sought to escape, but his captors were too cunning for him, and under
threats of death Secerns was compelled to adjust himself to the new life and
its environments. In adopting the garb and manners of the Indians, John
Severns undoubtedly presented an amusing spectacle. He was a short,
heavy-set man, of powerful build, and the feathers and paint furnished liim
by the Indians did not help his appearance as a red man !
The years rolled on, but Severns was none the less watchful fur the
favorable moment of escape and one day, at the close of his seventh year in
the captivity of the Indians, he made the use of an opportunity to break for
liberty. It was several hours before the chief of the tribe discovered the
absence of Severns. The old chief dispatched a number of his fleet-footed
warriors along the route supposed to have been taken by the escaped pris-
oner. However, they failed to strike the trail. Severns knew the value of
time. He made for the borders of civilization with all possible haste. He
arrived in Pennsylvania some months later. His brother continued to live
with the Indians and finally wooed and married one of the squaws and reared
a family of children.
Soon after Se^'erns arrived in Pennsylvania lie married. Prior to his
capture l_iy the Indians he had Iieen carefully instructed in mathematics by
his father and, following his escape, Severns acquired a knowledge of sur-
veying and assisted the government surve3^ors in ]\Iar}dand and Kentuckv.
In 1789 he penetrated the wilderness of the Northwest territory with his
family and settled on the south bank of the Patoka river, at a place now
known as Severns Bridge. The family resorted to the caverns of the rocks
for protection against inclement weather and bands of savage Indians. The
family lived as cave dwellers for several months, before the Indians per-
mitted Severns to construct a rude hut of boughs, skins and other materials.
By his knowledge of dialects and their customs and habits, Severns was
enabled to make friends of the Indians inhabiting that region. On the op-
posite bank of the Patoka river was an Indian village, the remnants of a
Shawnee tribe. Old Trackwell. chief of this tril)e, was morose, cruel and
vindictive in nature. His imperial residence consisted of a numlaer of wig-
wams. He studiousl}- avoided the formality of an introduction to Severns
and had not the first white settler possessed a great address and an honor-
able l^earing, as well as a commendable degree of the spirit of forgiveness,
old Trackwell would have succeeded in routing Severns and his family.
But the first white settler was a post-graduate in the confidence-winning
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 39
game aiul so successful was he in applying the arts of peace and harmony
that ukl Trackwell descended from his liigh perch and sought an understand-
ing with his pale-faced stranger.
Severns was allowed to continue his residence in that region and to
establish a ferry upon the conditions that he keep "hre water" for the Indians
,and allow them the free use of his ferry. Severns readily and willingly
agreed to the conditions imposed upon him by the Indians. He had no desire
to violate the obligation with his neighbor. It was his nature to be upright
and honorable in all his dealings with his fellow men. The whole-souled
honesty and manly honor of John Severns deeply impressed the Indians
upon more than one occasion. He smoked a council pipe with them fre-
quently and his influence with the ditf'erent tribes was largely instrumental
in preserving peace after the arrival of other white settlers.
Severns was often called upon to act as inlcri)reter for the triljc and
negotiate with the Indian agent. In due time he became an indispensible
quantit}- with all the tribes that roamed and hunted (ner the vales of Gibson
county. He rarely refused an opportunity to join the different chiefs and
their warriors on fishing and hunting expeditions. .SeAcrns took an active
part in Indian sports and, according to traditions, he and old Trackwell
engaged in a friendly sprint one day and when Se\'erns was declared the
winner old Trackwell was enraged and danced about Severns, giving several
terrifying war whoops. Another race was run and old Trackwell, through
the kindness of Severns, won easily. The envious old chief was pacified.
The Miamis claimed ownership to part of the land in the connnunity
where the first white settler established his home. They had a fort on the
south side of the r.iver. a short distance from the present site of the ]'at(jka
bridge. Old Xever-Sleep. the grand sachem of the Miamis, allowed the
coming of the while man to disturb him but little and while he was friendly
to Severns. the old chief did not go out of his way to increase liis acquaint-
ance with the settlers.
When Severns came tri Gibson county he brought apple and peach seeds
from Kentucky and cultivated a few trees and ])rior to 1S02 he had apple
and peach trees in bearing.
Severns was made a Mason in ^\^illiamsburgh, A'irginia, in 1776. One
of his descendants has a certificate of Lodge No. 457. issueil to Severns by
that lodge, June 20, 1776, and it is signed by William W'addell. worshipful
master; John Rowsay, senior warden: John Dixon, junior warden. Severns
40 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
died about the year 1829 and, in compliance with liis request, was buried near
where he settled.
A son of Severns acquired a know ledge of the Indian tongue and acted
as one of the interpreters for General Harrison during the Indian troubles
and at the battle of Tippecanoe. For this service a small tract of land was
afterward awarded his children by the general government.
Following John Severns, the next settlers in Gibson county were Gervas
and Daniel Hazelton and their families. Gervas Hazelton kept a ferry on
White river and was a well known pioneer. The town of Hazelton is named
in his honor.
Before going into details regarding the various pioneer families, it
will be best to state that in 1802 John Johnson and family moved to Gibson
county from Kentucky on pack-horses and settled a mile west of the present
city of Princeton. In 1803 William Flargrove and family came from Kentucky
on pack-mules and took up a tract of land to the north of Princeton. In the
same year Joseph Milburn, of Kentucky, settled in the northern portion of
the county, lietween Patoka and ^Yhite rivers. In 1805 came James ^Ic-
Clure, with his mother and family; also the following year with their
families : Thomas Montgomery, Judge Isaac Montgomery, Gen. Robert M.
Evans, Joseph Neely, Jesse Kimball, James Wheeler, and possibly a few more.
Among those who located near Princeton in 1807 were William Harrington,
John Woods, Thomas and William Archer, John Benson, Jesse and Asa
Music, Mathias and Smith Mounts. Capt. Jacob Warrick settled near
Owensville in the same year. In 1808 came in Rev. Stephen Strickland,
William Clark, Rev. Alexander Devin, Gary and William Wilkinson, Major
James Smith, John Braselton and others. Robert McGary and John Arm-
strong came to the county in 1809. About this date. settlers began to come
in more rapidly. Some of those whose descendants are *best known in
Princeton at this time were Eli Strain, who settled in Gibson county in 1810,
and Jesse Emerson, James Knowles, Elisha Embree and Andrew Gudgel,
181 1. After this time the country was settled so rapidly it is hard to men-
tion all of those who here sought a home.
In the summer of 1810 the people became alarmed on account of the
conspirac}- of old Tecumseh, the famous Indian chieftain who lived in the
north part of the state. The Indians said the white people were taking all
the land away from them and were trying to drive them out of the state
and everyone was afraid the Indians would make a raid on the towns and
settlements all over the state. In order to protect themselves, the people
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 4I
built forts or stockades, where they could all get together and defend them-
selves against the savages. Three forts were built in Patoka township at
that time. Fort Branch, Fort Hopkins, near the old Archer cemetery, north-
west of the city of Princeton, and the stockade at William Harrington's, on
the McCurdy place, a mile and a half west of Princeton. Although no fight-
ing took place with the Indians in southern Indiana at that time, yet the fear
of being killed b)- an' Indian kept many people from settling here during
1810 and 1811.
Now, to give more in detail the circumstances under which the settle-
ment was made in this county, it may be stated that David Robb was the pio-
neer of the Robb family in Gibson county. In the year 1800 he settled with
his family on a tract of land a half mile south of the present town of Hazel-
ton. He began housekeeping in a camp; subsequently cleared a small ])iece
of land, erected a log cabin and made a farm. He \\as a native of Ireland.
His father, James, and mother, Margaret Robb (nee Barr), with their two
small children, Thomas and James, took passage in a sailing vessel at a port
in Ireland for America in the year 1773, and landed in Philadeljjhia. It
was their intention t(» bring young David, then two years of age, with them,
])ut his grandfather Barr, just at the moment when the stage-plank was
being removed and the \essel spreading her canvas to sail, picked up his
little grandson David and carried him ashore. He kept him at the okl house
until the vear 1776, when, accompanied by his nurse, he sent him over to
join his parents, who were then living in Philadelphia. During the Revolu-
tionary struggle they li^■ed in different places in Pennsylvania until the year
1786, when they removed to Kentucky. They settled about ten miles from
the Falls of the Ohio, now the site of Louisville, at a place not far from
Mann's Lick. Here David was employed a few years assisting to make salt,
his father engaged in farming, and in 1800 he followed his son to Indiana
Territory and settled near Severns' Ijridge, then Severns' ferry. The tract
of land on which he settled was afterward known as Yellow spring, and it
was there that the wife of James and mother of David Rolib died in the year
1807. He lived there a number of years, then moved to Posey county, and
finally returned to Jefferson county, Kentucky, where he died in the year of
about 1825, at the residence of his son, Henry Robb. James Robb and wife
were persons of education and refinement. David Robb was born in Ire-
land, July I-', 1 771; his early education was mostly attended to by his par-
ents and after coming here he formed the acquaintance of General Harrison,
then governor of the territory, whose residence was at X'incennes. The
42 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
General frequently loaned him books from his library, and by this means
he was able to improve his education. In later years he became on quite
intimate terms with Harrison, who would occasionally call and spend a night
at his residence. He was married March 20, 1800, in Jefferson count}-, Ken-
tucky, to A'ancy Eckley, the daughter of Joseph and Susan ( Rickerts ) Eck-
ley. The original home of the Eckleys was in Maryland in what is nuw the
District of Columbia. Mr. Eckley was killed in a battle with the Indians
prior to the Revolutionary war. His widow anrl family subsecjuently moved
to. Kentucky. David Robb and wife, soon after marriage, started on horse-
back for the then wilds of Indiana; they were accompanied by Samuel Cleans
and wife, who settled north of Vincennes. They drove with them a few
head of stock and, of course, camped out of nights. After arriving at their
destination, they lived for the first two months in a camp which was con-
structed by felling a large walnut tree, that served for the back of the camp,
and by means of poles and bark they constructed a rude hut. It furnished
shelter for them from the heat of the sun anrl the rain. The front was open
and there the fires were made which served to cook their frugal meals and
as warmth during the chilly nights in their humble home. Thus was the
haliitation of the hardy pioneer and his youthful and happy bride.
During the summer and before the winter set in. Mr. Rolib succeeded in
constructing a fairly comfortable small log house, in which they spent the
winter. When he and his wife came here in 1800 the}- found John Se\-ern
and Daniel Hazelton and their families. Mr. Robb and his wife had l)orn
to them a family of ten children, and as the children were born pioneers of
the county we give their names in order of birth as follows :
Achilles, born .August 13. 1801. The second child was Eleanor. l)orn
December 21. 1803, married Elislia Embree, and li\-ed in Princetoii. James,
born May I, 1806, died at the age of twenty-two. Susan R., born ]\la}- 18,
1808, married Rev. Hiram A. Hunter. Nancy, born June 8, 1810. married
Joseph Devin. Elizabeth E., l)orn September 12, 1812, married A\'illiam
McClure. Sally Ann, i)orn Xovemljer 22. 1814, died October i, 1S35.
Eranklin, born Eebruary 15, 1817, lived at Robinson, Illinois. Charity, Ijorn
April 30, 1819, first wife of Dr. V. 1^ West, died August 31, 1841. Cordelia,
born May 8, 182 1, second wife of Dr. V. P. W'est.
David Robb was a brave and gallant soldier during the earl}- Enlian
troubles. He was captain of a company at the battle of Tippecanoe, after-
ward Ijecame a major of militia. He and his neighbors constructed a lilock
house at his residence prior to the Indian war, to which the families of the
GTIiSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 43
settlers of the neighborhood could resort in the event of an attack from the
savages, which attack was, however, fortunately not made. Mr. Robl) was a
man of considerable enterprise. In 1814 he established a saw and grist-mill
on Robb's creek, propelled by water ])(nver. He also carried on a blacksmith
and carpenter shop, and a small distillery. The three last business enter-
]5rises were begun about nine or ten years after the liuilding of the mill. In
181C) he built a brick residence, which was the second lirick house built in
that part of the county. Tie was also a surveyor and farmer, one of the
justices of the peace, when the county formed part of Knox counts-, and
after the organization of Gibson county he held at intervals offices for se^•-
eral years. He was also a member of the Territorial Legislature, and of the
first Constitutional Convention, anrl subsequently a memlier of the State
Legislature. Under the administration of Andrew Jackson he was registrar
of the land office of this district, with headquarters at Laporle. He was
one time a slaveholder. He died April 15, 1844. His widow sur\ive<l him
until July 29, 1S35. Numerous descendants of the Robb family still reside
in the county.
In the fall of 1802 members of the Johnson family Ijecame residents of
this county. The family consistefl of nine persons: John and his wife,
Sarah, and their seven children, Rebecca, Betsey. Mary, Hannah, Jacob,
David and John. The parents and se^■eral of the elder children were natives
of \'irginia. In 1798 they removed to Kentucky, and four years later crossed
the Ohio at McGary's cabin, now the site of Evansville, and made their way
north on pack horses to the tract of land since known as McCurdy's farm, a
mile west of Princeton. Here they Inu'lt a shanty and wintered. During the
journey the horses got away and started for their old home in Kentucky.
One of the boys, Jacob, started in ])ursuit, liareheaded. through the forest,
keei)ing their trail and caught them near where they crossed the Ohio river
in coming. The boy encountered no habitation nor person and, fearless and
alone, pursued his way and accomplished his purpose. When spring opened
they built a log cabin on the old place where their grandson, David, resided, a
few miles northeast of Princeton. The male members of the family were
quite celeljrated as hunters and travelers. Jacob enlisted in 181 3 in Har-
grove's company of rangers. He also assisted in the survey of seminary
lands as campkeeper. He first married a Stewart, and upon her death a
Skelton, a daughter of John .Skelton. Of the first union there were two cbil-
rlren, James Johnson, of ^It. Carmel, and Mrs. Mch'etridge. V>y the second
wife there were six children, John, Jackson, ?ilrs. Fairlield. Mrs. McCre;iry,
Lvdia and Davdd.
44 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
One of the most distinguished of the early famihes of Gibson county
were the Hargroves. WilHam Hargrove, the pioneer, was a South Caro-
h'nian by birth, born in the year 1775, and while still a lad moved with his
parents to Pulaski county, Kentucky, where he grew to manhood and mar-
ried Sarah Jaspar. A few years later, concluding to change his location, he
set out with his wife and three children for the West, with the few worldly
goods he possessed loaded on pack mules, on which his wife and children
also rode. Their destination was Missouri, but after arriving in the vicinity
of the present site of Princeton, and admiring the beautiful country here,
they concluded to go no farther, and in the early part of November, 1803,
settled on section 36, township i south, range 11. Here he erected a small
cabin and lived for a time and then settled on a tract of land, afterwards
known as the Isaac Woods farm, north of Princeton, in township 2 south,
range 10. William Hargrove was a noted Indian hunter of Kentucky and also
here. He was a brave and plucky man. The following incident will illus-
trate the heroic quality of the pioneer. One time when the neighbors were
congregated at a log rolling an Indian came along and a little dispute arose,
and Hargrove told the Indian he lied. This exasperated tiie latter and he
raised his tomahawk to attack him, but one of the bystanders knocked him
down. The Indian, though keenly feeling the insult, arose and left, and the
next day, bent on mischief, he returned to the settlement, and at one of the
cabins, finding the men folks absent, he led his horse within the cabin and,
besides insulting the wife of the settler, he broke up what little furniture
there Avas, and turned things topsy-turvy. The lady found means of escape
and ran over and informed Mr. Hargrove, who, with rifle in hand, imme-
diately started after the redskin. Arriving at the cabin, the Indian was not
there, but he saw him at a spring a short distance away. He at once cut a
large hickory whip and noiselessly slipped up on the savage, seized him, and
gave him a severe whipping, then knocked him into the creek, pointed his
rifle at him, and told him to begone. The Indian needed no second invita-
tion, being glad to get off with his life. Hargrove kept the horse until after
the Indian had made reparation for the broken furniture in pelts. Then the
horse was returned to him, when he mounted and rode off, and never after-
ward returned to the settlement.
Hargrove was at two different times in the ranging service, and de-
serves much credit for his woodcraft and l)ravery in assisting to repel the
early Indian attacks, and in his share in driving the Indians from the borders
of Indiana territory, thereby making it safe for the habitation of white
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 45
settlers. He raised a company of rangers and was made their captain and
with them fought bravely in the battle of Tippecanoe. He had a family of
fourteen children, seven sons and seven daughters. One thing rather peculiar
in regard to his children, and of which the old pioneer was very proud, was
that there were seven red headed and seven black headed, all of whom grew to
manhood and womanhood. In the year 1836 Mr. Hargrove settled in the neigh-
borhood of Oakland City, where he was a resident until his death, about 1846
or 1847. His wife died about the sante time. The most prominent of the sons
of Air. Hargrove and wife was John Hargrove, born in Pulaski county,
Kentucky, November 29, 1793. He came to Indiana with his parents in
November, 1803. He married Isiphina Latham, daughter of William
Latham. The marriage took place December 31, 1818. She was born in
Virginia in 1798. She rem.oved with her parents to Kentucky in 1805, came
here in 1807, and died March 14, 1877. Her husband died in October, 1874.
They had born to them five sons and seven daughters. John Hargrove was
for many years a prominent and influential citizen of the count>-. He filled
many official positions of honor and trust, and in early days was an ardent
Democrat, and was the recognized leader of the party in this county. In
1825 he was elected justice of the peace and served five years, and at that
time was member of the county board of justices. In 1829 he was assessor
of the county, in 1831 he was elected as a representative of the county and
subsequently represented the district in the state Senate. He held other
official positions which are shown in the roster of the county officials.
The I\Iilburns became residents of the county in 1803. They were for-
merly of A'irginia, though they lived a short time in Kentuck\-. Joseph Mil-
burn and wife brought with them the following children: Robert. John,
David, Sally, Jonathan, William, with his son-in-law, Robert Mosley. They
settled in the northern part of the county between Patoka and White rivers.
The elder Milburn died in 181 5, at the age of sixty years, his widow in 1845,
at the age of ninety years. One of his sons. John, was captain of a ranger
company under the territorial administration of General Harrison, and in
1812 was stationed at Fort Lanotte, on the Wabash river. For this service
he was made a pensioner. His death occurred at the age of seventy-si-x. He
left five children, Felix, Irene, Rose, Sarah (Arbuthnot) and Carrie Mil-
burn. David Milburn died in i86r, aged seventy-two, also leaving several
children. Another son. Robert, was born in the Old Dominion, and came
to this county with the balance of the family. In 18 12 he married Nancy
Archer. He carried on the trade of hatter for years, afterward becoming
46 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
interested in the old steam mill company. He died in 1847, '^^g^^ sixty two,
leaving- several children. ,
John Hinemann and family settled in the northern part of the county
in 1803. He was a nati^'e of Pennsylvania, 1)orn in 177S. He subsequently
moved with his parents to Kentucky and thence here. His deatii took place
in 186,^, at the age of eighty-five years. His widow afterward died at
about the same age.
Another pioneer name here was that of tlie AlcClure family. James Mc-
Clure was born October 6, 17S5, in Maryland, and at the age of twelve years
he removed with his mother and the balance of the family to Kentucky. His
father was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and was killed in one of tlie
last battles of that eventful struggle. In the fall of 1805 Mrs. AlcClure re-
moved with her family to Indiana territory, and settled on section 13, town-
ship 26 south, range 11 west. Her son James had the year previous, in 1804.
made a trip to spy out land and he selected the above place as being suitable
to making a settlement. Here he made improvements and went back to Ken-
tucky and brought his mother and the balance of the family ; besides his
mother was his sister Martha. She was the wife of Isaac Montgomery, who
afterward became prominent as a citizen of the county. When James Mc-
Clure came here in 1804 the country w^as only sparsely settled in the locality-
bordering on Patoka and White river. James McClure married Martha Ann
\\'arrick. She was born May 24, 1788: her father died in Kentucky and
her mother, Mrs. Ellen Warrick, removed with her family to this locality in
the year 1806. James McClure and wife had born to them eleven children,
ten sons and one daughter: Albert P., March 29, 1809; Edwin, April 7,
1811: James B., November 14, 1812; Ellen J., June 6, 1814; Joseph P.,
October 6, 1815; William M., February 7, 1819; Henry, May 9, 1820:
David H., May 8, 1822; Robert, March 16, 1825; George W., February 22,
1827; John W., December 28, 1830. All of the sons grew to manhood. The
first tanyard established in the county was by James McClure, in 1806. He
was an active, energetic man, and as an early settler did much to promote the
growth and development of the county. He and his wife lived to a good old
age. Joseph P. AlcClure was married February 13, 1834, to Catherine
Devin, the daughter of Rev. Alexander Devin.
Another old settler was James Wheeler, who also had a large family, a
wife, five sons and four daughters. He was a peculiar sort of a man, fond
of fun, and occasionally enjoyed taking part in a hand-to-hand fight, and at
gatherings, such as log rollings or n-iuster days, Wheeler was sure to iml^ibe
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 47
quite freely, ami then get intu a misunderstanding with some erne, which
would generall)' result in a fist fight. Wheeler, though a man of small stature,
was ver}' spry and active, and mostly came out A-ictoridus. He settled in the
timber east about five miles from Princeton in the summer of 1805, where
he erected a cabin, cleared a small tract of land, but his subsistence fur him-
self and family for the first }-ear was gained principally by hunting, as he
arrived too late in the summer to make a crop. He become quite a noted
hunter, and proved himself to be quite a valuable acquisition to the settle-
ment. He was foremost in repelling any Indian aggressions and frequently
boasted that he was not afraid of the redskins, and he proved it. because on
the breaking out of Indian troubles he promptly enlisted, as did three of his
sons, and participated in the battle of Tippecanoe. The war over and peace
declared, he returned to his country home, where he lived the quiet life of a
farmer for a number of years, and he and his wife died after filling in use-
fulness their allotted time. They left numerous descendants who still reside
in the count}^
The Montgomery's are among the families whose settlement and history
date back several years prior to the organization of the county. They were
prominent here for years in political and official circles. The pioneer of this
family in this county was Thomas Montgomery. He was one of ten children
and the youngest of seven sons born to Hugh Montgomery and wife. Hugh
Montgomery was an Irishman by birth, who emigrated to A'irginia many
years before the Revolutionary war. The seven sons. Thomas among the
number, served in the Revolutionary war. In 1793 Thomas Montgomery
emigrated to Kentucky and settled in a little town called Mt. Sterling, in
Montgomery counfy. which county, however, was not named until after he
settled there, and v.'as so called in honor of his name. Having met with
reverses in Kentucky, by not having a good title to his land, he removed to
Indiana, in 1805, and settled on section 13, township 3, range 12, on the west
bank of Black river, in what is now known as Montgomery township. He
married, while yet a resident of Virginia, Martha Crockett. She was a sister
of Col. Joseph Crockett, who served under Washington in the Revolutionary
war. She was also a first cousin of the famous Davy Crockett, of Tennes-
see and who so gallantly gave up his life at the Alamo, bravely fighting for
Texas independence. Thomas and Martha Montgomery had born to them
three daughters and five sons. Their sons were Hugh, Joseph, Thomas, Isaac,
Walter: the daughters were Polly, Jennie. Patsey. Joseph married Nanc}'
Davis in Kentucky, and emigrated with his father, as did all the other chil-
48 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
dren, to Indiana. Joseph settled on what was known as the Major Smith
farm. His children were Isaac, William (who served in the Legislature two
years), Patsey, Jefferson, Polly, Betsey and Nancy. Thomas Montgomery,
Jr., married Betsey Warrick in Kentucky, and they came and settled on what
is known as the old James Stewart farm. His children were: Polly, wife
of James Skelton; Nelly, wife of Joseph Roberts; Moses; Nancy, wife of
Joseph Skelton; Jacob and Thomas. His wife died, and then he married
Katie Teel, and by her he had the following children: Julia, who married
Thomas Summers; Lucy, who married a Mr. Mounts; Isaac; Henry; Min-
erva, who married Joseph Summers, and Katherine.
Judge Isaac Montgomery married, in Kentucky, Martha McClure, the
daughter of James McClure. They came in 1805 and settled on what was
known as the James Finney farm near Princeton. It is said that he built at
that date the first horse grist-mill of the county. He was very prominent
here in the early days, was one of the county commissioners, and also was a
representative in the state Legislature for twelve years. His children were:
Jane, who married John I. Neely, who for many years was a county official;
John R., also a well known citizen, county clerk for eight years; Joseph;
Archilaus; Thomas; Eliza, who married a Mr. Johnson; Maria, who mar-
ried a Mr. McGrady. Judge Isaac Montgomery probably attained the most
prominence in the county of any of the family. He was a large, athletic
man, and in physical appearance was one of the best looking men in the
county. He was fond of hunting and was regarded as the best shot in the
county. He had a large gun made in Princeton on purpose to kill bears with.
In 1852 Mr. Montgomery and wife and eldest son removed to Texas, where
he died a few years later. Walter Montgomery married Nancy Roberts in
Indiana, and remained on the old farm settled by his father. Their children
were : Margaret ; Thomas ; Warrick, who served two years in the Legisla-
ture; Joseph; Isaac; John R. ; Martha, wife of Louis Barr; Nellie, wife of
Joseph Knowles ; Walter ; Robert ; William ; Andrew J. ; -Polly, who married
Smith Mounts. Her children were : Smith ; Thomas ; Steven ; Hugh ;
Joseph; Nancy, who married A. Emerson; Betsey, who married Henry
Ayres; Celia, who married a Mr. Hunt; Jane, who married Capt. Jacob
Warrick. Her second husband was Dr. Maddox, of Kentucky, and they had
three children. Some years after old Thomas Montgomery emigrated to
Indiana, his brother Samuel came and settled on the east side of Black river.
He married Polly McFarland of Kentucky, and their children were Polly,
James, Robert, Benjamin, John, Samuel, Rachael, Dorcas and Katie.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 49
Gen. Robert iNI. iM-ans was one of the most consjiicuous men in the early-
history (if Gibson county, being clerk and agent, and, in fact, managing all
of the affairs of the county for several years. Tie was born in h'rcderick
count}', \'irginia, in 1783. When a small l)oy, his parents removed to Ken-
tucky, and in 1790 to Tennessee, where, at the age of seventeen, he acted as
deputy count}- clerk in the county in which he was reared. He was married
in Kentucky in 1803. to Jane Trimble, sister to Judge Robert Trimble, of
the United States supreme court. In 1805 his family remo\-ed to Indiana
territory, settling two miles north of where Princeton now stands. At the
first sale of government land in 1807, he purchased the tract upon which
he had settled, and Cdutinued to reside there until 1809. when he mo\ed to
A'incennes and kept a hotel on Market street. This was the favorite stop-
ping place for all of the old pioneers of Indiana. After two years he re-
turned to the old settlement. At the breaking out of the Indian war in 1811
he joined General Harrison's army, and participated in the battles of Ti])pe-
canoe. Thames and other less important engagements, and acquired the repu-
tation of a hra^•e and sagacious commander. He was commissioned Ijriga-
dier-general and commanded a large body of militia. His brother, William,
was killed by the Indians at the battle of Tippecanoe. After the war he re-
turned to his old improvements and it was very soon after that Gibson county
was organized. The value of one with his experience and education was
soon realized in the mani])ulation of affairs of government, and he was
elected county clerk, and appointed agent for the transaction of the count}-'s
business. He continued to hold these positions for several years with .sati.s-
faction to the people and honor to himself. He was one of the original pro-
prietors of Evansville and did much toward the early l>uilding up and prog-
ress of the ])lace. In 1824 he left Princeton and made his home in pA-ans-
ville. He was, howe\'er, a resident of New Harmony for a short time. He
returned to Evansville and was a resident there until his death in 1844. His
wife passed from this earth in 1840.
In 1810 James, Alexander Lile and Thomas Jefferson Evans, brothers
of Gen. Robert M., became residents of the county and afterward of Prince-
ton, where they engaged in business. Thomas J. moved to Iowa in 1840 and
was appointed to a judgeship. He died there in the same year. Alexander
L. was engaged in the cooper business in Princeton until 1836 when he re-
moved to Evansville. Pie died there in 1844. Herman S.. a printer in
Illinois, is another son. James I'A-ans limit and operated a wood carding
(4)
50 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
mill on Main street in 1818, and which business he continued until his death
in 1832. He was also largely engaged in farming, and owned the land upon
which the suuthwestern portion of I-'rinceton now stands. He was for many
years justice of the peace. Eliza A. married Dr. Andrew Lewis. She died
in 1878. W. L. Evans was a merchant in Princeton from 1853 to 1873,
and afterward president of the Princeton National Bank, which position he
held until his death, which occurred in 1899.
We append the following as a recollection of the venerable Patsey
Ralston (nee Neeh'), widow of Andrew D. Ralston. In regard to the early
events she seemed to possess a remarkable memory. She is fifth of a family
of nine children Ijorn to Joseph and ^Martha Neely. Her parents came to
this county in IMarch. 1805. They made a short stop with John Latham's
father, who was then living where Princeton now stands. Subsequently
they moved to a farm about three miles from where David Robb and family
were living south of ^Vhite river. Joseph Neely and wife were natives of
Penns}'lvania. In 1790 Mr. Neely and family moved tn Kentuck}- and lived
about two years near Lexington, in that state. They moved to Mercer
county, Kentuck}', where Mrs. I'ialston was born October 17, 170-'. The
Neely family are of Irish origin. The grandparents of Mrs. Ralston on both
her father's and mother's side were born in Ireland. Her father, Joseph Neely,
died in i8n6 and her mother in 181 1. After the death of her parents Mrs.
Ralston returned to Kentuck}- and lived with her sister in Path county.
Here she became acquainted with and married _\ndrew D. Ralston, November
18, 1817, remaining in that vicinity until May I, 1818, when she returned to
this county with her husband and settled in Princeton. He was a blacksmith
and worked at his trade about eight years. In 1826 they moved on a farm one
mile southeast of Fort Branch. There Mr. Ralston died January 4, 1829.
At that time their family comprised five children: Dr. W. G., Evansville
physician; Martha J. Hopkins. Nancy Holconil), Elizabeth Hemmenway.
Third child was accidentally -killed on the farm, and the fifth lived in Boon-
ville, Indiana. Mrs. Ralston's two brothers. Gen. John I. and Thomas Neely,
were both in the war of 181 2. John ser\ed as aide-de-caiu]), and he remained
until the close of the war. At the battle of Tippecanoe his horse was shr,t
from under hiiu, and his spur shot from his boot. On his return home at
the close of the war he was made a general of the state militia. He was for
nianv vears one of the most noted men of the county. He was a son-in-law
of Judge Isaac ^Montgomery. His death occurred alxnit the close of the
Civil war. Both of the brothers, when voung, assisted in surveving lands
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 5 1
in this part of the state. They were lads of sixteen or seventeen years.
John I. was county clerk for a period of about fifteen years. Joseph, an-
other brother, was sheriff of the county one term. When Mrs. Ralston first
settled in Gibson county the people went to Kalts mill, located on a stream
called river DuShee, to get their grist ground. This mill was about eighteen
miles from where they lived. The mill grciund corn onl}-. \Vagons were not
much in use, and people carried their corn on horsel)ack or on a home-uKule
sled. The first preacher Mrs. Ralston heard was Mr. Nixon. When her
parents left Pittsburgh they embarked on a large flat boat, which was located
with flour and horses for a New Orleans market. They came on down the
Ohio as far as Mary.'^villet Kentucky, and thence to Evansville.
Vhout 1804 or 1805 came Jesse Kimball, with his famil}-,- and settled on
section 24, township 3 south, range 12, six miles south of Owensville. The
place was then the site of an Indian village. Kimball raised his humble cabin
near a large spring. He was a natix-e of Connecticut, ijorn in 1760, and was
a Rex'olutionary soldier. About i/QS he emigrated to Red IJanks, now
Henderson, Kentucky, and a few years later came here. His nearest neigh-
bor was six miles away. About 1810 he built a water mill on Black river, a
distance of two hundred yards from his cabin. He afterwards Iniilt a horse
mill, which he operated as late as 1840. He had three sons and two daugh-
ters : Elisha. Mary Gates, Sarah Jones. Enoch, Isaac. William B. and Jesse
C. are sons of Elisha Kimball, who was born at Red Banks in 1796. Isaac
had <me son, \\'illiam, who lived where his grandfather settled. The old
pioneer, Jesse Kimliall, died November 18, 1857, and is Iniried on the oU\
homestead. He was \-cry fieet of foot and freciuently had foot races with
the Indians, and one occasion in a trial of speed he beat a chief running,
which so disgusted the latter that he declared that he would never run again.
The Woods family was the largest to come to the county. Joseph
Woods, the pioneer, was born in Ireland in 1745, and reared in \'irginia,
where he married in 1768 and reared a large number of children. From
that state he came to Kentucky at a very early day, and in 1807 came to
the territory of Indiana, his first stopping place being on river DuShee in
Knox county, where, after a residence of one year, he made his settlement in
Gibson, on Turkey hill, section 21,. township 2, range 11. His sons. John.
James, Patrick, Isaac, ^\'illiam P., David L., Sanuiel II., and daughters.
Peggy, Jane and lUizabeth, came to this count\- w itli him. Their mode of
conveyance was on horselxick and in wagons, crossing the Ohio at Red Bank.
All of the sons and daughters were either married or married soon after the\'
52 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
came here, and settled around the old gentleman, except William P., who fol-
lowed school teaching and died an old bachelor. The neighborhood was known
as the Woods settlement. It is relatetl that at the early elections the Woods and
Montgomery families, by putting their members together, might elect any
candidate whom they chose for office. Samuel H. and Isaac Woods were at
Tippecanoe. Joseph L. Woods, another son of the old pioneer, came with
his family in 1811, and settled in the southeast quarter of section 21. He
had six sons and two daughters: Patrick, born in Tennessee in 1809, lived
in Princeton; William L. lived on the old homestead; Mary Stone of iMirt
Branch. (For further particulars of the Woods genealogy, see the bio-
graphical sketches of different members of the family.)
William Harrington was one of the first judges of the courts of Gibson
county, and the first session of the court held in the county was at his house
in May, 1813. Judge Harrington was a nati^•e of North Carolina. From
there he moved and settled near Nashville, Tennessee, residing there a short
time, then became a resident of Kentucky, and in 1807 removed with his
family and settled in the vicinity of Fort Branch, Indiana, where he made a
crop, and the next season purchased a small improvement of John ji.hnscw a
short distance west of Princeton William Harrington was a bra\e and gal-
lant man, and participated in the battle of Tippecanoe. Of his two sons,
James Harrington was afterward killed by the Indians in the ranging service
at Fort Flarrison, and Charles, his brother, was also wounded at the same
place. The Indians surprised them at daylight and the young men endeavored
to get to the fort, when the former was killed and the latter wounded. Judge
Harrington had a large family of children, some of whom came to man-
hood and womanhood, among whom were James, Charles, Thomas and Will-
iam, Elizabeth Truesdell, Sarah Casey, Jane Brownlee, Mary died young,
Irene Jerauld, and Emily. Judge Harrington died in 1831, having been
for many years a prominent and conspicuous iigure in the early history of
the county.
Among the settlers the Carolinas supplied were Thomas and William
Archer, brothers. They were natives of Chester district. South Carolina,
and came here in 1807. The>' left their native state in the fall of 1806, and
the following spring raised a crcjp in Kentucky, and late in the fall made
their way here. Their mode of conveyance hither was made by four-horse
wagons. They crossed the Ohio river at Red Banks. Thomas Archer first
located near the clearing of James Robb, north of Patoka, and entered land.
The following year William Archer returned to South Carolina, and brought
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. 53
back with him his father. Rol^ert, and liie balance of the family. The old
man had been a soldier in the Re\-()lutionar)- war and was an invalid when
he came here and died about ten years later, tlis home was located on a
hill near the Archer cemetery, east of Robert Howe's place. William and
Thomas were the only sons of Robert Archer who came. William was
single when he came, but it was not long until he married Anna Peters. Her
parents were among the early settlers. They reared a family. He was a
farmer and resided near Patoka. Robert Archer had six daughters. They
all came with their parents. Their names were Isabella, Mary, Rosa, Cath-
erine, Nancy, Margaretta. They all married in this county and many of their
descendants are yet living. Mary ( Aunt Polly, as she was familiarly called)
lived to the age of eighty-four. Thomas Archer was married, and his
daughter, ^Mary N., was born in 1800. His other children who came here
with him were Robert and John. Those liorn after arri\-ing were Samuel.
Thomas. David. Sarah, William, Calvin and Beza.
One of the distinguished and early settlers and Indian hghters was Capt.
Jacob Warrick. He raised a company of rangers during the Indian troubles
of 181 1 and, at the request of Governor Harrison, joined the main army at
Vincennes and marched against the Indians, and while gallantly leading a
charge at the battle of Tippecanoe was killed, being buried on the field.
General Harrison, in his official report of that battle, took occasion to com-
mend in the highest terms the braver}' of Captain \\'arrick. He was a Ken-
tuckian by birth, and removed here with his family in 1807, settling in the
northwest C|uarter of section 11, township 3, range 12, about two miles west
of Owensville. For that period he was regarded as a man of considerable
wealth. Pie brought with him several slaves, and was probably the first to
introduce well-bred horses in this section of Indiana, .\fter his death, his
family continued to reside there. One of his sons. John L'., began merchan-
dising in Owensville in 1835, where he carried on an extensive business,
besides being a large land owner. He also did a large business in shipping
bv flat boats to New Orleans market, large c|uantities of corn, pork and other
products. Pie also had a grist mill. He was a man of energ\- and good
judgment and amassed considerable wealth. He died in January, 1847,
leaving no children,
John Benson was born in Pennsylvania and in 1788 removed to Ken-
tucky, where he married. In 1807 he emigrated to the northwest quarter of
section 35, township 2, range 12, known as the .Sylvester Benson place, where
he raised the usual humble log cabin. He was a soldier in the war of 1812:
54 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
He took part in the battle of Tippecanoe. He lived in the coimty until 1820,
when he removed to Illinois. His brother, William, was born in Kentucky,
March 31, 1783, and came to this county in 1816, married, and subsec|uently
bought his brother's place. He was a wheelwright by trade, at which he
worked in connection with farming. His children were Martha Smith, Ellen
Wilson, Louisa Robinson, Sarah Miller, Lemira Montgomery, and Sylvester
Benson, who was born in 1823 and lived on the old place. He was a promi-
nent citizen of the county and served for some time as one of the commis-
sioners.
Jesse and Asa Music, lirothers-in-law of John Benson, came with their
families the same year and settled about a mile west of Benson. Jesse was
mortally wounded in the battle of Tippecanoe, and when the army was march-
ing back, died at Vincennes. About 1845 Asa Music removed with his
family to Illinois. The brothers were from Kentucky.
Elisha, William, John and Jesse Barker, brothers, and James Stewart.
a half brother, all natives of Kentucky, moved here in 1807, and settled in
the Montgomery neighborhood near Owensville. They all had families when
they came but Jesse. He married Elizabeth, daughter of William Key, who
was one of the early residents of Gibson county. Jesse settled on the south-
west quarter of section i, township 3, range 11, a little north of Owensville,
where he lived until his death in 1863.
Another of the early settlers from Virginia was Thomas \Vaters, who,
when a young man, went to North Carolina, where he married, then moved to
Kentucky, where his wife died. He again married in 1807, and came with
his family and settled on the banks of Maumee creek, in the northeast quarter
of section 4, township 3, range 12, where he built a small log cabin and then
proceeded to farm. He died about 1825. He had a family of six children
on his removal hither, and their names were William W., James R., Thomas,
Pathena, Sarah, Nancy. William W. was married and had two children on
his arrival in this county with his father. Several were born to him after-
wards and many of his descendants are now residents of the county.
The Mounts family in this county are descendants of John and Provi-
dence Mounts, natives of Switzerland. They were among the early residents
of Philadelphia, and subsequently went to Virginia, and from there to Ken-
tucky, where they became noted Indian fighters. Matthias and Smith, sons
of John, became residents of this county in 1807. Smith settled on section
24, township 3, range 12, where he lived until his death. He, as well as his
father, was a celebrated Indian fighter, and formed a part of General Wayne's
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 55
command during the Indian war. He was fond of hunting and devoted
much time to the pleasures of tlie cliase. He also fought in the battle of
Tippecanoe. He had a family of eleven children. Matthias Mounts entered
a farm later known as the John Hudelson place, and lived there until his
death. None of the descendants live in the county at present.
About this time, 1807, came Thomas Sharp, Luke and William Wiley,
with their families, and settled in the timber a short distance south of Owens-
ville. A few years later the Wiley brothers moved to Posey county, where
one of them was lost in the storm and froze to death. Thomas Sharp cleared
a farm where he settled and he lived on it until his death. \\'illiam Sharp
brought his family with him and located in 1808 in the timl)er s(juthwest
of the town of Owensville, and the same \-ear George Sharp, son of Thomas,
with his wife and children, erected a cabin two miles southwest of Owens-
ville. He was the first clerk of the Salem Baptist church. His children
married and settled in the neighborhood. His son, William, was captain in
the militia, also a deacon in the church, and a man of considerable promi-
nence in his neighborhood.
Rev. Stephen Strickland, minister of the Regular Baptist church, settled
with his family five luiles southeast of Princeton in 1808. lie came from
Kentucky, raised a family of five sons and four daughters. He was a \er\-
devout Christian man and was one of the first to preach the gospel to the
few scattering settlers then li\'ing near. His death i:)ccurred on July IQ,
1839. Elisha Strickland came in 1808, and participated in the battle of
Tippecanoe.
Another early settler came in 1808, William Clark. He enlisted in the
war of 18 1 2, and was stationed in .\labaiua at the time <jf the ])attle of New
Orleans.
The Skeltons we"re also an old pioneer family. Jacob Skelton, Sr., and
his brother Robert, and Z"* Skelton, came and located in what is now Gibson
county a few years after their father came in 1810. The most prominent of
the family was Jacob, a justice of the peace many years, who settled twelve
miles southeast of Princeton. He raised a large family.
Rev. Alexander Devin, a native of Pittsylvania county, N'irginia, mar-
ried Susan Nowlin, of the same county and state. They were married in
1793, and moved to Kentucky in 1798, and in the spring of 1808 came to
Indiana territory. They settled on a tract of land half a mile north of
Princeton, built a cabin and lived there until 1814. Then they moved to the
northeast quarter of section 20, township 2 south, range 10. They had thir-
56 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
teen children, twelve of whom grew up. The children were Elizaljeth, Lucy,
James, Susan, Sarah, Alexander, Jr., Virginia, Joseph, Robert, Peyton, Now-
lin, Mary and Catherine. Mr. Devin belonged to the Regular Baptist church,
and was one of the iirst preachers of that denomination in the county. He
was an excellent man, and he reared a useful family of children. He died
January 3, 1827, and his wife died November 8, 1840.
The Wilkinsons were among the early settlers of the south part of the
county. Cary Wilkinson and family came from Barren county, Kentucky,
in the fall of 1808 and settled southwest of Fort Branch. He married Sarah
Mangrum, tlaughter of William, Sr. They had eleven children and four
died young. Those who grew up were Mary, Betsey, Nancy, William, Rebecca,
Delilah, Balaam, Isaiah and Martha. The trip was made from the home
in Kentucky in an old-fashioned Conestoga wagon.
Cary Wilkinson lived only a few years after coming here, dying in the
fall of 181 3. ITe was survived forty-five years by his widow. In 1808
there were a few Indians in the count}-, and in the construction of the block-
house at Fort Branch, William Wilkinson, then eleven years old, assisted in
hauling together some of the logs of the fort. William was born December
18, 1800, and came here with his parents. The Wilkinson family are of
English origin and the ancestors of Cary Wilkinson settled in North Caro-
lina prior to the Revolutionary war. It was in that state that he was born,
subsequently moving to Kentucky, then to this territory. William Wilkinson
and wife had eleven children, .\l30ut 1830 Mr. ^^'ilkinson became a mem-
ber of the Christian church, and he ever afterward remained a temperate man.
One of the early educators of Princeton was Major James Smith, a
Virginian by birth, who removed with his father's family to Kentucky, and in
1808 to this county. Major Smith served on General Harrison's staff in
the battle of Tippecanoe. When Capt. Jacob Warrick was mortally wounded
and taken off the field. Smith, at the solicitation of the company, became
its captain. Major Smith was one of the delegates from this county to
the constitutional convention of the state in 1816. He was appointed the
first commissioner of the seminary school township, and acted as such for
twenty years. He also held the office of school commissioner for many years,
also county surveyor. He married and reared a family, and died in Novem-
ber, 1855, at the age of eighty-two.
Another old settler, and early justice of the peace, was John Braselton,
a native of Georgia, who went to Pennsylvania, where he married Elizalieth
Brown. From there thev removed to Kentucky, and in 1808 came to Gib-
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 57
son county on pack linrses and located in Pigeon Crove settlement, fonr miles
northeast of Fort Ilranch. Piraselton brought with him a wife and sc\-en
children, namely: Da\id B., Jacob. Jane F. Foster, \\'illiam, Ilannah Treble,
John, James. In iSio, when the Indians became troublesome, he removed
his family to Fort Hopkins north of Princeton. He went to the war as a
mmeber of Captain Hargrove's compan}-. He v,as an early justice of the
peace and performed many marriage ceremonies. After the war he settled
south of Princeton.
About t8o8 came Daniel Putnam and Zachariah Ta\lor, with their fam-
ilies. Putnam was at one time county commissioner. Among the old and
respected pioneer families of the count}- are the McGarys. Robert McGary
emigrated from Kentucky with his familx- in 1800. and settled in the timber,
cleared a small tract of ground, erected a log cabin, in section q, township
2. range 11, and put out a small patch of corn. He did not raise much corn
and had to depend that }-ear on his hunting and bees. As the name would
indicate, the McGarys were of Scotch-Irish ancestry. Robert married a
Miss Davis. They reared a large family, among whom were Hugh, Har-
rison D., Daniel. William H., Patsey Crow. The two first mentioned sons
were quite noted in the early county. ITarrison D.. son of Hugh, was a
soldier in the Indian war and fought in the baltle of Tippecanoe. He was a
farmer by occu]3ation. He first married fm-tie Gudgel, and second, Nancy
Pritchett, daughter of John, an old settler By this latter union there were
three sons, Hugh D., William H. and Joseph K. William H. was a member
of Company A, Fifty-eighth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was
killed at the battle of Stone's River December 31, 1862. Hugh D. enlisted in
Company D, Sixteenth Illinois Infantry, Josejih K. in Company E. Forty-
second Indiana Regiment. Harrison IMcGary's home was a half mile west
of McGary's Station, where he died in 1847. ^^'^ wife died in 1879. They
were members of the Methodist church.
About the \'ear 1809 to 1810 there was quite an inllux of settlers, among
whom was John Armstrong, who was descended from Irish parents liorn
in North Carolina. His parents died when he was young and at the age of
fourteen he went to sea, where he made his home until he grew to manhood.
During his sailor days he was shipwrecked three times. He cpiit sea-faring
and married Mary Swayne. Her parents emigrated at an early period from
Scotland and settled on Nantucket island. After his marriage Mr. Arm-
strong returned to North Carolina, subsequently moved to Kentucky and in
1809, with his family, came to Gibson county. He afterward moved to the
58 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
north part of Vanderburg county, where he resided until his death. He had
seven children, four sons and three daughters. One of his sons, ]^Iiles Arm-
strong, was a noted hunted and killed a great number of deer and bears. He
served as a private soldier at the battle of Tippecanoe and after that war he
was made captain of militia. Elsberry, another brother, was also in the
Tippecanoe battle. By the marriage of Nancy, the Waters and Armstrong
families were united. Other settlers to the county about this time were
William Forbes, Charles Cross, Fielding, Zachariah and Oliver Lucas, with
their families. Capt. Henry Hopkins settled on the Sanford Howe place.
William Latham was an early settler and left many descendants who are
residents of Gibson county. Absalom Linn and family also came in 1810.
In 1810 Morgan Leathers located with his family in the' hamlet later styled
Patoka. He had a wife and several children. He was a man of stalwart
build and daring courage and was regarded as one of the strongest men of
the county. Fist fights at that peri(jd were resorted to to settle most diiificul-
ties and on a warm August day, a few years after he came here, and at a
gathering in Patoka, he had a dispute with John Robb. A ring, as was then
the custom, was soon formed and seconds chosen and then the fight began.
Both were very powerful men and equally matched. They fought for a long
time in the intense heat until both were exhausted and quit. Leathers died a
few minutes afterwards from the effects of the severe struggle. His son,
William Leathers, who later resided near the old Severns place, was ])orn in
Kentucky in 1806 and came here with his parents in 1810 and after he grew
up he married for his first wife Mary, the daughter of the pioneer, John
Severns. Robert Slaven, with a large family, came in 1810, and car-
ried on the first blacksmith shop at Patoka. His sons, John and Samuel,
belonged to Llopkins" company and fought at Tippecanoe. Daniel McFet-
ridge, a native of North Carolina, located in section 6, township i, range 10,
at an early date. He had a family of four children by his first wife and five
by a second marriage. John O. McFetridge is a son of his and Jemina, wife
of W. A. Spain, is a daughter of his. Col. Smith Miller came to the county
wnth the McFetridges, and grew to manhood here and married Susan Robb,
daughter of James Robb. He was in the constitutional convention of 185 1 ;
was a representative in the state Legislature and in 1856 was elected to Con-
gress from this district and re-elected in 1858. He was a Democrat. He died
about 1872. Eli Strain, who settled in the county in 1810, was a native of
North Carolina. He located a mile and a half west of Princeton. He was
in the ranger service and participated in the battle of Tippecanoe. He had a
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 5(;
faniih- of seven children, only two of whom were li\'inti- in 1884. ( )ther
early settlers were James Steward, John Roberts and William Leach with
their families. The Overton and Vaughn families were also pioneers. One
of the prominent settlers of 181 1 was Jesse Emerson, who came from Ken-
tucky and located about five miles southwest of Princeton on the northwest
quarter of section 28, township 2, range 11. He erected the usual log house
of the day and began carving out of the wilderness a home for himself and
family. Upon the organization of the county he was called upon to serve as
associate judge of the court and afterward held other offices and places of
trust. He was quite a conspicuous man among the early settlers. He flied
abou 1837. Reuben Emerson, brother of Jesse, came to Gibson county
in 1813 and settled in section 32, township 3, range 11, where he died in 1832.
He reared a good sized famil}- and left a large estate.
Prettvman Marvel was born in Delaware in 1760. where he grew to
manhood, married and had twn chiklren born to him and reni()\-ed to Georgia.
From there in 1807 he came to Indiana territory, settling in the forest a
short distance south of where Princeton was later located, where he resided
until 1811. In that year he moved to the southern part of the county and
two years later went to Illinois, where, in 1859, he died. His famil}- nuiu-
bered nine children, one of whom was Patience, who lived to the old age of
ninety years. Elisha Marvel, a cousin of Prettyman, brought his family here
in 1809 and settled the Samuel Redman place in Johnson township. He had
seven children, all deceased in 1884 except Sena Martin, near l""t. Ilranch.
James Knowles, also from Delaware, came in 181 1, settling on the south-
west quarter of section 2t,, township 3, range 12. He had nine children.
Samuel Barr, Thomas Alcorn, the Lucases and several others settled
in the southwestern part of this county about the date last mentioned.
Elisha Embree was a native of Lincoln county, Kentucky, born in 1801,
and in November, 181 1, came with his parents to Indiana territory; they
settled on a tract of land about two and one-half miles southwest of Princeton.
The name of his father was Joshua and his mother's name Elizabeth Embree
(nee Edmonson). Joshua was by birth a Kentuckian; his wife of Virginia.
It was a densely timbered district in which they settled and they erected a
cabin and cleared a small farm. lie was a member of the Baptist and his
wife of the Christian church ; he lived only two years after coming here. His
widow subsequently married a Mr. Spencer and lived here until her death, in
Tune, 1829. Elisha Embree received such an education as the district schools
of that period afforded, read law with Judge Samuel Hall and began practice
6o GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
in Princeton in 1826. On March 15, 1827, he was married to Eleanor Robb,
daugiiter of Robert and Mary Robb. Judge Eniliree for many years was a
prominent man of Gibson county. He and his wdfe had born to them six
children: Maria Louisa, James T., Ophelia (died in infancy), Ophelia,
Elizabeth (died in infancy), David F. and Milton P. Judge Embree died in
1863. Plis widow lived to a ripe old age.
Andrew Gudgel, grandfather of the late Andrew Cudgel of Columbia
township, was a man whose career is worthy of record in this connection. He
was of Cerman origifi and settled in Pennsylvania. He was thrice married and
was the father of seventeen children. The maiden name of his last wife was
Elizabeth iCane. After the Revolutionary war had ended, he, like many of his
day, concluded to emigrate to the "Far West," as this section was then styled.
So in 1785 he set out with his family for Kentucky, a region then being-
wrested from the savages by Daniel Boone and his heroic companions.
After a tedious trip they arrived at Silver creek, a strip of country between
the present cities of Lexington and Frankfort, where he erected a cabin and
subsecjuently built a grist-mill on Silver creek, which was run by water ])nwer.
He operated this mill many years. Owing to a defective land title in Ken-
tucky he lost a farm of six hundred acres on which this mill was located.
He came to Indiana territor}- in 181 1, settling in the big timber about two
miles east of present Owensville. Here he cleared a small patch of ground,
builta log cabin and subsequently built a better house in which he later died.
While in Kentucky he, through exposure, lost the use of his legs, but, with his
great energy, he would chop and clear up brush around his cabin for hours,
while sitting in a chair. The following incident shows his pluck: During
the Indian trouble of about that time his family all went to Fort Branch for
protection, where there was then a strong block-house erected for the settlers.
This plucky old pioneer would not go to the fort, Init insisted on remaining
or staving at home in his own cabin to take care of things. The Indians
frequently came to his place and would stroll into his cabin and, while the old
man was sitting in his chair, fearless of danger, the wild savages would
walk around him, frequently patting him on the head and, in their rude
fashion, complimented him on his bravery. It is one of the peculiarities of
the Indian character to admire bravery in those whom they regard as their
foes. His last and third wifp surviyed him a ^'^irJ'SSff By his last mar-
riage he had three children,^iTc'y,'^lvl^o marrie^'^r^^el, and Hetty, who
became the wife of Harrison McCary. Both Teel and McCary were old and
prominent settlers in that part of the county and many of their descendants
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 01
live here yet. The only son by the last marriage was William Gudgel, father
of the late Andrew Gudgel of Columbia township.
In 1812 William French married Mary Breading in Fayette county,
Pennsylvania, of which they were both residents. Immediately after their
wedding they gathered together their worldly goods, loaded them on a flat-
boat, Heated out of the Monongahela into the Ohio, down to the site of
Evansville, and then made an overland trip to Patoka, where they sc[uatted on
a tract of timber land, erected a cabin, and later built a good brick building.
They reared a family of four sons, several of whom resided here a few years
ago. l^eter Simpson, with a wife and seven children, moved from Kentucky
to this county in 1812 ancl one of his sons, Richard, became a well-known
citizen. One of the early merchants of the county was Roliert Stockwell,
who came here 1S15; he did a large business in Princeton for man\- \ears.
The Kirkman family, from North Carolina, included James, who came in
1806 to Christian county, Kentucky, and in January, 1813, settled in Gibson
county, Indiana, west of Owensville, and the next year came to Princeton.
He had ten children, the most prominent of whom was Joseph J. Kirkman.
He was popular with the masses and was many times elected sheriff of the
county. He was a crack shot, which accomplishment was then regarded very
highly. He was a great story teller. He died March 9, 1879, in his seventy-
ninth year.
Mrs. Xancy Stornmnt. wife of David .Stormont. who was l)i)rn in Ire-
land, and emigrated to America before the Revolution, came with a family
of eight children and her mother, Mrs, Mary P)0y(l, to Indiana, in the spring
of 1812. Mrs. Boyd was the first person buried in the .\rcher cemetery.
She settled about three miles northwest of where I'rinceton now stands on the
farm where later her son David lived and died. The names of the children
were Martha, I\Iary. Robert. Esther, Samuel, Nancy, David and John. David
was born August 7, 1802. Robert was a carpenter and died in Princeton.
Nancy married Joseph Ilartin of Princeton.
PIONEER CUSTOMS.
To the present generation the customs of the old days seem doulily
attractive, and to these old people who are left the habits and modes of pres-
ent-day life do not hold the beauty and fondness of the old-time manners.
The generous spirit of hospitality that was inside every threshold in the days
of our fathers is not here now. The traveler toda\-, no matter how stormv
62 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
the night, must seek liis bed the best he can; every door is not open to him
as it once was. The neighborly hospitality has disappeared. The pre-
dominance of wealth is a new element in American civilization, and with the
coming of it there have flown many of the old virtues which are fostered
only where common povert}- exists. The early settlers were not poor, for
what they had was sufficient to make their lix-es comfortable, without useless
luxuries. Their food was wholesome, their clothing warm, and there was
nothing else to be desired in the simple routine of their lives. The ritle, the
a.xe, the cabin, were the sole necessities, for with these in hand the forests
yielded plentiful game, the streams an abundance of fish, and the strong arm
of the pioneer supplied the rest.
The cabins were built by laying large logs down in position as bases.
Sleepers were ])laced upon these, and on top of the sleepers were placed the
rough puncheons which were to serve as floors. These were hewn by hand.
The logs were then piled up the sides until the height for the eaves had 1:)een
reached. Then poles were stretched across the tojxs, projecting about two
feet beyond the wall line. On the projected ends were placed the "butting
poles," which served to give the line for the first row of clap-boards. The
clap-boards were split from logs and laid so as to lap a third over each other.
After this was completed, the chinks and cracks were filled with sticks and
clay. The fireplace at one end was, of course, indispensiljle, serving for both
heating antl cooking purposes. Skins of animals were hung on the interior of
the caliin, and thus helped to hold the heat. The inner bark of bass wood was
sometimes used for the same purpose. Square win(l(n\s would l)e cut through
the logs, and greased paper used as a covering. The furniture of the log
house harmonized with the house itself, being made of logs, roughly shaped
into chairs, benches, 1u-ds an<l tables. Butcher knives were often the only
table ware, although knives and forks made of pewter were not uncommon.
The pioneer woman would be a curiosity to the twentieth-century lady,
with her split skirts, cosmetics and studied airs. However, she would be a
model worthy of emulation. Simplicity was the ke}'note of the pioneer
woman's life. In her haliits, customs, work and pleasures, she was ac-
customed to the \-ery primitive, and she desired nothing else. Little luxuries
of dress, elegant haliits and the trifles which we have been taught to believe
are necessary to a woman's life, were unknown to the pioneer woman. Be-
fore the break of dawn these sturdy women were up, arranging the caljin and
cooking the food for the day. The men Ijrought in the wild meat, and the
wives, daughters and sisters prepared it. Coarse bread, Johnnv-cake, greens.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 63
mush and milk, corn, jnimpkins, beans, squashes, potatoes, pot-pies, honey,
and, most important, the meat of the forest, were the staple articles of food.
JMaple sugar was much used. Besides the general cooking, the women
wove all of the clothing. Linsey-woolsey was the common cloth of the
woman. The chain of this cloth was of coarse cotton, and the tilling of wool.
Blue, turkey-red and copperas were the favorite colors of this rather fantastic
cloth. The loom was a necessary article of every household's furniture.
Jeans and linsey-woolsey shirts were made for the men, and the women often
gathered, ten or tweKe in one home, and had a sewing-bee. Head coverings
were made from the skins of small animals. Moccasins and hea^•y hide shoes
were worn, although the pioneers were not averse to going barefooted.
Quilting bees, sewing circles, corn huskings, house raisings and log rollings
were about the only means the settler had for social gatherings. The church
buildings were few and miles between, and no regular services were held.
Each family conducted its own religious ceremonies, generally before bed-
time. The father read the Bible and offered a brief prayer, and never did
they jiartake of a meal without the blessing. This custom is not now so com-
mon as it was with the pioneer.
Dancing \\-as indulged in often, and a barrel of li(|uor was generally on
hand, although it was ne\'er drunk to excess. Corn huskings were held after
the com had been gathered and piled in a heap at one of ibe homes. All the
young men and young women would congregate and the rare was on. The
young man finding a red ear among the yellow had the privilege, if he desired,
of kissing the prettiest girl jiresent. These huskings usually ended with a
dance, which lasted until sunrise. Skill in woodcraft, muscular develo])ment.
accurate shooting, swiftness of foot, were athletic achie\ements which the
young men strived for, and by these accomplishments they were judged by
the fairer sex. Fights were not uncommon, Init they were fights good for
the soul. Two men with a (piarrel to settle did not think of using anything
but bare fists. They stood uj) and fought fairly, and after one was defeated
the combatants were usually better friends than ever. The victor by custom
poured water for the loser to wash the evidences of the li.nttle away, and then
the loser performed the satne service for the winner.
CHAPTER IV.
ORGANIZATION OF GIBSON COUNTY.
In the beginning all was a wilderness. This wilderness was situated in
the Northwest Territory. In 1784 this part of the American republic was
ceded to the United States ijy Virginia. It remained a vast empire, as it
were, by itself. The state of Indiana was organized April 19, 1816, and the
following June adopted its first constitution. Gen. Arthur St. Clair was first
governor of Indiana Territory; William H. Harrison, governor from 1800
to 18 1 2, and Thomas Posey from 1812 to 1816. The first governor of the
state of Indiana was Jonathan Jennings, serving from 1816 to 1822.
In March, 1813, what is now Gibson county was made a separate county
organization, it having before that been a part of Knox county. Since then
portions of its territory have beeen taken off and assisted in making the
counties of Posey, ^"anderburg, Pike and Warrick. It derived its name from
Gen. John Gibson, a gallant soldier of the French and Indian and Revolu-
tionary wars. By birth he was a Pennsylvanian, born in Lancaster in May,
1740, and was well educated. He was of Scotch-Irish ancestry. In his
youth he served under General Forbes, who commanded an expedition against
Fort DuOuesne, the present site of Pittsburgh. In 1763 he was captured
In' the Indians and was adopted by an Indian squaw whose son he had slain
in battle, \\ith them he had an opportunity to master several languages, as
well as learn the customs of various Indian tribes. This made him efficient
as a trader and government official. He was finally released and returned to
business at Pittsburgh. It was he who later translated and put into fine
English the celebrated speech made by Logan the Mingo chief, which every
school boy has read and committed to memor)- in his school days. In 1800
he was appointed territorial secretary of Indiana, holding that office until
1816. While Genera! Harrison was engaged in the war of 1812, Gibson
was acting governor. In old age he was afflicted with an incurable cataract,
and he died while residing with his son-in-law, George ^\^allace, at Braddock's
Fields, near Vincennes, in May, 1822.
Previous to the meeting of the Legislature by which Gibson county was
organized, the people had considered favorabh- the formation of a new
GIBSON COUNTYj INDIANA. 6$
county and had appointed a committee to attend the I^egislature for that pur-
pose. These things were all taking place an even hundred years ago, and,
really, no other century in the world's history has compared in any degree
to this for its achievements. Within this century — the lifetime of Gibson
county — the submarine telegraph was placed on the vast ocean's bed and
transmits news from continent to continent ; McCormick invented the mowing
and reaping machine, that has revolutionized agriculture the world over;
the Atlantic and Pacific oceans have been connected by highways of steel and
iron; great cities have been reared on the wilderness plains of the then un-
known West.
LEGAL ORGANIZING ACT.
The legislative act creating Gibson county was, in the main, in the fol-
lowing words :
"That from and after the passage hereof all that part of Knox cmmty
which is included in the following lioundaries, shall form and constitute two
new counties, that is to say, beginning at the mouth of the Wabash, thence
up the same, with the meanders thereof to the mouth of White river, thence
up White river with the meanders thereof to the forks of White river, thence
up the east fork of White river to where the lines between sections number
20 and 29 in township No. i north, of range No. 4 west, thence with said
line of Harrison count}', thence with the line dividing the counties of Har-
rison and Knox, to the Ohio river, thence down the Ohio river to place of
beginning.
"Be it further enacted that the tract of country included within the
aforesaid boundaries be and is hereby divided into two separate and distinct
counties, by a line beginning on the Wabash river and known and designated
by the name of Rector's Base Line, and with said line east until it intersects
the line of Harrison county and that from and after the 5th day of April,
181 3, the tract of country following within the southern division thereof
shall be known and designated by the name and style of Warrick. .\nd the
northern division thereof shall be known and designated by the name and
style of the county of Gibson. That the said counties shall severally enjoy
all the rights, privileges and jurisdictions which to separate counties of the
territory do or may properly appertain and belong. Provided always that all
suits, pleas, plaints, actions and proceedings which ma\- before the 5th day
of May, 1813, have been commenced, instituted and pending within the
present county of Knox, shall be prosecuted to final judgment and effect in
(5)
66 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
the same manner as if this act had never heen passed. And provided also
that the territorial and county levies which are now due within the said bonds
of the said new counties shall be collected and paid in the same manner and
by the same officers as they would have been if the creation of the said new
counties had not taken place.
"Be it further enacted that so soon as the place for holding the courts
for the said county of Gibson be established, the judges of the courts of com-
mon pleas in said county shall within six months thereafter proceed to erect
the necessary public buildings for the same, in such place in the same manner
as is required by law in respect to other counties, and after the public build-
ings are so erected, the courts of the said county shall adjourn to the said
place at their next term after the same shall have been completed, wliich shall
be and the same is hereby declared to be the seat of justice of the county of
Gibson. Be it further enacted that imtil the public buildings of the said new
county shall be completed the court of common pleas for the county of Gib-
son shall be held at the house of William Harrington, in said county. Pro-
vided also that all officers, both civil and military, in the bounds of the said
new county shall continue to exercise the functions of their respective offices
as officers of the said new county until some other legal organization shall
take place in same manner as if the formation of the said new county had
not taken place.
"James Dill,
"Speaker of the House of Representatives.
"James Beggs,
"President of the Legislative Council.
"Approved March 9, 1813.
"John Gibson,
"Secretary of the Territory."
COUNTY DIVIDED INTO TOWNSHIPS.
The first term of the court of common pleas convened at the house of
William Harrington, Monday, May 10, 1813. This house was one mile and
a half west of the present city of Princeton. It was a double log house.
It was blown down in June, 18 14, by a terrible hurricane. The building was
roofed with clapboards, which were held in place by weight poles, and when
the building fell one of Mr. Harrington's daughters was crippled. The
house was immediately rebuilt. Those present at this term of court were
William Harrington, Isaac Montgomery and Daniel Putnam, all judges.
GIBSON COl'NTY, INDIANA. 67
The court at once proceeded to set off civil townships, in the followintj order:
All that portion of the county east of Consjo's creek, lying in the hounds of
Gibson county, f(jrn-! one township to be designated by the name of Aladison
township, and that tract of country west of Madison township, and lying
between White river and Patoka (spelled in the record erroneously "Pattoco")
ri\er. Pike county, form a township known as White Pi\er townshii), and
the tract of country lying between Patoka river and Anderson's creek, from
the mouth thereof and up the same to where John Barber now lives, thence
due south to the line of Warrick county, form a township known as Patoka.
Ordered that all that tract of country lying between Anderson's creek, the
Wabash river and Black river, up to the plantation of James !\Iutes, thence
due south to the line of \A'arrick county, form Montgomery township: that
portion of countr}- south and west of Black river, and in the bounds of Gib-
son count}', to form and be known as Black River township.
Thus were h\e sub-divisions of Gibson county set of¥ by the first court.
Commissioners for assessment were appointed by the judges as follows:
In Madison township, Hosea Smith; in White River, Jonathan Gulick; in
Patoka, John Barker; in Montgomery, John ^^^ I^.Iaddox, and in Black River
township, Thomas Robb. Thus was the county's first machinery set in
motion.
LOC.A.TING THE COUNTY SEAT.
At a special session of the court of common pleas held February 14,
1814, with Judges \\^illiam Harrington, Joseph Montgomery and Daniel Put-
nam in charge, matters of great importance came up, including the locating
of a seat of justice for Gibson county. It was at that date the locating com-
mittee appointed by the territorial Legislature. 1813, made their report.
The}' re]iorted that the\' had fi.xed upon the northeast cjuarter of section 7,
in township 2 south, range 10 west, one hundred and sixty acres, which was
purchased of the United States government, and it was ordered by the court
that the first pa}'ment, eighty dollars, l)e made. Henr}' Hoi)kins had pre-
viously donated eighty acres adjoining the above purchase. Ui)on request
of the commissioners Robert M. l^-ans, as county agent, entered the afore-
said quarter section and afterward transferred it to the county. The com-
missioners who located the county seat were William I'rince, Robert F.lliott.
Abel Westfall and William Polk.
68 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
TOWN IS NAMED.
The court then adjourned until Wednesday, February i6th, at the home
of Henry Hopkins, and it was at that session that this action was recorded,
the name for the seat of justice having been hit upon by drawing of lots
among the commissioners, Captain Prince winning.
"The court took into consideration the propriety of establishing some
suita])le name for the seat of justice for Gibson county; whereupon ordered
that the seat of justice in and for the county of Gibson be hereafter known
and designated by the name and style of Princeton.
"The court then went into the consideration of a plan for the town of
Princeton.
"Whereupon the following plan was adopted, viz : The publick square
and seat for the publick buildings is to be laid off in the most suitable manner
so as to include as near central as convenient a certain stake to be set up by
the judges of the court; the said publick square is to be laid off eighteen poles
square, making two acres and four poles ; the town, both in and out lots, to
be laid oft' from the publick square in such manner as to leave each street in
said town sixty feet wide, and the in lots to be laid in squares of eighteen
poles each way ; each square is to be divided into f eur equal squares, so as to
make each in lot nine rods square containing one-half acre and one square
rod each. The out lots to be laid off in such manner as may be thought most
suitable b}- the agent when the same comes to be sruveyed.
"There shall be four streets laid out, two on each side of the square of
lots on which the publick square lies, extending from the north to the south
side of the town tract — the said lots to be sold on the following terms, viz:
One-third of the purchase money to be paid within six months from the day
of sale, the balance in twelve months from the day of sale, the sale to com-
mence on the fourth Monday of March next, and continue three days, viz:
from ten o'clock in the forenoon until three o'clock in the afternoon of each
day."
However, at the next session, March lo. 1814, at the Harrington home,
some alterations were made so that each lot should contain one-half acre and
one square rod. ]Meantime action relative to the public Iniildings was Ijeing
taken.
The surveys had been made by l^benezer Buckingham and John Breathitt
and on tlie date in ]\Iarch when sale opened the first lot was sold to Alexander
Devin for sixty-one dollars and fifty cents, at the southeast corner ui the
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 69
public square where the Shoptaugh drug store now is. Mr. De\'in alsci l)ought
other lots at smaller sums. April ist James Stone bought a lot for sixty-one
dollars and fift\- cents and A. Donnell got one for fifty-three dollars. The
next day Joseph Stoker paid one hundred and fifty dollars f(jr one on the
square, and William Barker bought a number of lots. . Barker went in for
speculation, and lot business was real lively for a while.
The county commissioners made the following statement concerning the
selection of the new county seat :
"In making the selection for the seat of justice for Gibson county your
commissioners have had due regard to future divisions of said county, as
well as the present, and future prospects of population and the country that
will admit population. Previous to fixing any site your commissioners ex-
amined that district of countr\- acknowledged by all to be the most central as
well as the most eligible point for the seat of justice of Gibson county Al-
though the point fixed upon is not the very spot on which the center \vill fall
(taking into view a future division), yet your commissioners were of the
opinion that local advantages would justify their receding a mile or two from
the Aery center itself. In giving your honors a view of the inducements which
led to this point as the proper site for the seat of justice, it ma}' not be im-
proper to show that in the opinion of your commissioners the future division
of the county of Gibson will be by the range line which divides ranges 7 and
8, and if so, the place now fixed upon will ever remain the permanent seat of
justice for that part which lies west of the contemplated division line.
"In ascertaining whether the northeast quarter of section 7. township 2
south, range No. i west, could be procured it was necessary to prevent specu-
lation that some one in whom your commissioners could confide should be
consulted on that subject. They, therefore, consulted Robert M. Evans and
Isaac Montgomery, Esqs., from whom they learned that that quarter section'
could be secured at the United States price for the county. Colonel Evans
now informs us that he has made the entry and paid the dejiosit for the ipiar-
ter section and is ready to transfer it to any person whom the court may
appoint for that purpose. The bond of Henry Hopkins for the conveyance
of his donation, with the exception therein specified, as also the offers of
donations which we received, are herewith submitted."
The court then appointed Gen. Robert M. Evans agent for the county.
It was this Evans for whom the city of Evansville was named, when later
organized by him. Agent Evans gave two thousand dollars bond for the
faithful performance of his duties, James McClure and William Lathom
being his bondsmen.
70 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Concerning this organization of Princeton the following item published
in the J'incenncs Sun, March 12, 1814, will be of interest here: "A notice
of the first sale of lots in Princeton, Indiana, to take place on the fourth Mon-
day in March, 1814, described Princeton as situated in Gibson county, on
Richland creek, a beautiful and never failing system, about three miles from
Severn's ferry, on Pattoco, and about fotir miles from Columbia, on the same
river, at each of which places there is an excellent mill site, where nothing
but labor is wanting to the erection of good saw mills. Princeton being situ-
ate about central between the mouth of Big Pigeon and Vincennes, at a place
where nearly all the public roads leading through the county will naturally
concentrate, cannot fail to become a flourishing and populous town."
A perusal of this prospectus of Princeton, and the advantages of its lo-
cation, issued by a prophet a hundred years ago, will cause a smile by people
of Princeton today, especially when they think of the advantages afforded
by the location on the beautiful and never failing stream of Richland creek,
which is now the verv insignificant town branch.
CHAPTER V.
COUNTY GOVERNMENT.
Counties, like states and nations, have a g-overnnient peculiar tu them-
selves. Of recent years the county commissioners, or supervisors, are the
men who are entrusted with the affairs of the county. The}- see that proper
buildings, roads and bridges are provided; also see that taxes are levied and
collected according to law and that the schools are kept up by appropriations
and that the unfortunate poor within the county be well cared for, when they
become county charges. These and a score more duties de\i>l\e upim the
several commissioners who set their own time for meeting in sessidiis and are
really the head of the count}' gmernment.
Gibson county has been under various forms of local authority since
its organization in 1813. First the business of the countv was in the hands
of the court of common pleas, which lasted until the change was made to the
county commissioner system, which existed until 1824. when a change was
effected by which the affairs were in the hands of persons known as justices
of the peace for the county, one from each civil township in the county.
These were known as boards of justices, the first of which met September 6,
1824. Their last meeting was July, 1831, after which was inaugurated the
present .system of county commissioners. But, not content with "letting well
enough alone," the lawmakers again changed and there was again the board
of justices. P>om 1836 on the commission system has o1>lained in Indiana,
and well it is, too. While it is doubtful whether or not the system is as per-
fect as in other commonwealths, yet the present system has few faults.
PROCEEDINGS OF EARLY COURTS AND COM iHSSIOXERS.
After attending to the matter of setting off and organizing the first live
civil townships in this county, the attention of the law-making body was
called to that of the appointment of Jes.se l^^merson and \^'illiam ]V[cCormick,
trustees, to manage the reserve sections of land for the use of schools.
At the May, 181 3, term a ta\ern license was granted to Gervis Hazelton
upon the payment of a fee of four dollars per year. The rates to be charged
were as follows: One meal of victuals, twenty-five cents; one gallon of corn,
twelve and a half cents; one-half gallon oats, twelve and a half cents; one
^2 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
night's lodging-, twelve and a half cents; horse at hay, t\\elve hours, twent}--
live cents.
On May ii, 1813, the matter of providing for the first laid-out road in
the county was taken under advisement. The recorded proceedings show the
following: Joseph Decker, of White River township, presented a petition
that a road fifteen feet wide be cut out (it must be remem]:iered \)y the reader
that in 1813 that section of this county was densely timbered) from Decker's
ferry, on White ri\er, to Severns' ferry, on Patoka river, thence to intersect
the Saline road at or near the plantation of Robert M. Evans. And it was
also ordered that Abraham Decker, Robert Falls and James Robl) be ap-
pointed to view and mark out the road. The court also appointed Robert
Crow supervisor of the above road with authority to call on all the working
hands in White River township to assist in making the same, and was also
ordered to keep the road in repair when made. This thoroughfare was the
first county road built and maintained after the organization of the county.
Jeremiah Harrison was appointed supervisor of the road from Hogan's
ferry, on Patoka, to Richland creek, near tlie residence of William Harring-
ton, also from Severns' ferry, on the Patoka, to where the road intersects the
Saline road. Azariah Ayers was appointed supervisor of the road from
Richland creek to Anderson creek, and was fully authorized to call on all the
able-working men between those two creeks in the jjounds of Patoka town-
ship (except those residing on the waters of Pigeon) to maintain and keep
the same in good repair. The court appointed Joshua Embree supervisor of
the road tli rough Montgomery township, from Anderson's creek to opposite
John Hunter's. All residents east of Hunter's place were required to assist
in maintaining this road. And for the Saline road, from opposite John
Hunter's to Black River, Robert .Anderson was appointed supervisor and
the residents west of Hunter's, in Montgomery township, were required to
assist in keeping the road in repair. John Waller was appointed supervisor
for that part of the Saline road which lies in Black River township. Probably
the most important road projected in this time was from the south end of
Robert M. Evans' lane to the line of Warrick county, there to intersect ^vith a
road then opening from Anthony's Mill toward Patoka. Elias Baker was
appointed supervisor. It was required that the road l3e cut twenty feet wide
and the residents living in the two Pigeon settlements were to aid in making
the road and for so doing were to be exempt from working" on anv other
road. James McClure was appointed supervisor of the road from the south
end of Robert M. Evans' lane to where tlie new road leaves the old Red Bank
road and lie was authorized to summon tiie hands living between Richland
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 73
creek and Patoka, together with those on the south end of Richland creek,
within one mile of said road to assist in keeping the same in good condition.
In all there were eight road districts made by this court and each was pro-
vided with a supervisor.
It was about this date that a second inn or tavern license was granted,
this one to Eli Hawkins, of Coluraliia, which was changed in name to I'atoka,
the first town in Gibson county platted after the organization had been per-
fected and Princeton had been laid out.
FIRST CONSTABLES IN THF, COUNTY.
The county court appointed the following as the first set of constables in
Gibson count}- : Madison township, Abraham Pea : White River township,
James Crow, Jr.; I'atoka township, William Scales; Montgomery township,
William Stewart; Black River township. Pater Jones A set of overseers for
the care of the county's poor was also selected at this session in 1813.
Ferry licenses were granted at the May term, 1S13, and the following
ferry rates were fixed by the court :
Joseph Decker's ferry on White river $4.00
Garvis Hazelton's ferry on White river 4.00
John Mcjunkins' ferry on White river 4.00
.Varon Decker's ferr_\- on ^\'hite river 4.00
Ebenezer Severns' ferr}- on I'atoka i.oo
Edmund Hogan's ferr}- on Patoka 2.00
The rates to be charged at these ferries for transpi irting people and stock
were as follows : One dollar for each four-wheeled \-ehicle, carriage and
driver; for each two-wheeled carriage, horse and driver, tift_\- cents; each man
and horse, twelve and a lialf cents; each horse, six and a fourth cents: each
head of cattle, four cents; sheep and hogs, two cents each.
The business of these first sessions was fraught with much labor and
everything was recorded in a fine, readable handwriting, as will l)e seen to(la\'
in searching the records at the court house. These proceedings are signed Ijy
William Harrington, P. J. (which meant President Justice).
THE TAX LEVY OF 1813.
The following was ordered : For each one Inmdred acres f)f first-class
land, twenty-five cents; for each hundred acres of second-class land, eight and
one-fourth cents; for each hundred acres of third-class land, six and one-
74 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
fourth cents; for each horse creature, over three }-ears old, thirty-seven and
one-half cents.
Finding that more items should be added to the innkeeper's rates, the
county authorities, in 1814, matle this order of rates to be charged the public
at taverns within Gibson county: Each half pint of whisky, eighteen and
three-fourths cents; each half pint of peach or apple brandy, twen1!y-live cents;
each half pint of wine, rum, or French brandy, hfty cents; for each quart of
cider or cider oil, twenty-five cents. Those were days when the "fathers of
the county" did not see any harm in drinking spirituous liquors; in fact,' it
was several decades before the matter of temperance was agitated to any
considerable extent by the people in this country.
The matter of providing roads and suitable fording places and bridges
occupied the attention of the C(Hmty oiificials more than any other one item of
routine business. It has ever been the case in all new countries.
.\t the Januarv, 1814, session the meeting was still held at the liouse of
William Harrington, with the same judges as before presiding. The first
term held at the new court house — the special term of June 19, 1815 — was
indeed an important one in the business of the county, as it witnessed the
dedication of the "temple of justice," and had presiding judges as follows:
Willis C. Osbourne and Jesse Emerson.
The printing bill for this count}' was eleven dollars in 18 16, and the
printer was Elihue Stout, of A^incennes. At the same session William Prince
was allowed one hundred and twenty-five dollars for services as count}' agent
for one year.
At the ]\Iav term, 1816, perhaps the most important transaction was the
election of delegates to a constitutional convention. The election was hekl
on May 13, 1816, and those elected as superintendents by townships were:
From Madison township, Henry Brenton, the election held at the house of
Hosea Smith; for White River township, Jonathan Gulick, election held at
the house of James Robb ; for Patoka township, Isaac Montgomery, election
at the court house; for Montgomery township, James Stewart, election to be
held at the house of Walter Montgomery; for Black River township, Peter
Jones, election at the house of Langston Drew.
At the May session in 18 16 it was ordered that a new township be made
from a part of Madison townshi]!. and that the same be known as Har!)inson
township. This was the sixth townshi]) formed in Gibson .county.
Up to the last date mentioned the public square at Princeton had been
laid out to the commons, but the authorities at this time ordered a good post
and rail' fence to enclose the grounds.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 75
FIRST BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.
The county records show that the first hoard of county cimimissioners
met at Princeton, Fehruary lo, 1817. \Vilhain IlargTove and Thomas Ahmt-
gomery appeared with tlieir creilentials of office. Their oath was taken
hefore and sign.ed u]) on record hy Rohert M. Ewuis, clerk, and Henry Ho])-
kins, sheriff.
Among the first acts performetl l:iy the ciMiimissioners was tlic (h\'i(Hng
of the county into tliree townships and estabhsliing the hcjundaries of the
respective townships as follows : That part of the cr:unty north of the Patoka
river and west of the line dividing the county of Gibson and Pike was desig-
nated as White River township. That part south of the Patoka river and
between said river and Anderson's creek and a due south course from the
head of said creek to the line dividing the counties of Gibson and Posey, shall
constitute Patoka township. That part of the county west of .\nderson"s
creek and a line flrawn due west from the heafl of the same to Posey ccjunty
and north of the line dividing the counties of Gibson and Posey was declared
Montgomer}- township.
Following came the first election rif justices of the peace as shown by
the record. The conmiissioners ordered an electi(jn to be held at the house
of Phillip Briscoe, in Montgomery township, for the election of two justices
and that Joseph Montgomery be appointed inspector of said election. It was
also ordered that an election take j^lace the same day in Princeton, Patoka
township, for the election of tAvo justices and that George Chapman lie a])-
])ointed ins])ector. And also at the house of James Robb an election be held
the same day for the election of two justices for \Miite Ri\'er township, and
the inspector of this election was David Robb. The sheriff was directed to
serve copies of the above orders on the respective inspectors and advertise
the said elections ten dax-s previous to the holding of the same, and to provide
the necessary polls and lujxes. As there were no newspapers in the county
at that time, the sheriff' advertised Ijy posting notices in three diff'erent places
in each of sa'd townships.
On Alay 12, 1817, James Stuart presentefl a certificate of his electiijn as
a county commissioner and took his seat as such, the following then compos-
ing the board: William Hargrove, James Stuart and Thomas Montgomery.
The board increased the rate of taxation somewhat over the jirevious
year, .\mong the interesting items enumerated in the long list of taxables
occurred these: E\ery slave or person of color o\er twch-e years of age. two
76 GIBSON COUNTY^ INDIANA.
dollars. For every billiard table, fifty dollars. For each hundred acres of
first rate land, thirty-seven and a half cents. For each hundred acres of
second-class land, twenty-five cents, and twelve and a half cents for the third
rate land. For each town lot, fifty cents on each hundred dollars of its value.
It Avill be observed that up to this time and during the administration
of affairs, under the territorial laws, slaves were not taxed. But after the
admission as a state and the adoption of the constitution, and the promulga-
tion of laws under the same, slaves in Indiana became taxable property On
the I2th of May, 1817, the commissioners appointed James W. Jones county
treasurer, and directed him to file a bond, with approved security, in the sum
of two thousand dollars; heretofore the sheriff had been ex-officio collector.
The commissioners at this meeting appointed supervisors for the various road
districts.
The county agent was instructed to contract witii some suitable person
to build an estray pen, forty feet square, in the northwest corner of the public
square.
The blanks and books for the use of the different ofiices for the year
1817 cost twenty-one dollars, which was not very high in the light of present-
day bills for such books.
On November 17, 181 7, the sheriff filed a protest with the board with
regard to the insufficiency of the jail, stating that it was not a safe place to
confine criminals or even debtors.
WHIPPING POST.
For the year 1818 the record shows that a certain citizen was indicted
for passing a counterfeit note on onfe Marshall D. Tarleton. He was also
indicted for ]3assing another on John Arbuthnot. He pleaded guilty in the
first instance and was sentenced by the court to pay a fine of thirty dollars
and receive on his bare back twenty-five lashes. Whipping for crimes was in
vogue for many years in the territory and state of Indiana, but long years
since has been abolished.
At the February meeting of the county board new rates of crossing the
lower bridge at Patoka were fixed as follows : Team and wagon with driver,
thirty-seven and a half cents; each two-wheeled carriage, twelve and a half
cents; each man or horse, six and one-fourth cents; footman, three cents;
meat cattle, three cents a head; sheep or hogs, one and one-half cents each.
It will be seen that at that date it cost a man a fraction more than six cents
to cross a bridge one hundred and fi fty feet long, but things had so changed in
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. jy
the early eighties that a man could have crossed the great steel bridge at St.
Louis for five cents. The wodden bridge of 1819 at Patoka cost but a hun-
dred or two hundred dollars, w hile the steel bridge over the Mississippi at St.
Louis cost more than thirteen million dollars.
In 1820 the board was chiefly burdened with road matters, hearing peti-
tions and reading remonstrances for same, and the appointment of road
overseers or superintendents. At the May term, that year, besides the regular
tax list, the board added these items for taxation: On each four-wheeled
pleasure wagon, one dollar and twenty-five cents; on each two-wheeled pleas-
ure wagon, one dollar; each silver watch, twenty-five cents, and on each gold
watch, fifty cents.
The taking of the 1820 census of Gibson county cost the county twelve
dollars and forty-four cents, paid to Charles Harrington. The order reads
that he was to receive two dollars per hundred, which would make the popu-
lation at that date about six hundred and twenty-two, but it is believed that
the enumerator failed to get the census taken correctly, for there were more
])eople here than this would indicate.
At the November term in 1821 the board ordered that the county treas-
urer be cited to appear before them and show cause why he had not pro-
ceeded against the sheriff and collectors for delinquent taxes, and for his not
carrying out the orders of the board he was suspended from ofifice, and James
W. Hogue was appointed to fill the vacancy thus made in that office. The
county agent was instructed to make all needed repairs on the court house,
also to proceed to immediately make collection of all monies due the county
on lots sold in Princeton. The tax that year amounted to eight hundred and
two dollars and twenty-five cents.
At the May term, 1822, the board fixed the rate of tavern licenses in
Gibson county at twelve dollars, which in reality allowed them all to run a
bar in connection with their tavern, and they were limited each year by a fee
which should be charged on different kinds of entertainment, including the
fixed prices of liquors.
In >s"ovemljer, 1822, August Lavelliott was authorized to establish a
ferry on the \\'al)ash river from the Indiana shore to the opposite bank of
Coft'ee island. He was compelled to have "good and sufficient" boats for the
carrying of passengers and stcok.
In the IMay, 1823, term Johnson township was formed by the commis-
sioners.
In August. 1824, Washington township was formed by the board.
78 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
COUNTY GOVERNMENT CHANGES AGAIN.
According to an act of the General Assemljly, passed January 31, 1824,
the board of county commissioners ceased to exist, and a board of justices
of the peace took its place in county government affairs. The first meeting
of the Ijoard of justices was held September 6, 1S24. The members of this
board consisted of the following : James Evident, president : James Kitchens,
Alexander Johnson, Frederick Bruner, William DePriest, Charles Harring-
ton, Phillip Briscoe, Lewis Harman, Jonathan Gulick. The first act in their
ofifice was to grant a tavern license to William Daniel.
At their September, 1S25, meeting Columbia township was formed. At
the November term, that year, ^^'illiam B. Demick was appointed trustee of
the seminary fund.
In January, 1826, the justices appointed Robert Stockwell count}' agent.
At the ]\Iarch term. 1828, Elisha Eml^ree was appointed county agent. Jesse
Emerson was appointed to builrl a bridge across Indian creek, where the state
road crossed the same. Tie was to work in conjunction with the state com-
missioner of post roads. One-half of the expense was to be paid l:)y this
countv, the other half by the state. An order went forth from this meeting
to the effect that in case of persons refusing or failing to pay their taxes when
delinquent they should be obliged to pay twice the original amount.
The records do not show much of historic interest until along about the
date of May, 1831, when under the new law enacted by the changeable
whims of the Indiana Legislature, another form of county government was
ushered in. The old justices consequently ordered the county divided into
districts for the purpose of electing county commissioners, to-wit : White
River township, as now laid oft', to be the first district, Patoka and Columbia
townships to be the second, and Montgomery and Johnson to constitute the
third district. The last meeting of the old board of justices of peace for the
county was held in July, 1831, when there were present Abram B. Harper,
James Evans, William McClary, Frederick Bruner, Thomas J. Montgomery,
Jonathan Gulick and Michael H. Milton. No business was transacted further
than to turn over the affairs of the county to the newly qualified board of
county commissioners, which office had been inaugurated for the second time
in the state's historv.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 79
BOARD OF COLTNTY COMMISSIONERS.
September, 1831, the commissioners for the three districts of Giljson
county met. They were as follows: Charles Jones, for the long term of
three years; John jMillnirn, for the two-year term, and Samuel H. Siiannon,
for the one-year term.
The grand and petit jurymen were then only allowed seventy-five cents
per day. This shows how close things were run in those pioneer days in the
county, and really it was a matter of necessity and not stinginess, as the
money in the country, under the financial and banking systems that i)l)tained,
afforded by no means sufficient means to do otherwise.
In May, 1832, an order was made that the United States field notes
made at Vincennes be transcribed and properly made of record here. John I.
Neely was appointed a special agent for the county, to convey to the board
of trustees of the Patoka "regular" Baptist church a lot in the town of
Princeton, for the sum of thirty dollars.
The September term of 1S32 was full of im])ortant business. A number
of tavern anrl store licenses were granted, road districts formed, roads and
bridges ordered surveyed and built, etc. One hundred and sixty dollars was
appropriated for the construction of a bridge across the Patoka at Crow's
and Kirk's mills. A fire-proof clerk's office was ordered erected, and the
contract for same was awarded to John I. Neely and Samuel Hall.
NAVIGATION OF THE PATOKA.
The people desiring the improvement of the I'atoka so as to aff'ortl a
better and safer means of navigation, the jjoard ordered the same laid ofif into
districts and that commissioners be appointed to cause the necessary work to
be performed. From the mouth of the Columbia mill, formed district No. i,
with John Alexander, superintendent; from Columbia mill to where the
Patoka strikes Pike county formed district No. 2, with Richard AI. Kirk as
superintendent. It should be remembered that at that date the Patoka fur-
nished a water highway by which many of the jiroducts of Gibson county
were sent away to far distant markets.
STILL ANOTHER FORM OF COUNTY GOVERNMENT.
In accordance with another law of commonwealth, the county govern-
ment was again changed back to that of a board of justices. The first of such
80 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
boards convened in Alarch, 1835, Avhen the following constituted the mem-
bers present: Asa C. Mills, Duter Jerauld, William French, Thomas J.
Montgomery, A. D. Foster, Jonathan Gulick, Isaac Welburn, Adam B.
Harper, Joshua Duncan.
Among the early matters worth here recording was the following order
concerning a county seal. It was that a seal should be made of brass, in-
scribed with the plow and scales and lettered, "Commissioners of Gibson
County, Indiana."
About this date more appropriations were made for the completion of
the navigation improvements on the Patoka river. But it must be said such
money was of no avail, for the stream was never made navigable far from
its mouth, as it filled up with drift and flood wood, making the project value-
less.
At the November term, 183S, the lioard received the report of the com-
missioners to build a bridge across the Patoka at Columbia (now Patoka),
the cost of which was $7,160.05. It was well built. At the same meeting the
board organized Wabash toAvnship, which was taken from the western part
of Montgomery township.
At the January term, 1839, the county board, which had again come to
be known as "County Commissioners," met on the 7th day of the month and
made this notation and adjourned: "Ordered, that said board do adjourn
instanter to the clerk's office in said town of Princeton, the court house being
unfit for the session of said board." After some routine work, including road
and bridge matters, the board proceeded to the appointment of John R.
Montgomery and Elias S. Terry, commissioners to procure plans and esti-
mates for a court house for Gibson county. They were also ordered to
ascertain of the banks at Vincennes and Evansville on what terms funds for
building the same could be procured. The board had evidently got cold feet
that January morning and proposed to have warmer quarterf: '
Coming down through the years to the opening of the Civil war, one
finds but little more than regular routine work in the minutes of the county
commissioners' records. But at a special term held April 24th — less than
two weeks after Fort Sumter had been fired upon by the secession guns —
County Commissioners James Hudleson, Henry Gambrel and Joseph Devin
assembled, at the request of the county auditor, who had power to thus call
special meetings of the county board. The call was for the express purpose
of taking some definite action regarding the making of appropriations out of
the county treasury for the military defense of Gibson county. The commis-
sioners concluded that they had no power to thus appropriate public money.
GIBSON COUNTY COURT HOUSE.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 8l
Joseph Devin, however, dissented frcjni this opinion. He was a merchant of
Princeton at that time, and proved himself a true citizen and patriot as well.
Later the county board rescinded their ruling and did appropriate funds for
the relief of families, members of whom were away in the Union army.
Sometimes the county was without necessary funds and this same commis-
sioner, Devin, furnished both money and goods to the soldiers' families who
needed it, thereby preventing a discount of county orders. This should ever
stand on record as a monument to his worthy name.
FORMATION OF UNION TOWNSIIII'.
The last civil township created in Gilison county was Union, which ter-
ritory was set off from Patoka and Johnson townships by an iirder of the
board of count\- commissioners at their May meeting in 1S90, uiJon the peti-
tion of many citizens living in the townships of Patoka and Johnson. The
land included in this newly created sub-division of the county was described
as follows: "Beginning at the northeast corner of section i, township 3,
range 10 west; thence to the northwest corner of the northeast quarter of
section 3, township 3, range 1 1 west; thence south to the southwest corner of
section 15, township 3, range 11 west; thence west to the northwest corner
of section 19. township 3, range 11 west; thence south to the southwest cor-
ner of section 30. township 13. range 11 west; thence east to the southeast
corner of section 25, township 13, range 10 v,-est; thence nortli to jiiace of be-
ginning."
Asa F. Atterbery was appointed by the commissioners as the trustee of
the newly formed township, and R. S. ^^'alters \\as a]i])i)inted assessor. The
commissioners who signed the above order were I'hillii) Alartin and I*".. C.
Farmer.
GIBSON county's COURT IIOU.SES.
The first business of this county was tiansacted at the private residence
of William Harrington. This included the first terms of cnurt. The first
court house was not occupied until June, 1815, as will be ol)served by the fol-
lowing. Gibson county has had three couri houses and the same number of
jails.
William Harrington, at whose house the first seat of justice and first
terms of court were held, from the first organization nf the count\- to June
19th, the da\' du which the business was first transacted in the new court
(6) '
82 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
house, was allowed the sum of fifteen dollars on one occasion, as about half
the total amount he was to have for the use of his house, or rather certain
rooms in his residence.
The board of county commissioners ordered the county agent, Robert
M. Evans, to let the contract for making brick for the construction of the
first court house, at a cost of not to exceed five dollars and fifty cents per
thousand. These bricks were made on the public square, near where they
were needed.
The general plan of this first temple of justice for Gibson county was
about as follows: The walls were of brick, thirty-three by forty feet in
size; the foundation was laid eighteen inches below the surface of the ground;
the height of the lower story was twelve feet; above the bottom of the
sleepers, which were one foot above the ground, the wall of the lower story
was two and a half brick thick and the upper story two brick; there were two
chimneys, with fire-jjlaces. The brick and all the material for the construc-
tion of the building were furnished by the county. Work was commenced
September i, 1814. The contractor was Killion Creek — that is, he laid the
walls — and Samuel Hogue built the roof of this building and furnisheil tim-
ber for the window frames, etc.. while John Decker had the contract for all
inside finishing work. The painting was done by the brush of Samuel
Boicourt. This structure stood and did good service for the new county for a
quarter of a centur}^, or until 1841, when it was thought wise to provide
better quarters for the various count}' officials and the courts.
SECOND COURT HOUSE.
The count}' authorities appointed Joseph Devin, Samuel Hall and Willis
Howe commissioners ( Devin resigned and Jonathan Young was put in his
stead) and directed them to procure plans and specifications. The final plans
were those furnished by Edward Coleman. The contract for erecting the
building was awarded to Alfred Poland. The structure \\'as built of brick and
was completed in 1843, ^t a cost to the taxpayers of about nine thousand
dollars. It was a well built court house, about square in form, and served
the county until the present fine court house was erected in 1883. Up to the
razing of the second building, the public square contained many shade trees,
some of which were exceedingly large and beautiful. These trees were all
removed by the grading of the yard except one small maple, which still re-
mains.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 83
THE THIRD AND PRESENT COURT HOUSE.
The corner stone of the present court house was laid June 17, 1884, in
the presence of several thousand people and with appropriate Masonic cere-
monies, under charge of the various lodges of the county. The building is
an imijosing red brick, stone-trimmed structure, of modern style architecture.
It is a large, two-story building, over a full ceiling basement, the rooms of
which are used by the county for various lesser county offices and for store
room purposes. The floors of the superstructure — second and third floors
from the ground — are used for the main county offices and the large, well-
planned court room and jurors' rooms. It is heated and lighted after strictly
modern methods. Joseph Miller, of Washington, Indiana, was the contract-
ing builder, and for this work he received the sum of one hundred and eighty-
eight thousand six hundred and si.vty-one dollars. This, however, did not
include the fixtures and furnishings. While this building has .stDod f(ir al-
most a third of a century, it seems about as good as A\hen first occupied. It
really stands as a monument to the good sense and wisdom of the men who
planned it and the taxpayers who voted for its erection. The commission-
ers who contracted for this court house and served during its construction
were Sylvester Benson, John S. Mead and Josiah Kightley. Of this board,
only one, Sylvester Benson, is living (1914) at an advanced age.
The first county officials to occupy the new court house were John W.
Johnson, auditor; John Sipp, treasurer; Henry P. Chambers, sheriff: James
S. Epperson, clerk; Solomon Vannada, recorder, all of whom are dead
(1914), except Solomon Vannada. Judge Oscar M. Welborn held the first
court.
JAIL HISTORY.
Gibson count}', like all other counties in the Union, has had need of a jail
at different times, in order to safely house those outlaws and law violators
who have seen fit to be disobedient and have been held for trial or punished
by serving time. In Gibson county there have been three different jails
where prisoners have been kept. The first one was ordered built by the court
in February, 1814, and it was then styled the gaol. Its plans and s])ecifica-
tions contained the following items: The walls to lie eighteen feet scpiare of
well-seasoned timber; the lower story seven feet between the floors: the
timber of the walls to be tweh-e inches square, neatly dove-tailed down so
that each log may touch the other. There was an inside wall of good timber
84 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
built in the same manner as the outer wall, as high as the first story ; a space
of ten inches was left between the walls, which was tilled with hewn timbers
nine by twelve inches square, set on end, touching each other; the outer wall
extended seven feet high above the upper floor of the lower story; there were
three floors of hewn timbers ten inches square, one below, one above and one
between the upper and lower story. The lower floor was confined down by
the inside wall of the lower room or dungeon. The second floor was held
down by the outer wall. There was one small window and two grates in the
lower story or dungeon. The requirements of the court called for an outside
door to the upper or debtor's room, and required the shutters to be very
strong and well hung with iron bars. From the debtor's room there was a
trap door to go down to the dungeon, with strong bolts and locks to confine
it down. In the debtor's room there was a division for the separation of
the sexes, made of hewed timbers, six by ten inches square, with a good door
and shutter through the wall, with one small window with gates to each
room. The jail was covered with a roof of clapboards and yellow poplar
shingles. This jail was erected by Samuel Hogue under a contract with the
county. It served until 1833, when it was considered no longer a proper, safe
building, as so adjudged by the grand jury, who reported it as insufficient and
not safe for the keeping of prisoners. The board then ordered that Robert
Stockwell, John Arbuthnot, John I. Neely, Jonathan Gulick, Isaac Alontgom-
ery, Charles Jones and Joshua Duncan be requested to meet the seconfl Tues-
day of October, and consult and present a plan f(5r a jail. Also that Roliert
Stormont and Joseph Hartin be the contractors to build a jail on a lot which
had been purchased for sixty dollars. That jail — the second in Gibson county
— was completed in the spring of 1835, when the old jail was sold at auction
and the proceeds used for making a well at the new jail. This building ser\'ed
Gibson county many years and until the present well-constructed red brick
structure was built. While the present jail is not thoroughly up-to-date in
all of its appointments, yet it is comparatively safe and sanitar_\'. The
jailor's residence is built in connection with the jail. This building is sit-
uated on the corner of Emerson and ]\Iain streets.
In recent years there have been many improvements made <in the public
square, including the erection of the magnificent granite monument erected
by the people of Gibson county in memory of the soldiery of the Civil war,
of which an extended account is given elsewhere in this volume; also the
more recent series of electroliers — an electric lighting system of clusters of
brilliant lights within frosted glass globes, attached to concrete standards
that line the four sides of the public square.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 85
CARE OF THE POOR.
The care given to the unfortunate poor in any community is always an
index to the character of the people in that community. From the earliest
times in Gibson county such people were usually well cared for — at least the
]:)rovisions of the laws of the state were carried out. It is true that in the
early years of the county's history there was not that liner feeling for such
unfortunates as there has been in more recent years, when a higher state of
civilization and a keener Christian understanding has come to obtain in the
minds of the common people and the taxpa)-ers in general.
The first mention made of overseers of the poor in the count}- records
bears the date of 191 3, as soon as the county was fairly organized. .\t the
May term of court that year the following persons were appointed as over-
seers: Jacob Pea and James Branton in Madison township, Andrew Cun-
ningham and \\'illiam Price in White River township, William Latham and
Thomas Potter in Patoka township, Robert McGary and Thomas Sharp in
Montgomery township, Thomas Alman and Samuel James in Black River
township.
On June 21, 1815, the court made the following appointments of over-
seers of the poor: Jacolj Pea and Henry Brenton in Madison township, Rob-
ert Mosley and Armstead Bennett in White River township, William Har-
rington and Daniel Putnam in Patoka township, Thomas Sharp and Reuben
Alsop in ^Montgomery township, John \\^aller and John Cox in Black River
township.
Many years later the commissioners purchased a small tract of land
about three miles northwest of Princeton and there established a poor house,
where paupers were cared for until the purchase of the present farm in
what is now Union township. This farm was bought by the county from
Thadeus Keimer, in ^lay. 1890, for the sum of eleven thousand five hundred
dollars, and consists of two hundred and eight acres, of not extra quality of
land. It is situated on tlie northeast (piarter of section 33. and the northwest
quarter of the southwest c^uarter of the same section, in township 2, range 10
west. This real estate had upon it, when the county purchased it, an old
brick farm house which has been rebuilt and somewhat added to and still
serves as a county asylum. A new barn has also been erected at a cost of
seven himdred dollars and many more improvements made. The farm, how-
ever, does not nearly support the paupers of the county. The soil is poor and
the expenses are great. The recent report of the superintendent, who gets five
86 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
hundred dollars per year salary and his keeping, shows that there are only
nineteen inmates at the place now. There are two cooks employed and one
hired man for general utility work most of the time in late years. Cows,
sheep and hogs are raised and kept for the use of the institution. Many
citizens believe that the poor of Gibson county should, in these times, be pro-
vided for at less expense by simply hiring them boarded, counting the cost of
operating the present farm and the invested money in the land.
PRESENT NET VALUATION OF TAXABLES.
Columbia township $ 704,205
Patoka township 2,381,945
White River township 1,299,720
Washington township 813,465
Montgomery township 2,768,495
Johnson township 1,493,435
Wabash township 589,015
Barton township 870,085
Center township 784,840
Union township 1,455,625
City of Princeton 3.011,030
Town of Owensville 528,595
Town of Patoka 194,410
Town of Fort Branch 465,525
Town of Hazelton 241,315
Town of Francisco 126,030
Town of Oakland City 71.3.255 ,
Total $18,480,990
FINANCIAL STANDING.
According to the books of the county auditor for the years 1912-13,
there was a balance on hand in the treasury on January i, 1912, of
$240,245.89. Total receipts for 191 2, $569,136.75; total disbursements for
1912, $641,698.10; balance on hand January i, 1913, $171,684.54.
CHAPTER VI.
POLITICAL HISTORY.
From the county records it is learned that the following have served
Gibson county in official capacities since the organization to the present time,
1914:
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION RESULTS.
Beginning with the election of 1848, the following table exhibits the
result of the different presidential electicns in Gibson county, until the election
of Woodrow Wilson in 1912:
In 1848 — Zachary Taylor, Native American, S60; Lewis Cass, Demo-
crat, 802.
In 1852 — Franklin Pierce, Democrat, 1,127; Winfield Scott, Whig, 942;
John P. Flale, Free Soil, 20.
In 1856 — James Buchanan, Democrat, 1,286: Millard Fillmore, Whig,
766; John C. Fremont, Republican, 365.
In i860 — Abraham Lincoln, Republican, 1,295; Stephen A. Douglas,
Democrat, 1,565; John C. Breckinridge, Democrat, 29; John Bell, Constitu-
tional Union Convention, 112.
In 1864 — Abraham Lincoln, Republican, 1,288: George B. IMcClellan,
Democrat, 1,516.
In 1868, when V. S. Grant was elected President, there were no perma-
nent records made of the result in Gibson county.
In 1872 — U. S. Grant, Republican, recei\'ed a majorit\- ovev Horace
Greeley, Liberal, in Gibson county.
In 1876 — Samuel J. Tilden, Democrat, 2,317; Rutherford B. Hayes, Re-
publican, 2,274.
In 1880 — James A. Garfield, Republican, 2,662: Winfield S. Hancock,
Democrat, 2,477.
In 1884 — James G. Blaine, Republican, 2,774: Grover Cleveland, Demo-
crat. 2,649: Benjamin F. Butler, Greenback National. 24; John P. St John,
National Prohibition, 48.
In 1888 — Benjamin Harrison, Republican, 2.953: Grover Cleveland,
Democrat, 2.721; Clinton B. Fisk, Prohibition, 238.
OO GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
In 1892 — Benjamin Harrison, Republican, 2,738; Grover Cleveland,
Democrat, 2-,46o: James B. ^^'ea\■er, National People's Convention, 598; John
Bidwell, Prohibition, 243.
In 1896 — \\'illiam J. Bryan, Democrat, 3.276: William McKinley, Re-
publican, 3,471 ; \\'illiani J. Bryan, People's, 346; John M. Palmer, National
Democrat, 11.
In 1900 — \\'illiam J. Bryan, Democrat, 3,509: William McKinley, Re-
publican, 3,648; John G. Woolley, Prohibition, 244: Bryan, People's, 17;
Eugene V. Debs, Socialist Democrat, 4.
In 1904 — Alton B. Parker, Democrat, 3,221; Silas C. Swallow, Prohibi-
tion, 331 ; Theodore Roosevelt, Republican, 3,871 : Eugene V. Debs, Socialist
Democrat, 91 ; Thomas E. Watson, People's, 29: Charles H. Corregan, Social-
ist Labor, 7.
In 1908 — William Jennings Bryan, Democrat, 3,626: William H. Taft,
Republican, 3,753; Silas C. Swallow, Prohibition, 241 ; E. V. Debs, Socialist,
5 ; Independent ticket, 2.
In igi2 — ^^'oodrow Wilson, Democrat, 3.250; William H. Taft, Re-
publican, 2,260: Eugene W. Chafin, Prohibition, 226; Theodore Roosevelt,
Progressive, 1,270: E. Y. Debs, Socialist, 295; Arthur Reiner, Socialist
Labor, 7.
STATE SENATORS REPRESENTING THE COUNTY.
The first state senator from the district in which Gibson county formed
a part was ^^'illiam Prince. The legislative session was held at the old state
capital, Corydon, commencing November 4, 181 6. The second session was
held at the same place, commencing December 2, 1818, when Isaac Mont-
gomery represented this district. In 1821, the next session, also at Corydon,
this county was represented by Senator Richard Daniel. The capital was
then changed to Indianapolis, and the first Legislature convened in that city
on December 5, 1825, and Mr. Montgomery was still representing this district,
■serving from 1825 to 1829. Then came the following state senators: David
Robb, 1829-33; Elisha Embree, 1833-35; Thomas E. Stewart, 1835-38; John
Hargrove, 1838-41; Smith Miller, 1841-44; Benjamin R. Edmundson, 1844-
47; Smith Miller, 1S47-50; Benjamin T. Goodman, 1850-55; William Haw-
thorne, 1855-57; John Hargrove, 1857-61; Thomas Shoulders, 1862-65;
James Barker, 1865-67; Thomas C. Jaques, 1867-71; Magnes T. Cochrane,
1871-75; Jasper Davidson, 1875-79; Gustavius Y. Menzies, 1879-83; James
E. McCuUough. 1883-87; V. P. Bozeman, 1887-91 ; Albert G. Holcomb, 1891-
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 89
95: ^'. p. Eozeman, 1895: ^^'. M. Stilwell, 1899: \". P. Bozemaii, u>03 ;
William Gonnerman, 1907: George ^^'. Curtis, 191 1.
REPRESENTATIVES.
Edward Hogan and John Johnson, 1816: James Camhell and Richard
Daniel, 1817-18; Richard Daniel and John Johnson, 1818; David Rohb, 1820-
22: John Gibson. 1823; David Robb and Robert M. Evans, 1826-27: Walter
Wilson, 1827; David Robb, 1828: Samuel Hall, 1829-30: John Hargrove.
1831-35; Smith Miller, 1835-38; James Devin, 1838; Smith Miller. 1839:
Isaac Montgomery, 1840: Joseph Devin, 1841 ; John Hargrove, 1842; William
Montgomery. 1843-44: Samuel Hall, 1845; Samuel IMiller, 1846; George W.
Thompson, 1847; James W. Cockrum, 1848; Silas AI. Holcomb, 1849; George
B. Graff, 1850; James W. Cockrum, 1851; Alexander C. Donald, 1853; John
Hargrove, 1855; Caleb Trippett, 1857; Isaac M. Woods, 1858-61: Silas M.
Holcomb, 1861-63; John Hargrove, 1865; Jacob F. Bird, 1867: Austin
Huston, 1869; William J. McGowan, 1871 : Clarence A. Buskirk, 1873-75;
Jacob IMontgomery, 1875; Francis W. Hauss, 1877; Jasper Davidson, 1879;
George C. Ma.son, 1881 ; William R. Genung, 1883: A. P. Twineham, 1885;
Jesse M. Montgomery, 1887: M. W. Fields, 1889: Preston A. Bryant, 1891-
93; W. D. Robinson, 1895; D. D. Hart. 1897; Hugh D. IMcGary, 1898; W.
F. Parrett. 1900: ^^'. F. Parrett. 1902: H. E. Agar, 1904: Luther Benson,
1906: Charles F. Stevens, 1908: Charles F. Stevens, 1910; John A. Rheuff.
1912.
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION DELEGATES.
In the constitutional con\'ention of 181 6 Gibson county was represented
by Alexander Devin, James Smith, Frederick Rapp and David Robb. In the
constitutional convention of 1852 the delegate from this county was Smith
^liller.
COUNTY COLLECTORS.
Between 1820 and 1841 there was a county collector of taxes and the
following served in Gibson county: Charles Harrington. Robert Milburn,
John R. Montgomery, James De\in, Nicholas J. Hargrove, James Devin, John
Ayers, James Skelton, John Sullivan, Joseph J. Kirkman, Roland B. Richards.
William Sharp. \\'illiam Phillips. Samuel A. Stewart, Thomas I. jMont-
gomery.
90 GIBSON COXJNTY, INDIANA.
COUNTY RECORDERS.
Robert M. Evans, John I. Neely, John R. Montgomery, John Hargrove,
John McCoy, T, B. Montgomery (died in office), J. L. Craig (appointed to
fill vacancy), James H. Fentriss, Thomas J. Robb, James M. Keyes, Solomon
Van Nada, W. R. Steele, T. A. Walters. W. D. Zimmerman, L. L. Bell,
Michael M. Kennedy.
COUNTY CLERKS.
Robert M. Evans, John I. Neely, J. R. Montgomery, John Hargrove,
Andrew Lewis, S. M. Barton (resigned), O. M. Welborn (appointed for
vacancy), Richard M. J. Miller, Dr. W. P. Welborn, James S. Epperson,
William H. Coleman, Samuel A. Stewart, T. J. Mason, Rollin Maxam.
COUNTY TREASURERS.
James W. Jones, William Prince, William Harrington. James W. Hogue,
David T. King, Willis Howe, James Boswell, M. G. C. Hargrove, William
Reavis, S. P. Welborn, Logan McCrary, Caleb Trippett, Charles C. Whiting,
Emil Sasse, William Simpson, John Sipp. William N. Tichnor, George W.
Shull, John A. West, R. F. McConnell, H. C. Redman; William S. Ennis.
F. S. D. Knowles (died in office). Foreman Knowles, his son, appointed to fill
vacancy and afterward elected ; Edgar Mauck, Milton Cushman.
COUNTY AUDITORS.
This county office was not created until 1841. John Ames, the first to
hold such office, resigned September 2, 1843, and Alfred Poland was ap-
pointed to serve out the unexpired term. Then followed William Kurtz,
John E. Phillips, Willis S. Hargrove, John C. Holcomb, William J. Casey
(died in office), Alexander J. Montgomery (appointed to vacancy), John W.
Johnson, L. W. McDonald, Samuel R. Adams, H. R. Embree, William T.
Roberts.
SHERIFFS.
James Crow, Henry Hopkins, Thomas Stone, James Devin, James Stone,
Joseph Neeley, N. J. Hargrove, J. J. Kirkman, Joseph E. ^^'oods, J. J. Kirk-
man, Samuel H. Shannon, J. J. Kirkman, August F. Boswell, Henry Ayers,
J. G. Vail, James Ragsdale, J. G. Vail, John Lockhart, Francis W. Hauss, J.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
91
G. Vail, W. L. Hargrove, H. P. Chambers, Hugh D. McCary, Monroe Kev,
Wyatt Gentry, John M. Trible, G. \\\ :Murpliy, Tlionias Beloat, Frank
Whiting, George Skelton, Joseph W. Barton.
COUNTY SURVEYORS.
David Robb, Robert M. pA'ans, Purnel Fi.sher, James Smith, Alexander
H. Polk, W. T. Stillwell, Alfred Poland, Alexander H. Polk, Charles A. Slay-
back, D. S. W. Miller, Alexander H. Polk, G. M. Emmerson, E. E. Watt's,
G. M. Emmerson, H. H. Neikamp, John L. Morris, H. C. Morrison.
ASSE.SSORS AND APPRAISERS.
This combined office was in existence until after the Civil war and was
held by the following persons: James Russell, by appointment in 1813, fol-
lowed by Henry Hopkins, James Ramsey, Charles Harrington, James Evans,
Walter Wilson, Thomas B. Embree, Walter Wilson, William Jerauld, Alex-
ander L. Evans, William De Priest, John Hargrove, Joseph Neely, Alexander
L. Evans, John Ayers, James F. Wasson, Jonathan Latham, D. Jerauld,
Jonathan Latham, Hugh Parkinson, James Boswell, \^'ilIiam Jerauld, William
De Priest, Jesse Weatherby, Silas M. Holcomb, Bluford H. Criswell, George
Beloat and Thomas Emerson.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.
The board of county commissioners ha\-e had in charge the affairs relat-
ing to the general and specific government of the county. As a rule they have
been men of good judgment and business sagacit}% and the affairs have usually
been conducted in a businesslike manner. Following are the names of the
men who have served on these boards since 1845. Prior to that the records
are lost: A. D. Foster, James Hudleson and Jolin Simpson, 1845; James
Hudleson, John Simpson and M. G. C. Hargrove, 1847; John Simpson, M.
G. C. Hargrove and John Ennes, 1848; John Simpson. John Ennes and David
Barker, 1850; John Simpson, David Barker and Stewart Cunningham, 1852;
John Simpson, Stewart Cunningham and A. D. Foster, 1854; Stewart Cun-
ningham, A. D. Foster and John M. Boren, 1855 ; December term, 1855, A.
D. Foster, David Robb and James Hudleson; A. D. Foster, James Hudle-
son and W. M. Land, 1856: David Robl), James Hudleson and Joseph
Yeager, 1857: Joseph "S'eager, Jan-'es Hudlesim and Joseph De\in. 1850;
92 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
James Hudleson, Henry Gambrel and Joseph Devin, 1861 ; Henry Gambrel,
James Hudleson and G. Vickers, 1862; G. Vickers, Henry Gambrel and
Stewart Cunningham, 1864; G. Vickers, Stewart Cunningham and H. G.
Mauck, 1865; Stewart Cunningham, William McReynolds and W. R. Mc-
Clary, 1866; A. J. Cunningham, William R. McClary and Logan McClary,
1867; W. R. McClary, A. J. Cunningham and John N. Mangrum, 1871 ; A.
J. Cunningham, John N. Mangrum and George W. Finch, 1872; John N.
Mangrum, George W. Finch and Moses K. Robb, 1873 ; John N. Mangrum,
Moses K. Robb and Calvin Drysdale, 1874; Moses K. Robb, Calvin Drysdale
and Sylvester Benson, 1876; Moses K. Robb, Sylvester Benson and William
Cooper, 1877; Sylvester Benson, William Cooper and A. J. Shoultz, 1879;
Sylvester Benson, A. J. Shoultz and John S. Mead, 1881 ; Sylvester Benson,
John S. Mead and Josiah Kightly, 1882; Josiah Kightly, S. Benson, 1884;
Z. M. Weed, John Mangrum, 1886; William McRoberts, John Mangrum,
1888; W. L. McRoberts, Z. M. Weed, 1890; Z. M. Weed, T. H. Emmerson,
1892; J. W. Phillips, T. H. Emmerson, 1894; Joseph Moore, S. R. Davis,
1896; E. C. Farmer, Philip Martin, 1898; J. W. Phillips, P. Martin, 1900;
J. W. Phillips, George W. Newman, 1902 ; G. W. Newman; John P. Moore,
1904; J. P. Youcham, John P. ]\Ioore, 1906: Joseph Yochum, G. Frohbiter,
1908; G. C. Frohbiter, George A. Knowles. 1910; R. D. Thompson, G. A.
Knowles, 19 12.
COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.
The office of county superintendent of schools v.'as created by the Legis-
lature in 1872, and the holder of this position takes the places formerly held
by the school examiners. He is elected every four years by the various town-
ship trustees. The following have served in Gibson county in such capacity :
\A'illiam T. Stilwell, Henry A. Yeager, W. D. Robinson, T. W. Cullen, Henry
Neikamp, John T. Ballard, John F. Fulling, and the present superintendent,
Wilbur Fisher.
CHAPTER Vn.
;ailroads and transportation.
THE WABASH AND ERIE CANAL.
By Col. W. M. Cockrum.
The people of our state, learning that the state.s of New York, Penn.syl-
vania and Ohio were prosecuting internal improvements successfully, de-
termined to try their hands at improving their own state, and in the early
thirties went wild in trying to see how many expensive canals, railroads and
plank roads they could locate and put under way of construction. Had the
managers of our state done as did New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio, that
is, to push one or two of these projects along and complete it 1)efore starting
others, they would also have succeeded. This was too sldw for our Hoosiers,
however, so they must have ten or a dozen costl}- im]n"o\enients going at the
same time. Many of these projected improvements were needed, and if they
had been finished, would have been of great service to our people.
The Wabash and Erie canal was much the greatest of all nf these in-
ternal improvements.
The act of Congress making the first land grants fur the construction of
the canal was passed in 1827. The act of our state Legislature authorizing
the commencement of the work was passed at the session of 1830-31. A
second grant of lands for the continuation of the canal from the mouth of
the Tippecanoe river to Terre Haute was ])assed b\- Congress in 1S31. .\
third grant of half of the unsold lands in the \'incennes land district for the
continuation of the canal from Terre Haute to the Ohio river at livansville
was made by Congress in 1845. The work on the canal was begun at I'ort
Wayne in 1832, and finished from Toledo, Ohio, to Lafayette in 1841. and
to Terre Haute in 1849, ^"<1 to Evansville in 1S52.
During the several years that so much work was in progress in Indiana.
wages were high, and all kinds of produce, forage and provisions were l)ring-
ing good prices, and the vast amount of money that was ])aid out for lalior
and produce apparently made good times in all ])arts of the countrx- where
94 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
this work was being done. But this was a iictitious appearance, for the
people had run into extra.vagance, and engaged in too much speculation, for
which promissory notes were given. The retail merchants contracted debts
with the wholesale merchants, and had sold quantities of goods to their
customers, who were wholly dependent on these works for money with which
to pay for their purchases. The crash came in the year 1837, and there was
a general suspension of every sort of business. The state financial ruin was
very great, and thousands of men who were on the road to fortune could do
nothing but stand idly by and see their fond hopes disappear. So wide was
this disaster in the country liordering the undertakings of the state, that it
was very distressing.
In 1838 there were so many more individuals involved in the ruin that
it was very embarrassing to all of the people. At the meeting of the Legis-
lature in 1838, Governor Wallace in his message said: "Never before — I
speak advisedly — never before have you witnessed a period in (.nir local his-
tory which more urgently calls for the exercising of all the soundest and
best attributes of grave and patriotic legislation than the present."
In 1839 work was suspended on most of the state improvements and the
contracts surrendered.
It became evident that the state could not finish all of these works. The
Legislature of 1841 passed a law authorizing any private company to take
charge of and complete any of the works except the Wabash and Erie canal.
It was thought that by the aid of the government the state could finish the
canal in the next few years. The state made several attempts in this direc-
tion without success. Ever\thing lay quiet until 1846, when Charles Butler,
who represented the bondholders, offered to take the state's interest in the
canal for one half of the debt and for the lands granted for its construction,
and finish it, if the state would issue new certificates for the other half and
pay interest at four per cent, per annum, the state reserving the right of
redemption. The canal under this management was finished to Evansville in
T852. The length of the canal in Indiana was three hundred and ninety-five
miles, and in Ohio eighty-four miles, making its entire length four hundred
and fifty-nine miles. This enormous work, which cost so many millions of
dollars, only lasted a few }'ears, owing to the fact that it was paralleled the
entire length by railroads. However, the canal caused a large emigration to
the section of country through which it passed.
The canal crossed the Patoka river into Gibson county on an aqueduct
at the old town of Dengola, and followed the lowlands of the Patoka river
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 95
to Francisco, thence southwest through the highlands nf tlie Pigeon Summit
that divides the watershed between the I'atoka river and the Pigeon creek
country.
At Port Gibson, a town locatetl on the canal in Giljson county, a
reservoir was located, which flooded as much as two thousand acres from
five to twenty feet deep. This was the greatest lishing resort that was ever
in Gibson county, as it was well stocked with fine lake fish. After the canal
was abandoned the water was let out of the reservoir, and today some of the
best farms in Gibson county are situated on these famous fishing grounds.
The canal followed the lowlands of Pigeon creek imtil it passed into Warrick
county, and thence to Evansville.
From Fort Wayne the canal followed the water le\'els of the Wabash
and tributaries. The fall was so great in many jilaces that locks had to be
put in, so that a new water level could be securetl. The locks were made c)f
a length sufficient for the largest boats and about eighteen feet wide, made of
heavy hewn timber. \'ery heavy double gates were made on each level.
Shippers along the canal had the lowest shipping rates that have ever
been in this section. In the late fifties my brother. James M. Cockrum, and I
were in the pork packing and tobacco business and had our packing and ship-
ping house at Dongola on the canal. Looking over one of our old shipping
books, I find that we shipped from Dongola to Evansville tierces of lard,
two hundred and fifty pounds, for ten cents each, Ijarrels of ])ork for eight
and a third cents eacli, and h<jgsheads of tol>acco, sixteen to eighteen hundred
pounds, for fifty cents each.
The canal boats were nearly all hea\-y freighters, Ijut there were two
fine passengers boats which ran between Evansville and Terre Haute, named
the "Prairie Queen" and the "Pride of the Wabash." These boats were
finely finished and would carry about thirty-five passengers in their sleeping
apartments, and that many more who furnished their own sleeping outfit.
These passenger boats aimed to make one hundred miles each twenty- four
hours, with four shifts of horses.
The same condition of things did not exist as when the state was su])-
plying the fu.nds to carry on her man_\- impro\'ements. The money to build
the canal from Terre Haute to Evansville came from the English liond-
holders. The works supplied employment for thousands of men and many
hundreds of teams, and good wages were paid. This vast amount of help
made a great demand for food stuffs, and good times was the result in all
the country near these works. There are thousands of farms that were ]iaid
for with funds obtained for labor and supplies on these works.
g6 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Tn connection with the history of the Wabash and Erie canal, I here give
several incidents that happened during its construction through Gibson
count}^
The contractors for the canal, as a class, were honorable men. In most
cases they had one section of the work, and these sections, as a rule, were
a mile long. Where the work was very heavy the sections were much
shorter, in order that the work might be completed about the same time. The
embankments were made by hauling the dirt in one-horse carts. The usual
outfit for a crew of men, when the haul was not over two hundred yards,
was four carts and four men to shovel the dirt into them. The work was
so timed that the loaded cart was ready to pull out as soon as an empty one
was ready to go to be loaded. Over forty men and carts there was a boss.
The shovelers were nearly all Irishmen; there were very few Americans.
Of the latter, most of them got out timbers for the culverts and bridges.
About a half gill of raw whiskey was given the men four times a day.
Whiskey at that time was as free from law restrictions as water and every-
one that wanted a "doggery," as they were called, could have it by building
a little log shanty and purchasing a barrel of whiskey at twenty-five cents
a gallon. These la^ laws resulted in many little drinking dens along the
canal.
Stewart and Rockefellow had the section at Dongola and on both sides
of the Patoka river, also the building of the aqueduct across the river. The
William H. Stewart of the firm mentioned was the father of Dr. William H.
Stewart, of Oakland City, Indiana. The above mentioned works were very
busy ones, and many men were engaged on them. As soon as they got
well imder way, a man named Bev Willis built a small ten-by-fifteen shanty
boat on the I'atoka river. It was situated near where the present iron bridge
spans the river at Dongola. Willis was from a good family, but was a wild
fellow and in a short time had a den full of drunken sots. There was little
attention paid to him until some of Stewart"s best men begun to neglect their
work. Then Stewart went to see him, and gave him one week to get away
with his boat and whiskey. Bev sold his whiskey to another doggery man
some miles farther west on the works, tore his boat to pieces and went to
California.
Soon after this a man named Spradley, from Warrick county, came to
Dongola, hunting a place where he could Iniild a whiskey shanty. He boast-
ingly said that he would teach the canalers that they would have to get busy
before they drove him away. He had two barrels of whiskey hauled to
this place where he Iniilt his doggery, and for a couple of days dispensed
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 97
liquDF without interruption. Then Stewart took two or tliree of his bosses,
with picks, and went to see the brave Warrick county man. V/hen the latter
saw them coming he made it convenient to get away. Stewart and his men
broke open the barrels and poured the whiskey on the ground. This ended
the liquor traffic at Dongola.
THE KNOW-NOTHINGS.
This was about the time that the first of tlie Know-Xothings was heard
of in this section. Consequently there was not the Ijest of feeling existing
between the Irish and the native Americans. Many comlxits resulted. Tlie
Irish would get on a drinking spree and raise a fuss with the first /Vmerican
they could find, calling him a "know-nothing," and if he resented the insult,
ten or fifteen of the drunken brutes would attack him.
In 1852 Columbia township was much larger than now. The west line
was one mile west of Francisco. There was but one precinct for the whole
township, and that was located on the farm owned by the late Capt. S. G.
Barrett, now owned by the late James M. Steel's heirs. About noon on the
election day in 1852 a man was seen running along the road from the west,
and following him were a score of men. When the lone man had come
within a hundred yards of the cr(iwd that was at the polls, he stopped and
faced his pursuers. Two who were in the lead reached hin^ \\\ku he laid
them both in the road with a club which he carried. Kd [Mijsley was at the
election. He saw there was a host against one and. jumping out of his
wagon, pulling ofif his coat as he ran, he joined the man who was defending
himself so gallantly. He went into the Irish and knocked them right and
left, soon putting the whole gang to flight. The lone man proved to be young
Swallow, the father of Willis Swallow, of Oakland City. The Irish had
come onto him near Francisco as he was coming to the election and began to
abuse him, calling him a Know-Nothing. He did not take much of their
abuse until he floored three or four of them. .\ crowd of them immediately
set upon him and he had to run for his life. He had a good sized club and as
the foremost of his pursuers would get close to him, he would stop and knock
one or two of them down. In this way he had more than half of them with
sore heads and bloody iioses.
Ragon's works were northwest of Oakland City abdut three miles, and
included the section which cros.sed Keg creek and its l)ottoms. This was one
of the heaviest works on the line. The fill across the Ixittoms was one hun-
(7)
9o GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
dred feet wide and was from fifteen to eighteen feet to the bottom of the
canal. Ten on one side the berm bank and on the other the towpath were
made ; these Ijanks were six feet higher than the l^ottom of the canal. On
these heavy works there was a large number of men, carts, and teams at
work for nearly three years. At that time there were many ox teams used.
They had a ^•ery large plow on these works which the writer has seen drawn
by eight yoke of heavy oxen. Shanties for the people and rough stables for
the horses and oxen were scattered so thickly that it looked like a string town
for many miles along the canal. One living today cannot realize the im-
mense amount of work required to build the canal. It required the removal
of more dirt than it would to build a dozen railroads. There were a hun-
dred boarding shanties, large and small, from what was known as the Patoka
Summit, a mile or two above Hosmer, Tike county, to the Pigeon Summit,
about two miles Ijelow Francisco, Gibson county. Some of these shanties
were eighty feet long and would have bunks for as many as fifty boarders.
Smaller houses were constructed to accommodate four and six boarders.
Nearly all of these people who lived near the works were Irish. They had
no trouble getting all the whiske}' they required, and such carrying on as they
had has never been seen before or since in this part of Indiana.
There was a large blacksmith shop near the site of the present residence
of Samuel Aydelott. A. J. Malone, the father of Rice Malone, lived some
miles southwest of that shop, but had come in to have a single-tree mended.
He was starting home when he was attacked In- a band of drunken Irish-
rnen. Malone used his single-tree for a club and knocked se\'enteen of them
down with it. Finally one fellow slipped up behind and knocked Malone
down with a ]:)ick handle. The drunken brutes then beat him until they
thought he was dead. Some of his friends found him and took him to his
home, where he lay for many weeks. When he came to his right mind, his
friends obtained a description of the men who had attacked him, several of
whom Malone knew by name. A posse of twenty men went with their guns
to the boarding shanties and compelled the men to pass out of the door be-
tween double lines of men who were trying to find the guilty ones. How-
ever, some one had given a tip and, with the exception of three, all who had
been in the cowardly scrap had fled. These three were hurt so badly that
they could not get away. One of them was killed afterwards by John Loyd
for bragging of how he beat the American. The other two disappeared
mysteriously afterward, and it is believed they were captured and disposed
of by Americans.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.* 99
The people living; along and working- cm the canal had very little re.sjard
for sanitary rules and in most cases lived as tilthy lives as animals. This
subjected them to many diseases. The cholera raged up and down the line
one whole summer and until late in the fall, and I doubt if less than one thou-
sand people died on the works between Patoka and Pigeon Summits. The
stricken would die within three or four hours. On the old Potter farm now
owned by Sylvester Cantrell, three miles northwest of Oakland City, so
many people were sick and dead that the canal people hired a cooper named
Whitelock from Francisco to make boxes for coffins. After he had nailed
up his sixtieth Ixjx. he said, "I ha\'e nailed the cholera up, and no more will
die." He was dead himself within two hours afterward, and nailed up in
one of his own boxes. There was a general stampede from the works.
Cold weather came, and work was resumed. There were three dead Irish-
men found in a blacksmith shop which stood on the ground occupied b}' the
residence of A. I. Upton, two miles north of Oakland City.
Patrick Manning had the heavy works just west of Dongola. where
the canal crosses the Hurricane creek. Mr. Manning was a just man, and
had a family of grown-up boys and girls. Young Pat Manning was a strong,
resolute fellow of twenty years of age. On Christmas morning in 185.2 he
came to our house for a load of ha\-, and prevailed upon my father to let
me go home with him, as they were to ha\-e a Christmas dinner that day.
After we reached his home I assisted him in unloading the hay. W'e were
near a small shanty occu])ied l)y an Irishman and his wife. These two were
drinking stews, and soon began to quarrel. In a few moments the door
ilew open and the woman came out of the shanty and fell on the frozen
ground as if .shot from a catapult. Young Manning jumped from the
wagon and ran up to where the man was standing, and knocked him down.
Whereupon the woman picked up a shovel and struck Manning on the side
of the head, with the warning, ".\gain, Mr. Manning, you will learn to keej)
out of our little pleasantries." Pat rulibed his head and said he would not
aid her again if the husband killed her.
On Manning's works, his trusted man and bookkeeper went unde^ the
name of Pat McTurbon. This man had been with Manning for two years
on works farther north liefore coming down to Gibson county. McTurbon
was a civil engineer and could take an estimate of the work done and to bf
done. Mr. Ball, the chief engineer of the canal, said that McTurbon was so
much more competent than any other man on the works that he ofTered him
a new position under himself, with a good salary. McTurbon refused, how-
100 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
ever, saying that Mr. Manning was a good man and that he was content to
remain with him until the works were completed.
A small, spare man came to the works and applied for a job, saying
that he was not very strong, but could do light work as well as anyone.
There was a large number of men on the works. The jigger boss had be-
come such a drunkard that Mr. ]\Ianning proposed to the new man that he
might have the place, which was accepted, and he went to work very indus-
triously. Soon another man applied for work, and who claimed to be from
Canada. He went to work as a shoveler. These men had been there several
weeks, when one morning neither of them appeared, and McTurbon was also
missing. His shanty was locked on the outside with a padlock, just as he
always left it when he went to work or to his meals. There was a peculiar
noise in the shant}', as if someone were breathing very hard. Manning had
the staple drawn and on the floor lay the jigger boss and the Canadian, with
a straight-jacket securely laced around each of them, and their legs tied to a
heavy stake which was driven into the ground to make a water shelf on. In
each of their mouths was a regular burglar's gag. McTurbon was gone,
with his fine set of instruments and his best clothing. He left a note on top
of his time book, addressed to Manning, and read as follows:
"My dear Mr. Manning:
"Under circumstances over which I have no control, I am compelled to
leave your service, which I sincerely regret. Your accounts and time are
correct up to yesterday evening. You will, on the floor of my domicile, find
two guests of mine that I part from with satisfaction.
"Yours sincerely,
"Pat McTurbon."
After the two imprisoned men had regained consciousness, which they
did not do for several hours, they related their story. They were detectives
from the Scotland Yards, Loudon, and had been hunting all over the country
for .the last six years to find McTurl)on, whose right name was John Cecil.
He had robbed a wealthy English nobleman of more than five hundred thou-
sand dollars worth of jewelry, nearly all in diamonds. These detectives had
followed the line of public works all over England and America, for they
knew that he was a finished engineer and thought that he would go to work
at his profession. The two detectives were not certain that McTurbon was
the man, as he had so changed himself, but they believed that he was, and
they determined to try to get him into his room when he was asleep, as he
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. lOI
never left it onl}- when he went to his meals or made estimates for Manning,
and then the door wa.s always locked. The shanty which JMcTurbon occupied
was built on the slope of a hill a short distance west of Hurricane creek, on
land now owned by Charles Shurig, of Oakland City. Under the north side
of the shanty was a large log, so as to make the floor level. This made quite
an opening under the floor near the log. The detective discovered that wide
planks had been used for flooring, and that by loosening one of them they
could easil\- get inside. This they succeeded in doing while McTurbon was at
supper. The night they attempted to make a search for the diamonds was a
very dark one. McTurbon had found that plank was loosened. He accord-
ingly prepared himself and was on watch for them. About midnight one of
the detectives slipped under the floor cautiousl\- and pushed the loosened
plank to his partner. They soon had a hole large enough for a man to pass
through. The jigger boss went first, and upon stepping into the room was
knocked senseless with a blow from a sandbag. McTurbon lowered his
victim to the floor, and put his head down to the hole and whispered to the
other man to come on, which he did, and was treated with the same sandbag
blow. These men were seriously hurt and it was ten days before they were
able to leave.
THE SOUTHERN RAILROAD.
Under the internal improvement craze of the early thirties a project
was put on foot to build a railroad from New Alban_\-, Indiana, to ?\It. Car-
mel, Illinois, to connect with the Illinois & St. Louis railroad, then being
surveyed. Surveyors were put to work on the New Albany road and the
location for the line was made. There was but little work done on this survey
in Indiana. On the Illinois division work was i)egun in 1837, and about
twenty miles was graded east and west of Albion, Illinois. The general hard
times all over the country caused a suspension of the work, leaving a large
amount of debts against the company. Later on, Iw an act of the Illinois
Legislature, the road was sold to the highest bidder and was bought in liy
General Pickering for a nominal sum. There was nothing done with the road
until 1 87 1, when that route was adopted and the graded roadbed was bought
back from Pickering. Under the general laws of our state, the New .\lbany
& St. Louis Air Line was organized Februarx' 24, 1869. On the ist of July,
1870, the name was changed to Louisville, New Albany & St. Louis .\ir Line
Railway Company. The survey which was adopted and on which the roadbed
was built was near the old survey made in 1837. In a clump of trees
I02 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Standing in Oakland City, when the new survey was made, the engineers
found the bench mark of the okl survey not more than tift_\' feet from where
the road now runs. The Illinois division was organized April 14, 1869, by a
special act of the Illinois Legislature, under the name of the St. Louis, Mt
Carmel & New Albany Railroad Company. The Indiana and Illinois divis-
ions were consolidated July 24, 1872, under the name of the Louisville, New
Albany & St. Louis Railroad Company. Both divisions were subsec|uently
sold under foreclosure proceedings. The Indiana division was reorganized
in February, 1877, under the name of the Louisville, New Albany & St.
Louis Air Line Railroad Company, and the Illinois division was reorganized
in January, 1878, under the name of the St. Louis & Mt. Carmel Railroad
Company In August, 1878, these two companies were again consolidated
under the name of the Louisville, New Albany & St. Louis Railroad Com-
pany. The road later on consolidated with the Evansville, Rockport & East-
ern Railway Company, and changed its name to the Louisville, Evansville &
St. Louis Railroad Company. This change of name came about because the
railroad company had purchased a line of railroad from Huntingljurg, Can-
nelton, Rockport and Evansville. The consolidated railroad compan\- carried
a large bonded debt of more than twenty million dollars, and had defaulted in
paying the interest. This resulted in the road being placed in the hands of a
receiver, who managed the business for several years. The bondholders of
the first mortgage bonds became weary doing without interest or dividend,
and brought foreclosure proceedings. The court ordered that the road he
sold to the best advantage for the creditors. The property was purchased
by a committee of bondholders of the Louisville, Evansville & St. Louis
Railway Company. The company was reorganized under the latter name.
About this time a road was built from Lincoln City to Cannelton liy a
company called the Huntingburg, Tell City & Cannelton Railroad Company.
In 1889 new interests acquired both these companies and they were then con-
solidated with the Illinois & St. Louis Railroad and Coal Company, the
Venice & Carondelet Railway Company and the Belleville, Centralia & East-
ern Railroad Company, under the name of the Louisville, Evansville & St.
Louis Consolidated Railroad Company. In 1894 this road went into the
hands of a receiver. In November, 1900, it was sold to the Southern Rail-
way Company.
The Southern Railroad crosses Gibson county from east to west, near the
center of the county. There are twenty-five miles of track in the county.
The road is in first-class condition, being thoroughly ballasted and laid with
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. IO3
tlie hea\iest •^teel rails. Six ihrou^li jiassenger trains, tlircL- each waw ])ass
i.i\er tile road every day.
FA'ANSX'ILLE & TERRE II.M'TE RAILROAD.
The original charter for the l'".\ans\ille & Terre Haute Railroad was
granted in 1849 t'> the l-A'ansville iS: Illinois Railroad Company, aiming to
run from Evans\ ille to Olney, Illinois, via J^rinceton and Alt. (."armel, there
to connect with the Ohio cV Mississippi railroad. In accordance with the
notices publisheil in the I'rinceton and ^A•ans^•ille ])a])ers, the conijiany was
organized in the city of Evansville on August 16, 1S49. Samuel Hall, of
Princeton, was the president. It was through his able management, assisted
by other competent men, that the work was pushed forward. Aloney was
not plentiful and was hard to get. but the subscription of EA-an.sville for one
hundred thousand dollars and of A'anderburg county for a like amount, with
the .subscriptions of a number of ca]}italists, put the company in shape to go
forward with the construction work, l^dany times the company was hard up
for bonds to ])a_\- the contractors, and the officers and directors would pledge
their- own private fortunes ami raise the money to go on with the work-
The road was completed to I'rinceton in 1852. I well remember the
great gathering of people assembled on the ground where James W. Lewis's
residence now stands, watching for the train which was to come at eleven
o'clock. I yet remember that the little engine, when it did come, was covered
with flags. ~S\r. Hall, the president of the road, stood on the tender and
made a speech. Not one in a hundred of these people had ever seen a railroad
engine and I was one of that number.
There were many amusing incidents which happened while the first
trains were running on the new line. I'rom Fort Branch comes one of the
best. An old lady named Sullivan lived near the railroad track just a little
way from Fort Branch. She had quite a lisp in her voice. The trains went
by her door every day. She was of inquisitive disposition, and she deter-
mined that she would make the train stop so that she could look it over.
Preparing herself with a large sheet, she went on to the track and as the
train came within sight she waved tiie sheet, cau.'jing the engine t<i stop. The
engineer ran forward to learn the cause of the trouble, and asked .Mrs.
Sullivan the reason for stopping them. She said. "Oh. nothing. I juth
wanted to thee what the cuthed thing looked like."
In 1852 it was decided to build the road to \'incennes. Terre Haute and
Crawfordsville. The name of the road was changed to the I'A'ansxille &
I04 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Crawfordsville Railroad Company. A survey was made to Crawfordsville
via Vincennes and Terre Haute, and the road was completed to Rockville,
sixteen miles north of Terre Haute. In March, 1877, the name of the road
was changed to the Evansville & Terre Haute Railroad. The construction
of the Mt. Vernon division from Fort Branch, thirty-seven miles in length,
was completed in 1882. Montgomery township gave twenty-five thousand
dollars to aid the extension. The Evansville & Terre Haute road, or Chicago
& Eastern Illinois, as it has recently become through absorption, runs through
a fine farming country. The Mt. Vernon branch runs through territory
which cannot be excelled for agricultural purposes ; the land along the branch
and much of the main line is worth from one hundred to one hundred and
fifty dollars per acre. The road has always been a conservative one and well
patronized. The Frisco system now owns this valuable property and run
their "cannon-ball" trains over it to all parts of the South. The principal
stations in Gibson county are Princeton, Owensville, Fort Branch, Hazelton.
Patoka and Hanbstadt.
INDIANAPOLIS & EVANSVILLE RAILROAD.
The Indianapolis & Evansville Railroad was brought into existence in
1854. It was then known as the Evansville, Indianapolis & Cleveland
Straight I>ine Railroad. At the organization of the company in 1854 Hon.
Oliver H. Smith, of Indianapolis, was chosen president, and Willard Car-
penter, of Evansville, was chosen vice-president and general manager. Dur-
ing the year of 1855-6 nearly all of the grading was done from Evansville
to Washington, Indiana, and the roadbed would have been ready for the iron
as soon as it could have been gotten. There were no iron or steel rails made
in this country at that time, and our people had to depend upon England for
the rails. Mr. Carpenter went to England with his pockets full of bonds, ex-
pecting no trouble in securing the rails. Being worth more than a half
million dollars himself, he could supply any shortage in the bonds.
At that time John Ingle was president of the Evansville & Terre Haute
road. Looking on the Straight Line road as a rival, he flooded the iron
markets of England with damaging statements of Mr. Carpenter and his
road. When the latter arrived in England he found that he could not turn a
wheel and he returned home a defeated and disappointed man. The work
was all stopped and the roadbed was abandoned for more than twenty-five
vears. There was a large amount of land subscribetl and deeded to the com-
pany to help build the road. Many people had done much more than they
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. IO5
should have done; some of them even lost their own farms. There was no
attempt to revive the work until 1882, when an adventurer by the name of
Hervey, with nothing but a silk jiat and a box of cigars, came along and found
the old roadbed. He hunted up some of the bondholders, and, with fair
promises, got control of the property. He put a mortgage on it, bought the
iron, finished the grading and bridging, and completed the road from Evans-
ville to \\'orthington, Indiana. Since that time a branch from Worthington
to Terre Haute has been l:)uilt. The road now has running schedule from
Worthington to Indianapolis over the Indianapolis & \'incennes railroad. The
principal stations in Gibson county are Oakland Cit\- and Sommerville. This
railroad now belongs to the Frisco system.
BIG FOUR RAILBOAD.
Within the last three years there has l)een a branch line l)uilt from the
\'incennes & Cairo Big Four railroad that crosses the Wabash river aljout
ten miles south of Mt. Carmel, thence through Wabash and Montgomery
township, Gibson county, and on to Evansville. The road has about eight
miles of track in this county. There is a new town located on the line, near
what is kno\\n as Skeleton Blufif, four miles we?t of Owensxille, named John-
son.
EVANSVILLE & PRINCETON TRACTION.
The E^■ans\•ille & Princeton Traction Line is the first of the kind be-
tween the two cities. It was finished January i. 1903. Ed. J. Baldwin, of
Princeton, was the prime mover in the promotion, and the late Joseph Heston
was president at the time of its completion. The road has since been ex-
tended north to Patoka. After running a time, the line was bought 1)y the
ilurdock-AIarshall-Durbin company or syndicate. It is now owned 1)y the
Evansville Public Utilities Company.
THE SOUTHERN RAILROAD SHOPS.
The Southern railroad shops now existing in the city of Princeton are
unquestionably the greatest factor in the commercial development and civic
growth of the city. After the fire of 1893 there was question of the town
ever building up, but the shops saved the day. and Princeton started upon
the upward path.
In the early months of the year i8go talk was first heard in regard to
I06 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
the shops. The plan was first made pubHc in the Clarion of November 13,
1890, when it was announced that the Louisville, Evansville & St. Louis Con-
solidated Railroad Company, having then a mileage of ox'er three hundred
miles, intended to begin somewhere the building of general main machine
and repair shops on a large scale, the building to take place in 1891. Several
towns and cities became active bidders for these shops, and for some time the
question of location was in doubt. There is no doubt that in the eyes of the
railroad officials, including D. J. Mackey, the president and manager of what
later became the Chicago & Eastern Illinois and the Southern, Princeton was
the fa\-ored city. The shops then existed at Huntingburg.
President Mackey forwarded a letter to Harry Kurtz, a citizen of Prince-
ton and railroad promoter, stating that the shops would be built in Princeton
for a donation of forty acres of land and right of way for the extension, and
two per cent, of aid, which would produce sixt}'-six thousand dollars.
The proposition submitted by Air. Mackey to Mr. Kurtz reads as follows:
"Upon condition that the Louisville, Evansville & St. Louis Consolidated
Railroad Company .-hall cunstruct, ecpiip, maintain, occupy and use to the full
capacity of its road as its general main machine and repair shops, round
house, car shops, paint shops, blacksmith shop and office of and general divi-
sion point at or within three thousand yards of the court house in the city of
Princeton, in the county of Gibson, in the state of Indiana :
"Eirst. The round house shall be constructed with thirty stalls, a cajrnc-
ity to accommodate at least thirt}' engines at a time.
"Second. The machine and boiler shops shall be at least two hundred
and fifty in length and se\-enty-five feet in width.
"Third. The car shops shall he at least eight}' feet by one hundred and
sixty feet.
"Eourth. The paint shops shall be at least one hundred and eighty feet
by forty feet.
"Fifth. The blacksmith shop shall be sevent}'-fi\-e feet by one hundred
feet.
"Sixth. The office building shall be at least eighty feet by thirty-five
feet, or if buildings are shaped different from the abo\'e described they must
be built and occupied as great in extent in aggregate in area and number as
these described aforesaid. Each and all of said shops shall be constructed
of brick or brick and stone; the construction of said shops shaU be begun on
or before the first day of June, 189 1, and completed and ecpiipped and occu-
pied and be used to the full capacity of the road on or before December,
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. 10/
1S94, and tor ninety-nine years and perpetually thereafter. Should the said
railroad company or their snccesstirs and a.ssigns fail at an\- time after
January, 1894, to use said shops to the full capacity of their road for any
consecutive period of one year, then in that event the amount so Mited and
donated by said township (Patoka) shall revert to the tax payers of said
township and be paid over by said railroad company, their successors or as-
signs, to the treasurer of Gibson county, Indiana, for the benefit or use of the
tax payers of said Patoka township, and the buildings shall rexert to the
parties or company who donated the ground upon which they are erected.
"Should the aforesaid buildings be destroyed by iire, lightning or any
other cause, they shall be rebuilt immediately and as fast as possible by said
railroad company, and when rebuilt shall be equipped, used and occupied to
the full capacity of, and by said railroad company, as before provided.
"It is further agreed while this donation shall be collected according to
law, that no part of the same shall be paid over to the railroad company until
all of the aforesaid shops are built, equipped, occupied and used to the full
capacity of the said railroad, as the general machine and repair shops of said
railroad company, and a certified copy of the acceptance and ratification of
this contract by the directors and the majority of the stock holders of the
Louisville, Evans\ille & St. Louis Consolidated Railroad Company is tendered
to the auditor of Gibson county, Indiana, for filing as a part of the record of
the board of county commissioners of Gibson county, Indiana."
This proposition was published in the Princeton Clarion and the xoters
of Patoka township given a chance to form their opinions as to the matter.
On Saturday, November 22, 1890, transportation was provided for three
persons from each school district in Patoka township to W^ashington, Daviess
county, Indiana, to examine for themsel\-es the Baltimore & Ohio slvips
there, and to go among the citizens and farmers of that vicinity for the
purpose of learning whether the voting of a sixty-six thousand dollar tax,
payable in four installments, April, 1892, November, 1892, April, 1893, and
November, 1893, was advisable or not. The farmers of each school tlistrict
appointed the men to go. Four hundred boarded the special train that day
and went to. ^^'ashington. The dissenters were in the minority when the
train returned, and these were mostly ones who had partaken too freely of
the "old red eye."
The board of county commissioners ordered an election to I)e held in
Patoka township on Tuesday, January 13, 1891, by legal \oters, to determine
the question of appropriating the desired n.ioney in aiding the railrcjad
Io8 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
in changing the line of its road and also in the way of making improvements
and adding division and repair shops. At this election there were nine hun-
dred and fifty-nine votes in favor of the tax, and four hundred and ten not in
favor, making the majority in favor of the shops five hundred and forty-nine.
The four hundred and ten voters opposed just about represented the number
in the township against the improvements. These men held opposition meet-
ings where orators were imported for the purpose of stirring up the people
to their side, but the efforts proved futile. The majority of the people saw
the benefit of the shops.
The appropriation was made and the shops built. Meanwhile a land
company known as the Princeton Land Company was formed to buy a large
tract of ground and donate from this tract the forty acres needed by the rail-
road company, and to plat the remainder into town lots and sell them, thereby
making profit on the investment. Thomas R. Paxton was president of this
companv, John H. Miller was secretary, and Harry Kurtz was the promoter.
At this date, 1914, the shops are still growing, and have come to be one
of the greatest industries in the county of Gibson. From three hundred to
five hundred men find emplo}-ment here, and the monthly pay roll amounts to
over thirty-five thousand dollars. The shops are located in the southern part
of the city, and transportation is provided by automobile from the downtown
district. The shops are equipped with the newest and best machinery, and
the slogan of the place is "efficiency and dispatch." The most modern safety
appliances are used to prevent accidents, but when these do occur, as they are
bound to do, immediate attention is gi\en to the victim. The round house
has a capacity of eighteen engines, that is, comfortable working capacity.
In closing this short exposition of the Southern shops it is only fitting to
pay a small tribute to the man who was responsible, perhaps more than any
other, in securing this improvement for the city of Princeton. This was
Henry (Harry) Kurtz. He gave up a lucrative position, also his own money,
so that he might aid the cause of a better Princeton. He labored hard, he
sacrificed, and all without pay. Nothing more could higher perpetuate the
memory of this patriot. The Southern shops are in fact a monument to
Harry Kurtz.
HAZELTON RAILROAD WRECK.
One of the worst wrecks in the history of southern Indiana occurred on
the Evansville & Terre Haute road, now the Chicago & Eastern Illinois, at
three o'clock, Wednesday morning, March 10, 1897. Fast train No. 5, south
bound, was wrecked at the high embankment forming the southern approach
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. IO9
to the White river bridge about two miles north of the town r/f Hazelton.
Back water from White river had flooded that portion of the country up to
within a few feet of the track and the water depth measured about twenty
feet. The high embankment was consequently weakened and gave way
under the weight of the heavy train. When the train approached the fatal
bridge it was running at a speed of twenty-five miles an hour. The engineer
obeyed orders and slowed his engine as he drew near the bridge, but was still
running at a good rate of speed when the embankment was reached one hun-
dred and fifty yards from the bridge proper. Then came the catastrophe,
sudden and appalling, and unavoidable as much as tragic.
Without warning the track gave in and literally slid out from under the
engine. The water rushed through the opened levee, and the aperture was
widened rapidly by the force. The engine turned over into the ditch ten feet
east of the track, landing broadside in five feet of water. The l^aggage car
followed and plunged headfirst into the washout. The smoker came next and
was telescoped by the baggage car: the top being cut ofi^ down to the lc\el
of the windows. The ladies' coach and sleeper remained on the track and
none of the occupants were injured in the least.
The death roll was numbered from the occupants of the sulimerged coach
and baggage car. This ill-fated coach broke loose from the couijlings and
floated down stream, where it finally sank. Only one or two bodies were ever
recovered from this car, and the nnmber of men therein is now but a matter of
conjecture. A large number, possibly a dozen, lives were lost, it is certain,
among them being Conductor George A. Sears, whose arm was seen protrud-
ing from one of the windows as the coach sank. Not until April 29th, more
than six weeks after the wreck, did one body come to light, and that was a
traveling man from Fort Wayne named W. H. Lange. Professional divers
worked on the wreck for days and days, but to no avail. The toll is the
secret of the quicksand and water, forever hidden to the knowledge of man.
CHAPTER VIII.
AGRICULTURE IN GIBSON COUNTY.
Ever since the dawn of creation agriculture has claimed the attention of
the major portion of the human race, either directly or indirectly. In fact,
the race could exist but a brief time were it not for that which the soil
brings forth and this must largely be produced by the untiring labors of the
diligent, faithful husbandman. Some sections of the state of Indiana, as
well as many other states, have other resources upon which to subsist,
financially, but the great wealth comes from the soil and harvesting of crops.
There are many excellent farming counties in this commonwealth, but few,
if indeed any, can produce better crops than does Gibson county, one year
with another.
The quality of soil and general adaptibility of the land for the produc-
tion of crops in any given community is best seen by glancing at the state
reports that show the annual returns, from an impartial, unbiased stand-
point. Such reports show that in 1900 Gibson county had 2,973 farms, and
ten years later it had 2,882 farms. The number of native white farmers in
1910 was 2,687; foreign-born farmers, 103; negroes and other races, ninety-
two farmers.
The number of farms in the county in 1910 from three to nine acres,
was 107; from ten to nineteen acres, 157; from twenty to fifty acres, 655;
from fifty to one hundred acres, 841 ; from one hundred and seventy-five to
two hundred and sixty acres, 240; from two hundred and sixty to five hun-
dred acres, 96; from five hundred to one thousand, 9.
Of the approximate 311,000 acres in the county, there were 273,000
acres in farms; improved lands in farms, 244,000 acres; woodlands in farms.
25,300 acres; other unimproved lands in farms of the county, 3,202 acres.
The average number of acres per farm was ninety-four. The total valuation
of all farm property in 1910 was $21,484,996, an increase of seventy-two
per cent, iii the last decade. Of this amount over two million dollars was
in domestic animals. The values were classed as follows: Land, 75 per
cent.; buildings, 12 per cent.; improvements, 2 per cent.; domestic animals,
10 per cent. The average value of lands in Gibson county was shown in
the 1910 reports to be $59.59 per acre.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
PRINCIPAL CROPS.
The state reports for 1910 show the following: Acres of corn, 71,000;
bushels, J, 746,756. Oats, 4,370 acres; Inishels, 88,200. Wheat, 55.880
acres; bushels, 1,020,000. Rye, 408 acres; bushels, 4.728. Barley, 12
acres; bushels, 236. Clover seed, 358 bushels. Potatoes, 690 acres; Inishels,
70.149. Tobacco, 15 acres; pounds, 14,160. Hay and forage, 25,716 acres;
tons. 33,003. Timothy, 8,268 acres; tons, 10,143. Clover, 5,872 acres;
tons, 7,360.
The total value of the domestic animals in the county in 1910 was placed
at 2,020,583. Of this amount there was of cattle, $350,000; of horses,
$987,000; of mules, $360,000; asses and burros, $8,000; swine, $256,000;
sheep, $58,000. Of poultry there was in value, $87,103; of bees, $2,643.
AGRICULTURE THIRTY YEARS AGO.
The following appeared in a former history of Gibson county, and re-
flects the conditions and opinions on the soil and crops at that date : "This
county contains within its limits some of the best and most productive soil
within the state. Agricultural pursuits are, in fact, the leading employments
of the people and the rich returns that they bring to those engaged in them
promise to attract strangers and reward all who devote their labor to them.
Gibson county is located within the wheat belt. The leading staple products
are : ^'\'heat, Indian corn, oats, potatoes, hay, tobacco and sorghum. The
productions are so varied as to warrant the assertion that no year or season
can occur in which the true husbandman will be completely disappointed in
his hopes. Another branch of industry is stock raising. In this county may
be found a few farmers engaged in breeding blooded sheep, cattle, horses,
swine and poultry. This is an industry that ought to receive more attention
from the farmers generally. Almost every desirable fruit, every useful
grain, every nutritive grass, is found here growing to perfection. Industry
may grow rich with the proper use of its resources and domestic comfort, and
even luxury may find ample opportunities to gratify every reasonable desire."
Since the above was recorded this county has advanced wonderfully in
the farming and stock-raising industry. Better crops, more yield per acre
and better stock has come to obtain in every township in the entire county.
Land has rapidly advanced in price, yet not so high that renting is out of
date because of small profits, but on the other hand many of the renters are
112 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
making good money for the work they are annually doing on other men's
lands.
GIBSON COUNTY AGRICULTURAL AND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
By Roy r. King.
In the history and development of Gibson county, there is no movement
or organization so closely interwoven into the affairs of the county as the
Gibson County Horticultural and Agricultural Association and no historical
sketch of the county would be complete unless it included a review of the
sixty-two years of energetic co-operation of the county's leading citizens to-
ward advancing the interests of the farmer, the merchant, the mechanic and
the artisan and instilling in them the desire to excel in every line of produc-
tion and trade.
To give a complete review of the activities of the Gibson County Fair
Association it is necessary to go back several years before the formation of
the society to record a number of events which were responsible for its
formation and which laid the groundwork for the association, which
flourished until today it ranks above any of its kind in the state.
■ To one man, long since forgotten except by a few older residents of the
county, belongs great credit. This man was Dr. George B. Graff, who in
1843 came to Princeton from Maryland, a man whose mind dwelt upon the
future with an infinite faith in the great Middle Western states and whose
philanthropy aided in its growth and development. As evidence of his
philanthropic spirit, it is shown that, at considerable expense. Doctor Graff
imported to Gibson county a quantity of what was then known as "White"
or "Tapahannock" wheat, the species which is grown throughout southern
Indiana today. The wheat was given to the farmers of the county for seed-
ing purposes and proved a success beyond all expectation.
From stories of the generosities of Doctor Graff which have been handed
down he was at all times deeply interested in the growth and welfare of Gib-
son county and when in 1852 he projected the idea of holding a county fair,
he secured the support of the leading citizens of Princeton and the surround-
ing country, including Dr. John McMaster, John Hargrove, A. Lewis, W.
Kurtz, Dr. Joseph I. Neeley, Dr. W. W. Blair and others, whose names are
closely linked with the history of the later organized fair association.
The idea of holding a fair was financed by the men named above and it
was held in the court house yard at Princeton, November 11, 1852. Such
live stock as was exhibited was tied to the fence surrounding the court yard
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. I I3
ami an effort was made toward a display of farm protlucts uf all kinds. No
admission was charged and the premiums were made up from money given
by the merchants and others of Princeton. The premiums amounted to thirty
dollars. In addition to the ca.sh premiums, silver cups were awarded as
prizes and this feature was continued long after the fair association was
organized. The officers of this preliminary organization were: John Har-
grove, president; Andrew Lewis, secretary, and William Kurtz, treasurer.
The first fair was so well attended and was such a success that it was
repeated the following year, on October 4th. During the following two
years, for some reason, no fair was held, but in 1856 the movement was re-
vived with added success. The premiums paid in 1856 amounted to two
hundred and twenty-five dollars, with four hundred and ten entries in all
classes. Like the former two fairs, this was also held in the court house
yard.
The unquestionable success of the fair in 1856 led to the organization
of the Gibson County Horticultural and Agricultural Association. It was
evident to everyone that the movement was one which would increase in
favor and on September 19, 1856, articles of incorporation were filed,
signed by the following: Judge Elisha E. Embree, Dr. W. W. Blair, Silas
M.- Holcomb, Sr., A. B. Lockhart, Alexander Devin, John RIcjMaster, George
Kendle, Dr. Joseph I. Neeley, Thomas L. Smith, George W. Polk, Dustin
Mills, B. F. Meade, D. T. Linegar, Thomas McMullen, T. B. McCormick, S.
M. Barton, Robert Boswell, James, P. O. Lownsdale, Horace Page, Francis
\\'ade, John McWilliams, A. G. Boswell, George Byers, James T. 1-jnbree, B.
B. Estes. Joseph Devin, A. Poland, Hallock & Parmenter. X. D. Maxam,
Andrew Lewis, Hamilton Polk, Samuel Hall, R. B. Hallock, Samuel T.
Da\is. John Lagow.
It is interesting to note that of the list of original signers of the articles
of incorporation. Dr. W. W. Blair, of Princeton, is the only one living at the
present time (1914).
Though Dr. George B. Graff took an active interest in the permanent
organization of the association, his name does not appear in the list of in-
corporators. However he was the first corresponding secretary of the asso-
ciation. Doctor Graff did not remain in Princeton to see his idea blossom,
as that same year, or early in 1857, he moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where he
died in 1895.
The articles of incorporation stated that non-dividend-paying shares of
stock should be issued and at the beginning of the organization two hundred
(8)
114 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
and thirty-three of these shares were sold. In later years considerable other
stock was issued, but always with the original idea that they should not be-
come a commercial asset.
At the first meeting of the directors the following officers were elected
to serve one year: Judge Elisha Embree, president; A. Harrison, vice-
president; G. B. Grafif, corresponding secretary; W. W. Blair, recording
secretary; A. B. Lockhart, treasurer.
The board of directors consisted of twelve members, Init the names of
the members of the first board are unknown, the early records of the associa-
tion having been destroyed by fire.
At the first meeting, the directors were given authority to purchase not
to exceed ten acres of land for permanent grounds in a suitable location, near
the town of Princeton, and in accordance with that order eight acres were
purchased from Judge Elisha Embree, which was the nucleus of the present
beautiful grounds of the association. The original tract of land lies near
the present main entrance to the grounds and extends westward.
The fair of 1857 proved the success of the venture. Over seven hun-
dred entries were made that year and the ]3roceeds of the fair were over seyen
hundred dollars. Admission to the grounds was charged for the first time.
There is no record of the fair of 1858, but in 1859 the receipts were more
than one thousand five hundred dollars and the premium list was a trifle over
eight hundred and fifty dollars. A. fair was held in 1858, but the records
were destroyed.
By this time the fair had grown to such proportions that it was necessary
to purchase more land and on January 4, i860, this was done, six more acres
adjoining the original tract being acquired from Judge Embree. This addi-
tional land permitted the grading of a show ring, one-third of a mile in cir-
cumference.
For many years following the organization of the association racing
was not a feature of the fair and this ring was used for show purposes only.
Eventually racing became popular and the track was utilized for this purpose,
not, however, without considerable opposition on the part of many stock-
holders who were opposed to it from principle.
Other additions were made to the grounds from time to time as the fair
grew in proportion In 1870 six acres were added, in 1880 three acres, 1882
three acres, 1887 six acres and in 1892 nineteen acres. The addition of 1892
was the last addition, but beside those mentioned prior to 1892 there were
other smaller lots purchased, making the grounds contain at the jiresent
time a fraction over sixty acres.
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. II 5
Following the purchase of the largest addition of land in 1892, a half-
mile speed ring was surveyed and many new buildings erected, which im-
provements were followed a few years later by the erection of a grand stand
with a seating capacity of six thousand. In 191 3 a permanent administration
building was erected and the improvements contemplated in the near future
include an exhibit hall or coliseum of ample proportions
Every year since its formation has seen the association more successful,
until at the present time it stands as one of the most stable of the organ-
izations of its kind in the Middle West. The boast that Gibson county has
one of the best county fairs in Indiana or surrounding states is not an idle
one. It has kept pace with modern thought and as conditions have changed,
so has the policy of the fair management been changed, except as to the
fundamental ideas upon which its success has been built. It has always been
the ])olicy to not limit competition in the matter of exhibits, except during the
first three fairs which were held, and in the awarding of premiums the non-
resident of the county stands an equal chance with all. Quality alone is con-
sidered. The fair, in a strict sense, is not a county fair.
From the first the Gibson County Fair Association has been capably
officered, which fact alone is responsible for much of the success which has
attended it. A roster of its officers and directors contains the names of many
of the most conscientious and influential men of Gibson county.
Throughout southern Indiana and Illinois and northern Kentucky the
Gibson county fair has become famous as an e\ent when a day of enjoy-
ment can be spent free from all immoral influences. From the outset it has
always been the policy of the association to bar all exhibits and attractions
which were lacking in morality. Gambling in all its phases has always been
strictly forbidden, as well as the sale of intoxicants on the grounds. In the
well-grounded belief that running races attracted an undesirable class of
people, no speed contests have been staged except harness events. In the
strict and impartial enforcement of these rules, lies much of the success of
the fair in all the years of its successful operation.
The Gibson County Fair Association was among the first to be organized
in the state. In the few years following, fairs were organized generally
throughout Indiana, but in no single instance has success crowned the efforts
of the early organizers in a larger degree than in Gibson county. In many
counties interest in the fair organization lagged after a few years and in
many others in their efforts to instill new life int(j the organization and revive
the waning interest, features were introduced which led ultimately to com-
plete failure and in the end to a complete eradication of the county fair idea
Il6 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
and in its stead came racing meets, carnivals and like events of no lasting
benefit. Throngh all the years, however, the Gibson county fair has re-
mained true to the first great principles laid down by its organizers, an event
where the best that is produced in this and surrounding counties may be ex-
hibited, a time when friends and neighbors may meet to renew friendship, a
place where family ties may be again renewed.
Too much credit for keeping alive interest in the Gibson county lair
during the years when it seemed to lag and fairs in surrounding counties
were being disbanded, cannot be given to the memory of Robert A. Mitchell,
who filled almost every office on the board of directors at some time in his
career, with credit to both himself and the association. The fair organiza-
tion has never had a more faithful and energetic worker than Mr. Mitchell
and the firm foundation of the association today stands as a monument to his
enthusiastic endeavor.
From the first year when the exhibits were few in number and the
premium list but thirty dollars, the fair has grown until the entries each year
are numbered by the thousand and thousands of dollars are distributed
annually in premiums. From seven hundred dollars, the first record of paid
admissions, the attendance has grown until more than six thousand dollars is
paid annually by those who pass through the gates.
Great pride has always been taken in the grounds and they are un-.
equalled in point of beauty by any similar grounds in Indiana. The natural
forest trees have been conserved, large exhibit halls maintained and in every
way the comfort of exhibitors and patrons kept in mind.
There are many interesting features connected with the grounds of the
Gibson County Fair Association, aside from the fair itself, chief among
which was that they furnished camping space for three regiments of soldiers
which went out of Gibson county during the Civil war, the Fifty-eighth,
Sixty-fifth and Eightieth Indiana A'olunteer Regiments, which were re-
cruited on the fair grounds and it was here that the men received their first
military instruction.
In the sixty years the grounds have been maintained there have been but
few accidents or tragedies which have occurred within their confines. A
few years following the Civil war, David Williams, a young man, was killed
in a runaway accident and in the late eighties Miss Gertrude Downev, of
Francisco, was murdered by Sylvester Grubb, a jealous suitor.
The grounds have been the gathering place for many reunions between
families, veterans of the Civil war and fraternal societies and many dis-
tinguished men and women have ])assed through the gates.
■n H
- Z
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 11/
The spirit of keeping alive the county fair idea and making it live into
the next generation has always been the first thought of the officers antl
directors and at the present time the legacy which has been handed down by
our forefathers is held in sacred trust.
GIBSON COUNTY BOVS' CORN SHOW.
l-'r^mi earl}- times Gibsi-n counly has had the reputation as one of tlie
best corn growing counties in the state, and it has kept pace with other
counties in modern and progressive methods of cultivating that cereal. There
was a time when little attention was gi\-en to methods of corn cultivation,
the selection of seed for planting, etc., these things being considered of minor
importance in the primitive farming da\s. Then it was the custom nf the
farmer to prepare his ground by skimming over it with a light plow, harrow
it, sometimes, lay it off in crooked furrows, and then it was ready for the
seed. The seed was selected from the corn crib, from what corn was left
over from the winter's feeding, with little care whether the grain was perfect
or shriveled and worm-eaten. The seed selected, the ground "laid off," and
other preparations made, then the indispensable boy with his tin bucket was
called into service. The boy followed the furrow, dropping the corn from
the seed carried in his bucket, three or four, sometimes more grains to the
hill, followed by the man with the hoe who covered the grains. After a
time some of these grains sprouted, but a "good stand" was an unusual and
unexpected result. Re-planting was usually necessary.
But all this has been changed, by the application of scientific study and
the exercise of common sense. The farmer of today not only gives attention
to the study of the character and preparation of the soil, but also to the
quality of the seed. The seed is not only carefully selected, but is tested, and
that which does not meet the required test does not go into the ground, but
goes to the hogs.
These progressive ideas in farming are due largely to the teaching and
influence of Purdue University, and the introduction of this study in the com-
mon schools. The result is that the boys have become interested. It has
been demonstrated that education and science applied to farming, as well as
to other occupations, are necessary to obtain the best results. As a conse-
quence of this awakened interest in scientific fanning, the lx)ys are turning
their attention more to that \-ocation, and not -^d much to becoming lawyers,
doctors or preachers.
Il8 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
The man who has done more than any other one person in Gibson county
to interest the boys in this industry is W. A. Barnett, of Hazelton. A few
years ago he gave a notice through the papers that he would furnish one
hundred boys each one quart of high class seed free, if the fathers of the boys
would furnish the ground in which to plant the corn and agree to give the
boys all the proceeds from the crop produced. A corn show at the end of
the season was also promised the boys, every boy to get a prize. Books were
to be furnished by Purdue University, by which they were to keep a record
of planting, cultivating and harvesting, with bulletins from the same institu-
tion for instruction. Eighty boys responded to this ofifer, and when the
records were submitted the production shown was from sixteen to twenty-
five bushels from the seed furnished.
The promised corn show was held in Princeton, January i8, 191 1, which
was largely attended, not only by the boys interested in the contest, but by
farmers from this and adjoining counties. Concerning this event a local
paper said :
"It has been up to the standard, both in attendance and interest, and the
corn show was really better than any former affair of this kind. All who
visited the show of corn produced by these boys were impressed with the
progress made in corn culture in the last ten years. To produce such corn
specialization Avas necessary, as well as application of brain and muscle. The
boy farmer of today has profited by the experience of his father, and, by the
study of soil and conditions, has learned the elements that are most necessary
to produce the best."
As promised by Mr. Barnett, all the boys who accepted his ofifer and
entered the contest were given a prize. The boys were also treated to a fine
dinner, after which they repaired to the court house steps and had a group
photograph taken. This photograph is reproduced in another place in this
volume. Following are the names of the boys in this contest :
PRIZE WINNERS IN THE GIBSON COUNTY CORN SHOW.
\\'alter Adams, Chester Armstrong, Darwin O. Spore, Orin Giesselman,
Homer Alcorn, John Mobley, Frank Kimbrough, Oscar Sturges, Cato Powell,
Wylie Woods, Oscar Kenner, Warner Johnson, Frank Gambrel, Darwin
Woods, Wash Johnson, Thomas Taylor, Moody Blythe, Aaron Goodrich,
Guy Loftin, Johnson Emmerson, Louis Marvel, Alfred Wirth, Arnold Mc-
Carty, Darwin Simpson, Wayne Gale, Hobert Reed, Carl Woods, Charles
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. II9
Sides, John Onyet, Ernest Warren, Walter Acknian, Oscar ^lontgomery,
Owen Wallace, Mike Hisker, Alois Knapp, \''irgil Emerson, Virgil Jones,
D. H. Kirk, Claude Robb, John Rutter, Virgil Seaman, Alfred Lamar, Hobert
Lamar, Paul Braselton, Alex. Milburn, Earl White, Cloyd Hardiman, Ray
Harris, Thomas Lynch, Wilbur Barnett, Ernest McFetridge, John Johnson,
Vesper Morrow, Walter Yeager, Percy Droll — fifty-five.
CHAPTER IX.
GIBSON COUNTY NEWSPAPERS.
The first venture in the wa}- of puljhshing a newspaj^er in Gibson county
was made by a man by the name of John F. Buntin in 1845. The initial
number was in July of that }-ear and the form of the paper was a six-column
folio, and was called the Princeton Chronicle. It made its appearance regu-
larl)^ every week for about six months, when it I^egan to show signs of financial
debility, and finally the publication ceased. This was the first newspaper
collapse in Gibson county, but was not the last by several.
In 1846 William Kurtz, then county auditor, was instrumental in the
purchase of material for a printing plant and starting another newspaper in
Princeton. On August 13th of that year the Donocratic Clarion appeared,
with William F. Hutchen as editor and publisher.
Wylie S. Hastings writes interestingly of the Democratic Clarion, as
follows :
"The August sun was beating down on the thin rows of frame buildings
about the pulolic square with a vigor such as few of the old residents could
remember. Horses about the hitch-rack around the court house clanked
their trace chains in an effort to rid themselves of the pesky flies and at the
same time get a mouthful of the short, wiry grass tiiat fringed the yard. Two
yoke of oxen hitched to a log wagon driven by a middle-aged man, sun-tanned
and dusty, swung slowly up to the town pump along the old state road.
Groups of men lounged carelessly in the shade of the trees That skirted the
court house yard and discoursed lazily on politics and the Mexican situation.
Apparently the town had settled, or rather melted, do\vn into a state of stupid
contentment, denoting peace with itself and the outside world.
"Such was the scene presented in Princeton in August, 1846. It was at
this time a straggling little village with a few hundred inhabitants who made
little or no attempt at outward show, but sometimes in their slumbers there
flitted through their minds a dream that some day the village would grow into
the metropolis of the 'Pocket.'
"But while there was a temporary tendency toward dullness and lethargy •
on account of the heat and the hook-worm, there was one place in town
GIBSOX COUNTY, INDIAXA. I2T
where activity was rampant. It was in a little Iniildinii' on the north side of
the square. There was no shingle over the front door to designate what the
building might contain, but most every one knew by this time that it was the
office of the Democratic Clarion. Tt was a new establishment, b'ditor W. F.
Hutchen was busily at work grinding out the lirst edition of Princeton's first
regularly constituted newspaper, with the exception of the Chronicle, which
had existed briefly in 1845. He had a burning message for the good towns-
people, and it must be said that day.
"Mr. Hutchen was a man inured to toil, as most good editors are, but
his stock of patience and phj-sical endurance was strained almost to the
breaking point on this day, as he had been battling against great odds. \\'rit-
ing editorials in the humid atmosphere, preparing other copy, bumping over
cases, lifting heavy forms, running the old hand press and a thousand and
one other things incident to launching a newspaper and getting it before the
pul)lic were things requiring great fortitude and supreme adaptabilit}-.
"At last on this date, August 13, i8.).6 — the thirteenth, mind you — came
the fruition of his mingled hopes and fears. It came in the shape of a four-
page, five-column paper, part home print and other parts of foreign ex-
traction. But it was nevertheless a home paper and well worthy of the
courageous effort. The good people looked at it with a sense of wonder-
ment, gazed at its odd mixture of headlines and then jjhuiged in to devour
its contents. However, there were few who realized fully that the coming
of this little sheet to their homes marked a new era for the town. To us, who
are removed more than three-score years from the time oi Hutchen's first
eft'ort, the paper, though odd enough in form and general maketip, breathes a
message of hope and prophecy. Harken to the sweep (^f the plucky editor in
his salutation :
" 'Though we were disappointed and unable to issue our paper as soon
as we expected, it is now before you, fellow citizens, and, we trust, will
answer the highest expectations that have been induced by the circular which
ushered it to your notice. In the mechanical execution of the Clarion, pains
and expense have alike been disregarded; for we were persuaded that we
should be amply compensated, and determined t<i print a ])aper worth\- of the
intelligence and liberality of the county in which, we are proud to believe,
we have found a permanent home.'
"Continuing, the editor says, and we all admire him for his frankness
and liberality of thought:
" 'All are privileged to choose to which party they will belong — and we
have been pleased to join ourself with that party denominated "democratic."
122 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
We were not guided in this step by a thought that the members of that party
were more virtuous or more wise than those of the opposition — we have
never beHeved, even for a moment, that all the principles of truth and A-irtue
were contracted within the limits of a single party ; on the contrary, we have
always been taught to regard the masses of every party as morally and politi-
cally honest.'
"Thus the first permanent home paper Princeton ever knew was Demo-
cratic. Nothing strange about that, as the county at that time was, as it has
been in more recent history, in the Democratic column.
"In his first paper, Hutchen gives the official statement of the vote in the
county for the state and county officers, showing a Democratic lead on the
vote for governor of forty- four. The Democratic majority had been cut
perceptibly, however, which caused Editor Hutchen to remark : 'The party
votes have been affected in favor of the Whigs by a system of swapping,
which ought always to be discountenanced.'
"The 'system of swapping' to which Hutchen referred is now extinct in
political atifairs, thanks be to the good work of the newspaper editors.
"The official vote of the county in 1846 shows that on vote for governor,
Patoka township gave Wliitcomb (Democrat) one hundred and ninety-one
against a vote of one hundred and forty-three for Marshall, the Whig candi-
date. The entire vote for governor in the several townships of the county by
both parties was seven hundred and eight. Stephenson was candidate for
lieutenant-governor on the Whig ticket and Dunning for the Democrats,
Stephenson winning by a majority of sixty-two. Shannon was candidate for
sheriff on the Whig ticket and was elected, there being no opposing candi-
date. L. Q. DeBruler, Whig candidate, was elected prosecuting attorney,
there being no opposition.
"Leaving the political situation to take care of itself (which it did), let
us consider the first issues of the Clarion. Like all countr}- newspapers of
that time, it was long on editorials, painfully short on advertising matter and
totally barren of personals. A search of several files of the paper at the
Princeton library fails to reveal any personals whatever. The only adver-
tisements the first issue contain are that of the Morris National Press, a New
York newspaper, and the job printing notice of the Democratic Clarion. No
advertisements of merchants are found while Hutchen was running the
paper. The most frequent notices are sheriff's sales, obituaries and jniblic
auctions. The obituary notices appear in the advertising columns. In the
first issue of the paper is mention of the death of Mrs. Margaret Sturges,
who will be well remembered by older inhabitants.
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. I23
"Judging by tlie frequent notices tliat appear in the early issues, the
Princeton Guards were unusually active in those days. Here is a notice of
them that appears in the initial issue of the paper :
" 'Attention!
" 'The Princeton Guards will meet on Friday evening next, at half-past
six o'clock, at the seminary, for the purpose of drill. By order of \V. Kurtz.
O. Sergt. Capt. A, Lewis.'
" 'N. B. The Court of Enquiry will meet for the assessment of fines,
on Thursday evening next, at 7 o'clock P. ]\I., at the court house, Princeton.
Ind.. August 13, 1846.'
"In a later issue of the Clarion appears another notice of special interest
at the time :
" 'Arms ! Arms !
" 'This is to notify all persons ha\'ing in their possession muskets, dag-
gers, sabres, pistols and accoutrements belonging to the state of Indiana, will
please deliver them to the undersigned, or inform him of their wherealiouts,
under the penalty of the law, he being authorized by the governor to collect
the same. William Kurtz.'
"William P. Hall was the first law_\-er to use printer's ink. His an-
nouncement appears in the September issue, 1846, informing the public that
he was prepared to practice in the courts of the fourth judicial district. Among
the grain dealers advertising was the firm of JNIilburn & Fisher.
"Under date of August 20 this one appears :
" 'Princeton Seminary.
" 'The fourth session of this institution will commence on Monday, the
24th day of August, 1846. T. M. INIunford, Principal.'
"No doubt several old citizens will recall this one :
" 'lOOI
" 'Wednesday evenings are the times ap])ointe(l for the regular meetings
of this mystic association. Members will notice the appointments.'
" 'One of the quaintest that appears is the postoffice notice which runs
through several issues of the paper :
" 'Arrivals and Departures of Mails.
" 'John Arbuthnot, Postmaster.
" 'Arrives from Vincennes every Monday, Wednesday and Fridav at i
o'clock P. M. Closes at 12 M. for Evansville.
" 'From Evansville every Tuesday. Thursda}' and Saturdav at 9 o'clock
A. M. Closes at 8 1-2 A. M. for Vincennes.
124 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
" 'From New Harmony every Monday and Friday at 6 I*. M. Closes at
6 1-2 P M. same days, and departs every Tuesday and Saturday at 6 A. M.
" 'Arrives from New Albany every Monday at 2 A. M. Closes at i
P. M. and departs same day.'
"Speaking about hot shots, however, try this one:
" 'Beware of. the Imposter!
" 'One A. C. Stratton, a large, corpulent and full-faced man, of sombre
complexion, was apprehended in Princeton on yesterday, on a charge of
swindling. He fraudulently uses the steelyards with which he weighs feath-
ers in which he deals. And though he was discharged, the accusations were
most clearly sustained, and we, citizens, feel called upon to make this state-
ment, that the unprincipled scoundrel may be knoAvn and prevented from
swindling others.
(Signed) - "'Citizens.'
"Some of the news items that appear on the editorial page will be of
interest. Here are a few short ones :
" 'The story that Robert Dale Owen had received an appointment from
the president as minister plenipotentiary to England is untrue.'
" 'We have the first number of a neat little paper printed at Jasper, in
Dubois county. Its politics are of the proper order, and, we guess, pretty
well understood by its editor. The paper is called the "American Eagle."
Success !'
" 'A bill, says the Cincinnati Enquirer, is pending in the house of rep-
resentatives, changing some measure of the present rate of postage, making
the cost of a letter from a distance of six hundred miles fifteen cents — estab-
lishing the quarter-ounce as a single letter, and repealing the thirty mile ex-
ception to newspapers. Under the present system the deficit of the depart-
ment is $540,000.'
" 'From the Army.
" 'We have heard nothing worthy of note. General Taylor is no doubt
still moving forward, and will in due time be quartered at Monterey. The
route from Chicago is by land, and is untimbered, so that the army will find
its march - extremely disagreeable — no shade, bad forage, and scarcity of
water will be cause of much trouble and prosecution. It might, perhaps, have
been well for the General to have stayed his forces at Chicago until the arrival
of a better campaigning season.'
"In the issue of October 31st we were surprised to find the following
little item, as we did not know our fathers indulged :
GIBSON COUNTY, INPIANA. I25
" "We imtlerstaml that a laughing match will omie oft tdiiight at 9
o'clock on the public square. The c(ini])etition is tor $_'.oo in money and
twenty glasses of whiskey. Competent judges liave been chosen to decide
the contest and we have no doubt the whole affair will be of extraordinary-
interest.'
"No doubt! But as no mention of the result rif the contest is gi\'en in
later papers and no one living v/ill "plead guilty' to having taken part in the
affair, there is no way of finding out.
"But let us turn from the laugh-makers and follow a little further the
course of Editor Hutchen and his newspaper. The rest is not a long story,
but on the other hand, is painful on account of its brevity.
"Under the date of October 17. 1846, this little bit of information ap-
pears :
" Readers of this paper will attribute the lack of editorials to the ab-
sence of the editor. He is canvassing the district and soliciting subscriptions.
He will be in Boonville on Wednesday next and in Mt. X'ernon on Friday
and Saturday evening. Friends, do not let him "go away empty." '
"This, in itself, appears innocent enough — the editor is out on a l)usiness
trip in the district. He will be back shortly and edit his paper again. But to
the knowing ones, who have experienced the great trials of trying to keep a
country newspaper on its feet, the meaning is deep and significant. Know
you by this time the Clarion is on its last pegs. Editor Hutchen is making the
final effort.
"Two weeks later, on November 7th, the following announcement ap-
pears :
" 'On account of circumstances unnecessary to be known to anyone but
ourselves, we have disposed of the ofiice of the Democratic Clarion. The
gentleman whose name stands under the editorial head of this number we
cheerfully recommend to our patrons as a gentleman and a sterling Demo-
crat, and will fulfill our engagements with our su1)scribers. Goodbye. \\'illiam
F. Hutchen.'
"The one whose name appeared at the head of the editorial columns from
that date for several years was \\'illiam Kurtz, who took up Hutchen's un-
finished work, profited by his mistakes and climbed the ladder to editorial
success."
Under the management of Mr. Kurtz the Clarion acquired a large cir-
culation in Gibson and adjoining counties. In politics it was Democratic, as
opposed to the \Miig party of that time. In the great ])oliticaI contest of
i860 the Clarion supported the Douglas wing of the party, but when Lincoln
126 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
was elected and the Southern wing of the party inaugurated a rebelhon, the
Clarion followed the example of Douglas in giving full support to the Re-
publican administration The paper took a decided stand against secession
and exerted no small influence in the enlistment of soldiers in Gibson county
to fight armed rebellion. As the war progressed all of the printers in the
Clarion office laid aside their "stick" and enlisted in the army, and the editor
himself followed their example As a consequence the publication of the
paper was suspended in November, 1863, and remained in this condition for
several months.
In October, 1864, A. J. Calkins purchased the Clarion plant and the
paper reappeared as the Princeton Union Clarion. It was now Republican in
politics, and has kept the faith ever since.
In August, 1877, Gil R. Stormont became the sole proprietor of the
Clarion and continued as its editor and publisher for nearly twenty-five years.
Under his management the material and mechanical equipment of the office
was enlarged and greatly improved and the circulation of the paper largely
increased. In 1897 ^^'^^ Clarion appeared as a daily in addition to the weekly
issue. In April, 1898, the Clarion and Gibson County Leader were con-
solidated under the name of Clarion-Leader, Gil R. Stormont, editor and pro-
prietor. In July, 1901, the plant was sold to a company composed of Fred
R. Ewing, Samuel R. Adams and James A. Westfall. About a year later a
stock company was formed and another consolidation was made with the
Nczvs, then owned by Harry K. Stormont. The name was again changed to
the Clarion-News, by which name it is still known, with Fred R. Ewing,
managing editor, published by a corporation entitled The Clarion Publishing
Company. Since July 15, 1901, the paper, and the controlling interest of the
corporation publishing it, has laeen under the control of Fred R. Ewing. The
minor interests have changed hands several times. At present Fred R.
Ewing is the editor and general manager, and George B. Grigsby is business
manager.
^Vhen the Clarion became a Republican paper the Democratic party of
Gibson was without an organ, an equijiment which was very essential to a
party in those times, whatever may be the opinion as to its usefulness now.
So, in 1 861, some of the leading Democrats formed a stock company, bought
a printing outfit and employed W. H. Evans and James M. Keyes to put out
a paper to advocate the Democratic faith. This was the beginning of the
Princeton Democrat, which made its first appearance August 17, 1861. At
the expiration of three months Mr. Keyes retired and Mr. l^^vans assumed full
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 12/
control, eventually buying up all the stock and becoming sole editor and pro-
prietor. Mr. Evans was a practical printer, a forceful writer, with a style all
his own, and the Democrat soon became a paper of wide circulation and much
influence. For many years Mr. Evans Avith his paper held full sway in party
afifairs in Gibson county. But he received the appointment as postmaster
when Cleveland became President in 1885, and gave up his management of
the paper, finally disposing of the plant. The plant was taken over by a stock
company, and after various experimental editors had tried their hand at pub-
lishing the paper, with indifferent success, John C. Gorman assumed the man-
agement. After a long struggle and strenuous effort Mr. Gorman was able
to buy up the stock and became sole proprietor, and has made a financial suc-
cess of the enterprise. He has a modern, up-to-date equipment and publishes
a daily and weekly of creditable appearance and good circulation.
During these years a number of other newspaper ventures have been
made in Princeton. Some of these have flourished for a time and gave prom-
ise of being permanent fixtures, but all, save the Clarion and Doimcral. have
ceased to e.xist. Some of these journalistic \-entures were inspired with the
idea that there was a long-felt want that needed to be lilled and tlie\- were
ambitions to meet the demand. In most cases the supposed long-felt want
was found to be a myth and these ambitious journalists, one after another,
passed it along to the next one desiring a course in this school of experience.
At one time there were four dailies and five weeklies published in Princeton.
The three dailies that had been running for some time had hard work to
make both ends meet, and no one knew this better than the ]>ul)lishers thereof,
but when the fourth daily came out with a flourishing headline. "\\'e ha\e
come to stay," there was cause for real concern as to the prosjjects of the
others. But there was some relief when the paper that had "come to stay"
suspended after an experience of one week.
One of the papers which was started and had a fairly successful career
was the Gibson County Leader. The first number of this paper was issued
April 9, 1884, by A. J. Calkins and VV. D. Robinson as editors and proprie-
tors. Mr. Calkins had formerly been editor and publisher of the Clarion.
Mr. Robinson was a young lawyer then, and afterwards judge of the appel-
late court, and is now located in Evansville. He only remained with the
Leader for a short time, .\fter a few years ^Ir. Calkins sold the ofiice to
John L. Dunlap and Xewt Sell)y. Then I\lr. Dunlap sold his interest to
Hugh T. Carlisle, who continued the pul^lication for a few years, and then
the plant passed into the hands of George A. Schoeny and W. M. Herschell.
128 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
After a few montlis' experience the}' disposed of the phxnt to Gil R. Storniont
and the Leader was consoHdated with the Clarioji and it passed out of exist-
ence as a separate publication.
Another newspaper venture that was developed after some varialjle en-
deavors and experimental efforts and was made a success, was the Ez'cning
News, published by James McCormick. The Nezvs was the first daily estab-
lished in Princeton. Mr. McCormick had for some time been pul)lishing the
Prohibilion Em, having in 1888 succeeded Sumner Rose, who started that
paper in 1887. After publishing the Prohibition Era for a few years with
indifferent success, financially, Mr. McCormick discontinued it. From the
same office outfi.t the Evening Nezvs was established, the paper making its
first appearance in April, 1893. It was an uphill job to make a daily paper go
in Princeton at that time, but the A'czvs made good headway from the start
and eventually established itself. In the latter part of 1902 the Nczcs plant
was sold to Harry K. Stormont, who conducted the paper until Feljruary,
1903, when it was consolidated with the Clarion^ the identity of the two
papers being carried under the name of the Clarion-Ah-'zvs. The consolidated
paper was under the management of an incorporated company, composed of
Samuel R. Adams, Fred R. Ewing, James A. Westfall and Harry K. Stor-
mont.
Some time in 1850 llic Gibson Rez'iezv made its appearance in Prince-
ton, with John Evans as publisher and James Patterson as printer, Patterson
having learned his trade in the Clarion office. The Rcz'iczi' was an advocate
of Whig politics and made a strenuous fight against the Democracy advo-
cated by the Clarion. At the head of its editorial columns was a declaration
in favor of the nomination of Gen. W'infield Scott for President. Sciitt was
nominated liy the Whig party in 1852. ])ut the Reviczc did not stay long
enough to announce his defeat, and the demise of the Whig party at the same
time, in the election of that year. In 1851 the Rcz'icw ceased to review things
in Princeton and the office was moved to Petersburg.
In 1856 the young and aggressive Republican party formed a national
organization and presented a- candidate for President in the person of John
C. Fremont. The adherents of this new party were not \'ery numerous in
Gibson county because of a lingering attachment to the old Whig party. But
the principles presented in the platform of the new party found much fa\'or
with those who gave them thoughtful and unbiased consideration. To prop-
erly present these principles a newspaper was a necessity. This was trul}' "a
long-felt want." With this purpose in view, John E. Phillips and David E.
Linegar, two young attorneys of Princeton, purchased a printing outfit and in
GIBSON COUNTY, INIIIANA. TJI)
the summer uf 1856 published the first issue of tlie Princeton Courier. John
E. PhilHps was a vigorous writer and as echtor of the Courier soon placed that
paper in the front rank of political journals of that time. It was the most
aggressive and influential political ])aper Princeton had seen up to that time,
and it gave occasion for people to "sit up and take notice." While the
Courier was only published for about two years, it did a good service while
it lasted, better than some papers have done for a much longer period. The
crystallization of sentiment that resulted in the organization of a luilitant
Republican party in Gibson county was due to the Prineeton Courier more
than any other one influence.
In 1858 the Courier printing plant came into the hantls of a man by the
name of Hester and another paper was started called the Southern Iinlianian.
James Patterson M'as associated with Hester inr a short time as printer:
afterwards Jasper H. Keyes became interested in the publication, under tlie
firm name of Hester & Keyes. Under this management the paper continued
for about one year, when Napoleon B. Risinger appeared and the publishing
firm was changed to Risinger and Keyes. In the spring of i860 Keyes
dropped out, a brother of Napoleon B. coming to the front. While under
the Risinger management the Indianian, which had been Republican in poli-
tics, ])erformed a coup de main by an editorial annoimcing that the policy of
the paper thereafter would be Democratic. Just how much Risinger received
in compensation for this sudden change of faith is not definitely known, but
it is certain the pecuniary consideration, whate\er it may have licen, was
more than offset by the shrinkage caused by his Keiniblican subscriliers who
tumbled over each other in their rush to stop their papers. It was but a short
time until the Indianian disappeared. In this connection it may be of interest
to state that Jasper H. Keyes, one of those who had an interest in the publi-
cation of the Indianian, died at his home in Lexington, Michigan, Feliruary
II, 1914, at the age of seventy-eight years. He was the last of the editors
who ])ublished papers in Princeton before the war.
One more venture is entitled to a place in the newspaper history of
Princeton. That is a publication called the farmers and Laborers' Liglit.
This ]3aper was published in the interest <:tf the Populist party, which co\-ered
a great deal of ground in Gibson county at that time. It was started in i8i}[
or 1892. We are not so sure about the date of its start as its finish, which
was on July 12, 1893. The Laborers' Light had not done much in the \\a\-
of illumination until the day and date al)0ve mentioned. What was
started l)v the plant then was enough to make up for anv lack theretofore
(9)
130 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
or thereafter. It was about two o'clock on that hot July afternoon when the
alarm of fire was heard, and the people were not long in discovering that it
was a sure enough fire. It was in a small frame building, about where the
Baldwin insurance buikling is now, on Broadway, occupied then by the Light
printing plant. This was the beginning. The ending was about sundown
that afternoon when all the block in which the fire started, the entire block
on the west side of the square, the block north of that and on to the railroad,
with scattering buildings in other parts of the town, were a mass of smoulder-
ing ruins. The fire originated in an overheated flue of the engine the Light
office used as motive power for their press, and was under considerable head-
way when discovered. The passing of the Farmers and Laborers' Light
was more spectacular than that of several other Princeton papers that had
gone before, Imt it was a very undesirable distinction for those who had to
do with the paper.
There ha\-e been several newspaper enterprises started in other towns in
the county, of \'\hich mention should be made. The first of these, probably, is
the Mnntgoiiiery Xews, at Owensville, by E. D. Hulfish, in 1870. This paper
was published for a few months, but not receiving sufficient support was dis-
continued, and Mr. Hulfish removed his outfit to Tennessee, where he estab-
lished a paper. Returning in 1877, he started another paper in Owensville
called the Eelio. Y\'\i\\ occasional suspensions, this paper has been con-
tinued by Mr. Hulfish since that time, until a short time ago when it was
consolidated with the Ozreiisville Star, with Mr. Hulfish managing editor of
the combined papers. The Star was established sometime in the eighties by
J. P. Cox, Avho has continued as its publisher, with a short interval, since that
time. It has always l:)een a good local paper, neatly printed and with a good
circulation. In the same office has been published for several years the Bap-
fist Messenger, a paper in the interest of the General Baptist church. It has
a wide circulation among the brethren of that faith.
Oakland City got into the newspaper game in 1871, when J. K. Davison
and David Doughty launched the Oakland City Independent. This paper
was continued until 1873, when Mr. Doughty, being sole proprietor, remo\-ed
the outfit to Boonville. There was also published in Oakland City in the
early seventies a i^iaper called the General Baptist Herald, of which Col. W.
M. Cockrum A\as one of the editors. We have no data as to the length of
time this paper continued there. Joe Armstrong also published a paper called
the Reeord for some time in Oakland City.
On July 3, 1880, the Oakland City Enterprise made its first appearance,
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. I3I
with Nicholas A. Spillman as editor and proprietor. Mr. Spillman was a
practical printer and an industrious, hustling newspaper man, and he soon
had the Enterprise on a solid financial footing. Mr. Spillman died in 1894
and the publication of the Enterprise was continued by Briggs Kepley, for
a few years. The paper was not able to maintain the prestige given it ])y
Mr. Spillman and was finally suspended and the outfit was removed to Peters-
burg.
The Oakland City Journal was started in February, 1893, bv J. \V.
Cockrum, first as a weekly and after a short time a semi-weekly publication,
in which form the publication has continued ever since. Mr. Cockrum is an
up-to-date newspaper man, a hustler for business and generally gets what he
goes after in that line. Under liis management the Journal has attained a
good circulation and is a financial success. In mechanical equipment for job
and news])aper work the Journal office is not excelled by an}- printing plant
in a town the size of Oakland City, and not l_)y many in towns of much
larger size.
Fort Branch has had a newspaper for several years called the Herald.
published by Charles Speer, with a fair local circulation. A short time ago
the Fort Branch Times was started by C. B. and E. C. Swinney. The Times
is a neatly printed and well-appearing sheet and with the energetic publishers
that seem to be l)ehind the enterprise it has a good prospect of being able to
weather the storm.
The ll'esfern Signal is tlie high sounding title of a newspajier venture in
Patoka, but that was all there was of it. Then there was the Patoka Nezcs,
and several other good names for newspapers that ha\-e been tried in that
town, but they were all misfits. The same is true of several ambitious at-
tempts to persuade the people of Hazelton that a local newspaper was one of
their crying needs. In every instance it has turned out that the crying need
was on the part of the party who attempted the persuasion. Tt is not neces-
sary to give a mortuary record of the several newspapers that ha\'e met
the inevitable in Patoka, Hazelton and el-^ewhere in the countv. It is sufficient
to say that they are dead.
Tn this sketch it is probable that some newspapers that have been pub-
lished in Gibson county during the last seventy-five years have been omitted,
and it is possiI)le that some of the dates and personal mention are not correct.
Some errors of this kind could hardly have been avoided, since a large part
of the dates and personalities mentioned are gathered from the writer's mem-
ory, which is not an infallible source.
CHAPTER X.
EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS.
The key-note to all educational institutions in Indiana was the wise pro-
vision of the first Constitution, adopted June 29, 1816, at Corvdon, then the
capital, and which read as follows: "It shall be the duty of the General
Assembly^ as soon as circuiiistaiiccs will pcr?nit, to provide by law for a gen-
eral system of education from tozviiship schools to a State Uniz'crsity, wherein
tuition shall be gratis and equally open to all." But prior to the laws enacted
in 1852-55 the system had been poorly managed and directed by the state, the
county and the townships. ]\Iany opposed the "'free school system" contem-
plated in the Constitution. Much was left to the Legislature and there the
friends of free schools were not in a majority, believing that it was an unecpial
taxation, hence unsound constitutionally. Many of the courts thus held,
too. There was no county uniformity, it being left largely to the option of
the citizens of a county or township as to whether they had schools or not.
To remedy this evil an effort was put forth — wisely, too — to compel parents
to educate their offspring. This culminated in 1852 when the General As-
sembly sought to make a uniform law for a better common school. The
enactments of 1855 and those of 1865, carried out the mandate of the consti-
tution.
At this point it is well to insert a well-written article by James W'. Stott,
in the centennial number of the Princeton Clarion-News, of March, 1913,
under the caption of "One Hundred Years in the Schools of Gibson County :"
"Nowhere in the life of any community is the spirit, the progress and the
ideals of a people better reflected than in its public schools.
"One hundred years of school history in Gibson county takes us back to
the scattered homes of the early settlers in the little forest clearings — at first
far apart, but gradually becoming more numerous and closer together. No
sooner did settlers become established than some central place was selected
for a school house. Here there soon arose a little log cabin dedicated to the
cause of education. The first school house in Gibson county was built in the
Robb settlement, in White river township, about 1807. In 1808 another was
built near where Owensville now stands. As the settlements became more
numerous, the little log school houses grew in number.
\
T n-£
f
r
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. I33
"During the period from 1807 to 1813 a number of families settled in
what is now Princeton. Their first school was organized in a log cabin,
which stood near the present site of the White Lumber Company.
"These primitive school houses were built from the abundance of logs
furnished by the forests. The floor was made of split logs, and a large fire-
place extended almost across one end of the building. Providing wood for
this fireplace furnished the big boys exercise. The chimney was made of
sticks and clay. The light came through the greased paper, fastened over a
wide space left between logs on one side. The door swung on wooden hinges
and was fastened by a large wooden bar.
"The furniture of the room was in keeping with the building. There
were no blackboards, globes, maps, charts, unabridged dictionaries, supple-
mentary readers. The children were seated on benches, facing walls and
with backs toward the teaclier. The desks were rude shehing arranged
around the walls of the room. When pupils did writing or figuring they
stood up to the wall desk. When they recited they marched up to the front
of the room near the master's desk, and 'toed the line' — generally one of the
cracks of the floor.
" 'No lickin', no larnin', was the motto of many a teacher in those days,
and the course of study, 'readin', 'ritin', 'rithmetic' was frequently taught to
'the tune of a hickory stick.'
"In 1 818 the state Legislature passed an act providing for the establish-
ment of a seminary of learning in the county seat of each county, and in 1829
the Seminarv building, as the center of the Gibson county school sxsteni, was
completed. This occupied the site of our present new city high school
building.
"From 1829 to i860 is known as the seminary period in the history of
our county schools. During this period population rapidly increased and the
country schools became more numerous, while the attendance at the seminary
gradually increased as Princeton added to its population. The }ear i860
marks the beginning of a modern graded school system in Princeton, with D.
Eckley Hunter as superintendent of schools. From that time to this the
development of the schools has kept pace with the growth of the city, and the
high ideals that have characterized the people of Indiana.
"Today more than fourteen hundred school children of the city are
accommodated in the various well eiiuipped school buildings, constructed of
brick and stone, and this year, the centenary of Gibson county, the people of
Princeton rejoice in the completion of one of the most beautiful and sanitary
buildings in the state of Indiana.
134 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
"The story of school development is the same in all parts of the county.
Gibson county has two hundred and thirty-five teachers. It has twehe high
schools, of which number four are commissioned — Princeton, Oakland City,
Fort Branch and Owensville.
"Besides the pulilic schools, the parochial schools at Warrenton, St.
James, Haubstadt, Snake Run and Princeton, and last, but not least, Oakland
City College must be given a place in the school system of our county. The
high standing of Oakland City College is attested by the fact that many of our
best teachers are now, or have been, students there, and that its enrollment is
year by year increasing.
"But the log school house has quite disappeared. The term has grown
from sixty days to eight or nine months. The Hoosier schoolmaster, whose
stock in trade was suflicient for the pioneer days only, has passed to his reward.
The state of Indiana is demanding better school jjuildings for its children,
better preparation of teachers, better attendance of children, better co-opera-
tion of ])arents, and as a result citizens thoroughly prepared to build into the
life of our state the ideals of an educated, industrious and \-irtuous people.
"Our fathers have builded well in the hundred years just past. Will
the verdict of the next hundred years he as fa\nrable to us? To make it so,
we as children, as patrons, and as teachers, must remember that our schools
are the hope of our country, and act v>ell our part."'
OLD-TIME SCHOOLMASTER AND HIS SCHOOL.
From \-arious data at hand, including, state reports, educational works,
interviews and the local writings of men in this and adjoining counties, the
following paragraphs have been culled and selected for the purpose of show-
ing the manner of teaching, the character of buildings, etc.. which obtained
in Gibson county at an early date, but all of which are really necessary to
bring the reader to an intelligent understanding of what trials and difficulties
our present boasted public school system has passed through during the last
century :
THE "master" at WORK.
The log school house of the first generation, with its clapboard roof, its
mud-and-stick chimney, its greased paper windows, latch-string door, puncheon
floor and huge fireplace; its puncheon seats, without backs or desks, and its
rude, primiti\'e writing desk beneath the window — this was the domain of
the earlv rural school teacher in Indiana. Here assembled the pioneer chil-
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 135
dren for such instruction as the early master was capable of imparting. The
school hours in the early pioneer days were often very long, lasting in some
localities from early morning until sunset, with perhajjs an hour or an hour
and a half at noon for dinner and recreation. In spite of the blazing fire in
the great hreplace, both teacher and pupils were often chilled by the cold
winds which found entrance through the numerous chinks and cracks between
the logs. Seated upon the liackless benches, many of the smaller ])U])ils re-
mained nearly the entire day with tlieir feet dangling several inches from the
Hoor, except as they were called to their recitations.
It was the general custom in those days to stud}' the lessens aloud, each
pupil conning his spelling and reading lesson aloud or in an audible whisper.
The droning of the words in spelling was frequently accompanied by a
rh}-thmical swaying of the head and bod\- Ijackwards antl forwards, generally
in time to the syllabication of the words.
There was one great requisite on the part of every pioneer teacher — he
must be a good disciplinarian. The most important query usually put to an
applicant was, "Can vou govern? Can vou make the scholars stand around?
e'an you handle the big boys?" When this point was settled affirmatively in
the minds of the district school directors, the applicant was generally sure of
being employed, irrespective of other (|ualifications. It was primarily a ques-
tion of "no lickin', no larnin'," in those days.
The schoolmaster was a \eritable Squeers. Beech and hickory s\\ itches,
of which he always kept a good supply, constituted the persuading and cor-
rective features of his instruction. The daily application of the rt)d or
"ferule" was considered just as necessary by some teachers as was the conning
of the spelling lesson or the noon hour lunch. Some teachers made it a point
to patrol the room regularly and whacked each jjupil over the shoulders
whether he needed it or not. This type of schoolmaster was "one of llio.se
old-fashioned teachers who gave the impression that he would rather beat a
boy than not. and w'ould even like to eat one if he could lind a good excuse.
He whipped for poor lessons; he whipjied for speaking in school: he took
down his switch for not speaking loud enough in class ; he whipped for com-
ing late to school: he whipped because a scholar made a noise with his feet,
and he whipped because he himself had eaten something unwholesome for
breakfast." — Eggleston.
There was generally very little system, methrjd or scho(jl room art mani-
fest in the pioneer schoolkeeping days. In some districts the first pupil t<i
arrive in the morning was the first one to recite, there usually being one
scholar to the class. After the first lesson was heard there were frequently
136 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
exciting and amusing scrambles to recite, the general rule being that pupils
were to recite in the order in which they reached the teacher's side. Every
pupil was usually in a class b}' himself, there being as many classes as there
were pupils. The pioneer teacher rarely grouped his pupils into classes, such
a meLhod of recitation apparently never entering his mind. The individual
method, however, possessed some solid advantages which the group method
of the present day sadly lacks.
The course of study in the log cabin school house during the first genera-
tion was not a very extensive afifaii'. It usually consisted of reading, writing,
spelling and ciphering to the single rule of three or simple proportion. Some
of the teachers were not able to teach ciphering, but one was found occasion-
ally who could even do compound proportion or "the double rule of three."
The latter was considered a prodigy in the early days. The earliest arithme-
tics used were Guthrie's, Smiley's and Pike's, the last being the one most often
referred to. The New Testament and Murray's English Reader were the
common reading books, although the custom was, in the pioneer days, for the
pupil to bring any book he might happen to ha\'e at home. Some of these
books were the Bible, hymn books, books of religious poems. Fox's "Book of
Martvrs," Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," Aesop's Fables, Weem's "Life
of Washington," Grimshaw's "History of England," Flint's "Natural His-
torv" and Emma Willard's "History of the United States." Webster's old
"Blue Back" Elementary Speller was almost universally used.
.\n extended course in spelling always preceded the reading. The
scholar progressed gradually from "a-b ab" to "incomprehensibility." After
a prolonged apprenticeship in spelling the words, and in pronouncing them
at sight, reading was taken up. The speller contained progressive lessons in
reading, made up of short, pithy moral sentences and pointed stories, which
usually contained one or more words used in connection with the annexed
spelling lesson.
Great stress was placed upon spelling by the old schoolmasters. It was
a universal custom in the country schools, e\'en up to and later than 1850,
for the whole school to stand up twice a day and spell for head. Upon one
day in the week, usually Friday, the afternoon was given over to a spelling
match in which the whole school took part. The custom when spelling was
to pronounce the word first, then spell and pronounce each syllable separately,
repeating each of the preceding s>-llables in connection with the syllable last
spelled, then pronounce th.e whole word again when completed.
In some of these earlv schools, when the scholars had read and studied
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. I37
the spelling book through and through sex'eral times and could pronounce all
of the words at sight, they v/ere formally set to reading.
Writing usually followed spelling and reading. Ouill pens were uni-
versally used in the earlier days, there being at that time no lead or slate
pencils. It was one of the requirements of the schoolmaster that he should
be able to fashion pens out of goosequills. Copy books were usually made
of sheets of foolscap paper sewed together. Home-made ink was made by
mixing together the inner bark of the maple with copperas, or from sumac
and oak balls in vinegar. Pokeberry juice was sometimes used, but on ac-
count of its tendency to sour it never came into general use. The most com-
mon type of inkstand of that period was made from a section of cow's horn
which was fitted into water-tight wooden bottles. Pewter and lead were also
used for making inkstands.
During the writing recitation the scholars sat on a 1)ench Ijy the long
shelf or table under the window. If they were beginners they practiced on
making the "pot hooks and hangers"' that constituted the first exercises. If
the}- were further advanced, they followed the copy set by the master, this
copy usually consisting of some moral or literary gem wurth remembering,
such as "Commandments ten, God gave to men."
After writing, the subject of arithmetic or ciphering was usually taken
up. This was practically limited to the boys, as the girls were not con-
sidered, as a rule, to have "heads for figures.'' Occasionally the girls would
take up grammar or geography when these branches happened to be taught,
which was not very often. Grammar was seldom looked upon with fa\or,
it being considered an absolute waste of time to study it.
Indiana was admitted as a state in 1816. The system of schools in the
first generation lasted, therefore, until about 1850. .\ number of new and
better text-books were introduced during the latter part of this generation.
McGuffey's readers and spellers became very popular, as did also Ray's arith-
metic, which was introduced in 1848. This arithmetic took the place of the
older Guthrie's, Smiley's and Pike's, and introduced dollars and cents instead
of shillings and pence as a form of money exchange. The more ad\anced
teachers now taught "square and cube roots" in addition to the single and
double rule of three. The best types of schools used Olney's or Mitchell's
geographies, Kirkham's grammar, Goodrich's history and Comstock's
physiology.
The county seminaries, established by the state Legislature in the early
twenties, were distributed liberallv through the state in aljout half of the
138 GIBSON COTNTY, INDIANA.
counties. These institutions, in connection with pri\'ate academies, formed
the basis for the higher pubHc education in the state. Seventy-three pri\'ate
and incorporated schools were opened between 1825 and 1850. These
seminaries and pri^'ate schools constituted the first approach to the present
high school sj^stem. Types of each of these schools have already been given
in the discussion of the schools in Princeton.
Notwithstanding the leavening influence of these institutions in connec-
tion with the rural school districts, the school system of Indiana before 1850
was woefully lame. Free schools were considered by many as undemocratic
and those who objected to them were bitterly opposed to taxing themselves
to educate other people's children. The idea had not yet become prevalent
that it is !he right and the duty of the ^tate through the taxation of all its
citizens, to pro\'ide e\-ery child with an education. A member of the Legis-
lature in 1837 declared, during the discussion of a propiised school tax, "When
I die, I want my epitaph written, 'Here lies an enemy to free schools!'"
(Boone, Richard G. ; History of Education, p. Sy.) In 1833 it was esti-
mated by a competent educator that "only about orie child in eight between
fi\e and fifteen }'ears was able to read."
Caleb Mills, a thoroughly progressive educator from X'ew Hampshire,
settled in Indiana in 1833. During the next decade and a half he labored
incessantly to create a more enlightened educational sentiment in Indiana and
to reduce the large per cent of illiteracy. Principally as a result of his
agitation the Legislature of 1847-48 passed an enactment allowing the peo-
ple of the state to vote for or against a proposition to ta.x themsehes for the
support of free schools.
The election for this purpose was held in the fall of 1848, and tlie propo-
sition was carried by a majority of 16,636 for free schools ; 78,523 \-otes were
cast in the affirmative and 61,887 in the negative.
The Legislature of 1848-49 enacted a new school law, authorizing public
taxation for schools, but leaving the people of each county free to accept or
reject the law as they chose. An election for this purpose was held in August,
1849, and the result was a majority in favor of the law of 15,767. Fifty-
nine counties ^■oted in the affirmative and of the thirty-one that voted against
the law twenty were in the southern half of the state.
According to the Indiana census of 1850 there were at that time nearly
seventy-five thousand people over the age of twenty-one who could not read.
"Forty thousand voters could not read the ballot they voted, and nearly thirty-
five thousand mothers could not teach their children the alphabet." ( Conklin,
Julia S., Young People's History of Indiana, p. 215.)
as aeldptoil nil l''c'l)niai
■y H).
A new era in education
began
The pioneer perind was
o\-er.
(jn. tlie Lc!^islatin-e (it
1852
\'isi(ins contained tlierei
n and
GIBSON COUXTY, INI
The new state Constitution of Indiana
1 85 1, and became the la.w Xo\eniber 1, 1S31.
with the ratification of tlie new Constitution.
Following the adoption of the Coiistiti
supplemented and amplified the educational p
thus laid a broad basis for future educational development. By enactment
of this Legislature the township became the political and the school unit of
the state, Indiana being the first state to adopt the township as the school unit.
By the Legislature of 1852, a law was passed providing for the sale of
all county seminaries, the funds to be used for the benefit of the common
schools, .\ general tax of ten cents on each one hundred dollars was also
provided for school tuition purposes. Section 130 of the same act declared
that "The X'oters of any townshiji sliall ha\'e power at any general or s])crial
meeting to vote a tax for the jniriiose of Imilding or repairing school houses
and purchasing site therefor, providing fuel, furniture, maps, apparatus.
liljraries, or increase thereof, and for continuing their schools after the public
school funds shall ha^■e been expended, to any aiuount not exceeding annually
fifty cents on each one hundred dollars of property and fifty cents on each
poll."
Thus were free schools ushered in for the first time in Indiana. I'p to
this time secondary education was pojiularly relegated to pri\ate enterprises
and religious denominations and it was still a question in the minds of a large
proportion of the people whether it was right to tax everybody for the main-
tenance of the common schools. Lender the provisions made by the law of
1852, howexer, new school houses were rapidly erected, graded scli joIs were
organized all o\-er the state, and within a few years many of the larger towns
and cities had excellent high schools.
Just at the time, howe\'er, that educational [irogress had gained an ex-
cellent start a severe blow was given it by an unfavorable decision of the
supreme court of Indiana. In 1858 the court declared unconstitutional the
laws permitting local taxation, on the ground that these laws were not "gen-
eral and uniform"' as required !)}• the Constitution. This decision proved
disastrous not only to the common schools but caused the abandonment of
every high school in the state.
In 1865 the Legislature passed the same law with dit^'erent wording and
this was soon afterwards declared constitutional ])y the supreme court.
I40 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
MORE ON GIBSON COUNTY EARLY SCHOOLS.
No complete record is extant concerning many of the iirst schools of
this county, for the pioneers made, but seemed to have little time to preserve,
history. It is generally conceded, however, from such facts as have been
preserved in printed page and memory, that the first school house was erected
about 1807-08, in the northern part of White River township, in the Robb
settlement, and soon thereafter in two or more other localities.
Of this first school house it may be related that the structure was a one-
story log house with clap-board roof and puncheon floor; the roof was held
on by weight-poles made fast by hickory withes ; it had windows of greased
paper to admit the light, a portion of a log being left out on each side to
make room for a substitute for glass. - A large fireplace extended across the
entire rear end of the room, which was made of clay and sticks forming a
chimney in which on cold days a roaring fire of logs, piled high, sent out
heat ; the schoolmaster took good care to have his seat in the warm corner of
the room. The fine desks of modern days had no place there, but slabs
fastened up around the side of the house by pegs driven into the logs answered
as a writing and ciphering table, while puncheon benches served for seats.
The pupils all faced the walls when studying, but ranged themselves in a semi-
circle in front of the fireplace when called to recite. In those primitive days
the varied apparatus to be found in most of our school houses at the present
day had no place, no maps faced the wall, neither did a globe or Webster's
"unabridged" have a place on the teacher's desk, if desk there chanced to be.
No disagreeable chalk dust filled the room, for no blackboard was used. The
three rudiments — reading, writing and arithmetic — were the principal studies,
the Avriting being done with goose quills from ink made by boiling in water
the outer and inner bark of the majDle with copperas, which formed a black
fluid. The early schools of the county were subscription schools ; the teach-
ers generally boarding round from house to house, among the patrons of the
school, and receiving their salary in money or produce. The school houses
being few and far between, it was no unc(5mmon thing for the pupils to have
to trudge three, four or even five miles morning and evening to get a little
schooling. The teachers, generally, were poorly educated, if stories told of
them are to be believed, and in many instances sadly needing to be taught
themselves. Most of them were proficient in wielding the rod. It is related
of one of the earlv teachers that he would occasionally get drunk during the
school hours and \-ary the program of exercises by whipping the whole school,
beginning on his own poor boys first, by way of getting his hand in.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. I4I
It is believed tiial tiie secoiul scIuhiI taught in Cihsdi) cminty was l>y
Joseph Duncan, an F.astern man wIki was better educated tlian the average
man of this section. He taught scIkm,! liere in iSo8 in an old log cabin,
situated at the spring in the southeast corner of section 2, a half mile west
and north of where now Owensville stands. In 1810 William Woods taught
in the Williamson settlement, in a small log building, with a hre place in both
ends, and a log was left out on one side over which was pasted greased paper
to admit the light. Mr. Woods "boarded 'round," as they called it. In 181 1
John Johnson taught in the same place, and in 1S12 Adley Donald taught in
a little log cabin which stood on the south side of the branch, in what is now
Princeton. This cabin had previously been occupied by one of the pioneers.
It stood on what is now South INIain street. David Burch also taught in the
same building, later. In 18 17 another log school hou.se was built opposite
the corner where the L'nited Presbyterian church now stands. This was only
used a 3'ear or two, and after the erectinn of the frame Cox'enanter church,
school was taught in it until the erection of the brick seminary building in
1830. Teachers who taught in these buildings were Solomon D. King, John
Coursley, Matthew Cunningham and William Chittenden. Ira Bostwick
taught a subscription school in the old Covenanter church immediateh- after
it was finished. Major James Smith was another early teacher in riincelun.
John Kell also taught a subscription school about 1820. In 1823 William
Chittenden taught a private school in his own dwelling. In 1818 William
Putnam tatight a school in what is now Barton townshi]). in a cabin of one of
the old settlers, the building being located on section 7, township 3. range
9 west. George Sharp and James Simpson were others whd taught earlv
schools in the county.
Year after year and decade after decade, the schools of the countv in-
creased in number and, generally speaking, in efficiency, until in 1884, when
the county school superintendent (H. A. Yeager) reported that at that date
there were in Gibson county white and colored children of school age amount-
ing to a total of 7,833, divided among the various townships as follows :
Barton township, 705; Center, 562; Columbia, 369: Johnson, 1,004; Mont-
gomery, 1,091; Patoka, 997; \\'abash. 125; Washington, ^24: White River.
911 ; in Princeton corporation, 1,072; in Oakland City corijnratinn. 473.
At that date there were fourteen graded schools in this county, Prince-
ton, Fort Branch, Oakland, Owensville, Plaubstadt, Patoka, Hazelton, Fran-
cisco, Somerville, Snake Run, in Barton township ; Gra\el and Black River,
in Montgomery township ; Ennes. in \\'ashington township ; and Orr, in
142 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Patoka township. Thirty years ago, 1883, the following is shown hy the
reports to have been the condition of schools in Gibson count}' :
White River township had nine frame school houses and fifteen teachers.
Montgomery township had one brick and sixteen frame buildings and
one log schoolhouse, with twenty-three teachers.
Columbia township and Patoka township had eight frame buildings and
eight teachers.
Washington township had ten frame buildings and eleven teachers.
Patoka township had twenty-three frame houses and twenty-four
teachers.
Center township had nine frame buildings and ele\'en teachers.
Barton township had twelve frame buildings and fourteen teachers.
Johnson township had thirteen frame houses and fifteen teachers.
Wabash township had four frame houses and four teachers.
City of Princeton had one brick and two frame buildings and seventeen
teachers.
City of Oakland had one brick and one frame building and si.x teachers.
The total number of school houses in this county was then one hundred
and eleven, of which one hundred and seven were frame, one log and three
brick. The number of teachers employed was one hundred and forty-eight,
and the amount of school property was estimated at one hundred twelve
thousand three hinidred and seventy dollars. This was the showing made
in 18S3-84.
SCHOOL STATISTICS FOR YEAR ENDING AUGUST I, I9I3.
The subjoined is from the last report of the count}- school superintendent
of Gibson county. It is the 1912-13 report made to the state:
Barton township had enrolled 436 pupils : an average attendance of 364 ;
number of frame school houses, 13 ; value of all schoolhouses, $29,000.
Center township enrollment. 412 ; average attendance, 350: frame houses,
9; brick, i; valuation of school houses, $25,000; number volumes in library,
1,200.
Columbia township, number enrolled, 218; axerage attendance, 91 ; frame
schoolhouses, 9 ; \alue of school houses, $9,000.
Johnson township, enrolled, 227; average attendance, 185 ; number frame
buildings, 6; brick, 3: books in library, 500; valuation of school houses,
$17,500.
Montgomery township, enrolled 960: average attendance, 720; number
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. I43
of schoolhouses, 18 frame and i brick; vulunu-s in library, 1,200: value of
schoolhouses, $30,000.
Patoka township, enrolled, ^44: average attendance, 413: frame build-
ings 15. lirick 3; valuatidu of buildings, $21,885.
Union township, enrolled, 572: average attendance. 428: number frame
schoolhouses 8 and brick 2; \-aluati(»n of buildings, $40,000; books in library,
1 , 1 00.
Wabash township, enrolled, 211 ; axerage attendance, 88; number frame
schoolhouses, 8: valuation of buildings, $6,000.
Washington township, enrolled. 407; average attendance, 319; buildings,
II frame and i brick; \aluation of buildings, $18,200; books in library, 477.
^^'hite River township, enrolled, 720; average attendance, 534; buildings,
9 frame and i brick; valuation of buildings, $28,000.
City of Oakland, enrollment, 549; average attendance, 435; two brick
school houses, valued at $30,000; books in library, 1,050.
City of Princeton, enrollment, 1.440: average attendance, 1.229: number
schoolhouses, one frame and four brick, with new buildings for 191 3 costing
$75,000.
Grand total of value of schoolhouses in ctjunty, $254,700.
Grand total of enrollment in county, 6,796; average attendance. 5.030.
Total number schoolhouses in county, 117 frame and 18 brick.
Total nuinber books in libraries in schools of county, 5,797.
Total number enrolled in the high schools of county, 521 ; numlier gradu-
ates in county, 85.
Number teachers in county, loi males, white, colored four; of females,
white 125, of colored, se^'en — total, 237.
Total amount paid to all teachers, $116,732.08.
Total amount on hand for all schools in January, 1913, $30,165.
Total amount on hand for all schools in country. $22,736.
SCHOOL EXAMINERS, COMMISSIONERS AND SI' PERINTENDENTS.
The predecessor of the present county .superintendent of schools runs in
this line from the earliest date :
First, the law of 1824 provided for the election of three trustees in each
township, a part of whose duties it was to examine teachers and grant licenses.
No educational qualifications were required of the "e.xaminers."
Second, the law of 1831 provided for a school commissioner for each
144 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
county, whose duty it was to look after the finances of the local school
corporations. He served for a term of three years.
Third, the law of 1833 pnnided for the election of three sub-trustees
in each district who were to hold office one year. These persons examined
applicants for schools.
Fourth, the law of 1837 authorized the circuit court to appoint annually
three examiners whose duty it was to examine teachers.
Fifth, the law of 1849 abolished the office of school commissioner of
counties, and retained the three school examiners above mentioned, in each
county, and substituted one trustee in the township for the three before
employed.
Sixth, the law of 1859 made the numljer of township trustees one in-
stead of three. In 1861 the law provided for one examiner with a term of
three years for the three that had held office heretofore in each county. The
appointive power was in the hands of the county commissioners. Examina-
tions were now for first time made public.
Seventh — In 1873 the law was changed again and the old system of
commissioners, examiners and trustees was all wiped out and the ofifice of
county superintendent of schools was created and is still in operation.
The following are the persons who have served since 1852:
School Examiner— Jacob F. Bird, 1852; W. T. Stilwell.
School Superintendent — W. T. Stilwell, 1873; Henry A. Yeager, Wood-
fin D. Robinson, Thos. W. Cullen, Henry Neikamp, John T. Ballard, John F.
Fulling, Wilbur F. Fisher.
OAKLAND CITY COLLEGE,
Oakland Institute was the original name of the present Oakland City Col-
lege. The two-story brick school ])iiilding was erected in the years 1868 and
1869 by a number of citizens of Oakland, the building costing a sum of eight
thousand dollars. The school was at first a subscription school, and the
first superintendent was Prof. Lee Tomlin. The college did not succeed,
however, at first, and was sold to the township in 1877, to be used as a public
school building. Later new and larger buildings were erected and the capacity
has been increased from year, to year until now Oakland City College has
every modern equipment for educational work.
At present both high and college students attend. The courses are
diversified and meet the requirements of all. The elementary, or preparatory
courses, lead to the regular classical courses of a college. A corps of twehe
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 145
professors ably perform the duties of the scliool. Tlie president is \\'. P.
Dearing. About seventy students are enrolled.
VARIOUS SCHOOLS AT PRINCETON.
The schools of Princeton may be classed as follows : The pre-seminary
period, 1812 to 1829; the seminary period, 1829 to i860: the private schools
and academies; the Princeton Female High School; the graded school period,
i860 to the present date.
Between 1807 and 1814 there were a number of families settled in what
is now Princeton, but it is doubtful whether any schools had been taught be-
fore 1812. The first of which there seems to be any authentic account was
one held in a vacated log cabin, with puncheon floor and a fire-place extend-
ing almost across the end of the building. The chimnex' was made of sticks
and clay. A space was hewn out between two logs extending along one side,
over which greased paper was fastened to admit light to the interior. The
great door swung on wooden hinges, in the middle, on one side of the build-
ing. This house stood on the south bank of the little creek near Alain street
in the south part of town. The first teacher was Adle\- Donald, who began
teaching in 1812, before the citv was laid out and before the second war with
Great Britain had lieen fought. The second teacher was David Buck, in the
same building.
In the winter of 1814-15 Rev. Hickman, Presbyterian, taught a private
school in the second story of a log house built for a store-house by Willis C.
Osborn in 1814. It was the first store-house erected in Princeton and stood
on the corner west of the southwest part of the cfnu'thouse square, and about
where the Farmer's Bank now stands.
In 181 7 a log house was built especially for school purpcjses, near the
site of the present United Presln'terian church. This was used until 1820.
There the teachers were: Solomon D. King, John (."oursely, Matthew Cun-
ningham and William Chittenden.
For the next nine years the schools were taught in the old Covenanter
church, on the east side of Prince street between Broadway and Water streets.
Mention has been made of the teachers here l)elow. But \er\' little can be
learned of the schools of Princeton for the vears between 1820 and 1829.
(10)
146 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
THE SEMINARY PERIOD.
On December 31, 1818, an act was passed by the General Assembly of
the state entitled, "An Act for the Encouragement of Religion and Learning."
This act made provision for the establishment of a seminary of learning in
each county seat, the proceeds for its maintenance to be obtained by the sale
of school lands and the rental of the same. In August, 1829, the sixteenth
section (school section) in each congressional township was sold for school
purposes. The seminary was intended to be both a common school and a
preparatory school for higher institutions of learning. All pupils of the
county were entitled to attend and to have a part of their tuition paid from
the school fund.
At the meeting of the county commissioners' court in May, 181Q, Alex-
ander Devin, William Prince and Robert E\ans were appointed trustees, "'to
be styled a Board of Trustees of the Princeton Academy." These men for
some reason did not seem to ha\-e acted and in 1822 the county authorities
appointed another set, consisting of Alexander De\in, Robert Milburn and
Samuel Hall. The court at this time authorized County Agent Robert Stock-
well to con\-ey to the said trustees a title to lot No. i, in the second survey of
Princeton. This lot had been deeded to Gibson county for school purposes
in 1818 Ijy Robert Evans, who h;id entered the land in the east part of
Princeton.
Delay after delay occurred, and finally a school building was erected on
the above lot. A private subscription was raised to the amount of six hun-
dred and eight dollars, composed of some cash, but mostly in merchandise,
produce and labor. The building, a two-story brick, thirty by sixty feet,
was not finished until 1829, three years after provision had been made for its
erection. It should be stated that this building stood on the same ground
where now stands the high school building. The lot then contained many
fine old forest trees.
The old seminary building was located near the middle of the western
side of the l)lock, facing what is now Seminary street, and was just in front
of the present new high school building. It contained originally five un-
plastered rooms, a hall, running east and west divided the north from the
two south rooms on the first floor. A stairway led frum the hall to the two
upper rooms in the second story. The two south rooms on the first floor were
used as living rooms by some of the teachers. The upper north room was
the only one used for school purposes for many years. About 1847, how-
GIBSON COUNTYj INDIANA. I47
ever, the school sessions were mo\'ed from the upper north room tu the lower
north room and the southwest lower room was also used as a study room.
There were two windows on each side of the hallway facing west, in both the
upper and lower rooms. There were also two upper and lower windows on
the north and the east side and no windows at all on the south side of the
building. There was a fire-place about the middle of the north wall in the
upper and lower rooms. The teacher's desk was on the south side of the
room. The east side of the room was a favorite place for the boys to sit. A
race track existed at that time from the northeast corner of the grounds for
a quarter of a mile north and as races took place frequently the boys were
very desirous of getting a choice seat where they could watch the sport.
There were holes of generous dimensions in the foundation of the building
for the passage of air and hogs running loose in those days would occasionally
retire to the shady retreat and, fighting for the coolest spot, would lift up their
voices to the discomforture of the master in the rooms above who was hearing
the "a-b abs" or the "rule of three." Mrs. J. T. Duncan relates that as late
as 1868 the hogs would occasionall_\- run into the hall-way in an effort to get
out of the rain or the inclement weather.
There were few school equipments in those early days. The pupils used
slates and slate pencils, but nobody but the master used a lead pencil. Metal
pens were an unknown quantity. The farm yard produced the material for
the pens, the goose quill being used for that purpose. The pupils were taught
the art of making a pen by the master, who posed as a connoisseur in that art.
Mrs. Youngman, who in 1914 is in her eighty-sixth year, and who has spent
her entire life here, relates how the boys and girls used to catch the geese
which ran at will in that day, antl enter into a contest to see who could pick
the most quills for pen purposes.
The proverbial dunce-block was in evidence in the old seminary, and
rnan}' of the older residents of Princeton used to frequently occupy it. School
desks were not known then, as they are today. The puncheon benches had
no backs.
Cah'in Butler was chc'sen tlie first principal and Andrew Erskin, assistant
teacher. The salaries were not large and were not in cash, but usually in
produce which they had to barter away as best they could. Rev. Ilirani A.
Hunter, a finely educated man, was to recei\e a salary of two hundred and
fift}- or three hundred dollars in nione_\-, "pro\ided that aniornl ciuld he
realized." This sort of a teacher's contract would hardly suffice in this cen-
tury. He taught from 1S32 to 1834, when came Thomas HornbriHjk.
In 1842 the rates of tuition were one dollar auf! fiftv cents per quarter
148 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
or six dollars a year From the school fund was drawn one hundred dollars
and the balance, two hundred dollars, was made up by subscription. In
1S46 the number enumerated of school age was two hundred and twenty-
seven; of these, one hundred and thirteen were boys and one hundred and
fourteen girls. Of the boys enumerated, only forty-two attended school.
It is no wonder that in 1848 there were thirty thousand voters in Indiana who
could not read or write, if this condition obtained throughout the state.
On December 12, 1853, J. F. Bird became principal of the old seminary.
In 1854 it was announced that those who cared to board themselves could do
so. They were given rooms in the seminary for this purpose. It was during
the second session that year that the term "Princeton Graded School" was
first used, and probably the term had never been used in connection with any
school system prior to that date.
Prior to 1854 girls were practically excluded from attending this school
and great was the agitation as to educating boys and girls together. The
community was evenly divided on this question, and for all those years the
parents had to provide for the separate schooling of their daughters in Prince-
ton. The Clarion of January 16, 1847, waxed eloquent along this line and
said: "Shall the more beautiful pillars of our intellectual and moral fabric
be passed by as unworthy of notice? It is believed that a female qualified can
impart female education to a better advantage than a male. There is a sweet-
ness of temper, a comely female deportment, accompanying their instruction,
peculiar to themseh-es. They need not Morse's telegraphic code to convey in-
telligence, but the invisible attractive bond of tenderness and love, which they
peculiarly seem to possess."
Elijah Lilleston, in 1854, was the first instructor to teach the two sexes
together in the old seminary.
There were four hundred scholars attending school in Princeton in 1859
when the town had a population of 1,589.
A recent school history, a part of an official report, gi\-es the following
as having taught from 1829 to i860 during this "seminary period." The
recalling of these names will touch many a tender chord in memory's realm,
hence the list and dates are here appended: 1829, Calvin Butler, Andrew
Erskin, assistant; 1830-32, Calvin Butler: 1832-33, Hiram A. Hunter; 1833-
34, Hiram A. Hunter;- 1834-35, Thomas Hornbrook ; 1835-36, William
Rowe; 1836-37, John J. McClerkin ; 1837-39, Rev. H. H. Patten and wife;
1839-42, William J. Bryden ; 1842-43, William Stockwell; 1843-44, Doctor
Smith; 1844-45, ^^- Collins, Dr. J. C. Patten, assistant; 1845-46, Wasson
Stormont; 1846-47, Harvey Munford, Mr. Nesbit, assistant; 1847-48, John
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. I49
J. McClerkin, Hugh McKelvy. assistant; 1848-49, Harvey Muntord, Beza
Archer, assistant: 1849-50, W. A. W'andell ; 1850-51, R. G. Elhott; 1851-52,
Dr. Nathaniel Allen; 1852, Aeneas McPhee; 1852-53, C. P. Coykendall ;
1853-54, J. T. Bird; 1854, J. F. Bird. John Orr; 1854, October 31. Elijah
Lilleston; 1855, Anderson F. Ely, John Orr; 1855, June, John Orr; 1856,
May, Albra Waldron, eleven weeks; 1856-57, August, J. F. Bird; 1857-59,
J. F. Bird; 1859 (spring and summer terms), J. F. Bird, principal. Miss
Margaret Fentress, primary department ; i860, D. Eckley Hunter and graded
system of schools.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS AND AC.\DEMIES.
The first private school in Princeton was taught by Rew Hickman in
1814-15. In 1820 Rev. John Kell taught one and in 1823 William Chitten-
den taught another at his own residence. Other pri\ate terms were taught
by Mrs. Berbeck, 1832; Mrs. Emily Harrington, 1S35; Mrs. John Ewing,
1836; John \\'right, in the winter of 1835-36; Tandy B. Montgomery, in the
winter of 1836-37. The second term taught by Montgomery was held in a
log cabin near a spring and the scholars used to slake their thirst from this
spring by means of a gourd dipper. "No lickin', no larnin' " was his motto
and he practiced what he preached almost daily. In 1837 Mrs. Galloway had
a private school for girls, as did also Miss Mary Foster. In 1842-3-4 the
jMisses Sue and Lou Walling taught private schools. In 1850 John N. Evans
taught and was very successful. Mrs. McKelvey taught in 1852 and 1853.
Other private institutions here were the short-lived "Misses and Young
Ladies" school: the "Princeton Female Seminary": the "I'^emale College";
the "Princeton Female Institute," which were all attended, at \arious dates,
on account of the decision that none but boys should be allowed to attend the
old seminary, which gives one today the idea that boys and men were counted
far superior to the gentler se.x in those good old days prior to 1850.
THE PRINCETON FEMALE HIGH SCHOOL.
Still another institution must be treated in this connection — the Female
High School, as first designated. This was organized in April, 1855, with
Henry T. Morton as principal and Mrs. M. W. Paxton and Mrs. M. M. Mor-
ton as assistants. The school was held in a room under Temperance Hall,
where now stands the Odd Fellows building. Mr. Morton decided to erect a
building and have it ready for school in the autumn of 1855. He failed, but
in the spring following he had it completed. The building was at first known
150 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
as the "New Seminary building," but the style of the school itself was known
as the "Girls High School Seminary." In September, 1856, both boys and
girls were admitted, after which it was known as the "Male and Female Aca-
demy." The building was a two-story, five-room structure, located on the
east side of ^Vest street, between Emerson and Chestnut. It was warmed by
hot air and finely ventilated. It was seated with Boston school chairs and
desks. The school was well supplied with maps, charts and globes, also chemi-
cal apparatus and a cabinet for geological specimens and a good library. The
whole was counted among the laest equipments in Indiana. Board, washing,
light and fuel were estimated to cost fifty dollars per term, while the tuition
was twenty-five dollars additional. It had a normal department, doing fine
work for those intending to become teachers. In 1856-57 the total attendance
was one hundred and forty -three. In the fall of 1858 it changed hands, after
which Messrs. Henderson & Brown were proprietors. A year later they sold
to Brown & Sturgis, who conducted it until i860, when, on account of too
small attendance and the Civil war cloud, its doors were closed. It was,
however, opened again in 1862 by a few citizens who refused to donate to-
ward the maintenance of the public school in the old seminary building. On
August 31, 1863, the building was purchased b}' William Kurtz, acting for
the school trustees of the city of Princeton. It thus became a part of the
pubhc school property of the city, and there the intermediate department of
the public schools was kept until the completion of the new school building in
January, 1871, on the site of the old seminar}-. Seth A\'ard bought the acad-
emy building in 1S70 and it was remodeled for residence purposes. This was
the parting of the ways — the old private and subscriptions schools were
abandoned forever and the new era of a sane, sensible and universal public
school system was ushered in.
THE GRADED SCHOOL PERIOD.
These schools were organized under the newly formed laws of Indiana
by D. Eckley Hunter in i860. They were divided into primary, intermediate
and academic departments. The schools were, for some time, kept in the old
seminary building, in the Odd Fellows building and in the basement of the
Methodist church. The salaries of the teachers were as follows : Principal of
academic department, fifty dollars; intermediate grades, thirty-two dollars;
primary grades, twenty dollars. Miss Harmon received twelve dollars per
month as an assistant. The first day's enrollment was two hundred and sixty,
and reached three hundred and eleven by Septemlier 11, i860. For the first
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. I5I
ten years subscriptions had to be raised in order to maintain these "piibhc"
schools, alter which date the tax levy ctnered the exper.se. Tiie first ])rinci|ial
of these schools, Professor Hunter, was a son of Rew Hiram Hunter, whn
had taught in the "Old Seminary" in 183J. He was a tine schular and an
excellent educator; served until 1863. Professor Hunter was engaged in edu-
cational work elsewhere for a few years, and in 1865 he returned to Prince-
ton and again became superintendent of the schools here. At this time the
higher grades of the school were in the former Morton academy. In 1866
Professor Hunter again left Princeton to become principal of the preparatory
department in the Indiana State University. In 1871 he was again recalled
and became superintendent of the Princeton graded schools, now all com-
fortably provided for in the new school building on Seminary hill. Here he
remained until 1874, and during this term of service the schools were for the
first time thoroughly organized under the graded system. The tirst graduates
of the high school were in 1872, under Professor Hunter's administration.
The superintendents of the Princeton schools have been as follows, since
1871, when the entirely free system began: D. Eckley Hunter, 1871-74;
A. J. Snoke, 1874-1890; F. B. Dresslar, 1890-91; C. N. Peak. 1891-1903;
Harold Barnes. 1903-10: AI. D. W'elib, 1910 to the coming of the present
superintendent, James W. Stott.
PRESENT CONDITIONS.
The tiftieh annual report of the Princeton public schools, published in
1910, gave many interesting historic facts, including the following items :
Among the innovations in schools was the introduction of Thanksgiving
offerings by the pupils, first established in the schools here in 1903. All kinds
of useful articles and cash are annually brought by the pupils who can afford
it and donated at the Thanksgiving season to aid, comfort and cheer the less
fortunate children of the town. Medicines and pay for treatment for poor
children was thus provided for. While the sums are usually small, they show
a true spirit and teach the children to be benevolent and thoughtful for their
fellow creatures.
The subject of caring for the teeth of pupils in public schools was first
introduced in Indiana at Princeton in 1906, when the tirst s])ecial effort was
made along this line and since 1908 general inspection of the pupils" teeth
have been made. About the same date was introduced medical insjiection of
the schools, and this has averted disease and in some cases cured many chil-
dren of ailments that would sooner or later have been serious.
152 GIBSON COUNTYj INDIANA.
Sanitary drinking fountains were introduced here in 1908 and have
worked out great good to the pupils and teachers.
The playgrounds about Princeton school houses are excellent. The
teachers and pupils spend their intermissions, in good weather, on these
grounds, where swings, teeter-boards, bars and other appliances are found in
large numbers. The lawns about the school grounds are kept in a tasty,
beautiful condition since 1903, when this subject was first taken up and de-
veloped. Lectures were given and the proceeds went toward improving the
grounds. The saying, "A thing of beauty is a joy for ever," applies to these
modern school grounds.
The new electric clock, purchased and installed by the board in 1910,
at the Lowell school building, has proven a splendid improvement. This
clock controls the ringing of the bells for all recitations and intermissions in
the high school as well as at some other departments. Fire alarms are also
sounded by this clock. Fire drills are in constant use in the schools now.
Ten years ago — 1903 — there was a corps of thirty-three teachers. In
1910 it had increased to forty-one. The average salar\' of all teachers per
month, grades and high schools combined, in 1903 was fifty-six dollars; of
grades separately it was almost forty-six dollars ; of high school separately,
sixty-six dollars and fifty cents. In 1910 it had increased to seventy-two
dollars and ninety-eight cents and sixty-eight dollars and seventy-nine cents
respectively.
In 1903 the Lincoln high school for colored children was provided. The
building is a two-room addition to the Race Street colored school building.
In 1910 the total enrollment'in the colored school was one hundred and eighty,
but it rapidly increased and a two-story frame building was leased. There
are now six colored teachers.
HIGH SCHOOL ENROLLMENT SINCE 18/2.
The subjoined shows the enrollment in the Princeton high school, by
years, also the number of graduates in total; 1872, 34; 1873, 48; 1874, 40;
1875, 54; 1876, 49; 1877, 56; 1878, 43; 1879. 45; 1880, 47; 1881, 46; 1882,
42; 1883, 38; 1884. 34; 1885, 49; 1886, 49; 1887, 50; 1888, 54; 1889, 53;
1890, 64; 1891, 65; 1892, 68; 1893, 56; 1894, 60: 1895, 88; 1896. 80; 1897,
94; 1898, 94; 1899, 128; 1900, 139; 1901, 158; 1902, 181; 1903, 149; 1904,
185; 1905, 202: 1906, 180; 1907. 148; 1908, 159; 1909, 187; 1910, 197:
T911, 186; 1912, 221; 1913, 234; 1914, 265. The number of graduates of
the high school since 1872, including the class of 1914, is as follows: Boys,
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 1 53
239; girls, 361; total, 6io. Since the e'^tablishnient of the ctjlored high
school there ha\e been 15 graduates from that department.
The schools of 1913 are : The high school, Lowell school, Irving school,
Franklin school, Lincoln school (colored), Prince Street school (colored).
The new high school building, completed in 19 13, is among the finest in
this section of the state. It cost sixty thousand dollars, aside from the
grounds, which have been owned many years liy the town. The old sem-
inary once occupied these grounds, as has before been noted.
CHAPTER XL
CHURCHES OF GIBSON COUNTY.
The pioneers in Gibson county were made up largely of a God-fearing
band. This county was no exception to most counties in southern Indiana,
in that the church and school house went hand in hand with the general
settlement and more perfect development of the country. Many of the
early records of theses pioneer organizations have long since passed from
view and have crumbled with the ever-collecting dusts of time. The best
that can be accomplished in way of setting forth the religious societies,
their origin and location, is to pick from such writings as have been culled
over and used by previous historians, so far as the first history of such
churches are concerned.
METHODISM IN GIBSON COUNTY.
The tirst Methodist Episcopal society in this county was that formed
in 1811 at Patoka, with Rev. Benjamin Edge as minister. The conference
minutes show that Rev. John Scripps was stationed at that point in 181 5.
About that date a congregation was perfected at what is now Princeton.
The first preaching services were held in a grox-e near town, and at times,
when weather prevented out-of-door meetings, the homes of settlers were
the meeting places. It was not until 1825 that the Methodists at Patoka
enjoyed the privilege of holding services in a school house. They had no
church building until 1S52. Among the early "circuit riders" were Revs
John Scripps, Thomas King, Thomas Davis, Charles Slocum, John Wallace,
Daniel McHenry, Elias Stone, James L. Thompson, Ebenezer T. Webster,
William Medford, Richard Hargrove, Enoch" Woods and Elijah ^^''hitten.
The first Methodist church was erected in Princeton in 1838. Judge Elisha
Embree was one of the subscribers and an ardent worker in the church up
to the date of his death. In relating the history of this church the good
judge once remarked : "We have been driven from private houses to the
jail and from there to the court house, and I propose now that we build a
house of our own." Methodism from an early date prospered and today
its churches are scattered everywhere over the thickly settled county. The
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 155
church at Princeton was organized ahmit 1S15, and the lirst cluirch was
erected in 1838. The second was a brick edifice on the .site ut tiie present
building, which was erected in 1896; the second church was Ininied in 1893.
The present churcli stands on the corner of Emerson and West streets. Tlie
present vahie of this church is twenty-five thousand dollars ; the value placed
on the parsonage is four thousand dollars. The membership of this society
in September, 1913, was i\\e hundred and fifty-nine. The present ])astor is
Rev. C. C. Edwards, who is now in his fifth year as pastor and is an able,
enthusiastic Methodist.
In Gibson county there are now — 1913 — the following Methodist
churches: Princeton, with a membership in the First church of li\e hun-
dred and fifty-nine; Gibson Street church, in Princeton; Fort Branch has a
membership of about three hundred ; Francisco, a membership of one hun-
dred and fifty-two; Oakland City, a membership of three hundred and forty-
three; Owensville has a membership of two hundred and ninety-three;
Patoka, a membership of one hundred and eight; others are at Hazelton,
two near Patoka (same charge); at Wheeling, Mt. Olivet, Right's Chapel,
Cunningham Chapel, Blythe Chapel, Forsythe, near Oakland City, and
Antioch, on the Owensville circuit.
The Methodist church at Patoka was organized in 185 1, and now has a
membership of one hundred and eight. Its church building was erected in
1 85 1 at a cost of one thousand five hundred dollars. The present pastor.
Rev. E. F. Shake, came in 191 1 and is doing a good work in the cluirch to
which the conference sent him.
The Methodist church at Hazelton now has a membershi]) of one hun-
dred and one members, and has preaching ser\ices every other Sunday,
being supplied by Rev. Shake, of Patoka.
In Washington township there is what is styled Shiloh church, or-
ganized in 1815, and has forty members; the building was erected in 1S93.
costing one thousand five hundred dollars. It is said by some that this was
the first Methodist church regularly organizerl withm the state of Indiana —
it was early in the .field, of course, if it was formed as early as 18 15.
The church kn'nvn as Steelman, in this county, has eighteen members
at this writing.
The Afethodist F,]Mscopal church was organized in Oakland in the early
fifties. There are at present three hundred and fifty members here, in
charge of Rev. Elmer St. Clair. The church was built in 1906. and cost
twenty thousand dollars, including an up-to-date pipe organ.
156 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES OF THE COUNTY.
The Salem presbytery held its first session at Princeton, May 9, 1828,
and at that session the first Presbyterian church was organized. This was
the first perfected society of this denomination, but there had been another
partly perfected previous to this date. The first ruling elders elected and
ordained were William French and James R. E. Goodlet. The first stated
supply was Calvin E. Butler, who, in the spring of 1832, was succeeded by
Rev. W. \V. jNIartin. Among other pastors recalled, and whose names
should never be forgotten, was Rev. John D. Paxton, of rare attainments
and many beautiful traits of character. In i860 he accepted the presidency
of Highland University, Kansas; served two years antl resigned to return
to Princeton, Indiana, and served as pastor until his death, aged about eighty-
five years. The church here had, by that date, attained considerable strength
and has ever since been one of the county's best church societies.
On January 12, 1910, was consummated a union between the Broad-
way Presbyterian church and the Presbyterian church of Princeton. The
Broadway Presbyterian church was formerly the Cumberland Presbyterian
church until the union between the Presbyterian church in 'the United
States of America and the Cumberland Presbyterian. P>nest G. Hildner
was the first and present pastor of the new church, the First Presbyterian.
The present church building was dedicated on April 29, 1894, and cost
eighteen thousand dollars. The present membership is about tliree hun-
dred. The church is complete in every respect, and contains a pipe organ of
the latest model, installed by the Welborn family in memory of Dr. W. P.
Welborn.
The list of pastors is as follows: Calvin Butler, 1828; William W.
Martin, 1832-5; H. H. Patten, 1835-8; John M. McCord. 1838-43; Robert
Lillie, 1844; R. V. Dodge, 1844-45; A. T. Hendricks; Henry W. Biggs,
1853; J. D. Paxton, D. D., 1855; H. B. Scott, i860; John H. Aughey,
1863; J. D. Paxton, 1864; Martin \'an Buren Van Arsdale, 1867-8; John
Montgomery, 1868; Benjamin Mills, 1879-80: John Stuart, 1880-6: W. D.
Ward, 1887-92; Alexander J. Kerr, 1892-5; J. H. Cone, 1896-9; Douglas
P. Putnam. D. D., 1899-1904; F. H. Shedd, 1905-8; Ernest G. Hildner,
D. D., 1908-1910. At this time the union of the two churches was formed
and Rev. Hildner became the first pastor.
The Presbvterian church in Oakland City was organized in 1850, the
Cumberland Presbyterian in 1850, and the Presbyterian in 1872. The two
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 1 57
were united in the year 1905, and at present have a membership of one hun-
dred and fifty-six. The church was built in 1906, and cost about fifteen
thousand dollars, including- nn excellent pipe orc^an.
FAIRVIEW CHURCH.
The cause leading up to the organization of Fairview church was a
Sabbath school organized at the Page school house in 1890 h\- Rev. J.
Beveridge Lee and Gil. R. Stormont, of the United Presbyterian church of
Princeton. Mr. Stormont, as superintendent, with the assistance of Mr.
and Mrs. T. C. Morton, Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Townsend, W. H. Stormont
and other workers, carried on this school for several months. \\'hen the
Page school house was bui"ned, the school was transferred to the Lawrence
school house and continued with Amos Legier as superintendent. AniHher
step towards the organization of the church was a pmtracted meeting con-
ducted by Rev. W". D. Landis, pastor of the Cumberland Presbyterian church
in Princeton.
On Alarch 21, 1897, the church was organized by Rev. A\'. D. Landis
at the Lawrence school house with sixty-three charter members. The elders
elected at that time were John C. Clark and E. L. Townsend, and John Boal,
A. N. Sttu-ges and Samuel Binkley as trustees. It was deciderl that the name
of the church should be the Fairview Cumberland Pre.sbyterian church.
In August of the same year the work of building a regular house of
worship was begun on a tract of land donated by Mrs. Josiah E. Carithers.
This house was completed and dedicated November 21, 1897. ^^'th Rev. A. FT.
Kelso officiating, Rev. J. E. Jenkins assisting. The first pastor called was
Rev. G. W. May, who began his work in the following May.
Since that time the following pastors ha\e served the congregation :
Rev. John Welch, Rev. William Carhart, Rev. G. F. McMican, Rev. J. O.
Ashburn, Rev. J. H. Kiracafe and Rev. J. G. House.
On the consummation of the union between the Cumberland Presby-
terian church and the Presbyterian church this congregation became identi-
fied with the Presbyterian church. .\t a later time some of the nieniliers
withdrew from the church, thereby reducing the membership. But, liy the
help of the Lord, and the work of a faithful few, the good work continues.
About the year 1904 the manse enterprise was started which resulted in
the building of a five-room house, situated on a four-acre lot adjoining the
church building. The little church has been without a pastor during a part
of its history, but the Sunday school from which it had its beginning has
I5« GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
continued. The present superintendent has served the school since 1898,
with the exception of six months.
There is also a Presb3'terian church at Fort Branch, but the proper
parties failed to furnish data in time for insertion in this chapter.
THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES.
The first church of this branch of Presbyterianism in Gibson county
was organized by Rev. William Barnett in August, 1S17, at the place of
worship of the Methodists at Shiloh, Washington township. By many it
is contended that this was the first Cumberland Presliyterian church formed
in Indiana. Trouble arose l^etween the Methodists and this sect over camp
meeting ground dates, and the Cumberland Presbyterians withdrew and
made grounds of their own in the township, a half mile distant, and this was
known as Mt. Zion. Rev. Alexander Downey served this people six years.
In September, 1839, the society divided and Mt. Pleasant was the name of
the new church, with l<]lder Aaron Lewis in charge. Later this church was
dissolved and many of the meml^ers returned to Mt. Zion. The Bethel
church was formed in 1832 and Rev. \\'illiam Lynn was pastor until 1841,
and was succeeded by Rev. T. B. McCormick. Members living in and near
Owensville became members of Bethel church in 1876, and later Bethel
erected a church at Owensville. Mt. Moriah church was organized at the
residence of David Robb, near Fort Branch, in 1828. The first minister in
charge was Rev. Downey. In 1839 a church was built near Mr. Robb's.
This was used until the erection of a church at the town of Fort Branch in
1866. The Princeton church was the outgrowth of the Patoka church. The
Princeton congregation was organized by Rev. Hiram A. Hunter in Decem-
ber, 1832. Subsequently, the Patoka congregation was dissolved and added
to Princeton church. Rev. J. E. Jenkins began his labors at Princeton in
1857 and for more than thirty years was the faithful pastor at Princeton.
During the last half of the nineteenth century, beyond any question, Mr.
Jenkins was th.e best known minister in Gibson county. The Patoka con-
gregation was again separated from Princeton in 1870. In 1850, near
Oakland City, a congregation was formed and called Montgomery, but,
owing to internal strife, it never succeeded well. At Princeton, f<ir many
years, the church was much stronger than those outside in this county. In
Januarv, 1910. the union of the regular Presbyterians and the Broadway or
Cumberland Presl)yterian churches was effected. The old Cumberland
church was sold to the Christian denomination societv.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 1 59
The Cvimberland Presbyterian church of Owensville has a meml)ershi])
of one hundred. It was organized about sixty years ago. The Rev. T. .V.
Devore took charge of the church on October 3, 1913. He also preaches to
the Bethel and Antioch congregations, of forty members each.
UNITED PRESBYTERIANS AND REFORMED PRESBYTERIANS.
During the first decade of the last century Samuel Hoguc came from
Tennessee and Thomas Archer fr(5m South Carolina and Ixith were tle\-out
men and. wanted religious services in tlieir settlements. In i8jo Mr. Hogue
went on horseback to his old home in Tennessee to .seek permission of his
old church, the Seceders, to preach the Gospel. He was denied the right on
account of his not having been educated for the ministry. On his return to
Indiana he chanced to fall in with a missionary of the Reformed Presby-
terian church. His name was John Kell. of near Knoxville. Tennessee.
Hogue begged the young minister to visit the little settlement at Princeton,
not yet named as such, however. It was in the ripe harvest time in 18 10
that Kell arrived, and from his coming came the l)irtli of the congregation
so well known in the county today. He cnntinued to visit Princeton for six
years and then settled here, but still continued his circuit work. The s'iciet}-
at Princeton used the old Hardshell Baptist church until 1820. when they
erected a frame building on Prince street between Broadway and Water
streets. This served until 1836, when a brick church was erected at the
corner of what is now Broadway and Prince streets, the site of the Christian
church.
From the start the congregation had been of the Reformed Presb}--
terian creed, descendants of the old Scotch Covenanters. About 183J there
arose trouble over the fpiestion of a ruling of the s\'nod forbidding members
taking jiart in governmental affairs, generally construed to include jury
service and \oting at the polls. This did not meet with the appro\al of the
Princeton church and it was left to a committee, and a majority of such
committee voted in favor of meml^ers being permitted to serve as jurors.
This caused a bad break and the anti-faction, headed by Robert Stormont,
withdrew and formed a new congregation, which came to be styled the "Old
Side." while the majority body was known as the "Xew Side."
The Old Side Reformed Presbyterians formed an organizati(jn and in
1851 built a frame church on what i> now State street, and secured Re\-. John
Stott as pastor. Rev. Stott was also a physician and had a considerable
practice, in additifju to his pastoral lalior^. He ca'.uc fr(.)ni irclan 1 and
l6o GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
through his intiuence a large number of his former parishioners emigrated
to this county and identified themselves with his church here. Dr. Stott was
a man of fine intellectual attainments and was an able preacher. Owing to
some internal dissensions his congregation was divided in the later sixties,
and the dissenting members withdrew and erected another church on east
Broadway. Dr. Stott, however, continued preaching at the old church to
the members who adhered to his side in the separation until the infirmities of
age compelled him to give up the work. After this the congregation was
disbanded and the building sold to L. H. Wheeler, who con\erted it into a
business house. This house, in its remodeled form, still stands in the old
location on east State street, and is used as a grocery store.
The Old Side organization, located on east Broadway, has been fairly
prosperous in all the years since the separation, and has had the ministration
of some able men as pastors, among them Rex. D. C. Martin, Rev. Mathews
and others. Their present pastor is Rev. ]\I. S. McAlillan. They have re-
cently remodeled their old church and now ha\e one of the neatest and most
conveniently arranged churches in the town. The present memliership is
sixty-five.
While all this was going on, in 1832, was formed the first Sunday
school in Gibson county, the same ha\-ing been organized by James Hogue
and William Orr for the study of the Bible. The first United Presbyterian
church in Princeton was founded in 1858. It was during that }'ear that the
union of the Associate Reformed and Associate or Seceder churches was
brought about under the title of United Presbyterian church.
In 1870 a union was efifected between the Reformed Presbyterian (New
Side) and the United Presbyterian churches, by which the name of the
former was dropped and the tmited body became known as the United Pres-
byterian church. A remnant of the Reformed Presbyterians who could not
see their wav clear to change their church allegiance continued with the old
organization and built another church on the corner of Gibson and Water
streets. Here they continued to worship for several years, with Rev. Robert
Blair as their pastor. Finally this organization was abandoned, the pastor
departed to other fields and the members found a place in their former
church home.
When the Reformed Presbyterians had grown beyond the capacity of
their brick church, located on what is now the corner of Prince and Broad-
way, thev secured a lot and erected a building thereon, on what is now the
corner of State and Prince streets. This building was completed in 1858
REV. GILBERT McMASTER, D. D.,
Pastor Reformed Presbyterian Church, Princeton, 1840-1846.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. l6l
and it has been the church home of this denomination, and the denomination
that has succeeded by virtue of the union, ever since. Tliis old church was
wrecked by the tornado that passed through Princetcju in 1876, and has
been subjected to various attempts to improve the architecture liy remodel-
ing the structure, with more or less success. In 1807. largely through the
ijeneficence of Mrs. Ann Eliza W'dods llu<lelsi)n, a life-time member of the
church, the old church was ])raclically rebuilt and it is now thorougiily
modern.
Those who have served as pastors of this church since its organization
are the following: Rev. John Kell, 1820 to 1838; Rev. Gilbert IMcMaster,
D. D., 1840 to 1846; Rev. John McMaster, D. D., 1846 to the time of his
death in 1874; Rev. W. H. :Mc^Iaster, 1874 to 1881 : Rev. John A. Gordon.
D. D., 1883 to 1888: Rev. J. Beveridge Lee. 1889 to 18., i: Rev. A. M.
Campbell. D. D.. 1892 to 1901 : Rev. W. H. Patterson. D. D., 1901 to
1910; Rev. Morris ^^^atson. D. D.. 1911. the present ])astor.
A PROUD WAR RFXORD.
In 1910 the United Presbyterian church celebrated its one hundredth
anni\ersary. .\.t that time a number of historical addresses were given, and
one pertaining to the attitude of this church on questions that agitated the
public prior to the Civil war. and the record of that congregation in that
war, will be of interest in this connection. This is a record that represents
the spirit of patriotism and loyalty that prevailed at that time and is a part
of the history of Gibson county. Quoting from the adtlress referred to;
"In this congregation, if there was any lack of lo}'alty or patriotism
inherited from the fathers this lack was more than suj^plied by the precept
and example of the pastor. No man of his time was more lo}'al to his
country, or more devoted to his country's honor and integritx- than was
Rev. John Mc^Master. * * * n^^ ^vas fearless in denouncing slavery
as an evil, which he. with others, believed to be a menace to the national
life. * * *
"In this community, as in many others, there was a divided sentiment
as to the right of slavery, and there were many who advocated the right of
this institution. Indeed, it required courage ami boldness for one to take a
stand, in opposition to slavery, and there \\ere not many who cared to take
that unpopular stand.
"Among those who had the courage of their con\'ictions on that ques-
(II)
l62 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
tion were the Covenanters, most of whom had left their homes in the South
because of slavery's blighting influence. The man who was in the forefront
and the leader of those in opposition was the pastor, Rev. John McAlaster.
"With prophetic eye. Doctor McMaster could see the impending judg-
ment that must come upon a nation because of the evil of slavery, and most
earnestly did he pray in his pulpit that threatened war might be averted. In
public addresses he pleaded for righteousness and peace, and hesitated not
to denounce the wrong. Because of his boldness he was bitterly denounced
by the apologists for slavery, and on one occasion he and Dr. Andrew Lewis,
another prominent citizen of Princeton, of like sentiment, were assaulted
with rotten eggs while making what was called an abolition speech in Owens-
ville, this county.
"While Doctor McMaster prayed earnestly that the war might be
averted, yet, when war came, by the rebellious acts of those who would
perpetuate slavery, he himself became a man for war. He gave his voice
and strong influence on the side of those who would suppress rebellion by
force of arms. He encouraged the young men of his congregation, and of
the community, to enlist, and expressed a willingness himself to enlist.
"How vividly we call to mind (says the writer of this sketch) that day
when the news came that Fort Sumter had been fired upon, and later when
the lightning flashed the news of surrender and the lowering of the flag.
The people of this communit}', as all over the nation, were thrilled as by an
electric shock. How well do I remember, as a boy, that first Sabbath after
the fall of Sumter. We all came to church as usual, but there was more
than usual in the impressive solemnity of the congregation that day. Doctor
McMaster began his service as he always did, without variation. This in-
troduction to the service always seemed solemn and impressive, but, it ap-
]5eared to me, was more than usuall\- impressive that day, when he said
T.et us, with reverence, comjiose our minds for the public worship of the
Lord our God. Let us unite in seeking His presence and blessing by pra^-er.'
Was there ever greater need to 'compose ourselves' ? \\"as there ever greater
need to seek 'His presence and blessing?'
"I do not remember his text on that occasion. I only remember that
it was appropriate and that his sermon was deeply impressive, and how
earnestly he prayed for his country, now trembling in the balance.
"In the midst of the afternoon service that day a sound of the fife and
drum was heard. The sound came from the courthouse yard, where a com-
pany of men were being enlisted in response to Governor Morton's first call
for volunteers. Will anvone who heard that fife and drum ever forget its
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 1 63
thrilling effect? It was an unusual sound for Princeton, on a quiet Sabbath
afternoon. It brought to that worshiping congregation a realization of the
serious condition threatening our nation — a foretaste of the tragedy of war
that was to follow. To me, as a country boy, the sound of martial music
was somewhat of a novelty at that time, but I had abundant opportunit}- to
become familiar with it a short time afterward.
"The first man in Gibson county to enlist for the defense of his coun-
try's flag was from this congregation, Dr. Samuel E. Munford. He en-
listed as a pri\'ate in a company that was afterward known as Company H,
Seventeenth Indiana Volunteers. On the organization of the regiment he
was made assistant surgeon and later promoted to surgeon, and later medical
director of the Wilder Brigade."
In an historical address by Doctor McMaster, on the occasion of his
twenty-fifth anniversary as pastor of the congregation, in June, 1871, he
gave an account of the war record of his congregation, of which the follow-
ing is an extract :
"At the call of their country si.xty-four persons in full communion, or
baptized members belonging to this congregation, volunteered in her armies
and fought, and some of them died, for their countr}-. In some instances
two, three and four went from one family. In one case, a father and his
two sons enlisted. Two sons of the pastor went nut, one of them in his
seventeenth year. These, with many others, re-enlisted as veterans and
were with Sherman on his march to the sea.
"There were no skulkers, no deserters among them. There \\ere none
who, being armed, turned back in the day of battle. .\s the_\- rallied around
and fought for the 'Red, White and Blue flag' of their country, tlie\- jjrcned
themselves the true successors of those who fought and died so bravely imder
the blue flag of the Covenanters in the hills and valle}-s of Scotland.
"Of the sixty-four who went forth, at the close (.)f their ser\-ice. two held
the position of medical director, two were captains, two were quartermas-
ters, two were first lieutenants, two second lieutenants, one hospital steward,
one sergeant major, three sergeants, eight corporals and the remainder
served their country as privates and all served it well. Of the number en-
listed, sixteen died in the service, one-fourth of the whole number. Eight
died on the battle field or of wounds received in battle. The others died of
various diseases contracted in the service.
"These sixteen included some of our best men, men whose Christian,
character was established and also some of the most promising youths of
the congregation."
164 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
In the annals of this congregation during the century of its existence,
there is no more creditable record than its war history. Of those who gave
up their lives for their country, it may be said no better soldiers ever girded
on the armor, no truer patriots ever lived.
BAPTIST CHURCHES.
Different branches of this denomination have long existed in Gibson
county. The Regular Ba])tists date back to 1808, when Rev. Stephen
Strickland came from Kentuck}- to Indiana, settling near Princeton. He
was the pioneer Baptist preacher of this county and, like John the Baptist,
went ahead and paved the way for those who should come after him in
preaching baptism.
The Patoka Baptist church was organized about 1810 by Rev. William
Hanks. Pigeon church, near Princeton, was oi'ganized in 181 1, by Rev.
Strickland, but later was dissolved. The next congregation was the Salem
church, at Owensville, constituted by Elders William Planks and James
Mootry. A church was soon built near Owensville, and in 1840 the society
was moved into Owensville, where a frame church was erected, Providence
. church, eleven miles southeast of Princeton, was formed in 1822. New
Salem church was organized twelve miles north of Princeton in 1838. Other
Baptist churches, here and there over the county, were soon organized.
What is known as the General Baptist church had its origin in Gibson
county in 1829, when Elder Jacob Speer came to Princeton from Tennessee.
He organized the church of Baptists in 1830. Later, in 1831, this united
with the Liberty Association of General Baptists, and Elder Speer con-
tinued to preach to his chosen flock. The other flourishing Baptist churches
in the county, of this faction, were formed at Owensville, Columbia, Fort
Branch, Hazelton, New Liberty, at Francisco, and one at Oakland City.
The First General Baptist church was organized in Oakland in 1853.
The church building was built in 1894, and cost fifteen thousand dollars.
This amount includes the recent additions, among them the pipe organ,
which cost one thousand two hundred dollars. There are one hundred and
sixty-four members at present, and Rev. Frank S. Hartley has charge.
There is a Primitive Baptist church at Fort Branch: also a General
church.
The Primitive Baptist church of Owensville was organized in the early
sixties, and has had a steady growth since. There are at present one hun-
dred and thirty members. Rev. Clayton has charge of the church. The
present church Imilding was erected in 1906, and cost ten thousand dollars.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 165
The Missionary Baptists have an organization and a tine church at
Princeton, and up to two years ago had a society at Oakland City, but this
has been dissolved. At Princeton the church was formed in 1894 and now
has a membership of one hundred and thirtv. The church propert}- is
valued at eight thousand dollars. The church building is located on the
corner of Prince and Water streets and was dedicated in 1902.
THE FRANCISCO CHURCH OF GENERAL liAPTISTS,
lliis was first organized at Old Bethesda church, two and one-half
miles northwest of Francisco, Indiana. Bethesda, one of the oldest churches
in the eastern part of the count}-, was built in the year 1834. The timbers
for the frame work were split and hewn from the trees of the forest, and
the work was done by the labor of the surrounding neighborhood. After
completion, the house was used by the different church organizations for
preaching services, and the Methodist Episcopal congregation of Francisco
was first located there, and later removed to Francisco about 1856 or 1857.
The United Brethren also had an organization there during the sixties,
but did not seem to have much success and went down.
The house was still used for preaching and school until alxnit Decem-
ber, 1875, when it was destroyed by fire.
In ]\Iav, 1874. after a series of meetings held at the did church by Re\-.
T. B. ;\[cCormick, Rev. Jacob Scammahorn and Rev. F. '\\. Kerr, there
was organized by Revs. Jacob Speer and F. M. Kerr a church, under the
name of New Liberty church of General Baptists. The following named
persons were enrolled as charter members : William J. Blythe, Eliza E.
Blythe, William Lowe, Mary A. Lowe, James LI. Lowe, Rosa Lowe, Daniel
Kenerly, Artimesa Kenerly, and Joseph Douglass, none of whom are now
living except Rosa (Lowe) Yeager.
Upon the completion of the organization. Rev. Kerr was chosen pastor,
James H. Lowe as clerk, and they still held services there until the fall of
1875, and added a number of members to the church.
About November, 1875, through the kindness of the Methodists at
Francisco, Indiana, the Baptist organization was removed to their church,
where meetings were held for the next seven years, when they Iniilt a house
of their own.
Commencing in January, 1876, there was held a protracted meeting at
Francisco, which lasted several weeks and had quite an increase in mem-
l66 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
bership. And during that time and afterwards there was a number of ac-
cessions from the Rev. Sands' foHowers of Old Providence Regular Baptist
church, which increased the roll of members up to sixty to that time.
Rev. Kerr, having ser\'ed as pastor to September, 1876, was succeeded
by Elder Jacob Speer for two years. There being a vacancy in the office of
clerk, b}- the death of James H. Lowe, September 28, 1876, John Marvel was
chosen and served two years.
In September, 1878, Rev. ^Villiam Clark was chosen pastor, N. S.
Meade, clerk, and in 1879 Elder Clark was re-elected, and W. J. Blythe,
clerk.
In October, 1879, having effected a consolidation with Pleasant Hill
church (at Mitchell school house), a committee was appointed to raise
funds and make the necessary arrangements for building a house, viz : J.
S. Meade, Martin I\Ieade, Nathaniel Martin, J. W. Blythe and S. R. Davis,
and to be co-workers, with the following trustees: J. S. Meade, J. M. Gentry,
N. Martin and Martin Meade, who, through their untiring efforts and the
assistance of many friends in and out of the church, their work was crowned
with success. There was dedicated a good stibstantial building on Main
street in Francisco, on the 2d day of January, 1882, Rev. William Clark
being pastor, and assisted by Rev. T. M. Strain, who managed the finances,
and W. P. Hall, who preached the dedicatory sermon.
Meetings were then continued for some time, a numlier were added to
the church, making the church roll one hundred and thirty-two members,
the highest, except Owensville, reported to the association held at Francisco
that year.
In September, 1895, Rev. \^■illiam Clark, having served as pastor for
seven years and wishing to retire from the charge. Rev. \\'illiam Chesser
was chosen, and served for the next three years, and S. R. Davis was elected
as clerk. During the pastorate of Rev. Chesser, the question came came up
as to organ, or no organ, which caused some warm discussions. The ques-
tion was finally decided in favor of having an organ in the church, Imt this
caused a loss of several members.
From the expiration of the pastorate of Rev. Chesser, in 1888, the
church had as pastors Elders T. M. Strain, Rev. T. A. H. Laslie, F. M. Kerr,
G. W. Hogan, William Clark and Josephus Lee, each one year; J. R. Ed-
wards, A. D. Baker and W. E. "Willis, each two years; Raymond Selby, J.
P. Turner, each one year; I. J. Turner, three years; J. W. Johnson, one year;
L. W. Spann, A. D. Baker, two years. From October, 1887, the following
served as clerks: N. Martin, two years; S. R. Davis, six years; J. M.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 167
McGee, T. M. W'ells, each two }'ears ; Ethel Lani)har, two years ; F. X.
Westfall, seven years; Ahce Stormont, two years; F'lossie Goldman, three
years.
On April 29. 1909, the church was badly wrecked by storm, the south
end of the roof and cu])ola, and the east side of the roof being Ijlowii off,
and a short time thereafter the north end was badly wrecked by lightning.
But in the next seven months the church was completely remodeled, inside
and out. an additional room, twenty h\- thirt}- feet was added, a roomy base-
ment and hot air furnace placed under tlie building, at an approximate cost
of three thousand dollars. It was re-dedicated on the 29th day of Novem-
ber, 1909, the pastor. L. \\'. Sjjann, being assisted by Rev. J. R. Edwards,
managing the finances, and Rev. W. P. Decring, who preached the dedicatc:)ry
sermon.
The church was organized as Xew Liberty church of General Baptists,
having meetings once a month, but about the year 1903 the name was
changed to Francisco church of General Baptists and have services twice
a month and pay the pastor two hundred and fifty dollars per year.
There is a Ladies' Aid Society, a Christian Endea\'or. and a Sabbath
school with an enrollment of one hundred scholars and an average attend-
ance of se\cnty. Ralph Goldman, superintendent, and Mar\- Drysdale.
secretary.
There is an enrollment of ninety members at this time in tin- church.
There are nine members who.se combined ages is six hundred and seventv-
eight years, viz: L S. Meade, eighty-six; Martin Meade, eighty; Mahala
Meade, seventy-seven; Elvira Gentry, seventy-seven; Louisa Martin.
seventy-three; S. R. Davis, seventy-three; Fannie ^.fcKedy, sevenlv-two;
William \'irden. seventy; F. X. Westfall, seventy. The deacons are J. S.
Meade, J. FT. Loveless. F. S. .Reavis. M. D King, and J. M. Stormont.
Rev. W. T. Winstead is the present pastor and Ralph Goldman is clerk.
GENERAL BAPTISTS OF THE PIONEER DAY.
By W.. M. Cockrum.
The first recollection that I have of seeing a religious congregation, and
of hearing a sermon preached, was about 1842. when Uncle Jacol) Speer
stood in the door of one of my father's log cabins and preached to the people
assembled before him in the yard. The same log cabin now stands in my
yard — a well preserved old log building. There were but few preachers in
this section at that time and but few sermons were preached.
In the early fifties the General Baptists organized Keg Creek church at
l68 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
an old schoolhouse one mile south of where Oakland Cit)- now stands, with
ten members. I'ncle Jacob Speer and William Rea\is preached alternately to
that little church, monthly, for several years. In 1856 the church was re-
organized and moved into the little village where my father had built a good,
substantial church building. This was occupied until the brick building
which is now used took the place of it, and since the reorganization it has
been known as the Oakland City General Baptist church.
Some may wish to know why the little stream for which the church
was named was called Keg creek. The creek was named from an incident
that happened to a corps of surveyors who in 1804 were surveying the land
ceded by the Pian-Ka-Shaw Indians that year to the United States. This
surveying corps had three pack-horses on which they transported their cook-
ing outfit, together with their surveying outfit and two twenty-gallon kegs
of Kentucky whiske}-. They had a camp near the little creek, and one day
a large hunting party of Indians came into the camp. The surveyors felt
that it would be dangerous for the Indians to find the whiskey, so they Ijuried
the two kegs in different places in the creek near the camp; and after the
Indians were gone they could find but one keg, as the parties who buried the
whiskey were probably drunk while they were hiding the kegs from the
Indians. Thus they named the creek Keg creek. One of these kegs was
found forty years afterward. This was the same surveying corps that, a
few weeks later, was working near Foote's pond, where young Ziba Cook
was drowned.
The General Baptist denomination has had and does still have many
true and noble men upholding the Cross, and ailding greatly to the Chris-
tian cause ; bnit none of them have done more than Uncle Jacob Speer, who
stood on Zion's wall for more than fifty years proclaiming the glad tidings
of the Saviour's lo\'e to all mankind. Today, whilst your large assembly is
holding their meeting in your beautiful church building. Uncle Jacob Speer
is making music in Paradise, surrounded by a mighty host of those who
under his preaching were adopted into the Christian family.
There is but little question that the Primitive Baptists were the first to
hvild religious services in what is nmv Gibson county. They had some al)le
ministers, among whom were Reverends John Tegue, Stephen Strickland,
Alexander Devin, William Hanks, James Mootree, James Strickland, Joel
Hume, and man\- others who occupied the field at that early date in southern
Indiana.
Up on Blue Rix-er these Baptists at one of their churches had a great
revival and seventy-fi\'e joined the church and there was that number to lie
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. l6g
baptized at the Alay meeting. Tlie cliurch was located not far from the
Ohio river. These people decided that they would hold their baptismal
meeting at a famous place for such purjjose on that river. The health of
the resident minister was not good, so the congregation had him secure the
services of Elder B , who was a strong, sturdy man and had a voice
in singing that could be heard a mile away. He had a record of having
baptized two thousand people during his ministry.
The day for the great meeting was at hand and ten thousand people
were assembled on the beautiful shore r,f the I.al'.elle ri\'er. The weather
\vas warm. The candidates for bai)tism were all in a bod)- near a point
where the immersion was to take place. The men were all in their shirt
sleeves. There were three or four newspaper re]jorters from Louisville and
other nearb}- cities who were there present and read\' to get reports of the
wonderful gathering. The elder who was to do the work was on hands and
ready to commence, wading out into the water, singing a favorite old hymn
used on such occasions :
"Come, Holy Spirit. Do\'e divine.
On these baptismal waters shine.
And teach our hearts, in highest .strain
To praise the Lamb for sinners slain."
Locating the point that was of the right depth for the work in hand,
he stuck his stalY down to indicate where to bring the candidates, then com-
menced the work, baptizing one a minute, singing the rest of the old h\-mn
and others suited to the occasion, as he led the candidates in and returned
them to the shore. As I said before, the crowd was immense, the weather
was warm, and many were in their shirt slee\'es.
A small young man whom John D. Prentice had sent tliere to report for
the Lotiisznllc Journal, in his zeal to make a note of everything that was
done, had gotten down to the edge of the water an<l amongst the candidates,
who were so compact that he could not readily get out of the jam. Un-
fortunately for him, he had an impediment in iiis speech. In other words,
he was one of the most stuttering unfortunates. At times it would take him
two or three minutes to say the most simple word. The minister was lead-
ing the candidates in, singing as he went, ba])tizing and returning them to the
shore.
Finally he came to where the young reporter stood, took lim by the arm
and started into the water, singing as loud as he could. The young reiiorter
170 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
tried to pull back. Then the preacher turned and said: Never fear, young
man, the water is not deep," and kept leading him on. The young man was
all the time saying —
"Yi-yi-yi-yi-yi — "
The preacher told him not to be scared, that the bottom was good and
there was not the least danger. Getting in to where the water was deep
the preacher had no difficulty in leading the resisting youth to the ])roper
place, when he said the ceremony and put him under, head and ears ! When
the stuttering fellow's face and head struck the water it seemed to have
loosed his tongue. Spurting the water out of his mouth, he said: "Sir, I
am .a-a-a-a r-r-r-reporter and a-a-a-a M-M-Meth-Meth-]Methodist !"' The
preacher replied : "That's all right, young man, you are not hurt in the
least; but yon are thoroughly baptized all the same."
CHRI-^TIAN CHURCH.
The Christian church was organized in Princeton, April 7. iS8g, at a
meeting of the members held in what was then kno\\n as Old Temperance
hall on West State street. Temperance hall stood where the Agar building
now stands and at the time of the organization of the church was occupied
in part by a printing office run by James McCormick, who was then editing
the Prohibition Era.
The late ?ilrs. Taura J Baker and Mrs. E. D. McCurdy were instru-
mental in bringing about the organization. Mrs. McCurdy v,-rote the state
de]iartment of the church with reference to perfecting an organization here
and, in response to her letter. Rev. J. T. Ewing, then state evangelist, was
sent to conduct a meeting, winch resulted in sixty-four members uniting and
these became the charter members of the church.
Meetings were held in Temperance hall for a short time until Jessups
hall, corner Main and Broadway, was secured as a meeting place. Rev. J.
T. Purvis was called as pastor of the congregation and in October, 1889. a
deal was consummated whereby the congregation purchased from the Re-
formed Presbyterian people the church building in East Water street. This
building was occupied by the congregation until December, 19 10, when they
purchased the church property at Broadway and Prince streets, formerly
owned by the Cumberland Presbyterians. The price paid for the building
was six thousand dollars. The building is modern, is equipped with a pipe
organ that cost two thousand dollars at time of installation, and has a lieat-
ing plant. The present membership numbers two hundred and seventy-five
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. I /I
and Rev. Rome G. Jones, formerly of Anderson, Indiana, is the present
pastor.
There are fonr other congregations of the Christian church in the
county, at Owensville, Oakland Citw Old Union, near Pose}-ville, and
Nauvoo church, south of Princeton. The a]iproximate membership of each
is: Owensville, one hundred and fifty-seven; Old Union, four hundred;
Nauvoo, fifty, and Oakland City, sixty members. The congregation at
Oakland City was organized five years prior to the Princeton congregation.
The Christian church of Owensville was organized about 1850, and
loda)- has a membership of one hundred and fifty-seven. J- A. Persinger
took charge of the church im Ju.ne 14, 1913. In 1905 the church Inn'lding
was erected at a cost of three thousand dollars.
CATHOLIC CHURCHES.
The oldest congregation (if the Catholic denomination in Cilison county
is that of .St. James, heather Czackart, a Redemptorist. fn.ni Illinois, is the
first priest known to have visited this congregation He celelirated holy nsass
in the house of F. X. Weis in 1S36. He continued ti> visit during 1837.
Rev. A. Deydier, of Evansville, next ministered to the congregation until
1840. From the 9th of April, 1840, until May, 184J, Rev. Roman \\'ein-
zoepfel, of Evansville, had charge. P>om Octolier, 1842. until the latter part
of 1845 the mission was in charge of Rev. Conrad Schnif derjans, who lived
at St. Wcndel. During his time a log church, thirty-five Ijy twenty-five feet,
was erected, but the bishop refused to hold services therein until he had a deed
to the property. This was effected on the return of Father \\'einzoepfel in
April, 1846, and the chapel was blessed on July 25, 1817. Bishop l>azin
authorized the pastor to rent the seats in the chapel, but the action so in-
censed the people that they broke into the church on the night of January jt,,
1848, and destroyed the pews. leather Weinzoepfel was lirought into court
for breaking the Sabbath, and the bishop interdicted the church. On July 25,
1850, the ordinary harmony was restored in St. James.
In the month of March, 1855, Rev. F. W. Pepersack was appointed
resident priest. On July 25, 1855, the corner stone of the new church was
laid. The church, of Roman architecture, was completed that }ear, also a
commodious parsonage, heather Pepersack remained until June, 1866.
Rev. AT. Ficker came next, and he died July 18, 1868. The Benedictine
Fathers had charge until Septemljer, and then Re\-. J. B. H. Scepe became
pastor until the spring of 1875. He was removed on account of ]ioor health.
172 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
and the Benedictine Fathers again took charge. On Jnly 12, 1875, Rev. J.
J. Merckl took charge, and in his time added a sacristy, repaired the parson-
age, and otherwise impro^-ed the property. He also l^nilt the church at
Haubstadt.
CATHOLIC CHURCH .\T HAUBST.\DT.
Prior to 1S66 the Catholics at Haubstadt belonged to the St. James
congregation. In this }'ear a frame school house was built at Haubstadt, in
1867 a frame dwelling \\as built, and ten years later the church, under
direction of Father Merckl. Rev. George Widerin was the first resident
priest, coming on July 12, 1877. The next pastor was Rev. Bernard Ewers.
The church cost twehe thousand dollars, and there is a beautiful frame par-
sonage adjoining. A large building for a parochial schiiol is also kept. Other
pastors have been Revs. Fwers, Zoglmann and Set^r.
St. Bernard's church is situated about ten miles southeast of Princeton.
The members were formerly a part of the St. James congregation. The
church is a mission, and is attended either from Princeton or Haubstadt.
St. Joseph's church at Princeton was built in the year 1866 by Rev.
F, \y. Pepersack. U]) to this time Princeton Catholics were meml:)ers of St.
James. Until his death on July 18, 1868, Rev. M. Ficker visited St. Joseph's.
Rev. Henry Hug attended until 1868, and Rev. J. B. H. Seepe paid visits
until the spring of 1875. Rev. J. J. Merckl also came until the next year.
In 1876 Princeton received its first resident pastor. Rev. Alexander Koesters.
On his arrival a parsonage was built. Rev. George Widerin. pastor of Haub-
stadt, had charge from July 15. 1877. to I'-ebruary, 1S78. Rev. B. H. Kin-
triep, the second resident priest, was here from March 3rd to November 3,
1878. Father \\'iderin attended until iSyq. when Rev. A. Oster came from
\'incennes until February, 1880. Rev. John Joseph Macke also attended.
Rev. Celestine Schwarz was the third resident priest, from December 7, 1880,
until June, 1882. The next pastor was Rev. Augustine Peckskamp, who was
appointed August 10, 1882. Then follo\\'ed Revs. Peter Hommers, E. B.
Ledvina, William A. Jochum and present pastor. Rev. Nicholas Hassel, who
came in June, 19 12.
The present membership of this congregation is two hundred and
seventy-five. There is a fine parocliial school in conjunction with this church.
It now has an enrollment of about one hundred pu|)ils.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 1 73
THE EVANG
The following is from the pen of Rev. R. Mueller ( (if the Jdlinsdii town-
ship Evangelical church), written in 1884:
This congregation was formed during the latter part of the decade of
1840, or the beginning of 1850, and from a small licginning the growth has
been gradual and healthy. Tie first pastor was Rev. Weil, of the Lutheran
synod: he served them about one year. .Vfter he left he established a Luth-
eran church at Hahnville, to which alxnit one-third of the congregation
followed him ; the remainder comprised about thirty members. A new
preacher. Rev. Adams, was called and served about one year; his successor
was Rev. Schrenk, who lived in Darmstadt and preached here once in two
weeks. This was prior to 1856. from which year all meetings and records
were kept in the regular record book. In 1S56 Rev. Buhler de\ise(l rules
and by-laws for the congregation, which were accepted. The old church
could not accommodate the meetings and during the year 1865 a new edifice
was built and Rev. Gulbue was called into this ])astoral charge. The congre-
gation joined the Evangelical L'nion of the West. The ])resent name of this
ecclesiastical body is the Evangelical Synofl of Xortii America. I<"rom 1869
to April, 1884, Rev. J. G. Rausch administered to this congregation. The
congregation is the possessor of a new, commodious church and pipe organ.
The old church is kept in good repair and used as a parochial school. It is
located in Johnson township. Since 1854 there have been baptized in this
church four himdred and two children and two hundred and seven confirmed.
The Evangelical St. Peter's church was organized in the early fifties.
Being the only church home available to the German immigrants who settled
in and about Princeton, there were included within its fold members of
all the different branches of the Lutheran church, and as a result the church
was known as Lutheran, now as Reformed Lutheran, and again as
Evangelical Lutheran, etc. Since 1879 the church has I)een E\angelical.
For many years it remained an independent congregation. During the
pastorate of the Rev. William F. Alehl, the congregation was received into
the membership of the Indiana district conference of the Evangelical synod
of America.
In 1858 the church bought of the First Reformed Presbyterian church
the lot now occupied by the Christian church at the corner of Broadway and
Prince streets, and in 1873 exchanged this property for the property of .the
Cumberland Presbyterian church on east Emerson street. The brick building
174 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
was subsequently torn down and the present church house and parsonage
erected upon the site.
Owing to the fact that Princeton is not a German town the congregation
has never been a 'large and powerful one. In the past it has sought only
to give a church home to German immigrants, and the only language used in
the church service until recent years was German. Both English and German
have been used in the church services since the pastorate of the Rev. Mr.
Mehl.
The present membership numbers fifty-six. The Sunday school has an
enrollment of thirty-five. The congregation has no regular pastor at present.
The board of elders are William Toelle, president; H. H. Niekamp, \ice-
president; Philip Leaser, secretary, and John Portenheimer, treasurer.
THE COLORED CHURCHES OF PRINCETON.
About Ci\'il-war time the colored people of the Methodist Episcopal
faith organized a church at Princeton and are still a separate society but under
the control of the regular Methodist church. Afterwards what is known as
the African Methodist Episcopal church was formed here and both are
doing good work among their people, and have each a church building and
prospering. The former is on Seminary street, while the other is on Prince
street.
The colored Baptist church at Princeton, styled Olive Branch Baptist
church, was organized right after the close of the Civil war. .\t first they
worshipped in an old shed, until such time in 1871 as they came to be able to
build their present frame church, at No. 712 Broadway, which is ample for
the congregation. The present membership is one hundred and eighty, about
four-fifths of whom reside in the city and the remainder in the surrounding
country. The present pastor, Rev. W. E. Clark, came from Iventucky aliout
one vear ago, succeeding Rev. Waddell, who died here.
This denomination also has a strong church at Oakland City, this
county.
OTHER SOCIETIES.
At Princeton are alsii the societies of Advents, Christian Science, Episco-
pal, Salvation Army, etc., each doing religious work in their own peculiar
manner. The United Brethren church at Oakland City has a membership
of one hundred and fifty, and is now in charge of Rev. J. W. Settle. The
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 1 75
church was built about 1883. of frame, and cost one thousand live hundred
dollars. The society was formed in the early fifties. There is also a colored
church known as the Church of Christ, at Patoka, with a membership of
thirty-five : Hester Grear is present pastor.
CHAPTER XII.
MEDICAL MEN OF THE COUNTY.
It is to be regretted that no more comprehensive data can be secured for
this chapter. We are indebted to that respected old veteran. Dr. W. W.
Blair, of Princeton, who is still in active practice, in his eighty-seventh year,
for the following sketch of the earlier physicians of Gibson county :
"When I began the practice of medicine in Princeton, May 15, 1850, it
would have been an easy matter to have gathered up the history of every
man who had practiced medicine from 1805 on up to that date, but we had
little thought then that a time would come when the history of those early
days would be so much sought after; the work immediately before us occu-
pied our every effort. Many of the 'first settlers' were then still living.
"In a brief paper furnished Dr. G. W. H. Kemper, of Muncie, Indiana,
for his 'Medical History of Indiana,' the most elaborate work of the kind
ever publislied in the state, I supplied the following items :
"Fifty or sixty years ago it would have been easier to have gathered
information regarding the history of Gibson county than at the present day,
for at that time there were quite a number of the first settlers of this county
who could have given the names of all who had been practitioners in this
vicinity, from about the year 1805.
"Among the pioneers there Avere two women who were perhaps as well
known in the obstetric line as any two persons in the county. ' Mrs. John
Severns, who with her husband settled on Patoka river three miles northeast
of Princeton, when this country was mostly inhabited by Indians and wild
animals, was the first practicing mid-wife. I have often talked with her
daughter, Mrs. William Leathers, — who was born, lived and died on the
same spot of ground. — about her mother's early experience.
"There were neither bridges nor ferries on the Patoka river and when
'Old Grannv Severns," as she was familiarly known, had a call to the other
side of the river, should it be too deep to 'ford' — she would mount her horse
and 'swim' the river, no matter what the temperature or condition of the
stream. She continued her work up to the time of her death, which oc-
curred, perhaps, between the years 1S35 and 1840.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 1/7
"The other mid-wife was Mrs. John Kell, who settled here in 1816.
Just how soon she began her work in that Hne I am unable to say, but it was
at a very early day and she continued for a number of }-ears after I came to
Princeton — indeed until the feebleness of age laid her aside. She died in
either 1857 or 1858.
"For a few years after white people began to settle in this locality, there
is no record accessible of any physician having located here, \^incennes,
twenty-seven miles north, being the nearest point where medical assistance
could be obtained.
"Doctors Casey, Charles Fullerton and Robert Stockwell were among
the earliest practitioners to locate in this county. A few years later Doctors
Maddox and Kell were added to the number, but there is no available history
as to the exact time of their locating.
"Dr. William Curl, a graduate uf the University of \'irginia, w-as the
first medical graduate to practice in Gibson county, having settled in Prince-
ton in 1832. He died in March, 1842, from pneumonia, at the age of thirty-
nine years.
"Dr. J. J. Pennington (1805-1897) was practicing here in 1850, but
how long before that time I am unable to sa\-. He remained until about
1865.
"Dr. George B. Graff, educated in Baltimore, settled here in 1843 '"^"d
removed to Omaha, Nebraska, about 1862. He died about 1895.
"Dr. James C. Patten graduated at Evansville and began practice in this
county in 1849. He died in 1903. He served as assistant surgeon of the
Fifty-eighth Indiana Regiment, during Sherman's march to the sea. The
physicians living in Gibson county when I came here were as follows: [Doc-
tor Blair came here in 1850 and has been in constant practice either here
or as a surgeon of the Union army, in the Fifty-eighth Indiana Regiment,
ever since, he now being eighty-seven years of age. — Ed.]
"In Princeton — Drs. H. H. Patten; J. J. Pennington, born 1805, died
1897; ^^'- ^^'- Walling, George B. Graff and myself.
"In Owensville — Drs. Fullerton and Cook.
"In Patoka — Dr. J. C. Patten, there being then no other towns in the
county.
"In the countr}- — There were, Dr. Da_\-, a short distance east of where
Fort Branch is now located, and Dr. McCullough, near where Oakland Citv
is.
"All of our work was done on horseback and the trips long. ^Ve went
(12)
178 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
west to the Wal^ash, nearly to Owensville, two miles south of Fort Branch,
two or three miles beyond Providence church, the same distance beyond
Somerville, and Oakland City; three or four miles beyond Kirk's Mill, all
around Union, Buena Vista and Hazelton, and all over the 'neck' in Knox
county. Daily visits were then never thought of; once or twice a week was
the limit. But still people recovered from attacks of sickness, then as now.
"No greater advancement has been made in any line in the past sixty
years than in the preparation of medicines. Then each physician bought
the crude drugs and made his own preparations, many of them not ver)'
palatable. Today the pharmacist does all that work and in a much more
scientific manner, for which the patient has great reason for thankfulness.
Many remedies entirely unknown sixty years ago are today in constant use."
OTHER PHYSICIANS.
From Tartt's "History of Gibson County," published in 1884, the fol-
lowing account of physicians may be seen on page 162 :
In Princeton — Dr. Thomas Polk, who located in Princeton in December,
1814, was the first resident physician. Dr. Joel Casey came here in 1816,
remaining until his death in 1828. He was a good doctor and a gentleman
and a greatly esteemed man in the community. Dr. Fullerton settled here
about 1825, and resided and practiced in this county until his death in the
late seventies or earlv eighties. Dr. Walters, a physician and merchant, and
Dr. Thompson came in a little later. Drs. Robert Stockwell, John Kell,
Bruce, Pennington, Curl, Walling, H. H. Patten, J. C. Patten, A. Lewis and
Dr. Graff were all prominent phxsicians in early days. The physicians prac-
ticing in Princeton in 1884 were W. W. Blair, V. T. West, W. G. Kidd,
Samuel E. Munford, J. S. Shoptaugh, D. G. Powell, L. H. Staples, J. A.
Malone, A. R. Burton, F. H. Maxan, John Ward, Frank Blair, George C.
Kendall, W. H. ]\Iaghee and O. L. Hudson.
At Owensville^In 1884 the physicians named were T. J. Montgomery,
D. M. Shoemaker and J. M. Williams.
At Egg Harbor— Dr. J. N. Xeel}-.
In Barton Townshija — The first physician to locate was Dr. George
Austin, who came in the fall of 1823. Before that time there were no ph}'si-
cians nearer than Princeton. The pioneers were a hardy set of people and
only called a physician when some bad ailment attacked them.
At Oakland City — In 1884 the physicians were Drs. W. J. McGowan,
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. 179
^^■. L. Leister. T. M. Brown, George C. Mason, W. H. Stewart, J. W. Mc-
Gowan.
At Fort Branch — Here the early doctors were Dr. W'iUiam R. (ienung in
1859; he was followed by Drs. Hamilton and John W. Rnncie.
At Haubstadt — In 1884 the physicians were Drs. George A. Thomas.
Peter Ottman and John Ballard.
At Warrenton — The early physicians were Dr. \'. H. Alarchlaml. .Sr..
Dr. William L. Littlepage. both of whom died before 1884. In 1884 the
doctors were G. C. Littlepage and X'ictor H. Marchland.
Coming down to 1897, 't is found that these comprised nearl\- a full
list of physicians in Gibson county: R. S. Anderson, A. R. Burton, Hiram
Burton, John Ballard, W. W. Blair, Frank Blair, Thomas M. Brown, R. .\.
Benson, George B. Beresford, John I. Clark, W. B. Duncan, Oscar F. Davis,
George T. Dorsey, E. E. Eads, ^^'. W. French, J. F. Gudgel, W. R. Genung,
Oliver L. Hudson, John F. Howard, Royal G. Higgin, W. G. Hopkins, John
M. Ireland, William G. Kidd. G. C. Kendle. F. H. Maxam. T. J. Mont-
gomery, \'ictor Marchland, Robert S. Mason, G. C. Mason, J. W. McGowan.
W. J. AIcGowan, John S. Moreman, Claude M. ^^IcDonald, Frank Xelson,
Calvin L. Null, James C. Patten. Isom H. Fitch, J. W. Runcie, D. P. Reavis,
H. R. Rickets, L. B. Richie, J. L. Robinson, George Strickland, J. W. Shelton.
S. H. Shoptaugh, William H. Stewart, Dr. Tarr, George A. Thomas, James
Thomas, J. M. \\'illiams, W. T. ^\•illiamson. A. C. Woodruff. J. P. \\'ard.
PHYSICIANS AT OWENSVILLE.
Through the thoughtfulness of the medical society, the following list of
about every doctor who has ever practiced at the town of Owensville from
pioneer days to this date has been furnished: Drs. Smith. 1825; Fullerton.
1830; Lesher. 1845; Neely, 1852: Mitchell, 1854: Cloud, 1818; T. J. Mont-
gomery, 1869; Chandler, 1858; Neely, Jr., 1856; Thomas Sharp, Henry
Wilson, B. F. Cook, Moore, 1863: Shoemaker, 1876: Smith, Jr., Hopkins.
Richardson, dates unknown: Moore, 1892: Defoe, 1862: Goodwin, 1878:
West, unknown date: Williams, 1880: Clark. 1889: P. B. Moore. 1897:
Thomas, 1898; J. R. Montgomery, 1004: lunerson, 1808: Roe & Spencer,
dates unknown ; Beresford. 1892: Wiltshire. 1903: \.\'oo(lruff'. i<SSo: Malone.
1861 : Goodwin, 1901 ; Graft", 1851: Downey. 1853: Williorn, 1861; Fuller.
1854: Lockhart, 1900.
l8o GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
MEDICAL SOCIETIES.
Prior to the Civil war period there was a medical society organized by
the physicians of Gibson county, but it went down after a few years. No
further attempt at maintaining such a society was had until some years after
the war. when the present society was organized. The following is a tran-
script from the records of the present medical society of this county :
"Princeton, May i, 1874 — Pursuant to a call, a number of physicians
of Gibson county met at the office of Dr. S. E. Munford for the purpose of
organizing a county medical society.
"On motion. Dr. W. A. Downey was called to the ciiair and Dr. X. H.
Church chosen secretary. On motion, a committee of four was appointed to
report on a constitution, and the chair appointed Dr. S. E. Munford, Dr.
\Vest, Dr. W. G. Kidd and Dr. P. H. Curtner, which reported a constitution,
which was adopted after having been read section by section, and the com-
mittee discharged.
"On motion, a committee was appointed to report on nomination of
officers for the ensuing year and the following gentlemen were nominated
and unanimously elected : For president. Dr. W. A. Downey ; secretary, Dr.
S. H. Shoptaugh ; treasurer. Dr. W. G. Kidd : censors, Drs. Robert Aloore,
J. W. Runcie and E. J. Howard.
"On motion, a committee was appointed to prepare the constitution for
recording and that the same be recorded at the recorder's office of Gibson
county, and paid out of funds of the society.
"On motion, Doctors Runcie and Patten were requested to prepare
papers to be read at the next monthly meeting. On motion of Doctor Mun-
ford, Doctor Patten was elected as an honorary member of the society.
"On motion of Dr. W. W. Blair, a committee of three was appointed
to prepare the by-laws, consisting of Doctors Blair, Moore and Church.
"On motion the society adjourned to meet at Doctor Munford's office
May 29, 1874.
(Signed) "S. H. SnorTAUGH, Secretary."
The society has been kept ti]i ever since and holds its regular monthly
meetings. The present officers are : W. G. Hopkins, president ; .\. L. Ziliak,
secretarv and treasurer. Through the courtesv of the secretary, the author
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
is enabled to give the following list of practicing physicians of Gibson conntv
at this date ( IQ14) :
Alexander, H. H., Princeton.
Anderson, R. S., Princeton.
Arthur, Hamilton M., Hazelton.
Artluir. Martin L., Patoka.
Arthur, Sylvester Irwin, Patoka.
Ashby, W. B., Oakland City.
Bass, Herschell Logan, Fort Branch.
Beresford, George B., Owensville.
Blair, ^\'. ^^'., Princeton.
Brown, .\. P., I'rinceton.
Brazeltnn. O. T., Princeton.
Burton, Albert R.. Princeton.
Cam]), G. H., Oakland City.
Critch.field, John S., Princeton.
Cushman, Robert .V., Princeton.
Davis, William T., Patoka.
Emerson. Iv. \\'., Owensville.
French, W. W., Fort Branch.
Genung, William R., Fort Branch.
Died January i , i g i -| .
Goodwin, L. D., Mt. Carroll.
Gudgel, Harry B., Hazelton.
Hollingsworth, AL P., Princeton.
Hopkins. William G., Fort Branch.
Hudson, O. L., Princeton.
Kendle.'G. C. Princeton.
Leister. \\'illiam L., Oakland Citv.
Lindley, C. Al., Princeton.
Lockhart. T. L., Owensville.
Loudin, Ernest B., Hazelton.
.Marchland, \'ictor H., Haubstadt.
Alartin, Francis AL, Loyd.
Alason, G. C, Oakland City.
Alason. Robert S., Oakland City.
Alaxam, F. H., Princeton.
AlcGowan, G. W., Oakland City.
Aliller. Charles .\rcher, Princeton.
AIontg()mer\', James R., Owensville.
Montgomery, James R., Owensville.
Morri'^. J. L., Kings.
Alorri.s, William F., Fort Branch.
Xull, Cal\-in Lawrence, Somerville.
Parmenter, (icorge H., Johnson.
Petiean, J. W., Haubstadt.
.Rhodes, Amos H., Princeton.
Reavis, D. P.. Buck,skin.
Smith, William H., Oaklan<l City.
Squier, W. Cullen, Princeton.
Strickland, Karl Scott, Owen.sville.
S\\an, nudle\- H., hVancisco.
'T-rr, J..hn W., Loyd.
Williams, John M., Owensville.
Ziliak, -Mois T,., Princeton.
CHAPTER XIII.
THE BENCH AND THE BAR.
Indiana, during the early years of her statehood, was fortunate indeed
in tile selection of her judges. Almost an unbroken wilderness, her people
immigrants and pioneers, toiling and struggling towards their conquest of the
forest, living in daily apprehension of attack and murder, the young state
selected for her supreme bench, and in most instances to preside over her
inferior courts, men of courage and of marked learning and ability ; and to
this day, it is a source of pride to every intelligent citizen that the decisions
of her supreme court, made during the first one-third of a century of her
history as a state, are recognized among all nglish-speaking peoples as
sound, learned and just.
The eight volumes of Blackford's Reports, containing the cases heard
and determined between 1816 and 1848, command the highest respect wher-
ever the common law of England is the basis of adjudication, and these vol-
umes set forth the opinions of the earliest Indiana judges.
The first judges of the supreme court of Indiana were James Scott, John
Johnson and Jesse L. Holman, men of sound learning and marked ability.
Judge Johnson w;as a resident of Vincennes and his practice as a lawyer had
brought him not infrequently into the courts of Gibson county. He was the
owner of land in this county, near Patoka, and was well known to our people
in his day. He was a learned lawyer and an upright judge and the people of
Gibson county have been honored by his presence and service among tlieni.
Judge Johnson died in 181 7 and was succeeded in office by Isaac Black-
ford. Prior to his service on the supreme bench. Judge Blackford resided at
Vincennes and served as judge of the southwestern circuit. Pie was the first
judge of the Gibson circuit court, and it is needless to add that the office of
judge of that court has never had a more worthy incumbent. His long service
as a judge of the supreme court, his learning, his soundness of judgment,
have made for him a name that is world wide.
The successor of Judge Blackford as judge of the circuit was David
GIBSON COUNTY, IXniANA. 1 83
Raymond, also of \'incennes, whose term of ser\-ice extentled from .Mareli,
1816, until August of the same year.
The ne.xt circuit judge was William IVincc, a resident of ("lihson county,
and a man so much respected and honored by his fellnw citizens that when,
in purstiance of law, a seat of justice was established in the county, it was
christened "Princeton" in his honor.
Judge Prince was a man of signal abilit\-. but his str\ice on the liench
was short, extending only from August. 18U). until March. 1817. He held a
number of important po-^ts and. at the time of ItIs death, was the representa-
tive of this district in Congress.
David Hart, a resident of Gibson county, and a man of integrity and
ability, succeeded Judge Prince in the ofbce of judge of the circuit, and lie
in turn was succeeded by Richard Daniel, also a resident of this count}-.
Judge Daniel came to the bench in 1819, and .served a little less than one
year. He was highly honored by his fellow citizens and in his time played
many parts, to the advantage of his neighbors and to his own renown and
credit.
In 1820 James R. E. Goodlett became the judge of the circuit, and he
continued in office until 1832. It appears that Judge Goodlett was a politi-
cian of considerable ability, and tradition has it that he maintained himself in
office longer than was enflrely good for the community. He is said to ha\e
been a man of strong and violent passions, vindictive and combative. His
defeat was brought about by the lawyers of the circuit towards whom he had
been unjust and disagreeable in his conduct upon the bench. It is related of
Judge (ioodlett that in 1834 his ill-will towards his successor in office was so
extreme that during the progress of proceedings in court at Mt. \'ernon he
made a personal assault upon Judge Hall while on the liench.
Samuel Hall, the successor of Judge Goodlett, occupied the bench of the
circuit until 1835. He was a sound law_\er and a just and able judge. He
had cduie to Gibson county as a boy in 1814. His legal education was self
acquired, and his success in life he owed solely to his own efforts, his up-
rightness of character and the soundness of his judgment. He ser\ed his
county and the state in a number of responsible offices, and died at Princeton
in 1862, in the full enjoyment of the well-earned re'^pect and confidence of a
large circle of acc^uaintances.
During a short time, in 1835, the judge of the circuit was Charles I.
Battell. Judge Battell was a distinguished leader of the bar and was widely
and favorably known as a practitioner in the courts of southwestern Indiana.
Judge Battell was succeeded in office "by Elisha Embree, who presided
l84 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
over the courts of the circuit lor ten years. He was born in Lincoln county,
Kentucky, and was brought to Indiana by his parents while a little boy in
1811. His father, Joshua Embree, died in 1813, leaving the mother and five
children but scantily provided for and dependent upon their own exertions.
The boyhood and youth of Judge Embree were spent in hard work, with little
opportunity for schooling, but in some way he managed to acquire a fair
education. He studied law with Judge Hall, became a successful practi-
tioner at the bar, and was an able and popular judge.
Shortly before the end of the career of Judge Embree as judge, there
came to Gibson county, on change of the venue from the Vanderburgh circuit
court, a case that excited much notice and not a little popular ill-feeling. The
title of the case was "State of Indiana v. Romain Weinzorpflin."
In this case the defendant was a priest of the Roman Catholic church.
He was a native of France and came to America in company with the late
Father Bessonies, of Indianapolis. He Avas charged by a grand jury of Van-
derburgh county in three counts with rape, assault and battery and assault.
The trial began in the old courthouse at Princeton on the 5th day of
March, 1844, and progressed until Saturday, the 9th day of the same month,
when the jury returned a verdict of "guilty" upon the first count, and fixed
the punishment of the defendant at imprisonment, at hard labor, for a term
of five years.
Judge Embree was the presiding judge at this trial, and Alexander
Trippet, Henry Ayres, David Milburn, Hudson Brown, John Ayres, Joseph
P. McClure, Stephen Daugherty, James W. Maxam, John King, George
Kendel, John Hyneman and John R. Campbell constituted the jury.
The writer has been told by James W. IMaxam, one of the jurors, that
during the trial a member of the jury became ill, and it began to he feared
that there would be a mistrial. The sick juror lived in Princeton, and he
come to the conclusion that he would be able to hold out if he could get away
for one night and get a "good night's rest" in his own bed at home.
During the adjournments of the court, the jurors were kept together in a
room in the old "Mansion House," a two-story frame building which stood
upon the west side of the public square at the place now occupied by the store
rooms owned by William D. Downey. The room was on the second floor,
and was reached by means of a stairway on the outside of the building. At
the top of the stairway the entrance was by a door which led into a small
entry from which another door afiforded entrance into the room. In this
entry there was a closet.
It was the practice of the bailiff in charge of the jury to keep the door
JUDGE EUSHA EMBREE.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 185
to the room locked, and to lea\e the outside door unlocked. Wlien he would
be called upon to carry water to the jury, he would enter the room, get the
water l^ucket and depart leaving the door to the room unlocked, but locking
the outside door. On his return he would deliver the water, lock the room
and depart.
The jury devised a means of escape for the ill juror. They called upon
the bailiff for fresh water after nightfall. While he was gone after the
water the sick juror concealed himself in the closet in the entn' and w-lien the
bailiff locked the room door and left the outside door unlocked, the man in
the closet waited until he had gone, when he departed to his own bed.
Before daylight the sick juror was in the closet again and when the
bailiff went for water again, Icaxing the door to the room unlocked, the
juror returned to his brethren so much rested and refreshed that he was able
to continue in service until the return of the verdict. The fact was never
discovered; if it had been, the defendant would have been granted a new trial.
At the time of this conviction the sheriff of the county was Joseph J.
Kirkman, and it became his duty to convey the prisoner to the state prison at
Jeffersonville. There was no railroad service at the time, and Jeffersonville
was reached by way of the Ohio river from E\ans\ ille.
It was anticipated that there would 1)e an attempt at livansville either
to rescue or to mob the prisoner, but the sheriff was not a man to be intim-
idated. He armed himself and succeeded in holding the mol) in such awe
that no demonstration was made beyond the gathering of a crowd. It may
be said in passing, that for an occasion of this sort the county of (;il)son has
never had an olhcer better adapted than was josejih J- Kirkman. lie was a
man without fear.
The case of Romain Weinzorpllin was appealed to the supreme court,
and the judgment of conxiction was affirmed. \\'einzorpfiin v. State, 7
Blackf. 186. The opinion was delivered by Charles Dewew prohalily the
greatest judge that has ever graced the supreme bench of Indiana.
Notwithstanding the solemn verdict of the jury, however, andi the
afifirmance of the judgment by the supreme court, it was not absolutelv cer-
tain that the conviction was just. "But one witness swore positix-ely to the
perpetration by the defendant of the crime charged upon him," and this wit-
ness was the woman in the case. The subsequent history of the woman indi-
cates that she might not ha\-e been entirely abo\e reproach at the time of the
alleged attack upon her.
The jury, however, was made up of honest men. They heard the evi-
dence and saw the witnesses face to face, and if they erred, it may be taken
l86 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
without donbt that the_v did so without intent. It was one of those cases in
which the truth will never be known to men.
In 1847 Judge Embree was elected to the national House of Representa-
tives for a term of two years. During his service at Washington he made the
acquaintance of Elihu B. Washburn, Horace Greeley and Abraham Lincoln,
and friendship continued between him and these distinguished men until the
time of his death. In 1849 ^^^^ Whig convention made him tlie nominee of
that party for governor of the state of Indiana, but this nomination he de-
clined. In the same year he was defeated in the race for re-election to Con-
gress. Judge Embree died in 1863, respected b}- the people of southwestern
Indiana, among whom he was widely known.
The successor of Judge Embree was James Lockhart, who served as
judge of the circuit court until 185 1. Judge Lockhart was a resident of
Evansville, was a man highly honored by his fellow citizens and held many
positions of trust and honor by their suffrage, among them that of represent-
ati\'e in Congress.
From 1 85 1 until 1854 Alvin P. Hovey, of Mt. A'ernon, was the circuit
judge. The long and distinguished life and public ser\ice of Judge Hovey
have become a part of the history of the commonwealth and of the nation.
As a lawyer, a judge, a legislator, an executive and a gallant soldier, the
record of Gen. Alvin P. Ho\ey is one in which the people of the w-hole state
have an interest and justifiable pride.
The bench of the circuit was distinguished, also, by the service thereon
for two years of the late William E. Niblack. The residence of Judge Xiblack
was at Vincennes, but his public service was to the state of Indiana. He
was for many years a member of the lower house of Congress, and during
the later years of his life was one of the judges of the supreme court of In-
diana.
In 1858 Ballard Smith became judge of the circuit upon the retirement
from the ofiice of Judge Niblack, but his service was for one year only.
Judge Smith was succeeded by Michael F. Burke, a native of Ireland,
where he had received a classical education. He resided at Washington, In-
diana, was a ripe lawyer and a competent judge. Judge Burke died in office
and was succeeded in 1864 by John Baker, of Vincennes.
Judge Baker presided over the courts of the circuit for a full term of six
years. He was a lawyer widely known throughout southern Indiana.
Judge Baker was succeeded by Newton F. Mallott, but his term of
service as judge of the Gibson circuit court extended only from 1870
till 1873, when a change of the circuit placed Gibson county in another circuit.
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. 187
Judg'e JMallott was a resident of \'incennes, and lie remained u]iiin tlic liench
until his death, rendering service such as has been equaled but rarely since
the judges of the courts in Indiana became elective by the people. He was
one of the soundest lawyers in Indiana and, in addition to his learning and
distinguished aptitude to judicial service, he was a man above reproach, in
whose honesty and conscientiousness all that knew him placed entire reliance.
He was a judge of the old school who believed that it was the pro\ince nf the
judge to apply the law to the facts and to do justice as the result of tlie
application. It ne^■er occurred to Judge Mallott to act judicially otherwise
than as the law commanrled.
Upon the change in the circuit which removed Judge Mallott from the
courts of Gibson county, the go\'ernor of the state appointed Oscar M. W'el-
born to the judgeship of the eleventh judicial circuit, comprised of the coun-
ties of Gibson, Pike and Dubois, and for a continuous period of thirty-six
years Judge Welborn presided in the courts of the circuit with distinguished
ability and to the entire satisfaction of his constituency. The characteristics
of Judge Welborn as a judge, which marked him for success, were the abso-
lute fairness of his judgments, tb.e decorum of his own CDuduct and the con-
duct of the bar and court officers in pursuance of his requirement and example,
and entire absence of every suspicion of either fear or favor as an imjnilse
to his action.
From the time that Judge Welborn was elevated to the bench tlie busi-
ness of the courts of the circuit increased in volume, and in difficulty and im-
portance, at a steady and rapid rate, until after a time it was deemed proper
by the General Assembly to make another change in the circuit by cutting off
the counties of Pike and Dubois, and adding the county of Posey.
The augmentation of the business of the courts continued, but the indus-
try and constancy of purpose of Judge Welborn enabled him to keep fairly
apace with it, and at the end of his service the business was little in arrear.
Judge Welborn declined to stand for re-election in 1908, preferring to
retire from public life, and at the end of his term, in 1909, he retired from
the bench in possession of the absolute confidence and respect of the people
of the circuit. Since his retirement he has devoted his attention to the man-
agement of his lands and to the practice of law.
Upon the retirement of Judge Welborn, the people of the circuit chose
as his successor Herdis F. Clements, who served as judge of the Gibson cir-
cuit court until Gibson county was removed from the eleventh judicial circuit
in 191 3. Judge Clements is a resident of ]\[t. Vernon and he is still the judge
of the eleventh circuit, which is now constituted of the countv of Posev.
l88 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
In 1913 the governor of Indiana appointed Simon L. \'andeveer, a sound
and capable lawyer, to the judgeship of the new sixty-sixth judicial circuit,
constituted of the county of Gibson, and Judge Vandeveer is still in service,
rendering to the people efficient return for their confidence in him.
The judges that have presided over the courts of Gibson county in the
past live in the history and in the traditions of our people and it is with pride
and satisfaction that it is recalled that in their da}s and times they were an
important element of our community. There are few counties that ha\e l>eei'[
more fortunate in this respect than Gibson count}- has been, during the now-
closing first century of her existence. Let us hope that the future will deal
with us no less favorably than the past has done.
The bar of Gibson county has been as distinguished as the bench, and
many have been the contests of skill and eloquence in our temples of justice.
In the old days it was the custom of the lawyers of the circuit to follow
the judge from court to court, and by reason of this fact the business of the
courts was not conducted by local lawyers to the extent that it is now. Travel-
ing from court to court upon horseback, carrying their libraries, consisting of
Blackstone's Commentaries, Chitty on Pleadings, Starkie on Evidence and
Tidd's Practice, in their saddle-bags, the bar, in company with the circuit
judge, proceeded from county to county, each hoping for employment at each
successive county seat. They made a congenial company and entertained one
another on the way and at the ta\erns by jokes and stories, such as would be
at the command of able and enlightened men isolated as these men were.
The court rooms during the sessions of the courts, plain and not at all
commodious, presented a scene of life and interest. The tables were covered
with books and the appearance was that there Avas at hand a considerable
library, probably as many as sixty volumes. Upon examination of the titles
of the volumes, however, it appeared that the library was made up largely of
duplicates of the works above enumerated, which had been removed from the
saddle-bags and deposited in the court room for u?e during the term.
The terms of court were held twice a year and they lasted usually less
than one week. Reports of decisions were few and difficult of access and
because of this the successful practitioner was required to draw his inspira-
tion from the texts of the classics of the law, and to place his reliance upon
first principles. The result of this was that arguments upon questions of law
were more scientific than the usual presentations of the present day. They
were built upon the history and the maxims of the law, and in them quickness
of perception, soundness of judgment and ability to set forth in clear and in-
telligible language the reasons for the contention of the advocate, counted fr)r
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 189
much. The bar generally was made up of men of education, who were stu-
dents in the sense that thc\' thnuc;ht more than they read, and it is said that in
those days the di.scussions in court of a (|uestion of law was usually iirofound
and interesting.
The people were without books and newspapers and tlurinj; court week
it was their custom to gather at the county seat to listen to the ])roceedings
in court, and when they left the court house and gathered together at their
• homes and at log-rollings, there were spirited discussions among them upon
the relative merits of the lawyers to whom they had listened, and of their
several contentions. Court week was a time of popular diversion.
Very able men have conducted causes in the courts of Gilison county.
The voice and person of John Johnson were familiar to our people, as were
also those of Charles Dewey. The early \olumcs oi the refiorts of the deci-
sions of the supreme court of Indiana are a monument to the Itarning: ami
judicial perception of Charles Dewey. He was an educated law_\cr and a
judge that would have been not onl\- an ornament but a pillar of strensfth to
any court in Christendom.
The late Judge Samuel Hall left among his papers a list of the early
practitioners at the Gibson county bar. The date wht-n this list was made is
not definitely known, but probably about 1833. It is of historic interest and
is here set out, as Judge Hall compiled it :
NAMES AND RESIDENCES OF LAWYERS PRACTICING IN 4TH CIRCUIT EROM 1816
TO 1833.
Xames Residences. Remarks.
John Johnson Knox County One of the Judges of the
Supreme Court of In-
diana— Dead.
Isaac Blackford Vincennes. One of the Jud.e^es of the
Supreme Court of In-
diana— now living in In-
dianapolis.
Charles Dewey Charlestown. One of the Judges of the
Supreme Court — ^'et liv-
ing.
^^'illiam Prince Princeton Dead
David Hart Princeton Dead
General W. Johnston Princeton and Vincennes Dead
igO GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Names. Residences, Remarks.
Richard Daniel Princeton and Mt. Vernon Dead
Reuben Kidder Springfield, Posey County Dead
Thomas F. Blake Vincennes and Terre Haute Dead
Nathaniel Huntington Vincennes and Terre Haute Dead
George R. G. Sullivan \'incennes Dead
Jacob Call Vincennes Dead
Judge Doty Vincennes Dead
Henry Hurst Jefferson\'ille Yet living
Da\'id Raymond Vincennes Dead
Klias Roberts Springfield Dead
7,,^^,. po-vk Charlestown Dead
" rben W. Nelson Jeffersonville Killed
Harbon H. Moore Corydon Dead
Alexander Buckner Charlestown Dead
David Floyd Corydon Dead
Dunn Dead
JMcDonald Vincennes Dead
John McLain Shawneetown Dead
Adolphus Hubbert Shawneetown Dead
Thomas Brown .Shawneetown Dead
Robert M. Evans Princeton Dead
James Ralph Erskin Goodlet Yet living
Ceorge W. Lindsay \'incennes and Princeton Dead
John Law Vincennes and Evansville Living
George W. Ewing Vincennes Dead
.Samuel Judah Vincennes Living
T( hn .\. Brackenridge Boon\'ille Living
Pandell Crawford New Albany Living
Chirles L Battell Springfield and Evansville Living
/^'-■Ts Clarke Evansville and Texas Living
James .A.. Boice Evans\'ille Dead
'nhn Pitcher \h Vernon and Princeton Living
Samuel Hall : Princeton Living
Abner T. Ellis Princeton and Vincennes Living
Willis C. Osbourne Princeton Dead
James Hillyer Henderson, Ky. Dead
Thomas Towles Henderson, Ky. Dead
Walker Henderson, Ky. — - Dead
GIBSON COrXTY, INDIANA. IC
Names. Residences, Keinark
Walker HeiKlerson. Kv. l)e:i
E. F. Hopkins Henderson, Ky. Lixin^'
A. Dickson Henderson, Ky. Lixine
L. W. Powell Henderson, Ky. Livintj
George Morris Henderson, Ky. Dead
]\IcKinney Evansville Dead
Theodore Barnett Crawford County Living
Gibbs Crawford County Dead
Sterrett Kentucky Dead
Lyman Lessly Corydon Living-
George \\"ebb : Bonpas, 111. Dead
Jiiseph Warner Washington Dead
Amory Kinney Washington and Terre Haute Lix'ing
Elisha Embree Princeton Living
Eben D. Edson Mt. Vernon Dead
Seth "SI. Levenworth Leavenworth Living
.Amos Lane Lawrenceburgh Dead
Thomas Fitzgerald Boonville Living
Thomas Jefferson Evans Princeton Dead
James O. \\'attles North LLirmony Dead
William L. T. Jones Evansville Dead
James Lockhart Ex'ansville Living-
James G. Jones Evans\ille Li\-ing
John R. Porter Paoli Dead
John Calhoun Kentucky Dead
Phil. Triplet Vellowbanks, Ky. Dead
Phil. Thompson Vellowbanks, Ky. Dead
Hannah Vellowbanks, Ky. Dead
jMosely Vellowbanks, Ky. Dead
U'illiam R. Griffith Vellowbanks. Ky. Dead
b.-hn McFarland Vellowbanks, Ky.
Samuel Frisby Rome Li\-ing-
George S. Green Mt. \'ernon Living
Bell Rome and .Springfield Dead
Flias S. Terry Washington Living
Cardozes Princeton Dead
Da\-id McDonald Bloomington Li\-ing
Henry P. Thornton .New .\lbanv Li\ iu"^
192 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Names. Residences, Remarks.
William P. Thomasson Corydon Living
John W. Payne Corydon Living
Stephens Crawford County Dead
James P. Maxwell Princeton Dead
Fifty-five dead; thirty-one living; two not known; total, 88.
General W. Johnston for a time resided at Princeton. Lie practiced in
the courts of Gibson county and was a man of marked ability. As a member
of the territorial Legislature he prepared and presented a report which ranks
among the ablest anti-slavery documents of our history.
Robert M. E^vans, one of the chief public men of his day, whcise name
is intimately associated with most of the events of orr earl\- local history, was
a member of the bar of the Gibson circuit court, and John Law was engaged
frequently in the litigation of this county.
Samuel B. Judah, a resident of Vincennes, practiced his profession here
and in doing so made cpiite an impression upon our histor\'. During the
territorial days of Indiana, Congress, by law, devoted a township of land as
an endowment of a seminary of learning within the territory and, pursuant
to the enactment, Albert Gallitan, the secretary of the treasury, set apart
township number 2 south, of range number 1 1 west, for the purpose. By an
act of the territorial Legislature, Vincennes University was incorporated and
made the beneficiar}- of the donation. The trustees of the university were duly
organized and they established a school at \'incennes, which, after a fitful exist-
ence, ceased to be maintained. The matter remained dormant for a number
of years, and meanwhile the General Assembly of the state established the
State University at Bloomington and by law undertook to divert the nation's
gift to that institution. Mr. Judah in these proceedings discovered an op-
portunity for business. He succeeded in getting together the survivors of
the board of trustees of the Vincennes University, caused them to hold meet-
ings and to fill the vacancies in that body and finally to institute in the Gibson
circuit court actions of ejectment against the purchasers of lands in township
number 2 south, of range 1 1 west, from the state of Indiana.
This was by no means popular among the dwellers within that congress-
ional township and there was great indignation and much threatening of vio-
lence. It was found to be inconvenient to prosecute these actions in the Gib-
son circuit court, and to avoid trouble and probably something worse, Mr.
Judah appealed to the Legislature and secured the passage of a law permitting
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 193
the Vincennes University to sue the state in the Marion circuit court at In-
dianapohs.
In the action which followed, the Vincennes University was successful
and the state appealed from the judgment to the supreme court nf Indiana, by
the judgment of which court the judgment of the Marion circuit court was
reversed. This was followed by a writ of error carrying the record to the
supreme court of the United States, where the cause was argued on behalf
of the Vincennes University by the great Chancellor Kent, of New York.
The result of this proceeding was that the supreme court of the United States
reversed the judgment of the supreme court of Indiana, holding that the title
to the township of lands had vested in the Vincennes University, and that
there was no power in the state Legislature to di\est that title.
The next step on the part of Mr. Judah was to realize upon his victor\-
and the course he pursued to do this was to procure the passage of an act by
the Legislature of Indiana, authorizing the issuing of bonds of the state to
raise funds wherewith to pay the judgment.
The bonds were issued and fell into hands of Mr. Judah, whereupon
there began a course of interesting legislation whereby the Vincennes Uni-
versity sought to get into its hands the fruits of its \-ictory. Just how much
it was able to wrest from Mr. Judah the writer has never learned.
These proceedings have been the basis of the periodical demands that
have been made by the Vincennes University for reimbursement by the state
for the lands in township 2 south, of range 1 1 west, that were sold many
years ago for the benefit of Indiana University. These demands ha\e been
fairly successful in the past, but it is hoped that the university w ill not ha\e
to be reimbursed again.
Another lawyer of prominence in his day was John Pitcher, a lawyer of
the old school and a man of large ability. He lived to a great age and died
at his home in Alt. \'ernon, in Posey county, a few years ago. For a
period he was judge of the court of common pleas and many were the stories
illustrative of his wit and sarcasm both at the bar and while upon the bench.
During his incumbency of the bench there was a lawyer at Princeton
named Harry Kiger, a young man of gay spirit and convivial habits. The
passages between him and the judge provided stories of interest, some of
which are yet current.
It is said that upon one occasion Mr. Kiger left the court room to take
an additional inspiration before beginning an address to the jurv. He stayed
a little too long and his time to speak came before his return. The weather
(13)
194 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
was warm, and as Mr. Kiger hurried into the court room and toward the bar
he was engaged in removing his coat, his neck cloth and collar which, when
the judge perceived it, caused him to announce from the bench in an audible
voice, "Mr. Kiger kindly keep on your shirt."
On one occasion after Judge Pitcher had decided ad\-ersely to the hope of
some members of the bar, the defeated and chagrined lawyers proceeded to
leave the court room in a manner somewhat perceptible. As they went to-
wards the door the Judge called out to them, "Yes, yes, gentlemen, adjourn
to the nearest tavern and cuss the judge."
A few years ago a volume could have been written of anecdotes such as
these relative to Judge Pitcher and Harry Kiger, but the men of their days
are gone and the wit, the sarcasm, and the glory of these men have passed
into that oblivion which is the goal of the votaries of the law.
A member of the Gibson county bar of signal learning and ability in his
day was Alexander C. Donald, a Scot by birth and a man of ripe learning.
Mr. Donald was an orator of unusual merit, and his broad Scotch accent and
the burr of his r's lent a charm to his delivery which seldom has been equalled.
His case was one of buried talent. If Alexander C. Donald had been in a
larger community and had had opportunities equal to his talents, there is no
way of estimating the height to which he might ha\c ascended in success and
fame.
Contemporary with ^fr. Donald was James T. Embree, a classical grad-
uate and an educated lawyer of distinguished power and success. He was
born in Princeton and from 1852 until 1861, when he entered the Union
army as major of the Fifty-eighth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, Mr.
Embree practiced his profession in the courts of Gibson and neighboring
counties. It Avas quite usual for him and Mr. Donald to be upon opposite
sides in cases in court, and while their talents were dissimilar, the measure of
their success was about equal. A,fter resigning from the army because of
failure of health in 1864, Colonel Embree returned to the practice of the law
in Princeton, as partners of his brother, David F. Embree. His health did
not permit him to continue long, and his career ended in death in 1867, at the
age of thirty-eight years.
Another man of prominence at the bar of our county was William M.
Land, a man of great cunning in the trial of cases, and a figure in the political
and civic life of the community. He was judge of the court of common
pleas for a few months immediately before that court was abolished.
At about the same period there came to the bar of this county Clarence
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 195 .
A. Buskirk and David F. Emhree, and both took rank at once as leaders of
the bar. The\- were men of education and lawyers of more than common
strength. In the trial of cases before a jury, Mr. Buskirk was a man of great
success; as a technical lawyer Mr. Embree had few superiors. These men
were frequently opposed to one another in the trial of cases and though their
talents and equipment were in no way the same, it was not oljservable that
either one of them had the greater advantage.
David F. Embree had served as a captain of Company E, Forty-second
Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, durmg the Civil war, and exposure in that
service was the cause of his death in 1877. Mr. Buskirk still survives, but
for a number of years he has not pursued his profession.
A member of the Gibson county bar of other days, whose learning antl
ability in the conduct of causes demands special mention was William 11.
Trippett. i\Iany years ago Mr. Trippett left Gibson county to become a resi-
dent of Montana, where he still resides and practices law. He is remembered
at Princeton as a capable lawj^er, somewhat inclined to indolence and to a
disposition to have a "good time." It took a spur to put him in motion, but
when he moved it behooved the other side to keep wide av\ake. The writer
remembers well the efficiency of Mr. Trippett in the prosecution of one Ed.
Smith, a negro charged with larceny. In the trial of this cause at Evansville,
the argument of Mr. Trippett in closing this case for the state was equal to
an\' forensic effort the writer has ever heard in more than thirty-si.x \-ears of
ser\ice at the bar. Mr. Trijjpctt is still engaged in the iiractice at .-\naconda,
Montana.
Nearly fort_\- years ago James E. .McCullough, now the assistant attor-
ney-general of Indiana, came from Petersburg to Princeton and entered upon
the practice of law. In the practice, Mr. McCullough was very successful and
there have been at the Princeton bar few men who were his equal in keenness
and accuracy of legal perception and capacity to impress his views upon the
courts. F"or a number of years he has been in the practice at Indianapolis.
There are others deserving of mention, some of them long since passed
into the great beyond. There were John C. Schaffer, a good ]aw\er and a
kindly gentleman; Martin A\'. iMelds, an advocate of great .skill and a
capable lawyer; Richard M. J. Miller, tlie victim of man\- weaknesses, but
a man of good ability and native sincerity: David D. Doughty, a matchless
player at checkers and a friend of all men. These are gone.
There yet remains Thomas R. Paxton, a graduate of Har\ard law school
and a good law}-er, who has forsaken the tribe of the law for the more con-
196 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
genial business of banking; Thomas Duncan, the chairman of the pubhc
utihties commission of Indiana, whose practice at the Gibson county bar was
an unbroken chain of success ; Henry A. Yeager and James B. Gamble, sur-
vivors of the old school, who still persevere in the practice; Arthur P. Twine-
ham, who has returned to the bar after a considerable period spent in other
pursuits; John H. Miller, for manj' years a successful practitioner, but who
has Cjuit the law for the farm; Woodfin D. Robinson, ex-judge of the appellate
court of Indiana, and William E. Stilwell, one time a state senator, who
together are engaged in successful practice at Evansville ; John W. Brady, a
lawyer of sound learning and judgment, and a master hand at trial by jury.
There is a train of new and younger men who are fast pushing to the front
of their profession.
[Not the least deserving of specific mention in this connection is Lucius
C. Embree, author of this chapter, and who, during a long, honorable and suc-
cessful career, has ably sustained the splendid professional record of his fam-
ily.—Ed.]
ATTORNEYS AT THE BAR OF THE GIBSON CIRCUIT COt^RT IN ACTI\'E PRACTICE
IN I9I4.
John T. Ballard Princeton
Charles O. Baltzell Princeton
Robert C. Baltzell Princeton
Luther Benson Princeton
Robert H. Clark Princeton
Thomas W. Cullen Princeton
Donald W. Duncan Princeton
Lucius C. Embree Princeton
Morton C. Embree Princeton
James B. Gamble Princeton
John Q. A. Goodman Princeton
Dorris R. Head Princeton
Harvey Harmon Princeton
Hovey C. Kirk Princeton
Henry Kister Princeton
0.scar Lanphar Princeton
Marsh T. Lewis Princeton
Thomas M. McDonald Princeton
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Henry H. Xiek;inip Princflnii
Claiule A. Smith Princi-tmi
Charles C. Suniners Princetnu
San turd Trijipet t Princeton
Artinir P. Twinehaiii Princeton
Henry A. "^'eager Princeton
Oscar M. W'eibnrn Princeton
Abraham Cole Oakland City
John M. Vandeveer Oakland City
Henry Johnson Owensville
B^-ron M. Johnson 0\vens\ille
CHAPTER XIV.
SECRET SOCIETIES OF THE COUNTY.
In Gibson county, like all progressive counties, it was not long after the
first struggles of early settlement had been gone through before various civic
societies were organized. There was, however, a period when secret orders
were not as popular as today. But the Masonic fraternity, tlie Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and, in more recent decades, the Knights of Pythias,
all secured a footing and ha\-e ever since been advancing with the march of
years. There are a score of so-called secret societies, the majority of which
are of the fraternal, benevolent, or beneficiary insurance order, but of these
this chapter will not go into detail, but of the three great, well-established, and
world-wide recognized fraternities above named, more will be said in this con-
nection. In any community where churches, schools and these three great
orders are found there is found also the highest type of civilization.
FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS.
Alasonry was instituted for the first time in Princeton, December 21,
1820, under the name of Warren Lodge, under dispensation, with Randolph
West as master, \\'illiam B. Dimick as senior warden, \\'alter Wilson as
junior warden. Holly Crawford as senior deacon, John I. Neely as junior
deacon, \\'illiam Jerauld as secretary, Ezekicl Reynolds as treasurer, and Joel
F, Casey as steward. The first initiates under dispensation were Judge
Samuel Hall, John I. Xeely and Joe! F. Casey.
The grand lodge met September 11, 1821, at Corydon, when a charter
was issued to the abo\'e lodge under the name of Clinton Lodge No. 16. Judge
Samuel Hall was present at this meeting as the representative of the new
lodge and was therefore the first representative from a Princeton lodge of
Masons to the grand lodge. The charter of this lodge was arrested in 1835
during the Morgan excitement.
On August 23, 1857, a dispensation was issued for the organization of
Princeton Lodge, and a charter was issued May 25, 1858, as Prince Lodge,
the name it now bears. The change ^^■as made at the request of the brethren
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. IQQ
in honor of Judge William Prince, who died a Mason, and for whom the city
of Princeton was named. The number of the lodge is 231.
William Jerauld served as the first master from date of dispensation to
June, 1858, when he was succeeded b\' Rev. John E. Jenkins, who served se\en
years, during the period of the Civil war.
The charter members were Judge Samuel Hall, John Arbuthnot, Dr. John
F. Howard, Joseph Neely, Joseph Chamliers, William Jerauld, Holly Craw-
ford and John McKain.
The first initiates were two, Jesse C. Kinil)all and B. Brauner, on Novem-
ber 17, 1857.
The masters in the order of service are as follows: William Jerauld,
John E. Jenkins, J. D. Kaufman, Ralph Redding, John M. Ryan (eight years),
Jacob G. \ail. Dr. William G. Kidd. ^^■ilford B. McDonald, John N. Key,
Henry P. Chambers, Thomas W. Cullen, Dr. George C. Kendle, Robert A.
Woods (ten years). Rev. George D. Wolfe, John Burke, Ernest Mundelius,
John E. Stewart, W. L. S. Wood, Harry G. May, Clarence Rosenberger, Re\-.
J. B. Pilant, Robert Baltzell.
The present Masonic Temple, at the corner of Prince and Water streets,
was built and furnished at a cost of about twenty thousand dollars and was
occupied May 9, 1905. The building committee charged with its construction
was Dr. Robert S. Anderson, president; Robert A. Woods, secretary: George
J. W'elborn, treasurer; Jesse C. Kimball and Elmer E. Reeves.
The temple is occupied by Prince Lodge No. 231, Eree and .\ccepted
Masons; Princeton Chapter No. 75, Royal Arch Masons; Princeton Council
No. 71, Royal and Select Masters: Princeton Commandery No. 46, Knights
Templar, and Golden Eleece Chapter No. 176, Order of the Eastern Star. In
March, 1914, the membership was two hundred and twenty-fi\e.
Princeton Chapter No. 75, Royal Arch Masons, was chartered October
21, 1869, and the charter members were Daniel Head, John E. Jenkins. John
M. Ryan, James W. Spain, Israel Stough, Frederick Eederer, Thomas Cullen.
R. L. Grissam, William F. ]\[illiner. John M. Ryan was the first high priest,
James W. Spain the first king, and John E. Jenkins was the first scril)e. On
the first of INIarch, 19 14, there were one hundred and fortv-eight members of
the chapter.
Princeton Commandery No. 46, Knights Templar, was issued dispensa-
tion April 26, 1902, and was granted a charter on April 16, 1903. The charter
members were Robert A. Woods, Robert S. Anderson, John Burke, Elmer E.
Reeves, Henry P. Chambers, Harvey C. Cunningham, J. H. Owen, A. B.
Nickey, W. E. Nickey, Albert Deutsch, Louis Deutsch, George C. Alason,
200 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Horation W. Vedder. John W. JMcGowan, George A. Klenck, S. M. Nickey,
A. D. Firestone, Frank B. Copp and A. D. McClure. Robert A. Woods was
the first eminent commander, Dr. Robert S. Anderson the first generaHssimo,
and Ehiier E. Reeves the first captain-general. In March, 19 14, there were
fifty members.
Princeton Council No. 71, Royal and Select Masters, was issued dispen-
sation July 4, 1898, and granted a charter on October 19th of the same year.
The charter members were Robert A. Woods, M. L. Miller, Samuel • M.
Nickey, L. D. Mahaffey, Robert S. Anderson, John W. Johnson, William E.
Nickey, John Burke and Elmer E. Reeves. Robert A. Woods was the first
illustrious master, R. S. Anderson the first deputy illustrious master and S.
M. Nickey the first principal conductor of work. In Alarch. 1914, there \\>ere
sixty-five members in the council.
Fort Branch Lodge No. 696, Free and Accepted Masons, was organized
by the following charter membership; Marshall C. Powell, worshipful
master; Horace Genung, senior warden; Spencer B. McKinney, junior
warden; George T. Ford, treasurer; Homer T. Genung, secretary; Stephen U.
Lockwood, senior deacon; Walter C. Polk, junior deacon; John Blessing,
senior steward; James V. Stapp, junior steward; James A. Carson, tyler ;
Walter G. Gram, Samuel H. W^est, Walter S. Hoffman, William A. Polk,
Herman G. Graper, James H. John.son, Lawrence P. Atterbury, Charles G.
Scales, Welsie Brokaw, Willis G. Stiefel, LaSalle Bryant, Jesse G. Turner,
Horace O. Cherry, Lucius B. Marlette, Rev. Israel J. Turner, chaplain.
The present membership is same as above, with the one addition of
Orville Ramsey.
The preliminary meeting was held December 13, 19 12, at Fort Branch.
A dispensation was granted this lodge January i, 1913, and a charter secured
May 27, 1913. Irwin's Hall was leased for five years and, with the support
and co-operation of the owner of the building, a very beautiful, though small
lodge room was arranged. The location is directly, opposite the Chicago &
Eastern Illinois railway station.
Lodge No. 364, Free and Accepted Masons, at Owensville, was organ-
ized and chartered on May 27, 1868, and F. W. Hauss was the first worshipful
master. The present memljership of the lodge is seventy-nine, and the mem-
bers own their hall, built in 1903, costing two thousand dollars. The officers
of 1913 are; Charles N. Emerson, worshipful master; A. ^^^ Thompson,
senior warden; F. A. Strehl, junior warden; S. C. Hudleson, treasurer; G. C.
Gorman, secretarv ; Warren B. Johnson, senior deacon ; M. T. Montgomery,
GIBSON COUXTY, INDIANA. 20I
junior deacon; L. L. \Vhitenl)augh, tyler : and J. \V. Mauck. (irant Teel and
George T. Keneipp, trustees.
Oakland City Lodge No. 467, Free and Accepted Masons, was chartered
on Ma}- 2^, 1873. The present membership is one hundred and thirt\'-three.
The officers today are : J. M. Vandeveer, worshipful master ; J. \V. Cockrum,
senior warden ; Golla McCord, junior warden ; L. J. Deutsch, treasurer ; John
C. Mayhall, secretary; Cleon A. Simons, senior deacon; Earl F. McConnell,
junior deacon; J. W. McCord and V. G. Butcher, stewards; E. M. Fowler,
tyler.
Gibson Fodge No. 420, Free and AcceiJled Masons, nf Hazeltun, has a
present membership of sixty-five men. It was chartered on May 24, 1879, as
Goodwin Lodge No. 420, but on August i_, 1871, the liail was l)urned and
the charter destroyed. On August 28, 1871, a duplicate copy was issued, and
on May 28, 1878, the name was changed to Gibson Lodge. The officers at
present follow: Charles ^V. McFetridge, worshipful master; Everett James,
senior warden; Frank R. Cassidy, junior warden; J. A. Davison, senior dea-
con; John H. Briner, junior deacon; FI. P. Phillips, senior steward; H. M.
Arthur, junior steward ; T. F. Thomas, tyler. Gibson Lodge has a notable
record, one seldom equaled, especially in a town this size. They ha\e fifteen
living past masters. There is a chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star
here.
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS.
Princeton Lodge No. 64, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was insti-
tuted July II, 1849. The present membership is one hundred and eighty.
The hall was built in the year 1896, and cost twelve thousand dollars. The
present officers are: Noble grand, F. L. 1^'orthoffer; vice-grand, Kenney D.
Land; recording secretary, John !•". Stunkel ; financial secretary, W. A. Dill;
treasurer, J. \V. Ritchie; trustees, A. J. Davis, L. L. Kern, Charles I'fdhl;
district deputy grand master, George H. Padgett. The Princetcin lodge ha\e
assets totaling thirty-two thousand dollars, including two cemeteries and other
real estate. The charter members of the lodge were W. S. Palmer, A. P..
Lockhart. R. W. Dunbar, Philip Hornbrook. H. J. Hart, A. P. Elliott and W.
Hubbell. There are nine lodges in the county, namely : Oakland, Francisco,
Princeton, Flazelton. l-'ort Branch, Owens\-ille, Summerville, (jiro and
Wheeling.
Gibson Encampment No. 55 was organized No\-enil:er 17, 185X, and the
charter members were : A. B. Lockhart, P. Hornbrook, Joseph Tumock, John
Farrell, Isaac T. White, D. S. Anderson, A. J. Collum, George Thornhill, E.
202 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
H. Degarme and D. Woolsey. The present officers of the encampment are :
Chief patriarch, Edgar Mauck ; high priest, D. C. Hanna ; senior warden,
J. N. Kern ; junior'warden, Edward W. Eaton ; scribe, \\'. A. Dill ; treasurer,
L. L. Kern; trustees, George H. Padgett, George \\'. Shopbell, A. J. Davis.
The members total about seventy-five.
Fort Branch Lodge No. 291, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was
organized November 20, 1867, by the following charter members: R. T.
Walters, John Blessing, J. M. Pretchett, A. F. Strain, William LHers, H. C.
West, R. B. Burns, J. M. Foster and Henry Blessing. The lodge now has a
membership of sixty, and owns a two-story building, erected in 1897 at a cost
of six thousand seven hundred dollars. The present officers are: Herman
Graper, noble grand ; R. M. Davenport, vice-grand : S. R. Lockwood. secre-
tary ; Homer Weeks, chaplain ; Louis Mclntire, warden ; Perry D. Adkins,
recording secretary; Jasper Bratton, secretary.
Francisco Lodge No. 814, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was organ-
ized in the year 1904, and now has fifty members. The hall was bought for
seven hundred dollars. The officers are as follows : C. S. Barker, noble
grand ; W. F. Gentry, vice-grand ; Ralph Bowman, secretary ; D. O. Paul,
treasurer; W. F. Gentry, R. C. Stomiont, H. J. Peveler, trustees.
Oakland City Lodge No. 308, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was
organized in the early part of 1884, and now has a membership of one hun-
dred and two. The present officers are: Elmer Julian, noble grand; J. W.
Lamb, ^■ice-grand ; J. L. Douglas, recording secretary; S. W. Melton, financial
secretary; P. H. Lamb, treasurer; Emil Alexander, warden; John Hillyard,
chaplain.
Hazelron Lodge Xo. 393, Independent Order of Odd I'"ellows, has a mem-
bership of one hundred and fifty. This lodge was instituted on January 25,
1872, and has had a rapid growth, at present owning a building erected in
1910, at a co.st of fifteen thousand dollars. Iva Tribbett is noble grand;
Charles Kirk, vice-grand ; S. L. Pearson, past grand ; Elza Armstrong, chap-
lain ; Charles E. Jones, recording secretary ; James H. Briner, financial secre-
tary; trustees, T. J. Westfall, Charles W. RIcFetridge, Charles E. Jones.
There is an encampment here with a membership of thirty, and numbered
363. There is also the Philanthropic Lodge of Rebekahs with a large mem-
bership.
Stewart Lodge No. 179, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Owens-
ville, was organized and chartered in 1856, and has a present membership of
seventy-five. The officers are : Past grand, James Newcome : noble grand.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 2O3
Byron Marvel; vice-grand, John L. Shepler ; secretary, Charles Sampson;
treasurer, (ieorge Rhinefort.
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.
This is one of the more recent secret societies, and is not as strong as are
the Masons and Odd Fellows in Gibson county. Many years ago, howexer,
there was a strong lodge of this order at Princeton, but with the changes of
the passing years many of the members have left the order and joined the
Elks and other benevolent orders of the city, and recently the Knights of
Pythias have been greatly reduced and are not very active at this date in
Princeton. Owensville, Oakland City and Hazelton all keep up good lodges
of this society. No data has been furnished for the Owensville lodge.
Chevalier Lodge No. 183, Knights of Pythias, was organized at Oakland
City on June 6, 1888, and now has a membership of one hundred and four.
The officers are: Louis Shurig, master of work; John Mayhall, keeper of
records and seal ; Robert Slack, master of exchequer ; F. C. Benton, master of
finance ; J. W. Lamb, master at arms ; Grover Melton, inner guard ; Clemor
Bell, outer guard ; R. W. Geise, J. W. McCord, J. M. \"andeveer, trustees.
Don Quixote Lodge No. 554, Knights of Pythias, was organized in
Hazelton on I^'ebruary 7, 191 1, and at presetit has eight)- members. The
present officers are as follows: S. R. Cunmngham, ciiancellor commander;
Elza Armstrong, \ice-chancellor : Abner Manning, prelate : ^\'illiam Barnes,
master at arms; T. T. Thorne, master of finance; James ;\I. Phillips, master
of exchequer; A. D. Ellis, master of work; John L. Catt, inner guard; John
P. Sullivan, outer guard; J. D. Doty, keeper of records and seal: trustees, E.
B. Loudin, E. G. Shute, A. C. Heise.
CHAPTER XV.
MILITARY HISTORY OF GIBSON COUNTY.
The pioneers who settled in the territory that was afterwards designated
as Gibson county were largely emigrants from Kentucky, Tennessee and the
Carolinas. Those from Kentucky, especially, brought with them a spirit of
ad\-enture and fearlessness that had been acquired by experience and training
in the environments of their nati\-e state, and by the traditions and inspiration
of such patriots as Daniel Boone and George Rogers Clark. Those who
came from Tennessee, the Carolinas and the older states were largely people
who left their former homes because of their conscientious opposition to
slaxery. These were no less fearless and courageous: the}- had the courage
of convictions of right and justice. They were imbued with a stalwart
patriotism, and of such people as this was the early citizenship of Gibson
county composed. With such a citizenship in the early pioneers it is easy to
account for the creditable record of Gibson county for loyalty and patriotism
in all the years of its history.
INDI.\N WAR OF 181I BATTLE OF TIPPECANOE.
The first war in which the citizens of Gibson county participated was
that between Gen. William Henry Harrison and the Indian confederacy,
organized and led by Tecumseh and his brother, the Prophet, in 1811. On
November 7, 181 1, the battle of Tippecanoe was fought, resulting in a com-
plete victory for the American forces. This was one of the most important
battles ever fought against the Indians in the West, and it was. in fact, the
opening battle of the war of 181 2.
The army under General Harrison engaged in this battle numljered
about eight hundred, composed of the Fourth L'nited States Regulars, with
a body of militia and one hundred and thirty volunteer dragoons composed of
the pioneers of the West who had enlisted in the ser\-ice. Of this number,
one hundred and eighty were killed or wounded in action. Thirty-seven were
killed on the field and twenty-five of the wounded afterward died. The loss
of the Indians was very heavy, but as they carried all of their wounded from
the field during the battle, and their women and old men were busy burying
GIBSON COUNTY SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' M0NU.\IP:NT.
Dedicated November 12, 1912.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 2O5
the dead during tlie battle, no definite information could he obtained as to the
extent of their loss.
There were three companies from the territory now comprising Gibson
count}- engaged in this battle. These companies were commanded respectively
by Capt. Jacob Warrick, David Robb and William Hargrove. Captain War-
rick was mortally wounded in the battle and died soon after. James Smith
was promoted from quartermaster to the captaincy of this company, after
Warrick's death. Concerning Captain Warrick, the following extract from
General Harrison's official report of the battle is of interest here :
"Captain Warrick was shot immediately through the body and taken to
the surgery to be dressed. As soon as it was over, being a man of great
bodily \-igor and able to walk, he insisted on going back to the head of his
company, although it was evident that he had but a few hours to li\e.""
The official roster of the three companies for which Gibson county can
claim credit was obtained by Col. W. M. Cockrum from the musty records
in the war department at Washington. This was a painstaking effort, as the
muster rolls were fragile and the writing not easily legible. But a complete
list of the members of these companies was secured and published in Colonel
Cockrnm's "Pioneer History of Indiana," the first official list published, so
far as we know. This official roll is worthy of a place in this record of the
military history of Gibson county and, by the permission of Colonel Cock-
rum, it is here given :
Roll of a Company of Infantry of Indiana Militia, frcjm September i6,
to November 19, 1 8 1 1 :
Captain Jacob ^^'arrick, commanding, killed Xovember 7, 181 1.
Captain James Smith, promoted from cjuartermaster Xoxember 9, iSii.
William Calton, lieutenant, discharged September 27, 181 1.
Thomas Montgomery, Jr., promoted to lieutenant, September 30, 181 1.
James Duckworth, ensign.
Robert Montgomery, sergeant.
Robert McGarry, sergeant.
James Piercall, sergeant.
Isaac Woods, sergeant.
Benjamin Venables, corporal.
Thomas Black, corporal.
Robert Denney, corporal.
Privates : James Alsop, James Stewart, Jesse Key, Bennet Key, James
Withers, Jesse Brewer, Richard Davis, Asa Music, Smith Mounts, James
2o6 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Stapleton, Lewis Sealy, James Bohannon, Daniel Duff, William Todd, John
Gwins, Burton Litton, Peter Whetstone, Timothy Dower, Benjamin Stoker,
Miles Armstrong, William Young, Maxwell Jolley, Fielding Lucas, John Mc-
Garry, Thomas Montgomery (sixty-five years old), John Montgomery,
Ephraim Murphy, Langsdon Drew, William Gwins, William Black, Joshua
Capps, Andrew McFaddon, Squire McFaddon, Wilson Jones, Jeremiah
Robinson, Flugh Todd, Martin Laughon, George Lynxwiler, William Stevens,
John Coyler, Thomas Almon, William Almon, Thomas Duckworth, John
Robb, John Neel, \Mlliam Black, Randolph Clark.
Roll of a company of mounted riflemen of the Indiana militia, from
October 25 to November 19, 181 1 :
David Robb, captain commanding.
Joseph Montgomery, lieutenant.
John Waller, ensign.
Fishery Armstrong, sergeant.
William Maxidon, sergeant.
Ezkial Kite, corporal.
Georp-e Anthees, corporal.
Bryant Harper, trumpeter.
Privates: Amb. Decker, James Tweedle, ^^■illianl Peters, Francis Hall.
William Tweedle, John Severns, Jr., Thomas Sullivan, Daniel Fisher (killed
November 7, 1811), Joseph Garress, Edward Buttner (killed November 7,
181 1 ), Thomas Shouse, William Selby, James Robb (severely wounded),
Isaac Rogers, James Bass, David Mills, John Black, John Za Orton,
Amstead Bennett. Stewart Cunningham, Booker Shields, John Slaven, James
Langsdown, Jesse Music (killed November 7, ]8ii), William Alsop, Thomas
C. Vines, Samuel James, Frederick Rell, John Black, Jonah Robinson, John
Rogers, George Leech, Jr., Thomas Givins, William Carson, George Litton,
William Downing. James Blanckes, James Minor, Peter Cartright, Thomas
Garress, David Tobin, John Riggs, Thadeus Davis, Thomas P. Vampit, John
Crawford, William Askins, Alex Maken (badly wounded), Moses Sandridge,
John Dragoo, Robert Tenneson, Joseph Right, Thomas West, David Knight,
Thomas Jordan (transferred to Dubois Company), William Bass, Hugh
Shaw, David Lilley, James Ashbury (killed November 7, 181 1), Robert Wil-
son, John Christ, Kader Povi'ell (killed November 7, 181 1), Thomas Dunn,
Jacob Kertner. Jonathan Humphrey, William Witherhold. David Edwards,
Samuel Hamilton, Richard Potts, George Robinson (severely wounded).
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 2O7
Roll of a company of infantry of the Indiana militia, from September
19 to November 19, 1811.
Captain William Hargrove, commanding.
Isaac Montgomery, lieutenant.
Cary Ashley, ensign, resigned October 27, 181 1.
Henry Hopkins, ensign, promoted from sergeant October 2j, 181 1.
David Brnmfield, lieutenant, promoted from corporal October. 181 1.
Bolden Conner, sergeant.
James Evans, sergeant.
David Miller, sergeant, promoted from corporal October 27. 181 1.
William Scales, sergeant, promoted from private October 2~. 181 1.
David Johnson, corporal.
Privates: Samuel Anderson, Jer. Harrison. Joseph Ladd, Thomas
Archer, James Lemm, Joshua Day, William Pierson, Robert Milborn, John
Lout, James Young, Author IMeeks, Reuben Fitzgerald (slightly wounded),
Jacob Skelton, William Gordon, Reding Putnam, Johnson Fitsgerald, James
Skelton, Samuel Wheeler, John Braselton, Jr., John Flener, Pinkney Ander-
son, William Archer, Charles Collins, Charles Penelton, John'Mills, John
Cockrum, Nathan Woodrough, John Tucker, John Conner, Zachary Skelton,
Benjamin Scales, Laban Putnam, John May, Thomas Arnett, Elias Barker,
Robert Wheeler, William Mangrum, James AlcClure, Benjamin Conner,
William Skelton, Randolph Owen, James Crow, George Cunningham, Joseph
Mixon, Edward Whitacer, Robert Skelton (severely wounded), Conrod Le-
Masters, Haz Putnam. Joshua Stapleton, William Harrington, Isaac Tweedle,
Richard M. Kirk, James Skidmore, Samuel Gaston, Chas. Meeks, David
Larrence (discharged September 19, 181 1), Robert Montgomery (discharged
September 19, 1811), Joseph English (discharged September 19, 181 1), Cab-
reen Merry (discharged September 19, 181 1).
Other prominent citizens of Gibson county who bore a conspicuous part
in that war were Robert M. Evans, who was one of General Harrison's aides;
Capt. William Prince, Gen. John I. Neeley, Col. Joshua Duncan and Major
James Smith.
WAR OF 181 2.
In the war of 1812 Gibson county was well represented. A great manj'
of the veterans who did such valiant serxice in the Tippecanoe campaign found
opportunity for further service in the war against Great Britain, participating
in the battle of Thames and other imporfant engagements.
208 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
MEXICAN WAR.
In the Mexican war, Avhich occurred in 1846-8, Indiana supplied five
regiments in which a number of men from Gibson county found service.
There were also a number who enhsted in a compan}- commanded by Capt.
Richard Owen in the Sixteenth Kentucky Volunteers. Judge William M.
Land, later a prominent citizen of Princeton, was a member of Company I,
Fourteenth United States Infantry, of which Colonel Truesdale was in com-
mand. Others who enlisted in the Mexican war and afterwards became
citizens of Gibson county were George W. Gorman, Jacob G. Vail and Dr. W.
G. Kidd. Gorman and Vail raised a company for the Seventeenth Indiana
Regiment in the Civil war, in which Gorman attained the rank of lieutenant-
colonel. Vail was commissioned colonel and at the close of the war was
breveted brigadier-general.
BLACK HAWK WAR.
There were a few men from this county in the Black Hawk war in 1832.
Among these were Joseph Summers and Thomas Summers, ancestors of a
large relationship in the southwestern part of the county.
From its earliest history there was a continual warfare in the territory
comprising Gibson county between the white settlers and the Indians, as is
evidenced by the number of forts and stockades erected in several localities.
These defensive precautions were necessary for the protection of the whites
and their families against the hostile Indians.
REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
While there is no record of enlistments supplied from this territory in the
Revolutionary war, a great many of the Revolutionary soldiers became citi-
zens of the county after the war. Among these were Thomas Montgomery,
Jesse Kimball, Samuel Montgomery, Jere Wyatt, Joshua Kitchens, George
Holbrook, Sr., John Severns, and Robert Archer and James Smith.
One of the most noted persons probably that had a part in the
Revolutionary war and afterward came to Gibson county to spend his last
days was' a colored man by the name of Sampson. He had been with General
Washington as a body-servant, he claimed, and was familiar with the personal
chai;acter and habits of that distinguished patriot. Sampson was a slave and
was brought to this county by Robert Archer and given his freedom. He was
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 2O9
quite old and unable to do any kind of work, Init fountl friends here who
cared for him. His death occurred in 1850, and his funeral was on the fourth
of July of that year. He was gi\en a military funeral and a great demon-
stration was made by the citizens who turned out to do him honor. There
was firing of cannon and a procession headed by a band and the flag. The
procession marched to the Archer cemetery, where the remains were buried.
That was the first of anything like a military funeral that occurred in
Princeton.
THE CIVIL WAR.
But it was in the war of the Rebellion that Oiljson count}- made the
proudest record. That was a supreme test of her loyalty and patriotism.
That was the test to try every man's loyalty and courage of what sort it is.
This loyalty and courage was revealed by fire and the more than two thousand
soldiers from Gibson county passed through this fire and gave proof of their
fidelity to the principles and convictions of patriot ancestors. W'hen the tocsin
of war was sounded by rebel guns at Sumter the sons of Gibson county
crowded forward to oft'er their services to the national government and there
is no page in her history so brilliant as that which glorified their deeds on more
than one hundred battlefields.
On the morning of the 15th of April, 1861, immediately after the news
of the firing upon Fort Sumter had been received, Governor Morton wired
President Lincoln, making a tender of ten thousand men for the defense of
the nation. On the same day President Lincoln issued his proclamation call-
ing for seventy-five thousand volunteers from the several states in the L'nion
for the suppression of the Rebellion. Under this call Indiana's quota was six
regiments of infantry, or about six thousand men, to serve three months.
Within five days after this call was promulgated more than tweh'e thou-
sand men had been enrolledr^i Indiana and were pressing Go\ernor Alorton
for acceptance and muster into the United States service.
.\mong these early enlistments w^as a company from Gilison county. The
day following President Lincoln's proclamation a recruiting office w as opened
in Princeton and the fife and drum were heard for the first time calling for
volunteers to defend the flag.
The roll of this first company was soon made up and the company was
ready for orders to go to Indianapolis for muster into the service. But the
quota for the state under the President's call had been filled by this time and
the Gibson county company, like many others, had to stand aside. The com-
pan\- was disbanded, but onlv for a short time.
' (14)
2IO GIBSON COUNTYj INDIANA.
SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT INDIANA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
Within a month an additional call for volunteers to ser\'e three years
or during the war was made by President Lincoln. Under this call Indiana's
quota was four regiments of infantry and one regiment of cavalry, and this
gave the Gibson county company the opportunity to enter the service. The
muster roll was opened and the enlistments 'for three years or during the war
called for. George W. Gorman and Jacob G. Vail were the most active in
recruiting this company. The company was organized with the following
officers : Jacob G. Vail, captain ; Silas W. Boswell, first lieutenant ; William G.
Berry, second lieutenant. Vail was promoted to major, lieutenant-colonel
and colonel successively, and was mustered out with his regiment with the
rank of brevet brigadier-general, having attained the highest rank of any who
entered the service from this county. Early in May, 1861, this company was
mustered into the United States service at Indianapolis as Company H of the
Seventeenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. At the organization of
the regiment George W. Gorman was appointed major and Dr. S. E. Mun-
ford assistant surgeon. Later Gorman was promoted to lieutenant-colonel
and Doctor Munford to surgeon. In the latter part of his three years' service
Doctor Munford was medical director of Wilder's Ijrigade.
The first service of the Seventeenth Regiment was in Virginia under
General Reynolds. Later the regiment was sent to Kentuck}' and assigned
to the division of Gen. T. J. Wood in General Buell's army.
In the early part of 1863 the regiment was detached from the brigade
and division to which it had belonged up to this time, and was assigned to
another brigade organized as mounted infantry. This brigade was organized
and commanded by Col. John T. Wilder, and became famous and effective as
Wilder's Brigade. It was as a part of Wilder's Brigade that the Seventeenth
did the most effecti\e service. They participated in all the campaigns and
battles through Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama, making raids and skirmishes
within the enem\''s lines to such an extent that they became known as invinci-
bles. After all their strenuous campaigns they came to Macon, Georgia,
where they had a sharp fight on the 20th of April, 1865, resulting in the cap-
ture of that city with three thousand prisoners, including several high officers.
Here the Seventeenth did post duty until the 8th of August, 1865, when the
regiment was mustered out.
Under this call other enlistments from Gibson county were made in the
Fourteenth Indiana, organized at Terre Haute by Col. Nathan Kimball, after-
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 2X1
wards major-general. Another full company from this county became a
part of the Twenty-fourth Indiana, organized at Vincennes by Col. (after-
wards major-general) Alvin P. Hovey. And there were also a number from
this county enlisted in the Twenty-fifth Indiana, being organized at Evansville
by Colonel Veach, afterwards brigadier-generiil.
TWENTY-FOURTH REGIMENT INDIANA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
In the Twenty- fourth Indiana Frank M. Redlmrn was appointed first
lieutenant of Comi)an_\- K at the organization of the company, and W. S.
Pollard was second lieutenant. Redburn was promoted to major and Pollard
to captain during the term of service. The Twenty-fourth Regiment saw
service un.der General Grant at Fort Donelson, Shiloh and \'icksburg. It
was in the division commanded b_\' Gen. Alvin P. Hovey and distinguished
itself in the battle of Champion Hills, where it charged and routed the enemy
who was strongly entrenched.
THIRTY-THIRD REGIMENT INDIANA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
As the war progressed another call for three hundred thousand volun-
teers was made by President Lincoln. This w as after the battle of Bull Run,
when the people of the North became conscious of the fact that the suppression
of the rebellion was an undertaking of serious magnitude. It was realized
then that this was to be a real war, and nut a "breakfast spell," as some at first
foolishly asserted.
Under this call there was abundant opportunity for the boys of Gibson
county, who were so inclined, to enter the service. A company was enrolled
in Princeton in the month of August, 1861. by James M. Henderson, who had
been engaged in teaching in what was then the Morton Academy, Princeton.
This company became a part of the Thirt3'-third Regiment, organized at Indi-
anapolis by Col. John Coburn. The company was designated as C(3mpany F,
and at the organization was officered as follows : Burr H. Polk, captain ;
J. T. Fleming, first lieutenant; Francis Brunson, second lieutenant. James
M. Henderson was appointed lieutenant-colonel at the organization of the
regiment. Burr H. Polk was appointed tostatt duty, with the rank of major,.
soon after entering the service, and J. T. Fleming was promoted to captain of
Company F. On the expiration of Captain Fleming's term of service W. S.
McCullough succeeded to the captaincy, James C. McClurkin to fir.st lieutenant,,
and Robert F. McConnell to second lieutenant. Robert M. McMaster, a
212 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Princeton boy, was appointed quartermaster of the regiment in November,
1864, and was mustered out with the regiment.
The Thirty-third Regiment was mustered into the United States service
September 16, 1861, at IndianapoHs, and soon after departed for the field of
operations in Kentucky. The regiment was assigned to a brigade of which
Col. John Coburn was commander, and served under him during the war.
They spent the first year or so of their service in eastern Kentucky and eastern
Tennessee. Cumberland Gap was captured and held by the command of
which the Thirty-third was a part during the summer of 1862. In the fall
of that year this position had to be abandoned and the forces occupying it had
to retreat into Kentucky, on account of the aggressive movements of the Con-
federate armies under Bragg and Ivirby Smith. Early in October the Thirty-
third Regiment was in the vicinity of Lexington and Covington. The regi-
ment spent several months in Kentucky and then moved to Nashville, where
they arrived early in February, 1863. Marching in the direction of Columbia,
on the 4th of March they had a severe fight with a strong Confederate force
under \^anDorn, resulting in defeat and the capture of almost the entire regi-
ment. After a few months in prison the regiment was paroled and returned
to the army, then under command of Rosecrans in Tennessee. The regiment
was on duty around Murfreesboro, Tullahoma, and \'icinity, until the fol-
lowing January, when they re-enlisted as a veteran organization. Returning
from the thirty-day furlough granted, they were assigned to the Twentieth
Army Corps under General Hooker, and participated in the movement of
Sherman's army from Chattanooga towards .\tlanta. In that cam-
paign the Thirty-third was almost constantly engaged in marching and fight-
ing. The principal battles in which the}' were engaged were : Resaca, New
Hope Church, Gulp Farm, Kenesaw, Peach Tree Creek and in front of
Atlanta. In this campaign the regiment lost more than three hundred killed
and wounded. After the surrender of Atlanta the regiment was a part of
Sherman's army that marched to the sea. Thence through the Carolinas to
Goldsboro, and on to Washington, and then back to Louis\ille, where they
were mustered out.
FORTY-SECOND REGIMENT INDIANA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
In the month of September, 1861, two more companies were enlisted in
Gibson county, one in Princeton by Nathaniel B. French and D. F. Embree,
and the other in the eastern part of the county by Samuel G. Barrett and
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 213
William M. Cockrum. These companies became part of the Fijrty-second
Indiana Regiment, organized at Evansville by Col. James G. Jones.
The Princeton company was designated as Company E, and was organ-
ized with N. B. French, captain, \\'illiam A. Waters, first lieutenant, Frank
Wade, second lieutenant. French was promoted to major ; Dorsey was as-
signed as adjutant ; Frank Embree became captain of the company, and was in
command during the greater part of the service. In the latter part of the
service Joseph R. Ashmead was promoted from lieutenant to the captainc\- of
the company. Others who held commissions as lieutenants in the company
were Ephraim Rutledge, who was killed in action at Coldsboro, \Mlliam Jones
and John R. Daugherty.
Company F of this regiment at the organization was officered as follows :
Samuel G. Barrett, captain; Jacob W. Skelton, first lieutenant; William M.
Cockrum, second lieutenant. Barrett and Skelton resigned after a few
months, and Cuckrum was promoted captain, and afterward to lieutenant-
colonel, and was mustered out with the regiment. On the promotion of Cock-
rum, Lieut. J. D. Skelton was made captain. Others who held commissions
as lieutenants in this company were John Q. A. Steele, who was killed in action
at Goldsboro, Adoniram A. Keys, John C. White and William McCleary.
The early part of service of the Forty-second Regiment was in the west-
ern part of Kentucky. In the latter part of February, 1862, the regiment
moved to Nash\'ille, thence to Iluntsville, where it remained on duty for
several months. As a part of Rosseau's division the regiment joined in the
retrograde march of Buell's army back through Tennessee and Kentucky to
Louisville. With ]\lcCook's corps of Buell's army, the I-"i)rty-secnnd mo\ed
from Louisville in pursuit of Bragg and found him read)- for battle at Perrys-
\ille, on the Sth of October. The regiment bore a conspicuous part in that
engagement and lost heavily in killed and wounded. Following the move-
ments of the army the regiment arrived in Nashville in November. On the
26th of December they marched with the army, then under command of
Rosecrans, toward Murfreesboro, and were engaged in the battle of Stone's
River, December 31, 1862, and January i and 2, 1863, losing seventeen killed
and eighty-seven wounded. The regiment remained in the \ icinity of Mur-
freesboro until the following June, when it again took up the march with
Rosecrans' army towards Chattanooga. On the 19th and 20th of September
the regiment was severely engaged in the battle of Chickamauga, losing ninety
in killed, wounded and captured. In the battles of Lookout Mountain and
Mission Ridge the Forty-second lost forty-three in killed and wounded.
In January, 1864, the regiment re-enlisted as veterans, and after return-
214 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
ing from furlough joined Sherman's army in the Atlanta campaign, and
participated in all the principal battles. In November it marched with Sher-
man's army from Atlanta to Savannah, thence through the Carolinas to Golds-
boro, taking part in the battles of Averysboro and Bentonville. This was the
closing campaign of the war and the Forty-second now turned their faces
homeward, passing through Richmond, Washington to Louis\ille, where it
was mustered out July 25, 1865.
FIFTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT INDIANA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
In October, 1861, Dr. Andrew Lewis was commissioned by Governor
Morton to organize a regiment from the counties then composing the first
congressional district, the organization camp to be at Princeton.
This camp was established in the county fair grounds in October, 1861,
and was known as Camp Gilison. The regiment was designated as the Fifty-
eighth Indiana, and after the preliminary work of organization by Dr. Lewis,
H. M. Carr was regularly commissioned as colonel; George P. Buell, lieu-
tenant-colonel; James T. Embree, major; Samuel Sterne, quartermaster; Dr.
W. W. Blair, surgeon; Rev. John J. Hight, chaplain. In addition to the field
and staff officers, four full companies, with several enlistments in other com-
panies, in this regiment, in all about four hundred men, were from Gibson
county. After a few months' service in the field Colonel Carr resigned and
George P. Buell was commissioned colonel, and James T. Embree, lieutenant-
colonel. At that time Capt. Joseph Moore, of Company B, was promoted to
major. For the greater part of the service Colonel Buell commanded the
brigade and Lieutenant-Colonel Embree commanded the regiment. On the
resignation of Colonel Embree in the latter part of 1863, Moore was promoted
to lieutenant-colonel and was in command of the regiment during the rest of
the service. At the close of the war Buell was breveted brigadier-general.
In 1862 Dr. W. W. Blair was appointed medical director of Gen. T. J. Woods'
division and served in this capacity until the close of his term of ser\-ice.
Doctor Blair is now (1914) the only member of General Woods' staff living.
Other Gibson county members of the regimental staff who succeeded by
appointment or promotion, after the first organization, were : W. A. Downey,
major; Charles C. ^^'hiting, John G. Behm and Edward Reynolds, adjutants;
Dr. S. E. Holtzman, surgeon, and Dr. James C. Patten, assistant surgeon.
GIBSON COUNTY, 'iVfiiiAlsfl'.' ^15
GIBSON COUNTY COMPANIES, , , ,: '
Compam- A was in coinniand of CaiU. Thomas G. Brown, whu resigned
in 1862, and was succeeded by Cajit. \Mlli:im Davis, and on his resignation pja
account of wounds received at Chickaniauga, Lieut. Charles C Whiting was,
promoted to captain. Others wh(; lield commissions as lieutenants in this
company were John G. Behm, Thomris Ruston. John Hoke and 01i\er P.
Bouldin.
Company B was organized with Captain Joseph Moore. First Lieutenant
S. D. Ewing and Second Lieutenant Bedford Reavis. When M(jore was
promoted to major James ^L Smith was transferred from Compan_\- K to the
captaincy of this company, and served as such until the expiration of his
term in April, 1865, when Lieut. Jacob Davis was appointed captain. Others
who held commissions as lieutenants in this company were : James D. h'oster.
who was killed at Chickaniauga, Joseph N. Endicott and Robert M. Lucas.
Company C was organized with Captain \Y. A. Downey, First Lieutenant
E. E. Woods, Second Lieutenant Joseph D. Fisher. Downey was promoted
to major and was succeeded by Augustus Milburn. who was promoted from
first lieutenant. Others who held commissions as lieutenants in this company
were D. M. Hadlock and Monroe Key.
Company D at the time of its organization was officered b_\- Captain JNI.
G. Hargrove, First Lieutenant James C. Knox, Second Lieutenant George
Whitman. From start to finish there were a great many changes in the officers
of this company. The captains after the organization were Bryan C. Wal-
pole, George Whitman, George Raffan and Henry C. Torrence. The last
three were promoted from first lieutenant. Near the close of the war Charles
C. Montgomery and John C. Clark were commissioned lieutenants.
Among those from Gibson county who held commissions in other com-
panies of the Fifty-eighth were: John W. Emmerson, second lieutenant, Com-
pany F; J. S. Ewing and James E. Chappel, second lieutenants in Company
G; Quincv A. Harper, first lieutenant. Company I; Horace A. Hall, captain.
and Samuel L. Snyder and S. F. L'tley, lieutenants, in Company K.
The Fifty-eighth Regiment was mustered into the United States service
on November 12, 1861, an.d on the 13th of December left their place of
rendezvous in Camp Gibson for Louisville, going by way of Evans\ilic, thence
by boat. Marching from Louisville to Bardstown, where they were in camp
for a week or so, they then moved on to Lebanon. They were assigned to
General Woods' division of Gen. D. C. Buell's army, and during the winter- of
2l6 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
1861 and 1862 marched about through central Kentucky, and on the ist of
March the regiment reached Nashville after the evacuation of that place.
Leaving Nashville about the first of April, the regiment was with Buell's
army on the march to Pittsburg Landing, arriving there on the evening of the
second day's battle of Shiloh. It formed part of the force in advance towards
Corinth, and was among the first of the Union army to enter that place after
the evacuation. The regiment then joined in the movements of Buell's army
through northern Alabama, to Shelbyville, Decherd, McMinnville, etc. It
was in the retrograde movement of the army, leaving McMinnville about the
first of September, marching through Nashville, Bowling Green, and arri\ing
at Louisville September 29th, having engaged in a sharp skirmish with the
rear of Bragg's army at Mumfordsville on the way.
On the 1st of October the regiment started out again from Louisville in
pursuit of Bragg, who was then at Bardstown. It had a skirmish, with the
rear of the Confederate army near that place and drove them from the town,
following the retreating Confederates through Danville, Crab Orchard, with
occasional skirmishing, to near Mt. Vernon, when the chase was abandoned,
and the regiment retraced its steps and turned again towards Nashville, where
it arrived about the last of November.
On the 26th of December it formed a part of General Rosecrans' army in
the advance on Murfreesboro, where Bragg's army was in force and readv for
battle. The Fifty-eighth had a sharp fight at Lavergne, on the way, in which
several of the regiment were wounded. In the battle of Stone's River the
regiment was actively engaged December 31, 1862, and the succeeding days,
losing heavily in killed and wounded. The regiment participated in all the
movements of Rosecrans' army from Murfreesboro to Chattanooga, and was
in the battle of Chickamauga, on the 19th and 20th of Septemlaer, 1863. In
that battle the loss of the regiment was one hundred and seventy in killed,
wounded and missing, out of an aggregate of four hundred engaged.
The Fifty-eighth was in Wagner's brigade, Sheridan's division, in the
battle of Mission Ridge, and had sixty-six killed and wounded in the charge
on the Ridge. Following this battle the regiment was sent to Knoxville on a
forced march to relieve the army there besieged by Longstreet. \Vhile in that
section of the country the regiment re-enlisted as veterans and returned home
on a furlough.
On the return of the regiment to Chattanooga in April it was assigned to
the engineer corps and took charge of the pontoon trains of Sherman's armv.
In this service the regiment laid all of the bridges for the advance of Sherman's
army from Chattanooga to Atlanta, and thence to Savannah, with Sherman's
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 21/
march to the sea. Leaving Savannah, the regiment did all the iiridging and
repairing of roads through the Carolinas to (ioldsboro, thence on through
Virginia to Richmond and Washington. I'nmi here the regiment was sent
to Louisville, which was the starting point and the finishing point. It was
finally mustered out of the service on July 25, \X(>^.
SI.XTV-FIFTH REGIMENT INDIANA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
Under the call of 1862 the Si.xtx'-fifth Regiment was organized in Prince-
ton with John W. Foster as colonel. James L. Thornton, of I'rinceton, was
quartermaster of this regiment. Company B of this regiment was officered as
follows at the time of the organization : Captain, W. T. Stilwell ; first lieu-
tenant, James M. LIussey; second lieutenant, Richard M. J. Miller. On the
resignation of Captain Stilwell in September, 1864, Miller was promoted
captain and served until the regiment was mustered out. James M. Skelton
also held a commission as lieutenant in this company.
The Sixty-fifth Regiment w^as mustered into the service on the 20th of
August, 1862, and moved to Henderson, Kentucky, and spent some time
looking after the guerrillas <jperating in that vicinity. On the 27th of Au-
gust the regiment had a lively engagement with Adam Johnson's Confederate
regiment at Madisonville, defeating the eneni\- and taking possession of the
town. For about one year after this the se\eral companies of the Sixty-fifth
were distributed in different counties in that part of the state, assigned to
guard and patrol duty. Li the meantime the regiment had been mounted and
in August, 1S63, became a part of Colonel Graham's brigade of cavalry and
mounted infantry. On September i, 1863. the brigade to which the regi-
ment was attached arrived at Knox\ille, Tennessee, being the first Union
troops to reach that place. From this time until the following January tne
regiment was constantly engaged in marching and fighting in eastern Tennes-
see, and some of the fighting was quite severe.
On the 2ist of April, 1864, the regiment was dismounted and assigned
to the Second Brigade, Third Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, and
joined Sherman's army in the campaign to Atlanta. It participated in the
battle of Resaca, and in all the battles and skirmishes of this campaign up to
the capture of Atlanta. It then joined in the pursuit of Hood into Alabama
and Tennessee, participating in the battles of Columbia, Franklin and Xash-
\ille. It was then transferred to Virginia where it participated in the attack
on Fort Anderson and other battles and skirnn'shes in North Carolina, .\fter
210 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
the surrender of Johnson the Sixty-fifth moved to Greensboro, where it was
mustered out on the 22d of June, 1865.
EIGHTIETH REGIMENT INDIANA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
In the month of September, 1862, the Eightieth Indiana Regiment was
organized in Princeton. Louis Brooks was Heutenant-colonel of this regi-
ment at the time of organization and had command of the regiment until
after the battle of Perry ville, when Charles Denby was transferred from the
Forty-second and became colonel of the regiment. George T. Simonson
was major at the time of organization, and afterwards promoted to lieutenant-
colonel. Dr. W. P. Welborn was commissioned surgeon and Dr. A. W.
Spain, assistant surgeon. Rev. M. M. C. Hobbs, a well-known Methodist
minister, was the chaplain.
Company A of the Eightieth Regiment was composed largely of the
citizens and business men in Princeton and vicinity. The company officers
at the organization were: Captain, Charles Brownlee; first lieutenant, Jesse
C. Kimball; second lieutenant, William M. Duncan. On the resignation of
Captain Brownlee in 1864 Duncan was promoted captain and served until
the muster out of the regiment. Others who held commissions as lieutenants
in this company were Henry C. Jerauld, William Archer and Jonah G.
Tichenor.
Company E had for its first captain, Harrison M. Spain, who was pro-
moted to major, and was succeeded by Enos H. Kirk. Those who held com-
missions as lieutenants were Alexander J. Montgomery, William C. Fisher
and James S. Moran.
Russell J. Showers was the first captain of Company F. He was killed
in the battle of Resaca, and Lieut. James S. Epperson was promoted to
captain. Others who held commissions as lieutenants were Thomas S. Craig,
John M. Wolf, James H. C. Lowe and Alexander R. Smith.
On the 8th of September the Eightieth Regiment left Camp Gibson and
in just one month afterward they were engaged in the battle of Perryville, in
which the regiment suffered severely, losing in killed and wounded one hun-
dred and fifty officers and men. The regiment remained in Kentucky during
the fall and winter of 1862 and 1863, doing guard and patrol duty. In Au-
gust, 1863, the regiment left Kentucky with General Burnside's army and
marched across the Cumberland mountains into eastern Tennessee, and
participated in the campaign in the vicinity of Kingston and Knoxville during
the fall and winter following. In the spring of 1864 the regiment left
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 210
eastern Tennessee with General Schofield's Twcnty-tliird Chirps, and ji lined
Sherman's army in the .Atlanta campaign. In this campaign the T'j'ghtieth
participated in all the principal engagements from Dalton to Atlanta, includ-
ing" the battle of Resaca, Kenesaw and Peach Tree Creek, losing in this cam-
paign one hundred and se\enty-li\e in killed and wounded.
After the fall of Atlanta the regiment mo\ed northward with the
Twenty-third Corps in pursuit of Hood. It participated in the battles of
Franklin and Nashville, which resulted in a rout and destruction of Hood's
army. The regiment was then transferred to ^^irginia and joined the forces
in the campaign against Wilmington, Kingston, Goldsboro and Raleigh. It
bore a conspicuous part in the attack on Fort Anderson, .\fter the sur-
render of Johnson the regiment moved to Saulsberw where it remained until
June 22d. when it was mustered out of the service.
ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTIETH REGIMENT INDI.KNA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
In the early part of 1864 the One Hundred and Twentieth Regiment was
organized. In this regiment Gibson county was largely represented. Of the
commissioned officers Dr. J. Marshall Neely was surgeon, Albert Knowles
was captain, and John R. Thomas was lieutenant of Compan\- D. Nathan
Wilson, Richard W. Hastings and D. W. Smith held commissions as lieu-
tenants in Company F.
This regiment, with the One Hundred and Twenty-third, One Hundred
and Twenty-fourth, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth and One Hundred and
Thirtieth, composed an Indiana division, and was under the command of
Gen. Alvin P. Hovey. These regiments were largely composed of ynung
men and boys and the division carried the name of "Hovey's Babies." The
division was immediately placed on the firing line in the Atlanta campaign
and these "babies" acquitted themselves as veterans in the many se\ere en-
gagements in which they participated. They were assigned to the Twenty-
third Corps and their history is identified with the other regiments of that
command. They participated in the battles of Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain,
battles around Atlanta, in the pursuit after Hood, the Ijattles of Franklin and
Nashville.
After the battle of Nashville the regiment was transferred with the rest
of the Twenty-third Corps to North Carolina, where it took a prominent part
in the operation of the army in the section until the surrender of Johnson
and the close of the war. The regiment remained for some time after this
at Raleigh doing garrison duty.
220 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-SIXTH REGIMENT INDIANA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
In May, 1864, the One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Regiment was organ-
ized to serve for a term of one hundred days. In this was one company from
Gibson county, of which WilHam Kurtz was captain, Francis Wade first
Heutenant, Alexander C. Small second lieutenant. This regiment was
especially organized for garrison duty and ser\'ed the time in Tennesse, guard-
ing forts and railroad bridges, thus relieving veteran troops for service at the
front.
ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-THIRD REGIMENT INDIANA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
The last regiment organized during the Civil war, in which there was
enlistments from Gibson county, was the One Hundred and Fort}-third.
This regiment was largely composed of veterans who had seen service in
other commands. It was organized in February, 1865. John E. Phillips
was major of this regiment. William H. Fowler was captain of Company
B and Bedford Reavis was captain of Company H. Ralph Redding and
Alexander C. Small were lieutenants in Company H.
This regiment was fully equipped and ready for dut}-, but the war was
practically over before they got within hearing of hostile guns.
OTHER ENLISTMENTS.
In addition to the regiments mentioned, Gibson county soldiers found
service in other regiments of this state and in other states. Among the other
Indiana infantry regiments in which Gibson county soldiers were enlisted
were the Fifteenth, Fifty-first, Sixtieth, Sixty-third and Ninety-first, the
First, Fourth and Tenth Cavalry, the Eighth Indiana Battery, and the
Twenty-first Heavy Artillery.
From first to last, there were more than two thousand volunteer enlist-
ments from Gibson county. There were no drafted men, though there was
in 1863 an enrollment of those subject to military duty, preparatory for a
draft, if this course should be necessary to fill the county's quota in subsequent
calls. As an inducement for volunteers to meet these calls the county ofifered
liberal bounties for enlistments in 1864 and 1865. For this purpose the
county paid the total amount of $104,014.15 to those who enlisted in some of
the later companies. The county also paid for the relief of soldiers' wives
and widows during the war the sum of $20,227.01.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 221
It is difficult for the present generation to realize that the officers and
men who composed the army in the greatest war of modern times were boys
and young men; that the average age of the rank and file of those who
enlisted from Gibson count}- was nt)t more than twenty \"ears. It is a mis-
taken impression that the army that fought to a successful conclusion the
war of the Rebellion was composed of old and decrepit men, "who, weary
with life's burden, flung the smoking wick of an expiring life into the
trembling balance of their country's scales, and sought the rest of death and
oblivion in the fire and smoke of battle." It was not of such as these that the
army was composed. It was from the flo\jer and youth of the land that the
more than two thousand soldiers of Gibson county came. Behind them were
doors of opportunity. Behind them were homes and friends, and home com-
forts, where "Plenty had her court and Jo}' and Peace saluteil every morn."
It was from all this that they turned away. They ga\e up their hopes, their
ambitions, their world, their life and all for the sake of others. They
suffered pri\ation and endurance that others might ha\'e ease and comfort.
They exiled themselves from home that others might have a home. They
gave up life that this generation and the generations to come might ha\'e life
and enjoy life more abundantly.
Gibson county soldiers faced death and mingled in the strife and carnage
of nearly all the great battles of the Civil war. They contributed their part
in the first great \'ictory of the Western army at Fort Donelson. Some have
lived to tell of their experience in the bloody conflict at Shiloh, at Perryville,
and at Stone's River. Gibson county soldiers fought with Ho\-ey at Cham-
pion's Hill, and with Grant in the siege and capture of \'icksburg. Gibson
county soldiers were with Burnside when he stormed the rugged hills of
Fredericksburg, and they fought among the burning pines of Chancellorsville.
Gibson county soldiers stood with the men who resisted the desperate valor
of the veterans under Lee and Longstreet at Gettysburg.
Gibson county soldiers stood with Gen. George H. Thomas on Snodgrass
Hill, at Chickamauga, on that September Sabbath afternoon, and contributed
of their might and valor and made it possible for that grim old chieftain to
declare to the impetuous and almost ^■ictorious hosts under Hill and Long-
.street, "Thus far shalt thou come and no farther."
tjibson county soldiers were among those who scaled the heights of
Lookout Mountain and fought with Hooker in his famous battle above the
clouds ; they were among those, who, with unparalleled courage, charged the
rifle pits, blazing with cannon and musketry, and climbed to the heights- of
ilission Ridge. And it was a Gibson county soldier who carried the flag
222 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
of the Fifty-eighth Indiana in that charge. He carried the ilag unfurled and
in full splendor floating to the breeze, and planted at Bragg's late head-
quarters, on the summit, the "banner of beauty and glory."
There were Gibson county soldiers in these and scores of other great
battles of the war. They were with Sherman in his march to the sea. They
followed Sherman through swamps and across the rivers of Georgia, and
through- the Carolinas, until they joined hands with other comrades from
Gibson county, who had followed Grant through the Wilderness, to Rich-
mond and Petersburg, on to the final victory and surrender of Lee's army at
Appomattox. They participated in that greatest military pageant the world
had ever seen, when the veteran regiments under Sherman and Grant, with
bullet-ridden and battle-scarred banners, marched down Pennsylvania axenue
in Washington, amid the plaudits and cheers of thousands of admiring
spectators.
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR.
Although the men from Gibson county who enlisted for service in the
war with Spain, in 1898, did not engage in any battles or skirmishes, they
were trained, equipped and transported to different points in the country
preparatory to meeting the enemy.
Gibson county was represented in the One Hundred and I-'iftyruinth In-
diana Volunteer Infantry by Company K. This company was originally or-
ganized at Princeton on December 24, 1888, and assigned as Company K,
First Regiment Indiana National Guard. In 1898 the company was officered
as follows : George Soller, captain ; Alva C. Eaton, first lieutenant : Paul S.
Brownlee, second lieutenant; Ollie Watt, first sergeant; Robert Baker, quar-
termaster sergeant ; Charles E. Brick, John F. Ervin, James R. Taylor, Will-
iam M. Wilson, sergeants; Frank B. Duncan, William F. Moes, John R. Mc—
Ginnis, Albert C. Parke, corporals ; Louis O. Salzman and James F. Wheeler
were also corporals; Joseph I. Eller and William P. Eaton were musicians;
Claude McDonald was artificer ; Iva M. Brewer was wagoner. Oliver M.
Tichenor, of Princeton, was commissioned adjutant of the One Hundred and
Sixty-first Indiana Regiment, commanded by Col. W. T. Dur]>in, afterwards
governor of Indiana. This regiment spent a good part of its time of service
in Havana, but was not in any engagement.
The One Hundred and Fifty-ninth Regiment was formed of the First
Regiment of Infantry, Indiana National Guard, and was composed of com-
panies from Vincennes, Terre Haute, New Albany. Washington, Evansville,
GIBSON COL-XTV, IXOIAXA. 22^
Roaclulale, iMatliscm, Brownstuwn. Bloominfilon, Cireencustle and I'rinceton.
The regiment arrived at Camp IMount, Indianapolis, on April 26, 1S98, under
orders from the governor, t\)r the purpose of being mustered into the service
of the United States. The same care was used in the physical examination
of this regiment as obtained in other regiments, and they were nuislered into
the volunteer service of the United States on May 12th. The regiment left
Camp Mount on May 22d, and arrived at Camp R. A. Alger, Dunn Loring,
Virginia, on May 24th. Broke camp at Camp Alger on August 3d, and
marched by easy stages to Thoroughfare Gap, \^irginia, a distance of forty
miles. Left there on August 28th, and moved by rail to Camp Meade, near
Middletown, Pennsylvania, where they arrived August 29th. Under orders
for the muster out of the regiment, they left Meade camp on September 1 ith,
arrived at Camp Mount on the 13th, and were furloughed for thirty days.
The regiment was mustered out on Xu\ember 27,. 1898.
CHAPTER XVI.
THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD IN GIBSON COUNTY.
One of the most interesting topics of the early historx- of Gibson county,
and one which has never been written, is the "underground railroad," which
passed through the county from south to north in the days before and during
the Civil war. The underground railroad, in brief terms, was an avenue of
escape, a system of "stations," or friends, extending from the slave states into
Canada. A negro was transported from one station to another under the
protection of the different station masters, who incurred great risks and
many narrow brushes with death, in their desire to serve the cause of abolition.
Not only from the slave owners in pursuit did the .runaways and the station
masters have to fear, but from a class of Northerners termed "wolves," who,
in order to gain the reward offered for the return of escaped negroes, would
endeavor to apprehend the fleeing men. There were many avenues of escape
running during the fifties and sixties, and many and diverse were the methods
used to smuggle the negroes to the Canadian line. Once in that neutral
territory, they were safe from pursuit. One of these lines extended through
Gibson county, and there were two stations known to have existed here, the
principal one being three miles northwest of the city of Princeton, just below a
big hill, at the home of David Stormont; the other station being in the Car-
rithers neighborhood east of Princeton, the home of John Carithers. There
was also another small relay station one mile west of Patoka, kept by David
Hull.
In the history of the underground railroad, written just after the war Iw
William Still, a colored anti-slavery worker, reference is made to the station
kept by David Stormont. It is in the story of Seth Concklin, who nobly
sacrificed his life to aid the wife and kindred of Peter Still, a slave who had
bought his own freedom, but whose dearest possessions were yet in bondage,
to escape by the underground railroad route. The plan proposed by Concklin
was a hazardous one, and he undertook to execute it alone, with consequent
failure. He and his charges were captured after they had proceeded as far
north as Vincennes, Indiana, twenty-five miles north of Princeton. To Will-
iam Still se\-eral letters were written b)' Concklin during his attempt to escape
GIDSON COUNTY. INDIANA. 2J5
with Peter Still's wife and relatives. One of these missives refers directly
to David Stormont, althuus^h the letter has the name written as "Stornion."
The letter follows :
"Princeton, Gibson County, Ind., Feb. 18. 1851.
"To \\"m. Still : — The plan is to go to Canada, on the W'aljash, opposite
Detroit. There are four routes to Canada. One through Jllinois, commenc-
ing above and below Alton ; one through to north Indiana, and the Cincinnati
route, being the largest route in the United States.
"I intended to have gone through Pennsylvania, but the risk going up the
Ohio river has caused me to go to Canada. Steamboat traveling is universally
condemned ; though many go in boats, consequently many get lost. Going in
a skiff is new, and is approved of in my case. After I arrive at the mouth
of the Tennessee river, I will go up the Ohio seventy-five miles, to the mouth
of the Wabash, then up the Wabash, forty-four miles to Xew Harmony,
where I shall go ashore by night, and go thirteen miles east, to Charles Grier,
a farmer (colored man), who will entertain us, and next night convey us six-
teen miles to David Stormon, near Princeton, who will take the command,
and I will be released.
"David Stormon estimates the expenses from his house to Canada at
forty dollars, without which, no sure protection will be given. They might
be instructed concerning the course, and beg their way through without any
money. If you wish to do what should be done, you will send me fifty dol-
lars, in a letter, to Princeton, Gilison county, Intla., so as to arrive there b_\-
the 8th of March. Eight days should be estimated for a letter to arrive from
Philadelphia.
"The money to be State Bank of Ohio, or State Bank, or Northern
Bank of Kentucky, or any other eastern bank Send no notes larger than
twenty dollars.
"One half of my time has been used in trying to find ]iersons to assist,
when I may arrive on the Ohio river, in which I have failed, except Stormon.
"Having no letter of introduction to Stormon from any source, on
which I could fully rely, I traveled two hundred miles around, to find out his
stability. I have found many Abolitionists, nearly all who have made propo-
sitions, which themselves would not comply with, and nobody else would.
Already I have traveled over three thousand miles. Two thousand and four
hundred by steamboat, .two hundred by railroad, one hundred by stage, four
hundred on foot, forty-eight in a skifif.
"I have vet five hundred miles to go to the plantation, to commence
(IS) '
226 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Operations. I have been two weeks on the decks of steamboats, three nights
out, two of which I got perfectly wet. If I had had paper money, as McKim
desired, it woukl have been destroyed. I have not been entertained gratis at
any place except Stormon's. I had one hundred and twenty-six dollars when
I left Philadelphia, one hundred from you, twenty-six mine.
"Telegraphed to station at Evansville, thirty-three miles from Stormon's,
and at Vincennes, twenty-five miles from Stormon's. The Wabash route is
considered the safest route. No one has ever been lost from Stormon's to
Canada. Some have been lost between Stormon's and the Ohio. The wolves
have never suspected Stormon. Your asking aid in money for a case properly
belonging east of Ohio, is detested. If you have sent money to Cincinnati,
you should recall it. I will have no opportunity to use it.
"Seth Concklin. Princeton. Gibson County, Ind."
However, as has been stated before, the worthy Concklin failed in his
mission to get his negroes to the Canadian line. Concklin was placed in jail,
whereupon he wrote to David Stormont to get funds for bail. A report
afterward circulated, and found to be reasonably true, was to the effect that
a man was found drowned, with his hands and feet in chains and his skull
fractured. This was Seth Concklin.
In his book, "Looking Back from the Sunset Land," Rev. N. R. Johnston
has written a very interesting narrati\'e of his observation of Seth Concklin
and his party. He writes :
"In fulfillment of presbyterial appointments I was at Princeton preach-
ing two or three Sabbaths the latter part of March and the first of April.
Early in the week before my last Sabbath there, Mr. David Stormont came
to my lodging place (Elder Robert Stormont's) and told me that Seth Conck-
lin and the four escaped slaves were at his house, having recently arrived
safely from Alabama. Of course I accepted Mr. Stormont's invitation to
ride with him to see his guests. They all were well, though tired and sleepy,
and all were anxious about their safety as they knew that though they were
now in a free state they were not free from the danger of being captured and
taken back to slavery again. They had arrived the night before, having been
conducted by the colored man, Charles Grier. Mr. Concklin gave me a
warm welcome and was somewliat cheerful. With the others I soon became
acquainted, though the two sons and the young daughter were reserved and
diffident, having had no other school than the slave plantation. ^Irs. Still,
'Aunt Vina,' was quite free in conversation. She was manifestly a woman
of great natural ability and of rare common sense. I spent the day and the
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 22/
evening with the fugitives and their rescuer and from them learned tlie whole
story of their flight and journey. To me it was intensely thrilling, and I am
sure that it would be the same to the reader if I could give it at length and
with all its incidents as narrated by the fugitives. All I can do is tn give the
merest outline as told to me so that the reader may know how the cscajie
was effected.
"At Cincinnati Mr.- Concklin bought a large .skiff and took it with hini
on board an Ohio .steamer, and afterwards up the Tennessee river to Morence,
Alabama, not far from the plantation where the slaves were. Here, under
the assumed name of Miller, he busied himself inquiring for work and, repre-
senting that he was a miller, as he once had been, he tried to explain to the
inquisitive why he had brought a skiff with him. In his meanderings he went
to the plantation, and to the shoe-shop by the wayside, where one of the slri\es
was the cobbler for the others. Concklin needed some shoe mending done
and thus he had an opportunity and without suspicion to obtain desirable in-
formation as to localities, for the time was near when, according to the ap-
pointment that had been made by Peter Still and his wife, he must go to visit
her in the night. When the hour came Concklin was there 'sharp.' After
waiting a while in the tolerably dark night, a colored woman approached
quietly accompanied by one of her sons (no doubt) timidly. In subdued
voices they spoke to one another. How could Aunt Vina know that this
man was the very one that her husband had sent from Philadelphia to conduct
her and her children out of the house of bondage? I will tell the reader, but
in my own words, as she told me that afternoon at the house of David Stor-
mont. She said : 'When my husband was about to lea\'e me to go back to
Philadelphia, I took off the cotton cape I had on and gave it to him. It had
a hole in one corner. I said, "Give that cape to the man that is to come for
us and tell him to bring it back to me, and when I get the cape and tlnd the
hole in it I'll be sure that he is the right man." ' And as she told me ibis
incident she went to her bundle of clothes and brought the cape and said to
me: 'See there, sir; there is the hole,' showing it to me; and then she added :
'Then I knew all was right and I was glad.'
"Their interview was necessarily brief. Concklin told the woman what
to do and when to bring the children to join him in the boat. The\- came at
the appointed time and place and were soon rowing down the Tennessee river.
When daylight came and when they saw people on the shore who might sus-
pect that they were fugitives they laid down in the boat so that tliev could
not be seen from the land. At one place .some men on the shore sliouted to
228 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
the boatman to stop. He did not obey the order, but rowed on the more
stoutly. The fellows on shore then fired guns at the boat, but the God of
the oppressed preserved those in the skiff from harm. Passing out into the
Ohio and thereon up to the mouth of the Wabash, they rowed up this stream
to New Harmony, and then carried out their plan as written in the letter to
William Still.
"The night that I lodged at I\Ir. Stormont's Mr. Concklin and I slept in
the same room and conversed until a late hour about things in which wc ])oth
were interested, and we were not forgetful that the house might be sur-
rounded at any hour of the night by a posse of pursuers of fugitive slaves.
"That was probably the last time that Seth Concklin ever slept on an
ordinary bed. The next day duty called me away and I bade good-bye to
the fugitives and their faithful friend and guide. Shortly after they were
all on the highway towards Canada.
"What happened after their departure from Mr. Stormont's was not
known except from unreliable reports from published telegrams and from
Seth Concklin's letter to David Stormont, written after Concklin had been
lodged in prison. Probably the reader may understand the situation at this
time if I here copy a brief extract from a letter I wrote from Evansville, Indi-
ana, to William Still under the date of March 31, 1851.
" T think it was twenty-three miles above Vincennes, Indiana, where
they were seized by a party of men and lodged in jail. Telegraphic dis-
patches were sent all through the South. I have since learned that the
marshal of Evansville received a dispatch from Tuscumbia to look out for
them. By some means he and the master, so says report, went to Vincennes
and claimed the fugitives, chained Mr. Concklin and hurried all off. As soon
as he was cast into prison Mr. Concklin wrote to David Stormont at Princeton
to find bail. As soon as he received the letter and could get away, two of us
were about setting oft' to render all possible aid when we were told they all
had passed south a few hours before, through Princeton, Mr. Concklin in
chains. What kind of process was had, if any, I know not. I immediately
came down to this place and learned that they had been put on a steamboat at
three p. m. I did not arrive until six. Now all hopes of their recovery are
gone.'
"After the letter from which this is extracted was written, additional
facts were learned that threw some light on the dark tragedies. I communi-
cated some of them to William Still, and this letter also he published in his
book which came out nearly twenty years afterwards. I did not hear of the
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 22C)
capture of the fugitives until Mr. Stormont came into town and infunned me
of the sad inteUigence. This was sometime on Saturdax-. Nothing could be
done for the prisoners until after the Sabbath, when I was expected to
preach. Besides, Mr. Concklin's letter had said that the trial was fixed for
Thursday of the week following. Accordingly we made arrangements to go
to Vincennes as soon as the Sabbath was over, that we might do all in our
power to rescue the captives.
"Early on Monday morning Mr. Stormont and I were seated in the
buggy and the lines in his hand, ready to set out from Princeton on our
errand of rescue as we tried to hope, when a friend came hurriedly to inform
us that we need not go as, on the day before, the captured party had all been
taken through the town, going south in charge of the United States marshal
from Evansville, and accompanied by the slave owner, McKiernon, from
Alabama. Afterwards, the following facts were learned. The telegram
that had been sent from Evansville into the South had been read by Mc-
Kiernon, who hastened to go for his chattels. Taking the United States
officer with him from Evansville, he hurried to Vincennes and claimed his
slaves. They were given up to him and into the possession of the marshal
without any trial whatever. The law was obeyed to the letter and the per-
sons surrendered 'on the claim of him to whom such service or labor is due.'
Concklin was handcuffed liy the marshal and put into the stage coach with
the colored people, and behind the coach rode in their own carriage the sla\e
owner and the marshal. They left Vincennes on Sabbath morning and
reached Princeton in time for dinner. W'hile the master was in the hotel
eating, the prisoners were retained in the stage under guard and without
food; and then they all hurriedly drove on to Evansville.
"As I was expected to preach in St. Louis the next Sabbath and as I
believed it my duty to do everything possible to prevent the dragging of the
fugitives back into bonds, and if possible to save poor Concklin from chains,
and from the awful fate which seemed to await him if carried into Alal)ama
by the bloodhounds who had caught him, I hastened to take the morning
stage for Evansville in the hope that I might reach the city before the de-
parture of the captives and their captors. It was my purpose to hasten to
employ an attorney and have writs issued for the release of the captives who
had been brought away from \'incennes without any trial whatever. Puit T
was too late. Three hours before my arrival all the party had de])arte(l In-
steamboat for Paducah, a town at the mouth of the Tennessee river. That
same night I took the first steamer going down the river, and still hM])ing that
230 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
possibly if I could reach Paducah before the departure of the company I
might do something for the friendless captives, ^'ain hope! An hour be-
fore my arrival at Paducah the master and his slaves had taken the stage for
Florence, Alabama. I could do nothing. But what of Seth Concklin? My
boat was detained an hour or two, so that I had time to go ashore and make
inquiries of some colored men laboring on the wharf. They told me what
they had. heard the people say and from what I learned afterwards I believed
that they were partly correct, as we will soon see. The United States marshal
had gone down to Paducah, still having in his charge the slaves and Mr.
Concklin. The passage was in the night. The officer sat up in guard of the
captives, Concklin still handcuffed. Reports said that after the boat landed
at Paducah, and while it was yet night, the marshal fell asleep or had asked
McKiernon to guard his prisoner while he would sleep. It was reported
moreover that when the marshal returned to where he left Concklin the latter
was gone. McKiernon told the officer that while lie (McKiernon) was
watching he fell asleep and on awakening saw that the manacled man was
missing. No one had seen anything of him. When morning came search
was made and the dead body of the man, yet in his chains, was found in the
river. On the side of his head was a very severe wound, probably a broken
skull. The body was taken to a sand bank on the shore, not far distant, and
buried in his clothes and irons as before death. All kinds of conjectures and
reports were afloat. Having learned all I could possil^ly in the short time I
had, I returned to my steamer and went on to St. Louis. On landing I
hastened to find the vessel which had brought the fugitives from Evansville
to Paducah and sought an interview with the ofiicers to learn what I could
from them. As the boat was owned by Northern men, I felt free to converse
with the officers, though while the boat lay at the wharf at Paducah waiting
for the morning nearly all the officers were asleep except the clerk, so that he
was almost the onh- one who could tell me anything reliable. He had seen
nothing of the parties after a late hour of the night, until in the morning after
the man in irons was missing; but he told me what he had seen and heard
after that time. One of the reports or opinions expressed was that Concklin
(known by the name of Miller) had jumped overboard to drown himself
rather than be taken to Alabama to fall into the hands of slave holders or
Southerners. Another was that he had jumped into the water in the expecta-
tion of wading or swimming ashore, even though wearing heavy manacles,
but that in leaping to the water he had been struck accidentally on the head.
the blow causing death. A third supposition, or rather suspicion, was that
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 2^1
duriiiij the short time that Miller was guarded liy McKieninn, llie master, the
latter had struck the hated man a fatal blow on the head, and then had thrown
him overboard and that to avoid suspicion in the morning he had tokl the
marshal that while on guard he had fallen asleep and that on awakening he
had discovered that Miller was gone. An}' of these reports might have been
true, as Miller was kept upon the hurricane deck where no other person was
at night except his guard. But after learning all I could and after the friends
of Seth Concklin in Philadelphia had sent a deputation to Paducah to ascer-
tain all possible as to his death and burial, I regarded the last opinion as the
most plausible. The following facts led to this belief. It was said, but upmi
what authority I do not rememl^er, that McKiernon had promised to [>a.\ the
United States marshal one tliousand dollars on condition that he wnuld re-
turn the fugitives and the man Miller at South Florence, Alabama. As at
Paducah Miller was found dead, and as the four slaves were in the possession
of the master in his own state, he had no more need of the marshal, who now
reutrnecl ti:) Evansxille. Report said moreover that McKiernon and the mar-
shal had (|uarreled about the money promised, the fdrmer refusing to pay
because Miller had not been returned according to contract; this [iroljably had
not Ijeen written. Then the supposition was inferred that in nrder to
have revenge upon the man who had taken awa}' his property, and to get
rid of the payment of the one thousand dollars, he had taken a bludgeon or
something and had struck the fatal blow on the head of ^Tiller, and then
threw him overboard, expecting to escape detection as all were fast asleep
and none could testify to the facts which would condemn the murderer."
Were all of the experiences of David Stornicmt available fur ])ublica-
.tion, they would form a chain of thrilling narrative with true dramatic
(luality. But, unfortunately, many of these incidents have been lost, and
there remain but few scattering tales regarding the days when Storniont
kept a station house, and relayed runaway negroes toward the north.
The log home of David Stormont was continually watched by sus-
picious slave owners who had come North in purstiit of their negroes, and
also the wolves, the Christian wolves as they were called, hovered near the
Stormont premises to^ get damaging evidence against the station keeper.
W hen returning from church Stormont was often conscious of men follow-
ing him at a discreet distance. And it was well for the men that they shnuld
observe discretion in their movements, as it wa-^ the babil of Daniel Slornioiit
to carry a gun along with his Bible when be went to church, and could n<e
one as readily as the other. Mrs. Stormont kei)t a tea-kettle of boilins' water
232 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
at hand constantly, with which she intended to bhnd anybod\- who attempted
to enter their home.
While wandering about in the woods nearby one day David Storniont
stepped over the brow of a hill and perceived in the valley below a group of
men, Southerners, with their horses picketed near them. Their close prox-
imity to his home could mean but one thing — that his house was being
watched at night, if not even in danger of an open attack. Hurrying home, he
apprised his wife of the danger, and the two made preparations to resist.
All through the night Stormont sat at an open window, with his guns at
hand, and his wife with him to load them as fast as he fired. No attack was
made, but the howling and barking of the dogs on the outskirts of his farm
all night was evidence conclusive that men prowled around all through
the night hours.
Slave hunters frequently stopped at Stormont's and inquired as to
his help to runaway's. He re]jlied invariably that he would "clothe the
naked, and feed the hungry." Indeed he did this and more. To obtain
provisions and clothes for the negroes without arousing suspicion was a
delicate task. A pair of shoes one place, trousers at another, and small
purchases of foodstuffs at different stores was the only way he could be
reasonably safe from exposure. He always sent his visitors to Vincennes,
with instructions to look for Sugar Loaf Hill, where the next station
might be found. Often Mr. Stormont kept the slaves at his home for
several days, and when he did he let them work on his acres. One time
several negroes were working in the fields when their master passed by
the road running alongside, and at another time two negroes were in Stor-
mont's back yard, when the master called at Stormont's front door for
a drink of water. Often spies came, generally one or two colored men and
one white man, pretending that they were escaped from the South. Stormont
was a man of strong intuition and deep insight into characters; deception
was an open book to him; and it was seldom or never that these spies were
successful in learning anything of him.
To men of Stormont's type there is due much consideration for the
brave and charitable part they played in the drama ^f those times. They
received no remuneration for their services, only the knowledge that they
were serving a noble cause. The work was dangerous, but not too dan-
ferous for them to undertake, willinglv and energetically.
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. 233
AN EXCITING SLAVE HUNT THWARTED BY BURSTING BOMBS.
In the "Pioneer ilistory of Indiana," by Col. William M. L'ockruni, of
Oakland City, Indiana, the following narrative is taken: "Some time late
in the snmmer of 1S52 a man rode hurriedly into Princeton, Indiana, co\-ered
with dust and his horse in such a lather of sweat it showed evidence of hard
riding. Tied to the back of his saddle were a large whip and several
cords, and hanging to the horn were several pairs of handcuffs, and a lirace
of hea\y revolvers belted around his waist outside his dusty coat. .Altogether
he was a fierce-looking fellow.
"Dismounting, he tied his horse to the ci>urt-yard rack and, hurr\iug to
the south door of the old courthouse, put on the bulletin l)oard a notice
of three runaway negroes, offering a reward of five hundred dollars for their
capture. After doing this he inquired for the Ix'st tavern and had his
horse taken to the livery stable. He made inquiry if there was anyone
who would be willing to help capture runaway slaves. Some time after he got
to the tavern two gentlemen who were always boasting of the many times
they had engaged in such work, called on him, offering their services to help
him catch the runaways. The slave owner inquired about their ex]'erience
in such business and thev informed him that they had been in many such
hunts. He told them they would do and if he got the negroes he would
divide the reward, which was offered between five men: that all he wanted
was their help in catching the rascals. He asked them who the other
three men w(juld be. There were several names mentioned to him of
tlir)se who would be of good help in such an undertaking. The>' mutually
agreed on the three men, when he enjoined them to secrecy. Onl\- those
going on the raid should know anything about what they intended to do.
After this was arranged, it was agreed the first two men should come back to
the tavern not later than four o'clock, to let him know if the three men
selected could be depended on to go. P)>- that time he could secure some
needed rest and they would mature a plan of action for the coming night.
"The slave owner said that he felt certain the runaways would pass
somewhere near Princeton during the early part ')f the night, and aim to
cross the Patoka river and get as far on toward White river as they could
before da\-light. He thought it best to guard one or two bridges over the
Patoka, and should they fail in capturing them he would organize a posse
and picket White river at every point where it was thought likely they could
cross. Pulling a small map from his pocket and looking over it for a short
234 GIBSON COUNTY,, INDIANA.
time, he pointed out a route which he thought most hkely they would follow.
He pointed to Wheeling (Ku-ksville). as the place where he thought they
would try to cross the i'atoka river, and said that he would go to that point
with the five men selected and watch that hridge.
"He authorized the two men if they could rind any reliable persons
to guard the Columbia briage, lor them to do so, as it might be possible
thac they would go that way. Bidding the two men good bye, he asked them
to be prompt and report at the time named.
'That the reaaer may understand, I will state that the slave-hunting
bullies had made themselves so obnoxious to many good people in and
around Jr'rinceton, that this bogus slave hunt was inaugurated to teach them
a needed lesson. The pretended, slave owner was none other than an anti-
slavery spy, and he had fi\'e confederates who were well acquainted with the
country and the people. The ones selected to guard the Wheeling bridge
were the most offensive ones in that business. The anti-slavery con-
federates had eight heavy bombs made at Kratz & Heilman's factory in
Evansville, which would hold about three pounds of powder, each with a
screw attachment so that a time fuse could be put into the powder.
"As soon as it was dark the five men, carrying the bombs, started two
hours ahead of the brave negro catchers. The first two bombs were placed
near the side of the road in a deep hollow about two and a half miles north-
east of I'rinceton, the next two were placed about three-fourths of a mile
from the W heeling bridge, and the other four, two on each side of the bridge
about sixty or seventy yards away. A man was left at each station to fire
the fuse at the proper time, and the extra man nearly a hundred yards from
the bridge down the river to command an imaginary battalion. These bombs
were the real thing for a great noise.
"At four o'clock the two men were on hand and had the names of
three men who would go out and watch tlie Columbia liridge; also said
that the other men of their party would be ready at any time set for the
start. The slaveowner said that he did not care to see the three men who
were to go to the Columbia bridge, as he thought they had Init little ciiance
of success, and he authorized the two men to see that they went, and for
them and the other three of their party to meet him on the north side of
the seminarv at one hour after night and they would go to the Wheeling
bridge.
"The party all assembled on time and then took the Wheeling road to
the northeast for the bridge. There had been an agreed signal between
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 235
the pretended slave owner and his confederates with the buniljs, s(3 he could
locate their places, and when the bridge-watching party got to the deep hol-
low, Indian creek, a deep, loud voice some way to one side said, 'Who goes
there?" The men stopped and listened for some time, but nothing more
was heard. The leader turned to his posse and said, 'Did you let it be known
(hat we were going on this hunt?' They all said that they had not. He nxle
around and called several times, but there was no response.
"They then rode ahead and after passing several miles came to where
the second station was located, when from out of the woods to one side of
the road, in a deep sounding A'oice. came the second challenge. 'Who goes
there?' The party stopped and the leader said in a loud \oice, 'Who are
you, that you demand who we are?' He waited for some time, Init there
was no more sound heard. The leader, after locating the place well, turned
to his men and asked if they thought it could be possible that the abolition-
ists would attempt to defeat their plans. They all said they did not think
they had any idea of their mo\ements. The leader said it was strange
indeed that they should have been twice stopped by such an unearthlx- s(jund.
"They rode on in silence to the bridge, crossed over it and went on
watch on the north side, keeping their horses close at hand so the}- could
mount, if they needed to, in a moment, as the slaveowner told them the
slaves would run and that there were twci desperate characters in the lot.
The brave slaveowner had them watch closel}-. He would w'alk up and down
both banks of the river, pretending to Ije watching e\er\-thing. b'inally he
came running up the bank and said, 'Boys, get on your horses. I am cer-
tain there is something going on. I heard a noise as of men slipping through
the brush.' At this time one of his confederates called out, 'Halt ! Dismount ;
let twi) men hold the horses; get into line. Shoulder arms!' .\t this
time one of the bombs near the horses went off. The leader called, 'Ciet
over the bridge, boys; the abolitionists will blow it down.' .\t this another
bomb exploded near them. This put the horses in a fearful panic and they
went across the bridge at a great gait.
"Soon the two bombs on the south side exploded. The men were on the
go and it was a half mile before the leader could stop thehi. Shaming them
for such cowardice, they stopped and listened, and hearing nothing, marched
on to where the last voice was heard as they went to the bridge, and were
listening there when the two bombs at this point were exploded within
a few feet of them. After this there was no more halt, and the man who
fired the two bombs at Indian creek said he could not tell that they went
236 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
any faster, as they were at top speed when they got to him. The leader tried
to keep up, calHng to them to stop. They did not heed him, for they had
seen and heard enough for one night and ran all the way back to Princeton.
'Tn 1865 a captain of the One Hundred and Forty-third Indiana Regi-
ment, who for years after the war lived at and near Francisco, Indiana,
and later moved west, while seated on the capitol steps, at Nashville, Ten-
nessee, gave me the data for the above story. He said he was never so
thoroughly frightened in his whole life as when the big bombs commenced
to go off; it sounded as though the infernal regions hafl broken loose. Who
the five men were who had charge of the bombs he never could learn, but
always believed that they lived in the Stormont and Carithers neighborhood
northeast of Princeton. There is one fact certain, as he expressed it, it
broke him of 'sucking eggs', and if any of the other four men e\'er at-
tempted to catch a runaway negro afterwards, l;e never heard of it.'"
KIDNAPPING CASES.
The following extracts are taken also from Colonel Cockrum's "Pioneer
History of Indiana":
In the fall and winter of 1863 I had the misfortune to be an inmate
of Libby prison hospital with a wound made by a minie ball through my hip.
There were at that time about one thousand Federal officers, from the rank
of brigadier-general down to second lieutenant, in that prison. Among that
number was Col. W. jMcMackin, of the Twenty-first Illinois, the regiment
with which General Grant went into service. *********
He learned where I lived and that the town of Princeton was near my home,
and in talking together he related to me this strange story which took place
some twenty-five years before :
He said he had gone to Princeton, Indiana, to meet Hiram Hunter, and
had been there for quite a time doing some school work in the old brick semi-
nary which stood on the hill, under Hunter or some other persons whom Hun-
ter assigned to give him lessons in theology. During the time he was there
he went out with the nfinisters to different churches in the country sur-
rounding Princeton and heard the old ministers preach. At one time he
attended a camp meeting some miles southwest of Princeton. There were
many preachers and thousands of persons in attendance. While attending
one of these meetings eight or ten miles southwest <^f Princeton there was
a lengthy service at night and during the time th: meeting was going on
there was some rain and (|uite a flurry of wind. After the meeting was
(UBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 237
over Rev. Hiram Hunter, who \va^ in attendance, wa.s invitetl by a gentle-
man who h\e(.l near to go home witli iiini to .spend the night. The Colonel,
through Hunter, was also invited. The)' were all on horseback and Mr.
Knowlton (no doubt Knowles ) h:u\ his wife on the same horse back of him.
They had gone some tlistance from the church when the\- found the n.)ad
completely blocked by the top of a tree which had fallen. They all dis-
mounted and crept around the tree top. On coming to the road on the
other side they found a covered wagon which was stopped by the blockade.
On coming up to it a man was seen standing in the road. Mr. Hunter was
in front and asked the man how he came there with a covered wagon at
such a time at night. The man answered him by saying that it was none of
his business. Mr. Hunter was a determined man and it did not take much of
this sort of thing to raise his anger. He said, "I spoke to you as a gentle-
man and your answer shows that you are an ill-l)red cur. I am now satis-
fied that there is something wrong aljout )'oii, and l>efore we go any farther
we will investigate." At this point another man appeared, who had been
cutting a road around the other side of the tree anfl demanded to know
what the trouble was. ]Mr. Hunter told him that there was no trouble,
but the\' thought there was something wrong and intended to know what
it was. At this the man with the axe said that the first man who attempt-
ed to lay iiands on the wagon would lose his life. As quick as thought one
of the stalwart sons of Mr. Knowlton, who were with the campmeeting party,
caught the axe and wrenched it out of the threatening fellow's hand. The
other man attempted to aid his partner, when the senior Mr. Knowlton
laid him on his back in the road. The two boys tied the man they had and
the father and Mr. Hunter drew the arms of the man who was knocked down
behind his back, and Mr. McMackin tied them hard and fast with his
handkerchief. The night was cloudy, but there was a moon, and it was not
very dark. The timber was so very thick on each side of the narrow road
that they could not see to any advantage. Matches at that time were not
in general use. ^Ir. Knowlton told one of his sons to take his mother home,
and bring back some material to make a torch. The young man was soon
liack with flint, steel and punk, and in short time they had a flaming torch.
In the wagon they found a negro man and woman with their hands tied,
fastened to a cross piece under the bottom of the wagon and a rope was
tied in each of their mouths. They were soon liberated, but it was some time
before thev could stand or talk. They said they lived in Illinois, some
miles west of Vincennes, Indiana, and they had been tied ever since the .
238 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
latter part of the night before and had been gagged most of the time. They
further said that they had crossed the Wabash at Mt. Carmel on the ferry;
that they were free negroes and that these two men had come to their
cabin the night before, after they had gone to bed, pretending to be lost,
and asked the privilege of feeding their team near the house, saying they
would sleep in their wagon, but if the negro woman would get them a good
supper they would give her a silver dollar. She did so. Sometime after
midnight they knocked at the door, saying they were cold in the wagon, and
asking permission to lie on the floor. The door was opened and they caught
and tied and put them in the wagon, nearly twenty-four hours before they
were liberated.
The wagon was turned ; the two kidnappers were made to walk behinl
it, guided by Hunter and Knowlton. One of the boys drove the team and
they were soon home. After getting into the house they had an informal
examination. The two negroes told the same story that they did at the
wagon. The man knocked down was the first interrogated. He was very
insolent and said he would make it dear business to them for stopping him
and meddling with his property; that the two negeroes were his, and he had
a description of them which he showed. He said they had run away from
southern Kentucky about two years before. The other kidnapper would not
say anything. The stories of the negroes were believed, and it was decid-
ed to hold the men until morning and take all of them to Princeton where
legal proceedings would be brought.
The first cabin of this family was standing in the yard. A pallet was
made down on the floor, and the kidnappers were put on it. There were
no windows and but one door which was fastened witli a rope on the outside.
The bovs volunteered to occupy a room not more than ten feet away and
guard the door. Somehow these outlaws untied each other and got out at the
top of a wide, low chimney and made a break for the stables to get the
horses, but the boys with their guns foiled theni in this and they made a
rush for the woods nearby, and thus escaped. That was the last these
people ever heard of them. The next morning it was decided that Mr.
Knowlton and a neighbor would take the negroes back to their home. The
two men were well mounted and armed with long rifles, as everybody was
in those davs. They soon got started, the negroes driving the wagon. When
thev arrived in the neighborhood where the negroes lived, they learned that
the team and wagon had been stolen about three miles north of their cabin,
and that the negro family had lived in that neighborhood for more than
twenty years.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 239
A BLUFF THAT FAILED TO WORK.
About the year 185 1 an old negro man named Stephenson came to see
the author's father, who was largely interested in farming, to ha\c him
keep his boys, one fourteen, one twelve and the other ten }ears old, for him
until he could make arrangements to start for Liberia. This my father
agreed to do. It was spring time and the boys helped with the wiirk.
Things went on that season and the old man had no chance to get away
and work was well under way for the second season. Old man Stephen-
son had come to this country from South Carolina with Dr. Samuel Mc-
Cullough about the middle of the forties. He was a free man, but married
a slave and bought her freedom. They li\-ed in the same neighborhood for
}ears until his wife died. One evening", just as the work was over for the
day, the colored boys were doing up the work around the barn. Two men
rode up to the front of the house and called to the author's father, who
was sitting on the porch, sa}ing that they wanted to see him. They told him
they had a description of three colored boys who were born in S<nith Car-
olina who were slaves, and had called to see him about it, as they had
learned he had three colored boys working for him.
These two fellows, no doubt had a confederate in the neighliorhood who
had given them a perfect description of the boys. My father talked to
them a while, not having the least idea who they were, and evidently they
did not know him or the\' would have been the last fellows to come there on
such a mission. He excu.sed himself to go into the house for something.
They waited for him to return, which he did with his bear gun, "Old \'icks-
burg,"' in his hands.
Thev crjmmenced to plead with him to let there be no difficulty. He
told them that there was not the slightest danger of any trouble. He
wanted them to see what sort of a machine he guarded the l:)o\'s with, anil
said to them, "Do you see that little house?" pointing to a room in our yard.
"The three boys sleep there, and if they are disturbed I will kill fifteen such
worthless vagabonds as you are before you get them, fugitive law or any
other law. And I want to say before I get mad that you had better go
for you may get into danger." He cocked the big gun and said, "I feel it
coming on — go and go quick."
They took him at his word and the\- went in a hurry. He waited until
they had gone about seventy-five yards awav when he turned loose (")n tlu-m.
intending to shoot iust above their heads. .\t the crack of that monster
240 GIBSON COUNTYj INDIANA.
gun the\- lay down on their horses' necks and made as good time as did
the best mounted F. F. V. when Sheridan's ca\'ah-y was after them.
The boys remained with us for nearly three years before they got away
to Liberia, and that was the last we ever heard of the men hunting for them.
HOW REUBE OBTAINED HIS FREEDOM TREACHEROUSLY KIDNAPPED.
In 1817 William Ba,rrett moved to this state from Tennessee, and settled
in what is now southwestern Columbia township, Gibson county, Indiana.
He had formerly lived in the state of South Carolina and moved from
there to Tennessee in 1804.
Some years after they reached Indiana a negro man named Reube, who
had formerly been a slave of Airs. Jacob Sanders, but had been freed for
having saved his master's life, came on from South Carolina with a re-
linquishment paper for Mrs. Barrett to sign for her part of her father's estate.
Reube remained for nearly a year; the winter weather was too cold for
him and he had determined to go back before another winter set in. John
W. Barrett, a son of ^VilIiam, at that time a large gawky boy of about eighteen
years old, and six feet eight inches tall, went with Reube on many fishing and
hunting adventures. When it came time f(jr Reube to start back, John took him
over to Princeton and led the horse which he had ridden back home. Reube
intended to go from there to Evansville with the first passing team that went
that way.
The act which gave Reube his freedom was a heroic one. There was a
maniac in that section of South Carolina, who at times became very des-
perate and was kept in confinement in such a place as the authorities had for
that purpose. He was very sly and cunning, and stepping up back of Mr.
Sanders pinioned his hands behind him and threw him on the ground, and
with a large knife attempted to cut his throat. Reube being in the garden
nearby, saw his master's peril and running up behind the maniac, struck
him at the butt of his ear with a hoe and felled him to the ground. Mr.
Sanders said, 'Txeube, from this day on you are a free man and I will at
once make out your free papers." He told him to stay on the place if he
wanted to, for as long a time as suited him, and he would pay him for all
the work he did. The papers were made out and in giving him his free-
dom, a full history was given, and it was recorded. To make it certain that
no one would disturb Reube, Mr. Sanders had a full history of the case en-
graved on a gold plate ; also had a gold chain attached to the gold plate that
went around his neck, so that it was easy at any time, if the patrol stopped
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIVNA. 24I
him, to show the certificate on the plate. Mr. Barrett's family heard nothing
of Reube for two or three years. Finally Mr. Sanders wrote to his niece,
Mr;. Barrett, asking her why Reube did not come back.
In 1832 Col James W. Cockrum bought the steamboat "Nile," and in-
tended to run her up the Yazoo river and other small rivers to bring the cot-
ton out and carry it to Xcw Orleans. John \\'. Barrett, a brother-in-law,
was maile clerk (.f the boat and had charge of the freight. At one landing
on the Yazoo river there was a large quantity of cotton to be loaded and the
planters were still delivering from their farms. Young Barrett was on the
deck tallying as the mate and deck hands were putting the cargo al)oard when
a colored man came near ami said, "iNlr. Barrett, don't \'ou know my?
I am Reube, who hunted with }ou in Indiana. Don't let on you know me."
Barrett did know him and was greatly surprised at thus meeting him. Fin-
ally he got a chance and told Reube to roll a bale of cotton behind the cabin
stairs. Reube told him that his master was on the l)ank and it was
not safe for them to be seen talking together. The planter whom Reube
called his master had a large amount of cotton and was watching the count
of the bales and his slaves were helping to load it in order that they might
finish l)efore n'ght. During the loading Barrett had several chances to
say a word to Reube. There was a wood yard some miles below where
the boat would stop to take on wood. Reube said he would be down there
when the boat came, as it would be some hours after night, and when the
boat was rounded to Reube was ready to load wood as soon as it was mea-
sured. Barrett watched his chance and took Reube down in the hold and
secreted him there and looked after him. They got to New Orleans, un-
loailed the cotton, and took on a lot of government freight for the u])per
Arkansas i'i\-L-r to one of the military outposts. Reube wa^ ^lill in hiding.
no one l)ut the clerk being aware of his presence on board.
While they were unloading the government freight, Barrett went to
the commander of the fort and told the history of Reube and all about his
being kidnapped and being sold into slavery to a Mississippi planter on the
Yazoo river. .\s fortune would have it, the commander was a New Eng-
land man and felt indignant at the outrageous treatment the p(jor negro had
received, and assured Barrett that he would keep him in his employ at good
wages until he had opportunit)' to send him back to South Carolina, which
he (lid. Aljout a year afterward the Barrett family received a letter from
Air. Sanders telling of Reube's arrival home. John W. Barrett told me in
1854, the last time he was ever in Indiana, that after he left Reube at P'rince-
(16)
242 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
ton, he had no opportunity to get away to Evansville until about the middle
of the next da}'. He was making inquiry of some people if they knew of any
teams which were going to Evansville. Reube was very fond of showing
his gold certiiicate of freedom; finally two men told him they were going to
Evansville that evening, but they could not get away before the middle of
the afternoon and made an agreement that he could go with them by cook-
ing for them on the road and after they got there. Reube readily agreed to
this since they told him that they had some thought of going to Tennessee.
They finall}- started, and after staying a day or so at Evansville, which
was then only a small place, they started on the Tennessee trip. They made
it convenient to go west in Tennessee and on to Memphis. They told Reube,
to whom they had been very kind, that in a day or so they would go to North
Carolina, and in doing so would pass near his home if he wanted to go with
them, but the next place they went to was the Yazoo river. There they took
Reube's gold plate and papers from him and sold him to the planter with
whom Barrett found him.
MONTGOMERY TO THE RESCUE.
Harvey Montgomer_\- was the seventh child of Judge Isaac Mont-
gomery. I was a young boy when I knew him best and he was my ideal of
an upright Christian gentleman. He lived with his father at his home two
miles southeast of Oakland City, Indiana, until he married. He then settled
on a quarter section, just north of his father, where he spent his life.
At one time Harvey and Joseph, who was the third child of Judge
Montgoiuery, and a hand working for them named McDeeman, had two
loads of produce, venison, hams, hides and bear bacon, which they were
taking to Robert Stockwell at Princeton. Joseph at that time lived on what
was afterward the Richey farm, about one-half mile west of his father's.
He was a very large man and was known far and near as one of the strong-
est men, physically, who ever lived in that section.
As they were getting within about two miles of Princeton, and after
climbing a hill, they stopped to let their ox teams rest, when they heard a
loud noise as of men in a wrangle. Joseph and McDeeman left Harvey with
the teams and. taking their guns, went to find out what the noise was about.
When they got to the parties making the noise, they found two negroes hand-
cuflied together and a white man beating one of the negroes with a heavy
stick.
Montgomery, who was fearless as strong, with McDeeman, rushed up to
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. J4_^
the place where the trouble was and asked the man with the club what in
"hades" he meant by beating the man with such a bludgeon. There were two
white men and one of them became very insulting, telling Montgomery they
were beating their own property and it was none of his business. One of the
negroes cried out. "Oh, that is Mr. Montgomery. Don't you know me? 1
am Pete who kept your camp at the Bear's ilen."
Montgomery did know him. The bully had the cluli drawn back to hit
Pete, when Montgomery leapt like a panther and hit the fellDW at the butt
of the ear and completely knocked him out. At this, the other kitlnapper
started to draw a large knife, when McDeeman, who was a full fledged
Irishman, raised his gun and said, "On your worthless life don't nio\'e }our
hand. If you so much as bat your eye, I will shoot it out of your
head. " They took the key away from them, freed the negroes, put the hand-
cuffs on the kidnappers, gave the two negroes the clubs and marched the
two men up to the wagons and on into Princeton. ]\Iontgomer\' tried to ha\-e
the kidnap])ers ])ut into jail until court would set. The old justice before
whom thi'\- l)rought their proceedings was thoroughly in sympath)' with
slavery, and he virtually there made the same decision thai Chief Justice
Taney did thirty }^ears afterward. It was as follows:
"There is no evidence that the two men kidnapped the negroes, except
the statement made by the negroes. The evidence of a negro has no force in
corrt. which could afifect a white man."
Thev were set at liberty. They were so much elated iner being freed
from the charge that they proceeded to fill up with whisky antl hunted up
Montgomery and raised a quarrel with him. but he gave both of them such
a thrashing that they were glad ti.i get away.
ANOTIIKR KIDNAPPING OL'TR.VGE.
In 1822 two negro men came to what is now the city of Princeton hunt-
ing for. work. They hired by Gen. \Villiam Embree to work on a farm
two or three miles west of Princeton that he owned. They were good hands
and worked on the same farm for two vears, living in a small log cabin and
doing their own culinary work. One of the men could read aufl write and
often borrowed books to read from people in Princeton. ^Vhen the work
season was over they put in most of their time in hunting for game whicl
was very abundant.
The summer's work for the second \ear was o\-er and the men were
gone hunting. One morning late in the summer some one found tacked on
244 GIBSON COUN'IY, INDIANA.
the cabin door a short note saying they had gone to the Ohio river to cut
cord wood until the corn would do to gather, and this was the last time they
were ever seen on the farm.
Some years later General Embree was in the city of New Orleans and
found these two men working on the levee rolling freight. They told him
that two men whom they had seen several times in Princeton, came to their
cabin early in the evening and handcuffed them and by daylight the next
morning they were at the Ohio river, which the}- crossed on a raft inti
Kentucky, going down to Henderson. After waiting a few days a boat
came and they were carried to New Orleans where they were sold into
slavery.
Air. Embree went to a lawyer and told his story and had proceedings
brought to liberate the two negroes. The investigation developed that they
were sold into slavery to James Lockwell by two men named Absalom Towei
and Thomas Slaven and they had for more than three years been the prop-
ertv of Lockwell. As no complaint had been made during that time, the
judge refused to release them.
As before stated, the foregoing kidnapping stories are from Colonel
Cockrum's Pioneer History of Indiana. They are reproduced in this publica-
tion for the purpose of preserving in a history of Gibson county a record of
outrages incident to slavery, perpetrated under the law, and sanctioned by
the courts of those states. These stories might be multiplied by the score not
only in Gibson county but in almost every county in the state. Under the
decision of the highest court a negro had no rights that a white man was
was bound to respect, not even the right of personal possession of himself
after he had paid the price. The crimes that were committed under the
operation of the fugitive sla\e law, crimes against justice and humanity and
sanctioned by courts, higher and lower, is a stain upon the pages of the nation's
historv, a stain that required the blood of multiplied thousands of her best
citizens to erase, in the resulting civil war. Some of_ these crimes were com-
mitted in Gibson county, and her citizens, in some measure, were ready to
gi\-e consent and encouragement to them. In a much larger measure was
demanded the blood of some of the best of her sons, as a requital for the sins
of the fathers.
CHAPTER XVII.
PATRIOTIC ORDERS OF GIBSON COUNTY.
After the close of the Civil War the armies, that had fini.Ljht in that war
to its successful conclusion, were disbanded and the soldiers returned to their
homes to resume the vocations of civil life. But the fraternal tie that had
been welded in the fire of battle was not severed b}- the disbanding of com-
panies and regiments. There was a spirit of comradeship infused in the
hearts and lives of those who had touched elbows in the line of battle ami
who had shared in the privations and hardships of the camp and weary
march, that was not dispelled by the separation and the laying aside of mili-
tary equipments. There was a desire to maintain and perpetuate this fra-
ternity and comradeship, and this desire soon found expression in a mo\-e-
ment for an organization of veterans of the Civil war. Many organizations
of companies and regiments were formed and reunions held in various lo-
calities, and the enjoyment found in thus meeting comrades suggested a larger
and more permanent organization of state and national character. From this
suggestion the Grand Army of the Republic had its beginning.
Dr. B. F. Stevenson, a surgeon in the volunteer service, living in Spring-
field, Illinois, was among the first to suggest the organization of the Grand
.Arm}- of the Republic. At first there was little formality about the organi-
zation. There was no post or place of assembly and very little ceremony in
the initiation of members. There was simply the giving of the grip and
countersign and the suljscribing to an obligation. While this beginning of
the Grand Army was crude and informal, it suggested the possibilities of a
permanent and effective organization. It suggested the idea of a ritual and
a constitution, with rules and regulations and other things necessary for ef-
fective work.
It was sometime during the year 1866 that Dr. Stevenson prepared the
manuscript for the first ritual, rules and regulations for the Grand Army, on
the suggestion of Governor Oliver P. Morton, of Indiana. It was through
the instrumentality of Governor Morton that this was printed and put into
shape for effective use, and it was first used for the muster and organization
246 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
of posts in Indiana. The first department organized under this constitution
was the Department of Indiana.
An organization of the Grand Army, or rather a start for such an or-
ganization, was made in Princeton in August, 1866. This organization was
made in the informal manner already stated. ■ Among those who were in-
strumental in starting this primitive Grand Army were Col. James T. Embree,
Capt. William M. Duncan, Capt. Frank Embree, Lieut. Robert 'Si. McAIaster,
the writer of this sketch, and several others.
It was sometime in the early part of 1867 before there was an effort
made to organize a post in Princeton under the new ritual and constitution,
and the first muster of recruits and the first post organization was made by
Major-Gen. Nathan Kimball, then department commander of Indiana. The
meeting was held in the old court house and there was quite a large attend-
ance of the boys, many of whom had but recently exchanged their suit of
blue for one of civilian style. A good many of those present on this occa-
sion had taken the obligation under the old form and it was not required of
them that they should come in by the ritual route. They were entitled to
seats on the ground floor and enjoy whatever there was of entertainment in
this first muster of recruits. And there was entertainment in abundance, as
can be verified by any who were fortunate enough to occupy ground floor
seats.
The paraphernalia and necessary appointments for initiation ceremonies
under the old ritual was of a character to make one's hair stand on end if he
should unexpectedly meet the outfit on a dark night all alone. That old-
fashioned gable-roof coffin, with the grinning skeleton lying therein, was not
the most cheerful sight one might desire to see while going through a dark
and lonely woods. The provisions for muster of recruits under the old ritual
were intended to be profoundly solemn and impressively scary. This was the
effect produced sometimes, but not always. Sometimes the effect was other-
wise and very funny. In this first muster in the old court house the funny
business prevailed, as will be easily understood by those who remember the
characteristics of George W. Harrington, at that time a resident of Prince-
ton. George officiated as one of the guards at this first muster and escorted
the recruits through the various mysteries of initiation. The recruits, being
blindfolded, were expected to feel that there was something very solemn
about the ceremony, especially when they were required to kneel by that coffin.
But if they could have had a peep through their blinds long enough to have
seen some of the antics of George Harrington they would have had a differ-
ent opinion as to the deep solemnity of the occasion.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 247
This first Grand .\rniy post was duly organized in accordance witii that
old ritual, with D. I'Vank Embree as post commander, W. M. Duncan as ad-
jutant. They secured a suitable place to hold their meetings in a room over
the Small hardware store, on the east side of the public square, and the order
prospered for a year or more, increasing in membershi]) to about one hundred
and fifty.
There was quite an interest in the organization of posts of the Grand
Army throughout the state and in other states about this time and the mem-
bership of the order increased rapidly during the years 1867 and 1868. But
there was a decline in the years following and the organization was on the
wane. This was largely on account of politics, which was a predominant
feature of the order at that time, and it was intended to be such by those who
were chiefly instrumental in the formation of its constitution and ritual. It
was, in fact, largely in control of some who were allied with one of the lead-
ing political parties of that time and easily degenerated into a political ma-
chine, operated and controlled by designing politicians for selfish purposes.
Of course such an organization would find no favor among soldiers who
were inclined to affiliate with any other political party, and was not in the
favor of many whose sympathies and affiliations were with the party largely
controlling the organization. A secret political organization, however worthy
its purpose or its individual membership, can never be a permanent success,
or have the approval of true and loyal American citizens.
A few of the posts in this and other states maintained their organiza-
tion during these years of decline and these formed the nucleus for the
greater Grand Army of the Republic that the world knows today. Wiser
heads gathered in council, a new constitution and ritual, and new regulations
were prepared by which politics was absolutely prohibited in the order. Fra-
ternity, charity and loyalty were made the cardinal principles, the "broad
foundation stone on w'hich the order rests." These new rules and regulations,
with the revised and more sensible ritual, were adopted in the early seventies
and met with the approval of the intelligent soldier citizens, and from that
time the Grand Army took on new life. It increased in membership rapidly
from that time until it became the greatest semi-military organization the
world has ever known, commanding the respect of citizens regardless of
party, creed or nationality.
The Grand Army post in Princeton, organized under the old regulations,
was affected by the unwise policy that controlled the order and the post went
into decline about 1868 or 1869. No meetings were held, the records of the
post were scattered or lost, the paraphernalia of initiation, including the gable-
248 GIBSON COUNTY^ INDIANA.
roofed coffin with the skeleton, were knocked about in the old post room for
a time and finally disappeared. And this was the ending of the first Grand
Army post in Princeton.
There was one duty, however, that the soldiers of the Civil War had
taken upon themselves that was not permitted to fall into decline. That was
the custom of decorating with flowers the graves of deceased comrades. on
the 30th day of May each year. This custom was inaugurated the year after
the close of the war, by a few of the soldiers and their friends, informally,
going to the cemetery with baskets of flowers. This became more of a for-
mal ceremony after the organization of .the Grand Army, when there was a
procession with the band leading to the cemetery. Then a return to the court
house yard where appropriate speeches were made. When this first Grand
Army post was disbanded the custom of decorating soldiers' graves was not
wholly neglected, but for the lack of some organization to take charge of the
arrangements they were not always as appropriate and seemly as the solem-
nity of the occasion would require. For instance, the Decoration day serv-
ices held May 30, 1882.
On that occasion the following program was carried out: Prayer by
Rev. J. E. Jenkins; addresses by T. R. Paxton, M. W. Fields, R. M. J. Miller
and others. Then the procession was formed, headed by the Princeton band,
and marched to the cemetery where the soldiers' graves were decorated l)y a
company of little girls. Then they marched back to the court house square,
where the procession was disbanded. This was all very well so far. But in
the evening it is noted that there was a lawn festival given on the court house
scjuare, under the auspices of somebody with more enthusiasm than sense of
propriety. That this was true was evidenced by a display of fire works, toy
balloons, and other Fourth of July incidents, as a part of the evening's enter-
tainment. This sort of entertainment, as a finale to the day set apart as sacred
to the memory of soldiers who had died for their country, was not the most
pleasing to their friends. To those who had a proper conception of the day
this order of hilarity had too much the semblance of the traditional Irish
wake.
The impropriety of this manner of observing Memorial day was re-
marked by all who had a proper conception of its sacred character, and this,
no doubt, had something to do with turning the thoughts of the soldiers to
the necessity of reorganizing the Grand Army post. The need of such an
organization in charge of Memorial day services was plainly evident if the
purpose for which the day was instituted was to be maintained. So, in the
latter part of 1882, steps were taken in accordance with this idea. Appli-
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 249
cation was made to Gen. James R. Carnahan, then the department com-
mander, for a charter, which was prompt!)- granted, and an order given to
Major A. C. Rosencrans, uf Evansville, to muster the post at the convenience
of both parties.
Accordingly, on the night of January 13, 1883, Major Rosencrans, with
a number of comrades from Farragut Post, Evansville, came to Princeton
and organized the post with the following charter members: Bvron Mills,
Gil: R. Stormont, James J. Hartin, Theodore M. Bucklin, Silas M. Holcomb,
Samuel J. Wallace, James A. Sprowl, John E. Spencer, Samuel Sterne,
Francis M. Grigsby, Solomon Vannada, John Turnage, Albert Mills, Henry
P. Chambers, Joseph R. Ashmead, Alex. H. Anderson, William A. Munford,
D. Hamilton Turner, William J. Cameron, Samuel S. Shannon, Renvvick
C. Woods, James A. ]\Iowery, Alex. N. Devin, Joseph C. Hartin, Andrew
J. Carithers, Pressly R. Baldridge, John J. Hollis, B. Frank Taylor, Joseph
D. McClure. A. D. Green, William M. Duncan, William B. Whitsett.
The objects of the Grand .\rmy, as set forth in its constitution and fully
subscribed to by the charter memljers of this post and all who have since
become memliers, are :
First. To preser\-e antl strengthen those kind and fraternal feelings
'which bind together the soldiers, sailors and marines, who united to suppress
the Rebellion.
Second. To assist such former comrades in arms as need help and pro-
tection, and to extend needful aid to the widows and orphans of those who
have fallen.
Third. To maintain true allegiance to the United States of America,
based upon a paramount respect for and fidelitv ti:j the national constitution
and the laws ; to discountenance whatever tend^ to weaken loyalty, incites to
insurrection, treason or rebellion, or in any way impairs the efficiency and
permanency of our free institutions ; and to encourage the spread of uni-
versal liberty, equal rights and justice to all men.
Officers were elected at this meeting and other necessary action taken
for a permanent organization. The post was numbered 28. the same as the
number of the former post, and chose for its name and designation Archer
Post Xo. j8. Department of Indiana, Grand Army of the Republic.
The selection of the name of Archer Post was most appropriate and
commendable. William Archer, after whom the post was named, was one
of the many young men (jf Gibson county who responded to the call of their
country in the early period of the Civil war. Fie enlisted as a private in
Company A, Eightieth Indiana Regiment, and was soon promoted to first
250 GIESON COUNTY, INDIANA.
lieutenant of his company. He participated in all the battles and skirmishes
in which his regiment was engaged during the years 1862 and 1863, and was
killed in the line of duty at the battle of Resaca, May 14, 1864. His patriot-
ism and courage were conspicuous and his example as a soldier was worthy of
the highest commendation.
In the manner of William Archer's death the cardinal principles of the
Grand Army are most strikingly exemplified. The command to which his
regiment belonged had just made a very disastrous assault on the Confed-
erate works before Resaca and was compelled to retire to a place of shelter
from the enemy's murderous fire. Immediately in front of Archer's regiment
a comrade of his company was lying seriously wounded and piteously crying
for water. Archer could not resist the call of his sufifering comrade and at
the risk of his own life went to him with water. It was a fatal mission. A
deadly minie ball from the enemy's lines pierced his body and in a few mo-
ments he was numbered with the heroic dead that lay upon the bloody battle
field of Resaca. Thus he exemplified in his life and in his death the noble
virtues of fraternity, charity and loyalty, the broad foundation stone upon
which the order rests. I'his post honored his memory and honored itself
when it chose for its official title and inscribed upon its banner the name,
"Archer Post".
The officers of the post who served during the first year were: Gil. R.
Stormont, post commander; Joseph R. Ashmead, senior vice-commander;
W. J. Cameron, junior vice-commander ; W. M. Duncan, quartermaster ; Rev.
M. M. C. Hobbs, chaplain; Henry P. Chambers, officer of the day; John
Turnage, officer of the guard; J. C. Hartin, adjutant; Alex N. Devin, ser-
geant-major; Sol. Vannada, quartermaster-sergeant.
During the first year affer organization a large number of applications
for membership were received and the muster-in service was a very prominent
feature of the regular meetings. The membership of the post was increased
that year to something near one hundred. The same year posts were estab-
lished at Fort Branch, Patoka, Oakland City and other places in the county.
The first Memorial day observance under the auspices of Archer Post
was a notable one, notwithstanding the rain storm that prevailed during the
entire day. An elaborate program had been prepared and every arrangement
made to set a high mark for the proper observance of the day. With a few
exceptions, these arrangements were carried out in spite of the rain and the
observance of this day was a marked success. And this may be said of all
the Memorial davs since that time. Whether in rain or in sunshine, the
(-.IBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 25 1
graves of soldiers in all adjoining cemeteries have had a tribute of flowers
from the hands of members of Archer Post.
.V brief mention of some of the incidents pertaining to the history of the
post since its organization will be of interest:
At a special meeting of the post, May 14, 1883, a flag was presented to
liie Post by William Archer, on behalf of his father, after whom the post was
named. This was on the anni\-ersar\- of the day on which the father was
killed at Resaca.
The first death in the post was that of James Anderson, of the Eightieth
Indiana, which occurred in November, 1883. The post attended his funeral
in a body and conducted the first ritual exercises at the grave. At the re-
quest of Comrade Anderson before his death, John Ayers, the color bearer
of his regiment, attended the funeral and carried the post flag. In Decem-
ber of this same year the second death in the post occurred, that of Hugh
Daugherty, who was also a member of the Eightieth Indiana.
It seems that the usual rain did not occur on Memorial day, 1884. and
the exercises of the day were carried out without interference of weather.
There was a large procession to the cemetery, headed by the Princeton band
and the Post drum corps. Rev. M. M. C. Hobbs was the principal speaker
at the exercises in the court house yard.
On the evening of May 15, 1885, a meeting was held in the post hall in
commemoration of the battle of Resaca. At this meeting addresses appro-
priate to the occasion were made by Capt. Vesper Dorneck, Capt. J. S. Epper-
son, George W. Hill, H. Clay Wilkinson and Dr. W. P. Welborn.
At a meeting of the post in July, 1885, there was presented a gavel
made from the limb of a pine tree near Jonesboro, Georgia. This tree was
used as a signal station by the signal corps of Sherman's army at the time of
the battle there. The wood from which the gavel was made was procured
by Samuel Reavis while on a \isit to the battle field, and the presentation
was made by Captain Dorneck. In accepting the gavel, the post commander
assured the donor that it would be sacredly kept and used while the post
maintained its existence. As it turned out, this assurance was a wrong guess.
In less than one year from that time the post hall and all its contents, includ-
ing this gavel, were destroyed b}- fire, but the post has continued to exist.
In August, 1885, the memorial meeting in honor of Gen. U. S. Grant,
held in the United Presbyterian church, was a notable e\ent. It was the
largest assemblage of the kind ever held in the town. The exercises were
under the auspices of the Grand .\rmy and were appropriate to the occasion.
On January 13, 1887, a memorial service was held in the post hall in
252 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
honor of Gen. John A. Logan. The principal addresses were made by M. W.
Fields, A. P. Twinehani and Rev. J. E. Jenkins.
On February 3, 1887, a camp fire was held in the post hall, at which Gen-
eral Shackelford, of Evansville, gave an account of the pursuit and capture
of John Morgan, which was participated in by Shackelford.
In the month of January, 1886, the post met with a serious disaster in
the loss of its hall and all the contents by fire. This loss included all the rec-
ords of the post, the furniture and equipments of the hall, the drums belong-
ing to the post and alwut fifty stand of arms. But this disaster did not dis-
courage the members. Another meeting place was secured until arrange-
ment could be made for permanent quarters.
At the department encampment, held in Indianapolis, February, 1890,
Archer Post was honored by the election of one of its members as depart-
ment commander. Gil R. Stormont, who brought this honor to the post,
was tendered a reception on his return from the encampment. On this occa-
sion the department colors were exhibited for the first time in the post hall,
by Henry P. Chambers, who had lieen appointed color bearer by the newly-
elected department commander.
The dedication of the new hall, which had been fitted up in the Henry
SoUer block, was an important event in 1890. This occurred May 15th of
that year and the record says the hall was crowded to suffocation on that
occasion. Addresses were made by Governor Ira J. Chase, Col. I. N. Walker,
of Indianapolis, Mrs. H. M. Caylor, of Xoblesville, department president of
the Woman's Relief Corps, and others.
Memorial day, 1891, occurred during the meeting of the United Presby-
terial assembly in Princeton, and the public exercises of the day were marked
by some very able addresses made by delegates in attendance.
Another incident of note in this year was the presentation of a diamond
badge to Past Department Commander Gil R. Stormont by a committee ap-
pointed by the department encampment for that purpose. This event took
place in the post hall, under the auspices of the post, June 15th, and the
presentation was made by Governor Ira J. Chase. Other members of the
committee who were present and made addresses were Col. I. N. Walker, then
department commander; Major Charles M. Travis, a past department com-
mander ; Major Irvin Robbins, of Indianapolis : Ben Starr, of Richmond, and
others from Evansville.
The following is a list of the post commanders of Archer Post since the
organization and the ^•ears in which they served :
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 253
Gil. R. Stonnont 1883 1885 1898
Henry P. Chambers 1884 1891
James S. Epperson 1886 1887 1893
\'esper Dorneck 1888
Solomon \'anna(la • 1889
James J. Hartin 1890
Joseph C. Hartin 1892
Frank M. Grigsby 1894
Henry M. Lamb 1895 1896
Hugh T. Carlisle 1897
Charles C. Whiting 1899 1900 1901
William M. Duncan 1902 1903
Hugh Hanna 1904 1903
D. Wilson Smith 1906
James A. Sprowl 1907
John M. Stormont 1908 1909
Joseph K. McGary 1910
\\'. J. Lowe 191 1
James W. Lewis 1912
Arthur P. Twineham 1913
George W. Shopbell 19x4
For a few years after the organization of the post new members were
added to the roll at every meeting, but this increase in membership was offset
by those who had come into the order in the early years of its history and
had grown indifferent, and had allowed themselves to become delinquent in
dues. According t(.) the rules of the order the names of such were droppe<l
from the rolls, and at one time the list of suspended and dropped members
was almost as large as the active list. Then, as the years passed, there was
a continual depletion of the membership by death. But, notwithstanding
these losses. Archer Post has always had a strong guard of the faithful to
hold up its banner. It has always held its regular meetings with a fair
average attendance, and has always been ready to minister to the wants of
needy comrades, and has always been ready to turn out in a body and
pay appropriate tribute to comrades who ha\e answered the last roll call.
It has always been careful to gi\'e ])roper obserxance to Memorial day and
has commanded the respect and approbation of the community in its conduct
and deportment in this and in all other public services.
In the later vears there has been a decided revival of interest in the
254 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Grand Army, and Archer Post has been affected by this revival. As the years
go by, and as the Grand Army seems to be marching with quickened steps
toward the place of final encampment, as comrades, one by one, are drop-
ping from the ranks, there is manifested a desire for a closer fellowship and
association for those who remain. Those who may have been indilTerent as
to this association in the earlier period of the Grand Army have come to
the belief that there is a reality in the tie that binds comrades one to an-
other. As a result of this belief, Archer Post has had restored to member-
ship all those who had been suspended or dropped, and there has been a
large number enrolled of those who have not before sought membership in
the order.
On the 13th of January, 1908, Archer Post celebrated its twenty-fifth
anniversary with a free supper to all its members in good standing. At that
time it was said the post had a larger membership than it ever had in history;
that, with a few exceptions, it had on its rolls all who were eligible to mem-
bership within its jurisdiction. Quite a number who participated in the
quarter-centennial celebration and rejoiced in the happy conditions and fra-
ternal feeling that pre\'ailed, have since passed to the beyond. The ranks have
been thinned by death, but some of the \'acant places have been filled with new
recruits and the fraternal spirit grows stronger with the passing years.
At the quarter-centennial celebration a camp fire was held in the Kidd
opera house, at which an interesting program of exercises was given. Rev.
Daniel Ryan, past department commander, made the principal address. There
was also an address of historical character by Past Department Commander
Stormont, covering the history of the post from its organization. The clos-
ing part of this address follows :
"The re\-iew of the history of Archer Post for the past quarter of a
centurv, and the present view of its healthy condition, affords occasion for
hopefulness and cheer for the future. Certainly there is ground for belief
that its days of usefulness are not yet within the shadows of the setting sun.
There is much of strength and vitality in the organization and in the individ-
ual memlDership, and there is still a call to duty and to service. It is a call not
only to the dutv of aiding needy and distressed comrades, of helping others
to bear the burdens of life, but also of teaching by influence and example the
principles of right living.
"Amid the smoke and leaden hail of battle conflict the Grand Army set
a high standard of ]3atriotism and courage, and when the conflict was ended
they received their discharge with the plaudits of the nation which was saved
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 255
by their valor. Since those days of cimllict the Grand Army has not lowered
the standard of patriotism and it lias contiiuied in receive tlie ai>|)n>\al of a
nation redeemed and re.e^enerated.
"Tlie honor of having lieen a soldier of the Republic is an honor not to
be lightly regarded, and it should be the endeavor of each soldier to magnify
that honor by li\ ing an honorable and upright life as a citizen. Whatsoever
things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just,
whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things
are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there l)e any praise, think
on these things.
"Whether the life be long or short, whether for any comrade of the
(irand Army present the last roll call shall come this week, or this year, or
for many years, let tiiis sentiment be the resohe of each :
"I ViYt for those who lo\e me,
W^hose hearts are kind and true.
For the right that lacks assistance.
For the wrong that needs resistance.
For the future in the distance.
And the good that I can do."
A. H. COCKRUM POST NO. 52O, OAKLAND CITY.
A. H. Cockrum Post, Grand Army of the Republic, at Oakland City,
was organized by Gil. R. Stormont, September 20, 1887, with the following
charter members : Ira Castetter, Eph Christmas, F. M. Langford, John T.
Benton, Abe Cole, James Kilmartin, Henry C. Vickers, James M. Reavis,
Alvin T. Lett, Francis M. Black, Charles W. Abram, Joseph Beck, Henry
Barton, William Alvers, Asa Turpin, Wilev J. Baldwin, William M. Alore-
land, James AI. Cockrum, James Hord, John McFarland.
This post increased rapidly in membership for the first few years, en-
rolling the most of those who were eligible in the town and vicinity. As the
years la-'-ed the ranks were depleted as the comrades, one after another,
dropped out, to be enrolled in that greater Grand .\rmy beyond. There are
still a faithful few who remain to maintain the organization and the regular
meetings are well attended.
256 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
The following have served -the post as commanders since the organi-
zation :
James M. Cockrum 1887 1888
John McFarland 1889 1891 1893
Ephraim Christmas 1890
James Kilmartin 1892 1895 1897
James Reavis 1894 1901
Norman Taylor 1896
D. J. King - 1898
L. O. Emmerson 1899
James L. Stewart 1900
Adam Young 1902
Hiram Robinson 1903
W. A. Harper 1904
J. V. Gillnm 1905
Zadok M. McCleary 1906 to 1914
STEPHEN MEAD POST NO. 187, FORT BRANCH.
Stephen Mead Post, Grand Army of the Republic, was organized at Fort
Branch in 1883, with the following charter members: Silas M. Holcomb,
Elias Lambert, John T. Dickson, Isaac H. Myers, William J. Lowe, Hugh
D. McGary, John W. Yeager, Golston S. Wilson, James Crilley, Casper Gram,
Benjamin F. Robinson, John W. Carter, Charles Mead, William T. Stilwell,
Chesley F. Garrison, Robert Onyet, Sarnuel Anderson, William J. Woods,
Elisha L. Pritchett, Michael Robinson, Charles F. Abel, W. Gary Hopkins,
David Korte. Anthun}- Alsop, Davitl B. Butler, Joseph K. McGary, William
A. Preston, \Villiam H. Pritchett.
Since the organization this post has met with misfortunes of various
kinds, one of the most serious being the loss of their records and post prop-
erty by fire. This loss included their original charter and other valuable pa-
pers, so that it is impossible to give an accurate history of the organization.
But it can be said that, notwithstanding the ad\-erse fortunes the}- ha\-e ex-
perienced, there have been enough members of loyal and patriotic spirit to
maintain the organization and keep their flag afloat. The following have
served as post commanders since the organization : S. M. Holcomb, W. T.
Stilwell, Henry Hamilton, Casper Gram, T. A. Walters, John E. Ruston, B.
F. Stewart, John A. Ewin, August Rodeman, C. F. Garrison, William
Hickrod.
GIBSON COUNTY,
IE WOxMAN S RELIEF CORPS.
257
The Woman's Relief Corps came into existence as a national organiza-
tion in 1885 as the recognized auxiliary of the Grand Army of the Republic.
This order met with popular favor and increased rapidly in membership from
the start, and has continued to grow ever since. All loyal women are eligi-
ble to meniliershi]) in this order, and, unlike the Grand Army, the eligible
list from which recruits can be gathered to maintain and perpetuate the
Woman's Relief Corps is unlimited and inexhaustiljle.
The object of this organization, as indicated by the title, an auxiliary of
the Grand Army, is to assist in the relief of needy and distressed soldiers,
their widows and orphans, and they have done and are doing noble work
along this line.
Archer Corps No. 31, Woman'.'; Relief Corps, auxiliary to Archer Post
Grand Army of the Republic, was organized in Princeton, June 23, 1887
with the following charter members : Martha B. Craig, Clara K. Braselton
Kate Keys Stormont, Mary L. Pumphrey, Jennie Daugherty, Ellen Epperson
Sophrona Snow. !Melinda J. Warnock, Kate W. Small, Anna Bucklin, Maria
T. Brownlee, Anna M. Stokes, Julia T. Duncan, Ophelia Mowery, Lillie J
Posey. Lillie Bucklin, Jennette Kern. Sarah Hollis, Mary E. Witherspoon
Emma Reavis, Mary L. Daugherty, Jessie K. Hartin, Sarah C. McGary.
Those who have served as presidents of Archer Corps since the organ
zation are as follows :
Martha B. Craig 1887 1888 1889
Mary Wright 1890
Kate Sterne 1891
Julia T. Duncan 1892 1893
Kate K. Stormont 1894 1895
^lary L. Pumphrey 1896 1897
Syren W\ Scott 1898
Anna Stilwell 1900
Clara K. Braselton 1901 1902
Anna V. Bucklin 1903 1904 1907 1910 1911 1914
H. Gertrude Lawrence- 1908 1909
Martha L. Sprowl 191 2
Clara B. Simpson 1913
(17)
2S8 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
SOCIETY OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
The Society of the Daughters of the American Revokition was organ-
ized in Washington, D. C, October ii, 1890. It has for its object the per-
petuation of the memory of those who achieved American independence, the
collection of relics of earlier American days, the protection of historical spots,
the encouragement of historical research in relation to the Revolution, and
by the preservation of the records of individual services of Revolutionary sol-
diers and patriots. The National Society of the Daughters of the American
Revolution has memljers in every state and nearly every territory of the
Union. The society as a whole has a charter granted by the Congress of the
United States, a national constitution, a national treasury, and the governing
body, the continental congress. Formal organization of the society occurred
on October 11, i8go, and the dark blue and white of Washington's staff was
chosen for the society's colors. The design of a golden spinning-wheel was
chosen for a badge. The first chapter was formed in Chicago, Illinois.
THE PRINCETON CHAPTER, D. A. R.
While the movement looking to the organization of a chapter of the
Daughters of the American Revolution in Princeton was agitated for some
time prior to 191 1, it was not until the summer of that year that the matter
of such an organization began to take effective shape. In response to a call,
several of those who were members of the order in other chapters met with
Miss Luella Johnson and decided to proceed to the organization of a local
chapter. A formal organization was effected November 25, 191 1, but it was
not until February 4, 19 12, that the first regular meeting was held. Prior
to this meeting Miss Johnson had been elected regent; Mrs. Kate Keys
Stormont, vice-regent; Miss Ruth Maxam, treasurer; Miss Edith Braselton,
secretary; Miss Maud Tichenor Witherspoon, registrar; Miss Mary Skelton
Welborn, historian. Thereafter meetings were held regularly on the first
Saturday of each month.
At the first regular meeting it was decided to name this "The General
John Gibson Chapter," in honor of the territorial governor of that name, and
a soldier in the Revolutionary war, the man for whom Gibson county was
named.
The first year's work of tlie General John Gibson Chapter was a study
of local history, including the organization of Princeton and Gibson county;
old pioneer families, pioneer occupations, etc. ; the settlement of New Har-
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 259
moiiy and \'incennes. The second year's work was "Birds", and the tliird
year's work consists of topics hearing on the colonial period in general, such
as "Literature and Press of the Colonies," "The Old Historic Hudson," "The
Dutch of New York", "The English Viewpoint at the Time of the Revolu-
tion", "The American Viewpoint at the Time of the Revolution".
The present officers of the chapter are : Mrs. Kate Keys Stormont, re-
gent; Mrs. Mary Skelton VVelborn, vice-regent; Miss Mabel Tichenor, sec-
retary; Miss Mary Archer, treasurer; Aliss Maud T. Witherspoon, registrar;.
Mrs. Anna Servoss, historian.
The charter members of the General John Gibson Chapter are : Mayme
Archer. Sadie Archer, Daisie Braselton, Edith Braselton, Mrs. Ellen McCor-
mick, Edna Ewing, Mrs. Ella Eellows Ewing, Luella Johnson, Mrs. Elsie
Johnson Lewis, Eliza Aurelia Lewis, Ruth Maxani, Mrs. .\nna Servoss, Mrs.
Kate Keys Stormont, Mabel E. Tichenor, Mrs. ?\Iaud Tichenor Wither-
spoon, Airs. JNIary Skelton Welborn, Mrs. Georgia Seaton Ward and Mrs.
Ella \\ Buchanan.
It is interesting to note the eligibility of the members of the Princeton
chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Mayme and Sadie
Archer are descended from Thomas McCalla, a private in Capt. A. G. Clay-
poole's company in the New Eleventh Pennsylvania Regiment, commanded
by Col. Thomas Hartley.
Daisie Kurtz Braselton and Edith Dean Braselton are descended from
John Braselton, who served during the Revolution as colonel of a Virginia
regiment.
Mrs. Ella Garrison McCormick is the great-granddaughter of Ll^riah
Cross, one of the famous "Green Mountain Bo}-s". He had si.x brothers in
the same war.
Edna Ewing and Mrs. b^lla Fellows Ewing are descended from Samuel
Fellows, a delegate to the third Provisional Congress at Watertown, Alassa-
chusetts, in 1775, also in the conquest of Canada in 1757 and 1763, he served
as a soldier. His son, Capt. John Fellows, commanded a company at Still-
water and was present at the surrender of Burgoyne. ^^'illis and \\'illiam,
twin sons, fought in the Revolutionary war.
Luella Johnson and Mrs. Elsie Johnson Lewis trace their ancestry to
Arthur Johnson, who was a sergeant in Captain Cooper's company. Fourth
\'irginia Regiment, commanded by Col. John Nevill, participating in the bat-
tles of \'alley Forge, Brandywine. Stony Point, luitaw Springs and York-
town.
26o GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Ruth Maxam is descended from Brigadier Nathaniel Heard, com-
mander uf the x\ew Jersey state troops, known as Heard's Brigade.
Mrs. Anna Servoss traces her hneage to Thomas McCalla, the same as
Mayme and Sadie Archer.
Mrs. Kate Keys Stormont is the great-granddaughter of Brig.-Gen. Ed-
ward Hand, who was in command of a Pennsylvania regiment at the cross-
ing of the Delaware, also in the battle of Trenton. He was afterward adju-
tant-general on General Washington's staff and was at the surrender of
(."ornwallis at Yorktown. General Hand was one of the electors from Penn-
svh-ania and cast the vote of that state for George Washington for President,
fie was a member of the old Congress, 1784-1785.
Mabel Tichenor, Maud Tichenor, Mrs. Witherspoon and Mrs. Mary
Skelton Welborn are descended from Thomas Montgomery, who served as
lieutenant in Capt. John Martin's company of Virginia state troops in the In-
dian expedition under command of George Rogers Clark. He was one of
seven sons, all of whom did valiant service in the Revolutionary war.
Airs. Georgia S. Ward is related to Thomas Dill, a captain in the bat-
talion uf Pennsylvania, and served in the first expedition to Canada in 1776.
He served as captain in the Seventh Pennsylvania Line and was wounded
at the battle of Brandywine.
Mrs. Ella V. Buchanan is descended from Gen. Ephraim Douglas, aide-
de-camp on the staff of Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, and was taken prisoner at
Bound Brook in 1777. He was afterward paroled and served as aide-de-
camp on the staff of Gen. Ferd Sterling.
Mrs. Allie Lewis Sevedge is descended from Eli Lewis, who served as
major in the Tenth Battalion of York County Militia in the battles of Brandy-
wine and Germantown. He was distinguished as the "Fighting Quaker."
Mrs Lucilla Miller traces her right to membership to Thomas McCalla,
the same as Mayme and Sadie Archer, and Mrs. Dora McRoberts to Gen.
Ephraim Douglas, the same as Mrs. Ella V. Buchanan.
Mrs. Ada M. Warnock is descended from Benjamin Coe, a ranger on
the frontier from 1778 to 1783.
Alice Hopkins is related to Joseph Neely, a sharpshooter in Captain
Marshall's company of Pennsylvania Rifle Regulars, Colonel Mile's battalion,
and participated in the battle of Brandywine, and was present^ at the Corn-
wallis surrender at Yorktown.
Nellie M. Redman is descended from James Smith, who served during
the war in Captain Bowyer's company of the Twelfth Virginia Regiment.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 261
He enlisted in 1776 ami served until some time in the year 17S0. He dietl in
Gibson county in 1837 at the age of eighty-three years.
Eliza Aurelia Lewis traces her lineage to Eli Lewis, the same as Mrs.
Allie Lewis Sevedge, and also to Thomas McCalla.
GIB.SON CAMP, SONS OF VETERANS.
The latest of the patriotic organizations in Gibson county is the Sons
of \'eterans, (organized March 12. 1914, with one hundred and twenty-eight
charter members. This organization is designated as Gibson Camp Xo. 228,
and, for numbers mustered as charter members, this camp holds the record of
any in this state or in the United States. George W. Krietenstein, of Terre
Haute, officiated as mustering officer, assisted by other members of the order
from Terre Haute, and Col. N. J. McGuire, past commander-in-chief, of
Indianapolis. The following officers were elected and installed to serve the
current year :
Charles O. Baltzell, commander; Samuel I'. Bean, senior vice-com-
mander; James W. Stott, junior vice-commander; Foreman E. Knowles,
treasurer ; John W. Corder, secretary ; Charles W. Skelton, musician ; Dr. C.
C. Edwards, chaplain; Daniel W. Davis, color bearer; George W. McRey-
nold.s, patriotic instructor; Will Blair, guide; Robert Adams, inner guard;
Roy P. King, outer guard; Thomas Beloat, M. F. Stewart and Robert C.
Baltzell, camp council.
b'ollowing the muster and installation sex'eral short addresses were made
by Colonel McGuire and others. A pleasing feature of the occasion was the
presentation of a beautiful silk flag, for camp and parade use, by Col. Gil. R.
Stormont, on behalf of Johnny Butler, of Franklin, Pennsylvania, a former
Princeton boy and a drummer boy in the Civil war. This t^ag was purchased
on his order and presented with his compliments and congratulations, and it
came as a complete surprise to the boys.
Following is a list of the charter members: William Anderson, Robert
H. Adams, Joseph Barton, George M. Braselton, Samuel N, Bottom. Charles
O. Baltzell, Robert C. Baltzell, William C. Bucklin, Bruce Bucklin, Foley
Brown, Thomas Beloat, Charles Bahne, Will Blair, Charles W. Benton. Paul
Brownlee, Ed J. Baldwin, Samuel F. Bean, Horace Chambers, W. Ed Cris-
well, T. Eugene Criswell, Oliver AL Colvin, Samuel W. Clark, John W.
Corder, Daniel W. Davis, Joseph C. Danks, William Daugherty, John R. Dor-
se\', Walter T. Dorsey, William Davis, George E. Daugherty, Charles C. Ed-
wards, .\rvil Gibson, James B. Gamble, Henry Greer, Hugh Hanna, Jr.,
262 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Thomas W. Hopkins, Coleman Harvey, Charles Hartin, William G. Hopkins,
Joseph Hussey, R. L. Hussey, John N. Hopkins, David C. Hanna, Wiley S.
Hastings, Walter J. Heller, Curtis Hamilton, Frank N. Harris, John S. Her-
riott, John Ed Joyce, James Jenkins, Roy P. King, Charles King, Herbert
King, Foreman E. Knowles, James M. Kessner, M. M. Kennedy, Victor Key,
George Kilmartin, C. M. Lawrence, Fred J. Lewis, Ralph Little, William R.
Lamb, Jesse Montgomery, Lorenzo Montgomery, Harvey Milburn, John L.
Morris, Earl Moore, Allen Moore, John B. Massey, Carl Mangrum, John W.
McCoiTnick, Robert McCormick, James P. McCormick, James D. McClure,
Von R. McClure, Percy McClure, Thomas Morton McDonald, Alvun New-
berry, Clyde Ott, George H. Padgett, William Phillips, Robert Pierce, Nelson
Pritchard, Thomas H. Riggs, Walter Riggs, Arba W. Riggs, Henry C. Red-
man, Samuel Redman, J. Wesley Ritchie, Fred Shuel, William R. Spillman,
Samuel Spence, Charles W. Skelton, Charles S. Scull, James W. Stott, Charles
A. Steele, Ralph Stomiont, M. F. Stewart, John H. Ashmead, Ellis S. Arburn,
x^lfonso Chambers, Barnhill Bruce, A. Dale Ford, J. O. A. Goodwin, Jesse
Kern, Arthur P. Twineham, Walter Taylor, James O. Sickles. J. Arch
Sprowl, George N. Sprowl, Thomas B. Scott, Jacob Shuel, Monroe Wood-
burn, John M. Wiggs, Robert Warnock, Archibald Warnock, William A.
Wheeler. George Russell Wire, David B. Wheeler, Arthur Whitsett, George
\V. iNIcReynolds, Hugh Harris, Walter Hollis, Clarence Hollis, John C.
Gorman, \\'illiam Mowery, James R. McGregor, Ralph Crumbaugh.
CHAPTER XVIII.
SOLDIERS MONUMENTS.
GIBSON COUNTY SOLDIERS .MONUMENT.
The idea lor the Ciibson enmity soldiers' iiKinuiiient tncik dehiiite form
in April, igio, when .Vreher I'ost. (irand .\rniy of the Ke])ulilie. after dis-
cussing inipr(.)\enients which were l)ein.i;" made in the court house S(|uare,
appointed a committee to secure signatures to a petition to the county com-
missioners for a county soldiers' monument, untler the state law which per-
mits a county appropriation of not to exceed fifty thousand dollars for a
monument to Civil war soldiers, upon petition of a majority of the legal
voters of the county.
One of the leaders in the movement was David Wilson Smith, veteran
of Company F, One Hundred and Twentieth Indiana A'olunteer Infantry,
and another enthusiastic spirit was Joseph K. McGary. .\ monument commit-
tee was appointed by Archer Post, with Air. Smith as chairman. James W.
Lewis as secretary, anrl the following other members: Joseph Moore, Dr.
W. W. Blair, Joseph K. McGary. .\11 worked nobly, and with able assist-
ance from other memljers and patriotic citizens, and on October 6, 1910,
petitions were filed with county commissioners bearing four thousand eleven
hundred and eleven signatures, a good majority. The petition was fax-orahly
acted upon, and on January 4, 191 1, the county council made an ap])ro])ria-
tion of twenty-five thousand dollars for the monument.
.\ little later, from many competitive designs, that of Clark lirothers, of
Urbana, Illinois, and Princeton, was selected as the most desirable for the
monument, and afterward the contract for construction and erection was
awarded to Clark brothers, the s])ecifications providing, after consideration
of various marbles, that the base should be of Barre granite and the shaft
of Montello, Wisconsin, granite. The sub-contract for the bronze figures
went to Rudolph Schwarz, noted sculptor, of Indianapolis. The concrete
iiase was laid in the fall of iQii. Building of the shaft went forward satis-
factorily at the Alontello quarries, so that it was ready for delivery in July
264 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
of 1912. The bronze figures were also ready a little later, but there
was long delay in getting the base from Vermont, and so the shaft was not
brought here and erected until September. It was not until November 12,
1912, that the shaft was completed and ready for dedication, and it was on
that date that the ceremony of dedication took place. This was a great event
for Princeton, and especially for the old veterans of the county, who had
worked and waited long for the realization of their hopes.
Every preparation for the dedication had been carefully planned. In-
vitations to all the neighboring counties had been sent out, an interesting
program of music and addresses had been arranged; everything had
been arranged except the regulation of the weather. That turned out bad. A
heavy rain set in early in the morning which put a damper on all other well
regulated arrangements. But the people came from all parts of the county
and from surrounding counties. Civil war \eterans were present in goodly
numbers from every county in the district. Filled with enthusiasm and the
memory of experiences in army life, it required more than such a downpour
of rain to dampen their ardor on this occasion. It was only a realistic re-
minder of old times.
At half past one o'clock in the afternoon the formal dedication ritual of
the Grand Army of the Republic was conducted by Archer Post, in the pres-
ence of a vast crowd of people, including fifteen hundred children from the
public schools. Preceding this there was a parade of about three hundred
veterans around the public square, headed by a drum corps composed of
veterans.
Owing to the unfavorable weather the other part of the program was
given in the United Presbyterian church. This program consisted of patri-
otic songs by a chorus, under the direction of Mrs. Irene Coolidge, and the
following addresses: "The American Flag," by Lucius C. Embree; "Monu-
ments, their History and Significance," by Thomas Duncan; "Indiana
Soldiers in the War of 1861 to 1865," by John W. Brady; "One Country and
One Flag," bv Arthur P. Twineham ; "Gibson County in the Civil War," by
Col. Gil R. Stormont.
This monument stands on the southeast corner of the public square,
facing southeast, and it is a credit to the people of Gibson county and to all
who had to do with its design and erection. It Is something over sixty feet
in height, surmounted by a bronze figure representing a color bearer. Bronze
figures are on pedestals around the base, rejiresenting the different branches
of the army and navy service. On the front of the first die is the inscrip-
tion :
I
FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT MONUMENT,
Dedicated July 4, 1865.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 265
"Erected 1012, by the Citizens of Gibson County, Indiana, In Ilonor
of the \'alor and Patriotism of the 2,200 Soldiers and Sailors, Wiio lui-
hsted from Gil)son County in the Civil War, of 1861 to 1865. A Tribute to
the Memory of the 500 \\'ho Gave the I'ull Measure of Dexotion to Their
Countr}-."
On the east face of this die is the inscription :
"On Fame's eternal camping ground
Their silent tents are spread.
And Glory guards with solemn round.
The bivouac of the dead."
On the west side :
"It is rather for us the living, that we here highly resolve that these dead
shall not have died in vain; that this Xation, under God, shall have a new
liirth of freetloni, and that the government of the people, by the people, and
for the people, shall not jjerish from ih.e earth." — I'>on^ Lincoln's Gettysluirg
.\ddress, 1863.
On the north side :
"Board, of Commissioners: Joseiih \'ochuni, Gerhardt . l"rol)eiter,
George .\. Knowles.
"Soldiers' Monument Committee: David Wilson Smith, Joseph K. Mc-
Gary, Joseph Moore, Dr. W. W. Blair, James W. Lewis."
On the caps of the several dies in the shaft are the following names of
battles in which soldiers from Gibson county engaged :
"Resaca," "Gettysburg," "Chickamauga," "March to the Sea," "Antietam,"
"I'ranklin," "Kenesaw Mountain," "Fredericksburg," "Shiloh," "Perry-
ville," "N'icksburg," "Nashville," "Bentonville," "Atlanta," ".Mission
Ridge," "Stone's River."
FIFTY-EIGIITII INDIAX.V RItGIMKXT MO.\ T M E.\T.
Strangers who \'isit Princetijn are attracteil by the modest marble shaft
which stands in the southwest comer of llie courthouse si|uare, and fre-
([uent in<|uiries are made of citizens and Inisiness men for information as to
its histor\', and there are fref|uent visits made lo the monument by the seeker
266 GIBSON COl'NTY, INDIANA.
after knowledge of its origin and meaning. But with all this inquiry and in-
vestigation, incorrect information and erroneous ideas are often obtained
by these seekers after knowledge, for the reason that there are comparatively
few of the citizens and business men of the town who are sufficiently in-
formed to give correct answer to the incjuiring stranger. Some of the his-
torians of Gibson county have referred to this monument as evidence of the
patriotic regard entertained by the people of the county for the soldiers who
laid down their lives for the defense of their country, whereas, the people of
the county had nothing whatever to do with the erection of this monument.
Neither had the people of Princeton, except to furnish a committee to super-
intend its construction and secure a place for its erection.
The money for the erection nf this monument came from the survivors
of the Fifty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry Ke^jiment. in honor of whose
dead it was erected, and all of this mi>ney was raised liy voluntary donations
and subscriptions from members of the regiment while in service. A consid-
erable part of this fund was obtained by appropriating certain money due
the members of the regiment on account of an allowance for unused rations,
supplemented b}- liberal sul^scriptions by officers and men of the regiment.
The contract for the construction of the monument was made in 1863, and
it was completed, erected and dedicated before the regiment was discharged
from the service. In the manner of its conception, as well as in the manner
anil cimditions under which it was erected and dedicated, it is in a class by
itself. It was the first regmiental monument erected in the state in memory
of the soldiers of the Civil war, and it is the only one in this state, or in
the United States, that was erected and dedicated by a regiment in honor of
its deceased soldiers while that regiment was still in the service. History has
been challenged to show its counterpart in the world and this challenge has
not been answered.
In view of these facts, that the truth of history might be preserved, and
the present generation and generations to come, might have wherewith to
make answer to the inquiry, "What mean these stones?" we submit the fol-
lowing historical sketch, written by the late Lieut.-Col. Joseph Moore, of the
Fiftv-eighth Indiana, who was secretary of the regimental monument as-
sociation :
"In the early months of 1863, the Fifty-eighth Indiana Regiment was
encamped near Murfreesboro, Tennessee, as a part of the Army of the
Cumberland, under General Rosecrans. During part of this time Lieutenant-
Colonel Embree and myself occupied the same tent as quarters, and by us and
Quartermaster Samuel Sterne was conceived the idea of erecting a monu-
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. 26,7
nient by the survivors of the regiment, to perpetuate the memory of our de-
eeased comrades. Tlie plan was matured antl it was made known and ex-
plained to our comrades of the regiment and was heartily approved by them.
A plan of organization was drawn up and adopted. Lieutenant-Colonel Em-
bree was elected president, and myself, then major, elected secretary and
treasurer. Liberal subscriptions to meet the expense of the proposed monu-
ment were made b)- officers and men of the regiment at the time of the or-
ganization. It was stipulated that the cost of the monument should not ex-
ceed hve thousand dollars, and that no subscription should be solicited nor
received from any source outside of the regiment, as it was intended tcj |je a
monument of the regiment and erecteil b}- the regiment.
"It was determined by the voice of the regiment that the monument
should be erected in the courthouse s(piare, in Princeton, where the regiment
was organized. A local committee was appointed, consisting of Dr. Andrew
Lewis, Joseph Devin, William Kurtz and John Kell, to carry out the wishes
of 'the regiment. The committee advertised for designs, with probable cost
of erection, and these designs were forwarded to the regimental organiza-
tion, then in the field, near Hillsboro, Tennessee. The design of C. Rule
antl Coleman of Cincinnati, Ohio, was adopted as the choice of the regiment,
and the local committee was instructed to close a contract with this firm. It
was stipulated in the contract that the monument should be completed b)-
the time the regiment returned from the lield at the expiration of its term
of three years' service. This time was, however, extended for nearly a \ear
on account of the re-enlistment of the regiment as veterans.
"The design of the monument adopted and as erected was an elegant
marble shaft about thirty-three feet in height. On the north side are crossed
swords and wreath. On the east side a small shield resting upon oak and
myrtle. Underneath is a large wreath encircling the words, "Erected by the
Survivors of the Eifty-eighth Regiment Indiana Volunteers to the Memory
of Their Deceased Comrades." On the south side is a knapsack supporting
crossed muskets and flags, and a soldier's cap. On the west side is the coat-
of-arms of the state of Indiana. On the front in large raised letters are the
words, "Honor the Elag." On the several sides of the caps of the dies are
the following names of battles in which the regiment engaged : "Stone's
River," "Lavergne," "Chickamauga," "Mission Ridge." The American
eagle, made of the finest Italian marble, surmounts the shaft, holding in its
beak and talons the national ensign."
The names of all deceased members of the regiment were inscrijjed on
268 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
the shaft at the time of its construction. Names of those who died in the
service after its completion were added later. It was not intended that the
names of those who died after the regiment was discharged should be in-
scribed on the monument.
The monument was formally dedicated on Tuesday, July 4, 1865. As
has been stated, the regiment was still in the service at this time, but they
were at Louisville waiting for their discharge. Many of the officers and men
received furloughs and were present at the dedication. Addresses were made
by Dr. Andrew Lewis, Rev. John McMaster, Chaplain John J. Hight of the
Fifty-eighth, and others. The dedication of this monument was a great day
in Princeton. Thousands of people were present, including many of the
Gibson countv soldiers who bail returned from the war, all rejoicing in vic-
tory and peace.
But amid this rejoicing there were many in sorrow and tears because
of the absence of loved ones whose names were inscribed on the monument
to be dedicated. The names are still there, but most of those who mingled
tears with rejoicing at the dedication of this monument, iDearing the names
of loved ones, have passed away. The monument itself is yielding to the
ravages of time and is crumbling away, but it is none the less entitled to
the highest honor, reverence and respect from the citizens of Princeton,
young and old, and from the stranger as well, who comes within our gates.
For nearly half a century this monument has stood in this most public place,
a silent testimony of th.e priceless heritage that is enjoyed by this genera-
tion. It stands as a memento of the patriotism, love, sacrifice and comrade-
ship of soldiers, who, from their small pittance in the army, created the fund
for its erection. Time has dimmed its artistic beauty. As an object of the
sculptor's art it has lost much of its former attractiveness. As compared
with other monuments of modern construction, it may appear obscure and
insignificant. But in its meaning, in sacrifice, sentiment and comradeship,
it looms far above and be}-ond them all.
COMPANY F, FORTY-SECOND INDIANA, MONUMENT.
On a little triangular piece of ground near the track of the Southern
railroad, in Oaklantl City, there stands a modest appearing shaft which at-
tracts the attention of people passing by on the train. If these passing peo-
ple are interested enough and inquisitive enough to ask someone what this
modest shaft represents, the information will probably be that this is a
monument erected by the surviving members of Company F, Forty-second
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 269
Indiana Regiment, as a loving tribute to tlie memory of their comrades wliu
gave up their hves in defense of the flag during the Civil war.
The monument was erected during the summer of 1893 'i""^! ^^'^^ dedi-
cated in September of that j-ear. The initial steps were taken at a reunion
of the company a year prior to that time, when a committee was api)ointed
to raise the necessary funds. This committee was composed of Col. W. M.
Cockruni, John W. Corder, James T. Bell, John 1'. Simpson and Washing-
Con Strickland. Dr. George C. ]\Iason acted as an ad\isor_\- nieml)er and ga\-e
much financial and advi.sory aitl which was greatly appreciated by the com-
pany. L'ol. ^^'. M. Cockrum executed a deed to Gibson C(junty for the lot
on which the monument stands.
The contract for the monument was awarded to ^^'illianl Kellev of
Oaklantl City at a cost of near one thousand dollars. The material used
was oolitic limestone. The monument stands on a base seven feet square and
is twenty-eight feet in height. On the top is the figure of a soldier carved in
stone. On the several sides of the dies are the names of all the original
members of the company and the recruits, one hundred and forty-three in
number.
On a panel for that purpose are the names of the original field and
stafif officers of the regiment. On another side of the shaft there is a scroll
in which is inscribed, "Starved to Death at Andersonville," and underneath
are the names of eleven members of the company who gave this supreme
test of their devotion to their country. Following are the names : Chester-
field P. Dill, Alford Farmer, J. M. Hunter, H. H. Hunter, John H. Martin,
Adam Canon, William A. Reavis, W. W. Oliver, .\. H. Mariner, Jacob
Strickland and A. C. Coleman. These all were taken prisoners at the battle
of Chickamauga and died at Andersonville.
In appropriate places on the shaft appear the names of battles in which
the company participated. There are as follows: Perr)rville, Stone's River,
Stevenson. Flint River, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge,
Ringgold, Buzzard Roost, Big Shanty, Snake Creek Gap, Chattahoochie River,
Bentonville.
As stated, this monument was dedicated in September. 1893. .\t the
dedication there was a large assemblage of the surviving members of the
company and regiment, soldiers from other regiments, citizens and friends.
These all gathered around the monument where an appropriate address was
flelivered by Capt. A. J. ^IcCutchan, of Company A, Forty-second Regi-
ment. It was a proud day for the veterans of this company when they could
look upon the completion of this monument as the crowning triumph of the
270 GIBSON COUNTYj INDIANA.
cause for wiTich they fought, even though this rejoicing was mingled with
tears in memory of those whose names were inscribed on the monument who
had given up their Hves for that cause.
"For their cause was the cause of the races,
That languished in slavery's night,
And the death that was pale on their faces.
Has filled the whole world with its light."
I
CHAPTER XTX.
CHOLERA EPIDEMICS IN GIBSON COUNTY.
By Roy V. Kiiis.
Of the thousands of victims of Asiatic ciiolera. which was intermit-
tently prevalent in the United States from 1832, when it first ajjpeared in
New York City, until the last epidemic, which occurred in 1N73, Cihson
county perhaps paid as large a toll of lives as any county in Indiana, with the
possible exception of a few more thickly populated districts along tlie Ohio
river. Twice in the history of the county has this dreaded scourge jirevailed
with fatal results. First in the summer of 1852, when a total of more than
eighty deaths occurred, and again in 1873, when twenty or more victims
were claimed by this disease. In each of these epidemics the death rate was
extremely high and but a small number of the stricken recovered. In some
instances almost entire families were wijied out of existence.
The awful carnage of war, the frightful harvest of death, due to dis-
turl^ances of the elements, appalling industrial disasters, all bring sadness
and gloom to a community so affected and lea\-e deep and lasting impressions,
but no message so terrorizes the heart of man as the whispered word that a
certain and almost surely fatal plague is stalking o\ev the land, dealing death,
surely and cj[uickly, on every side. The cry of fear dies on the lips, faces are
blanched by the agony of the hideous thought and e}-es look into eyes with
indescribable horror at the mere mention that the dreaded contagion has
manifested itself, l-'ear and .suspicion enter the heart and mind and each one
looks with fear and dread upon every other ])ers()n. any one of whom may
be infected with the pestilence. The conduct of business and the pursuit of
pleasure cease and everywhere throughout the horror-stricken community
there is that manifestation of gloom and sadness which an inevitable calam-
itv alone can produce. In some homes already blighted by the contagion,
often the living members of the family must bury their dead unassisted, and
the only hands outstretched to them in aid and sympathy are from those men
and women endowed with the heroic virtue to rise above the common level
in times of greatest need. The pages of histoiy are embellished with the
noble deeds of such men and women, but other unknown thousands reap no
such reward of fame. Of this great army of heroes and heroines, Gibson
272 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
county, in its times of greatest stress, furnished an ample number. They
entered the cholera stricken homes, cared for the living, gave burial to the
dead and asked nor received reward, except that which comes from the con-
sciousness of a noble deed well done.
In these latter days, when medical science and research and the modern
methods of Cjuarantine and disinfection have made possible the complete
eradication of Asiatic cholera and many other contagious and infectious dis-
eases, there is less to fear, though cholera is still numbered among the plagues
for which there is no known specific remedy. However, it has lost its former
horribleness to humanity by the certain knowledge that it is an infectious and
not a contagious disease. This was discovered as late as 1884. In 1873, when
the second epidemic occurred in Gibson county, cholera was still believed by
physicians to be contagious.
First mention of Asiatic cholera is found in the early Sanscrit and Chi-
nese writings, but the first notation in history was made in the sixteenth cen-
tury, when it raged in India, where it has since been endemic. In 1817 it was
contracted by the English soldiers in India and spread to China, Prussia, Ger-
many and Russia. It reached England in the spring of 1832, appearing in
London.
In June, 1832, cases were reported in Montreal, Canada, and in July of
the same \ear the first deaths occurred at New York. In the following few
months the epidemic spread to other Eastern cities, including Philadelphia,
Baltimore and Charleston.
From Montreal the epidemic traveled westward along the great lakes
and down the Mississippi valley. There is no record of it having claimed
any victims at that time in Gibson county.
The second epidemic followed in 1845, emanating from the Tartary
coast, reaching the United States in 1848 and followed the same course
through the country, along the principal high and water ways. Strict quaran-
tine enforcement in New York City stopped its spread at that point, but New
Orleans, Louisiana, where it was also prevalent, had no such quarantine fa-
cilities and the scourge crept slowly up the Mississippi and Ohio river valleys.
In 1849 Louisville, Kentucky, and Cincinnati, Ohio, were visited. At the
latter place the death rate was extremely high, one hundred and sixty being
recorded in one day.
Cholera lingered throughout Ohio, Indiana and Illinois during the next
four or five years and made its first appearance in Gibson county in the sum-
mer of 1852. At that time the Wabash and Erie canal was in progress of
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. 273
construction about seven miles southeast of Princeton. In this woriv two or
three hundred Irish immigrant workmen were employed. The workmen were
house'l in temporary camps and little thought was given to cleanliness and
.sanitation, a condition most favorable for cholera and other diseases. \Vithin
a lew (lays after the clmlera made its appearance a number of deaths resulted
and when it had run its course, in less than three weeks, an estimated total of
eighty had. succumbed.
Following the first outbreak a majority of the men fled from the vicinity
and excitement in the community was at fever heat. Victims of the disease
were left lying for days before being given burial and it was almost impossi-
ble to secure men to do this work. A few of the Irish workmen stayed with
their stricken friends and these few braved danger by bur\-ing the bodies in
long trenches near tlie reservoir. .Ml trace of their last resting place has now
disapjieared. Some few bodies were taken to \'incennes bv friends, for
burial in consecrated ground. .V mmiber of those who remained l)chind to
care lor the sick and dying gave up their lives.
Besides the foreign workmen there were also a few deaths among resi-
dents of the community, including one man and his wife who voluntaril\-
ministered to the stricken canal workmen.
Meager accounts are given in the newspapers of that day of attacks of
cholera in Princeton and one death, that of a man named Woods, is believed
to have resulted from its efifects. Little details of the tense excitement which
must have prevailed were recorded by the press, but it is known that the peo-
]Ac in general kept a\vay from the infected district for weeks. The epidemic
was of short duration and the excitement luust have sulisided in a short time.
The second visitation of cholera in (iibson count\- occurred in the sum-
mer of 1873, vi\'id recollections of which still remain in the minds of many
older people. A small epidemic had occurred in the Eastern states in 1865,
but in 1873 cholera again got a firm foothold in the South and traveled up
the JMississippi valley. It became epidemic in Evansville and Alt. Vernon,
Indiana, Cairo and Carmi, Illinois, Paducah, Kentucky, and many deaths oc-
curred and it is from one of these infected |)laces that it is believed to have
spreail to Princeton.
Residing at the corner of Sjiruce and l-'ord streets in Princeton was -Mrs.
John Seabrooks, an aged lad\-, who for a living did washing. It is supposed
she became infected with the disease from the clothing of some person for
whom she washed, and who had Ijeen in some infected territory. Mrs. Sea-
lu"ook.-. lived alone and one morning was found b\- her daughter h'ing on the
(18)
274 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
floor of her room, in the last stages of what physicians pronounced to be
cholera. She died a few hours later.
The news of Mrs. Seabrooks' death spread rapidly and excitement ran
high in Princeton. For weeks residents lived in dread, but no other cases
developed in the town.
Lack of proper sanitary measures, however, did not prevent infection
from this one case. Instead of burning the clothing and bed clothing of Mrs.
Seabrooks, they were taken to Indian creek, about three miles northeast of
Princeton, where they were washed in the waters of the creek, thus infecting
the water.
Near this creek lived the family of Henry Weatherly, consisting of hus-
band and wife and live children, and Indian creek was the source of their
water supply. How thoroughly the water was infected is shown by the fact
that but one child, Margaret, then about two years old, survives. The other
members of the family succumbed in the space of a few days.
Though Margaret Weatherly was the sole survivor of the family, yet
she was the first to be attacked by the disease and it is the belief that her life
was saved l^y a mistake on the part of her mother. For several weeks the
father had been suffering from stomach trouble and had been taking mor-
phine to ease the pain. A few days following the pollution of the stream
Margaret was suddenly taken ill one morning and the mother, not realizing
the deadly eft'ects of morphine, gave the child the same sized dose the father
hatl been accustomed to taking. The child grew worse and a physician was
summoned from Princeton. B)- the time he arrived the mother had also
been stricken with cholera and was writhing in its agonies. Margaret was in
a stupor from the effects of the morphine, but by persistent efforts on the part
of the physician, was kept from passing into the sleep of death, until the
cholera attack, which was probably light, passed away and she gradually re-
covered. The mother, however, continued to grow worse and died early in
the evening. Her death was followed the same night by the death of two
other children and before morning Henry Weatherly, the husband, was
stricken.
Nearby lived the families of John McDaniel, Robert Boswell, Mrs. Elias
Pearson, a sister of Henry Weatherly, and James Carithers, a brother of Mrs.
Weatherly. .Ml these relatives and neighbors put aside their fears and gave
aid to the ill-fated family. Henry Weatherly, soon after he was taken sick,
together with the now remaining three children, was removed to the home of
James Carithers, where IMr. \\'eatherly died a few hours later.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 275
No other deaths occurred for three ihiys and in tlie meantime the vic-
tims had been buried. The bodies were cared for liy Afrs. John McDaniel,
Mrs. Pearson and her daughter, Emma. All these .soon sickened and died.
Robert Boswell. who buried the bodies of Mrs. W'eatherly and her children,
also became a victim.
The next deaths to be recorded were those of two of the three remain-
ing Weatherly children and four deaths in the family of Jesse Weatherly, a
brother of Henry, who lived farther down Indian creek, the wife and three
children being taken. All of these deaths occurred in less than ten davs fol-
lowing the death of Mrs. Seabrooks in Princeton.
Excitement in the ^Veatherly neighborhood was at fever heat. Farmers
stopi^ed wnrk in their fields and stock was allowed to suffer for lack of atten-
tion. Every one felt that the deadful plague would not be checked until all
were taken and families dumbly waited, watching and dreading to see who
would be the first of their loved ones to be stricken. The infected neighbor-
hood was shunned by those living outside and farmers drove for miles out of
their way to and from Princeton, traveling by other roads than those
which passed through the neighborhood. In the prevailing belief that the dis-
ease came out of the ground, vegetables and fruits were not eaten and gardens
were allowed to go unattended throughout the summer. Not until cool
w eather arrived did the fear which possessed the people subside to such an ex-
tent that they resumed their natural vocations and mode of living.
Physicians took what steps they could to keep the disease from spread-
ing and, though they l^elieved at that time that cholera was contagious and
not merely infectious, they adopted the right means to stamp out the epidemic.
Quantities of lime were sprinkled in all cellars, outhouses and damp places.
Drinking water was boiled before being used and people were instructed to
keep their doors and windows open and get as much fresh air as possible.
More recent knowledge of cholera discloses the fact that the physicians could
not have done better service had they known as much concerning cholera as is
now known. Their service deserves high commendation, because they were
then fighting against greater odds than would obtain at this time.
I'ourteen deaths are known to have occurred in the W'eatherly neighbor-
hood in less than two weeks, and many older people declare that, including
the death of Mrs. Seabrooks in Princeton, there were sixteen \ictims.
.\nother small epidemic occurred in the vicinity of Wheeling, on the
Patoka river, about eight miles northeast of Princeton. Five deaths are
known to have resulted in a familv named Hartwell and one or two more
_'76 GIl^SON COUNTY. INDIANA.
persuiLs, names unknown at this time, are said to have died. The Hartwell
home was burned, together with its contents, to check the spread of the dis-
ease. These deaths occurred at aljout the same time that cholera was raging
along Indian creek.
The known total of deaths in Gibson count}- during the cholera epidemic
of 1873 is twenty, but it is very probable that there were a few more. It was
by far the worst epidemic of any disease which ever visited the county.
Smallpox and other contagious and infectious diseases have claimed many
more victims in the course of years, but these epidemics were not consiilered
in such a serious manner.
Great credit reflects ujjon the physicians of I'rinceton and other towns
in tlie county, for their bra\e service during the two cholera attacks. Though
they had e\er\- reason to 1jelie\e the infested homes were verital:)le death traps,
they did not flinch in their devotion to duty, and fearlessly visited the stricken
and did all in iheir power to ease their sufferings. In the present day a
physician would go into a cholera-infected home with the positive assurance
that he was running no risk, if proper measures were taken to ward off in-
fection, but that knowledge has come since the last \isitation of the disease
in Gibson county.
In 1852 the practicing physicians of Princeton included Drs. W. W.
Blair, J. J. Pennington, V. T. West, .\ndrew Lewis. Willoughby \\'alling,
Hugh Patten, George B. (iraff and \\". G. Kidd. It is probable that all of
these physicians were active in treating the cases.
The physicians of 1873 included Drs. W. W. Blair, S. E. Alunford, John
Malone, V. T. West, James C. Patten, Richard Smith and others.
Of all the physicians named in the foregoing lists. Dr. W. W. Blair is
the only one surviving at this time (1914). Having passed through both
epidemics. Doctor Blair is thoroughly familiar with the conditions which pre-
vailed and recalls many startling, as well as some amusing incidents which
occurred. In each epidemic he treated a number of cases of cholera.
One of the most tragic incidents of the epidemic of 1852 occurred in a
family by the name of Ritzie. When the epidemic was at its height, Mrs.
Ritzie was suddenly stricken and other members of the family were also
showing indications of having contracted the disease. Mrs. Ritzie died be-
fore a physician could be summoned, but a man on horseback was sent for
Doctor Blair, and it was after nightfall when the physician arrived at the
Ritzie home. The messenger would not go near the plague-stricken house
and Doctor Blair approached it alone. There were no lights in the house and
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 277
a knock at the door bnniglit no response. Doctor IMair entered the house
and in the hght from the dying embers in the fire-place a grewsome si.i;lu
met his gaze. Upon one bed in the room lay the body of the wife and mother.
Upon another, laying crosswise, with the head almost touching the floor, was
the body of Mr. Ritzie, death having come but a short time before the arrival
of Doctor Blair, and upon the same bed, totally unconscious of the terrible
tragedy which had been enacted about her, lay sleeping the little daughter,
Margaret Ritzie, about si.K years old. Rousing the child from her slumber.
Doctor Blair carried her from the house, mounted his horse and with the
child in his arms rode to a neighboring house where he sought entrance.
^\'hen the circumstances were learned, admittance was refused and the Doc-
tor was almost forced to fight his way into the home so great was the fear of
contagion. After much persuasion the family was prevailed upon to care for
the little girl until she could be placed under the care of relatives. Margaret
passed through the terrible experience without contracting the cholera, and
later in life became the wife of Peter Hoffman, of I"t. I'.ranch, where she is
living at the present time.
In the epidemic of 1852 much troul)le was e.\])erience(l in procuring
burial for the bodies of the unknown victims and in a numl)er of cases l)odies
were found in isolated "shanties" along the canal, se\-eral days after death.
In one instance the body of a man was found, so badly decomposed that n^i
attempt at burial was made. The torch was applied to the building and the
remains incinerated.
Persons who were known to have been in the infected district were
shunned by their friends and neighbors for weeks following, and srch fear of
them was manifested that in some cases suffering resulted. This was
especially true in regard to the Irish workmen who remained in the \icinity.
They were not permitted to approach other persons.
An amusing incident has been related, showing that e\cn though the
Irish immigrants passed through a terrible experience, it did not dull their
fun-loving disposition, if the occasion presented it.self. The liodies of the
more devoutly religious who died during the scourge were, in some in.-.tances.
taken to \'incennes for burial and on one occasion several friends started to
\'incennes with the body of a comrade. The coffin containing the remains
was placed in a one-horse cart, very common at that time. I'assing through
or near Princeton the member? of the funeral jiarty could not resist the
temptation to drown their sf)rrows with a few drinks, and when later the\-
resumed their jonrnev ha]j])iness had taken the ])lace of grief. Hut little at--
;278 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
tention was paid to the cart as they walked by its side and all went well until
they reached a point a few miles north of Princeton, when the sudden realiza-
tion came to one member of the cortege that the cart was empty. The corpse
had disappeared. Search was instituted and on a hillside a mile or more
back, the coffin was found l}-ing- in the road where it had slid from the cart in
going up the hill. The unfortunate victim was reloaded and e\'entually
reached his final resting place at ^'^incennes.
Another amusing occurrence happened in Princeton during the epidemic
of 1873. A few days following the death of Mrs. Seabrooks, an itinerant
German butcher, who was accustomed to periodical sprees, suddenly fell on
the sidewalk on the west side of the public square one morning. The cry
was immediately raised that he had been attacked with cholera and for the
next few hours the poor fellow was given a wide berth. However, the effects
of his "jag" soon passed away and he sobered sufficiently to go home. Such
an incident as this, while amusing, serves to illustrate the fear entertained by
the public at large.
Henry Blumm, a well known farmer residing south of Princeton on the
old state road, is the only remaining member of a family which died from
the effects of the cholera epidemic of 1852. His father and two or three
brothers and sisters were victims and were buried on the farm which was
situated near the old Wabash & Erie canal, south of Francisco. Mr. Blumm
was a baby at the time and has no recollection of any member of his family.
He was taken and raised by a neighbor.
One death is known to have occured in Owensville during the first epi-
demic, it being that of a Mrs. Whiteman, of Princeton, who was visiting at
Owensville. She was stricken during the night and lived only a few hours.
C. R. Howe, one of the older residents of Princeton, was living at
Owensville at the time of Mrs. Whiteman's death and was sent to Princeton
to notify relatives of her death. Mr. Howe declares that Princeton was in a
condition of great excitement due to the death of a man named Woods, from
the effects of cholera. Mr. Howe came no farther than the end of the Evans-
ville & Crawfordsville railroad (Chicago & Eastern Illinois'), which was in
process of construction. A crowd was gathered waiting for the arrival of a
train from Evansville. After looking at the first railroad train he had ever
seen, Mr. Howe returned to Owensville. being afraid to stay longer in Prince-
ton on account of the cholera.
In 1873 Gibson county was not the only locality to suffer greatly from
the disease. At Mt. Vernon and throughout Posey county the epidemic was
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA, 279
prevalent. Hundreds fled to higher points away from the river. Ail)ion,
Illinois, was a refuge for a great number and they remained until the scourge
had spent its fury. Other cities along the Ohio river also suffered greatly,
including Cairo, Illinois, Paducah and Henderson, Kentucky, and l'"vansville.
At the latter place, however, the death ratio was not large.
For the most part the people of Princeton, fearing the disease, sla\ed at
home and families kept as much to themselves as possible. But little business
was transacted.
In the preparation of this article the writer has endeavored io record
only well established facts concerning the two epidemics of cholera which
visited Gibson county. The incidents related are largely reminiscences of
people who passed through them, or ha\-e data in support of the authenticity
of the incident related. A number of other stories concerning deaths, priva-
tions and the excitement which prevailetl have not been recurded because they
were unsupported by any reliable data. In many cases, names of persons and
families mentioned are correct, so far as the memory of some old resident
is not at fault. Every effort has l)een made to guard against errors of this
nature. The desire of the writer is to perpetuate only the truth and keej)
fresh the memory of those upon whom honor and glory reflects. Incidents
concerning the conduct of any person or persons wdiich cast any other reflec-
tion are best forgotten. No doubt these occurred, but it is just as true that
buried in the forgotten history of the past are many stories of heroic bravery
and sacritice, enacted by men and women whose names are forgotten by
mortal man, but whose deeds are recorded by Him who "doeth all things
well." They have received their reward.
CHAPTER XX.
A NEIGHBORHOOD RETROSPECT.
Hiiw (loMi- to my he;ii-t are the scenes of my fliiiaiiood.
Wlieu fond reeoJlei'tion iireseuts them to view:
The oi'chnrd. the nieiulow. the deep-tnunled ^vild^vood.
And every loved spot which my infjincy Ivuew.
Breathes there a man with soul so dead that these Hnes from Wood-
worth's famihar poem, "The Old Oaken Bucket", has not stirred within
him a responsive chord of memory and reflection? A man "whose heart
hath ne'er within him burned, as home his footsteps he hath turned?" Pity
the man who had no home in childhood to which he might turn in fond
reflection in after years. Much more to be pitied and to be despised is the
man, who, "though high his titles and proud his name," has no reverence
nor regaled for the home and friends of his childhood.
The sentiment expressed in the lines of Woodworth was vividly in my
mind as I found occasion a slmrt time ago to \-isit some of the "lo\-ed
spots which my infancy knew." in a neighborhood about four miles north-
east of Princeton. It was "the fond recollection" of scenes and incidents
in this neighborhood in the long ago that furnished the inspiration fi>r this
sketch, a sketch somewhat historical and largely personal.
With the splendid rock roads and modern conveyance it is a short anil
easy journey to the late homestead of John M. Stormont, in the neighbor-
hood which is to furnish the material for this sketch. In pioneer times this
farm was known as the Kell place. Like all the early settlers, the Kells lo-
cated their home on the highest hill they cottld find, avoiding the lowlands
and bottoms and the tnalaria which was supposed to be prevalent there.
Here Alexander K. Kell, a son of the first settlers, Imilt him a home, adding
several acres to the homestead of his ancestors. Some of these acres are
very broken and hilly and a great amount of hard labor was required in
getting these lands in shape for cultivation. But there are acres of com-
paratively level land on the farm on which good crops are raised. The
present owner, who made his home here until a few )'ears ago. hail made
some modern impro\-ements about his house and Ijarn, among others a
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. 281
system of water wnrks. I'roni a lari^e cistern, or reserv<iir, sujjplied with
water from a tlriven well, operated by a wind-mill ])ump. located on a hill
near the barn, water is carried b\- ])ipes to the house and barn in sufticient
supi)ly for stock and domestic purposes.
In our wanderings about this place we linalh- came to the top of the
hill \vhere this reservoir is located, and here we ha\e a \iew of the countr\-
for miles around. Standing;- on this summit, in the middle of a held now
un<ler culti\ation, it is not much of a stretch of memory to recall the time
wiien this, and nearly all the country ar<iund, was an unbroken forest. Wind-
ing through what was then a woods, not far from the place where we are
standing, there was a narrow country road, which was the connecting link
between the old Kirk's mill and the Dongola roads, as these were known
then. This narrow, winding road was much traveled in the days in which
my memory is now centered. And I am reminded of one incident that oc-
curred on this road, not far from the place where we are now standing, which
is still fresh in the memory of the few living participants. Jt will be of in-
terest to these few, and perhajis (jthers, to relate this stor}-.
EARLY TIME WEDDING CEREMONIES.
In earl\- times, in this neighborhood, as in others, it was the custom to
make a great to-do about a wedding cerenion\-. In those times a wedding
was strictly a neighborhood affair, and all the neighborhood was interested,
and they were nearly all and always there when the ceremony was pulled ofi.
A surprise wedding was practically impossil)le in tho.se days. There were
no secret marriages, and it was not customary, nor considered ])roper, for
_\-oung people to seek an affinity outside of the families living in the neighbor-
hood. Everybody knew who w^as going to marry and when the nuptial cere-
mony was to take place, and everybody began in ample time to make prepara-
tions to attend. No engraved invitation, or any other sort of invitation was
necessary. .\. wedding day was usually a sort of neigiiborhood holiday. It
was the custom to have a procession, composed of the friends of the bride
and Ijridegrnom, respectively, who would assemble at the respective homes of
the high contracting parties at the aiipointed hour, on the day of the cere-
mony. Then, the bride's part}-, in buggies and on horseback, would start
from her home and proceed to the home (if the groom, where they would
meet the procession that was to serve as his escort. Then the combined pro-
cession, headed by that of the groom, would return to the home of the bride
for the official cerenionv. The groom, clothed in the conventional wedding
282 GIESON COUNTY, INDIANA.
garn*ients of those times, always rode in front of the procession. A neces-
sary part of the groom's conventional outfit was a plug hat. Whatever else
he might lack in worldly goods or wearing apparel, the young man of those
times would not think of fixing the date of his wedding until he was sure
that somehow he could arrange for a plug hat to wear on that occasion. It
might be the first, last and only time he would wear this sort of head gear,
but his concern was only for the present requirements and custuniary pro-
prieties.
The combined procession of the bride and groom, with much display of
ribbons, banners and blowing of horns, was a spectacle to attract attention as
it passed along the way to the home of the expectant bride, where the minister
was in waiting and the ceremony was duly performed. But it was not all
over yet. The next day was the "infare", when the same sort of a proces-
sion escorted tlie newly-weds to the home of the groom, where dinner was
served and a da\- of hilarity enjoyed by those present. Then, after these two
days of hurr\' and ceremony, the neighborhood settled down to the usual
work and quiet.
now A WILD STEER CREATED PANIC IN A WEDDING PROCESSION.
The incident I started to relate was connected with a wedding celebra-
tion like that described. The procession from the home of the bride passed
along the winding road through the woods near the place where we are now
standing, on the way to the home of the groom, a half mile distant. Headed
by the escort of the groom, the procession passed along this same road on
their return to the home of the bride. The procession was marked by much
display, in the way of decorated vehicles, banners, ribbons and loud apparel,
and the blowing of horns. Everything went as merry as the traditional mar-
riage bell until the procession was passing along the road through this woods.
Then something happen-id that was not down on the program.
That same day Paul Habig, Jake IColb and Bob Kirkman were out in
this part of the country looking after some cattle to supply their meat market
in Princeton. In the bunch they were driving to town was one wild, untamed
steer that manifested an unwillingness to be separated from his accustomed
grazing grounds. The cattle buyers had been chasing this wild steer for
hours and had managed to get him as far as this woods about the time of the
approach of the bridal procession. He was a hundred yards or so from the
road when the horn blowing and the loud apparel of the passing show at-
tracted his attention and he at once made a wild dash in that direction. Down
CIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 283
through llie thick underhrush came this wild beast of the forest, with head
erect and tail extended, bawling as he came. It is not difficult to imagine the
effect of this terrifying spectacle. Horses were panic stricken and so were
tlie occupants of the gaily bedecked vehicles, h'ear and consternation ruled
where but a moment before there was joy and hilarity. The screams and
shrieks of the women, the shouts of the drivers of vehicles, as they tried to
contrnl the terrified horses, and. withal, the bawling of that wild steer as he
came riying through the brush, constituted a scene that lacked nothing for
excitement. Nothing like this had been seen and heard in these woods since
the Indians left.
Many of the horses became unmanageable and broke away through the
woods, dashing buggies against trees and seriously injuring the occupants.
Fortunately none of the injuries were serious. The most serious of the
casualties was in broken harness and wrecked vehicles. Some of the horses,
finding themselves free from harness and other incumbrance, made a bee line
for home, leaving their owners to get out of that scrape the best they could.
Things are never so bad but what they might be worse. It was so in
this case. The procession finally got itself together again. Those who were
disabled in body, or in wreck of family carriage, were sent to their homes
antl the remnant proceeded on their way to the place of ceremony. But the
remainder of the journey was without pomp or hilarity. That untamed steer
had put a crimp in all that, but it was some satisfaction to know that his glory
was short lived. He was finally driven to town and to the slaughter. But
this escapade in these woods had one good result — it ended that fashion of
foolishness on wedding occasions. This was the last of that kind in that
neighborhood.
Standing on this hill, which is now our viewpnint for what follows, with
the aid of a field glass, we can see the farms and farm houses on the hills
beyond Patoka river, in ^Vashington township, as we look toward the north.
Looking to the east, we get a view of the lands in Columbia township, and
on a clear day can see the smoke from manufacturing industries in Oakland
City. This is a fine viewpoint for all the country, for eight or ten miles
around, a country of fine farms and fertile fields now, but largely covered
with unbroken forest of much fine timber at the time in which my memory
dwells. But it is a retrospect of this immediate neighborhood that interests
me most just now. From this viewpoint I can easily locate the homes of
those who were the pioneers in this neighborhood, and it is of these that my
story will deal.
?84 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
CHARACTER SKETCHES VISIONS OF THE PAST FROM A HILL-TOP.
Looking down the slope of this hill, as we face east, the house that is
first in view is on the site of the old homestead of John Carithers, who came
with his family from Tennessee in 1836. He was a man of sturdy principle
and rather above the average in intellectual attainments in those days. His
education was sufficient to qualify him for teaching school and he engaged
in this occupation part of the time after coming to this state. Like most of
those who settled in this neighborhood, Mr. Carithers had left his home in
the South because of his opposition to slavery, and he hesitated not to declare
his convictions as to that blighting evil in his Tennessee home. Coming to
Indiana, he brought his principles with him. Here he manifested his oppo-
sition to slavery and the slave traffic, not only in preaching, but also in prac-
tice. In the days of the "underground railroad" his house became one of the
stations, and his sympathies and efforts were actively enlisted in behalf of
bundmen seeking freedom. The old barn that stood on the site we now
have in \iew has harbored many a black man trying to escape to the land of
libertv. His place was always under suspicion, and often visited by the
slave-hunters, but they seldom found what they were looking for. This was
before the days of wireless telegraphy, but these "underground railroad"
stations had a system that enabled them to operate their lines under a code
of signals equal to any of the modern methods of communication. By some
secret code or sign, which was well understood by the runaway slave and
those aiding him. he was passed along from one station to another until he
reached Canada, the land of freedom. No man, of whate\-er color or con-
dition, e\-er came to the home of John Carithers seeking food or shelter
and was sent away unsatisfied. He was a grand Christian man, whose
life anil influence was a blessing and a benediction on the community in which
he li\'ed. The only members of this family now living are ^Irs. Jane Reid,
Morning Sun, Iowa, and Mrs. Louise Peoples, Princeton.
Looking a little to the left, about a quarter of a mile distant, we have
in view the place where Josiah E. Carithers, son of the above mentioned, .
Ijuilt a log house in the woods and started keeping house, more than half a
century ago. He had taken for his wife and help-meet Elizabeth Lockhart.
whose familv- home was alj(.)ut half a mile east. Here he continued to live,
clearing out the forest, arlding cultivated acres to the original homestead,
until he had one of the best farms in the neighborhood. Owing to declining
health, he removed to Princeton about three years ago, where he died in
HIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 285
January. n>i4. at an advanced age. He was the last <it the early settlers to
lea\e this neighborhodd.
On the hill direetl\- east (jf where we are standing is the place where
William Murphy lived fur about twn generations. It was not much of a
farm that Mr. Murphy owned, l)ut he managed to li\c on it and rearetl a
large family. He had the finest blackberry patch in the neighborhood in
early times. He also had some excellent apples in his orchard, as some of
the boys of that time could testify. These same boys could also testify to
the fact that extreme caution was necessary for the trespassers in the Mur-
phy orchard, on account of the Murjihy dogs, tliat kejit faithful watch over
the same. \'ery often the incautious trespasser found it necessary to climb a
tree to avoid a controversy with these dogs, and he was compelled to remain
there, regardless of the weather, until the dog watch was relieved.
Looking toward the southeast, we can see the old homestead of IMathew
Clark, and also that of William Clark, both early settlers, who came in with
the Tennessee colony. In later }ears the Mathew Clark farm came into the
possession of Clarence A. Buskirk, who planted it in fruit trees and made it
a fine fruit farm. Still further east we get a view of the places where Samuel
Lawrence and William Lawrence, respectively, founded a home when they
came to this county from Ohio. .\ little to the right we locate the farm and
homestead of Dustin Mills, who was probably one of the earliest settlers.
He came from Maine and located here in 1816. He was among the best
farmers of his time. His farm, fences, house and other buildings were al-
wa\'s kept in good re])air. and e\er\thing aliout the premises was remarkable
for neatness and good taste.
ESCAPADE OF Bo^'s WHO escapi;d their jlst deserts.
Just beyond the Samuel Lawrence place are the William Harbinson
acres. Mr. Harbinson was a .South Carolinian, a gentleman of the old school.
He was the most neat and dres.sy person in the neighborhood, and e\ery-
thing about his place conformed to his personal appearance. Nothing slov-
enly nor untidy was permissible in his person or possessions. And this re-
minds me of an episode, or an escapade, that may as well be related here.
As has been stated. Air. Harbinson was very particular to have everything
about his premises neat and attractive, and, in accordance with tliis dispo-
sition, he erected a very fine gate, opening into the driveway from the public
road, leading to his house, which was located in a grove a few hundred
yards from the road. This gate was made bv Mr. Harbinson himself, who
286 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
was a fine carpenter. It was of fine black walnut, and painted white, the
pride of the maker and the admiration of all who passed that way. It at-
tracted the attention of a bunch of boys, returning from the Lawrence school-
house, one cold, rainy winter exening. They also admired the gate, but
manifested their admiration in a rather scandalous way. Some satanic spirit,
that sometimes gets possession of boys, suggested that this gate needed some-
thing further in the way of decoration, and this suggestion immediately took
active form. In the muddy road they found an abundance of decorating ma-
terial to their liking, and they at once proceeded to apply it. With hastily
made paddles, with bare hands, and with an industry and energy unusual for
boys engaged in legitimate work, they soon had that gate thoroughly daubed
and plastered. It was a sight to make angels weep, and these boys would
doubtless have been engaged in a similar tearful exercise if the owner had
happened along before the job had been completed and they had made their
get-away. That night it turned cold, and the mud on that gate, and every-
thing else, froze hard and tight. Thus the owner found it when he essayed
to drive out the ne.xt morning. That beautiful gate would not stand ajar,
however much he might jar it, so he found it necessary to open a gap in the
fence until the weather moderated sufficiently to thaw the mud on the gate.
Mr. Harbinson was somewhat gifted in the use of a vigorous and expressive
vocabulary, and it is not at all unlikely that he exercised that gift to the fullest
when he discovered the condition of things.
Somehow the boys who engaged in this decorative art managed to get
by the school teacher (Arthur Trimble), who held a court of inquiry in re-
gard to the matter the next day, and it so happened that their respective
parents overlooked a stern duty. But the information came that the owner of
that gate had secured the names of the bo\s, and that he had registered a vow
to give to the leader of that bunch, especiall)% what was coming to him, on
sight. So, the leader, being apprised of this duly registered vow, and being
fully persuaded that the indignant owner of the gate meant what he said,
decided that, whatever there might be coming to him, he would just as soon
wait ; that, in order to avoid unpleasant consequences, it would be the part
of discretion to keep himself out of sight.
In pursuance of this policy, by cutting across fields, and an occasional
dodging behind trees, as the owner of this gate would be seen from a dis-
tance driving along the road, this undesired interview was avoided and the
registered vow was never fulfilled. It was some years after this that the
outlawed transgressor first met Mr. Harbinson, face to face, as he was drix-ing
out from town. Then the bov had on the uniform of a soldier and he had
GIBSON CniXTY. INDIANA. 287
then no inclination to avoid a nicftiui;'. I'lUl it was nut necessary, as Mr.
Harbinson was in a friendly frame of mind miw. lie manifested it h\- .yet-
ting out of his buggy and. extending bis band to the _\oung .soldier, congratu-
lated him on his having enlisted in the army, and expressed a wish for his
success and a safe return home. A suggested apology for past indiscretion
was met with a laugh by Mr. Harbinson, remarking that no apology was
necessary for that boyish freak, especially since the boys who engaged in it
were now enlisting in the service of their country. With friendly counsel
and admonition, Mr. Harbinson bid the young soldier farewell and godspeed
— and thus, unconsciously, administered a more efifective punishment than the
one threatened years before.
Turning again to view the landscape o'er, looking toward the northeast,
across Lost Creek valley, we recognize the old home of Thomas Wallace, an-
other Tennesseean, who did his full share of the work that converted these
forests into fruitful fields. He lived in that house, and labored in these for-
ests and fields, for more than two generations, and here he died, a few years
ago, at an advanced age. There were never better neighbors, nor a more
kind-hearted people, than Uncle Tom Wallace, and his faithful wife, who
preceded him to the grave but a few years.
Within a stone's throw, almost, looking toward the north, is the place
where James Stormont established a home, and where he lived for forty
\ears or more. Still further, looking in the same direction, is the old home
of William Stormont. About 1836 he settled there, in the woods, on a small
tract of land and built a small log house. Year after year he added acre to
acre and. b)- hard and patient labor, changed forest into cultivated field,
until he owned in one body a fine farm of over three hundred acres. He
continued to live on this farm until 1873. when he sold it, removed to Prince-
ton and bought another farm near the town. He continued to devote his
attention to his farming interests up to the time of his death, which occurred
January i. 1894, at the age of eighty-six years. William and James Stor-
mont were of the tribe of Stormonts who came here from South Carolina in
1832. liecause of their opposition to slavery. The father of the tribe settled
on the hills, half a mile east of where we are now standing, where David, the
youngest of the tribe, lived for the greater part of his life. James Stormont,
the father, d.ied in the old home in 1862, at the age of eighty-nine years.
288 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
MEMORIES OF A HOME AND A MOSS-COVERED BUCKET.
Almost within speaking distance is the place where Andrew Carithers
settled when he came here from his Tennessee home. This was the home
of a revered grandfather and a sainted grandmother, a place of sacred mem-
ory to the writer of this sketch. Here they lived their full measure of days,
and then passed on to their place in that house not made with hands. The
only member of this family now living is Mrs. John Dunlap, whose home is
now in Chicago. In that loved spot, which my infancy knew as grand-
mother's home, there is nothing that fond recollection presents to view more
vividlv than the old well, with its old-fashioned well-sweep, and the moss-
covered bucket, that lirought from the well's pebbled bottom the purest and
sweetest water that nature can yield. I fancy that it was a well, with an equip-
ment like this, that inspired Woodworth's "Old Oaken Bucket". How often,
in after years, especially in the years of army service, has the memory turned
to the refreshing, sparkling water in that well. In the days of long, dry and
dusty marches, with scant supply of water, often obtained from stagnant
pools, or muddy creeks, the thirsty soldier would longingly think of that
moss-covered bucket. drip])ing with coolness as it rose from the well. With
slight variation, and with an apology to the author, these lines from Wood-
worth will express the thought :
Far remo\'ed from the loved situation,
The tear of regret would intrusively swell.
And fancy revert to grandmother's habitation,
And sigh for the bucket that hung in the well,
The old oaken bucket, the iron-bound bucket,
The moss-covered bucket, that hung in the well.
THE MA-KEMSON H(niE — OLD LOG SCHOOL HOUSE.
On account of the intcr\-ening hills we can hardly see it, but memory
easilv fixes the place, directly mirth, which was the old home of Andrew
Alakenison, an earnest Christian man, a patriarch, of my boyhood fancy.
This home was on the hills o\erlooking Patoka ri\er bottoms. It was a log
house, of the primitive type and primitive furnishings, with the wide, ca-
pacious fire-place common to those times. As I remember it. the walls of
the interior of that house were always neatly papered with copies of the
Cincinnati Dollar Times, a family news and story paper, of which Mr.
GIBSON CurXTY, IXIUAXA. J.Si;
Makenisi.ni was a regular subscriber. This intericir dccuralion is tixeii in
memory by impressions made in attendance on llie neighliorhood prayer-
meetings, which were frequently held at this house. On such occasions it
was the custom to have benches around the room, next the wall, for the boys
to sit on. There were usually enough chairs to acconiniodate the older peoi)le.
They had long prayers at these meetings, all kneeling. But the boys, who
faced the wall in this kneeling position, never wearied on account of these
extended supjilications, unless, perchance, some of the newspapers on the
wail should be pasted ujjside down, so that they could not read the stories
which the paper containeil. How long Mr. Makenison li\ed in this house I
have no knowledge, but I recall a boxhood fancy that he lived there longer
than was necessary; that he was titted for glory sometime before he was
called from that home on the hill to one that was higher and more enduring.
On another tract of land, adjoining, was the home of a son, Joseph
Makemson. He hewed the logs and built the house in which he lived during
his lifetime. Another son, Anderson, grew to manhood in the old home, and
lived there for several years after his father's death. As one of the younger
generation, he coiitriliuted his full share of the hard work incident to farm
life in those earh' times. .Anderson Makemson is still lix'ing, a resijected
citizen of Princetfjn, and he is the lone sur\ivor of those who lived and
worked with the early settlers of this neighborhood. The only other mem-
bers of the ^Makemson family living are John, who lives in Iowa, and Airs.
Millis, l)etter known as Mag Makemson in the times of which I am writing,
whose home is in Kansas. Near the Makemson home was the old log school
house, where the youth of the neighborhood received such education as was
aitoriled in early times. One of those who attended school here was James
Makemson, an older member of that family, as is evidenced by the follow-
ing certificate. This certificate was found (as this manuscript was written)
in an old family Bible of James Storniont, Sr., where it has evidently been
for over seventv years. Just why this certiiicate came into the hands of the
owner of this Bible, and why it was so carefully preserved during all the
years the book was in daily use, is not explainable. Anyhow, this old docu-
ment has lain in its hiding place long enough to entitle it to a place in this
story, without explanation or apology, and a copy is here given :
"I, Francis Borland, teacher of the school district \o. 2, in I'atoka town-
ship Xo. 2 south, and range Xo. 10 west, in the county of Gibson, do certify
that James Alakemson, of district No. , of township No. i south, and
ri9)
290 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
range No. 10 west, in said county, has attended at this school since the 26th
day of March, A. D. 1842, amounting in the aggregate to 29 days.
"Given under my hand and seal, this 4th day of August, A. D. 1843.
"Francis Borland (Seal)."
"State of Indiana, County of Gibson, ss:
"Personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace, for the county
aforesaid, Francis Borland, the within named teacher, who subscribed the
within certificate, before me, and, being duly sworn, says the within certifi-
cate is true.
"Given under ni}- hand and seal this 4th day of August, A. D, 1843.
"A. C. Mills, J. P. (Seal.)"
THE OLD-CROSSWAY LEADING TO KIRK's MILL.
Many other things of interest come to mind in looking over the country
from this viewpoint, but we will leave them for the present and move to an-
other point, a mile or more to the northeast, to a hill beyond the Page school
house. From this hill, looking north and east, we see marvelous changes that
have taken place since the time of boyhood memory. Then, all this country
was a vast swamp, an impenetrable wilderness, inhabited by snakes, frogs,
lizards, mud turtles and various kinds of wild animals. Now, this same coun-
try is a great cornfield, as far as the eye can reach, and comprises some of the
most valuable and most productive land in the county. The greater part of
these productive acres, looking to the north and west, are the lands of Alfred
Mauck and Thomas Carithers, respectively. On the hill, to the left of where
we are standing, is the old homestead of William Morrow. Here he lived
for more than half a century, and -here he died a few years ago, at an ad-
vanced age. At the foot of the hill is the site, of the old homestead of Mrs.
Hannah Mills, or Mrs. Dillon, as she was known in later life. Starting from
near her home was the old "crossway," as it was called, which was the. road
that led through the forest and swamp to Kirk's mill, a mile and a half dis-
tant. This thoroughfare was constructed with logs, laid crosswise, and it
was the only connection between the hills, on the one side of the swamp, and
Kirk's mill, and the country beyond on the other. This "crossway" was an
exceedingly rough road to travel, but it was much traveled in pioneer times,
not for pleasure but because of necessity. This was the only way for the
people on this side to get to Kirk's mill, which was the main dependence
for corn meal, and corn meal was the staff of life in those times.
In the early fifties there began quite an increase in the emigration from
Ireland and Scotland. A great many of these emigrants came to Gibson
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 29I
county, and most cif them to tliis neighliorhond. This emi^ratidu was in-
duced, largely, by Rev. Dr. John Stott, who came from Ireland about that
time, and became pastor of the Reformed Presbyterian church (Old Side)
in I'rinceton. Most of those who came with him, or followed soon after,
were Dr. Stott's parishioners in the old country. These Irish people were
all of industrious habits and a good class of citizens. Some of those wiio
came to this neighborhood had sufficient means to buy land and establish
a home, l)Ut most of them came with small means and depended on day labor
for a lixing. But they were ready and willing for any kind of work and tliey
found no trouble in getting employment. In a few years, by thrift and
economy, they were all able to purchase land and engage in farming on their
own account. Many of them became quite well to do. Some of the best
farms in this neighborhood were made by these Irish settlers, who started
from a small beginning, and the development of this part of the county is
largely due to their enterprise and industry. Among these early settlers
who contributed their part to this flevelopment, anil whose farms are within a
half mile of where we are n<jw standing, are the following: William
Morrow, whose location has alread}- been mentioned: John Mooney, the
Mahans, Samuel, James, John and Hugh : James ^lorrow, James Boal, Henry
Greer. Robert Dixon, William Lawson, and others. The Andersons, who
came about the same time, settled on a good farm, on the State road, abcjut
four miles south of Princeton. All of these, and their descendants, were
among the best citizens of the county.
RELIGIOUS HABITS OF THE COVENANTERS.
Taking them as a whole, the people of the neighborhood, over which
we ha\e taken this retrospective view, were above the average for intelli-
gence and moral integrity. It was a strictly religious community, in the days
of which we write. The people were nearly all of the Reformed Presbyterian
faith, better known as "Covenanters". Some were "Old Side" and some
"Xew Side", but whatever side they were on each and every one adhered
strictly to the faith. While their religious haliits were more jjnmounced on
the Sabbath, it was not a "Sunday religion" that they ])racticed. FAery day
in the week it was exemplified, especially morning ami evening, when the old
family Bible was brought into service, and the old Psalms were sung and the
long prayers were made. .\t this service, not only the children of the house-
hold were required to be jircsent and take part, but also the man-ser\-ant, the
maid-servant, and the hired hands, and the stranger that happened to be-
292 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
within the gates. The hired liand, perchance, might ht the man who drove
three yoke of oxen during the day, and freely used expressions incident to
such occupation, but that did not exempt him from singing psalms at the
morning and evening worship. Everybody about the house knew when the
Sabbath came, even the household dog understood that it was different from
other days. Whatever inclination he might have to frisk and play on other
days of the week, he learned, by instinct, that the frisky disposition should
be suppressed on this day. No need of printed cards in\iting everybody to
"go to church today." Everybody went, by force of habit and without per-
suasion, and they remained for the two long sermons, with a short interval
between for the cold biscuit refreshments. Unless the occasion was unusual,
they got home li}- three or four o'clock, ready for the simple meal, the most
of which had been prepared the day before. The rest of the afternoon and
evening was occupied in reading the Bible and such religious literature as
Baxter's "Saint's Rest," studying the catechism, etc., closing the day with
answering questions in the catechism by all, old and young, followed by the
usual family devotions. And this is the way the Sabbath was observed by
the Covenanters who peopled tliis community. Quite a contrast between this
and the modern way, with the Sunday baseball and other amusements. There
may be those who are of the opinion that the modern manner of Sabbath
oliservance is more con(luci\'e to good citizenship and higher ideals of char-
acter and conduct, but the truth of history, antl a comparison of the jjast and
l)resent citizenship, does nut sustain that opinion.
SCHOOLS AND SCHOOLMASTERS.
As most of these early settlers came from the South, where opportunities
for education were usually limited, not many of them had an education be-
yond ability to read and write. But they knew the necessity of an educa-
tion, and were concerned in providing better opportunities for their children
than had been enjoyed by themselves. So the school house made its appear-
ance very soon after the first settlement. The tirst school houses were of the
primitive type, of course. They were built of logs, covered with clap-boards,
wide chimney, built of sticks and daulaed with mud. Eurniture, split logs
for benches, a rough board around the wall for a desk, and all the other
appointments of corresponding simple character. One of these school houses
was located near the Makemson home, as has already been mentioned. This,
however, was somewhat in advance of some of the primitive type in its con-
struction and furnishings. It was built of hewn logs and had glass windows.
GIBSON COUNTY. IXDIAXA. JQ^
and some benches made of plank. Anicmy the teacliers wlio wielded the
birch at this place, fnr al>ility tn wield the birch was an essential re(|uisite for
a teacher's (|ualilication at that time, were James McCcnnell. Nelson K. Crow,
Monroe Barton. John Kell. Lewis A. Tdwnsend. and some others Ijeyond
memory's recall. Of these. Mcmrue liartnn is still living, in St. Louis. Along
about 185O the neighbors decided to build a better school house, in a more
convenient place. A subscription was raised by which sufficient funds were
secured to build a frame building, which was located on the road directly
opposite the William Stormont residence. This was called the Greenwcxjcl
school house, and it still stands, though a little distance from its first loca-
tion. In deciding on the plans for this house, there was some contention
among the subscribers to the building fund as to. the arrangements for heat-
ing. Some of the more progTessi\e were in favor of a stove, bi:t others
argued that stoves were unhealthy and insisted that the old-fashioned fire-
place was the only method that should be used in warming a school house.
At one of the meetings in which this question was discussed, one of the most
obstinate of the advocates for the fire-place said he had made a canvass of
the neighborhood interested in the school and found a majority on his side.
Some of those interviewed, he said, told him that there was more comfort in
being outside in a cold day and seeing siuoke coming from a chimne\- that
had a fire-place, than being insitle by a heated sto\e. And a majoiitN- of
that meeting said, "them's m\- sentiments, too," anil so the fire-place was
decided on. But it was not a success. A sto\e hatl to Ije put in soon after
the building was first occupied.
Of the long line of teachers who have held forth here the most noted
is one by the name of D. L. Summers. He tlrifted in (drifted is right)
about 1857. He was introduced in the neighborhood by a man by the name
of Anderson, who was teaching a geograjjhy school in the neighborhood at
that time. Anderson's geography instruction was liy means of outline maps,
set to music, and he made quite a hit with his method. He also made quite
a hit for Summers, when he arranged for Summers to make a temperance
lecture at the Greenwood school house. Summers made a p(n\erful speech,
the greatest temperance address, the mo.st eloquent a])peal in behalf of that
cause that had ever been heard in that neigiiborhood. He proved to be a man
of fine education, a graduate of "\'ale College, he claimed. He applied for a
school at that place and was enipli./yed at a compensation greater than was
usual for teachers of that time. In his one term here he did not show any
marked al)ility as a teacher, although he was a great scholar, .\fler one term.
294 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
at Greenwood. Summers went to Francisco, where he was engaged in teach-
ing for a time.
The Lawrence school house, near the Dustin Mills home, was somewhat
more progressive than others of the neighborhood. It was the first frame
building and had many other advanced ideas as to appointments. The Law-
rence school was more largely attended and usually had better teachers than
any of the others in the neighborhood. The Page school house, near the
Morrow place, was a frame building, and was the educational center for the
youth of that vicinity. And then there was an old log school house hid away
in the bushes, in an out of the way place, on Indian creek, near the David
Stormont farm. About the only advantage one could see in locating a school
in a place like that, was that it was so convenient to the brush from which
a supply of switches could be obtained. There was no reason why there
should be any delay in the "lickin' " along with the "larnin' " in that school,
and, so far as the memory of this writer goes, there wasn't any delay in this
exercise.
A NOTABLE RECORD OF MILITARY SERVICE IN THE CIVIL WAR.
When the Civil war came, and there was a call for volunteers, the re-
sponse made by the men and boys of this neighborhood was a credit to their
loyalty and patriotism. It is not a matter of wonder that a community so
largely composed of Scotch Covenanters should be loyal to their country,
and be ready to make sacrifice, if need be, in defense of their convictions.
They have a record for stalwart patriotism from their earliest history. In
the Highlands of Scotland it is said of them that they were ever ready to do
battle, or to sing psalms, and that they often engaged in both at the saime
time. It is not strange, that in a community composed of families who had
borne constant testimon\- against a national evil and, failing to eradicate or
restrain that evil, had abandoned home and sacrificed property in the South-
land, that they might get themselves and their families away from all the
blighting influences of that evil; it is not strange that a community of such
people should train up sons who would be ready to manifest the faith and
convictions of their fathers. It is not a matter of wonder that these sons
would be ready to manifest the supreme test of patriotism, when occasion
required it. It is not a matter of wonder that the exemplary life and benign
influence of such people should have an impression, not only upon the fami-
lies of their faith, but also upon the entire community. The notable record
Avhich was made by this neighborhood in enlistments in the Civil war must
be attributed largelv to this influence.
GIBSON COUNTY, IXDIANA. 295
In tlie neighborhdud comprising" the tour school districts tliat have been
mentioned, a territory of about two miles square, something like one hundred
men and boys enlisted in the army, most of them serving through the war.
Man\ of them gave their lives in defense of the flag. Following are the
names of those that can be recalled, and the regiment in which they served:
Seventeenth Indiana — John Aydelott, James Boal, Alex Carithers, Rob-
ert Dixon, John Mehan, Hugh Mehan, John O. Sprowl, Andrew R. Stor-
mont, Joseph Davidson, James H. Paul, Thomas J. Stott, John Whitsett,
Henry Greer, Joe Wilson.
Twenty-Fourth Indiana — George Griiifin, David Legier, I'rank M. Red-
burn, George McCue, P. Swain.
Thirty-Third Indiana — Henry Griffin, Frank AI. Grigsby, David Kirk,
William JMakemson, Gavin :M. Stormont, W. E. Townsend, William \'irden,
Henry \'an Campen, Le\\is \'anCanii)en, Theo. \\'. Wallace, James A. Evans,
W. L. Legier, James McFetridge.
Fifty-Eighth Indiana— John C. Clark, Hugh M. Clark, James T. l)a\ id-
son, John Gillespie, William I. Gillespie, Jacob E. Gillespie, Bynm Mills, Al-
bert Mills, James Page, John Redburn, W. J. Redburn, W. L. Sprowl, John
R. Sprowl, Jnmes A. Sprowl, Gil. R. Stormont, John AI. Stormont, Samuel
Lawrence, James Curry, Amos Legier, Thomas Johnson.
Sixtv-Fi^th Indiana — William Boswell, Thomas Boswell, Hugh Har-
binson, James Hussey, James Lytle.
Eightieih Indiana — A. J. Carithers, John Clark, Hugh M. Clark, Jr., Si-
mon Sprowl J. Renwick Stormont, John C. Wilson, Samuel J. Wallace,
James S. Kell, W. H. McCracken, James Carithers.
One Hundred and Twentieth Indiana — Dale Hussey.
One Hundred and Thirty-Third Indiana — James W. Little.
One Hundred and Thirty-Si.xth Indiana — John Daugherty.
One .Hundred and P'orty-Thinl Indiana — Oscar .\ydclotte, .\nderson
Makemson, Moses Griffin, J. W. Keith, Miller .Murphy. William C. Lawrence,
Samuel Murphy, Conrad Grubb.
Twenty-Fifth Iowa — Thomas Clark.
One Hundred and Fifteenth Illinois — George W. Mills, W. Gordon
Mills.
First Indiana Cavalry — Daniel Conner, Eb Curry, Joe Daugherty, Sam
McClellan, Harve McClellan.
Tenth Indiana Cavalry— William B. Whitsett.
Illinois Regiment — TacoVj Behm, Blaine Kennett, Roliert Curry.
CHAPTER XXI.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS OF INTEREST.
Under the abo\-e caption will be found many interesting, valualile items,
which hardi}- find place in any special chapter, but when coupled with other
topics afford one of the best historic chapters in this volume.
POPULATION OF GIP.SON COUNTY.
The population, as recorded in the United States census returns for 1900
and K)io, for Gibson county is as follows:
1900 1910 1900 1910
Barton township 2. 151 1,866 Patoka township 8,712 9,439
Center township 1,646 1.549 Union township -.149 -'507
Columbia township 3.565 3.588 Wabash to\vnship 1.076 951
Johnson township 1.991 2.370 Washington township __ 1,904 1,546
Montgomery township .4,196 4.279 U'hite River township--2, 934 2,602
Cities and To7i'iis. igoo 1910 Cilics and Tozvns. 1900 1910
Princeton (city) 6,041 6,448 Patoka 710 657
Owensville 1.019 1.237 Francisco 407
Fort Branch 849 1,182 Oakland City 1.991 2,370
Hazleton 758 648
Other towns in the county are included in the enumeration of the ci\'il
townships in which they are situated.
The total population of the county in 1900 was 30,099 and in 1910 was
30,137-
SALE OF A NEGRO GIRL.
The following is a true copy of one of the early-day legal papers executed
in Gibson county, and still remains a part of the county's records, though the
paper and ink are somewhat faded with the passage of an e\-en hundred years :
"Know all men by these presents that I, John Goodwyn, of the county
GIBSON COUXTY. INDIANA. 2()7
of Gibson and Indiana Territury, for and in ci insidcratinn nf the sum ni' S_:;7 i
to me in hand paid at nr hetorc tiie enseahns,' and dehvery of tliese presents,
the receipt whereof I, tlie said John Goodw yn, do hereby acknowledge, have
bargained and sold and by these presents do bargain and sell unto Benjamin
Scales, his executors, administrators or assigns, a certain negro woman named
Dina, aged about seventeen years, to have and to hold the said negro woman
(Dina) above bargained, sold or mentioned or intended so to be. to the said
Benjamin Scales, his heirs, executors, administrators or assii^ns for ever.
And I. the said John (ioodwyn, myself, my heirs, executors, administrators
or assigns unto the said I!enj.amin Scales, his heirs, etc., shall, will and do
warrant and defend against me, mv heirs, etc.. and all and e\ery person
claiming under me as well as against the claim or claims of all and every
other person or perscins whatsoe\cr. In witness whereof T ha\e hereunto
set my hand and seal this the 20th dny >>i ( )ctober. I'^si.v
"Attest: Henry Hopkins. Joiix (ioonwNX. (Seal.)
"Jonathan E\ans.
"Recorded this 20th day of October, iSi.^.
"Robert M. Evans, Rrcortirr."
libhratin;; negro slax-es in gib.son cotntv.
On ^larch 18, 1816, Matthew, a negro man, seemingly agreed with his
master, James Lyon, and consented to be remo\ed from Gibson county to any
other state or territory as a slave for life and the instrument goes on in the
record to state "the same may be recorded."
On the ^th of July, 1814, Robert M. Evans emancipated a lilack man
named John Born, who was formerly a slave in Virginia, then owned b)-
Benjamin Taylor and after the (jwnership passed to Evans and the remo\al
to this territory he was liberated, as above stated, which was a commendable
act performed by Mr. Evans on the anniversary of the natal day of our great
Republic. Xow then, the next day, July 5th, an instrumept was placed on
record which show s that w hich purports to be a generous act of Evans was
simply a farce on liberty and justice — because on that day the negro man John
became an indentured servant to E\ans for thirty years, and on the _' 1 st of
December. 1814, for the consideration of h\e hundred and lift\- dollars Robert
M. Evans sold and transferred John (the colored man) to .\'ath;iniel l'".v;uis.
Another case was that of a colored family. On .\]iril 17. iSiO, the
legal heirs and representatives of Robert Archer, deceased, of Gibson county.
caused to Ije placed on record a ileed grantinu libertv to Simi)son. a ni-iu of
298 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
color, and Eve, a woman of color, and in behalf of themselves, and for and
in behalf of Mitchell and Rachel, infant children of the said Eve, for and in
consideration of the sum of one dollar paid by the said Simpson and Eve, and.
in the terms of the deed "forever exonerate and discharge and for and in
consideration of five years faithful servitude of the said Simpson and Eve,
rendered heretofore to the family of our deceased father, in his lifetime, and
abhoring, as we do, the idea of involuntary servitude, ha\ e and by these pres-
ents each of us hath from this henceforward and fore\er more exonerated,
discharged and set free, the said Simpson, Eve, Alitchell and Rachel from
any and all manner of servitude."
This was signed, sealed and delivered before Samuel Hoge. Jr., and ten
other citizens of Gibson county.
A SLAVE-TRADE TRICK.
While sla\es could not be legally kept in slaver}- in the Xdrthwest Terri-
tory, they could be retained in a form of ser\itude that was in reality slavery.
Here is one of the forms of deception and evasion the ignorant negroes were
led or forced to sign so they could be sold in sla\'ery in Indiana.
"Knox County — I do \i)luntarily agree and consent to my sale and trans-
fer from George Wallace, Jr., to Tossaint Dubois for the balance of m\- term
of servitude. \\'itness my hand and sea! the 30th day of June, 1813.
"The mark of (X) Samuel. (Seal.)"
This was sworn to before a notary and then appeared the following
further statement: "I, Sam, being of full age, do hereby voluntarily agree
to and consent to the sale and transfer from Toussaint Dubois to Jacob
Kuykendall, it having been made at my jsarticular recj[uest, for the balance of
my term of servitude. \\'itness my hand and seal this 18th day of Novem-
ber, 1814. The mark (X) Sam."
It may be presumed that Sam's "particular request" was granted. The
government occasionally got onto the trail of grafting in the old days just
as it does sometimes now. Here is a sample from among Judge Prince's
papers :
"Department of War,
"nth of August, 1S19.
"William Prince, Esq., Indian Agent, Vincennes — Sir: The fraudulent
conduct of Mitchell Brouilett in relation to the provisions for Indians at Eort
Harrison in the year 181 7, 181 8, entitles him to no further confidence from
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. _HJ9
the government. You will therefore dismiss him as interpreter fnmi the
United States serxiee withmU delay.
"I am vcr\- respeet fully, your obedient serxant.
"J. C. Cai.iioin."
A clerk had written die order, and the rather tlouri>hin^ hand (if the
famous South Carolinian, John C. Calhoun, had signed it. There are also
other communications to Agent Prince from >.Ir. Calhoun, then secretary of
war and having super\ ision of Indian affairs.
EXTRACTS FROiM X'ALUABLE IIISTORIC.\L PAPERS.
There appeared in the columns of the Claricii-Xcu's in .March, njij, at
the date of the centennial celebration of Gibson county, several interesting
paragraphs from which we are permitted to here (|uote. They relate largely
to items found in papers, books and letters belonging to Judges Prince and
Hall. ]\Iany of these papers are bills or duplicates of bills rendered against
the government for Indian supplies when Captain Prince was .serving as
Indian agent at \'incennes, and to those of this day who ha\e been accustomed
to think of the olden-time Indian as gathering his substance from the wilds
some of these bills sound odd. In 1820 Pierre Laplante of Vincennes had a
bill of one hundred and thirteen dollars, including in it items for six dollars
for transporting the annuity to the Wea Indians at Fort Harrison, and an-
other for six dollars — two dollars a da) — for rounding up the Indians to pay
them off. There were al.so large bills for bullocks and other nie;it, corn,
whisky, caring for horses, repairing guns, etc. One gunsmith's bill ran over
four hundred dollars in a year for making gun and other repairs for the
Indians. Seventy-five cents for repairing a tonirdiawk was not an unusual
charge — imagine the untutored savage (or was he better tutored than we
have thought) carrying his tomahawk into the gmismith's shop and getting
seventy-five cents worth of repairs on it. How these Indians did eat. too!
Every day must have been Thanksgiving with them, judging from the bills
they ran up against the government. Whisky went out to them in twenty-
gallon lots, and the supply did not last long either! Especially, were the bills
big when a pow-wow or treaty conference was about to be held.
^lost of the items seem to have been ordered by chiefs for their persona!
use, and it appears there were more chiefs than "privates." A chief seems
to have had the privilege of going the limit. August 2t,. i8jf). Christian
Graeter put in his bill of three dollars thirty-seven and one-lialf cents for
300 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
breakfast for nine Delaware chiefs ; he also had a bill of seven dollars for
keeping two Indian horses seven days; and one of nine dollars and fifty cents
for "keeping Indian horses brought in by white people as estrays." One
claim of one thousand four hundred and seventy-eight dollars was rendered
February 5, 1821. for money advanced for pro\-isions for the Delawares who
were en route fnim the White River country to .\rkansas — driven onward
by treaty with the whites. E\ idently they tarried quite a spell there, and
were fed at the go\'ernment's expense.
BEE HUNTING.
Bee hunting was a fa\(jrite amusement of the old settlers. The destiny
of the Indian was to recede before the ajjproach of the white man: it is the
province of the honey bee to act on the reverse and precede the adxent of
civilizatitju. The approach of the honey bee was always a sad harbinger to
the Indians, for they knew the pale faces were not far behind. At an early
date bees were very numerous in Indiana in the groves and along the skirts
of timber, hence the product of the hive became a desirable commodity in
trade and commerce. When the farmer wished a little "land office" money
this was the only real article that would readily command it. Bee hunting
excursions were of annual occurrence. In the spring of 181 7 William Wilkin-
son and others made a little excursion down to Pigeon creek where they
camped and remained a week. In the timber along that stream the}- dis-
covered thirty bee trees. The party secured during that trip fifty-h\e gallons
of honey and seventy pounds of bees-wax. The usual outfit for such a trip
was a lot of kettles and a wagon drawn by a team of oxen.
PIONEER MILLS.
Among the first mills of Gibson county were the band mills. A descrip-
tion of one of these primitive mills may not be without interest at this day.
The plan was cheap. The horse-power consisted of a large upright shaft
some ten or twelve feet in height, with some eight or ten long arms let into
the main shaft and extended out from it fifteen feet. Augur holes were
bored into the arms on the upper side at the end, into which wooden pins
were driven. This was called the "big wheel" and was, as has been seen,
about twenty feet in diameter. The raw-hide belt or tug was made of skin
taken ofif of beef cattle which were cut into strips three inches in width ; these
were then twisted into round cords or tugs, long enough to encircle the cir-
.it
tliis staff and turn
a<lc
in lliL- u])|ier st(.ine
land
in small (|uantities
in C(
>rn was beaten into
c.IP.SdX CCirXTV, INDIANA. 30 1
cunifereiice of the In^- wheel. There it \\a^ held in place hy the wooden ])in>,
then to cross and pass under a shed to run arountl a drum of what is called
a "trunnel head," which was attached to the grinding apparatus. The horses
or oxen were hitched to the arms by means of raw-hide tugs. Then walk-
ing in a circle, the machinery was .set in motion. T i grind iwehe lm>hels of
corn was considered a good day's work on a band mill.
The most rude and primiti\e method of manufacturing meal was liy the
use of the grater. A plate of tin was pierced with many holes so that
one side was \ery rough The tin is nailed o\er a lioard. in an oval shajie.
An ear of corn was rubbed hard on this grater, whereby the meal was forced
through the holes and fell down into a ves.sel, prepared to receive it. .\n im-
provement on this was a hand-mill, which was propelled In man or woman
power. A hole is made in the upper stone and a staff of wmid is put in ii and
the other end of the staff is put through a hole in a plank abo\e so that the
whole is free to act. One or two persons take h
the upper stone as rapidly as possible. An eye is
through which the corn is ])ut into the mill with the ban
to suit the mill, instead of a hopper. .\ mortar '
meal is made out (jf a large round log three ._ir foiu- feet long. One end is
cut or burnt out so as to hold a ])eck of corn, more or less, according to cir-
cumstances. This mortar is set one end on the ground and the other up to
hold the corn. A sweep is prepared over the mortar so that the sjjring of
the pole raises the piston and the hands force it so hard down on the corn
that after much beating meal is manufactured.
EARLY M.VRRIAGES.
During the year of 1813 the following were united in marriage in (iib.son
count}' :
June iS, Willis Stallions to Mary .Stallions.
July 9, James Cheek to Xancy West.
July 25, Lemuel Baldwin to Jane Lynn.
July 28, Michael Thomas to Amelia Merick.
October 28, James \V. Hogue to Rosanna Archer.
August 5, Robert Wheeler to Elizabeth Barker.
August 14, William Kennedy to Ann McCra.
September 24, William Steel to Martha Butner.
Se]3tember 25. James R. Xett to Celia Jar\-is.
October 4, James Tyler to Kliza (Iraham.
302 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
October 9, David Hornaday to Hannah Whitehead.
October 19, Henry I Mills to Rachel Dyer.
October 14, Ace Holcomb to Lucy Devin.
October 17, Vachel Clarke to Nancy Adams.
October 19, Thomas Shields to Abigail Martin.
October 26, James Ashby to Charlotte Decker.
December 17, William Simpson to Rhody Herrine.
December 16, Benmah Gregg to Ji-ilia Fisher.
December 16. James Linn to Sarah Baldwin.
December ij, Archibald Turner to Caty White.
Rev. Alexander Devin was among the first settlers and on June Ti, 1808,
he united in marriage James McClure and Malinda Ann Warrick, this being
beyond doubt, the first marriage among the white people to take place on the
south side of the Patoka river, in Indiana. It was of course the first marriage
within what is now Gibson county.
MARKET PRICES THEN AND NOW.
From old histories and files of newspapers of this count}', the following
prices obtained at an early date, and these will be followed by present-day
quotations :
About 1816 and 1820 good calico sold here for fifty cents per yard and
domestic at about the same proportion. Goods of the same quality in 1835
could have been purchased for eight cents per yard. Along about 1825 home-
spun of the best quality of jeans woven by the diligent hands of the wives and
daughters of pioneers brought from seventy-five to eighty cents per yard.
The industrious house wife considered if she had woven one and one-half
yards of good cloth that she had performed a good day's work. Linen made
from flax brought thirty cents per yard. The usual price for coffee in 1816
was seventy-five cents per pound. Pork, much of it mast-fatted, sold during
the inflated period of 1836-37 for six dollars per hundred pounds dressed and
about the same general prices ruled for other stock. It is no wonder that
the panic occurred with such an inflated condition of what was then mostlv
a worthless currency. Dressed pork prior to this, from 1816 to 1835, brought
only one dollar and fifty cents to two dollars per hundred. Butter sold from
1820 to 1830, at about six and one-fourth cents per pound and wheat averaged
about fift)' cents per bushel. From 1820 to 1835 corn and oats average about
fifteen cents per bushel. In 1816 the price of salt here was three dollars per
bushel and the average price for a first class cow and calf was not over seven
GIBSON COrXTY, IXDIAXA. :^03
dollars. A good horse could Ik- hou-lil tor t\vcnty-li\c- dollars^ 'I'lu- follow-
ing bill of sale is subjoined:
"Know all men by these presents that I ( ieorge Curtis do give a bill of
sale to Eli Hawkins (for the sum of lift\ dollars ii being for value received
of him, this 13th day of July, 1S13). A gray mare about eight years old
fourteen and one-half hands high, one dark brindle cow, with .a calf, a heifer
a year old this .spring, who^e color i^ red and white, one bed and furniture,
one cupboard and furniture, kitchen utensils, a set of shoemaker's tools, one
table, chest and trunk, also house and two half acre lots lying in Columbia,
west of John Severn's lots, which 1 the said Curtis imrchased of .Samuel
Adams, Gibson county, Indiana Territory. In witness wliercinto I set un-
hand and seal this day and date above mentioned.
"Attest V. Clark. GiioRc.ii Ci'rtis.
"Recorded the 2d day of .\ugust, ]8i_v"
Coming down to the present date, the following market (|uolalions are
given as the common prices. Mark the contrast in many items with those
nained above: Calico, fi\e to se\en cents; l>leached muslin, ten to twelve
cents ; wire nails, three cents per jionnd ; butter, thirty cents ; eggs, twenty-five
cents; sugar, best, seven cents; coffee, from twenty to thirty-five cents; corn,
sixty-five cents; wheat, ninety-five cents; oats, forty-two cents; cattle, $9.50
per cwt. : hogs, $7.50 per cwt. ; sheep, $3.00 to $3.50 per head ; coal oil. ten to
fifteen cents per gallon. The chances are that all manufactured- goods will
always be cheaper and food stuffs and all ])roducts of the pasture, field and
orchard will, as the poinilation increases, become higher.
\-ILL.\GE PL.VTS.
The county records show the foUdwing town or \ill,ige plats which have
at various dates been laid ofl' in Gibson count) :
BuEX.v \'iSTA — In Washington civil township, 011 section 13, township i.
range 10 west, ^larch 30, 1S4S. liy Samuel T. Oecker and wife.
DoNGOLA — March 10, 1851, on the I'atoka river, by William C;irpenter
and Isaac Steele. (Now defunct. )
Economy — (Defunct) by Lsaac Casselherry, October 13, 1S3S.
Francisco — In Center township, January 6, 1S31, on the north half of
the northeast quarter of .section 19, township j. range t; west, by John
Perkins.
304 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Fort Branch — In Union township, on section 13, township 3, range 11
west, by Embree Mclntire, Octol^er 7, 1859.
Haubstadt (once Haub's Station) — In Johnson township, on section
31, township 3, range 10 west, by James H. Oliver.
Ha/!Elton — July 2^. 1855, by Gervase and David Hazelton, in White
Ri\-er township.
Jou.vsoN — .\pril 17, 191 I, on the east half of the southeast ipiarter of
section 4. township 3, range 12 west, by Warrick D. Johnson.
KiKKsviLLE — July 4, 1856, by Davis & Price and Hussey & Mills, on
the northeast of the southwest of section ig, township i, range 9 west.
Mackey — In Barton township, on the northeast corner (jf the east half
of section 15, township 3, range 9 west, by Henry Meyer, October 20, 1893.
East Mt. Carmel — In White River township, on section 28, township
I, range 12 west, by W. D. Daniels and Emily D. Pickerell, June 2y, 1897.
McKaw Summit — On section 13, township 2, range 11 west, by Joseph
and Olivia McCarty, May 5, 1904.
Oakland City (originally Oakland) — By James Cockrum and War-
rick Hargrove, on section 18, township 2, range 8 west, in Columbia town-
ship, January 15, 1856.
OwENSViLLE — In Montgomerv township, bv Philip Bri.sco, Februarv 18,
1817.
Port Gibson — On section 3, township 3, range 10 west, in Patoka
township, May 26, 1852, by E. Embree and Samuel Shannon.
Patoka (once known as Smithland, also Columbia) was platted Octo-
ber 13, 1813, on section 25, township i, range 11 west, by Lewis J. Smith.
It is in White River township.
Skelton — On section 17, township 2, range 12. July 26, 1911, by Will-
iam T. Watson.
Smithfield — Section 11, township i, range 11 west, by Stephen L.
Field, June 9, 1838.
SuMMiTViLLE ( uow SomcrsviUe) — April 12, 1854, by John E. Smith,
in Barton township, on section 2, township 3, range 9 west.
\\'arrenton — On section 16, township 4, range 10 west, by John With-
row and ^^^ B. Pritchett, April 30, 1840, in Johnson ci\-il township.
Windham — On section 19, township 2, range 9 west, April 5, 1855, bv
Franklin and Rebecca Ritchey.
Princeton — Original platting was made by Count\- Agent Robert M.
Evans, March 28, 1814.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
TOWNS, PAS'I
Among the Gibson cdiuUx' tnwn-^ that liavc "paNscd uwv" was lUicna
\'ista, in W'ashingon township, un White ri\er above Hazelton. Tiiis was
the location of the old Decker fcrr\-, the lirst on White ri\er in this count}-.
For a while the little town lioonied, Init when the h'vansx ille iS; Terrc liar.te
railroad went the Hazelton route instead i>t tiie iiuena \'ista route it proved
a death blow and Washington township wa^ left without a town.
King Station, south of Princeton, came into exi'^tence with the building
of the Evansville & Terre Haute railroad aljout 1851-J. h'or a year or more
the road's terminal was at the old King farm about a half mile north of the
present station. A turntable was used there and a stage coach carried pas-
sengers on north.
Lyle's Station, four miles west of Princeton, has the uni(|ue distinction
of having been settled entirely by colored people. "S'ears ago a colony of
colored people bought a large bod\- of land in the Cherry Gro\e \icinil\. and
some of them are still living on the lands then purchased.
East Mt. Carmel, on the Wabash, across from Alt. Carmel, Illinois,
came into existence about twenty years ago, when W. D. Daniel was getting
out piling there. The postoffice name was changed to Fetters, for William
Fetters, merchant, because there was a Carmel in Indiana. There is no post-
ofifice there now, though it is quite a settlement.
Dongala is another Gibson county town of the past. It was on the
Patoka ri\er near the Pike county line, and was laid out in 1S51 with a
public square and broad a\'enue-like streets. Tlie Wabash and l{rie canal
promised to make it a real city, but it died with the canal.
CVCI.ONES.
In June, 1S14, the first cyclone ])assed o\er Gibson county, passing from
a northwesterly to an easterly direction. The Parker house, on Hall's hill ad-
joining Princeton, was destro}ed and man}- other exidences of destruction
■were left in the path. The trees of the forest were torn up by the roots.
crops were leveled to earth, and odds and ends of furniture, farm imi)lenients,
etc., were scattered to the distance of miles from their Ijase. William Harnes,
who lived on a farm north of Patoka, described another cyclone which passed
over this section in 1839. About three o'clock in the afternoon, as he relates,
the atmosphere became oppressive and dark, the birds gathered close into the
(20)
30b GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
boughs of the trees, and a pecuHar odor was present. The cloud came up out
of the west in a funnel shape, with a ball of fire revolving in its apex as it
rolled along. The phenomena crossed a wheat field and burnt the stalks off,
leaving a path of black ashes in its wake. Rip Van Winkle might have told
this tale to his tavern cronies.
On Sunday evening, February i"], 1876, Princeton was \-isited with the
most severe cyclone which ever passed over the county. The storm came
from the southwest. Almost the entire southern part of the city was de-
molished by the wind. Many peculiarities incident to the type of storm were
present. In 1880 another wind storm \-isited the county.
FLAT BOATING,
Between the years of 1823 and 1840 the trade carried on by means of
flat boats reached its highest point. The De\in brothers were noted during
this time as boatmen. Most of the boats were sent to the Xew Orleans
markets, corn and jiork. and occasionally wheat, forming the cargoes. The
Patoka, Wabash, Ohio and Mississippi rivers formed the highways of travel.
Five men usually manned each boat, one of whom acted as captain. Patoka
was generally the starting point for produce from this count}'. In the winter
of 1836-37 the Devin brothers packed and shipped nearly a million pounds of
pork. Col. James W'. Cockrum was also engaged during this time in the flat
boat trade.
FEAR OF FIRST STOVES.
When the first stoves appeared, not so long ago as many might imagine,
the\- were regarded with awe and fear in many instances, and when coal first
began to be used in sto\es some were so afraid of it that they would put the
fire out at night, and gingerly, and with constant expectation that something
was going to happen, would rebuild it the next day. The same fear was
shown for the first coal oil lamps, and it is told of one well known Princeton
lady that when her husband brought home her first coal oil lamp she made him
take it out into the garden, some distance from the house, to light it.
FIRST LEGAL HANGING.
The first legal execution in Gibson county was that of William Thomas
Camp, for the murder of J- R- Bilderback, both men residents of Pike county.
The two men had traveled together to Haubstadt, Camp walking and Bilder-
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 3O7
back on liorseback. Ueacliing- 1 laulistadl tlu-y failed t(i obtain l(Kl.t,nns. so
decidetl to canij) in the woods a sliort distance a\va\-. r.ilderl)ack !a\- down
and went to sleep, and Caniji. willi a hickory clnb he had picked n]>, -^Irnck
him on the head and killed him. He threw the bndy into the to]) ni a fallen
tree. The motive of the crime was the theft of a note for se\enty-lne dul-
lars which Bilderback held on Camp. After committing the deed. Camp rode
the horse to Xew Harmony, in Posey county, where he was arrested. He
was brought back to Hauhstadt and there he jjointed out the evidences of his
crime and the location n\ the Ixidy. A coroner's jury was ulitained, and to
them Camp made his confession. After bein.i^- put in jail at Princeton he
made his escape, and for a lonn^ time was hidden. He afterward went to
Kentucky, where he was rearrested for horse-stealin.i^- and placed in jail at
Owensboro. He w'as brought back to Cibson county for trial and convicted at
the July term of court. 1872. of murder in the first degree. He was sentenced
to be hung on Friday, October 4th. but Governor Baker granted him a respite
until Friday. November .22d. when, at two o'clock, he was executed by the
then sherifif, F. W. Hauss.
GETTING "CHURCHED."
In the old tlax's of (iibson county, si.xty or more \ears ago. it was no
trouble at all to get fired from church nieniljershi]). It is related that in the
Methodist congregation here — and it is presumed that the same is true of the
other congregations — dismissals were fretpient for playing cards, attending
races at the old straight race course in north Race street or elsewhere, danc-
ing, going to a circus — the latter an unpardonable sin — and xarious mlier rea-
sons that are today openly or tacitly condimed liy nio^t churches. A nieniiier
would perhaps be called to account and voted out li\- the congregation one
Sunday, if belie\-ed guilt}-, and the next Sunday would rejoin.
P. R. Baldridge. who has interesting recollections of Princeton from
back in the thirties, relates an incident that wa^ carried off by some of the
young fellows here during the existence of the old market house, which stood
on the north side of the court \ard. The stage coach from X'incennes to
Evansville was driven by William Green, who died recently in \'incennes at
the age of one hundred, and this was the half-wa}- place where the night
stop-over was made. C)ne night after drixer ( ireen h;id gone to bed at the
308 GIBSOX COUNTY, INDIANA.
tavern, kept by a widow, ]\[rs. Jng, about where the Gilbert store now is, Ben
Howe, Green Thompson, Samuel Archer, Mr. Baldridge and some of the
other mischievous ones put the old stage coach up on top of the market
house, which was a low building. The next morning Green fussed and
fumed when he saw \\hat had been done, saving he would not be able to make
the trip on time, but after worrying him a while, the same ones who had put
the coach up quickly took it down and started Mr. Cireen on his way rejoicing.
Mr. Baldridge says at that time there was also a stage to Owensvilk- and
New Harmony, which was known as the "jerk-water." It was driven by
Joel Minniweather.
James Scantlin also tells a stage coach story (if huw his father, the late
Thomas Scantlin, and some others, at an early date, one night took the Peters-
burg stage coach apart, carried it up on the roof of the court house and there
reassembled it. The driver was caused considerable worry until the jokers
brought the coach down the same way they had taken it up.
PASSING OF THE OLD SURVEY M.VRKS.
By Garrard M. Emmerson.
On ]\Ia\- 7 in the }ear 1800 the territory now forming the great states
of Ohio and Indiana was cut off or out of the then Northwest territory and
subdi\-ided by a line running north from the mouth of the Kentucky river to
the lakes, all east of this line being called Ohio and all west of it Indiana.
This land at this time was a trackless wilderness. There were no section,
township, range or county lines, no roads, no bridges, no ferries, no means of
intercommunication from one point to another, except an Indian trail from
Vincennes to Louisville. The whole country was one \ast unmarked, un-
charted wilderness, covered with magnificent trees, oak, poplar, ash, walnut
and many other varieties, many of them so large that few men now living
ever saw or will ever see anything equaling them in size and beauty.
The present system of divLding the public lands had been invented and
adopted, but no work had been done at this time. The system of surveying
is sometimes credited to Thomas Jefferson, but he really did not invent it, but
did approve and encourage its adoption.
The first sui'veying within the present boundaries of Gibson county by
the United States surveyors was begun on the 27th of October, 1804, by
Bradley and Breathitt in the extreme eastern part of the county. The sur-
veyors who did the work in this county were Bradley, Breathitt, Brown,
Buckingham, Rector and Sullivan. This man Sullivan was one of the ances-
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 3O9
tors of the Sullivan and Kirks now living in the north part of the county to-
day. Rector began surveying in Ohio, worked through Gibson county and
over into Illinois, and was finally sht)t by an Indian, who thought that he had
killed him. But Rector managed to fall into a creek, swim across, and get into
camp. However, he died the next day. The creek is called Rector's creek to
this day. It is in Saline county, lllinciis.
Ziba Foote, for whom Foote's pond was nameii, was another ni those
United States surveyors, but there is no reconl of an\' (if iiis work, as he was
drowned soon after beginning his ial)ors. He was an educatctl man and am-
bitious to get on in the world, and was engaged to be married lo an intelligent.
educated young woman. He had been at work in Michigan, but linislied there,
went to Cincinnati, secured a contract in southern Indiana, tloated down the
Ohio to Louisville, walked out here, and probabl\- was drowned the first da\-
he went to work. The killing of Rector, the drowning of Foote, and the fol-
lowing items copied from one of the surveyor's books of field notes, w ill show
some of the physical diiificulties to be overcome in doing the work :
"Nov. 9 — Our horses stra}ed off.
"Nov. 10 — Xo horses; all hands hunting horses.
"Nov. II — No horses.
"Nov. 12 — An Indian g'a\e us some information of them.
"Nov. 13 — In the evening the horses were brought to camp.
"Sunday. March 23, 1806 — }.Iy pack-horseman and marker declared they
could not wade so much water, and would not stay with me longer. I remon-
strated with them, but to no avail.
"Returned June. 1806, to finish this townsliip."
The general plan of dividing up the public lands may be .stated as fol-
lows: A meridian line (north and south) was run. Next an east and west
line, called a base line, was run. Then, beginning at the intersection of these
two lines, the land was laid out in townships six miles s<|uare. The first row
of these townships lying .south of the base line is called town or townshi]) 1
south. The first row of these townships adjacent to the meridian Hue and
west of it is called range i west. Any land lying in llie first townslii]i laid out
would be in township i south, range i west. These townships were liien sul)-
divided into thirt_\--six sections. By tiiis s\stem of designating lands it is
plainly seen how easy it is to locate an_\- piece of land l)y description. \ iz. : The
northwest quarter of section 7 in township 2 south, range ir west, of the sec-'
3IO GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
end principal meridian, would indicate the vicinity of I'rinceton at once to
anyone in the habit of following these things.
These surveyors were supposed to keep accurate notes of their work and
observations, as follows : "Monday, Nov. i, 1804 — Began at the southwest
corner of section 36, township 2 south, range 9 west, ran north 2.70 (two
chains and 70 links) to a hickory twelve inches in diameter, 15 chains to a
stream ten links wide, course southwest, 20 chains to a white oak 24 inches in
diameter; 40 chains quarter-section corner; put post from which a white oak
14 inches in diameter bears north 12 degrees, east 14 links, and a hickory 12
inches in diameter south -^y degrees west 20 links ; 60 chains a stream 40 links
wide, course southeast; 80 chains section corner of 35, 36, 25, and 26. Put
post from which a white oak 24 inches in diameter bears north 25 degrees
west 16 links distant; another white oak 30 inches in diameter bears south 24
degrees east, 22 links distant. Timlrer, oak, hickory, dogwood, 2d rate land."
The hickory and white oak first mentioned on this line were called line,
sight or fore and aft trees and were notched or hacked with three hacks on
the south and north sides, and were of use to subsequent surveyors in locating
lines and corners. The others mentioned were what are known as witness
trees ; at the northwest corner of section 36 a post was planted, and the figures
indicate the size, the course and distance of the same from the corner.
Of all the thousands of these witness and line trees only about a dozen
remain in Gibson county. Of all these line trees the writer, with an accurate
knowledge of the county, remembers only three now standing, one a beech on
the north line of location No. 8, now owned by George Peed. One stands on
the east line of the northeast quarter of section -^i, township 2, range 12, now
owned by Miss Martha Waters and others in Montgomery township ; and
there was, a short time since, another on this same line, north of the northeast
corner of this last named tract. There may be one or two more, and some
of those named may be gone by this time.
Of all the witness trees the writer only recalls the following": Two on
the range line between ranges 9 and 10, both elms, one near the residence of
Philip Reinhart, the other seven hundred or eight hundred feet north of the
Southern railroad. Another stands at the southeast corner of the northeast
quarter of section 17, township 3, range 11, near the home of Jesse Dunlap.
Another stands at the southeast corner of the home of the late L. N. Mont-
gomery on the Posey county line. These last two are the only ones known
not to have been chopped into and the marks cut out and practically destroyed.
Another stands at the northeast corner of the southeast quarter of 23-3-13,
now owned bv Fornian E. Knowles.
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. ,^ I I
These witness trees were niarked, shnwiiiLT the miinlu'r nl the section,
township and range. For instance, tiie tree incntinneil at tlie cnrner of sec-
tions 35, 36, 25, and 26, was hlazed facing the cnrner. In this hl.aze was cnt
the letter S, and the nnniber of tiie section it slond upnn. 'I'iiese figures and
letters are as plain today as wiien crt. provided tliey lia\e not been disturbed.
A few years since another stood just east of Foole's pond, near where Foote
was buried, and probably was the only one marked by him. Whclhcr it is
still standing or not is not known.
There may be three or four others, but it is believed this inchulcs all.
and it is highly probable that one or two ot these are now gone. Many of
these would have died and decayed by the natural cnurse of nature, but many
have been ruthlessly and uselessly destroyed that might ha\e lieen pie>er\ed
for the interest of the antiquary- and the old sur\eyors.
INCIDENTS AND SKETCHES OF EARLY TIMES.
To L. O. Emmerson. of Oakland City, credit is due for the subject mat-
ter which follows under this head. Mr. l-jumerson has written a great deal
relating to the incidents of early times in Gibson county, and these articles
have appeared in the local papers from time to time. It is from these articles
that the following extracts are made, with such revision as has been deemed
necessary for the purpose of this pul)lication :
THE BIG WEI.E AT SO.MERVIELK.
What is known as the "big well." at Somerville. was dug in ihe summer
of 1854. There was not even a shower to lay the dust from July 1st to
September i8th, and the farmers surrounding Somerxille joined the Irish on
the railroad in digging this well. It is about fifty feet deep and al)out eight
feet in diameter. The work of digging this well was directed l)y John Martin,
father of D. M. Martin, of Oakland City. It was a great work. On reaching
the depth of about fifty feet, a heavy blast was placed and a shovel full of fire
was thrown in, and a tremendous explosion followed. When all was still
there was a gurgling sound heard, but the smoke was too thick to see the
results. "Pat" Flanigan could hardly wait to go down to see the results of
the big blast, and as soon as he could go he got into the bucket and was low-
ered at a rapid rate. All at once he found himself submerged to his shoulders
in very cold water, tie yelled up as loud as he could, "Mike, by the Holy
Saint Marv, draw me up uuick, or I will Ije scalded to death. The well is full
312 GIBSON COUNTYj INDIANA.
of boiling water." He had mistaken cold for hot. Parties went to work
with buckets to draw out the water so that the loose rock torn by the blast
might be removed, but, with all their drawing, in ten hours the well stood
thirty feet in the finest water in the whole country. As this was a kind of
partnership well between the farmers and railroad people, all came here for
water. People for ten miles came and hauled water from this well and
after drawing constantly for days at a time would not lower the water more
than two feet and it would reco\ er this two feet in just a little while. During
many dry years since this time, the big well at Somerville has been Barton
township's chief supply.
FAITH IN JOHN m'mASTER's PRAYERS.
The people in Somer\ille and vicinity were of the old type of Covenant-
ers, and for many years the preaching place was in the woods, under a large
sugar tree about three-quarters of a mile south of Somerville. Many a pow-
erful sermon was preached here. The people would assemble at ten o'clock
and the first sermon would continue until noon. Then there would be a half
hour intermission for lunch. Then the second sermon would begin and
sometimes last until three or four o'clock in the afternoon. The Rev. John
Kell was the first minister to preach at Somerville. Then came Rev. Samuel
Baldridge and after him Rev. John McMaster. It was in Septeni1)er, 1854,
after a long dry season that Re^-. McAIaster came to preach. The whole
country was parched and dry, stock was suffering and dying for water. In
the morning service Mc^Iaster made a special prayer for rain, and the jirayer
was fullv an hour long. About the middle of the afternoon the worshippers
were startled by a keen clap of thunder; a cloud had formed and was coming
on at a rapid pace. The congregation ran to an old log school house nearby,
and barelv gained shelter, when a perfect deluge of rain came down. Uncle
Rube Martin was there and his belief in Rev. McMaster was very great, so
when the rain began to pour Uncle Rube struck his fist in the palm of his hand
and said : "Dipend men, I told you McMaster's prayer would fetch it," and
Rube did truly believe that the rain was in answer to that prayer, and who
knows but he was right? Uncle Rube soon went into the army and received
his death wound in the cedar woods at Stone's Ri\er.
RE\-. JOHN- Mc.MASTER.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
PIONEER INDUSTRIES OAKI.AXn CITY,
The land on which Oakland City stands was settled by Jesse Houchins.
He sold out to Col. James W. Cockrum about the year 1827. Cockruni soon
went south and engaged in steam-boating tor a few }-ears, and about the year
1835 returned and repurchased the greater ]5art of the land now occuijied by
Oakland City, from Richard Barrett, who then lived in a small hnu.'^c which
stood near where Airs. H. C. \'icker's residence now stands. 'I"he well of this
old residence is the same one that now supplies .Mrs. X'icker-^ with water. .\ir.
Cockrum lived here for se\eral yeai"'^, and here Col, W. M. Cockrum was
born, who still owns the land on which the old house slooil and refuses to sell
it at any price. He removed the old house several years ago and it now stands
in his yard near his residence, with a lot of the old household furniture which
belonged to his father and mother in it. Hi? father's old hunting rifle, which
he called the "Tormentor," hangs in a gun rack over the door. The old
dogirons used by his father are still in the old wood fireplace. In fact this
old house and contents are the greatest old relics remaining of Oakland.
Col. James W. Cockrum was the father of the town of Oakland City and
did more to build up the town than any other man. .\nothcr verv i)roniinent
man in founding this town was Jacob W. Hargro\e. Air. Ilargro\e li\ed on
a large farm of several hundred acres just east of town, where he li\ed the
greater part of his life. He was one of Oakland City's first merchants and
was also a big dealer in leaf tobacco and other farm products. He was also a
stock dealer and a miller. In the year 1855 he, in company with Col. James
W. Cockrum and several other gentlemen, built a steam grist and flour nu'll
on the Old Straight Line railroad, on the ground now c)ccu])ied by Dr. Alc-
Gowan's stable yard and garden, and built a miller's residence where the
Doctor's residence now stands. This mill cost alionl eight thonsaud dollars.
a large sum for this early dav. There was a woolen mill in connection with
the flour mill. This proved to be an unprofitable inxestnient. Tins mill
burned down about twent\-five years ago.
THE BI£GINNING Ol'' HUCKSKIX.
In the early days of Gibson county a road was oiiened from lioi.inxille.
Warrick county, to Princeton, in Gibson county. As there were but few-
farms cleared between the two jjlaces, this road was buiU on llu- shortest
route, regardless of the land lines. It was cut through the woods nearly all
314 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
the way and was used as the stage hue between the two towns. The great,
awkward stage coach hinibered Ijack and forth and all the traveling men going
from one of these tow ns to the other took passage in this coach. It also car-
ried the mail. Xow alrmg this road lived several men who made their living
hunting game, and all the deer hides or other pelts they had U> sell were sent
to Boon\-ille or Princeton, and as these hunters never knew just when the
stage would pass their locality, they wuuUl take their skins tn the roadside
and put their mark on them and hang them up in some conspicuous place.
When the stage came along the driver would gather up the hides he thus
found and deliver them to the merchants in one or the other of said towns,
who knew the marks and would give the hunter to whom they belonged pro-
per credit for them. Thus the tra\-elers in the stage coach would see. the
driver stop e\er\' mile or two and gather u\) the deer skins which he found
hanging up by the roadside. Soon this r(_)Ute became known as the Buckskin
road. This name became general throughout the whole country and for
many years remained unchanged, until the farmers along the route began to
straighten the road and put it on the lines. This road left the old State road
at the 'S'oung place, just south of Princeton, and ran in a southeasterly direc-
tion. It passed just south of the poor farm to Port Gibson and from there on
to Lynnville, in Warrick county, and from there almost due south to Boon-
ville. For many years this was the main route to all this country between
Boonville and Princeton, and along this line the early settlers clustered and
small business places sprang up along the road, such as cooper shops, black-
smith shops and other industries.
Along in the early fifties there came a }-oung German from E\ans\ille by
the name of Emil Sasse, and started a small store on this road, near the east-
ern line of Gibson county. His business at first was a kind of settlers' can-
teen, with a few groceries, powder, lead and other small wares. He also
secured a postoffice and named it "Buckskin," after tlie road on which it was
located. His business was prosperous from the start. It was fifteen or
twenty miles to any other point where people could trade and he did a good
business. His brother, Theodore, was in business in Evansville and soon sold
out and joined Emil at Buckskin. They increased their stock and built a
larger store. Trade rushed in and people came for ten miles in every direc-
tion, and the Sasses were the busiest men in the whole country. Emil Sasse
was twice elected treasurer of Gibson county. After the closing out of the
Sasse store at Buckskin the Evansville & Indianaixjlis railroad was built. It
ran about a mile east of old Buckskin. A new town was laid out on this rail-
road and Herman JUiskuli!
continued the town of VmcV
will enJMV such ])ri isperit\- :•
;SON COUXTY. IXniAXA
315
upened a store and si-cu
red 1
Ihe poslul'liee
and still
skin. But Ihickskin ne\
;er 1
las and perha
]>> ne\er
s it dill in ihe nalnn da
\> 11
l' the Sasses.
OLD GIUST Ml
There are hut lew men in (iihsmi euunty that have reaehed the half-
century nule stone on the hisj;hway from the cradle tn the gra\e hut have
memories lingering around the old grist mill (it their hoyhinxl days. Tues-
days. Thursdays and Saturdays were "custom days", toll one-si.xth for corn,
one-eighth for wheat. First come, lirst served.
Here all the gossip of the country was exchanged for its kind. Here
knives were swapped, either hy inspection or sight unseen. Horse swajjping
was also of common occurrence. On those "custom days" from early morn
to dewy eve the crowd was coming and going, swapping and hantering. Did
it happen to he a campaign year, politics was discussed by all except the
miller, who was supposed to favor all sides and have nothing to say, and it
was regarded as a breach of good breeding to attempt to draw him into dis-
cussion.
The milling was most often done liy the boys of the family, ranging
in age ivom ten to seventeen years, li an_\- one should inquire about the size
of any ^^ertain boy and was told that he was big enough to go to mill, they
would consider the answer satisfactory. When the family meal barrel showed
signs of exhaustion, a bag of corn would be selected the evening before some
particular dav, and at night after all the chores were done and the family was
all indoors, a bed c|uilt would be spread out upon the floor and the corn
poured thereon. Then the family would gather around and shell the corn
upon the (|nilt, while the cobs wouUl be thrown aside for use in the kitchen
stove. Then the quilt would be gathered up, causing the corn to collect in the
center, when it would be scooped into the bag and set aside until morning.
Bright and earlv the next day it would be placed across the back of a horse,
with a boy mounted astride, and he would strike out for the nearest grist
mill. Sometimes he would have to go five or six miles. The sign "First
come, first served", was strictly adhered to. Often he would be among the
last to arrive and many times he would have to stay till dark for his grist,
and then ride the lonel\- wa\- home through woods and swamps in the
darkness.
But all this was nothing to the day he had spent with the other mill boys,
wrestling, jumijing, jilaying ball and marbles. swap])ing knives and exchang-
3l6 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
iiig gt)ssip for gossip, which he knew would be called for and listened to by
all when he got home. .\ good supper would be waiting for him when he
arrived home at last, for of dinner he had none.
.SCHOOL m.sruRBED by a panther visit.
In the -Major David Robb settlement near wlicre the town of Hazelton
now stands, tliey had built a school house not far from White river and
school was being held there. One of the patrons of the school had started
out hunting and gone by the school to see one of his boys at the time of noon
recess. While there the hunter's dogs treed a young panther, not far from
the slIiouI house. Tlie children went out to see what the dogs were barking
at, antl the hunter, cm coming up, saw it was a panther kitten about one-third
grown, lie shot it out of the tree and told his boy to drag it near the school
house and when school was out in tiie evening to take it home and save
liie hide.
.V short time after "books were taken up " the teacher and jjupils were
startled by the awful scream of the old mother panther, as she came bound-
ing along the way the young one had been dragged. They had forethought
enough to close the door and put the window bench in place and fasten it
there. Tlie furious animal rushed up to the carcass of her kitten and when
she found it was dead she broke forth in terrible howls and screams of la-
mentation. 1-ooking around for something on which to avenge its death, she
made a rush for the school house, ran two or three times around it and then
leaped on lop of and commenced tearing across the roof from side to side
as if hunting some place where she could get in to the imprisoned teacher and
pupils, .\tter a while she gave three or four most terrible screams; presently
the answering screams of another panther were heard some distance off. It
was !ntt a short time until her mate came rushing up and the two went to the
dead kitten and seemed to be examining it. They then gave several screams,
one after another, and made a rush for the building, bounded on top of it and
for the ne.xt half hour kept up a screaming such as the helpless scholars anil
frightened teacher had never heard before.
Major Robb had several men working for him at that time. They heard
the fearful noise, and by the direction were sure it came from near the
school house. Three men took their rifles and hurried to the rescue. Sev-
eral dogs had followed the men and they set up a loud barking and rushed
at the school house. A panther could easily kill the largest dog with one
stroke of its terrible claws, but for some reason thev are dreadfullv afraid
GIBSON COUMY. INDIANA. 3I7
of a dog- and could 1ie easily treed by a small feiste. The panthers jumped
to the grouiul and ran u]) a large tree which stood near the school house and
were soon shot to death Ijy the hunters.
The teacher was a full-blooded Irishman, ])ut a .short time from Ireland.
He had wandered out into the wilds of Indiana. Coming into that neighbor-
hood and learning that Major Robb was from Ireland, he had been staying
at his house for some time. Having the necessary qualifications he was em-
ployed to teach the school. After the panthers were killed he dismissed the
school and went back to the ^Major's, but refused to teach any longer. He
said he would not li\e in a country that was on the frontier of "hades"
and was inhajjited liy such pesky, screaming, screeching varmints as this
country possessed. — From Cockrum's Pioneer Hi^^tory of Indiana.
FLOOD WATERS.
Gen. George Rogers Clark, when making his memorable marcii from
Kaskaskia to Vincennes in the month of Febrnar\', 1779. encountered the high
waters of the Wabash river, and in his account of the tortuous miles coxered
he relates of meeting the overflow from the ri\-ers. Muddy roads and numer-
ous pools were first disco\ered, and a drizzling rain warned them that these
signs were a hare forerunner of the floods ahead. He describes the fortitude
of the men later, when they were compelled to wade through the level expanses
of water covering the le\el country, and the good spirits prevailing notwith-
standing the hardship. .\ portion of his diary, published in English's "Con-
quest of the Northwest,"' and there quoted from Bowman's Journal, relates:
"lOth. Crossed the river of the Petit fork upon trees that were felled
for that purpose, the water being so high there was no fording it. Still
raining and no tents — encamped near the ri\-er. Stormy weather.
"13th. Arrived earlv at the two Wabashes. Although a league
assunder, they made Ixit one. ^^'e set to making a canoe.
'■15th. Ferried across the two \\'abashes, it being then five miles in
water to the opposite hills, where we encamped. Still raining."
Clark himself says in his journal that the weather was "wet, but fortu-
nately not cold for the season, and a great part of the plains under water
several inches deep. It was difficult and very fatiguing marching. =;= * *
I viewed this sheet of water for some time with distrust : but, accusing my-
self of doubting, I immediately set to work, without holding any consultation
about it, or suffering anybody else to do so in my presence : ordered a pirogue
3l8 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
to be huih immctliately, and acted as though crossing the water would be only
a piece of diversion. ■•'■ * *
"In the evening of the I4tli, our ves.sel was finished, manned and sent to
explore the drowned lands on the opposite side of the little Wabash, with
private instructions what report to make, and, if possible, to find some spot
of dry land. They found about half an acre and marked the trees from
thence back to camp, and made a very favorable report. Fortunately the 15th
happened to be a warm, moist day for the season, and the channel of the ri\er
where we la\- abciut thirty yards wide. A scaffold was built on the opposite
shore tliat was al)i)Ut three feet under water; our baggage ferried across, and
put on it. Our horses swam across and received their loads at the scaffold,
by w Inch time the troops were brought across, and we began our march. Our
\essel was loaded w^ith those who were sickly, and we mo\ed on cheerfully,
e\ery moment expecting to see dry land, which was not discoxered until we
came to the little dry spot mentioned.
"This being a smaller l)ranch than the other, the troo[)s immediately
crossed, and marchetl on. in the water, as usual, to take possession of the
(nearest) height they could discover. ( )r,r horses and baggage crossed as
had lieen done at the former river, and proceeded on, following the marked
trail of the troops. .\s tracks could not be seen in the water the trees were
marked. * * * We were now convinced that the whole of the low
country on the Wabash was drowned, and that the enemy could easily get to
us, if they discovered us, and wished to risk an action; if they did not, we
made no doubt of crossing the river by some means or other."
The narrative continues to tell of the repeated hardships endured by the
men w ho w^ere forced to march through the flooded countr)-. Camp grounds
were difificult to find, for the country was uniformly low.
English's "Conquest of the Northwest" relates : "There was no cessa-
tion of the flood. If anything, it grew worse as the party advanced. It
would be diflicult for persons at this day to realize the generally wet anil
marshy condition of the flat lands, especially the bottom lands adjoining
rivers, lakes and creeks, in Illinois and Indiana in early times. This was the
general situation, which was much aggravated, of course, by seasons of great
rains and floods. The country, from a variety of causes, has been gradually
getting drier, as the author personally knows, for the last fifty or sixty years,
and the same drying-out process has no doubt been going on as far back as
the campaign of Clark against Vincennes. The author saw the bottoms of the
Wabash w'hen o\'erflowed. in 1834 and 1835, and fully realizes the wistness of
the country co\ered with water. He made a horseback journe}- almost en-
IXmANA.
: lu west an
(1 return, in thd
less ni the
whnle ciiunlry
1 it may he.
:(inie a serious i
:o diminish
at the same ral(
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 3I9
tirely across Iiuiiana and lihnnis, fmni eas
and can not but compare the present dr\i
extremely wet state at that period. Indeed
the streams and the water supply continue ti
other half century.
"This wet condition was noticed hy all travelers in early times, and
especially in the region of the Wabash and its tributaries. Thomas's 'Travels
in the West,' in 1816, says: 'There is one inc()n\enience attending this
country, exclusive of the overtiowing of the Wabash. All its tributary
streams, after a heavy shower of rain, rise aho\-e the banks, and overflow the
lowlands, adjoining, which on all is of considerable extent. In time of high
water, it is one of the most ditTicult countries to travel through I ever saw.
I have known it for more than four weeks at one time that no jierson could
get away from Union Prairie without swimming his horse, or going in a
boat.' "
Clark and his heroic little laand continued their march toward X'incennes,
at times wading" through water to their waists and e\en to their shoulders.
High land would be reached, and hopes of better country would arise, only
to be dispelled by the sight of limitless expanse of watered lands on the other
side. Clark, upon reaching the Embarass ri\-er, discovered the whole
country between that and the Big W^abash river towarrl \'incennes over-
flowed, and impassable by straight course. The Embarass and Wabash rivers
had overflowed to such an extent that the}- were united across the land inter-
vening. Through this mire and muddy water, Clark and his men forged
their way.
OTHER FLOOD FIOl'RES.
Concerning the action of the floods in the past years there is little to say,
only that the water at certain stages does certain things, .\t the eighteen-
foot level the water overflows the banks and spreads into the surrounding
country, driving the jjeople from the lowlands to the higher points of ground.
At the twent'\--twu foot le\el no section of the river country is inhaliilal)le
except the highest points. The spring of kji^ was an exce])tion. I'or tlie
water at this time rose to the point of 31. i feet on tlic gauge at .Mt. Carmel,
Illinois. There has been no period since the \ear 1S73. when records were
first tabulated, when the water reached such a height. ( jenuine disaster fol-
lowed this phenomenon; hundreds of people were made homeless, and thou-
sands of dollars worth of property in Gibson county was destroyed.
It is interesting to give in this connection the \arious heights of the
320
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Wabash river at the Mt. Carmel station since 1875, these records being those
of over twenty feet, the genuine danger point. Sixteen feet is the official
danger point, bnt at this stage Httle loss is suffered owing to the precautions
taken by the people.
August, 1875 -8.0
June 18, 1889 21.4
January 9, 1890 22.6
January 15, 1890 25.1
February 28, 1890 20.3
March 2, 1890 22.2
March 6, 1890 23.4
February 28, 1891 21.9
March 2, 1891 22.0
April 2, 1891 20.S
April 6, 1891 21.8
April 13, 1892 21.5
February 18, 1893 21.2
February 23, 1893 21.7
April 30, 1893 22.6
May I, 1893 22.9
May 8, 1893 24.5
March 7, 1897 20.5
March 13, 1897 26.4
January 31, 1898 21.8
February 3, 1898 26.6
March 31, 1898 27.0
March 8, 1903 26.6
March 12, 1903 22.3
March 26, 1904 20.7
April I, 1904 27.00
April 2, 1904 27.01
April 3, 1904 20.8
April 8, 1906 20.8
April 8, 1906 23.6
January 9, 1907 21.6
January 18, 1907 : 22. 1
January 28. 1907 24.
February i, 1907 21.
March 17, 1907 20..
March 21, 1907 22.1
February 17, 1908 20.
February 24, 1908 23.
JNIarch 8, 1908 20.
March 15, 1908 2^.
May 8, 190S 20
May 13, 1908 20.
January 24, 1910 20
January 27, 1910
March 9, 1910
March 5, 1912 20.
March 6, 1912
March 7. 1912 21
March 8, 1912 20
March 24, 1912 20
1912 21
1912 21
1912 21
1912 22,
1912 22
1912 22,
1912 22
22
March 25,
March 26,
March 27,
March 28,
March 29,
]\Iarch 30.
March 31,
April I, 191
April 2, 19]
January 30,
March 30, i
1913-
913-
CHAPTER XXII.
CITY OF PRINCETON.
Princeton is situated on an elevated ridge, ninety feet aljove low-water
mark in the ^\'abash river; is one hundred and nineteen feet above the city
of Evans^-ille, and four hundred and eighty feet above the ocean's level.
Topographically, the city is handsome. The land is for the most part level
and well adapted to building sites, without many excavations. There are
some portions of the place rather uneven, but in no true sense hilly. The
drainage is excellent. It is now an up-to-date city, with a beautiful public
square, many fine modern business blocks, a good system of electric lights
and a good water-works plant. It has been an incorporated place since 1818,
and according to the census returns of the United States in 19 10 there were
six thousand four hundred and forty-eight inhabitants. The last decade has
seen a rapid growth here, owing to various conditions, but chiefly a true spirit
of enterprise that has been fostered by a \ounger, more active, progressive
element among its worthy citizens. Its schools and churches bespeak intel-
ligence and correct manner of living. The reader is referred to the chapters
on Educatio'n and Churches for these elements, both of which have been
characteristic of Princeton from earl}- days to these ojiening years of the
twentieth century.
Princeton is not known for its manufacturing industries in recent years,
but it exists more especially by reason of the rich agricultural countrv sur-
rounding it; by its railroad interests: its railroad shops; it being the county
seat; its solid banking institutions and retired men and women who liave,
many of them, resided here all their lives, at least within Giljson countv. The
coal, gas and oil industries have of more recent years been of much financial
value to the city.
The reader's attention is now called to some of the interesting features
of Princeton in former days, for, remember, Princeton is one hundred vears
old, and this year (1914) is celebrating her centennial anniversarv in a be-
fitting manner.
(21)
322 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
BEFORE THE LAYING OUT OF PRINCETON.
Long before the plat of Princeton was thought of, Pioneer James Mc-
Clure deeded thirty acres of land to parties, who finally donated ten acres
including the present public square. This tract was given to be used as a
"gathering place" for the public, but after years went by, and Princeton was
the seat of justice, it became the public square. All this was done while this
was a part of Knox county, territory of Indiana. The county seat of Knox
county was at Vincennes. William M. McClure, now a resident of Princeton,
is a grandson of the James McClure who is above mentioned as owning these
lands in the present Princeton plat.
NAMING OF THE TOWN.
At the session of court held February t6, 1813, at the house of Henry
Hopkins, the following action was recorded, the name of the seat of justice
having been hit upon by drawing of lots among the commissioners, Captain
Prince winning:
"The court took into consideration the propriety of establishing some
suitable name for the seat of justice for Gibson county; whereupon ordered
that the seat of justice for Gibson county be hereafter known and designated
by the name and style of Princeton
"The court then went into the establishment of a plan for the town of
Princeton.
"Whereupon the following plan was adopted, viz : The public square
and seat of the public buildings is to be laid off in the most suitable manner
so as to include as near central as convenient, a certain stake to be set up by
the judges of the court; the said publick square is to be laid off eighteen poles
square, making two acres and four poles ; the town, both in- and out-lots, to
be laid off from the publick square in such a manner as to leave each street
in said town sixty feet wide, and the in-lots to be laid in squares of eighteen
poles each way; each square to be divided into four equal squares, so as to
make each in-lot nine rods square containing one-half acre and one square rod
each. The out-lots to be laid off in such manner as may be thought most
suitable by the agent when the same comes to be surveyed.
"There shall be four .streets laid out, two on each side of the range of
lots on which the publick square lies, extending from the north to the south
side of the town plat, the said lots to be sold on the following terms, viz:
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 323
One-third of the purchase money to be paid within six months from the
day of sale, the balance in twelve months from the day of sale, the same to
commence on the 4th Monday of March next and continue three days, viz :
from ten o'clock in the forenoon until three o'clock in the afternoon of each
day."
FIRST EVENTS.
Capt. Thomas Chapman erected the first house around the square after
the town was laid out. Mr. Chapman happened here on a prospecting tour in
the spring of. 1814 and attended the sale of lots. Being pleased with the
outlook, he purchased the half acre lot on the corner south of the south-
east corner of the public square and immediately set to work to build a two-
story hewed-log house, thirty-six by twenty feet in size. This building was
completed and Mr. Chapman returned to Kentucky and brought on his
family, arriving November 14, 1814, having occupied thirteen days in mak-
ing the trip. He moved into his house, established a hotel, boarding a portion
of the hands that worked on the first court house. He named his house the
"Traveler's Inn," and continued in it till March, 1815, when he sold to James
Russell, who was one of the first licensed tavern-keepers in Princeton.
The first storehouse was made of logs, two stories in height, and was
situated on the corner west of the southwest corner of the square. It was
erected by Willis C. Osborn, who brought a small stock of general mer-
chandise here from Vincennes in the latter part of 1814 and was the first
merchant of the place. He was associate judge from October, 1814, till after
the state was admitted in 1816. There had been some goods sold prior to
this by a Frenchman who kept a small assortment in the ''Long Ornery."
He was not here over three weeks and did not really deserve the name of
merchant. The "Long Ornery" consisted of a half dozen small cabins built
very closely together and stood on the tan-yard branch near where later
stood the Catholic church. The second store and third building erected
around the public square was situated on the corner west of the northwest
corner of the square. It was occupied by Jones & Moffitt, general merchants.
The next business house was built by James W. Jones and Robert Stockwell
and stood on the corner south of the southwest part of the square. These
buildings were all built in 1814. Robert Stockwell was for many years the
leading merchant of Princeton. He was a native of Pennsylvania. In the
winter of 181 5 he purchased a general stock at Pittsburg, loaded it on
flat-boats and floated down the Ohio river to where Evansville now stands.'
324 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Here he loaded his goods on wagons, came to Princeton and, having formed
a partnership with Mr. Jones, opened a store in March of that year. After a
few years Jones withdrew from the firm and Stockwell continued alone until
1846, when Samuel Archer became his partner. A few years later he moved
to Lafayette, Indiana, where he died, aged ninety years. He was an active,
enterprising citizen and during his long and very successful business career
at Princeton he accumulated a large fortune.
The postoffice was early established and John J. Neely, a prominent
man in the county's early history, was the first postmaster. It then cost
twenty-five cents a letter to get it from the postofiice. The fourth business
house was erected by John Arbuthnot in April, 181 5. ItVas on the corner
of Hart and Emerson streets, one block north of the public square. Mr.
Arbuthnot was a saddler and established the harness and saddlery business,
which he followed a number of years. He was postmaster twenty years and
died in 1865, aged eighty-two j^ears. The next business house was con-
structed of brick on the corner north of the northeast corner of the square.
It was built by George W. Chapman in 181 5-16 and, with the exception of the
first court house, it was Princeton's first brick building. Chapman was a gun
and silversmith, and followed his trade here about ten years, then removed
to Missouri. This building was undermined and caved in about the first of
the eighties. Mr. Zimmerman, from the East, erected a one-story brick
house, containing three rooms, in which he kept a general store in one room.
In another room Chauncey Pierce, a Yankee, manufactured combs, buttons,
etc., and the third room was occupied by a saloon. Samuel Shannon built a
frame store room and dwelling near the center of the east side of the square.
Mr. Shannon engaged in general mer'chandising, pork packing, etc. He was
also an extensive shipper, loaded great cargoes of pork and grain on the
flat-boats of the Patoka river, and floating them down to the New Orleans
markets, where he realized a good profit. In 1819 he erected and operated a
tannery, where the Air Line railroad depot later stood. In 1833 he sold to
Alfred A. Poland and moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He later made
his home in Princeton and died here many years ago. The first licensed
taverns were kept by James Russell in the Chapman building and by Basil
Brown on the corner where later lived Dr. Kidd. Brown's Hotel was a
large log house built V-shaped, two stories high, with a large ball and dining
room attached. It was in its time a celebrated resort and the entertainment
given at this favorite hostelry was highly complimented by the traveling
public. This house burned about 1830.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 325
The next store was that of John Brownlee & Son, who began business
in 1815-16. They also controlled a large trade. After the death of George
Brownlee, the business was continued 1)y his son. John Brownlee, until he
died, April 17, 1855. His stand was in the center of the south side of the
public square, in a low brick building. John Brownlee was a very successful
merchant and made much money. He erected, in 1817 or 1818, the Lagow
House. In those early days the merchants dealt in peltry, furs, pork, grain
and any commodity that was merchantable, handling but little money in
their business. Their goods were usually purchased in Pittslnirgh or Phila-
delphia. The trip was frequently made on horseback, carrying their money
in their saddle-bags. Robert Milburn, Mr. Smith and Augustus B. Sturges
each had a hatter's shop in Princeton m 1816 and followed this business
several years The first blacksmith shop was started by Perkins Lyons and it
stood opposite the old Donald House. Richard Iliff started a pottery in
1816. In 1816 there were seven hotels, or taverns as then called, in Princeton.
In 181 7 Samuel Boicourt, a cabinet and chair-maker, came in and he also
made spinning wheels for the old settlers of Gibson county. He was also a
local Methodist preacher, justice of the peace, merchant and an intelligent,
enterprising character. A distillery was erected in 181 7 by San ford Grissim,
which stood at the foot of Hall hill. It was a small concern and only in
operation about two years. On the hill west of the distillery, one Elliott had
a small powder mill for the manufacture of gunpowder. In 1819 si.K more
taverns were added to the business interests of Princeton. \\it!i the excep-
tion of Charles Harrington's place, these taverns, as then called, were nothing
more than we now term saloons, although their license allowed them to
entertain travelers. Harrington's house stood on the Devin corner, east of
the southeast corner of the square. It was a large, two-story frame building
erected in 1818. A deer painted on a circular sign hung in front of the door.
This and Brown's Hotel were the leading puljlic houses for a number of
years and both did an excellent business. It was about this time, or a little
later, that the Vincennes and Evansville stage line was established and
Princeton became the "half-way stand," and here the coaches met every day
at noon and the passengers took dinner; a fresh relay was had before starting
out for the rest of the journey. In busy seasons there were two stages a
day. The New Harmony and Mt. \^ernon line was started a few days later.
The stages carried the mails and brought the news from the outside world.
James, Alexander Lyle and Thomas J. Evans, brothers of Gen. Robert
M. Evans, came to Gibson county in 18 10 and were among the early business
326 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
factors of Priiicton. Alexander L. carried on the cooperage business here
for several years; moved to Evansville and died there in June, 1844. James
Evans bought a farm lying southwest of the original town and his house
stood on what is now Broadway, in the western part of the city, where he
resided until his death, in 1832. In 1818 he established and operated a wool-
carding machine, in a building on Main-Cross street, one block west of the
square. The machine was propelled by tread-power and the wool was carded
into rolls. .In 1827 Abraham Lincoln (later President), residing with his
parents in Spencer county, Indiana, came here on horseback with a sack of
wool to Mr. Evans' factory and had it carded. John N. Lockwood, then a
boy, carded the wool for him. Lockwood, in later years, was president of
the National Bank of Mt. Vernon, Indiana. In 1824-25 William Jerauld
and Goorge Bucklin erected a frame cotton factory in the north part of town,
in the neighborhood of where the first Catholic church stood. It was an
important industry, employing several hands, and continued in operation five
years, when it was burned and was never rebuilt. George N. Jerauld, son of
pioneer Edward G., commenced general merchandising in the spring of 1832,
and was continuously in trade on the same lot until his death.
James Lesley had a distillery on his place a mile east of the court house,
which was in operation from 1818 to 1823. He made large quantities of
whisky and peach brandy. In 1825 the first steam grist- and saw-mill was
erected, by Robert Milburn, Nathaniel Foster and James Finney. A year or
two after it was erected Titus Jessup put in a wool-carding machine, having
bought an interest. He continued this until 1852. In 1829 a distilling ap-
paratus was attached by Robert Milburn and Samuel Hall, who, it is said,
made an excellent grade of liquor. This old milling plant passed through
numerous hands and finally became the property of Lewis Kolb. After his
death the old mill was torn down and a residence was built on the lot. This
is at present the residence of D. P. Bird. About 1828 Titus Jessup and
James Howard built and operated a wool-carding and cotton-spinning fac-
tory one block west of the old mill. This was burned after about two years.
Princeton had no railroad until the construction of the Evansville &
Terre Haute, in the summer of 1851. After the railroad era commenced the
town took on new life and many new features in trade were added. With
the passing of the years, the beginning and ending of the great Civil war
period, and on to the present date, Princeton has had many dealers in numer-
ous lines. It is not profitable to go far into the deail of these later features
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 327
of the city. The account of schools, churches and newspapers in this city are
already included in other separate chapters on such topics.
POSTOFFICE HISTORY.
A postoffice was established at Princeton in 1816. It is now an office of
the second class, and is housed within a beautiful modern federal building,
centrally located. This postoflice building was completed in iQi,^ at an
expense of forty-nine thousand live hundred dollars. Going out from this
postoffice are seven rural delivery routes extending to the country districts.
The amount of deposits in the postal savings department of this office, in
October, 19 13, was five thousand one hundred and thirty-eight dollars. The
business of the office, outside of money order transactions, for the fiscal year
ending July i, 1913, was thirteen thousand seven hundred and ninety-eight
dollars. At present there are twenty-one persons employed in handling the
mails at Princeton, which included the postmaster, his deputy, the city car-
riers, clerks, etc. There are now many mail trains per day in and out uf the
city, which give ample mail facilities.
The following is a complete list of Princeton postmasters since 1S16,
when the postoffice was established, as furnished b}- the first assistant postmas-
ter-general at Washington, D. C. : John I. Neely, March 3, 1816; John Arbuth-
not, February 24, 1830; Isaac Montgomery, July 23, 1841 ; John ArlnUhnot.
January 14, 1845; Anderson F. Ely, March 10, 185 1 ; John Arbuthnot, April
12, 1853; Thomas J. Arbuthnot, November 10, 1857; Silas W. Boswell,
March 14, i860; Charles A. Slayback, May 8, 1861 ; Charles C. Hill. Septem-
ber 28, 1866; Drusilla Dorsey, March 12, 1867; Andrew J. Calkins, April 9,
1877: Erastus R. Pinney, January 24, 1884; William H. Evans, September
17, 1885; Oliver M. Tichenor, January 9, 1890: Ollin M. Ivolb, October 6,
1893; James H. Warnock, March 31, 1897; .\rthur P. Twineham, Decem-
ber 19, 1905; Henry Tichenor, April 13, 1910.
It should be added that for its "efficiency record'' as a postoffice. the
department at Washington selected Princeton as the first office in Indiana in
which to try out the new postal savings bank system. Flence it became the
first postal savings office in Indiana.
THE PRINCETON SANITARIUM.
The Princeton Sanitarium Comjiany (incorporated), in 1906-07, erected
one of the finest, best-equipped hospitals in all southern Indiana, at a cost of
328 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
over thirty thousand dollars. It is centrally located in the city of Princeton,
and is built of hard brick, cement floors and steel girders throughout. The
roof is of substantial tile. This hospital was opened to the public in Febru-
ary, 1907, and conducted for several years, but on account of the death of
one of the proprietors and founders, Dr. Frank Blair, the institution was
closed after a time. It was built and operated by Drs. Frank Blair, A. L.
Ziliak and R. S. Anderson, all local physicians and surgeons of Princeton.
The institution stands ready for use, having been well supplied with all the
modern equipment and expensive up-to-date instruments, etc., for carrying
on successful hospital work. The field here is very large, there being no
other hospital within a wide radius, and is within a good city, surrounded by
one of Indiana's best counties. It is sad to relate that one of the founders,
Dr. Frank Blair, was taken ill and was the first one to die in the institution
on which he had built up such high hopes. He was the son of Dr. W. W.
Blair, who has practiced here since 1850.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY MOVEMENT IN PRINCETON.
By Thomas R. Paxton.
The opening of a free public library is a most important event in the
history of any town.
An act of the Indiana Legislature, approved February 16, 1852, en-
titled, "An act to establish public libraries," provides that "the inhabitants of
any city, town, village or neighborhood in this state, or any part of them,
whenever they have subscribed the sum of fifty dollars or upwards, towards
the establishment of a public library, may assemble themselves for the pur-
pose of holding an election for directors."
On August 9, 1881, thirty-six persons, all "inhabitants of the town of
Princeton," met in the court room for the purpose of establishing a library
under this law. These persons, and seventeen others not present at the meet-
ing, had subscribed five hundred and thirty dollars. The directors elected
were Adam J. Snoke, William P. Welborn, William G. Kidd, Clarence A.
Buskirk. Samuel E. Munford, Samuel Warnock and Martin W. Fields.
Officers elected : Adam J. Snoke, president, and Martin W. Fields, secretary.
The name adopted was the Princeton Library Association. A statement
of the proceedings at this meeting" signed by the secretary and sworn to before
A. J. Wright, justice of the peace, was filed in the recorder's office August 11,
1 88 1, and recorded in Miscellaneous Record, No. i, page 200. This state-
ment gives the names of those who attended the meeting. Upon the record-
ing of this document, the Princeton Library Association became a body cor-
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 329
porate and politic with all the usual powers of such bodies. Efforts were
made to collect the remnants of the township library established by William
I\IcCIure, of New Harmony, by his will. Some books were donated, some
purchased. The books so obtained were assembled in the large back room
This was the beginning. In this room meetings were hekl from time to time,
at which papers were read and addresses given by prominent citizens.
Later the library was moved to a second-story room in the Lewis build-
ing on the southeast corner of the public square. Under a law approved
March 8, 1883, the board of trustees of the town levied a tax for the pur-
chase of books on condition that the library should be opened free to all the
inhabitants of the town. Prior to this only stockholders of the association,
or those who paid an annual fee, could take out books. After Princeton be-
came a city the Legislature, in 1885, gave to the common council of the city
the same power to levy a library tax the trustees of the town had. Tlic city
levied the tax and the library was accumulating a nice lot of books, and sub-
stantial progress had been made, when, on February 9, 1886, the Lewis block,
then owned by William Jessup, was destroyed by fire, and with it all the
books, furniture and records of the Princeton Library Association. And,
sad to relate, there was no insurance on the books.
Nine days after the fire the board of directors met on call of the presi-
dent to consider ways and means of re-establishing the library. It was a
crisis in the history of that institution. Experience had shown that to place a
library upon an enduring basis provision must be made for meeting the neces-
sary expenses, such as light, heat, furniture, book cases and salaries of librar-
ian and janitor. The money received from taxation could be spent only for
books. After much consideration it was decided to ask for subscriptions
sufficient to buy a lot and erect a two-story building, the first story to be
rented and the second story to be used for library purposes.
And the way the people responded to this appeal for subscriptions is a
bright page in the history of Princeton. There were over one hundred sub-
scriptions, ranging from five hundred to five dollars, and amounting to
about five thousand five hundred dollars. An excursion on the Ohio river
was planned for July 22d. A committee of fourteen ladies provided good
things to eat and drink and sold them to the hungry and thirsty on the boat.
This excursion netted one hundred and fifty-four dollars and seventy-five
cents.
On September 15th the property on the east side of the public square,
owned and occupied for many years by J. V. Hill, was purchased of Leon-
33° GIBSON COUNTYj INDIANA.
ard Barrett for one thousand eight hundred dollars. A two-story brick
building was erected thereon, which is still standing. On Thursday evening,
March 17, 1887, a meeting was held in the large court room to celebrate the
completion of the building and the reopening of the library. A large aud-
ience assembled and Hon. Clarence A. Buskirk delivered an address. It was
a day of rejoicing and gladness.
In 1903 the library had outgrown this building. Besides, it was found
that some other and better method of electing the directors of the association
was desirable. As the stock had no pecuniary value, and never would yield
dividends in money, the stockholders would not attend meetings to elect
directors. At a meeting held March 24, 1903, the holders of one hundred
and forty-one shares of stock were present and voted unanimously for a reso-
lution autliorizing and directing the directors of the association to tender
the ownership, custody and control of the library of said association and to
transfer and convey all property, both real and personal, of said association
to a public library board appointed for the city of Princeton under an act for
the establishment of public libraries, approved March 4, 1901.
Pursuant to this resolution, the tender was made and accepted by the
common council. The members of the public library board were appointed
by the judge of the circuit court, the common council and the school board.
The pul^lic library board was organized July 20, 1903, and the officers of the
Princeton Library Association by deed conveyed all its property, real and
personal, to the public library board.
Andrew Carnegie offered to give fifteen thousand dollars for a new
building, provided a suitable lot was obtained on which to erect the building,
and that the common council should pass a resolution pledging the good faith
of the city that not less than fifteen hundred dollars a year should be provided
for the maintenance of the library. These, by the way, are the only condi-
tions Mr. Carnegie makes in donating money for a library building. Mr.
Carnegie's offer was accepted. The lot, one hundred and forty-eight and
one-half feet square, on the corner of Hart and Water streets, was pur-
chased for two thousand dollars, and the money to pay for it was contributed
by citizens of Princeton. The selection of this lot seems to have given gen-
eral satisfaction. It is centrally located, and large enough to provide for ex-
tension of the building in the future. The new building and equipment cost
fifteen thousand one hundred and eighteen dollars and sixty-five cents and
was completed and occupied in the spring of 1905. This is another glorious
page in the history of Princeton.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 331
Prof. Adam J. Snoke was president of the Lilirary Association from its
organization to October, 1890, when lie mo\ed to Seattle. In accepting his
resignation, the board of directors adopted this resolution: "That in the
resignation of Prof. Adam J. Snoke the Princetim Library Association has
lost one of its warmest friends and stanchest supporters ; because this library
has grown in ten years from a handful of books and a few private stock-
holders to a public library of nearly three thousand volumes, with a library
building and furniture valued at eight thousand dollars, and this magnificent
success is more largely due to his untiring efforts in its behalf than to any
other influence."
The next president was Samuel E. Munford, who was followed by
Martin V. Witherspoon, whose term expired January 4, 1900.
The librarians in the order of their succession have been Flora Miller,
Anna Wright, Mayme Thurman, Julia Duncan and Julia Mason.
The library now contains eleven thousand three hundred and twenty-
two volumes. They are classified according to the Dewey system, which is in
use in the congressional library and in most public libraries. Miss Mason
has made a complete card catalogue of the books therein. A card catalogue
is indispensable in a large library and invaluable. By its use the resources of
the library on a given subject are quickly ascertained and found.
The librarian says that out-of-town visitors highly commend the ex-
cellence of the books in the library and the judgment and wisdom shown in
their selection. Much of the credit for this is due to Dr. William P. Wel-
born, who was a director from the organization of the association until his
death, and as a member of the committee on literature he gave much care
and attention to the books to be purchased. The library contains a very full
list upon the drama, American history, biograph}', travels, essays and criti-
cisms
The use of the library seems to be increasing. In February, a short
month, two thousand seven books were taken out. The number of cards
now in use by the patrons is one thousand nine hundred and sixty-nine.
Princeton may well be proud of its public library. It will be noted that for
twenty years before Mr. Carnegie made his gift Princeton had by taxation
and by gifts of its citizens maintained a library free to all its inhabitants.
That is why it is called the "Princeton Public Library," and not a "Carnegie
Library." Under the law of 1901, "the judge, common council or town
board, and the board of school trustees, in making the appointments shall
select persons of well-known probity, integrity, business ability and exper-
332 GLBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
ience, and who are fitted for the character of the work they are to perform,
and who shall not be less than twenty-five years of age at the time of appoint-
ment, and shall serve without compensation for services."
A public library, like any other business or enterprise, depends largely
on the management. In his address Mr. Buskirk said: "The majority of
our citizens all along have shown a sympathy with the library which has
been of the greatest assistance to the enterprise, and that sympathy with its
purposes will be needed in the future for it to accomplish the public good
of which it is easily capable. Let us remember to help watch over and guard
the enterprise."
The library seems now to be on a firm foundation and to be accomplish-
ing purposes of a public library which were so well expressed by Lowell:
"The riches of scholarship, the benignities of literature defy fortune and
outlive calamity. They are beyond the reach of thief, or moth or rust. As
they cannot be inherited, so they cannot be alienated. But they may be
shared, they may be distributed; and it is the object and office of a public
library to perform the beneficent functions."
EARLY INDUSTRIES OF PRINCETON.
Although Princeton of the present can boast, of her coal mines, rail-
road shops, lumber mills, brick plants, and various other important indus-
tries, the old town of today has nothing to boast of in the way of a variety
of industries as compared to the new town of a century ago. It will be of
interest to briefiv note some of these early industries and the various ways
the few inhabitants of early times found employment, even if in this brief
notice there may be a repetition of some industries mentioned elsewhere.
The first blacksmith shop in Princeton was located on what is now Main
street, where the Kolb residence now stands. Perkin Lyons was the pro-
prietor.
In iSi6 Andrew Culbertson had a harness shop and Richard Hill a
pottery in Princeton.
In 1817 Rev. Samuel Boicourt was giving the greater part, if not all,
of his time to his cabinet shop, where he also made spinning wheels, a house-
hold necessity of early days. When he was not busy at something else, Boi-
court was justice of the peace and dealt out justice in quantities to suit.
As early as 1816 there was a hatter industry in Princeton. It was con-
ducted by Robert Milburn, Augustus Sturges and a Mr. Smith.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 333
At the foot of Hall's hill there was a small distillery in 1817-18, oper-
ated by Sanford Grissim. A short distance west of the distillery was located
Elliott's gunpowder mill. If the product of Grissim's mill was anything
like that of the "moonshine"' mills of the present time the deadly effect of
the gunpowder manufactured by Elliott would be mild in comparison. Any-
how, it seems, that the demand for the product of Elliott's mill was small
and his enterprise was abandoned after a short time.
A cooper shop was carried on for several years by Alexander Evans.
James Evans built a wool carding mill on a lot one square west of the court
house, on what is now Broadway, in 1818. It was operated by a horse
treadmill. This was one of the big industries of that time, as people came
from all the counties around with their wool to have it carded into mils.
Among those who came with sacks of wool was Abraham Lincoln, then a
youth living at his home in Spencer county. This visit was in. 1827, some
thirty years before I-incoln began to attract public attention. As he did not
get his wool carding done in time to make the long journey to his home that
day, Lincoln remained over night in Princeton, staying at the home of Mr.
Evans on west Broadway. At that time Robert Stockwell had a store on the
corner where the public drug store now is, and had his name in gilt letters on
a sign over the door. This, among other things, attracted the attention of
the Spencer county youth, whose opportunities for seeing the sights in a
town of the proportions of Princeton at that time had been limited. Years
afterward, when Lincoln was President, he was visited by Robert Stockwell,
then living in Lafayette. On being introduced Lincoln said, "O yes, I re-
member the name as the one I saw in Princeton on a gilt lettered sign on the
occasion of my visit there. It was the first gilt lettered sign T had seen and
it attracted my attention."
The cotton factory of William Jerauld and George Bucklin was built
in 1824, near the corner of what is now Prince and Walnut streets. It was
operated for about five years when it was destroyed by fire and was never
rebuilt.
James Leslie had a distillery about one mile east of the court house,
from 1818 to 1823, where he manufactured whiskey and a good article of
peach brandy, as is stated by those who are competent to judge.
In 1826 Robert Milburn, Nathaniel Foster and James Finney erected
the first steam grist- and saw-mill on the lot now the comer of Hart and
AVater streets. A year or two later Titus Jessup bought into the firm and
added a wonl-carding machine, which continued until 18^2. .A distilling
334 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
equipment had also been added in 1829 by Robert Milburn and Samuel Hall,
so that this institution was prepared to meet the wants of the community,
however varied they might be. In later years the various side lines men-
tioned were eliminated and the mill was devoted entirely to the furnishing
of flour and meal to their customers and, this being the only steam mill in
the country for miles around, it enjoyed a good patronage. Two water mills,
one at Patoka, or Columbia as it was called then, and the other at Wheeling
(Kirk's), had been supplying the needs of the people in the way of lumber
and corn meal for some time prior to this and continued to do so until the
later fifties. The mill at Patoka is still doing business at the old stand, hav-
ing a modern ecjuipment, using both steam and water power, but Kirk's mill
went into decline as Patoka river became less dependable as a source of
water power.
A wool carding and cotton spinning factory was built in 1828 by Titus
Jessup and James Howard, on the ground where the west school building
now stands. This building was destroyed by fire about 1830. It was after-
ward rebuilt by popular subscription, but for some reason was not used for
the original purpose. Several years later a company composed of Robert
Skinner, John J. Dimick, James Maxam, William Kurtz and some other
citizens occupied the building as a furniture factory, and developed an ex-
tensive business in this line. Furniture of all kinds was manufactured here
and shipped to dealers in all the towns in this part of the state, including
Evansville. This was before Evansville, now one of the largest furniture
manufacturing cities in the state, had a single factory of this kind. In i860
Robert Skinner's interest in this company was purchased by other members
of the firm and his connection with the business ceased, and the firm became
known as the Dimick, Maxam & Co. One windy night, in the early part of
1861, one of the most spectacular fires that Princeton had ever witnessed was
the burning of this old factory building. And that was the finish of that
industry at that place.
In 1857 William Jessup bought the old Evans wool carding factory on
Broadway, where, with new machinery and equipment, he manufactured all
kinds of woolen goods, varns, etc. This was a very important industry in
Princeton for several years, but this building was destroyed by fire, August
16, 1883, and was not rebuilt. And this was the last of the woolen industry
for Princeton.
Another of the early industries of Princeton that have passed away is
the pork packing and shipping business. Joseph Devin and Alexander Devin,
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 335
two of Pr-inceton's leading merchants, had large jjacking houses and did an
extensive business for many years. The pork was loaded in flatboats and
sent down the river to New Orleans.
THE GREAT FIRE OF 1893.
That a great fire would some time occur in the city of Princeton was
often predicted before the disastrous day of July 12, 1893. Prevention and
care had been urged, but it remained to the flames themselves to teach the
needed lesson.
At two-thirty o'clock on the afternoon of the above mentioned date fire
was first seen in the roof of the building occupied by the millinery store of
Mrs. E. D. Walker. By the time the alarm was turned in the whole roof
was ablaze, and the flames were threatening the row of frame buildings ad-
joining. The wind was from the southwest, which favored the rapid spread
of the fire. A hand engine was brought into play, but the small stream helped
little against the mass of flame. Dr. Kidd's brick corner caught next, and it
was then realized by the people that the fire was beyond their control, and so
every effort was turned to the keeping of the fire within the lilock. The
Gibson house caught, then Mrs. Ohler's place, then the Smith & Lucas build-
ing, and within an hour every structure in the block west of the square was
afire. The flames then leaped across State street and caught in the frame
building of Agar brothers. It was not long before every building in this
block was afire, and the destruction still spreading. Across Hart street the
■ fire traveled, catching the Charles Brownlee building, and Mrs. Baker's
frame adjoining, Mr. Shannon's residence, and Jerauld's warehouse. The
Methodist Episcopal and Presbyterian churches in this block both burned to
the ground. TIenry Seller's house on North Main street caught fire from the
flying cinders, also T. R. Paxton's barn.
Meanwhile a hurried call had been sent to Evansville for assistance,
and at four o'clock a section of the Evansville fire department arrived via
railroad, the train having made the run of thirty miles in twenty-seven min-
utes. The newcomers succeeded in checking the fire at the Air-line railroad
tracks, but the damage had been done. Four blocks had been consumed, and
a fourth of the business houses of the city.
To one standing on Dr. Kidd's corner, where the Kidd hotel now stands,
there was nothing but remnants of blackened and crumbling brick walls and
blasted shade trees as far as the eye could reach. From Dr. Kidd's house, in
which was the Farmers Bank, Sam Kidd's brick ofiice adjoining, all the row
336 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
of buildings facing on Broadway to the old wigwam building were burned.
Crossing the street to the block between Hart and West streets, the fire made
a clean sweep except the brick office of H. A. Yeager and L. C. Embree. The
block contained the dry goods houses of W. D. Downey & Company, and
Dimick, Lewis & Company ; the groceries of W. C. Daly, C. E. Mossman and
Awenius & Downey; the furniture and china stores of Smith & Lucas, and
the hardware store of Mulford & Cox. Across State street the next block
lying immediately north was a complete wreck. Snapp & Tichenor's carriage
shop, Mrs. Turner's buildings, Agar brothers, Baber's hotel, Ward buildings
and the Alethodist church were all in ashes. At Emmerson street there was a
break in the fire, and Dr. West's and Devin's residences were saved. In the
block between IMain and Hart, north of the court house, many structures
were destroyed.
The estimated loss incurred in the fire was five hundred thousand dollars,
with insurance covering only half the amount.
Another fire, causing a loss of ten thousand dollars, occurred in April,
1897, when dry goods stores, groceries and a meat market were consumed.
MUNICIPAL HISTORY OF THE CITY.
Princeton is a city of the fifth class — below ten thousand five hundred
population. It was in March, 181 8, when five trustees were elected, William
Harrington, John Neely, David Hart, Samuel Bolcourt and John Brownlee.
It run on then until 1884, when it was incorporated as a city, when the fol-
lowing officers were elected: Mayor, John W. Ewing; clerk, George A.
Spitzer; treasurer, William L. Evans; city attorney, Thomas R. Paxton;
councilmen, Henry Soller, W. L. Smith, Reuben Emmerson, W. E. Kendle,
J. J. Hartin, H. L. Wallace. The assessor was William G. Wright; marshal,
James W. Lewis ; street commissioner, Fred Bahne.
The list of men who have served as mayors since the organization of the
city follows: John W. Ewing, 1884-6; Levin W. Gudgel, 1886-8: James B.
Gamble, 1888-1890; Henry Soller, 1890-2; James B. Gamble, 1892-4; Henry
P. Chambers, 1894-8; Charles W. White, 1898-02; Arthur P. Twineham,
1902-1906; Robert A. Cushman, 1906-10; David A. Davison, 1910-14.
The present city officers of Princeton are: Dorris R. Head, mayor;
Earl Miller, clerk ; Milton Cushman, treasurer ; T. J. Mullen, McDonald Wat-
son, Daniel Davis, C. F. Rumer, Frank N. Harris and G. W. Strickland,
councilmen.
The Princeton Water and Lighting Company was granted a franchise
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 337
on November 9, 1891, and is a private corporation. They supply 139 fire
hydrants, charging city for same $5,462.50 per year.
The Princeton Light and Power Company is a private corporation and
was granted a franchise in 1893. They have 89 arc lights, 30 incandescents,
and draw $6,000 a year from the city.
One combination wagon and eight men constitute the fire department of
Princeton.
There are three and one-quarter miles of paving in the city. Three years
ago the two principal streets were paved by the cit)', all work before being at
the expense of property owners.
BANKING IN PRINCETON. •
The first banking institution in the county was at Princeton, and the
concern was known as the Princeton Banking Company, organized in 1869,
with $35,000 capital stock. It was a private bank, and continued as such until
1872, when its name was changed to Gibson County National Bank, and as
such was conducted until November, 1S74, when it failed. The officers were
Caleb Trippet, president, and R. M. J. Miller, cashier.
The People's National Bank, of Princeton, was organized August, 1874
by William P. Welborn, William L. Evans, Oscar M. Welborn, William W.
Blair and James Montgomery, who were first directors. The original capital
stock was $50,000, which has been increased to $100,000. It has a present
surplus of $60,000, with undivided profits of $20,000. In October, 19 13,
there was on deposit in this bank $450,000. The first officers in this well-
known banking house were : William L. Evans, president : William L. Dor-
sey, cashier. At this date the officers are: Thomas R. Paxton, president;
Oscar M. Welborn, vice-president: Stuart T. Fisher, cashier; Clarence M.
Lawrence, assistant cashier; Alfred M. Johnson, assistant cashier.
It should be said that this bank was originally known as the People's
Bank, organized April 3, 1873, under the banking laws of Indiana, with
$50,000 capital, with the same officers above named, but August 5, 1874, it
became a national bank, receiving its charter for twenty years, and was ex-
tended another term to August. 1914. The present bank building was
erected in 1892, at a cost of $15,000, including fixtures, but it is carried on
the books at $10,000, though really worth more than that amount.
The American National Bank was organized in 1906, with a capital of
$100,000, same as it carries todav. Its present surplus is S;.ooo: present
(22)
338 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
amount on deposit, $235,000. In 1910 this bank consolidated with the Citi-
zens Bank, which had been running a number of years prior to that date.
The first officers of the American National Bank were: Joseph McCarty,
president ; Joseph Carithers, vice-president ; John W. Yochum, cashier ; Har-
vey Milburn, assistant cashier. The officers in 1913 were: Joseph Carithers,
president; James H. Warnock, vice-president; John W. Yochum, cashier;
Harvey Milburn, assistant cashier. This institution does an extensive gen-
eral banking business, under the national banking laws, and its officers and
directors have the confidence of the entire community. Their bank building
is valued at $15,000, and is modern throughout.
in 1889 the Farmers" State Bank, No. 40, was organized, with W. D.
Downey, Dr. S. H. Shoptaugh, Joseph Heston, Jasper N. Davidson, R. N.
Parrett, Arthur P. Twineham, principal stockholders and directors. The
capital stock of the organization was $50,000, and the officers were W. D.
Downey, president: R. N. Parrett, vice-president: Samuel Hargrove, cashier.
July I, 1909, this organization was changed to a national bank, under the
name of the Farmers' National Bank, of Princeton, charter No. 9,463, and
the capital stock was increased to $100,000, the same as at present. The
present surplus is $19,994.80; amount of deposits, 1914, is $340,086. The
present officers are: Samuel Heston, president; Will Blair and Jasper N.
Davidson, vice-presidents; Frank Harris, cashier; R. N. Chappel and Walter
P. Anthony, assistant cashiers.
This banking concern owns its own building, which stands on the corner
of Broadway and Hart streets. It was erected in 1893-94, at a cost of
$30,000. The first bank building burned in the big fire of 1893, the same
being located in Kidd block. After the fire the bank moved to the rear of
Wade's jewelry store, then located on the south side of the Square; this was
all accomplished with but the loss of one day after the fire. They remained
there until their present fine quarters were finished.
The Citizens Trust and Savings Bank, of Princeton, is the only institu-
tion of its kind in Gibson county. It was organized January 24, 1904, and
its first officers were as follows : W. L. West, president ; R. C. McGinnis,
secretary and treasurer; Alexander Emmerson, assistant secretary and treas-
urer. The first capital stock was $50,000, same as at present: the present
surplus is $8,200: present deposits, $168,733.38. The building occupied by
this bank was erected in 1904, and all the appointments are up-to-date and
first-class. No other similar institution was ever chartered in Gibson county.
Its present — 1913-^officers are: George W. Shopbell, president: Forman
E. Knowles, vice-president; Andrew E. Lewis, secretary and treasurer.
CHAPTER XXIII.
PATOKA TOWNSHIP.
The life of the early pioneer, now that the softening caress of time has
been placed there, has been set in scenes of romance and dramatic interest.
The tales of privations, of battles, of sacrifices in the struggle to build a
home, are becoming a bit of folklore, and have become traditional epics, to
us the same as the Saga to the N^orseman, the tales of Siegfried to the Ger-
man, or even as our own Anglo-Saxon fathers. The American pioneer,
wherever he traveled, met primal conditions, and with primitive implements
he coped with them. The magnificent forest dwindled before his axe and
was superseded by golden rows of grain. Heroic in combat, as he was
gentle in his home, the settler is monumental. Simple, religious, family-lov-
ing and sturdy, the present generation thus holds him in memory and ennobles
him.
Patoka township was organized at the first session of the common pleas
court, held at the house of Judge William Harrington, on May lo, 1813, the
house being located in the southwest quarter of section 11, township 2, range
II, a mile and a half southwest of the present court house. Since that time,
however, the boundaries of the township have been repeatedly changed. It
is now bounded on the north by White river and Washington townships, east
by Center and Barton, south by Union, and west by Montgomery. The land
is drained by the Patoka river and its tributaries in the north. Snake run and
Pigeon creek in the southeast, and Central and Muddy creek in the south.
Originally the surface of Patoka township was thickly covered with timber,
but this has been nearly all cleared off and the land made into rich and pro-
ductive farms. The surface is for the most part imdulating. but in the north
and east portions, and approaching the stream, the ground becomes very
rugged and knobby.
Two miles north of Princeton is Bald hill, which rises to an elevation
of one hundred and thirty feet above the town and two hundred and twenty
feet above the Wabash river. Movmd Builders are probably responsible for
the rounded top, as there are other evidences of this prehistoric race in this
part of the state. Considerable bottom land ranges through the western part
340 GIBSON COUNTYj INDIANA.
of the township, and Sand ridge passes through the southwestern part. This
land is very valuable for agriculture.
EARLY SETTLEMENTS.
With the opening of the nineteenth century settlements began to be made
in Gibson county. John Severns had settled near the south bank of the
Patoka river, at Severns' bridge even before the opening of the century.
He was undoubtedly the first man to live in Gibson county. In 1798 John
Johnson, a native of Virginia, came to this county in 1802, by way of Ken-
tucky, accompanied by his family. The old soldier, Capt. William Hargrove,
was the next settler of any note. He was a native of North Carolina and
emigrated to this section in the year 1803. He was afterward an officer in
the battle of Tippecanoe, In 1805 James McClure and his brother-in-law,
Isaac Montgomery, came 'to this county. The person of Gen. Robert M.
Evans is one of the most prominent of early Gibson history. He was born
in Virginia. He came to the county in 181 1, and immediately afterward
joined Harrison's army and participated in the campaign against the Indians,
including the battles of Tippecanoe and the Thames. He afterward lilled
many important official positions in this county. His brothers, James, Alex-
ander Lyle and Thomas Jefferson, moved here in 1810. James Wheeler,
William Latham, William Harrington, Robert Archer, Capt. Henry Hop-
kins, Joseph Woods, Daniel Putnam, Rev. Alexander Devin, a Baptist min-
ister, John Braselton, Stephen Strickland, John Clements, Eli Strain,
Chauncey Pierce, John C. Fisher, William Barker were others among the
early settlers, and many of them lived to distinction in the growing com-
munity.
Tecumseh's conspiracy created a great amount of excitement in the
county during the time of his depredations. In the summer of 1810 the
Indian forces were being organized at the Prophet's town, and the settlers
were on edge, prepared to fight the hostiles at a moment's notice. Rude forts
or stockades were constructed, three of them in Patoka township. Fort
Branch, Fort Hopkins, and one at William Harrington's, on the old Mc-
Curdy place.
In November, iSii, Joshua Embree came from Kentucky. The Stor-
monts and other prominent families arrived in 1812. Mrs. Nancy Stormont,
widow of David Sto/mont, who emigrated from Ireland, and settled in South
Carolina before the Revolution, came to this county wtih her mother, Mrs.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 34I
Mary Boyd, and a large family. They located about two and one-half miles
northwest of Princeton. James Kirkman came in 1813. Other leading
families afterward came, and the township has seen a steady growth ever
since.
The first schools were taught about 1810 in small log cabins. Adley
Donald, David Buck, Maj. James Smith, Ira Bostwick and John Kell were
a few of the earliest teachers.
The city of Princeton is in this township and forms the sul^ject of a
special chapter.
CHAPTER XXIV.
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP.
This township was named for the Montgomery family, who were
pioneers of the locality and one of the most prominent families of the early
days. The real history of the township begins before the organization of
the county, when the settlers were just beginning to lead their wagon trains
through the trackless wilderness and to find homes. Montgomery town-
ship was settled early by these heroic travelers. This township is the largest
in the county and one of the largest and best in the state of Indiana. It lies
in the southwestern part of the county, bounded on the north l)y White river
township and the Wabash river, east by Patoka township, south by Johnson
and Posey counties, and west by Posey county and Wabash township.
The soil of Montgomery township is about two-thirds up-land and one-
third low-land, the richer soil being made of calcaro-alluvial loam, of high
productive power. There are four or five small lakes located in the north-
western part of the township, emptying into the Wabash river. The prin-
cipal streams besides the Wabash, are Indian creek, Black river, Martin's
branch, Obion creek and Maumee creek.
E.-XRLY SETTLEMENT.
The identitv of the first white settler in this township is not known for
certain. Thomas Montgomery, however, was one of the earliest arrivals
here, coming from Kentucky, building a cabin near Black river, and lodging
his family therein. In the same year, 1805, Jesse Kimball also came up
from Kentucky in search of new fields for his merchandising trade. He
later owned a water mill in this township. In 1806 Thomas Sharp, William
and Luke Wiley came to within a short distance of Owensville. Mathias
and Smith Mounts came about this time, then Jacob Warrick, John Benson,
Thomas Waters. George and Thomas Sharp, Robert McGary, John Roberts,
John Armstrong of North Carolina, Jesse Emerson, Andrew Cudgel, James
Knowles, Elisha Marvel, Samuel Barr. Thomas Sharp, Joshua Nichols, Will-
iam Leach and Thomas Stone.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 343
These pioneers cultivated Indian corn in small patches, relying at first
mostly on the game of the surrounding forest. The red man was hostile and
they were compelled to be ever on guard. Old Red Banks, of Henderson,
Kentucky, was the nearest location of a grist-mill where they could get their
corn ground, and their supply of salt came from the saline wells in southern
Illinois, to which place a trip was usually made once each year, and they paid
two dollars and five cents per bushel for the salt. In 1811, when the Indian
trouble appeared at its worst, a stockade was built on Thomas Montgomery's
place south of Owensville, and here the families gathered for protection.
After the battle of Tippecanoe the soldiers returned and took up their various
pursuits. About 18 12 other settlers began to pour into the township, among
them being Charles Jones, Sr., James Fitzgerald, Roland B. Richards, Alfred
Richards, Samuel Blythe, Absalom Boren, William Rutledge and the Simp-
sons. The first family of Maucks came in 182 1, and Samuel Kirkpatrick
in 1 82 1 also.
Montgomery township milling was mostly done by horse mills. Jesse
Kimball, James Montgomery, Thomas Johnson and Jacob Mowry were own-
ers of some of these early mills. Distilling whiskey was another favorite
occupation of the farmer. John Hunter was the first blacksmith ; the earliest
resident physician was Charles Fullerton, and soon after came Willis Smith.
The first school was taught by Joseph Dunlap in 1808. John Wasson, Rob-
ert Frazier, Major James Smith, William McCollum and John Simpson were
others of the first pedagogues.
OWENSVILLE.
The town of Owensville is situated on the Mt. \'ernon branch of the
Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad, and is eleven miles southwest of the
city of Princeton. The town was originally laid out by Philip Brisco, of
Kentucky, and he named it after Thomas Owens of that state. Willis Alsop
kept the first store in this town, keeping general goods, including whiskey.
On October 4, 1881, the town was incorporated and the first I)oard of
trustees was composed of James Montgomery, Hiram Westfall and James .\.
Robinson. L. P. Hobgood was the clerk and J. F. Bird the treasurer.
Before it be forever lost from the records of the county, let it be stated
here that the beginning -and early development of Owensxille was aliout as
follows: For a few years prior to the platting of the town. Willis Also]),
who lived in a log house, kept for sale a small slock of gonds, such as
groceries, whiskey, dry goods, etc.. and may well he known as the pioneer
344 GIBSON COUNTYj INDIANA.
merchant, though indeed a small l:)usiness was transacted by him. John
McFadden built a log store on Main street, a half block from the square to
the north. There he put on sale a fairly good stock of general merchandise.
He continued in trade ten years, then moved to Missouri, where he was called
from his house and shot. The leading early business was transacted by John
C. Warrick, son of Capt. Jacob C. Warrick. He began business as a mer-
chant about 1820. He dealt on a large scale, buying much produce and
shipped immense quantities of grain and other commodities. His store stood
on the southeast corner of the public square. It was a one-story frame
building. Warrick amassed a large fortune, as counted those days. He
erected a large warehouse on the Wabash river, where his grain and pork
was stored during the winter, and when navigation opened up in the spring-
time they were loaded on great flat-boats (such as Lincoln used to work on)
and floated down the great rivers to the sea. He was also the first post-
master and held many large interests in Owensville. In 1838 he finished a
steam saw-mill, to which was added a flouring-mill with three run of l)uhrs.
He urged other business men to locate there and was a genuine hustler. At
his death, in 1847, he was carrying on the largest business of any one man
in Gibson county. He left no heirs.
Between 1845 and 1850 other merchants came in. At one date Owens-
ville boasted of her woolen mills in which a large business was conducted.
Coming down to the morning of June 29, 1876, the whole solid Iront
of store buildings on the east side of the square was swept away by fire,
causing a loss of forty thousand dollars. The structures were all frame,
save the one above named as being on the corner. Several fine brick build-
ings were later erected on lots where part of these buildings stood.
Thirteen hundred and fifty people now compose the town of Owens-
ville, the third largest in the county. The town has had a rapid growth and
ranks high among towns of similar size in this portion of the state. The
officers at present are : Grant Teel, A, W. Thompson and F. A, Strehl,
trustees; Charles N. Emerson, clerk: E. H. Summers, treasurer, and Sylvester
Selby, marshal. A town hall was built in 1911 and cost three thousand four
hundred and twenty-five dollars. There is at present about one thousand
five hundred dollars in the city treasury.
\Vater is supplied the town by the Owensville Water, Light, Power and
Heat Company. An ordinance was granted the National Company of South
Bend on February 7, 1912, and on the 15th another ordinance was passed
issuing bonds to the total of ten thousand dollars for the purpose of buying
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 345
one hundred and ninety-seven shares of stock in this same company. The
Owensville Light Company is a private concern, owned and operated by
James A. Walker. This compan\- was installed in 1905 by an Evansville
corporation, then became the firm of Smith & Walker, and now is owned ex-
clusively by Walker. A Metallic Batten Company has just been organized
in Owensville and is capitalized at ten thousand dollars.
The Iiusiness interests of 1913 are as follows: Drugs, H. L. Strick-
land; tailor, Fred Johnson; furniture, W. F. Short; jeweler, J. N. Hurst;
blacksmith, F. M. Thompson; baker, N. O. Basford; insurance and real
estate. Frank W. Boren; plumbing and heating, S. A. Parker; contractor,
Rufus T. Murnahan ; poultry, Strupe & Fravel ; garage, John G. Embree ; meat
market, Kight & Boren ; hardware. Marvel & Montgomery ; meats, Schmittler
& Murphy; department store, Abe Massey; livery, John Montgomery; Thomp-
son Hardware Company; wagons, J. W. Ray; lumber, Shepler & Grimwood;
restaurant, S. J. Knowles; barber, H. R. Kennett; department store, George
R. Welborn; groceries, Wetter & Harris, Arthur Emerson; hotels, Owens-
ville Hotel, L. P. Hobgood, Central Hotel, Mrs. Delia Phillips; stock dealers,
John Montgomery, Massey & Mauck. The physicians in Owensville are G.
B. Beresford, J. N. Williams, K. S. Strickland, T. L. Lockhart, M. A. Mont-
gomery, James R. Montgomery. J. D. Emerson. Otto Bixler, and Dr.
Brumfield are the dentists. The town of Owensville has two papers, the
Owensville Star-Echo, a weekly, and The Messenger, a religious paper.
The Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad through Owensville was built
in 1879. The first train over this road was run in September, 1879, and was
a combination passenger and freight, a passenger excursion, run free of
charge to all Montgomery township rseidents who wished to go to Princeton.
The line extends between Fort Branch and Mt. Vernon, and at present runs
four trains a day.
Montgomery township is one of the finest in Indiana. There is very
rich land for agriculture throughout, and the value is greatly enhanced by the
long stretches of hard-packed rock roads, about thirty miles of macadam,
which lead into Owensville.
The First National Bank of Owensville was organized on May 17, 1900,
and chartered the same year. The first officers were : C. B. Smith, presi-
dent; L. F. Weldon, vice-president; Alex. Emerson, cashier. The first and
present capital stock is $25,000. The surplus now is $25,000 and the de-
posits $120,000. The present officers are the same as the first, with the ex-
ception of cashier, now Charles N. Emerson. The bank building was erected
in 1900, and cost $4,000.
346 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
The Owensville Banking Company was organized on May 14, 1900, and
chartered also in that year. The first officers were : R. P. McGinnis, presi-
dent ; Grant Teel, cashier. The present officers are : George T. Keneipp,
president ; John W. Emerson, vice-president ; Grant Teel, cashier. The first
and present capital stock is $28,000; the surplus is $26,500, and the deposits
$100,000. The bank building cost $3,500 and was erected in 1889.
CHAPTER XXV.
JOHNSON TOWNSHIP.
This is one of the southern sub-divisions of Gibson county. Originally
it took in much more territory than at present, for in 1899 the county com-
missioners created a new township from the southern part of Patoka and the
northern portion of Johnson township, known as Union. As now con-
stituted, Johnson township is four by twelve miles in extent, running the
longest way from east to west. The southwestern portion of this township
is drained by Big creek. McGarry's Flat is a strip of rich black land, superior
for its agricultural value. The early forests are nearly all gone and where
the great trees stood a century ago now may be seen well-tilled farms. At
an early day its forests were known for their wild, yet charming scenes, that
changed with the passing of the four seasons. Here was found the oak,
poplar, maple, beech, ash, gum, walnut, sycamore, cottonwood, elm, honey
locust, Cyprus, catalpa and other trees. The pioneer well remembers the
pawpaw bushes, some of which were almost a foot in diameter. In the
springtime the knolls and hill-tops are plumed with bouquets, brilliant with
red, white and purple promises of fruitage. In the autumn the valleys are
odorous with the fragrance of ripening fruits. The only rocky outputs in
Johnson township are those at or near Haubstadt where the rash coals and
their companion strata lay. These are of no economic importance, as the
great depth at which anything valua1)le can he found ])recludes mining.
E.A.RLY SETTLEMENT.
The first history of Johnson township dates back to 1804, nine years
before the county of Gibson was organized. John Hamer and his family
were indisputably the first pioneers of the township. They came from the
mountains of Tennessee, and cleared a plot of land in the timber of section
30. Jesse Douglas and family, John Sides, of South Carolina, Samuel Spill-
man, William Mangrum, Gary Wilkinson, George Holbrook, .^.Uen Ingram,
Berry Jones, Andrew Douglas, Elisha Prettyman, Andrew Robinson were
other first settlers.
348 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
In the spring of 1811 the people of the township became alarmed at the
frequent outbreaks among the Indians, and accordingly a stockade of split
logs was erected at the site of the present town of Fort Branch. The old
fort has long since passed from view.
Probably the first schools were taught in this township in 1810 by Will-
iam Woods. The teacher boarded around, of course, and his pay consisted
of a small sum from each family represented by a child in the school. James
Johnson and James Curry were later teachers. Stephen Strickland, the
"Whiskey Baptist," was probably the first man to preach in the township.
Other early settlers were Samuel Adams, James Blythe, Lewis Duncan,
Prettyman Montgomery, Andrew D. Ralston and Joel Yeager, and many
later were Germans, who came here to escape the monarchial oppression of
the fatherland.
Among the early settlers of this township, as it was known before the
formation of Union township, as above indicated, were the following : Jesse
Douglas and family of section 20, township 3, in the autumn of 1806. He
left many descendants, who still reside in the county, mostly in Montgomery
township. During early days this was a prominent family in the south part
of Gibson county.
John .Sides and family, who came from South Carolina, came with the
Douglas family, and their cabins were built only a few hundred yards apart.
Sides was a noted hunter and trapper and very fond of the sports of the
chase. He was an industrious, energetic man, and after years of toil ac-
cumulated a handsome fortune.
Hiram Sides was born in Gibson county in 182 1, and became a well-to-
do farmer and stock raiser.
Another settler of 1806 was Samuel Spillman from the mountains of
Tennessee. He was by trade a tanner, and there had to earn his living under
the ban of Southern aristocracy, which looked upon labor by white man as a
disgrace. He sought out the wilds of this county and built him a rude cabin
home near where Hau1)stadt now stands. Here he toiled many years and
reared a family of seventeen children, all sons but four. After being here a
few years he established a tannery, the first in this portion of the county.
He built the first brick house in Johnson township.
Other early families were those of Mangrums, Wilkinsons, etc. Cary
Wilkinson, wife and family of seven children came in from Kentucky in
the autumn of 1808, settling about three miles southwest of Fort Branch.
According to the best memory of Pioneer Wilkinson, sheep were first in-
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 349
troduced by some of the settlers in the spring- of 1815, but great care had to
be taken that they were not killed by wolves. It was several years before
they could be successfully raised. Cotton was also raised by many of the
farmers in this part of the county between 181 5 and 1830. Flax was in-
troduced with the coming of the first settlers, and the fibers of this product
made valuable tow which was woven by the good housewife and her grown
daughters into a rough kind of cloth and found its way into the clothing of
the family. Any boy or girl was counted fortunate if they had two suits of
tow garments in a single year. These garments were made a good deal like a
bag, open at each end, and a drawing string about the neck. This was for
their summer outfit. Thus clad, barefooted and with a cheap hat, the boy or
girl of the pioneer day was ready for school or to go to "meeting," as church
was then always called. One pair of shoes for each member of the house-
hold a year was considered a plenty to have. These generally came about
Christmas time. After sheep became more plentiful, cloth was made of
wool and cotton into what was styled linsey-woolsey (cotton chain and
woolen filling). This was universally woven for many years and formed
the chief clothing material for the settler and his family.
James Blythe came in 1812 from Giles county, Tennessee, locating on
section 11, township 4, range 11, and after coming here married Olivia J.
Mangrum.
Another pioneer character whose name must ever be handed down by
each historian of Gibson county, for its true interest and unique qualities,
was Stephen Mead, who came from York state to Gibson county in 181 5,
and married Mary, daughter of John Pritchett, a Revolutionary soldier, a
native of Tennessee, and an early settler of Montgomery township, this coun-
ty. This young couple located in what is now Gibson county, in Johnson town-
ship, where they reared a family of twelve sons and two daughters. By
industry and frugality they managed to get on well in the affairs of this
world, and later years made up for the trials and hardships of those early
times. Then, it is related, they had no plates upon which to eat, so they
made a long table of puncheon and on the top surface of these puncheon
they dug out sixteen holes the shape of a bowl, and thus each member of the
family had their own dish out of which to eat — a stationary wooden plate!
At one of the Gibson county fairs this entire family was present and all were
robu.st, well-cared-for persons and each rode a fine gray horse. John S., one
of these twelve sons, was later county commissioner and had to do with the
building of the present court house, a monument to him so long as it stands.
3SO GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
As has already been observed, Tennessee furnished many of the early
settlers in Johnson township. Among others from that state was Joshua
Duncan in 1821. He had, however, when a boy, moved with his parents to
Kentucky and thence to Indiana. At Evansville he became acquainted with
Sarah L. Logan and they were married in 182 1 at old Stringtown, which
hamlet is now embraced within the limits of the city of Evansville. Soon
after their marriage Mr. Duncan and his young bride moved to Gibson
county and settled in the dense forest about three miles southwest of Fort
Branch and by toil and industry cleared a small patch of ground and by the
aid of his neighbors raised a log cabin. It was made of round logs and with
a mud-and-stick chimney. Mrs. Duncan says that during the first two years
they lived on hominy, corn meal and game. That locality was then infested
with wolves and bears and a few of the small animals of prey. Deer and
wild turkey also abounded in great numbers, which furnished the tables of
pioneers with good meat. The wife of Mr. Duncan was a native of North
Carolina. They had born to them ten children. Mr. Duncan became a pros-
perous, rich farmer and for many years was a justice of the peace. A few
years after coming here he built a two-story house which was the best in his
section of the county. It had a shingled roof and was weather boarded with
poplar siding. The floors were of white ash. He also had a large barn and
Esquire Duncan's place was regarded as among the finest in Johnson town-
ship. He died in 1861. His widow survived him and later resided at Prince-
ton with a daughter.
Lewis Duncan and family were also early settlers. He was a brother
of the above and was a member of the Baptist church and occasionally
preached at the settlers' houses. Mrs. Lyda Duncan, a widow, and her
family moved here and located on a timber land tract about five miles west
of Haubstadt in 1818. She was a noted midwife of that section and was
frequently called to minister to the afflicted for miles around. She was an
excellent horsewoman and on her trips generally rode a fleet and powerful
stable horse and while on her missions of mercy to the sick, whether it be
night or day, always carried with her a loaded pistol. Among the old resi-
dents of the township was Stephen Harris, who came with his parents from
South Carolina in 1810, and settled in what is now Posey county, where
Stephen married Polly Emerson and in 1824, with his young wife, settled on
section 8, township 4, range 11, where Mrs. Harris died in 1869. They
reared a large family of children.
Prettyman Montgomery, a descendant of one of the old and historic
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 351
families of this county, was born in this county in 1815. He became a well-
to-do farmer and stockman. John N. Mangrum was born in 1827 and was in
after years a county commissioner. Another of the respected families of
this township were the Yeagers, whose ancestor, Joel Yeager, a native of
Virginia, emigrated to Kentucky and there married and in 1826 came to In-
diana, locating in Posey county, near Cynthiana, and died there. His son,
Absalom, came to Gibson county in 1841 and located in the timber in John-
son township. He was the father of seven children and aniong them was
Henry A. Yeager, an attorney in Princeton.
From 1838 to 1841 there was a large influx of emmigration from Ger-
many, on account of the tyranny of the ruler of that country, and this town-
ship received her full share of this German element, among whom may be
recalled such noble characters as Dr. V. H. Marchland; John Sipp, who
became county treasurer; Larentz Ziliak and Dr. Peter Ottmann. Many of
them were Roman Catholic in religious faith. Later, they established schools
and churches at Haubstadt and St. James.
Since the creation of Union township, which took much of the original
territory from Johnson, it leaves Johnson with only one town, Haubstadt.
HAUBSTADT.
This was formerly known as Haub's Station, an old stage stand on the
state road from Evansville to Vincennes. It is ten miles south of Princeton.
The town was laid out in the fall of 1855, by James H. Oliver, who had
before bought the land. Henry Haub, after whom the town is named, kept
the stage stand and a general store. August Gelser was another early mer-
chant, also L. Ziliak. Casper Keasel was the first blacksmith.
The present town of Haubstadt numbers about six hundred people.
The election for incorporation was held on July 2Q, 19 13, and shortly after-
ward officers were chosen. They were: \V. W. Sipp, George Stiefel and
Jacob Pfeiffer, trustees; Matthew Halbig, secretary and treasurer, and Jos-
eph Gruebel, marshal. The town is composed almost exclusively of Ger-
mans and is a very flourishing and growing community. Good schools, pro-
gressive business interests and a well ordered town government are elements
which contribute to the upbuilding of the place.
The following compose the business interests of 1913: Ziliak & Schae-
fer Milling Company; George D. Seitz, lumber dealer; general stores, the
Henry W. Luhring Company, A. M. Schultheis Company, Heldt & Riffert
Company and Stunkel & Halbig; hardware, George S. Trible; grain dealers.
352 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Theodore A. Stunkel, Ballard & Busing; implements, F. D. Luhring; drugs,
Peter J. Emmert ; saloons, William Hughes, Jacob Shultheis ; blacksmith and
wagon ahop, Schiff & Pfeiffer; hotel, Margaret Singer; barbers, Anslinger
brothers; restaurants, O. E. Padellar, Albert J. Singer; millinery, Henry W.
Luhring, Helton & Riffert. V. H. Marchand is the resident physician.
The Haubstadt Bank was organized in 1904, chartered on June 4, 1904,
and started September 2d of the same year. The first officers were : Alois
Ziliak, president; Henry W. Luhring, vice-president, and Thebes Ferthing,
cashier. The present officers are: W. W. Sipp, president; George D. Seitz,
vice-president; A. J. Lynn, cashier. The capital stock is $25,000, surplus,
$10,000, and deposits, $140,000. The bank building was erected in 1904, at
a cost of $6,500.
CHAPTER XXVT.
UNION TOWNSHIP.
Union is the last civil township to he formed in Gihson connty. Until
1S90 it was a part of Johnson and F'atoka townships, hut at the commis-
sioners' meeting in May, 1890, the separation took ])lace, and since then it has
been a separate sub-division of the county. For a detailed description oi the
act forming this township, with its boundaries, the reader is referred in tiie
chapter on County Government, in this volume.
Its history from the pioneer settlement to the year 1890 has been treated
and fully covered in the township history of Johnson township, hence will
not here be gone over, at any length. Suffice to say that it contains about
fifty-one sections, with the town of Fort Branch about in its geographical
center. It is surrounded liy the townships of Johnson. Montgomery, I'atoka,
Center and Barton.
In 1900 Union township had a population of two thousand one hundred
and forty-nine and in the census taken in 1910 it showed a ])Oi)ulalion (jf two
thousand five hundred and seven.
Its surface is somewhat broken, but contains the average number of
excellent farms and prosperous agriculturists. The valleys are rich and very
productive and the native timber is still found sufficient for all i)resent needs.
The schools and churches in this portion of Gibson county have already
been noted under separate chapter heads. The only town within the terri-
tory is Fort Branch, a place of more than ordinary early historic interest.
This shows that the first settlement in this part of Gibson county was ef-
fected in what is now Union township, and its details have been narrated
somewhat in the history of that townsbi]), which contained a portion of
Union.
FORT BR.ANCH.
Seven and a half miles south of Princeton is located the town of Fort
Branch. The railroad was put through in 1852, and since that time the
growth of the place has been steady. The town originally, when the railroad
was built, was named LaGrange. in honor of .\aron I.aGrange, who (nvned
(23)
354 GIBSON COUNTYj INDIANA.
the land. The postoffice was moved from Little* York, which had been a mile
north. As there was another town of that name in the state, the name was
afterward changed to Fort Branch, after the fort built during the Indian
troubles.
Among the early merchants were James Strain, T. M. Strain and Charles
Harrington. The first school house was built in 1861.
Fort Branch was built in 181 1 and was constructed within an enclosure
or stockade, located across a small branch in order to obtain a water supply
furnished by Pigeon creek, a little north of the present town, on an eminence,
the highest point for miles around. The site of this old fort is now under
cultivation.
The stockade was built of split logs, set upright in the ground, and the
blockhouse was made of logs two stories in height. There were port-holes
in both stories and this enabled the pioneers to shoot in any direction at the
enemy. Two blockhouses, each thirty by forty feet in size, were situated on
the line at opposite sides of the stockade. A few weeks after the fort was
finished and ready for any emergency, a rumor got out that the Indians were
going to attack the settlement. Residents of the neighborhood gathered
their families and sought safety in the fort. The Indians failed to show up,
and it is not on record that the fort was ever used as a defense against the
intruders.
When Fort Branch was laid out it was partly in Patoka township.
A half mile south of the \illage L. T. Mead and Littleton Lowe formed a
partnership, erected a building and started a general store, the object being to
start a town in opposition to Fort Branch, but the undertaking was a dismal
failure. The first preaching in Fort Branch was done by Rev. T. M. Strain.
In 1913 Fort Branch had about one thousand two hundred inhabitants.
The coinmunity was incorporated as a town in May, 1902. The present
officers are: Trustees, Clarence Sides, Charles Scales and Henry Hickrod;
the clerk and treasurer is Frank Homan, and the marshal is John Peck.
The business interests of 1913 are below listed: Restaurants, Henry
Slinger, O. Ramsey; barbers, McKinney & English, Simmons & Brokaw;
tin shop, W. I. Stone; general stores, George T. Ford, A. Rodeman, E.
Richey; J. L. Bryant, J. V. Belong & Son; hardware and implements, J. M.
McCarty, F. P. Lawton, W. L. Woods : restaurant, Henry Lowe ; veterinary,
V. B. Reynolds ; jeweler, J. A. Carson ; lumber, branch of the Greer- Wilkin-
son firm ; foundries, Lintz Brothers ; meat market, Peter Emge & Sons : job
printer, J. F. Hofifman; furniture, W. L. Mellinger, S. T. Wheeler & Son;
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 355
grain, A. Waller, Fort Branch Milling Company ; hotel, Joseph IJird : har-
ness, L. W. Woods, J. M. ]McCarty; blacksmiths, Wright & Weeks, R. H.
Bidlemann, J. J. Stone, Stephen Lockwood: bakery, L. Herr; drugs, C. R.
Runcie, W. G. Gram; dray, Roy Wallace; poultry and eggs, Toops & Com-
pany. W. G. Hopkins, W. F. Morris, H. L. Bass and W. W. French are the
physicians, and B. G. Cox, the dentist. The newspaper is the Fort Branch
Times.
The water supply of Fort Branch is obtained from excellent artesian
wells. Electric lights are furnished b}- the Electric Light Company of Fnrt
Branch, an organization incorporated in September, IQ13. A well-equipped
mill is maintained by the Fort Branch Milling Company, and they ha\ e one
of the first concrete wheat storage vats of this part of the state. A short
distance from Fort Branch is the coal mine operated by the T'ort Branch
Coal Mining Company. The mine gives employment to about fifty men, and
coal is shipped to various points of the country. The coal is l>itunu'nnus.
The fire department of the town is made up of \'olunteers.
BANKING INTERKSTS.
The Farmers and Merchants National Bank of Fort Branch was started
as a private banking concern in 1896, was incorporated as a state bank in
1900 and chartered as a national bank in 1908. The first officers were W.
L. West, J. A. West and S. H. West, holding the respective offices of presi-
dent, vice-president and cashier. The first capital was $9,000. The present
officers are : S. H. West, president : Gerhard Sollman, vice-president ; Her-
man C. Graper, cashier. The bank now has a capital of $25,000; surplus of
$10,000, and deposits in September, 1913, of $160,000. It built its own
banking building in 1900.
The First National Bank of Fort Branch was organized March 18,
1908, with the following as officers : W. G. Stiefel. president : Charles B.
.Runcie, vice-president: L. S. Bryant, cashier; Miss Nellie Clark, assistant
cashier. The first capital was $25,000; the same capital is carried today, and
the present surplus is $1,650, with deposits amounting to $85,000. A good
bank building was erected in 1909. The officers in 1914 were: W. G.
Stiefel, president; Walter S. Hoffman, vice-president; L. S. Bryant, cashier;
John Vickery, assistant cashier.
CHAPTER XXVII.
BARTON TOWNSHIP.
Barton township is located in the southeast corner of Gibson county. It
is bounded on the north by Center and Columbia townships, east by Pike and
Warrick counties, south by Warrick county, west by Johnson and Patoka
townships. This township was organized in August, 1843, but afterward
the boundary lines then fixed were changed. The township was formed by
request of many of its later citizens who drew up a petition.
The land surface of this township is typical of the county, undulating
and hilly in places and in others, low and rich. Smith's fork, Pigeon creek
and their tributaries drain and water the soil. McCullough's pond is also
located in the southwestern part.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
John Miller is accredited with being the first settler in Barton township.
He came in the autumn of 1814 and located on section 8, township 3, range 9,
builded himself a rude cabin of logs and housed his family there during the
following winter. He was a native of Kentucky, and traveled here on foot
and with a pack horse. Elisha Strickland came in the summer of 181 5, and
also Jacob Skelton. In 18 18 came William McCleary. The first settler in
the southeastern part of the township was John Kilpatrick, who came in
1 82 1. William Barrett, Andrew McGregor, James Breedlove and Eli J.
Oliver were other early residents.
Perhaps the first marriage of the township was that of John Skelton, Sr.
They rode to the minister's home on horseback, the bride mounted on the
pillion. Stephen Strickland, Jacob Bouty and John Kell were the earliest
ministers here. Providence church, a log house, was the first house of wor-
ship. The first water-mill for grinding corn was erected by Jacob Bouty, on
Smith's fork of Pigeon creek. Dr. George Austin was the first physician of
the township.
Coal digging began in this township about 1833, on section 5, township
GIBSON COl'NTV, INDIANA. 357
3, range 8. 1880 was the year that a ikstnictive cyclone passed over the
township, demohshing homes and kiUing animals
After the organization of this territory intu Barton township the first
election was held at the house of Blueford H. Griswell, September 30, 1843.
Jacob Skelton was appointed first overseer of the poor.
The history of the early-day schools will be found in the chapter on
Education. The churches are also mentioned in the Church chapter.
The first child born in this township was John Miller in 181 5, he being
the son of the first settler. It is believed that the first death was that of
Seth Adkinson in 181 7.
AN EARLY UNPUNISHED CRIME.
In the early days at a log-rolling an incident occurred which would now
be called a great crime. An Indian came to where a party of settlers had
assembled at a log-rolling, on which occasion it was always the custom for
the host to supply a plentiful supply of liquors as well as good meals at
meal time. Some of the crowd had become in a measure intoxicated, par-
ticularly a man named Wheeler, and when the Indian above mentioned had
imbibed quite freely of the liquor he became boastful of his former exploits,
relating a circumstance of how he went to the house of a white family when
they were at dinner and compelled them to eat until they were gorged, after
which he offered other indignities. This so enraged Wheeler that he at-
tacked the Indian, striking him over the head with a handspike, crushing his
skull and kiUing him instantly. .\s the victim was only an Indian but little
attention was given to this cowardly crime by the settlers.
Barton township has two postoffices. each a hamlet, Somerville and
Buckskin. The latter is in the southern part of the township and Somerville
in the more northerly portion and on the railroad.
SOMERVILLE.
This was formerly known as Summittville and was laid out l)y J. E.
Smith in 1853. The town site being located on an elevated piece of ground,
Mr. Smith chose the name "Summittville." The first house there was
erected by Van Nada and Baldwin and was used by them as a general store.
The first postmaster was George Van Nada. In 1853 Jackson Taylor built a
bkicksmith shop, the first industry of the sort in that neighl^orhood. Other
persons who have been connected with this village are C. T. Shanner & Son,
358 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Robert Moore, S. G. Barrett, J. W. Skelton, John \Valker, William Helm, J.
S. McCoy, A. Woodruff and Thomas Moore.
In 19 lo Somerville had a population of two hundred. It had several
small stores and shops, etc., yet it has always served w^ell the convenience of
the farming community which makes up the general population of Barton
township. Since the building of the railroad the markets seem nearer the
farm than in early days when far removed from the outside world.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP.
At the September term, 1823. the Gibson county board of justices
created Columbia township, and the first election was held on the October
following.
This township is bounded on the north by the Patoka river, on the east
by Pike county, south by Barton township and west by Center. Coal and stone
are found in various quantities throughout this township. The lantl is rich and
productive and is drained by the Patoka river and its tributaries, including
Keg and Bear creeks, Bucks, Hurricane, South fork of the Patoka and
Turkey creeks.
EARLY .SETTLEMENTS.
The earlv settlers of Columbia township subsisted largely on the game
which was then plentiful in the surrounding forest. Bears were very numer-
ous and many of them were killed.
John Farmer, a native of the Old Dominion, was one of the earliest
settlers of the township. He was a farmer and had the distinction of intro-
ducing the first Durham cattle and Berkshire hogs into this locality. Phile-
mon Dill, a Scotch-Irishman from Tennessee, came to this township in 1814,
and his family is still prominent in Oakland City and vicinity. William
Hopkins and family, John Wallace, James M. Steel, William J. Summers,
William Nossett, James W. Cockrum, Samuel Baldwin, Jacob Skelton were
others among the pioneers of this section.
OAKLAND CITY.
Situated at the crossing of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois and the
Southern Railroads, the town of Oakland City has grown to be the second
town in the county, in size, commercial standards and importance. The
present population is two thousand three hundred and seventy, and it is an
incorporated town, the town having been made such in 1885.
Jesse Houchins was one of the earliest known residents in this town,
followed by many others whose families are yet identified with the interests
360 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
of Oakland. The first steam grist-mill was built in 1855 by a stock company,
and cost eight thousand dollars. Jacob W. Hargrove and James W. Cock-
rum built the first store room. Cockrum and Warrick platted the town on
January 15, 1856, and since then there have been many additions made.
Solomon Harris had the first blacksmith shop, Franklin Rose the first wagon
shop, these during the year 1857. The first person born in the present city
limits was D. C. Barrett, in 1827. W. M. Cockrum and J. W. Hargrove
opened the first harness shop, also a shoe shop. X. C. Crister had the first
furniture and cabinet shop. The Oakland cemetery was laid out in 1855
by James W. Cockrum. The first resident physician of Oakland was Dr.
William R. Leister. The Independent of 1871 was the first newspaper. The
first school house was constructed in i860, and J. M. Henderson was the first
teacher. Among the early manufactures which flourished and up to 1885,
were the Columbia Mills, the agle Mills, barrel and stave heading factory,
tile and brick works.
AS SEEN IN 19 1 3.
The present officers of Oakland City are : Councilmen, Fred Schrentrup,
Rudolph P. Smith. Elwood Burkhardt; clerk-treasurer is Ed. Redman; and
the marshal is Ellis Montgomery. The town owns a town hall, which was
built in 191 1 at a cost of $3,550. There are twelve men and one chief ip the
fire department, which is maintained by actual fire runs. There is one com-
bination wagon in the equipment. The city owns its own water company,
which is named the Oakland City Water Company, supplying the town from
an artificial lake. The company organized in 1903, and the plant is worth
$40,000. The Oakland City Electric Light and Power Company, incor-
porated, is valued at $32,000. Light is supplied about five hundred patrons,
and thirty-two street lights are kept. The city pays an annual sum of about
two thousand dollars to the corporation.
The business interests of 1914 line up as follows : Saw mills, Downey,
Coleman & Co., H. R. Crawford; flour mills, E. H. Baker, Butcher & Mc-
Cord; attorneys, John M. Vandeveer, John Bilderback, Abraham Cole; doc-
tors, R. S. Mason, G. C. Mason, J. W. McGowan, W. H. Ashby, W. H.
Smith, W. L. Leister; dentists, J. E. Wood, J. W. McCord ; drugs, R. M.
Stormont, A. G. Troutman, O. B. Troutman, W. B. Osborne; groceries, A.
Deutsch & Bros., G. W. Smith, R. P. Smith, E. O. Hedlin, T. F. Davis;
variety stores, A. M. Fowler, O. L. Smith, P. H. Walker ; department stores,
S. V. Levi; dry goods, the When Company, O. A. Kelsey; clothing, Kell &
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. •361
Galligan; hardware, Creek & Ileldt Co., Kays & Beardslcy Co., P.utler Hard-
ware Co., Charles J. Shurig; implement, A. H. IMcFarland; news stand, Ros-
coe Farmer ; photographer, F. C. Benton ; blacksmiths, Percy E. Slack, John
Hamilton, Milburn Hubbard, John Randolph, Mont Campbell: li\ery, Mc-
Cord & Co., P. H. Lamb & Son, George A. Vierling ; garage, Oakland City
Auto Co., Charles Reed, Mont Campbell; hotels, Redman Hotel, Cottage
Hotel; lumber, Greer-Wilkinson branch; poultry, C. W. Jean Company, A.
B. Stahl & Co.; restaurants, William Elwyn, William Martin, John Daily;
confectionaries, Warrick Mason, Geise Brothers; veterinaries, Sylvester
Hale; jeweler, M. O. Cockrum ; wagon shops, R. N. Campbell; general stores,
Massett & Murphy; meat markets, T. H. Lowrey, T. F. Davis. There is one
paper, the Semi-Weekly Journal.
The First National Bank was organized in 1889, and reorganized in
1909. The first officers were J. J. Murphy, president; J. F. VanZandt, vice-
president; W. L. West, cashier. The first capital was $25,000. The pres-
ent officers are: W. L. West, president; L. J. Deutsch, vice-president; Alvin
Wilson, cashier. The capital is $50,000, the surplus, $6,000, and the de-
posits, $375,500.
The Columbia State Bank was organized in 1903, with a capital of
$25,000. The first officers were John D. Kell, president; J. W. Skeavington,
vice-president; C. A. Simon, cashier. The present capital is the same, also
the officers, with the exception of cashier, who is now W. T. Creek. The
surplus is $9,000, and the deposits, $160,000. The liank building was erected
in 1903, and cost $2,000.
While the Miscellaneous chapter speaks of the platting of this place,
it is well here to refer to the fact that it was platted by James W. Cockrum
and Warrick Hargrove, on part of the southwest and part of the southeast
quarters of section 18, township 2, range 8. The streets and alleys are wide.
This plat was filed of record January 15, 1856. It was originally known
and recorded as Oakland on accotmt of the beautiful grove of oaks which
covered a portion of its site. But later it was changed to Oakland City,
there being another Oakland postoffice in Indiana already.
Other chapters speak in detail of schools, churches and lodges, hence
will not here be inserted, but suffice to say these are all well represented in
this modern little city in the "Kingdom of Gibson."
CHAPTER XXIX.
CENTER TOWNSHIP.
Center township is bounded on the north by Washington township, east
by Pike county and Columbia township, south by Barton and Patoka town-
ships and west by Patoka township. The Patoka river and its tributaries,
Lost, Keg and Mud creeks, drain the land. The heavy timber which orig-
inally covered the ground and furnished such excellent hunting grounds, is
all cleared, and farms dot the country in places.
Perhaps the earliest settler of the township was one William Reavis, a
North Carolinian by birth and of Scotch-Irish ancestry. Isam and Daniel
Reavis came in 1818; David Johnson, Thomas Birchfield, Samuel Beasley and
Thomas H. McKedy were other early settlers. The early history of this
township coincides with the other and more important townships, in which
its earlier history is included.
EARLY SETTLERS.
In 181 7 William Reavis married Catherine Hensley and soon after this
event they made the long and tedious trip to this county on pack-horses, ar-
riving in the summer of the same year. They settled near the present town
of Francisco, about a mile southwest, in the timber, where they cleared a
tract, erected the usual log cabin, and by industry made them a fine farm
home. One of their children was Alexander, who became a soldier in the
Union army in the Civil war, and died in Andersonville prison. Mr. Reavis
died at the old homestead in 1855. His widow survived him about two
years. They were both of the Regular Baptist faith.
Isam and Daniel Reavis, brothers of William, with their families, came
in 1818 and made a settlement not far from their brother's place. They had
both formerly resided in Kentucky. About 1827 Isam was killed while as-
sisting in raising a log house, one of the logs falling upon him. The Reavis
brothers, for a few years after coming here, occasionally had their milling
done at the then distant Post A^'incennes. Charles Reavis later removed to
Illinois. They were expert hunters and killed many deer, wolves and other
GIBSON COl'NTV, INDIANA. 363
animals. They all had large families ami had numerous descendants, many
of whom are still in this section.
David Johnson was among the early jiioneers nf this county, having
settled in the southern part in November, 1810, and in the spring of 1817
he located on a tract in the timber, alK)ut two miles north of Francisco. lie
was from Tennessee and had lived in Kentucky before coming here.
Thomas Birchfield was among the old settlers of the county, a native of
Kentucky. He came here with his family in iSji. He was a brother of
Larkin Birchfield, who was an old-timer in the county. When Thomas Birch-
field came in Indians were very numerous. He, however, got along with
them in a peaceful manner. His first abode was in a small squatter's cabin.
Meats for his table the first winter consisted of the deer, wild turkey and
other games of the forest. He later bought out the improvements ot" C"ol.
James W. Cockrum, where Francisco is now situated.
Samuel Beasley, a native of North Carolina, .settled with his family a
mile and a half south of Francisco in 1830. He had a large family. John S.
Meade, though not an old resident here, is a son of one of the earliest settlers.
His father was a native of New York and, when a single man, came to
Gibson county in 1815. Here he married Mary Pritchett, a daughter of
John Pritchett, an old Revolutionary soldier. The Pritchetts moved from
Tennessee to Gibson county very early. They settled in Montgomery town-
ship a short distance from Owensville. Stephen Meade married, in 1820,
and located in Johnson township. This couple had fourteen children, twelve
sons and two daughters.
Dr. J. C. Patten, of Francisco, is a descendant of one of the early
descendants of this county. His grandfather, James Patten, was a captain
in the Revolutionary war. After the war ended he moved to Tennessee, and
in 1804 settled on Green island, Kentucky, and later came to Gibson county,
Indiana. He settled near Fort Branch, lived there imtil 1816 and died there.
He raised a large family, among whom was Hugh Patten, who was for many
years a leading physician in Princeton. Dr. Hugh I'atten died, aged eighty
years, in 1876. He was the father of Dr. James C. Patten, who was a resi-
dent of Francisco during the later years of his life.
FRANCISCO.
This was a town whose heydey was during the time of the Wabash &
Erie canal. It was platted and laid out in January, 185 1. by John Perkins.
Originallv it was on the east side and up to the banks of the canal, on section
364 GISSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
19, township 2 south, range 9. Several business houses and two flouring
mills were built by Perkins, and the town flourished until 1858. Mrs.
Sweeney taught the first school here. The first church was built in 1855.
Dr. J. M. Ireland was the first resident physician.
Those who remember Mr. Perkins say he was energetic man. He
built two flouring-mills, a saw-mill and several houses. For a number of
years he was a merchant and real estate dealer. Francisco was a very busy
place in 1854 and 1858. Three large packing establishments, three large
grain warehouses, a number of general stores and a few smaller places of
business gave an impetus to the hamlet.
Among the pioneer merchants and business men, who labored earnestly
for Francisco were Reuben Baldwin, William Moore, S. G. Barnett and
Moore & Knowles.
Francisco was incorporated as a town m the year 1907 and has at present
a population of six hundred. The trustees are George Schafer, R. C. Stor-
mont and John H. McConnell; the clerk, Ralph Goldman; the treasurer, A.
J. Peveler; the marshal, A. L. Wright. The business interests are as fol-
lows in 1913: Physician, D. H. Swan; general stores, A. J. Smith, O. T.
Downey, A. J. Loveless, W. M. Stormont, Joseph Thompson; meat market,
Horace Swartz; blacksmiths, William Gentry, George Schafer; barbers, Mon-
roe Hubbard; livery, C. H. Alarden; hardware, Stanford Witherspoon, Will-
iam Hasselbinck; drugs, L. B. Wallace; restaurants, Walter Downey, E. W.
Dill, Shuh & Peveler operate a tile factory. The Wyoming Coal Company
operate mine here, mining a good quality of bituminous coal, which is shipped
to all parts of the country.
The Francisco State Bank was organized in igo8 and chartered in the
same year. The first officers were: D. H. Swan, president; J. R. Morrow,
vice-president; W. B. Critser, cashier. The first capital was $25,000, and is
the same at present. The officers of the institution now are : S. R. Davis,
president; J. R. Morrow, vice-president, and J. W. Finch, cashier. The sur-
plus is $3,500, and the deposits, $55,000. The bank building, which was
erected in 1908, cost $1,900.
EARLY DAYS OF FRANCISCO.
By Ella Garrison McCorraick.
Situated seven miles directly east of the Gibson county seat lies the
pretty and flourishing town of Francisco, with a population' of some seven or
eight hundred, and as I have known the little town for many years most inti-
GIBSON COUNTV, INDIANA. 365
mately it will perhaps he of some interest on this occasion (the centennial
celebration) for readers of the Clarion-News to hear something of what the
town was fifty years and more ago.
This is my remembrance of it in the early fifties. It was situated on the
east side of the Wabash & Erie canal, then but a few years' in operation.
Running south from Hugh Murphv's blacksmith shop was a road that led to
Evansville. and one led west to Princetun. While there were other winding
country roads, these two were the onlv established roads intci or out of Fran-
cisco. The Princeton road did indeed wind on east to Sonierville and the
same kind of road found its devious wav to Oakland City, east of us. b>an-
cisco at that time was but a little hamlet of perhaps a dnzen houses and I will
place them as I now remember them.
At the southeast was a little log cabin in which lived a family l)y the
name of Taylor; just northeast of this cabin was our home, a small frame
house of four rooms; just across the street — the streets were laid out north of
our house — lived a family named Cassel. A little north of Cassel's lived
"Uncle" Hughey Murphy, the village blacksmith pioneer; west of Alurphy's
lived John Perkins and family; across from this, the other side of Main
street as it was then and ever since known, were three resiliences, one occu-
pied by James Perkins, one by Mike Redburn, the other by George lieasley.
A little farther north was a very small log cabin, but I do not now remem-
ber by whom it was occupied ; farther west, near the grist mill which stood on
the banks of the canal, was where John Shanner lived; south of the grist mill
was a saw mill; south of the saw mill, near the canal bridge, was another log
house, but I do not remember who lived in it. There was a little ])ostoffice
on Main street and to the best of my recollection it was kept by John Perkins.
The mails were received and distributed once a week, every Saturday. At-
tached to the postofTice was a .small store, also conducted b\- Mr. Perkins.
The school house, a frame building probably sixteen by eighteen feet in size,
was just south of our home. This building was also used as a church. Dr.
J. M. Ireland had just located there to practice his profession and he made
that place his home until less than one year ago, when he was calleil to his
reward to answer for all the good deeds during a long and useful life that he
had done for the people of Francisco.
As the years rolled on other houses were l)uilt. Stores were opened,
pork and warehouses were established along the canal and the place became
a good market for all kinds of produce. Among some of the earlier comers
should be named Reuben Baldwin, who had a store on Main street; Joseph
366 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Moore and others, who had stores along that thoroughfa,re. Stephen J.
Lindsey had a big cooper shop, George Granger and Seth Fairchild estab-
lished a blacksmith and wagon shop and a number of other enterprises
started up.
At that time Francisco bade fair to become quite a place, but the canal
was found to be too expensive to keep up and compete with railroads, then in
operation and being established. It was making no money for its stockhold-
ers and gradually began to run down. When we consider that it took two
days to make the trip by canal to Evansville from Francisco it is not to be
wondered at that it was not a popular mode of transportation. I can just
remember seeing the boats pulled along by two horses hitched tandem to a
big cable fastened to the boat, the horses on the tow-path and the small boy
riding one of them. Think of traveling that way now.
Among some of the families living near Francisco in the early fifties I
can mention the following : Living west was Thomas Harbinson and family,
Mrs. Margaret Wilson, the mother of Squire James Sprowl, of Princeton;
James Hussey, Dustin Mills, the Lawrence family, while north of Francisco
lived Thomas McKedy, James Aydelotte, Thomas Johnson, James McClel-
land, Vardiman Yeager, David Johnson and Fleming Farmer. To the east
lived Jackson Malone, Calvin Drysdale, McGrady Downey and Thomas
Burchfield, while south there lived Charles Cross, who was a Methodist
minister for that circuit; Porter Carnahan, Hardy Beasley, William Davis
and several families of the Reavis'. Southeast lived the McConnells, one of
whom was "Aunt Nancy," or better known as Granny McConnell, who was
in those days famed the county over as a doctor. There was no practicing
physician anywhere in the county who had a larger practice or better success
than had "Granny" McConnell. She was one of the first and greatest charity
workers that Gibson county ever had. She refused no call from the suffer-
ing; the night was never too dark, the weather too bad, the roads — which,
after all, were often only cattle paths through the woods — too muddy or
rough for her to travel to help those who needed her aid. Her pay was small,
very often nothing at all and in cases of obstetrics her charges were only two
dollars and fifty cents, her aim and sole object in life seemingly to be to do
good to her fellow beings.
There are a few incidents in my life in Francisco that stand out more
-vividly in memory's book. In November of 1857, when I was but a small
child, a tornado started near the head of the old reservoir and, coming north-
east through the heavy timber that covered nearly all the intervening country.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 367
it struck our little home, co!ii])Ieteh- demolishing it. My mother and grand-
mother were most seriously injured, but through some dispensation of Provi-
dence, though the bed I was lying upon was torn to fragments, I was not
injured, but the recollections of that day — or rather morning — are indelibly
stamped upon my memory. Several other buildings were wrecked, but no
one was killed. The Methodist church near our house was wrecked, but none
of the buildings were so completely demolished as was ours.
KILLING OF WORRELL.
When the Civil war came on and there was a call to arms, the patriotic
zeal of the men and boys of Francisco was not excelled by any town of its
size. No other town in the state sent more brave men to the war than did
this little community and the country surrounding it, and many who answered
that call never returned to their home. I remember the time when there was
not a single able-bodied man in that place, except a very few whose sym-
pathies were with the South and they were wise enough to keep a still tongue
in their heads. Some very thrilling occurrences took place in the town while
the war was in progress, one especially that was not only dramatic Init full of
tragedy to one of the participants.
It was during the exacting days when the country was thrilled by the
report that Morgan's men were invading Indiana and sweeping all before
them. A few months previous to this there had come to Francisco a stranger
who seemed to be a very cjuiet. inoffensive kind of man, but one who told no
one his business or where he came from. Some looked upon him as a South-
ern spy, interested in the Morgan movement, yet, try as they might, no one
could find out anything about the stranger. During those ])erilous times it
was the understanding among the soldiers that no Southern man could come
into the North without giving a strict account of himself and live. While
this stranger was in Francisco a number of the Gibson county soldier boys
were home on furlough and with the Francisco boys came several of the
far Southern state boys, who had joined them in Tennessee and decided to
spend their furlough at home with them. It was on Saturday afternoon and,
knowing of the presence of the soldiers, a great many had come into town
until quite a crowd was upon the streets. Francisco had become quite a little
village by that time and politics was all the talk. The fact that the strange
man had been seen in company with several well-known Southern sympath-
izers was mentioned and, he coming upon the street about that time, one of
the foreign soldiers deliberately shot and killed him there upon the street.
30e GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
It created a terrible excitement and the soldiers who were implicated were
hurried to Evansville and gotten out of the way. It looked like brutal mur-
der, but the man would give no account of himself and those were days when
it was not safe to be so reticent. The name the stranger gave was Wor-
rell and he was buried in the Francisco cemetery. I remember how, as a
child, I was afraid to go into the old cemetery for fear I would see "Wor-
rell's Ghost." The man who shot him was a Tennessee soldier by the name
of Wells.
I have spoken of the loyalty of the men and boys of Francisco and how
every able-bodied man at one time was out in defense of his country, but it
can be said that not all who stayed at home were loyal to the cause of the
Union. In and around Francisco were a few men whose sympathies were
all with the South and they were known as "Copperheads," or "Butternuts,"
and, while I suspect they were brave enough when they met in their secret
conclaves, the gatherings of the "Knights of the Golden Circle." one thing
is very sure even among the women of that town, it was not safe for them
to boast of their disloyalt3^ Some of them had a little experience in that line
and it taught them that while the men of Francisco could fight on the battle
fields, it was also regrettably true — for their part — that the loyal women of
Francisco could fight too, when treasonable words were uttered in their pres-
ence. Over the vale of years there arises between fifty years ago and the
present the angel of charity and forgiveness has spread her wings and we now
try to believe that these men believed they were right in what they did, but
even then it is hard for many of us to entirely forget the acts of some of
those days.
Incidentally, I want to say also that not all of the women by any means
were loyal to the Union and, unwomanly as it may now seem, many were
the hair pullings indulged in by the women of the town. Among the militant
women of Francisco who fought as they prayed in those days — for the
Union — I will mention Mrs. Susanna Skelton and Mrs. Julia Dill, both wives
of soldiers then in the field; Mrs. Edna Bilderback, another soldier's wife;
Mrs. Aurelia Shanner, an aged widow whose father and eleven uncles were
in the Revolutionary war and who had two brothers and four brothers-in-law
in the war of 1812, and who still hated with a holy hatred any man or woman
who advocated the dissolution of that Union for which they had offered their
lives. Some of the girls were disposed to favor the cause of the South, but
they were few and generally wise enough to keep a still tongue. But of all
those to whom my mind reverts there are none now alive.
GIBSON COUXTV, INDIANA. 369
GETTING THE NEWS.
During the war everyone was anxious to hear tlie news from the seat
of war and, as Francisco had l3ut one mail each week, it was arranged that
each evening someone would go from that place to I'rinceton and get the mail
out of the Francisco box and the home ])apers and the Evansville Journal and
the Cincinnati Gazette or Enquirer. 'Vo meet the expenses incident to all this,
clubs were formed and then at night the club would meet at some member's
house and all would listent to the reports of the war. Many amusing things
incident to those days could be related.
I have referred to the method of getting the daily news, but an addi-
tional fact might be mentioned. It was understood whenever the church
bell rang outside the regular devotional hours there was some important news
from the front and all gathered to hear it. Many who had husl)ands, sons,
brothers or sweethearts went in fear and trembling and many indeed were
justified in that dread, as it was not an uncommon thing to hear when the
news was read that some brave home man or boy had laid down his life in
defense of his country. Some who left their homes in the flush of vigorous
manhood came home physical wrecks from starvation and exposure in South-
ern prisons. But it was the fate of war and in nearly every case the be-
reaved ones patriotically looked upon the taking of loved ones as l)nt their
tribute to their country in its danger and loyally bore their burden of grief in
tearless silence.
A great many of the women who were left at home to make, as it were,
an "Adamless Eden" could not read or write. My mother, .Mrs. Mary .\.
Anderson, would write regularly for a number of the women who were un-
able to do their own letter-writing, and as she generally li;id to read to them
the replies to the letters she was thus made the confidant of many amusing as
well as serious matters. I remember one instance of a girl who could neither
read or write and she would always want my mother to write a great many
love expressions in her letter. This correspondence was kept u]) for some
time and burning messages of love were passing between them all the time.
Some of the home boys came home on furlough and what was ni}- mother's
astonishment when the girl for whom she had l)ecn writing such undying
love to her soldier sweetheart came to her and said, "Aunt Mary, I am going
to be married right away." Mother was astonished, as she knew the soldier
with whom the girl had been corresponding was still in the field. "Yes." said
(24)
370 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
the girl, ''Jim (with whom she had been corresponding) may get killed and
Mack (naming a Francisco boy then at home on furlough) looked so purty in
his sojer clothes that I jist could not refuse him.'' And sure enough, they
were married before he returned to the army, thus proving, in her case at least,
that absence did not "make the heart grow fonder."
Of all those who have made Francisco their home since 1855, Mrs.
Lizzie Perkins Ireland is the only one who has had a continuous residence
there. It has been her abiding place all these years. Francisco has a very
warm place in my heart. It was my home for about twenty years of my life
and a happy home it was to me.
CHAPTER XXX.
WHITE RIVER TOWNSHIP.
This township is in the northern portion nf tlie county, and when first
organized contained all that part of the county north of the Patoka river.
The present boundaries of the township are ; C)n the north by White river,
on the east by Washington township, on the south by Patoka and Montgom-
ery townships and on the west by the Wabash and White rivers. The land,
although broken in places, is very suitable for agriculture, all varieties of
grain being raised in full quantities. The Wabash, White and Patoka rivers
both drain and water the land throughout. Heavy timber originally covered
the township, but agriculture has compelled the clearing of nearly all of it.
The advantage of river operation caused several grist-mills and saw-
mills to be built here in early times. T!ie logs were floated to these mills
from other parts of the township and county, and the lumber afterward
loaded on flat boats and shipped down to Southern ports. Other mills were
in the interior of the township The water in these rivers was at times very
sluggish, and consequently frequent malarial trouble occurred among the
settlers. In 1813 and 1814 there was a pestilence known as the "black
plague," which resulted disastrously for the people of this portion of the
county. It was equal to the cholera in its fatality. Wild game was plentiful
in this portion and bears, panthers, wolves, wild cats, elk, deer and wild
turkey were all hunted by the frontiersmen. Fish in the streams was a source
of much of the meat supply. Potter's clay was found and was a source of
great profit in early times.
The first grist-mill constructed in ^\'hite River township was of round
logs and was built by Keen Fields. It was run by horse power and was pro-
vided with one set of buhrs. Each customer furnished his own power
during those days and provided his own bolt. The first style of bolt was a
box-shaped invention, with straight handle and wire bottom, and was termed
a "sarch." The ground grist was placed in this sarch and was pushed by hand
back and forth across the top of an open trough, a hollowed log. which held
the flour after being sifted out.
372 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
The town of Smithfiekl, now i'atoka, proljably had the first church and
cemetery. The "Forty-Gallon Baptists" held meetings here in log houses.
John Severns, Sr., was one of the first settlers in this township, and was fol-
lowed by such men as Gervas Hazelton, Keen Fields, Major David Robb,
James Robb, Abraham Spain, B. K. Ashcraft, Joseph Milburn, John Mil-
burn, David Milburn, Robert and William Milburn, Robert Mosely, Abra-
ham Bruner, Patrick Payne, Charles Routt, the Gordons, John Adams, Joseph
Adams, Samuel Adams, James Crow, Sr. and Jr., Andrew Cunningham,
William Price, Eli Hawkins, Jonathan Gulick, John W. Grisam, Simon and
Thomas Key, Thomas H. Martin, Armstead Bennett, William Hardy, Fred-
erick Bruner, John Hyndman, William French, James Sproule, Robert and
William Philips, Robert and Stephen Falls, C. and Joseph Hudspeth, John
Robinson, James Favis, James Skidmore, Andrew Harvey, William Maxi-
dent, Stephen Lewis, Edmund Hogan.
Severns' ferry on the Patoka river was the first in the township. The
second was on White river, where Hazelton is now located, and was called
the Hazelton ferry. The first bridge in White River township was built in
1813 by Edward Hogan and Thomas Neely. It was a toll bridge, built of
logs.
Azariah Ayres was the first blacksmith; John and Joseph Adams were
the first merchants. Distilleries were scattered around on most of the farms.
It was an universal custom among the settlers to manufacture apple and
peach brandy.
PATOKA.
The town of Patoka is three miles north of Princeton and twenty-one
miles south of Vincennes. It is located on sections 24 and 25, township i
south, range 10 west, on the Evansville & Terre Haute Railroad and the
Patoka river. Patoka is an Indian name, and means "log on the bottom,"
applying to the many logs that had settled in the mud at the bottom of the
Patoka river. The town, which was platted and recorded as early as 18 13,
was first called Smithfield, then Columbia, and then by its present name.
There is no doubt that it is the oldest town of the county, many having lived
there before it was platted. For years it was a stage station between Evans-
ville, "Stringtown" and Vincennes.
Thomas H. Martin is believed to have been the first hotel keeper and
minister in the town.
In the early eighties the following was written of Patoka :
"Patoka has a population of eight hundred and has seen better days. Dis-
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 373
tilleries first made her prosperous, tlien crocked whisky sheared her golden
locks, nipped her pristine vigor, made her prematurely gray and hurled her
on the down grade of the stream of time from which she is not likely to soon
recover; and also this disgraced and bankrupted several of her own citizens
and made criminals of other residents of the county, only a iew of whom
were made to feel the power of the law which they had violated. Whisky
has ever been one of the staples of this town; two saloons are here now and
the time was when merchants and hotels all kept it on sale. A business man
here today says that on looking over his grandfather's old bills of purchase
he found the average about thus: One barrel of molasses, two barrels of
whisky, showing a double demand for the 'necessary tangle-foot' over luxur-
ious treacle. Patoka has three churclies. Baptist, Presbyterian and Metho-
dist. The school facilities are excellent, having the graded system.
"The manufacturing interests of Patoka are represented by two steam
saw-mills, with a combined capacity of from three thousand five hundred to
four thousand five hundred feet of lumber per day; one steam planing-mill,
capacity from three thousand to four thousand feet per day; two flouring-
mills, one steam and one water, with a combined capacity one hundred liar-
rels per day, and three blacksmith shops and three large wagon and carriage
repair shops. The steam flouring-mill has attachments for making the 'pat-
ent process' flour. The water mill has a combination of buhrs and rollers,
being the 'gradual reduction process' of making flour and is said to be the
best system yet discovered."
In a great many respects the Patoka of today is very much dift'erent
from the Patoka as described in the publication from which the foregoing is
quoted. A great many of the business industries noted have disappeared,
some of them for the town's betterment, but there are still a goodly number
of substantial business men in the town and there has been a great improve-
ment in the character and conduct of its citizens since the days of its un-
savory record.
The following was written for the centennial issue of the Clarion-News,
in March, 1913, concerning this place:
"Patoka, the oldest town in Gibson county, was formerly called Smith-
ville. The town was in existence a number of years prior to the organization
of the countv. In fact, when John Severns, the first white settler in Gibson
county, settled, in 1789, on the south bank of the Patoka river, at a place
now known as Severns' bridge, the town of Patoka sprang into being. Other
settlers naturally followed the path made liy Severns through the wilderness
374 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
and when he pitdied tent they did likewise. Severns was the recognized
leader and explorer. His business was not that of founding towns and vil-
lages. He left this work to others and at this particular time, 1789, one John
Smith conceived the idea of inducing the handful of settlers to join him in
establishing a permanent village to be called Smithville.
"However, in 1813, when the town of Smithville was platted, the name
was changed to Columbia, in honor of the discoverer of America.
"The records concerning this remarkable town shed no light as to the
causes which contributed to the desire to change the name of Smithville for
that of Columbia, nor why at the last moment the name of Patoka was finally
agreed upon as having more charm than either Smithville or Columbia. All
we know is that the oldest inhabitant of the county cannot remember when
Patoka was known by any other name than Patoka. And this same Patoka
might have been the first if not the only county seat of Gibson county had not
a 'black plague' swooped down upon it in 1813-14 and carried off many of its
citizens. The epidemic appeared about the same time steps were taken to
organize the county and when Patoka manifested a strong inclination to bid
for county seat honors. However, the 'black plague' wrought such havoc as
to completely preclude anything of this sort. Patoka was a long time recov-
ering from her serious losses. Despite this hindrance, Patoka became an
important and probably the principal stage line station between Vincennes
and Evansville. This line carried many passengers in its day and Patoka
gained much prestige and fame as the result of being the only relay station
along the route. And in the days of early steamboating Patoka became a
town of much note. Patoka river, though not now a navigable stream, was
at an early day the scene of much traffic by boats of small tonnage, especially
during high waters which made it possible for boats to run up as far as the
town of Patoka. Two small boats were built on the river above Patoka, one
for steam trade, the other for moving flats and barges. They operated sev-
eral years. This river traffic, although quite limited, brought the town into
renown among river men far and wide.
"The portion of the land near Patoka was divided by the general gov-
ernment into Militia Donations, locations and surveys. These surveys were
made between the years 1794 and 1802. Buckingham, a surveyor in 1804,
in his field notes running certain boundaries, states that the blazes and marls
on the trees indicated that the last locations were made about two years pre-
viously. These donations were originally made to a company of one hundred
and twenty-eight militiamen, of a hundred acres each to a man and were laid
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 375
off in lots of a hundred acres. These lands were given for services rendered
in the Indian wars. The persons who received the warrants were allowed to
either locate or dispose of the same.
"Patoka being the oldest town in the cdunty, was, as a matter of course,
first in everything pertaining to the needs and requirements of an advancing
civilization, such as schools, churches, mills, etc. The first grist-mill was
erected near Patoka by Keen Fields. The first school house in Gibson county
was built in Patoka in 1815 and for several years was used as a house of
worship. The first minister to preach there was Rev. Thomas Martin, of the
Baptist faith, and it is claimed by one writer that he was the first in the
county. The first two-story log house in this county was built in Patoka l)y
James Robb. The first merchant was John Smith, in whose honor the tow n
was first known as Smithville. Patoka was incorporated in the early nineties.
"It was David Robb, of Patoka. who organized a company of soldiers
and participated in the famous battle of Tippecanoe. His volunteers com-
prised a number of Patoka merchants."
PRESENT PATOKA.
The town of Patoka, at present, has a population close to eight hun-
dred. The town officers are as follows: Trustees, I.. V. Al\is, (). B. Bing-
ham, W. \V. Witherspoon, C. C. Jones: treasurer, L. F. Riley, and clerk,
C. \Y. Stermer.
The general stores are owned by J. W. Myrick, W. P. Casey, Preston
■\Iilburn, the Field brothers and J. T. Boerke ; F. O. Millnirn runs a drug store :
Wilkerson & Martin have a dray line ; Paul Kuhn & Company and A. Waller
& Company deal in grain; John Duncan has a livery; T. F. Alvis operates a
blacksmith shop ; Colonel Lynn and Thomas Patterson are the barbers ; the
hotel is conducted by I.. F. Alvis and is named the Alvis House; hardware
and implements are sold by Stermer & Jones; harness is kept by C. Reneer;
lumber by R. P. Lockhart; Henry Watson manages a mill. There are no
resident attorneys in Patoka. The physicians are M. L. and S. I. Arthur.
Earl Turpin and Fred Boerke keep restaurants and confectionaries combined;
Whiting & Hollis deal in live stock.
The Patoka National Bank was organized in 1909 and chartered the
same year. There were thirty-three charter memliers and the first officers
were: Alex D. Milburn, president; David W. Hull, vice-president, and
William F. Parrett, cashier. The present officers are : D. W. Hull, presi-
dent; J. W. Adams, vice-president: W. F. Parrett, cashier, and KIdon E.
376 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Field, assistant cashier. The capital stock is now the same as in the begin-
ning, $25,000; the surplus is $7,000, and the deposits amount to $90,000.
The bank building was erected in 1908, at a total cost of $3,088.
DEFUNCT VILLAGE OF PORT GIBSON.
This place was situated on section 3, township 2 south, range 10 west,
on the south bank of the old canal. It was surveyed in the spring of 1852
for proprietors Elisha Embree and Samuel Shannon. It has long since been
numbered among the defunct places of this county. J. R. Strickland, of
Owensville, a local historian, has described its rise and fall in the following
language :
"The history of the rise and fall of Port Gibson is closely interwoven with
that of the Wabash and Erie canal, a water-way project born in 1827. In
that year the United States government granted to the state of Indiana every
alternate section of land along a proposed canal route from Fort Wayne to
Evansville, through Lafayette and Terre Haute. In 1830-32 the Indiana
Legislature offered these government land grants for sale. The land sold
from one dollar and fifty cents to two dollars per acre, the money to be used
in digging the canal. The only stipulation was that the government boats
and agents be allowed to travel along the canal free of cost.
In 1832 work began on the canal at Fort Wayne. The canal was com-
pleted to Evansville in 1852. The entire length of the canal was four hun-
dred and sixty miles, eighty-seven of which were in Ohio. The total cost of
the Wabash and Erie canal was six million dollars. Along with the comple-
tion of the canal came the railroad as a means of transportation, with the
result that the canal became useless before many years. From Evansville to
Terre Haute, the canal followed a route that afterward became the right-of-
way of the Evansville & Indianapolis railroad.
The Wabash & Erie canal extended through the eastern part of Gibson
county and furnished a highway for the transportation of much of the pro-
ducts of this county. The little town of Port Gibson, on the southeast bank
of the canal, thrived and waxed strong. There were also two reservoirs at
Port Gibson, built as feeders to the canal. One of these covered an area of
two thousand four hundred acres, the other being much smaller. The canal
also built locks at Port Gibson and altogether the little settlement became an
important station, in fact, the principal canal point in Gibson county.
In 1851-52 Elisha Embree, an attorney of Princeton, and Samuel Shan-
GIBSON COUNTVj INDIANA. 377
non platted the town of Port Gibson and otherwise prepared for a perma-
nent village. By that time Port Gibson boasted of having a st(jrc, a black-
smith shop and a flouring mill, the latter being promoted by Mr. Iglehardt of
Evansville. Later on "Dud" Campbell started a saloon. For a time after
the completion of the canal passenger traffic was quite heavy and the boats
always stopped for an hour or two at Port Gibson.
Had the railroads been a few years later in coming into the county, the
town of Port Gibson would have blossomed into a small city. The arrival
of the railroad sounded the death knell of the Wabash and Erie canal and
Port Gibson.
IIAZE[,TON.
This is the second oldest town in Gibson county. It was named in honor
of Gervas Hazelton, the second white settler in the county to permanently
locate. Gen'as Hazelton first lived in a "camp," the back of which was an
immense walnut log and sides of poles covered with bark, the front open to
admit the heat and light of large log fires. Hazelton was famed far and wide
as an entertainer and his camp was always open to the struggling settlers.
The town of Hazelton was surveyed and platted by Lucius l'>ench in
1856. T. S. Fuller erected the first frame building in Hazelton. In about
John Breedlove built a blacksmith shop. Being located on the south bank
of White river, the town became a very important port in the days of flat and
keel-boats. Numerous cargoes of corn, wheat and pork were shipped from
Hazelton every week. New Orleans was then the best market for farm jiro-
ducts raised, at that date, around Hazelton. The hiijhway of travel was via
the Patoka, Wabash, Ohio and Mississippi rivers and five or six weeks were
required to make the round trip. .\ complement of five men was the usual
number required with each boat. .\nd it was no trouble to get hands, as
many young men were anxious to make the trip and would do it for little pa\'.
Imagine men shoving a keel-boat loaded with merchandise from New Orleans
to Hazelton or Patoka and you will get a better idea of Gibson county's situa-
tion in its infancy. The first steamboat of any note to pass up White river
was the "Cleopatria" ; she made fast at the ferry where Ilazelton stands and
attracted big crowds of people.
THE TOWN IN I9I3.
The present town of Hazelton is a very substantial one, considering the
misfortunes that befell the town in earlier years. The town was incorporated
378 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
about twenty-five jears ago and the present officers are : Trustees, James M.
Phillips, Henry Thorne and John D. Milburn ; treasurer, H. N. Weer ; clerk,
B. I. Rumble; marshal, Elijah Gilbert. The physicians are H. D. Gudgel,
H. M. Arthur and U. B. Loudin. There is a town water company, the plant
being owned by the city and supplying water from White river. This plant
was erected in 1909 at a cost of six thousand eight hundred dollars. Other
business interests are as follows : Blacksmiths, L. H. Ferguson & Son, T. F.
Thomas & Son ; barbers, T. T. Phillips, F. D. Steelman ; general stores, C. J.
Snyder & Company, D. L. Bonner, John H. Briner and T. T. Thorne; drugs,
A. C. Sisson, H. C. DePriest; livery, William Morrison; furniture, H. Clem-
ent; groceries, C. H. Peppers, C. Y. Henderson; grain, Paul Kuhn, Prince-
ton Milling Company, A. C. Heise; hotels, F. Knight, Marcus Wellman, and
the Westfall House; hardware and harness, Wolff & Shawhan; lumber,
H. P. Phillips; millinery, Mrs. T. T. Thorne; meat, Adam Kline; restaurants,
H. N. Johnson, Frank Purkiser, J. H. Bryant; live stock, John W. Ford;
veterinary, W. F. Thorne ; coal, James M. Phillips, J. A. McFetridge ; poultry.
Ivy Triplett; photographer; ferry, M. O. Decker; oil, John Knaube.
There are three congregations in Flazelton, the Presbyterian, the Meth-
odist and the Baptist, but none of the denominations have a resident pastor.
They are composed of about a hundred members each and have existed since
the early fifties. There are three main lodges, the Masonic, the Odd Fellows
and the Knights of Pythias, besides numerous insurance and beneficiary
lodges.
The Citizens State Bank of Hazelton was organized in May, 1903, and
reorganized and rechartered in December, 1910. The first capital stock was
$25,000, and the first officers were: Josiah Kightly, president; Lawrence
Wheeler, vice-president; Charles L. Howard, cashier; Frank L. Steelman,
assistant cashier. The present officers are: H. M. Arthur, president; Aaron
Trippet, Sr., vice-president; F. L. Steelman, cashier; Chas. W. McFetridge,
assistant cashier. The present capital is $40,000, the surplus and undivided
profits, $24,000, and the deposits, $150,000. The bank building was erected
in 191 3 and cost the sum of $6,000.
JfaJ-g^A.'
CHAPTER XXXI.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
Tills township was named after the tirsl presiilent of the United States
and is located in the northeastern j^art of the county. Originally covered
with dense timber, the land today is \er\- rough and broken. However, the
soil is productive, especially in the bultdin lands. White and I'alnka rivers,
Yellow, Engine, Pond, Goose, Sand branch and otlier tributaries alYord ex-
cellent drainage. The township is bounded on the north by Pike county and
White river, east by Pike county, soiUli liy (enter and I'alnka, and west by
White river and township. Another descriptive location is l)y portions of
township I south, range 9, township i soulli. range 10, ami uiwnship i north,
range 10.
The Decker brothers, Joseph, Jacob and I.uke, iirst came to this town-
ship in 1800 and built a ferry across \Vhite river at a point where Buena
Vista stood. In the May term, 1813, the Gibson county commissioners' court
ordered a road opened from Decker's ferry to Severns' ferry on the Patoka
river, this being the first one opened by this court.
One of the next settlers was Nathaniel West, also in 1800. Then came
Abraham Decker from Kentucky, Robert Falls, W. G. Collins, Mrs. Betsey
Milburn, Thomas Gardner of South Carolina, Thomas Sullivan of Ireland,
John Stookey and John I. Neely. The first sermons in the township were
preached by Joseph Milburn, a liaptist minister, and the first church was
built on military donation No. -jj, the building made of logs and without any
floor. The first resident physician of Washington township was Dr. Joseph
Davidson; Richard Garner was the first blacksmith, and the first justices, in
order, were William Phillips. Jonathan Gulick, Robert Kirk and John Gulick.
The first death was of a man named McCoy, who died on a keel-boat. The
first postoffice in the township was established at Buena Vista and was called
"West Buena Vista." John Cunningham was postmaster. Other ofiices
\vere located at Kirksville, later Wheeling, and one between Hazclton and
Peter.sburg in Pike countv, but all have been abandoned. John Claypool
opened a store at Decker's ferry in 1816. and this was the first in the town-
ship.
380 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Until 1824 the territory of what is now Washington township formed a
part of White River township. In August of the latter year the board of
county commissioners laid off the boundaries of Washington township and
organized the same. Again, in 1837, the boundaries were enlarged by add-
ing a part of White River township to it.
The manufacturing in this township has been very light. Lucian Dunn-
ing had a wagon factory in 1870, and there were several small mills, quarries
and various trades.
The population of this township in 1910 was one thousand five hundred
and forty-six, it having lost, as it is found that in 1900 it had a population of
one thousand nine hundred and four. There are no towns or villages in this
township.
An amusing incident of early days here will be found in the following
lines: "William Phillips was the township's first justice of the peace. Jack
Chambers, a local preacher, had rendered service to the people of the town-
ship, as spiritual adviser, for which he was to have been paid in coon skins
and other peltry, each subscriber agreeing to pay in so many skins. His
parishioners, as he thought, were slow to pay him, and he brought suit before
Esquire Phillips on his subscription Hst against all, and had service on each
and every delinquent to appear and answer to the demands of the plaintiff,
Jack Chambers. Pursuant to notice, court had convened, the parties, plain-
tiff and defendants were present, the plaintiff claiming satisfaction by means
of judgment on his subscription paper, when one JMulholland, who was acting
as agent or attorney for the defendants, walked into court loaded down with
the stipulated furs' and skins, and, to the surprise of the holy man, made
tender of them in full satisfaction of the plaintiff's claims. The case ended
in a general laugh, and pleasantness prevailed, all being satisfied with the prac-
tical joke."
There was a stone quarry near the Patoka river, where stone had been
taken out and sent by flat-boat down the river from Kirksville, now knpwn
as ^\'heeling. This place at one time was quite a business center, having a
large flouring-mill, stores, blacksmith shops, postoffice, etc. It is situated
on section 19, on the northeast branch of the Patoka river. It was located
too far from the Evansville & Terre Haute railroad to help it much, and so
close as to materially injure its chances for success. Its flouring-mill was
burned in time, and from its loss and railroad influences the town has gone
to ruin and decay, nothing of note remaining to mark the spot where once
much business was transacted.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 381
nUENA VISTA.
This little, old hamlet is in the northern part of the township on the west
bank of White river, on military donation land No. 2. It was platted in
1848 and prospered for six years, having four business houses that carried
excellent stocks; two packing houses, one saw-mill, a hotel, blacksmith shop,
wagon shop, two doctors, one saloon, one church and one school house.
When the railroad was built, Hazelton, a station on that line of railroad,
drew the most of the business from it and left it to die for want of support.
There its site stands on the sands of White river. Nothing of importance is
there today.
This township is a triangular shaped, though rough edged, territory,
the northeastern point of one of the most irregular counties in all Indiana.
CHAPTER XXXII.
WABASH TOWNSHIP.
In the extreme southwestern portion of Gibson county is found Wabash
township, named from the famous, historic river whose waters wash its
entire north and western borders. There are two series of elevations, com-
monly known as the "Upper Hills" and "Lower Hills": there are also in
different parts of this township Indian mounds. The scenery in this town-
ship in many places is indeed charming. In the early days, in the mid-
summer months, when the waters were low, numerous herds of deer and
other animals were attracted hither to feed and the Indians also sought this
locality as among the excellent hunting grounds of the Wabash valley. Dur-
ing the years between 1800 and 181 5 a few of the half-breed trappers from
the post at Vincennes resorted to the streams and bayous of this section to
set their beaver traps, which animals then abounded in large numbers.
Wabash was originally covered with a dense forest, consisting of the several
kinds of elm, maple, oak, poplar, linden, walnut, hickory, pecan, wild cherr}-
and other varieties of forest growth. The farms and clearings made hard
toil on the part of the early pioneer.
There is a large bayou extending diagonally across the township from
northeast to southwest. This forms a basin for the surplus waters of the
Wabash river and has its source in that river. There are also several small
lakes or rather ponds here, among which are Goose. Fish, Foot's, Grassy,
Brushy, Grindle and Otter Pond. The larger Ijayou passing through the
township is known as the "Big Bayou."
ORGANIZATION.
Wabash township was formed by the wishes of the inhabitants as set
forth in a petition and presented to the county commissioners at their Novem-
ber term, 1838. Prior to that date it formed a part of Montgomery town-
ship. The first election of the new township was held at the house of Joshua
Jordon, on the first Monday of April, 1839. The election was for the pur-
pose of electing two justices of the peace. The first settler here was Daniel
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 383
Williams and family, consisting of wife and nine children. He located here
in the summer of 1813 on a portion of the farm which afterwards was
owned by Moses Lamar. Williams was from North Carolina originally, but
moved to Tennessee, and from there to Gibson county. After arriving here
he cleared a small tract of land and built him a small pole shanty. The
locality being infested with Buffalo gnats, which were troublesome, as well
as dangerous to what little live stock he owned, he therefore, after remaining
here a few months, decided to pull up and leave for unknown parts.
Th second settlers to arrive were James Barnett and family, who came
in the autumn of 181 5. They were Kentuckians. He built the second log
house. It was an improvement over the first cabin, as it possessed a clap-
board door and clay-and-stick chimney. The next settlers were John Thomp-
son and A. J. Cooper and their families. John Thompson was possessed of
more than ordinary enterprise and of some intelligence. He was a justice
of the peace while Wabash formd a part of Montgomery township, and was
the first justice in the territory now embraced in what is Wabash township.
Among other early pioneers were Jacob Carabaugh, R. Jordon, James
Crowley, J. Tweedle and Thomas Barnett. The first farm to be really well
improved was made by Jordon. Young Lamar was one of the prominent
early settlers and near his residence was erected a \ery small log school house,
generally styled as the Lamar school house. It was there William Cash
taught the first school in Wabash township to about twenty of the children of
the settlement. The first preacher to visit this section was Rev. Peter Sals-
man, who preached at the house of Mr. Lamar in 1820, and occasionally after
that in the school house.
The early physician who resided here was Dr. Jesse Fuget. A murder
was committed at a dance, or a "frolic," as then called, at the home of Pres-
ley Garret, where William Lance, a guest, killed one Watson. The murderer
was convicted and sent to the penitentiary for nine years.
One of the best improvements in the township years ago was the build-
ing of a bridge across the Big Bayou, near the dividing line between the farm
of John W. Robb and William J. Jordon. This bridge was long known in
the western part of the county as the "Red Bridge," so called for its coat of
red paint. This was well built and was covered its entire length.
If it were not for the floods of the Wabash, this township would be the
garden spot of the whole county, for its soil is like that of the Nile itself.
But from early days there ha^■e been from two to six floods annually, and this
kept the actual improvement back many decades. But in later years differ-
384 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
ent methods have come to obtain and much of the swampy land has been
tile drained and, with proper care and a fair season (not too many rains),
the township produces a hundred bushels of grain per acre.
In 1910 the township had a population of nine hundred and fifty-one,
somewhat of a decrease from the census of IQOO. The schools and churches
are mentioned in the chapters on such subjects. There are no towns and
villages within Wabash township. Much of the trading is done at Owensville.
BIOGRAPHICAL
HON.. OSCAR M. WELBORN.
In the largest and best sen.se of the term, Judge Oscar M. W'elborn is
distinctively one of the notable men of his day and generation, and as such
his life record is entitled to a conspicuous place in the annals of his county
and state. As a citizen he has been public-spirited and enterprising. As a
friend and neighbor he has combined the qualities of head and heart that have
won confidence and commanded respect. As an attorney who has a compre-
hensive grasp upon the philosophy of jurisprudence he is easily the i)eer of his
professional brethren of the Indiana bar, while as a judge of the circuit court
he discharged his duties with signal ability, conscientious care and in such a
manner as to win the universal commendation of all who had business in his
court. It is scarcely less than supererogation in outlining the leading facts
in his life to refer to him as a lawyer in the ordinary phraseology which
meets requirement when dealing with the average member of the legal pro-
fession. He has indeed been much more than eminentl}' successful in his
legal career, as indicated by his splendid record at the bar and his long reten-
tion on the bench of his judicial circuit. He is a master of his profession, a
leader among men distinguished for the high order of their legal aliility and
his eminent attainments and ripe judgment make him an authority in all mat-
ters involving a sound knowledge of jurisprudence, achieving success in the
courts at an age when most young men are just entering upon the formative
period of their lives. Wearing the judicial ermine with liecoming dignity and
bringing to every case submitted to him a clearness of perception and ready
power of analysis characteristic of the learned jurist, his name and work for
years earned him recognition as one of the distinguished citizens in a com-
munity noted for the high order of its talent.
Oscar M. Welborn is the fourth son of Samuel Parsons and Mary
(Waters) Welborn and was l)orn and reared on a farm near Owensville,
Indiana. In close touch with nature and amid the bracing- air and whole-
(25)
386 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
some influence of a rural life, the future la\v\er and jurist spent his youth
and young manhood. His early experience on the farm tended to de\elop a
healthful physique, and wJiile engaged in the labor of the fields he learned
to place a correct value upon honest toil, besides laying broad and deep the
foundation for his future course of action. He received his elementary edu-
cation in the public schools of Owensville and Princeton, and then, having
decided to make the practice of law his life work, he took the law course at
the University of Ohio. After completing his legal studies, Mr. Welborn
returned to Princeton and at once entered upon the active practice of his pro-
fession, in which he rapidly forged to the front and early earned recognition
as a capable lawyer. Though he efficiently discharged the duties of some
minor official positions, Judge Welborn's public career really began when,
on March 15, 1873, Governor Thomas A. Hendricks appointed him judge of
the eleventh judicial circuit to fill a vacancy created by the abolishment of
the court of common pleas. Judge Welborn came to the bench well qualified
for his exacting duties and responsibilities, and from the beginning his
judicial career was characterized by such a profound knowledge of the law
and an earnest and conscientious desire to appl\ it impartially that he was not
long in gaining the respect and confidence of the attorneys and litigants and
earning for himself an honorable reputation among the leading jurists of the
state. From the first his labors were very arduous, as many important cases
were tried in his court, not a few coming before him by change of venue, in
addition to which he was also frequently called to other districts to sit on cases
in which large interests were involved. So far as known, his rulings in all
cases were eminently satisfactory and impartial and his decisions so in ac-
cordance with law and practice that everybody interested was thoroughly
satisfied with his course. As a judge he more than met the expectations of
his friends and the public and so discharged the duties of the office as to
receive the hearty approval and warm commendation of the bar in his own
and other circuits without regard to part}-. He brought to the bench the
dignity becoming a higli position, and in the line of duty was industrious,
careful and singularly painstaking, which, combined with his sterling hon-
estv and fearlessness of purpose, made him one of the most i)0])ular and
efficient men ever called to preside over the court in this circuit. It is but
just to say, and greatly to his credit, that no jiolitical prejudice or party zeal
was ever allowed to deflect his mind from its own convictions, and while dis-
charging his official functions personal ties and friendships, as well as his
own interests and opinions, were lost sight of in his conscientious efforts to
GIBSON COrNTV, INDIANA. 387
render equal and exact justice to iln)se whose affairs were adjudicated in his
court. His opinions and decisions were always lucid, unstraineil and vigor-
ous, his statements full and comprehensive, and his analysis and interpreta-
tion of the law logical and complete. That Judge Welborn's course on the
bench met with the full approval of his constituents was attested by the fact
that he was re-elected to succeed himself time and again until he was finally
compelled to decline election to this office, thus serving a period of thirty-six
years and seven months, a record without parallel in the state of Indiana, and
probably in the United States. The eleventh judicial circuit nver which
Judge Welborn presided for so long a period was originally organized in
1873, and was composed of the counties of Gil)s<jn, Dubois antl I'ike. The
Legislature of 1895 changed the circuit, which after that year was made up
of the counties of Gibson and l'i>sey. which furnied the eleventh judicial cir-
suit, after the retirement of Judge Welborn and until i<H3-
At a meeting of the bar of the circuit court of I'ike county, held on
April 5, 1895, the meeting having been called to take leave of its long-time
judge, who had been assigned to the new circuit, the following memorial
was unanimously adopted and ordered sjiread of record on the or.ler 1 k of
that court :
"The members of the bar of I'ike omnty who have long cherished an
affectionate respect for the Honorable Oscar AI. Welborn. who has been the
judge of this court since May, 1873. desire to bear testimony to his great
learning, legal acumen and probity as judge. While enforcing obedience,
he has yet been merciful to the transgressor and sought his reformation, and
in the decision of controversies between individuals he has lieen painstaking
in the highest degree and his decisions have been learned, imjiartial and accur-
ate far beyond the usual incumbent of the judicial office. To the members
of the bar, especially those beginning the practice, he has been instructor and
advisor and helped with his ready learning to solve difficulties and intricacies
else insurmountable and while dispensing inflexible justice, has been genial
and kindly.
"Therefore, in testimony of his courtesy and kindness as well as his
labor and learning, we express in this manner our deep regret at the sunder-
ing of existing relations and hope that his future a.s.sociations will be as
pleasant as the past and as profitable to the new jurisdiction he assumes."
On the conclusion of his long and faithful service as jurist, and bv way
of commemorating his retirement from the bench, the members of the Trince-
3^8 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
ton bar arranged a reception and banquet complimentary to Judge VVelborn,
and which was held at the Masonic Temple at Princeton on the evening of
October 8, 1909. Between fifty and sixty members of the Vincennes, Peters-
burg, Evansville and Mount Vernon bar associations were present and par-
ticipated in the exercises of the evening. On this occasion Thomas R. Pax-
ton, who was toastmaster, said in part :
"This is the first and only time when the bar of Gibson county has given
a dinner in honor of one of its members — the occasion is unique and re-
markable. This dinner calls attention to, and celebrates, the unique and re-
markable record of a Gibson county lawyer who was appointed as judge by
Governor Thomas A. Hendricks in 1873.
"Since his appointment, continuously to the present time, this Gibson
county lawyer has faithfully discharged the numerous and onerous duties of
a judge of the circuit court with signal ability, and with conscientious care,
and with unflagging diligence, and with great learning and legal acumen, and
with good, sound judgment, and without fear, and without favor. For
thirty-six years he has worn the judicial robes with grace and dignity ; and
moreover, gentlemen, he has kept the judicial ermine clean, unsoiled and un-
tarnished.
"His term of service exceeds by two years that of the great John Mar-
shall, as chief justice of the supreme court of the United States. Truly it is
a remarkable record; it is also a very honorable record, one that a young
man may laudably covet and strive to attain. Seldom is a man permitted to
devote so manv years to honorable public service. The influences of such a
life are far-reaching and abiding: they roll from soul to soul, and still go on
forever. 'Progress in societv and civilization is due in large measure to such
good influences. We cannot overestimate the value of our inheritance from
the past, from the noble, the great and the true, who still rule us from their
arms.'
"The city of Princeton is proud that one of its citizens has attained such
distinction. For nothing confers such honor and glory upon a city as high-
minded, noble men. And the Gibson county bar is proud that the reputation
of one of its members as a learned and just judge extends far and wide."
A number of letters of regret were received from prominent members
of the southern Indiana bar, who were not able to be present on this occa-
sion, and from which the following excerpts relative to the life and character
of Judge Welborn are quoted :
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 389
Alexander Gilchrist, of Evansville ; "It would be a high privilege to
join with my brethren of the Gibson county bar in this testimonial to Judge
Welborn, who for more than a generation has been a good judge, a great
judge, a fearless judge. A potent force for righteousness. Lawbreakers will
now breathe more freely, but all good men must deplore the ending of his
noble judicial career."
E. B. Richardson, of Petersburg: "He has been an honor to the dis-
tricts in which he has presided as judge, and he retires from his long services
with a record of ability and faithfulness that will last for all time."
Arthur H. Ta}lor, of Petersburg: "Let me assure you that I think it
fitting upon Judge Welborn's retirement from his high office that this public
recognition of his services to the bench and bar of this circuit be shown in
the manner contemplated. I have had the honor of many years' practice in
his courts and ever found him large-minded, unselfish, just and, abnve all,
the honest, fearless arbitrator. He wi^rthily upheld the dignity anfl arlniin-
istered the high trust reposed in him with justness and impartiality. In the
performance of his duties he proceeded along lines, as I have heard himself
express, 'That there were no small cases. Every trial is a contest between
principles, which has for its object the discovery of truth and the adminis-
tration of justice,' and I know that the love of justice is the strongest element
in this character of exceptional symmetry and strength. The examiile of his
career may well be taken as a model by those who follow him in the high
office he so long and worthily held."
From the many newspaper comments at the time, the foll<i\\ing lines
are quoted :
The Nezv Harmony Times, Friday, March 8, 1907: "Judge Welborn's
occujjancy of the bench has been long and honorable, and it is a career whose
history if written would reflect a tireless industry and an intensely earnest
desire to uphold the majesty of the law and administer without fear or f;ivor
the justice that an enlightened people demand.
"The period that Judge W^elborn has served the people of this judicial
district has been crowded with official duties which would have tried the
endurance of men less resolute. During his career he has been called upon
to preside over cases when a right or wrong decision meant a step forward
or a march to the rear; he has sat upon the bench when his personal safety
was a matter of deep concern to his friends, yet through the years that
marked his judicial course his purpose to mete out justice as his trained and
educated mind divined it has never faltered and his occu])ancy of the bench
390 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
has left the people that he served a rich heritage in decisions rightfully given;
decisions that have stood for all that was good and clean and uplifting."
The Louisville Courier-Journal, October, 1909 : "In the speeches made
at the banquet frequent references were made to Judge Welborn as an 'able
and just judge' and as a 'model citizen.' It may well be believed that he was
worthy of such high tributes. Few judges, subject to popular favor, which
is often uncertain and shifting, are able to win election after election and to
continue in service with the tmimpaired confidence of the bar and their con-
stituents for a period of thirty-six years. In that length of time a circuit
judge tries thousands of actions at law and passes sentence in thousands of
criminal prosecutions. It is a [josition where a man in the fulfillment of his
duties necessarily must make enemies. Litigants often are bitter in their
prejudices and disposed to resent decisions unfavorable to their contentions.
Men convicted of criminal offenses have no 'good opinion of the law,' and
no great love for the court officers charged with the law's execution.
"There are manifold ways wherein a jurist may create enemies. He is
constantly passing on motions and demurrers, smoothing out knotty places
in the laws and settling controversies between lawyers and contentions be-
tween litigants. Many lawyers are politicians and there are few litigants who
do not take an interest in politics. Circuit judges owe their nominations to
political parties and he who can discharge conscientiously the exacting duties
of his office and at the same time maintain his political balance, must be an
'able and just judge' and a 'model citizen,' strongly intrenched in the affec-
tions of his constituency, or a man of rarest diplomacy.
"Judge Welborn's record is a remarkable one, and it is a striking tril3ute
to his integrity and ability that more than .fifty leading representatives of the
bar associations of Evansville, Vincennes, Mont Vernon, Petersburg" and
Princeton gathered at the festal board to do him honor. He could receive no
higher testimonial, no fitter encomium, as he closes his official career of thirty-
six years and voluntarily seeks retirement to private life."
The Princeton Democrat, February, 1890: "Judge W^elborn has long
filled that office to the satisfaction of the people of all parties in this circuit.
His long experience, great learning, untiring industr}-, patience, and absolute
impartiality render him one of the best trial judges in the state. These quali^
fications eminently fit him for the supreme bench, where his services would
be equally satisfactory to the state at large. Had all our supreme judges been
so eminently endowed with these traits, the docket of that court would not
be so far behind."
GIBSO.V COTNTV, INDIANA. 39 1
Mount VcnioH Evcniiuj Sun, (October 22. 1909: "In his Idu.i; judicial
service, many cases, civil and criminal, of vast import have been tried before
him. Whatever popular opininii may have been as to the results reached, few
ever questioned his conduct as judge. Many of these cases have been ap-
pealed. In most instances the judgments were affirmed and not a few of the
cases are today landmarks of the law in Indiana, both from the importance
of principles involved and the novelty of questions decided. One characteris-
tic of Judge Welborn which greatly commended him to the people, has been
his firm stand for the peace and quiet of societ}'. While tempering justice
w ith mercy when circumstances warranted it, he believed the crime should
be punished and, above all, life and property protected."
Judge Welborn has ever kept in touch with the interests of his city and
county, and is an ardent advocate and liljeral patron of all worthy cntcrjjrises
making for their advancement and prosperit}-. The Judge was a stockholder
and director of the People's National Bank of Princeton, in the success of
which he was a very important factor, and, as throwing a side light on his
character and on the business methods advocated by him, the following lines
are quoted from the Berkeley, California, Independent, of December 10, 1907:
"In the city of Princeton, Indiana, there is a bank that has matle a
unique record for itself during these trying times. It is the J'eoplc's Na-
tional Bank, with a capitalization of only one hundred thousand dollars, but
carrying deposits well up towards a half million. When the crash came in the
last days of October, the banks where it was carrying its main reserve funds
suddenly sent out word to all the interior banks that their money could not be
furnished them on call, and along with this disturbing news volunteered the
advice to them that the only thing to do was to run on a limited schedule so
to speak. But it did not take the directors and officers of this bank long to
decide that they would do nothing of the sort. For nearly half a century
they had met every legitimate demanil without ca\il. and they decided to
maintain the same policy to the end. This in sjjite of the fact that ]>r()bably
no other bank in hundreds of miles around would undertake to do the same
thing. But what happened? When the end of the first week came they had
more money than at the beginning; at the close of business the second week
they were abundantly su])plied with funds, and at the close of the fifth week
they were in better condition than at any time in the history of the bank.
This bank didn't scare the people by first getting scared itself. The panic in
that city lasted less than three days, for the people didn't hoard their money."
Sufficient has been said to indicate the Judge's character and high stand-
392 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
ing in the communit}^ where he has so long resided, and it only remains to be
said that throughout his entire professional and official career he has been
animated by lofty motives and made every personal consideration subordinate
to the higher claims of duty. Broad and liberal in his views, with the greatest
good of his fellow men ever before him. his conduct has been that of the lover
of his kind and the true and loyal citizen who is ready at all times to make
any reasonable sacrifice for the cause in which his interests are enlisted. He
is withal a man of the people, proud of his distinction as a citizen of the state
and nation for whose laws and institutions he has the most profound admira-
tion and respect, while his strong mentality, good judgment and unimpeach-
able integrity have demonstrated to the satisfaction of all his ability to fill
honorably important official positions, and to discharge worthily the duties of
high trust.
COL. WILLIAM M. COCKRUM.
The Cockrum famil)- of Gibson county are of Scotch descent and among
the very early settlers in this part of Indiana. Col. James W. Cockrum, the
father of William M.. was born in North Carolina in 1799. From there he
removed to Tennessee, and in 1816 came to Gibson county, Indiana. He
settled near Francisco, but soon afterwards removed to a farm east of Oak-
land City, where he lived for several years. He subsequently moved onto a
farm where the town of Oakland City now stands and remained there until
his death, in 1875. In early days he was a colonel of militia. He was a man
of unusual intelligence and business capacity and for ten years followed steam-
boating on the southern ri\ers. Fie was the owner of two steamboats, the
"Otsego" and the "Nile,'' and wore them out in the southern cotton trade.
He ran a great manv tlat-boats that carried produce to New Orleans and other
southern cities. In addition, he always carried on farming and mercantile
business at home. In later years he became an active and zealous member
of the General Baptist church. His efforts in building up that religious de-
nomination of which he was a member and supplying it with a house to wor-
ship in, are still remembered by the older people of Oakland City. He was a
just man. It can be truthfully said of him that he died leaving to his posterity
the legacy of a life and name untarnished by an act of wrong or injustice to a
living man. His intelligence pointed out to him that a free and liberal system
of schools was the best safeguard of our liberties, therefore, any proposition
in that direction found him an enthusiastic supporter.
COL. \VM. M. C'OC'KRUM.
GIIiSON COl'NTV, INDIANA. 393
Politically, he was an old-line Whig and later a Republican. He repre-
sented Gibson county in the State Legislature in 1848 and again in 1852. He
was an active supporter of the old Straight-line railroad and one of its direct-
ors. He was a firm temperance man and, with the aitl of his two sons, kept
Oakland City free from saloons as long as he lived, and ibe two sons fought
it out for the next seven years, or until r88i. Mr. Cockrum was twice mar-
ried. His first wife was Sarah Barrett, a native of South Carolina. By that
union there were seven children, none of whom are now living. After the
death of his first wife. Colonel Cockrum married Indah P. Barrett, a sister of
his first wife and a daughter of William Barrett. Col. William M. Cockrum
is the only survivor of that union. He was born December 8. 1837, on the
old Cockrum homestead, now in the center of Oakland City.
William M. Cockrum is a self-made man. There was but poor oppor-
tunity in his youth for receiving an education. He was very active in "under-
ground railroad" work in this section. After the passage of the fugitive
slave law of 1850, there was a great impetus given to fugitixe slave hunting
in all the free states, and in many cases free negroes were captured and sold
into slavery for life. He was one of the twelve men who kidnapped the ten
negro hunters who were trying to capture free negroes and gave them a lesson
that they never forgot. This act greatly lessened the annoyance that our
people had from these negro hunting bullies.
At the breaking out of the war, he enlisted in Company F, Forty-second
Indiana Infantry, and rose through the intermediate grades from a second
lieutenancy to the lieutenant-colonelcy of tht- regiment. He re-enlisted and
continued in the service until the close of the war. In the battle of Chicka-
mauga he was desperately wounded, an ounce ball passing through his body
at his hips. He was captured lying on the battlefield and taken to Libby prison,
where he remained for eight months, suffering untold misery which has left
him a cripple for life.
In his younger days, William M. Cockrum engaged with his brother,
James M. Cockrum, in a general store and the produce business and dealt
largely in pork and leaf tobacco. They had over one hundred hogsheads of
tobacco in New Orleans when the war came that they never got one cent for.
Since the war he has engaged in farming and fruit growing. Colonel Cock-
rum, in many respects, is a typical Westerner, imbued with that vim and push
that is so characteristic of the free sons of the West. He has done more to
build up the town of Oakland City than any other resident.
On October 5, 1856, Colonel Cockrum was united in marriage to
394 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Lucretia, daughter of John and Mary (O'Neil) Harper. She also is of
Scotch-Irish descent Nine children have been born to them. Their names
in the order of their birth are: John B., who is a lawyer, is and has been for
the last fifteen years Vanderbilt's general attorney for the Lake Erie railroad
and its tributary ; he has recently served two years as grand sire of the Odd
Fellows of the World ; is a thirty-second-degree Mason and lives in Indian-
apolis. Ella C, the widow of W. S. Wheatley, deceased, is the teacher of
English and dean of the women of the Oakland City College. Clara C. is the
wife of T. M. Campbell. Willie died in infancy. Oliver M. was govern-
ment land inspector and died in Bismark, North Dakota, in 1907. Zoe C,
the wife of Prof. B. W. Aldrich, at Moores Hill College. Mary C, the wife
of Rev. W. P. Bearing, president of Oakland City College. James W., presi-
dent of the J. W. Cockrum Printing Company. Marion O. Cuckrum, owner
of the M. O. Cockrum jewelry store.
Mr. Cockrum is an earnest worker in the cause of Christianity, a member
of the General Baptist denomination. Politically, Colonel Cockrum since
casting his first vote has been an earnest Republican. In 1907 he published
"A Pioneer History of Indiana." The book is full of thrilling incidents of
the pioneer life, telling how people had to live, their manners and customs,
giving the history of many of the battles they had with Indians and the beasts
of the forest. A history of the public schools is also given.
' GILBERT R. STORMONT.
Gilbert R. Stormont was born ( 1843 ) i" Gibson county, about four miles
east of Princeton. His father was William Stormont, who came with the
.Stormont family from South Carolina in 1832, and whose ancestry is given in
detail in the history of the Stormont family in another place in this volume.
His nx)ther was Elvira Louisa Carithers, a daughter of Andrew Carithers.
who came from Lincoln county, Tennessee, in 1836. His mother died in
1852; her sister, who married James Stormont, died in 1877; a brother,
Andrew J. Carithers, died at his home near Princeton in 1893; another sister,
Mrs. Jolm Dunlap, of Chicago, is the only one of the Andrev,' Carithers family
now living.
The early boyhood life of the subject of this sketch was spent on the
farm, and he contributed a boy's part to the work incident to farm life. His
advciit was ai a time when most of the neighborhood in wh' :h he lived was in
the native forest, and the changing of this forest into cultivated fields re-
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 395
quired much hard lahor mi the part of the head (if the faniilw and all the hnys
who were available fnr service. .Mxmt the time he S"t his enoii.uh In make a
full hand on the farm the Civil war came, and, foUnwing the example nf
nearly all the boys and able-bodied men of the neigliborhood. he enlisted in
the army. His enhstment was in Company B. Fifty-eighth Indiana Infantry,
dated October i, 1861, organized in Princeton. The regiment left the
organization camp for the front December 13, 1861. The subject of this
sketch followed the fortunes of this regiment until the expiration of his term
of service, November 12, 1864, participating in the liattles of Stone's River,
Chickaniauga, and a number of other engagements.
The opportunities for education were limited in the early life of this
subject, but the opportunity was not altogether lacking. There was the dis-
trict school, in the old log school house at the foot of that big lull near the
Makemson home, where "lickin' and larnin" " was carried on in a spasmodic
sort of a way for two or three months in the year; then there were other
schools of more modern methods in the neighborhood later on. The teachers
in these schools, as a rule, didn't know much, but etlucational qualitication
was not the most essential requirement for a school teacher in those days.
Whatever education the subject of this sketch acquired was obtained in these
schools and in the more advanced schools in Princeton, and in the Indiana
University, which he attended after his army service.
Mr. Stormont was engaged in teaching for awhile, Init it is not neces-
sarv for the reader to make any deductions as to (jualilications from the fore-
going paragraph. His first experience in that line of work was in a district
school down near the old reservoir, hard by the limpid water where the fn »gs
rendered grand opera, by day and by night; one term in Oakland City, when
that town had Alayhugh's hotel, two stores and a blacksmith shop; one )ear
in the old Seminary, in Princeton, where the hogs were wont to hold slated
meetings under the floor, and engage in nois}- dispute for favorite place, and
where the fleas roamed at will throughout the building; two years in liic
Princeton graded school in the new building, with 1). blckley Hunter as super-
intendent. Then he got into the newspaper game. He went to Albion.
Illinois, in 1873, and bought an old iiile of junk and converted it into a ncws-
]iaper outfit with which the Albion Journal was founded. This venture,
though at first it did not appear very promising, proved to be a financial
success. After three years Mr. Stormont sold the Joitrnal plant and re-
turned to Princeton, and, in 1877, he bought the Princeton Clarion, which he
continued to publish for nearly twenty-five years. If there is any marked
distinction or creditable record made in his life work it will ])roIiabl\- be con-
ceded that it was made while editor and publisher of the Clarion, .\nyhow.
396 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
this record, whether creditable or otherwise, remains open for inspection and
review. The files of the Clarion are in the pubhc library in Princeton, and
are in constant use b)' those seeking information of past events. In addition
to his newspaper work, Mr. Stormont has engaged in other work of literary
character. His name appears as the author, compiler and publisher of
several books and pamphlets of historical character, the most important of
which is "Right's History of the Fifty-eighth Indiana Regiment."
The political affiliation of the subject of this sketch is with the Repub-
lican party. His first vote for President was cast for Gen. Ulysses S. Grant.
His last was for William Ploward Taft. He was a delegate to the Repub-
lican national convention, in 1884, that nominated James G. Blaine and Gen.
John A. Logan. He was presidential elector for the first district of Indiana
and cast one of Indiana's fifteen votes for Theodore Roosevelt and Charles
Warren Fairbanks for President and Vice-President. As census supervisor,
in 18S0, he had supervision of the census enumeration in fourteen counties
in the southern part of the state. He was deputy collector of internal
revenue, in the Evansville district, in 1899-90, under Judge Henry, collector,
at Terre Haute. Resigning that position, he accepted an unsolicited appoint-
ment as commandant of the Indiana State Soldiers' Home, at Lafayette, con-
tinning in that service for nearly four years. Resigning that position, he re-
turned to his home in Princeton, and soon after was again appointed to the
revenue service. This appnintment was in the special revenue service, with
headquarters at Cincinnati, in a district comprising Ohio, Indiana and Michi-
gan. In 1908 he was transferred to Indianapolis, and later was assigned to
the dutv of division deputy collector, with headquarters at Terre Haute. On
account of the political upheaval of 1912 his connection with the revenue
service ceased May i, 1914, his brand of politics not being in accord with
that prevailing in Washington. That it was not because of inefficiency, is
evidenced bv the following testimonial from his chief accompanying his dis-
charge from the service: "In this connection I desire to acknowledge the
good service you have rendered as deputy, and to testify to your fidelity and
fitness as an official in the United States revenue department."
Mr. Stormont has been a member of the Grand Army of the Republic
since its organization as a national order in 1868. He is a charter member
of Archer Post, Princeton, and served as department commander of Indiana
in 1890-91. With few exceptions, he has attended all the national and de-
partment encampments since the organization of the order.
Mr. Stormont was married to Kate Keys, in Princeton, March 16, 1870.
They are members of the United Presbyterian church. The children living
are Harry K., who married Eunice Heston, their son, Lo\\ell Heston, living
GIBSON COUNTVj INDIANA. 397
at Indianapolis. Ralpli AI., who married Mary Genunj,'. living in Oakland
City. Donald M., who married Pearl Murphy, their daughter, Margaret
Catherine, living in Princeton.
(Publisher's Note: The publishers of this work take the jjrivilege
of adding a few words to the above sketch, to say that Mr. Stormont has for
many years been numbered among the leading citizens of Gibson county, and
is a worthy representative of a family which, from the .pioneer jjeridd. has
been closely identified with the history of this section of the slate. The
family has been characterized by personal courage, love of justice, intense
loyalty and sturdy integrity, qualities which will make any people great.
These same qualities have been exemplified in the subject of this review, who,
as soldier, editor, puljlic official and private citizen, has stood firmly for those
things which are right and which ha\e tended to advance the general welfare
of the community. He has thus rightfully earned the pi)siti(}n generally ac-
corded him as one of the representative men of his count}-. )
WILLIAM L. WEST.
The gentleman whose name appears at the head of this biographical
review needs no introduction to the people of Gibson county, since his entire
life has been spent in this community, a life devotetl not only to the fostering
of his own interests, but also to the welfare of all. An honorable represent-
ative of one of the esteemed families of his section and a gentleman of high
character and worthy ambitions, he has filled no small place in the public
view, as the important official positions he has held bear witness. He is a
splendid type of the intelligent, up-to-date, self-made American in the full
sense of the term, and is regarded as one of the very best business men the
county can boast of. As a citizen, he is progressive and abreast of the times
in all that concerns the common weal and has the unqualified respect and
confidence of all.
William L. West, president of the First National Bank, formerly the
People's State Bank, of Oakland City, Indiana, first saw the light of day on
May 6, 1849, two miles east of Fort Branch, Indiana. He is a son of Samuel
H. West, Sr., and his wife, Catherine (Sidle) West, who was born in Mead-
ville, Pennsylvania, in 1823. She was a daughter of George and Barbara
Sidle, who came from Pennsylvania to Gib.son county in 1828 and settled in
Union township, north of the old West homestead. Here they obtained land,
which they cleared and upon which they built their home and continued to
39^ GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
live on that spot for many years. They later moved to Fort Branch, where
they died. The Sidle family was of German extraction.
Samuel H. West, Sr., father of the immediate subject of this sketch,
was born seven miles west of Fort Branch, Indiana, in 1820. He was the
son of James West, of South Carolina, who was the first member of the
family to come to Gibscjn comity. Here he settled near Blythe's Chapel,
where he obtained heavily timbered land, which he converted into well tilled
acres, with comfortaljle dwelling and outbuildings, and where he passed the
remainder of his life. He married Barbara Borum and to their union were
born the following children, namely: Samuel H., afterwards known as
Samuel H.. Sr., father of the immediate subject of this sketch. Eliza, who
died at home. William, a farmer in Union township, who married Xancy
Pritchett. Doss, ime of the sons, died during the war, at Knoxville, Ten-
nessee; he was unmarried and a memlier of the Fifty-eighth Regiment In-
diana \'olunteer Infantr\-. Betsy married John Redmond and they lived in
Union township. Both are no\v dead. Louisa, another daughter, married
Harrison Eaton and they made their home in Owensville. The youngest
child was Poll}", who became the wife (if Jnlui Pritchett and they lived near
Owensville.
Samuel H. West, Sr.. grew up on the homestead, assisting his father.
He had very little opportunity for schooling, owing to the moderate circum-
stances of his parents and the meager opportunities at best, but he was a
natural reader and student and acquired through his own efforts quite a good
education. As he gre\\- to manhood, he desired to possess land in his own
right and, in return for a horse, saddle and bridle, he received eighty acres
of heavily timbered land lying two miles east of Fort Branch. To this first
possession he added from time to time until he finally possessed four hun-
dred acres of the finest land in the county. This he continued to farm until
he retired in 1892. He had the reputation of l^eing an exceptionally good
business man, a man who could truthfully style himself "self made," and
was well known all o\'er the county. To Samuel H. West, Sr., and his wife
Catherine were born se\'en children : Louisa, who 1)ecame the wife of N. H.
Dorsey, a retired farmer at Oakland City: she died in February of 1913.
The second child in order of birth was William L., the immediate subject of
this sketch. John A., liorn October 28, 1851, lives at Antioch, California,
and is president of the Antioch National Bank. He married Emma Teck-
lenburg. Elzaphan was born August 25, 1853, and died August 30. 1855.
Mary was born February 7, 1856, and is the wife of P. Bryant, of Fort
Branch, Indiana. Isabella, born November 18, i8s8, married Charles Gil-
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 399
bert, of Columlnis, Ohio. Susan, liorn October ii, 1863, is the wife of
Wilhani A. Baldwin, residing at Lake Winona, Indiana. Samuel II., born
July 8, 1861, is the president of the Farmers and Merchants Bank at ]'"ort
Branch. He has been twice married. His first wife was Mattie Cooper, and
the second wife Agnes Blessing. Samuel H. West, Sr., and wife were life-
long members of the JNIethodist Episcopal church, and gave much of their
time and means to further the cause of religion. His death occurred in June.
1898, and she died December 28, 1910.
^^'illiam L. West received his elementary education in the home schools,
later attending Indiana University at Bloomington four years, graduating
in 1873. He then matriculated in Miami Medical College at Cincinnati.
Ohio, from which he was graduated in 1876, and immediately took up the
practice of medicine at Owensville, Indiana. He practiced there but a short
time and on January 11, 1877, was united in marriage to Lisetta D. Speck,
of Owensville. She was the daughter of William A. and Lisetta D. (Weikel)
Speck, of Dresden. Prussia. They were both young when they came to
America and both located in Owensville. Here their marriage took place.
Lisetta died and Mr. Sj^eck married a second time, his bride being Elizabeth
Schlosky, of Germany. She died in July of igii. He went to California,
where his death occurred.
After his marriage, William L. West left Owensville. going to Fort
Branch, w^here he engaged in the <lrug business with his brother under the
firm name of W. L. & J. A. \\'est. This partnership continued for nearly
three years, when he sold his interest to his brother, John, and went to
Boonville, Indiana, where he was in the drug business for about two years.
He then went to Oakland City in 1881, where he was engaged in the same
line for about ten years. In 1891 he sold out and was one of the organizers
of the People's State Bank of that place, this organization taking place in
1889. John J. Murphy was president and William L. ^^'cst was cashier for
fifteen years. At the time of Mr. Murphy's death, ^Ir. West was raised to
the presidency and Alvin Wilson was made cashier. The directors are T.
Wilson, W. H. Lowry, L. J. Deutsch and David Ingle.
Mr. \\'est was one of the organizers of the Citizens Bank of Princeton
in 1903 and served as president for four or fi\e years. .\lso he and two of
his brothers organized the Farmers and Merchants Bank at Fort Branch,
which organization he served as president for sixteen years. In August,
1904, Mr. and Mrs. West moved their home to Princeton, locating at No.
213 East State street, where they have since resided, their home beiiig a
center of interest to their host of friends. Mr. and Mrs. West have an in-
400 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
teresting family ol children, the oldest of whom, a little daughter called
Bertha, died at the age of thre^ years. The next in order is Carl R., a travel-
ing salesman for a jewelry firm in Indianapolis, whose wife was Miss Jessie
Dill. Roland E. is attending school at Valparaiso, Indiana. The fourth
child was a little son, Fred, who died when one year old. William L., Jr.,
has been a telegraph operator stationed at Ashland, Kentucky, but he is now
attending Purdue University. The youngest daughtei of the family is Cath-
erine, who is in her first year at the State University at Bloomington.
Mr. West is a member of that time-honored body of Free and Accepted
Masons, holding his membership in the Oakland City lodge. He has also
attained the York Rite or Knights Templar degree of ]\Iasonry and is a mem-
ber of the Eastern Star. The religious sympathies of the family are with the
Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mr. West is a member of the Oakland
City church. Mr. West comes of a family the different members of which
have served their community to the best of their ability in their different
days and he and his brothers have done much to advance business interests
along safe and conservative lines. One of the brothers. John A., was treas-
urer of Gibson county at one time. William L. West is a self-made man in
the true sense of the term and his keen business judgment coupled with right
principles have made him a man highly esteemed by all with whom he comes
in contact. He stands as one of the best types of the modern man, clean
and strong, and an incentive to young men on the threshold of life.
JOHN E. BUTLER.
In 1859 a charitable society in New York city, a part of whose mission
was to find homes for homeless children, sent about two hundred of the home-
less waifs under their charge to Indiana, a number of them coming to Prince-
ton. Among this number was a mite of a boy of about nine years of age
whose full name was John Edward Butler, but as that appeared to be too
much of a name for so small a boy, they called him "Johnny Butler." Johnny
found a home in Princeton, and. as the years passed, he increased somewhat
in size and stature, but he never increased to such an extent as to outgrow his
boyhood name. Even in the mature years of manhood his old Princeton
friends, and his army associates, know him only as "Johnny Butler," and they
prefer to call him by that name. So in this personal sketch, in conformity
with the practice of his old-time friends, we will call him by the name by
which he is best known.
;//.. f'.yJn//.^^
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 4OI
johnny Butler was born in (liilwav, Ireland, August 8, 1850, a son of
Mark and Catherine Butler. There is no definite information as to the time
his parents came to America, or as to their life history. It is only known that
Johnny Butler was cast adrift in the city of New York and became a street
waif, and that he was picked up and sent to a charitable institution on Ran-
dall's Island, an institution under the management of the department of
charity and correction. Here he remained for about two years, receiving
such instruction and training as was given by that institution, then under the
superintendency of Air. Ripley. That there was some fond attachment
formed for this institution, his onl}' childhood home, is evidenced by a desire
to revisit the place in after years. This visit was made a few years ago. But
he found that time had made many changes and there was very little to remind
him of the scenes of boyhood days. In the office Johnny Butler found in the
record kept there one item of interest. It was a record of his name with the
memorandum: "Was found on the streets of New York city in the year 1857,
about seven years of age. In 1859 was sent to Princeton, Indiana, where he
found a home with Mr. AI. j. Brady. The last heard of him he was going to
school."
But that was not the last that has been heard from Johnny Butler. When
the war of the Rebellion came, and President Lincoln called for volunteers,
Johnny Butler was among the first to offer his services. He enlisted .\pril 19.
1861, as drummer boy, in the first company that was made up in Princeton,
although at that time he was less than ele\en years of age. This company
was enlisted for three months' service, but was not accepted because the quota
for this state was full. A few months later Johnny Butler found service with
the Seventeenth Indiana Company, that was enlisted in Princeton for the
three-year service. He served as drummer lioy in this regiment for several
months and was honorably discharged by reason of a general order of the war
department, mustering out all regimental bands. In 1864 he re-enlisted in
the One Hundred and Twentieth Indiana Regiment and served until January
8. 1866, when he was honorably discharged.
After his army service he attended the pul)lic schools in Princeton and
Owensville, and took a course in a business college at Vincennes. His ambi-
tion was to acquire an education sufficient to fit him for business, and his suc-
cess in business in after life is evidence that he wisely improved every educa-
tonal opportunity afforded him.
After emplovment in various business enterprises he was attracted to
(26)
402 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
prospects in the Pennsylvania oil fields and he determined to try his fortune
there. Here he found favorable opportunity for the employment of his
capital, which consisted largely of industry and push. He became identified
with the oil industry of Pennsylvania and made investments in that line which
proved to be highly remunerative. That there are ups and downs in the oil
industry is the experience of every one who has engaged in it, and Johnny
Butler's experience is not an exception. But his careful and conservative
business judgment has enabled him to make a good showing on the profit side
of the ledger in the se\'eral years he has been engaged in the business. At
present he is president of the Butler Oil Company, and also president of The
Marvin Manufacturing Company, producing and manufacturing lubricating
oils and greases, at Franklin, Pennsylvania, where his home has been for
several years. In that community, and wherever known, he is regarded as a
man reliable and trustworthy, and it is to these traits of character that his
success in life is due.
This sketch of Johnny Butler is not given for his personal gratification
and aggrandizement. It is rather under protest and against his wish that any
publicity regarding his life is given. But there is a lesson in such a life that
is worth reading. For one to begin life as a street waif, in New York city,
without home, kindred or friends, and to work his way to a place among
successful and respected business men, is a life worthy of emulation. It
happily illustrates the possibilities of a successful life, open to every boy,
under the benign influences and advantages of our American institutions, even
though the earlv environments are most unfavorable.
HON. SIMON L. VANDEVEER.
Simon L. Vandeveer, who is filling with ability and satisfaction the
position of judge of the sixty-sixth judicial circuit, is a native son of In-
diana, having been born on a farm near English, Crawford county, on
October 26. 1868. His parents, Joel and Jemima A. (Monk) Vandeveer,
who are both now deceased, were both also natives of this state, the father
having been for many years a successful practicing physician in Crawford
county, where he was widely known and highly respected, not only because
of his professional success, but also for his high personal character.
Simon L. Vandeveer received his elementary education in the common
GIBSON COL NTV, INDIANA. 4O3
schools of Crawford count)', supplcnicntin;;- this by attendance at Marengo
Academy, Marengo, Indiana, and Borden Institute, in Clark county, both
being excellent educational institutions. During this educational period he
taught in the public schools of his native county for several terms. Having
entertained an ambition to take up the practice of law as his life work, Simon
L. Vandeveer entered the law office of Jerry L. Suddarth, at Leavenworth,
which was at that time the county seat of Crawford county, being thus em-
ployed for four years. During this same period his brother, John M. Vande-
veer, was studying law at New Albany in the office of Charles L. Jewett, and
after completing their studies and being admitted to the bar, the brothers
came to Oakland lit\ , Gibson county, opening a law oflice here un December
24, 1891. There, under the firm name of J. M. & S. L. \andevcer, they con-
tinued in the practice for four years, proving themselves able and trustworthy
attorneys and attaining a high standing at the Gibson county bar. On Jan-
uary I, 1895, Simon L. Vandeveer came to Princeton and the law firm of
J. N. & S. L. Vandeveer from that time forward was one of the best known
and most successful in this section of the state. The subject was, in Febru-
ary of 1913. appointed judge of the sixty-sixth judicial circuit and is the
present incumbent of that position. In the active practice of law Judge Van-
deveer stood admittedly in the front rank of his profession in this county,
being one of the most successful lawyers before the local bar. In his ])resent
position his career has been all that his previous record promised. His
qualifications for the office of judge are unquestionable. lMr.st of all, he
has the integrity of character, and then he possesses the natural ability and
essential requirements, the acumen of the judicial temperament. He is able
to divest himself of prejudice or favoritism and consider only the legal as-
pects of a question submitted. These are, indeed, words of praise, but the
encomium is justified, for the Judge has proved himself a man in all the term
implies, and its implication is wide. His career on the bench and at the bar
offers a noble example and an inspiration, while he has never been known to
fail in that strict courtesy and regard for professional ethics which should
ever characterize the members of the bar, his career reflecting credit upon
the judiciary and dignif3nng the profession to which he belongs. Judge
Vandeveer is an active member of the State liar Association and in that
societv is a member of the ccjmmittee on legal education and adnn'ssion to the
bar of the State Bar Association.
Politically, Judge Vandeveer giACs his supjiort to the Democratic party,
to the success of which he has contrilnited by his personal efiforts and being
404 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
prominent in its councils. i'Vaternally, he is a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks,
being a charter member of the last-named lodge at Princeton. Religiously,
he is a member' of the Presbyterian church and gives his earnest support to
every movement looking to the advancement of the highest and best interests
of his fellows.
On March 18, 1895, Simon L. Vandeveer was married to Mary Cas-
tetter, a daughter of Ira and Florence (Jackson) Castetter, former residents
of Gibson county, but now residing in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Personally, Judge Vande\eer is genial and easily approached, pos-
sessing to a marked degree those qualities which win and retain friendships.
He has been successful in his life work, respected in social life and as a
neighbor he has discharged his duties in a manner becoming a liberal-minded,
intelligent citizen of the community honored by his citizenship.
WILLIAM W. BLAIR, M. D.
It is with pleasure that the biographer has an opportunity to place
before the readers of this work the life record of the honorable man and
physician whose name initiates this paragraph. .\ history of Gibson county
would be wholly incomplete should there be failure to include one who has
passed so many years of usefulness in the community, the influence of whose
upright life cannot be estimated. There is no outsider so closely admitted
to the love and confidence of a family as the trusted and faithful physician.
There is no form of service higher than a heartfelt desire to relieve suffering
humanity, and when a physician goes deeper in his diagnoses than mere
bodily ills, and treats also moral and spiritual weaknesses, the result is a
most beautiful life, the whole effect of which cannot be adjudged from any
earthly viewpoint.
Dr. William ^^'. Blair was born at Bloomington, Monroe count}*, In-
diana, on August 6, 1827, the son of James and Jane (Neil) Blair, both of
whom were natives of South Carolina. The father was born in 1789 and
died March 26, 1849, and the mother's death occurred April 5, 1854, in the
seventy-fourth year of her age.
Doctor Blair's father followed the vocation of farming all his life. In
the year 1816 he left South Carolina with his little family and settled in
GIBSON CO^NT^•, INDIANA. 4O5
Tennessee, where tlie_\- remained until i8_'5, at which time he 1)rouglit them
on to Bloomington, Indiana, wliere he lived until his death. Doctor Blair is
the last remaining memhcr of a family of six children, heing the youngest of
the famil)-. His elementary education was recei\ed in Bloomington, where
he later attended the State University in 1844-48. He received special train-
ing in his chosen profession at the Ohio Medical College in Cincinnati,
Ohio, from which he was gradu'ated March 7, 1850. He had previously
decided upon Princeton as the field for his future labors, and arrived here
May 15th after his graduation. He immediately took up his j^ractice and
has been here ever since, excepting the time later spent at the front during
the Civil war. On October 19, 1861, he was commissioned surgeon of the
Fifty-eighth Regiment Indiana \'olunteer Infantry and on .\ugust 8, 1862,
was made medical director of (ien. T. j. \\'ood's division. Ivelurning home
in the summer of 1864, 'it- resumed his practice here, which has since been
uninterrupted.
On October 7, 185 1, Doctor ISlair was united in marriage to Margaret
VVarnock, who was born in Ireland. Mrs. Blair"s death occurred January
20, 1887. To their union were born seven children: Hetty, wife of Dr.
S. F. Gilmore, of Indianapolis; Isabelle, of Princeton; Marie, also at home;
Dr. Frank Blair, who died May 11, 1907; Xellie, who died October 7, 1886;
Archibald W., who died July 17, igoq, and William, resident in Princeton.
Doctor Blair has the distinction of being the oldest jihysician in Gibson
county and one of the oldest in the state. Princeton was but a small village,
with a population of seven hundred and fifty, when the Doctor first came
here, and it is difficult for one of a younger generation to appreciate the
changes and improvements which time has brought to pass. The physician
of today, who makes his calls in his automobile, over excellent country roads,
can have no conception of the hardships endured by a physician of the old
school who went his way on horseback, along roads which were often
scarcely more than a dim path through the woods, fording streams, wading
swamps and suffering much personal discomfort in order to traverse the
many miles which sometimes separated him from a suffering mortal. It was
his untiring faithfulness through those earlier days, as well as his e(|ual at-
tention through the years when modern improvements made his task an
easier one, that has made a jilace for Doctor Blair in the hearts of all those
with whom he has come in contact during his long life. In the early days
Doctor Blair prepared his own medicines from the crude drugs, an arduous
task which is no longer necessary.
406 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Doctor Blair has been a life-long and consistent member of the United
Presbyterian church and enjoys the unique distinction of having served as
an elder since February 14, 1856. Politically, he is identified with the Re-
publican party, and while he has always taken a keen interest in politics, he
has never entertained any ambitions along that line. He is also a member
of the honored Grand Army of the Republic. While he has always made
his home in Princeton, he is the owner of a farm nearby and has other landed
interests.
In this necessarily brief sketch, it is absolutely impossible to do justice
to the life history of such a man. He holds the admiration of all, counts his
friends in great numbers, and surely no higher tribute can be paid him.
Right principles of heart and mind, untiring energy and indomitable will
have made the life of Doctor Blair a worthy incentive to those who have
chosen the practice of medicine as their life work.
JOSEPH P. YOCHUM.
The office of biography is not to give voice tu a man's modest opinion
of himself and his accomplishments, but rather to leave upon the record the
verdict establishing his character by the consensus of opinion on the part of
his neighbors and fellow citizens. In touching upon the life history of the
,'Hibject of this sketch the writer aims to avoid fulsome encomium and ex-
travagant praise; yet he desires to hold up for consideration those facts
which have shown the distinction of a true, useful and honorable life — a life
characterized by perseverance, energy, broad charity and well-defined pur-
pose. To do this will be but to reiterate the dictum pronounced upon the
man by the people who have known him long and well.
Joseph P. Yochum was born November 8, 1S59, in Patoka township,
Gibson county, Indiana, south of Princeton, the son of John and Barbara
(Huffmann) Yochum, natnes of the fatherland, they having been born in
the city of Munich.
The mother of the subject was the daughter of Frank and Mary (Be.al)
Huft'mann, who came to America in 1852 and settled near King's Station, in
Patoka township, where the father, in addition to farming, conducted a store
and followed his trade of tailoring. These parents were of the Catholic
faith, the father dving in Fort Branch in his sixty-sixth year and the mother
reaching the extreme age of ninety.
(.^IKSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 407
John Vochum, the subject's father, came alone to America in 1849 ^^'i*-'
hrst Hved in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he learned the wagonmaker's trade,
following this vocation in the Queen City for three years, when he removed
to Gibson county and located three miles south of Princetun on the State
road, where he erected a shop and followed his trade until his retirement ; he
also engaging to some extent in farming. He died in 1895 and his widow
removed to Princeton, where she now resides, she being a woman of great
intelligence and remarkable memory.
To the subject's parents were born nine children, namely : Frank, now
deceased, lived in P'atoka township and married Indiana Arbuthnot, now
also deceased. He was a farmer nearly all his life, but for many years was
bookkeeper for the R. P. Moore Milling Company, of Princeton. He was
the father of hve children, Carl, Edith, Florence, Floyd and Frank; Joseph
P.; August. William, Henry and John are deceased; Charles is a buggy
manufacturer in Cincinnati; John is cashier of the American National Bank
at Princeton and married Jessie Witherspoon ; Annie Mary is the wife uf
Elza Wilkinson, of Princeton.
The subject received a common school education and lived at home luitil
1882, when he was united in marriage to Maggie Nestler, of Gibson county,
the daughter of Casper and Frances Nestler, of Germany, who were early
settlers in this community, where they spent the rest of their lives.
To the parents of the subject's wife were born four children, namely:
Nicholas, deceased, was a saddler and lived at Fort Branch; Frank, also
deceased, was engaged in the hardware business at Fort l>ranch; Maggie;
Peter, deceased, was a saddler at Fort Branch.
To Mr. Yochum and his wife have been born four children, namel}- :
Amy M. lives at home; Ada is the wife of Carl Mangrum. of Princeton;
Lora and Esther arc living at home. Amy and Lora graduated from the
Princeton high school and then took up a course of training for the teacher's
profession; Amy is attending Valparaiso University and Lora is at the State
Normal School at Terre Haute. Both are now teaching. Amy in the Prince-
ton schools and Lora in the high school at Haubstadt.
After the subject's marriage he engaged in agricultural pursuits three
and a half miles southeast of Princeton, where he continued until August,
1906, when he purchased his beautiful home in Princeton. Here he has a
fine residence at No. 528 East Broadway, which he has remodeled and made
modern in every respect.
Mr. Yochum has been a great lover of the best l)looded stock and has
408 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
devoted much of his attention to the breeding of fine registered liorses, Poland
China hogs, Barred Plymouth Rock chickens and Mammoth Bronze turkeys.
His farm comprises one hundred and sixty acres in Patoka township.
The subject has taken an active interest in the success of the Democratic
party and served for six years as county commissioner, in which ofifice he
acquitted himself to the eminent satisfaction of his fellow citizens. Under
the recently enacted law he has been appointed county superintendent of
highways. Fraternally, he is an appreciative member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 64, of Princeton, while his religious affil-
iations are with the Cumberland Presbyterian church.
JAMES A. S PROWL.
An enumeration of those men of the present generation who have won
honor and public recognition for themselves, and at the same time have hon-
ored the locality to which they belong, would be incomplete were there fail-
ure to make specific mention of him whose name forms the caption of this
sketch. The qualities which have made him one of the prominent and suc-
cessful men of Gibson county have also brought him the esteem of his fellow
men, for his career has been one of well directed energy, strong determination
and honorable methods.
James A. Sprowl is a native son of the Hoosier state, ha\-ing been
born about four and one-half miles east of Princeton, on July 28, 1840, and
is the son of John O. and Margaret (McClellan) Sprowl, the former a native
of Chester, South Carolina, and the latter of Greene county, Ohio. The
subject's paternal grandfather, John Sprowl, was a native of Ireland who,
after emigrating to the United States, located in South Carolina, where he
remained until his marriage, when, about 183 1, he came to Gibson county,
settling in the Stormont neighborhnod, aliout four miles east of Princeton,
where he entered a tract of gvn-ernment land, tie married ]\Iiss Orr, and
to them were born nine children, six daughters and three sons, of whom the
father of this subject was the oldest. Here John S])rowl remained until his
death, which occurred in 1844. John O., father n{ the subject of this sketch,
died .August 6, 1841, when his son, James \., was about a year old. His
widow afterwards became the wife of James Wilson and reared another
familv of children.
JAMES A. SPROWL.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 4O9
The subject had two sisters, Rose Ann, who hecame the wife of A. J.
Gillespie, of Monroe county, Indiana, and they moved to Kansas, where she
reared a family of children. Joan became the wife of Thompson Sjjencer,
and at her. death left one child, Ann, who became the wife of Harry Mc-
Clellan, of Dayton, Ohio. The subject also has a half-ljrother, Joseph S.
Wilson, of Santa Rosa, California.
James A. Sprowl received his education in the country schools of his
home community and was reared on the paternal farmstead under the direc-
tion of his mone}', until in 1861, when about twenty-one years of age, tired by
his country's call for defenders, he enli.sted in Company B, Fifty-eighth Regi-
ment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in which he served valiantly and faithfully,
re-enlisting in 1865 in the One Hundred I-'orty-third Regiment and serving
until the close of the war. His record was a good one and one of which he
is deservedly proud. Upon his return to the pursuits of ]jeace Mr. Sprowl
devoted himself to agricultural labor until 1873, when he removed to Prince-
ton in order to give his children better educational advantages. In 1875 he
was elected constable, serving at that six years, and at the end of that time he
was appointed deputy sheriff, in which ])osition he rendered efficient and satis-
factory service for two terms, or eight years. In 1890 Mr. Sprowl was elected
justice of the peace, in which office he ha^ lieen continued by re-election until
the present time. His record has been an en\-iable one, his decisions being
marked by a sense of fairness and justice which has commended him to the
higher courts of the county. A wide reader and keen observer of men and
events, Mr. Sprowl is a well-informed man, keeping in close touch with cur-
rent events and is well founded in the fundamental principles of juris-
prudence. Congenial and unassuming, he has won a host of warm and loyal
personal friends who esteem him highly because of his high character and
genuine worth.
In 1867 James A. Sprowl was married to ATartha L, Cmw, who was
born and reared in Gibson county, and to thcni have l)cen born eight children,
namely: John O., of Cleveland. Ohio; Carrie, the wife of W. J. Schumat, of
Princeton; George N., of Princeton; Charles, of Lansing, Michigan; Nellie
Margaret, the wife of Elwood Lichtenberger. of Mt. \ ernon. Indiana: J.
.Arch, of Princeton, and Roy and Arthur, who are deceased.
Politically, Mr. Sprowl has given his life-long support to the Republican
party and has been active in the ranks in his efforts to advance the interests
of the organization. Politically, he is a member of the Grand Army of the
Republic, while his religious afifiliation is with the United Presliyterian
4IO GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
church. His hfe-long residence in Gibson county, his upright life and mature
judgment and the many favors which he has rendered have won for him the
confidence and esteem of the people with whom he has so long mingled. He
is imbued with the deepest and mo.st helpful public spirit and is well fortified
in his opinions on matters of public policy, giving of his best to the furthering
of good government and Ijeing neglectful of no civic duty.
WILBUR F. FISHER
The men most influential in promoting the advanceiiient of society and
in giving character to the times in which they live are two classes, to-wit,
the men of study and the men of action. Whether we are more indebted for
the improvement of the age to the one class or to the other is a question of
honest difference in opinion; neither class can be spared and both should be
encouraged to occup)' their several spheres of labor and influence, zealously
and without mutual distrust. In the following paragraphs are briefly out-
lined the leading facts and characteristics in the career of a gentleman who
combines in his makeup the elements of the scholar and the energy of the
public-spirited man of affairs. Devoted to the noble and humane work of
teaching, he has made his influence felt in the school life of Gibson county
and is not unknown to the wider educational circles of the state, occupying,
as he does, a prominent place in his profession and standing high in the
esteem of educators in other than his own particular field of endeavor.
Wilbur F. Fisher, superintendent of the schools of Gibson county, was
born on July 21, 1876, at Patoka, this county, and is the son of John B. and
Sarah Jennie (Marsh) Fisher, the father a native of Patoka and the mother
of Mt. Carmel, Illinois. Both are now deceased. John B. Fisher was a
farmer by vocation, and was a veteran of the Civil war, having served for
thirty-nine months in the Seventeenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry.
He took part in the great battle of Chickamauga, and many others of almost
equal prominence, and was with Sherman on his celebrated march to the sea
and at the fall of Atlanta. He was a man of prominence in his community
and served efficiently as a justice of the peace. His death occurred on
November i, 1910, having survived his wife a number of years, her death
having occurred on March 26, 1883. They were the parents of the following
children, Carrie, Herbert, Harry, deceased, Ralph, Roy. deceased. Wilbur,
Henry and Chester, deceased.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 4II
Wilbur F. Fisher received his education in the coninum and the high
schools of Patoka, and then was a student in Indiana University. He had
taught some before entering the university, and after attending that institu-
tion he took up pedagogical work, in which he has during the subseijuent
years achieved a pronounced success, being numbered among the leading
educators of southwestern Indiana. His work embraces six years in the
common schools in White River township, this county, and ten years in higli
school work, four years as superintendent at Hazleton, Indiana, and six
years as superintendent at Patoka. While incumbent of the latter position,
Mr. Fisher was elected county superintendent of schools on June 5, 191 1, and
is the present incumbent of this position. As a teacher, Professor iMsher met
with merited success and in his capacity as principal of schools lie has met
with a series of successes and advancements. He pursues his present calling
with all the interest of an enthusiast, is thoroughly in harmony with the spirit
of the work, and has the proper conception of the dignity of the profession
to which his life and energies are so earnestly devoted. As superintendent
of schools, his work has been characterized by greater efficiency antl closer
grading in the schools. He has done much to raise the general standing uf
education and scholarship in Gibson county, and his work stamps him as a
man of unusual ability. A polished gentleman and possessing the traits of
character necessary to insure success, the services thus far rendered bespeak
for him a wider and more distinguished career of usefulness in years to
come. Unlike so many of his calling who become narrow and pedantic, the
Professor is distinctly a man of the times, broad and liberal in his views, and
has the courage of his convictions on the leading public questions and issues
upon which men and parties divide. He also keeps in touch with the trend
of modern thought along its various lines and, being a man of scholarly and
refined tastes, is acquainted with the literature of the world in general, while
his familiarity with the more practical affairs of the day makes him feel at
ease with all classes and conditions of people whom he may meet. Deeply
interested in the work to which his life is devoted. Professor I-'isher has not
been unmindful of his duties as a citizen, and to this end takes an active part
in public matters and lends his influence and support to all matters having for
their object the advancement of the city and the intellectual and moral good
of the people.
Wilbur F. Fisher was married October 25, 1907, to Bessie Sjjain, who
was born near Hazleton, Indiana, the daughter of Byron S. Spain, a promi-
nent citizen of that community, and to this union has been born one child
412 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Jennie Louise. Religiously, Professor Fisher is a member of the Presbyter-
ian church, while, fraternally, he is a member of the Free and Accepted
Masons. He is a Democrat of the Bryan type and takes a deep interest in
the success of his party. Personally, Professor Pisher is a popular man,
possessing to a marked degre the characteristics which win and retain warm
friendships. He is a member of one of the old pioneer families of Gibson
county, his paternal grandfather, Jonathan Fisher, being one of the first
settlers of Patoka, and here the family early became prominent and in-
fluential in local affairs. Jonathan Fisher engaged extensively in the pork
packing business and ran a flat boat down the Alississippi river to New
Orleans, Professor Fisher's father assisting him in this work. He married
Polly Milburn and reared a family of eight children. From such sterling
stock, the subject of this sketch inherited qualities which have enabled him
to gain success, namely, perseverance, industry, and the strictest ideals of
integrity and honesty. By his kindness and courtesy he has won an abiding
place in the esteem of his fellow citizens and by his intelligence, energy and
abiding spirit has made his influence felt among his associates during his
residence in this county, and as a result occupies no small place in the esteem
of the public.
JUDGE WILLIAM M. LAND.
Judge William M. Land, at the time of his death on April 19,
1904, was the Nestor of the Princeton bar and one of the most prominent
jurists in southern Indiana. He was born in Johnson township, Gibson
county, Indiana, August 28, 1827, making his age at death nearly seventy-
seven years. He was a son of Abraham and Sarah Ann (Edwards) Land.
His grandfather was a colonel in the Colonial army during the war of the
Revolution. His father was a soldier in the war of 1812. Abraham Land
was a South Carolinian, hut married in Tennessee and came to live in Gibson
county, near Fort Branch, in 1827. To this union were l)orn four sons nad
four daughters, judge Land being the oldest of these children. The father
was a cooper by trade, but became the pioneer miller of Gibson county, de-
voting his time to milling, although he lived on a farm. He served for
many years as a justice of the peace and was held in high regard. His death
occurred in 1S44. and his wife followed him in 1864.
William M. Land began his education in a log school house and in his
GIBSON COrXTV, INDIANA. 4I3
youth attendeil the schools of his nci,L;hl)orli(H)(l. At the at^c of twenty, in
January, 1848, he enlisted for service in the Mexican war as a meinher of
Company I, Fourteenth United States Infantry, C(jntinuing with this com-
mand until honorably discharged in August, 1848. Returning home, he at-
tended school for a time and then engaged in teaching for twelve years.
The oldest of eight chiklren, he assumed the management of the farm and
was the mainstay of the family until the children grew to maturity. While
quite young. Judge Land was called upon to ser\e in positions of public
trust. From 1853 until i860 he served successively as township assessor,
county commissioner and township trustee, and while acting as trustee he
erected the first frame school house in the township.
Shortly after returning from the Mexican war he took up the study of
law, devoting spare hours to a diligent reading of Blackstone. He was ad-
mitted to. the Gibson count)- bar in February, 1857, and was the oldest living
member up to the time of his death. In 1864 he moved to Princeton so he
might engage more extensively in the practice of his profession. His ability,
honesty and constant application resulted in a most successful career. He
had a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the science of juris-
prudence, and his argument of a case rested more on the clear, decisive
truth and logic than upon oratorical effects. He was always devoted to his
clients' interests and went to the depth of every legal point at issue. W-
though years crept upon him, his disposition for work and activity made it a
pleasure to continue the practice until the time came when physical ailments
precluded a further pursuit of business. During his career no less than nine
or ten of the Princeton attorneys read law in his oflice.
Judge Land served as deputy district attorney, also as attorney for the
city of Princeton. He became a member of the board of education in 1868
and during his term the first brick school house in Princeton was erected. In
July, 1872, he was appointed to fill the unexpired term as judge of the
common pleas court for the first district of Imliana, composed of the coun-
ties of Gibson, Vanderburg, Posey and Warrick. On dit¥erent occasions
he served as special judge of the circuit courts of the above mentioned coun-
ties, and acted as judge of the superior court of Vanderburg county. Few
cases tried under him were ever appealed and not one reversed by a higher
court. This record indicates his superior ability as a jurist and his success-
ful career in the field of law.
Judge Land was married in 1850 to Sarah E. J. Harmon, of Posey
414 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
county, who died in 1888, and to this union there \\ere born six chilch-en, of
whom the following survived their father: Oma, the wife of James B.
Gamble, who is represented elsewhere in this work; Marion, Henry, Jessie
and George.
Jutlge Land was a public-spirited citizen and encouraged public enter-
prise. He was especially interested in educational matters and aided much
in the advancement of school interests in the city and county. In 1868 he
became a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and took a deep
interest in this order. In the order he held many high places and was a past
grand.
During his life Judge Land was a member of three political parties.
He voted with the Democracy early in life, but was a Republican from 1862
until 1884, when he took up the Prohibition cause and became a leader in the
ranks of that party. He was earnest in the cause of temperance and his
advocacy was fraught with much good for the cause he espoused.
Judge Land recognized in the worship of God a privileged duty of man
and his life was lived along lines consistent with Christianity. He was a
faithful member of the General Baptist church at Enon.
Judge Land was of literary bent, although this phase of his life was
not as publicly known as was his ability as a lawyer and jurist. He possessed
one of the largest libraries in the county and he was never so happy as when
among his books. Among his many talents was that of verse writing, and
his productions in verse are meritorious and deserve a wide circulation.
These poems were carefully typewritten on pages of uniform size and col-
lected in two books. The title of one, "Voyage to Waterloo, and Other
Poems;" the other he called "The White Stone King," and other poems.
The poems are on varied subjects and the genius of the author has given
them a smoothness in style and a depth of thought which mark their ex-
cellence.
In the death of Judge Land, Gibson county lost an eminently useful
man. He had ability and, what was more important, the disposition to use
it at all times for the advancement of good morals and right principles. As
a Christian gentleman, he was a model for the rising generation, and as a
public-spirited citizen he had few peers in the community. There was in
him a weight of character, a native sagacity, a far-seeing judgment and a
fidelity of purpose that commanded the respect of all, but greater than these
was his unswerving integrity, and "an honest man is the noblest work of
God."
GinSON COLXTV, INDIANA. 415
HARVEY MILBURN.
Specific mention is made in the following paragraphs of one of the
worthy citizens of Gibson county, Indiana, one who has figured in the growth
and development of the educational and financial interests of this favored
locality, and whose interests have been identified with its progress, con-
tributing in a definite measure in his particular spheres of action to the well-
being of the community in which he resides and to the advancement of its
normal and legitimate growth. Earnest purpose and tireless energy, com-
bined with mature judgment and every-day common sense, have been among
his most prominent characteristics and he has merited the respect and esteem
which are accorded him by all who know him.
Harvey Milburn was born August 3. 1870, in I-ineus county, Missouri,
the son of Augustus and Isabelle (Devin) Milburn. The father was born in
Indiana, where he spent his life in farming in Gibson county, his death oc-
curring there on August 2, 1009. The mother died on November 2, 1889.
To the parents of the subject five children were born, namely: Preston is
engaged in the general mercantile business and lives in Patoka; Alex D. is
deceased; Harvey; Sue married Oscar Witherspoon, a farmer of Gib.<5on
county; Mary married D. R. Trippet, a lumberman, and lives in Memphis,
Tennessee. Augustus Milburn was allied politically with the Republican
party, but never aspired to public ofifice.
A thorough education was granted Harvey Milburn, the suliject of this
biographical review. He attended the common schools, then graduated from
the high school at Patoka, and took the course in teacher training, supple-
menting this with a course in the State University at Bloomington, Indiana.
At the conclusion of his studies he engaged in the jirofession of an educator,
teaching in the schools of Gibson county for fifteen years and was principal
of the South school for seven years.
On May 28. 1906, Mr. Milburn forsook pedagogical pursuits and en-
tered the American National Bank as assistant cashier, which position he is
yet filling in a praiseworthy manner, his genial personality and accommo-
dating manners having won for him a wide circle of friends and been of in-
estimable value to the institution which he so capably .serves.
In December, 1898, the subject of this review was married to Ethel
May Witherspooon, daughter of James C. and Fanny (King) Witherspoon.
The father, who died in February, 1910, was an old settler in Gibson county,
where he engaged in agriculture all his days. To the subject and wife have
4l6 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
been bom two children, Isabelle, living at home, and Lucile, who died in her
seventh year, on October 30, 1909.
The Republican party has constantly claimed Mr. Milburn's suffrage,
while, fraternally, he is an earnest and appreciative member of the Masonic
order. A worthy member of the First Presbj'terian church, Mr. Milburn
takes a deep interest in its welfare and contributes liberally to its support.
Personally, the subject is a man whom it is a pleasure to meet, jovial,
agreeable, hospitable and a well informed man. The Milburn family bears
an excellent reputation throughout the county and takes tirst rank in the
citizenship of this favored section of the fioosier state.
DAVID INGLE, SR.
Indiana has been especially honored in the character and career of her
active men of industry. In every section have been found men born to
leadership in the various vocations, men who have dominated because of their
superior intelligence, natural endowment and force of character. It is always
profitable to study such lives, weigh their motives and hold up their achieve-
ments as incentives to greater activity and higher excellence on the part of
others. These reflections are suggested by the career of one who forged his
way to the front ranks of the favored few, and who, by a strong inherent
force and superior business ability, directed and controlled by intelligence and
judgment of a high order, stood lor over a quarter of a century one of the
leading men of his section of the state. No citizen in southwestern Indiana
achieved more honorable mention or occupied a more conspicuous place in the
public eye than David Ingle, Sr., whose earthly career is ended, but whose in-
fluence still pervades the lives of men, the good which he did having been too
far-reaching to be measured in metes and bounds. In this age of colossal
enterprise and marked intellectual energy, the prominent and successful men
are those whose ambition and abilities lead them into large undertakings and
to assume the responsibilities and labors of their respective fields of endeavor.
Success is methodical and consecutive and though the rise of Mr. Ingle may
have seemed rapid, it will be found that his success was attained by the same
normal methods and means — determined application of mental and physical
resources along a rightly defined line. To offer in a work of this province
an adequate resume of the career of this good man would be impossible, but.
<
\^%^t\
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 417
with Others of those who have conser\ed the civic and commercial progress
of this section of Indiana, we may well note the more salient points that
marked his life and labors. He was long a dominating power in public utilities
as well as extensive private operations of a varied nature. He achieved a
position as a substantial capitalist, gaining his success through legitimate and
worthy means and he stood as an admirable t^pe of the self-made man.
David Ingle, Sr., was born on December 14, 1831, at Evansvillc, Indiana,
and was a son of John and Isabella (Davidson) Ingle, the father a native of
England and the mother of Scotland. The subject's paternal grandfather,
John Ingle. Sr., was postmaster at Inglefield, north of Evansville, under
President Andrew Jackson. He was a successful farmer, well-known justice
of the peace and a very prominent and influential man in his community.
John Ingle, Jr., was a well-known lawyer in Evansville and was successful
in many other enterprises, having built and surveyed the Exansville & Terre
Haute railroad, of which corporation he became the first president. He re-
mained a citizen of Evansville until his death, which occurred in 1875, at the
age of sixty-one years. David Ingle received only a public school education
in the schools at Evansville and on leaving school he obtained employment in
a hardware store in that city. A few years later he went to work for his
father in the Ingleside mine, wbicli was the oldest mine in Indiana, and which
had been opened in 1850 by some members of the Ingle family, and which
had evidently come into the possession of John Ingle, Jr. After leaving the
mine David Ingle became freight agent for the Merchants Dispatch fast
freight lines, and in this capacity became somewhat acquainted with the de-
tails of railroad business. He was thus engaged until 1880, when he came
to Oakland City and opened the old Tngleton coal mine just across the line
in Pike county, and which at that time was the terminus of the railroad. The
mine was a success from the start, though somewhat hampered in its opera-
tions because of the fact that the railroad company could not supply cars fast
enough to ship the product. He was the pioneer in the coal industry in this
section, and for many years operated this mine and then, going further east,
opened other mines. He operated on a large scale on his own account, but in
1890 he organized the Ayrshire Coal Compan)-, which corporation branched
out and opened and operated seven other plants, onl\- two of which are now
being operated, the others having been worked out. Of this company David
Ingle was president up to the time of his death, which occurred on October
18, IQ09. He did not confine his actixities to this immediate localitv. l)ut was
heavilv interested in other mines over the state, though he did nut turn his
' f27)
4l8 GIBSON COUNTYj INDIANA.
attention to any extent into other lines of business. Strong mental powers,
invincible courage and a determined purpose that hesitated at no opposition so
entered into his composition as to render him a dominant factor in the busi-
ness world and a leader of men. He was essentially a man of affairs, of sound
judgment, keen discernment, rare acumen, far-seeing in what he undertook
and the enterprises to which he addressed himself resulted in liberal financial
returns, his success in life being the legitimate fruitage of consecutive efifort
directed and controlled by good judgment and correct principles.
Politically, Da\'id Ingle was a stanch supporter of the Republican party,
but did not take a very active part in public affairs, his private business con-
cerns demanding his undivided attention. Religiously, he was for many
years a member of the Presbyterian church at Oakland City, being one of the
prime movers in the erection of the present magnificent church building at
Oakland City. He was for many years a member of the board of elders and
treasurer of the church board.
On February 2, 1S75, David Ingle, Sr., was married to Fannie Burbank,
the daughter of Bradford Burbank, of Evansville, and to them were born the
following children, David and William D., who are mentioned in later para-
graphs of this sketch; I'rances, the wife of William Bebb, who is a scientist
and college professor in Chicago ; Katherine, the wife of M. K. Mitchell, also
an educator in Chicago. Personall)^ Mr. Ingle was a man of great force of
character and was usually found in the lead when any movement was on foot
for the betterment of his community. In his business career, as well as his
private life, no word of suspicion was ever breathed against him. His actions
were always the result of careful and conscientious thought, and when once
convinced that he was right no suggestion of policy or personal profit could
swerve him from the course decided upon. His career was rounded in its
beautiful simplicity, for he did his full duty in all the relations of life and it is
said today that no man in the county in which he. lived enjoyed to a greater
extent the affection and the confidence of the people more than did Mr. Ingle.
David Ingle, Jr., who succeeded his father as president of the Ayrshire
Coal Company, was born on October 5, 1875, at Evansville, Indiana, and
received his education in the public and high school at Oakland City, sup-
plementing his studies by a course in the Rose Polytechnic Institute at Terre
Haute, where he was graduated in civil engineering in 1S97. Then for a }'ear
he was employed in the engineering department of the Evansville & Terre
Haute railroad, at the end of which period he became associated with his
father in the Ayrshire Coal Company, with which he has since been identified.
GIliSON COrXTW IXDl.WA. 419
On October 5, 1904, I^a\icl hi,L;lc, jr., was married lo l^llic Uut^lies, tlie
daughter of R. P. Hughes, a successful and well-known merchant of Evans-
ville, and to them has been l)orn a son. I)a\id. braternally. Mr. ingle is a
member of the Masonic order, having attained the degree of Knight Templar
and belonging to the commandery at Princeton.
\\'illiam D. Ingle, second son of David Ingle, Sr., received his education
in the public schools and Rose Polytechnic Institute, where he graduated in
1903 in the electrical engineering de])artment. After completing his studies
he became connected with the St. Louis Transit Company, with which be
remained for about three years, ami was then for four years in i'"\ansville,
where he had charge of the old Ingle mines. Since then he has been con-
nected with the Ayrshire Coal Company as secretar}-. and has been active in
the management and advancement of this enterprise.
On August 30. 191 T, Mr. Ingle married Grace Ross, the daughter of
W. W. Ross, of Evansville, and to them have been bom two children, Will-
iam and Kenneth. Religiously, Mr. Ingle is a member of the Presbyterian
church, in which he is an elder and in the various activities of which he is
deeply interested.
GEORGE C. BURTON.
It is proper to judge of the success of a man's life Ijy the estimation in
which he is held liy his fellow citizens. They see him at work, in his family
circle, in church, hear his views on public c^uestions, observe the operation of
his code of morals, witness how he conducts himself in all the relations of
society and civilization, and are therefore competent to judge of his merits
and demerits. After a long course of years of such daily observation, it
would be out of the question for his neighbors not to know the truth con-
cerning his worth, for, as has been said, "actions speak louder than words."
In this connection it is not too much to say that the subject of this sketch,
who has long since passed to his reward, passed a life of unusual honor, that
he was industrious and had the C(Mifidence of all who had the pleasure of bis
friendship.
George T. Burton was born November 12. 1833, in London. England.
the son of Robert and Rosamond Burton, and died August 6. 1909, in
Princeton, Gibson county. Indiana. Robert Burton and children emigrated
to America when the subiect was a boy and. in 1846. settled in Gibson county..
420 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Indiana, southeast of Princeton. Here they acquired one hundred and sixty
acres of land, to which they subsecjuently added an additional tract of one
hundred and twenty acres. The subject's mother died in England. Robert
Burton was a piano tuner in England, but on his arrival in Gibson county he
turned to agriculture, which he followed the rest of his days, his death oc-
curring on the home farm. The four children of the subject's parents were:
Robert, who died in Princeton ; George C. ; .Sarah married Jasper Heisy and
both are now deceased; Lizzie died on September 5, 1913.
George C. Burton had attended the common schools in London, Eng-
land, before his parents brought him to America, and on his arrival here he
lived with his father, helping in the work on the place and continuing the
operation of the home farm after his father's death. Li 1901 the subject
retired from active agricultural life and moved to Princeton, where he spent
the remainder of his days in peaceful and honorable retirement.
On August 10, 1865, Mr. Burton was united in marriage with Nancy
Geise, who was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 18-L6, a daughter of William
and Mary (Groves) Geise, he a native of Germany and she of Ohio. The
father of Mrs. Burton came to the United States when quite a young man
and located in Indianapolis. He was a baker by trade. In 1852 he removed
to Gibson county and secured a farm in Patoka township, which he operated
until his death, in his sixtieth year. His wife passed to her reward at the
age of seventy-three. The father was a Lutheran in his religious belief,
while the mother belonged to the Baptists. To the parents of Mrs. Burton
were born eight children, namely : Mary is the wife of Henry White and lives
north of Princeton ; Nancy, now Mrs. Burton ; Sophia married Charles Heisz,
of Patoka township; August, an expert machinist, lives at Oakland City,
Indiana; William is a retired farmer at Princeton; Christina is the wife of
Fred Hasselbrink, a farmer in Patoka township; Henrietta, deceased, was
the wife of John Keifer; Lizzie is unmarried and lives in Indianapolis, In-
diana.
To the subject and wife were born seven children, as follows : Rosa-
mond married Frank Stormont, proprietor of a moving picture show at
Princeton; George married Ruth Milburn and is superintendent of a coal
mine; Ronald is operating the old home place in Patoka township and mar-
ried Nina Williams; Jesse is a painter in Princeton and married Thursa
McCullough; Ralph married Susan Bremer and is employed by the Inde-
pendent Telephone Company at Princeton; Mabel is the wife of Burt Mc-
Cullough, a restaurant keeper in Princeton; Harry, who is unmarried and
GIBSON COrXTV, INDIANA. 421
lives at the home place, is a nieiulicr nt tlic linn of Burton i\: Alason, painters
and paper hangers.
In his political belief, Mr. Burton ga\e Ins support to tlie Democratic
party, while, fraternally, he was a charter nienilK>r of tlie Independent Order
of Odd Fellows. Lodge No. 64, at Princeton, in which he took an absorbing
interest. For over hft\-three years he was one of the most active incml)ers of
that body, being a regular attendant, rain or shine, and exemplifying in his
daily life the beautiful and worthy precepts of that order. He had held all
the offices in the lodge, being its secretary for many years, and was an at-
tendant at many of the grand lodge sessions. At his funeral the ceremonies
were conducted by his fraternal brothers and he was laid to rest in the Odd
Fellows' cemetery at Princeton.
WILLARD A. DILL.
The gentleman to whom attention is directed in ihi^ review has at-
tained pronounced prestige by reason of native and acquired ability, as also
because of his prominence in otficial position and high stantling m the
domain of private citizenship. He takes a deep and abiding interest in
everything pertaining to the material advancement of the town and town-
ship and every enterprise intended to promote the advancement of Gibson
county is sure to receive his hearty support. He is rated as one of the pro-
gressive citizens of the connnunity in which he lives and the high respect in
which he is held by all classes of people is a deserving compliment to an in-
telligent, broad-minded and most worth}' man.
Willard A. Dill, the jjresenl efficient assessor of Gi1>son county, was
born on December i, 1871, in ( 'ohiinlii;i townshii), near Oakland < "ity. tliis
county, and is the son of William .M. and .Martha Iv (Harper) Dill, the
former a native of Tennessee and the latter of Missouri. William M. Dill
came to Gibson county when about seven years old with his father, William
Dill, who settled on a tract of land southwest of Oakland City, to the cultiva-
tion of which he devoted his time. His son, William M.. was also reared to
the life of a farmer, but was also employed for about eight years in the mill-
ing business in Illinois. He was a man of industrious habits and splendid
character, enjoying the respect of all who knew him. and his death occurred
in November, 1913. His wife had died on July 13. 1909. They were the.
422 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
parents of ten children, of whom six are Hving, namely : William R., who
is blind, lives with the subject of this sketch; Frank, of Evansville, Indiana;
Willard A., the subject; Mrs. Sarah E. Peck, of Owensville, Indiana; Mrs.
Louisa J. Whiting, of North Platte, Nebraska, and Mrs. Lulu EUenbush, of
Evansville, Indiana.
Willard A. Dill was reared on a farm, receiving his education in the
public schools of Patoka township, to which locality his parents had re-
moved when he was about eight years old. After graduating from the
common schools in 1892 he attended one term of school at Mt. Vernon, In-
diana, and one at Cynthiana, and then went to Princeton Normal University,
from which he graduated July ^1, 1896. He also attended one term at Oak-
land City College. He then engaged in teaching school, in which he was
successfully engaged up to 1904, in all twelve years, achieving a splendid
reputation as a teacher and enjoying the confidence alike of parent and pupils.
In 1904 he was elected trustee of Patoka township by a majority of one
thousand sixty, serving efficiently and satisfactorily in this position for four
years. He then returned to teaching for two years, and in 19 10 he was
elected county assessor on the Republican ticket, being one of two candidates
of that political faith who were elected that year. The duties of the office
of assessor are, of course, not exacting, but Mr. Dill has so far met the ex-
pectations of those who chose him for office, and has proven a popular and
efficient public official.
In 1902 Mr. Dill was married to Rhoda E. Wilhite, a native of Patoka
township, Gibson county, Indiana, and to them have 1)een born two children,
Raymond Paul and Venus Silba.
Religiously, Mr. Dill is an earnest and faithful member of the Chris-
tian church of Princeton, as ^^■ell as being president of the board of trustees.
Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, be-
longing to Lodge No. 64, and Encampment No. 55. at Princeton. He is also
a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of Princeton,
Court No. 43, Tribe of Ben-Hur, and of Lodge No. 11 50, Ivnights and
Ladies of Security, being financier of the latter lodge. He has been success-
ful in his affairs and owns a valuable little truck farm one-half mile out of
Princeton, south on Main street, where he makes his home and where he
enjoys life. Crippled since the age of thirteen years, as a result of an attack
of white swelling and compelled to walk with the assistance of crutches, Mr.
Dill deserves much credit for the success which he has attained in the pursuit
of his affairs, and also for the care and attention which he gave his aged
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 423
parents when they were in ad\aiiced years. Genial and unassuming in his
relations with his fellownien, he has so ordered his activities as to coniniand
the respect of all who know him and he is eminently tleserving of a jjlace
among the representative men of his vicinity.
HAR\-EY HARMON.
Among the lawyers who have l)een successful in their profession in Gib-
son coiuitv is Harvey Harmon, the present prosecuting attorney of this
county. He was born .\ugust 12, 1873, in Gibson county. Indiana, the son of
John W. and Julia A. (Pruitt) Harmon. John W. Harmon's ancestors
were among the very first settlers in Gibson county, the family ha\-ing located
in that community near the year 1812. Har\ey Harmon's father was born
and lived his entire life in that county, having been engaged in the mercantile
and milling business for forty >ears. To the subject's parents were born
two children, Harvey, and a sister, Grace, who married R. H. Barnett. The
father. John W., is still living at Owensville, while" the mother died at the
old home place.
The early education of Harvey Harmon was secured in the common
schools, this being supplemented b\- a course in the high school, from which
latter place he graduated in 1892. after which he attended the law school of
the State University at Bloomington, Indiana, finishing his stuflies there in
180Q. After his graduation there he was emplo}ed for some time as an
adjuster for the Deering Harvester Company of Chicago, sulisequently en-
gaging in the practice of law in Princeton, where he has continued since.
In 1913 Mr. Harmon was electeil prosecuting attorney of the sixty-sixth
judicial circuit of Indiana and is now filling that ofifice.
In 1000 Mr. Harmon was united in marriage to Nora McGinnis. d.iugh-
ter of James and Melissa (Mauck) McGinnis, the father a hotel man at
Owensville, this county, for twenty years. Mrs. Harmon's mother is now
living with subject and wife, while the father is dead. To Mr. Harmon and
wife have been born four children. Julia, John. Mary and Martha, all of
whom are living with their parents.
In his political views, Mr. Harmon is an active worker in the Demo-
cratic party, while fraternally he is affiliated with the Masons, in which order
he is a Knight Templar; he is deputy grand president of the Fraternal Order
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
of Eagles of the state, and is also a member of the Benevolent and Pro-
tective Order of FJks and the Improved Order of Red Men.
ALFRED S. FORD.
The success of men in business or any vocation depends upon character
as well as upon knowledge, it being a self-evident proposition that honesty
is the best policy. Business demands confidence and where that is lacking
business ends. In every community some men are known for their upright
lives, strong common sense and moral worth rather than for their wealth or
political standing. Their neighbors and acquaintances respect them and the
younger generation heeds their examples. They win their way through
untiring energy and right principles and hold the respect of their fellow men
by their genuine worth. Among the men of Gibson county, Indiana, who
have won for themselves success in their chosen line of endeavor, is the one
whose name appears at the top of this sketch.
Alfred S. Ford first saw the light of day on February 14, 1835, in Bed-
fordshire, England, the parents being James and Jane (Battison) Ford.
Both were natives of England. When the subject of this sketch was about
nine years old ( in 1844) the family emigrated to this country, locating near
Mt. Carmel, Illinois. Not being satisfied with the site first selected, they
came to Princeton, Indiana, in the fall of 1845, where they resided the re-
mainder of their lives. There were six children in the family originally, but
of these only one, the subject of this sketch, survives. The father started
the first nursery in Princeton, in 1851, which he continued to operate until
his death in 1882.
Alfred S. Ford received most of his education in the common schools
of Princeton, and at an early age was regularly apprenticed to a carpenter.
He was faithful in the discharge of his duties and made rapid advancement
in his chosen trade. In due time, through careful attention to the various
phases of his line, he advanced to being a builder and contractor in his own
right.
Early in the Civil war, wishing to show his lo)'a!ty to his adopted
country, Mr. Ford enlisted, in August, 1862, in Company A, Eightieth Regi-
ment Indiana Volunteers, and so faithfully did he discharge his assumed
obligations that he was mustered out of service in 1865 as first sergeant.
He was in active service all during his enlistment and was wounded in the
^^ .
At
K^'\
>i
ALFRED S. FORD.
GIBSON COL'XTV, INDIANA. 425
breast by a shell at Resaca. Was in the liattle of Nashville and Wilmington,
and went all through the Atlanta campaign. After the close of the war, he
returned to Princeton and resumed his contracting business. In 1880 he
bought the lumber business and planing mill which he now owns. PrcNious
to his going into the army, he was on the town board for two terms.
In May, 1858, Mr. Ford was imited in marriage to Elizabeth .\. Rice, a
nati\e of Butler county, Kentucky. To them were born seven children, six of
whom are living, namely: Lucy J., wife of Elmer E. Sharp, of Greencastle,
Indiana; Frank, residing at Waterloo, Iowa: Katie, who resides at home;
(rieorge. a resident of B'ort Branch, Indiana ; Nellie, at hi mie, and Dale A., who
is associated with his father. Mrs. Ford's parents were Washington and Lucy
( McReynolds) Rice, natives of Virginia. Her father, who had been a
soldier in the war of 18 12, was a pioneer of Gibson county. He was a school
teacher for many years and was serving as justice of the peace at the time
of his death, in 1854. He was a public spirited man and a Whig in politics.
His wife passed away in 1839. They were the parents of two children,
Thomas, a school teacher, who died in 1856. and k'lizabeth, Mrs. I'ord, who
was born in 1837.
Mr. Ford has always cast his influence witli the Republican party. He
has been a consistent man in all he has undertaken and his career in all the
relations of life has been utterly without pretense. He is held in the highest
esteem by all who know him and is in every respect an excellent and enter-
prising citizen, one of that admirable body of men who can truly style them-
selves "self-made."
CHARLES S. SCULL
The gentleman to a review of whose life the reader's attention is most
respectfully directed is recognized as one of the energetic, well known busi-
ness men of Gibson county, who, by his enterprise and i)n)gressive methods,
has contributed in a material way to the commercial advancement of the
locality where he lives. In the course of an honorable career he has been
successful in the manifold lines to which his efforts have been directed and,
enjoying distinctive prestige among the representative men of his commun-
ity, it is eminently proper that attention be called to his achievements and due
credit be accorded to his worth as an enterprising citizen.
Charles S. Scull, the son of Aaron and Miranda (Beach) Scull, was
bom in Wapello, Iowa, February 14, i860. Aaron Scull was a native of
426 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
New Jersey, while his wife was born m Indiana. Aaron Scull was reared
in his native state and came to Indiana in early life, where he met his wife,
and after their marriage they moved to Iowa, where he followed the occupa-
tion of a carpenter and builder the remainder of his life. To Mr. and Mrs.
Aaron Scull were born nine children, five of whom are living: Ancil B. ;
William L. ; Charles S., the immediate subject of this sketch; Mrs. Ida B.
Crawley, who is a teacher; Mrs. Nellie Barnes, of Joliet, Illinois.
Charles S. Scull secured his education in the common schools of his
neighborhood where he was reared in Iowa and has supplemented this by
reading and observation of men and events. He was reared to the life of a
farmer, but later in life he became interested in the sewing machine business
and for a period of ten years was an agent for one of the large sewing
machine companies in the state of Kentucky. Subsequently he came to
Princeton, Indiana, where he engaged in the same line of business for two
years, after which he bought the furniture store of A. W. Lagou in 1893, ^^^
he still owns and operates this establishment. He carries a large and well
selected line of furniture and house furnishings and has for more than
twenty years enjoyed his full share of the popular patronage. He possesses
marked business ability and his courteous treatment of his patrons and evi-
dent desire to please all who come into his store has won him a large ac-
quaintance throughout the county. On January 13, 1914, Mr. Scull moved
into his new store, the old Wright property, on the east side of the public
square. Here he had erected a three-story and basement, pressed brick build-
ing, arranged to meet the demands of his business, the conveniences includ-
ing an electric passenger elevator. Mr. Scull is an active member of the
Commercial Club and the Retail Merchants Association of Princeton.
Mr. Scull was married in 1901 to Sarah Whiting, the daughter of Capt.
C. C. Whiting and wife, who are referred to elsewhere in this work, and to
this union there has been born one son, Charles W., whose birth occurred on
March 3, 1904, and who is attending the public schools of Princeton, his
father intending to give him the best education Avhich the public schools
afford. Politically, Mr. Scull is a Republican and has always voted for the
candidates of that party. He has held no public offices, nor has ever been a
seeker for a place of preferment, feeling that all of his attention could be
more profitably directed toward his business. He is a member of the Knights
of Pythias and also of the time-honored order of Free and Accepted Masons,
and takes an active and appreciative interest in these fraternal organizations.
Mr. Scull bears the proud American title of self-made man and is, in the
GIBSON COL'XiV, INDIANA. 4^7
most liberal sense of the term, the architect ><( his (jwn tdrtuties. lie may
well feel a sense of pride in his achievement and the honorable position to
which he has attained among the enterprising and snccessful citizens of the
countv and citv in which for so mnnv years he has been actively identified.
W. E. CRISWELL.
It is a well authenticated fact that success comes as the result of legiti-
mate and well applied energy, unflagging determination and perseverance in
a course of action when once decided upon. She is never known to smile
upon the idler or dreamer and she never courts the loafer, only those who
have diligently sotight her favor being crowned with her blessings. In trac-
ing the history of the influential citizen of Princeton, Gibson countw Indi-
ana, whose name forms the caption of this review, it is plainly seen that
the success which he enjoys has been won by commendable qualities and it
is also his personal worth that has gained for him the high esteem of those
who know him.
W. E. Criswell is a native son of the old Hoosier state, being born in
Warrick coimty. and is a son of J. J. and Sarah E. (McSwain) Criswell,
both also natives of Indiana. J. J. Criswell has for many years been engaged
in real estate business in Princeton, where he still maintains an office, and is
numbered among the substantial citizens of that enterprising city. W. E.
Criswell received a good common school education, completing his studies
in thehigh school, after which he started out in life on his own account as a
clerk in a clothing store. Then he went to Indianapolis, where for six }-ears
he followed a like occupation, and in 1906 came to Princeton and entered
into a partnership with Mr. Welljorn, under the firm name of W'elborn &
Criswell. and they are today carrying one of the largest and most complete
stocks of clothing and gents' furnishing goods in Princeton, the stock being
conservatively valued at twenty thousand dollars. .\ large share of the
credit for this splendid success is due to the untiring efifort and sound l)usi-
ness judgment of Mr. Criswell, who has devoted himself assiduously to the
building up of his trade, and who by his uniform courtesy to the ])atrons of
his store and his insistence upon courteous treatment on the i)art of his
emplovees. has made a favorable impression upon those who have patronized
him. Mr. Criswell, though among the younger business men of Princeton,
428 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
iias also gained an enviable reputation among his fellow business men, by
whom he is held in high esteem.
Fraternally, W. E. Criswell is a member of the Tribe of Ben-Hur,
the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks,
while, socially, he holds membership in the Marion Club, of Indianapolis.
Genial and unassuming in manner, Mr. Criswell easily makes friends and
throughout this community, where he is well known, his friends are as the
number of his acquaintances.
JOSHUA S. SISSON.
In the respect that is accorded to men who have fought their own way
to success through unfavorable environment, we find an unconscious recog-
nition of the intrinsic worth of a character which can not only endure so
rough a test, but gain new strength through the discipline. The gentleman
to whom the biographer now calls the reader's attention was not favored by
inherited wealth nor the assistance of influential friends, but in spite of this,
by perseverance, industry and wise economy, he has attained a comfortable
station in life, making his influence felt for good in his community and be-
cause of his honorable career in the education of the youth of the county and
because of the fact that he is numbered among those patriotic sons of the
North who assisted in saving the Union's integrity in the dark days of the
sixties, he is eminently worthy a place in this book.
Joshua S. Sisson, respected citizen of Princeton and retired school
teacher and farmer of Gibson county, Indiana, than whom no man in his
county is more deserving of mention in a book of this character, was born
January 8, 1846, in Switzerland county, Indiana, the son of John C, a native
of Gallatin county, Kentucky, and Lydda Elizabeth (Stephenson) Sisson, a
native of North Carolina.
In the paternal line, the subject's ancestral history is as follows: (I)
Richard Sisson, who was born in 1608 and died in 1684. (II) George
Sisson, eldest son of Richard Sisson, married Sarah Lawton, and of their
children, the ninth in order of birth was (III) Thomas, who was the father
of (IV) Giles. The latter's wife bore the name .of Elizabeth and among
their children was (V) John, who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution.
His wife bore the name of Alcha and their twelfth child was (VI) Benjamin.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 429
Benjamin Sisson was twice married, lirst to Hannah Cranston, and tu them
was born a daughter, Hannah. His second wife was Serviah i'endletun and
to their union were born the following children; Mary, Ann, Ira, Julia A.,
Lucinda, (VU) John Crandall, Nancy A. and Eli.
John Crandall Sisson, who was a farmer, grew ti.i manhood and married
in Kentucky and came to Indiana and purchased a sixty-hve-acre farm back
from V'evay, Indiana. There they made their home until 1858, when they
loaded their jjossessions on flat boats on the Ohio river, went through the falls
at Louisville, Kentucky, and arrived at Leavenworth, Crawford county, Inch-
ana, where they located two and one-half miles back from the river on what
is known as the Milltown mad. Mere he purchased a farm ni si.\ty-live
acres and on this they made their hume until after the cluse i)[ the Civil war.
In 1879 they went to Knox count)-, Indiana, locating east of Hazelton, where
he died on June 30, 1899. He would have been eighty-two years old on
-August 3d following. His first wife died in April, 1863, and he married
for his second wife Sarah McClure, who died on February 18, 191 1. Jnhn
C. Sisson, while taking no active interest in politics, was a man who kept
posted on such affairs. Originally he had been a Democrat, but later joined
the ranks of the Republican party. He was a consistent member of the
United Brethren church and a man well liked and respected. To him b\- his
first wife were born twelve children, as follows: William Benjamin, who
died in 1909. served throughout the Civil war. He enlisted as a ])rivate in
Company E, Thirty-eighth Regiment Indiana \'olunteer Infantry, and was
made second lieutenant. The Thirty-eighth saw considerable ;icti\e ser\icL-
and he was with it in the various battles. He was also a teacher in the pub-
lis schools for many years. Hannah Elizabeth who died in 1910. was the
wife of Joseph B. Glenn and lived in Switzerland county, Indiana. Henry
Crandall was a farmer who lived in Warsaw, Kentucky. (\^III) Joshua
Stanley is the immediate subject of this sketch. Zachary Taylor was also a
soldier who served throughout the Civil war, a member of Company E,
Thirty-eighth Regiment, in the ranks of the privates. He was a shoemaker
in his earlier life and for many years has been engaged in farming at
Texarkana, Texas. David Harrison enlisted in Company E, One Hundred
and Forty-sixth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, at the tender age of
fifteen, after having been rejected several times on account of his youth. He
served six months. After the close of the war he taught school for thirty-
five years, first in Knox county and later in Gibson county. He is now a
rural mail carrier, running out of Deckard Station, Indiana, for the last
430 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
eleven years. Winfield Scott was a school teacher in Gibson county for
several years. He has also had a drug store at Hazleton, Indiana, for the
past ten years and is also a rural mail carrier out of Hazleton. He has been
active in the ranks of the Republican party and served as postmaster at Hazle-
ton for two terms and has been a member of the Republican central com-
mittee. Mary Katherine was the next in order of birth. George Marion
died at the age of eighteen years, in 1873. He was a promising young man
who had fitted himself for the vocation of teaching. Andrew Cleveland,
who lives at Hazleton, Indiana, was also a school teacher for a time and later
associated with his brother Wintield Scott in the drug business. He now
has two general stores and handles hardware and drugs at Deckard Station
and Hazleton, having with him his son Raymond. He also has a drug store
at Hazleton. Jane Ellen, deceased, was the wife of John Early. The
youngest daughter of the family, Louisa Ann, is dead. She was the wife of
James Holt.
In addition to this large and enterprising family, John C. Sisson had
several children by his second wife, namely: Rebecca Belle, wife of Thomas
Home, residing east of Hazleton; Nancy Alice, who died at the age of four-
teen years; Samuel Francis, who lives north of Princeton and is rural mail
carrier on route number six out of Princeton. He married Pearl Mont-
gomery; John Lewis is a farmer and also carpenter and lives at Union, Indi-
ana. His wife was Sallie Hoover. Edward Emanuel is also a farmer and
carpenter and resides at Hazleton. His wife was Lizzie Wolfe.
Joshua S. Sisson received his elementary education in the common
schools near Leavenworth, Indiana, but received his higher education after
the close of the war. On October 6, 1863, he enlisted in Company H, Thir-
teenth Indiana Cavalry, at Leavenworth, Crawford county, and was with the
Army of the Cumberland. He contracted measles while in service which
cost him the sight of his right eye and impaired the vision of the left, so that
it is with difiiculty he is able to see. He served until the fall of 1864, when
he received his honorable discharge.
In 1867 Mr. Sisson commenced teaching school and taught until 1893.
In the earlier part of his career, however, he had attended school at Oakland
City, the Marengo Academy, in Crawford county, one term, four years at the
State Normal School in Terre Haute, Indiana, and also at IMount Carmel
Seminarv, Illinois. In all he taught for twenty-seven years, the last nine of
which his average stood at one hundred per cent, for both counties on all
common branches of the county schools, which is quite an unusual record.
He has taught in Knox, Crav.Tord and Gi1)son counties.
GIRSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 4^1
In 189J Mr. Sissoii gave up his school work and located two antl one-
half miles northeast of Princeton on the Carnahan farm, lie purchased
eighty-two and one-half acres, on which he remained until 1905, when he
retired from active work, moved to Princeton and has disposed of his farm
on which he had built the present comfortable house and made other valuable
improvements.
On October 14, 1885, Mr. Sisson was united in marriage to Mora E.
Farnum, of Warrick county, Indiana, a daughter of George L. and Alvina
(Stuart) Farnum, he a native of Bridgeport, Connecticut, and she of Lock-
port, New York. The father was engaged in the saw-mill business and was
also a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church. They eventually
came to Indiana and in August, 1861, he enlisted in a regiment of Indiana
volunteer infantry and re-enlisted when his first enlistment expired. He was
a lieutenant for one year. After returning home after the close of the war,
he lived in Newburg, Indiana. He died in Knox cnunty, as did his wife also.
They were the parents of five children, four of whom are living, namely:
Henry, a traveling salesman in Washington; Lizzie, the wife of David Sisson,
brother of the subject of this sketch; the third child is the wife of Joshua
S. Sisson, and William G. is a traveling salesman out of .Mliance, Ohio.
Another son, Herbert, died at the age of nine years.
Joshua S. Sisson and wife are the parents of an interesting family, all
of whom have received good education. Blanche, a daughter, has been a
teacher in the schools of Princeton for the past four years. Edgar B. served
four years in the United States navy, being assigned to the battleship "New
Jersey." He also served as hospital apprentice. He is now district traffic
chief for the Cumberland Telephone Company at Madisonville, Kentucky.
Rollin S. is a machinist in an automobile factory at Indianapolis. His first
wife was Inez Smith and to them have been born two children, Ralph and
Beatrice. His second wife is named Lizzie and they have two children.
Ruth Golden, another daughter of JNIr. Sisson. is the wife of David Harder.
an engineer on the Southern railroad, and they reside in Princeton. The\-
have two children. Edgar and Ruth Marie. Allen Floyd is another son who
is a machinist and he is located at San Fernando. California. His wife was
Edith Roswell, and they have one child, John Floyd. In addition to their
daughter Blanche, three other children. Hazel, Lester D. and Roger A., re-
main at home.
From his activities along educational lines and his long residence in
Princeton, Mr. Sisson is too widelv known and universally resijccted for any
432 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
attempts of the biographer to place before the public his many sterling qual-
ities. He has always stood for whatever was highest and best along all lines
and is worthy the enviable place he has won in public estimation. His fra-
ternal affiliation is with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he
is a member with Lodge No. 20 at V^incennes, Indiana. He is also a mem-
ber of Archer Post No. 28, Grand Army of the Republic, at Princeton, and
his religious sympathies are with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which
he has long been a consistent member. There is scarcely any calling more
fraught with opportunities for the accomplishment of good than that of the
training of the young, and in attempting to store the minds of the children
under his care Mr. Sisson has ever endeavored to ha\-e his influence count
always for the best.
SAMUEL HAMILTON WOODS.
One of the best known men of a past generation in Gibson county, Indi-
ana, one whose record is well deserving of a conspicuous place in his com-
munity's history, was the late Samuel Hamilton Woods, who passed from the
scenes of his earthly labors on July 14, 1880, at the advanced age of eighty-
nine years, four months and thirteen days. A pioneer of this locality, he was
for many years one of the most prominent and enterprising agriculturists of
the county. Perhaps his dominant and most notable characteristic was his
fidelity to truth and honor. He invariably sought the things that were "hon-
est and of good repute." In the training of his children no precepts were so
constantly or so urgently insisted on as those which concern sound and
worthy character. He taught that honor and truthfulness were of such com-
manding worth that self-interest should never under any circumstances set
them aside. These principles were a standard by which he estimated men.
and to which he religiously held himself. Whatever else he might do or fail
to do, he meant to be, in all his actions, right before his Creator and man.
His life was an inspiration to all who knew him and his memory remains to
his friends and sur\iving children as a blessed benediction of a noble and up-
right character. While advancing his individual interests, he never lost sight
of his obligations to the community in general, and during his entire mature
life he held a very high place in the confidence and esteem of all who knew
him.
SAMUEL H . Y/O ODS
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 433
Samuel Hamilton Woods was descended from a sterling ancestry, who
were characterized by that courage and spirit of self-denial without which
they would not have been numbered among the founders of the new empire
in the Middle West. To such as they is this section of the country indebted
for its settlement and subsequent wonderful development. The members of
the Woods family are many in number and have occupied honorable positions
in their several localities, many of them being residents of Gibson county.
Their record here is as follows :
Joseph Woods was born near Charlottesville, Albemarle county, Vir-
ginia, August 22, 1745. He was married January 28, 1768, to Mary Hamil-
ton, of said county. She was born in 1747 and died August 26, 1829. About
1700 Joseph Woods, together with his wife and ten children, migrated to
Tennessee and settled on the Holston river about ten miles from Knoxville,
where Samuel Hamilton Woods, the eleventh and last child, was born in 1791.
In 1807 Joseph Woods removed with all his family, except his son Josej)!! L.,
to Knox county, Indiana, and settled on the Du Chien (Du Shee) river.
April 10, 1809, he removed to Gibson county, Indiana, and settled on Turkey
Hill in section 21, township 2 south, range 10 west, three miles southwest of
Princeton. In 181 1 his son Joseph L., and family, followed from Tennessee
and settled two miles west of the homestead. He died January 16, 1835,
on his Turkey Hill farm.
Joseph Woods served in the Revolutionary war as a private in (.'apt.
Benjamin Briggs' company, Seventh Virginia Regiment ; muster roll dated
Fort Pitt, November 18, 1781, "for the year 1780 and January to October,
1 781" ; "Term of enlistment, War" ; "On command at Wheeling." His name
was last borne on muster roll for June, 1783, dated at Fort Pitt, July 3, 1783,
with remark: "On furlough."
The families of Joseph Woods, pioneer, were as follows :
Family One — John (born 1769. died 1844), married Polly Dickson.
Family Two — James ("born 1770. died 1815), married Nancy Dickson,
as sister of Polly Dickson.
Family Three — Margaret Tborn 1772, died 1843). married Samuel
Hogue, Sr., an uncle of Samuel. Jr.
Family Four — Patrick (born 1775. died 1856), married Jane Hannah.
Family Five — ^Joseph L. (born 177^1, died 1S45), married Elizaljeth
Hannah, a sister of Jane Hannah.
Family Six — William (born 1778, died 1845), never married.
(28)
434 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Family Seven — David (born 1780, died 1841), married Esther Wither-
spoon.
I'"ami!y Eight — Isaac (horn 1783, died 1872). married lihzaljclii
Witherspoon, a sister of Esther Witherspoon.
Family Nine — Jane (born 1785, died 1848), married Samuel Hogue, Jr.,
a nephew of Samuel, Sr.
Family Ten — Elizabeth (born 1787, died 1854), married William
Embree.
Family Eleven — Samuel H. (born 1791, died 1880), married Ann Mc-
Millan.
Samuel H. Woods was born while his parents were lix'ing in Blount
county, Tennessee, and was about sixteen years of age when the family came
to Indiana, their first settlement being near Vincennes. There they remained
about twfo years, coming, in the spring of 1809, to Gibson county, where they
settled on a farm about four miles southwest of Princeton. Ele was reared
amid the conditions surrounding pioneer life, with all its hardships and dis-
comforts, and his early years were characterized by labor of the most strenu-
ous kind, incident to the clearing of the land and the development of a farm.
Throughout his active years he followed agriculture as a vocation and, by
his indomitable energy and persistent industry, he acquired a large estate and
a competenc}- that enabled him to spend his last years in quiet and content-
ment, enjoying the rest which his many years of toil so richly entitled him
to. His last years were spent with his son Robert, who had settled on a part
of the old farm, about a quarter of a mile distant from his father.
For a number of years prior to his death, his relati\'es celebrated his birth-
day by an annual dinner, which occasions afforded him great delight, for he
delighted in the companionship of his relatives and friends. It was his
pleasure to relate many reminiscences of the days when he first located in
this county, and he was an authority as to many things concerning the pioneer
period. He stated that when he came here there was but one house between
his home and Princeton, and but one family where Princeton now is. There
were then probably but four families within what is now Gibson county. The
telegraph, railroads, steam mills and threshing machines were not then
dreamed of. Mr. Woods was compelled to go to mill at Vincennes, tra\eling
on horseback and fording the White river, though ofttimes the meal was pre-
pared at home by pounding corn in a mortar.-
Samuel H. Woods had an honorable military record, having served in
the latter part of the war of 1812, being stationed at Boupas, Illinois, under
GIBSON COINTV, INDIANA. 435
Lieut. William Barker. He also, pre\ious li> the battle of Tippecanoe, helped
guard \ incennes, and there saw 'reciunseh with one hundred and forty war-
riors drawn up in front of Go\ernor Harrison's residence to hold a council.
He was a man of great moral and physical courage, qualified by nature for
the performance of any duty assigned him, no matter how arduous or danger-
ous.
Soon after Rev. John Ivell took charge of the Reformed Presbyterian
church at Princeton, j\Ir. Woods identified himself with that society, and was
thereafter an earnest, faithful and active member until his death. Although
his life was, in the main, a busy one, he never shrank from his duties as a
citizen and his obligations to his church, his neighbors and his friends. Al-
ways calm and dignified, never demonstrative, his life was, nevertheless, a
persistent plea, more by precept and example than by written or spoken word,
for the purity and grandeur of right principles and the beauty and elevation
of wholesome character. To him home life was a sacred trust, friendship
was inviolable and nothing could swerve him from the path of rectitude and
honor. He had the satisfaction of seeing nearly all his children become mem-
bers of the church and many of his grandchildren as well.
To Mr. Woods' marriage with Ann ^McMillan, which was consummated
on November 5, 1815, were born eleven children, as follows: James M.,
Matthew Mc, Joseph H., Samuel Wylie. John, Robert R., David Calvin.
John Brown, Sidney M., Renwick C. and Alary Ann Eliza. Of these, but
two survive, INIrs. Ann Eliza Hudelson, of Princeton, widow of the late John
F. Hudelson, who is referred to specifically elsewhere in this work, and Ren-
wick Campbell ^^'oods, who lives at Kirkwood, Illinois. The death of Mrs.
Ann Woods occurred at the family home on Augu.st 4, 1861. in the sexenty-
seventh year of her age. She was born in Chester district, South Carolina,
and in 1809, with her mother, then a widow, she emigrated to Gibson county,
Indiana. She was reared in the faith of the Reformed Presbyterian church,
and was admitted into full communion by the Rev. John Kell, either at the
time of the organization of the Pfincet(jn congregation, or at the dispensation
of the second communion. Wife, mother and home-maker first of all. she did
not confine her work to the boundaries of the home, but found the op])nrtunity
and inclination to extend her field of usefulness into the world arcmnd her,
becoming an integral part of the best things that made up the whole of the
community life. As the afterglow from the setting sun gives but a faint con-
ception of its glories at noonday, so the memories of her well-spent life reflect
but a passing glimpse of the beauty of a life which was hid with Christ.
436 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
JAMES CARITHERS.
In early days the Middle West was often a tempting iield for energetic,
ambitious, strong-minded men, and Indiana was filled with them during the
time she was struggling up to a respectable position in the sisterhood of
states. There was a fascination in the broad field and great promise which
this newer region presented to activity that attracted many men and induced
them to brave the discomforts of the early life here for the pleasure and
gratification of constructing their fortunes in their own way and after their
own methods. The gentleman whosdname heads this sketch is widely known
in Gibson county and is one of the honored citizens of Patoka township,
where he is living in honorable retirement after a strenuous life of activity in
connection with agricultural pursuits. His well directed efforts in the prac-
tical affairs of life, his capable management of his business interests and his
sound judgment have brought him prosperity and his life demonstrates what
ma}' be accomplished by any man of energy and ambition who is not afraid
to work and who will not give up in the face of any discouragement that
may arise.
James Carithers is a native of Ireland, born in county Donegal in Au-
gust, 1836, a son of Alexander and Jane (Porter) Carithers, both of the above
county. The father was a small farmer and also a linen weaver by trade.
Desiring greater advantages for his family of growing children than their
native surroundings made possible, he came to America alone in 1848, mean-
ing to send for his family as soon as he could find a suitable location. He at
first stopped at Astoria, Long Island, where he remained about a year. At
that time the country was aflame with wild stories following the discovery
of gold in California and, with bright dreams of what he might accomplish
for his family, within a comparatively short time, Mr. Carithers set sail on
the long journey around Cape Horn, Isound for the California gold fields.
Pie stopped at various places and consumed six months in making the trip.
Arriving at his destination in California, he made acquaintance with a doctor
from Kentucky and the two became partners in their mining work. They
were quite successful and had accumulated considerable, when the doctor
turned traitor, clubbed Mr. Carithers over his head with his gun, robbed him
and tied, leaving his victim for dead. In due time Mr. Carithers recovered
and again took up the work of a miner, though not with such success, al-
though he then felt warranted in sending for his family. He returned to
New York City by way of the Isthmus of Panama, making the last lap of
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 437
his journey on the steamer "Northern Light." Jn New York he stayed with
relatives and awaited the arrival of his family, who came in 1855, and the
same year they came west to I'rinceton, Gibson count}-, Indiana, where they
have since made their homes. Mr. Carithers took his son, James, the im-
mediate subject of this sketch, to visit the boat "Northern Light" as she lay
in New York Harbor. After arriving in Gibson county, the different mem-
bers of the family secured employment on farms in the vicinity and so
started in life for themselves. There were in Mr. Carithers' family four
sons and one daughter, namely: James, subject of this sketch; Thomas, un-
married, who resides in Center township, Gibson county, where he owns two
thousand acres of fine land ; Alexander, a farmer in Patoka township and
who during the Civil war was a member of Company H, Seventeenth Regi-
ment Indiana Volunteer Infantry; Mary Ann, deceased, who was the wife nf
Henry P. Weatherly; and Joseph, who resides east of Princeton in Patuka
township, and is president of the American National Bank of Princeton.
Mr. Carithers was one of a family of six brothers who came to America in
their young manhood. Mr. Carithers passed the remainder of his life in
Gibson county, where his death occurred; his wife died there also.
James Carithers received but a meager education when a youth in Ire-
land, which was supplemented by attendance at night school and diligent at-
tention to various lines of reading and other study, until today he is con-
sidered a well read man, unusually well informed on current events and fully
alive to the interests of his community.
In 1862 Mr. Carithers enlisted in Company A, Eightieth Regiment Indi-
ana Volunteer Infantry, as a private. He was first sent to Louisville, Ken-
tucky. At the battle of Perrysville, October 8, 1862, he lost the sight of his
left eye, also had part of his left ear shot ofif and was shot through the jaw.
For four months he was confined to the hospital at Evansville, after which
time he was sent home. In 1865 he was united in marriage with Eliza E.
Townsend, daughter of Erastus D. and Lavina (Raynold) Townsend,
natives of Oneida county, New York, who in 1818 left their home and came
to Evansville, Indiana, by way of the Allegheny and Ohio rivers. They came
directly to Gibson county, where they obtained wild land, hurriedly made a
small clearing sufficient for their first log cabin, and then began for them the
strenuous life of the pioneer. By diligent efifort they reclaimed from the
wilderness their fine large farm in Patoka township where they passed the re-
mainder of their lives.
To James Carithers and wife have been born eight children, as follows:
438 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Thomas L., a farmer in Fatoka township; OHver L., who owns a drug store
in New Castle, Indiana; Samuel, a graduate of Purdue University, who has
large farming interests in northern Montana; Joseph, a farmer east of Prince-
ton in Patoka township; Archibald, a railroad man who died in 1907; Grace,
who remains at home; Gertrude, wife of Delmar Clark, a farmer in northern
Montana, and Florence, a teacher in the public schools of Princeton for the
last four years, and who remains at home. Mr. Carithers has given to each
of his children a tine education, a valuable asset especially in this day and
age.
James Carithers is a man of powerful physicjue, who has wonderfully
endured his many years of hard physical labor and is today a man extremely
well preservetl. He is known all over Gibson county, and especially in
Patoka township, where he owns two hundred and fifty acres of excellent
land, which attests his ability as a farmer employing up-to-date methods.
He is also highly successful in stock raising, dividing his attention between
that and general farming. Air. Carithers has an enviable place in the hearts
of a vast number of friends and acquaintances who well know his sterling
worth and vital interest in anything that makes for the good of any one per-
son or of his communit}'. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church,
to which he gives liberal support, and is also a member of Post No. 28, Grand
Armv of the Republic, in Princeton. Such a family as that of which Mr.
Carithers is the head exerts an inestimable influence for the well being of a
community and represents the highest type of citizenship, a worthy example
and incentive to those less favorably situated.
JOSEPH C. BANKS.
It is not an easy task to descril^e adequately a man who has led an
eminenth" active and bus\- life and who has attained a position of relative
distinction in the community with which his interests are allied. But Ijiog-
raphy finds its most perfect justification, however, in the tracing and re-
cording of such a life history. It is, then, with a full appreciation of all that
is demanded and of the painstaking scrutiny that must be accorded each state-
ment, and yet with a feeling of satisfaction, that the writer essays the task
of touching briefly upon the details of such a record as has been that of the
honored subject whose life now comes under review.
GIBSON COUNTY, I.XDIANA. 439
Josepli C. Daiiki, wliu is among the prominent citizens of Giljson cuunty,
was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, January 30, 1857, a son of the Ivev.
Thomas C. and i\lar)- (Young) Danl<s. To this uni(jn six cliildreii were
born: Josepli C, subject of this sketch, being the oldest; Mary P., wife of
S. A. Stewart, of Princeton; Clara, wife ui Dr. R. M. Smiley, of Washing-
ton, Indiana; Belle, wife of Dr. W. R. Cravens, of Bloonitield, Indiana;
Charles, who practices dentistry and resides at Lawrencexille, Illinois, and
the youngest, Mrs. Lydia Milburn, who resides at Patnka. Indiana. Both the
father and mother of this interesting family were natives of Pennsylvania.
The father was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church for many
years, and came from his home in Pennsylvania to New .Vlbany, Indiana, in
1867, at the time the subject of this sketch was ten years old, in the interest
of the Ohio I*"alls Iron Works, with which intlustry he had been connected
while in Pennsylvania. Along with his other duties, he acted as local
preacher for his church on all possible occasions, but in 1871 he entered the
Indiana general conference, fnun wliich time on he dexnted his entire time
to the ministry of the Gospel up to a few years prior to his death, which oc-
curred in 1905. ITe tilled many pastorates throughout his conference, among
them being Leavenworth, Elizabeth, Harrison county; l",rie. Lawrence
county; Patoka, McCutchiss, \'anderburg county; Bruceville, Knox county;
Washington, .Sullivan, and Bloomfield, which was his last regular charge.
In 1890 he established his home in Patoka, where he remo\ed after filling
his pastorate at Bloomfield, and in which 'place he made hi^ home u]) to the
time of his death on December 12, 1905. He was a man in every sense
worth}- the name. .\ man of firm convictions, who fearlessly took his stand
for the right at all times, and in the discharge of the duties of his mo.st sacred
calling he was faithfulness itself. His wife passed away before he did. her
death occurring IMarch i, 1904.
Joseph C. Danks recei\'ed his elementary education in \arious schools,
later on attending Asbury College at ( ireencastle, now Del'anw l.'niversity.
After leaving college, and u]) to !S7(;. he was engaged in the mercantile
Inisiness in Patoka with his brother-in-law. S. .-\. Stewart. He later gave
his attention to agricultural pursuit^ and saw-mill business. In 1908 he
came to Princeton to reside, where he has siuLC gi\en his attention to the
real estate and insurance business under the lirm name of 'I'ichenor & Danks,
although Mr. Tichenor is not active in the business.
On April 13, i88t, Mr. Danks was united in marriage to Florence
Stewart, who died on July 24, 1889- To them were Ixirn three children.
440 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
John, Estelle and Sue. Tn October, 1891, Mr. Danks was again married, his
bride being Nellie Alvis, of Patoka, by whom he has had five children,
Fannie, Ann, Delano, T. Charles and Clara. He still owns a commodious
residence at Patoka.
Mr. Danks is a member of the Bene\olent and Protective Order of
Elks and the Modern Woodmen of America. Politically, he gives his sup-
port to the Republican party. Pie leads a busy life, his business demanding
much attention to detail. Quiet and unassuming in his relations with his
fellow men, his sterling qualities have won for him an enviable reputation
among those with whom he comes in contact.
DR. \'. W. .S. TRIPPETT.
It is an axiom demonstrated by all human ex])erience that industry is the
key to prosperity. Success comes not ti) him whu idly waits fur fortune's
favors, but to the faithful toiler who, \\ith chetrful celerity and sleepless
vigilance, takes advantage of every circumstance calculated to promote his
interests. Such a man is the gentleman whose name forms the caption of this
biographical review, a well known and highly esteemed citizen of Princeton,
Gibson county, Indiana, who has, within a comparatively brief period of time,
advanced from an humlile station in life to a proud position among the lead-
ing professional men in a community long noted for the high order of its
professional talent. Faithfulness to duty and a strict adherence to a fixed
purpose, which always do more to advance a man's interests than wealth or
advantageous position, have been dominating factors in his life, which has
been replete with honor and success worthily attained. He is known as a
man of strictly honest business principles, industrious, pleasant and agreeable.
Dr. ^^ \y. S. Trippett was born in Gibson county, Indiana, April 30,
1867, the son of Alex and Betsy A. (Phillips) Trippett. The father of the
subject was born in Gibson county, as was also his wife. He was a farmer
and died in 1867. the vear Doctor Trippett was born, the wife surviving him
until 1Q05. To the subject's parents were born ten children, of whom four
are living.
The elementary education of Doctor Trippett was acquired in the com-
mon schools, this being supplemented by a course in a business university at
Lexinsftnn. Kentuck\^ after which he taught school for one year and then
DR. V. W. S. TRIPPETT.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 441
entered the Louisville College of Dentistry tu prepare for his suJjsequent pro-
fessional career. Graduating from the dental college in iSyj, after a two-
years course, the Doctor returned to Princeton, hung out his shmgle and has
since been engaged in the practice oi dentistry, in which he has been rewarded
by a large patronage, liis clientele being composed of the very best citizens of
the community.
Doctor Trippett is the owner of three hundred acres of fine farm land
located in Washington, Center and Patoka townships, Gibson county, all of
the land being rented. In addition to his holdings of farm land, the subject
is the owner of the Trippett block, an oflfice building in which the Doctor's
offices are located, the remainder of the Iniilding being rented for offices and
store rooms. This building was originally erected by the subject in 1893,
hut was destroyed by fire, the Doctor, however, immediately rebuilding.
In 1894 Doctor Trippett was united in marriage to Annie E. Cox, daugh-
ter of Lewis W. Cox, a farmer living near New Harmony in Posey county,
Indiana. This union has been blessed by the birth of four children :
Marjorie is sixteen years old; Lelnnd is thirteen; Roderick is twelve and
Charles is nine.
The offices maintained by the subject are most complete antl are etjuipped
with every known approved appliance and apparatus used in the practice of
modern dentistry. The Doctor is a well read man, not alone in the works
pertaining to his profession, but in general literature, and is particularly well
informed on current topics of the day. He takes an active interest in every
movement for the advancement and betterment of the community in which
he lives and is numbered among the best and representative citizens of his.
locality. He is an appreciative member of the Masonic fraternity.
LANDON KELL.
Throughout an active and interesting career duty has ever been the
motive of action of Landon Kell, one of the progressive citizens of Princeton,
Gibson county, and usefulness to his fellow men has not been by any means
a secondary consideration. He has performed well his part in life, and it is
a compliment worthily bestowed to say that this locality is honored in his
citizenship, for he has achieved definite success through his own efforts and
is thoroughly deserving of the prnud American title of self-made man. the.
442 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
term being one that, in its better sense, cannot but appeal to tl. ^ oyal adniira^
tion of all who are appreciative of our national institution, an .he privileges
afforded for individual accomplishment. It is a courage to face the battle
of life with a strong heart and steady hand and to win the stern cunliict by
bringing to bear only those forces with which nature has equipped hini, — self-
reliance, self-respect and integrity.
l.andon Kell, who for many years was numbered among the public
school teachers of Gibson county and is now practically retired from active
life, was born on February 17, 185 1, in Gibson county, Indiana, about two
a;id one-half miles south of Oakland City. He is the son of James and
Parthenia (^ Clifford) Kell. The father, who was born in Warrick county,
Indiana, in 1825, was the son of Mathew and Mary (Bates) Kell, the former
of whom was a native of the Chester district of South Carolina, and the
mother was born in Tennessee. They came to Indiana in wagons in 1821,
locating in Warrick county, near Boonville, and in 1827 came to Gibson
county, where they located a tract of government land, about two and one-
half miles south of Oakland City, which the father cleared and developed
into a splendid home. His death occurred in 1861, at the age of seventy-
seven years. His wife died in 1865, aged eighty-three. He was a wheel-
wright by trade, a very substantial and worthy citizen of the community and
a member of the United Presbyterian church, being an elder in the Summer-
ville Society many years. He was well known and respected throughout the
locality. At the time of his death his son James was but a child. He was
educated in the old log schools of "that period, where, by close attention to his
stiii'.ies anil much home reading, he became a well-informed man. He spent
his life on the old home place, to which he added until he liecame the owner
of about four hundred sixt\- acres. In addition to the culti\ation of the
farm he became an extensive stock raiser and dealer, in which he met with
pronounced success. His life record was marked by industry of the most
strenuous character. He took a deep interest in politics, and was a staunch
sup]X)rter of the Repulalican party. Religiousl}-, !:e was a member of the
United Presbyterian church In 1871 he moved to a farm east of Princeton,
and in 1880 went to Madison-i-ille, Kentuck\', where his death occurred on
March 31, 1801. He was an active member of the Inde]3endent Order of
Odd Fellows, and also belonged to the Masonic order at Princeton. He was
wideh' known and highly resjjected. Flis wife. Parthenia Clifford, was born
about one mile from the Mammoth Cave, in Kentucky, and l)y her union with
Mr. Kell she became the mother of eight children, namely: AVesterfield C,
GIB.SON COUNl^', INDIANA. | | _^
who formerly liveil east of Princelun, hut finally moved to Aladisonville,
Kentucky, where he died in 1910. lie had married Sarah Brownheld, who is
still living in Madisonville. They were the parents of four children, namely :
James, Mary, Parthenia and W^esterlield C. Luvicey became the wife of
Robert Broomtield. who died in lyoy, while her ileath occurred in 1890.
They had two children, Smith and Clara. Landon, the immediate subject of
this sketch. William F., a successful physician at Madisonville, Kentucky,
was educated in the St. Louis Medical College. He married Martha De-
Arman and to them were born live children, Robert, Carrie, Luvina, Maude
and Boneviri. Nora is the wife uf Luther Ligier. near iM-ancisco. this
county. Madison V. was drowned in 1870. Clara died in 1866. Cornelius
S. is an engineer and lives in South AlcAllister, Oklahoma.
Landon Kell received his education in the home schools and also in the
Owensville and Oakland City high schouls. He was reared to the life of a
farmer and remained on the old homestead until he was twenty-tiu'ee years
of age, when he removed to Oakland City and established his hume. He
engaged in teaching school, following this vocation for twenty-one years,
first in Columbia township and later in Patoka and Center townships and
Francisco. A man of broad and accurate information and with special
qualifications as a teacher, he was for many years ccmsidered one nf the lead-
ing educators of his county, his services being in demand wherexer a high
standard of educational qualifications was desired. In 1896 Mr. Kell moved
to Princeton, having ceased teaching in i8go, and since that time has done
considerable carpenter work and painting, though not now as active in these
lines as formerly, .\bout 1874 Mr. Kell was married to Maria T. Watkins.
a native of Patoka township, Gibson county, Indiana, the daughter of I'arnell
and Sarah (Taylor) Watkins. Parnell Watkins was born in O'Brien cunnty.
Tennessee, and came to Gibson county in 1826, settling east of I'rinceton
where he acquired a considerable tract of wild land, to the clearing and im-
provement of which he devoted himself, and lived there until man\- years
later, when he moved to another tract east nf I'rincetnn. where he >pent the
rest of his life. His wife, who was a nalne of Ldudun, Ivnglaml, died nn
the old ])lace on which they first located after coming here, and bis death
occurred later, abuut five nules east of Princeton. To Mr. and .Mrs. Kell
have been born the following children: James .\., who is engaged in the
newspaper business at Little Rock. Arkansas, married Fkjrence B. Radcliff.
Purcell W. was killed on the Southern Railroad at \Valnut Hills. Illinois, in
No\-ember, 1909. He married Julia ^ilcClure and tiic}- bad four children.
444 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Lester, Edna, Martha and George. Edna B. Ijecanie the wife of George
Bryant, who is with the Campbell Paint Company at St. Louis, Missouri,
and they have two children, Joseph B. and Mary Maria. A son died in
infancy. Ralph, who is unmarried and lives at home, is a mail carrier in the
city of Princeton.
Politically a Republican, Mr. Kell has for many years taken an active
part in politics, and has been an influential factor in the success of his party
in this county, though never ambitious for a public office on his own account.
Religiously, he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, while his
fraternal relations are with the Masonic order at Princeton. Mr. Kell takes
ai.good citizen's interest in public affairs, and casts his ballot in accordance
with the dictates of his conscience, his support being always given to all
worthy causes. In every relation in life he has been always true to his
conscience and he enjoys the good will of all who know him.
ANDREW McGregor.
Among the strong and influential citizens of Gibson county, the record
of whose lives has become an essential part of the history of this section, the
gentleman whose name appears above occupies a prominent place and for
years he has exerted a beneficial influence in the locality where he resides.
Andrew McGregor is one of the few remaining figures of the early pioneer
days of Gibson county and has many interesting things to tell regarding those
early times. In his boyhood wild game was plentiful around here and the
present city of Princeton was then but a struggling village.
Andrew McGregor was born March 5, 183 1, in Gibson county, Indiana,
the son of George and Margaret (Gordon) McGregor, he a native of \"ir-
ginia and she of South Carolina. George McGregor, when a young man,
came w^estward into Ohio, where he remained for a short time, then came
on to Gibson county about 1825. He obtained possession of wild land
near Sommerville, Gibson county, and here he made a home and there passed
the remaining years of his life. He was among the foremost farmers and
stock raisers of his day, a man well known and respected in the county. He
and his wife were the parents of seven children, namely: David Riley, born
in 1827, who acquired a farm near Sommerville on which he lived and died ;
Mary Ann, born in 1829, married Riley Harper and both are now dead; the
third child was Andrew, immediate subject of this sketch; Martha jane, the
GIBSON COl'NTY, INDIANA. 445
widow of Joseph McGarrah, who resides in Princeton; HaniiUtm, who many
years ago went to Missouri and has never since been heard from; James, a
soldier of the Civil war, who was killed in the battle of Stone's River, while
a member of Company F, Forty-second Regiment Indiana \'olunleer In-
fantry, and the youngest daughter, Lizzie, now deceased, who married Will-
iam Sprowl.
Andrew McGregor had very little opportunity for schooling in early
days. He remained at home until he was twenty- four years of age, when
he located east of Princeton where Mackey Station now is. on the Southern
railroad. He obtained a tract of wild land there w-hich he cleared and made
a home, clearing the very ground on which the station now stands. I-ater
he also obtained a tract of one hundred and twenty-three acres of land near
Sommerville. This was also virgin ground, which he jnit in shape t(ir
cultivation.
In 1855 Andrew McGregor was joined in wedlock to Harriet Burton,
daughter of Amos and Polly Burton, natives of Virginia, who were among
the pioneer settlers of Gibson county, where they lived and died. They also
were farming people. To Andrew McGregor and wife were born seven
children: Samuel, who died August 29, 1913. He worked in a mill and
was a bottler of soft drinks in Princeton for a number of years before his
death. His wife was Ida Brownlee. They have three children, Edward,
William and Maude. The next child was Cyrus, who is a farmer and brick
mason in Patoka township, Gibson county. He married Emily Connors and
they have one son, Everett, Margaret J. married Jacob Leuthold, of Spring-
field, Missouri. John is deceased. Alice married James Osborn and both
are now dead. Kate, wife of Wallace Howland, both of whom are now
dead. The youngest child, Bessie, became the wife of George Nicholson and
both are now dead. They had one daughter, Genevieve, who married Walter
Grace of Princeton, an upholsterer for the Southern railroad at Princeton.
They have one daughter, Olive. Mr. and Mrs. Grace have always made their
home with her grandfather.
On August 14, 1862, Andrew McGregor enlisted in Company F. F'orty-
second Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, at Princeton. He was instru-
mental in securing fifteen volunteers for this regiment. Pie was sent to
Indianapolis to be fitted out, was then ordered to Bardstown and Louisville,
Kentucky, and on to Lebanon and Nashville, Tennessee. He was in the
battle of Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge,
and was with the Army of the Cumlierland. He recciveil ;ui honorable dis-
446 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
charge June 25, 1865, when he returned home and took up his occupation
of farming. He also operated a threshing machine and has operated saw
mills in various parts of the county, but has now been retired from active
duties for several years.
Mr. ^McGregor's religious sympathies are with the Presbyterian church,
to which he gives generously of his time and substance. He is an earnest
advocate of total abstinence and an enthusiastic worker in the cause of tem-
perance. It naturally follows that he is a consistent member of the Prohi-
bition party.
Mr. McGregor is wonderfully preserved for a man of his years, a splen-
did personality and because of his industrious habits and persistent energy he
has attained definite success and enjoys the respect and high esteem of the
community in which he has resided all of his long and luisy life.
ANDERSON E. CROWE.
The true measure of individual success is determined liy what one has
accomplished. An enumeration of those men who have succeeded in their
special vocations in Gibson county, and at the same time are impressing their
personalities on the community, men who are conferring honor on the
locality in which the}- reside, would be incomplete were there failure to make
specific mention of the gentleman whose name initiates this paragraph, for
he is an imjiortant factor in the business life of his community. The splendid
success which has come to him has l^een the direct result of the salient points
in his character, for, with a mind capable of laying judicious plans and a
will strong enough to carry them into execution, his energy, foresight and
perseverance ha\e carried him forward to a position. in the front rank of the
successful men of his community. He has carried forward to successful
completion whatever he has undertaken, and his business methods ha\e ever
been in strict conformity with the standard ethics of commercial life. He
has taken an intelligent interest in the civic life of the community and has
earned the high regard in which he is held by all who know him.
Anderson E. Crowe, retired merchant tailor of Princeton, Indiana, is a
native of Gibson county, born October 2, 1828, the son of William and Eliza-
beth (Stephens) Crowe. They had early come to Gibson county from Flem-
ing county, Kentucky. The father was a native of Ireland, who had emi-
grated to America and settled in Kentucky, where he met and married Miss
GIBSON COrXTV, INniAXA. 447
Stephens, who was born and raised in Fleming ciiunty. Tot^cther tliey came
to Gibson county and settled on land six miles east nf Princeton. Later he
secured a farm in Patoka township, where he lived the remainder of his lite,
which was only a short time, as his death occurred in 1832. In early life he
was a stone cutter liy trade. William Crowe and wife were the parents of
seven children, namely: Mary, deceased, who married William Foster: John
and Alvin S., deceased; Louisa, wife of William Rainey, residing in Salem,
Illinois; Anderson E.. the immediate subject of this sketch, and Nelson K.
and Algernon S., both dead. The family was reared in the faith of the
Covenanter church.
Anderson E. Crowe had only limited opportunities for schooling when
a boy, and at the tender age of twelve years was placed in the tailor shop of
Robert Duncan in Princeton, to learn the trade. He served w ith ^\v. Duncan
about eight years, when he opened a shop of his own in ])artnership with B.
F. Brownlee. This partnership continued for a short time only, when he
continued the business alone. He later opened a clothing store on the south
side of the square in Princeton, which he operated for a time, when he took
into partnership ^^'illiam G. Foster and they opened a more pretentious cloth-
ing store on the north side of the square. This business was closed 'out and
he moved to Xenia, Ohio, where he worked at his trade. It was here he met
the lady who became his wife. She was Mary Mcbarland, of Cedarville,
Ohio, daughter of Jacob McFarland. They were married May 29, 1856, and
she died May 21, 1887. To their union were l)orn six children, namely:
William M., who died in 1885: Carrie L., deceased; Mary Louisa, residing
in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the wife of James H. Craig, .\nother daugh-
ter is Eva, wife of G. B. Ayres, of Anderson, Indiana. Anna Belle and Rose
Alma remain at home, the latter being a reporter on the Princeton Clarion
News. After his marriage, the subject was in the clothing business in Xenia,
Ohio, and later went to Cedarville, where he worked at his trade until the
outbreak of the Civil war. On September 13, 1862, he enlisted in Company
D, Forty-fourth Regiment Ohio \'olunteer Infantry, and was with tli,e Army
of the Cumberland. He became ill at Mount Xernon, Kentucky, and was
sent to Camp Dennison, where he remained sick for a year and was on a
furlough. He was transferred to the veteran corps in Chicago and later was
sent to Springfield, Illinois, where he received his discharge August 12, 1865.
After leaving the army, he returned to Cedarville, Ohio, where he again
opened up a tailor shop and was also for a time engaged in the saw-mill
business with Joshia Mitchell. Later he returned to his old home in Prince-
448 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
ton and, together with David Archer, bought out Robert Duncan. This busi-
ness was continued for about eighteen years, Mr. Crowe working some at
the tailor trade, until his retirement.
Mr. Crowe's life has been a busy one, full of effort and achievement, and
in all his affairs he has been known as an honest and upright man. He is a
member of Archer Post No. 28, Grand Army of the Republic, andN also
a consistent member of the United Presbyterian church in Princeton, to
whose support he contributes of his substance. Mr. Crowe is a finely pre-
served man for his years, retains an excellent memory and is widely known
throughout Gibson county, as a great number of friends attest.
JOHN F. HUDELSON.
Among the citizens of Gibson county, Indiana, who built up comfort-
able homes and surrounded themselves with valuable personal property, dur-
ing a past generation, few attained a greater degree of success than the late
John F. Hudelson, one of the earliest residents and most public-spirited
citizens of this county. With few opportunities except what his own efforts
were capable of mastering and with many discouragements to overcome, he
achieved an exceptional success in life and in his old age had the gratification
of knowing that the community had been benefited by his presence and his
counsel. He was regarded as a good business man, an excellent manager, a
man who possessed sound judgment and keen foresight, and who believed in
pressing forward, keeping the wheels of the car of civilization ever moving up
the steeps. He ever enjoyed the respect and esteem of those who knew him
for his friendly manner, business ability, his interest in public affairs and up-
right living and he was regarded by all as one of the substantial and worthy
citizens of Gibson county, in whose advancement and growth he took a
conspicuous part.
John F. Hudelson was born near the city of Princeton, Gibson county,
Indiana, on the loth day of August, 1835, and his death occurred at his home
in Princeton on October 11, 1895. ^^ "^^^ the son of Samuel and Katie
(Flemming) Hudelson, the former of whom was a native of South Carolina,
but who came to Gibson county, Indiana, in a very early day. Here he ac-
quired a tract of land, which he developed into a good farm and in the early
life of this community he was a prominent figure. His son, John F., was
reared on the old homestead and secured his education in the district schools,
AM N E. HUDEUSON
;OHN F.HUDELSON
GIRSON COUNTV, IXDIAXA. 441;
which at that early cla_\' lacked in many of what are today considered essential
requirements to a good common school education. Nexertheless, he was a
man of strong mentality and, by much rcaijint;- and hahits of close ohserva-
tion. he liecame a man of more than <irdinary attaivcnicnls. heiuij well in-
formed on a wide variety of subjects. Upon attaining mature years he con-
tinued agricultural pursuits on his own account and, through persevering in-
dustry and sound business methods, he was prospered through the years, so
that, in April, 1882, when he retired from active farming operations, he
owned nearly a thousand acres of splendid farm land, nearly all of which was
in cultivation. In the year mentioned Mr. JIudelson bought a town resi-
dence at No. 503 South Hart street. Princeton, which was complelelx- re-
modeled into a beautiful and attractive liome b\- Mv^. 1 ludelson after her
husband's death. He still maintained general supervision o\er his farm lands,
which, since his death, ha\'e lieen successfully managed b\' Mrs. I ludelson,
who possesses marked business ability and mature judgment in matters re-
quiring discernment and sagacity. Mr. Hudelson became a large stock-
holder in the Farmers National Bank of Princeton and was a member of its
board of directors, his counsel and advice being valued highly by his associ-
ates. Mr. Hudelson was a busy and industrious man, and he attained to a
place of importance in his locality in which he was a constant quantity. One
of the kind that make up the front rank, the kind that can be relied on, a
good workman in the world's afYairs, he was a splendid specimen of the many
that do the real hard work of the world in places of passing importance, and
do it well. It was a kind of life that does not attract attention for its unusual
brilliance or any picturesque qualities, but the kind out of which the warp and
woof of the substance that goes to make up the continuous achievement of
humanitv is made. His death removed from Gibson county one of her most
substantial and highlv esteemed citizens and the many beautiful tributes to
his high standing as a man and citizen attested to the abiding place he had
in the hearts and affections of those who knew him. .Ml in all, he was a
splendid example of the virile, progressive, self-made man who believed in
doing well whatever was worth doing at all, a man of keen discernment and
sound judgment, broad minded and fair and just in all his dealings with his
fellow men. Thus he enjoyed to an eminent degree the confidence and good
will of all who knew him.
On December 18, i86_'. Mr. Hudelson was united in marriage with
Ann Eliza Woods, the daughter of Samuel H. and .\nn ( McMillin) Woods.
Samuel H. Woods was born in Blount county. Tennessi-e. on March 1. i;()i,
(29)
45° GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
and dietl on July 14, 1880, at the age of eighty-nine years. His father,
Joseph Woods, came to Indiana in 1807, being numbered among the
real pioneers of the Hoosier state and locating near Vincennes. In 1809
he located on Turkey Hill, where he achieved success as a farmer and where
he spent the remainder of his years. He was a soldier in the war of 1812,
taking part in the battle of Tippecanoe, where General Harrison so de-
cisively defeated the Indians, and he also helped to guard Fort \'incennes
during those troublous days. To him and his wife were horn eleven chil-
dren, of whom but two are now living, Mrs. Hudelson and R. C, who lives
at Kirkwood, Illinois. Mrs. Hudelson is a woman of marked attainments
and possesses to a nota])le degree those womanly qualities and graces which
have endeared Iier to all who know her. She has taken an active interest in
current events and has been president of the Woods family re-union continu-
ously since its organization. In the civic life of the community she has been
actively interested and has ])een at the head of the ladies' waiting room in the
court house at Princeton. She is an earnest member of the United Presby-
terian church and until recentl}- has been active in her support of the various
interests of that society. She is a member of the Woman's Relief Corps,
auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic.
Politically, Mr. Hudelson was a life-long supporter of the Democratic
party, but in local elections he assumed an independent attitude, voting for
the men and measures which in his opinion were for the best interests of the
community. He, too, was a faithful member of the United Presbyterian
church, to the support of which he was a liberal contributor. A man of
strong domestic tastes, he found his greatest enjoyment in his home, where he
delighted to entertain his friends, for whom "the latch-string always hung on
the outside."
WILLIAM M. McCLURE.
There could be no more comprehensive history written of a city or
county, or even of a state and its people, than that which deals with the life
work of those who, by their own endeavor and indomitable energy, have
placed themselves where they well deserve the title of "progressive," and in
this sketch will be found the record of one who has outstripped the less
active and less able plodders on the highway of life, one who has not been
subdued bv the many obstacles that come to every one, but who has made
them stepping stones to higher things and at the same time that he was
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 45 1
winning his way in material affairs of life, gained a reputation for upright-
ness and honor.
William AI. McClure is a native nf the eity of Princetim, born March
29. 1848, the son of Joseph P.. born Octol)er 16, 1815, on the mM .McC'hire
place, and the father of Joseph was James, born in Maryland, and his
father was born in Ireland, being the first of the fanu'ly to emigrate to
America. He had one son and one daughter and lost his life in one of the
battles of the Revolutionary war. After the close of the war, his wiclpw
and tw'i children went into Kentuckw James AlcClure, Jr., and Col. Jacofi
Warrick were the first white men to begin clearing the timber from the land
south of the I'atoka river. In 1804 they cleared a piece of ground south-
west of Princeton, put in a crop of corn and tended it through the summer.
They built a stout log pen in which they placed the husked corn and covered it
securely with logs in order to protect it from the bears prowling about in
great numbers. They then returned to their homes in Kentucky, but were
back in Gibson county again in 1806. having their families with them. June
6, 1808. James McClure was united in marriage with Malinda A^nn Warrick,
who was born in Kentucky in 1788. a daughter of Colonel Jacob. James
McClure was born October G. 1785, the son of Irish parentage. His mother's c'/i" jp .
name was Jane and she died in Princeton. 1 wi'l^»'
Malinda Ann Warrick McClure had two lirothers and five sisters. John. ■^
Jacob, Mary, Ruth, Margaret, Elizabeth and Ellen Jane, .^t the time of her
marriage to James McClure, her father, Col. Jacob Warrick, was living on
what is now knov/n as the Major Smith farm, two miles east of Owensville,
Indiana, and they set up their new home on the site now occupied by the
McCam Summit. Here they lived for many years and reared their family.
They also had a farm one mile southwest of Princeton, and James McClure
also had a tannery. He was a man of importance in his day, known through-
out the sparsely settled district and highly respected by all. The\- were the
first couple united in marriage by the Rev. Alexander Devine after he came
to Gibson coimty and they were also the first couple married snutii n\ the
Patoka river. To their union were born ten sons and one daughter. Albert
P., their oldest, was the first white s^VM born in Gibson county of parents
married in the county. ^Then th'^rV were\Edwin, James B., Ella Jane, Josej^h
P., William M.. HenryT'David H.. Robert, George W. and John W. The
only member of this family now living is Robert, who resides in T.ns .Angeles.
California.
Joseph P. ;McClure was the only one of the above named large family
-4f:
452 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
to remain in Gibson county and rear a family. In his youth he received
only a limited schooling at the early subscription schools and, as was the case
with most young boys of his time, he was early put to the hard work of
helping to clear the land and make a home. He remained on the home place
and on February 13, 183-I, was united in marriage to Catherine Ann Devine,
born in Princeton, a daughter of the Rev. Alexander Devine. The latter
was the son of William and Sarah Devine and was born March 27, 1769.
His parents were from Pottsylvania county, Virginia, and he took as his
wife Snkin Nowlen. daughter of Payton and Lucy Nowlen, of Virginia,
born March 12, 1771. The Rev. Alexander Devine and wife came to Gib-
son county in 1808 and he obtained a tract of land on which they lived to
the day of their death. On this land the Independent Order of Odd Fellows'
cemetery is now located. The Rev. Mr. Devine was a man of influence in
his day and did much to improve the high moral tone of the growing com-
munity. They raised a numerous family, as follows : Elizaljeth, born Feb-
ruary 22, 1792; Lucy, born May 6. 1793; James, bom June 9, 1794: Sukin,
born September 22, 1796; Sarah, born February 4, 1799; Alexander, born
December i-|, 1801; \'irginia, born June 2, 1803; Joseph, born May 22,
1805; Robert, born June 22, 1807; Payton Nowlen, born August 3, 1808;
Mary, born July 5, 1810; Catherine .\nn, born July 8, 1812. and Mary Smith,
born December 23, 1814.
After their marriage in 183.J., Joseph AlcClure and wife located about
two miles southeast of Princeton. They purchased the interests of the De-
vine heirs and on the land so obtained they made their home, farming it to
the best advantage the times afforded, and here they both died. Joseph
McClure was a staunch Republican and was a member of the General Baptist
church. He and his wife reared a family of twelve children, namely : Elea-
nor J., born June 7, 1835, married James W. Key, of Patoka, Indiana;
Mary B., now deceased, born June 9, 1836, married Henry G. Wheeler, of
Princeton; Alexander, deceased, born December 22, 1837; Susan Ann, de-
ceased, born Mav 10, 1839; James B., deceased, born June 20, 1841 ; Mar-
garet E. C, deceased, born November 6, 1843:- Joseph D., born July 9, 1844,
now living retired at Evansville, Indiana; Robert M., born September 16,
1846, residing at Mound City, Kansas; William M., the immediate subject
of this sketch, born September 29, 1848; George W., born July 17, 1850, is
still farming the old homestead; Nancy, born December 15, 1852, wife of
W. C. Hudleson, of Patoka township; Franklin P. P.. born ]\Liy 9, 1855,
also engaged in farming on the old homestead in Patoka township.
GIBSON COrXTV, INDIANA. 453
This family discharged its duty to tiic Union in the dark days <<\ tlie
sixties in a gratifying manner, sending five of its sons to the front, all of
whom were permitted to pass through the conriict and return home. Alexan-
der D., James. Robert and William M. were members of Company H, Sev-
enteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, while Joseph D. enlisted in Company
F, Thirty-third Regiment. Alexander J. served with special distinction, being
special scout for Generals Thomas and Wilder. He was the lirst of the
]\TcClure sons to die, his death occurring in 1902.
William M., the immediate subject of this sketch, enlisted on .March 12,
1865, and received his honorable discharge on August 8. 1865. Me was all
through Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia, .\fter the close of
the war he returned home and attended school for a year. He later took a
commercial course at Evansville. Iniliana, and engaged in the drug business
in St. Louis for four years. He then returned to Princeton and was asso-
ciated with B. B. Estes for about two years. From 1878 to i8(;o he en-
gaged in farming, when he disposed of his agricultural interests and entered
the ranks of carpenters and contractors in Princeon, in which work he has
since engaged. In 1893 he removed his family to Princeton, where they are
much thought of. Mr. McClure is a man blessed with a retentive memory,
to wdiose store of knowledge he is constantly adding. He is considered a
man well posted on current events and a man of right principles who stands
firm on his convictions. Politically, Mr. McClure is an earnest supporter of
the Republican party, while his fraternal affiliations are with the Free and
Accepted Masons, of which order he has been a mcmlier for the past twenty-
five years. Religiously, he is a member of the Cieneral Baptist churcli and
has always taken a deep interest in the prosperity of that society. He is also
a member of Archer Post No. 28. Grand Army of the Republic.
Mr. McClure was married in 1878 to :\Iartha E. Latham, of Prentice,
Illinois, a daughter of James and Julia A. Latham. Her father was orig-
inally a farmer in Gibson county. There are nine children in the McClure
family, namely: Amy Alice, born March 30. 1881, married Jesse French, of
Union township. Gibson county; Julia A., born December 2. 1882, widow of
P. W. Kell. of Princeton; Lester Latham, born Jul>- 19, 1884, married
Catherine Arburn. This son is in the contracting business at Pueblo, Colo-
rado; Joseph D. D.. born July 23. 1887, is a carpenter at Princeton. He
married Bertha Glazier; A'an Raymond was born April 8, 1891, and is a
carpenter by trade; I'ercy M., l>orn October 5. 1894. remains at home; Jos-.
454 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
eph Perry, liorn July 17, 1897; Harriet, born December 22, 1899, and Cloyd
Latrom, bom January 12, 1903. The latter three are also at home.
Personally, Mr. McClure is a man of genial and unassuming character,
who, because of his genuine worth and staunch integrity, has won and retains
the unalloyed good will of all who know him. Mrs. McClure is a member
of the Methodist Episcopal church and is earnest in advancing its cause.
They have an ideal home and cut of it young folks go forth well fitted to
battle with the world and come out victorious.
JOHN MAHAN.
Of the sturdy sons of the Emerald Isle it has been said that they have
"won every country's freedom but their own,"' and a review of the struggle
against oppression or tyranny in any land will disclose the fact that in the
forefront of the battle line, if, indeed, not leading it, the valiant lads from
the land of the harp and shamrock have borne well their part. During the
dark days of the war between the American states in i86i-'65, probably no
other country furnished more recruits to the ranks of the "boys in blue"
than did Ireland, and among those worthy defenders of the integrity of their
adopted country none bore a more noble part or acquitted himself with
greater honor than the one whose name forms the caption of this brief bio-
graphical review. Not alone did he acquit himself well in those "times that
tried men's souls," but in the pursuits of peace his record has been one of
usefulness, honor and fidelity to the best principles of life.
John Mahan was born in May, 1838, in county Donegal, Ireland, the
son of John and Nancy (Peoples) Mahan, both natives of the same county.
The father was a farmer and died in 1854, his widow, with five children,
emigrating to the United States that same year and locating at Princeton,
Gibson county, Indiana, where she died in i860. The five children of John
and Nancy Mahan were Ellen, who married William Marrow and they lived
in Gibson county, both now being deceased; Samuel, who was a farmer and
is now deceased, married Mary Marrow; James married Nancy Marrow,
followed farming and is now deceased; John; Hugh, a farmer in Patoka
township, married Belle Greer.
John Mahan had attended school in Ireland, and on the removal of the
family to this country he resumed his studies in the Gibson county schools.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 455
tlcNOling the rcniaiiuler ul hi^- lime In assisting in ilic I'arni w i irk '>n ihc
place ul his uncle, William Marrow, with whom he lived up to the time of
the outbreak of the Civil war. In May, 1861, Mr. Mahan enlisted in Com-
pany H, Seventeenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, at Princeton,
Indiana, being sent from that place, with his comrades, to Indianapolis for
outfitting and preliminary instruction in military duties. The gathering
clouds of war hatl by this time l)urst in all their fury and the command to
which the subject was attsched was quickly ru.shed to the front, going from
the Ho'isier capital first to Cincinnati and then into the state of X'irginia,
where they took part in the battle of Greenbriar, then being dispatched into
the Blue Grass state, where they were engaged in the battle of Bowling
Green. From Kentucky the force of which Mr. Mahan was a member went
to Chattanooga, Tennessee, and joined General Sherman, being with him on
his famous "march to the sea." The subject's brother Hugh was a member
of the same company and regiment, and while in the service they were in the
commands of Generals Haskell and Wilder and Major Gorman. At the
dose of the war, in the spring of 1865, the brothers were lionorably dis-
charged.
Shortly after returning home from his coimtry's service, Mr. Mahan
was united in marriage to Mary Jane Greer, a native of comity Donegal,
Ireland, the district in which the subject was born. She was the daughter of
Henry and Jane (Marrow) Greer, who came from the "old sod" to .\merica
in the early fifties and settled in Patoka township, Gibson county, Indiana,
where they cleared land and established their home. The father of the
subject's wife was a Union soldier, a member of Compan\- 11, Seventeenth
Regiment Indiana \'olunteer Infantry. He met his death at Chattanooga,
■Tennessee, being struck by a train on a bridge. The niotiier is long since
deceased. To the parents of the sul)ject's wife were born four children:
Jane, Mrs. Mahan, who died .\pril 13, 1895. in her lifty-thinl year; P>ea
married Hugh Mahan; Sallie is the widow of James .'\nderson, of I'nnce-
ton; Henry is a farmer at Princeton.
After his marriage Mr. Mahan sold his land in Princeton and bought
land five miles east of that place, built a good home and outbuili lings and
took up the work of developing the place, in which he was quite successful,
adding to his original h(jlding until he is now the owner of one hundred and
eighty acres of as good land as can be found in the community. Here he
lived and carried on general farming until his retirement, when he rented
his farm and purchased his present liome at Xo. 612 East .State street in
456 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Princeton, where he is now hving in honorable retirement, reaping the re-
ward of a well earned rest after a life of worthy endeavor.
To the subject and his wife were born ten children : John, Maggie and
Annie are deceased ; Robert is engaged in the undertaking business in Deming,
New Mexico; Henry married Margaret McCullough and is farming on the
old home place; Ella M. is at home; Edith is deceased; James married Agnes
Legier and is farming on the old home place; Ralph is deceased; Everett
married Stella DePriest.
Mr. Mahan, w;ho is a remarkably well preserved man for his age, is a
member of the Grand Ami}- of the Republic, belonging to Archer Post No.
28, at Princeton, while he is an earnest and faithful member of the United
Presbvterian church.
ANDERSON G. MAKEMSON.
It is a pleasure to investigate the career of a successful, self-made man.
Peculiar honor attaches to that individual who, beginning the great struggle
of life alone and unaided, gradually overcomes unfavorable environment, re-
moves one by one the obstacles from the pathway of success and by the master
strokes of his own force and vitality succeeds in forging his way to the front
and winning for himself a competency and a position of esteem and influence
among his fellow-men. Such is the record of the popular citizen of Gibson
county to a brief synopsis of whose life and character the following pages
are devoted.
Andrew G. Makemson, whose home is at Baldwin Heights, just south of
Princeton, was born in Gibson county about five miles northeast of Princeton.
on October 24, 1829. His ancestors were among the \'ery first settlers in
this part of the country. Andrew, his father, was born in Virginia in 1785,
of sterling Scotch-Irish stock, and the father of Andrew was Joseph, a native
of Scotland who brought his wife to America during the Revolutionary war
and located in Virginia. There their son Andrew \\as born and, when he
was still a small boy, they journeyed westward into Kentucky, locating near
Shelbyville. Here, on July 30, 1811. Andrew was united in marriage to
Margaret Shafer, who was born June 11, 1792. In 1820 Joseph Makemson
and wife, with their oldest son, Andrew, and his wife, together with Josegh,
James, Nancy and Sarah, younger children of Joseph, came to Indiana, locat-
ing in Perry county, bringing with them their horses and household goods.
However, they were not pleased with their first location and in 1822 decided
ANDERSON G. MAKP^MSON.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 437
to come on to Gilison county. Andrew made a sled and loadeil thereon their
clothing and bedding and on another horse his young wife rode into Gibson
county. They secured heavily timbered land laying northeast of Princeton,
hastily made a small clearing where their cabin was raised and began various
improvements which all helped to make a comfortable and happy home. In
this pioneer home. Andrew, the immediate subject of this sketch, lirst saw the
light of day. There were at that time only five or six other settlers within a
radius of two or three miles and many were the hardships they endured.
Joseph Makemson and his wife died on this place and were laid to rest in
what is now known as the Archer cemetery. James, one of the sons brought
with them to Indiana, at one time li\ed near the old homestead, but later went
to Illinois, and Sarah, one of the dauglUers. married James Finney and lived
southwest of Princeton..
Andrew Makemson and wife continued to live nn the old homestead until
removed by death. She died April 6. 1841, and his death occurred December
9, i860, in his seventy-_eighth year. In this old home they reared their fam-
ily of eleven children. Joseph, the oldest, was a farmer. His wife was Polly
Lamasters and both are dead. Xanc>- .Mien was a daughter who died young
and unmarried, while Sarah became the wife of James Finney and they went
to Illinois to make their home. Later the\- returned to Gibson county and
!)()th died here. James, deceased, was a carpenter who also lived in Illinois
for a time, but returned to his native county. Another son, William, died
when small. Benjamin was a farmer, who went to lUincjis and later to Kan-
sas, where he died. His wife \\as Elizabeth Townsend. John S., who is
eighty-eight years old, is living at Corning, Iowa, a retired carpenter. Mary
Jane married James Barton' (both dead) and the\- made their home in Gibson
countv. The tenth child was Thomas B., who died young, and the youngest,
Margaret Ann. became the wife of Robert Millis, and they make their home
in Leavenworth, Kansas. Andrew and wife were members of the Cove-
nanter church, living in strict accordance with the rules of the same, .\ndrew
was known among his friends as a man of uncompromising integrity, strict
and stern in his views, as had been his father before him. and highly respected
in the community.
Anderson G. INIakemson had small opportunity for schooling in his boy-
hood, often having to go as far as three miles through the unbroken forests.
He, however, secured the rudiments of an education and to this store of
knowledge he constantly added until he came to be considered a well in-
formed man. He was almost wholly self-taught. He remained on the old
home until he became of age, taking care of the old folks. After his mother's
458 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
death, his father remarried, taking as his second wife Ann Murphy, a native
of Ohio. She died November 22, 1872, without issue. In 1877 Anderson G.
Makemson sold the old homestead and purchased sixty acres just south of
Princeton, where he has since resided. Some time ago he disposed of about
twenty-eight acres to a real estate company which platted the land into town
lots, giving the addition the name of Baldwin Heights. Mr. Makemson is
also the owner of a tine eighty-acre farm located east of Princeton.
On December 12, 1850, Anderson G. Makemson was united in marriage
to Emeline Murphy, a native of Gibson county, who died May 11, 1896. To
their union were born eight children, namely: Charles B. and John died
while young; Monroe, born in 1857, died in 1878. The first daughter was
Belle, born in 1859, and who married Robert Woodburn, of Princeton. Hettie
has always lived at home. Mary is the wife of William Davis, of Princeton.
Lizzie married James Sturgess, a farmer residing in Princeton. Genevieve
died in 1870. Hettie was a teacher in the schools of Gibson county for ten
years and now makes the home for her father.
Mr. Makemson's political sympathies are with the Democratic party and
he has taken an active interest in its affairs. However, he never aspired to
office, but was ditch commissioner from 1880 to 1886. He is a member of
Archer Post No. 28 of Princeton, Grand Army of the Republic.
On December 22, 1864, Mr. Makemson enlisted in Company H, One
Hundred and Forty-third Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, at Prince-
ton, and was sent to Nashville, Tennessee. He was also at Tallahassee, Ten-
nessee, and was mustered out of service in September, 1865. Mr. Makemson
has always been a plain common man of affairs, who by close attention to
his business and the best of principles has secured for himself a competence
and had made for himself an enviable place in the hearts of his many friends.
He is a man well preserved for his years, a most agreeable man to meet and
throughout his long life he has stood in the forefront of those who have tried
in every way to improve the tone of the community.
FLOYD T. BIGGS.
There could be no more comprehensive historj' written of a city or even
of a state and its people than that which deals with the life-work of those
who, by their own endeavor and indomitable energy, have placed them-
selves where they well deserve the title of "prominent and progressive," and
GIBSON COIXTV, INDIANA. 459
in this sketch will l)e found the record of one who has outstripped the less
active and less able trodders on the highway of life and who today occupies
an enviable position in his community.
Floyd J. Biggs was born in Webster county, Kentucky, August 17,
1873, and is a son of Alonzo C. and Charlotte J. (Hall) Biggs. The father,
who followed the mercantile and grain business during his active life, died
in 1906 and his widow is now living at Tucson, Arizona. Mr. Biggs at-
tended the common schools of Waverly, Kentucky, and later was a student
in Cecilian College at Cecilian, that state, where he graduated, and then l)e-
came a student in the School of Tharmacy at Louisville, Kentucky, where
he was graduated and received his degree. At the age of twenty-one years
Mr. Biggs became a member of the firm of Biggs, Waller & Company, drug-
gists, at Morganfield, Kentucky, luit al)out a year later he came to Princeton,
Indiana, and established himself in the drug business on the public scjuare.
From 1895 to 19 10 he occupied that locality, and was prosperous to such a
degree that he was compelled to seek larger cjuarters, and in the year last
named he moved to his present fine store on the corner of Hart and State
streets. This is not only one of the largest drug stores in southern Indiana,
but has one of the largest and best selected stocks, valued at about twenty-five
thousand dollars, and comprising a full line of splendid drugs and proprietary
medicines, wall paper, paints, books and druggists' sundries, and a beautiful
soda fountain, which occupies a conspicuous position in the room. Mr.
Biggs has, by strict attention to business and the exercise of sound judgment
in the management of his affairs, achieved a pronounced success and for a
number of years has been numbered among Princeton's most substantial
business men.
In 1909 Mr. Biggs was married to Celeste Prince Downey, daughter of
W. J. and Octavia (Hall) Downey, both of whom were natives of the state
of Indiana, the father born in Posey count}- and the mother in Gibson county.
They were among the early residents of this county and are representatives
of prominent old families of this community, the town of Princeton having
been named for the Prince family and Hall street of this city for the Hall
family. To Mr. and IMrs. Biggs has been born one child, Nanc)- Celeste,
now four years of age. The family now reside in a splendid and attractive
home on South Hall street, where the spirit of hospitality is always in evi-
dence and which is a favorite gathering place for the many friends of the
family. Fraternally, Mr. Biggs Is a member of the Free and .Accepted
Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and I'rotectivc Order
460 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
of Elks, in the workings of which orders he takes an appreciative interest.
In ever}' relation of life Mr. Biggs has been true to his highest ideals, and
today no man in his community stands better in the public estimation than
he, for he has at all times stood for the best things in life and for the advance
of the community along all lines.
RICHARD MONTGOMERY.
It is a well attested fact that the greatness of a community or a state
lies not in the machinery of government nor even in its institutions, but
rather in the sterling qualities of the individual citizen, in his capacity for
high and unselfish effort and his devotion to the public welfare. In these
particulars he whose name appears at the head of this review has conferred
honor and dignity upon his locality, and as an elemental part of history it is
consonant that there should be recorded a resume of his career, with the
object in view of noting his connection with the advancement of one of the
most flourishing and progressive sections of the commonwealth, as well as
his official relations with the administration of the pulilic affairs of the
county honored by his citizenship.
Richard Montgomery was born in Patoka township, Gibson county,
Indiana, about three miles west of his father's old homestead, on September
i8, 1839. His parents were Greenberry and Eliza (Fitzgerald) Montgom-
ery, the father born at Owensville, Indiana, and the mother in Patoka town-
ship. The subject's paternal grandfather, James Montgomery, was a native
of Kentucky, as was his wife, and they were among the early settlers in
Gibson county, locating near Owensville. Here the father, who was a farm-
er, secured a tract of wild land, which he cleared and 'which he developed
into a splendid farm. To them were born the following children. ?ilack,
Richard, James, Greenberry, America, who became the wife of John Baker;
IMartha, who became the wife of Peter Smith; Jane, the wife of Frank
Daughertv, and Polly, the wife of John Robb. Greenberry Montgomery was
reared on his father's farm and had but little opportunity to attend school.
On attaining mature years he bought a tract of wild land in Patoka town-
ship, which he cleared and there created a comfortable home, owning two
hundred and sixty acres of land. He was a hard-working man and his wife,
who was a woman of large and powerful phx'sique, did nearly as much
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 461
manual labor as he did in the work of clearing the land and pulling- it into
crop. They were well known and highly respected in liie community, where
they resided during the remainder of their lives. Mr. Montgomery was a
Whig in politics in early life, but later became identified with the Kepubiican
party. Their chiklren were as fullows : James, deceased, was a farmer in
Patoka township, and married Nancy Griffin; John, deceased, married lirst
Sarah Perkins; second, Bessie Pritchett, and third, Maggie Barnetl ; Will-
iam, deceased, was a farmer in Patuka township, married Anna Woods, wiio
now lives in that township; he was a veteran of the Civil war; Thomas, who
lives on a part of the old homestead in I'atoka township, and who was a
veteran of the Civil war, married Delia Kinelly; Willis, deceased, married
Lizzie Forker; Parmelia, deceased, was twice married, first to Sanderson
Emberton, and second to James Woods; Victoria is the wife of Robert
Corn, of Evansville. Indiana; Martha is the wife of L. Olmstead, of Patoka
township, this county; Nora, deceased, was the wife of (Charles b'lorica;
Richard, the subject of this sketch.
Richard Montgomery was deprived of the opportunity of securing a
school education in his youth, his early j'ears being given unremittingly to
the work of the home farm, where he remained until his marriage in 1861.
He and his wife then lived on the old homestead in Patoka township until
August 9, 1862. when he enlisted as a private in ("omi)any .\, ]*jghtieth
Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, his wife going to stay witii her own
people while he was out in the defense of his country. He was first sent to
Evansville, where he joined his regiment, and then back to Princet(5n and on
to Covington, Kentucky. The command was sent from there to Louisville,
and then to Perryville, where they took part in an engagement with the
enemy on October 8, 1862. The Eightieth Regiment was assigned to the
First Brigade, Twenty-third Army Corps, with which they took part in the
battles of Perrysville, Marrow Bone, Kingston, Tennessee. Mossv Creek,
Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Dallas Hills. Lost Mountain. Kenesaw Mountain,
siege of Atlanta, which lasted from July ig to .Vugust 9, 1864, Lovejoy Sta-
tion, Boone Gap, I'ranklin, I'ort Anderson, North Carolina, Washington
and Goldsboro, North Carolina, and on June 2, 1865. Mr. Montgomerv was
honorably discharged from the service, being paid off at Indianapolis. Dur-
ing bis period of service he traveled eight thousand two hundred and forty-
six miles, two thousand fifty by water, twenty- four hundred and fort\'-five
by rail and thirty-seven hundred and fifty on foot. After his return from
the war, Mr. Montgomery bought a part of the old homestead of [ohnson
462 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Fitzgerald, and here he and his wife estabHshed a home and carried on farm-
ing successfully until 1905, when they sold the farm and retired from active
labor, now living at No. 618 South Hall street, Princeton. They are both
remarkably well preserved physically and are now situated to enjoy life to
the utmost. Mr. Montgomery has gone through some trying experiences,
but despite his army hardships and strenuous labor required in his life work
as a farmer, he has come to the sunset of life's journey well preserved, and
is now prepared to quietly enjoy the remaining years of his life.
On October 3, 1861, Mr. Montgomery was married to Mary Jane Alsop,
who was born east of Owensville, Indiana, the daughter of Reuben and
Willie Ann ( Smith) Alsop. Her father, who was a native of Gibson county,
Indiana, tlied in 1844, and his widow afterward became the wife of Johnson
Fitzgerald, of \'irginia, who was a veteran of the Indian wars, having served
in the battle of Tippecanoe. He came to Gibson county in 1810, settling in
Patoka township, and died in 1886, at the age of seventy-six years. He was
one of the foremost and most enterprising men of his period and was the
owner of one of the first saw and grist mills in this locality, being run by
water power. He was also a successful farmer and was widely known
throughout southern Indiana. Mrs. Montgomery was the only child born
to her parents. To Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery have been born eight children,
namely : Martha Jane is the wife of Thomas \\''right, of Fort Branch, and
they have one child, Loren; Lorenzo, who is engaged with the Southern Rail-
road Company at Baldwin Heights, married Minnie Newberry, and they
have one child, Roy; Emma is the witlow of Major Wright, of Baldwin
Heights, and is the mother of three children, Bessie, Otto and Jesse; Pearl
lives at Flarrison, Arkansas; Justus Elmer and Jesse Ellis are twins; the
former, who is a farmer in Patoka township, married Nannie Powers, and
they have three children, Roscoe, Willis and Harvey G. ; Jesse Ellis, who
lives in Patoka township, married Florence Embree. and they have four
children, Gertrude, Mildred, Richard and John; John Montgomery died in
youth; Grace is the wife of James A. Lhuring, of Princeton, Indiana, and
they have one child, Thelma L&verne.
Politically, Mr. Montgomery is a stanch Republican, while, religiously,
he and his wife are members of the Baptist church, belonging to the White
church in Patoka township. At one time Mr. Montgomery was a member
of the Grand Army of the Republic at Princeton. In all the essential ele-
ments of good citizenship Mr. Montgomery is a man among men and by his
earnest life, sturdy integrity and strict regard for the highest ethics he has
GIBSON COUXTV, INniAXA. 463
earned and retains tlie warm regard of all who know him. He t,nves his
support to every mo\-ement which promises to be of material or moral bene-
fit to the people, and because of his success in life and his j^enuine worth he
is eminently entitled to representation in this work.
JOHN K. PEOPLES.
It is an axiom demonstrated by human experience that industry is the
keynote of prosperity. Success comes not to the man who idly waits, but to
the faithful toiler whose work is characterized by sleepless vigilance and
cheerful celerity, and it has been by such means that John K. Peoples, i)0]ni-
lar and enterprising groceryman of Princeton, has forged to the front and
won an lnjnoralile place among the substantial citizens of Gibson count\-.
John K. Peoples was born in Princeton, Gibson county, Indiana, De-
cember 5, 1875, the son of William and Melvina L. (Carithers) Peoples.
The father was a native of Ireland and emigrated to the United States when
he was seventeen years of age. coming direct from the East to Princeton,
where he settled and followed agriculture and the mercantile business until
his death, which occurred in i8t)5 in Princeton. The subject's mother is
still living, residing on East State street in Princeton.
The early education of the subject was acquired in the common and
high schools of his native city, and on reaching mature \ears he was em-
ployed as a clerk in a grocery store, which occupation he followed until igoo,
when he engaged in Inisiness on his own accnunt. His establishment was
located in the building in which was formerl\- !•",. P. Downey's grocery.
By constant attention to details and by exercising a desire to please his
patrons, Mr. Peoples has built up a large and profitable trade, always keep-
ing-on hand the best goods in every line, choosing rather to refuse to buy
goods of an inferior quantity than to attempt to sell such to his customers.
Following out this policy of serving his patrons with dependable merchan-
dise, the subject has gained a reputation for himself that may well be envied.
A grocery stock valued at from four to five thousand dollars is carried, in
addition to a line of chinaware.
On June 29, 191 1. Mr. Peoples was united in the bonds of matrimony
to Anna McConaley, daughter of A. L. and Martha (Stormont) McConaley,
old settlers in the community and both still living in the county. To the
subject and wife has been born one child, Eloise V.
464 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Mr. Peoples is a member of the Reformed Presbyterian church. He
and his family live at No. 323 East State street in Princeton, where they have
a very comfortable and hospitable home, over which Mrs. Peoples presides
in a praiseworthy manner, making their home the center of a happy social
circle.
The qualities which have made Mr. Peoples one of the prominent and
successful men of Princeton have also brought him the esteem of his fellow
townsmen, for, although comparatively a young man, his career has been
one of well-directed energy, strong determination and honorable methods,
and he is an excellent representative of the wide-awake, enterprising and
successful American business man.
DA\1D A. DAMSON.
In nearl}' e\ery community are indivitluals who, by innate ability and
sheer force of character, rise above their fellows and win for themselves con-
spicuous places in public esteem. Such an one is the well-known gentleman
whose name appears above, a man who has been identified with the history
of Gibson county for a number of years, during which period his life has
been closely interwoven with the material growth and development of his
county, while his career as a progressive man of afifairs has been synonymous
with all that is upright and honorable in citizenship.
David A. Davison was born in Marshall, Illinois, on March 11, 1866,
son of Reese and Catharine (Wayrick) Davison, the father being a native
of Ohio and the mother of Virginia. The father was a farmer throughout
his active years and still lives in Clark county, Illinois. He was born in 1830
and his wife in 1828. Both are faithful and earnest members of the Meth-
odist church, and enjoy the respect of the entire community in which they
live. They were the parents of eight children, of whom six are living,
namely: George P., of Terre Haute, Indiana; Lyman L.. of Los Angeles.
California; Burns U.. an attorney of Marshall, Illinois; JohnH., a druggist
at Marshall; Charles D., a farmer in Clark county. Illinois, and David .\.,
the subject of this sketch. The latter received his elementary education in
the public schools of Marshall, Illinois, later attending the Indiana State
Normal School at Terre Haute. Then, having determined to take up the
veterinary profession as his life work, he became a student in Chicago Veter-
inary College, where he graduated in 1892, receiving the degree of Doctor
GlliSOX L"()r\T\. INDIANA. 465
of X'fteriuary Science. He immediately entered ni^un active practice of his
profession at Marshall, Illinois, where he remained for six years, and then
he came to Princeton, establishing himself here on May 28. 1898. He has
been successfnl in his profession here to an unusual degree, and enjoys a
wide-spread reputation as a successful veterinarian, being called to many ])arts
aside from his home town in the practice of his profession. He has erected
a fine two-story brick hospital, into which lie moved on June 15, 1907, and
which is finely equipped in every respect tor the treatment of horse di.seases,
including an operating table, foot ml) and an elevator to lift the horses to the
second story. For about a year Doctor Davison wa> the jiroprietor of a
drug store here, which is now known as the II. G. May store.
On ]\Iay 27. 1891. Doctor Davison was married to Alice M. Il.arris, of
Manshall, Illinois, daughter of Milton and Mary E. Harris, and to them have
been born three children, Marie, Burns H. and Helen.
Politically, Doctor Davison is an ardent Repulilican and in .Xovember,
1909, he was elected major of Princeton, assuming the duties of his office
on January 3rd, following. As ma\or. Doctor Davison has won some hard-
fought battles, some of which terminated in the court, but he has had the
satisfaction of winning in each instance. He has been impartial in enforcing
the law, knowing neither friend nor foe. and has lieen unrelenting in his pur-
suit of wrong doing and vice of every nature. His police court has been
conducted in an impartial manner and, though he has had some ojjposition
and has actually created some enmit\-. he is now strong in the confidence and
esteem of the best element of the ])oi)ulace. Fraternally, he is a member of
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Tribe of lien-llur.
Mrs. Davison and the children are members of the United Presbyterian
church. The Doctor has taken an active jiart in affairs affecting his pro-
fession and served as treasurer of the Ohio \'alley \'eterinary .Association for
seven years, and is fourth vice-president of the Indiana ^Municipal League.
As a man. Doctor Davison is easily the peer of any of his fellow citizens in all
that constitutes upright living and correct citizenship. He is a close and
intelligent observer and takes pains I0 keej) himself well informed upon cur-
rent events. He is quiet in demeanor, a thinker and a man of action rather
than words. He is essentially a man of the people, because he has large
faith in humanity and is o])timistic in all of his views. The high esteem
in which he is held by the people of his community is a worthy tribute to so
successful a man. and he deserves a conspicuous place on the roster of Gib-
son countv's progressive and representative citizens.
(30)
466 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
CAPT. JAMES H. BALLARD.
It should be a source of gratification to us if we can point to our an-
cestors and say that their reputations were always above the reproach of
their fellow men, their careers being free from the shadow of wrong or the
suspicion of evil. This Capt. James H. Ballard can do, although he modestly
refrains from any undue laudation of his family history, but those who are
conversant with the facts regarding this sterling old Virginia stock will not
hesitate to speak of their good qualities and their honorable lives.
James H. Ballard was born August 17, 1838, in Albemarle county,
Virginia, the son of Thomas and Lucy B. (Duke) Ballard. Thomas Ballard
was born in the same county in Virginia as his son James, on a farm settled
on by the subject's great-grandfather. Mr. Ballard retains possession of
the original deed to the land, signed by Robert Dinwiddle, of Virginia, a
governor in colonial times, the document being dated 1752. The subject's
father was a farmer and flour mill man and in the early days a slaveholder.
He died at Pittsylvania Court House, Virginia, in 1873, his wife passing
away at the old home place three years previous.
Captain Ballard was educated in the common schools of Virgina and
was attending the Mossy Creek College when his health failed and he was
compelled to relinquish his studies, thereafter engaging in the collection busi-
ness for two years, at the end of which time, on May 11, 1861, he enlisted
in Company K, Second Virginia Cavalry, which was a part of Gen. Robert
E. Lee's army. Mustered in as a private, the subject soon was commissioned
captain and with his company took part in many of the great battles of the
war, among them the battle at Manassas, the Valley campaign with Jackson,
the Seven Days' fighting around Richmond, Fredericksburg, the Wilderness,
Seven Forks, Winchester and I'^ive Forks. The Captain was three times
wounded. One horse was shot to death under him and two others wounded.
At the battle of Five Forks he received a severe wound in the shoulder,
which compelled him to retire from the service of the Confederacy.
On returning to his home. Captain Ballard was appointed deputy internal
revenue collecter and served in that capacity and as chief deputy marshal
for fourteen years, at the expiration of which time he removed to Knox-
ville, Tennessee, and engaged in the dairy business for three years, then
going to Texas, remaining in the Lone Star state until 1896. Going to Fort
Smith, Arkansas, in the latter year, he accepted the position of clerk in the
Grand Central hotel at that place, which position he resigned after a short
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 467
term of service to accept a position in the clerical and collection department
of tlie Princeton Water Company . in wiiich capacity he was employed until
his retirement.
On May i8, 1S63, Captain Ballard was married tu Sarah A. White-
head, and to this union were born eight children, as follows: Jimmie Lee
is a railroad man employed in the shops at Knoxville, Tennessee; Ellis R. met
his death in a railway accident at Roanoke City, Virginia ; Roliert is a minister
of the Methodist Episcopal faith at Crossville, Tennessee; l-'red was a non-
commissioned officer in the Unitetl .States army in the war with Spain; and
was killed in Porto Rico; two children died in infancy; Henry lives at
Knoxville, Tennessee, and is a railroad man; Douglas is emplo\-ed in the
railroad shops at Princeton.
Captain Ballard was married on May 18, 1905, to Mary E. I^'entriss,
daughter of James H. and Johanna (Skinner) Fentriss. James H. P'entriss
was born and reared in Princeton, was a harness-maker and served his
county as recorder for four years. He was the father of four children, all
of whom are living. Fraternally, he was affiliated with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows in early life, while he was a sujiporter of the Demo-
cratic party.
Captain Ballard has been a Republican in politics, but has never let his
allegiance to that party interfere with his judgment v/hen it came to a choice
of what he considered the best men for any office. Fraternally, he is affil-
iated with the Masonic order, and is a consistent member of the First Meth-
odist Episcopal church.
JAMES W. LEWIS.
What a wonderful heritage a man gives his children, in passing from
this life, when he leaves behind him a knowledge of an active life well spent
and evidences of the good he had accomplished for his age and community.
To be considered the foremost man of his count)- in his day, a leader in all
things pertaining to the welfare of the community, does not fall tn the lot
of many men, and only those v/ho are truly great in heart and mind, of in-
domitable energy and unfailing optimism, are capable of winning the trust
and confidence which places them in the leadership in matters of public
good, especially in a new section. This cheering knowledge is possessed by
the children of Andrew Lewis, among them being the subject of this sketch.
468 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
James W. Lewis first saw the light of day in the old Lagow House at
Princeton, Gibson count}-, Indiana, on December 22, 1846, his father being
owner and proprietor of the Lagow House at that time. Mr. Lewis is the
son of Andrew and Eliza A. (Evans) Lewis. Andrew Lewis was a native
of Pennsylvania, having been born in Lewisberry, that state, which town was
founded by his paternal grandfather, Eli Lewis, an old and honored physi-
cian. Eli Lewis has placed himself on record in the history of his state, by
giving to the town he founded his family name.
The subject of this sketch has additional cause for pride in his ancestors
in the fact that his mother was a niece of Gen. Robert M. Evans, who
founded the cit}- of Evansville, Indiana, although she was born and reared
in Princeton. General Evans was quite active in the early military aftairs of
the state, when the red men were constantly annoying the whites. Grand-
father Evans was in the battle of Tippecanoe, lieing wounded there, which
eventually caused his death in 1836.
Andrew Lewis, father of the subject, came to Gibson county, Indiana,
from his native state of Pennsylvania, in either the year \%.\2 or 1843, the
exact date not being known. He was twice married, his first wife being Jane
Ann McCann, a native of Penns3dvania. To this union was born one daugh-
ter, who is j\Irs. Adeline JM. Thornton, of Washington, D. C. For many'
years Antlrew Lewis engaged in the practice of medicine, winning the
hearts of his patrons through his skill and sincere interest in them. He took
an acti\e interest in politics, so far as his other duties permitted, and served
as clerk of Gibson county for one term. Being a man of keen enterprise
and foresight, he saw an opportunity in handling grain, and for a time gave
his attention to the flour-mill business and buying and selling of grain.
Having at an early date become identified with the leading movements
of his community, the project of the old Wabash and Erie canal strongly
appealed to him and he gave of his time and ability toward its accomplish-
ment. He was much interested in railroading, then in its earliest infancy,
and always being anxious to ol)tain for his adopted part of the country all
advantages possible at that tini?. he became one of the projectors of the old
"Air Line" or Southern Railroad, being, in fact, one of the original con-
tractors who built a portion of the road.
There, are today in Princeton many landmarks which stand as monu-
ments to the memory of this versatile man, and it is with regret that we
record that he lost a fortune of six hundred thousand dollars in railroad
GIBSON COl'XTV, IXDIAXA. 469
contracting. Amung otlier works in Princeton, his line residence and the
Zenith mill still remain.
Mr. Lewis was in e\ery respect a man worthy of tiic name, and as
"man is the noblest work of Goik" his usefnl life was snrely pleasing to his
Creator. He departed this life March lo, 1877. regretted li\ all wIm knew
him and admired by many who had never had the i)leasnre of a personal
acquaintance. He left his wife and li\e children, the eldest Ijeing James \\'..
subject of this sketch; Malissa J., who married Robert Douglas, formerly
in the book business in Indianapolis, and who is now dead; Rankin I'... wlu)
makes his home at the Columbia Club in Indianapolis; Andrew, who resides
here in Princeton and is cashier of the American Trust Company, and Will-
iam H., who lives in Indianapolis. Mrs. Andrew Lewis survived her hus-
band not c[uite two years, passing away Xo\-eml)er _;, 1S78. a fitting wife for
such a man.
James W. Lewis attended the public schools of I'rincetioi until the age
of fifteen. At that time the Ci\il war ])roke out and, notwithstanding his
tender years, he was so fired with i)atriotism and so an.xious to take up arms
that his father sent him from home, hoping the novelty of his sui^ronndings
in the boarding school he had selected at I'ergusonville. Xew ^'ork. would
cool his ardor to a degree suitable to his _\ears. This had the desired effect
for a time, but after one year East, he returned home and. in spite of parental
objection, he entered the ranks of the boys in blue, enlisting in Company C,
Fifty-eighth Regiment Indiana \'olunteer Infantry, and saw eighteen months
of service. He was with Sherman when the Union forces were working
their way to Atlanta, driving the Confederates before them, and made one
of the number in that memorable march to the sea: thence back up ihrougii
the Carolinas and on to AVashington. He was in the Grand Kexiew in
Washington, in May, 1865, when President Lincoln viewed the returning
troops and when great crowds of cheering sjiectators lined the streets, .\fter
the war was ended and he had received his Imnorable discharge, he reinrned
to Princeton, where he has since resided.
On November 4. 1869. Mr. Lewis was married to Amia L. Johnston,
daughter of Newton H. and Rachael Johnston, the ceremony occurring in
the old Lagow House in which he was born. Mr. Johnston having some time
previously purchased this hostelry from Andrew Lewis. Mr. Jcihnson was
a native of Meadville, Penn.sylvania. \\\v> had cnme west I'l IA;in>-ville. .In-
diana, and from there to Princeton.
Three children have been born to James W. and .\nn;i L. ( [ohnston I
470 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Lewis, the oldest being Alice M., wife of J. O. Sevedge, who makes her home
with her father; James F., who resides in Princeton and who took as his
wife Lilly Redmon; and the youngest, Harold W., also of Princeton, who
married Delia Milburn, and tliey have one child, sole grandchild of the
family.
James W. Lewis is a worthy son of his father and has filled positions of
trust. For four years he served as deputy sheriff and for ten years was
claim agent and special man for the Southern Railroad. He has now re-
tired from public interests, devoting himself to the management of his farm-
ing interests, comprising two hundred and fort)- acres in Center township,
Gibson county, and other properties elsewhere, all ni which attest his sound
business judgment and integrity.
Mr. Lewis holds no fraternal affiliations other than the honored Grand
Army of the Republic, and, as might be expected, politically is a staunch Re-
publican of the old school. Such families as that of which Mr. Lewis is a
member stand for the highest and best in any community, advocates of all
that makes life most worth living, incentives and examples to those of less
favored parentage and early training.
PHILIP M. ANDERSON.
The gentleman whose life history the biographer here takes under re-
view is one of those strong, sturdy characters who has contributed largely to
the welfare of the communit}- where he lives, being a man of more than
ordinary sagacity and foresight, and as a citizen, public spirited and pro-
gressive in all that the term implies. He is a native of the Hoosier state,
having been born at Madison, Jefferson county, on Aj^ril 7, 1832. He is the
son of Wilson and Ann (Monroe) Anderson, both of whom were natives of
the state of Kentucky, born near Lexington. When yet children they were
both brought to Gibson county, Indiana, by their parents, where they grew
to maturity. To their union were born ten children. Three died in infancy
and Mary. Nancy and Serilda died after reaching years of maturity. Cynthia
is still living in Terre Haute, Indiana, at the advanced age of ninety-five
3'ears; James lives in Vincennes, Indiana: John resides at Oakland City, Indi-
ana, and Philip, the immediate subject of this sketch, has for some years past
made his home in Princeton. He is the oldest son and the fifth child in the
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 47 1
family. Wilson Anderson, the father, in his young manhood secured a tract
of wild land, and then began the laborious task of clearing it and getting it
under cultivation. In this he was ably assisted by his faithful wife and
together they endured the hardships and grinding toil, the lot of the pioneers,
winning a home and subsistence from the reluctant soil, and there their large
family was reared. All his life was passed on a farm. Eventually he dis-
posed of his interests in Jefiferson count)' and removed to Gibson county,
where he died at the age of ninety-four years, well known and respected by
all. He was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a
staunch Democrat. He took an active interest in politics, although he ncNcr
aspired to any office.
Philip M. Anderson, when young, had only the limited opp(_irtunity for
education possible to the children of the rural districts at that time. He at-
tended the subscription schools of his neighborhood, receiving sound ele-
mentary training, largely supplemented by reading and study in later years.
He remained at home with his father until twenty-one years of age.
Mr. Anderson was first married in Eebruary, 1857, to Mary Beavers, a
native of \'irginia, daughter of John Beavers, also of Virginia, who had come
to Jefiferson county, Indiana, at an early date, where he and his wife passed
the remainder of their lives. He was a farmer. Two children were born to
Philip and Mary (Beavers) Anderson: Alartha Ann, who niarrierl John
Harlan, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and who has three children, William. Monroe
and Walter; and Minnie E., wife of David E. Smith, a carpenter of Prince-
ton. To them were born three children: Fred, living in Princeton; Minnie,
stenographer with the Southern Railroad Company at Princeton, and a cliild
who died in infancy. Mary Beavers Anderson died in 1866.
In 1867 Mr. Anderson was married to Martha J. Mills, of Princeton, her
father being a native of Maine. She died in the spring of 1899. Mr.
Anderson's third wife was Julia Zimmerman, daughter of John Zimmerman,
of Gibson county.
In 1858, the year after his first marriage, Mr. Anderson came to Gibson
county, Indiana. He was a cooper by trade when a young man and later took
up carpentery, at which he worked for several, years. His wife inherited a
farm in Washington township, Gibson county, on which he lived for eight
years, when he removed to Princeton and has retired from active life.
Mr. Anderson is a member of the Grand Army of the Re])ublic. He
was at the front eighteen months during the Civil War. A member of Com-
pany E, Forty-second Regiment Indiana \'olunteer Infantry, he was sent with
472 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
his command to Evansville, later to Henderson, Kentucky, and on to Nash-
ville and into Alabama under command of General Buell. He was neither
sick nor wounded while in service.
Mr. Anderson's religious sympathies are with the Methodist Episcopal
church, of which he has been a member for many years. In all the affairs of
life Mr. Anderson has proved himself an honorable and upright man, well
posted on the affairs of his day and thoroughly worthy of the high esteem
in which he is held by his many warm friends in Gibson county.
LUCIUS C. EMBREE.
No compendium such as the province of this work defines in its essential
limitations will serve to offer a fit testimonial to the life and accomplishments
of Lucius C. Embree, who for a long lapse of years has been one of the best
known legal lights in southern Indiana — a man notable for the breadth 'of his
wisdom, his indomitable perseverance, his strong individuality, and yet one
whose entire life has not one esoteric phase, being al)le to bear the closest
scrutiny. His entire accomplishment but represents the result of the fit
utilization of the innate talent which is his, and the directing of those efforts
along lines where mature judgment and rare discrimination have led the way.
There is in Mr. Embree a weight of character, a native sagacity, a far-seeing
judgment and a fidelit}'^ of purpose that has commanded the respect of all,
and today he stands in the very front rank of his profession in Indiana. Mr.
Embree has had the advantage of being the son of a man of affairs, also a
lawver bv ])rofession, an officer of rank in the Ci\il war and a leading man
in his community all his life.
Lucius C. Embree is the son of James Thomas and Mary Magdalene
(Landis) Embree, a native of Staunton, Virginia, and was born September.
8, 1853, in Princeton, Gibson county, Indiana. The family is identified with
the earliest history of Gibson county, and throughout its generations have
been among the foremost citizens. Joshua Embree, great-grandfather of the
immediate subject of this sketch, came to Gibson county from Lincoln county,
Kentucky, in 181 1. He was a farmer and died the first year of his residence
in Gibson county. His will was the first ever probated in this county.
Elisha Embree, grandfather of Lucius C. Embree, was also born in Lin-
coln countv, Kentucky, and came to Indiana with his father in 181 1. He,
too, was an agriculturist and also a lawyer. He was judge in the circuit
AU'lUS C. EMBKEE.
CII'.SO.V CorXTV, IXDIAXA. 473
court of Gibson comity from i8_:i5 to 1S45. His wife was I'.lcanur \<n\,\).
daughter of Da\i(l Rol)l). a ])r(iiniiKMit i>ioiiecr of (lihson omnlv. a inciiiber
of the constitutional conxeiilion and also of the state Senate. They reared
a family of four children: James T. ; David \'.. who became a ])rominent
lawyer in Princeton and died in 1877: Maria Louisa and Milinn I'. The
family was brought up in the tenets of the Methodist lq)iscoi)al church, and
for many years Elisha Embree was su])erintendent of the Sunday school
of his church. He was prominent in the politics of Gilison county in his day,
and in 1847 defeated Robert Dale Owen for Congress. He received the
Whig nomination for governor of the state of Indiana in 1840 on declining
to run again for Congress, but was defeated owing to the district being
again.st him politically. At the init])reak of the Civil war he took a keen
interest in the various i|uestions of the day and greatl\- regrelte<l his ad-
vanced age, which ])robibiteil him fruni acti\e ser\-ice. During the lime he
was a member of Congress, he made the acf|uaintance of .\braham Lincoln,
and together with him, Elihu B. W^ashburn and others, lived at the same
boarding house. L^pon his retirement from the bench in 1845 ^^ discontinued
the practice of law until in 1852. at which time he and his son, James T.
(father of Lucius C. Embree), o])ened up offices together and in tin's con-
nection they continued until his death in 1862. His was an honorable and
upright life, greatly dignifying and uplifting the community at large.
James T. Embree, father 'if Lucius C. Eniliree, was liorn ruid raised in
Gibson county. He was a graduate nf Asburv College, now Del'.auw l^ni-
versity, and also of the law department of the Indiana State I/niversity at
Bloomington. He began the practice of law in Princeton in 1852 and con-
tinued same imtil the commencement of the C'ivil war, when he went to the
front as major of the Fifty-eighth Regiment Indiana ^'olunteer Infantry, and
served imtil compelled to resign on account of ill health. His interest in
the cause, however, did not diminish and he gave valuable assistance in raising
troops. This service brought him into contact with Oliver P. Morton, then
governor oi the state, with whom he formed a close i)ers(in;d friendship, as
well as with Miles Fletcher, a state officer at that time. Another friendship
in which he took much pleasure was that of Hon. Daniel Vorhees and. in spite
of the wide divergence n{ political opinions, they remained warm friends
until se]iarated by death. His marriage to Miss Landis occurre<l in 1852. the
year he began the practice of law. To them were born four children : Lucius
Conwcll ; Jessie Fremont, who died at the age of five. Julv T,n. t86t ; Samuel
Landis. who died Tanuarv 24, tqo:;; and Elisha Robb, wh'i-e death oerurred'
474 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Februaiy 21, 189S. Mrs. Embree died on July 21, 1863, and for his second
wife Mr. Embree chose Louisa Catherine Lockhart, by whom he had one
daughter, who is now Mrs. Eleanor Houts, of San Francisco, California.
Mr. Embree's death occurred August 3, 1867. He was a worthy son of his
excellent father and at all times gave his influence to whatever cause advanced
the public welfare of his community.
Lucius C. Embree received his elementary education in the public
schools of Princeton, graduating from the high school. He then attended
Earlham College, at Richmond, Indiana, for a short time, later spemling
some time in study at Asbury College at Greencastle, Indiana, and then
matriculated in the law school of the University of Virginia. On August
10, 1877, he began the practice of law in Princeton together with James E.
McCullough, now assistant attorney-general of the state of Indiana. After
this partnership was severed, he practiced alone for a number of years,
later entering into partnership with Martin W. Fields, which partnership con-
tinued for one year. He had later associated with him Willis P. Howe, now
deceased, and also Luther Benson. Since 1907 he has practiced together
with his son Morton and they maintain an interesting partnership. However,
the greater amount of his time in his profession has been spent alone. By
friends he has been induced to serve nn the school board, which service has
Ijeen appreciated by all. '
On December 29. i88a, Mr. Embree joined in wedlock with Luella
Casey, daughter of William J. and Charlotte M. Casey, of Patoka. Indiana.
Four children have been born to them : James Casey, who is a civil engineer,
associated with the Canadian & Northern Pacific railroad in British Columbia ;
Morton Casey, attorney and partner of his father; Louise and Clotilde, who
remain at home. Mr. Embree is a member of the time-honored order of Free
and Accepted Masons. All his life he has endorsed the principles of the
Republican party and stands as an advocate of purity in politics as well as in
all other relations of life.
There is particular interest attached to the study of the life history of
such a man as the subject of this sketch, not only for the clean record he
himself presents, but it is highly gratifying to trace a family history back
through the years and find in each life reviewed an enviable record, to know
that each in his day stood for the highest type of manhood and did all in his
power to advance the interests of those about him less favorably situated than
himself. Any locality derives its reputation from that of its representative
citizens and for many generations Gibson county has been thus indebted to
the various members of the family of Embree.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 473
ANDREW JACKSON MIT.T.ER.
Dependent very largely upon his own resources Ironi his earl_\- snulh,
the man whose name heads this paragraph has attained no insignificant suc-
cess, and though he may have, like most men of affairs, encountered obstacles
and met with reverses, he has pressed steadily forward, ever willing U> work
for the end he had in view. His tenacity and fortitude are due, no doubt,
in a large measure, to the wnrthy traits inherited from his surling anceslnrs.
whose high ideals and correct principles he has ever scni.t^hl lo perpetuate in
all the relations of life.
Andrew Jackson Miller was born May 28, 1834, in Jackson county, In-
diana, son of Isaac and Ann (Settle) Miller, she a native of Nelson county.
Kentucky. The father was born in Jackson county, Indiana, in 1803, and
was a son of Abraham Miller, who was born in Pennsylvania, and whose
father was Peter Miller, who took part in the Boston Tea Party, famous in
the early history of the colonies. When cpiite a young man, Abraham Miller
left his home in Pennsylvania and journeyed to Kentucky, where he met and
married Peggy Miller and together the\- came to Jackson county, Indiana,
being numbered among its early pioneers. Thex- obtained government land
which they cleared and on which they lived the remainder of their lives.
Abraham Miller was at Fort Vallonia during the Pigeon Roost massacre,
being at that fort for two years, and was also in the battle of Tippecanoe.
To him and his wife were born nine children: Frederick. Thomas, Isaac
I father of the immediate subject of this sketch*. Perry, Washin,L;lon. Jack-
son, Lucinda, Kate and Ermilla.
Isaac Miller passed his entire life in Jackson county, Indiana. W'licn a
boy he had no opportunity whatever for acquiring education ;uic! wlieii i|uite
young began work on a farm and continued this ADcation through life. On
Se])tember K). 1830, he and Ann .Settle were imited in wedlock and to them
were born five children, namely: Susan Mary, deceased; \ndrew Jackson,
subject of this sketch; Margaret and Plarriet ftwinsV Harriet died in 1856
and Margaret, widow of Isaac Durham, resides in Daviess county. Indiana;
Susan, the youngest child, is the widow of A\''illiam Critchfield and lives in
Jackson countv. Isaac Miller and wife were faithful memliers of the Bap-
tist church. Mr. Miller affiliated with no political party, but always voted
independently, his choice being the man and his principles ratiier than any
party platform. His death occurred in December, 1874. and his wife passed
from life January 31, 1879.
476 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Andrew Jackson Aliller when a boy had only limited opportunity for
schooling and remained on the home place until eighteen years of age. On
February 14, 1858, he was united in marriage to Elenore Daily Applegate,
who was born in Jackson county February 21, 1832, the daughter of Philip
D. and Elizabeth ( Burge) Applegate. He was born June 17, 1809, and she
was born August 12, 1801. Their marriage was solemnized December 25,
1828. She was a nati\e of Jackson county, while he was born in Charles-
ton, Clark county, Indiana. He was a famous hunter in his community and
when a boy of nine years, with an old-fashioned Hint lock gun, he killed two
deer with one shot. When a young man he went to Jackson county, In-
diana, where he obtained government land and settled down to the life of a
farmer. His home was near that of William Cody, known to the world as
"Buffalo Bill," and they often hunted together. Later on he sold dry goods
throughout the county and also owned a drug store at ^"allonia, Indiana. He
died September 5, 1S99, ha\ing l:)een a widower for a number of years. His
wife died in March, 1864. He was a descendant of one of the six Apple-
gate brothers who crossed to the new world in the "Mayflower" and later
settled in Philadelphia. Philip D. Applegate and wife were the parents of
seven children, as follows: Margaret, born October 29, 1829, married
Robert Kelly, of Jackson county, Indiana. Elenore D., born February 21,
1832. -Hezekiah, born May 19, 1834, who was killed during the Civil war.
At the battle of Kenesa\v Mountain, while carrying water to the sick and
wounded on the battlefield, he was picked off by a sharp-shooter. He was a
member of Company B, Twenty-second Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infan-
try, and was a corporal at the time of his death. The fourth child was Char-
lotte, born November 9, 1836, who married Joseph Brown, and when
widowed later ijecame the wife of Frederick Rush. She died November 9,
1875. John B. was born January 8, 1839. He was in the Tenth Indiana
Cavalry and after the close of the war he went to Gandy. Nebraska, where
he purchased a farm. Poll\" Ann was born June 19, 1841, and died March
12, 1873, the wife of John Stephens. Eliz.abeth was born January 19. 1844,
and died March 16, 1863.
After their marriage, in 1858, Andrew Jackson Miller and wife settled
down to farming in Jackson county. He also was a keeper of bees and dis-
posed of a crinsideral)le amount of honey. He liought the patterns of the
Langstroth bee hives and made antl sold them quite extensively for a time.
During the war he was in poor health and was drafted for service, but upon
examination he was rejected and sent home in sixty days. In 1870 he re-
GIBSON COINTV, INDIANA. 477
moved liis laniily to (nlisoii comity, w Iktc he has since re^ideil. farming in
different parts of the county. '!"(> this ciiu]ile were horn seven cliildren,
namely; \\'iniani Otto, a farmer li\in,L;- at Princeton. \vho,-,c wife was .Mary
Hall, and to whom have heen h.-rn three chil.h-eii. Waller, hllenore .•md
Martha; Leander l-Aerett, who died Octi^her q. i8')_'. at the aL;e of thirty-
two \ears. He was a switchman on a railroad; l-'idelia. wife of James II.
Guthrie, hardware merchant of Princeton: hdizaheth, wife
contractor, of Princeton, and who is tlie mother of six
Alexander. Andrew, Paul, Cornelia and (lertrude. .\nn,
McCree, a farmer of I'atoka township; l\y l-demire, wlm
sided at home, and John /Andrew, a conductor on the lvocl>
whose home is at Goodland, Kansas. He married llelle W'illiai
are the parents of two children, Jackson and ^'iriJin!a.
Politically, Mr. Miller gives his supiH,rt to the Pepnlil
though in nc sense has he c\er heen a seeker alter nftice.
affiliation is with the Chri.-tian church, to which he gives a
■On February 14. 1908, Mr. and .Mrs. Miller celebrated th
versary ni their marriage and she lived but a short lime
death occurring on August JSth of the same year. .Mr. .Miller has led an
industrious and well regulated life, thereby gaining the respect and ad-
miration of his fellow citizens and is most worthy of representation in a bio-
graphical work of the scope intended in the present one. Genial and mias-
suming in his relations with his fellow men, he has won and retains the con-
lidence aitd good will of all with whom he comes in contact.
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FRANCIS M. THO^irSON.
The Thompson family trace their genealogy back through to the tribe
of Benjamin, which was one ni the trilies of the children of Israel, h'rom
Norway they emigrated to Ireland about 1056, and later to Scotland, where
they became a well known family. John. Charles and kichard, three members
of a large family, and the only ones <>{ which we have a record, were l»irn in
Dublin. Ireland, a few vears before the outbreak of the l-Tench Uevolutiim in
1780. Richard had military training and entered the Fnglish army as a
general. His previous training helped him to get the high appointment.
47^ GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA.
John ran away from home on account of his father refusing to let him marry
and went to England while too young to join the army, but on account of his
brother. Richard, being general, he was taken into the service. He and his
brother served through the Napoleonic wars and shortly afterward John re-
turned to his home in Dublin. Richard came to America a few years before
the Revolutionary war came to an end. John and Charles came a few years
later and all three brothers served in the war of the Revolution. Richard was
under Gen. George Washington, but he never met John and Charles, who
also served during the latter part of this great struggle. During the war John
and Charles became separated and never saw each other again. The great-
great-grandfathers of Francis M. Thompson and his wife both died about
eight years after the close of the war of the Revolution and were buried in
the national cemetery in Dayton, Ohio. His son, John, of whom the Thomp-
son family in Gibson county are descendants, was of Scotch-Irish descent.
He raised a large family of children, one of which was John Thompson, the
grandfather of the subject of this sketch. He was born in Virginia Decem-
ber 19, 1804, and died April 16, 1850. He was a great hunter in his younger
days and was a fine marksman. He was presented with a silver-mounted
rifle at one time by the governor of Virginia for killing an Indian chief who
had caused a great deal of trouble among the white settlers, killing a number
of them. He settled first in Virginia near where Richmond now stands.
Later he emigrated to Kentucky, settling near Elizabethtown, in Hardin
county. He was married to Sarah Garner, February 16, 1825. After his
wife's death he lived with his son, John, until his death. John Thompson
moved from Kentucky to Illinois, and settled near where Rochester now
stands, and lived there a few years, when he moved to Indiana and settled
near Crowleyville, this county. Here he lived until January i, 1847, when
they lost nearly everything the}- had by the high water, known as the January
freshet of 1847, and they moved back to Elizabethtown. Kentucky, where his
death occurred April 14, 1850. After his death his widow and her children
moved to the vicinity of Owensville, this county, where they lived until her
death, which occurred February 17, 1886.
Francis M. Thompson, Sr., the son of John Thompson and wife, and
father of the subject of this sketch, was born August 28, 1843, "^^'' Crowley-
ville. Indiana, and lived there with his parents until the spring of 1847, when
they moved to Elizabethtown, Kentucky, where his boyhood days were spent
until he was about sixteen years of age, when the family moved back to the
GIBSON COIXTY, INDIANA. 479
vicinity of Owensville, Gibson county, Indiana. He married Susannah
Elizabeth Fravel, May 28, 1866, and a short time afterwards purchased a
farm about three miles north of Owensville, where he spent the remainder of
his life. He was a very successful farmer and by his thrift and frugality he
became the owner of over three hundred acres of gond land licfore his death,
which occurred May 24. 1905. Susannah (Fravel) Th<)ni])siin was born near
Corydon, Harrison county, this state, April 6, 1845, where she lived until she
was sixteen years of age, when she came with her parents to Gibson county
in i860. To Mr. and Mrs. Francis M. Thompson, Sr., were born nine chil-
dren, as follows: William, born July 20, 1867, married Lucinda Mauck;
Amanda, .September 21. i860, married Erastus Burkett; Julia, April 10, 1871,
married Arthur B. Woods; Laura. January 16, 1873, married W. Columbus
Benson; Samuel B., March 12, 1S75, married Cora Emerson: Jesse W.,
November 14, 1877, married Mattie Musick; Francis M., January 19. 1880,
married Ethel Tichenor; Ellis, May 5, 1882, married Elsie Yeager, and
Elmer Thompson, May 5, 1882, married Flora Redman.
Joseph M. Fravel, the father of Mrs. F. M. Thompson, Sr., was liorn in
Virginia on December 28, 1817, and died on June 13, 1879. He spent his
boyhood days under the paternal roof in Virginia and in early life went west
to Indiana, settling near Corydon, that state, where he married Mary Ann
Simler, whose parents came from near Reading, Pennsylvania, and settled in
Harrison county, Indiana, near Corydon. Both families were of German
descent. They moved to Gibson county about the \'ear i86n and settled
about four miles northeast of Owensville, wliere they lived tor the remainder
of their lives. Mary Ann Simler was born in Harrison county, Indiana.
September 14. 1821, and her death occurred on March 3, 1007. Mr. and
Mrs, Joseph M, Fravel were the parents of nine children: Joseph .\., born
February 13, 1859, died on May 14, i860; John H., Xovember 4. 1848. died
March 28, 1854; an infant, born October 10, 1855, who died the same year;
William Benjamin, March 29, 185 1, died February 27, 1896; Susannah Eliza-
beth, April 6, 1845, married F. M. Thompson on May 28, 1866; .Mice January
6, 1857, married Andrew Jackson Spore; Sarah. December 11. 1846. married
James C. Nettleton; Ella, May 28, 1862. married Rhesa K. Spore; Rebecca,
who married John Woods.
Francis M. Thompson, Jr., son of Francis M. and Susannah Elizalieth
(Fravel) Thompson, was liorn four miles north of (Owensville, Indiana,
Tanuarv 19, 1880. He spent his boyhood on the home farm, attending the
480 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
district schools of liis neighljorhood in the winter seasons, and working on the
farm in the summers. He also spent one year in the high school at Owens-
ville. Shortly after his marriage to Ethel Tichenor, the daughter of Willis
H. and Louisa (Lucas) Tichenor, on December 24. 1902, he moved to Owens-
ville and started to learn the blacksmith trade with his father-in-law, W. H.
Tichenor. Here he remained for eight years and then bought the Lockhart
blacksmith shop and went into business for himself. He has all the necessary
skill and technical ability for a first-class artisan and has Iniilt up his trade
until he has all the business he can manage. He is also the agent for the
Mitchell wagons and has put a large number of them on the- market in this
community. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are the parents of three children,
Paul T., Raymond E. and Mary Elizabeth.
Mr. Thompson takes an active interest in fraternity circles and is a valued
member of the Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen of America. Al-
though he takes an intelligent interest in political affairs, he has never sought
any office from the Democratic party, to which he owes allegiance. He and
his wife are both active and loyal meml)ers of the Regular Baptist church of
Owensville and are deeply interested in all church movements. Mr. Thomp-
son is a quiet and unassuming citizen, well liked by every one with whom he
comes in contact, and owes his success to that devoted energy which has al-
ways characterized his every-day life. He brings credit to one of the oldest
and best kno\vn families of the state and is a public-spirited citizen Avho is an
honor to any community.
DAVID RILEY STORMONT.
No family in Gibson county's history has occupied a more exalted place
in public esteem than the Stormont family and none has more worthily upheld
the prestige of an honored family name. Originating in Scotland, the most
noteworthy characteristics of that splendid people have been preserved and
exemplified by this family through the successive generations, the members of
the family having been marked by loyalty, courage, industry and integrity of
the highest order, so that the lineal record is one to which the present genera-
tion may point with justifiable pride. Several representatives of this family
now honor Gibson county with their citizenship, among whom is the gentle-
man whose name appears at the head of this sketch.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 481
Samuel Stormont, the emigrant ancestor of the subject, was born in
county .\ntrim, Ireland, and emigrated to the United Slates during or soon
after the war of the Revolution. Before leaving Ireland, the family were
granted the following certificate :
"That Samuel Stormont His wife Martha & Son David wim is a single
person is about to go to South Carolina with His daughter Esther who also
is a single person Behaved themselves Soberly & Honestly & may be re-
ceived into any Christian Society where God in his pro\ idence hath ordered
his lot. Certified by —
"\\'illm. James,
"Simon Cameron,
"James Wright,
"Robert Knox."
To Samuel and j\lartha Stormont were born the following children:
David, who married Nancy Boyd; Esther, who became the wife of James
Chestnut; Martha, the wife of .Samuel Paris; Molly, the wife of Samuel
McClure; John, who was married twice, first to Nancy Wilson, and then to
Bettie Maybin ; \\'illiam, who married Anna ]\lcCulla.
Nancy Boyd, above referred to as the wife of David Stormont, was the
daughter of Mary Archer Boyd. The latter walked from her liome in
Chester district. South Carolina, to Charleston to nurse her husband, who
was confined on a prison ship in the harbor there. While she was there, her
husband was ordered north to be exchanged, she going with him. He died
on the ^■oyage in 1782 and was buried at sea, which recalled a dream he liad
when crossing the ocean from Ireland to the United States, to the effect that
he would die at sea and his body be thrown overboard. During the period
when Mary Archer Boyd was nursing her husbanc', the British and Tories
went to her home, where her daughter Nancy, then about nineteen years old,
was alone, her brothers being away in the Continental army. The \ indicti\e
and inhuman soldiers locked the doors and set fire to the house, but Nancy
escaped and slipped away into the woods, where she hid until tlie British left.
During this period her only food was ripe peaches and such milk as she could
obtain by slipping away in the dusk of the morning or evening to the cow,
which was hidden in a thicket. Nancy Bo}d was married to David Stormont
about the year 1787 or 1788, and lived in South Carolina until 1810, when the
familv, accompanied bv Nancv's mother, moved to Gibson county, Indiana,
(31)
482 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
settling on the place still owned by the descendants. A few years afterwards
Mary Archer Boyd died and was buried in Archer cemetery, she being the
first person buried in that graveyard, which had been given by her brother,
Robert Archer, to the Reformed Presbyterian church.
Prior to leaving the South Carolina home, the following certificate was
granted to Mrs. Boyd :
"Thus is to Certify that the Bearer hereof Mary Boyd, weadow; is now A
regular Member of this society in the Comunity of old Decenters and is free
from publick scandel known to us. Certified By us thus 27th Day of March
181 1 Rocky Creek Chester Districk South Carolina.
"James Munford, Eld.
"David Smith, Eld."
"Thus is to Certify that the Bearer hereof, weadow Nancy Stormant,
herself and her Daughter Martha Storment is now Regular Members of thus
society in the Comunity of Old Decenters and is free from publick scandel
known to us And the Rest of her Children is living Regularly under her
care. Certified by us thus 27th day of Alarch 1811 Rocky Creek Chester
Districk South Carolina.
"James Munford, Eld.
"David Smith, Eld."
To David and Nancy (Boyd) Stormont the following children were
born: Martha, born July 7, 17S9; Robert, April 30, 1791; Mary, April 8,
1793; Esther, June 23, 1795; Samuel, August 30, 1797; Nancy Agnes, Octo-
ber 22, 1799; David, August 7, 1802; John, December 29. 1804.
Of these children, David, who was the father of the immediate subject
of this sketch, married JNIary Hartin. who was born in Chester district, South
Carolina, and whose ancestral history is briefly stated as follows : The first of
this family of whom there is definite knowledge were Joseph and Mary (Craw-
ford) Hartin. to whom were born Patrick, Isaac, Jacob and George. Of
these, Patrick married Margaret Cunningham and to them were liorn Jolm,
Joseph, Jane. Mary and Patrick. Of the latter children, Joseph married
Nancy Agnes Stormont, to whom were born the following children : Mar-
garet Jane, who became the wife of Andrew J. Wright: David, who married
Elizabeth Brazelton; Mary Marilla, who became the wife of John C. Blair;
Rosanna, deceased ; Martha Ann, deceased ; Nancy Catherine Archer was the
wife of Robert Little; Sarah became the wife of John Fisher, and Joseph,
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 483
who married Jessie Kerr. To Joseph and Jessie (Kerr) Harlin were l)orn
the following cliildren : Alary Duncan, who became the wife of Doris Head;
IMelville Joseph, who married Ada Smith ; John Aden.
The subject's paternal grandfather was a farmer, owning a small farm
of forty acres in South Carolina, but, because of his poor health and the fact
that he desired that his chiklren should be reared in a non-slaveholding state,
he desired to move to the North. However, his death prevented his going,
but in 1810 the remaining members of the family moved to Kentucky, making
their home with a relative, j\Ir. Hagwood, who was \ery good and kind to
them. They made the trip to their new home in a one-horse cart. In the
spring of 1812 one of the sons, Robert, then seventeen years of age, came to
Gibson county, Indiana, locating on a tract of land northwest of Princeton, in
Patoka township. Here he put out a small crop and in the fall of that year
the other members of the family followed him to the new home. The sub-
ject's father, David Stonnont, was a lad of ten years when they came to this
county and here, amid the pioneer conditions that prevailed, he was reared.
He was necessarily denied the opportunities of securing a school education,
but, being of a studious disposition and a keen observer, he became a man of
wide and accurate general knowledge. He started in life on his own account
by farming on land where now stands the Archer cemetery, northwest of
Princeton, later locating on land one mile west of there. He started neces-
saril\' in a very modest way, first working as an ordinary farm hand for
tiftv cents a day, and out of this meager wage he managed to save money
with which he bought his first land. Though mainly a farmer, he worked at
anything that presented itself and assisted in the construction of the old
Patoka bridge. He was an industrious and hard-working man, paying atten-
tion to his own affairs, and was a man of decided convictions, not believing in
voting or holding office as far as he was personally concerned. He was very
strict in his habits and was a man of strong religious views, being an earnest
member of the Reformed Presbyterian church, in which he was a deacon for
many years and otherwise active in the church's various enterprises. .^ kind
liusband, loving father and honest citizen, he was universally respected in the
community where he lived and labored to goodly ends.
On September 23, 1825, David Stonnont married Mary llartiii and to
them were born the following children: Nancy Jane, who is now deceased,
was born on October 5, 1826 ; she became the wife of John PIull and they lived
in Gibson countv. John H., horn August 4, 1828. died in 1832. Robert P...
born September 16, 1830. died September 20, 1862, unmarried. Afan,' .Ann.
484 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
born January 13, 1835, died young. David H., born January 19, 1833, ^^^^
October 13, 1839. Margaret E., born May 28, 1838, died September 23,
1841. Joseph W., born October 23, 1840, died at Evansville, Indiana, March
5, 1863 ; he was a member of Company F, Forty-second Regiment, Indiana
Volunteer Infantry. Louise Amanda, born April 24, 1843, married John
Adams, of Cutler, Illinois, and both are now deceased. David Riley is the
immediate subject of this review. Martha Ella, born September 10, 1850,
was the wife of Alex McConahy, and they occupied the old homestead north-
west of Princeton. The parents of these children are both deceased, the
father dying on December 12, 1886, and the mother on February 13, 1874.
David Riley Stormont, familiarly known among his acquaintances by his
middle name, was born on October i, 1847, on the home farm, three miles
northwest of Princeton, Indiana. His education was mainly secured in the
old log cabin schools of that early period, whose homely equipment -was not
especially calculated to increase the comfort of the pupils, but where, never-
theless, the rudiments of a good practical education were secured. This train-
ing Mr. Stormont supplemented through the years by much reading and
habits of close observation, so that he has long been regarded as a man of
wide and accurate information along general lines. Reared to the life of a
farmer, ]\Ir. Stormont applied himself indefatigably to that vocation and has
long been numbered among the representati\e farmers of his locality. He is
today the owner of five hundred acres of splendid land in Patoka township,
practically all of which is maintained in the best condition for the various
purposes to which applied. He is also the owner of forty acres of land in
White River township. In addition to general farming, Mr. Stormont has
given much attention to the breeding and raising of live stock, in which he
has met with large success. He has handled Clydesdale and Cleveland bay
horses, Poland-China hogs and cattle of all kinds. He has always given his
personal attention to every detail of his operations and is thoroughly up-to-
date and progressive in his methods, so that he has been enabled to achieve the
highest results with a minimum expenditure of effort. His farm is well im-
proved in every respect, its general appearance reflecting credit on the owner.
On June 2, 1896. David R. Stormont was united in marriage to Mary E.
Lytle, of Center township, this county, and the following year they moved to
Princeton, where Mr. Stormont had erected a beautiful home at No. 227
North Seminary street, their present home. Mrs. Stormont's parents were
lohn and Nancy (Mclntire) Lytle, the former a nati\e of Kentucky and the
latter born near Salem, Indiana. The latter place was their home for a time
GIBSON COrNTV, INDIANA. 485
after their marriage, but in i860 they came to Center township, Gibson county,
and secured a tract of wild land, whicli they converted into a splendid farm
and made their permanent home. The father, who was born on February 28,
1S25, died in Princeton in 1900, and the mother, who was born in 1826. died
on December 12, 1904. They were the parents of the following children:
Sarah Ann, who died in April, 1905, was the wife of Alex Mooney; John B.
died in infancy; Margaret Jane died in 1892; Mary E., Mrs. Stormont. To
Mr. and Mrs. Stormont the following children have been born : David Lytle,
born May 16, 1897: John Lytle, born February 13, 1899; Daniel T.ytlc. born
lulv 17, 1900; Nancy Lytle, born January 24. 1902: Mary L.. l)orn June 28,
1907: an infant daughter who died on October i, 1908.
Religiously, Mr. and ]\Irs. Stormont are members of the Reforiued Pres-
byterian church, to the support of which they are liberal contributors. Not
only by reason of the honorable family name which he bears, but more espe-
cially because of his own attainments and upright life. Mr. Stormont has
earned and retains to a marked degree the confidence and respect of the entire
community in which his entire life has been passed. He stands fnr the l)est
interests of the communit}-, giving his support without reserve to such move-
ments as promise to advance the general welfare, and he is popular among his
acquaintances.
SAMUEL W'OODBURN.
Specific mention is made of many of the worthy citizens of Gibson
county within the pages of this work, citizens who have figured in the growth
and development of this favored locality and whose interests have been
identified with its every phase of progress, each contributing in his sphere of
action to the well-being of the community in which he resides and to the ad-
vancement of its normal and legitimate growth. Among this number is he
whose name appears abo\e, one of the foreign-ljorn citizens of our common-
wealth to whose industry and right principles of life the early development
of our county and state is largely indebted for its high moral status. Samuel
Woodburn is a native of county .\ntrim, Ireland, where he first saw the light
of day on July 20, 1826, the S(in of Rol)ert and Margaret (Wasson) Wood-
burn, both natives of the same county. The father was a farmer, and the
parents spent their entire lives on their native sod. There were three children
in the family, namely: Margaret, deceased; Samuel, sulijcct of this sketch,
and William, a farmer residing near Lockport, New York.
486 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Samuel VVoodbiirn received his education in the common schools of Ire-
land and early took up the work of a farmer. This vocation he followed
until in 1847, when he set sail for America, being eleven weeks in crossing
the Atlantic. His boat docked at New Orleans and from there he journeyed
by boat up the Mississippi and Ohio rivers to Evansville, Indiana, and from
thence to Princeton. His long journey was made in company with friends.
His earliest employment here was during the construction of the Erie canal,
in which he Avas employed for a time. He later became apprentice to the
carpenter's trade, in which he became quite proficient and until he joined the
army he worked steadily at this trade. In the fall of 1861 he enlisted in Com-
pany D, Fifty-eighth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, at Princeton.
He was first sent to Louisville and Bardstown, Kentucky, and saw much
active service during his enlistment. He was in the battles of Pittsburg
Landing, Murfreesboro, Stone River, Chattanooga, Duvall's Station, and
other engagements and skirmishes. He was with the Army of the Cumber-
land. He had many close calls from death during the engagements in which
he participated, but came through free from injury. He saw three years of
service and received his discharge in July, 1865. After his discharge from
the army, he returned to Princeton and again took up his work as a carpenter,
at which he continued until he retired.
On November 20, 1856, Mr. Woodburn was united in marriage to
Sarah Connor, who was born in Ireland. March 13, 1833. She was a daugh-
ter of Thomas Connor, who had emigrated to America and had settled in
Vanderburg county, Indiana. To their union were born seven children :
Robert, born September 29, 1857, a farmer of Center township, this county,
married Belle Makemson. To them have been born six children, ]\Iunroe,
Ethel, Hettie, Helen, Alva and Frank. The second child is James B., born
May 19, 1859, a farmer who resides in Princeton and who married Josie
Griffin. William, born July 6, 1861, is a farmer in White River township,
this county; Marv J., who has always resided at home; Frank died July 30,
1867; Henry, who resides in Evansville, married Dora Margenkerth and
they have three children, Charles and Dorotha (twins') and Sarah E. The
seventh child of Mr. Woodburn is Nellie, wife of Frank M. Terry, a traveling
salesman of Princeton. Mrs. Woodburn's death occurred August 26, 1893.
Mr. Woodburn's religious sympathies are with the United Presbyterian
church, to whichhe gives liberally of his time and means. He is also a mem-
ber of the Grand Army of the Republic, Post No. 28, of Princeton. Mr.
Woodburn is a hale old gentleman, a man of wonderfully rugged constitution.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 487
which has served him well during;- ihe many }ear.s of hard work he has put
in, and he is a man well known in the county. He has made many friends
both through his business connections and b\- reason of his genial personality
and universal good nature. He is accounted among the most worthy citizens
of Gibson county, one who has always had the best good of the community
at heart.
MORRIS WATSON, D. D.
The good that a noble character like the Rev. Morris Watson can do in
the course of an active life is indeed incalculable and cannot be measured in
metes and bounds, in fact, cannot be known until the "last great day. when the
trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible." He has de-
voted his life to the good of others, has lived an unselfish, helpful and
altruistic life, and thousands ha\e been made better and had their life-paths
made easier and brighter l)y having known him. So that today he is emi-
nently entitled to the high esteem in which he is universally held.
]\Iorris Watson was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, the son of .\iidrew
and Margaret Watson. After attending the public schools he was a student
in Muskingum College and later in Xcnia Theological Seminary, wiiere he
completed his studies preparatory to entering the ministry of the Gospel, a
career which he had determined upon. His first active pastorate was at the
First United Presbyterian church of Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, from which
church he was called to the church at Princeton in January, 1911. A man of
forceful personality, an effective pulpit speaker, consecrated to the work in
which he is engaged. Rev. Watson has impressed himself upon the community
with which he is now identified, and enjoys to a marked degree the confidence
and respect of all who know him, regardless of sect or profession. He has
not only been active in the particular society of which he is the head, but in
the general moral and civic affairs of the community he has been a forceful
factor.' Among the special efforts with which he has been identified was the
abolition of the saloons from the city of Princeton. Mr. A\'atson being at the
head of the temperance forces and being materially responsible for the s])len-
did results obtained. His ability is freely recognized, and in 1912 Franklin
College, at Easton, Ohio, conferred uprm him the degree of Doctor of
Divinity, an honor richly earned. A man nt marked intellectual attainments,
exemplary character and public spirit. Reverend Watson has in ever}' respect
merited the high esteem in which he is universally held in that locality.
466 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
On August 1 6, 1899, Reverend ^A'atson was married to Florence White,
of New Concord, Ohio, and to this union have been born two daughters,
Grace and Ruth. Mrs. Watson has proved to her husband a valued helpmate
in the religious activities in which he has engaged and because of her graces
and excellent qualities of character she has endeared herself to all who know
her.
SAMUEL E. MUNFORD.
To attain a worthy citizenship by a life that is always honored and re-
spected even from childhood deserves more than mere mention. One may
take his place in public life through some vigorous stroke of public policy, and
even remain in the hearts of friends and neighbors, but to take the same posi-
tion by dint of the practice of an upright life, and without a craving for
exaltation and popularity, is worthy of the highest praise and commendation.
The late Samuel Munford, one of the successful physicians and public-
spirited citizens of Princeton, Indiana, who was well known throughout this
community, was a man respected and honored, not because of the vigorous
training of his special talents, but because of his daily life, each day having
been one that was above criticism and passed upon in the light of real, true
manhood. Strong and forceful in his relations with his fellow men, he not
only made his presence felt, but also gained the good will and commendation
of both his associates and the general public, ever retaining his reputation
among men for integrity and high character, no matter how trying the cir-
cumstances, and never losing that dignity which is the birthright of a gentle-
man. Consequently his influence for good in the general life of his com-
munity was most potent, and he will long be sadly missed from the various
circles in which he moved and OA-er which his influence was like sunshine on a
field of ripened wheat.
Samuel E. Munford was born in Princeton, Gibson county, Indiana, on
June 17, 1837, and was a son of John and Mary Nixon (Archer) Munford.
The- father was a native of South Carolina and the mother was bom in
Chester, South Carolina, in September. 1800. The latter's father, Thomas
Archer, came to Indiana, in about 1806, because of his opposition to slavery.
He brought several black men with him, among whom was Sampson, who had
been the body guard of George Washington and whose remains now lie in
the Archer cemetery.
^l
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 489
Mr. and Mrs. Archer were pioneers of the early clay and upon coming
to this locality they entered a tract of government land and here followed agri-
cultural pursuits during the remainder of their lives. They were the parents
of nine children, all of whom reached mature years, hut all are now deceased
excepting R. M. Samuel E. Munford was reared ujjon tlie paternal farm-
stead, and in his early youth attended the common schools, also receiving
some special work in Latin. Having entertained an ambition to make a prac-
tice of medicine his life work, the subject entered the office of Doctor Blair,
where he read medicine, and also was a student in the Jefferson Medical Col-
lege of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, graduating in iS6i. He was a close and
studious observer of everything pertaining to his profession and became a
writer of some note for medical journals. He engaged in practice at Prince-
ton for a short time, in partnership with Dr. W. W. Blair, and was just
getting fairly started in his professional work when the war of the Rebellion
broke out, and to him belongs the distinction of being the first man in Gib-
son county to enlist for service. In Jnne, 1861, he became a private in Com-
pany H, Seventeenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was im-
mediately detailed for hospital service. In August, 1861, he received an ap-
pointment as assistant surgeon of his regiment, and on February 5, 1862. he
was promoted to surgeon of that command. At the formation of Wilder's
brigade, one of the most noted commands in the Northern army. Doctor
Munford was appointed acting brigade surgeon, which position he filled until
the close of the war in 1865, when he received an honorable discharge, and
returned to Princeton. He furmed a partnership with Dr. W. W. Blair,
which was maintained for five years, after which Doctor ]\Iunford became
associated with Doctor West, a partnershiji which existed for three years,
after which he engaged in the active practice ale me for many years. A man
of strictest integrity, conscientious in the performance of his duties, he suc-
cessfully handled many difficult cases and gained a wide reputation as a pro-
fessional man of ability and learning. In the special department of surgery.
Doctor Munford had no superiors and few equals in this section of the state,
being called to many distant points, both as an operator and in consultation.
Many of his cases were reported to the medical journals of the country and
he also contributed many valuable articles to the medical societies with which
he was associated. In 1884 Doctor Munford was elected president of the
Indiana State Medical Society, and received much praise for the able manner
in which he handled its affairs during his administration. A close student of
his profession and keeping in touch with the most advanced thought relative
490 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
thereto, Doctor Munford possessed a large library of the best professional
literature and his office was well ecjuipped with everything pertaining to his
practice.
Though a busy man professionally, Doctor Munford always maintained
a deep interest in local affairs, being public spirited in his attitude toward
every movement which promised to benefit the community in any way. He
was especially active in church work, being a member of the United Presby-
terian society, in which he was an elder, and for ten years he served as a
trustee of the city schools. Politically, he was a Republican, though the de-
mands of his profession prevented his taking a very active part in political
affairs.
In 1873 Doctor Munford was united in marriage to Mima S. Stone-
barger, the daughter of John and Emily (Eppley) Stonebarger, the father a
native of Pennsylvania and the mother of Virginia. John Stonebarger was
a manufacturer in early life, though during his later years he gave his atten-
tion largely to the real estate business, which he was following at the time of
his death, which occurred at the advanced age of eighty-nine years. To
Doctor and Mrs. Munford were born five children, namely: Roderich S.,
who is news editor of the Youngstown (Ohio) Telegram. Agnes, who died
on August 30, 1912, was the wife of Claud H. Crowder, a wholesale boot and
shoe dealer of Indianapolis. Mrs. Crowder was a very accomplished musician,
being an expert player on both piano and pipe organ. Samuel Archer, who
is a physician, is medical adviser of Cornell University, being also extensively
engaged in lecturing. Edith is the wife of John D. Moser, a member of the
Taylor Manufacturing Company at Hamilton, Ontario. Dorothy is unmar-
ried and remains at home with her mother.
In the death of Doctor Munford there passed from the professional
circles of Princeton a man who had honored the community with which his
life had been identified. There is no standard by which his beneficent in-
fluence can be measured, for the helpfulness which he extended was limited
only by the extent of his knowledge and skill. Of intense earnestness and
conscientiousness in his professional duties, no labor was too arduous and
no self-sacrifice too great when he felt called to attend a patient, regardless
of conditions or surroundings. His life was full of tenderness, sacrifice,
solicitude, true in its constancy and loyal in its devotion to all with whom he
was associated. He was everywhere regarded as a wide-awake, enterprising
man of his time, fully alive to the dignities and the responsibilities of citizen-
ship, and, to the extent of his ability, contributed to the general prosperity of
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 49I
the comiminit}- honored by his citizenship. Courteous, affal)le and easily
approached, he commanded the undivided respect of all with whom he came in
contact, and .his friends were bounded only by the limits of his acquaintance,
being universally esteemed in all the relations of life.
JOHN I.. MORRIS. M. D.
Professional success results from merit. Frequently in commercial life
one may come into possession of a lucrative business through inheritance or
gift, but in what are known as the learned professions advancement is gained
only through painstaking and long continued effort. Prestige in the healing
art is the outcome of strong mentality, close application, thorough mastery
of its great underlying principles and the aliility to apply theory to practice
in the treatment of diseases. Good intellectual training, thorough profes-
sional knowledge and the possession and utilization of the qualities and at-
tributes essential to success, have made the subject of this review eminent in
his chosen calling, and he is recognized as one of the leading physicians in
Gibson county.
John L. J\'Iorris, M. D., was born February 22. 1869, in Barton town-
ship, Gibson county, Indiana, on the old Barton homestead, the s<in of John
T. and Mary I'l (Miller) Morris. The father was also liorn on this same
farm, while the mother is a native of Warrick county, Indiana. John T.
Morris was a son of John T. and ;\Iary (Marshall) Morris, natives of Fng-
land, in which country they lived until reaching maturity, when they came
to America in 1832. They were married in Evansville, Indiana, in 1S32,
later removing to Vanderburg county, and in 1838 locating in Barton town-
ship, Gibson comity. Here they cleared a place in the heavy growth of tim-
ber and built a cabin. John T. Morris. Sr., was fortunately possessed of a
knowledge of surveying and was enabled to greatly help his neighbors in
locating their land. He was a man of splendid intellectual attainments, well
read and scholarly, and was a leader in his community. He and his wife
were members of the Episcopal church. To them were born six children,
namely: John T., the subject's father: Richard, Lewis, Phillip and Sidney,
deceased; Robert is living on part of the old home place. The subject's
father, John T. Morris, received a common school education, and, his father
passing away when he was but twelve years of age, he tenderly cared for
492 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
his mother until her death in 1892. On August 7, 1862, Mr. Morris enlisted
in Company F, Fourth Indiana Cavalry, and was mustered out on June 23,
1865. He served in the Army of the Cumberland, with Sherman on the
"March to the Sea," was in Wilson's raid and took part in the capture of
Jefferson Davis. He has followed farming for thirty-five years, part of this
time being also interested in a saw-mill. In politics he is deeply interested
in the success of the Republican party, while his religious affiliations are with
the Methodist Episcopal church. In January, 1867, John T. Morris was
united in marriage with Mary E. Miller, daughter of David Miller, of Vir-
ginia, who was an early settler in Pike county, Indiana, ami who later re-
moved to Missouri. To this union were born nine children, as follows:
George Thomas, who is a farmer in Warrick county, being also interested
in engineering and the dairy business, married Mary E. Heldt ; John L. ;
Robert Benjamin is a farmer in Warrick county and among other invest-
ments he is connected with the telephone interests. He was .first married to
a Miss De Priest and his second wife was a Miss Smith; Charles died at the
age of four years; Martha Bell died at the age of two and one-half years;
James died at the age of four years ; W. F. is a physician and is the subject
of a sketch elsewhere in this work; Edison, a farmer of Elberfield, Indiana,
married Augusta Ebrecht ; Mary Eva married William C. May, a farmer
living at Mackey, Indiana.
After completing a course in the common schools, the subject of this
review attended the Snake Run Academy. Resolving to make the study
and practice of medicine his life work, he put in two 3'ears preparatory work
under Dr. John Ballard, of Haubstadt, Indiana, now deceased, and then he
entered the Jeft'erson Medical College at Philadelphia, from which he gradu-
ated May 15, 1896. He was then engaged in practice with Dr. John Ballard
at Haubstadt, Gibson county, until 1899, when he located at King's Station,
where he built his home and office and resided until December 23, 1913, when
he moved to Princeton and is now in active practice. Doctor Morris" prac-
tice extends over an extensive territory, he not only doing a large business
in Princeton, but over the entire county.
The subject was married on April 28, 1897, to Artena Frances Epper-
son, of Gibson county, daughter of Uriah C. and Mary (Brumfield) Epper-
son, the father, a farmer, living four miles north of Haubstadt. To this
union have been born two children: Uriah C, who was born December 23,
1901, and Nola V., who died at the age of four and one-half years.
Doctor Morris is a member of the county and state medical associations.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 493
also being affiliated with the national body, the American Medical Associa-
tion. Politically, he is a stannc!: Republican, having been elected coroner
for the county from 1896 to 1910. Religiously, he is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church at King's .Station. His fraternal relations are
with the Knights of Pythias lodge at Princeton, and is also a member of the
Sons of Veterans, about tn be organized here
JAMES ALBERT TICHENOR.
Though more than a decade of years has elapsed since ihe In mured sub-
ject of these memoirs was transferred frum the life militant in the life
triumphant, his personality is still fresh in the memory uf his many friends
who remain in Gibson county, where for manv years he was regarded as one
of the leading men. Because of his man_\- excellent personal qualities and the
s])lendid and definite influence which his life shed over the entire locality in
which he lived so long and which he labored so earnestly to upbuild in any
way within his power, it is particularly fitting that specific mention should be
made of him in a work containing mention of the representative citizens of
the community in a past generation. A man of high moral character, unim-
peachable integrity, persistent industry and excellent business judgment, he
stood ''four square to every wind that blew" and throughout the locality
where he lived he occupied an envial)le position among his fellow men, by
whom he was universally esteemed.
James Albert Tichenor was born September 22, 1851, on the corner of
West and Emerson streets, Princeton, Indiana, the son of William X. and
Elizalieth (Johnson) Tichenor, he of Nelson county, Kentucky (born De-
cember 2^. 1826), and she born October 12, 1828, on "River DeShee." Else-
where in this volume will be found a sketch of the life of ^^'illianl X. Ticlie-"
nor, father of the immediate subject of this sketch, a man of great influence
and ability.
James Albert Tichenor was educated in schools of Princeton, remaining
at home with his parents until his marriage, in 1881. to Eliza J. Mauck, who
was born .August 7. 1850. in Owensville, Indiana, a daughter of Abraham and
X'ancy (Jones) Mauck. .Abraham Mauck was a native of Harrison county,
Indiana, and Nancy Jones was a daughter of Col. Cliarles Jones, whose wife
was Eleanore Warrick. The ^^'arricks were natives of Kentuckv and Capt.
494 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Jacob Warrick, Eleanore's father, was killed at the battle of Tippecanoe.
Abraham Mauck's education was limited to that obtainable in the country
schools of his time. Later in life he was engaged in the pork packing in-
dustry and boating and was a merchant at Mt. Carniel, Illinois, in association
with his brothers ; they were also engaged in the flour-mill business. He died
at the age of eighty years. Nancy Jones Mauck, his wife, died when young,
aged thirty-three years. She was the mother of two children now living,
namely: Eliza J., wife of the .'subject of this sketch, and Charles, a farmer
located at Twin Falls, Idaho.
Abraham Mauck married a second time, his second wife being Mrs.
Mary Miln Walling, widow of Dr. Willoughby Walling, and she is still living
in Princeton. To their union were born three children, namely : William
M., deceased; Frank, a farmer residing in Princeton, and Arthur, a farmer
who resides in Patoka township, Gibson county.
From the time of his marriage in 1881 until his death, May 23, igoo,
James Albert Tichenor was engaged in agricultural pursuits in Patoka town-
ship. He was one of the largest and most successful farmers in Gibson
county and, in addition to general farming, devoted much time and attention
to raising high grade live stock. He was a public-spirited man and gave
much time and means to promoting any cause that had as its object ultimate
benefit to his community. He took a great deal of interest in the Gibson
County Fair Association, and did much to make it a high class exhibit. He
was influential in political circles and from 1894 to 1898 was chairman of
the Republican central committee. His religious affiliation was with the
Presbyterian church, to which he gave liberally of his means. To Mr. Tiche-
nor and wife were born two daughters, Mabel E. and Maude. Both of these
daughters are well educated. After attending the grades and high school in
Princeton, Mabel E. was graduated at Indiana University at Bloomington,
later attending Vassar College for Women, from which she was graduated
in 1910. She has been an instructor in mathematics in the Princeton high
schools for the past six years. She toured Europe in 19 12. Maude, the
second daughter, is the wife of James Paul Weatherspoon, to whom she was
united in marriage February i, 191 1. She is also a graduate of the Prince-
ton high school and attended Indiana University and takes an active interest
in many clubs and various societies, in addition to her home duties. Mr.
Weatherspoon is engaged in farming.
"An honest man is the noblest work of God," and no higher praise can be
given a man than the simple statement that he measured up to the full stature
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 495
of manhood. Such a hfe was that of James Albert Tichenor, well rounded,
full and complete in every relation of life, his memory and influence a vital,
living thing in the hearts and minds of those with whom he came in contact.
CHARLES B. SWINNEY,
The youngest newspaper man in Gibson county, Indiana, and one of the
youngest in the state is Charles B. Swinney, the editor of the Fort Branch
Times, which he established in October, 1911. Mr. Swinney was born
August 12, 1888, in Lincoln City, Indiana, the son of Crutcher C. and Jennie
(Wright) Swinney, both natives (jf Indiana. His father died in October,
1893, and his mother is still living.
Charles B. Swinney was educated in the public schools of Fort Branch,
and when a chance was offered to learn the newspaper business he readily
accepted the opportunity. While still a boy he started in the printing office
of C. B. Speer, editor of the Herald, at Fort Branch, Indiana. He then
worked for a time in the Courier-Journal office at Louisville, Kentuck\'. and
in 191 1, at the age of twenty-three, established the Fort Branch Times, and
has continued as editor and manager of this weekly paper since that time.
He also has a large job printing business and is rapidly coming to the front
as an enterprising newspaper man.
Mr. Swinney was married on November 30. 1912, at Fort Branch,
Indiana, to Alice E. Polk, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W^illiam C. Polk, and
to this union there has been born one son, .Jack William, who was born
November 21, 1912. Mr. Swinney is a Democrat in politics and in his paper
he espouses the principles of that party in an able and fearless manner. The
Polk family, of which Mrs. Swinney is a member, is one of the most prom-
inent families, not only of this county, but of southern Indiana during the
early history of the state. Mr. Swinney's grandfather. Merit Swinney, was
-I leading physician of Spencer county, Indiana, for many years, although
later in life he went to Evansville, where he was engaged in the grocery busi-
ness.
Mr. Swinney is at the threshold of a long and useful career as a news-
paper man and. with the energy and ability which he has shown thus far in
the conduct of his paper, he bids fair to become a man of influence in his
county. A good newspaper is the means of doing an iiicalculalile amount of
496 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
good, and the standard which has been set by Mr. Swinney shows that he is a
public-spirited citizen, who wants to put his newspaper on the right side of all
public questions.
JOHN J. MOLLIS.
Among the strong and influential citizens of Gibson county the record
of whose lives has become an essential part of the hist(^'ry of this section, the
man whose name appears above occupies a prominent place and for years he
has exerted a beneficial influence in the locality where he resides. His chief
characteristics are keenness of perception, a tireless energy, honesty of pur-
pose and motive, and every-day common sense, which have enabled him not
only to advance his own interests, but also largely contribute to the moral and
material advancement of the community.
John J. Hollis, than whom no farmer in Patoka township, Gibson
county, Indiana, enjoys a higher degree of popular confidence and regard,
was born about three and one-half miles south of Princeton on the old Hollis
homestead on April lo, 1838, and is the son of Othniel Hollis, who was born
in 1807, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Othniel Hollis lived in North Carolina
until he was seventeen years of age, when he came to Gibson county where he
had an uncle, Bazil Brown, engaged in the hotel business in Princeton. His
wife was iVlicha Ann Steward, a native of Maryland, born in 1809. She lived
to be sixty years of age and died on the farm near Princeton. She was one
of the charter members of the Cimiberland Baptist church at Princeton, and
was a consistent member throughout her life. Othniel Hollis worked on
farms in different parts of Gibson county for a while and later purchased
eighty acres of wild land about two and one-half miles south of Princeton,
which he cleared and put into good shape. He purchased a little later forty
additional acres lying about one-half mile southeast of his original tract and
on this he built a home, where the family lived for several years. In later
vears he bought a home on South Main street in Princeton, and after the
death of his wife made his home with the subject of this sketch for a time.
He died in 1882, at the age of seventy-four. For many years he was a faith-
ful member of the Liberty congregation of the Regular Baptist church, east
of Fort Branch, Indiana. Othniel Hollis and wife were the parents of nine
children, namely: The first child was an infant which they lost: Fannie
Elizabeth and Robert Alexander, both deceased; John J., the immediate sub-
GIBSON COLWTY, INDIANA. 497
ject of this sketch; Ellen, widow of Joseph Ashmead, of Terre Haute, Indi-
ana; Bartlett B. ; an infant; a little daughter, Sarah, and Louisa, aged seven-
teen, all dead, and Gorilla, lixing with her Ijrother Bartlett B. in Patoka town-
ship.
John J. Hollis had ^-ery little opportunity for schooling when a youth,
and worked quite hard with his father on the home place. He remained at
home until the beginning of the Civil war, when, in October, 1861, he enlisted
in Company B, Fifty-eighth Regiment Indiana \'olunteer Infantry, and served
to January of 1865. He left on December 13, 1861, going to Louisville,
Kentucky, and was in the battle of Chickamauga and, on account of weak
eyes as a result of measles, he was relegated to cook for his mess. He was
four times wounded. On September 19, 1863, he was shot through the right
foot, was also shot through the left leg, a shot which struck him in the
left hip passed out through the right hip and he was also hit in the spine by a
spent ball. He was taken to the field hospital on the next day and for fifteen
days was held a prisoner near Murfreesboro. During this time all he had to
eat was cockle and wheat and after fifteen days he was sent back to the Union
lines. He had to lay on his face on a blanket thrown over a pile of stone for
a long time. Four months later he got home and was disabled for a long
time.
On October 12, 1866, Mr. Hollis was united in marriage to Sarah
Skelton, of Gibson county, who died in 1907. They were the parents of two
children, Ella, who died aged two years, eight months and eight days, and
Othniel, who died at the age of twenty months. Mr. and Mrs. Hollis have
a foster son, William R. Knowles, whom they took when a boy six years old.
He married Eva Gorley and they are farmers in Patoka township. After
returning from the army, Mr. Hollis bought eighty acres of the old original
Hollis homestead, which he still owns. He was also engaged in the furniture
business in Princeton for several years. Also at one time he had lived in
Posey county, Indiana, and for about four years they were in Owensxille.
In 1881 they left the old farm homestead and he bought his present home in
Princeton, on the corner of South Main and Pinkney streets.
Mr. Hollis is a man of delightful personality who counts his friends by
scores. His life principles have been such as to win for him the confidence
and respect of all and he has ever sought to better the community in which
he made his home. He is a charter member of Archer Post No. 28, Grand
Armv of the Republic. At the age of eighteen years he united with the
(32)
498 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Enon General Baptist church and has ever been a faithful and consistent
member of same. His has been a clean, honest, open life, helpful to all
and an excellent example to those with whom he comes in contact.
SAMUEL HUGH ARCHER.
There are individuals in nearly every community who, by reason of pro-
nounced ability and force of character, rise above the heads of the masses
and command the unbounded esteem of their fellow men. Characterized by
perseverance and a directing spirit, two virtues that never fail, such men
always make their presence felt and the vigor of their strong personality
serves as a stimulus and incentive to the young and rising generation. To
this energetic and enterprising class the subject of this review very properly
belongs. Having never been seized with the roaming desires that have led
many of Gibson county's young men to other fields of endeavor and other
states, where they have sought their fortunes, Mr. Archer has devoted his life
to industries at home and has succeeded remarkably well, as we shall see by a
study of his life's history.
Samuel Hugh Archer was born October 14, 1833, in Patoka township,
Gibson county, Indiana, the son of John and Catherine (McMullen) Archer,
the father a native of South Carolina and the mother of Kentucky. The
paternal grandfather of the subject was Thomas Archer, who married a
Miss McCalley in South Carolina, and Thomas was a son of Robert xA.rcher.
In 1806 or 1807 Samuel Hugh Archer's father, grandfather and great-grand-
father, John, Thomas and Robert, came from South Carolina through to
Indiana in wagons, stopping on their way for a brief period in Tennessee.
On arriving in the Hoosier state, after the long, tiresome and dangerous
journey, they settled in White River township, Gibson county, for a time and
later purchased the land known as Captain Hopkins' place, which at that time
was a virgin forest of heavy timber.
Robert Archer, the great-grandfather of the subject, gave to the Presljy-
terian church some land to make the Archer cemetery, this burial ground thus
acquiring its name from the family and having been laid out over one hun-
dred and ten years ago. Robert was a Revolutionary soldier and was a
cripple. He died in his sixty-fifth year. His sister, a widow. Mrs. Boyd,
was the first person interred in the Archer cemetery. To Robert Archer and
wife were born six children. Rose, Nancy, Mary, Ebbie, Thomas and William.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 499
Thomas Archer, as a \oung man, acquired one hundred and sixty acres
of land in Patoka township, two miles northwest of Princeton, securing this
tract from the government. He was a farmer and stock raiser and was a
very successful man. In later life he sold his farm and bought six acres north
of Princeton, but later returned to the old home place, where his death oc-
curred. He was the father of the following children ; ( i ) Robert li\ed all
his life in Patoka township and was a farmer and stock raiser. (2) John
lived in Gibson county and was a gunsmith and locksmith by trade. In 1850
he settled on land south of Princeton where the .Southern railroad shops are
now located. The tract was covered with heavy timber, much of which had
been blown down, the land comprising one hundred and sixty-eight acres. In
the clearing of this place the subject of this sketch assisted. John, who was
first a Whig and later a Republican, was a well known and highly respected
man in his community, a member of the Reformed Presbyterian church, while
his wife was a charter member of the Methodist I-^piscopal church. He died
in 1865 and his wife in 1872. (3) Samuel, at the age of sixteen, started
clerking in the store of Robert Stockwell at Princeton and later was made a
partner in the firm, eventually buying Mr. Stockwell out. Later moving to
Evansville, Indiana, Samuel, in partnership with John Alackey, engaged in
the wholesale dry goods business, also engaging in banking. He was married
to May Snethen and died in his eightieth year. (4) David lived in Prince-
ton, where he was a clothing merchant for many years, also being interested
in farming operations. He married Martha McCalley. (5) Beasey educated
himself in the State University, and died at the age of twenty-six. (6)
Thomas lived in Evansville, Indiana. He was an engineer of high ability,
and ran the first engine on the Evans\ille & Terre Haute railroad out of
Evansville sixty years ago. He was twice marrie<l. (8) Mary married John
Munford, a farmer, and lived in Princeton. (9) Sarah died at the age of
thirty years. Of the above named children, Robert married Louisa, the
widow of Brown Woods, who was killed in the battle of Resaca on May 14,
1862. She lived in Princeton. To Robert and his wife was born a son,
Robert A. On Robert's death she again married, becoming the wife of
George Miller and they have two sons. Dr. C. A. Miller, of Princeton, and
Archibald, who died in the Philippine Islands while in the emplo}' of the gov-
ernment as a teacher.
John Archer, the suliject's father, was the jiarent of the folldwing chil-
dren: (l) William, who was Ixirn in 1S28 and lived in Gibson county all
his life, was a member of the Eightieth Indiana \'olunteer Infantrv and was
500 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
killed in the battle of Resaca. He was the husband of Jane King, who now
lives in Princeton, and they had one child, William, who is a farmer at
Montrose, Colorado. (2) James Wilson lived at home until his death, at the
age of twenty-three. (3) Samuel, the subject. (4) Theodore Beasey lived
at home until he reached the age of seventeen, when he enlisted in the Thirty-
third Indiana Volunteer Infantry. While in his country's service he died
from exposure, in 1863. He was buried in the Archer cemetery. (5 ) Sarah
M., who is deceased, was the wife of Hugh Cairns. (6) Rachael Ann died
young. (7) Margaretta also died young.
The children of Samuel Archer and wife were : Anne, living near Port-
land, Oregon: Lucy, also living near Portland, Oregon; Charles Archer, D.
D. S., is located in Portland, where he deals in dental supplies. He is mar-
ried and has a son, Samuel. To David Archer and wife were born two chil-
dren, Beasey and Elizabeth, of Princeton.
Thomas Archer, by his first marriage, was the father of three children:
Fulton is deceased ; Elzine is one of the oldest engineers on the Evansville &
Terre Haute railroad, having been in its service for the last thirty years. He
is married; Mary is unmarried and lives in California.
John and Mary (Munford) Archer were the parents of the following
children: Riley, who was married, died at the age of twenty-eight; Harvey,
deceased, was a graduate of the State University and taught school. He was
married to a Miss Emery, and she also is now deceased; William, deceased,
was a member of the Fifty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry during the
Civil war and was wounded at Murfreesboro. After the war he lived in
Gibson county and married a Miss McRoberts. He left two children on his
death, John, who lives in Princeton, and Anne, also living in Princeton, and
the widow of a Mr. Sabins.
Samuel Hugh Archer, the subject of this review, received his early edu-
cation in the primitive schools of pioneer times. He was compelled to go
three or four miles to the little log school house, following blazed trails
through the forest, the children riding through the dense woods three on a
horse. The subject lived at home until he reached the age ol twenty-two,
. when he and a brother, William, borrowed money and went to the river bot-
toms to engage in the raising of corn. They found a ready market at thirty
cents a bushel and were soon enabled to pay off their debt. Remaining at
this business for four years, Mr. Archer next went to the state of Kentucky
and sold fanning mills for two years, after which he returned to the old home
place and he and his brother William farmed it until the brother enlisted in
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 5OI
the Union army. Samuel remained at the home to take care of the family
and the farm, and after the parents died he was appointed administrator and
settled the estate. After their deaths he lived in Princeton for two years antl
then purchased one hundred and ten acres of land known as the Potter place.
In the spring of 1871 he was united in marriage to Elizabeth O. I^obb, of
Gibson county, and this union has been blessed with the following children :
Lluella married William Wyman, who is traffic manager for a railroad com-
pany in Chicago; Mary is at home; Franklin married Elizabeth Gray and is
farming on the home place; Sarah is at home; two died in infancy. In the
years 1879 and 1880 Mr. Archer Imilt his present splendid home and his
place, w^hich now comprises two hundred and six acres, is one of the finest
in Patoka township.
A progressive farmer and stock breeder, tlie subject has de\oted much
attention to the raising of fine stock, specializing in Short lli)rn and Jersey
cattle and Chester White, Berkshire, Poland China and Duruc Jersey Red
hogs, also raising general purpose horses and mules.
In 1858 the Gibson County Fair .Association was organized and Mr.
Archer was one of the incorporators, the association being reorganized in
1864. ^Ir. .Archer served as assistant superintendent, later as superintendent
and eventually as general superintendent for eight years and as a director for
fifteen years. He has always taken a deep interest in movements for the bet-
terment of Gibson county in any line. A faithful member of the United
Presbyterian church in Princeton, he has taken a great interest in its welfare.
Mr. Archer has taken an especial interest in the upkeep of Archer ceme-
tery, having added many improvements to it, among these being a fine iron
fence and a gravel road leading to the burial place. The care of the grounds
of this beautiful resting jjlace of the dead has been a pleasant task for him
and the beautv of these are the result of his solicitude.
RICHARD B. H.M.I.OCK.
It was remarked by a celebrated moralist and liiographer lliat "there
has scarcely passed a life of which a judicious and faithful narrative would
not have been useful," and especially is this true wlien tlie life under review
is one that has closed its earthly career and permits the biograjjher to view the
life as a whole and get a prospectus scarce!}- possible in the life of a living
502 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
man. Richard B. Hallock, the honored subject of this memoir, was one of
the worthy citizens of Princeton in an early day and by his business ability,
honor and integrity, coupled with a winning personality, he did much to ad-
vance the social and business welfare of this community. It was he who
opened the first drug store in Princeton, on the south side of the square, and
he was also the genial host of the hostelry known as the Hallock House, at
whose hospitable board many of the famous visitors to Princeton sat down in
early days.
Richard B. Hallock was born March 15, 18 15, and died September i,
1895. His birth place was Tuckerton, Burlington county, New Jersey, and
he was a son of the Rev. John Hallock and Lydia. his second wife. They
were both natives of Tuckerton, where the Rev. Mr. Hallock was a preacher
of the Quaker faith. After the death of his wife, Mr. Hallock, together
with three maiden sisters and his three sons, came west and located in Illinois,
south of Friendsville and near Alt. Carmel. Here they had considerable
land, which they farmed, and they also had a general store and in addition
manufactured castor oil. One of the sons moved to Evansville, Indiana,
where he died. The father also later lived in Evansville, and it was at that
point his death occurred. Aaron, another son, lived at Mt. Carmel, Illinois.
The Rev. John Hallock was a fine man, quite prominent and well known in
his day.
The third son who came with the father was Richard B., the subject of
this sketch. He received his early education in the public schools. He first
acquired the trade of a cabinet-maker and later became a druggist. He was
in the drug business in New York state and also in Philadelphia, and he and
his brothers, Allen C. and James, were in the drug business in New York City
before ihe father and sons came to Illinois, and were associated with the rest
of the family in the manufacture of castor oil. In addition to their other
business interests, they operated flat boats on the river, going as far as New
Orleans, where they disposed of the produce that formed their cargo. The
father and his three sons were men of importance in their community and
were widely known. After coming to Princeton, Richard B. Hallock oper-
ated his drug store in various locations until his retirement in 1888.
In April, 1844, Mr. Hallock was united in marriage to Malinda
Parmenter, of .Mbion, Illinois. She was the daughter of Isaac and Sarah
(Ulter) Parmenter, originally of Mt. Carmel. The father was a farmer and
was one of the leading men in the Indian war, ranking as colonel. His death
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 503
was due to a bullet wound in the foreliead received during one ol the numer-
ous skirmishes. It was after his marriage that Mr. Ilallock came to Prince-
ton and here they resided during many years, endearing themselves to all.
Mrs. Hallock was an exceptionally fine woman, and was the pionceer nurse
of Gibson county. For a while she was second matron of the Orphans' Home
at Princeton, where her great heart found an outlet for its wonderful store
of motherly love. Soon after their arrival in Princeton, Mr. and Mrs. Hal-
lock identified themselves with the Cumberland Presbyterian church and dur-
ing the remainder of their lives gave much of their time and means to further
its influence on the community. Into the ideal home these two worthy ones
made, ten children were born, three of whom, Lydia, Amy and Eliza, died in
early infancy; Harry died at the age of ele\en, John at the age of thirty-
three, and Charles at the age of forty-five. Sarah lives in Pasadena, Cali-
fornia, the widow of the Rev. J. E. Jenkins, who filled the pulpit of the Cum-
berland Presbyterian church in Princeton for thirty-three years. To their
union were born four children, Mary, Minnie, Catherine and .\miie. Richard,
one of the sons of this excellent family, was a teacher in the schools of Gibson
county for fourteen years and is now in the directory business at Peoria, Illi-
nois. He remains unmarried. The two remaining children, Malinda and
William E.. have always remained in the old home. Both were educated in
the schools of Princeton and in the year 1886 William E. began the manufac-
ture of brooms and is still engaged in that business at No. 527 South Gibson
street. Also for the past twent)--five years he has propagated sweet potato
sets for the spring plantings antl this business has assumed consideral)le pro-
portions, so that now he supplies almost the whole of Gibson county. Will-
iam E.'s political sympathies are with the Republican ])arty, as were those of
his honored father, and he and his sister Malinda are members of the First
Presbyterian church. The family is well and widely known throughout the
country, having contributed in no small way to its advancement along various
lines.
The influence of such a life as that of ivichard P.. Hallock cannot be esti-
mated Ijy any earthly standard. His friends and associates know him in his
outward life as a man of sterling worth, one whose every wish it was to ad-
vance the cause of humanity, and needless to say there were many helpful
and beautiful deeds recorded to his credit of which the world knew nothing.
His was a life that measured up to the full stature of manhood, and in saying
that, there is nothing more that can be added.
504 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
CAPT. CHARLES BROWNLEE.
Few men in the city of Princeton, Gibson county, Indiana, are so widely
and favorably known as the worthy gentleman whose name initiates this para-
graph. He is one of those strong and influential citizens whose lives become
an essential part of the history of a community, and for years his name has
been synonymous with all that constitutes an honorable and upright manhood.
Tireless energy, keen perception and honesty of purpose, combined with
every-day common sense, are among his chief characteristics, and while ad-
vancing his own individual success he has largely promoted the moral and
material welfare of his community.
Captain Charles Brownlee was born in the house in Princeton where he
.yet resides, on January 17, 1S39, the son of John anrl Jane (Harrington)
Brownlee. The father was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, December 18,
1794, and the mother in North Carolina January 15, 1804. To the parents
of the subject were born eleven children, namely: George, deceased, was
born August 12, 1828: William, born February 18, 1830; James, born Aug-
ust 17, 1834; Hugh, born December 12, 1836; Charles; Catherine, born
March I, 1841 ; Thomas, born .\ugust 22,. 1843; John, born -Vugust 2_t„ 1846;
Alex, born January 23, 1849; one child died in infancy.
The subject's father was a merchant, as was also his father before him,
they having started in business together in 181 1, and the business has been
in the family for over a century, having beeen handed down through four
generations. Grandfather Harrington was the lirst judge in Gibson county.
The subject of this review enlisted in the Eightieth Indiana Volunteer
Infantry on August 11, 1862, under Captain Simmonson, and was elected
second lieutenant by the members of his company, in which position he served
for one month, when he was promoted to the captaincy, holding that ofifice
until the practical end of the war, resigning on account of ill health in 1864.
Four of the subject's brothers were in the Union army and all served honor-
ably through that conflict and returned to their homes. The command in
which Captain Brownlee was an officer was engaged in a number of the
biggest battles of that sanguinary conflict, also taking part in many lesser
engagements. They took part in the battle of Perry ville, were in the fight-
ing in eastern Tennessee and were with General Burnsides at Kingston and
Morristown, acciuitting themselves with great credit to their state and nation.
Captain Brownlee, in recalling the terribly cold winter through which they
passed in eastern Tennessee, remarks that in order to kee]) warm "they burned
'^^^:^.^2^^oi^ y^T^n^^'^-^^KJB^.c^^
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 5O5
up all the rails in that part of the state." On returning home from the
service of his country' the subject resumed the mercantile business, in which
he was engaged the rest of his life up to the time of his retirement in Febru-
ary, 191 1.
The subject's father was a private in J. W. Crockett's Kentuck)' volun-
teer regiment, while his grandfather Harrington and two sons fought in the
battle of Tippecanoe, one of the sons, James, being killed in that battle.
Captain Brownlee has been thrice married. In 1874 he was united in
matrimon)' to Sallie Hall, and to this union were liorn two children, Paul,
who is conducting a store, and Therese, who married Charles Smith, of
Dyersburg, Tennessee. In 1882 the subject's second marriage occurred, this
time to Mariah Hall, a sister of his first wife. One child blessed this union,
Cornelia, who is now an artist in the city of Chicago. Captain Brownlee mar-
ried Charlotte Lockhart, his present wife, in 1889, and to them has been born
a son, Allan Lockhart, who is attending Purdue University at Lafayette.
Indiana.
The Brownlee family has lived in the present home since 1834, it being
one of the oldest and best constructed houses in the county. It contains a
good old-fashioned fireplace, the rooms are large, and it is indeed a fine old
home, situated on a hill and commanding a splendid view.
Having cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln, Captain Brownlee has
ever since allied himself with the Republican party. A member of the city
council, he has given the best thought to matters of interest to his home city.
His mother was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and was one
of the organizers of the first church of that denomination in Princeton. Cap-
tain Brownlee is an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
ROBERT M. MORTON.
The biographies of enterprising men, e.^ipocially of gnixl men, are in-
structive as guides and incentives to others. The examples they furnish of
patient purpose and steadfast integrity strongly illustrate what is in the power
of each to accomplish. Some men belong to n<> exclusive class in life, ap-
parently insurmountable obstacles ha\e in many instances awakened their
dormant faculties and served as a stimulus to carry them to ultimate success,
if not renown. The instances of success in the face of adverse fate would
almost seem to justifv the conclusion that self-reliance, with a half chance.
5o6 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
can accomplish any object. The Hfe of Robert M. Morton, well known
throughout Gibson county, is an example in point, for by his individual efforts
and close adherence to his every duty he has overcome the obstacles en-
countered on the highway of life and is now very comfortably fixed regarding
this world's goods and has at the same time won a reputation for right living
among his fellow men.
Robert M. Morton is a native of Gibson county, Indiana, born November
23, 1845, o" ^ farm near Oakland City. He is the son of Alexander and
Susan J. (McConnell) Morton. Alexander Morton was born in Chester
district, South Carolina, and his wife Susan was a native of Ohio. The
father of Alexander Morton was Thomas, a native of South Carolina, who
married Margaret Bell of that state. Early in their married life, they, in
company with several other families, went westward and settled near Knox-
ville, Tennessee. They only made a crop or two there and, being dissatisfied
with the location, journeyed on until they reached Gibson county, Indiana.
The Morton family obtained ground near Summerville. It was all in virgin
forest, but, undaunted, they set about the laborious task of reclaiming the
broad acres from the grip of the wilderness. A clearing was soon made in
which the pioneer cabin was erected, and there the balance of their lives was
passed. Thomas was killed in a runaway accident and the wife remained
on the homestead until her death. Thomas Morton and wife were the par-
ents of eight children, namely : Alexander, father of the immediate subject
of this sketch; Thomas, John, Elizabeth, Nancy, Mary, Robert and Donald C.
Alexander Morton remained at his father's home until his marriage to
Susan J. McConnell, at which time he obtained a tract of wild land adjoining
the farm of his father, and here he endured the hardships of the pioneers
while they were clearing their ground and putting in the first crops. He
died comparatively young, at the age of forty-five years, and the wife con-
tinued to reside on the farm until she had raised the family, when she moved
to Princeton, where she died. They were the parents of six children : Rob-
ert M., the subject of this sketch, was the oldest; Patrick Henry, a farmer
residing in Livermore, Kentucky ; David, deceased ; Margaret, residing in
Princeton, is the widow of Reuben Seibert; Mary, wife of John Jones, a
farmer in Washington township, this county, and the youngest is Nancy, also
residing in Washington township, and the widow of James Lowe. Alexander
Morton and wife were members of the Covenanter church and Wxed fully
consistent with the tenets of their faith.
Robert M. Morton attended the public schools of Gibson county in his
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 507
boyhood and on August i6, 1861, at the age of sixteen years, he enlisted
in Company F, Thirty-third Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and
served until June i, 1864. He enlisted at Princeton and was first sent to
Indianapolis where the regiment was organized and was then sent into
Tennessee and joined the Army of the Cumberland. He remained with that
command until the close of the war. After the expiration of his first enlist-
ment, he promptly re-enlisted in the same company and regiment until he was
mustered out July 21, 1865. On Jul\' 20. 1864, at reach Tree Creek, Georgia,
he was shot through the right hip and was cunlined to the hospital for eleven
months. He was taken a prisoner south of Franklin, Tennessee, on .\pril 9,
1863, and was within the confines of Libby prison for thirt\- days, at which
time his exchange was effected. After the close of the war, he returned to
his home in Gibson county, where he engaged in agricultural work and also
attended school. He fitted himself for a school teacher and followed this
vocation for five winters.
On October 21, 1869, Mr. Morton was united in marriage to Xancy E.
Alurphy, of Gibson county, daughter of William L. and Margaret (McCon-
nell) Murphy. After his marriage, he was engaged in farming in different
parts of Gibson county, and gave up this line of work in 1878, when he
settled in Princeton, where he has since resided. He has engaged in various
lines of industry, among them being carpentry, general contracting, saw-mill
and lumber business and also operated a threshing machine. In 1891 Mr.
Morton built his present commodious home at No. 1235 South Main street,
Princeton, where a hearty welcome always awaits his many friends.
Mr. Morton is a member of Archer Post No. 28, Grand .\rmy of the
Republic, at Princeton, and is also a consistent member of the Presbyterian
church, to which he gives liberal support. Mr. and Mrs. Morton are the
parents of three children, the oldest of whom is Oliver P., who is engaged
in the restaurant business in Princeton. His wife was Maud lowing and
they are the parents of three children, Jennie, Ro.sa Belle and lunmaline.
Another son, LeRoy, is connected with the police dejiartment of the city of
Evansville, Indiana. He married Mary Hamilton and to tlicir union one
son has been born, Cecil R. The daughter of the family, Cordelia, is the
wife of R. E. Herring of Moberly, Missouri, and they are the ])arents of two
children, Robert Earl and Lawrence
Some one has said that the story of any life is well worth the reading and
surely this is particularly true of the life of a good man. Highly interesting
and edifying it would doubtless be to know of the hidden battles waged from
5o8
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
time to time, but all the world can see is the life as a whole. Robert M.
Morton is a man who stands high in the estimation of his associates, is well
known and highly respected by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, and
this is a fitting tribute to his sterling character.
JOHN RILEY ERVIN.
Indefatigable industry, sound business judgment and wise management
have been the elements which have contributed to the success achieved by
John R. Ervin, for many years an enterprising and progressive farmer of
Patoka township, Gibson county, Indiana, but who has now retired and re-
.sides in Princeton. His farming lands have always been well improved and
highly producti\e, being numbered among the best farms of the township,
and, because of his high character and unquestioned integrity, he enjoys to a
marked degree the sincere respect of the community. In addition to a general
line of farming, Mr. Ervin has always paid particular attention to his live
stock and has taken much interest in his good breeds of horses, mules, cattle,
sheep, Poland China hogs, etc.
John Riley Ervin, one of the older citizens of Gibson county, who has
always enjoyed the high regard of all, was born March 13, 1834, one mile
southwest of Princeton, a son of Robert and Martha (Stormont) Ervin. the
latter being an aunt of Col. Gil R. Stormont. Robert Ervin was a native of
Ireland and was brought to this country by his parents in 1804, when a little
child of but three years. He is a son of Charles and Jane Ervin, and upon
reaching America they located in Chester district. South Carolina, where they
lived until 183 1. Charles died in South Carolina, and in the year above men-
tioned the mother, with her four children, Ellen, Isabelle, Robert and Nancy,
came to Gibson county. Robert, father of the immediate subject of this
sketch, had married Miss Stormont in South Carolina before coming to Indi-
ana. After arriving in Gibson county he obtained one hundred and sixty
acres of wild land in Patoka township, heavily timbered with almost every-
thing native to this section, and proceeded to make a home. He later pur-
chased one hundred and sixty additional acres. The first house they had was
a small cabin in the clearing and was made of poles. In this they lived until
a frame house was completed in 1832. He had been a merchant in South
Carolina, but always followed the vocation of farming after coming to Indi-
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 5O9
ana. His death occurred in i8-J7 and that ni his wife in iSbi. Originally
he was a Whig in politics, and when the Repuhlican party came into e.xistence
his sympathies went that way. 'Sir. and Mrs. Robert Ervin were consistent
members of the Presbyterian church and in that faith they reared their family
of six children, namely: Margaret, deceased wife nf John Iv Little, who
lived south of Princeton; James Madden, deceased, who was a prosperous
farmer and married Margaret Mum ford; John R., the immediate subject
of this sketch; Jane Catherine, deceased wife of Calvin Woods, of Patoka
township: Robert Harshaw, who was in Company A, Eighteenth Regiment
Indiana Volunteer Infantr}-, took sick and died at Chattanooga. Tennes-
see: Nancy Ellen, wife of George W. Shopbell, of Princeton, and .Martha
Amanda, deceased.
John Riley Ervin had but a limited schooling in his ynuth. owing to
the limited circumstances of his parents and the meager opixirtunities at best,
and as a boy he worked hard, being kept at home to help clear the farm. He
remained at home with his mother to the age of twenty-six years and on
January 20, 1859, was united in marriage to Sarah A. Finney, born near
Princeton on what is known as the Hester farm. She is a daughter of John
K. and Lorena (Morgan) Finney, she a native of Indiana and he of Ken-
tucky. The parents of John K. Finney were James and Jane (Makemson) '
Finney, natives of Virginia. They had gone into Kentucky at an early day
and on into Gibson county, Indiana, in 1814, locating just south of Princeton,
where they passed the remainder of their lives. John K. Finney lived on his
father's old place until he retired in 1S84, when he moved to Princeton and
died at the age of seventy-two. His wife lived to be seventy-three years of
age. They are the parents of se\eral children, namel\- : Nancy J., deceased
wife of Milton Munford, who is still living in Princeton ; James Henry, who
is a carpenter in Los Angeles, California; Minerva, the wife of George Shull,
of Fort Branch. Indiana: Charles, deceased: John S., living in Bellville, Illi-
nois; Martha E., wife of Robert McClerkin, of Los .Vngeles, California;
Isabelle, who died at the age of nineteen, and Robert, who resides in Nash-
ville, Tennessee. Mrs. John R. Erv-in was the second child of her parents in
the order of birth.
After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Ervin made their home on a part
of the father's old place, making all of the improvements on it. Here a
splendid barn, forty-four by ninety feet, burned on .April 31, 1905. and was
rebuilt the same year. In September. 1893, Mr. Ervin retired from the active
operation of his farm and located at No. 214 East Pinkney street. Princeton,
5IO GIBSON COUNTYj INDIANA.
where they have since resided. Mr. and Mrs. Ervin are well known through-
out the county and are highly esteemed by all. Their home bears an air of
hospitality enjoyed by many. Both are members of the United Presbyterian
church and Mr. Ervin is a Republican. While he has always taken an active
interest in politics, he has never aspired to office. He is a man well preserved
for his age and is blessed with a remarkable memory. Mary Alice, oldest
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ervin, is the wife of Henry Lewis Binkley, of
Princeton, and to them has been born one daughter. Hazel. Robert, a son,
farms Mr. Ervin's land, and he and his wife (formerly Anna Spore) are the
parents of four children, Glenn, Gladys, Edith and Ruth. The third child is
Charles Elmer, a successful dentist, located at Sixth and Main streets, Terre
Haute, Indiana, for the past twenty years. He married Agnes McMinn and
to their union have been born two children, Arthur and Mildred. All of Mr.
Ervin's children have received excellent educations. Throughout his life Mr.
Ervin has aimed for the liest in whatever he has undertaken and thus he has
been able to accomplish much and well deserves his peaceful old age, happy in
the knowledge of past accomplishments, his home a center for his family of
younger generations. Such lives and homes are the "salt of the earth" and
their l^eiiign influence is carried far and wide.
NATHANIEL HITCH.
The biographies of enterprising men, especially of good men, are in-
structive as guides and incentives to others. The examples they furnish of
patient purpose and steadfast integrity strongly illustrate what is in the power
of each to accomplish. Some men belong to no exclusive class in life; ap-
parently insurmountable obstacles have in many instances awakened their
dormant faculties and served as a stimulus to carry them to ultimate renown.
The instances of success in the face of adverse fate would seem almost to
justify the conclusion that self-reliance, with a half chance, can accomplish
any reasonalile object. The gentleman whose life history is herewith out-
lined is a man who has lived to good purpose and achieved a splendid suc-
cess. By a straightforward and commendable course he has made his way
to a respectable position in the world, winning the hearty admiration of the
people of his community and earning the reputation of being an enterprising,
progressive man of affairs which the public has not been slow to rcognize and
appreciate.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 5II
Nathaniel Hitch was born one mile north of Patoka, Gibson county, Indi-
ana, October 29, 1842, the son of Edward W. and Mary (McMullen) Hitch,
he a native of Delaware and she of Kentucky. The Hitch family was of
English stock, and Edward W. was a son of Sovern Hitch, of England, who
came early to America and located in Bridgeville, near Wilmington. Dela-
ware, where he was the owner and proprietor of the "Bull's i-'ye." a famous
tavern, which he conducted until his death. To him were born the following
children: Henry lived in Bridgeville, Delaware: Edward ^V., the subject's
father; Zachariah was an early settler and farmer near Patoka. Gibson
county; Mary lived near Bowling Green. Kentucky.
Edward W. Hitch, the subject's father, secured a \ery meager education
in the crude schools of his boyhood days, being an orphan, and at the age of
twenty he struck out toward the west to make his own way. Coming first to
Cincinnati, he purchased a boat and went down the Ohio and Mississippi
rivers to Natchez, Mississippi, where he secured a job cutting cord wood.
Later, obtaining a flat boat, the subject's father traveled far up and down the
river selling wood, and in time acquired another boat, making trips as far
down the Mississippi as New Orleans. After engaging in this business for
some time he sold out, and as he was returning north on a steamboat he was
taken down with yellow fever, but managed to survive that terrible scourge.
On his recovery he came to Gibson county and obtained a piece of wild land
one mile north of Patoka, where he set about making a home, clearing the
land, erecting a cabin and planting crops. Here he lived the remainder of
his life, devoting his time to agriculture and stock raising, becoming a man of
prominence in his community. He died in his eighty-fourth year, while his
wife passed away at the age of eighty-six. In early life he was an old-line
Whig, but later became a Democrat. He and his wife were members of the
Cumberland Presbyterian church. To them were born the following chil-
dren : Nathaniel ; William Henry, a farmer at Princeton ; Mary is the widow
of William G. Cunningham and lives at Patoka: Vincent, a farmer and log-
ger at Patoka; Millie lives at Patoka; Nicholas B. is a farmer at Wheatland.
Indiana; Emma J. was the wife of John Trippert and both are deceased;
Edward is a retired farmer living at Princeton.
The early education of Nathaniel Hitch was acquired in a primitive pay
school. He lived at home until he reached his twentieth year, and then
traveled in many parts of the South and West. He taught school in Missouri
for a while and was engaged in different businesses. The subject was twice
married, first to Touisa Collins, of Missouri, and to this union was born one
child William E., who is a druggist in Wheatland, Indiana, and who married
512 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Florence Key. The subject's first wife died in Patoka. His second mar-
riage was to Ellen (Robb) Steelman, of White River township, Gibson
county, the daughter of David Rol^b, one of the prominent pioneers of this
county. To this union were born seven children, namely: Lluella married
George G. Curtner, of Lafayette, Indiana; Chauncy, a graduate of Purdue
University, is a druggist at Lafa3'ette, Indiana; Forest C. is in the barber
business at Chattanooga, Tennessee; Clarence lives in Lafayette, Indiana,
and is a traveling salesman; Othniel is also a traveling salesman of Lafayette,
Indiana; Purvis is a plumber at Evansville, Indiana; Paul, who is attending
school, is living at home. He attended Culver Military Academy in 191 1.
In 1866 Mr. Flitch returned to Gibson county for a brief period, and
then traveled through the West for some time. Returning in 1879, he pur-
chased land near Patoka and engaged in farming and stock raising. He
dealt extensively in land in that vicinity and in White River township, and
still owns land in the latter townhsip. In 19 10 he removed to Princeton and
located at his present home at No. 903 North Main street, where he is now
residing in honorable retirement.
Mr. Hitch is a well-read and well-posted man and is highly respected in
his community. Always taking an active interest in politics, he is allied
with the Progressive party. In matters of religious belief, he has been a
member of the Methodist church for manv vears.
ISAAC A. LOCKWOOD.
The biographies of the representative men of a county bring to light
many hidden treasures of mind, character and courage, well calculated to
arouse the pride of their family and of the community, and it is a source of
regret that the people are not more familiar with the personal history of such
men, in the ranks of whom may be found tillers of the soil, mechanics,
teachers, as well as lawyers, physicians, bankers and members of other voca-
tions and professions. The subject of this sketch is distinctively one of the
leading citizens of Gibson county, and as such has made his influence felt
among his fellow men and earned a name for enterprise, integrity and honor
that entitles him to worthy notice in a work of the nature of this volume.
Isaac A. Lockwood was born June 19, 1842, near Fort Branch, Gibson
countv, Indiana, the son of Stephen and Phoebe Tucker, who were born,
reared and married in New York City. The subject's parents, together with
ISAAC A. LOCKWOO
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 5I3
two families nametl Parrett and Evans, came west at an early date, and first
located at the place where Evansville, Indiana, now stands. The latter part of
their journey was made by means of flat boats on the river. At the time
they arrived at their stopping place there was but one cabin standin.s; on the
site of the present city of seventy thousand population. Stephen Lock-
wood secured eighty acres of land in what is now the main business section of
the city, where he put up a log cabin and established a home, later conducting
a store. About this time the state was 'completed from Evansville to
Vincennes, and the subject's father sold his land and store and remoxed to
Gibson county, locating near Fort Branch, on Pigeon creek. Here he erected
a home and a water-power saw-mill, and about 1834 entered a large tract of
land, on which he cut the first timber used in Princeton. Tie died in 1847 ■^"''
his wife passed away in 1875. He was a very active and successful business
man and made a great deal of money in the buying and selling of horses,
purchasing the animals in the north and taking them on flat boats to New
Orleans, where there was always a ready market at good prices. Tt is re-
lated that on his last trip down the river lie was the loser of a consideralile
.sum through accepting depreciated currency for his horses. On his return
he stopped at Nashville, Tennessee, for a night, and on seeking to settle his
bill for lodging was informed by the hotel man that his money was almost
worthless, its face value having dropped then to twenty-five cents on
the dollar. Steplien Lockwood died of winter fever while yet in the prime
of life. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
To them were born the following children : Phoebe was born in New York
Citv and died at the age of sixteen; James T., who was also born in New
York City, was a prominent and wealthy farmer in Gibson county; Susan,
deceased, was born in Indiana and married Thomas Dickson; John, who was
a farmer at Fort Branch, died in 191 1 ; Martha, who died in 11)09, was the
wife of Nemaw Picou, who went into the Confederate army and ne\er re-
turned; Sarah, deceased, was the wife of Nehemiali Garrison; Isaac A.;
Phoebe Ann, deceased, married !'>;ink Sherm:ni and thev lived in Codatt,
\\'isconsin.
Isaac A. Lockwood received but little edncation in the subscription
school, earlv in life being compelled to do a man's part in the work on the
home place, helping his mother to keep the family together after the death
of his father. On June 12, 1862. the subject enlisted in Company B, Fifty-
eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantrv. at Princeton, and. after being outfitted
(33)
5-14 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
and drilled at Indianapolis, the company joined its regiment at Bardstown,
Kentucky, and was attached to the Army of the Cumberland, taking part in
all the engagements in which that army corps was engaged. On September
19, 1863, Mr. Lockwood was wounded during the battle of Chickamauga,
being shot through the lungs and ribs, and in his injured condition he was
caiitured by the Confederates, being kept prisoner for fourteen days under
the worst possible circumstances. The prisoners' beds were piles of stone
covered with brush and they were fed on the ground wheat and cockle so
well remembered by those who were unfortunate enough to have been "guests"
of the South. Later Mr. Lockwood was exchanged and sent to the Union
lines under a flag of truce. He was first taken to Chattanooga and housed in
an old brick warehouse, and no beds or bedding being provided, the subject, ye'-
suffering terribly from his wound, was compelled to lie on the damp floor,
and he recalls that when he awoke in the morning he could hardly move.
He was in the hospital at Chattanooga for fifty days and was then taken
with many other wounded soldiers to a point across the river from Bridge-
port, Alabama, where they laid out in the woi^k fur five days, then being
loaded into box cars. Five weary da\s were ci)nsiune<l in reaching Mur-
freesboro, where the train was'stopi^ed to take off the dead and those not
expected to live. Mr. Lockwood being in the latter class and not far from
the former. For thirty days the subject remained at Mnrfreesboro, and then
was able to take advantage of a thirty days' furlough and return home,
reaching home on Christmas eve. However, his troubles were not at an end,
for three days later he was taken down with small-pox and was confined to
his bed for fortv da}'s. On his recovery he reported to Camp Chase, Ohio,
was exchanged and joined the army again, being thereafter in the great
Atlanta camj^aign with Sherman on his "march to the sea." A participant in
the Grand Review at Washington. D. C, the subject received an honorable
discharge June 12, 1S65, at Indianapolis, and returned to his home.
On March 13, 1866, Mr. Lockwood was united in marriage to Sue M.
Foreman, of Baltimore, IMaryland, the tlaughter of J. T. Foreman. Mrs.
Lockwood's father, in 1859, traded two steamboats and all the other prop-
ertv he possessed for tliree thousand acres of land near Tallahassee, Ten-
nessee, which he had never seen, some of it settled by squatters. Here he
Iniilt a fine home and made many improvements, and continued to live until
in 1863, after the battle of Stone's River, he and his family left the estate and
came to Gibson county, Indiana. ^Ir. Foreman was a strong sympathizer
with the Union cause, and he never went back to claim the land, nor have
GIBSON COL-NTV, INDIANA. 315
any of his heirs. The family secured a lar^c tract of land near Fort I'.ranch
called the Sol Revis farm and here the\ passe.l the rest of their days, the
father of Airs. Lc^kwood dying on this i.lacc, as tlid also his wife. The
subject's wife died January ij . i8S(). after hearing' to Mr. Lockwood the
following children: l'hoel>e Josephine died in infancy; .\nna Luella mar-
ried Stephen Thomas and they lixe northwest of (ireencastle. Indiana; Ste-
phen VV. and Francis \\. died in infanc)-; Aland is comkicting manicuring and
hair dressing parlors at i'rinceton: h.lla is the wife of Joseph Kern, of
Princeton; William Rodgers is in the hutcher business at livansville. In-
diana; xAllen died in infancy.
F'ollowing his marriage, Mr. Lt)ckwood engaged in farming near Fort
Branch, continuing there until 1871. and after spending a year in Patoka
removed to Evansville, where for eighteen years he followed the. vocation of
carpenter and contractor. In 1890 he came to I'rinceton and helped build
the Southern railroad shops. For the last eight years he has Jiad the Gibson
county agency for the medicines and soaps of T. M. Sayman, of St, Louis,
and has built up a very remunerative Inisiness in this line.
Air. Lockwood is a remarkabl}' well [ireserved man for his age, is active
and keeps fully posted on current e\ents. his up-to-date and progressive ideas
and methods having made him a nirui wIionc advice is often sought by his
many friends. He is a member of .\rciier I'ost, Grand .\rmy of the Re-
public, at Princeton, and belongs to the Methodist Fpisco])al church.
.\SHCRAFT.
ately a man \
vho
tained a posit
.ion
BENJAMIN KKITIl
It is not an easy task to (lescril)e ade(|uately a man who lia> led
nently active and busy life and who has attained a position of relative di
tinction in the community in which his interests were allied. I'.ut biography
finds its most perfect justification ntverlheless, in the tracing aii'l recording
of such a life history. It is, then, with a full ai)preciation of all that is de-
manded and of the painstaking scrutin\- that must be accorded each statement,
and yet with a feeling of satisfaction, that the writer essays the task of
touching briefly upon the details of such a record as was that of the gentle-
man whose name heads this paragraph, who, though long since passed over
that "dark river," yet still lives in the memories of his fellow men as one who
lived well his life.
Benjamin Keith .\shcraft was born in Grayson county. Kentucky. His
5i6 GIBSON COUNTYj INDIANA.
great-grandfather, Jeremiah Ashcraft, removed in an early day from Penn-
sylvania to Kentucky and located in Grayson county, where he purchased
land for his three sons, Jacob, John and Daniel. x-Vfter thus giving them a
start in life, the great-grandfather of the subject started back to the Keystone
state, but on the way was attacked and killed by Indians.
Daniel Ashcraft was the grandfather of the subject. He was ,a soldier
in the border wars during the Indian troubles and was twice wounded, his
wife also being wounded once. He was born March 13, 1768, and died June
5, 1842. He married Sarah Dye October 18, 1793. She was born March 21,
1775, and died September 17, 1845.
One 'of the sons of Daniel Ashcraft was Jediah, the father of the sub-
ject. Jediah was born December 12, 1794. He married Ann Wilson, of
Grayson county, Kentucky, I'^ebruary 10, 1820, she having been born October
19, 1797. They were the parents of four sons and five daughters and were
early setlers in Gibson county. Their children were : Elizabeth, who mar-
ried a Mr. Lamb; Emily is the wife of Lewis Laws; Benjamin Keith; James
and Joseph, who settled in Illinois; Eliza, deceased, never married; Thomas
located in Illinois; one daughter died in infancy.
Although the subject received a very limited education, he hail become,
by constant reading and observation, quite a scholarly man, his remarkable
memory being a great help to him in his readings. Early in life he went with
his parents to Richland county, Illinois, and settled ten miles southeast of
Olney, where he worked out for several years. On August 21, i860, Mr.
Ashcraft was married to Tirzah M. Stewart, of White River township, Gib-
son county, Indiana, a daughter of Rev. Samuel A. and Lucinda (Howe)
Stewart. Rev. Samuel A. Stewart was born in Virginia, and after living in
Grayson county, Kentucky, for a period, came to this county and settled in
White River township, entering virgin land from the government. In addi-
tion to cultivating his land, which comprised one hundred acres, he was a
minister of the Methodist Episcopal church. His death occurred on the home
place, while his wife died in Princeton. Perhaps the most dominant and
notable characteristic of Mrs. Ashcraft's father was his fidelity to truth and
honor. He invariably sought the things that were "honest and of good re-
port." In the training of his children no precepts were so constantly or so
urgently insisted upon as those which concern sound and worthy character.
He taught that honor and truthfulness were of such commanding worth that
self interests should never under any circumstances set them aside. These
principles were the standards by which he estimated men and to which he
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 517
religiously held himself. Whatever else he might do or fail to do, he meant
to be in all his actions right before his Creator and his fellow men. His life
was an inspiration to all who knew him, and iiis memory remains to his
friends and surviving children as a blessed lienediction of a noble and upright
character. While advancing his individual interests, he never lost sight of
his obligations to the community in general, and during his mature life he
held a hgh place in the confidence and esteem of all who knew him.
To the parents of Mrs. Ashcraft were born eleven children : Elizabeth,
deceased, was the wife of Andrew Milburn; William S. is deceased; Thomas,
who was a farmer in White River township, married Susan Hudelson and
both are now deceased; Robert died young; Tirzah. the subject's wife; John
Wesley, deceased, was a farmer and a soldier in the Civil war. He married
Emma Lawrence, who is now living in White River township; Mary J., the
widow of Frank Taylor, a Civil war veteran, Uves in Princeton ; Nathaniel
Floyd, who was also in the army, married Addie Lennox : Sarah Ellen,
Rachael and Lucien died young.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Ashcraft li\ed in Richland ccninty,
Illinois, for ten years, and then came to Gibson county, Indiana, and located
on the old Stewart homestead in White River township, taking care of Mrs.
Stewart in her old age. After her death they continued on the home place
until their removal to Princeton, where the subject died on March 17. 1897.
While never seeking public office, Mr. Ashcraft was interested in the
success of the Democratic party, while his religious affiliation was with the
Methodist Episcopal church. His widow, who was born June 20, 1S33, is an
estimable lady and is very well known in Princeton and Gibson county. She
is very well preserved for her age and is a plea.sing woman to converse with.
She has done a great deal of hair art work and some painting, her habit being
to always be busy.
LUTHER BENSON.
The gentleman whose name appears at the head of this biographical
review needs no introduction to the people of Gibson county, since his entire
life has been spent here, a life devoted not only to the fostering of his own
interests, but also to the welfare of the community at large. An honorable
representative of one of the esteemed families of his community and a gentle-
man of high character and worthy ambitions, he has filled no small place in
the public view, as the important official positions he has held bear witness.
5l8 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
He is a splendid type of the intelligent, up-to-date, self-made American in the
full sense of the term, a man of the people, with their interests at heart. As
a citizen he is progressive and abreast of the times in all that concerns the
common weal. Although a partisan, with strong convictions and well de-
fined opinions on questions on which men and parties divide, he has the
esteem and confidence of the people of the community and his friends are in
number as his acquaintances, regardless of party ties.
Luther Benson, the subject of this sketch, was born January 25, 1877,
the son of Sylvester and Nancy A. (Ewing) Benson. Sylvester Benson was
born in Montgomery township, Gibson county, July 10. 1823, and has re-
mained in this county since, he now being its oldest living resident, having
reached the age of ninety. During his long lifetime he has followed agricul-
ture for a livelihood. He served three terms as a county commissioner, being
elected in 1876, 1879 and 1882, and was a member of the board when the
present court house was built. His wife died March 10, 1899. They were
the parents of eight children, of whom seven survive : William C. lives in
Owensville; James E., Benjamin F. and Jphn G. are farmers, and live north-
west t^LQwensville; Mrs. Margaret Johifeort lives in Centralia, Illinois; Mrs. • p,p
Lilly Scot? 'lives on the old home place; Luther. The subject's grandfather,''"^ J ^
William Benson, came to Gibson county from Kentucky at an early date. I o ' V
Luther Benson was educated in the common schools of Montgomery
township and the Owensville high school, this being supplemented by a course
in Indiana University. Deciding on the practice of law for his life work,
he began the study of that profession, and was admitted to the bar in 1900,
since that time having been actively engaged in his profession, being highly
respected, not only for his brilliant legal attainments, but for his intense in-
terest in all that will advance the interests of his community.
On April 5, 1899, Mr. Benson was united in marriage with Gertrude
Johnson, daughter of Henry Johnson, of Owensville. This union has been
blessed by the birth of two daughters, Pauline and Mary.
The subject has always taken a deep interest in political affairs and was a
member of the Indiana Legislature in the session of 1906-7, having been
elected on the Republican ticket, during which term he was active in behalf
of many good measures and his services as a legislator were highly appre-
ciated by his constituents. Mr. Benson is now allied with the Progressive
party.
The Benson family on the paternal side came from good old Irish stock,
the great-grandfather, James Benson, having left the Emerald Isle and emi-
^ GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 5I9
grated to America before the Revolutionary war, and in that struggle he was
a soldier under General Washington. He settled in Pennsylvania and re-
sided in that state until 1787, when he removed to Miller's Station, Bourbon
county, Kentucky, where he lived until his death. He married Mary Taylor,
who was born at Little York, Pennsylvania, in 1760, and she died in Gibson
county, Indiana. They were the parents of a large family of children, but
none is now living. Sylvester P.enson, father of the subject, was born July
10, 1823, and learned the trade of wheelwright with his ratnen' He remained
at home until the fall of 1845, when his father gave him eighty acres of land,
only se\-en acres of which were improved. Dexoting himself industriously
to the cultivation and development of his holdings, the subject's father was
so successful in his management of affairs that he eventually became one of
the largest land owners in the county. He was married July 10, 1867, to
Nancy Ann Ewing, who was born in Jasper, Dubois county, Indiana, the
daughter of Moses and Nancy ( Stillwell) Ewing. Judging from the emi-
nently worthy record of Mr. Benson in the past and the fact that he is only
in the prime of life, the future for him will evidently be replete witli honor
and greater success than he has yet achieved.
JAMES P. COX.
A man whose influence has been potent for the promotion and dissem-
ination of the literature of the General Baptist church is James I'. Co.x. who
is now editor of the Baptist Messenger, of Owensvillc, Indiana. He was born
in Posey county, Indiana, October 5, 1859, the son n{ Josliua and Caroline
(Britton) Cox, his father being a native of Indiana and his mother of Ken-
tucky. Mr. Cox received his common school education in Posey county, and
early in life entered a printing office to learn the practical side of i)rinting.
After qualifying as a printer he traveled for some years in the West and
South as a journeyman printer, settling permanently in Owensville, Indiana,
in 1887, where he established the Baptist Messenger, a weekly Baptist pajier,
which covers several states. In addition to his editorial duties as manager of
the church paper, he also ])ublished the Gibson Comity Star, a local paper, for
about fifteen years. In 1914 he sold this local organ to the ])resent owner,
but still continues as editor of the Baptist Me.fsenger.
In 1900 Mr. Co.x took a trip to the Old World and visited F,nglantl,
France, Belgium, Holland and other countries. He attended the Interna-
520 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
tional Christian Endeavor convention held in London and also visited the
Paris Exposition.
Mr. Cox has always been very active in the affairs of the General Bap-
tist church, and has held various offices in this denomination. He is now
secretary of the General Association of General Baptists, also of Liberty As-
sociation of General Baptists, as well as secretary of the board of trustees of
Oakland City College, which is managed by this church. Fraternally, he is a
member of the Knights of Pythias and the Tribe of Ben-Hur. Mr. Cox has
been a leader in the affairs of his church for many years and his counsel and
advice are frecjuently sought by the members of his denomination. His paper
has a wide circulation among the members of this church and is recognized
as one of the leading church papers of the country.
Mr. Cox was married in 1900 to Sabra Barton, the daughter of John
and Isabel (Barnes) Barton, of \^anderburg county, Indiana. They are the
parents of three children. Mr. Cox also has a daughter by a former marriage.
ALBERT MILLS.
Agriculture has been an honored vocation from the earliest ages and as
a usual thing men of honorable and humane impulses, as well as those of
energy and thrift, have been patrons of husbandry. The free out-of-door
life of the farmer has a decided tendency to foster and develop that inde-
pendence of mind and self-reliance which characterizes true manhood and no
truer blessing can befall a boy than to be reared in close touch with nature
in the healthful, life-inspiring labor of the fields. It has always been the
fruitful soil from which have sprung the moral bone and sinew of the coun-
try, and the majority of our nation's great warriors, renowned statesmen and
distinguished men of letters were born on the farm and were indebted largely
to its early influence for the distinction which they have attained.
Albert Mills, who was born about five miles east of Princeton.
Gibson county, Indiana, on May 5, 1843, ^^as the son of Durston
and Louisa (Stapleton) Mills. Durston Mills was born on June 5, 1804, in
Kennebec county, Maine, and was married on December 16, 1827, to Louisa
Stapleton, who was born on April 28, 1808, in Robinson county, Tennessee.
The subject's paternal grandfather, James Mills, was born in Kennebec
county, Maine, in 1767, and married Rachel Courson. who was born in Maine
in 1769, their marriage occurring in 1789. Their children were Effie, born
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 521
in 1790; Richard, born in 1792; Zyasa, born 1794; Asa, in 1796; Bracket, in
1798; Daniel, 1800; James, 1802; Durston, 1S04: John. 1806; Mary, 1808;
Samuel, 1810, and Caroline, 1812.
James Mills, with his wife and children. left Maine in October. 1810. and
came to Indiana in 1811. the long and tiresome journey from Maine being
they came by boat to Evansville. then known as Smith\-ille. thence by wagon
to Gibson county, settling four miles west of Princeton, on what is known as
the Hudelson farm. They lived there for a while, but. on account of milk
sickness, they moved to White Oak Hills, four miles east of Princeton, where
James Mills bought eight hundred acres nf timber land. Here he cleared a
place, put up a' frame building, in which they started to make a home and
clear the land. Eventually they located on what is now known as the Hyslop
farm on the Patoka river, where they spent the remaining years of their lives,
their deaths occurring as the result of milk sickness. Mr. Mills was a deacon
in the Quaker church and a man well known and highly respected. The sub-
ject's father was married in November, 1827, and soon afterwards
located on one hundred and twenty acres of land in what is now Center
township, Gibson county, which he improved and developed into a good
farm and which he operated until his death, which occurred on May 14,
1875, being survived by his widow, who died in 1882. He was a cabinet-
maker by trade and also a farmer, and built many flat boats on the Patoka
river at Wheeling, being one of the first to engage in that work there. He
was one of the leading agriculturists of his time in Gibson county and assisted
in the organization of the agricultural society here in the early days. He
was a Whig in politics during his early years, but on the organization of the
Republican party he cast his fortunes with that party. His children were as
follows: Berrilla, born March 14, 1829. and a twin, who died in infancy; the
former married Joseph Greek; Adelia, born February 14. 183 1. became the
wife of Charles King; Cecelia Ann. born September 2. 1832, became the wife
of Henry Bucklin; Zelissa. born November 8. 1833, l)ecame the wife of Samuel
Greek; Byron, born January 6. 1835, married Mary Jane Curry: Horace
Ames, born November 20. 1838. died at the age of eighteen years; Elvira,
born August 15, 1840, died unmarried: All)ert and Almena, twins, born
May 5, 1843; the latter became the wife of Edgar ^Nlills; John and Mary,
twins, born November 19, 1846; John was married twice, first to a Miss Paul
and, second, to Fannie King; ]\Iary became the wife of Lewis Olds! Those
living of these children are All)ert, the sul)ject of this sketch: John, who is
522 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
living at Huntingburg, Indiana, is employed with the Southern Railroad
Company, and Mary, who lives with a son in California.
The subject of this sketch was deprived of many opportunities for se-
curing education in his youth, the only school in the neighborhood being one
of the typical log subscription schools of that period. He lived on the pater-
nal homestead until 1865, when, after his marriage, he and his w'ife located
on a farm in Center township, one and one-half miles northeast of his father's
old home. There he obtained eighty acres of land known as the Weidenbach
farm, which he cleared and improved, and which he made his home until
1870, when he moved to Princeton. He was elected constable of Patoka
township, in which position he served four years and was then interested in
the saw-mill business for twenty-five years, also following carpenter work
about ten years. He has been employed by the Southern Railroad Company
at their shops for the past ten years, and is numbered among their most
faithful and efficient employes.
On September 20, 1865, Mr. Mills married Polly Ann Yeager, who was
born in Center township, Gibson county, Indiana, the daughter of J. V. and
Polly Duncan Yeager. These parents, who were both born and reared in
Virginia, came in an early day to Gibson county, Indiana, settling in Center
township. Mrs. Mills' paternal grandfather, Daniel Yeager, settled near
Owensville, Indiana, where he successfully conducted a farm. His son, J. V.,
also obtained a tract of wild land in Center township, which he cleared and
where he established his permanent home. He died on his uncle Nicholas
Yeager's old homestead near Owensville. He was three times married, his
second marriage being with Catherine Taylor, and his third wife was Mrs.
Elizabeth (Johnson) McCIeary, the widow of Willis McClear}-. To J. V.
Yeager's first marriage were born the following children : Nancy, the widow
of Chesterfield Woolsy, w'ho lives near Owensville; Chatty, who became the
wife of Samuel Mauck, of near Owensville, and both are now deceased;
Greenljerry was a soldier in the Civil war, serving for two years with Com-
pany B, Fifty-eighth Regiment Indiana A'olunteer Infantry, and later being a
memljer of the First Indiana .Cavalry. He later l^ecame a farmer in Ringold,
Texas. He married Sallie Creek. To Albert Mills and wife the following
children have been born : Clarence R., who was chief clerk for the roadmaster
of the Southern- Railroad Company, married Mantha Redmond, and his death
occurred on March 27, 1912. His widow now makes her home at New
Albany, Indiana. They had two children, Helen and Mildred; Ida M. is at
home with her parents; Hortense became the wife of John F. Ligon, of
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 523
Williamson, \\'est \"irginia, and they have two children, Norman !'. and John
F., Jr.; Rollin married Willie iMarie Mayheld, of Walnut Springs, Texas, a
mechanic for the Southern Railroad Company, and thev have one child, Kollin
\'incent; Hazel, the wife of Ronald E. Mangrum. ut l'itts1)urg, Kansas, and
they have two children, Margaret E. and Ronald M.
Reverting to the subject's ancestral history, it is stated that his maternal
grandmother, Louisa (Stapleton) Mills, was a daughter of Jcjshua Stapleton,
who was born on January 28, 1782, and who married Elizabeth Elmore,
whose birth occurred on July 100, 178S. They came from Robinson county,
Tennessee, to Gibson county, Indiana, in 1816, settling five miles east of
Princeton in the woods, where they obtained a tract of wild land and here
they established their permanent home, the father following the pursuit of
farming here until his death. To ihem were burn the folldwing children:
Louisa, the subject's mother; Polly, born May 7, 1810: Thirza, burn March
9, 1812; Catherine, born April 5, 1S1-I ; Alinerva, born April 21, 1816: llan-
nah, born July 13, 1818; Elizabeth, born August 28, 1820: Alexander D.,
born January 2Q, 1823; Travis E., born April 22, 1825; i^achel. born Xovem-
ber 13, 1827, and Amanda, born October 5, 1830.
Politically, Albert Mills was a stanch supporter of the Republican party
up to 1884. when he cast his vote for James G. Blaine for President, but since
that time he has been aligned with the Prohibition party, of which he is an
enthusiastic supporter, belie\ing that the temperance question is the greatest
issue now before the American people. Religiously, he ant! his wife are
members of the United Presbyterian church at Princeton. Mr. Mills is a
member of Archer Post, Grand Army of the Repnlilic, at Princeton, of which
he is a charter member, his connection with this organization being particu-
larly consistent from the fact that on October 21, 1861, he enlisted in de-
fense of his country as a private in Company B, Fift\'-eighth Regiment In-
diana Volunteer Infantry, at Princeton. The command went by boat to
Louisville, Kentucky, and then on to the front, taking part in the battles of
La \'ergne. Stone's River, and at Chickamauga, Tennessee, on September
20, 1863, where Mr. Mills was captured and taken to Richmond, being
confined first in Libby prison and later in the I'eniberton building. In
November. 1863, he was taken to Danville, Virginia, and ke]>t a jjrisoner
there until Mav. 1864, and was confined in the notorious .\ndersonville
prison until September loth of that year, when he was taken to Charles-
ton, South Carolina, and kept a prisoner at the Race Course near that
point until November 7, 1864. when he was taken to Florence, South
524 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Carolina, remaining there until February 22, 1865. From that point he was
taken first to VVihnington, North CaroHna, and thence to Goldsboro, that
state, and on February 27, 1865, was paroled. While ^t Wilmington, North
Carolina, Mr. Mills was taken very sick with swamp fever and was in the
hospital from February until April. He was honorably discharged from the
service on April 10, 1865, after an experience of more than ordinary priva-
tions and hardships, having been a prisoner of war and in prison seventeen
months and six days. Of these experiences he retains a vivid memory and
recounts in an interesting manner his experiences in Southern prison pens
and stockades. Despite the tremendous hardships undergone by him,
he is remarkably well preserved physically, and is keenly alive to passing
events, keeping in close touch with the current issues of the day. For some
time Mr. Mills has been weather observer for Gibson county. He is widely
known throughout this locality and is held in high esteem by all who know
him.
LOUIS WIRTH.
Dividing his time between the pursuit of agriculture and the management
of a grain elevator, Louis Wirth naturally leads a very busy life, but as he is
the possessor of a large amount of energy and perseverance he seems to
derive pleasure from the fact that he is kept so busy. Mr. Wirth traces his
lineage on both sides of the family back to the land of the Kaiser and the
thrift and frugal habits which characterize all of our German population are
found in him. He is a man who has known what it is to take disappoint-
ments and discouragements and yet through it all he has maintained his
optimistic nature and today stands as one of the prosperous citizens of Gib-
son county.
Louis Wirth, the son of Nicholas and Fredericka (Stolpp) Wirth, was
born November 6, 1866, in Baltimore, Maryland. His father was a native
of Germany and came to this country when a young man and settled in Balti-
more, where he was married. His wife's parents also were natives of Ger-
many. Nicholas Wirth was a tinner by trade and during a long and busy life
he was compelled by the force of circumstances to change his place of resi-
dence several times in order to obtain employment. In i860 he moved from
Baltimore to Gibson county, and located near Fort Branch on a farm.
Previous to his coming to Gibson county he worked in an oyster canning fac-
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 525
tory as a tinner at Baltimore, and was also in the employ of the United States
government as a tinner. After he lost his place in the government service he
came to Gibson county, Indiana. He was more than an ordinary tinner; in
fact, he was a positive genius at the work. The government recognized his
ability in this line and made him a foreman at Galveston, Texas, with a gang
of men under his employ and paid him a salary of seven dollars a day. He
invented the first ice cream freezer which had a turning paddle in it, and
several other minor inventions, none of which, however, netted him the finan-
cial returns which he deserved. Before coming to Gibson county the first
time Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Wirth had one child, Lula, who was born in
Baltimore and died at the age of four years. The second child, Mrs. Cather-
ine Brothers, who lives about four miles east of Fort Branch, was born in
Gibson county, and after her birth the family moved back to Baltimore,
where the third child, Mrs. Caroline Woods, of Gibson county, was born.
The next child was born on the second return to Gibson county from Mary-
land. This child, Fredericka Cannavan, now lives on a farm in Patoka town-
ship. His fortunes turned again and for the third time the family returned
to Baltimore from Gibson county, and there the fifth child, Louis, the im-
mediate subject of this brief sketch, was born in 1866. Some time later Mr.
and Mrs. Nicholas Wirth again moved back to Indiana, settling in Pike
county, where the sixth and seventh children, Charles W. and Josei)h, were
born. Charles W. is a farmer living two and one-half miles northwest of
Buckskin, Indiana; Joseph died in infancy. Some time after the l)irth of the
two last named children, the family moved to Gibson county, where the
eighth child, Nicholas, was born, and he now lives on the old home place near
Fort Branch, where his father died March 21, 1895, his wife surviving him
until June 7, 1907. Thus ends the career of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Wirth,
who were good, substantial German citizens, rearing a large family and doing
their full duty toward their home and the nation throughout their whole
career. The fact that when Air. \\^irth was out of work in one place he had
that he was a man of more than ordinary ability and certainl\- more than
the courage to go to some other place in order to secure employment, shows
ordinary courage.
Louis Wirth, as may be seen from the foregoing account, must have
inherited some of the wonderful stamina and perseverance whicli character-
ized his parents and a review of his life shows this to be the fact. He was
educated in common schools and completed the course in the Fort Branch
526 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
high school in Gibson county. His boyhood days were spent on the farm
where he learned the science of farming in a very practical manner. When
he became twenty-five years of age he married and immediately moved onto a
farm and started to make his fortune. After working on the farm for three
years, he moved to Haubstadt and clerked in a store there for three or four
months, but seeing a better chance of success on the farm, he returned to his
agricultural pursuits. In August, 1899, he went to work for the Cumberland
Telephone Company at Nashville, Tennessee, and learned all of the intricacies
of this business. Within a short time he came back to Indiana and took
charge of the telephone exchange at Boonville, whei^e he remained for one
year. He then returned to his farm, where he worked with a will for the
next ti\e \ears, getting his farm into a high state of cultivation and adding to
it. He inherited forty acres of land from his father, and by his thrift and
economical way of living he added another forty acres to this. After a pros-
perous li\e }ears on the farm he received an opportunity of taking control
of the Evansville Melrose Milling Company, having worked prior for the
Princeton Elevator Company, and shortly afterward was transferred to the
grain elevator at King's Station in his home county. The company sold this
elevator and he then went to the Weese Welborn Company, of Princeton,
where he has continued in charge for the past nine years. During all of this
time he has lived on his own farm and has had general management of it.
He rents out his fields and in this way keeps a close supervision upon every-
thing that is done on his farm. Pie now has a fine home, good barns and out-
buildings and his farm is in first class condition in every particular.
Louis Wirth was married June 2, 1891, to Lillie Olmstadt. the daughter
of S. L. and Martha (Montgomery) Olmstadt, both of her parents being
natives of Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. A'Virth are the parents of two children,
one who died in infancy, and Gladys, born June 2^, 1904. Air. ^Virth, in
bis political affiliations, has always identified himself with the Democratic
party, but has always confined his political activities to the casting of his \'ote
at all elections. Fraternallv, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of
America at Princeton. He is a member of the Christian church at Princeton
and his wife of the General Baptist church at White church, near Princeton.
Mr. Wirth is one of the best known of the German citizens of Gibson county,
and his career has been without a blemish in every respect. He is a pleasant
man to meet, possessing sociable qualities and bears a reputation for honesty
throughout the county.
GIPSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 527
JOFIN K. KIXG.
A review of the life of the honored and lamented subject of this sketch
must of necessity be brief and general in its character. To enter fully into
the interesting details of his career, touching the struggles of his early man-
hood and successes of later days, would far transcend the limits of this article.
He filled a large place in the ranks of the enterprising and public-spirited
men of his day and generation and the luster of his deeds and the memories
which attach to his name and character form no inconsiderable chapter in the
history of the community where he did his work and achieved his success.
Sufficient is submitted, we believe, to prove him entitled to the honorable
position he long occupied among the bra\e and energetic self-made men of
Indiana, who by enterprise and unswerving integrity forged to the front
despite all opposition and won for the grand old Hoosier state a place second
to none in the bright constellation comprising the Union of American states.
That he did his part nobly and well cannot be gainsaid, and. though dead, he
yet speaketh in the work which he accomplished and in the many kindly deeds
and wholesome influence which not only his friends, but the community as
well, prize as a grateful heritage.
John K. Iving was born in Gibson county, Indiana, October 30, 1833,
and died at his home in Princeton on September j, 191 1. He was a son of
John and Sarah (Kirkman) Iving, his father a native of North Carolina, his
mother an orphan who was reared by Judge Henry Hopkins, the man who
gave the land for the site of the present city of Princeton. The original King
family came from Virginia. Samuel Iving, the father of John Iving, came
from North Carolina to Indiana and settled in Gibson county near Fort
Branch when that place was only an Indian jiost. At that time the father of
the subject of this sketch was a babe in arms. Here he was reared to manhood
and here married Sarah Kirkman in 18 18 and immediately after their mar-
riage they entered governmenl land near King's St-ilion. To Air. and Mrs.
John King were born ten children, only two of whom are living, Henry, who
lives at Mitchell, Smith Dakota, and Jane wlm li\es with John K. King's
widow. The other eight children are as follows; George W., born in i8jo;
Nancy Ann, 1821 ; Samuel, 1823; Robert, 1825: William, 1827: Caroline,
1831 ; John K., 1833: Henry, 1835: Louisa. 1839: James, 1840.
John K. King received a very limited education, his schooling being con-
fined to the district schools. He was reared to the life of a farmer and fol-
lowed that occupation throughout his life. .\t the outbreak oi the Civil war
528 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
he enlisted in Company A, Eightieth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry,
and served throughout the entire war as a private. He saw service in some
of the hardest fought battles of that memorable struggle, and was wounded
at the battle of Resaca, Georgia. Immediately after the close of the war he
returned to Gibson county, where he was married in 1866 to Helen Hopkins,
and bought his father's farm from the rest of the heirs and continued to
operate this farm until he retired from active life in 1897 and moved to
Princeton. To Mr. and Mrs. John K. King were born four children, all of
whom are living in the city of Princeton at the present time, Charles K., J.
Herbert, Roy P. and Mrs. Ruth Mulhall.
Throughout his long life Mr. King was a stanch supporter of the Re-
publican party and was a prominent figure in the local campaigns of his
party. He was never an applicant for public office, but upon one occasion he
was induced to accept the office of township assessor and discharged the du-
ties of that office in Patoka township to the entire satisfaction of his fellow
citizens. The only organization with which he was connected in a fraternal
way was the Grand Army of the Republic, and in this he took a great deal of
interest. His religious affiliations were with the Methodist Episcopal
church. It is needless to say that Mr. King worked hard and honorably
and the reputation which he enjoyed as one of the public-spirited citizens of
his locality was honestly earned, and his name will ever be linked with that
of the community so long honored by his citizenship and whose interests
had no more zealous and sympathetic supporter. He lived a life of which
his children may well be proud and it is to their credit that they are carrying
forward nobly the work which characterized the whole life of their father
and are doing their full share towards elevating the miiral and civic life of
their community.
MRS. SARAH A. YOUNGMAN.
Wholly devoted to home and domestic duties, doing through all the best
years of her life the lowly but sacred work that comes within her sphere,
there is not much to record concerning the average woman. And yet, what
station so dignified, what relation so loving and endearing, what offices so
holy, tender and ennobling as those of home-making wifehood and mother-
hood. A man's equal in every qualification except the physical, and his
superior in the gentle, tender and loving amenities of life, she fully merits
MRS. SARAH A. YOUNGMAN.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 529
a much larger notice than she urdinaril}- receives, and tlie writer of these
lines is optimistic enough to indulge in the prediction that in no distant future
she will receive due credit for the important part she acts in life's great
drama and be accorded her proper place in history and biography. The
foregoing lines are prompted by a review of the life of one of Princeton's
grand old ladies, Mrs. Sarah A. Youngman, who is numbered among the most
respected and esteemed residents of this favored community.
George Forbes, father of Mrs. Youngman, was born in Ireland. W'hen
a young man he came to America, and finally took up his abode in Prince-
ton, being one of the pioneers of the community. He was engaged in farming
all of his life. His wife was Ann Kirkman, and to them were born
six children ; Jane, who married Logan Gathway, both <leceased : Elizabeth,
who became the wife of Alexander Span, and both are now dead : ]\Iary,
who married David Snyder, both deceased ; Abner, the sole son of the
family, who never married. He was a farmer; Emily, who became the wife
of Warren Hmlspeth, and both have died; Sarah Ann (Mrs. "^'oungman)
was the third child, and was born in Princeton on October 22, 1827. Mrs.
George Forbes was a great worker in the Methodist Episcopal church and
reared her family in strict accordance with its tenets. Her death oc-
curred in 1842, the same year as that of her husband.
Mrs. Youngman's first husband was Lewis Carpenter. Their marriage
was solemnized December 27, 1849, and he died in 1852. By trade he was
a plasterer and bricklayer. One child came to this union, William Louis,
a blacksmith of Princeton, Indiana, whose first wife was Dora Spain. His
second wife was Lillie Williams, and to them have been born three children,
Louis, Nellie and Lucille.
In 1854 Mrs. Youngman was married to William Thurston, a merchant
of Pennsylvania. One child was Ijurn to this union, Emma Jane, who is the
wife of Charles Small, of Evansville, Indiana. In February, 1S67, she was
married to Jacob C. Youngman, of I'rinceton, Gibson county, Indiana. He
was engaged in the real estate business. He went to California later, and
there died. One daughter, Katherine, was born to this union June 3, 1S68,
who is one of the leading nuisic teachers of Princeton and makes her home
with her mother.
Mrs. Youngman has always been an advocate of the highest and best
in womanhood and, despite her advanced age, retains her mental and physical
faculties to a marked degree, honored and respected by all who know her.
f34)
530 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
She was an active business woman for many years, having engaged in the
millinery business for a period of twenty-five years, also conducting a hotel
for many years. In the year 1876 she retired from active business life, hav-
ing made a great success of her undertakings. Mrs. Youngman is now the
oldest living woman who was born in Gibson county, Indiana.
FRANKLIN TURPIN.
The gentleman of whom the biographer now writes is widely known as
one of the honored pioneers of Gibson county, aad for almost three-quarters
of a century has lived here, since reaching mature years having been a valued
factor in the development of this community. His well-directed energies in
the practical affairs of life, his capable management of his own interests and
his sound judgment have demonstrated what may be accomplished by the
man of energy and ambition, who, persevering often in the face of seemingly
insurmountable obstacles, proves that he is possessed of those innate cjuali-
ties that never fail to bring success if properly directed, as they have evi-
dently been in the case of that honored and respected veteran of the Civil
war and successful agriculturist, whose name heads this biographical review.
Franklin Turpin was born in Washington township, Gibson county,
Indiana, April 8, 1840, the son of Alfred and Mahala (Mayhall) Turpin,
natives of Kentuck}', who came with their parents to Gibson county at an
early date. Alfred was a son of William Turpin, of Ireland, who married a
Miss Slavin. William came to America as a young man and first resided in
Henderson county, Kentucky, removing to Gibson county, Indiana, in 1830,
and locating in the forest in Washington township, where he wrested a home
from the wilderness and lived the rest of his da^-s. \Villiani Turpin and
wife were the parents of six children, namely: Alfred, the subject's father;
Isaac, who lived in Washington township, but died in Knox county; Jeffer-
son and Calvin also lived in Washington township ; Betsey and Sarah.
The subject's maternal grandfather, William ]\fayhall, was known as
"Uncle Billv." He was a native of Kentucky and came to Gibson county
about 1830, first settling in White River township and later in Washington
township. He died on his place five miles north of Princeton. He was the
father of two children by his first marriage: Mahala, the subject's mother,
and Dudley, who lived in Washington town.ship. William Mayhall was mar-
ried a second time.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 53I
Alfred Turpin, the subject's lather, grew up oil his father's farm, ac-
quiring but a limited education in the subscription schools of his boyhood
days. On reaching mature years he acquired some wild land on the i'atoka
river near Hazelton, where he made a home and spent his days in farming,
becoming widely known as a successful agriculturist and a well informed
man. He and his wife died in 1846 within twelve hours of each other of
what was known as 'black tongue, " and both were buried in the same grave
on the old Joe Milburn place northeast of Princeton. They were the parents
of five children : Asa is retired and lives in Oakland City. He was a mem-
ber of the First Indiana Volunteer Cavalry in the Civil war; Franklin; Isaac,
Jefferson and Elizabeth are deceased.
Franklin Turpin received such schooling as was common in those days
and grew up on the home farm. On August 16, 1861. he enlisted in Com-
pany F, Thirt3'-third Regiment Indiana \'olunteer Infantry, at I'rinceton.
Indiana, and after being outfitted and drilled at the cam]) at Indianapolis,
was sent to Camp Dick Robinson, from which ])lace they marched to Wild
Cat Mountain and were in battle there. From that point they went to Crab
Orchard and from there to Lexington, Kentucky, where they were stationed
until April, 1862, when they marched to the Cumberland mountains, and
from that locality were dispatched to Greenspoint, Kentucky, on the Ohio
river. Under the command of Gen. George ^^'. Morgan, of Ohio, the\- went
to Cincinnati, crossed the ri\er to Covington and marched to Lexington,
from there to Danville, then to Nashville and Franklin, Tennes.see, and were
engaged in the battle at Thomp.son's Station on March 5. 186.^. when Mr.
Turpin and his comrades were captured by the Confederates and taken to the
famous Libby prison. Being paroled after spending seventeen days in that
l^lace. the subject returned to Indianapolis on a ten days' furlough, and
after his exchange went to Franklin, Tennessee, and subsequently was in the"
fighting at Alurfreesboro, Geier's Gap, Tallahassee and Christiania. His orig-
inal term of enlistment having expired, Mr. Turpin re-enlisted and. after a
thirtv davs" furlough spent at home, he rejoined bis command and was in
the fighting around Chattanooga, Buzzard Roost and Snake Creek Gap.
then Ijeing sent to Atlanta and taking- part in the .\tlanta cani])aign. during
which he was seriously ill for aliout six days. The subject was with Siier-
man on his famous "march to the sea." and subsequently leaving Savannah.
Georgia, his command crossed tlie ri\er rind marched through South Caro-
lina to Bentonville. North Carolina, where Mr. Turpin was again captured
and taken back to T,ibby prison. After enduring many hardships in that
532 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
bastile, he was returned on parole to Indianapolis, and through Governor
Morton secured a thirty days' furlough and returned to his home, being hon-
orably discharged from the service of his country August 6, 1865.
On September 3, 1868, the subject was married to Jane Moore, of
Washington township, Gibson county, the daughter of John C. and Elizabeth
(Dawson) Moore, he a native of South Carolina and she of Kentucky.
John C. Moore was a son of John C., who married Anna Boyles. John C.
Moore, Sr., came from Kentucky at an early date and settled in Washington
township, Gibson county, where he cleared land and made a home at a point
where Moore's bridge is located, he and his wife spending the remainder of
their lives there. To them were born five children : John C, the father of
Mrs. Turpin; Joe, Ed, Rachael and Joann. Elizabeth Dawson was the
daughter of John and Mary (Dere) Dawson. John was a soldier in the
Black Hawk war, under General Scott, of ^^incennes. He settled in pioneer
times in 'Washington township, Gibson county, where he lived the rest of his
life. He was the father of six children, Elizabeth, Shelton, Thomas, Logan,
Smith and Jane. The children of John C. and Elizabeth Moore were: (i)
Ann is the widow of David McMillan and lives in southern California. He
was a memJDer of Company B, First Indiana Volunteer Cavalry. (2) Eliza-
beth, deceased, married Michael Turpin and they had one son. Henry. She
was married a second time, to Benjamin Fields. (3) John C, deceased, mar-
ried Mary Phillips, who also is deceased. (4) Rebecca married Lewis Van
Coupen, who served three years and ten months in Company F, Thirty-third
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and they had three children. Both are de-
ceased. (5) The subject's wife. (6) Joe, a retired farmer living at Prince-
ton, married Harriett Turpin and they have three children living. His sec-
ond marriage, with Mary Phillips, resulted in the birth of two children, who
are living. Joe was in the One Hundred and Forty-seventh Regiment In-
diana Voulnteer Infantry. (7) Ed is a farmer in Center township. He was
married three times, iirst to Nettie Page, second to Jane Icloup, and third to
Ann Withers. (S) Celia, deceased, was the wife of Thomas Jones and they
had four children, (q) David, deceased, married Mary Key. and they had
two children. He was a farmer in W^ashington township. ( 10) Sarah
Ellen is deceased. Cii") Emma is deceased.
To the subject and wife have been born six children, as follows :
Maude, who died in her thirty-fourth year, was the wife of Green Patrick,
who also is deceased; Lou, a farmer in Patoka township, married Rose
GIliSON COUNTY, IXDIAXA. 1^33
lilair and they have fuur children; Rutli n:arried Oak Blackest, ut i'atoka
township, and they have six children; Celia married James Mclntire, a I'a-
toka township farmer, and they have two children; John, a conductor on the
\'andalia railroad, and formerly with the Southern railroad for ten years,
lives in St. Louis. He married Lillian Parks and ihey have one daughter;
Eliza married Henry E. L'rane and they have three children.
After his marriage, Mr. Turpin and wife located in Knox omnty, In-
diana, where he had a saw-mill for twn or three years, and then returned to
Washington township, this county, and took up farming, continuing at this
until 1897, when they moved to Princeton, where he has since been engaged
at carpenter work. In political matters, Mr. Turpin has ever given his sup-
port to the Republican party, while in his religious aflRliations he is a con-
sistent member of the Ciunl)erland Presbyterian church.
DANIEL N. TICHEXOR.
The biographies of successful men are instructive as guides and exam-
ples, as well as incentives to those whose careers are yet to be achieved. The
examples they furnish of patient purpose and consecutive endeavor strongly
illustrate what is in the power of each to accomplish. The gentleman whose
life story herewith is briefly set forth is a conspicuous example of one who
has lived to good purpose and achieved a definite degree of success in the
special sphere to which his talents and energies have been de\oted.
Daniel N. Tichenor was born in Xelson county. Kentucky, on March _'4.
i8jq, the son of Ebenezer and Susan i PjuII ) TicheiKir, both also natives nf
Nelson county. His mother died in 1840, l)ut the father had come to Gil)son
county, Indiana, by wagon, about 1833, settling in Montgomery township,
where he acquired a rough piece of unimproved land, the soil being wet and
almost uncultivable. Here Mr. Tichenor stayed for a while, finally securing
land near White church, in Patoka townshi]), southwest of Princeton, where
he built himself a log cabin and started to clear a permanent home. Some
time after the death of his first wife, he married Peggy Barker, a native ni
Indiana. He was a hard-working man and succeederl in improving his farm
into one of the best in his locality. He and his wife i)oth died on that farm.
Politically, he was a Democrat, while his religion- mcnibershi]) was ^vith the
General Baptist church, holding membership in this church in Patoka town-
534 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
ship. By his first union were born the following children : Elizabeth, who
was twice married, first to John Burton, and second, to William Simmons,
and she now lives near Fort Branch, Indiana; Daniel M., the subject of this
sketch; Hannah, deceased; Jacob, deceased. To the second union were born
the following children: Charity, deceased, who was the wife of Wesley
Johnson; William, deceased, formerly of Patoka township.
After the death of the subject's mother, he took the other children back
to Kentucky and lived for a while with a family Ijy the name of Brewer on
Green river, and later with an uncle. Collier Tichenor, for a while. He had
no opportunity to secure a school education and learned mainly by habits of
observation of men and events. Subsequently he came back to Gibson county
and worked out at farming labor until after his first marriage, when he
bought his father's old homestead farm, on which he has since lived and to
which he has added until he is now the owner of three hundred and fifty-one
acres in Patoka township, located near the White church, and which is one of
the best agricultural tracts in the township. Pie has always followed farm-
ing and has been a hard-working man, his industry and perseverance being
rewarded by the splendid success which has attended his eiTorts. He and his
wife started in life in a small way, but have achieved a most pronounced suc-
cess and enjoy the esteem of all who knew them, because of their honest and
successful efifbrts. In the fall of 1901 Mr. Tichenor retired and moved to
Princeton, buying an attractive residence at No. 404 North Spring street,
where he now lives, enjoying the fruits of his former labor. He was a prac-
tical agriculturist during his active years and in addition to raising di^■ersi-
iied crops, gave a good deal of his attention to the raising of fine horses,
among which was the noted stallion, "Lexington," also raising with equal
success many fine cattle.
Daniel Tichenor first married Eliza Jane Brown, of Gibson county, In-
diana, to which union was born a son, Albert, who died in youth. On Janu-
ary 27, 1855, ]\Ir. Tichenor married Eliza Jane Mounts, who was born on
August 4, 1835, in Edwards county, Illinois, and to them were born the fol-
lowing children: Lewis, who died in infancy; George, liorn Septemlier iq,
1867, is a farmer in Patoka township, and married Melvina Sweppy; Julia,
born September 3, i860, died on May 25, 1864; Louisa, born October 4,
1863, became the wife of Thomas Richards, but is now deceased, leaving
three children, Lora, Harvey and Essie; James, born November 13, 1866,
and who is a farmer in Patoka township, married Cora West; Olive O., born
in June, 1872, became the wife of George Benton, an interurlian motorman;
Elmer, born October i, 1876, followed farming for a while, 1iut is now em-
GIBSON COUXTV, INDIANA. ' 535
ployed in the Southern railroad shops at Princelnn. He married I'earl
Smith. Mrs. Tichenor is the daughter of Thomas and Ann (Lagrange)
Mounts, both of whom were born and reared in Kentucky, in Nelson county,
her father being a pioneer settler of Edwards county, Illinois, where he suc-
cessfully followed farming. To himself ami wife were born seven children,
namely : Mary, Henry, \\'illiam, Nancy, Betty, Eliza Jane and Isaac, all of
whom are deceased, excepting Mrs. Tichenor.
Politically, Mr. Tichenor has always given Iiis earnest support to the
Democratic party, and, though taking an active and intelligent interest in
local public affairs, he has been content with the casting of an honest ballot,
but never aspiring to public office on his own account. Religiously, he and
his wife are earnest and faithful members of the General Baptist church, to
which they contribute of their time and substance. Dependent very largely
upon his own resources from his earh- youth, Mr. Tichenor has attained no
insignificant success, and though he may have, like most men of affairs,
encountered obstacles and met with reverses, he has pressed steadily forward,
ever willing to work for the end he has in view. He is a man of splendid
personality, and because of his industrious liliaits and the success he has at-
tained, he enjoys the esteem of the community in which he resides.
HENRY TICHENOR.
Among the prominent men of Gibson county who ha\e made their im-
press on the community in which they have lived is Henr\- Tichenor, the
present postmaster of Princeton, Indiana. He was born March lo, 185S,
about one-half mile west of Princeton, and has spent his whole life in the
county of his nativity. His parents were William N. and Elizabeth (John-
son) Tichenor, his father being born in Kentuck}-. December 25, 1S26. Will-
iam Tichenor came to Gibson county with his ])arents. Daniel and jane
(Glover) Tichenor, when he was a small bny and at the time nf his death
was one of the most substantial citizens in the county. Mr. ami .Mrs. William
N. Tichenor were the parents of a family of four children: James Albert,
deceased; Daniel, deceased; Henry, the subject nf the immediate sketch;
Oliver Morton, deceased, who was postmaster of Princeton at (me time. Mrs.
William N. Tichenor is still living at the old family homestead on I'.merson
street.
Henry Tichenor attended the common schools of Princeton and after
536 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
his marriage began to farm in his home township. After farming for some
years he moved to Princeton and engaged in the transfer business, ilt has
always taken a prominent part in Repubhcan poHtics and his party has sig-
nally recognized his ability by electing him as county chairman on two differ-
ent occasions. In recognition of his efficient service to the party, President
William Howard Taft appointed him on April 13, 1910, to the postmaster-
ship at Princeton, a position which he is still holding.
Mr. Tichenor was married on August 12, 1883, to Ida Teague, of In-
dianapolis. They have no children. He and his wife are members of the
Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Tichenor is a modest, unassuming man
who takes a keen interest in the affairs of the day and because of the con-
sistent conduct of his life has a large circle of friends and acquaintances
throughout the comity where he has spent his whole life.
FRED ROBERT EWING.
It is a well-known fact that public opinion really rules this country. It
was the insistent cry of the public which forced through the last two amend-
ments to the Constitution of the United States, and it was this same influence
which led President Wilson to insist upon a reduction in the tariff and the
passage of the new monetary bill through Congress. Public opinion, however,
would be useless without it had the opportunity to find expression, and there
is no way by which public opinion can find its full usefulness except through
newspapers. For this reason it is not too much to say that newspapers of our
country really are the rulers; that they have more power in the shaping of
the destinies of our nation than Congress itself. Congress can do no more
than voice the will of the people as set forth in the newspapers. There are
very few towns in Indiana today which do not have a publication of some
kind, and during the last year the newspaper directory gives nearly eight
hundred publications of one kind and another in the state of Indiana. Among
the leading Republican papers of the southern part of the state the Clarion
Nezvs. of Gibson county, stands as one of the best papers in its class.
Fred Robert Ewing, the son of John William and Ella (Fellows)
Ewing, was born December 28, 1876, in the town where he has lived all his
life. His father was a native of this county, his mother being born in Greene
county. Fred R. Ewing received his common school and high school educa-
tion in the Princeton city schools, graduating from the Princeton high school
JOHN W. EWING.
FRKD R. EWIXG.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. ^^ij
in June, 1895. Immediately after graduation from the high school, he en-
tered the State University of Indiana at Bloomington, where he took a promi-
nent part in various college activities. While in attendance at the University
he was a member of the Sigma Chi Greek-letter fraternity, and .still takes an
active interest in this organization. After leaving the university he began
newspaper work as a reporter on the Princeton Daily Democrat, and six
months later he joined the force of the Princeton Evening News. In 1901, in
association with Samuel R. Adams and James W. Westfall, he purchased
from Gilbert R. Stormont, the Princeton Dally and U'cc-lcly Clarion. Ewing
becoming the editor and general manager of the paper. A year later the
Clarion was consolidated with the Princeton Evening and Weekly News, Mr.
Ewing still continuing as editor and manager. Under his management the
paper increased in circulation and as a result its advertising increased until
Mr. Ewing felt able to acquire a controlling interest in the Clarion
Publishing Company, and since that time he has held the majority interest
and control of the Clarion-N ews corporation. He owns the newspaper prop-
erty, which is the ofificial organ of the Republican party in Gibson county and
exerts no small influence in local politics. Mr. Ewing has associated with him
George B. Grigsby as business manager and Charles \\. ^McConnick as city
editor.
Mr. Ewing has been active in Republican politics in Gibson county, and
in view of the fact that he is the editor of the official Republican paper of the
county, his influence is second to that of no other man in the county. He has
served as precinct committeeman, county vice-chairman, and in February
of 191 3. was elected county chairman.
Mr. Ewing was married June 14, 1900, in Evansville, Indiana, to Louise
Horrall, the daughter of Seth O. and Mary (Herrod) Horrall, and to this
union has been born one daughter, Mary Eleanor.
MICHAEL McGOWAN.
The Emerald Isle has furnished thousands of good, substantial citizens
for our great commonwealth, and the community which receives them may
well count themselves fortunate. Wherever they go they are always found
among the substantial citizens of the community in which they settle and the
sunshine which radiates from their personality is proverbial throughout the
world. A true son of Erin is a man who has the spirit of optimism developed
538 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
to the highest degree and his good nature is welcomed everywhere. It is
related of a man who was sick that when he was told that there were just two
men left in the village who were not sick and that they were a physician and
an Irishman, he at once said, "Bring me the Irishman." He probably felt
that the Irishman would do him more good than the physician.
Michael McGowan, one of the self-made and highly respected men of
Princeton, was born January 3, 1870, at Walnut Hill, Pennsylvania. His
parents were Michael and Mary ( JMcNurtney ) McGowan. His father was
born in Brooklyn, New York, and died in Florida. He was a surface boss in
coal mines. His wife was a native of Ireland, and her death occurred in
Kentucky. They were the parents of four children, Kate, John, Michael and
Charles.
Michael McGowan, the third child in order of birtii, received a very
limited common school education and early in life was put upon his own re-
sources. He started to learn the machinist's trade and because he was an
apt pupil he made rapid progress in acquainting himself with the details of
the work. While still a young man he was a fireman on the Louisville &
Nashville Railroad for a short time and later was promoted to the responsible
position of engineer on the same line. The next seventeen years of his life
were spent in the engmeer's cab on the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, and
during all that time his record was absolutely clear. The responsibilities
which face the engineer in his cab every day are greater than those in any
other occupation and only men of the steadiest nerve and clearest mind and
eye can hold his position as long as Mr. McGowan did. After seventeen years
of hard service on the railroad Mr. McGowan retired from the engineer's cab
and took employment with the Southern Railroad Company in their shops at
Princeton, Indiana, where he could be at home. He is still in the employ
of this company in their shops, and is accounted one of the most capable
workers which the company lias in its employ today.
Michael McGowan was married on April 25, 1895. to Mary E. Christian,
of Princeton, the daughter of Charles and Bridget (McDaniel) Christian.
Mrs. McGowan's father, better known as "Uncle Charlie," was born in Kil-
kenny, Ireland, and settled in Princeton after coming to this country, build-
ing the house which is now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. McGowan and family
and her mother. Christian street in Princeton was named for Charles
Christian, and when he died on September 25, 1889, his death was mourned
by the whole city. He was a man who was well liked by everybody and was
especially a great friend of the children. If a man is to be judged by the
GIBSON COLNTV, INDIANA. 539
amount ol goud he does in this wurkl, then "Uncle L'harhc" will receive a
great reward in the next world. His widow is still living with her son-in-
law, at the age of ninety-three years, and is remarkably active and well pre-
served for a woman of her age. Mr. and Airs. Christian were the parents of
four children: Alary, who died in infancy; Thomas, of i'rinceton, Indiana,
who married Lizzie Shank; Mary E., wife of the subject, and John, who
lives with Air. and Mrs. McGowan. To Mr. and Mrs. McGowan have been
born six children: Margaret, who died at the age of sixteen montiis; Irma,
who died at the age of sixteen years ; Charles, Anna Alary, Thomas and Wil-
mer. The family are devout Catholics and contribute liberally of their
means to the support of this denomination. Mr. McGowan is a genial man,
unassuming and quiet in his demeanor and easily makes and retains friends,
and because of his high personal qualities he is eminently entitled to rejiresen-
tation in a work of the character of the one in hand
WILLIAM DOXALD DOWNEY.
Prominent in the afl'airs of Gibson cnunty and distinguished as a citizen
whose influence is far extended be^nnd the limits of the community honored
by his residence, the name of William ]3onald Downey stands out a con-
spicuous figure among the successful liusiness men of the locality of wliich
this volume treats. All of his undertakings have been actuated by noble
motives and high resolves and characterized by breadth of wisdom and strong
individuality and his success ami achievements but represent the result i>f lit
utilization of innate talent in directing effort along those lines where m.ature
judgment and rare discrimination lead the way.
William Donald Downey, who for over a half century has lieen num-
bered among the leading business men of Gilison county, and who is now
prominently identified with one of its most inllucntial linancird institutions,
was born on March i8, 1834, in I'osey county, Indiana, the son of Re\ . .\le\-
ander and Nancy Downey. These parents, who were also natives of i'o.sey
county, were of Scotch-Irish descent. They were reared and married in their
native community, where the father became an acti\e and forceful minister
of the Cumberland Presln-terian church. He also owned and operated a
large farm. In 1839 he went to Dubois countw Indiana, and settled on a
two-hundred-acre farm west of Jasper, but e\entually moved to Newburg.
Indiana, in order to educate his children, and was there living when his
540
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
death occurred, on May 17, 1&4S. His wife died on November y, 1854.
They were the parents of live children, James Porter, born February 6, 1830,
was a farmer, but is now deceased. Alexander Lowery, born January 19,
1832, was a merchant, but is now retired and lives in Princeton. William
Donald, the immediate subject of this sketch. Elizabeth Ann, born August
27, 1837, is the widow of John DeBruler, and is living in DuBois county,
this state. Francis Marion, born August 30, 1840, was a soldier in the Civil
war and was a member of the Sixty-first Regiment Indiana Volunteer In-
fantry, which became a mounted command, and Mr. Downe\' was wounded
during active service, from the etTects of which he died.
William Donald Downey, after completing his common school course,
entered the Newbnrg Academy, at Newburg, Indiana, where he completed
the course. His first active effort in life on his own account was as clerk
in a store in Evansville, Indiana, where he was employed until 1851, when
he came to Princeton and opened a general store on the southeast corner of
the square. He was successful and later took in a partner, the firm being
known as Downey & Wilburn for many years. Eventually he bought the
interest of his ])artner and conducted the store himself until August, 1912,
when he disposed of it and retired from active life. Thus for a period of
over half a century he was closely identified with the business interests of
Princeton, and because of his eminent success, sterling qualities of character
and his genial disposition he has enjoyed the respect and esteem of the entire
coniniunitv. Mr. Downey was one of the organizers of the Farmers Bank
at Princeton, and was the first president, serving in this capacity for many
years, but eventually, owing to the demands of his private business, he de-
clined the chief office in this institution and became vice-president, a position
which he now holds, and a large share of the success which characterized
this popular institution being due to the personal efforts and influence of the
subject of this sketch.
On October 24, 1868, Mr. Downey was united in marriage to Octavia
Hall, a daughter of Judge Samuel and Elizabeth Prince Hall, natives of
Princeton, but of French extraction. Judge Hall was for many years a lead-
ing lawyer of Princeton, and was a man of high character and widely rec-
ognized ability. His wife was the daughter of William Prince, who was
either the first or the second settler in Princeton, and after whom the town
was named. He was a prominent man in his day, and served efficiently as
an Indian agent for the government, as well as in other important official
capacities. Mrs. Downey died on January' 14, iqii. To Mr. and Mrs.
Downey were born three children, Samuel Russell, who is a traveling sales-
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 541
man living in New York City, married Alary Slratton. Winchester Hall,
who died on July 21, 191 1, had been engaged in business with his father. He
married Minnie Benham, and to them was born one child. Mrs. Downey
now lives in California. Celeste Prince became the wife of Floyd J- Briggs,
a druggist at Princeton, and they have one daughter. Nancy Celeste.
In his political views Mr. Downey has always stood allied with the
Republican party, and has taken an intelligent interest in all public questions,
on which he is well informed and regarding which he holds decided opinions.
Religiously, he has for many years been a member of the Presbyterian church
of Princeton, and has been an elder for a long while. Mr. Downey has been
a valued factor in the development of the community \\ith which he has been
so long identified, and has given his su])port unreser\e(lly I'l the movements
which have promised to benefit the community, educationally, morally, etc.
His well-directed energies in the practical affairs of life, his capable manage-
ment of his own business interests and his sound judgment have demon-
strated what may be accomplished by a man of energy and ambitiDu, who,
persevering in the face of obstacles, pro\es that he is the possessor 0/ those
innate qualities that never fail to bring success if properly directed. He is a
man of .splendid personality and enjoys to a marked degree the esteem and
respect of the community in which he resides.
FRANCIS M. GRIGSBY.
This honored veteran of the Civil war is to be designated one of the
progressive and influential citizens of Gibson county, where for nearly three-
quarters of a century he has maintained his home, figuring as one of the
builders of the community and especially worthy of consideration in this
work. He has, by his industry and sound judgment, not only gained a com-
petency for his old age, but he has materially assisted in the general welfare
of the community, in many ways lending his time an.l inlluence to the pro-
mulgation of various uplifting movements.
Francis M. Grigsby was born in Gibson county, Indiana, .\ugust 18,
1842, the son of George and Eliza Lamasters. The father was a plasterer
by trade and spent his entire life in Posey county, Indiana, as did his wife.
He died in 1846, and his wife, who was born in Newburg, Indiana, passed
away in 18-I4. To the subject's parents were born three children, namely:
Robert, who was a farmer in White county, Illinois, is deceased; Elizabeth,
542 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
deceased, was the wife of Joseph Reed; Francis M. The paternal grand-
father of the subject, Simeon Lamasters, was a soldier in the Mexican war.
Until he reached the age of nineteen, Mr. Grigsby lived with an uncle
and aunt, Joseph and Mary Makemson, who resided in Patoka township, six
miles northeast of Princeton. The education of the subject was very
meager and acquired in a short term in the old subscription school, which is
still standing and is now part of a barn on the Adamon Makemson place.
At the outbreak of the Civil war Mr. Grigsby was among those valiant sons
of the North who went forth to preserve the Union. He enlisted at Prince-
ton, Gibson county, September i6, 1861, in Company F, Thirty-third Regi-
ment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and after being mustered in and equipped
at Indianapolis, the company was dispatched to Louisville, Kentucky, where
they were for a brief period at Camp Dick Robinson, and were then sent on
toward the front, taking part in battles and skirmishes at Wild Cat. London
and Crab Orchard, Kentucky, and at Cumberland Gap. They were engaged
in the fighting at Nashville and Franklin, Tennessee, at Thompson's Station
(or Spring Hill) and many minor engagements. In the battle at Thomp-
son's Station Mr. Grigsby, along with eleven hundred and fifty others, was
captured and sent to Libby prison, where he was confined for thirty days,
subsequently being paroled and returned to Indianapolis, .\fter ten days'
furlough, the subject rejoined the same company and regiment, and, after
another leave of thirty da_ys, was with his command in the Atlanta campaign
and "marched to the sea" with Sherman. After taking part in the Grand
Review at the capital, Mr. Grigsby and his comrades were honorably dis-
charged in Louisville, Kentucky, July 21, 1865.
In the fall of 1867 the subject was married to Lucy Finney, daughter
of James and Sarah Finney, who were pioneer settlers in Gibson county.
After their marriage the subject and his wife took up their residence on
the McCullough farm, two miles west of Oakland City, Indiana, where they
remained for one year and then removed to Patoka township, Gibson county,
and there for eighteen years carried on agriculture. In 1887 they moved
to Princeton, and Mr. Grigsby followed the trade of a carpenter for six
years. At the present time the subject is holding the position of custodian
of the public library and of the Methodist Episcopal church, which he has
efficiently filled for the last eight years. To him and his wife have been born
eight children, as follows: Sadie is the wife of W. P. Hill, of Los Angeles,
California, and she is a trained nurse ; John lives in Princeton and is a .
carpenter; Ed is deceased; Lena is the wife of John Finnev, of Princeton;
Ben is deceased ; Fern and Elizabeth are at home.
GIBSON COUXTY, INDIAN.
Mr. Grigsby is a member of the Archer Post. Grand Army «f the
Republic, at Princeton, and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. He
is a well known man in his community, is well preserved and keeps thoroughly
posted on current topics of the day.
GEORGE BINHACK.
Specific mention is made of many of the worthy citizens of Gibson
county within the pages of this book, citizens who have figured in the growth
and development of this favored locality and whose interests are identified
with its every phase of progress, each contributing in his sphere of action
to the well-being of the community in which he resides and to the advance-
ment of its normal and legitimate growth, .\mong this number was George
Binhack, one of the leading farmers and stock raisers of Princeton, Gibson
county, Indiana.
George Binhack, though not a native of the country in which he now
lives and in which he has had a very prosperous and successful career, is
nevertheless one of the most loyal citizens of his adopted country, and has
for many years been numbered among the respected and influential citizens
(jf his locality. He was born in Muddersdorf. Bohemia. .Austria, on August
I, 1855, the son of Martin and Anna (Moller) Binhack, both of whom were
also natives of the same place. The father was a tanner In- trade ha\ing a
tan-yard in his home town, and lie and his wife spent their entire lives there.
They were the parents of eight children : Julia, the wife of .\ndrew Link,
of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Annie, deceased, who was ■ the wife of John
Huntzwurtz, of Ludington, Michigan; Frank, a farmer at home; Joseph,
who died in his native land ; George, the immediate subject of this sketch :
Austin, a clothing salesman in Chicago, Illinois: Martin, a carpenter li\ing
in Washington, and John, who is a tailor in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
George Binhack attended the schools of his native country and received
a good practical education. During his young manhood he learned the har-
ness-making trade, at which he was employed until 1H75. when he came to
America. He located first at Fort Branch, Indiana, where he was employed
in D. T. Wallace's flour mill. He remained in Fort Branch until about 1887,
when he went to Barton township, where for two and one-half years he en-
gaged in farming. In 1890 he came to King's .Station, Patoka township,
where for seventeen years he worked for the R. P. Moore Companv as
544 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
engineer. He bought ten acres of land, to the cultivation of which he de-
voted himself so earnestly and with such good judgment that he was later
enabled to buy forty-seven acres of the Griffith place in Patoka township after
his retirement from the mill in 1907. During the past four years he has
also farmed the Witherspoon place at King's Station. He has demonstrated
agricultural ability of a high order and is achieving a splendid success at
this calling. In addition to the raising of all crops common to this section
of the state, he also gives some attention to live stock, raising cattle, horses,
mules and hogs, and is likewise successful in this line of work. Coming to
America a mere boy, he had practically nothing except a large stock of ambi-
tion and industry and, with no influential friends to assist him, he has per-
sisted in his earnest endeavors and has demonstrated what a young man of
right principles can accomplish through hard work and good management.
In August, 1885, Mr. Binhack was married to Hester Frendenburg, a
daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Fulling) Fredenburg, both natives of
Germany, who, on coming to America, located at Fort Branch, following
farming until the end of his life. He and his wife are both now deceased.
To Mr. and Mrs. Binhack have been born eleven children, namely: Albert
and Oscar (deceased), Gertrude, George Leslie, Russell, Orville, Annie, Ray-
mond, Grace, Elizabeth and Pauline.
Politically, Mr. Binhack has given his support to the Democratic party,
and religiously his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church which
he also attends, being connected with Cunningham chapel at King's Station.
Mr. Binhack is a man of splendid personal character and because of his
straight life and genuine worth he has long enjoyed the good will and the
confidence of his neighbors.
SAMUEL A. STEWART.
The gentleman to a brief review of whose life the reader's attention is
•herewith directed is among the foremost business men of Gibson and it has
been his enterprise and progressive methods that contributed in a material
way to the industrial and commercial advancement of the community.
Possessing splendid executive and business ability, he has been successful in
a material way, and because of his sterling qualities he is numbered among
the representative men of the city in which he lives.
Samuel A. Stewart is the scion of one of the pioneer families of Gibson
M
I
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 545
county whose ancestors trace their descent in direct line to sterling:; Scotland
ancestors. These progenitors, upon emigrating In mi tiu' lanil of hills and
heather to America, first settled in X'irginia sometime prior to the Revolution-
ary war, in which some of them took an active part. Tliomas Stewart was
born near Lynchburg, \'irginia, on April 9, 1768, and married Tirzah Mor-
rison on January 30, 1794, who was born in that same locality. To that
union were born three children, M'illiam, Nancy and Samuel A. William and
his brother came to Gibson county, Indiana, in 18 18, settling first in Patoka
and from there moved north to the lead mines at Cialena, Illinois, where the
former died. Nancy became the wife of a Mr. Lacky, with whom she moved
to Kentucky.
Samuel Ayers Stewart, who was born in \'irginia on December 10, 1797,
came to Indiana in 1818 and settled in Gibson county because of his ac(|uainl-
ance with former neighbors who had come here from Virginia. He first
engaged in the milling busmess and in the winter months he taught school,
being one of the first teachers in this section of the state. Soon after coming
here he entered a tract of government land and from then on engaged in
farming, which remained his principle occupation until his death, which oc-
curred on May 24, 1849, at the age of fifty-two years. During his residence
in this county he was active in all matters pertaining to the locality and be-
cause of his activity, industry and good business management he succeeded
in accumulating a competency and thereby bringing comfort and hajjpiness
for his family. He was of a religious temperament and early in life become
affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church. He soon felt called to preach
the gospel and in 1830 he was licensed to preach and was so successful in his
efforts that on October 5, 1834, he was ordained by Deacon Roberts at Mt.
Carmel, and on October 10, 18-17, he was regularly ordained elder 1)y Bishop
Waugh, at the conference which met in Evansville. Politically, Mr. Stewart
was quiet and unostentatious, while holding firmly to his convictions on the
great questions of the day. Strongly opposed to slavery, he left his native
state in order to escape its baneful influences. During his active life he held
a number of offices of honor aufl trust, among which was that of associate
judge, to which office he was elected in 1837. In 1845 he was appointed by
Governor Whitcomb probate judge to fill out the unexpired term of Judge
French, and in August of that year he was elected to that position for the full
term. In 1839 he was collector of county taxes, all of which positions he
filled with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his fellow citizens. '
(35)
546 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
On January 29, 1824, Samuel Ayers Stewart was married to Lucinda
Howe, who was the daughter of Robert Howe, and who was born in Ken-
tucky in March, 1806, her death occurring on April 5, 1874. To this union
were born eleven children : Thomas, the eldest and father of the subject of
this sketch, born in Gibson county, Indiana, July 29, 1828, and died April 15,
1902. Here he was reared and received a limited education in the subscrip-
tion schools of the time. On September 29, 1853, he married Susan L., the
daughter of James and Elizabeth (Payen) Huddleson. She was born in
Gibson county on November 30, 1830, and she lived her entire life in this
community, dying on February 13, 19 14, aged eighty-three years. Her par-
ents emigrated from Kentucky to this state while it was yet a territory. Her
maternal grandfather was a soldier under Gen. William Henry Harrison dur-
ing the Indian wars. To Thomas and Susan Stewart were born six children,
who, in order of birth, are nained as follows : Samuel A., who is the subject
of this sketch; Clara E., wife of M. S. Knaub; Florence A., now deceased,
who was the wife of J. C. Danks; James W., Minnie (deceased) and John H.
Samuel A. Stewart was born in Patoka, Gibson county, Indiana, on
July 17, 1854, and was there reared, receiving a common school education.
After completing the public school course he entered a commercial college at
Evansville, Indiana, where he received his diploma August 14, 1874. After
his graduation he engaged in a business partnership with his father, which
lasted until 1879, when the firm of Stewart & Danks was formed and which
became one of the most important and successful enterprises of this locality.
On the death of J. T. Lamb, in September, 1868, Mr. Stewart was appointed
postmaster of Patoka, and served seven years to the entire satisfaction of the
patrons of the office. For a number of years he has been successfully engaged
in the real estate, insurance and loan business and because of his enterprising
business interests, strict integrity and his congenial disposition, he has not
only won the friendship of all with whom he has come in contact, but his full
share of local patronage in his line. In 1894 Mr. Stewart was elected county
clerk after an unusually hard fight made against him, against which he won
out by a creditable plurality. So satisfactory was his discharge of official
duties that he was re-nominated by acclamation and was again elected, this
time leading the county ticket.
Politically, Mr. Stewart has been a life-long supporter of the Republican
party, and has been active in its counsels and served as chairman of the Re-
publican central committee for 1900 and 1902 and successfully conducted the
campaign for both years. He was secretary of the county central committee
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 547
for 1896 and in other ways through the years he lias exerted a large influence
in the organization of this character. Fraternally, he is a member of the
Free and Accepted Masons and has taken the degrees of the Scottish Rite
up to and including the thirt)-second, holding his membership in the con-
sistory at Indianapolis. It is worthy of note that his paternal grandfather,
Samuel A. Stewart, was a member of Liberty Lodge No. 95, Free and Ac-
cepted Masons, at Liberty. Virginia, and demitted from same in 1820 to
identify himself with the lodge at Princeton. Religiously, Mr. and Mrs.
Stewart are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
On December 26, 1877, Samuel A. Stewart married ALar\- E. Danks,
daughter of Thomas C. and Mary D. Danks, natives of Pittsburgh, Pennsyl-
vania, and to this union have been born the following children: Edith D.,
wife of O. O. Watson, a merchant at Princeton: Charles H., who for twelve
years was deputy postmaster at Princeton, but is now traveling for Swift &
Company, with headquarters at Columbus, Indiana; Clara E. is assistant to
her father; Mary E., who is at home, has just graduated from the public
schools; Samuel Ayers, Jr., is a student at Purdue University. Mr. Stewart
is a splendid example of the virile, progressive, self-made inan, who believes
in doing well what is worth doing at all, a man of keen discernment, sound
judgment, strong minded and a follower of the principles embotlied in the
Golden Rule regarding his relations to his fellow-men. Therefi)re, he enjoys
to the utmost their confidence and good will. He has been unselfish in his
attitude toward public affairs, giving his support at all times to any movement
which has had as its object the advancement of the public welfare, materially,
morally or educationally. Therefore he is entitled to the enviable position
which he holds in general public affairs.
EZEKIEL T. HOPKINS.
To write the personal record nf men wlm raised themselves from humble
circumstances to positions of responsil)ility and trust in a community is no
ordinary pleasure. Self-made men, men who have achieved success by rea-
son of their personal qualities and left the impress of their individuality upon
the business growth of their place of residence and afifect for good such in-
stitutions as are embraced in the sphere of their usefulness, unwittingly, per-
haps, built monuments more enduring than marble obelisk or granite shaft.
548 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Of such we have the unquestionable right to say belongs the gentleman whose
name appears above.
Ezekiel T. Hopkins was born on October 14, 1846, near Fort Branch,
Gibson county, Indiana, the son of Hiram A. and Martha J. (Ralston)
Hopkins. The father was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, in 1815, and
the mother in Princeton, Indiana, in 1820. Hiram A. Hopkins was brought
by his parents to Indiana in 1818 at the age of three years. These parents,
Ezekiel and Polly (Benson) Hopkins, were natives of Kentucky, and on com-
ing to Indiana located between Owensville and Cynthiana, where the father
located a tract of land and also operated a mill and a distillery. He located
about five miles south of Princeton, Indiana, on the state road, where he
spent the remainder of his years, his death occurring in 1853. He was widely
known and a man of considerable prominence in this community. His wife
died in Illinois. To them were born the following children : Willis, Hiram,
James, Newton and Minerva. H[iram A. Hopkins lived on the home place
until his marriage in 1827, receiving his education in the common schools.
He engaged in school teaching in young manhood, but eventually located
about one and one-half miles southeast of Fort Branch, on the state road,
where he obtained a tract of government land, to the operation of which he
devoted his attention during the remainder of his active life, his death occur-
ring in 1874. He was survived many years by his widow, who died in Prince-
ton in 1910, at the age of seventy-eight years. Hiram A. Hopkins was an
old-line Whig in his original political views, but upon the organization of the
Republican party he allied himself with that party. He was constable at one
time and took an active interest in political affairs. Religiously, he was a
member of the General Baptist church and his wife of the Cumberland Pres-
byterian church. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom eleven
grew to maturity. They are, Andrew R., now deceased, was a resident of
Vincennes, Indiana; Mary A., of Fort Branch, is the widow of Silas M. Hol-
comb: Helen M. is the widow of John King and resides in Princeton, In-
diana; Cornelia is the wife of John F. Kenneth, of Fort Branch; Ezekiel T.,
the immediate subject of this sketch; Alice was the wife of Thomas D.
Crumbaugh and both are now deceased; Isabella, who is now deceased, was
the wife of William L. West, who is now living in Kansas ; Elizabeth is the
wife of Dr. A. C. Smith, of Indianapolis; Joseph N., deceased, was a prac-
ticing physician in Liberty, White county, Illinois. He was educated in the
public schools of Keokuk, Iowa, where he graduated. The eleventh child
was a daughter, \\ho died in infancy, and Ethel, wife of John W. Douglas, of
Chicago.
GIBSOX COUNTY, INDIANA. 549
Ezekiel T. Hopkins attended the local schools of his neighborhootl and
later went to the high school at Owensvilk-. 1 le lived with his parents at
home until twenty-five years old, when, after his marriage, he located at
C3'nthiana, Indiana, where he conducted farming operations and also prac-
ticed veterinary surgery, in which he became an expert. Later, he located at
Fort Branch for five years and then, in 1880, took up active farming at King's
.Station, where he has since lived. He is the owner of sixty-one acres of
well-cultivated land, and during his active operation of this place, its well-
kept appearance testified to the owner's good judgment and excellent taste,
the attractive residence, the well-arranged barns and the highly-cultivated
fields giving evidence of his progressive ideas and industrious habits. During
the past seven years Mr. Hopkins has been retired from active labor, though
he still maintains supervision over his farm. For several years Mr. Hopkins
was also engaged in the grain business at King's Station, but his elevator
burned in 1900, since which time he has not been engaged in that business.
On May 12, 1872, Mr. Hopkins married Sarah E. Cunningham, of
King's Station, Gibson county, Indiana, the daughter of Joseph and Alary
(Arbuthnot) Cunningham, the father a native of Hazelton, Indiana, and the
mother of Princeton. They are both now deceased. Mrs. Hopkins died on
January 26, 1905. She was one of six children, the others being John A.,
who was a soldier in the Civd war, in which conflict he gave up his life in
defense of his country; Nancy J., deceased; George A., a leading lawyer in
Evansville, Indiana; Alice E., the wife of Samuel Slater, of King's Station,
Indiana, and Laura, the wife of John Gambrel, of Princeton. To Mr. and
Mrs. Hopkins were born five children, namely: George A., wh(j conducts a
wholesale and retail house furnishing store at Carthage, Illinois, and who
married Cordelia Kindle; P. C, who has for the past eighteen years been suc-
cessfully engaged in the practice of law in Evansville; Mary R. is the wife of
Roger Cleveland, a farmer one and one-half miles east of King's Station;
Alice I., who is at home, has been a teacher in the Princeton public schools
for the past six years; Theodore A. is a druggist at Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Being very deeply interested in educational affairs, Mr. Hopkins has
seen to it that all of his children have received good educations and ha\e I)een
reared to respectable positions in life.
Politically, Mr. Hopkins has been a life-long Republican up to the last
campaign, when he allied himself with the Progressive party, in whose sup-
port he is enthusiastic. He served as deputy assessor of Patoka township
for seven years. Religiously, he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church at King's Station, to the supjiort of which he contributes liberally of
55° GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
his time and substance. Mrs. Hopkins, who also was a member of that
church for several years, was a school teacher prior to her marriage. Mr.
Hopkins is the possessor of a large and well-selected library, being a close
and constant reader and a student of the current questions of the day, and is
considered a well-informed man, who is able to intelligently discuss all ques-
tions. In many respects, Mr. Hopkins has labored for the material progress
of the town and township, advocating laudable measures for the general good
and sparing no reasonable efforts to advance the welfare of the community.
His life has been characterized by integrity and usefulness and such has been
his association with business and civic affairs that it is altogether proper that
his career be perpetuated in this publication.
REUBEN PHILLIPS.
Among the farmers of Gibson county, Indiana, who have to their credit
many long years spent in industriously and intelligently tilling the soil, is
Reuben Phillips, of Patoka township. He comes of a good family, one that
has always been strong for right living and industrious habits, for morality
and for all that contributes to the welfare of the commonwealth. Such people
are welcomed in any community, for they are empire builders and as such
have pushed the frontier of civilization ever westward and onward, leaving
the green wide-reaching wilderness and the far-stretching plains populous
with contented people and beautiful with green fields; they ha^'e constituted
that sterling horde which moved the great Bishop Whipple to write the
memorable line, "Westward the course of empire takes its way."
Reuben Phillips was born February 3, 1841, in Perry county, Pennsyl-
vania, the son of Peter and Mary (Kessler) Phillips, he of Berks county,
Pennsylvania, and she of Perry county, that state. The father was a farmer
and in 1853 came to Gibson county, where he located. Moved with patriot-
ism, he enlisted in August, 1861, in the First Indiana Cavalry. His command
led him through Missouri and Arkansas and he died in service in the fall of
1864, having been injured by the falling of his horse on July 4th of the same
year. The wife went back to Pennsylvania in 1856 and died there in 1898.
They were the parents of a family of seven children, namely: Frank, the
eldest, was a farmer in Gibson county, Indiana, but died in 1855. The second
child was Reuben, subject of this sketch; Elizabeth, died unmarried, at Pa-
toka, Indiana, in 1864; Kate, who became the wife of John Thorne and re-
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 55 1
sides in Pennsylvania; James, ileceased; Sarah died in I'atoka, Indiana, and
Alary, living in Pennsylvania, The parents were consistent nieinhers of the
Lutheran church and reared their family in that faith.
Reuben Phillips, who was but a lad when his parents came to Gibson
county in 1853, had but limited opportunity for schooling in the rural dis-
tricts of that day. On May 29, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, Seventeenth
Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, at Princeton, and was first ordered to
Indianapolis. Later he was sent to Parkersburg, West Virginia, on into
Maryland, back into West Virginia, to Louisville, Kentucky, and made all the
long marches under General Thomas in Tennessee and Georgia. He was at
Macon, Georgia, at the close of the war.
After receiving his discharge in 1865 'Sir. Phillips returned to Gibson
county, where, on March 22, 1867, he was united in marriage to Mary Stott,
who was born in Ireland, a daughter of William and Margaret (Steele) Stott.
Her parents were married in Ireland and emigrated to Canada in 1847. 'O"
eating near the city of Toronto, where her father engaged in farming. In
1858 the family moved to Gibson county, where Dr. John Stott, a brother,
was residing in Princeton. Doctor Stott had been residing here since an early
day and had often written his brother to come to Gibson county to assist him
in caring for his farm property, which he continued to do until his death.
His wife also died in Gibson county. They were members of the Reform
Presbyterian church and were the parents of twelve children, three of whom
are now living. The eldest was Mary, wife of the subject of this sketch;
Thomas John, deceased; William Steele, deceased; Joseph, living in Gibson
county ; Robert, deceased ; Frank, a farmer in Gibson count\- ; James and Ann,
deceased, and four others who died in infancy.
After his marriage, Reuben Phillips farmed for nine years for Robert
Mitchell, and he then farmed at Wheeling for eleven years, since which time
he has confined his labors to agricultural work in Patoka township. He is a
man who has always worked very hard and is wonderfully active and well
preserved for his years. Reuben Phillips and wife are the parents of four
children: William J., who remains at home unmarried and who deals in
sand, grain and feed in Princeton; David, in the shoe business at Houston,
Texas; Helen J., wife of O. A. Downey, a merchant at Francisco, Indiana,
and Edith, wife of Joseph H. Laib, a promoter and insurance man of Prince-
ton. There were also two other children who died in infancy.
Mr. Phillips is a member of the honored Grand Army of the Republic,
Post No. 28, at Princeton, and his religious affiliation is with the Reformed
552 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Presbyterian church. Mr. Phillips has long had the best interests of this
locality at heart and has sought to advance them in whatever way possible.
His life has been characterized by untiring energy, uncompromising fidelity
and an earnest desire to advance himself in his chosen line of work. He is
held in high esteem by all who know him as a citizen of the best type, an
honest and upright man.
SAMUEL F. BRASELTON.
Holding distinctive prestige among the enterprising citizens of Gibson
county, Indiana, is Samuel F. Braselton, whose record, here briefly outlined,
is that of a self-made man who, by the exercise of the talents with which
nature endowed him, rose to the position he now occupies as one of the in-
fluential and well-to-do men of the city honored by his residence. He is a
creditable representative of one of the old and highly esteemed pioneer fam-
ilies of this locality and possesses many of the admirable qualities and char-
acteristics of his sturdy Kentucky ancestors, who migrated to Indiana in a
very early day and figured in the history of this section of the state.
Samuel F. Braselton, enterprising farmer and successful business man,
efficient public official and upright citizen, was born in Wayne county, Illinois,
on October 22, 1844, and is the son of John and Nancy (Colvin) Braselton.
The subject's father was born at Elizabethtown, Kentucky, March 8, 1808,
and his wife was born on June 17, 1814, at the Robb settlement in New Har-
mony, Indiana. John Braselton was a wagon-maker during his earlier life,
but later follovved farming. To him and his wife were born nine children, of
whom all are living but two. Two were members of Company F, Thirty-
third Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil war, one, James,
dying at Evansville, Indiana, and George H. dying in Kentucky. The sub-
ject's father came with his parents in 1808 to Gibson county, settling near
where the Southern railroad shops are now located, and here the grandfather,
John Braselton, kept a tavern or half-way house, as they were then known.
The subject's father spent the remainder of his days in Gibson county, his
death occurring on September 3, 1887. His wife passed away the same year,
her death occurring on the 3d day of February. Politically, John Braselton
was first a Whig and after the formation of the Republican party he allied
himself with that organization, took a deep interest in public affairs, espe-
SAMUEL F. BRASKLTON.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 553
cially as relating to education, ami as a school director he rendered efficient
service to his community.
Samuel F. Braselton was reared under the parental roof, securing his
education in the common schools of the county. As soon as large enough he
gave his assistance to his father in the operation of the home farm and
followed this vocation until the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion,
when, on December i6, 1863, he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and
Twentieth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, which command was as-
signed to the Army of the Cumberland, and with this command he took part
in all the battles, marches and skirmishes incident to the historic Atlanta
campaign. Mr. Braselton was slightly wounded at Kingston, North Carolina.
From there he was sent to Goldsboro, North Carolina, and three days later
met Sherman's army, with which, after a thirty-day rest, he moved to Ral-
eigh, North Carolina. At the time of the surrender Mr. Braselton was de-
tailed with about thirty others, and sent to Durham station at the time of the
surrender of Johnson to Sherman, and he remained in the active service until
1866, his regiment being assigned to the gathering and shipping of arms and
army supplies for the government. After being mu.stered out at Raleigh,
North Carolina, Mr. Braselton returned to Indianapolis, Indiana, and soon
afterwards returned to Gibson county. Here he followed agricultural pur-
suits until February, 1875, when, moving to Princeton, he engaged in the tin
and stove business. Two years later he disposed of this business and during
the following two years was engaged as clerk in a store. Mr. Braselton then
engaged in the monument manufacturing business, to which, during the fol-
lowing twenty-seven years, he gave his undivided attention and in which he
met with a splendid and well-merited success. In November, 1908, Mr.
Braselton was elected trustee of Patoka township and is the present incum-
bent of this office, his term not expiring imtil 19 15, because of recent legisla-
tive enactment. He has demonstrated ability of a high order in his own af-
fairs, and ''n the discharge of his official duties he is applying the same sound
principles as he would to his own affairs. He has been successful in life and
he and his wife are the owners of one hundred and fifty acres of good farm-
ing land and nine pieces of property in Princeton.
Politically, Mr, Braselton has been a life-long Republican and active in
the support of this party. He served at one time as councilman from the first
ward and has always been numbered among the foremost citizens of the com-
munity. Religiouslv, he is a member of the Presbyterian church, while his
554 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
fraternal relations are with the Grand Armj' of the Republic, having served
as quartermaster for the Princeton post for twelve years.
On October lo, 1878, Samuel F. Braselton was married to Clara Kurtz,
the daughter of William and Indiana (Arbuthnot) Kurtz, and to this union
have been born three children, namely: Edgar K., a graduate of Purdue
University, is the present representative of the Lilly Drug Company of In-
dianapolis at Washington, D. C. ; Edith, who is a teacher in the city schools
of Princeton, was a student in Indiana and Chicago Universities; Daisey
Dean, who took a kindergarten course in Indianapolis, and is a teacher in the
city schools. Both daughters are at home. The splendid success which has
crowned Mr. Braselton's eflforts has been directly traceable to the salient
points in his character, for he started in life at the bottom of the ladder,
which he mounted unaided. He comes of a splendid American family, one
that has always been strong for right living and industrious habits, for edu-
cation and morality, for loyalty to the national government and for all that
contributes to the welfare of the community, and because of his success in
life and his high personal character he is clearly entitled to specific mention
in the annals of his countv.
JAMES W. CUNNINGPIAM.
The student interested in the history of Gibson county does not have to
carry his investigations far into its annals before learning that James W.
Cunningham has long been one of its most active and leading citizens in its
agricultural stock-raising interests and that his labors have been a potent
force in making this a rich agricultural region, for through several decades
he has carried on general farming, gradually improving his valuable place,
and while he has prospered in this, he has also found time and ample oppor-
tunity to assist in the material and civic development of the county.
James W. Cunningham, of Wabash township, this county, was born
October 20, 1841, near Hazelton, and is the son of Stewart and Georgia
Ann TRobb) Cunningham. His mother was a sister of David and Moses
Robb, and was born and reared south of Hazelton, her parents having been
among the early pioneers of that section. She is now living at the advanced
age of ninety-six years. Stewart Cunningham was born in 181 7, and was
reared twelve miles north of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, and was a son of Buck
Cunningham, who was of Scotch-Irish parentage. When Stewart Cunning-
GIBSON COUXTV. INDIANA. 555
ham was a small child, his inothLT died and his father remarried At the age
of fifteen the hoy ran away from home, coatless and harefooted, came across
the river to Mt. Carmel and worked a few days with an old settler by the
name of Howe, helping him break the first ground between Gordon Hill and
Patoka. Here he remained for the following winter, killing many a deer on
the Gordon Hills when that part of the country was all wilderness. The last
deer he killed was in Knox county, about 1873. After leaving Mr. Howe he
went to the home of Smith Miller, about five miles south of Patoka, at what
is now known as Miller's Station. Here he remained until he grew to ma-
turity and here he married Georgia Ann Robb, who was a sister of Smith
Miller's wife. He then engaged in farming on the farm where his widow
now lives, three miles south of Hazleton, northeast of the Miller home. His
wife had fallen heir to three hundred dollars, and with this money they bought
the farm where she still resides, a period of over seventy years' residence in
one place. Here Stewart Cunningham spent his life, his death occurring in
1900, at the age of eighty-three years. To Stewart Cunningham and his
wife were born three children, James W-. the immediate subject of this sketch ;
B. F. Cunningham, of Patoka, and Lydia, who first married Robert Thomp-
son, and after his death married Uriah Williams, and they live one and one-
half miles north of Patoka.
James W. Cunningham grew up on the paternal homestead and early
learned the habits of industry and self-reliance. He secured his education in
the district schools of his home neighborhood, and upon attaining mature
years he wisely chose agriculture for his vocation and for one year he rented
his father's farm, and by energy and hard, persistent efifort he cleared six
hundred dollars, after which he went west during the years of the Civil war,
and accompanied the first white train that ever went across Bridges and
Bozeman's route through the Big Horn mountains to \'irginia City, Mon-
tana. From there he went to the gold mines and engaged in mining, in
which he was very successful, but, like his fellow workers in that line, he
spent his money almo.st as fast as he earned it. He remained in tlie mining
regions for about eighteen months, at the expiration of which time he re-
turned down the Yellowstone river in a boat, of which he was pilot. The
trip was a long and perilous one, and many things of interest could be nar-
rated of this journey, as well as of the lawlessness of the mining country in
that early day. Mr. Cunningham worked three months in a government saw-
mill at Omaha. Nebraska, getting out tiinbers for the Union Pacific railroad,
then in process of construction. Work was plentiful and good helji hard to
secure in those early days of railroad building and Mr. Cunningham being a
556 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
steady, practical, industrious worker, his services were in demand, he being
very successful at whatever work he undertook, although he had but little
opportunity for education in his boyhood days. At the expiration of his
services with the railroad company he returned to the old home in Gibson
county, Indiana, and again resumed farming, and after the first year here he,
in partnership with Dan Miller, bought a threshing machine outfit, with
which he was very successful, paying for the machine the first year, with a
profit of three hundred dollars. Mr. Cunningham then bought out Mr. Mil-
ler's interest in the machine and the next year cleared six hundred dollars.
He continued in this business for two years with gratifying returns for his
labor and investment, at the same time operating a farm. The first year
after his return from the West, he and Mr. Miller took a flat boat loaded with
corn down the river and conducted a coasting trip from Eggs Point, selling
corn to farmers at one dollar per bushel. This was a very satisfactory and
successful trip and resulted in much profit to Mr. Cunningham, as he had
raised about three thousand bushels of corn himself, and he and his partner
bought more corn at forty cents per bushel, thus realizing a handsome profit
from the enterprise. A few years later he purchased an interest in a one-
hundred-and-nineteen-ton steamboat on the river from Petersburg to Hazle-
ton, and later his partner became financially embarrassed and Mr. Cunning-
ham became the sole owner of the boat. The next year or two he operated
this boat on the river and then traded it to Messrs. Blair and Batson for one
hundred and twenty acres of land in Wabash township below the head of the
big bayou. The following year he moved there and lived there for the next
fifteen or twenty years, at the expiration of which period he rented the farm
and moved to Stewartsville, where he lived for ten years. Here he bought a
brick building and later sold it for fifteen hundred dollars, and while he
owned this building, rented it for business purposes and was himself in busi-
ness for two years. Ten years later he sold out his farm and other interests,
and purchased a home and three lots at Grifiin, for one thousand dollars,
where he lived for four years, at the end of which time he sold this for fifteen
hundred dollars, again realizing handsomely on his investment. About six
years ago he moved to Crowleyville, where he has since resided. He is the
owner of about twenty houses in this place, a grain elevator and is also the
owner of one hundred and one acres of land near Crowleyville and two hun-
dred and five acres of land in Wabash township, as well as twenty-nine acres
in Knox county, this state, making a total of three hundred and thirty-five
acres of land. Since living at Crowleyville he operated a flat boat on the
river, carrying three thousand bushels of corn down the river from Vicksburg
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 557
to Natchez, selling the corn at various points on the river. In young man-
hood he went out for a trip down the river for his father on a flat i)oat of
corn in company with David Fisher, I'Mwin Phillips. James Miller and David
Lewis, and in all these operations he met with eminent success, and is
today one of the solid and substantial citizens of his part of the county.
In 1870 Mr. Cunningham was united in marriage to Nancy Jane lul-
mondson, who was the daughter of \Villiam Edmondson, her birth occurring
about fifteen miles west of Mount Carmel, Illinois. She was married prior
to her union to Mr. Cunningham, Init lo.st her hsul)and by death soon after
marriage, and their only child died when six months of age. To Mr. and
Mrs. Cunningham have been born two children, Margaret, wife of Richard
Harrison, of Owensville. and they have one daughter, Delia; Delia, wife of
Cord McReynolds, lives at Kansas City. Missouri, where Mr. McReynolds is
yardmaster on a railroad.
Politically, Mr. Cunningham has been afhliated with the Democratic
party all his life, and while taking an active interest in all public questions and
honestly discharging his duties as a citizen in the civic life of his communitx',
yet he has never been a seeker for public office, his business aftairs and hijme
life demanding his entire time and attention.
With few opportunities except what his own efforts were capable of mas-
tering and with many discouragements to overcome, Mr. Cunningham has
made an exceptional success in life and in his mature years has the gratifica-
tion of knowing that the community in which he resides has been benefited by
his presence and counsel. He has become well and most favorably known
throughout his locality for his loyalt}- to truth, his uprightness in business, his
public spirit and friendly disposition. He and his wife are among the most
influential and popular citizens of their community, being abreast of the times
in every way and always willing to give their time and substance, if need be,
to further anv movement looking toward the betterment of the locality where
they reside, religiously, socially or educationally.
RICHEY SUAINERS.
Gibson county was not lacking in loyalty during the dark days of the
Rebellion, when the ship of state was almost stranded on the rocks of dis-
union, but contributed her full quota of brave and valiant men to assist in
preserving the integrity of the government, prominent among whom was the
well known gentleman and enterprising citizen whose name appears at the
55^ GIESON COUNTY, INDIANA.
head of this review. Loyal to his countr}' in its hour of peril and extremity,
as was demonstrated on many bloody battle fields, he has ever been its stanch
supporter in times of peace, and today there are few old soldiers of the county
as widely and favorably known and none that can boast of a more honorable
record. The ranks of the noble organization to which he belonged in the
days of his youth are fast being decimated by the one invincible foe, and it is
fitting that in every publication of the nature of this volume special tribute be
paid to those who served during the greatest civil war known to history.
Richey Sumners, a retired farmer of Gibson county, was born January
28, 1843, in this county. He was a son of Thomas and Julia ( IMontgomery)
Sumners. The father was born in Tennessee and came to this county in 1819,
at the age of eight, with his parents, Joseph and Mary (Richey) Sumners.
The family settled about one and one-half miles southeast of Owensville. en-
tering government land. They made the trip to this state in covered wagons,
in true pioneer style, coming from along Duck river, between Murfreesboro
and Franklin, Tennessee. After arriving here, they selected the land which
they finally entered because it had a fine spring on it. Here they cleared a
little land, hunted, fished and did but little farming. The present generation
little understands the disadvantages under which our forefathers had to labor.
Joseph Sumners and his wife both died about seven years after coming to
this state, when their son, Thomas, was about fifteen years old. Upon the
death of his parents, Thomas Sumners was bound out to Carlos Wilson, a
tanner, and remained in his employ until he was twenty-one years of age. He
continued in the employ of Mr. Wilson for five years after reaching his ma-
jority and then launched out into the tanning business for himself. He
built a tannery one-half mile north of Owensville and continued its operation
for eighteen years, when he bought a farm, on which the subject of this sketch
was born. He died in 1863. The mother of the subject of this sketch was
born about four miles northwest of Owensville, in 1819, the daughter of
Judge Thomas Montgomery and Katherine fTeel) Montgomery. Her
father was judge of the circuit court at that time in Princeton, Indiana. She
lived until i860, when her death occurred on the home farm, aliout three
years previous to her husband's death.
Richev Sumners was one of eleven children, seven of whom grew to
maturity, but only two are now living, the subject of this sketch and his sister,
Mrs. Anna Bell Baugh, of San Jose, California. When the Civil war began
Mr. Sumners was but seventeen years of age,, but, fired by the disloyal actions
of the Southern states, his patriotism was stirred to action and he enlisted as
a private in Company H, Seventeenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry,
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 559
which command was assigned to service in the Army of the Cumljerland
and rendered valiant and faithful service in the campaign throughout Ten-
nessee and Georgia. After reaching Atlanta in the summer of 1864, his
corps was placed in the Army of the West, under Gen. George H. Thomas.
He was then transferred back to Nashville, and from thence his division was
sent into Mississippi and Alabama, and he spent the winter of 1864-65 in
southern Alabama and Georgia. When the news of Lee's surrender was
flashed across the country he was in Georgia. He had served for over three
years, had been in some of the bloodiest conflicts of the war, had never
shirked his duty in any particular and had come through all unscathed. Cer-
tainly he was more fortunate than thousands and thousands of his fellow sol-
diers. He was mustered out August 20. 1865.
Upon the expiration of his military service, Mr. Sumners returned to
Owensville, where he engaged in farming for three years, but, an opportun-
ity presenting itself to purchase a stock of merchandise in Owensville, he
went to that town and engaged in the mercantile business for three years.
Seeing a better opportunity for financial investment in the lumber business,
he sold his interests in the mercantile business and started a lumber establish-
ment which he conducted successfully for twenty-five years, when he retired
from active participation in business affairs He was one of the original
stockholders in the Owensville Banking Company and was for a number of
years the president of the company. He continued in this capacity until
three years ago, when he resigned.
Mr. Sumners was married in 1875 to Ro.xana Jaques, the daughter of
William and Mary (Pollard) Jaques. His wife's great-grandfather settled
near Poseyville, Posey county, this state, where he entered a large tract of
government land. In fact, at his death he had one section for each child.
Mr. and Mrs. Richey Sumners are the parents of three children, two of whom
are still living, Iva, the wife of Burr Stunkel. of Owensville, and the mother
of four children, Dorothy, ]\Iary, Charles and Martha; Richey, the only son,
is still living under the parental roof.
Mr. Sumners, in his three score and ten years of continuous residence
in this county, has endeared himself to a wide circle of friends. He is a
plain, unassuming man, able and successful in all of his business affairs. He
has contributed to all worthy objects which have for their purpose the better-
ment of the community in which he has spent his whole career. His success
has been attained by his steady persistence, sterling integrity and excellent
iudsrment.
560 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
JOHN Q. A. GOODMAN.
The true measure of individual success is determined by what one has
accomplished. An enumerat'ion of those men who have succeeded in their
special vocations in Gibson county, and at the same time are impressing
their personalities on the community, men who are conferring honor on the
locality in which they reside, would be incomplete were there failure to make
specific mention of the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this
sketch, for he is an important factor in the professional life of his commun-
ity. The success which has come to him has been the direct result of the
salient points in his character and the sincere interest which he takes in all
matters pertaining" to the public good has won for him the high regard in
which he is held by all who know him.
John Q. A. Goodman was born on a farm in Crawford county, Illinois,
August 12, 1869, the son of Henry and Caroline A. (Legg) Goodman. The
father was a native of Ohio, born in the city of Cleveland on May 11, 1836.
The mother was born and raised in Crawford county, Illinois, her birth oc-
curring November i, 1842. Previous to the birth of the subject of this sketch
the father had settled on the farm in Crawford county, Illinois, where he
passed the remainder of his life. He died March 2, 1887. The mother con-
tinued to make her home in her native county, and passed away April 5,
191 1. To the union of Henry and Caroline A. (Legg) Goodman were born
four children, Marcus T., Amos N., John Q. A. and William C. Henry
Goodman was a consistent member of the Presbyterian church, serving as an
elder for a number of years. In the tenets of this faith he reared his family,
ever setting before them the example of his own sincere life, his honesty and
integrity in all matters.
John O. A. Goodman received his early education in the schools of
Crawford countv, Illinois. He passed his early life on the farm and the
excellent phvsique he today possesses, together with a clear and well-bal-
anced mind, is doubtless in a great measure due to the wholesomeness of those
earlv rural duties. But important as agricultural pursuits are, Mr. Goodman
was not satistied, for he had within him the desire for a broader sphere of
life, and in 1S96 he took up the study of law. He brought to the study of
his chosen profession a boundless and keen enthusiasm and succeeded so well
that on Januarv 5, 1898, he was admitted to the bar at Washington, Indiana.
He had not, however, succeeded in finding a location suitable to his taste and.
JOHN Q. A. GOODMAN.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 561
with the desire of permanently locating, he came to Princeton on Alay 28,
1898, where he has since made his home and h^vs inseparalily identilied him-
self with the best interests of the community He was admitted to practice
in the United States circuit court at East St, Louis. Illinois, on November 7,
1906.
Mr. Goodman was married on April 20. 1902, to Flora E. Barcroft, of
Lawrence county, Illinois, the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Fowler)
Barcroft. Mr. and ]\Irs. Goodman have one child, John Leland, born Febru-
ary 15. 1908.
Mr. Goodman had always identified himself with the Republican party,
taking an active interest in its afifairs, and when the New Progressive jjarty
sprang into existence he refused to accept its principles and took still more
active interest in behalf of the old-school Republicans. His commanding
figure is a familiar sight at political gatherings, and his style of oratory, clear
and shrewd in its reasoning, concise and efifective in delivery, has made him a
favorite speaker at all campaign gatherings.
Fraternally, Mr. Goodman has confined his connection to the Indepen-
dent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. His
religious membership, together with that of his wife, is with the First Pres-
byterian church of Princeton, in the affairs of which he takes a deep interest
and to which he contributes generously of his time and means.
Mr. Goodman has the welfare of the community at heart and at all
times can be counted on to give his ardent support to every movement having
for its object the welfare of those about hiin. A man of sterling qualities,
his honesty, his upright principles and genial disposition have won for him
numerous friends throughout the communitv in which he lives.
JAMES y. AND CHARLES N. EMERSON.
There is nothing which stimulates a man to deeds of worth and a life of
uprightness and rectitude more than the recollection of the strength of char-
acter and examples of right living which have been shown by his forbears.
In this respect Mr. Emerson is fortunate beyond the majority of men in being
descended from a line of men who have been men of strength and influence,
doing their duty well, whether in the peaceful pursuits of ordinary life or in
positions of public life and public trust. A heritage of such a memory of the
(36)
562 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
lives of one's forefathers is of more value than a heritage of material wealth.
In the business affairs of Owensville, the subject of this sketch occupies a
position of importance and among those who are today conserving the com-
mercial and industrial prosperity of this community none occupy a higher
standing among their associates than he whose name appears at the head of
this review.
Charles N. Emerson, the son of James V. and Susan J. (Williams)
Emerson, was born January 7, 1878, near Owensville. Gibson county, Indiana.
James V. Emerson was born February 27, 185 1, the son of Thomas and
Elizabeth (Duncan) Emerson. Thomas Emerson was born near Cynthiana,
in the southern part of Gibson county, the son of Reuben Emerson, who
came from Kentucky in 1811, and settled on the farm where Thomas was
born. Reuben had a brother, Jesse, who settled near where the subject was
born, in 1809. Reuben entered his land from the government near the south
line of Montgomery township in this county, and it was on this farm that
Thomas was born. Elizabeth, the wife of Thomas, was born in Owensville,
the daughter of Greenbury and Sarah (Roberts) Duncan. The Duncans
came to the county in an early day, and the Roberts came from Carolina
about the time the county was organized. Thomas Emerson followed the
occupation of a farmer until old age, and after acquiring a comfortable com-
petence, he moved to Owensville in the latter eighties, where he and his wife
spent the remainder of their lives.
James V. Emerson grew up on the farm where he was born, securing his
education in the district schools, and at the same time assisting his father in
the duties of the farm life, thus early acquiring those habits of industry and
perseverance which have characterized him throughout his successful career.
In February, 1877, he was united in marriage to Susan J. Williams, the
daughter of Simon and Lavina (Sharer) Williams, who are represented in
the sketch of Dr. J. R. Williams, elsewhere in this volume. James Emerson
and his wife went to housekeeping on a farm owned by Mr. Emerson and
continued to reside there until 1882, at which time they moved to Owensville.
In the following year he engaged in the furniture and undertaking business
and conducted this enterprise very successfully for more than twenty years,
and by his industry and perseverance, and the systematic and honorable
methods he followed, he won for himself not only the confidence of his fellow
citizens, but a comfortable competence for his old age. About ten years ago
he sold out this business to Perry Pritchett and retired from active life.
To Mr. and Mrs. James V. Emerson have been born three children:
Charles N., the immediate subject of this sketch; Cora, the wife of Samuel B.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 563
Thompson, lives three miles north of Owensville, and has one daughter,
Alice; Pearl married C. A. \'oight, ami lives at Catlin, Illinois, near Danville,
and has one daughter, Olga.
Mr. Emerson and all of his family are members of the General Baptist
church at Owensville and have always taken a \ery active part in all the af-
fairs of that denomination. Through their church affiliations they have been
the means of doing an vmlimited amount of good in their community. Mr.
Emerson has been for many years a member of the Free and Accepted
Masons, and is a valued and respected member of that fraternity.
Charles N. Emerson, son of James V. Emerson, has lived in Owensville
since he was five years of age. He completed his common and high school
education in that town, and then continued his educational career by a course
in the Oakland City College, followed by a course in Millikan University, at
Decatur, Illinois. While attending school, he began to teach in 1897 in the
district schools of his county and taught three years, then, having qualified
himself for high school work, he became the principal of one of the Princeton
ward schools, where he taught for one year, later being principal of the
Owensville school for two years. Mr. Emerson had uniform success in all his
teaching experience and the profession lost a good instructor when he de-
cided to leave the pedagogical profession and enter the banking business. In
1903 he entered the employ of the First National Bank, of Owensville, as
bookkeeper, and by close application to his business he soon merited a pro-
motion and became cashier in August of the following year, which position
he has held since. His teaching experience and college training, combined
with good sound business judgment, has made him a banker of the first rank.
Mr. Emerson has always taken an active part in the Democratic politics
of his town and county, and his fellow citizens have shown their confidence in
him by electing him a town trustee and he is now serving his second term as
town clerk, and in his official capacity he has shown the same business ability
which characterizes him in his financial dealings. In Masonic circles he is
master of the Owensville lodge, a position which he has held for four years.
He is also a member of the Royal Arch Masons at Princeton. Mr. Emerson
is a type of the highest example of the young American business man, one
whose integrity, strength of character and genuine worth have forced him
into a position of respect in the community. As a factor of the body politic
he has performed well his every duty and no one questions his standing in
this favored locality of the commonwealth of Indiana.
Charles N. Emerson was married in 19O-I. to Emma .Stunkle. who was
born at Haukstadt, the daughter of Ed. F. and Ellen (Williams) Stunkle.
5^4 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Her parents were both born and reared east of Fort Branch, this county.
Her father's death occurred in Owensville and her mother still resides there.
Mr. and Mrs. Emerson move in the best social circles of Owensville, and their
friends are in number as their acquaintances, for they enjoy the esteem and
high regard of all with whom they come in contact.
MARTIN A. MONTGOMERY, M.D.
Fortunate indeed is the family which can trace its history back for
more than three generations and there are very few that can do more than
trace their genealogy back as far as four generations. The family history
of the Montgomerys has been traced back in an unbroken line to the elev-
enth century and investigation has shown its descendants by the thousands.
They are found scattered over Europe and over many of the states in this
country, and wherever they are found they rank among the best families in
the community. Gibson county may count itself fortunate in having the
descendants of one branch of this family living in its midst.
Thomas Montgomery, the great-great-grandfather of Dr. Martin A.
Montgomery, was the original settler of that name in Gibson county. He
was known as "Pretty Old Tom." He came to Gibson county first in 1804
and looked over the territory open for settlement and finally selected a tract
of land for entering.
It is interesting to note briefly the origin of the Montgomery family.
Their genealogy has been worked out along several different branches of the
family and David B. Montgomery has spent several years in tracing back the
branch of which he is an honored member. In 1902 he published a volume
of his researches, in which he showed briefly the history of several thousand
members of the family. The origin of the name is conjectural, but it is
most likely from "Mons Gomeris" or "Gomers Mount." This name has
been traced back through the descendants of the United States, back through
Ireland, through Europe down near the Loretto in Italy. In the course of
many generations the name has had no less than forty-three variations of
spelling until the adoption of the present spelling. A direct line of descent
has been traced back to Robert D. Montgomery, who died in 1261. Hugh
Montgomery, the great-great-great-grandfather of Dr. Martin A. Mont-
gomery, was born in Ireland of Scotch-Irish descent, and he was the first
member of this branch of the family to come to America and he became
ly in this
Roanoke,
lor Ren-
in county,
oils to his
W the community at large. He was ^^^^- Passed May 7 iSn ^SS ^'
. ma. „,.ai.„, k,„j .„5 ««»« Si Vi- »Mi~ l..U","'or.' ' - -
^^en in the sick-room he tried a' ^^^^ '" his dekth thev h«vo"'i !®'^' • ■ ■ - • ■
ways to bring a ray of sunshine. tt^'inM^-^'"" -^ '-'^""en"^^
Obituary MontlJ -""^i" ^°"°w of Brother " - -
of^LTvi-d ^^a^^.^-^-omery. son ^H^.^feeTSt ^th-^^'^.^^.^^^^a |„odf lartin A. Mont
3'|on°tKa^S S ''' ^^ ^'-'Sberi" ^^« add.^i-%'A"no"Jh^? ^^ Salter C.
March.^T/irdur1n^Tr'"-^^^'«^ '" Lt^'th ^^-al .sermon was preachedr'' ^^""'^°"^"'>'-
ing at the 'General BanH?' i"'"t host of hif^ /".-*''" presence of « came to Gihson
under the pas.S o^^. te^^t ^palto'r^^et ^^^.tL^trlr ""^^ ^-W
sketch, is
served
the
the
EISIE M. AYERS
it age the family moved in tii'
ucated in the district s
under the nasS^^ ?*?,"^* church ! ^P^t "^ Ws relatives and ft
Blackbu^'J^aVRev^J l%7l '""' ^^^.£'-<^« Neal'
ulalion He rema'ln?; ""^'^^ °^ ««-
profession of Sh^ln C^^ ^° ^'«
always readv =i?^ ■,9°'^ *"«* was
Jrppl,,\f t • ^ a""^ willing to ffive
hestead farm and
]/lace where he has
is township and
^hool class of 189F'h "^"^ .^'^^-
111 tllV- l^llDllll^L ..^v I I' M M,^ »»l lii:> LVJW 11311IU dliu
le parental roof. When he reached his twenty-first
j-iurther education and started to high school, where
iligent study trying to prepare himself for the min-
the ministry he taught school for three years, when
sionary and preached for some years. His health,
f the best, was now severely injured by a sunstroke.
or health, he continued his studies and took charge
j_ IS zeal for doing good was so strong within him that
= 11, April, 1898 ^-jand consequently he reached the point where he was
Oct.* 1^^189?^'"^^'^ 1° "^"^'^ Strehl, ther work in the ministry. Upon giving up his min-
^™ one son, Harold "jlart/n," and*" r"^*^' ^" '•'^^ ^^"" where he has continued to reside.
Dr. Martin'^wp^ ^J^"^^- the farm has not kept him from active participation
_t • . *■"***'**» Wets a very succGS'=;'fnl I
?ardless"of'^th"^ wherever called re-'ring all the vears which he has lived on the farm he
litlons of roads*™/ weati!.r*' m"'''- -e interest and part in all the church work of his
i)a\id I!. Montgomery was married
)hn Martin .Smith. Mrs. .Montgomery died
Xancv lane
iiD.J,rr T'' ™^ pain of
|Jf?**'« .'•e-'eved if possible. His I • - -
r sunshine ^h'*"*^^ ^^""^ ''"^^ ^ ray! 'his union were horn two children, Martin .\., the im-
J in 'the 'sick-ro^m! tlln ^' in Hlf; I sketch, and Leana .\., the wife of George R. Simpson,
lore life, a hfe of self-sacrifice.
Finding Doctor Alvarado's office was
losed, as he had anticipated, O'Reilly
roceeded to the doctor's residence.
f- 'here was some delay when he rang
504 le bell, but eventually the dentist
Imself appeared. O'Reilly recognized
Her narents w-im from his resemblance to his
ner parents w ^^^^^^^ ^^ addressed him in English.
Her father's de lj ^ome from Felipe," he began. "He
Mr and Mrs Eell remembers the day you whipped
r • J . im to ke«ip him from going to the
friends are m n^^ y^^^g, ^^r."
high regard of ;The languor of Doctor Alvarado's
esta vanished. He started, his eyes
idened.
"Who are you?" he muttered.
"My name is O'Reilly. I am an Amer-
:an, a friend, so don't be alarmed,
he man you see approaching Is fol-
)wing me, but he thinks I have come
J you with a toothache."
"What do you want?"
"I want your help in joining the In-
-iirrectos."
By this time the detective had come
^, ^ ithin earshot. Making an effort at
enth century anc^j^.p^ggggsion^ the dentist said: "Very
They are found ell. I will meet you at my office in
J 1 half -hour and see what can be done,
country, and wh(^^^^^^j,„^^3_
the communit)'. O'Reilly raised his hat and turned
descendants of oif^i^y- ^ ^. ^, v ..
r^, ,. Doctor AlvarBdn's ,io-"-*'" -^-
ihomas Montoomerv, the great-
xmxm wm. ur rAiltnii
ot i:>av
Fortunate
more than three
trace their genev
of the Montgon
U-rgson General Blue Tells What to
Do for Pprsons Sick With Spanish
Influenza— Use of Gauza
Masks Recommended.
Vvushinston.— In an effort to reduce
ar.iiL'ce^siu-y calls 011 the over-worked
plivi:icians throughout the country be-
cause of the present epidemic of ia-
tluen/;a, Surgeon General Blue of the
United' States ptibllc health service
calls upun the people of the country to
learu something about the home care
ill with influenza. Phy-
^ _^ ^ ywhere have complained
about the large number of unnecessary
calis they have had to make becaus*
of the inability of many people to dis-
tinguish between the eases requiring
expert,' medical care and those which
could f-eadily he cared for without a
physlfan. With influenza continuing
to spji-ead in many parts of tlie coun-
try, ^nd with an acute shortage of doc-
tors (and nurses everywhere, every un-
necefs-sary call on either physicians or
nurses makes It so much harder to
meet the urgent needs of the patients
wh^ are seriously ill.
' Present Generation Spoiled.
/"The present generation," said the
has been spoiled by
lirgeon general
reat-o-randf:aving had expert medical and nursing
, . , ^, • ■ 1 ,„ r ,1 t are readily available. It was not so
Montgomery, was the original settler of that namt^ ^j^^ ^^y^ ^f ^^^ grandmothers, when
was known as "Pretty Old Tom." He came to (Silvery good housewife was expected to
, , , , ,u : v ^ ^.1 , now a good deal about the care of the
and looked over the territory open for settlement ar ,,
of land for entering. "Every person who feels sick and
J, . . . ,. ^ V \ ■ a ^u ■ ■ ( spears to be developing, an attack
It is interesting to note briefly the origin of t^'infl„enza should at once be put to
Their genealogy has been worked out along several od in a well-ventilated room, if hi:^
r -1 J T-, J n ■ n/r ^ , ^ , )wels have moved regularly, it is not
family and David B. Montgomery has spent several y^,.^^^^^^^ ^^ gi^e a physic; where a
branch of which he is an honored member. In igo^iysic is needed, a dose of castor oil
of his researches, in which he showed brieflv the hisf'R"^'^'^"* ^"'f f.'^"'^ TJ^rot all
"The room should be cleat ea or an
members of the family. The origin of the name imecessary furniture, bric-a-hrac, and
most likely from "Mons Gomeris" or "Gomers Mcss, A wash basin, pitc-her and slop
', , , , , , , , r 1 T' • >'«1. soap and towel should be at
been traced back through the descendants of the L'niti,jj,j_ preferably in the room or just
Ireland, through Europe down near the Loretto in Iitside the door. ■
. ^, 11, 1 ^1 ( "If the patient is feverish a doctor
many generations the name has had no less than i<:^^^^^ ^e called, and this should be
spelling until the adoption of the present spelling, .-one in any case if the patient appears
has been traced back to Robert D. Montgomery, ^^h<^^J^^- ;;j^VV'e^S JaSdly
Montgomery, the great-great-great-grandfather of nd painfully.
gomerv, was born in Ireland of Scotch-Irish descem "Mo^t of tbe patients cough up con-
& •" Iderable mucus; In some, thoi.
member of this branch ot the lamily to come to A,^ci, mucus discharged from the <
3d throat. Thl.-s material shoulu ■
J collected in handkerchiefs, i "
ither in bits of old rags, or toilet I'u-
,r, or on paper nnp'.dn.s. As sooii us
led, these rags or papers should be
aced m a paper bag kept beside th»
id. Pocket handkerchiefs are oft of
ftce In the sick room and should not ;
GIBSON COUXTV, INDIANA. 565
the progenitor of this American branch of the Montgomery family in tliis
country. He settled near Jamestown, Virginia, hut later moved to Roanoke,
North Carolina. His sons. Samuel and Thomas, left Virginia for Ken-
tucky, and later went on to Indiana, where they settled in Gibson county.
Thomas Montgomery took part in the war of the Revolution previous to his
coming west. The two brothers, Samuel and Thomas, located in Mont-
gomery township, Gibson county, on the line between Union and Montgom-
ery townships, where they entered adjoining farms from the go\ernment,
and here they spent the remainder of their lives and reared large families.
Dr. Martin A. Montgomery, the immediate subject of this sketch, is the
fifth in direct descent from the Thomas Montgomery who served in the
Revolutionary war and came to Gibson county in 1804. Martin .\. Mont-
gomery's father. David B.. was born October 20, 1845, 'I'-s father being John
R., Jr., born May 4, 181 7. John R. Montgomery's father was Walter C,
born at Roanoke, Virginia, in 1784. his father being Thomas ]\Iontgomery,
the same who fought in the war of the Rexolution and came to Gibson
county in 1804.
David B. Montgomery spent his l)o\hood on the homestead farm and
when he was three years of age the faniil\- mij\ed to the place where he has
since resided. He was educated in the district schools of his township and
grew to manhood under the parental roof. When he reached his twenty-first
year he felt the need of further education and started to high school, where
he spent two years in diligent study trying to prepare himself for the min-
istry. Before entering the ministry he taught school for three years, when
he became a home missionary and preached for some years. His health,
which had never been of the best, was now severely injured by a sunstroke.
However, despite his poor health, he continued his studies and took charge
of several churches. His zeal for doing good was so strong within him that
he neglected his health and consequently he reached the point where he was
compelled to forego further work in the ministry. Upon giving up his min-
isterial charges, he returned to the farm where he has continued to reside.
However, his work on the farm has not !<ept him from active participation
in church work, and during all the years which he has lived on the farm he
has taken a very active interest and part in all the church work of his
community.
On October i. 1874, David P.. Montgomery was married to Nancy Jane
Smith, the daughter of John Martin Smith. .Mrs. .Montgomery died on.
Alarch 24, 1899. To this union were born two children, Martin .\.. the im-
mediate subject of this sketch, and Leana A., the wife of George R. Simpson,
566 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
and they have one child, Darwin U., who is now attending school at Oakland
City College. David Montgomery is still actively associated with the Gen-
eral Baptist church of Owensville and has been secretary of the home mis-
sion board for the past thirty-nine years. At the present time he is also
president of the board of trustees of Oakland City College. Mr. Mont-
gomery has always taken an interest in the welfare of the General Baptist
church, and in 1882 he published a comprehensive history of this denomina-
tion, tracing its growth from its organization in 161 1 up to 1882. His sec-
ond volume was "The Montgomerys and Their Descendants," which was
published in 1903 by J. P. Cox, of Owensville. This \-olume was followed
by "Life of Dr. A. D. ^^'illiams," late president of Oakland City College.
He is now engaged in the preparation of his fourth volume for publication,
entitled "John Roberts and His Descendants."
Martin A. Montgomery, son of David B. and Nancy J. (Smith) Mont-
gomery, was born June 20, 1875, two miles northeast of Owensville. When
he was a small boy his parents moved two miles and one-half southeast of
Owensville, where he grew to manhood. His early education was secured
in the district schools of his township, and this was supplemented by a col-
lege course at Oakland City College. After his graduation from this insti-
tution, he entered the University of Louisville in 1895, and completed the
medical course of that institution in the spring of 1898. Immediately upon
his graduation he began the practice of medicine in Owensville, and has con-
tinued in the active practice in this place until the present time. From the
spring of 1904 to the fall of 1912 he was in partnership with Dr. J. R. Mont-
gomery. As a physician he has built up a large practice and by his scholar-
ship and his skill in treating those needing his services he is accounted one
of the most popular physicians of the county. His work as a physician has
been recognized by his town in his appointment as health officer by the town
council. He has also served two years on the town council, and is now a
member of the county pension board. He and Dr. J. R. Montgomery are
surgeons for the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad Company and, by
virtue of this fact, are members of the American Medical Association of
Railway Surgeons. He is also a member of the Owensville and Gibson
County Medical Society, the State Medical Society and the American Medi-
cal Association.
On October i, 1899, Dr. Martin A. ^lontgomer}- was united in marriage
to Josephine Strehl, the daughter of Sebastian and Sarah (Goolman) Strehl.
The father was a native of Germany, his birth having occurred on June
GIBSON COUNTVj INDIANA. 567
22, 1S47, i" Rhinefalz, Bavaria. He was a son of Sebastian and Barbara
(Denlar) Strehl, and grew to manhood in his native country, where he fol-
lowed the trade of a tailor. Upon reaching his majority, he came to Amer-
ica, settling in Evansville, this state, later moving to Linnville, Pike county,
this state, where his brother resided, and there spent about a year, after
which he located at Boonville. Two or three years later he went to Rock-
port, but soon returned to Boonville, where he continued in his work as a
tailor for about three years. His health failing, he was compelled to give
up indoor work and turn to outside occupations. At this time he came
to Gibson county and settled on a farm near Owensville, where he has been
engaged in farming since. In 1878 he was married to Sarah Goolman, a
native of Crawford county, Indiana, the daughter of Joseph Goolman. To
Mr. and Mrs. Strehl have been born four children, Josephine, the wife of the
subject of this sketch; Frank, agent for the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Rail-
road Company at Owensville; Daisy, the wife of Dr. Jesse Emerson, a den-
tist of Owensville, and Be) via, deceased. Mrs. Martin A. Montgomery spent
her girlhood on her father's farm near Owensville. After completing the
course in the common schools she was a student in the college in Vincennes,
and after her graduation from this university she taught two years in the pri-
mary department of the schools at Owensville. To Doctor and Mrs. Mont-
gomery have been born two children, Harold Martin and Maxine Lucile.
Fraternally, Doctor 3iIontgomery is a valued member of the Tribe of
Ben-Hur and takes an active interest in the deliberations of that order Mrs.
Montgomery is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Mr. Montgom-
ery is a member of the General Baptist church and Mrs. Montgomery i.s an
earnest and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Owens-
ville, and they have always taken an active interest in all that pertains to the
welfare of these denominations. Doctor Montgomery is an honored citizen
of his community, not only as a physician and public official, but as a citizen
who takes an interest in every movement looking toward the l)etlermcnt of
his community. His value to the place honored by his residence cannot be
estimated by the ordinary standard, since a physician in any community occu-
pies a most peculiar position. As a conservator of public health he is the most
important man in any community, and if to his duties as a physician he adds
those of a public official he serves a double duty to his community. Not only
has Doctor Montgomery been a valued physician and excellent town official,
but in all those things which go to make up the typical good citizen, he meas-
ures up to the highest standard.
S68 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
JAMES B. GAMBLE.
Success in this life is almost always won by the truly deserving. It is an
axiom demonstrated by all human e.xperience that a man gets out of this life
what he putg into it, plus a reasonable interest on the investment. The indi-
vidual who inherits a large estate and adds nothing to his fortune, cannot be
called a successful man. He that falls heir to a large fortune and increases
its value is successful in proportion to the amount he adds to his possession.
But the man who starts in the world unaided and by sheer force of will, con-
trolled by correct principles, forges ahead and at length reaches a position of
honor among his fellow citizens, achieves success such as representatives of
the two former classes can neither understand nor appreciate. To a consid-
erable extent the subject of this sketch is a creditable representative of the
class last named, a class which has furnished much of the bone and sinew of
the country and added to the stability of our government and its institutions.
James B. Gamble, the well-known attorney of Princeton, is not a native
of Gibson county, although that is the locality with which he has identified
himself so firmly, having first seen the light of day in Carmi. Illinois, on
December 19, 1S53. He is the son of Robert and Nancy (Crowder) Gamble.
Robert Gamble was a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and the mother was
born and raised in White county, Illinois. Mr. Gamble was early bereft of a
mother's tender care, as he was but six months old when she died. There
had been another child in the family, but it is also dead. The father took as
his second wife a Mrs. Bradshaw, who bore him three children. Mr. Gam-
ble's occupation was that of a carpenter, and when the Civil war began he
enlisted in the Eighty-seventh Illinois Infantry, commanded by Col. J. M.
Crebs. He was among the many unfortunate ones who never came home
again, as he died in the service while his regiment was at Memphis. Tennessee.
James B. Gamble received his earliest instruction in the public schools
of Carmi, Illinois, afterward coming to Fort Branch, Indiana, where he at-
tended high school. It was his desire to fit himself as a school teacher, and in
this he was .successful, teaching in the Gibson county schools for five years.
However, this young man had still higher ambitions and was received into
the office of Judge William N. Land, of Princeton, where he took up the
reading of law. After diligent application to his chosen profession he was
admitted to the bar in August, 1877, since which time he has been practicing
in Princeton with the exception of six years. This was from July, 1900, to
GIRSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 569
July, 1906, during which period he was commissioned a special United States
revenue agent.
Mr. Gamble early became interested in politics, identifying himself with
the Republican party, and by this party was twice elected mayor of Princeton,
sereving one term of four years and one term of two years.
On October ii, 1883, Mr. Gaml)le was married to Naomi J. Land,
daughter of Judge Land, with whom he had lieen associated in the early
days of his profession, and who receives specific mention elsewhere in this
work. To this union have been born three children. Vesper I-., aged twenty-
six. John H., aged seventeen, and William O., aged fifteen. All of the chil-
dren are still at home, the family circle being unbroken. Mr. Gamble belongs
to the time-honored body of Free and Accepted Masons, and has advanced
in this as far as the chapter work. He is a member of blue lodge No. 231 at
Princeton, and is a member of the IModern Woodmen of America.
Mr. Gamble is too well and widely known to make it necessary to add that
he is a man of integrity and sterling worth, who holds the honor and respect of
his community. He is one of that admirable body of men who can justly style
themselves "self made," and have just cause for pride in their accomplish-
ment. By his unfailing ambition and strict adherence to right principles, he
has won for himself an enviable name .ind his wide influence is willingly ex-
tended in behalf of every deserving enteqirise tiiat has ff)r its object the ad-
vancement of the moral welfare of the comniunit\-.
SIMON FRENCH.
The gentleman whose name heads this paragraph is widely known in
Johnson county and is one of the honored citizens of Union township, where
he is living in honorable retirement after a strenuous life of activity in con-
nection with agricultural pursuits. His well-directed efforts in the practical
affairs of life, his capable management of his business interests and his sound
judgment have brought to him prosperity, and his life demonstrates what
may be accomplished by any man of energy and ambition who is not afraid
to work and has the perseverance to continue his laI)ors in the face of any
disaster or 'discouragement that may arise. In all the relations of life Mr,
French has commanded the confidence and respect of those with whom he
has been brought into contact and a l)iographical history of tliis bicality
would not be com]ilete without a record of his career.
570 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Simon French was born March 5, 1846, on the old French farm in
Patoka township. Gibson county, Indiana, and has spent practically his entire
life in this locality. The father, Phillip French, was born on February 12,
1807, in the state of New Jersey. In early manhood he went to Danville,
Kentucky, where he was employed at his trade of brick mason and plasterer.
On October 7, 1837, in Kentucky, he married Ann DeMott, a native of that
state, born on November 22, 1816, and eventually they came to Gibson county,
Indiana, by wagon and he entered forty acres of wild land, on which they
erected a typical pioneer log cabin. The land was covered with a dense
growth of timber and efforts of the most strenuous character were necessary
in order to put the land in shape for cultivation. Mr. French put a puncheon
floor in his cabin, made a stick chimney, and in every respect their home was
a typical frontier place. Mr. French cleared and improved this place and lived
there until the end of his life, his death occurring on November 5, 1855. His
wife survived her husband many years, dying in 1894. Mr. French was a
successful farmer, raising also a great deal of live stock and, in addition to
his agricultural pursuits, he was frequently employed by the neighbors as a
mason and brick-layer. At the time of his death he was the owner of one
hundred and forty acres of good land. He was a Democrat in his political
views, and in religion his wife was a member of the General Baptist church.
Widely known throughout this section of the country, he was highly re-
spected and esteemed by his entire accjuaintance. To him and his wife were
born the following children; Peter, born September 11, 1838, lived in this
county and also in Kansas, where he followed agricultural pursuits. He is
now deceased. He married Melinda Keys, and after he died she became the
wife of Squire Weed, of Fort Branch. John J., born January 15, 1839, died
in early youth. Mary Ellen, born January 30, 1840, died unmarried. Martha
Jane, who died April 24, 1841, became the wife, of William Landfair, of
Maxim Station, Indiana. Ephraim, born November 24, 1843, died at the
age of nineteen years. Simon, the immediate subject of this sketch. William,
born December 29, 1S50, is a farmer near Dyersburg, Tennessee. Philip B.,
born February 9, 1856, is a farmer in Union township, this county.
Simon French had but little opportunity to secure a school education,
but, being studiously inclined, he acquired a large and accurate fund of gen-
eral information, being considered a well-informed man. He remained with
his parents until he was twenty-five years of age, when he was married, and
soon afterwards bought a farm of fifty-three acres in Patoka township. The
land was partly improved, but Mr. French at once went to work and brought
it up to a high standard of agricultural excellence. He also bought the old
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 57I
homestead farm, on which he hvecl for ten years, when, in 1903, he moved to
Fort Branch, where he is now Hving retired from active labor. He owns a
number of vahiable farms in this county, and has in all, in Patoka and Union
townships, seven hundred acres of fine land, being numbered among the most
substantial citizens of his section of the county. He has always followed
farming and stock raising as a vocation, and has met with phenomenal suc-
cess in both of these enterprises. Starting in life in a small way. he has,
with most persistent industry, stead\- perseverance and good management,
gained quite a competency and is numbered among the county's wealthy
citizens.
In 1871 Mr. French married Louisa Davis, a native of I'atoka town-
.'^hip, Gibson county, Indiana, the daughter of Samuel and Jane (Barker)
Davis, the mother a native of Owensville, Indiana, and the father of South
Carolina. The latter was a farmer during his active life, his later residence
being in Patoka township, this county. They were the parents of six chil-
dren, namely: George; Louisa; Bentley; Mary, who lives on the old home
place; Ella, who married Frank Kimmer, or Princeton, and John, who also
lives on the old home farm. To Mr. and Mrs. French have been born seven
children, of whom six are living, namely: Rosie. the wife of Henry Martin,
a farmer in Union township, this county : Vada, who died in early youth ;
Jesse, who lives on a part of the old homestead farm: Samuel, also a farmer
on part cf the subject's farm; Stella, the wife of Owen Stephens, of
Patoka township, this county; Mary, the wife of Wilbur Strickland, of
Princeton, and Barney, a farmer in Patoka township.
Politically a Democrat, Mr. French has for many years been an active
participant in local public affairs, though never actively seeking office on his
own account. Religiously, he and his wife are earnest and faithful nienil)ers
of the Regular Baptist church. Personally. Mr. l->ench is greatly esteemed
by his neighbors, and his name stands for upright conduct and a high standard
of manhood and citizenship.
WILLIS H. TICTIFXOR.
From the time of Tubal Cain the artificer in iron has lieen one of the
most important factors in civilization. He it was who forged the first
implements of the field and the weapons of war. The iron worker made
possi1>le the mail-clad knight of the Middle .Age'^ and later the cannon which
changed the whole course of civilization. Tn all the communities nf Indiana
572 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
the blacksmith made all the tools the farmer used, the axes, the saws, the
hoes and the horseshoes. The blacksmith was the original iron foundryman,
the first iron manufacturer, and without him no community could long exist.
In the treaties which the United States entered into with the Indians of In-
diana in the early history of the state, it was always stipulated that the
Indians were to be supplied with a blacksmith. He was as essential to the
community in its industrial life as was the minister to its religious life and
the teacher to its intellectual life. Even to this day no community could
dispense with the blacksmith, and for these reasons too much honor cannot
be accorded this important occupation. Among the men of this occupation
in Gibson county, no one stands any higher than does Willis H. Tichenor,
the subject of this review.
Willis H. Tichenor, the son of Timothy M. and Elizabeth (Hudelson)
Tichenor, was born in Owensville, Indiana, on October 8, 1850. Timothy
Tichenor was a native of this county and followed the trade of a blacksmith
all his life. His shop in Owensville became the center of an extensive trade
and by his remarkable skill in ii'on work, he became one of the most impor-
tant men in the whole county. No one can gainsay the fact that a good
blacksmith is a big asset to any communit}', and especially was this so at
the time when he was following the trade. Shortly before his death, he went
into the saw-mill business in Owensville and followed that occupation very suc-
cessfully. Timothy Tichenor was born July 11, 1829, was married Decem-
ber 24, 1849, a"d his death occurred January 3, 1895. His wife, Elizabeth
Hudelson, was born November 9, 1831. To them were born eight children:
Willis H., the immediate subject of this sketch; Daniel Crawford, who mar-
ried Louisa Roberts, lives on a farm about four miles north of Owensville
and has one child, Elsie; Luther M., who married Almedia Daugherty, lives
on a farm one mile south of Owensville and has four children, Mary, Anna,
William and Hazel; William Seward, who lives with his mother in Owens-
ville, she being now past eighty-two years of age; Florence, who married
John Daugherty, a farmer of this township, is the mother of two children,
Oscar and Frank. After the death of John Daugherty, which occurred in
1 910, his widow married Elmer Coleman, also a farmer living about two
miles east of Owensville; two children who died in infancy.
Willis H. Tichenor spent his boyhood days in Owensville, securing his
education in the common school of his home town and learning the trade
of a blacksmith in his father's shop, and continued in this occupation until
about a year before his marriage, when he went into business for himself.
GIBSON COlXT'i'
573
About 1S90 he sold out his blacksniitliint;- fslahHsliincnl and enttTc-d into the
implement business across the street from his old shop. He is the agent
for the Deering and International Harvester Companies. He carries a
full and complete line of farming implements of all sorts and has a large
patronage throughout the county. No man stands higher in the communuy
as a business man than does Mr. 1'ichenor.
Willis H. Tichenor was married Hist in December, 1S74, to Louisa
Lucas, the daughter of Francis and Mary (Mauck) Lucas. This union was
blessed with four daughters, Mary, who died at the early age of two years;
Florence Belle, the wife of Arthur Brown, a farmer living near King's
Station, is the mother of two children, Eunice and Mildred: Nellie W., the
wife of Robert Redman, a farmer of this township, and they have four
children, Eva, Howe, Birdena and Eugene; Emma Ethel, the wife of Fran-
cis Thompson, a blacksmith of Owensville, and they are the parents of three
children, Paul, Raymond and Mary Elizabeth. After the death of his hrst
wife, Mr. Tichenor married Elizabeth (Williams) Barker, daughter of
Perry and Nancy (Meadows) Williams, ami to this union were born tour
children, \Varren, who died at the age of three years; Wallace P., who mar-
ried Eva Speer, and lives in Owensville, following the trade of a blacksimth
with his father; he has one child, Charles Willis; Erma, who is still at
home with her parents, and Earl W., deceased.
Mr. Tichenor has always adhered to the principles of the Repuljlican
party, but has ne\er been an office seeker, although he served for two terms
as councilman in the town of Owensville, at the same time with Henry
Dugan and Lewis Whitenbaugh. Fraternally, he is a member of the time-
honored order of the Free and Accepted IMasons, and has always taken an
active part in the workings of that organization. He and his wife have been
loyal and earnest church workers during their long residence in this county,
he being a member of the General Baptist church of Owensville, and a deacon
of that denomination at the ]jresent time, while his wife belongs to the Regular
Baptist church. They contribute liberally of their substance to the supjjort
of their respecti\e churches. Mr. Tichenor, by his industry and sound
judgment, has been very successful m the management of his business and
well merits a place of honor in this history. He has always been upright in
his dealings with his fellow citizens and, because of his .sterling qualities, he
has made friends of all with whom he has come into contact. He has
always actively identified himself with all those movements which have for
their purpose the bettering of the moral, social or intellectual life of the
communit\- in which he lives.
574 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
JACOB W. MAUCK.
Poets often tell the truth and the old song which contains the refrain,
"The farmer feeds them all," states a very fundamental and economic
truth. Without the farmer the rest of the country would starve within a
week despite the large amount of food in cold storage. Every occupation
might be done away with but farming and people could live, but a total
cessation of farming for a very short time would actually depopulate the
whole world. A man can live without banks all his life, but deprive him of
his bread and his career is soon ended. Farming is becoming an honored
profession ; our district schools are teaching it as a science and our colleges
are granting degrees for agricultural courses. The farmers of any com-
munity sustain the people dependent on every other profession. Without
the farmer the banker would close his doors, the manufacturer would shut
down his factory and the railroads would suspend operations. Among the
honored men of Gibson county, Indiana, who help to keep the banker, the
manufacturer and the railroads is the subject of this sketch.
Jacob Warrick Mauck, son of Thompson G. and America (Knowles)
Mauck, was born August 25, 1852, one and one-half miles northwest of
Owensville, Gibson county, the father and mother both being natives of
this county. They were married in 185 1, and immediately moved on to the
old Rutter farm, about three-fourths of a mile east of the old homestead,
where they lived for six years. He was engaged in general farming all his
life and also bought and sold considerable live stock. For a number of years
he was also agent for the old wooden binder in this county. They were
the parents of five children: Abraham, who married Margaret Johnson,
lives in Denver, Colorado, where he is engaged in the lumber business, and
he has seven children, Harvey, May, John, Myrtle, Joseph, Ethel and
Thompson; Asa, who died at the age of thirteen: Matilda married Henry
W. Smith and lives on a farm between Owensville and Princeton, and
has three children, Mrs. Nora Armstrong, America, who died at the age of
two years, and Earl R. ; John A., who married Ada Robinson, is a traveling
man, and they have two children, Bernice and Hilda; Jacob W., the imme-
diate subject of this sketch. Mrs. America Mauck died in 1891, and in
the fall of 1892 Mr. Mauck married Augusta Emerson, of Gibson county.
Thompson G. Mauck's death occurred in August, 191 1, his widow surviving
him two years, dying in the spring of 191 3.
Jacob W. Mauck, the subject of this sketch, was married November 30.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 575
1876, to Lucy, the daughter of James S. and Parnieha (Davis) Mounts.
Her father is a native of this county, his birth occurring about two miles
south of Owensville. He followed the occupation of a farmer all his life,
his death occurring on his farm on February 21, 1899. His widow sur-
vived him several years, her death occurring on August 5, 1908. They
were the parents of eleven children: Abijah; Joseph Lane, deceased; Silas
L., deceased; Elijah, deceased; Lucy, the wife of the subject; Mary; Martha,
deceased; Ida A., the wife of Jefferson Welborn, a farmer of this county;
Flora, deceased; Oscar, who married Flora Armstrong, is a farmer of this
county, with five children and one who died in infancy.
Jacob W. Mauck spent his boyhood on the farm, attending the schools
of his neighborhood in the winter seasons, and working on the farm during
the summer. Early in life he decided to make farming his life's work and
two years before marriage he began farming for himself, renting ground
from his uncle, Samuel Mauck, of this township. He continued operations
on this farm after his marriage until 1879, when he had the misfortune to
have his house burned down. He then moved to the Jackie Simpson farm
of fifty acres, where he remained for two years. Feeling that he could bet-
ter his condition by buying a farm of his own, he purchased the Beard and
Davis farm four miles north\\est of Owensville, from his brother-in-law,
Silas L. Mounts. On this farm of one hundred and twenty acres he farmed
for thirty-two years, bringing it to a high state of cultivation and improving
it in every way. He stocked his farm with the best stock obtainaljle and
proved to be a very successful agriculturist. Upon the death of
his father, he mo\'ed to his father's old place and remained there for about
two years, when he moved to Owensxille in .\ugust, 191 1, having been
appointed trustee of Montgomery township in February of that year. Mr.
and Mrs. Jacob W. Mauck have four children : Xora, who died at the early
age of two years; Asa, who married Mary Robb, lives on his grandfather's
old farm, and he is the father of three children, Irene, Warren and Arva;
Elijah, who died in 1897; George, who married Ethel Bush, lives on his
father's old place near Owensville.
Fraternally, Mr. Mauck is a niemljcr i)t the timc-hdnored urder of Free
and Accepted Masons, at Owensville. and takes an active interest in all the
workings of this organization. Politically, he has always affiliated with the
Democratic party and has always taken a live and active interest in the affairs
of that political body. His sterling worth as a citizen and business man was
recognized, by his appointment as trustee of his township in Februarv. lou,
and for the short time that he has been in the office he has di.scharged its
576 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
arduous duties to the entire satisfaction of the community and township. Mr.
Mauck is a quiet and unassuming man, of genial disposition, firm in his con-
victions and one who has always looked out for the best welfare of his town-
ship. As a public official he has shown an honesty and integrity which stamps
him as a public citizen which makes for the best in our civilization. He has
gained his success through legitimate and worthy means and stands today as
an honorable type of the self-made man.
HENRY WHITE.
Examples that impress force of character on all who study them are
worthy of record. By a few general observations may be conveyed some
idea of the characteristics and worthy career of Henry White, for many years
a well known farmer of Gibson covmty, Indiana, who is now living in honor-
able retirement in Patoka township, having, through his industry and perse-
verance, accumulated a competency. He has pursued the even tenor of his
way in a quiet and unostentatious manner which never courts publicity, at-
tending strictly to his own affairs, doing the right as he understands it and
keeping his conscience void of offense towards God and man. It is not a
matter of wonderment that the elements of a solid and practical nature, which
unite in his composition, should win him a conspicuous place in his commun-
ity, when we learn that he comes of a sterling family, a family that believed
not only in keeping busy along legitimate lines of endeavor, but also in living
up to the highest standard of citizenship in every respect.
Henry White was born in Westphalia, Germany, in November, 1834.
the son of William and Minnie (^ Schulmeier ) White, both also natives of that
place, where they lived and died. They were farming folk and people of
eminent raspectability in this community. They were the parents of four
sons : William, who died in Germany ; Henry, the immediate subject of this
sketch; Charles, who came to America in 185 1, and was taken sick and died
at Cairo, Illinois; Ernest, who is living in Germany. The subject had but
little opportunity to attend school in his native land, and as a boy he was
hired out in order to reduce the expense of the family. When a lad of fifteen
years he started to America alone, coming on a sailing vessel, and, after a
rough and stormy voyage of eleven weeks, the boat having been held at
Bremen for two weeks, they landed at New Orleans. The experiences of this
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. Z^yj
journey will never be forgotten by those who took part. When they crossed
the North sea it was very rough and cold, and the subject froze his feet so
badly that he could not walk, and when they reached the Atlantic ocean in
March the sea was calm and the weather mild. The captain ordered all
hands on deck, so they could fumigate the .shij). They look tar liuckets and,
heating irons very hot, put them in the buckets io fumigate, and the tar
caught fire and caused a panic among the passengers, who rushed in every
direction. The subject, however, was unable to walk, and was badly fright-
ened before the danger was over. There was much sickness, as well as
vermin on the ship. After landing at New Orleans the subject came up to
Princeton. Indiana, where he obtained employment with John Irvin for a
short time, and then worked on a railroad eight miles west of Vincennes,
Later he returned to Gibson county and worked in a saw-mill for Cleveland
Polk, west of Princeton, on the Marsh creek, on the Owensville road, where
he helped cut the timber from the land. He was married in 1863, and soon
after settled at Cherry Grove, west of Princeton, where he remained about
three years, and then went to Warrick county, this state, near the south line
of Gibson county, and remained there for eleven years. He then ^btained
one hundred and sixty acres of land in White River township, Gibson county,
which had on it an old log house and stable, and there the subject made many
permanent and substantial improvements, cleared the land and created a
splendid home. Here he reared and educated his children and carried on
general farming and stock raising in such a way as to not only win a com-
fortable competence, but also a reputation as a good business man.
On January 22, 1863, Mr. White was married to Mary Guise, who was
born in Indianapolis. Indiana, on December 1. 1S44. the daughter of William
and Mary (Grover) Guise, the father a native of Germany and the mother of
Pennsylvania. William came in young manhood to America, locating in
Indianapolis, where he engaged in the baking business, at which he was an
expert. In 1852 he came to Gibson county, and bought a farm in Patoka
township, where he spent the remainder o^f his life, his death occurring at the
a.ge of sixty years. His wife died at the age of .seventy-three years. He was
a Lutheran in his religious belief, while his wife was a member of the Baptist
church. They were the parents of eight children, ^^ary, Mrs. White;
Nancy, the widows of George T. Burton, of Princeton: Sophia, who became
the wife of Charles Hisey, a farmer of Patoka township: .Augustus, of Oak--
land Citv. Indiana: \Mlliam. a retired farmer in Princeton. Indiana: Christina.
r.37)
578 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
the wife of P>ed Hasselbrink, a farmer in Patoka township; Henrietta, d^^
ceased, the wife of John Kiefer; Lizzie, who remains single and is Hving in
Indianapohs. To Air. and Mrs. White have been born four children: Emma,
the wife of Fred Kohlmeier, of Center township, where he operates a farm.
They have eight children: Myrtle, who died at the age of eleven years;
Sadie, the wife of Fred Gasper, a farmer in Center township, and they have
two children, Freda and Henry; Henry, a teacher at Francisco, and John,
Leroy, Ethel, Ruth and Fred, Jr., at home. Albert White, who is a successful
farmer in Patoka township, married Annie Plasselbrink, and they have five
children, Arthur, Althe, Adelbert, Henry and an infant daughter, dead. Sallie
S. White became the wife of Thomas Carithers, a farmer in Patoka town-
ship, and they have one son, Kenneth, living and one son dead. Cassius, who
also is a farmer in Patoka township, married Ida Key, and they have two
children, Kermit and Leland.
Mr. White retired from active farming operations in 1900 and settled
on the old home place, north of Princeton, where he bought a ten-acre tract,
and is now comfortably situated and able to spend the rest of his days in com-
fort and quiet. He and his wife are faithful and earnest members of the
Methodist Episcopal church and they take a deep interest in all religious
efforts. Mr. White derives great comfort from the reading of the Blessed
Word. He has always been a staunch Republican in politics, though never
very active in public affairs. A man of splendid personal character, because
of his correct life and his genuine worth, Mr. White has long enjoyed the
good will and confidence of his neighbors, and he is eminently worthy of
representation in a work of the character of the one at hand.
COLUMBUS EMERSON.
The twentieth-century farmer knows very little of the disadvantages
which surrounded the pioneer farmer of this state. No longer is the farmer
compelled to rise earlv in the morning and continue his labors far into the
evening. The farmer of today can do as much work in a half day as his
father could fifty years ago in a whole day. The free mail delivery leaves the
daily paper on his doorstep each morning; his telephone puts him in com-
munication with his neighbors, while the interurban car and automobile
enable him to participate in all the features of city life. The present genera-
tion of farmers have no forest to clear, few swamps to drain, while hundreds
Ginsox corxTv, ixdiaxa. 579
of inventions designed to lighten the labors nf the farmers have been put into
their hands. The flail of our fathers has given way to the threshing machine
of today and even the old-fashioned corn cutter is laid on the shelf and the
corn is now cut by machiner)-. The old-fashioned shucking peg has given
way to the modern corn husker, and, surrounded by such conditions, the
farmer of today can have all the advantages of the citizens in the city with
few of his disadvantages. The pioneer farmers are fast passing away and
within the next few years they will be gone. The subject of this brief biog-
raphy is one of those farmers who struggled in the early fifties and sixties
of our state's history to build for himself a comfortable competency on the
farm. Columbus Emerson has known what it was to clear the forest, to
drain the swamps, to buikl the roads through the morasses, to cut wheat by
hand and perform all those multitudinous tasks which fell to the lot of the
pioneer farmer.
Columbus Emerson, the son of Jesse and Margaret (^Redman) Emerson,
was born July 28, 1842, in Johnson township, Gibson county, Indiana. Jesse
Emerson was born in Kentucky, the son of Reuben Emerson, and came to
this county early in life. Reuben settled in Johnson township, between
Cynthiana and Haubstadt. Margaret, the wife of Jesse Emerson, was born
in Adair county, Kentucky, and lived there until she was about six years of
age, when her parents moved to Montgomery township, this county, and pur-
chased the farm northeast of Owensville, where her father's death occurred
shortly after the close of the Civil war, while her mother lived a few years
longer, her death occur'ring at Princeton.
Columbus Emerson is one of eight children burn to Jesse and Margaret
(Redman) Emerson: Reuben, Charles, Logan, Columbus, the immediate
subject of this sketch; James J., Mrs. Augusta Mauck, Josephus and Mrs.
Martha W. Smith. Columbus was reared on his father's farm and enjoyed
all the advantages, as well as the disadvantages, incident to farm life at that
time. Here he learned those habits of industry and economy which have
characterized him throughout his kjng career in the county.
In i86s ^Ir. Emerson was united in marriage to Sarah Skelton. the
daughter of Joseph and Nancy I Montgomery) Skelton, and they are the
parents of five children, namely : Mrs. IMorton Woods, who has one daugh-
ter, Edith, lives two miles north of Owensville; Joseph, who married Agnes
Pegram, has three children. Herman. Hildred and Eugene, and lives four
miles north of Owensville: Jesse D., who married Dai.sy Strihl. has one son.'
Robert, is a dentist at Owensville: Otis married .\nna C. Cnsliman, and has
580 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
five children, Earl, Mark, Byron, Eleanor and Margaret, lives on the old
home place four miles northeast of Owensville belonging to the subject's
father; Gussie L., wife of W. Oscar Dougherty, lives two and one-half miles
southwest of Fort Branch, and they have one son, Doris. The mother of these
children died about twelve years after her marriage and subsequently Mr.
Emerson married Mary A. (DePriest) Dougherty, of Owensville, the daugh-
ter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Franklin Dougherty, and her death occurred in 1903.
In 1905 Mr. Emerson married Mrs. Hannah J. (DePriest) (Baldwin)
Mounts, who was born between Princeton and Patoka, the daughter of James
M. and Rebecca (Devin) DePriest. Her father was born near Nashville,
Tennessee, and was brought in infancy by his mother to this state, his father
having died in Tennessee. James M. DePriest grew up on the farm and
after his marriage farmed for a short time. Before the breaking out of the
Civil war he moved to Princeton, where he engaged in general merchandising,
and for a period of nineteen years he was in partnership with a Mr. Mauck,
the firm being known as Mauck & DePriest, and was located on the north-
west corner of the public square. Rebecca Devin, the mother of Mrs. Hannah
J. Emerson, was born near Devin Hill, north of Princeton, the daughter of
James and Hannah (Chapman) Devin, the father having come from Pittsyl-
vania county, Virginia, with a number of others of the De^'in family. His
father, Alexander Devin, was a Baptist minister, and is buried at Princeton.
Her mother, Hannah Chapman, came from on Barren river, near Hartford,
Kentucky. She lived on her father's farm north of Princeton until she was
fifteen years of age, and then moved with her parents to Princeton, where her
father engaged in general merchandising. In June, 1865, she married John
L. Baldwin, and resided in Princeton for a time, later removing to the West,
where her husband engaged in business. They were the parents of four
children, Anna, who died in infancy; May, the wife of William L. Jones, of
Carlisle, Indiana, and they are the parents of eight children; John, who lives
in St. Louis, has one son, John W. Baldwin, of Indianapolis, is a railroader;
^Vill, who married Myrt,le Mills, has five children, three of whom are living,
is in the railroad shops at The Dais, Oregon. John L. Baldwin died in 1874,
and his widow afterwards married John Mounts, and lived at lola, Kansas,
on a farm. There were two children by this marriage. Myrtle and Fred.
Myrtle died in infancy and Fred is a sailor on a Pacific coast vessel. Mr.
Mounts' death occurred in Princeton in 1900, and his widow continued to re-
.side in Princeton until her marriage to Mr. Emerson in 1905.
Columbus Emerson has been a life-long farmer in Montgomery town-
GIBSON COrNTV, INDIANA. 581
ship, this county. His whole life has been spent in civil pursuits with the ex-
ception of three years which he spent at the front during the Civil war. His
military record is a matter of congratulation among his friends and is a pride
to his country. His career as a soldier was attended with the same good for-
tune which has followed him in his civil pursuits. Brave and true, lie well
deserves, however, the success with which he met while gallantly serving in
defense of his country's flag during the Civil war. He enlisted in Company
B, Sixty-fifth Regiment Indiana \^olunteer Infantry, and was assigned to
duty in the Army of the Ohio. From the date of his enlistment, August 9,
1862, until the close of the war, he was in every campaign of this regiment.
He served through Tennessee and saw Sherman to Atlanta, where he fought
in that memorable summer's campaign around that city. From Atlanta he
went back to Nashville with Thomas and later, after the bloody battle of
Stone River, in January, 1864, his regiment was transferred to Columbia in
eastern Tennessee. In the summer of 1864 he was on duty in the Carolinas
and followed after Joseph W. Thomas to Greensboro, North Carolina, where
he was stationed when Lee surrendered to Grant, and on April 8, 1865, at the
close of the war, was mustered out with an honorable record. During this
period of three years he was in more than fifty battles and skirmishes and vet
he was fortunate to come through unscathed.
Immediately after the close of the war ]Mr. Emerson came back to his
home county, and after a short time he purchased a farm five miles north of
Owensville, which he continued to operate for a number of years, and then
sold it and bought his father's old farm, where he lived until 1904, when he
retired from active farming operations and mo\ed to Owensville, where he
still resides.
By his industry and good business jutlgment. Mr. Emerson now owns
two hundred and eleven acres of fine land in this county, one hundred and
one acres in Union township and one iuindred and ten in Montgomery town-
ship. During his long career in this count)' Mr. Emerson has stood for every-
thing which tended toward the bettering of the moral and intellectual life of
the communitv. He and his wife have been life-long members of the Cum-
berland Presbyterian church and have contributed liberally of their means
during all these years toward the support of that denomination. Mr. k'nicr-
son is also one of the oldest members of the Free and Accepted Masons in the
county.
It is interesting to note that Mrs. Emerson's first husband was a valiant
soldier during the Civil war and spent several months in the notorious Libby
582 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
prison before he was liberated. Mrs. Emerson's grandfather, James Devin,
was in the battle of Tippecanoe in 1807. Her great-grandfather, Alexander
Devin, was one of the forty-three members composing the first constitutional
convention of Indiana in 1816. He was one of the two delegates sent from
Gibson county.
The mother of Columbus Emerson died June 6, 1889, his father's death
having occurred several years before, on November 6, 1878. Mr. Emerson
is a type of the sturdy pioneer, who has brought the agricultural interests of
our state to the present state of perfection. During his long residence in this
county he has seen all of the modern improvements gradually introduced into
farming. As a citizen no one is more highly respected in the county than is
he, and as a veteran of the Civil war all delight to honor his name.
JAMES E. BELOAT.
To make a success of agriculture it is necessary to be something more
than a hard worker. A farmer might labor from dawn to twilight every day
in the year and yet fail to accomplish much; there must be sound judgment
and discretion exercised at the same time, a knowledge of soils, grains, live
stock, and, in fact, general business. The man who accomplishes much as a
tiller of the soil and the manager of a landed estate in these days should be
accorded a place along with the men who succeed in other walks of life, for
often it requires more ingenuity and courage to be a farmer than anything
else that claims the attention of men in the world of affairs. A brief review
of the life and career of James E. Beloat, retired agriculturist, of Haubstadt,
Gibson county, will suffice to show that he has achieved success in his life
work partly because he has worked for it and partly because he was a good
manager and a man of proper habits
James E. Beloat was born April 8, 1853, in Johnson township, Gibson
county, Indiana, the son of George and Martha (Reel) Beloat, both natives
of the same township and county, the father being a son of James Beloat,
who was a native of Scotland, and the mother a daughter of Henry Reel.
The subject's maternal grandfather, Henry Reel, who was one of the
early settlers in Gibson county, first located near Patoka, removing shortly
thereafter to Johnson township, where he bought a piece of land from John J.
Neally, the first postmaster of Princeton. Here he settled with his family,
later taking up government land, and on this place he raised a family of twelve
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 583
children and lived to a ripe old a.^e. In addition to his agricuUiiral pursnits.
he drove a stage for a time between Evansville and \incennes. He was a
man of great energy and action and a leader in his time. During the Indian
wars in Tecumseh's time Mr. Reel took an important part in the suppression
of the troublesome redskins.
The subject's grandfather, James Beloat, was of Scotch descent, although
he was born in America. His immediate ancestors hailed from the high-
lands of the land of Bobbie Burns and spoke the Gaelic language of that
section. At the extremely early date on which the grandfather settled in
Gibson county, the country was in an almost primitive condition and Indians
were quite numerous in that vicinity.
George Beloat. father of the subject, purchased the land wliich he occu-
pied during his lifetime from his father-in-law. Henry Reel. He enlisted, in
August, 1862, in the First Indiana Cavalry and served with his regiment until
honorably discharged in 1865, being woundet! while in the service, but not
seriously. At one time his entire company was captured. Among them was
a private, a Missourian, who had previously been taken prisoner and liad
taken the oath of allegiance to the South. Knowing that as a Confederate
prisoner he would be shot, he decided he might as well be killed in attempting
to escape as in any other way, so decided to make the effort. He was joined
by the subject's father and three others, all of whom were successful in elud-
ing the sentries and reaching the Union lines in safety. George Beloat was a
representative citizen, an elder in the Presbj-terian church for thirty-one years,
and when he died in 1902, at the age of sixty-two, his demise was mourned
by a large circle of friends. His wido\v, who was also a memljer of the
Presbyterian church and a woman well versed in the genealogy of the family
and in local history, died in 1910, at the age of eighty-four.
To the subject's parents were born six children, who were : James E. ;
Thomas, now in Princeton; Marcus lives in Oakland City; Kate, deceased,
was the wife of John Fowler, of California; George lives near Fort P>ranch ;
Belle married Harter Bell, of Evansville.
James E. Beloat received a good education in the common schools of
the district and attended the high school at Fort Branch. On completing his
scholastic studies he actively engaged in agriculture on the homestead, and up
to the time of his retirement devoted his energies and careful thought to the
development and improvement of his holdings. Starting with one hundred
and sixty acres of the home place, he has gradually acipiired additional land
as he was prospered until at the time of his retirement he was the possessor of
two hundred and thirty acres of splendid land on which he conducted general
584 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
scientific farming and stock raising, taking especial interest in the latter
branch of the industry. For a number of years Mr. Beloat bred Durham
Cattle from the best registered stock, but when the Hereford, or whiteface,
cattle came in, he turned to them and afterward raised large numbers of the
latter breed. The soil of his farm is exceedingly fertile, due, no doubt, to his
intelligent rotation of crops, and it has more than a local reputation for large
crop production, as high as one hundred and ten bushels of corn having been
raised to the acre.
Mr. Beloat was married in February, 1873, to America Brumlield, of
Vanderburg county, Indiana, daughter of David Berry Brumfield and Eliza-
beth A. (Redmond) Brumfield, he a native of Vanderburg county, Indiana,
and she of Warren county, Kentucky. The grandfather of Mrs. Beloat was
Berry Brumfield, who came to Indiana in pioneer days and spent almost his
entire life in this state. The father of Mrs. Beloat was a farmer who lived
near Owensville and was a consistent church member and an honored citizen.
To Mr. and Mrs. James E. Beloat has been born one child, Estrella, who
is the wife of John Bryant, of Fort Branch. The subject and his wife occupy
a nice residence in Haubstadt, where they are spending the evening of life in
content, surrounded by friends and enjoying a well earned respite from the
toils and cares of a busy and useful life. They are consistent members of the
Presbyterian church, to which they contribute liberally of their means.
ARTHUR PERRY TWINEFIAM.
Indiana has been especially honored in the character and career of her
active men of public service and the professions. In every section have been
found men born to leadership in the various vocations, men who have dom-
inated because of their superior intelligence, natural endowment and force of
character. It is always profitable to study such lives, weigh their motives and
hold up their achievements as incentives to greater activity and higher ex-
cellence on the part of others. These reflections are suggested by the career
of one who has forged his way to the front ranks and who, by a strong in-
herent force and superior ability, controlled by intelligence and right princi-
ples, stands today as a leading man of his community and state. Mr. Twine-
ham has an enviable reputation as a lawyer in a community noted for the
high order of its legal talent, while as the representative of his community in
ARTHUR P. TWINKHAM.
GIBSON COI-jNTY, INniAXA. 585
the Legislature of his state, he conducted himself with honor to his con-
stituency. Success is methodical and consecutive, and Mr. Twineham's suc-
cess has been attained by normal methods and means, the determined applica-
tion of mental and physical resources along a rightly defined line. A self-
made man in the truest sense of the term. Mr. Twineham is eminently de-
serving of representation in the annals of Gibson county.
Arthur Perry Twineham is descended from sterling old Scotch-Irish
parentage on his paternal side, and from excellent Pennsylvania Dutch stock
on the maternal side, the striking qualities of both of which seem to have
entered into his make-up, giving to him the many desirable characteristics
which have helped him cheerfully over rough places in his struggles for suc-
cess, which might well have discouraged one of less optimism. Mr. Twine-
ham was born in Switzerland county, Indiana, .\ugust i6, 1847, the son of
William S. and Sarah Ann (Brant) Twineham. One other son was born to
this union, Francis M., who died in Kansas twelve years ago, at the age of
fifty years. Though the Twineham family, as above stated, is of Scotch-
Irish descent, the name seems to be of English origin. The father of the
subject, William S. Twineham, was born in Switzerland county, Indiana, in
1823, and died in 1888. He lived in the same county all his life. He came
from a family of tanners, which trade he also followed. The mother of the
subject was a native of Franklin county. Indiana, born in 1823 and died in
1889. The grandfather of the subject was Arthur Twineham, a tanner, who
was born and passed his life in Switzerland county, Indiana. He married
Miss Johnson and reared a large family. His father, the great-grandfather
of the subject of this sketch, was William Twineham, who came from Ken-
tucky to Switzerland county, Indiana, in 1802. He was a merchant. His
wife was a Stuart and they were the parents of a large family. The family
name is still well known in Kentucky.
Arthur Perrv Twineham received his elementary education in the
countrv schools of Switzerland countv and at the old Ilarlsville .\cademy in
Bartholomew county. When a boy of fourteen. Mr. Twineham worked in
a woolen mill and from thnt on has worked his own way in life When only
seventeen vears of age, he and a cliuin ran away from their homes to Ohio
where, in 1864, they enlisted in Company I. Fifth Ohio Cavalry. This was
Kilpatrick's cavalry, which shared the hardships and later the honors of the
famous march to the sea. He was mustered out of service July r. 1865.
After his services to his coimtry were tlnis discharged, Mr. Twineham at-
tended Wabash College at Crawfordsville, Indiana, for three years and was
586 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
graduated from the literary department of Indiana University at Blooming-
ton in 1870. For a short time he taught school at Rockville, Indiana, and
also at Greenfield, Indiana. This was merely a stepping-stone for him, for
soon he was received into the office of the Hon. Daniel Vorhees at Terre
Haute, Indiana, where he took up the reading of law. He later attended
Indiana University for training in his chosen profession, and also studied one
year in St. Louis. He came to Princeton in November, 1873, and has since
made this place his home. From the very first he has taken an active interest
in politics.
Mr. Twineham has been twice married. His first wife was Letta R.
Behymer, a native of Switzerland county, by whom he had one daughter,
Gertrude, wife of Dr. Charles A. French, of San Francisco, California. Mrs.
Twineham died July 23, 1890, and on November i, 1894, he took as his
second wife Agnes Lockhart, of Princeton. Three children have been born
to this union, Arthur Perry, Jr., aged eighteen, Charlotte, aged sixteen, and
Mary Agnes, aged thirteen.
Endowed by nature with such traits as make one a natural leader, Mr.
Twineham has had heaped upon him such honors as his city and county can
give, although he has never sought an office of any sort, and has discharged
all duties to the satisfaction of his constituents. Mr. Twineham has been
city attorney, county attorney, and in 1884-5 served in the lower house of
the Indiana Legislature. He was mayor of Princeton in 1907-8, resigning
from that office to fill the position of postmaster of Princeton, to which he
was appointed by President Roosevelt. This position he held for
four and one-half years. He was a delegate to the national convention in
Chicago in 1888, at which Benjamin Harrison was nominated for the Presi-
dency. He served as county chairman for the Republican party from 1878
to 1882, and as district chairman of the first congressional district. He was
a member of the Republican state committee from 1882 to 1886 inclusive.
From President Harrison he received an appointment to the Round Valley
Indian commission and served in California in 1892. He was the. Republican
nominee for Congress from the first district in 1892, but was defeated, and
at the next convention at which his name was also mentioned, former Senator
Hemenway received the greatest number of votes. Mr. Twineham is the
present commander of Archer Post No. 28, Grand .\rmy of the Repulilic, of
Princeton.
Through the years of his residence in this locality, Mr. Twineham has
been true to every trust reposed in him, whether of a public, professional or
GIBSON COrXTV, INDIANA. 587
private nature, and has comniandctl the respect of all who know him.
Possessing a kindly and genial disi)osition. he readily makes friends and is
a very agreeable companion. Gibson county has been dignified by his life
and achievements and he is eminently deserving of ibis fccbk- tribute to his
worth as a man and a lawyer and politician.
MATTHEW W II..M.
In the daily laborious struggle for an honorable competence and a solid
career on the part of the average agriculturist there is little to attract the
casual reader in search of a sensational chapter; but to a mind thoroughly
awake to the reality and meaning of human existence there are noble and
imperishable lessons in the career of an individual who, without other means
than a clear head, strong arm and true heart, directed and controlled by cor-
rect principles and unerring judgment, conquers adversity and, toiling on,
finally wins not only pecuniary independence but, what is far greater and
higher, the deserved respect and confidence of those with whom his active
years have brought him in contact. Such a one is founil in the person of
Matthew Wilm, successful farmer and the present efficient trustee of Johnson
township, Gibson county, Indiana.
Matthew Wilm was born March 27, 1806. in Johnson township, Gibson
county, the son of John Wilm, a native of the fatherland, having been born
in the town of Reiterswnes, German}-. The subject's grandfather was also
named John, and he emigrated to America in 1857, with his family, locating
near Evansville, Indiana, and later moving to Gibson county in about 1859 or
i860, and taking up his residence in the town of Haubstadt, where he lived
the life of a retired farmer, dying in the sixty-fifth year of his life.
John Wilm, father of the subject, first followed agricultural pursuits in
his own behalf on a farm located about one-half mile west of Haubstadt,
contmuing in that location for four or five years, when he purchased land two
miles west of Haubstadt, where he spent the remainder of his days, his death
resulting from tvphoid fever in 1S82 in his forty-sixth year. His untimely
death in the prime of life was greatly deplored by the community in which
he resided, for he had gained a position of prominence among his neighbors
and was loved and respected by his fellow men. To the subject's parents
were born four children, namely: Mary and Magdalene are deceased;
Matthew ; John is a farmer in Johnson township.
5oo GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Matthew Wilm spent his bo3'hood days in Johnson township, assisting in
the woric on the home place, and securing a good education in the public and
parochial schools. When he attained to the age of twenty years he purchased
a farm one mile south of Haubstadt and engaged in general agricultural pur-
suits and stock raising, and by a course of wisely applied energy and judg-
ment has increased his original holdings of eighty acres to two hundred and
forty acres, all of which splendid farm is under a high state of cultivation.
His home is one of the best and the outbuildings are modern and convenient.
In 1908 Matthew Wilm was chosen by his fellow citizens as township
trustee and he is still the efficient incumbent of that responsible office, his
public acts having met the entire approval of his constituents.
Mr. Wilm was married on October 12, 1886, to Bina Greubel, of John-
son township, daughter of Adam Greubel, a native of Germany. This union
has been blessed by the birth of nine children, namely: Margaret is the wife
of Benjamin Oing, of Johnson township; Frank, Lonie, John, Magdalene.
Matthew, Lizzie, Raymond and Lucille are at home.
Mr. Wilm and his v.'ife are devout members of St. James Catholic
church, to which they contribute liberally of their means, dis])laying a deep
interest in the many worthy benevolences of that parish.
JAMES R. MONTGOMERY, M. D.
Among those who stand as distinguished types of the world's workers
is the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this paragraph, who is
one of the able and honored physicians and surgeons of southern Indiana.
A man of fine intellectual and professional attainments, of most gracious
personality, of strong and noble character, and one who has labored with
zeal and devotion in the alleviation of human sufifering, he is clearly en-
titled to representation among the progressive and enterprising citizens of
Gibson county, Indiana. He is devoted to his chosen calling and has lent
honor and dignity to the medical profession, having due regard for the
highest standard of professional ethics and exhibiting marked skill in the
treatment of disease.
James R. Montgomery, one of the most prominent physicians and sur-
geons of this county, was born September 16, 1879, in Gibson county, and
is the son of Samuel Newton and Melissa (Redman) Montgomery. Samuel
Montgomery is also a native of this county and has been a prominent farmer
of his community all his life. He is now retired and lives at Cvnthiana.
GIBSON COl-NTV, INDIANA. 589
Mrs. Samuel Montgomery was a native of Posey county, this state, and
died on December 26, 1913. They were the parents of five children: Otis
L. ; James R., the immediate subject of this sketch; Ruby, who married
Willis E. Roe, an attorney of East Chicai^o, and they have two ciiildren.
Fern and Luella; David Wilbur married Ethel Williams, and is a dentist at
Evansville, Indiana; Essie, deceased.
Doctor Montgomery spent his boyhood days on the home farm, securing
his elementary education in the common schools of his neighborhood and
in the high school at Owensville. He continued his education in Valparaiso
University, graduating from that institution with the degree of B. S. in
189S. After teaching school two years in his home township, he entered
the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Chicago, in the fall of 1900, and
took the four years course of that institution, graduating in the spring of
1904. Throughout his whole college course he took advantage of every
opportunity and finished his medical course with honor to himself. Imme-
diately upon his graduation he returned to Owensxille and entered upon the
active practice of his profession.
Doctor Montgomery was married August 25, 1905, to Cora A. Knowles,
the daughter of Isaac and Martha (Cantrcll) Knowles. Her father was a
native of this county and followed the occupation of a farmer all his life.
His death occurred in February, 1907. Mrs. Montgomery's mother was
also a native of this county, and is still living on the old home place. They
were the parents of si.x children, Mrs. Ada Gardner, whose husl)and is
deceased, and who was married again to Joseph Davis, of Owensville, In-
diana; Miss Lere Knowles; Cora A., the subject's wife; Roy and -Loy,
twins, and Luther, deceased. To Doctor and .Mrs. Montgomery ha? been
born one child, Arvid N.
Politically, Doctor Montgomery is a Repulilican. but has never sought
any public preferment from his party, being content to devote all of his
time and attention to his constantly increasing practice. He is a quiet,
unassuming man, and is rapidly building up a large practice in this county.
His broad human SAinpathy, technical abilitv and skill are placing him in
the front rank of general practitioners in this section of the county. Xo
one can measure the beneficent influence of good physicians, for their re-
markable power goes hand in hand with the wonderful laws of nature that
spring from the very source of life itself. Doctor Montgomery is true to
his profession, and earnest in his effort to enlarge his s])here of usefulness,
and therefore he is a benefactor to all of his fellow citizens, for him thev
trust their safety, their comfort and. in many instances, their very lives.
590 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
WILLIAM H. PRITCHETT.
It is at all times very interesting to compile and preserve the experiences
of the old soldiers who went to fight their country's battles during the slave-
holders' rebellion of sixty years ago. These gallant old fellows are fast
passing away, and we should get all of their experiences first hand, before
they pass away and leave no record. It is important that we preserve these
personal experiences, for after all those are the events which make history.
What would history be worth were it not for the vivid actions of the indi-
viduals ? That is all there is to the splendid histories of ancient and modern
times. The story as told by one who passed through the bloody experiences
of four years of struggle and was in numerous battles, marches, campaigns,
and, perhaps, prisons and hospitals, is far more interesting than if narrated
long hence by some writer who may distort events out of their true historic
significance. One of the honored "boys in blue" who can recall many inter-
esting reminiscences of the great civil conflict of the sixties is William H.
Pritchett, who, after a successful life as a farmer, is now living retired in the
town of Fort Branch, Gibson county, Indiana.
William H. Pritchett was born December 9, 1837, ^t Lanesville, near
New Albany, in Harrison county, Indiana, the son of John L. and Mary
(Jones) Pritchett. John L. Pritchett came to the Hoosier state in an early
day and was married while a young man to the subject's mother. After her
death, he married his deceased wife's sister, Margaret, and later moved to
Patoka township, Gibson county, where he engaged in farming the remainder
of his days, dying here at the age of seventy-six years. He was a man of
industry and integrity, and was highly respected in the community where he
resided.
On the removal of the family to Gibson county the subject of this re-
view went to Terre Haute, Indiana, to work. However, the call soon came
ringing through the land for volunteers to fight in the great war between the
states, and Mr. Pritchett enlisted in Company B, Seventy-first Indiana
Volunteer Infantry, Colonel Toppin, of Terre Haute, being in command of
the regiment and Ca])tain McKinney of the company when mustered out.
Being mustered in at Indianapolis, the body of troops was sent to Richmond,
Kentucky, where it was engaged in the struggle before that place in opposi-
tion to Gen. Kirby Smith. In this, their first engagement, they were
defeated, lieing outnumbered almost seven to one. The soldiers of this regi-
ment, together with those of other regiments, were taken prisoners, but in
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIAXA. 59I
the darkness of that night tlie subject and a comrade nanie.l William Hansel,
from New Goshen, crawled through the weeds and made their escape. Elud-
ing the Confederate sentries, they remained concealed in the woods until day-
break, when they struck a pike road and started for Lexington, which they
reached that evening. Their regiment lost two hundred and fifty men in this
battle. General Smith being unable to take the prisoners with him, they were
paroled and all returned to Indianapolis in order to recruit, where they were
reorganized as the Sixth Indiana Volunteer Cavalry, under command of
Colonel Biddle, Colonel Topping having been killed and Captain McKinney
mustered out. Proceeding immediately to Nashville. Tennessee, they joined
General Sherman's command and took up the pursuit of Hood as far as
Atlanta, from where Mr. Pritchett's regiment went to Macon, Georgia, and
destroyed the bridge and railroad, tearing up the track for a distance of some
five miles below Macon. Here they had expected to join General McCook,
but his force had been so badly cut up by the Confederates that he missed
connections, so that the subject's command, on attempting to rejoin the main
body of Sherman's column, was surrounded by the enemy and taken prison-
ers. Air. Pritchett had previously been promoted to the rank of sergeant,
and was in command of twenty-five men engaged in this hazardous task of
cutting the lines of communicatii;>n. Many were taken prisoners, but the
subject was among the few who were fortunate enough to escape. Ijeing in
the enemy's country, it was a case of every one looking out for himself.
Mr. Pritchett struck out for Colonel Adams' regiment, the First Kentucky,
and on finding them joined Company F and went with this regiment to Alari-
etta, Georgia, where he rejoined his old command, the First Kentucky's
term of enlistment having expired at that time. They again started in
pursuit of Hood, General Sherman's command starting on its famous "march
to the sea.'' They took part in the fight at Franklin, Tennessee, where they
fought until dark, killing a great many of the enemy. They then retired into
Nashville, General Hood following, and in the brittle which ensued the
Union forces were victorious, but the subject's regiment, having been dis-
mounted, was unable to again take up the pursuit of Hood. Returning to
Pulaski. Mr. Pritchett was honorably discharged as a sergeant, and later
mustered out at Indianapolis.
Returning to Terre Haute, the scene of his former labors, ]\Ir. Pritchett
engaged in mining, following that vocation for some years, and then removed
to Gibson county, where he took up farming and followed it until his retire-
ment.
592 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
W. H. Pritchett was married three times, his first wife having been
Indiana Pursell, and to them were born two children, John W., who is in the
telephone and telegraph business, and Gertrude, deceased. After the death
of his first wife Mr. Pritchett was united in marriage to Martha Funkhauser,
and to this union were born two children, Medie, who lives in Union town-
ship, and James Calvin, of Clinton, Indiana. The mother of these children
having passed away, Mr. Pritchett was married to his present wife, who was
Jessie Reed, and they are the parents of four children, Agnes, Jerry, Hovey
and Floyd.
The subject is an honored member of Steven Meade Post No. 187,
Grand Army of the Republic.
LYCURGUS L. KERN.
For many years the subject of this brief biographical review has occu-
pied a very conspicuous place among the agriculturists of Gibson county.
His career has been that of an honorable, enterprising and progressive man,
whose well-rounded character has also enabled him to take an active interest
in social and moral affairs and to keep well informed concerning the moment-
ous questions aft'ecting the nation. In all life's relations he has commanded
the respect ^nd confidence of those with whom he has come in contact, and
his upright life has been an inspiration to the many friends who know him
well and are familiar with his virtues.
Lycurgus L. Kern was born February 18, 1839, at Cynthiana, Posey
county, Indiana, the son of Nicholas and Mary (Boyle) Kern. The father
was a native of Pennsylvania and came to Indiana in pioneer times, engaging
in teaching nearly all his days, he being a scholarly man and one who com-
manded the respect and admiration of his fellow men. He died in Putnam
county while the subject was young, Lycurgus Kern being his only child.
After securing such education as could be obtained in the primitive
schools of those days, the subject learned the tinner's trade, and engaged in
this vocation until about twenty-six years ago, when he became interested in
the coal business. He has also to some extent engaged in agriculture, being
the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of good land in Patoka township,
three miles from the town, which his son Joseph rents and cultivates.
In 1865 Mr. Kern was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Joan-
LYCURGTS I.. KKHX.
GIRSO.V COIXTV, INDIANA. 593
etta Wallace, daughter of Thomas Wallace, who also was nunihered among
the sturdy pioneers of this section of the state. Thomas Wallace, who was a
farmer and miller, is now deceased. 'V'< the union of the subject and wife
have heen horn eight children, namely: I-".ll;i: [ose])h X., as before men-
tioned, runs t!ie hcjnie farm; I'.mnia 1... who is living at home, is employed
as a clerk in Gilbert's store: .Marie married a .Mr. I'.ucklin and lives in Prince-
ton; .\nna, who was the wife of W-d il(ill)rook, is deceased; Curtis is de-
ceased; Jes.se has succeeded to the coal Inisiness formerly run by the bubject;
Edith married John Gibson.
Mr. Kern was a member of the band connected with the I'ifty-eighth
Regiment Indiana \"olunteer Infantry during the dark days of the Civil war.
He attempted enlistment three different times, but on each occasion was
rejected oij account of bad eyesight, so he finally got into the service by join-
ing the band. He served with this organization during 1861 and 1862. and
his persistency in the efforts he made to join the I'nion army and his eventual
accomplishment of that desire is but an e\ani])lc of his tenacity of purpose
and faithfulness to ideals which has made him so successful in the battle of
life.
Fraternally. Air. Kern is a faithful and appreciative member of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, while his family are attendants on the
services of the United Presbyterian church. ATr. Kern takes an abiding
interest in whatever tends to advance the interests of his community, and be-
cause of his honesty and habits of .strict attention to his business affairs,
together with his neighborly friendliness, he is held in popular favor, as is
also each member of his familv.
JOHN M.WGRl'M.
As long as historv endures will the .\merican nation acknowle<lge its
indebtedness to the hemc-s wb... l)etweeu 1X61 and l<%5, fought for the
preservation of the Union and the honor of that starry banner which has
never been trailed in the dust in a single polemic struggle in which the country
has been involved, .\mong those whose military records as valiant soldiers
in the war of the Rebellion reflect lasting honor upon them and their 'les-
cendants is the gentleman whose name forms the caption for this paragraph.
He is a well known citizen of Gibson county, where lie lias long maintained
(38)
594 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
his home and won an honored name by virtue of his consistency to truth,
honesty and right living. Therefore he is eminently qualified for a place in
the present work.
John Mangrum was born January 9, 1842, in old Johnson township, Gib-
son county, Indiana, the son of Trafton Mangrum, of Johnson township, and
Eunice (Boren) Mangrum. of the same locality. The subject's grandfather,
William Mangrum, came from Lynchburg, Virginia, to Indiana in 1816, at
that date there being but two log cabins on the site of the present city of
Evansville, William Mangrum helping to saw the first lumber sawed in that
city. He took up government land about three miles west of Haubstadt and,
clearing away the dense timber, built a home. In additipn to his labor on his
land he was engaged in the freighting business, driving a six-horse team be-
tween Evansville, Vincennes and other points. The maternal ancestors were
also pioneer settlers, they having located about a half mile west of the land
entered by the grandfather. The maternal grandfather was John Boren,
who was born in Tennessee.
William Mangrum and wife reared a large family, his death occurring
in his fifty-seventh year. Some of his children settled near the homestead,
one of them, however, going to Iowa. The subject's father got a place of his
own in Johnson township in what was then and is now known as F"roggery.
He continued to reside there until his death, at which time he was seventy-
one years and seven months old. One of the successful men of his neighbor-
hood, active in church and school matters, he was a good citizen in every sense
of the term. Of a family of six children, one died at the age of twenty-two,
one at twenty-three and one at the age of two years. The three now living
are: John; Caroline, the widow of W. F. Martin, of Cynthiana, Posey county,
Indiana ; James T. lives at Haubstadt.
The boyhood days of the subject of this review were spent in attending
school in the primitive log educational institutions of those days and in assist-
ing his parents in the cultivation of the farm. On President Lincoln's call for
troops to defend the Union, he enlisted, on August 16, 1862, in Company F,
Eightieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel Brooks and Capt. R. J.
Showers, being mustered into the service at Princeton, Indiana, on September
8, 1862. After remaining at the mustering point a few days, the regiment
was ordered to proceed to Covington, Kentucky, via Indianapolis, that place
being threatened by Gen. Kirby Smith. Stopping at Covington for a week or
more without getting sight of the enemy, the force proceeded to Louisville,
Kentucky, and joined the army under General Buell. October ist they joined
in what was known as the Bragg-Buell campaign, and on the 8th of that
GIBSON COI'XTY, IXDIVXA. 395
month took part in their first engagcnKni ai IVrrvsviUe, Kentucky, where the
divisions of Jackson and McCook hore the brunt of the ligliting, Mr. Mangruni
being in Jackson's division. During this engagement General Jackson and
the brigade commander, Colonel Webster, were killed and the regiment lost
one hundred and fifty killed antl wounded. Bragg retreated that night, and
the troops following drove him out of Kentucky. The command with which
the subject was enlisted remained in Kentucky and had a number of skir-
mishes with General Morgan's cavalry. On August i8th the regiment left
Kentucky and, with General Burnsides' army, marched across the Cumber-
land mountains into the state of Tennessee and occupied Kingsville and Knox-
ville. An active campaign followed, and on October 7th they took part in
the battle of Kingston, and in January, 1863. they were engaged at Mossy
Creek with Morgan's old command and with Wheeler's cavalry, the Union
arms being triumphant in this battle From this time on until the spring of
1864 they were busily engaged, marching and lighting almost continually,
skirmishes being of almost daily occurrence, and, as the subject has remarked,
"fighting was more regular than meals." In the spring of 1864 the regiment
left Tennessee with the Twenty-third Army Corps, under General Scofield,
and joined General Sherman's army. They went into camp at Red Clay,
Georgia, and on the 9th of May went in the direction of Dalton and took
part in all of the important engagements from Dalton to Atlanta, including
Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek and all the fights before At-
lanta. At the battle of Resaca the subject's regiment went into the engage-
ment wath four hundred and forty-eight men in line, and in a few minutes
lost two hundred and forty-eight killed or wounded, Mr. Mangrum being
among those disabled. He was first sent to the field hospital and then to
Chattanooga, where he remained two days, then to Nashville and placed upon
the hospital boat on which he was removed to New Albany, Indiana, from
which place he was, after six weeks, transferred to Evansville. After re-
maining at Evansville for a time, he recovered sufficiently to rejoin his com-
mand at Columbia, Tennessee, and subsequently took part in the battles at
Franklin, Spring Hill and Nashville. After the battle of Nashville they
drove Hood's force back into Alabama. After being sent to Washington to
be refitted, they were ordered to Smithxille, North Carolina, and then up the
Cape Fear river, where they captured I''i>rt Anderson and drove the Con-
federates on to Wilmington Joining Sherman's army at Goldsboro, they pro-
ceeded to Raleigh, North Carolina, where they witnessed the surrender of
Johnson. From this point the subject was sent to Salisbury, North Carolina,
596 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
where he was honorably discharged and mustered out at a place within two
miles of the birthplace of his maternal grandmother Boren. Returning to
Indianapolis, he was given his final discharge.
On September i, 1864, Mr. Mangrum was married to Mary E. Muck,
of Harrison county, Indiana, the daughter of John and Ursula Muck, pioneers
of Harrison county, who afterward removed to Gibson county. To this union
were born five children, namely: Ella C. married Rev. M. W. Clark, of
Ladoga, Indiana; Oscar A. lives in Dallas, Texas; W. V. resides in New
Harmony, Indiana; Pearl M. married Lasalle Bryant and lives in Fort
Branch ; Carl W. lives at Princeton, Indiana.
The subject was actively engaged in fanning until 1909, when he sold
his place and he is now living in honorable retirement. Mr. Mangrum and
wife are enjoying the best of health and take enjoyment in the social activities
of their many friends. On September i, 1914, they will celebrate their
golden wedding anniversary. Mr. Mangrum has efficiently served his county
as commissioner two terms, is secretary of Company ¥, Eightieth Indiana
Infantry organization, which position he has held for thirty years, and is
an active member of the First Christian church, of Haubstadt, having served
as superintendent of its Sunday school for the past eight years and been
leader of the choir for nine years. He is also a member of Steven Mead Post,
Grand Army of the Repuljlic, occupying" the position of adjutant of that
body. Fraternally, Mr. Mangrum has been a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows for thirty-five years. He has always been a Repub-
lican and has always taken a good deal of interest in local public affairs.
W. G. HOPKINS. M. D.
The medical man of today must needs be more than the medical man of
a half century ago, even a decade past. He must be broader and more intelli-
gent; his sympathies must be more diverse, and his ideals must be placed high.
The doctor of years past, if he practiced his profession for a length of time,
reached a limit of excellence, not of his own accord, but by reason of the
restrictions of medical science; and to prove this statement, it might be well
to quote the words of Dr. Paul Ehrlich, the noted German scientist, who said
"that more had been done, and more had been discovered, in the science of
medicine during the past twenty years than in the past century." Specializa-
tion has become necessary ; the theory of toxins and anti-toxins, serums, the
GinSON CniNTV. INDIANA. 597
study of bacteria ami methods of combaling tlicsc destructive forces, and
many other things, have made tlie range of medical science almost beyond
one man's power of learning in the brief sjjace of time which is his allot-
ment on earth. True it is that the dodur of the past endured more hardships,
received smaller reniuneraticm. and in manv dUkt ways deserves credit for
his pioneer work, but the [iresent physician is a specialist, an e\i)ert diagnos-
tician, an idealist stri\ing for the pre\ention of di.sease rather than the curing,
a moral doctor as well as physical, and a man who does not conline his talents
to his one profession, but exhibits his powers among the other works of man.
In this day the labor a man undergoes is not counted, it is the result of his
labor alone by which he is measured — his productive powers.
This is not laudation nor encomium, but a slight effort to picture the class
of men who deserve even more praise, men of which class are living and
working today in Gibson county, as well as in other parts of the world. The
subject of this sketch is Dr. W. G. Hopkins, of b'ort IVanch. this county, a
man well suited to the words which have l)ecn written above, nut only because
he has made a marked success in his chosen profession, but because he has
given his thought and energy to other things, which may be better described
in the course of the following brief narrative of his life.
W. G. Hopkins was born August i, 18-I-I, in Middletun. W'riync county.
Illinois, and was the son of Capt. C. C. and Lieulab ( Iluddleston ) Hopkins.
The father was from near Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and the mother was a
native of Alton, Illinois. The subject's paternal grandfather was named
John Hopkins. ,
Capt. C. C. Hopkins engaged in agriculture during his early life and in
1856 was elected a member of the Illinois Legislature on the Democratic
ticket. However, in i860, he renounced his affiliation with that ])arty and
supported Abraham Lincoln in the significant campaign of that year. .\t the
opening of hostilities in i860 between the North and the South he was com-
missioned a lieutenant, later being promoted to the captaincy of his company,
which was a part of the Fortieth Illinois \'olunteer Infantry. ?Iis command
took part in a number of imjiortant engagements and at the battle of Shiloh
he received a wound in the neck. The records of the war department at
Washington make specific mention of his braver\- as a soldier, .\fter being
honorably discharged from the service he retired to his farm and was ap-
pointed a deputy provost marshal, a position which, owing to the ])eculiar
conditions existing at that time, caused him to make many bitter enemies
among the element opposed to law and order. It is related that on one oc-
casion he, in company with a few soldiers l)elonging to Captain Parker's
598 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
company, went down to Wayne county, Illinois, in the bottom of a little
river called "The Skillet Fork," where some Southern sympathizers had built
a fort named Fort Shipley. Captain Hopkins sent one of his soldiers to
demand their surrender and they agreed to do so. They were then taken
prisoners, but owing to the feeling aroused over his having broken up the
fort, Captain Hopkins was shot to death. This occurred in the year 1865.
After fourteen years' search the subject and his brother, Wesley, located the
man who fired the shot, finding him in Missouri. Taking along a deputy
sheriff, they surprised him in bed and captured him without resistance, bring-
ing him through to Middleton, Illinois, where neighbors helped guard him
all night, he being placed in the county jail the next day, and subsequently
tried and sentenced to the penitentiary for a period of fourteen to twenty-
one years.
To the subject's parents were born five sons and five daughters, namely:
Wesley, the eldest son, served three years in the Fortieth Illinois Volunteer
Infantry, when he was honorably discharged owing to an injury to his foot;
John M. was a second lieutenant in Company I, Fortieth Illinois Volunteer
Infantry, later reaching the rank of sergeant-major. He met his death in a
boat which was burned by the Confederates at ^^icksburg; Charles C. was a
private and was killed in the battle of Shiloh; Elvira, deceased, was the wife
of John H. Barnes, of St. Louis, Missouri; Hester Ann is the wife of James
Alexander, also of St. Louis; Saleta, deceased, was the wife of Edward
Flint of St. Louis; Sonora, deceased, was the wife of Doctor Trowsdale of
St. Louis; an infant, deceased; Thomas S. was a physician, a graduate of
Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York City, and he died at Ridge-
way, Illinois, in the fall of 1882; the suliject of this review was fourth in
order of birth.
W. G. Hopkins received his elementary education in the common schools
of Middleton. In the spring of 1865 he enlisted in the One Hundred and
Thirty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel Johns and Capt.
John Burke, being assigned to Company B of that regiment. This made the
fifth member of this family to enter the service of their country, his father
and three brothers having preceded him. He joined his regiment at Cen-
tralia, Illinois, and while the command was engaged in no great battles, they
participated in a number of skirmishes. After receiving an honorable dis-
charge at the close of the war, Doctor Hopkins returned to the home farm,
where he remained for about a year, and then took up the study of medicine
with Dr. W. S. A. Cox in Belle City, Hamilton county, Illinois. The Doc-
tor then attended the Evansville Medical College, graduating there. Then,
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 599
in compan)- with his brother Thomas, lie took a course at Bellevue IIosi)ital
Medical College in New York City, Ijoth graduatino: from that institution in
1882. Previous to this time the Doctor had practiced at Ridgeway, Illinois,
and about 1877 he located at Fort Branch. Gibson county, Indiana, where he
has since continued and has Iniilt up a large and lucrative practice. Doctor
Hopkins is a member of the White River District, the Ohio X'alley and the
Gibson County medical societies. Being a memlier of the county society,
he is naturally affiliated with the State Medical Society.
Doctor Hopkins was married to Emma Porter, daughter of Capt. Brax-
ton Porter, of Kentucky, and to this union have been born the following chil-
dren; Willard T. graduated from the Fort Branch high school, after which
he attended Indiana University at Bloomington, then taking up the study of
law in St. Louis. Graduating from the law school, he opened an office in
Princeton, Indiana, where he had a most promising outlook, when he was
cut off in the prime of life by appendicitis. He was highly respected by his
fellow members of the bar, as well as by the citizens of Princeton, and the
bar association passed resolutions on his death, calling attention to his worth)-
life and works; Stella is deceased and ^Libel is residing at home.
The subject owns an excellent farm of eighty acres east of Fort Branch.
The ground is in an excellent state of cultivation, typical of the best farms
of Gibson county. The subject has long taken an intelligent interest in the
breeding of blooded stock, specializing in standard bred trotting and pacing
horses. At the present time he is owner of "Klatawah," race record 2:05^-2
at three years old. which is the world's record for a pacing stallion; "Strong-
wood," the sire of over seventy in the ttst; "Jay Bool," which is also a great
speed sire. All of these horses have national reputations.
Doctor Hopkins is a loyal member of the Grand .\rmy of the Republic,
and was a member of the United States pension l)oard at Princeton for four-
teen years. Fraternally, he is an appreciative member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows.
As a promoter of public enterprises for the good of Gil)son county,
Doctor Hopkins has displayed unusual interest and has devoted much time.
He has aptly and rightly been called "the father of good roads" in Gilison
county, due to his efforts in behalf of improved highways. Long liefore
there was an impro\ed road in the c<ninty, he was, by word of mouth and
w ith his trenchant pen, spreading the gospel of progress in this line.
In literary work the Doctor has also "won his .spurs." He is an able
writer, and his forceful, virile style is well known to Gibson couiitv and
Goo GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Indiana readers. He writes not only from a fund of knowledge, Init upon
his strong views regarding the current issues of the day. For instance, in
the last two Presidential campaigns the Doctor has contributed many articles
to the different newspapers throughout the country, some of his best and
strongest being on the subject of protective tarifif, a subject about which he has
some very decided views. Dr. Hopkins is a Republican of the "first water,"
and in the face of adversity, as in November, 1912, buckles on. his armor
and fights all the harder. So, it is not strange that his fellows hold his
name in respect and that his reputation is high as doctor, soldier, farmer and
writer. And so the value of versatility is proved.
J. W. IvURTZ.
An enumeration of the representative citizens of Gibson county who
have won recognition and success for themselves and at the same time con-
ferred honor u]3on the community dignified by their citizenship, would be
decidedly incomplete were there failure to make specific mention of the popu-
lar gentleman whose name initiates this review, who has long held worthy
prestige in business and social circles and has always been distinctively a man
of affairs. He wields a wide influence among those with whom his lot has
been cast, ever having the affairs of his county at heart and doing whatever
he could to aid the general development of his native locality, thereby deserv-
ing the applause which is toda}' accorded him liy all classes.
J. W. Ivurtz was born in Gibson county, January 5, 1848, the son of
William and E. I. (Arbuthnot) Kurtz. The father was born in Lancaster,
Pennsylvania, in 1818, and emigrated to the state of Indiana in early days,
locating first at Vincennes, later at Patoka and then at Princeton, Gibson
county, where he worked in the newspaper business and took an active inter-
est in political affairs, serving as auditor of the county for ten years and as a
member of the school board for eighteen years. He was a public-spirited
man, being allied with the Democratic party until the outbreak of the Civil
war, at which time he transferred his allegiance to the Republican party, later
in life, however, voting independently. To the subject's parents were born
nine children, of whom three are yet li\-ing, namely : Joseph is residing in
Princeton ; Clara married S. F. Brazelton, who is a township trustee ; and
I. W.
HENRY KURTZ.
GIBSON COUNTV, INDIANA. 6oi
Alter J. \V. Kurtz had cuiniiktetl his early education, aa|uired in the
common schuols, he clerked iu a grocery store tor ahout a year and then
vvorked in a printing office tor about the same length of time, at the end of
which period he went into the grocery and fancy goods business and was so
engaged from December i, 1864, until 1895. In the latter year Mr. Kurtz
took up the real estate and insurance business, which he still continues and in
which he has been eminently successful. He handles the local business for
some of the strongest and most reliable companies in the country, among
them being the Fidelity-Phenix Insurance Company of New York, the
Liverpotil and London and the Globe Companies, the Germania Fire Insur-
ance Company of New Yoik, the Connecticut I*'ire Insurance Company of
Hartford, the Queen Fire Insurance L"om])any of .\merica. and others equally
as well known. In his real estate business he has confined his operations to
city and county property.
In October, 1878, Mr. Kurtz was united in marriage to Ophelia C.
Baldwin, daughter of Reuben and Nancy (Harper) Baldwin, Reuben Bald-
win being a well known old settler anfl merchant of Gibson county. To the
subject and wife have been born two children: Fred B. is a ph\sician and
lives in Indianapolis; Ralph B. is in business with his father.
Never being ambitious to become an officeholder, Mr. Kurtz has con-
tented himself in the exercise of his franchise in the interests of the Repub-
lican party and left the oftentimes intemjjerate scramble for public office to
those so inclined.
His present residence is a commodious and comfortable one and it is
situated on the lot on which stood the house in which he was born.
GEORGE D. SEITZ.
Holding distinctive prestige among the leading business men of Haub-
stadt, Gibson county, Indiana, and standing out clear and distinct as one of
the public-spirited citizens of his community. George D. Seitz has achieved
an honorable record as an enterprising, self-made man, who from a modest
beginning and by his own undivided eff(7rts has worked his way to a position
of affluence and influence in the commercial world. His life has been one of
unceasing industry and perseverance and the systematic and honorable meth-.
ods which he has ever pursued have gained for him the unbounded confidence
602 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
and esteem of his fellow men and a permanent place among those to whose
energ)', sound judgment and superior foresight the town of Haubstadt is so
largely indebted for its advancement.
George D. Seitz was born in the fatherland in the month of June, 1852,
the son of John Seitz, who emigrated to America in i860, later bringing his
family to this country. He located in New York city, and soon afterwards
enlisted in the Federal army, from which time all trace of him has been lost.
The subject of this .'sketch was placed in an orphanage for a time, and was
then sent west to the state of Indiana, where he was reared, working at
farm labor until he reached the age of eighteen, at which time he took em-
ployment with a railroad company which was afterward merged with the
Chicago & Eastern Illinois. While in the service of this railroad in the
capacity of brakeman, the subject was so unfortunate as to lose a leg, the acci-
dent occurring while he was engaged in switching in the yards at Princeton.
The railroad company gave him employment, as soon as he was able to again
take up active work, as agent, he being the first agent of the company at Haub-
stadt, assuming the duties and responsibilities of that position in 1874 and
continually serving in that capacity for eighteen years.
In 1892 Mr. Seitz resigned as agent and engaged in business for himself,
opening up a lumber yard, the first in the community. He was married, on
March 14, 1875, to Nioma J. Ott, of Carlisle, Indiana, the daughter of John
Ott, one of the representative citizens of that place. This union has been
blessed by the birth of three children, namely : Amy Grace is the wife of
Joseph Tenbarg, of Haubstadt, who is in business with his father-in-law ;
Sophia Florence is the wife of Frank Riffert, of Haubstadt, and Dora K. is
living at home.
By a course of methodical industry and upright dealing, Mr. Seitz has
steadily increased the volume of his business, to which he has added a saw-
mill and a planing-mill. He handles a large amount of southern lumber,
some from the state of Washington, and also saws quite a large amount of
native timber. The mills and large lumber sheds are located conveniently
adjoining the railroad track, affording splendid shipping facilities. They
are located with an eye to decreasing fire hazard, and in every respect are
absolutely up to date in construction and equipment. Located near his busi-
ness is the subject's fine modern residence, surrounded by a large and well-
kept lawn, in which Mr. Seitz takes justifiable pride.
The subject of this biography was one of the prime movers in the erec-
tion of the Christian church, it being the first Protestant church in the town-
ship, and he has always taken an active part in its growth and upkeep. He is
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 603
proud of the fact that since its construction in 1904 he has missed but four
services and these were on account of illness or being absent from the town.
Along with his other activities, the subject is vice-president of the Bank of
Haubstadt, and has had a large part in the develoiinient of that staunch
linancial institution.
For thirty years the subject has been a faithful and appreciative niember
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is also affiliated with the Tribe
of Ben-Hur. In every phase of his activities he has established a reputation
for being a good, clean, upright citizen, and his friends are in number as his
acquaintances.
S.AlMUEI- II.V.AIILTON WEST.
One of the most difficult literary tasks is to write an unexceptionable
review of a living man. If the life is worthy of record there is always danger
of offending that delicacy which is inseparable from merit; for even moderate
praise, when it meets the eyes of its subject, is apt to seem fulsome, while a
nice sense of propriety would not be the less wounded by a dry abstract con-
taining nothing but names and dates. To sum up a career which is not }-et
ended would appear like recording events which have not yet transpired, since
justly to estimate the scope and meaning of a history it is important that we
have the closing chapter. In writing a biographical notice, therefore, the
chronicler from the moment he takes up his pen should consider the subject
as no longer among his contemporaries, for thus will he avoid the fear of
offending by bestowing praise where it is merited and escape the risk of
giving but a fragmentary view of that which must eventually be taken as a
unit. At some risk, therefore, the writer assumes the task of placing on record
the life and character of a man, who, by the force of strong individuality, has
achieved eminent success in the \ocations to which he has addressed himself
and has won for himself an enviable place among the leading men of the
city and county honored by his citizenship.
Samuel Hamilton West was born in Johnson township, Gibson county,
Indiana, July 8, 1861, the son of Samuel H. West, born in the same township
and county in 1820 and died in 1898, and Catherine (Sidle) West, a native
of Meadville, Pennsylvania. The subject's grandfather, James W^est, came
to Indiana from near Nashville, Tennessee, early in the nineteenth centurvand
was one of the settlers in the Rappists' colony at New Harmony, but becom-
ing dissatisfied after about a year, he removed to Gibson county, where he
604 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
was one of the pioneers. He was a man of devout religious convictions and
was active in the organization of the first Methodist church. He was a suc-
cessful and honored man in his community, rearjng a family and giving them
as good an education as the limited school facilities of that time afforded.
His death occurred in his seventieth year.
The subject's father, Samuel H. West, Sr.. early in life displayed the
energy and ambition which brought him such marked success later in life.
At the age of fifteen, not being satisfied with the home in which the family
was living, he went into the forest, cleared away the timber, cut and hewed
the logs and erected a new home, which was occupied by the family for over
half a century. He then proceeded to clear a place and erected a home for
himself, and on its completion he married and brought his bride to the new
home. However, after a few years, he built what was considered an excep-
tionally fine house in those days. His was an active life, spent in work of
great benefit to his fellow men. A-'ery devout in his religious life, he was a
pillar and charter member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Fort Branch,
in which town he spent his declining years. He took quite an interest in
educational matters, his children receiving the best that could be secured in
the schools of those early days.
To Samuel H. West, Sr., and wife were born eight children, namely:
Louisa, who married N. H. Dorsey, of Oakland City, Gibson county, In-
diana, is deceased ; W. L. is referred to elsewhere in this volume ; J. A. is
engaged in the lianking business in Antioch, California; Elzie died in infancy;
Mary is the widow of P. A. Bryant and lives in Fort Branch; Isabelle mar-
ried C. F. Gilbert and lives in Cleveland, Ohio ; Samuel H. ; Susan married
W. A. Baldwin and lives at Winona Lake, Indiana.
The subject of this sketch passed his boyhood days on the home place,
attending the short terms of the district school and devoting the remainder
of his time to helping in the work of the farm. On September 2, 1878, Mr.
\Vest was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Martha A. Cooper,
daughter of William Cooper, an early settler in Gibson county. To this
union were born four children, as follows: Bertram C, who lives in Oak-
land, California: one died in infanc}-; J. A. died when two years old; Ruth
is now living in California. The subject's first wife died in March, 1896, and
after her death Mr. West gave up farming and removed to Fort Branch,
where, in partnership with his brothers, he organized a private bank. This
institution was conducted on the basis of a private bank for about four years,
and in 1900 it was merged into a state bank, it continuing as such for eight
years, when it was reorganized as a national bank. The original name of the
GIBSON COl'NTY, INDIANA. 605
Farmers and Merchants Rank has licen cnntiiiucd witli tlie addition of
"National." A recent .statement shows tlie resources and hal)iiities each to
equal two hundred and t\vent\-fne to two hundred and forty lh<iusand dol-
lars. The present officers are: S. 11. West, president; (lerhard Sollnian,
vice-president, and H. G. Graper, cashier.
Mr. West has sold the original home and has also done a ^reat deal of
trading in real estate. When he left his farm in i8y6 it was considered one
of the best equipped farms in the community, it lieing well stocked with tine
live stock, short-horn cattle being specialized in, while immense cro])s of
corn and wheat were annually harvested.
Fraternally, Mr. West is a member of the Masonic blue lodge, and he
has also been through the chairs in the Independent Order of Odd I^^ellows.
He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
FRED D. LUHRIXG.
There is no one nation that has contributed to the complex composition
of our American social fabric an element of more sterling worth or of greater
value in fostering and supporting our national institutions than has Germany.
The fatherland has given us men of sturdy integrity, indomitable persever-
ance, high intelligence and much business sagacity — the result being the in-
corporation of a firm and strength-giving fiber, ramifying through warp and
woof. A man who may look well with pride upon his German ancestry is
the subject of this review, who is a native of Gibson county, where he has
passed practically his entire life, attaining a success worthy the name, with
the accompanying and resulting confidence and regard of his fellow men.
Fred D. Luhring was born Octtjber 6, 1849. i" Johnson township, Gibson
county. Indiana, the son of Louis and Louisa ( .Stinkle ) Luhring. natives of
Hanover, Germany, the former born December 15, 1810. died July 18, 1867:
the mother was born January 25, 1816, and died March 24, 1903. The sub-
ject's maternal grandfather emigrated to .\merica and located in (Jibson
county at an early date. Louis Luhring crossed the broad .Atlantic to the
new world when he was a young man, and, having early learned the trade of
blacksmithing, he worked at that vocation for a while in Pittsburgh, Pennsyl-
vania, coming to the Hoosier state and locating in Gibson county some years
previous to the subject's birth. The father met an untimelv death at the age
of fifty-six years, being kicked by a mule, he following the work of lilack-
smithing in addition to his agricultural duties.
6o6 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Of a family of six children, five of whom are now living, the subject was
the fourth in order of birth. His early youth was occupied with his many
duties on the home farm, he attending the short terms of the schools of those
days. Following his graduation from the common branches, he taught for
two terms, and then served an apprenticeship to the carpenter trade, which
he fully mastered and followed for a number of years.
On May 17, 1885, Mr. Luhring was united in the holy bonds of matri-
mony to Caroline M. Smith, of Barton township, Gibson county, daughter
of Charles and Caroline Smith, natives of Germany. Her father was
born September 6, 1824, and died February 7, 1868; the mother born
November 24, 1824, died November 25. 1872. This union has been
blessed by the birth of three children, namely : Clydia is deceased ; F. C. is a
telegraph operator in the employ of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad
Company; Curtis E. is at Princeton, where he is agent for the traction com-
pany. For a short period after his marriage the subject of this sketch en-
gaged in contracting, building a number of houses, but in 1895 he opened a
shop and started in the implement business, which he has continued until the
present time, enjoying a large patronage and having established a reputation
for integrity and fairness in his business dealings which has not only aided
him in material ways, but has gained for him a large and ever-widening circle
of admiring friends. The location of his place of business is one of the very
best in the town of Haubstadt and his stock of goods is of the best standard
lines, he having the agency for the International Harvester Company. Be-
sides his mercantile interests, the subject is interested in the Bank of Haub-
stadt, of which institution he is a director.
Aside from six years' service in the responsible office of township trustee,
Mr. Luhring has refused political honors, content to limit his interest in such
things to voting for those best qualified. In all the walks of life the subject
has won a reputation for honesty, integrity and public spirit of which any
man might well be proud.
S. R. LOCKWOOD.
An enumeration of the representative citizens of Gibson county would
be incomplete without specific mention of the well known and popular gentle-
man whose name introduces this sketch. A member of one of the old and
highly respected families of the community and for many years a public-
spirited man of affairs, he has stamped the impress of his individuality upon
the township and county in which he resides and added luster to the honor-
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 607
able name which he bears, having always been scrupulously honest in all his
relations with his fellow men and leaving no stone unturned whereby he
might benefit his own condition as well as that of his neighbors, consef|uently
he has long ago won the favor of the people of the township of which he is
the efficient trustee.
S. R. Lockwood was born in Evansville, Indiana, Octolicr i, 1867, the
son of John Lockwood and Josephine fEarl) Lockwood, he a native of Gib-
son county and she of ^'anderburg county. The father of John Lockwood
was Edwin Lockwood, a pioneer of Gibson county, who settled in the virgin
forest near Fort Branch and hewed a home out of the wilderness. He con-
tinued farming all his life, except for a time when he engaged in the saw mill
business and another period was keeper of a store in Evansville, Indiana.
He died at the age of seventy.
John Lockwood enlisted in the Union army at the outbreak of the Civil
war, being mustered into Company A, Forty-second Indiana Volunteer In-
fantry. He served throughout the war and was in a number of the most
important engagements, among others l^eing the memorable struggle at Mis-
sionary Ridge. He was Iionorably discharged as ^a corporal at Rome,
Georgia, in July, 1865. On his return home from his country's service he
married Josephine Earl, who was born in Vanderburg county, Indiana, near
Evansville, the daughter of Robert and Sarah Earl, early settlers, the)- hav-
ing come to Vanderburg county down the Ohio river in a tlatboat. To this
union two children were born, the father dying in 1872, and the mother
subsequently married James Lockwood, a cousin of her first husband. James
Lockwood was a prominent and successful farmer of his community. He
died in May, 1S98, and the mother is now residing with the subject, enjoying
excellent health and displaying the vigor and appearance of a woman of forty.
Her ancestors were of English and Irish stock, the Pearls being English and
the McCutcheons, on the maternal side, Irish.
S. R. Lockwood passed his boyhood days on the farm, attending the
common schools at Fort Branch, also graduating from the high school. On
arriving at mature age he purchased a part of his step-father's farm, on which
he lived forty-seven years, continuing the active life of an agriculturist until
1898, when he rented his place and removed to Fort Branch. In 1908 he was
elected township trustee, and is now serving the last year of a six-year term.
In September, 1898, S. R. Lockwood was married to Anna Patten, of
Gibson county, the daughter of James C. Patten, M. D., one of the leading
citizens of the community, highly respected for his successful career as a phy-
sician and for his splendid record as a soldier in the dark days of the Civil
6o8 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
war. To Mr. and Mrs. Lockwood were born three children: Earle died
in infancy, Mark is in school, and Lewis.
Fraternally, the subject is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. His religious affiliation is
with the Methodist Episcopal church at Ft. Branch. Politically, he has
always been a staunch Republican and served four years as town clerk of Ft.
Branch. He built his present fine home in 1911 at the corner of Lincoln
and Locust streets.
m
KIMBALL.
In the anxious and laborious struggle for an honorable competency and
solid career on the part of the average business man fighting the every-day
battles of life, there is but little to attract the idle reader in search of a
sensational chapter; but for a mind fully awake to the reality and meaning
of human existence there are noble and immortal lessons in the life of the
man who, without other means than a clear mind, a strong arm and a true
heart, conquers fortune and gains not only temporal rewards for his toil, but
also that which is greater and higher, the respect and confidence of those with
whom his years of active life have placed him in contact.
J. C. Kimball was born April i, 1831, at Cynthiana, Posey county, Indi-
ana, the son of Elisha and Mary (Boyle) Kimball. Elisha Kimball was a
skilled mechanic and was the inventor of successful improvements on the
cotton gin, he, however, dying before he could reap the pecuniary benefits of
his work. He was a man of high order of intellect and stood well in the
respect and admiration of his fellow men. Besides the subject, there was
born to Elisha and Mary Kimball one other child, William, now deceased,
who was a soldier in the Civil war.
J. C. Kimball spent his boyhood at home with his parents until he
reached the age of twenty )^ears, when he struck out for himself and came to
Gibson county by four-horse stage from Evansville, and established himself
in the hardware business, which line he was engaged in up to the time of his
retirement in 1905, a period of fifty-four years. In connection with general
hardware, the subject handled stoves, tinware and agricultural implements,
and his clean-cut and above-board business methods and his genial person-
ality won for him not only a large patronage, but gained for hitn a wide circle
of friends. He was a tinner during all his active years.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 609
In 1862 Mr. Kimball wa.s commissioned lirst lieutenant in (.(inipan)- A,
Eightieth Regiment Indiana Volmiteer Infantry, and his command was a
part of the Army of the Cumberland. ^Ir. Kiml)an was under lire in a num-
ber of engagements, notably the Ijattle of Perryville. Ill health caused his
resignation from the army.
In October, 1855, J. C. Kimball was united in the holy bonds of matri-
mony to Amanda E. Johnson, of Evansville, and this union was blessed by
the birth of two children, Newton, who died young, and Ella C, now de-
ceased, who married Dr. VV. H. JNIcGee and was the mother of one child,
Edith. Mr. Kimball's wife passed to her reward July 19, 1907.
The Grand Army of the Republic has claimed the membership of Mr.
Kimball for many years, and. fraternally, he belongs to the Masonic lodge,
having been a charter member of the lodge of that order at Princeton. He
is also a member of the Presbyterian church. Although ne\er having been
a seeker after public ofifice, Mr. Kimball has ever given his earnest and active
support to the Republican party.
-Vt the present time the subject of this re\'ie\v is retired and lives in his
comfortable and hospitable home at No. 219 East State street in Princeton,
peacefully enjoying the well deserved rest which he has earned by a life well
spent in strenuous and honorable pursuits. In the slowly dimming twilight
of life's day, Mr. Kimball can rest content and serene, confident that to him
the Master will say, "Well, done, thou good and faithful servant."
WILLIAM T. LOWE.
Perseverance and sterling worth are almost always sure to win con-
spicuous recognition in all localities. William J. Lowe, for three-quarters of
a century a resident of Gibson county, affords a line example of a successful,
self-made man, wdio is not only eminently deser\-ing 'of the confidence re-
posed in him by his fellow citizens, but also possesses the necessary energy
and integrity that fit him to discharge the duties of any responsibility with
which he may be entrusted. .\ man of vigorous mentality and strong moral
fiber, he has achieved a signal success in the battle of life.
\\'illiam J. Lowe was born December 17, 1S44, two and one-half miles
west of Fort Branch, Gibson county, Indiana, the son of Littleton and
Patience (.Allen) Lowe. Littleton Lowe was born in Kentuckv in 1812 and
(39)
6lO GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
came with his parents to Mt. A^ernon, Indiana, when he was a boy of twelve,
the}^ settling in the woods, where they wrested a home from the wilderness
and lived the rest of their days.
Littleton Lowe, on the death of his parents, settled two and one-half
miles west of Fort Branch, in Gibson county, where he secured one hundred
and sixty acres of land, he clearing forty acres and building a home. Here he
continued until 1865, when he removed to Fort Branch, where he spent his
remaining days, his death occurring in his seventy-fourth year, his wife dying
at the age of sixty-three. He was a Democrat and a member of the Baptist
church. In connection with farming, he also was the owner of a store for a
number of years. To Littleton Lowe and wife were born ten children,
namely: Melinda married L. T. ]\Iead and lived in Exeter, Nebraska, both
now being deceased; Howard, who was in the piano business at Cynthiana,
Indiana, died in 1907; Mary, deceased, was the wife of John Wells and lived
five miles east of Fort Branch ; Nancy married George W. Stone, of Owens-
ville, Indiana; Lavina, who is deceased, married John Jones and lived at
Fort Branch ; Ella, deceased, Avas the wife of B. Ewing and lived in Lincoln,-
Nebraska; William J.; Susan, deceased, was the wife of Henry Montgomery
and lived near Fort Branch; Martha is the widow of William Sweazy, of
Helena, Montana; George W. is in the barber business at Los Angeles, Cali-
fornia.
A typical pioneer school house was the one attended by the subject in
his youth. The old Robb school Avas two miles through the woods from his
home, and it had the puncheon seats and primitive appliances so well remem-
bered by our fathers. Mr. Lowe remained at home assisting in the farm
work until the Civil war broke out, when, on January 17, 1865, he enlisted in
Company H, One Hundred and Forty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, at
Haubstadt. During his term of service he was activety engaged, at times on
provost duty, with the army in eastern Tennessee, and on the cessation of
hostilities he returned to Indianapolis with his comrades and was mustered
out in October, 1865.
After the close of the Civil war Mr. Lowe engaged in farming two
miles from Owensville, in Montgomery township, for four years and then
removed to Fort Branch. He bought eighty acres five miles east of Fort
Branch in Patoka township and lived there for about eight years, when he
secured a tract of ninety-one acres (now a part of Fort Branch) and resided
on it for five years. For seven years the subject engaged in the furniture and
undertaking business at Fort Branch, and in i8q2 he located in Princeton,
GIBSON COUXTV, INDIANA. 6l I
entering into partnership witli A. W. Layow, un<lcr the tirm name uf Lagtnv
& Lowe, furniture and undertaking being the hue of business. This partner-
ship continued for about a year, when C. A. Scull was admitted to the firm
and at the end of another year the business was divided, the subject taking
charge of the undertaking department, Init in i<>o8 Mr. Lowe sold his inter-
ests. In 1907 Mr. Lowe established a furniture and undertaking business at
Huntingburg, Indiana, which he still controls, and he is the owner of the
livery stable and morgue on East Broadway in Princeton, as well as his own
home.
On March 15, 1866, Mr. Lowe was united in matrimony to Betsy J.
Pritchett, who was born two miles east of Owens\ille, the daughter of John
and Mary Pritchett, who were pioneers in this count}-. The}- engaged in
farming all their lives and are both now deceaseil.
To Mr. and Mrs. Lowe have been born the following children : Alvis,
who is a motorman in Evansville, Indiana, married Nellie Schull ; Ezra, an
undertaker at Evansville, married Sadie \\'alters; Anna May is the wife of
W. E. Stillwell, an attorney at Evansville, Indiana; John E. is the (jwner of a
cigar store in Denver, Colorado, and married Marjorie Younger; Ada Cath-
erine is the wife of John W. Brownlee, of Munfordsville, Kentucky.
Mr. Lowe is a member of Archer Post No. 28, Grand Army of the Re-
public, at Princeton, and is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Fraternally, he belongs to the Masonic fraternity, up to the Knight Tempiar
degree, being also affiliated with the Order of the Eastern Star, while he is
a charter member of the Tribe of Ben-Hur.
W. T. RITTERSKAMP.
In his special line of effort prolialily no man in southern Indiana has
achieved a more pronounced success nor a larger record than William J.
Ritterskamp, who is not only a market gardener of large importance, but is
also a noted florist. Starting in a modest way, he has so conducted his
affairs as to enjoy a steady and healthy growth through the years, until now
the interests with which he is identified are numbered among the most im-
portant enterprises in Gibson count}-. Because of the eminent success which
he has achieved, Mr. Ritterskamp has gained a reputation which extends far
beyond the borders of his own locality. His life has been one nf untiring
activitv, and has been crowned with the degree of success attained bv those
6l2 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
only who devote themselves indefatigably to the work before them. He is
of the high class of business men, and none more than he deserves a fitting
recognition among the men whose genius and ability have achieved results
that are most enviable and commendable, and because of his splendid record
and his high personal qualities, he is eminently deserving of representation
in the annals of this county.
William J. Ritterskamp was born in 1867 at Freelandville, Knox
county, Indiana, and is the son of William and Louise (Heithecker) Ritters-
kamp, both of whom were natives of Germany, the father born near Ebber-
feldt and the mother at ■Minder. In 1S44 William Ritterskamp came with his
parents, John and Louisa ( Kircher) Ritterskamp, from their native country
to America, locating at once in Knox county, Indiana. Here the parents
first obtained a farm and later v.-ent into the merchandise business, in which
they were successful. Both died in that county. They were the parents of
eight children, namely: Henrietta, who became the wife of Henry Stahl-
schodt, of Evansville, Indiana ; Bertha, the wife of Fred Nothing, of River-
side, California; Julia, the wife of Daniel W. Becker, of Evansville, Indiana;
Louisa, the wife of Samuel H. Kixmiller, of Freelantlville, Indiana; Alvina,
the wife of William S. Pielmeier, of Chelsea, Michigan: IMartha, the wife of
H. E. Schroeder, of Ereelandville. Indiana: John E., a retired farmer of
Freelandville, and William, father of the subject of this sketch. William
Ritterskamp received his education in the common schools, and upon attain-
ing mature years became connected in the mercantile business with William
Rahn at Evansville, Indiana. Several years later he joined the firm of
McCord & Company at A'incennes, this state, and then engaged in the mer-
cantile business at Freelandville, where he was engaged for thirty-three
years. He is now retired from active business pursuits and is living at
Princeton. His wife died in 1872, and subsequently he married Wilhimenia
Heinz, of Germany. To his first marriage were born the following children:
William John, the immediate subject of this sketch; Julius H., who died in
Colorado in 1912, was a merchant and saw-mill man in Knox county, but
went to Colorado in 1908, and engaged in the shoe business in Colorado
Springs. Eventually he sold out and, buying a tract of land at Alamosa,
Colorado, engaged in dry farming. He married Christina A^olle, and to
them were born six children, namely : Lena, Walter, Oscar, Paul, Helen and
Laura. This family now lives at Freelandville, Indiana. Emma Ritterskamp
died in infancy. Laura became the wife of H. S. Pielmeier, a merchant at
Freelandville, and thev have two children, Helwig and Irene. Louise mar-
GinSON COUNTY, INIUAKA. 613
ried Roscoe Hill, professor in the high school at Colorado Springs, Colorado.
They have two children, Max and Louisa. Helen is the wife of Theodore
Osborne, of Oaktown, Indiana. Julia is the wife of Albert A. Faller. a
merchant at Bicknell, Indiana, and they ha\-e two children, Joseph and Louisa.
Godfried, who graduated from the Indiana State University, taught German
in the Vincennes high school, and is now connected with the Tribune at Chi-
cago. Gertrude is at home. William Ritterskamp is a stanch supporter of
the Democratic party, and while a resident of Knox county served as township
trustee. Religiously, he is a member of the Evangelical church.
William J. Ritterskamp received a good common school education and
later was a student at Elmhurst College. After completing his education he
became identified with his father in the mercantile business until 1891, when
he took up farming on reclaimed marsh land near Freelandville, which en-
gaged his attention until 1897, when he came to Princeton and there engaged
in the business of raising flowers. The story of the inception, rise and de-
velopment of the business thus started by Mr. Ritterskamp reads more like
romance than history. It is the stor\- of a persistent fight against innumer-
able obstacles, which would have daunted one of less sterling metal, and de-
serves the splendid success which has crowned his efforts. Upon coming to
Princeton, Mr. Ritterskamjj built a greenhouse, which he kept up with the
help of one man a part of the time. His first effort was successful, and he
added to the original plant from time to time, including the Shannon green-
houses, the glass structures from the Martin Meyer gardens and smaller
plants around Princeton, but the period of most rapid growth of the green-
houses dates from about seven years ago, when Mr. Ritterskamp bought sev-
eral hundred hot-bed sites from discouraged Patoka cantaloupe growers,
which he erected into cold houses at his gardens. A year later lie trans-
formed them into hot houses, steam-heated, and from that time on his suc-
cess was assured. In 1909 the business was incorporated under the name of
the Princeton Gardens, all of the stock being owned by Mr. Ritterskamp and
members of his family, and today the Princeton Gardens, or, as commonly
known, the Ritterskamp Gardens, are one of the most important industries
in this locality. During the busy season more than one hundred people are
regularlv employed and at other times the average number of em])loyes is
about fifty, many of whom are expert and competent horticulturists and
floriculturists. Today the plant embraces about forty thousand square feet
of glass, thirteen hot houses and six hundred square feet of hot beds, heated
mostlv by hot water and steam. Two years ago new. modern structures
6l4 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
with concrete walls, steel gutters and steel truss construction were erected for
the culture of roses, and to give more room for the better development of
carnation growing, and for this plant a modern steam boiler was installed.
Three years ago Mr. Ritterskamp bought a tract of muck land and sand land,
located about five miles southwest of Princeton and known as the Pittman
farm. He at once put ten acres out to celery, which, however, was not a suc-
cess the first year, though by subsequent efforts and the expenditure of money
for drainage, fertilizers and other manipulations, he has proven that celery,
onions, potatoes, cabbage and head lettuce can be successfully grown here.
At present the trucking area, fruits, vegetables and plants, covers about one
hundred and forty acres, much of the land producing two crops, and, in some
instances, three crops. Many car-loads of bunch vegetables are sent to the
Chicago market, and the gardens are widely known throughout the Middle
West for quality of the products.
Mr. Ritterskamp has long been regarded as one of the foremost men of
the country in various branches of gardening, and his services are in constant
demand for instructive addresses before bodies of this character. In 1907 Mr.
Ritterskamp, with eight others, signed a paper asking for a mass convention
of vegetable growers and gardeners, for the purpose of forming an associa-
tion, the result being that in October, of that year, at Cleveland,. Ohio, the
Greenhouse Vegetable Growers' and Market Gardeners' Association of Amer-
ica was organized. It has been a very successful association, starting with '
sixty-nine members and growing to the present membership of over four hun-
dred. From the time of its organization, Mr. Ritterskamp was a member of
the executive board, and in October, 1913, at the convention of the association
held at Toledo, Ohio, he was elected president and is now serving in that
capacity. The honor which came to Mr. Ritterskamp was a pleasant surprise,
as he was not a candidate and had no intimation that he was to be made the
head of this international organization. However, it was the desire of the
convention that a man be named who not only knew the theoretical side of
gardening, but who knew virtually every phase of it from the standpoint of
practical experience From his addresses and statements of practical expe-
riences made at various gatherings over the country, his fellow members of
his association decided that he was the man they wanted for the place, and
he accepted the honor.
Aside from his floriculture and horticulture, Mr. Ritterskamp has turned
his attention to other lines of effort and four years ago purchased the fruit
in more than three hundred acres of orchards, in the handling of which he
GIBSON cor NT V, INDIANA. 615
realized a substantial proiit. JMr. Ritterskaiup gciiorously refuses to take
more than his share of the credit of the building up of this big business, say-
ing that the credit belongs to all the members of his family, who have been
tireless and unceasing in their efforts toward the building up of the enter-
prise. Among others who have been faithful and efficient assistants of Mr.
Ritterskamp mention should be made of James T. Harman, of Perry county,
this state, who has been with Mr. Ritterskamp for nine years, A. A. Smith,
of Springfield, Illinois, Ed. \Veisgarber. who has special charge of the Lotus
Celery Gardens, west of Princeton.
In 1889 William Ritterskamp was married to Louisa A. Pielimeier.
of Freelandville, Indiana, the daughter of William and Fredericka Pieli-
meier, both of whom were natives of Germany, and early settlers at Vin-
cennes, Indiana. Later they took up farming, which they followed for many
years, but the father is now retired and is living at Freelandville, Indiana.
To Mr. and Mrs. Ritterskamp have been born the following children: Gil-
bert, who married Charlotte Rosenbaum. of near Peoria, Illinois. After
completing his common school education, he entered Purdue University,
where he pursued the horticultural course, and also took a business course at
Evansville, Indiana. He is closely associated with his father in his business.
Edna is at home with her parents.
Fraternally. Mr. Ritterskamp is an appreciative member of the Free and
Accepted Masons, belonging to the blue lodge at T'rinceton, while religiously
he is a member of the First Presljyterian church. A man of high moral
character and impeachable integrity, persistent industry and excellent judg-
ment, he has stood for the best things, and throughout the community he
occupies an enviable position in the esteem of his fellow men.
DA\'ID ARCHER
The biographies of enterprising men, especially of good men, are in-
structive as guides and incentives to others. The examples they furnish of
patient purpose and steadfast integrity strongly illustrate what is in the
power of each to accomplish. Some men belong to no exclusive class in life,
apparently insurmountable obstacles have in many instances av.'akened their
dormant faculties and served as a stimulus to carry them to ultimate suc-
cess, if not renown. The instances of success in the face of adverse fate
would seem almost to justify the conclusion that self-reliance, with a half
6l6 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
chance, can accomplish any oliject. The life of David Archer, long a well-
known and successful business man of Princeton and now gone to his reward,
is an example in point, for, by his individual efforts and close adherence to
duty, he overcame the obstacles' encountered on the highway of life and at
the same time won a reputation for right living among his fellow men.
David Archer was born in 1816, the son of Thomas and Mary (Mc-
Calla) Archer, on the old Archer place, north of Princeton, Gibson county,
Indiana, and died February 20, 1894, in the city of Princeton, that county.
Thomas Archer, the subject's father, a native of South Carolina, early
in life located on a farm in Patoka township, two miles north of Princeton,
Gibson county. He obtained one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he
cleared and made a home, where he spent most of his days, engaged in gen-
eral farming and stock raising. In later life he sold his farm and bought six
acres north of Princeton, but his death occurred on the old home place. The
early ancestral history of the Archer family is referred to more fully in
another portion of this work in the biography of Samuel Hugh Archer, to
which the reader is referred.
David Archer received his early educatioa in the common schools of the
district and as a young man was engaged in business with his brother, Samuel
M., of Princeton, later being associated in the clothing business for several
years with A, E. Crow and having a number of other commercial interests.
In 1847 he purchased the property at the corner of Broadway and South
Gibson street in Princeton and erected a residence, later acquiring the prop-
erty at No. 317 East Broadway, where he and his sister lived.
Mr. Archer married Martha McCalla, who was born in 1823 and died
February 20, 1894, Mr. Archer passing to his reward June 2, 1883. Martha
McCalla was born in the Chester district of South Carolina, the daughter of
Thomas and Sarah Wayne (Gardner) McCalla. David McCalla, a brother
of the subject's wife, married Elizabeth Harbison.
Thomas McCalla, the grandfather of Mrs. z\rcher, was a soldier in the
Revolutionary war, being a member of the Pennsylvania troops in that strug-
gle, he afterward being pensioned by the government for his services.
To the subject and wife were born three children, namely: Beza was
born in Princeton, Gibson county, Indiana, January 26, 1849, where he now
resides and has business interests ; Mary Elizabeth was born in Gibson county
and has always lived at home, now residing with her brother Beza; Isabella
died in 1863. All of the subject's children received a good education in the
schools of Princeton. Beza is a member of the Sons of the American
Revolution.
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA, 617
ROBERT MILTOX MUNFORD.
It will always be a mark of distinction to have served in the Federal
army during the great Civil war between the states. The old soldier will
receive attention no matter where he goes if he will but make himself known,
particularly if he puts on his old faded uniform. And when he passes away,
which the last of them must do within a few years, most of them having
already lived out their allotted three score and ten. according to the Psalmist,
friends will pay him suitable eulogy for the sacrifices he made fifty years ago
on the field or in the no^less-dreaded prison or hospital. And ever afterward
his descendants will revere his memor}^ and take pride in recounting his
services for his country in its hour of peril.
Robert Milton Munford was burn two miles northwest of Princeton,
Gibson county, Indiana, on September 21, 183 J. the son of John and Mary
Nixon (Archer) Munford, the former born in 1796, and the latter in 1800.
They were natives of the Chester district, in South Carolina. John Munford
was a son of James Munford, also of Chester district, who was descended
from good old Scotch-Irish stock. John Munford came to Gibson county,
Indiana, about 1815, a single man, and here obtained, first, a sixty-acre tract
of government land, and later another tract of one hundred acres, two miles
northwest of Princeton. It was all wild land, covered with a dense growth
of timber, and to the clearing of this land and the creation of a farm he gave
his remaining years, being successful in his enterprise and gaining the esteem
and confidence of the community. His death occurred there on October 26,
1862. He was survived many years by his widow, who died in 1884. In
addition to farming Mr. Munford was also an expert carpenter and was fre-
quently called upon to do work of this kind for his neighbors. He was a
Whig in his political views, but upon the organization of the Republican party
he became. allied with that organization. He was at one time a member 0I
the Reform Presbyterian church, and later became a member of the United
Presbyterian church. He and his wife were'the parents of nine children,
namely : James Riley, a farmer, married Ella Little, and both are deceased
Thomas Harvey, deceased, married Louise Embree, William Archer, now
deceased, who was a farmer and trustee of Patoka township, and lived his
later years in I'rinceton. Jane was the wife of John Mauck, and both are
now deceased. Mary, who never married, died in 1905. Robert Milton is
the immediate subject of this sketch. Samuel E,, who was educated in the
home schools, studied medicine, graduated from the Medical College of
6l8 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
"Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1861, came to Gibson county and here enlisted
for three months' service, but did not go to the field. He then enlisted as a
private in Company H, Seventeenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry,
but w^as appointed hospital steward, and later assistant surgeon and still later
surgeon of the regiment. Eventually he became medical director of the divi-
sion of which his regiment was a part, and served in this capacity until the
close of the war. After the war he returned to Princeton and took up the
active practice of medicine, in which he was eminently successful. He died
in 1893. He married Mima Stoncberger, who still resides in Princeton.
Doctor Munford was prominent in many ways in his community and he was
loved by all who knew him. Alexander McLeod, th'e youngest child born to
John and Mary Munford. v/as a member of Company A, Eightieth Regi-
ment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was wounded in 1864 at the battle of
Resaca, dying in Louisville.
Robert M. Munford had but little opportunity to attend school, such
education as he had being obtained in the old log school, near his home. He
remained with his parents until his marriage in 1856, when he took up farm-
ing operations on his own account, following this line of effort until 1861,
when he enlisted as a private in Company D, Fifty-eighth Regiment Indiana
Volunteer Infantry, in Princeton, this regiment being assigned to the Army
of the Cumberland. However, on account of his father's death and the fact
that four of the sons were in the army, he came home in February, 1863, to
take care of the home. Enlisting as private, he had been promoted to the
position of hospital steward, in which he rendered efficient service. After
his return from the war he located on the old homestead, where he resided
continuously until the winter of 1899, when he relinquished active labor and
removed to Princeton, where he has since resided. He still owns eighty acres
of the old homestead, in the operation of which he has been very successful
during his active years.
In 1856 Mr. Munford married Nancy J- Finney, a native of Gibson
county, Indiana, the daughter of John K. and Lourena Finney. Their par-
ents were natives of South Carolina, coming to Gibson county in the early
days, locating in Patoka township. Mr. Finney was a railroad contractor
and farmer, and was very successful in his affairs. He and his wife both
died in this county. Mrs. Munford died on February 2, 1902, without issue.
Politically, Mr. Munford has always given ardent support to the Re-
publican party, and has taken an intelligent interest in all local affairs, es-
pecially such as promise to be of material benefit to the community and his
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 619
fellow citizens. Fraternally, he has been a member of Archer Post No. 28,
Grand Army of the Republic, at Princeton, Indiana, for many years, and
from the age of eighteen years has been an earnest and active member of
the United Presbyterian church. He is a man of sterling qualities of char-
acter, even tempered, and scrupulously honest in all the relations of life,
hospitable and charitable, and thus he has gained the approval and high
esteem of all his fellow citizens because of his upright life.
CAIA'IN R. HOWE.
The man whose life now comes before the reader fur re\iew is too well
and widely known and universally loved and respected for the biographer to
attempt to add anything to the well-known story of his long and interesting
life. Calvin R. Howe enjoys the uni(|ue distinction of being the oldest male
white child bom in Gib.son county, Indiana, having first seen the light of
day October 25, 1827, at a time when the broad acres of this fertile county
were for the most part virgin timber and soil, the settlements small and far
between and the beautiful homes, cities and well cultivated farms of today
not even a wild dream in the minds of its earliest pioneers. The father of
Calvin R. Howe was Willis Howe, born in Boone county, near Pinhook, Cov-
ington, Kentucky, and he in turn was the son of Robert and Elizabeth CMC-
Combs') Howe. Robert Howe, with his wife, eight sons and two daughters,
came to Gibson county, Indiana, in 1819 and settled in White River town-
ship. He obtained a tract of wild land, which he cleared and there they made
their home for a numlicr of years. He was always engaged in farming. In
later life he moved to Lawrence county, Illinois, and there he died. His wife
died in Knox county. The names of their children follow : James, William,
John, Willis (subject's father), Benjamin, Sanford. Samuel. Jackson, Lucin-
da, Jane and Mary.
The opportunities for the education of the young were very meager
during the youth of Willis Howe and he received only a very limited edu-
cation. He early was apprenticed to the blacksmith trade in Princeton and
later bought the business of William RalstOn and continued to operate that
shop until his death in 1886, at the age of eighty-three years. He was quite
skilled in his trade and an expert workman on edged tools. His reputation
brought him business from Posey, Pike and Gibson counties and he prospered
financially. He was one of the few men in this locality in his day who had
620 GIBSON COUNTY,, INDIANA.
money to loan and was well known and highly respected all over the county.
He took an active interest m politics and was elected county treasurer about
the year 1834: he was also justice of the peace for many years. He was a
member of the old Whig party and when the Republican party came into
existence he gave it his support. Two of his brothers, Benjamin and Samuel,
were tanners by trade, Sanford and Jackson were blacksmiths and the rest
of the boys were farmers. Willis Howe took as his wife Mary Minnis, who
was born in South Carolina, a daughter of Calvin and Mary Minnis. Her
parents were born in Ireland, emigrated to America and settled in South
Carolina, coming to Indiana in 181 1. They reached their destination the
da}' of the battle of Tippecanoe and in three weeks he was compelled to join
the militia to go to the relief of Fort Harrison, but he only got as far as
Vincennes, where he remained three weeks. His family, alone and doubtless
suffering greatly through his absence, lived in their wagon until his return.
During his absence they saw only one white man. Mr. Minnis settled in
Gibson county near Stormont Hill and later lived one and one-half miles
northwest of Princeton, where he continued fanning. He and his wife died
in Princeton between the years 1850 and i860. They had only twin
daughters, INlary, the subject's mother, and Jane, who became the wife
of John \A'. Wood, and both are deceased. Willis Howe was a faithful
member of the Methodist church and his wife of the Reformed Presbyterian.
She died in 1879, at the age of seventy-three years.
Calvin R. Howe received his early instruction in the subscription
schools of the day. .-\.t the age of twelve years he was studying Latin and
was receiving instruction in Greek at the age of seventeen. He entered his
father's blacksmith shop with the intention of mastering the trade and re-
mained with him until his twenty-first year. At the age of twenty-two he
went to Owensville, Indiana, where, in partnership with Timothy Techinor,
he opened up a blacksmith shop. This partnership continued for two years,
at which time they sold out and the subject and his father handled dry goods
for two years. In 1856 Mr. Howe decided to settle down to farming and
located one and one-half miles south of Princeton, where he continued for
ten years, when he went to Salina county, Kansas, in 1866. However, he
remained there only a few months and returned to Gibson county, locating
one mile west of Princeton, where he remained for twenty-seven years, and
for the past twenty years he has made his home in Princeton, practically
retired from active life. He still owns ninety-seven acres of valuable land in
section 12, Patoka township.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 621
On November i8, 1S52, Mr. Howe was united in marriage with l^liza-
beth J. Yerkes, who was born in 1S33 "^'^■' J^^lomesdale, Pennsylvania, a
(laughter of Jacob Paul and Huldah (Skinner) Yerkes, he of Pennsylvania
and she of New York state. In 1836 the Yerkes family came to Evansville,
where the father died the same y-ar. The wife moved to Owensville. In-
diana, where she reared her family and lived for a number of years, and
died in \"anderburg county, Indiana, at the home of her oldest daughter,
Mrs. G. B. McCutcheon. J\Ir. Yerkes was a carpenter by trade and the
family were members of the Presb}-terian church. There were ten children
in the family, as follows : Amelia, Jonathan, Reuben, Harriet, Margaret.
Charlotte, Anna, Culparina, Elizabeth and Honcra. The last three named
are living; Culpurina is the wife of Dr. David Malone, of Arnsville, Illi-
nois; Honora is the wife of L. H. Hawes and lives at Mt. Vernon, Illinois,
and Elizabeth is the wife of the immediate subject of this sketch. To Calvin
R. Howe and wife were born seven children, two of whom died in infancy.
The ones which grew to maturity are: Mary H., deceased wife of J. P.
Brown, of Patoka township. At her death, which occurred in iqio, .she left
two children, Charles Y., now attending dental college at Indiana]X)lis, and
Lewis, who has been attending Moores Hill College for the past two \ears.
The second child of Calvin R. Howe and wife was Anna, who died single at
the age of thirty-three years; Charles J., who was a teacher and was drowned
in the Colorado river in 1880; Willis Paul studied law, was admitted to the
bar, practiced three years and died in 1890, and the fifth child is Nellie, wife
of Andrew P. Carey, a dairy farmer in Patoka township. They are the
parents of four children. Laura, Grace, deceased, Paul and Mabel.
Mr. and Mrs. Howe have a family heirloom much prized, in the form
of a Masonic apron originally owned by Mrs. Howe's father, who was a
prominent Mason. The apron is of white satin, hand-painted with the
various eml:)lems of the order, and is o\-er one hundred years old. It is care-
fully framed in order to best preser\'e it intact.
At the age of twenty years Mr. Howe joined the Sons of Temi)erance,
and attributes his health and longevity, at least in part, to his abstaining
from alcoholic beverages. Considering Mr. Howe's years, he is a man of
remarkable activity and general vitality and gets about as well as a man very
many years younger. His eyesight and hearing are unimjjaired and he re-
tains an excellent memory. I\Ir. and Mrs. Howe have been members of the
Methodist Episcopal church for the last sixty-one years and have always
taken an active interest in the affairs of the church. Mr. Howe's political
622 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
sympathies are with the RepubHcan party and. although he has never aspired
for office, he has always taken an active interest in the affairs of his party.
How futile to attempt to add anything to the salient and simple facts of
this long and wholesome life. Surely it should be an inspiration to those on
the threshold of life to see this demonstration of the fact that right princi-
ples of life and right habits of living conduce to that enviable state wherein
"thy days may be long upon the land." Mr. Howe is well known from one
end of Gibson county to the other and no citizen of that county is held in
higher esteem.
A. R. BURTON, M. D.
It is not always easy to discover and define the hidden forces that move
a life of ceaseless activity and large professional success; little more can be
done than to note their manifestation in the career of the individual under
consideration. In view of this fact, the life of the distinguished i^hysician
and public-spirited man of affairs whose name appears above affords a strik-
ing example of well defined purpose, with the ability to make that purpose
subserve not only his own ends but the good of his fellow men as well. He
has long held distinctive prestige in a calling which requires for its basis
sound mentality and intelligent discipline of a high order, supplemented by
the rigid professional training and thorough mastery of technical knowledge,
with the skill to appty the same, without which one cannot hope to rise
above mediocrity in administering to human ills. In his chosen field of en-
deavor Dr. A. R. Burton has achieved success such as few attain and his
present eminent standing among the medical men of his community is duly
recognized and appreciated.
A. R. Burton was born in Gibson county, Indiana, April 26, 1859, the
son of Bazil and Lucinda (Kilpatrick) Burton, the father born November
10, 1835, in Winchester, Virginia, and the mother in Gibson county, In-
diana, in 1836. Bazil Burton was a farmer and he removed to Indiana in
pioneer times, where he made a success of agriculture. When the Straight
Line railroad was being built through the county he contracted to build five
miles of roadbed, but the enterprise ruined him financially. The greater part
of his life was spent at or near Francisco, his declining years being passed in
the home of the subject, dying in 1901 at the home of his nephew. Dr. Hiram
Burton, near Somerville. Indiana, his wife having preceded him to her
reward in 1881 in Princeton.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 623
To Bazil and Lucinda Burton were born four cliildren, namely: George
S. died in Montana; Bell married Dr. R. L. Broadwell, of Petersburg; Louis
H., who lives in southern Illinois, is a contractor of tiling and ditching; A. R.
Mr. Burton attended the common schools of the district and Fort
Branch and on the completion of this rudimentary education began reading
medicine under the tutelage of V. T. West, of Princeton, in whose office he
studied until the fall of 1879. at which time he entered the Medical College
of Ohio, now the University of Cincinnati, where he spent three years pre-
paring himself for the exacting duties of the medical profession. Graduating
March 4, 1882, the Doctor located at Princeton, where he has since remained,
his superior skill in his practice having obtained for him a wide reputation
and established for him a most desirable and remunerative practice. For
fifteen years Doctor Burton has been a member of the pension board, his
term of service never having been interrupted by the changing administration
of political parties.
A close student of the art of medicine, the subject keeps posted on all the
latest discoveries in his profession. He belongs to the American Medical
Association, served as secretary of the Gibson County Medical Association
for ten years, and also was a member of the State Medical Association and
for ten years served as secretary of the city and county board of health.
On August 10, 1883, the Doctor was united in matrimony to Margaret
J. Fentriss, of Princeton, daughter of James H. and Johanna (Skinner J
Fentriss, old residents of that city. The mother of the subject's wife was a
native of Scotland, while the father was born in Gibson county. James H.
Fentriss was a harness-maker by trade and served for years as a justice of
the peace, also for four years holding the office of county recorder. Both
parents of Mrs. Burton are now deceased.
To the subject and wife has been born one child, Blanche, who is living
at home w-ith her parents. She has gained fa\'orable notice as a musician of
high order and her services have been engaged at a numl)er of the leading
musical functions throughout the state, she rendering vocal and instrumental
selections in a manner that has attracted wide notice among the critics and
promises much for the future.
Doctor Burton is Democratic in his political belief, while, fraternally,
he belongs to the Improved Order of Red Men, Knights of the Maccabees.
Court of Honor, Tribe of Ben-Hur, Royal Arcanum and the Loyal Order of
Moose, and he was formerly affiliated with the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
He takes an active interest in the Presbyterian church, of which he is an
earnest member.
624 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
R. S. ANDERSON, M. D.
The unostentatious routine of private life, although of vast importance
to the \velfare of the community, has not figured to any extent in history.
But the names of men who have distinguished themselves by the possession
of those qualities which mainly contribute to the success of private life and
to the public stability, and who have enjoyed the respect and conlidence of
those around them, should not be permitted to perish. Their examples are
most valuable and their lives well worthy of consideration. Such are the
thoughts that involuntarily come to mind when we take under review the
career of such an honored individual as the gentleman whose name initiates
this paragraph, who is numbered among the leading practitioners of the art
of healing in Gibson county.
Robert S. Anderson, M. D., was born in Princeton, Gibson county, Indi-
ana, July 24, 1 861, the son of William Anderson, Jr., and Nancy Louisa
(Garrett _) Anderson, he a native of Ireland and she of this county, the mother
being a descendant of the Stormont family. The paternal grandfather, Will-
iam Anderson, Sr., came from county Donegal, Ireland, to Gibson county in
1854 and located on land one mile south of Princeton, afterward purchasing
a farm four miles south of the town. He reared a large family, and resided
here until his death in the late seventies. His son, William, Jr., learned the
trade of blacksmith, which he followed until 1875, when he took up agricul-
ture, following it until his death, April 9, 1880. ITis wife died in 1900. To
the subject's parents were born four children, namely: Lizzie A. is the
widow of John A. Pfohl; Martha M. is the wife of David Birchfield, of
Princeton; Fanny J. is the wife of John O. Hamilton, of Manhattan, Kansas,
who is professor of physics in the State Agricultural College at that place;
R. S.
R. S. Anderson secured his elementar}' education in the common schools.
In preparation for the practice of the medical profession, he attended the
University of Louisville (the old Kentucky College of Medicine), from which
he graduated in 1884. In later years he took a course in the Polyclinic Insti-
tute at Chicago. On his graduation from the Louisville Medical College the
subject engaged in the practice of his profession at Grove City, Christian
county, Illinois, and continued there for eight years, at the expiration of
which period he removed to Princeton, Gibson county, Indiana, where he has
since remained in the general practice of medicine and surgery.
Doctor Anderson was married at Grove Citv. Illinois, in 1888. to Lizzie
R. S. ANDERSON. II. D.
GIBSON COl'NTV, INDIANA. 02~,
B. JMcCoy, of that place, and to tliis uni(3n has l)ecn horn one cliild, Oscar
M., born in 1895 and now in school.
In addition to a long and successful career as a general ])racuiic)ner, the
subject has served as city and county health officer for a number of years and
for eighteen years has been local surgeon for the Southern and the Chicago
& Eastern Illinois railroads. He is a member of the Gibson county, the state
and the .\merican medical associations, and also holds membership in the
Association of American Railway Surgeons.
In his fraternal relations. Doctor Anderson is an entliusiastic believer
in the tenets of the Masonic order, having attained to the thirty-second de-
gree, belonging" to the Scottish Rite consistory at Indianapolis and being a
Knight Templar at Princeton. He has filled all the chairs in the local lodge
and was chairman of the building committee and one of the trustees who
had charge of the erection of the handsome new Masonic Temple at Prince-
ton. He is a memljer of the AbithofHst Ei)iscopal church.
The subject has ever displayed an acti\-e and intelligent interest in
political affairs, formerly serving as treasurer of the Republican county com-
mittee, but during the last campaign he se\ered his connection with tliat body
and joined the Progressives.
JAMES M. SCANTLIN.
Clearly defined purpose and consecutive efl:'ort in the affairs of life will
inevitably result in the attaining of a due measure of success, but in follow-
ing out the career of one who has attained success by his own efforts there
comes into view the intrinsic individuality which made such accomplishment
possible, and thus there is granted an objective incentive and inspiration,
while at the same time there is enkindled a feeling of respect and admiration.
The qualities which have made Mr. Scantlin one of the prominent and suc-
cessful men of Princeton, Gibson county, Indiana, have also brought him the
esteem of his fellow townsmen, for his career has been one of well-directed
energy, strong determination and honorable methods.
James M. Scantlin was born October 26, 1842, at Evansvillci Indiana,
the son of Thomas and Eleanor J. fParvin) Scantlin. The mother was a
descendant of Gen. Robert Evans, founder of the city of Evansville, near
which place she was born in a log cabin. The father was born in Lexington.
V40)
626 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Kentucky, and was engaged in the stove and tinware business at Evansville, In-
diana, starting there in 1836 and continuing until his retirement in 1908.
Thomas Scanthn, who was a prominent man and was highly esteemed in his
community, died January 19, 1912, at the extreme age of ninety-eight, and
his wife died four years previous to his demise. To the subject's parents
were born nine children, of whom six are living, namely : Lavinia E. and
Ethel are unmarried and reside in Evansville; Mrs. Julius Stewart, of Evans-
ville; Mrs. Carrie Overman, of New York City; Thomas E., of Medford,
Oregon; James M.
Thomas Scantlin, the subject's father, removed to Princeton about
1819, with his father, James Scantlin, who was a charter member of the
First Methodist church of that city. The subject's grandfather settled on a
farm south of Princeton and conducted a tin shop on his place, which is now
the William Spore farm. The subject's father learned the trade of tinner
there and started in business for himself in Evansville in 1836. In 1852 he
came back to Princeton, however returning to Evansville in 1853.
James M. Scantlin, the immediate subject of this review, was educated
in the schools of Evansville and Princeton and attended the old college on
Seminary Hill. He graduated from the Evansville high school about 1858,
but did not receive his diploma for nearly forty years. He was subsequently
a student at the Indiana State University at Bloomington, and while there
was made a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. He began helping in his
father's business when he was but fourteen years of age, and continued in
this work, with only such interruptions as were caused by his school work,
until the Civil war, when he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and
Thirty-sixth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, serving until 1864 and
attaining the rank of corporal. On returning from the service of his coun-
try, he again resumed his connection with his father's business, and continued
thus until 1894, when he removed to Princeton and establislied his present
prosperous hardware store.
On June 7, 1869, Mr. Scantlin was married to Helen E. Wallace, born
in the city of Princeton, a granddaughter of Alexander Devin. To this union
has been born one daughter, Nora, who married Herbert R. Clarke, a railroad
man of Aurora, Illinois. Herbert and Nora Clarke have two children, Helen
R. and Gertrude E.
Mr. Scantlin is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and in
politics gives his support to the Repul)lican party, while in religious affairs
he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he serves as a
steward.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 627
SANFORD TRII'PP:T.
The record of the gentleman whose name introduces this article con-
tains no exciting chapter of tragic events, but is replete with well-defined
purpose which, carried to successful issue, have won for him an influential
place in the ranks of his profession and high personal standing among his
fellow citizens. His life work has been one of unceasing industry and per-
severance, and the systematic and honorable methods which he has ever
followed have resulted not only in gaining the confidence of those with
whom he has had dealings, but also in the building up of a large and re-
munerative legal practice. Well grounded in the principles of jurisprudence,
and by instinct and habit a constant reader and student, Mr. Trippet com-
mands the respect of his professional colleagues, and his career has reflected
honor upon himself and dignity upon the vocation to which he has devoted
his efforts.
San ford Trippet was born November 13, 1875, in Gibson county, In-
diana, the son of Aaron and Susan (Robb) Trippet, natives of this county.
The mother was the oldest daughter of David Robb, one of the pioneers of
the community and a nephew of Major David Robb, who fought at the battle
of Tippecanoe. The father has passed his life in White River township,
being a successful and progressive farmer, his wife still living. Tn Aaron
and Susan Trippet have been born eleven children, all of whom yet survive.
Aaron Trippet is at present a county councilman and is jjresitlent of the
board.
The subject of this review, after completing his preliminary studies in
the common schools, attended the Princeton Normal School and then entered
the Indiana State University at Bloomington, graduating with the literary
class in 1901. Deciding on the legal profession as his life work, Mr. Trippet
then matriculated in the law school at Ann Arbor, Michigan, from which he
was subsequently graduated. Returning to Princeton, he entered into a part-
nership with Thomas Duncan for the practice of law, the firm name being
Duncan & Trippet, this partnership existing for about a year, when, in 1905,
the firm of Ballard & Trippet came into existence.
That same year, 1905, the subject was married to Edith M. Rightly,
daughter of Charles and Eva (Gardner) Rightly, the father being a drug-
gist in Oakland City, Indiana, until his death in 1913. To the subject and
wife have been born three children, Blanche, Byron and Charles R.
In addition to his duties in the legal profession, Mr. Trippet for a num-
628 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
ber of years ranked high as an educator, he having taught school in Hazleton
for five years and been principal of the schools there for three years, during
which time his services were highly appreciated by the patrons, his progres-
sive and intelligent pedagogical methods being a distinct boon to the educa-
tional institutions there.
Fraternally, Mr. Trippet is a member of ^Masonic Lodge No. 420, at
Hazleton, in which he takes an earnest and active interest.
The home of the subject is located at No. 331 West Walnut street, in
the city of Princeton, and it is the hospitable center of a wide circle of friends.
FRANKLIN H. MAXAM, M. D.
It is not always easy to discover and define the hidden forces that move
a life of ceaseless activity and large professional success; little more can be
done than to note their n:anifestation in the career of the individual under
consideration. In view of this fact, the life of the successful physician and
public-spirited man of affairs whose name appears above affords a striking
example of well-defined purpose, with the ability to make that purpose sub-
serve not only his own ends but the good of his fellow men as well. Doctor
Maxam, who has had exceptional training in his chosen profession, holds
distinctive prestige in a calling which requires for its basis sound mentality
and intellectual discipline of a high order, supplemented by rigid professional
training and thorough mastery of technical knowledge, with the skill to
apply the same, without which one cannot hope to rise above mediocrity in
ministering to human ills. There is, therefore, a due measure of satisfac-
tion in presenting, even in brief resume, the life and achievements of such a
man, and in preparing the following history of the scholarly physician whose
name appears above it is with the hope that it may prove not only interesting
and instructive, but also serve as an incentive to those who contemplate mak-
ing the medical profession their life work.
Franklin H. Maxam was born February 14, 1850, in Gibson county,
Indiana, about four miles east of Princeton. He is the son of Napoleon B.
and Mary S. f Slack) Maxam, who were the parents of eight children. Two
of the children and the parents are now dead. Napoleon B. Maxam was
born and reared on a farm near Maxam Center, east of Princeton, Gibson
county, Indiana, the locality in which Sylvester Maxam, grandfather of the
subject, settled when he came in the early days of Gibson county from his
GIBSON COl'XT'l'. INDIANA. 629
old home in New York. Dating from those early days, the family has al-
ways been foremost in all things pertaining to the best good and welfare of
the community at large. Mary S. Slack, mother of the suliject, was a native
of New Jersey, where her family had resided for many years. She was a
granddaughter of Aaron Slack, a hero of the war of 1812.
Doctor Maxam received his elementary education in the common schools
of Gibson county, later attendnig the Princeton high school and also the high
school at Owensville, Indiana. He later attentled the University of Michigan,
at Ann Arbor, for one year. Upon his return to Princeton he took up the
reading of medicine with Doctor Munford and Doctor West. He later on
entered into a partnership with Doctor Munford, which partnership was in
force for one year onh". Wishing for more thorough training in his profession
than could be obtained in his locality, he went t(5 New York City, where he
entered the Long Island College Hospital at Brooklyn, New York, where he
remained for one year. Later he entered the Bellevue Hospital in New York
City, from which he was graduated in 1877. He then returned to Princeton,
where he took up the practice of his profession. This he continued for some
time, when, desiring still greater advantages, he spent one year in Europe in
the various famous hospitals of the continent. Most of his time was spent
in \'ienna. from the hospitals and laboratories of which have come forth so
many things of benefit to suffering humanity. The fame of its surgeons,
physicians and chemists has gone abroad through the world, so that post-
graduate study in that city is a thing coveted by all who take up the pro-
fession of medicine as their life work. Upon his return from Europe. Doctor
Alaxam returned to his native Princeton, where he has since made his home,
gaining an enviable reputation for himself and a warm place in the regard
of his fellow townsmen. With a desire to still further equip hini.self in his
profession. Doctor Maxam has, since entering upon the active practice, taken
several post-graduate courses in New York City, embracing a combined
period of several months.
In 1884 Doctor Maxam was united in marriage to Jane Howe, a resi-
dent of Princeton, daughter of San ford Howe. She came from a family
prominent in the affairs of the county. To this union were born two daugh-
ters, Ruth and Charlotte. Mrs. Maxam was a charming woman, of excep-
tional qalities of heart and mind and her beautiful influence traveled far l)e-
yond her home circle. She died July 16, 1913.
Doctor Maxam's religious affiliation is with the Methodist Episcopal
church, of which he is a consistent member. He is a Repuljlican of the old
630 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
school, interested in the workings of his party. He is an active member of
the Gibson County Medical Society, the Indiana State Medical Society and
the American Medical Association, in the proceedings of all of which he takes
an interested part. Doctor Maxam has had remarkable success in his pro-
fession, and is often called into consultation by his professional brethren be-
cause of his ability as a diagnostician and his uniform success in the handling
of diseases. In addition to splendid technical skill, he possesses broad sym-
pathies which enable him to at once gain the confidence of his patients.
Doctor Maxam has not only always kept in close touch with the trend
of medical thought, but is also a close student of social, political and scientific
subjects, being broad-minded and keenly interested in all that makes for the
betterment of his fellow men. In every sphere of endeavor in which he has
taken a part, his ability and strict integrity have elevated him in the confi-
dence of his fellow citizens and his influence is always powerful and salutary
in the conmiunity.
ROLLIN MAXAM.
The history of a county or state, as well as that of a nation, is chiefly
a chronicle of the lives and deeds of those who have conferred honor and
dignity upon society. The world judges the character of a community by
those of its representative citizens and yields its tributes of admiration and
respect to those whose words and actions constitute the record of a state's
prosperity and pride. Among the prominent citizens of Gibson county who
are well known because of the part they have taken in public affairs, as well
as the fact that they come from an old honored family, is Rollin Maxam,
the subject of this sketch.
In his present capacity as clerk of the Gibson circuit court, Mr. Maxam
doubtless has as wide an acquaintance as any man of his community, due not
only to his years of public service, but also to his genial and friendly spirit,
his undoubted honesty and integrity. Mr. Maxam was born August 29,
1870, on the same spot on which he now resides, in Princeton, Gibson county
Indiana. He is the son of Sylvester R. and Mary L. (Herman) Maxam
The father was a native of Gibson county, born in 1822 and died in 1895
The mother was born in Pennsylvania in 1827 and died in 1907. They made
their home in the same location where the subject of this sketch resides, on
what is now known as West State street, for fifty-five or sixty years. This
certainly is an enviable experience, which falls to the lot of very few indeed.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 63I
The grandfather of the subject, also Sylvester Maxam, came at an early
date in the history of Gibson county, and located east of Princeton, near
what is now known as Maxam Station, the name serving as a record of the
family's early activities. Grandfather and Grandmother Maxam stood high
in the esteem of the community by reason of the deeply religious lives they
led, their hrm convictions leaving their imprint on all the various activities
of life.
Sylvester Maxam (father of the subject) and wife first made their home
at Maxam Station for a short time, before removing to Princeton. To
them were born seven children: Mrs. Sylvester A. Rollin, of Princeton;
Andrew L., of Bisbee, Arizona; Mrs. James Conzett, of Princeton, who
passed away November 24, 1913; Emma Maxam, of Princeton; Olive M.
Maxam, of Washington, D. C. ; Robert, deceased, and Rollin, subject of this
sketch, who was born after his oldest sister was married, and was given her
husband's name. The father and mother were consistent members of the
Methodist Episcopal church and he was engaged in the flouring mill and
grain business in Princeton for many years.
Rollin Maxam received his earliest education in the local schools, later
attending the Indiana Normal University, at that time in Princeton. He
served as deputy postmaster for one year, and in 1895 entered the office of
the clerk of the Gibson circuit court as deputy to Samuel A. Stewart, for
whom he served eight years and then served another eight years in the same
capacity to Mr. Stewart's successor, Thomas J. Mason. From his years of
faithful service in the office of county clerk and his intimate knowledge of
the duties pertaining thereto, his friends induced him to permit his name to
appear on the Republican ticket in 19 10 as candidate himself for the office
of county clerk, and, in spite of the widespread victory of the opposition,
Mr. Maxam won his office. One other Republican only was successful. His
election was for four years.
On March 3, 1898, Mr. Maxam was united in marriage to Anna Baner,
daughter of Anthony and Amelia Baner. Anna Baner was born at New
Albany, Indiana, although her parents resided in Evansville, Indiana, at the
time of her marriage to Mr. Maxam. To them have been born one child,
Robert Anthony, who is now seven years old.
Fraternally, Mr. Maxam has a number of affiliations. He is a member
of the Elks Lodge No. 634 of Princeton, of which body he has been secretary
for the past seven years. He is also a member of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows Lodge No. 64, of Princeton, and member of the tribes of Red
632 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Men and Beii-Hur. Mr. Maxam, at an early age, manifested an interest in
politics, identifying himself with the Republican party and has always been
active in its affairs. His years of service in the county office to which he has
been elected speak well for the trust and esteem in which he is held in the
community. In every phase of life's activities in which he has engaged, Mr.
Maxam has been true to every trust and because of the genuine worth of his
character he has earned and retains the sincere regard of all who know him.
ABRAM T. MOORE.
The following is a sketch of a plain, honest man of affaifs, who by cor-
rect methods and a strict regard for the interests of his fellow men has made
his influence felt in his community and won for himself distinctive prestige
in the business circles of Princeton and Gibson county. He would be the
last man to sit for romance or become the subject of fancy sketches, never-
theless his life presents much that is interesting and valuable and may be
studied with profit by the young whose careers are yet to be achieved. He is
one of those whose integrity and strength of character must force them into
an admirable notoriety which their modesty never seeks, who command the
respect of their contemporaries and their posterity and leave the impress
of their individuality deeply stamped upon the community.
Abram T. Moore, retired mill operator and grain dealer of Princeton,
Gibson county, Indiana, was born March 4, 1828, in Stafford county, New
Hampshire, the son of Gideon and Nancy (Tilton) Moore of the same county.
The father was a cabinet maker by trade and later in life moved to Belknap
county, the same state, where he died in his seventy-fifth year. They were
of English extraction and the mother was a member of the Congregational
church. To them were born five children : Mary, Adeline and Martha are
deceased ; Abram T. ; Selesta is living in Rhode Island.
Abram T. Moore received a common school education and lived on
the home farm until he reached his seventeenth year, when he was apprenticed
to learn the carpenter's trade and served three years. After perfecting him-
self in this craft he spent a short time in New York state, subsequently being
employed selling goods in Coleville for four years, and then removed to
Champaign county, Illinois, in 1856, remaining there until 1875. In Illinois
he was one of the pioneer settlers, securing a prairie farm, which he cultivated
with success. He later, in 1866, engaged in the grain and milling business at
ABRAM T. MOORK.
GIBSON COUXTV, INDIANA. 633
Toulon, Illinois, until 1875. when for ek\en \ears he was in the same busi-
ness in Indianapolis. Eventually, he i"enK)\eil iu Ciibson county and located
at Princeton, where he established an extensive elevator and grain business,
buiUling elevators at Princeton, King's Station, Hazleton and Patoka. He
was also one of the firm of R. P. Moore Milling Company at Princeton, but
is now retired from active business.
Mr. Moore was married to ^lary Jane Wiggins, uf Xew Hampshire,
who died November 30, 1903. Tu the sul)iect and wife were born the fol-
lowing children: ( i) Elw\n P. li\es at St. Cloud. Minnesnta, where he is
president of the Pirst National Bank, is a land owner and lias man\- other
interests. He married Ida H. Tooksbery and to them have been born four
children: Carl is a real estate dealer in Cleveland. Ohio; Olive H. married
A. S. White, of New York City; George B. is located in Texas, looking after
his father's interests; Elwyn P., Jr.. is at home. (2) Rodger P. married
Virginia Richards. He died in 1908 and she in 1912. He was in the milling
business at Princeton, Indiana, from 1883 until his death, was a Mason and
a prominent citizen. Pie was the father of one child. Maude, who is the wife
of C. C. Coffee, of San Antonio. Texas. (3 ) George B.. who (bed in 1902,
was also in the grain and milling business at Princeton. He married Minnie
Knight, who now lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. They had one daughter,
Marjorie. who married PI. H. Benedict, of New Haven, Connecticut. (4)
Minnie, who lives in Princeton, is the widow of Samuel H. Kidd, who was
a leading attorney of that city. She is the mother of three children : Elwyn
H. is deceased; Mary E. is a teacher; Grace is attending Indiana University.
In early life the subject was a member of the Masonic fraternity and of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a member of the Baptist
church at Princeton. Politically, for years he was allied with the Democratic
party, but for the last twenty-five years has been a Prohibitionist.
CHARLES A. MILLER, M. D.
Charles A. Miller was born in Princeton, (iibson county, Indiana, on
March 8, 1873, the son of G. C. and Lucilla C. (Archer) Miller. Mr. Miller
attended the common and high schools of Princeton, and then took a scien-
tific course in the State University at Bloomington, graduating in 1896. He
then engaged in teaching school, being employed in the high school at Prince-
ton for three years, and then entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons
634 GIBSON COUNTYj INDIANA.
at Chicago, where he pursued the regular course in medicine, graduating in
1905, receiving the degree of Doctor of Medicine. The following two years
were spent as an interne in the West Side Hospital, and in 1907 he came to
Princeton and entered upon the active practice of his profession, in which he
has been engaged continuously. He is a general practitioner, having qualifi-
cations for both surgery and materia medica, and is numbered among the
foremost of his profession in Gibson county. Doctor Miller is a member of
the Gibson County Medical Society, the Indiana State Medical Society and
the American Medical Association.
In 191 1 Doctor Miller was united in marriage with Lenora M. Paxton,
the daughter of T. R. and Amelia J. (Jerauld) Paxton. Fraternally, Doctor
Miller is a member of the Masonic order.
MICHAEL M. KENNEDY.
To attain a worthy citizenship by a life that is always honored and
respected even from childhood, deserves more than mere mention. One may
take his place in public life through some vigorous stroke of public policy,
and even remain in the hearts of friends and neighbors, but to gradually
rise to the same position, winning through sterling worth and faithfulness
to trusts, rather than by a craving for exaltation and popularity, is worthy
of the highest praise and commendation. As such does the biographer of
this volume view the career of the subject of this sketch, present county re-
corder of Gibson county and for many years one of its best known agri-
culturists.
Michael M. Kennedy was born in Columbia township, Gibson county,
Indiana, on July 7, 1857, the son of James and Jane (Martin) Kennedy.
The mother was a native of Gibson county, born in Barton township, and
the father was born in Ireland. When quite a young man, James Kennedy
emigrated to the United States, landing at New Orleans, but coming directly
to Gibson county, Indiana, where he passed the remaining years of his life.
He lived a life of activity, and died at the age of seventy-one. His wife sur-
vived him a number of years, passing away in 1897. James and Jane Ken-
nedy were the parents of six children, the oldest of whom is the immediate
subject of this sketch; David, who lives in Columbia township, Gibson county;
Daniel O., who lived all his life in the same township and died there March
26, 1913; Margaret, wife of John F. Gudgel of Cudgel's Station in Columbia
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 635
township; Robert Emniett, who died January 7, 1911, at Farmersburg, SulH-
van county, Indiana; and Mary E.. wife of Doctor R. S. Mason, of Oakland
City, Indiana. Immediately upon his arrival in Gibson county, James Ken-
nedy began work as a contractor during the construction of the old Straight
Line railroad, known now as the Evansville & Indianapolis. When the
shadow of the Civil war brooded over the land, quick to show love for his
adopted country, he enlisted in Company A. Forty-second Regiment Indiana
\'olunteer Infantry, and saw much active service. During his service he was
badly wounded, from which he never recovered and was compelled to go
about on crutches the rest of his life. Too much cannot be said in praise
of these adopted sons of our cnuntry who so nobly responded to her call in
time of distress, and may their memory ever be cherished 1)\- the later genera-
tions who reap the benefits of their sacrifices.
Michael M. Kennedy received his education at Harper's school house in
his native township, and was early trained in the work about a farm. This
pursuit was both pleasing and profitable to him and he soon possessed a farm
of his own. This, however, he has since disposed of, although his children
still own the old homestead. While residing in Columbia townshfji, for six
years he served as township assessor, and in the fall of 1910 was elected
county recorder for a term of four years. In the discharge of the iluties of
his office, he is thoroughly competent and holds the honor and respect of the
entire community.
In 1879 Mr. Kennedy was united in marriage to Sallie Bell, daughter of
J. W. Bell, of Warrick county, who lived near Barton township. Mr. and
Airs. Kennedy have a charming family of six children, though the majority
of them have left the parental roof. Emery and Charles are located at
Roosevelt, Louisiana; Donald, in Iowa City, Montana; Maud, wife of
George Baltazor of Great Falls. Montana, and Earl and Helen, who remain
in Princeton.
Mr. Kennedy has been a life-long advocate of the principles of the
Democratic party and his election to the office he now fills was well deserved
through the services he has rendered his party. He is a member of the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 64, at Princeton.
Mr. Kennedy is an unassuming man and it is needless to add that he is
highly respected by all who know him thnjughout the county where he has
always lived and in all the relations of life he has been found faithful to everv
trust. Because of his sterling worth, uncompromising integrity and pleasant
disposition, he has won and retains the high regard of all with whom he
associates.
636 GIBSON COUNTYj INDIANA.
PRESSLEY R. BALDRIDGE.
The gentleman to whom the reader's attention is now directed was not
favored by inherited wealth or the assistance of influential friends, but in
spite of these, b}^ perseverance, industry and a wise economy, he has attained
a comfortable station in life, and is well and favorably known throughout
Gibson county as a result of the industrious life he has lived here for many
years, being regarded by all who know him as a man of the best type of
American citizenship, straightforward, unassuming, genial and obliging,
who while advancing his individual interests does not neglect his general
duties as a citizen.
Pressley R. Baldridge was born in Randolph county, Illinois, near
Sparta, April 17, 1831, the son. of Samuel C. and Hannah (Reed) Baldridge.
the father, who died in 1866. having followed the ministry his entire life, first
laboring in the Social Reformed church and later in the United Presbyterian.
Such schooling as could be gained in the pioneer schools was the lot of
the subject and after acquiring this meager education he engaged in farm
labor for some years and then turned his attention to the trade of cabinet-
making, which he followed actively until he reached his seventy-seventh
)-ear, being well and widely known as an expert workman. It is a well
known fact that the work of this character turned out in our fathers' times
by hand was of a much better brand of workmanship than that we have
today.
On October 15, 1861, Mr. Baldridge enlisted in the Union army as a
musician, he having previously been a member of the Princeton band, but his
term of service was less than a year on account of all bands being mustered
out at Nashville in 1862. The subject had one brother, James, who died
many }'ears ago in Rush county, Indiana.
Mr. Baldridge was married on December 31, 1857, to Jane Lockert, and
to this union have been born ten children, namely: Margaret is the wife of
Crawford Stormont, a carpenter; Ida M. died in her twentv-eighth year;
Samuel C. lives in Evansville, Indiana; William .A., is a traveling man and
makes St. Louis his home ; Martha M. lives at home ; James P. is a dentist at
Vincennes, Indiana; Hester, who lives at home; Rebecca A. is the wife of
Harry E. Hager, of Jersey City, New Jersey; Mary A. died young; Fannie
L., deceased.
The subject is an honored member of the Grand .\rmy of the Republic,
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 637
in which he takes an abiding interest, wliilc rehijionslv he is connected with
tiie United Presbyterian church.
In politics Mr. Baldridge rendered a stanch allej;iance to the Repubhcan
party up to 1884, when he cast his snpi)ort with the Prohibition party and takes
an active interest in its success, though he is not in any sense a man who has
sought for himself the emoluments or licuKirs of public office. He is a man
of progressive ideas; as a man of strict morality, the community could ask
no better; as a man of integrity, 110 district can boast oi a citizen more honest,
and as a man of intelligence he ranks high, enjoying the unbounded respect
and esteem of those with whom he associates.
HERMAN SIEGERT.
Every nation on the earth has contributed its quota to the population of
the United States, but no nation has furnished better citizens for our country
than has Germany. Hundreds of thousands of the best blood of Germany
have come to this country and become the most substantial citizens of the
various localities in which they settled. Fortunate indeed is the locality
which has its German descendants numbered among its citizens, for wher-
ever they are found, they are always among the most substantial citizens of
the community. The habits of thrift and frugality which they inherited
from their ancestors always make them valuable assets to the community
at large. No one ever heard of a German dying in the poorhouse. It is
unquestioned that the example set by thrifty German citizens has been very
beneficial not to our native American, but to the citizens of all other coun-
tries as well. Indiana was fortunate in the days before the war, and im-
mediately after the war, in attracting many thousands of good Germans to
her borders. Among the many German families coming to this state at the
close of the war was the Siegert family.
Herman Siegert, the son of August and Annie ( Schauckc ) Siegert.
was born in Saxony, Germany, in 1847. He came with his p;irents to .Xnier-
ica in 1857. They landed at New Orleans and from llience tlu'\- came up
the Mississippi and Ohio rixers to Mt. Vernon. Later they settled near
Gray\ille, Illinois, where August Siegert bought forty acres of land. He
cleared this land and improved it and spent his remaining days on this place,
his death occurring there at an ad\'anced age.
Herman Siegert grew up on his father's farm in Illinois, and worked
638 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
out a part of the time before he reached his majority. At that time his
father gave him a team and he rented his father's farm and was very suc-
cessful in his efforts. Within a short time he was able to buy forty acres
near the home farm. Some years later he sold this tract and bought another
farm in Wabash county, Illinois, across the Wabash river from Gibson
county. In 1872 he was very fortunate in buying one hundred acres of land
in Wabash township Gibson county, Indiana, for the very small sum of three
hundred dollars. This land was covered with a fine growth of timber, which
in itself was worth more than the price he paid for the land. Mr. Siegert
probably had the honor of reaping the first wheat which was ever grown in
the Wabash bottoms in this township. He cleared the land and gradually
improved it by ditching and draining until it was known as one of the
best farms of the township. With true German thrift he saved his money
and invested in more land. As a farmer he has had but few equals in the
history of the township, a fact which is shown by his extensive land holdings
at the present time. He now owns two thousand four hundred acres in
Wabash township alone, as well as other farms in Posey and Warrick
counties.
In 1882 Mr. Siegert was married to Sarah Pedigo, the daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. James Pedigo. She was born at Owens\-ille, this county.
After their marriage they made their home about three miles south of
Crowley ville in Wabash township, where his wife died four years later,
leaving one daughter, Amanda, who married Paul Maier, and slie and her
husband live with her father. After the death of his wife Mr. Siegert
closed his home and boarded in the vicinity of his various farms until the
marriage of his daughter in 1908, since v>-hich time he has made his home
with her and her husband.
Mr. Siegert is a loyal and earnest memlier of the German Lutheran
church and has always contributed very liberally to its support. Mr. Siegert
is a man of very few words, plain, gentle and unassuming, who attends
strictly to his own business. He has never interested himself actively in
politics and has never sought political office at the hands of any party. He
is an excellent type of the worthy German citizen and shows what can be
accomplished by fixed purpose and consecutive endeavor. He is a conspicu-
ous example of the pioneer who began life in a new country and, under un-
favorable circumstances, by his own integrity and industry has made a career
of marked success in agricultural affairs. He has lived a useful and honor-
able life, a life characterized by perseverance and earnest effort, and the
GIBSON COLXTY, INDIANA. 639
lionorablc life he has led might well set an example to the younger genera-
tion. His lifelong record for right living and industrial habits, for educa-
tion and morality and for all which contributes to the welfare of the com-
munitv. nia\' well be emulated 1)V the cuminLr "eneralioii.
MII.TOX t'USilAI.W.
Holding eminent prestige among the successful men of his community,
the subject of this review has had much to do in advancing the material in-
terests of Gibson county. The study nf such a life can not fail of interest
and incentive, for he has been not only distinctively representative in his
sphere of endeavor, but has established a reputation for integrity and honor.
Numbered among the substantial and worthy citizens of his community,
none more than he deserves representation in a work of the character of the
one in hand.
Milton Cushman, the present efficient county treasurer of Gibson county,
was born July 13, 1865, in Princeton. He received his education in the public
schools of that city. Reared on a farm, he has followed the pursuit of agri-
culture all his life, and the present estate of the subject, located five miles
southwest of Princeton, in I'atoka township, is considered one of the model
agricultural plants in the count}-, it being the garden spot of the section.
Having spent one term as an assistant in the office of the county treas-
urer, Mr. Cushman was eminently fitted to fill that office, to which he was
elected in 1912 on the Democratic ticket, and his administration of the af-
fairs of that responsible i)osition has given the utmost satisfaction to the tax-
payers of Gibson county.
Modest and unassuming in his manner and of a genial and approachable
personality. Mr. Cushman has probably as large a circle of friends as any
man in the county, his strict attention to his own affairs and his straightfor-
ward and clean life having made him a man whom it is a delight to know and
honor.
In fraternal matters, Mr. Cushman takes a deej) interest in the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is an earnest member, striving
in his dailv walk to exempli f\- the beautiful and worthy precepts taught by
that order. His support in religious matters is given to the Methodist Epis-
copal church. He has never married.
640 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
HUGH HANNA, SR.
Dependent very largely upon his own resources from his early youth,
Hugh Hanna, Sr., of Patoka township, has attained no insignificant success,
and though he may have, like most men of affairs, encountered obstacles and
met with reverses, he has pressed steadily forward, ever willing to work for
the end he has in view. His tenacity and fortitude are due, no doubt, in a
large measure to the worthy traits inherited from his sterling ancestors, whose
high ideals and correct principles he has ever sought to perpetuate in all the
relations of life.
Hugh Hanna, Sr., who, after many years of successful efforts as agri-
culturist, is now li\ing retired in his comfortable home at Princeton, Indiana,
was born in Decemljer, 1843, i" county Wigtown, Scotland. He was the son
of Hugh and Margaret (Osborn) Hanna, who were both born, reared and
married in the same locality, where the father followed farming all his life,
and there died. Pie and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church.
The latter came to America some time after his death, and here lived with her
son, the subject of this sketch, until her death. She was the mother of two
children, Margaret, who married a Mr. Wilson and lives in Rutland, Ver-
mont, and Hugh, the immediate subject of this sketch. As a boy, Hugh
Hanna had very little schooling in Scotland, and spent the major portion of
his time on his father's farm, until he came to America with John Kerr and
family, locating in Princeton, Gibson county, Indiana. Here he started to
learn the blacksmith's trade with Tonas Tichenor, with whom he remained
for about three years, until the Ijreaking out of the Civil war, when he entered
the army and performed valiant service in the defense of his adopted country.
After his return from the army in the fall of 1865, Mr. Hanna was married
and continued to be employed at his trade until 1868, when he was employed
in a hardware store for about two years. He then bought a hundred and
sixty acres of land in Patoka township, to which he has applied himself con-
tinuously since, his efforts being rewarded with splendid success. He is a
good all-round farmer, giving his attention to every detail of his work, and
the splendid residence and other buildings on the place, well-kept fences and
other details show him to be a man of good judgment and sound discrim-
ination.
In the fall of 1865 Mr. Hanna was united in marriage with Mary Jane
Cook, a native of county Donegal, Ireland, who came to the United States in
1862. To this union have been born four children, namely: David, a
painter by trade, living in Princeton; Mary, the wife of John B. Woods, a
HUGH HANNA, SR.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 64 1
merchant in Princeton; Elizabeth, the wife of Hugh Tiionipson, a piano tuner
of Princeton; Hugh, Jr., the owner of a novelty works at Princeton.
Politically a Republican, Mr. Hanna has been a warm supporter of his
party and has taken an active part in advancing its interests in this locality,
though the honors of public office have never proved attractive enough to him
to induce him to try for office. Fraternally, he is a member of Archer Post
No. 28, Grand Army of the Republic, in Princeton, this membership being
particularly consonant in view of the sul)ject's military record, referred to
briefly in the preceding paragraph. In 1864 he enlisted as a private in Com-
pany H. Seventeenth Regiment, Indiana N'olunteer Infantry, which was
mounted, and he was sent to Georgia, where he took part in the Atlanta cam-
paign, and then in the pursuit of Hood to Nashville and on to Wilson's raid.
From there he returned to Macon, Georgia, where he was discharged in Aug-
ust, 1865. He served valiantly in the ranks throughout the struggle, and
was fortunate in being neither wounded nor taken prisoner. According to
the statement of his comrades, he was a faithful and courageous soldier and
ably performed his part in the suppression of the great rebellion. Religiously,
Mr. Hanna is a member of the Presbyterian church, to which he gives earnest
support. He has always been regarded as a man of high principles, honest
in every respect and broad minded. A man of clean character, kindness of
heart to the unfortunate, and ever willing to aid in any way in causes for the
betterment of the community, and the public with whom he has been associ-
ated, he is held in high favor and the utmost respect is accorded him by all
who know him.
JAMES P. ROBY.
The best history of a community or state is the one that deals
mostly with the li\es and acti\-ities of its ])eople, especially of those
who by their own endeavor and indomitable energy. lia\e forged to the
front and placed themselves where they deserve the title of progres-
sive men. In this brief review may be found the record of one wdio
has outstripped the less active plodders on the highway of life, and
by the exercise of his talents, he lias risen to a position which is one of
the most influential of his townshi]). He possesses those admiralile
qualities, characteristics of mind and heart which make him a credit
to the communitv favored hx his residence. _\s a private citi/en and
(41)
642 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
as a public official he has won the imbonndecl esteem and respect of his
fellow citizens.
James P. Roby, the son of John and Rachel (Bristow) Roby, was
born in 1877 in Edwards county, Illinois. His father, John Roby, came
from Davis county, Kentucky, when a small child, in about the year
1852. Robert Rob3^ the grandfather of James P., came from Davis
county, Kentucky, to Edwards county, Illinois, early in the history of
that state. He was a native of Virginia and, according to the family
records, he was born in the same county as was Thomas Jefiferson.
His death occurred in Edwards county, Illinois, and his son, John, grew
up in that county, was married there, and has lived there on a farm all
of his life. Rachel Bristow Roby, the mother of the subject, was born
in Davis county, Kentucky, and moved to Edwards county, Illinois,
about 1852, with her parents, Benjamin P. and Sallie (Crawford) Bris-
tow. She lived in Illinois until 1885, when with her husliand she moved
to Wabash township, Gibson county, Indiana, where they resided for
about twenty years. They then moved back to Illinois, wliere they are still
living. Howe\er, the subject of this sketch, James P., remained in this county,
and followed the occupation of teaching for eight years. As a school teach-
er, he made an excellent record as an instructor and disciplinarian. At
the time he stopped teaching he was one of the best known teachers in the
count}^ He was elected township assessor, an office which he held for five
years. The citizens of the township in which he had been teaching recog-
nized his superior ability as an executive and elected him as township trustee
of Wabash township, an office which he has filled with great credit to himself
as well as to the township. As trustee he has taken an unusual amount of
interest in the schools of his township, and has built them up so that they are
the best schools in the county.
Mr. Roby was married in 1901 to Leota H. Gibson, the daughter of
Charles and Melinda (Waddle) Gibson. Her father died when she was a
small child, and she and her mother lived for some vears with her grand-
father. Da\id Waddle, in ^^''abash county, Illinois, across the Wabash river
from Gibson county. Some years after moving to Illinois, her mother mar-
ried Fred Freeman, of Wabash township, Gibson county.
To Mr. and Mrs. Roby have been born four children, Leslie, Charles,
Annazene and Edna. Mr. Roby has always been an adherent of the Demo-
cratic party and is not a mere partisan, but takes a ^•erv active interest in all
public affairs and is one of the best posted men on current events in the town-
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 643
ship. It is probably safe to say that no more popular township official has
ever exercised the duties of his office than has the subject of this sketch. Mr.
Roby is a man of kindly nature, modest and unassuming in his demeanor
and is one of those genial men w liom it is a pleasure to meet at any time. He
is a man of vigorous mentality, deeply interested in everything pertaining to
the welfare of his community along material and civic lines, and is justly
regarded as one of the progressive and enterprising men of his township.
His life has been one of unceasing industry, and the systematic and honorable
methods he has followed have won for him the confidence of his fellow citizens
of Gibson countw whose interests he has e\'er had at heart.
PAUL ]\1.\IER.
Xot too often can be repeated the life history of one who has lived so
honorable ami useful a life and attainetl to such distinction as he whose
name appears at the head oi this sketch. As a private citizen and as a public
ofikial he has been a pronounced success in everything with which he has
been connected. There arc individuals in nearly every community who by
reason of ability and force of character rise above the heads of the masses
and command the unbounded esteem of their fellow men. Such individuals
are characterized by perseverance and a directing spirit, two virtues that
never fail. They always make their presence felt and the vigor of their
strong personalities serves as a stimulant and incentive to the young and rising
generation. To this energetic and enterprising class the subject of this
sketch very properly belongs.
Paul Maier, the son of Maurice and Anna ( Mehl ) Maier, was born in
1869 at Mt. Vernon, Indiana. He grew up in the town of Mt. Vernon and re-
ceeived all of his education in the public schools of that place. Mr. Maier has
always been very active in politics, and as a Republican has been elected to
three county offices in Posey county. His first off.ce. however, was as marshal
of Mt. Vernon. Immediately following his term as marshal of the town
of ]\It. Vernon, he was elected sheriff of Posey county, Indiana, and gave
such excellent satisfaction as sheriff that he was elected to the office of
countv clerk, notwithstanding the fact that Posey county is normally strongly
Democratic. He handled the duties of county clerk so satisfactorily to the
people of the county that he was easily elected upon the expiration of his
term as countv clerk to the office of county auditor. Here again he was
644 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
very successful in conducting" the affairs of the office. In his whole ofificial
career he has striven for clean politics, and has always conducted the various
public offices which he has held with the integrity and fairness that his self-
respect demanded. It is safe to say that not a more popular sheriff, clerk
or auditor ever served the people of Posey county than Mr. Maier. It is
very possible that no other man in the state enjoys the honor of having
held three county offices in succession, and especially in a county where the
opposing party usually elected all the county officials. It certainly speaks
well for the business ability and strict integrity with which Mr. Maier con-
ducted his official affairs. There have been a few men who have been
elected to two county offices, but seldom, if ever, in the state in the last few
years has any man been elected to three county offices in succession.
Mr, Maier was united in marriage in 1908 to Amanda Siegert, the only
child of Herman Siegert and Sarah (Pedigo) Siegert, whose family is rep-
resented elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Maier is an unusually well edu-
cated and refined woman, possessing all the social graces which characterize
the woman of culture. She is an accomplished musician, and graces her
beautiful home with dignity and hospitality.
Mr. and Mrs. Maier have one of the most beautiful country homes in
the state. Upon coming to the entrance of this home one passes through an
archway, on which is inscribed "Mount Siegert." Driving through the arch-
way a broad gravel road is seen leading up to the Jordan hills, which rise
abruptly from the river bottoms. High up among the hills, commanding a
view for many miles in all directions, is their beautiful residence, finished
in mission style. Handsome paintings adorn the walls, beautiful furniture
is seen in all the rooms. A modern lighting system is one of the prominent
features of the house. This home, built in 191 1 by Mr. Maier, was designed
by his versatile Avife, and embodies all the latest ideas in architecture.
In this delightful home Mr. and Mrs. Maier dispense their hospitality
with a kindly and generoUs hand. Mr. Maier is a man of wide experience
in public life and is used to mixing with the busy life of the people. He is
affable, courteous and popular wherever he is known, and his wife shares
his popularity with him. Fraternally, Mr. Maier is a member of the Knights
of Pythias and takes an active interest in the affairs of that fraternity. He
and his wife are both loyal and earnest members of the German Lutheran
church and have always contributed liberally to the support of that -denomina-
tion. Mr. Maier, by his straightforward and honorable course, has become
very successful in the business affairs in which he has been engaged. He is
plentifully endowed with good common sense, energy and determination.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 645
and has accomplished what he has by being- methodical and unswervingly
persistent in the transaction of all his business, whether private or public.
He has been essentially a man of affairs, of sound judgment, of keen discern-
ment, far-seeing in whatever he undertakes, and \\hate\er enterprise he has
addressed himself to has resulted in liberal material rewards. A man of
much vigor, of such praiseworthy public service is clearly entitled to repre-
sentation in the biographical \olume of the present nature, and for this
reason his career is and should be an example to the coming generation of his
comnnmitv.
XATHAX B. KNOWLES.
Among the settlers who came to Indiana before its admission to the
Union in 1816 and who have been identihed with the history of southern
Indiana for more than a century through their descendants, there is no more
highly respected family than the Knowles family. The grandfather of
Nathan B. Knowles was Nathaniel Knowles, who came to Gibson county
-^\ith his parents when a small boy. He was married in 1882 to Temperance
Born, and to this marriage there were born seven children: Serelda. born
1822; Enos .\ndrew, born 1824; John \\'., l)orn 1826; Asbury, born 1828;
Louisa, born 1S30: Patsy, born 1832: Melissa, born 1834. Nathaniel
Ivnowles died at Knowles Station, Fe!)ruary 2, 1892, at the advanced age
of ninety-six years, seven months and fifteen days, leaving an estate of four
hundred acres of fine land in Gibson count}-.
The third child of Nathaniel was John W., the father of Nathan
B. Knowles, the immediate subject of this sketch. John \Y. Knowles mar-
ried Rachel Catherine Carter, the daughter of Benjamin Ford and Rachel
Carter, and to this union there were born seven children : Temperance Jane,
born May 5, 1854; Berry H., Ixirn December 9, T856: Enos Andrew, born
December i, 1858; Benjamin E., born April 8, 18^11 ; Rachel Elizabeth, born
1865; Nathan B., the subject of this sketch, born Januarv 27, 1871 : and
Melvia Ethel, born November i, 1875.
Benjamin Ford and Rachel Carter reared a large familv of twelve chil-
dren: Elizabeth, born February 14, 1807: Joseph, born October 14, 1808;
Polly ^L, born February 24. 181 1: Julian, born October 6, 1812; Minerva,
born June 3. 1S15; Lucinda, born February 2, 1817; Nancy E., born Novem-
ber 16, 1819: Anderson N., born July 3, 1S21: Eunice, born February 22;
1827; Wren, born March 20, 1829: Susan W'., born May 8, 1831 ; and Rachel
646 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Catherine, the mother o_f Nathan B. Knowles, born November 7, 1S33. Ben-
jamin Ford Carter came to Indiana in 1813 and before his death had one
hundred and sixty acres of land in Posey and Gilison counties.
Nathan B. Knowles, whose family history has been traced back two
generations on both sides of the house, was born at Knowles Station, Mont-
gomery township, Indiana, on January 27, 1S71. He received his education
in the common schools of his township and spent his vacations in work upon
his father's farm. He has devoted himself to the best interests of the pa-
ternal estate and still lives with his father.
In politics. Mr. Knowles has always adhered to the Republican party,
and has taken more or less of an active part in local political affairs since
becoming of age. He is a member of the Christian church and is interested
in the activities of the church and all other movements which seek to better
the conditions of the community in which he lives. Mr. Knowles is a worthy
representative of an old and highly respected family which has furnished
manv of the best citizens of southern Indiana.
GEORGE A. RUTTER.
A man's reputation is the property of the world, for the laws of nature
have forbidden isolation. E\ery human being either submits to the con-
trolling force of others or wields an influence which touches, controls, guides
or misdirects others. If he be honest and successful in his chosen field of
endeavor, investigation will brighten his fame and point the way along which
others may safely follow. The reputation of George A. Rutter, one of the
older citizens of Oakland City, Indiana, has ever been above reproach, and
it is with pleasure that the biographer now takes his life under review.
George A. Rutter is a native of the Hoosier state, born in Posey county,
Indiana, on November 12, 1841, a son of Austin and Eliza (Johnson) Rutter,
both of whom were born in the southwestern part of Gibson county. Austin
died there at the age of twenty-one, leaving his young widow and two chil-
dren, the younger of whom, Austin, is a truck farmer at Mount Carmel,
Illinois, and the older is George A., the immediate subject of this sketch.
Later, the widow was united in marriage with Ambrose Coleman, of Monroe
township. Pike county, Indiana, and she died at the age of- thirty-eight years.
Both Ambrose Coleman and wife were members of the Christian church and
lived lives in keeping with its teachings. They were the parents of four
children, John, Margaret, Levi and Thomas, all of whom are dead.
GIBSON COrXTV. IXHIAXA. 647
George A. Rutter received Init a limited sehuuliii,'; in tlie early suliscrij)-
tion schools of the county and started out in life fur himself when (|nite
young. In September, iS6i, at 0\ven>vilIe. Indiana, he cnlistetl in LV.mpany
E, Forty-second Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was first sent
to Evansville, Indiana. Later he was ordered to Nashville, Tennessee, and
soon thereafter was engaged in several battles, those of Perrysville, Storm
River, Resaca and Chickamauga. He was in the First Brigade, First Divi-
sion of the Fourteenth Army Corps and was all through the Atlanta cam-
paign. He was with General Sherman on his famous march to the sea and
was at the grand review of troops in ^^'ashington, D. C, in May. 18O3. He
received his honorable discharge at Louisville. Kentucky, in July. 1865.
After the close of the war ^Ir. Rutter located in Barton township, Gib-
son county, on Snake creek, where fur several vears he engaged in farming.
After he left that location and pre\ iuus to the time he settled at Oakland
City in 1896, where he has since resided, he lived for a time at Bellmont,
Illinois, Terre Haute, Indiana, farmed for a time in Rock count}-, Nebraska,
and was also in ^Nlayfield, California, for a while. Since residing at Oakland
City he has served the public as constable and also as tax collector. He has
done a good deal of carpenter work and in 1898 built his present comfort-
able home.
Mr. Rutter has been married twice. In i'\-l)ruary, 1803, he was united
in marriage with Hannah Emmerson, a native of Gibson county. Her death
occurred on November 8, 1903, and in 1905 he took as his second wife Mrs.
Jane Richardson, widow of William \V. Richardson, of Warrick county,
Indiana, a son of George and Jane Richardson, who were natives of North
Carolina and early settlers of Warrick county. George Richardson engaged
in agricultural work all his life and was also a veteran of the Civil w'ar. Will-
iam \^■esley Richardson, first husband of Mrs. Rutter, grew to manhood
in \Varrick county, receiving a good common school education. The latter
part of his life was spent in Columbia township, Gibson county, where he
engaged in farming and where he died on October 6, 1903. He, too, was a
soldier in the Civil war, having enlisted in September, 1861, in Company F,
Thirty-third Regiment Indiana X'olunteer Infantry, and he served until the
close of the war. He had endured the hardships and privations of both
Libby and Andersonville prisons and to him, as to all other lo3'al sons of our
country who went through so much in the dark days of the sixties, a vast
tribute is due. Mr. Richardson was a member of the Grand Army of the
Republic at Oakland City and a man highly honored by a large circle of
friends.
648 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Mrs. Rutter is a daughter of Benjamin and Joanna (Beatty) Lance,
natives of Pike county, who passed their entire Hves within its borders, en-
gaged in farming. The)- were the parents of seven children, namely : Syl-
vester, Emory, William. Jane, who is Mrs. Rutter, Mont, Jonathan and
Lottie.
Mr. Rutter is a member of A. H. Cockrum Post No. 520, Grand Army
of the Republic, and his religious affiliation is with the General Baptist
church, of which he is a consistent member, giving of his time and means
to furthering its cause. Mrs. Rutter holds her church membership with
the Lhiited Brethren church, and both of them are well known and have
many warm friends not only in Oakland City, but throughout Gibson county.
Mr. Rutter is properly, numbered among the substantial citizens of his locality,
having contributed in many ways to the advancement of his fellow-citizens,
and is therefore in every way deserving of honorable mention in a biograph-
ical history of his county.
THEODORE M. BUCKLIN.
He to whom this sketch is dedicated is a member of one of the oldest
and most honored pioneer families in Gibson county, and there is jiarticular
interest attached to a study of his life record, owing to the fact that he has
forged his way to the front by reason of an innate ability and personal char-
acteristics that seldom fail to win the goal sought. It is highly interesting
in this day of modern improvements to contemplate, at least in part, the lives
of the early pioneers of our county, and the reference to the immediate an-
cestors of the subject of this sketch suggests an interesting train of thought.
Theodore M. Bucklin is descended from one of the very oldest families
in Gibson county, and was born on his paternal grandfather's old homestead
one and one-quarter miles east of Princeton, on March 9, 1841. This
paternal grandfather was David Bucklin, who was born and raised in Rhode
Island and the father of several children before they decided to try their
fortunes in what was then the wilderness. They journeyed westward in those
early days, and finally reached the small settlement now known as Evansville,
Indiana. Here, though they would have been glad to settle near neighbors,
they believed the land laid too low, and so, after resting a time, they made
their way on into Gibson county where they were pleased with the higher
ground. Near Evansville they could have obtained all the land they wanted
GIBSON COUNTV, INDIANA. 649
at one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre. When they reached a point
suitable to their liking, they found two cabins close together, which was the
beginning of the now flourishing city of Princeton, Indiana. They selected
land for the most part heavily timbered, and with cheerfulness commenced
the difficult task of clearing and erecting a cabin home and getting out at least
sufficient crops to tide them o\er mitil another season. Wild game abounded
about them and for many years they were able to supply their table with fresh
meat in this manner. Deer were often shot from their cabin door and oc-
casionally wild hogs also. David Bucklin and wife passed the remainder of
their lives on this homestead, and here they reared their family of children,
all of whom are dead. The names follow : George, a saw-mill and luml^er
man, lived in Princeton; Jerry, who ne\'er married and was killed at the old
steam mill in Princeton; William, a lirick mason in Princeton; ^lary, who
married Edward Pinney and resided in Princeton, and Cornelia, who mar-
ried John Gilbert and made her home in Evansville, Indiana. The sixth child
was Horace, father of the immediate subject of this sketch, born .\ugust 19,
1811.
Horace Bucklin attended school in Rhode Island before coming west
with his father and in that way recei\-ed a pretty fair education for those
days. In 1839 he was married to Amelia Maxam, who was a native of Con-
necticut and had been brought to Gibson count}- by her parents. To their
union were born five children, namely: Theodore M., subject of this sketch;
Amelia, widow of J. A. Leonard, of Muncie, Indiana; another child named
Amelia, which had died aged four years; George ^V., a physician of Muncie,
Indiana, educated in Princeton (New York) Medical College, first practiced
for fourteen years in New Harmony, Indiana, and has since been in Muncie,
Indiana. His wife was Emma Wright. The fifth child was Eliza, whi>
married William Perry and resides at St. Petersburg, Florida. After his
marriage, Horace Bucklin and wife made their home on his father's farm for
four years, when he procured a tract of wild land one and one-half miles
southeast of Princeton, which he cleared and made a happy and substantial
home. Later he sold this ground and moved to Princeton, where he died
in 1896 at the age of eighty-five years. The wife died at the home of a son
in Muncie, Indiana, in May, 1901, at the age of eighty-nine years. Horace
Bucklin and wife were life-long members of the Methodist Episcopal church,
as were also his parents, and in that faith he had been reared. He was
originally a W^hig, but at the formation of the Republican party he gave it
his support. He was a leader among the men of his time, well liked and
highly respected by all.
650 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Theodore M. Bucklin attended the early subscription schools in Gibson
county, held in the little log school house, with open fireplace and puncheon
seats. He early gave assistance to his father in clearing the wild land they
were trying to convert into well tilled acres and remained at his father's
home until the time he enlisted in the army during the Civil war in August;
1862. He went as a private in Company A, Eightieth Regiment Indiana
Volunteer Infantry, at Princeton, and was first sent to Indianapolis to be
fitted out. .From there he was sent to Louisville, Kentucky, and on to
Perrysville where he was in the battle that took place October 8, 1862. He
was at Resaca and was in the Atlanta campaign throughout, with the Army
of the Cumberland, and was with Company A of the Eightieth Regiment
when they were taken to Franklin and put on boats at Clifton, Tennessee,
sent to Cincinnati and from there by train to Baltimore, Maryland, and
thence to Alexandria, Virginia. There he became ill and spent some time
in the hospital, was later sent to a hospital in Washington, D. C, where he
remained until April 13, 1865. He was in a hospital in the same square as
the Ford Theatre at the time President Lincoln was assassinated. He was
soon after removed to the Quaker hospital in Philadelphia where he remained
for three months and reached home in September of 1865. He had re-
ceived his discharge two months previous, but was unable to make the journey
home at the time, and even after reaching home was a ^'ery sick man for a
long time.
On Septeml^er 20, 1866, Mr. Bucklin was united in marriage to Amanda
\'an Sant, daughter of James and Mary ( Nexy) V^an Sant, pioneers of Gib-
son county. The father was a farmer and millwright. To the subject and
wife have been born seven children : Lillian, wife of Charles Shanum, resid-
ing at St. Louis, Missouri; Essie, wife of Walter Galligan, of Oakland City,
Indiana; Halbert, a printer in Indianapolis, who married Cora Sutton; Will-
iam C, connected with the furniture business in Princeton, whose wife was
Marie Kern; Van, a druggist in Chicago, Illinois ; Grace, wife of Foreman
Knowles, ex-county treasurer of Gil^son county and now in the banking
business in Princeton; and Bruce, unmarried, a printer located in Evansville,
Indiana.
After their marriage, Theodore M. Bucklin and wife settled down to
farming the old \"an Sant place east of Princeton, where they remained a
few years, when they moved to Oakland City, Indiana, where he carried on
a teaming business. They remained there four years, when they returned to
Princeton, where he took up carpenter work and continued this line of work
GIBSON CorXTV. IXniAXA. f)5i
until he retired in i<)io. A[r. riuci<lin is ;i charter nKMnl)er (if Arclier Post
Xu. j8. Gram! Arniv of tlie Uepuhhc, and iiis reh,i;-i(.iis sympathies are with
the Methodist Kpiscopal church. n\ which lie has heen a consistent nieniher
for a great many years, lie is well pusteil '.u current events, has many warm
friends in Princeton, and indeed lhn)u.^hi>ul (iihsun cnunty. and it is hy and
through a man's friends that he is most truly known. During all the years
of his life. Mr. Bucklin has heen known as a man of honor in all the relations
of life and it is this consistency in all thuigs that has made for him an enviahle
place in the estimatinn of all tlmse wlm know him.
JOSEPH C. HARTIX.
In the early days the Middle West was often a tempting held fur the
energetic, ambitious and strong-minded men and Indiana was filled with
them during the time she was struggling to a respectable position in the
sisterhood of states. Before Indiana was admitted to the Union in 1816
there were some sixty-odd thousand people, all told, who had settled within
the limits of the state. At that time there was a fascination in the broad
fields of great promise which this new region presented to activities which
attracted many men and induced them to brave the discomforts of the
early life here for the pleasure and gratification of constructing their for-
tunes in their own way and after their own methods. It is this class of
men more than any other who give shape, direction and character to the life
of any community. It is an axiom of history that it is the strong willed
and most energetic men who lead the van of the frontiersmen in any new and
undeveloped country. Among the pioneers of Gibson county, Indiana, who
came there before 1816, we find the Hartin family, and during all of these
years they have been important factors in the life of the county.
Joseph C. Hartin, of Princeton, Indiana, was born in the house where
he now lives at Xo. 222 East Water street, on January 13, 1839. He is
a son of Joseph and Nancy Agnes (Stormont) Hartin. The Stormont family
is mentioned specifically elsewhere in this volume. Joseph Hartin, the
fathet;. of the subject of this sketch, was born in Chester county. South
Carolina, fulv 4, 1800, the same day that Indiana was created a territory.
He died December 8, 1847. His wife was born October 22, 1799, and
died April 7, 1877. Their marriage occurred in 1820. Joseph Hartin
and his two sisters were left orphans in early life and came here while
652 GIBSON COUNTYj INDIANA.
it was Still a territory, settling in Princeton, Indiana. He was a carpenter
by trade and built several buildings which are still standing today in the
city of Princeton. A few years after coming to Princeton he was injured
by some lumber falling upon him and as a result he was compelled to give
up his contracting and building business. He then added the locksmith
trade and general indoor carpenter work to his endeavors and by this means
made a comfortable living. He helped construct the old water mill at Pa-
toka. In his political belief he was an Abolitionist and later a Whig. In his
church relations he was a devoted member of the Reformed Presbyterian
church. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hartin were the parents of eight children,
Margaret Jane, born April 17, 1821, died in 1861, married Andrew J,
^^'right : David Stormont, born February 22, 1823, who was a millwright
in Princeton and Evansville; Mary, born June 15, 1825, deceased wife
of Calvin Blair; Elizabeth Rosanna, born December 8, 1821, deceased;
Martha Ann, born July 2, 1830, deceased; Mary Catherine, born February
17, 1833, married Robert Little; Sarah Amanda, born October 25, 1835,
married John VV. Fisher and is now deceased ; the eighth and youngest child
being Joseph C, the immediate subject of this review.
Joseph C. Hartin attended the subscription school which ilourished
in the time of his boyhood and later went to school in the old Princeton
Seminary. His schooling, however, was very limited. At the age of thir-
teen he started out in life to support himself. At that tender age he ap-
prenticed himself to a blacksmith and started in to learn the trade. He
later added the painter's trade, which he followed until he retired in 1909.
Mr. Hartin was married February 2, 1871, to Jessie S. Kerr, of Scot-
land, a daughter of John and Mary Kerr. Both of her parents were natives
of Scotland and her mother died in that country. After her mother's
death her father, with three daughters and one son, came to America, Mrs.
Minnie Mooney, of Danville, Illinois ; Mrs. Hartin ; John, who was a farmer
near Princeton, now deceased ; the third daughter returned to Scotland and
married in that country. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph C. Hartin were the parents
of three children, one of whom was Mary Duncan, who became the wife of
Doris R. Head, the present mayor of Princeton, Indiana. Mr. Head was
born in that city April 17, 1871. the son of Cornelius F. and Mary (Brown-
lee ) Head. His father came to this city from Kentucky and engaged'in the
mercantile business with Charles Brownlee under the firm name of Head,
Brownlee & Company. Cornelius Head died at Cartersburg, Georgia, in
1875. Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Head only had one son, Doris R., his
GIBSON COUXTV, INDIAXA. 65,5
mother dying when he was but seven weeks old and his father when he
was about four years of age. He was educated in the common schools of
Gibson county and graduated from the high school at Princeton. For
some years he was in the brokerage business at Princeton and then was
appointed deputy sheriff for one term. He was admitted to the practice of
law March 7, 191 3, and has practiced in Princeton since that time. On
November 4, 191 2, he was elected mayor of his native city for a term of
four years. Mr. Head has been active in Democratic politics for a number
of years and his election to the mayoralty of Princeton shows the high
esteem in which he is held by the citizens of his native city. He was mar-
ried to Mary Duncan Hartin, the daughter of Joseph C. and Jessie (Kerr)
Hartin on November 11, 1908. The second child of Mr. and Mrs. Hartin is
Joseph Melvin, a tailor of Lexington, Kentucky, who married Ada Smith and
has three children, Eloise, Virginia and Nancy. The third and youngest
child is John Aden, who is a laundryman at New Albany, Indiana.
Joseph C. Hartin was one of the defenders of the Union in its strug-
gles for existence in the sixties. On August ri, 1862, he enlisted in Com-
pany A, Eightieth Regiment Indiana \^olunteer Infantry, at Princeton. His
company was sent to Indianapolis after being mustered in and was later
transferred to Cincinnati, Ohio, and thence to Covington, Kentucky. Their
first engagement was at Perrysville, Kentucky, on October, 8, 1862. The
succeeding engagements and the dates on which they occurred are as fol-
lows : Marrow, Kentucky, July 2, 1863 ; Kingston, Tennessee, November
25, 1863; Mossy Creek, Tennessee, December 29, 1863; Buzzard Roost,
Tennessee, May 9. 1864; Resaca, Georgia, May 14, 1864; DalHs Hill, Geor-
gia, May 28, 1864; Lost Mountain, June 16, 1864; Kenesaw Mountain,
June 25, 1864; Siege of Atlanta, July 19 to August 9, 1864: Lovejoy
Station, September 2 and 3, 1864; Rome, Georgia, October 13. 1864; Col-
umbia, Tennessee, X^o\ember 26. 1864; Franklin, Tennessee. Xovemlier 30,
1864: Nashville, Tennessee, December 15 and 16, 1864; Fort Anderson,
North Carolina, February 17, 1865: Wilnu'ngton, North Carolina, Febru-
ary 22, 1865, and Goldboro, North Carolina, March 31, 186;^. His company
was attached to the Twenty-third Army Corps under General Scofield, and
was mustered out on June 22, 1865, at Indianapolis. Mr. Hartin has some
interesting data upon his whole career in the Civil war, one of which shows
the total number of miles which he traveled while in the service. He has
computed that he traveled two thousand fifty miles by water, two thousand
four hundred fift\-five by rail, three thousand seven hundred by foot, making
654 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
a total of eight thousand two hundred and fifty-six miles. It is needless
to say that he is a loyal member of the Grand Army post at Princeton. He
was a charter member of this post and is past commander of the same. Mr.
Hartin had an enviable record as a soldier and can look back upon his military
record as one which has never failed to redound to his honor and credit.
Mr. Hartin has been a stanch Republican all his life and has taken a
great deal of interest in politics. He has never held any office except that of
deputy sheriff, although he has been active in the conventions of his party.
He is a member of the United Presbyterian church of Princeton and con-
tributes generously of his substance to its support. No man is better known
in his county than is Joseph C. Hartin, and no man is more highly respected
than he. He has lived that life which brings with it the satisfaction of hav-
ing done his full duty towards his fellow citizens.
HARRISON WHITE.
Few men of Gibson county, Indiana, are as widely and favorably known
as Harrison \Vhite. He is one of those strong and influential citizens whose
lives have become an essential part of this history of this community and for
years his name has been synonymous for all that constitutes honorable and
upright manhood. Tireless energy, keen perception and honesty of purpose,
combined with every-day common sense, are among his chief characteristics,
and while advancing his own individual success, he also has largely promoted
the moral and material welfare of his community.
Harrison White was born February ii, 1838, in Pike county, Indiana,
four miles west of Petersburg, the son of Henry and Susan (Johnson)
White, she a native of Barren county, Kentucky, and he of Rowan county.
North Carolina. The father was reared to manhood in North Carolina and,
coming to Indiana in 1832, met and married the subject's mother. He was a
farmer all his days, his death occurring near Union, Pike county, in his sixty-
fifth year, his wife passing away at the age of sixty-three. They were mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal church. To them were born eight children,
namely: Harrison; Elizabeth married Richard Young, of Washington town-
ship, Gibson county; Maria was twice married, first to Stephen C. Swain and
then to Edward Brown, and they lived in Pike county; John, a farmer in
Pike county, married Nancy J. Hale; Vincent T., a farmer in Washington
township, Gibson county; George, a merchant at Princeton, married Dorcas
GIBSON COUNTY, IXniAXA. 655
Hayden; Phoebe Ann married Roliert ilaydcn and lliey live in Washington
township, this county; Dicey J. is the widow of Barney McRohcrts, of Wash-
ington township, this county.
The old-time log subscription schools were the source of Harrison White's
early education and he lived on the home place until the outbreak of the Civil
war, when he enlisted in Company G, Sixty-fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry,
on July 15, 1862. After being at Evansville, Indiana, for a month, the com-
mand was sent to Henderson, Kentucky, for two weeks, and then ordered to
]\Iadisonville, that state, the company then doing duty all over Kentucky as
guerilla scouts. Later they were dispatched to Knoxville, Tennessee, and
were in the fighting at Bluntsville, Zollicoffer, Blair's Cross Roads, Mossy
Creek, and numerous skirmishes, then falling back on Knoxville and engaging
with General Longstreet until the Atlanta campaign. They were all through
this campaign and remained with General Juhnson until the fall of 1864. In
the spring of 1865 they were sent to ^Vashington, D. C, from there to Annap-
olis, Maryland, and then, on board ships, to Fort Fisher, and were engaged
in the battles of Fort Anderson, Wilmington, Goldsboro and Raleigh, and
were at the latter place at the time peace was declared. They were discharged
June 23, 1865, and mustered out at Indianapolis. ^M^ile in the service the
subject was taken seriously ill at ]\[adison\ille, Kentucky, and was disabled
from active duty for about six months.
After the war Mr. White located in Pike county, Indiana, on a farm
which he had purchased previously, where he resided until 1870, when he sold
his holdings and came to Washington township, Gibson county, and purchased
forty-two acres of improved land, which he farmed for several years. This
he also subsequently sold and bought property in Union, Indiana, living there
six years, after which he again came to Washington township and purchased
a small farm, where he engaged in agriculture until 1907, at that time re-
moving to Princeton, where he has since resided.
Mr. White was first married September 6, 1865, to Sarah Owen, of
Tennessee, and by this union were born the following children : George B.,
of Princeton, is a miner, and is the hu.sband of Helen Morris; J. T., a farmer
in Washington township, married Ava Gray; Everett, a farmer at Mt. Car-
mel, married Delia West; Mary Ann married Elbert Brown, of Evansville,
Indiana. Subject's first wife died in September, 1877, and for his second wife
he married Anna E. Belcher, of Gibson county, one child, Dollie, resulting
from this union. Mr. White's third marriage was to Maggie Slater, widow of
Frank Slater, of Daviess county, Indiana. The fourth and present wife of
656 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Mr. White was Bertha EHzabeth Jones, of Washington township, Gibson
county, their marriage occurring November 7, 1896. She is a daughter of
Vernando and Arlemetha Catharene (Phillips) Jones, he a farmer in Knox
county, Indiana. This marriage has resulted in the birth of one child, Alex
Royster, born February 4, 1903.
Harrison White is an honored member of Archer Post, Grand Army of
the Republic, at Princeton, and in his political belief has always been a stanch
Republican. In religious matters he is a member of the General Baptist
church.
WILLIAM N. TICHENOR.
The history of him whose name heads this memorial sketch is closely
identified with the history of Gibson county, Indiana, which was his home
for so many years. He began his career in this locality in the pioneer epoch
and throughout the subsequent years he was closely allied with its interests
and upbuilding. His life was one of untiring activity and was crowned with
a degree of success commensurate with his efforts. Pie was of the highest type
of progressive citizen and none more than he deserves a fitting recognition
among those whose enterprise and ability have achieved results that have
awakened the admiration of those who knew him. The cause of humanity
never had a truer friend than William N. Tichenor and in all the relations
of life — family, church, state and society — he displayed that consistent spirit,
that natural worth, which endeared him to all classes. His integrity and
fidelity were manifested in every relation of life and his influence widely felt
in the community honored by his citizenship.
William N. Tichenor was a native of Nelson county, Kentucky, the son
of Daniel and Jane (Glover) Tichenor, who were born and raised in the same
county and married upon reaching early years of maturity. Their births
occurred respectively on May 5, 1802, and January 8, 1799. Daniel Tiche-
nor was a mill man. Their son, William N., was born December 25, 1826,
and soon thereafter, in 1836, they came to Gibson county, Indiana, and settled
on a farm west of Princeton on the Owensville road. They were among
the first settlers in that vicinity and secured wild land which they cleared and
where they made their home for many years. Later on Daniel Tichenor
added another farm to his possessions and devoted his entire attention to
farming for the rest of his life. Two brothers, William and Ebenezer,
accompanied him to Gibson county and obtained farming lands near him.
GIRSOiX C()tXT\',
^V
They too were successful farmers and iinunincut men in the cuinniunilv and
all were highly esteemed. Daniel was originally a Democrat in politics, but
later gave his support to the principles of the Republican party. His religious
sympathies were with the Free-will Bajjtist church, of which he was a con-
sistent member. To Daniel Tichenor and wife were born the following chil-
dren, namely: Hannah, wife of Richard LaGrange, of Gibson county; Will-
iam N., subject of this sketch; Timothy, a Ijlacksmith. whose home was in
Owensville; Jonah, a blacksmith at Princeton; Mary E. married Hiram
VVestfall, and the sixth child, Henry Thomas, a retired blacksmith, residing
in Princeton, and the sole survivor of the family of children. Daniel Tiche-
nor married a second time, upon the tleath nf liis first wife, and his death
occurred in Princeton.
\\'illiam N. Tichenor received mily a cummon school education in the
early schools of Gibson county and at the tender age of fourteen rears was
apprenticed or "bound over" to Thomas Ewing, a blacksmith of Princeton,
to learn the trade of him. He remained with Mr. Ewing until he came of
age, at which time he was given forty dollars in cash, his earnings for his
season of apprenticeship, with which money he purchased himself decent
clothing and .started in the blacksmith business for himself. He later bought
out Mr. Ewing and operated the shop for about fifteen years, when be pur-
chased a farm a half-mile west of Princeton on what is now known ;is West
Broadway. Here he put up a liouse and all imjirovements to make il an
up-to-date farm. He had about three hundred acres in this i)lace. Here
he carried on general farming and raised and sold fine live stock. He also
bought and shipped stock and in addition operated (|iiite a dairy where his
wife made and sold great quantities of butter and other milk i)r()ducts. He
was a man of public spirit who took an active interest in the affairs of his
community and county. He served as townshij) trustee for several years and
was also county treasurer two terms. He gave his support to the Republican
party. In 1883 he retired from the farm and took up his residence in
Princeton, where he was early induced to serve on the council. His sound
judgment on all matters of interest was known and his advice often sought.
He was a man of modest manner who sincerely sought to help his fellow men
in whatever way became possible to him and in consequence had warm
friends all over the county.
On October i, 1849, .Mr. Tichenor was united in marri.age to Elizabeth
Johnson, born October 12, i8_'8, on River De.Shee. a daughter of Nicholas
and Tane (Howe) Johns(5n. Her mother was a native of Kentuckv and her
(42)
658 GIBSON COUNTYj INDIANA.
father Avas born in Knox connty, Indiana. He was a farmer all hi.s life and
died near Lawrenceville, Illinois, at the age of fifty years. His wife died at
the age of forty-five. They were both faithfnl members of the Methodist
Episcopal church. Their family comprised three children, as follows : James,
who was a farmer and died at Dunkard Station, Indiana; Elizabeth, wife of
the subject of this sketch, and Ellen, who married Bud Conner and died in
Missouri.
To William N. Tichenor and wife were born the following children,
namely : James Albert, deceased, a sketch of whose life appears elsewhere in
this work; Daniel, who died in 1873, ^^ the age of seventeen years; Henry,
the present postmaster at Princeton, who is a large farmer and has been
engaged in the real estate business. His wife \\'as Ida Teague, of Princeton;
Oliver Morton, who was drowned in Long Pond, Indiana, May 31, 1902.
He left a widow, who was Mary Williams, a granddaughter of Governor
Williams, and she is now living in Taconia, \^'ashington, and he also left one
daughter, Jean Claire, of Terre Haute, Indiana. Oliver Morton Tichenor
was one of the prominent men of Gibson county and had very, very many
friends. He had been postmaster at Princeton, was connected with the
P. D. &' E. Railroad in Illinois, was also chief clerk in the revenue office at
Terre Haute and was a veteran of the Cuban war. His early death cut short
an interesting carer.
William N. Tichenor continued to live in Princeton, loved and esteemed
by all, until removed by death August 25, iQOi. Mrs. Tichenor continues to
reside at their old home on West and Emerson streets, loved and honored
bv all. The house in which she lives is one of the landmarks of Princeton
and was built by Doctor Walling in 1852. It is of brick, with spacious
rooms, eleven of which are finished in black walnut and the wood work all
over the house was gotten out by hand. It is a suitable and beautiful setting
for so charming an old lady as is Mrs. Tichenor.
ALVIN WILSON.
It is a pleasure to investigate the career of a successful self-made man.
Peculiar honor attaches to that individual who, beginning the great struggle
of life alone or practically unaided, gradually overcomes unfavorable en-
vironment, removes one by one the obstacles from his pathway to success
and bv the force of his own individuality succeeds in forging his way to
GIBSON COl'NTV, INDIANA. 659
the front and winning for himself a pn>iti(in of esteem and inlUience among
his fellow men. Such is the record, brielly staled, of' the popular and well-
known cashier of the First Xational Hank at ( )akland City. Indiana, to a
brief s_\-nopsis of whose life and characteristics the following ])aragraphs are
devoted.
Alvin Wilson, the popular antl efficient cashier of the First National
Bank of Oakland City, Indiana, was born on July 20, 1873, on a farm in
Warrick county this state, and is a son of James and Sarah (Judd) Wilson,
both natives of Kentucky. James Wilson, who was a farmer by vocation,
came to Warrick county, Indiana, from his native state, being one of the
first settlers in that community. Here he gained considerable prominence
as a successful farmer and stock raiser and was numbered among the promi-
nent and inHuential men of that locality. To him and his wife were born
eight children, of whom four are living, namely: J. T., of Oakland City;
Mrs. Lora Barker, of Warwick county. Indiana: Mrs. Sarah Pancake, of
Pike county, Indiana, and the subject of this sketch. The mother nf these
children now lives in Oakland City.
Alvin Wilson received his education in the public schools of Oakland
City, graduating from the high school in 1889. He immediately entered
the First National Bank in the capacity of bookkeeper, from which position
he was later [iromoted to that of assistant cashier, and in 1903 he be-
came cashier of the bank. This institution was formerly known as the
People's State Bank, and its histor\- has lieen a splendid one. characterized
by popularity and success all along the line. During the ten years in which
Mr. Wilson has been the executive head of the institution it has attained
a place among the foremost financial institutions of Gibson county, a large
part of its success being directly attributable to the energetic methods and
personal influence of its cashier. ' Since he became cashier the bank has
more than doubled its business and as the president of this bank is a non-
resident, the responsibility and the greater jiart of the work falls ujion
Mr. Wilson's shoulders. Mr. Wilson has been actively connected with
the banking interests of Gibson county longer than any other man in the
county, and holds high prestige among his Inisiness associates as a man of
probity, honor and mature judgment.
On December 27, 1899. Mr. AVilson married Margaret E. Stewart,
daughter of \V. H. and Bertha Stewart, of Oakland City. Politically, Mr.
Wilson is a Democrat and has served on the city school hoard, taking a deep
interest in all educational matters, as well as all other phases of local life
66o GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
affecting the welfare of his fellow citizens. Fraternally, he is a member
of the Free and Accepted Masons, including all the degrees of the York
Rite up to and including that of Knight Templar, and is also a member of the
Mystic Shrine and the Knights of Pythias. Personally, he is a genial,
obliging and broad-minded gentleman, who merits in every respect the high
esteem in which he is universally held.
JOHN W. RITCHIE.
One of the influential citizens of Princeton, Indiana, is the gentleman to
whose career the attention of the reader is now directed who is ranked
with the city's leading merchants and representative citizens. A man of ex-
cellent endowments and upright character, he has been a valued factor
in local affairs and has ever commanded unequivecal confidence and esteem,
being loyal to the upbuilding of his community and ever vigilant in his
efforts to further the interests of his city along material, moral and civic
lines.
John W. Ritchie was born in Gibson county, Indiana, on January
25, 1879, and is a son of William and Vitula (Benton) Ritchie, the father
a native of Crawford county, Indiana, and the mother of Gibson county.
On the paternal side the subject is descended from Alexander Ritchie, a
native of Glasgow, Scotland, who, after emigrating to this country, came
to Leavenworth, Indiana, where he established a blacksmith shop. E^■entu-
ally he moved to Crawford count}-, this state, where he continued his busi-
ness and there spent the remainder of his days. The subject's father, who
has been a life-long farmer in Gibson county, is still living, as is his wife,
their residence being at King's Station, this county. To them were born
twelve children, all of whom are living, namely: John W., the immediate
subject of this sketch; Alexander, Katherine, William, Melvin, Ah-rtle,
Charles, Clifford, Levi, Flora, Mary and May.
John W. Ritchie was reared under the parental roof, securing his
education in the common schools of his home locality and completing
his studies at Oakland City College. During the following six years he
engaged in teaching school and then took a business course in the Indian-
apolis Business College. Upon the completion of his technical studies
he entered the employ of the R. P. Moore Milling Company as bookkeeper
and has remained with this concern continuously since, having for the
GIBSON COUNTY, INUIAXA. 66l
past six years served as secretary and treasurer of the company. He lias
been an important factor in the splendid success which has accompanied this
business and is one of the* most trusted and valued employees of the concern.
On May 24, 1908, Mr. Ritchie was united in marriage with Eva
A. Williams, the daughter uf Thomas P. and Tilitha (Wallace) Williams,
both natives of Gibson county and representatives of early i)ioneer families.
Politically, Mr. Ritchie is a stanch Democrat, and fraternally he is
an active member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Princeton.
His religious connections are with the General Baptist church, to the support
of which he gives liberally of his time and means. He has strongly sup-
ported every measure or movement which has promised to be of benefit to his
community, and, because of his upright life, marked business ability and
progressive tendencies, he has earned and enjoys the respect and confidence
of the entire communitv.
THEODORE S.VSSE.
One of the best remembered business men of the past generation in Gib-
son county, Indiana, was the late Theodore Sasse, at the time of his death
one of the largest landowners in the county. Of Mr. Sasse personally, it may
be said that he was a man of strong and active sympathies ; his temperament
was warm and ardent, his feelings deep and intense, and these and other
attractive characteristics unconsciously drew him an unusual number of de-
voted friends, upon whom, under all circumstances, he C(juld rely, and who,
now that he has passed from earthly scenes, revere his memory. He was a
close student of human nature and comprehended with little effort the motives
and purposes of men, and he was a lover of the truth and sincerity. In brief,
he is remembered as a manly man, of pleasing but dignified presence, a student
of many subjects and an influential man in the circles in which he moved. Of
sound character and unflagging energy, he stood as a conspicuous example of
symmetrically developed American manhood and his position as one of the
community's representative citizens was conceded by all who knew him.
The late Theodore Sas.se was born March 31, 1830, in Germany, the son
of Rev. Christian and Louise (Kuestring) Sasse. neither of whom ever came
to America. Theodore was educated in the schools of his native country and
came to America when he was twenty years of age. He first landed at New
Orleans, and then came up the Mississippi river and settled in Evansville,
Indiana, where he clerked in a drug store for some time. With true German
662 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
thrift he saved his money and within four years he was in a position to open
a general store at Buckskin, Gibson county, Indiana. He had the foresight
to see that this rising village was a good trading p6int, and especially since
the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad was being projected through the
place at that time. In fact, Mr. Sasse was one of the promoters of the rail-
road, which was surveyed through in 1854, but owing to financial reverses
the railroad was not built at this time ; nevertheless the general store that Mr.
Sasse started at Buckskin proved very successful. In addition to the general
merchandising business which he carried on, he made money by buying and
selling tobacco. He kept in operation a tobacco press and was probably the
largest shipper in the county. His tobacco was shipped to Evansville by way
of the Wabash and Erie canal until that canal was closed. By close application
to his business affairs, Mr. Sasse acquired a very comfortable competence, but
he did not allow his success as a business man to blind him to the moral and
educational interests of his community. He took a great deal of interest in
all the churches, and was a very generous giver to all the new churches in his
community. He contributed heavily to the building of the first Evangelical
church at Buckskin, which was the first church in that town.
Mr. Sasse was married twice, and has one daughter by his first wife,
Albertine. She is a nurse in a hospital at Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. Basse's
second marriage occurred on November 18, 1871, to Annette Buskuhl, the
daughter of Frederick and Minna (Rieso) Buskuhl. Her father was a
professor in the German schools. To this union four daughters were born,
Mrs. Dr. V. H. Marchand, of Haubstadt, this county; Louise, who is living
at home with her mother; Freda H., who is also at home, and Selma. The
last three daughters live with their mother at home and have general charge
of the large farm of more than thirteen hundred acres left by their father.
Mr. Sasse died April 3, 1908, leaving an extensive estate, which is being suc-
cessfully operated by his daughters, who also have, the care of their invalid
mother.
Mr. Sasse was a life-long Democrat, but had never sought any political
office at the hands of his party. He was affiliated with the German E\angel-
ical church religiously, and always contributed liberally to its support, taking
an active interest in all the departments of its work.
Theodore Sasse had one brother, Emil, who came to this country in 1852,
and subsequently entered into partnership with the subject of this sketch.
They at one time owned more than two thousand acres of land in Bartholo-
mew township. Several years ago Emil Sasse went back to Germany on a
visit, and upon his return to this country, the ship caught fire and he and a
GIBSON COrXTV, IXDIANA. 663
friend of his jumped into the water and swam for about eleven hours, when
they were rescued by a passing vessel. Emil Sasse was niarrietl in 1883 to
Caroline Dickmeyer. He always took a prominent part in Democratic poli-
tics and served during the seventies as trustee of Barton township, this county.
Some time later he was elected to the office of county treasurer of Gibson
county, and discharged the important duties of that office to the entire satis-
faction of the citizens of the county. He and his brother, Theodore, were
very successful in the general stnre which they operated for so many years
at Buckskin.
The life of Theodore Sasse was such as to place him in a conspicuous
position in the public eye of his township, and that which he did during his
long life is too far-reaching to be measured in metes and bounds. He was
certainly born to leadership, and the study of such a life cannot help but be an
incentive to greater activity and higher excellence on the part of the coming
generation. He was a long time one of the most prominent commercial fac-
tors in the affairs of his community, and in all his business enterprises he
stood as an admirable type of the strictly self-made man, and left a name
which all men who knew him delight to honor, owing to his upright life and
his habits of industry.
GEORGE R. WELBORN.
This utilitarian age has been especially prolific in men of action, clear
brained men of high resolves and noble purposes, who give character and
stability to the communities honored by their citizenship, and whose influence
and leadership are easily discernible in the various enterprises that have added
so greatly to the high reputation which Gibson county enjoys among her
sister counties of this great commonwealth. Conspicuous among this class
of men whose place of residence is in this county is the progressive citizen
whose name appears at the head of this brief review.
George R. Welborn, son of Francis M. and Lenora (Robb) Welborn,
was born April 7, 1868, at Owensville, Indiana. (See sketch elsewhere in
this volume of Francis M. Welborn.) George R. \\'ell)orn grew up in Owens-
ville, completing his education in the common school and high school of that
town, after which he entered DePauw University, from which institution he
graduated in 1891 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He afterwards took
a law course and graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws, after which
he went to Indianapolis to open up practice at the bar, but his father's health
664 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
failing, he returned to Owensville in 1894 and took charge of his father's
business. He was very successful from the start, and in 1900 the business
had so increased that he felt justified in erecting a modern business block. In
that year he built a handsome brick two-story business block, all of which is
devoted exclusively to general merchandising business. His store is equipped
with all the latest improvements in the way of show cases and fixtures and
conveniences which are used by stores in much larger towns.
Mr. Welborn was married in 1893 to Lillian Heston, daughter of Joseph
Heston, dnd was born and reared near Princeton, and to this union was born
one child, who died in infancy. Mrs. Welborn died on March 22, 1910. In
January, 1913, Mr. Welborn married Anna Siebras, a native of this county.
Fraternally, Mr. Welborn is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons
and Ivnights of Pythias, and takes an active interest in the affairs of both
organizations. He is an example of the modern business man who brings
into his business relations all those qualities which stand for better citizenship.
His college career is of undoubted advantage to him and places him in a posi-
tion which enables him to do a great deal for his community. He has no
ambition for public position, but devotes all of his time and attention to his
increasing business. He has contributed much to the material advancement
of his locality, while his admirable qualities of head and heart and his upright,
straightforward daily life have helped the moral standing of the circle in
which he moves, and gives him a 'reputation for integrity and correct conduct
among the citizens of the community favored by his residence.
T. C. PATTEN, M. D.
A review of the life of the honored subject of this memoir must of.
necessity be brief and general in its character. To enter fully into the inter-
esting details of the career of the late J. C. Patten, M. D., touching the strug-
bles of his early manhood and the success of his later years, would far
transcend the limits of this article. He filled a large place in the ranks of
the active, energetic and public-spirited citizens of his day and generation,
and the memories which attached to his name and character form no incon-
siderable chapter in the history of the county where he did his work and
achieved his success.
J. C. Patten was born November 28, 1823, the son of Dr. Hugh Henry
Patten. The father was born April 30, 1796, the son of James Patten, Sr.,
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 665
the latter having been horn Xoveniber 6. 1744, aiul died February 3. 1818.
James Patten, Sr., emigrated from England in early colonial days with his
family and settled in the state of Pennsylvania. lie was deeply interested in
the struggle for the independence of his ailoiJted countrx- and spent his entire
fortune in behalf of the cause of tnn- forefathers. After the clo.se of the
Revolutionary war he removed to Tennessee, in which state Dr. Hugh Henry
Patten was born, his birth occurring near Clarksville, Montgomery count)-.
In 1804 the family removed to Indiana and settled on Green River island,
above Evansville, where they started the making of a home, when an unus-
ually destructive freshet came down the river, sweeping over the island, de-
stroying crops, drowning cattle, and leaving the settlers there destitute. The
Patten family, seeking higher ground, camped for a while on the site of
Evansville's business district, where they endured great suffering in the severe
weather of that winter. However, game was plentiful and they lived princi-
pally on it and corn-bread made of corn beaten in the hollowed-out stump of
a tree. Lye hominy was added to this fare. At this jjeriod there were but
one or two houses on the river between Evansville and \4ncennes. and the
pioneers of that time on leaving their cabins went heavily armed and gen-
erally accompanied by their dogs as a protection against the Indians. The
women also carried guns with them whenever they ventured any distance
from the cabins, and many of them became expert in the use of these wea-
pons. While the red men were greatly in the majority in this community
at that time, they never gave any serious trouljle, later, however, becoming
more hostile as the number of settlers increased. Men's clothing was made
principally of hides, the skin of the deer being generally chosen, as it was the
best suited for traveling through the dense underbrush.
The subject's father received his elementary education under the tutelage
of Rev. James McGready and Daniel Comfort, of Henderson. Kentucky,
and later, in 1816. entered Napan Hall. Princeton College. New Jersey, and
on graduating in 1820 received the degree of Bachelor of Arts from the uni-
versity and the xAmerican Whig Society conferred on him the literary and
scientific degree and title of Fellow of the American Whig Society. Fol-
lowing the completion of his college course he took charge of the Warren
County (Kentucky) Seminary, later chartered as a college, in which he was
professor of mathematics. After several terms as an educator, the subject's
father resigned, and on October 16, 1822, he was united in marriage with
Jane Moore, the daughter of Samuel Barclay, Sr., of Bowling Green, Ken-
tucky. After his resignation from the professorship, he was ordained a min-
666 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
ister of the Presbyterian church and served on the board of domestic mis-
sions until his health failed, owing to hard labor and exposure. In 1834
Dr. H. H. Patten removed to Indiana and in 1838 commenced the practice
of medicine, which he continued until 1868, taking time from his professional
duties to preach whenever the occasion appeared.
Dr. J. C. Patten, the subject of this biographical review, was born in
Russellville, Tennessee, and accompanied his parents when they came to the
Hoosier state. His early education was acquired in the schools of Princeton,
on the completion of which he began the study of medicine in the office of
Dr. William G. Helm, a brother of Governor Helm, of Kentucky. He sub-
sequently attended the Evansville Medical College, from which he graduated
in 1850, and his first location as a practitioner was in Dale, Indiana, where he
continued until the outbreak of the war between the states, at which time he
volunteered his services and went to the front as a surgeon, being sent by
Governor Morton to aid in caring for the Indiana troops after the battle of
Corinth and later was commissioned assistant surgeon of the Fifty-eighth
Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, attached to Sherman's pontoon train.
He served in this capacity from 1864 until the close of the war, after which
he actively engaged in the practice of his profession, being very successful in
building up a splendid practice. Of a modest and retiring nature, he was one
of the successful men of his day and became the owner of considerable prop-
erty, valuable farm lands in the Wabash valley being among his holdings.
On August 6, 1852, Dr. J. C. Patten was married to Louisa Marstella,
who was born on May 30, 1835, in Baltimore, Maryland, the daughter of
Capt. Ferdinand and Elizabeth (Walker) Marstella. The mother of the
subject's wife first met Capt. Ferdinand Marstella while on the way across
the ocean from England as a passenger on the boat which he commanded.
On landing in America they were married. In 1844 the Captain was lost
with his ship in the Gulf of Mexico and his wife died in Mexico.
To the subject and wife were born eight children, namely: Hugh died
in infancy; Samuel is engaged in business at Long Beach, California; Morgan
lives in El Paso, Texas, being employed in the railroad shops ; Jane Moore is
at home; Elizabeth married Grant Mason, who died April 28, 1913; Gilbert
is deceased ; Annie is now Mrs. Lockwood ; Lewis lives in Denver, Colorado,
and is a traveling salesman.
When the Doctor began the practice of medicine at the close of the Civil
war the community was without roads or bridges, and the long trips through
the wild country visiting patients were made on horseback, it not even being
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 667
possible to use a buggy in the work. Undaunted by privations and hardships
of this nature, the subject was ever faithful to his chosen vocation and event-
ually became one of the leading medical men of his day.
In Mrs. Patten's family there were two children, of whom but Mrs. j.
C. Patten is now living. Her brother, Leslie K. Marstella, who lived in
Beebee, Arkansas, died on February 8, 191-I, he being but three years \oungcr
than Mrs. Patten. While in the Civil war he was aide to General Plovey, and
while crossing in front of the enemy his horse was shot and fell upon him,
causing him serious injury, from whicli he has sufl'ered for manv \-ears. hav-
ing been paralyzed for a long time.
LEMUEL E-MMERSON.
It cannot be other than interesting to note in the series of personal
sketches appearing in this work the varying conditions that have compassed
those whose careers are outlined, and the effort that has been made in each
case to throw well focused light on the individuality and to bring into proper
perspective the scheme of each respective career. Each man who strives to
fulfill his part in connection with human life and human activities is deserving
of recognition, whatever may be his field of endeavor, and it is the function of
works of this nature to perpetuate for future generations an authentic record
concerning those represented in its pages, and the value of such publications
is certain to be cumulative for all time to come, sliowing forth the individual
and specific accomplishments of which generic history is ever engendered.
Lemuel Emmerson, who many years ago passed to that undiscovered
bourne from whence no traveler returns, was born in Kentucky, and was the
son of Hon. Jesse Emmerson. The latter came from Lincoln county, Ken-
tucky, to Gibson county, Indiana, on April 10, 1809, locating on what is now
known as the John Martin place, between Princeton and Owensville, being
one of the earliest settlers of that locality. He and his family floated down
the Ohio river on flatboats to Evansville. from there coming to Princeton,
their first camp being on the present site of Judge Lamb's residence. At that
time but little settlement had been made in that locality, the land being cov-
ered by a dense forest. Jesse Emmerson had been born near Culpeper, \'ir-
ginia, in 1767, and it is noteworthy that one of his family, Henry T., is now
an inmate of the Soldiers' Home at Lafayette, Indiana, being about eighty
years of age; thus two generations of this family have witnessed every change
66S GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
in the history of the American colonies and states since the war of the Revo-
lution. Jesse Emmerson was a farmer by vocation and a man of considerable
infltience in his community, having served as the first judge of the county
court. He married Elizabeth Emmerson, probably a cousin, and to them
were born fourteen children, twelve sons and two daughters, of whom five
were deaf and dumb, including the immediate subject of this sketch. Of
these fourteen children, Henrj' T., above referred to, is the only one living.
After the death of his first wife, Jesse Emmerson married Hetty Blythe.
Lemuel Emmerson, being a mute, had but little chance to secure an edu-
cation, but being ambitious he became, through his own efforts, well informed
and proved to be a man of more than ordinary intelligence. He possessed
business ability of a high order and was successful in his own affairs, being
an enterprising" and progressive farmer of Patoka township, this county,
where his death occurred on December L2, 1845. I" 183- ^^- Emmerson
married Mrs. Nancy Harrell, the widow of Warner Harrell and daughter of
James and Nancy (Drikey) Dugan. James Dugan died in Tennessee and
later his widow came to Gibson county, and after the marriage of her daugh-
ter to Lemuel Emmerson, she became the wife of Stephen Sanders, of Ken-
tucky. By her marriage to Mr. Harrell, Mrs. Emmerson was the mother of
two children, Hannah Minerva and Albert. By her union with Lemuel Em-
merson were born the following children, Mary Elizabeth, born in Patoka
township, was married in 1854, to Charles Mead, of Gibson county, a farmer.
He enlisted in Company E, Eightieth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry,
and served his country valiantly for three years. After his return from the
war he again farmed in Patoka township, and later went to Brown county,
Nebraska, but eventually came back to Gibson county, locating first at Oakland
City and later at Fort Branch, where his death occurred in 1908. He was a
member of the Grand Army of the Republic at Fort Branch and, religiousl3%
was affiliated with the General Baptist church. He was well known in this
county and highly respected by all. On November 12, 1912, his widow moved
to Oakland City, where she has since lived. They became the parents of four
children, all of whom died young. James Reuben Emmerson, who was born
on the old Emmerson farm in Patoka township on December 25, 1837, lived
at Fort Branch, this county, and also in Wabash county, Illinois. In Novem-
ber, 1912, he located with his sister, Mrs. Mead, at Oakland City. He has
been a farmer and also for about sixteen years has done considerable carpen-
ter work. On March 29, i860, he married Amanda J. Montgomer3\ of Pa-
toka township, this county, whose death occurred in 1903, and to their union
GIRSON COl'NTV. INDIANA. 669
were born eight children, namely : Ida E. was twice married, first tn Joseph
Jones, and second to Jacob Green, with whom she now lives at Evansville,
Indiana : Charles W., who is a carpenter at Fort Branch, married Allie Rule ;
Lemuel M., of Riddle, Oregon, is a miner and is unmarried. Ik- was a mem-
ber of the United States arm\-. Lucy and Lillie died uiim.-irried : Elzora
Jane married Mr. Rice and lives at Evansville, Indi;ma : a Sdu and daughter
died in infancy ; Hannah Jane, the third child born to Lenuiel anil Nancy
Emmerson, became the wife of George A. Rutter, of Oakland City, and is now
deceased ; Melissa is the wife of Henry Vickers, a Civil war veteran, and she
now resides at Oakland City; Lemuel O., of Oakland City, is referred to
specifically elsewhere in this volume. All the members of this family are
affiliated with the General Bajitist church, and are Re])ublican in their political
views.
Perhaps the dominant and most notable characteristic of Lemuel Emmer-
son was his fidelity to truth and honor. He invariably sought the things that
were honest and of good repute, teaching his children that honor and truth-
fulness were of such commanding worth that self-interest should never under
any circumstances set them aside. His life was an inspiration to all who
knew him and his memory remains to his children as a blessed benediction of
a noble and upright life.
JONATHAN E. CLARK.
The following is a brief sketch of one who. by close attention to busi-
ness, has achieved marked success in the world's affairs and risen to an hon-
orable position among the enterprising men of Gibson county, with which
his interests have long been identified. Jonathan E. Clark is one of those
estimable characters whose integrity and strong personality must force them
into an admirable notoriety, which their modesty never seeks, who command
the respect of their contemporaries and their posterity and leave the impress
of their lives and their individuality upon the age in which they live.
Jonathan E. Clark was born August 25, 1848, at Henry Duncan Hill,
Patoka township, Gibson county. Indiana, the son of Cornelius and Mahala
(Young) Clark. The father was born near Bardstown, Nelson county, Ken-
tucky, and the mother in Christian county of the same state, the elder Clark
being a .son of Thomas Clark, of Fairfax county, \'irginia, and Mahala
Young's father was Caleb Young, of Union county, Pennsxlvania.
670 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
The subject's great-grandfather Clark was born in the lowlands of Scot-
land, emigrating to America and, as stated, locating in Virginia, while one of
his brothers who accompanied him to this country settled in the South. The
grandfather, Thomas Clark, was a farmer. During the struggle for inde-
pendence he enlisted from Fairfax county, on October 10, 1777, and was as-
signed to the Tenth Virginia Regiment, Captain Conrad's company. This
command spent the following fall and winter at Mt. Vernon, protecting the
estate of Gen. George Washington. In the late summer of 1778 they were
transferred to Pennsylvania, and took part in the battle of Brandywine,
where Thomas Clark was wounded. At the conclusion of two years' faith-
ful service in the colonial army he received an honorable discharge, ranking
as an orderly sergeant at the time of his muster out, the seriousness of his
wound precluding his further service in the struggle. Subsequently he was
married to Eleanor Mansfield and they emigrated to Kentucky, where he pre-
empted land on a soldier's certificate in the district known at that time as
Taggart county, but which was later subdivided. Many of his comrades at-
tempted to enter land on soldiers' certificates, but their claims were not recog-
nized on account of some fault in their papers. His being perfect, however,
he secured his land, established a home and there passed the balance of his
life, being a prominent man in his community, known familiarly among his
friends as "Uncle Tom" Clark. He died in his fifty-sixth year, in 1806. His
sons were Abe, Thomas, Zachariah and Cornelius. Of these, two, Thomas
and Zachariah, were with General Jackson at New Orleans. Thomas took
part in the Indian wars in Indiana during Tecumseh's time. Zachariah, at
the time he joined General Jackson, was but seventeen years of age and not
subject to draft, liut he went as a substitute for a "brave"' man who was
drafted but didn't want to go. The man for whom he substituted gave him
one hundred dollars and forty acres' of land.
The subject's father, Cornelius Clark, who was well acquainted with
General Jackson and had met him personally many times, came to Indiana in
182 1 and settled on Henry Duncan Hill, Gibson county, his wife passing
away two or three years after his arrival in the Hoosier state. He remained
on the "Hill" for twelve years, when he removed to Marsh Creek, west of
Turkey Hill, where he passed the remainder of his days. Being a great
reader and having a remarkable memory, he was the historian of the dis-
trict, his neighbors looking to him for the records of the early days. His
death occurred in his fifty-seventh year as the result of an accident. Of a
family of eleven children whom he raised, four are now living.
GIBSON COl'NTV, INDIANA. 67 1
Jonathan E. Clark, the subject of this sketch, was the eighth child and
spent his boyhood days in Patoka township. At the age of eighteen years
he decided to strike out for himself and went West, and the next eight years
of his life were spent in Nebraska, where he was employed in carrying
the mails on horseback. While thus engaged he had many exciting experi-
ences, on two different occasions being attacked by highwaymen, but both
times he was successful in reaching his gun first and putting the would-be
robbers to flight. After leaving Neliraska he spent a month in Wyoming,
which was "wild and woolly" at that early date, then returned east, stopping
several months in northern Illinois, and finally coming back to Gibson county,
Indiana, where he engaged in farming.
On October 25, 1874, the subject was united in the holy bonds of matri-
mony to JNIary F. Montgomery, daughter of John Montgomery, of Mont-
gomery township, Gibson county, the son of Robert Montgomery, who was
born in Delaware, later removing to Georgia and finally to Gibson county,
Indiana, in 1910. To the subject and wife have been born two children, Cora,
who married John A. Boren, and Essie, who is living at home.
Air. Clark has made several trips to the homes of his ancestors and has
in his possession a number of very valuable relics, among them being a cane
cut on the estate of General Jackson, also some corn grown on the same place,
the Jackson home place now being kept up by the Daughters of the Revolu-
tion. During one of his trips to this historic spot, the subject met the last
surviving slave of the general, an old negro named Alfred, who was ninety-
eight years of age when Mr. Clark met him. He was quite an interesting
character, being full of reminiscences and l^eing able to name all of the Gen-
eral's famous visitors and to give the history of the heirlooms. The subject
has always taken a keen interest in the history of pioneer days and his re-
markable memory and wide reading have e(|uipped him as an authority on
these matters.
Mr. Clark has a fine farm of one hundred acres, under a gootl state of
cultivation, and takes justifiable pride in his live stock and horses. He has
never taken an active interest in politics, being content to exercise his fran-
chise for the candidates who in his judgment will make the best public serv-
ants, and leaving the oftentimes, unreasoning enthusiasm of the struggle for
office to those so inclined. He is a Democrat. The subject's wife is a mem-
ber of the Cumberland Presbyterian church.
672 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
GEORGE WASHINGTON SHULL.
The respect which should always be accorded to the brave sons of the
North who left homes and the peaceful pursuits of civil life to give their
services, and their lives if need be, to preserve the integrity of the American
Union is certainly due the gentleman to a brief review of whose life the fol-
lowing lines are devoted. He proved his love and loyalty to the government
on the long and tiresome marches in all kinds of situations, exposed to sum-
mer's withering sun and winter's freezing cold, on the lonely picket line a
target for the unseen foe, on the tented field and amid the flame and smoke
of battle, where the rattle of musketry, mingled with the terrible concussion
of the bursting shell and the deep diapason of the cannon's roar, made up
the sublime but awful chorus of death. Among these valiant defenders of
the Union and Old Glory was the subject of this sketch, and he is eminently
entitled to representation in a work of this character.
George Washington Shull was born in Cedarville, Ohio, January 26,
1841, the son of Daniel and Margaret (Good) Shull, natives of the Keystone
state. Daniel Shull's father was named George Shull, and he was a son of a
soldier in the Revolutionary war. George Shull moved to Virginia, where he
remained the rest of his days, following farming, the subject's father being a
boy at the time of the family's removal to the Old Dominion. He spent his
early life there, reached maturity and was married, and after three children
had been born to this union they removed to Ohio, in which state seven more
children were born, making a family of ten, five sons and five daughters. The
father spent an active life and was employed at various occupations, reaching
the extreme age of ninety-three years.
The subject of this review was the sixth child in the family, and passed
his boyhood in Ohio, remaining at home until August 13, 1862, when he
enlisted in Company D, Forty-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry,
commanded bv Col. Samuel Gilbert and Capt. L. W. Tully, the company
being mustered in at Springfield, Ohio. The regiment had been organized
eleven months previous to Mr. Shull's enlistment, and those who enlisted at
the time Mr. Shull did were to serve and retire at the same time that those
did who had joined previously. However, when the three years expired the
subject and those who entered the service with him had nothing to show that
their term was also completed. They were permitted to return to their homes
for a visit, but had to rejoin the army and complete the balance of their time.
From Springfield the troops with which Mr. Shull was enlisted were
MR. AND Ml
nr.K W, Sill
GIBSON COI'XTV, INDIANA. 673
sent first to Cincinnati and from there up the Ohio river to Aiaysvillc, Iven-
tucky, proceeding from there to Lexington, ha\ ing a skirmish below Alays-
ville, and joining their regiment at Lexingtun, went wilii it to Frankfort,
where they were encamped for the winter. The following summer was spent
in various parts of the Blue Grass state, putting down frequent uprisings,
they being mounted infantry at the time. In September, 1863, they were or-
ganized in a division of some twenty thousand men, under General Burn-
sides. xAfter a number of skirmishes, they were hemmed in at Kno.Kville,
Tennessee, by a force under General Longstreet, where they were forced to
remain inactive for five or six weeks. However, expecting General Sherman
to arrive soon with reinforcements. General Longstreet decided to delay no
longer and made a charge, hoping to take them prisoners before the arrival of
Sherman. This attack was decidedly unsuccessful, he being repulsed with
great loss, and, Sherman coming nearer next day, Longstreet withdrew into
Virginia, being hotly pursued by the forces under Burnsides. On the return
from this chase to Strawberry Plains, Tennessee, the term of enlistment of
the Forty-fourth Infantry had expired, but with very few exceptions the men
of the regiment re-enlisted, they being mustered in this time as the Eighth
Ohio Cavalary, under command of Capt. Frank E. Moores. Returning for a
brief period to Camp Dennison, Ohio, to complete the reorganization, they
were then sent to Charleston, West Virginia, and from that city to various
parts of the state, being constantl}' on the march and having at least one
skirmish a day. At Bunker Hill, between Winchester and Martinsburg, the
subject was wounded on September 3, 1864, a bullet practically going entirely
through his body. He was taken to Martinsburg, and, his case being con-
sidered hopeless, he was practically given up fur dead. However, he re-
covered sufficiently in about two months to be remcAed to Sandy Hook, Marx-
land, from there being transferred to Little York, Pennsylvania, where lie
was given a furlough of twenty days to go home, which he did. When the
time was up, however, instead of returning to the hospital at Little York, he
proceeded to Beverly, West Virginia, and rejoined his regiment. The fol-
lowing morning they were attacked by the Confederates and four hundred and
eighty men were taken prisoners, Mr. Shull being among the number. They
were taken by their captors to Staunton and then to Richmond, where thev
were thrown into Libby prison, being in that noted ])lace but a short time,
when they were removed to Crew &• Peniberton's tobacco warehouse, just
across the street from the prison. Tn this tvpical Southern jirison pen the
(43)
674 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
subject and his comrades were confined for about three months. Food was
scarce, conditions unsanitary and treatment bad, and it is astonishing that
Mr. Shull, in his weakened condition, due to his wound, stood it. After three
long and trying months they were exchanged and tai<en to Annapohs, Mary-
land, and from there sent to Camp Chase, Ohio, where they were granted a
furlough of thirty days. Even after this long period the subject's wound was
seriously troubling him, pieces of bone continuing to come out of his side.
At the expiration of his furlough, Mr. Shull and his companions rejoined
their old command at Beverly, Virginia, but, their term of enlistment soon
expiring, and the war being practically over, they were sent to Columbus,
Ohio, where Mr. Shull was honorably discharged as corporal of Company D,
Eighth Ohio Calavry, and was mustered out. Mr. Shull was in the follow-
ing battles: Lewisburg, \'irginia. Mossy Creek, Lynchburg, Winchester,
Beverly, Harper's Ferry, Martinsburg, Blain's Cross Roads, Bunker's Hill,
Moorfield, Piedmont, Flat Rock, Kentucky, Hickman, Button Hill, Cumber-
land Gap, Tennessee, Louden, Knoxville and Cedar Creek. Aftr spending a
month at his home, he came to Indiana and located at Princeton, Gibson
county, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits, which he followed con-
tinously up until his retirement.
On March 7, 1866, Mr. Shull was married to Minerva L. Finney, daugh-
ter of J. K'. and Laurina Finney, who were early settlers in the Hoosier state.
To this union were born six children, namely: John K. resides in Indian-
apolis; Nellie L., now Mrs. Lowe, lives in Evansville, Indiana; Addie is now
Mrs. Henry Lowe, and lives at Fort Branch; Burton O. makes his home in
Belleville, Illinois; Zella Z. is Mrs. Blessing, and resides in Cleveland, Ohio;
Lola C. is at home.
Mr. Shull has taken an active part in the affairs of his county and has
been honored by his fellow citizens many times. He served as supervisor of
his township and for four years was a member of the town board, having also
been treasurer of Gibson county for one term, in all of which positions of
trust he acquitted himself in a creditable manner and to the entire satisfaction
of his constituents. For the last twenty-five years Mr. Shull has taken an
active interest in the Gibson County Agricultural Fair Association and has
held all the offices in that body with the exception of president and general
superintendent. He is a member of the local post of the Grand Army of the
Republic. His interest and activities in so many lines are all the more re-
markable when it is noted that he has suffered a great deal on account of the
wound received while in the army. However, his mind has risen superior to
ninsoN corxTv, ixdiana. 675
this bodily handicap and he has filled a lar-v and important place in his com-
mitnity.
Mr. Shull and his family occupy a splendid modern residence in Fort
Branch, where he is now living in honoral)le retirement after a long life of
strenuous and successful endea\or. Religionsh-, thev are members of the
Methodist Episcopal church at Fort Branch, while, politically. Mr. Sliull has
always been a Repniilican and active in local pul)lic afl'airs.
D.WID STORMONT.
Having been requested to contribute some reminiscences relating to the
late David Stormont and his times, I have here endeavored to recount some
of the happenings of past days and thus throw some light on many events
which have probably passed from the memory of even those who knew
of them.
As to David Stormont's relations with the "underground railroad," I
have heard him say that he always fed the hungry and clothed the naked, and
that Avhen the slave came to his house on his way North, he fed and clothed
him. I have heard father say that it was very hard for him to get No. 12
shoes sometimes, the fact that he often had to do without causing suspicion
that he was not buying them for his own family. At one time two young
colored men came to his house, and he put them to work hoeing corn with
himself in a field not far from the house. Soon a stranger was seen riding
up the lane and one of the young men said it was his master, who, however,
rode on by without recognizing his slave. The colored boys told their story,
which was to the efYect that they had swam the Ohio river, their clothes being
tied on the back of their necks. On reaching the northern shore and when
about to redress, they were frightened by the approach of some one and ran
away, leaving their clothes. They succeeded in getting other clothing else-
where, and it was doubtless because of this change in their clothing that their
master did not recognize them. At another time a colored refugee was in my
father's back yard when he saw his master pass the house on horseback. At
another time I remember a white man and a negro came to my father's and
asked for a lot of things, especially money. Imt father, deeming them spies,
gave them nothing. A man who had been directed to father's house was
asked when he had first heard of this house as a station on the "underground
railroad," and he said that he had heard of it back in Georgia before he left
676 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
home. At another time father and mother went to spend the day with a
friend some distance from home, and when they got there they found a slave
tied in the kitchen. My mother got them to release him, but eventually he
was sent back to his master. Many others, perhaps hundreds, passed by that
way, all of whom he fed if hungry and clothed if naked. When the slave
hunters or masters came along, he also fed them, and when they inquired
as to directions he pointed them to the North star, but they got little informa-
tion from him as to the next station on the "underground railroad." Some-
times they threatened to take him out and whip him or kill him if he did not
tell where he had negroes hid, and they watched his house for weeks at a
time trying to get proof of his harboring negroes. At one time, it must have
been about 1854 or 1855, he went one evening, just before dark, to see a sick
neighbor. He was on horseback and suddenly came across a party of ten
or a dozen men, whose horses were tied and who were plentifully supplied
with whiskey. They were having a very social time and were feeling pretty
good. While there, one of them confided in father that they were intending
that night to go to his house, take him out and whip him in an effort to make
him tell where he had negroes hidden. (As a matter of fact, he had none
hidden at that time.) He went on to see his sick Democratic friend, who was
a true friend to him, and sat up with him a short time. He told what he had
heard and seen and that he was going home. It was arranged that he should
ride over fields and get into his house by the back way. However, after rid-
ing part of the way, he turned his horse loose and proceeded the rest of the
way on foot, succeeding in getting into the house in safety. He then ac-
quainted my mother with the situation, and said that he would sit at the east
window, with rifle in hand, and that as fast as he fired she was to hand him
a loaded gun and reload the empty rifle. He said he would surely get some
of them, for he intended to shoot to kill. The next morning the boys rode
a ways up the road and found where the gang's horses had been tied, indi-
cations being that they had remained there a good part of the night. Father
had made arrangements to be away from home the next night, but some of us
thought he had better not go. However, he said he intended to go about
his business just as he used to. So he armed himself and went on his way
as if he had nothing on his mind. During this time my mother never let the
fire die out in the stove, for she said if their enemies came around and did
not behave themselves just right she would scald their eyes out; to this end,
she always kept a boiler full of hot water on the stove. Howe\'er, they were
never permitted to seriously molest father or any of his family, though some-
times shots were fired over our heads from the big hill back of the house.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 677
About this time my brother Joseph was standing near a crowd of men
in Princeton and father came along, stopping to shake hands and speak to
each of the men, who said, "How do you do. Uncle David," as he was gen-
erally known throughout the community. After lie left one of the men said
to another, "I could cut his heart out. the old abolitionist." Brother told fa-
ther what the man had said, but would never tell him who said it.
In those days it meant much to openly avow one's self in favor of
abolition, and at first but few did so.
Regarding these incidents, I was asked the question, "What recompense
was there for your father in all this? Why would he spend his time and
money and risk his property and the lives of his family and himself for such
a cause?" Now, to answer these questions, why was it that my forefathers
left Scotland, at the time of the Reformation, when many Presbyterians were
put to death because they would not worship according to the dictates of the
King. They believed that they had the right to worship God according to the
dictates of their own consciences. Their ministers were not allowed to preach
or hold meetings, at the risk of being hunted down and shot to death or
burned at the stake. It was then that my forefathers became Dissenters —
that is, they neither voted nor held office. Then they entered into a covenant
with God, promising that if he would do certain things for them they would
likewise perform certain things for God, and from this they became known as
Covenanters. Then, rather than deny their God, or be persecuted for their
belief, they left Scotland and settled in Ireland. Was not that done for prin-
ciple's sake? And why was it that my grandfather, Samuel Stormont, at
about the time of the Revolutionary war, left Belfast, Ireland, and settled in
Chester district. South Carolina. And why was it that he did not accept a
large estate willed to him In- an uncle. General Stormont, a bachelor. Grand-
father said he would have none of the ill-gotten gains of his uncle, who was
on the wrong side, fighting for England against the United States, although
at that time my grandfather, David Stormont. was poor and needed money
badly? Then when grandfather saw the evils of slavery and when he came
to his death bed, he said to his wife, "You make one sale and sell everything
here and move to Indiana," for he did not want his family reared in a slave
state. They disposed of everything e.xcepting forty acres of land (and which
they never afterwards realized anything on) and in the spring of i8li
started on their long journey. Their effects were loaded into a one-horse
cart, and the family comprised eight children, the oldest of whom was a
girl about twenty years old and the youngest, a boy of five years. Reaching
Kentucky, they stopped for about a year at the home of a cousin, Mr. Hage-
678 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
wood. In the fall of 1812 they came to Princeton, settling near where the
Archer cemetery is now. Soon afterwards they 1)ought land and located
about a mile further west on land now owned by the writer. Father was then
about ten years old, and, with the other members of the family, had to work
very hard to make a living, for which reason also he had but little chance
for securing an education. Then again, what caused my father, in 1833,
when there was a separation in the Reformed Presbyterian church, to remain
faithful to the old church, he and his wife being the only ones who did not
join the New-Lights the first Sabbath. The second Sabbath he and his
brother Robert and their families held prayer-meeting. Principle was back of
all this. \\'hat caused my father to befriend the low, degraded, down-trodden
negro ? Was it for financial profit or the applause of men ? No, for at that
time the most unpopular doctrine imaginable was that of abolitionism, that
all men are created free and equal. .
Well, you say, what kind of religion had he ? What church did he belong
to, and what was his doctrine and creed? He belonged to the Reformed
Presbyterian church (Old Light), the fruit of a long line of Dissenters, who
neither voted nor held office. They neither held office nor voted because to
hold office they had to take an immoral oath. The oath which the President is
required to take does not contain the name of God. and the Constitution, as
we believe, is unchristian. It says, "We, the people," and does not give God
and Christ the glory that is due his name. We believe that Christ is King of
Kings and Lord of Lords, and we think the Constitution should acknoAvledge
Him as such. Then the laws are not in accordance with the laws of God.
For instance, in slavery days they arrested a negro, who was trying to get to
Canada, and tried him according to the laws of Indiana, which laws would
send him back into slavery ; whereas, we believed that the white man had no
right to hold the negro as a slave, according to the word of God. As we were
bound to obey God's law rather than those of men, we, as Dissenters, could
not sit as jurors. As to taking the oaths of office, many of these oaths we
could not take; for instance, that of county commissioner, who is sworn to
carry out the laws pertaining to his office. There comes a man who has ful-
filled the recjuirements of the law regarding his character, and the commis-
sioner, under his oath, is bound to grant that man a license to sell liquor.
We deem it wrong to deal in that which kills both soul and body, therefore we
could not hold such an office, neither could we vote for some one else who
would be compelled to take an oath to do what we could not do ourselves.
The question is asked why the undersigned did not vote in 1912 to put the
saloons out of Princeton for the next two years, when I believe so strongly
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 679
in prohibiticMi. It was because of principle. If we vote we become a part of
the government and a part of the governing body. We claim to be a part
of the nation, as we were born here, l)ut we do not become a part of the gov-
ernment until we exercise the riglit to vote and hold office. Consequently,
we are Dissenters. Riley Stormont.
THO^IAS ALFRED MAXGRUM.
Among the farmers of Gibson county, Indiana, who belie\c in follow-
ing twentieth century methods is Thomas Alfred Mangrum, of Union town-
ship, his family on both sides dating back to the pioneer days of the county
and state, and has alwaws been known for right living and industrial habits,
for education and morality, and for all that contributes to the welfare of the
commonwealth. Such people are always welcome in any community, for
they are empire builders and as such have pushed the frontier of civilization
ever westward and onward, leaving the green, wide-spreading wilderness and
the far-stretching plains populous with contented people and beautiful green
fields. The Mangrum, Emerson and Montgomery families are among the
oldest and best respected people of this county. They have figured largely
in its development, and their many descendants have contributed to the ma-
terial advancement of the community. Their neighljors and acquaintances
all respect them, and the young generation who is to come will listen with
reverence to the story of the lives of such people as these. They have always
been the atlvocates of wholesome living and cleanliness in politics as well, and
have always stood for the highest and best interests of the community in
which they have lived. The subject of this sketch has always exerted a strong
influence for good in his locality, being a man of upright principles and de-
sirous of seeing the advancement of his community along moral, educational
and material lines. He is a man of high moral character, unimpeachable
integrity, persistent industry and excellent business judgment, and through-
out the locality where he has lived all his life he occupies an enviable position
among his fellow men, among whom he is unixersally esteemed for his many
good qualities. The study of such a life cannot but be of help to the young
people who are now growing into maturity in this county.
Thomas Alfred Mangrum spent his boyhood days on the home farm,
following the career which falls to the lot of the average country youth. He
was married on March 23, 1884, to Anna L. Emerson, of Johnson township,
this county. She was the daughter of James Logan and Nancy (Mounts)
680 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Emerson. Mr. Emerson was born in 1817, and his wife February 21, 1821,
and they were united in marriage November 7, 1839, and reared their family
on a farm about five miles south of Owensville in Johnson township. Mr.
Emerson was one of the best farmers in the county, and was recognized as
one of the leading citizens. The public schools never had a more loyal sup-
porter than he, and his children received the best education which the county
could give. Several of them became teachers in after life. Mr. Emerson's
grandmother was a sister to General Logan, of Revolutionary fame. Mr.
Emerson was public-spirited and always ready to assist young men to make
a start in life. He often loaned them money without security and depended
upon their honor and integrity to repay them. It is doubtful whether his
confidence was ever betrayed. He had an interesting way of giving money to
his children. When each of them reached the age of twenty-one he gave
them one thousand dollars and took their note for the same. Mr. and Mrs.
Emerson reared a large family of children, three of whom died in infancy.
Mrs. Mangrum, the wife of the subject of this sketch, was the eleventh child.
Mrs. Emerson came of one of the pioneer families of the state. Her father,
Garrett Mounts, was a man of great physical strength, and was noted for his
many sterling qualities of character, being one of the prominent citizens of
the county. He married Patsy Montgomery, daughter of Joseph Mont-
gomery, Sr., December 14, 1819.
Mr. and Mrs. T. A. Mangrum were the parents of three children, Cloyd,
who is married and living on a farm in Montgomery township ; Ida, who
married George C. May, of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Ola, who is still living
under the parental roof. Mr. Mangrum continued to live on his father's
farm for some time after his marriage, and when his father retired from
active work on the farm and moved to Owensville he rented the farm for
four years. He proved to be a very successful farmer and was enabled to
purchase a farm of his own. In 1891 he moved, southwest of Owensville,
Indiana, and in 1894 to his present farm, the Bailey Williams place. The
last one hundred acres which he bought commanded the highest price which
was ever paid for land in this county, and he considers that the land was well
worth the one liundred and sixty dollars per acre which he paid for it. His
principal crop is corn, which he feeds to hogs, and he makes a specialty of
raising the Hampshire breed of swine, considering them the best that can be
raised for the market. He does not deal exclusively in hogs, but also raises
horses and cattle for the market. His present farm comprises about three
hundred acres, all in a good state of cultivation.
Mr. Mangrum is a loyal and earnest member of the General Baptist
GIBSON COINTV, INDIANA. 68 1
church, while his wife is affiliated with the Christian church, and are liberal
contributors to the support of their respective churches and take an active
part in all the various departments of church work. Politically he is a Pro-
gressive, though in local elections he always votes for the best men for office,
regardless of politics. Mr. Mangrum has a fine country residence and good
barns and outbuildings. His farm is one of the best fenced and improved
farms of the county. He is a man of liberal, progressive and up-to-date
views on all questions of the day, and is a firm believer in education, church
work and in all movements which go to make a better community. In order
that his children might have the advantage of a trip to the west, he and his
family made a trip of nearly two years, 1904 and 1905, to the West, spen<ling
this time in California and other Western states, visiting all places of interest
beyond the Rocky mountains. Mr. }iIangTum is one of those men who has
lived his life to good purpose and achieved a much greater degree of success
than falls to the lot of the ordinary individual. By a straightforward and
commendable course, he has made his way to a respectable position in the
world, winning the esteem and hearty approbation of his fellow citizens and
earning the reputation of an enterprising man of affairs which the public has
not been slow to recognize and appreciate.
FRANCIS M. WELBORN.
The prosperity and substantial welfare of a community are in a large
measure due to the enterprise and wise fiiresight of its business men. It is
the progressive, wide-av^ake men of affairs that make the real history of a
community, and their influence in shaping and directing its varied interests
is difficult to estimate. The well known gentleman of whom the biographer
writes in this connection has long ranked among the leading business men of
Gibson county, and it is to such enterprising spirits as he that the locality is
indebted for its recent substantial growth and for the high position it occupies
as a center of industrial activity and progress.
Francis M. Welborn, the son of Samuel P. and Mary (Waters) Wel-
born, was born December 30, 1839, two and one-half miles west of Owens-
ville. His father, Samuel P. Welborn, was born in Guilford county, North
Carolina, the son of Moses Welborn, who moved to Indiana in an early dav
and settled near Mt. Vernon, in Posey county, on what was then called Dry
fork of Big creek, and here he lived the life of the early pioneer farmer and
682 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
here his death occurred caused b}- cholera when that disease was raging
throughout the state in the early fifties. Samuel P. Welborn spent his boj'hood
days on the farm near Mt. Vernon, and when he was nearly grown came to
Montgomery township, this county, and worked on a farm for Risey Waters.
While working for Mr. Waters, he became acquainted with his daughter,
Mary, and in due course of time they were married, and they continued to
reside on her father's farm until his death. In addition to his occupation as
a farmer. Mr. Welborn and his two brothers "operated a sawmill for several
years. Samuel Welborn was a man of more than ordinary ability and his
sterling worth as a citizen was recognized by the Democratic party, of which
he was a faithful constituent, by being nominated for the office of county
treasurer, to which office he was elected by a big majority and served four
years in this capacity before the Civil war.
Francis M. Welborn grew up on his father's farm. Tn i860 he went
into partnership with his father and two others in the pork packing business
and in this enterprise was very successful. In the fall of 1861 he came to
Owensville and entered into partnership with Leroy Martin in a general store.
He continued in this partnership until 1864, when he sold out his interest and
entered into a partnership with James Montgomery in general merchandising.
This firm continued in this business for about four years, when Mr. Mont-
gomery sold his interest to Harmon & Summers, the firm name being after-
ward known as Welborn & Summers Company. This partnership continued
for many years and they gradually built up a large and lucrative business in
the community. After some years Mr. Welborn engaged in business with his
wife's father, John W. Robb, and they continued in joint partnership until
1894, when Francis M. Welborn sold his share in the business to his son,
George R. and retired from active participation in the conduct of the com-
pany. However, the old habits of industry could not be thrown off at once
and he puts in full time at the store, just as he has done for the past forty
years when he was an active partner.
Francis M. AVelborn was married to Lenora A. Robb, the daughter of
John W. Robb. Mrs. Welborn was born and reared at Stewarts ville, Posey
county, this state, where her father also was born, and where he followed the
occupation of a farmer and was also a merchant at Stewartsville. Mr.
Robb's parents came to this state at a very early date, and some of his people
were among the first settlers in Gibson county, near Hazleton. To Mr. and
Mrs. Welborn has been born one son, George R., who is represented elsewhere
in this work.
Francis M. Welborn is a well preserved man and in good health at the
GIBSON CnilXTV. INDIANA. 683
age of sc\enty-four, and is still able to put in a full day's work in the store.
He attributes this to his frugal way of living during all his life. Through a
long and busy life, full of honor and success, he has always been actuated I)y
the highest motives. His has been a life of honest and persistent endeavor,
such as always brings a true appreciation of the real value of human exist-
ence, a condition that must be prolific of good results in all the relations of
life. He can look back over a life well spent in the service of liis fellow men.
VIRGIL R. CARTER. M. D.
The most elaborate history is necessarilx- a merciless abridgment, the
historian being compelled to select his facts and materials from manifold de-
tails. In every life of honor and usefulness there is no dearth of incident,
and yet in summing up the career of any man the writer must needs touch
only the more salient points, giving the keynote of the character but elimi-
nating all that is superfluous. Within the pages of this work will be found
mention of many prominent and influential citizens whose lives have been
practically passed in Gibson county and who are representatives of sturdy
pioneer families. Among this class is the subject of this sketch, who occupies
a prominent place in the ranks of the representative men of his community.
\'irgil R. Carter, M. D., was born January 17, 1863, in Johnson town-
ship, Gibson county, Indiana, the son of John W. and Martha (Emerson)
Carter. The subject's mother, who was a native of Gibson county, is now
living with the Doctor and is enjoying good health. The father. John W'.,
was born in Posey county, Indiana, in 1841, and died in November, 1895, at
the age of fifty-five years.
The paternal grandfather of the subject was named Rane Carter, who
married in Kentucky and l)rought his famih- to Indiana at an early date,
settling in Posey count}', where he remained the rest of his da\-s, dying in his
seventy-ninth year, his entire life having been spent in the pursuit of farm-
ing. To Rane Carter and wife were born twelve children, only one of whom
died in infancy, the remaining eleven living to ripe old ages, there being a
period of si.xty years without a death, and when the subject's father died
there were ten of his brothers and sisters still living, the youngest being fifty-
two years of age. The eldest brother, James B. Carter, died in August, 1913,
at the age of eighty-seven, the average age of this remarkably long-lived
family being eighty years.
684 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
John W. Carter, the subject's father, enlisted in Company F, Eightieth
Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in 1862, and served until the close of
the war, being wounded at the battle of Resaca. He was a comrade of John
Mangrum, a review of whose war record is given elsewhere in this work.
In this sanguinary conflict for the preservation of the Union the family took
a part that is worthy of more than passing note. Enlisted in the Union army
were the subject's father, his brothers, James P., Benjamin, Samuel, John W.
and Rane, besides two brothers-in-law and nephews innumerable. All lived
through the war, though one of the brothers, Benjamin, received a wound in
the service from the effects of which he died after returning home. A fam-
ily record of five sons in the army is exceptional, and it is also interesting to
note that the husbands of two of the daughters were also in the conflict. One
of the daughters, Mrs. .Eliza McConnell, made a long and dangerous trip
to the front to visit her husband, who was seriously ill, and was successful in
reaching him and bringing him home, where he soon afterward died. The
oldest son of this daughter was also a soldier and died or was killed in the
service. On the death of her husband, Franklin McConnell, his widow, Eliza,
was left with the care of six children.
On the close of the Civil war the subject's father returned to Johnson
township, Gibson county, his wife having remained with her father while he
was in the army. They soon after located in Union township, where they
remained during their more active days, removing to Princeton in 1892. On
his removal to the latter place he was elected township trustee and was effi-
ciently discharging the duties of that oifice at the time of his death.
To the subject's parents were born three children : Virgil R., the subject
of this sketch, is the oldest; Albert L. died January 18, 1890, in his twenty-
third year; Laura was married to George E. Daughert}', of Princeton, and
died Fel^ruary 20, 1898, in Mexico, where she had been taken in an attempt to
restore her failing health. The father of the subject was incapacitated
physicall}- for some years owing to a wound which he received in the
Civil war.
Virgil R. Carter's elementary education was received in the district
schools, supplemented by a course in the high school at Owensville, he then
entering on a scientific course in the Union Christian College at Merom, In-
diana, from which he was graduated in 1887. After teaching school for a
brief period, the subject, deciding on the practice of medicine for. his life
work, entered the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, graduating in June,
1890, and immediately engaging in the practice of his profession in Cynthi-
ana, Posey county, and later at Toledo, Illinois.
GIBSOM Cm-NTN\ INDIANA. 685
In 1898, after the tleath of the Doctor's fatlier. he returned to Giljson
county, and. retiring from the active work of medicine, located on the farm,
to the cuhi\ation of wiiich he has since dexoted his energies. Large crops of
corn and tlie ])est of registered hve stock liave been the chief products of his
splenchd agricuhural plant, on which he has a fine modern residence and the
best of farm buildings. For some time after his father's death, the Doctor
had twenty aunts and uncles living, all blood relatives.
Doctor Carter was thrice married, first to Turia Buff, ilaughter of Dr.
B, F. Buff, of Illinois, in 1890, she dying about a year after the marriage.
In Xovember. 1895, the sitbject was united in matrimony to Mrs. Clara Lo-
gan, of Toledo, Illinois, who died in 1897. The Doctor's present wife was
Mattie Eaton, of Crawford county. Indiana. The subject's four children are
named Lowell L., John \V., James and Glen.
Doctor Carter has been honored by election to a number of important
township offices and has served as county assessor four years. In 1910 he
was president of the Farmers" Institute, which he promoted, and the first corn
school contest among the farmers' boys was instigated by him.
Fraternally, the Doctor belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows and the Tribe of Ben-Hur, while he and his wife are members of tht
General Baptist church, fiis mother is a nienilier of the Christian church.
Politically, the Doctor's faith is. like that of his father, in harmony with the
platforms of the Republican party.
JAMES H. ARMSTRONG.
Agriculture has always been an honorable vocation and at the present
time the agricultural output of the United States is more than equivalent to
the total output of all the factories of the country put together. There is one
thing in the life of a farmer which distinguishes it from any other occupation,
and that is his ability to exist independently of every other vocation. The
merchant, the banker, the manufacturer, all depend absolutely on the farmer's
crops. A famine throughout this country would bankrupt the strongest
merchant, wreck the largest bank and close the most extensive factory. Busi-
ness men can see their business collapse within a week, but m^thing short of
an earthquake can ruin the farmer. Land is as it ahva\s has been — the most
favorable financial investment. Panic may sweep the manufacturer or.', of
business over night, but the farmer can survive when every other industry
686 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
falls. Therefore, the farmer is the backbone of the nation and he who makes
two blades of grass grow where but one formerly grew, is performing the
most useful mission of man. Gibson county farmers are as good as can be
found anywhere in the world, and their history is largely the history of the
material advancement of the county. Among Gibson county's excellent
farmers, there is none more deserving of recognition in this day of biography
than is the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch.
James H. Armstrong, the son of William S. and Emily (Smith) Arm-
strong, was born March 31, 1858, four miles northeast of Owensville. His
father was a native of Vanderburg county, this state, his birth having oc-
curred there on May i, 1824. His wife was a native of Gibson county, and
was born November 24, 1827. William Armstrong was a farmer all his life
and reared a large family of children to spheres of influence. He continued
to reside in Vanderburg county until after his marriage, in 1846, when he
came to Gibson county and purchased one hundred and ninety acres of land,
part of which is now owned by his son, James H. He combined the raising
of live stock with his general fanning and was uniformly successful in all his
financial dealings. He was an active Democrat, but never sought public
office, although he served as township trustee for several terms before the
present constitution went into effect in 1852. Before that date each town-
ship in his county had three trustees, a system Avhich went out of use upon
the adoption of the present constitution. He and his wife were both loyal
and earnest members of the Regular Baptist church of Owensville, and he
held the office of deacon in the church, taking a very active part in all of the
various departments of church work. He was always a hard worker, and
attended to his business with such application that he was able to give his
large family all of the advantages which were obtainable. Mr. and Mrs.
\A^illiam Armstrong were the parents of a large family, five of whom are
still living: Willis, a farmer of this county; Warrick, also a farmer of the
county: one who died in infancy; John, who lives in Kansas; Morgan, de-
ceased; James H., the immediate subject of this sketch; Mary, deceased in
1888, and Pinkney, a farmer of Gibson county. William Armstrong died
on July 24, 1877, and his widow survived him many years, her death oc-
curring on January 2, 1901.
James H. Armstrong, the subject of this sketch, was married on July 6,
1879, to Lela G. Bingham, daughter of Garner and Jane (Roberts) Bingham.
Her father was a native of this county and followed the occupation of a
farmer during his lifetime. Mrs. Bingham was also a native of this county
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. 687
and died in 1876. her husband survixing her until iijoi. Air. and Mrs. .\rm-
strong were the parents of ten children, Charles, wiio died at tiic age of thir-
teen months; Mary, the wife of John S. Cushman, a faimer of Po.sey county,
this state, has one child, Grace; Harvey, who married Florence Brumfield,
operates a farm in Montgomery township, and has two children, Roy and
I\Iargerite May; Lemuel G., who married Nettie Spore, is a farmer in Patoka
township, this county, and had one son, Gerald, who is dead ; William Edgar,
the twin brother of Lemuel G., who lives at home and helps his father,
James H., on the farm; Elva, the wife of Orville Spore, who died on August
12, 1913; John, who married Edith Woods, is a farmer of this township;
Flora and Ruth are still at home; Herschell died at the early age of six
months.
James H. Armstrong enjoyed all the pleasures and disadvantages of
the average boy on the farm. He attended the district schools in the winter
seasons and performed such work as falls to the lot of the ordinary country
boy. After graduating from the common schools he completed the course
in the Owensville high school, from which he graduated with honor to him-
self, and started out on his active career at the age of twenty-one years, when
he married and bought some land in the township where he still li\es. By
the exercise of good business judgment and economical habits of life he
added to his holdings from time to time until he is now the owner of two
hundred and fifty acres of as good land as can be found in the county. He
combines stock raising with his general farming and has been more than
ordinarily successful in all of his financial transactions. He keeps well in-
formed on all of the new methods in farming and keeps his farm well sup-
plied with the most modern implements for the carrying on of agriculture.
His reputation for honesty and square dealing has won for him the esteem
of all with whom he comes in contact.
Although he has always been a Democrat, Mr. Armstrong has never
taken an active part in the deliberations of his party. However, the citizens
of his township thrust upon him the office of township assessor, which he
continued to hold for some time. Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern
Woodmen of America. Personally. Mr. Armstrong is one of the most genial
and good natured men in the community. He is companionable, charitable to
his neighbors' faults and always looks on the bright side of life. With him
optimism is a religion and his smile radiates sunshine in every direction. His
wife is a loval and earnest member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church,
and is whollv devoted to home and domestic duties, dfiing during all the best
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
years of her life the lowly but sacred work which comes within her sphere.
Through all the long years she has worked with her husband and children,
and in her gentle, tender and loving way merits no small share in her hus-
band's success.
ELIJAH L. LINCOLN.
It is by no means an easy task to describe within the limits of this review
a man who has led an active and eminently useful life and by his own exer-
tions reached a position of honor and respect in the commimity. But biog-
raphy finds justilication, nevertheless, in the tracing and recording of such
a life history, as the public claims a certain property interest in the career of
every individual and the time invariably arrives when it becomes advisable to
give the right publicity. It is, then, with a certain degree of satisfaction that
the chronicler essays the task of touching briefly upon such a record as has
been that of the subject who now comes under this review.
Elijah Lincoln was born in September, 1832, the son of Leonard and
Nancy (Dick) Lincoln. The father, who was a first cousin of the immortal
Abraham Lincoln, was born in Kentucky and was married in the Buckeye
state, where he spent the remainder of his da.ys, he dying when the subject was
a boy. Elijah Lincoln lived in Zane.sville, Ohio, until he was sixteen years
old, when he joined his brother Robert, who had been in Illinois for five years.
Two years later his brother John located with them and in two more years
the mother also removed to Illinois, the family being located in Licken town-
ship, Crawford county.
After learning the cooper's trade, Mr. Lincoln made a trip Xo New
Orleans and on his return settled in Gibson county, Indiana, where he farmed
for several years and worked at his trade at intervals, continuing this until
the Pike's Peak gold excitement in 1859, when he went west. One summer
was spent on Chicago Bar, about sixty miles from Denver, a bare subsistence
being all that the gold hunters could gain in that district. Mr. Lincoln then
engaged in teaming, hauling hay and other goods. He would purchase hay
at ten dollars a load, and after hauling it into the mountains was enabled to
sell it for one himdred dollars a load. He followed this lucrative business for
about three years, but, being desirous of joining the army, he returned to
Gibson county, and in August, 1862, enlisted in Company B, Fifty-eighth
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Colonel Emery and Captain
ELIJAH L. LINCOLN.
GIBSOX Cni-NTV, INDIANA. 689
Smith. He was nuistCTed in at I'l-iiicelcju and joined his regimeiU at Indi-
anapoHs, where he was stationed li\ o w ccks. l-"roni the Hoosier capital they
were sent to Louisville and then U> Kardslown. Kentucky, where they joined
General Wood's command and proceeded with it to Xashville and then to
Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where they were engaged in some severe fighting.
Their next move was to Chattanooga, where they pursued General Bragg up
over Missionary Ridge, trying to cut him off. General Bragg, however,
after passing Missionary Ridge, was reinforced by General Longstreet and a
hot fight ensued, during which j\lr. Lincoln was shot in the left foot. General
Thomas holding the Confederates in check, the subject's command was en-
abled to retire to Chattanooga. Mr. Lincoln's regiment, with fifteen hundred
wounded men, was taken to Nashville in a freight train, where he remained
in a hospital for fifteen days. At the expiration of this time he was granted
a furlough for ihirt)- days, which he spent at home, returning at the end of
that time to his regiment, which had been in winter quarters. In a short
time the regiment was returned to Indiana, where it remained until April,
when it was again called into active service, the next engagement l)eing at
Buzzard Roost. Mr. Lincoln was then detailed to join a few men who had
been left in Chattanooga in charge of supplies and equipments which could
not be carried at the time. These supplies were 'taken in charge and in June
Mr. Lincoln and his companions caught up with their commantl at Big
Shanty, b'rom this place they proceeded to Atlanta and joined General Sher-
man in his famous "march to the sea." The regiment assisted in driving the
Confederates out of Savannah, after which they occupied that place for sev-
eral weeks, and then marched sixty miles to Sister's i'erry. and from there
went to Gold.sboro, where they remained a short time, from there Ijeing dis-
patched to head off General Johnson's army, whicii had not yet surrendered.
While laying a bridge across the river they received the first news of the
assassination of President Lincoln. Orders were received here for the troops
to proceed to Washington, via Richmond. \'irginia, where they took part in
the Grand Review.
The subject was honorably di.scharged at Indianaijolis, having jjeen
mustered out in a livery stable in \\'ashington. b'rom that city he returned
to his home at Fort Branch, where he took up farming. In 1857 Mr. Lincoln
was married to Harriet Conner, daughter of .Mexander Conner, one of the
pioneer settlers of the Hoosier state. His wife passed away in 187.J.. having
been the mother of eight children, namely: Leonard, .\lonzo, Daniel and.
(44)
690 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Warren are deceased ; Abram is now living in Horton, Texas, where he has
been successful and is the owner of much property; Rosie is living at home;
Louisa is also residing in Horton, Texas; Clara is in St. Louis.
Mr. Lincoln, in his long and eventful career, has always endeavored to
keep the Lincoln name clean and respected, and has inculcated this worthy
desire in his children. The position of respect and honor which he has at-
tained in the community honored by his residence proves that he has suc-
ceeded in this worthy ambition. He is a member of the Grand Army of the
Republic at Fort Branch. He has always been a Republican, though be was
first an old-line Whig. He is the last of his line of the Lincoln familv.
CLEVE E. WILLIS.
Hard and laborious work was the lot of the subject of this sketch dur-
ing his )'outh and early manhood, but his fidelity to duty has won for him the
respect and confidence of those with whom he has been thrown in contact,
and by patient continuance in well doing he has gradually risen from an
humble station to his present standing as a progressive young farmer of Gib-
son county. He has worked his way from a modest beginning up to a posi-
tion of considerable prominence by his efforts, which have been practically
unaided, a fact which renders him the more worthy of the praise that is
freely accorded him by his fellow citizens.
Cleve E. Willis, the son of Joseph M. and Winnie (Rumble) Willis, was
born in Pike county, Indiana, March 29, 1885. His father was also a native
of Pike county, as was his mother, where they still reside. Joseph Willis
was a farmer and has always followed agricultural pursuits. He now has
eighty-eight acres of good farming land in Pike county. Mr. and Mrs. Willis
were the parents of five children, Sarah, who became the wife of James Rum-
ble, of Patoka township; Mrs. Flora Jenkins, deceased; Mrs. Mary Blake,
who resides in Pike county : Cleve E. ; Mrs. Alice Stewart, also of Pike
county.
Cleve E. ^^'illis received a good practical, common school education in
his home schools and attended the Oakland City College for two years. At
the end of his common school course he held the attendance record of Pike
county. After he finished his two years' course at Oakland City College he
secured a license to teach school, but decided to follow agriculture as a voca-
GIBSON COrXTY, INDIANA. 69I
tion instead of the tcachiiiii' profession. He worked <>u his father's farm
until his marriage in 1908.
Mr. Willis was married tn .Mellie l'.l\the. the daut;hter of Samuel and
Sarah (Clifford) P>lythe. Mareh 31. lyoS. Samuel Blylhe was born in Gib-
son eounty, Indiana, near Owensville, and his wife was a native of Pike
county, this >tate. .Mr. and Mrs. Blythe now live in Columbia township, on
the farm which his father. Craig Blythe. purchased at a time when it was a
primitive wilderness. A part of that farm is now within the corporation lim-
its of Oakland City. Mr. and Mrs. Blythe are the parents of two children,
Mrs. Millie Blythe, and Mrs. Eunice Walker, who is now living in Indianapo-
lis, where Mr. \\'alker is engaged in the drug business. Mr. and Mrs. Cleve
Willis are the parents of one son, Joe Blythe, born September 18, 1910. Mr.
\\"illis is now living on the farm near Oakland City known as the Bowen-
Cheney farm, and has been managing it for the past three years. He car-
ries on a general system of diversified farming and makes a specialty of stock
feeding and shipping of hogs and cattle, in which he has been very successful.
His ability as a farmer is shown by the fact that he has been elected to office
in the Farmers' Educational and Co-operative Union of America. He was
president of this organization for one year and has been secretary and treas-
urer for the Pike County Union for the past five years. This is an organiza-
tion which seeks to promote agricultural interests and affairs pertaining to
the life of the farmer. Mr. Willis has pursued a system of rotation of crops
so as to retain the fertility of the soil and his land is as productive as any
in the county where he resides. No farm in the county is looked after with
greater can-. He takes an active interest in all jmblic aft'airs and has per-
formed his full part as a pul)lic-spirited citizen.
Mr. Willis has cast his vote. at all times for the candidates of the Demo-
cratic parl\- and takes a prominent part in the local organizations of his party.
He has never asked for any political preferment at the hands of his party, be-
ing content to devote all his energies to his agricultural interests. He and
his wife are members of the Baptist church of Oakland City and are liberal
contriljutors to the support of that denomination. Mrs. ^^■illis is a graduate
of the Oakland City high school and taught school in Gibson county for two
years. She also attended the Oakland City College for some time in order
to the better equip herself for the teaching profession. Mr. Willis is thor-
oughly up-to-date in all his operations and keeps in close touch with the most
advanced ideas relative to farming and stock raising and gives his undivided
attention to the work in hand, so that he has justly earnetl the enviable repu-
tation which he enjoys.
692 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
HERSCHEL LOGAN BASS, M. D.
The present age is essentially utilitarian and the life of every successful
man carries a lesson which, told in contemporary narrative, is productive of
much good in shaping the destiny of others. There is, therefore, a due meas-
ure of satisfaction in presenting, even in brief resume, the life and achieve-
ments of such men, and in preparing the following history of the well-known
and successful physician whose name appears at the head of this sketch, it is
with the hope that it may prove not only interesting and instructive, but also
serve as an incentive to those who contemplate making the medical profes-
sion their life work, for it shows how a man, not especially favored by in-
herited wealth, may forge to the front and not only succeed in the material
things of life, but also be of inestimable service to his fellow men.
Herschel Logan Bass, M. D., the present efficient coroner of Gibson
county, was born June 4. 1883, in Lane township, Warrick county, Indiana,
the son of Gaines H. and Rhoda (McKinney) Bass, both natives of the
Hoosier state. The progenitors of the Bass family were three brothers, who
came to America from England, two of them locating in North Carolina and
the other in the state of Maine. Doctor Bass's family descended from those
who settled in North Carolina.
The subject's father, who spent his life following agricultural pursuits,
is now retired, after a long and honorable career of usefulness to his fellow
men, he having served in the offices of township trustee and county assessor,
and has always been recognized as a representative man in his community.
Of a family of seven children, five sons and two daughters, the subject
of this review was the eldest. His elementary education was received in the
common schools, after which he entered the State Normal School and pre-
pared himself for teaching, a profession which he followed for four years.
Being desirous of taking up the medical profession as a life work, he aban-
doned his pedagogical work and entered the Louisville Medical College, from
which he was graduated on June 30, 1909, two years of his time in college
having been spent in hospital practice. Having thus laid a splendid founda-
tion for his future calling.- lie came to Fort Branch, hung out his shingle, and
in a comparatively short time had 1)uilt up a large and lucrative practice. He
is essentially progressi\-e and modern in his methods, realizing that the edu-
cation of a physician is never at an end, and by constant reading from the
leading medical journals and study of the complex problems of medicine at
first hand, he is keeping himself abreast of the times in his profession.
GIBSON COrXTV, INDIANA. 693
In December, 1909, Doctor Bass was united in matrimony to Lena John-
son, daujjhter of F. M. Johnson, of Illinois. .Mr. Johnson is one of the lead-
ing and representative men of his community antl the subject's wife is a most
charming and cultivated lad)'. A beautiful residence and up-to-date offices
have been erected liy Doctor Bass, and his home is the social center for his
many friends, the genial natures of the suhiccl and his wife lieing demon-
strated in the true spirit of hospitality which radiates from their home. To
Doctor Bass and wife has been born one child, llerschel L.
In 1910 the subject of this review w.'is elected coroner of Gibson county,
and so efficiently did he discharge the duties of that responsible position that
he was re-elected in 1912, and is at present capably filling that office. The
Doctor is a member of the Gibson County Medical Association, the Indiana
State ]\Iedical Association and the Oliio Valley Medical Association, while,
fraternal!)-, he is affiliated with the Free and Accepted Masons, Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, the Improved Order of Red Men and the ^Modern
\\'oodmen of America, of which latter order he is medical examiner.
JOHN WESLEY HARMON.
The character of a community is determined largely by the lives of a
comparatively few of its members. If its moral and intellectual status be
good, if in a social way it is a pleasant place in which to reside, if its reputa-
tion for the integrity of its citizens has extended to other localities, it will lie
found that the standards set by the leading men have lieen high and their in-
fluence such as to mold their characters and shape the lives of those with
whom they mingle. In placing the subject of this sketch in the front rank of
such men. justice is rendered a biographical fact universally recognized
throughout Gibson county by those at all familiar with his history. Although
a quiet and unassuming man, with no ambition for public position or leader-
ship, he has contributed much to the material advancement of the community,
while his admirable ciualities of head and heart and the straightforward,
upright course of his daily life have tended greatly to the moral standing of
the circles in which he moves and gives him a reputation for integrity and
correct conduct such as few achieve.
John Wesley Harmon, one of the most progressi\e business men of this
county, was born January 18, 1840. His parents were Laxton and Elizabeth
Ann (Simpson) Harmon. Laxton Harmon was a native of Virginia, whose
694 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
father, John Simpson, was a native of North Carolina. The father of the
subject came to Gibson county in 1811, and at the time of the battle of Tip-
pecanoe, on November 7, 181 1, he was on guard duty in old Fort Knox at
Vincennes. He was not in the fight, but assisted during all the troubles inci-
dent to the Indian uprising in guarding the fort in the fall of 181 1. His death
occurred in November, 1842, having lived all of his life as a farmer in this
county. He did his share towards clearing up the land, draining the swamps
and making the roads through the pathless forests, and at his death he had
cleared and put under cultivation forty acres of land which was practically
worthless at the time he entered it. Laxton Harmon, the father of the
subject of this sketch, died shortly after the birth of John W. Mrs. Elizabeth
Ann Harmon was the daughter of John Simpson, Sr., a native of Gibson
county. She died in 1851, when John W. was about eleven years of age. Mr.
and Mrs. Laxton Harmon were the parents of three children, Lewis, de-
ceased, Melinda, deceased, and the subject of this sketch. Lewis lived and
died in this county, having followed the occupation of a farmer there alU his
life. He was never married. Melinda was the wife of Garr^^W^Mount.^and
died in the spring of 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Mount were the parents of four
children, Mrs. Elizabeth Wilhite, deceased ; Mrs. Mary Pegram, deceased ;
Mrs. Alice McCrary and Julius.
John W. Harmon was reared on the farm west of Owensville in the
Maumee river bottoms and followed the occupation of a farmer until 1870,
when he formed a partnership with F. M. Welborn and engaged in general
merchandising in Owensville, which pursuit he continued for two years
under the firm name of Welborn & Harmon, after which time he sold out his
interest in 1873 to Richey Sumner, but remained in the store as a clerk. After
clerking for about eighteen months, he re-entered the business under the firm
name of Welborn, Harmon & Company. Some time later he sold his in-
terest to James Robinson, who purchased the stock for his son. The firm
name was then changed to Pruitt, Robinson & Company. Pruitt later bought
out the interests of Robinson and the firm name became Pruitt Brothers.
Joseph Pruitt, the elder member of the firm, died in July, 1880, and in the
spring of 1881 Mr. Harmon took the interest of Joseph Pruitt and the firm
was reorganized under the name of Harmon & Pruitt. Tn the fall of 1888
Mr. Harmon traded his interests to Samuel Scott for a half interest in the
Owensville Milling Company, the new firm being known as the Plarmon &
Wallace Company. He still retains his interest in the mill. Mr. Harmon is
also one of the largest land owners of the county, having over twelve hun-
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 695
dred acres of good land, three hundred and fifty of which he in the Wahash
township bottoms. The rest of liis land is located in Union and Montgomery
townships. Mr. Harmon also has large real estate holdings in Owcnsville,
consisting of business rooms, residence property and a large number of city
lots.
Mr. Harmon was married September 29, iS-j, to Julia A. Pruitt, the
daughter of William and Elizabeth (Spain") Truitt, both of whom were
natives of this county. These parents both died in Evansville. One child,
Harvey, was born to this union, who is represented elsewhere in this volume.
Mrs. Julia Harmon died December 4, 1876. On December 12, 1878, Mr.
Harmon was married to Nancy Elizabeth Musick, daughter of Herrod and
Mary E. (Warrick) Musick. Herrod Musick was a native of Ohio and
came to Logan county, Illinois, where his death occurred several years ago.
Mrs. Musick was a native of Gibson county, and has been dead many years.
To Mr. Harmon's second marriage was born one child, a daughter, Grace,
who is the wife of Rufus H. Barnet, the present postmaster of Owensville.
They have three children, Robert, Warren and IMarriam.
Mr. Harmon has for a half century been one of the most prominent
business men of the county. He is distinctly a man of affairs, sound of judg-
ment, with keen discernment, and far-seeing in everything he has undertaken,
and every enterprise to which he has addressed himself has resulted in liberal
material reward. His extensive business interests are the legitimate fruitage
of consecutive effort, directed and controlled not only by good judgment, but
also by correct moral principles. Personally, he is congenial, quiet and un-
assuming in disposition, and in all the relations of life he has so conducted
himself that his friends are in number as his acquaintances.
Politically, Mr. Harmon has always been a Democrat, but has never
taken an active interest in the deliberations of his party, although when he
was a young man not far past his majoritx' he was township assessor for two
terms. He has been a life-long member of the Regular Baptist church, and
for many years has been a trustee of that denomination. He has always lent
his influence and support to everything in the matter of the advancement and
welfare of his town and community, and his charitable work has been the
means of alleviating much suffering in his locality. Tie is always ready to
share his substance with the poor and needy, and by a straightforward and
commendable course he has made his way to a highly respected position in
the world. His career presents a notable example of those nol)le fjualities
of mind and character which o\'ercome obstacles and win success, and his
example is eminently worthy of imitation.
696 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
VV. F. MORRIS, M. D.
Gibson county, Indiana, has reason to take pride in the personnel of her
corps of medical men from the earliest days m her history to the present
time, and on the roll of honored names that indicates the services of distin-
guished citizens in this held of endeavor there is reason in reverting with
gratification to that of Dr. W. V. Morris, of Fort Branch, who has attained
eminence in his chosen calling and stands high among the scholarly and en-
terprising physicians in a community that has long been distinguished for the
excellence of its medical talent. He realized early that there is a purpose in
life and that there is no honor not founded on worth and no respect not
founded on accomplishment. His life and labors have been eminently worthy
because they have contributed to a proper understanding of life and its prob-
lems.
W. F. Morris, M. D., was born September 14, 1875. in Barton town-
ship, Gibson county, Indiana, the son of John T. and Mary E. (Miller)
Morris, the father a native of the same township, he having been born and
passed his entire life on the home place where the subject first saw the light
of day. John T. Morris was a son of John T. and Mary (Marshall) Morris,
who were born and grew to maturity in England, leaving that country in
1832 and coming to Evansville, Indiana, where they were married. From
there they removed to Vanderburg county, and in 1838 again sought a new
location, this time settling in Barton township, Gibson county, where they,
with the other sturdy pioneers of those days, engaged in the struggle to sub-
due the almost unbroken wilderness and build a home. John T. Morris, Sr.,
was an efficient surveyor and his services were in great demand by his neigh-
bors in locating their lands. He was a well informed man and was a valuable
addition to the community, his advice often being sought on matters of busi-
ness. It is said that one of his many accomplishments was "fiddling," and
his presence was demanded at the social gatherings of those days, where the
music from his bow helped to make the sturdy pioneers forget their hard-
ships and struggles. He and his wife were members of the Episcopal church.
To this worthy couple were born six children, as follows: John T.. the
subject's father; Richard, Lewis, Phillip and Sidney are deceased; Robert is
engaged in farming on the home place. The subject's father secured what
education he could in the early schools of the county, and his father dying
when he was but twelve years old, the care of his mother was taken up by
GIBSON COUiXrV, liNUlAXA. 697
him, and she hved wilh him until her dcalh in i8c)S. Jolm T. Morris, Jr., en-
gaged in farming for thirty-live years. He was a consistent meniher of the
Methodist Episcopal church, while, i)olitically, he was a supporter of the Re-
pubHcan party. He was united in marriage to Mary li. Miller, daughter of
David Miller, of \'irginia, w!io was an early settler in I'ike county, Indiana,
and -later removed to Missouri. To this union were horn nine children,
namely: George Thomas, who is a farmer in Warrick county. Indiana, mar-
ried Mary E. Heldt. He is also interested in engineering and in the dairy
business; John T., a physician, who is the subject of a review in another part
of this work; Robert Benjamin is a farmer in Warrick county, and among
other investments he is interestefl in a telephone company. He was married
first to a Miss De Priest and his second wife was a Miss Smith; Charles died
at the age of four years; Mattie died at the age of two and a half years;
William F. ; James died at the age of four; L)a\-id, deceased; Edison, a farm-
er of Elberfield, Warrick county, married Augusta Ebrecht ; Mary Eva
married \\'illiam C. May, a farmer at Mackey, Indiana.
The subject of this review attended the common schools of Barton
township, supplementing this with a course in a business college in Indianapo-
lis. Deciding on the practice of medicine as his life work, he took up the
study of that noble profession under the tutelage of Dr. John Ballard, which
he continued until 1906, when he entered the Jefferson College of Medicine
in Philadelphia, Pennsyhania. graduating from this well-known institution
in 1900. While pursuing his medical studies in the Philadelphia college he
also took up the surgical branch under the direction of Dr. W. W. Keen,
Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, one of the most noted surgeons of
the world, his most wonderful accomplishments having been along the line
of brain surgerv. Receiving his diploma in both branches at the same time.
Doctor Morris returned to his native state and took up the practice of his
profession at Fort Branch, where he has been very successful and has Iniilt
up a large and lucrative business.
In September, 1902, Doctor Morris was united in marriage to Ercel
May Arburn, daughter of John M. Arlnirn. one of the earliest merchants of
Gibson county. To this union has been Ijorn one child, Ludson D.. born in
September, 1907.
Besides holding membership in the Gibson County Medical .Association
and the State Medical Association, Doctor Morris is a member of the
American Association of Railroad Surgeons, and is local surgeon for the
Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad Company. Fraternally, he holds mem-
698 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
bership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Tribe of Ben-Hur
at Fort Branch. He also belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church at Fort
Branch.
EPHRAIM M. FOWLER.
• The Union soldier during the great war between the states wrought even
better than he knew. Through four years of suffering and wasting hard-
ships, through the horrors of prison pens and amid the shadows of death, he
laid the superstructure of the greatest temple ever erected and dedicated to
human freedom. The world looked on and called those soldiers sublime, for
it was theirs to reach out the mighty arm of power and strike the chains from
off the slave, preserve the country from dissolution, and to keep furled to the
breeze the only flag that ever made tyrants tremble and whose majestic stripes
and scintillating stars are still waving universal liberty to all the earth. For
all their unmeasured deeds the living present will never repay them. Pension
and political power may be thrown at their feet ; art and sculpture may pre-
serve upon canvas and in granite and bronze their unselfish deeds ; history
may commit to liooks and cold type may give to the future the tale of their
sufferings and triumphs; but to the children of the generations yet unborn
will it remain to accord the full measure of appreciation and undying re-
membrance of the immortal character carved out by the American soldiers in
the dark days of the early sixties, numbered among whom was the gentleman
whose name appears at the head of this sketch.
Ephraim M. Fowler was born on January 4, 1840, the son of Martin and
Nancy (Wakeland) Fowler, the father a native of North Carolina and the
mother of Kentucky. Martin Fowler was reared in his native state, where
he first married Mary Cox, whose death occurred in Warrick county, Indiana.
After the subject's marriage he located in Warrick county, Indiana, northeast
of Boonville, where he obtained a piece of wild land, which he cleared and
established a home. Later he added to it, and finally became the owner of a
fine tract of six hundred and forty acres, all in one body. Here he followed
farming and stock raising, in which he was very successful, shipping large
numbers of stock to New Orleans. It was on one of his trips to that city in
1847 that his death occurred. He was very successful in his financial affairs
and was well known and respected throughout the community. After his
death his second wife married John Cherry, and her death occurred in War-
rick countv. To Martin Fowler and his first wife were born nine children:
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 699
Wiley W., John, Matilda, Betsy Ann, Bettie, Lucy, Isaac B., Ruth and Mary
Ann. By his second union Martin Few ler became the father of five children :
William Henry, Ephraim Merritt, James Martin, Mary Jane and Sarah
Elizabeth. To Mr. and Mrs. John Cherry were born six children : Richard,
Lucinda, Martha, John, Absalom and Alexander. John Cherry also had
been married twice, and to his first union, with a Miss McDaniel, there were
born five children, George, Mary Jane, Marina Ann, Sarah and Allen.
Ephraim M. Fowler had but little opportunity to attend school, ihe
nearest school house being four miles through tlic timber from his home.
His stepfather, John Cherry, cut a log and hitched a horse to it and put the
subject on the horse and led the horse through the woods, thus making a path
through the leaves and brush to the school house, this path being known as
the Hudson school house path and was used for nearly thirty years. In 1861
Mr. Fowler enlisted in the Seventeenth Regiment Indiana \'olunteer Infantry
as a musician for three months' service, and at the end of his first period of
enlistment he returned home and enlisted as a private in Company C, Forty-
second Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, which was sent to Kentucky
and up the Green river. The regiment then went south to Huntsvilie, -\la-
bama, and was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, with which it re-
mained until the close of the war, taking part in all the engagements and cam-
paigns in which that celebrated army had a part. Mr. Fowler was transferred
to Company G. One Hundred and Forty-third Regiment, and was made a
lieutenant in 1864 because of faithfulness to duty and courage in battle,
which rank he held at the time of his discharge in 1865. After the war he
returned to Warrick county, Indiana, and bought and shipped leaf tobacco
until 1877, when he located in Oakland City, where he also engaged in
buying and selling tobacco, as well as handling large quantities of grain. He
later engaged in the grocery business and also operated a restaurant for some
time. For sixty years Mr. Fowler has attended all of the county fairs in this
section of the state, being widely known, and has sold lemonade and other
articles of public consumption. He is a man of remarkable health, having
never taken one dollar's worth of medicine in his life, and is of an intensely
optimistic and cheerful disposition, being a welcome mcnihcr of any circle
which he chooses to enter.
In 1862 Mr. Fowler married Susan Harland. a native of Kentucky.
Her death occurred in 1873 and subsequently he married Fannie Boner, of
Boonville, Indiana. There were no children born to the first union, and the
second union resulted in one daughter. Ethel May. who is now a milliner at
Oakland Citv, Indiana.
700
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Mr. Fowler is a charter member of Cochran Post, Grand Army of the
Republic, at Oakland City, Indiana, has been a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows since 1866, and a member of the Free and Accepted
Masons since 1882, taking an appreciative interest in the workings of all these
orders. He is an earnest and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal
church at Oakland City and is numbered among its loyal and earnest con-
stituents. Mr. Fowler would be the last man to sit for romance or become a
subject for "fancy sketches, but his life presents much that is interesting -and
valuable, for he is one of those whose integrity and strength of character
must force them into an admirable notoriety, which their modesty never
seeks, but who command the respect of their contemporaries and leave the
impress of their individuality upon the community.
SAMUEL S. REED.
A man's reputation is the property of the world, for the laws of nature
have forbidden isolation. Every human being either submits to the control-
ling influence of others or wields an influence which touches, controls, guides
or misdirects others. If he be honest and successful in his chosen field of en-
deavor, investigation will brighten his fame and point the way along which
others may follow with like success. The reputation of Samuel S. Reed, one
of the leading journalists of Gibkon county, having been unassailable all along
the highways of life, according to those who have known him best, it is be-
lieved that a critical study of. his career will be of benefit to the reader, for it
has been not only one of honor, but of usefulness also.
Samuel S. Reed, who, after an active and useful life, is now living re-
tired in Oakland City, was born in Winslow, Pike county, Indiana, on No-
vember 29, 1839, and is the son of Elijah and Rebecca (Slater) Reed, the
former a native of North Carolina, and the latter of the Hoosier state.
Elijah Reed came from his native state to Indiana in early manhood, locat-
ing first at Bloomington, where he was later married. He was a carpenter
by trade and in the early days here did much important building. Eventually
he removed from Bloomington to Winslow, Pike county, and from there to
Monroe, that county, where he located on a farm, to the operation of which
he devoted his remaining years, dying there at the advanced age of eighty-
four years. His widow survived him two years, also dying at the age of
eighty-four. They had been married for the remarkable period of sixty-five
years, and reared a family of thirteen children, eight boys and five girls, all
of whom are now living- but two, and all of whom came to mature years and
married before their parents' death. These children are as follows: John
\V.. who is deceased; Samuel S., the inmiediate subject of this review; Clark,
of Oakland City; Richard, of Oakland City; Elisha, of Pike county; Mrs.
Jane Riddle, of Gibson county; Mrs. Phoebe English, deceased; Mrs. Milanda
Bilbenback, of Princeton; Elijah; Joseph; Mrs. Rebecca Davis, of Princeton;
Mrs. Sarah Ross, of New Albany, Indiana, and Peter, of Gibson county.
Samuel S. Reed received his education in the public schools of Pike and Gib-
son counties, and was reared to the life of a farmer on the paternal homestead
in Monroe township, Pike county. In 1861, .shortly after attaining his ma-
jority, Mr. Reed enlisted as a private in Company K, Fort\'-second Regiment
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in which he served three years and three months.
During his active service he took part in the engagement at Perryville, Ken-
tucky, on October 8, 1862, and was with Sherman on his historic march
from Chattanooga to Atlanta. After the war Mr. Reed spent five years in
Spencer county, Indiana, near the town of Newtonville, where he engaged in
farming, and then for nine years he was similarly occupied in Montgomery
township, Gibson county. From there he removed to Oakland City, where
he has since resided for a period of over thirty years. Here he has built a
comfortable and attractive residence, and is num1)ered among the solid and
substantial citizens of the community.
In 1866 Mr. Reed married Jane Hayden, of Warrick county, Indiana,
though they married in Missouri, where she was temporarily living at that
time. To this union has been born the following children : Laura E., the
wife of Dr. J. W. McCord, a successful dentist of Oakland City; Lydia A.,
the wife of John A. Carlisle, of Terre Haute, Indiana, and Lucy, the wife
of Fred Benton, of Oakland City.
Politically, Mr. Reed has given his earnest support to the Republican
party, and has served tweh-e }-ears as justice of the peace and three or four
times as a memlier of the Oakland City council. ■ He has maintained a deep
interest in local public affairs, giving his support to every movement that
promised to benelit the people, educationally, morally, socially and materially.
Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of
which he has passed all the chairs in the subordinate lodgel and is also a
member of the Grand Army of the Republic. His religious connection is
with the Christian church, of which he is an elder. Because of his sterling
c[ualities of character and upright life, Mr. Reed enjoys the confidence and
esteem of the entire community with which he has been identified for so many
years, standing as one of the representative citizens of the locality.
702 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
ROBERT A. JENKINS.
This well-known citizen is another of the gallant boys who, a half cen-
tury ago, enlisted to save the Union, and during that ever memorable strug-
gle he was found ready for action, no matter how dangerous or arduous
the duty. He did not enter the service as some did, from motives of sport
or frolic, but saw beneath the surface and realized that the South was de-
termined to break up the Union for the purpose of establishing a confederacy
of slave-holding states. From his earliest years he had been taught to hate
slavery and to do all he could to blot it from this country's escutcheon. He
regarded it as a foul blot on the old flag, so that when the rebels precipitated
the conflict he was ready to take up arms to preserve the Union.
Robert A. Jenkins was born in Butler county, Kentucky, May 7, 1838.
the son of Thomas and Martha (Webster) Jenkins, both natives of Butler
county. The father was a farmer and also a skilled mechanic, making shoes,
looms, coffins, furniture and plows and was noted far and wide for his skill
with tools. He canie to Gibson county, Indiana, about 1858 and settled south
of Oakland City, remaining there until 1867, when he removed to Carroll
county, ^iissouri, where he died. He was a Democrat and a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church. To Thomas and Martha Jenkins were born
eight chililren, namel}' : Elizabeth married James Jenkins and lived in Colum-
bia township, Gibson county; Benjamin was a member of the Eightieth In-
diana \'olunteer Infantry and died at Indianapolis from a wound received in
the service; George died in Missouri; Robert A.; William T., who was a
member of the Eleventh Kentucky in the Civil war, died in Missouri ; Squire
Mansfield, also a member of the Eleventh Kentucky in the Civil war, died at
Lexington, Kentucky; Willis is living at Nevada, Missouri; Ferdinand re-
sides in Carlton, ^lissouri.
The subject of this review attended the old subscription schools and ac-
quired what education they had to offer, living at home and assisting in the
cultivation of his father's farm until he reached the age of twenty-one, when
he married Rebecca Lowney, of Carlton, Carroll county, Missouri. She died
in 1910, and was the mother of the following children: Stephen is with the
traction ciimpan\- at Springfield, Missouri; Ella is the wife of W. E. John, of
Springfield, Missouri; Emma, deceased, was the wife of Al Brumfield; Fred,
whu was emplo\"ed bv the Bell Telephone Company, was killed while work-
ing on a ])ole in Springfield, Missouri; Bertha and Robert are deceased; one
child died in infancy.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 703
In the fall of 1861 Mr. Jenkins enlisted at Princeton. Imliana, in Com-
pany F, lujrty-second Regiment Indiana \'(ilnnteer Infantry, the command
first being sent to Evansville, Indiana, where the}- were in camp fur several
weeks, then going to Henderson and Calhonn, Kentuck}-. and fmni there to
Owensboro. On a flat boat they patroled Green river from this place to the
mouth of that stream, and also the Tennessee river to its mouth. After tak-
ing part in the battle of Fort Donelson, they went to Nashxille and Murf rees-
boro, when the subject was taken sick and was sent home on a thirty days'
furlough. Physicians advised him that he was too ill to again enter active
service, but in spite of this he again reported, and attached himself to Cap-
tain Pierce's companx', a part of the Eleventh Kentuckw until he could reach
his own command. \\'ith this compan\- he was at Shiloh, Corinth and Quaker
Springs, then being detailed to care for the sick and wounded of the Eleventh
Kentucky in the hospital, later going to Huntsville, Alabama, where he re-
joined his original company and with them marched to Deckard's Station,
subsequently falling back with them to Louisville, where an order was given
them to bring up the rear at Huntsville, Alabama. With five hundred of his
comrades, Mr. Jenkins made the trip, being attacked several times. During
the confusion the trains left fifteen hundred men at Stephenson, Alabama,
and the Confederates bombarded the town and compelled them to retire to
the Cumberland mountains, from where they proceeded to IMurfreesboro and
then to Louisville. Soon the\- were engaged in the battles at Perrysville and
at Crab Orchard, and at New Market Mr. Jenkins was again taken ill. a gen-
eral breakdown being the result of his strenuous activities in the .service. He
was taken to Lebanon, Kentucky, and placed in the hospital dead house and
left for dead. However, he revived and after spending ten days in this hos-
pital he was sent by way of Bowling Green to Louisville, where he was con-
fined to the hospital for about a month, then being consigned to the Invalid
Corps anfl sent to Xew All)any. Indiana. I4ere hv remained until he felt
able to resume active duties, when he went l^ack on his own responsibility
and joined his regiment at Murfreesboro, Tennessee. They took part in the
Tallahoosa raid, but when they reached the foot of the Cumberland moun-
tains, Mr. Jenkins broke down completely and was discharged at Stephenson,
Alabama, in 1863, returning to his home. For a long time after his dis-
charge the subject was incapacitated as a result of his illness.
In the fall of 1866 Mr. Jenkins went to Springfield, Missouri, and en-
gaged in farming for a year, then removing to Carroll county, that state,
where he purchased eighty acres of land and remained for seven years. In
1874 he returned to Gibson county, Indiana, and bought several town lots in
704 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Oakland City and later a small tract of land west of that place, where he re-
sided for a while, then acquiring seventy-two acres of land near Augusta,
Indiana, which he farmed for three years. Subsequently he sold his hold-
ings and removed to Missouri, where he rented land near Springfield and car-
ried on gardening until 1912, returning then to Oakland City, where he has
since lived in retirement. On December 25th of that year, Mr. Jenkins was
united in marriage to Martha Jenkins, the widow of Lemuel Jenkins.
The subject is a member of John Mathews Post, Grand Army of the
Republic, at Springfield, Missouri. His belief in matters of religion is indi-
cated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church.
JOHN SLOAN.
In the early days the middle West was often a tempting field to energetic,
ambitious, strong-minded men, and Indiana was filled with them during the
time she was struggling up to a respectable position in the sisterhood of
states. There was a fascination in the broad field and great promise which
this newer region presented to acti\'ity that attracted many men and induced
them to Ijrave the discomforts of the early life here for the pleasure and
gratification of constructing their fortunes in their own way and after their
own methods. The late John Sloan, for a long lapse of years one of the most
substantial and prominent citizens of Gibson county, was a native son of this
favored section of the country, and for many years wielded a potent influence.
He gave to the world the best of an essentially virile, loyal and noble nature,
and his standard of honor was absolutel}- inflexible. He was a citizen of high
civic ideals and ever manifested his liberalit}- in connection with measures
and enterprises tending to advance the general welfare of the community
honored by his residence. He was the architect of his own fortune and upon
his career there rests no blemish, for he was true to the highest ideals and
principles in business, civic and social life. He lived and labored to worthy
ends and as one of the sterling citizens and representative men of this locality
in a past generation his memory merits a tribute of homir on the pages of
history.
John Sloan was born March 9, 1838, on the old Sloan homestead in
Patoka, Gibson county, Indiana, and was a son of Richard and Nancy (Bell)
Sloan. These parents were born and reared near Charleston, South Carolina,
and later went to the state of Kentucky, and eventually located in Gibson
JOHN SLOAN.
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GIBSON COUNTY, IXDIAXA. 705
county, Indiana, settling near Hazelton, of which locality they were among
the first settlers. There they obtained a tract of wild land, which the father
clearefl and on which he built a typical log cabin, in which they established
their home and here the father was accidentally killed while leaning on his
gun during a deer hunt near Patoka, in 1841. He was sur\i\ed more than
three decades by his widow, whose death occurred in August. 187^. I\lr.
Sloan was a farmer by vocation, and also gave attention in his early rears
here to freighting, having hauled many
Vincennes. A man of genial dispusitidu
he enjoyed a large acquaintance, among \
was the father of six children, James.
Martha.
John Sloan had little opportunity for securing a school education, his
early days being spent on the home farm, and. because of the untimely death
of his father, the support of his mother and the rest of the family was
largely thrown upon his shoulders. After his marriage, which occurred in
i860, he and his wife located on a part of his father's old homesteail. and
eventually bought the home where they spent tlieir remaining days and where
Mrs. .Sloan now resides. The farm comprises one hundred and eleven acres,
and is numbered among the choice agricultural tracts in this locality. Mr.
Sloan, who followed farming throughout his active life, was a man of indus-
trious habits and exercised sound judgment in the management of his estate,
with the result that he was enabled to realize a handsome profit from its
operation. He was up-to-date and methodical in his methods, raising all the
crops common to this section and also giving some attention to the handling
of live stock. In addition to the home farm, Mrs. Sloan also (jwns eighty
acres of land in the Patoka bottoms and forty acres in White River town-
ship, both of which are valuable lands.
On January 26, i860, John Sloan was united in marriage with Catherine
Phillips, who was born January 6, 1841. the daughter of Alexander and
Christina (Decker) Phillips, the father a native of Tennessee and the mother
of Washington township, Gibson county, huliana. .\lexandcr Phillips came
with his parents to Washington township, this count)-, being among the
earliest settlers of that locality, and here he grew to maturity and married,
and spent the remainder of his days there. He was a farmer and passed
through all the hardships incident to frontier life. Their first home in which
they lived on coming here was but a rail pen. which was later followed Ijy a
(45)
706 . GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
log cabin, and eventually an attractive and modern residence was built. To
Mr. and Mrs. Phillips were born the following children : Polly, deceased,
was twice married, first to John Foster, and the second time to Michael
Murphy, their home being in Washington township, and both are now de-
ceased. Xancy married William Hargrove, and both are now deceased.
Henry, who lives in Washington township, married Jane McRoberts. Cath-
erine, Mrs. Sloan. Elizabeth became the wife of Hiram Keith, who lives
about six miles west of Princeton. Serena is the wife of Thomas Boswell, at
Madison, Illinois. Christina was twice married, first to Riley Decker and
second to George Hays, of Washington township, this county. Some time
after the death of his first wife, Alexander Phillips married Nancy Bullard,
and to this union was born one child, Alice, deceased, who was the wife of
Charles Thompson. To Mr. and Mrs. Sloan were born ten children, namely :
Richard A., born October 23, i860, and who is a farmer in Patoka township,
married Etta Smith, and to their union were born eight children, Galen, Bar-
ney, Jess, Stella, Ethel, deceased, Avilla, Frank, deceased, and Alonzo, also
deceased. Caleb T., born December 5, 1862, is a retired farmer living at
Princeton. He married Catherine Thompson and they have three children,
Howard, deceased, Ruth and Frank. James Henry, born Novemljer 24,
1864, died on August 28, 1877. Nancy Cordelia, born November i, 1866,
married William Smith, and her death occurred August 4, 1898. They were
the parents of four children, Gilbert, Ida, Mary and Bertha. Isaac Newton,
born March i, 1869, married Ida Decker and after her death married Minnie
Pritchett, a native of Illinois. To the first union were born two children,
namely: Mabel Mary, who became the wife of Fred Warthe, of Evansville,
Indiana, and Dennis Paul, who lives at home with his grandmother, and who
is a brakeman on the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad. By his second
marriage, Isaac Newton Sloan l:)ecame the father of three children, Thelma
Olive, the wife of Gustan Sward, Charles Newton and Callis. Isaac Newton
now lives at Pine Bluffs, Arkansas, and is a conductor on the Cotton Belt
Railroad, having followed railroading since sixteen years of age. West Sloan,
born May 5, 1871, was killed 1)y the accidental discharge of a gun on June 11,
1889. John W., born April 27, 1873, and who now lives at Stonington, Colo-
rado, married, first, Ella Eaton, and to them were born five children: Morris,
who married Martha Walker and lives in Patoka township, Bessie, who died
in 191 1, Lennie, George and Ralph. For his second wife John W. Sloan mar-
ried Myrtle Finch and they are the parents of four children, a daughter that
died in infancy, Henry, Perry and John Robert. Christina Sloan, born
GIBSOX COl
-07
November 2, 1873. married, c.n Septenil)er jj, i8i;6. Charles Xeimeier. a
merchant at Princeton, Indiana, and they liave two cliil(h-en. Harold, who
died at the age of eight years, and Helen. JXaxid D. Sluan. horn March 18.
1878, married, on December 17, iqio, Allie I.xncli, and they li\e nu a [lart
of the old homestead farm. He was formerly a railroad m;in, bnl is now
engaged in a store. They have two children, Charles and Mabel. Charle.s B.
Sloan, born February 6, 1881, died on September 5, 1896. The death of
John ^^^ Sloan, the subject of this sketch, occurred on November 20, 191 1,
and his passing away was considered a distinct loss u> the community. His
death removed from Gibson county one of her most substantial and highly
esteemed citizens and the many beautiful tributes to his high standing as a
man and citizen attested to the abiding iilace he had in the hearts and affec-
tions of his friends. His life was ;in inspiration tn all who knew him, and
his memory remains to his friends ;'nd children as a blesseil l)enediction of an
noble and u])right character. Although his lite was one, his e\'ery-day
affairs making heavy demands upon his time, Mr. Sloan never shrank from
his duties as a citizen and his obligations to his neighbors and his friends.
Always calm and dignified, never demonstrative, his life was, nevertheless, a
persistent plea, more by precept and example than by public action and spoken
word, for the surety and guarantee of right principles in the elevation of
wholesome character. To him home life was a sacred trust, friendship was
inviolable and nothing could swer\e him from the ])ath nf rectitude and
honor.
HENRY C. MCKERS.
It is generally considered by those m the habit of superficial thinking that
the history of great men only is worthy of preservation and that little merit
exists among the masses to call forth the praises of the historian or the cheers
and appreciation of mankind. A greater mistake was never made. No man
is great in all things and very few are great in many things. Many by a
lucky stroke achieve lasting fame who before that had no reputation beyond
the limits of their neighborhoods. It is not a history of a lucky stroke which
benefits humanity most, but the long study and effort which made the lucky
stroke possible. It is the preliminary work, the method, that serves as a
guide for the success of others. Among those earlier citizens of Gibson
county who served their day and have now passed into the great beyond, leav-
ing behind them the fruits of a proper life, is the subject of this sketch.
708 GIBSON COUNTYj INDIANA.
Henry C. Vickers, deceased, was born in 1833, in North Carolina, and
died in Oakland City, Gibson county, Indiana, July 12, 1901. He came to
Gibson county when a boy and was taken into the home of an uncle, Grander-
son Vickers, who resided near Providence church in Union township, this
county. Here he grew to manhood, becoming efficient in agricultural work.
Owing to circumstances, he received but a limited schooling in his youth,
which was always a cause for regret with him. In 1873 he was united in mar-
riage with Malissa Stephens, widow of Lewis Stephens, of Springfield,
Illinois, and a daughter of Lemuel Emmerson. of Patoka township, Gibson
county.
Lewis Stephens was a teacher in the public schools and also was
engaged in agriculture near Fort Branch, Indiana. He married Malissa
Emmerson in 1861. Not long after his marriage he enlisted for service in
the war of the Rebellion, being a member of Company E, Eightieth Regiment
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served three years. He re-enlisted for
service in the same company and regiment and received a wound at the battle
of Perrysville, from the effects of which he died at Louisville, Kentucky, in
the hospital there. He had also suffered an attack of measles while in service.
One son was born to the union of Lewis and Malissa ( Emmerson) Stephens,
being Charles, who is a teacher in the public schools at Jacksonville, Texas.
His wife was Helen Follett and to them has been born one child, Pauline.
Shortly after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Vickers sold their farm of
one hundred and sixty acres in Union township and moved to Oakland City,
Indiana, where for many years Mr. Vickers was engaged in the dry goods
business. In later years, the close confinement telling on him, he disposed of
his business and engaged in truck gardening.
Mr. Vickers was a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted in Company
E, Fifty-eighth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, at Princeton, and
served until the close of the war. During this time he was shot ill the ear.
which destroyed his sense of hearing. He was a member of the Grand Army
of the Republic at Oakland City and his religious sympathies were with the
Cumberland Presbyterian church, of which he was a consistent member. Mrs.
Vickers holds her church membership in the General Baptist church, and gives
of her time and means to furthering the good work of that society. Politically,
Mr. Vickers was a stanch Republican, always taking a quiet though keen
interest in his party's affairs. Mr. and Mrs. Vickers were the parents of five
children, three of whom are dead, Wilbur, Randolph and an infant son.
Laura is the wife of Lewis Goff, of Winslow, Indiana, and is the mother of
GIBSOX COrXTY, INDIAXA. 709
two children, Mary L. and Margaret. Dale 11.. tlie 'inl\- li\ing' son, resides
with hi.s mother and is engaged in sign and general jjainting at Oakland City.
The late Henry C. Vickers was of a retiring disposition and possessed of
many admirable traits, making him a good husband and father and a good
citizen. He was of genial nature, well liketl and rcs])ecte(l ])y a large number
of friends.
GEORGE T. KENEIPP.
In a brief sketch of any living citizen it is diflkult to do him exact and
impartial justice, not so much, however, for lack of space or words to set
forth the familiar and passing events of his personal history, as for want of
the perfect and rounded conception of his whole Hfe, which grows, develops
and ripens, like fruit, to disclose its truest and best flavor only when it is
mellowed by time. Daily contact with the man so familiarizes us with his
virtues that we ordinarily overlook them and commonly underestimate their
possessor. It is not often that true honor, public or private, — that honor
which is the tribute of cordial respect and esteem, — comes to a man without
basis in character and deeds. The world may be deceived by fortune, or by
ornamental or showy qualities, without substantial merit, and may render to
the undeserving a short-lived admiration, but the honor that wise and good
men value and that lives beyond the grave must ha\e its foundation in real
worth, for "worth maketh the man." Not a few men live unheralded and
almost unknown beyond the narrow limits of the city or community wherein
their lots are cast, who yet have in them, if fortune had opened to them a
wider sphere of life, the elements of character to make statesmen or public
benefactors of world-wide fame. Compared with the blazon of fame which
some regard as the real seal or stamp of greatness, there is a lowlier and
simpler, and yet true standard whereb)- to judge of them and fix their place
in the regard of their fellow men. During his life of nearly sixty years in
Owensville, this county, its people have had means to know what manner of
man George T. Keneipp is. The record of testimony is ample that he is a
good citizen in the full sense of the term, and worthy of honor and public
trust, ever doing worthily and well whatever he puts his hand to do — an
encomium worthy of being coveted by every man.
George T. Keneipp, the son of Robert and America (Lucas) Keneipp,
was born in Owensville, Indiana, .\pril it, 1853. Robert Keneipp was a
native of Erie countv, Ohio, and mo\ed to ]^,lount Carmel, Illinois, with his
7IO GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
parents when a small child. There he received his common school education
and at an early age was apprenticed to a tanner. He grew to manhood in
Mount Carmel and was married in that place. In 1852, when he was about
twenty-six years of age, he came to Owensville, Gibson county, Indiana,
where George T., the subject of this sketch, was born. In 1854 Mr. Keneipp
began farming in Montgomery township, about one and one-half miles north
of Owensville, on a forty-acre tract of land. After operating this farm for
about a year, he moved five miles north of Owensville on a farm on Skelton
creek, where he lived for three years. Then an opportunity presenting itself
to enter the business world, he moved to Owensville and entered into a part-
nrship with James Montgomer}' in the general mercantile business. Not
finding this to his liking, he sold out his interest three years later and pur-
chased a farm about one and one-half miles northwest of Owensville, the
farm now occupied by his son, Fielding L. Here he lived until 1890, when he
moved about one and one-half miles south of this farm to another place,
where he spent the remainder of his days, his death occurring December 4,
1893. His wife, Mrs. Robert Keneipp, mother of the subject of this sketch,
was a native of this county, and was born about one mile north of Owens-
ville. She is still living with her son, Fielding, at the advanced age of eighty-
four vears. To these parents were born two children. Fielding L. and George
T. Fielding married Edith Kirkpatrick and lives on the old homestead farm,
and has three children, Nellie, who married Luther Knowles, who died some
years ago, and now makes her home with her father on the farm ; she has one
child, Alvin; Anna May married Hugh Marvel, a farmer living on the home
place, and is the mother of one daughter, Eugenia ; Robert lives with his par-
ents on the home farm.
George T. Keneipp was married October 20, 1875, to Ivitty H., the
daughter of Henry and Eliza (Mason) Matthews. Her father is a native
of Buckinghamshire, England, and came to this country when the subject's
wife was only six weeks old. They came to New Jersey, where they re-
mained for four years, then they came west and settled near Evansville on a
farm, where they remained for one year, but wishing to take up his old
trade of miller, he moved to Hazleton, Gibson county, Indiana, where he
entered the employ of Byram Bingham, who owned and conducted a large
flouring mill. He worked in this mill for three years, when he came to
Owensville and bought the old Star mill from John Walker. He continued
to operate this mill until his death, which occurred February 12, 1877. His
wife was also a native of England, and her death occurred February 5, 191 1.
GIBSOiV COl/XTV, IXDIANA. 7II
in Owensville, at the home of Mr. and Afrs. Kcncij)]). Mr. ami .Mrs. Ilenry
Matthews were the parents of .-;ix children: F.ninia, deceased; Harry, de-
ceased; Thomas J.; Kitty: Joseiih. deceased, and Wayne, deceased. F.mnia
married John S. Lucas, and they had five children. Ilenry, John, Harvey.
Emma, deceased, and Nohle : Thomas J. married, first. Ella Barker, whose
death occurred January 20, 188,3, and subsequently he married Mrs. Martha
Boren, and by his second marriaije there were three children, Hugh, Byron
and Paul.
To Mr. and Mrs. George Keneipp have been born six children : .\rthur
M., Hervey, Lucretia, deceased in 1908: Eunice, Elsie, decea.sed in 1897;
and Zella. Arthur M. married Nola Bixler and lives on a farm about one
mile west of his father's farm ; they have one son, James, who lives at home,
and one who died in infancy : Her\ey married Margaret Dorsey, and hves
on a farm near Owensville. He graduated in mechanical engineering from
Purdue University in 1905, and afterwards spent two years in the Baltimore
& Ohio railroad shops at Baltimore, but was compelled to return to agricul-
tural life, because of his health, came back to Owens\ille and engaged in
farming : he has two children, Harry and Warren ; Eunice married Jesse
Montgomery and resides in Owensville, and has two children, Alice and
Philip ; Zella married W. S. Jaques and lives on a farm about two miles west
of Owensville, and has one child, Howard; Lucretia married H. A. Smoth-
ers, a veterinary surgeon in Mount Carmel, Illinois; they have one son,
George ; Elsie died at the age of eight years.
George T. Keneipp has had a very interesting career in this county, and
is one of the best known business men within the limits of the county. After
finishing his education in the Owensville high school he managed his father's
farm until 1896, at which time he was appointed township trustee, holdiivg
this of^ce until November, 1899. He had previously farmed with his father
in partnership until 1882, when he bought a farm of his own of eighty-se\en
acres near Owensville,- and remained on this place until 1899. In this year
he bought the Barker farm of one hundred and seventy-six acres, and has
since added twenty acres more to his holdings. This farm he has improved
in every particular, has drained it, fenced it and brought it to a high state of
cultivation. He has added all the uKxlern improvements, which lighten the
labor of the farmer, and is universally conceded to be one of the most pro-
gressive farmers in this locality.
Mr. Keneipp takes an active interest in the different fraternities of
Owensville, being a member of four different fraternal organizatinns, the
712 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Free and Accepted Masons, Modern Woodmen of America, the Tribe of
Ben-Hur and the Court of Honor. Although he has always taken an active
part in the deliberations of the Republican party, he has never held any
political office except the office of trustee, v^'hich is held by appointment. He
takes an intelligent interest in current affairs, and is well posted on all politi-
cal questions of the day.
Mr. Keneipp and his wife have long been members of the Methodist
Episcopal church of Owensville, he being a trustee and steward of the
church, and they are both firm believers in the efficiency of the various church
organizations. They do much good and devote a great deal of their time to
the social and missionary work of their church.
Mr. Keneipp has been uniformly successful in all of his business trans-
actions, and the directorate of the Owensville Banking Company has rec-
ognized his executive ability by electing him president of that company. He
is a very companionable, quiet and unassuming man, and has reached his'
success in life only by hard work and painstaking effort. He is widely ac-
quainted throughout the county and is well liked by all with whom he comes
in contact. No movement which has for its object the betterment of the
social, moral or religious welfare of his community is ever broached which
does not find in him a ready and sympathetic helper. Such men as he are a
blessing to the community in which they live.
VICTOR LEMME.
\\'hether the elements of success in life are innate attributes of the in-
dividual or whether they are quickened by a process of circumstantial de-
velopment it is impossible to determine. It is certainly true that the profes-
sion of teaching gives one habits of industry and application which are es-
sential to success in any other profession. No one will gainsay the fact that
fifteen years' experience in the school room is a very valuable asset to any
man and when to this is added those sterling qualities of good common sense
and sound business judgment, the man so blessed is sure to make a success
in any undertaking. A gentleman with all these admirable qualities is Victor
Lemme, and a perusal of his career should be an incentive to the younger
generation.
Victor Lemme, the son of William C. and Maria A. (Burton) Lemme,
was born September 14, 1873, in Barton township, Gibson county, Indiana.
GIBSON COLXTV, INDIANA. 7I3
His father came to America from Germany when lie was ten years of age
and, with his parents, settled in \'anderl)urg count\-, this state, where they
hved for a short time before permanently removing to Gibson county. The
mother of the subject died in February, 1893, leaving three children, Victor,
the immediate subject of this sketch; Charles E., a fruit grower in Utah, and
Herbert J., a court stenographer living at Princeton, Indiana. Some years
after the death of Mrs. William Lemme, Mr. Lemme married again, and to
this union were born two children, both of whom are still at home with their
parents.
Victor Lemme was educated in the district schools of Barton township,
and then completed his high school education at Princeton, following this
with a course at the Central Normal College at Danville. Indiana, and was
also a student in the Vincennes University, and one of the first students to
enter the Oakland City College, which he attended for five terms. Thus
equipped, he started out to teach in his home township and was a successful
teacher in the county for fifteen years. He inherited from his parents the
German habits of thrift and industry and invested his savings in land, spend-
ing his summers on the farm while he was teaching school. He continued
his pedagogical work until ic;o8, when the citizens of his township prevailed
upon him to run for the office of trustee, and showed their confidence in his
ability by electing him to that ofifice by a large majority. This office is one
of the most important within the suffrages of the people, and he is discharg-
ing its duties to the entire satisfaction of the citizens of the township. He
has twenty teachers under his jurisdiction and is rapidly bringing the schools
of his township to a high state of excellence. During his term of office he
has had one certified high school established, and the high school at Mackey
is doing excellent work for the short time which it has been in existence. His
term of office will not expire until January, 1915.
Mr. Lemme was married April 6, i8gq. to Minnie Miller, daughter of
Samuel and Cornelia (Stroud) Miller, both natives of South Carolina. Mr.
and Mrs. Miller are the parents of three children, Minnie, the wife of the sub-
ject of this sketch; William B., a stock buyer at Somerville, and James S.,
who lives at home. To. Mr. and Mrs. Lemme has been born one son, Mau-
rice M., born February zt,. 1905, who is now attending the schools in his
township.
Mr. Lemme is now living on his farm of one hundred and thirteen acres,
and is regarded as one of the most progressive and enterprising young
farmers of his county. Hi? teaching experience makes him a very competent
714 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
trustee, and the interests of the township are well served by him. Politically,
he has always been a Democrat and his party has recognized , his ability by
electing him to his present office. Fraternally, he is a member of the Free and
Accepted Masons and Knights of Pythias, his membership in both lodges
being held at Oakland City. Mr. Lemme has succeeded in his chosen voca-
tion solely through his own courage and persistence, and he is a man who
believes in lending whatever aid he can to his neighbors. He has not only
attained a definite degree of success in his profession as teacher and farmer,
but he has at the same time greatly benefited the community in which he
lives, and for this reason well merits a place in a biographical volume of this
nature.
JAMES L. STEWART.
The gentleman to a brief review of whose life and characteristics the
reader's attention is herewith directed is among the favorably known and
representative citizens of Oakland City, Gibson county, Indiana. He has by
his enterprise and progressive methods contributed in a material way to the
advancement of his locality and during the course of an honorable career
has been fairly successful in his business enterprises, having been a man of
energy, sound judgment and honesty of purpose, and is thus well deserving
of mention in this volume.
James L. Stewart was born December 12, 1844, in Palmyra, Missouri, a
son of Thomas P. and Frances (Sanders) Stewart, who were natives of
Louisville, and after their marriage went westward into Missouri. James
Stewart, the father of Thomas P., was a native of Georgia. He was de-
scended from colonists who had accompanied the British General Oglethorpe
when he came to the new world and founded the colony of Georgia. Later,
James Stewart and family located in Kentucky, near Louisville, on the
Beardstown pike, and where the first toll gate was located. There they ob-
tained land which they cleared and where they made a comfortable home,
and passed the remainder of their lives. James" wife was Jane Stephens, .a
cousin of Alexander LI. Stephens, and to their union were born four chil-
dren, namely: Susan, Sarah, Thomas P. (father of the immediate subject
of this sketch) and James.
Thomas Patrick Stewart, father of James L., grew to manhood in Ken-
tucky, having the advantage of but limited schooling, but was a self-taught
man. It was about 1835 when Ik- wenl to Palmyra, Missouri, wliicli was tlien
but a small village indeed. Tlic Indians were thick about the settlement and
wild game of all kinds was plt-nliful. He was a plasterer by trade and this
occupation he followed until his death in i'almyra, in 1889, at the advanced
age of eighty years. His wife had died two years previously, at the age of
seventy-two. Both were consistent members of the Christian church. He
had originally been a stanch Whig in politics and at the dissolution of that
party refused to cast his vote with the others then in existence, because he
had been a leader of the Whig party until Horace Greeley ran for President
in 1872 and for whose election he voted. Thomas P. Stewart and wife had a
family of three children: GabrilHa. widow of Thomas J. Johnson, resides in
the state of Colorado; James L., the immediate subject of this sketch, and
Sarah P., widow of James Reeves, of Montrose, Iowa.
The subject of this sketch received but \ery limited schooling when a
boy and started out in life for himself when but a lad of fourteen years. He
worked at \-arious occupations and in various places for a time, and in 1863
or 1864 left Missouri, coming to Evansville, Indiana, and in January, 1865,
he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Forty-third Regiment Indiana
\^olunteer Infantry. He was sent to Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Tallahoosa
and Clarksville and did garrison duty until October of the same year, when
he was discharged. He returned to Evansville and came on to Princeton,
Indiana, and has since been a resident of Gibson county. He first went to
work for William H. Evans on the Princeton Dcuiocrat. where he stayed
for a year, and from that time until 1878 he was a sort of journeyman
printer, being employed on papers in \arious towns. In the year above men-
tioned, he settled in Oakland City, Indiana, where, on September 19, 1880,
he was united in marriage to Alice M. Dickson, of Center township, Gil)Son
county, a daughter of John and Catherine (Elliott) Dickson, who died in
1859. During the Civil war he served as a private in Company D, Fifty-
eighth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, having enlisted at Princeton.
After the war he took up his old residence in Center township, later going
to Illinois. However, he did not long remain there and returned to GiI)son
county, dying at Francisco in 1896. They were the parents of three chil-
dren: Sarah, who is Airs. James Woods, of Princeton: Mrs. Stewart, wife
of the subject of this sketch, and Margaret, deceased.
Mr. Stewart has continued to reside in Oakland City since first going
there l)efore his marriage and is a jjlasterer liy trade, lie has also from time
to time (lone some newspajier work. .Mr. and Mrs. Stewart originally, had
7l6 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. .
three sons and one daughter who died in infancy. The eldest son gave his
hfe to his country during the Spanish-American war. This was Raymond
T., born October 8, 1881. He received his education in the home schools and
in November, 1898, enlisted in Company D, Twelfth Regiment Regular
United States .Vrmy. He was a musician, a cornet player. He was sent di-
rect to the Philippines and was in the battle of San Fernando Angeles. He
contracted dysentery in a very bad form, was taken to the hospital on August
9th and remained there until January 2nd following. He was returned to
the United States and died on February 18, 1900, at Presidio, California.
The remains were returned to Oakland City and interred in Montgomery
cemetery. Mattie, the daughter, born May 18, 1883, died August 27, 1883.
Maxwell D., the second son, was born June 2, 1884, and was educated in the
schools of his native town. He has always been employed by the Nordyke
& Mannon Company at Indianapolis and resides there. He married Georgia
Cooper and they have two children, Elenore and Charles. The third son,
Donald W'., was born July 23, 1893. He attended the grade and high schools
at home and is now on the road for the Fairbanks-Morse Company of In-
dianapolis, selling their gasoline engines.
Mr. Stewart is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic at Oak-
land City and his religious afifiliation is with the Christian church, while politi-
cally he is a stalwart supporter of the Democratic party. Fraternally, he is a
member of Oakland City Lodge No. 467, Free and Accepted Masons. He
is very well known throughout the county as a man whose principles of living
are such as to win for him the high regard of all. He is a man who keeps
well posted on current events and is considered one of the best impromptu
speakers in Gibson county. During the years of his residence here, he has
made manv warm friends, which is a fitting tribute to a man's genuine worth.
ISAAC L. MOUNTS.
Too much honor cannot be given to the boys in blue who fought through
the long and bloody struggle in the sixties. When they heard their country's
call they forsook their ordinary vocations, enrolled under the stars and
stripes, and with patriotic fervor and enthusiasm braved all the dangers of
the battlefield in order that our beloved flag might continue to wave from the
lakes to the gulf. The sacrifices they made cannot be calculated, the dangers
they encountered cannot be computed, and yet they were never found unwill-
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 717
ing to do their full duty. The homage of a grateful peojile is theirs and we
delight to accord them all the praise so justly due them. Among the few
veterans who are left in Gibson county none are more deserving of a worthy
place in this volume than the gallant old soldier whose name heads this sketch.
Isaac L. Mounts, one of the best known pioneer citizens of Gibson
county, was born three miles south of Owensville, August 14, 1839. the son
of Garrard and Martha (Montgomery) Mounts. Garrard Mounts, a native
of Kentuck)-, migrated to this state in early life and settled on land near Black
River, three miles south of Owensville. Mr. and IMrs. Garrard Alounts died
several years ago. They were the parents of twelve children : Mrs. Nancy
Emerson, deceased ; Mrs. Almira Redman, deceased : Wesley, deceased ;
Smith, deceased; Mrs. Elizabeth Trible, who is still living; Eliza Ellen, de-
ceased; Parmelia, deceased; John D.. deceased; Isaac L.. the immediate sub-
ject of this sketch ; Mrs. Martisha Redman ; Indiana, and one child who died
in infancy.
Isaac L. Mounts spent his boyhood da}-s on the farm and receixed what
meager schooling the district schools of the township afforded. At the open-
ing of the Civil war he heard his country's call and responded with all the
enthusiasm of youth, throwing his fortunes in with the thousands of young
men who were ready to endure all dangers for their country's sake. He
enlisted in Company F, Fifty-eighth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry,
on November 25, 1862. His company was attached to the Army of the
West and immediately after his enlistment he was transferred to Tennessee,
where he participated in the setond day's battle of Shiloh. It is not possible
in this connection to detail all the fights and ■skirmishes through which the
gallant Fifty-eighth fought. Among the more important engagements in
which Mr. Mounts was a participant were Shiloh. Chickamauga, Chatta-
nooga, Missionary Ridge, Stone's River and the siege of Kudwille. At
Knoxville his company was organized into a pontoon train, and from that
time until the end of the war they were building bridges and doing guard
duty. After joining the pontoon brigade he engaged in no more battles,
serving as a non-commissioned corporal from that time until the close of the
war. He was mustered out at Indianapolis July 25. 1865. It is interesting
to note at this place that the history of the Fifty-eighth Indiana Regiment has
been compiled bv Colonel Gil R. Stormont. of Princeton, the editor of this
work.
After the close of the war Mr. Mounts returned to his hnmc in Gibson
countv. He had gone through the whole war without being wounded or
/lo GIBSON COUNTYj INDIANA.
having his health impaired, proof of which is evidenced by his good health
at the present time. The fifty years which have elapsed since the close of the
war have been spent in agricultural pursuits in this county, where he has
brought his farm to a high state of cultivation. He is a verv quiet, pleasant
and unassuming man, keen of memory and progressive in his methods of
business.
Mr. Mounts was married January i, 187 1, to Sarah E. Pritchett, the
daughter of Elijah and Elizabeth (Rutledge) Pritchett, and to this union
has been born one son, John, who is unmarried and li\'es at home with his
parents; Ada, deceased: and Jessie, deceased.
Mr. Mounts is a man who by his own unaided efforts has worked his
way from a modest beginning to a position of influence in his community.
Plis life throughout his whole career has been one of unceasing industry and
perseverance and the systematic and honorable methods which he has fol-
lowed have won for him the unbounded confidence of his fellow citizens of
Gibson, whose interests he has ever had at heart. His career presents a
notable example of those qualities of mind and character which have e\-er
overcome obstacles and won success, and his example is eminently worthy of
imitation.
ROBERT A. ALLEN.
Among the men who have led an eminently active and useful life in this
county for the past fifty years the name of Robert A. Allen is prominent as
one who has been identified with the life of the community in which he has
lived. His career is that of an able and conscientious worker and his friends
know him as a man of tireless industry and unafraid to carry out his convic-
tions. As a man of high integrity and genial, affable nature, he has won
countless friends among the good people of his locality, where he has lived
so many years.
Robert A. Allen, the son of John and Letitia (Cook) Allen, was born in
Gibson county, Indiana, on May 15, 1863. John .Mien was born in Ireland
in 1824 and it was there that he met and wooed the girl who became his wife,
who was born in 1825. They came to America in 185 1, landing at New
Orleans and later moved to Princeton, where they remained for about ten
years. They then moved to a farm in this county, just west of Princeton,
known as the "Cherry Grove" farm, which they operated for about ten years.
GIBSON COrNTV. INDIANA. J IQ
after which they moved on the farm where Mr. .\Ilen now lives. John Allen
died on December q, 1899, and his wife followed him to the other land on
April 3, 1909. Mr. and Mrs. John Allen were the parents of a large family
of eight children: Mrs. Catherine Spnnv, who lives near Douglas Station;
Andrew D., who resides in .Mton, Missouri: Mrs. T.etitia A. Lathro]), of
Princeton: Mrs. Mary J. Knowles. who lives in Nebraska: Thomas, a farmer
in this county: Mrs. Rebecca Schlamp. whose hu.sl)and is a farmer in tliis
county: Robert A., and James, who lives on a farm in Patoka townshi]).
Robert A. Allen received the be.st education afforded liy tlie district
schools of his neighborhood and spent his childhood and early manhood
working on the home farm. He has devoted his whole life to agricultural
pursuits and has met with success commensurate with his efforts. lie is
practical and methodical in his labors and gives his personal attention to every
detail of his farm work with the result that he has an enviable standing in
the community because of his ability and success in his chosen \ocation. In
addition to the raising of grain and fruits, he also gives some attention to
the breeding and raising of Ii\e stock, which he has found to be a ijrolitable
source of income. His farm of sixty-six and two-thirds acres is well im-
proved in every respect. His substantial and attractive residence, com-
modious and well arranged barns and well kept fences all l)ear evidence to
the wise discrimination and excellent taste of their owner.
Robert A. Allen was married March 22. 1900. to Rosa Laib, daughter
of Lewis and Sophia (Blessing) Laib. Lewis Laib was born in Baltimore,
Maryland, and it was there that he met his future wife. They came to Gibson
county, Indiana, in 1857 and he has been a farmer in this county during
all these years and is still living on his farm of one hundred and fifty-five
acres near Princeton. His wife died January 7. 1914, and is luiricd in the
Odd Fellows cemetery at Princeton. Mr. and Mrs. Laib were the parents of
ten children : Edward, of Jackson, Tennessee : Jacob, of Evansville, Indiana ;
Rosa, wife of Mr. Allen: John, of Princeton, Indiana: Sophia, who lives
at home with her father : Louis, who resides on his father's farm : Joseph, of
Princeton; William, deceased September 18, 1897: Mrs. Maggie Park and
Mrs. Nellie Bruce. Mr. and Mrs. Allen are the parents of three children,
William L., Floyd R. and Hazel. Mrs. Allen is a lady of many kindly graces
of head and heart, who has by her kindliness of manner and excellent fjualities
endeared herself to a large circle of friends.
Mr. Allen gives his ardent support to the Republican party and takes a
deep interest in public affairs, although he is not in any sense a seeker after
720 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
public office. He and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist
Episcopal church, Hights Chapel, and take an active part in supporting all
worthy movements which have for their object the welfare of their fellow
citizens. Mr. Allen has never shrunk from his duties as a citizen and his
obligations to the church, his neighbors and friends. To him home life has
been a sacred trust and nothing has happened which could swerve him from
the path of rectitude and honor. He easily wins friends and always retains
them and enjoys a marked degree of popularity in the county where so many
of his active years have been spent.
THOMAS WARK.
Though many years have passed since the subject of this sketch passed
from the life militant to the life triumphant, he is still favorably remembered
by many of the older residents of Gibson county, and because of his many
excellent personal qualities and the splendid and definite influence which his
life shed over the entire community in which he lived many years, it is par-
ticularly consistent that specific mention should be made of him in a work
containing mention of the representative persons of the county. A man of
high moral character, unimpeachable integrity, persistent industry and ex-
cellent business judgment, he stood "four square to every wind that blows,"
and throughout the community he occupied an enviable position among his
fellow men.
Thomas Wark was born July 12, iSii, in the township of Orbeg,
county Donegal, Ireland, and died August 25, 1895, ^t Fort Branch, Gibson
county, Indiana, at the age of eighty-four. He was a son of Joseph and
Martha Wark. An ancestor of the subject removed from Scotland to Ire-
land and received a grant of land from the British government. According
to the best information, this was about two hundred years ago, and the
descendants of this an-cestor have continued to hold this same land.
In 1832 Thomas Wark emigrated to America, landing at New Orleans
and, coming up the Mississippi and the Ohio rivers, located at or near
Evansville, Indiana, where for some years he was engaged in trading alone
the river in eggs, chickens and produce. He later purchased land in Gibson
county and farmed for some years. He had three brothers and one sister,
the sister now being the wife of Joseph McClay. Stephen and Joseph en-
ISABELLA IRWIN.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 72 1
listed on the Union side during the Civil war, Joseph having been a member
of the Home Guard during the famous ^lorgan raids. Stephen, who had
previously engaged in farming in Illinois, went t.> the front from tliat state,
but Thomas, the immediate subject of this review, was in such a poor state of
health that he could not enter the service of his country, much to his regret.
Aliout the close of the Ci\'il war Thomas Wark moved to I'ort Branch and
made it his home the rest of his days, selling his farm and building an elegant
modern residence in the town, which is now occupied bv his grand-nieces,
the Misses Irwin.
During his lifetime the subject made several trips to the i-"nierald Isle,
and on his first visit brought with him on his return Isabella Irwin, daughter
of his sister Isabella. She made her home with him and was of great comfort
and help to the subject in the declining years of his life. On a later visit to
his native land Mr. Wark brought back with him a grand-niece, the grand-
daughter of his sister, Isabella Irwin, the child l^eing but four and one-half
years of age when she arrived in this country. She received a good education
in the schools of Fort Branch and is now occu])ying the Wark residence, her
]jarents having been John and Euiiheiiie ( Fawcett) Irwin, and her given
name Elizabeth.
]\Irs. Isabella Irwin came to join her sister in tiie summer of iS(;8 and
still resides with her. The Irwin sisters are faithful members of the Metho-
dist church and are charming and cultured ladies. They possess a beautiful
home and have a splendid library and their social acti\ities are confined to the
most refined circles of their community.
Mr. Wark was a Republican and very stanch in bis political views. He
cast his first vote for William Henry Harrison and his last vote for Benjanu'n
Harrison.
JOHN A. SPEXCF.
In examining the life records of self-made men it will invariably be
found that indefatigable industry has constituted the basis of their success.
Of course there are other elements which enter into and conserve the advance-
ment of personal interest, but the foundation of all true success is earnest.
persistent endeavor. John A. Spence, the sul^ject of this sketch, is one of
those self-made men who has achieved his success only by liringing to bear
those sterling qualities of strict honest\- and ujirightness which are sure to
(46)
722 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
bring success Starting in life with practically nothinsf. he has by his own
unaided efforts, won a very comfortable competence, and now lives in a fine
home surrounded by all the modern conveniences of life.
John A. Spence, the son of Gabriel and Martha (McWilliams) Spence,
was born in Gibson county, March 6, 1861. His father was a native of
Ireland and his mother Avas born in Gibson county, Indiana. Early in life
he was a steamboat man on the Hudson river in New York, but later came
to Indiana and settled in this county, where he married. To Gabriel Spence
and wife were born five children: John A., the immediate subject of this
sketch; Mrs. Emily Finney, who lives at Princeton, Indiana; James M., de-
ceased; Jennie, who lives with her mother in Princeton, and Mrs. Cora
Halfaker, who lives in Missouri. Mrs. Gabriel Spence, the mother of the
subject, is still living in Princeton, her husband having died in July, 1901.
John A. Spence was educated in the district schools of Gibson county
and worked on his father's farm until he was twenty years of age. On the
day before he was twenty years of age he was married to Lottie E. Lock-
hart, the daughter of William and Minerva (Burton) Lockhart. Mr. Lock-
hart was a native of Ireland, while his wife was born in Indiana. To Mr.
and Mrs. Lockhart were born seven children.
Mr. and Mrs. Spence started out in life with only one asset, in addition
to their own good common sense and ability to work. This was a trotting
mare, and they still have the old mare, now twenty-eight years of age. After
their marriage they bought eighty acres of land two miles and a half south-
cast of Princeton, where they now live, and went into debt for all of it. How-
e\-er, bv hard work and good management they succeeded in paying for this
farm many years ago. Mrs. Spence has contributed no little to the succcess
of the family and deserves an equal share of credit with her husband for
their splendid home which they now enjoy. They have a. fine, new modern
house and all the conveniences of a city home. In addition to a general sys-
tem of farming, Mr. Spence deals in blooded horses and also raises a con-
siderable amount of hogs and milch cows.
Mr. and Mrs. Spence have reared an interesting family of five children,
all of whom are still under the parental roof: Bertha, born September 8,
1892; Lester, born August 7, 1894; James, born- November 22, 1895 ; Robert,
born March 2, 1898, and Walter, born March 4, 1900.
Politically, Mr. Spence is an adherent of the Republican party, but has
never sought any public office at the hands of his party. He and his family
are loyal members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church in Princeton, and
GIBSON COrXTV, IXDIANA. 723
contribute liberally to the support of that denomination. Fraternally, Mr.
Spence is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He is regarded
by all as one of the representative and progressive men of his county, and
has been a man of tireless energy and strong courage and thus has won and
holds the unqualified esteem of his fellow citizens. He is known as one of
the most active citizens in his agricultural and stock raising interests, and his
labors have been a potent force in making this county known throughout the
state for its excellent farms. His success can be attributed to his untiring
energy and the exercise of the ordinary qualities nf common sense, persever-
ance and sterling integrity.
RICHARD M. PARRETT.
One of the old and distinguished families of Gibson county, Indiana,
which has left its impress upon the material and moral life of the county is
the Parrett family. Robert Parrett came from England to America in 1814.
He was born, reared and married in his native country and his oldest daugh-
ter, Mary Anne, was born on board ship on the voyage to this country. The
ship in which they came to this country was called the "Mary Anne" hence
the name of the first born daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Parrett were the
parents of ten children, only one of whom, Eva. is now living. These chil-
dren in order of their birth, are as follows : Mary .Anne; John \\'., Ijorn 1818,
who was a circuit-rider Methodist minister, farmer, lawyer and justice of the
peace, and died in 1913, at the age of ninety-five; Richard M., decea.sed 1908;
William P., who was judge for thirty years and a member of Congress for
the Evansville district; Robert, was an attorney of Lagrange, Indiana; he
was a major in the One Hundredth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, and was
killed during a windstorm while at the front, a tree falling across his tent.
He was brought back to his native state for burial ; Mrs. Martha Rolierts ;
Mrs. Sarah Reed, who was the wife of Rev. Hiram Reed, and lived at Evans-
ville (he was at one time the pastor of the Englewood Methodist Episcopal
church at Evansville, Indiana) ; Jane, who married Alva Johnson, an attorney
of Evansville ; Joseph was also a resident of Evansville ; Eva. the only child
of the ten living, married Union Bethel, of Newburg, Indiana, and is now
past eighty years of age.
Robert Parrett, the father of Richard Parrett. the subject of this sketch,
landed in New York on his way from England and went overland to Pitts-
724
GIBSON COUNTY,
burgh, Pennsylvania, and thence down the Ohio river to Cincinnati, Ohio.
From thence he traveled overland to about fifty miles east of Vincennes, Indi-
ana, where he remained for about a year. He then located near Blairsville,
in Posey county, this state, where he lived for two or three years, after which
he moved to Evansville, Indiana. Here he entered a large tract of land in
the upper part of what is now Evansville, and he and his sons burned the brick
and built the first Methodist Episcopal church in that city. He was a local
preacher of that denomination and always took a great deal of interest in the
establishment of new Methodist churches and was more or less of a circuit-
riding preacher all of his life. He was one of the Methodists wlio was instru-
mental in establishing Asbury College at Greencastle, this state, now known
as DePauw University.
Richard M. Parrett, the immediate sul^ject of this sketch, received his
earlv training in the district schools of ^''anderburg county, this state, and
later with his brother. John, he attended Asbury College at Greencastle.
While they were in attendance at Asbury College they wished to come home
for vacation, so they walked from Greencastle to Terre Haute, and then took
a little boat to Mt. Carmel, and from thence they again walked to Evansville
to spend the vacation between tenns. After Richard had finished his educa-
tion, he and his brother, William P., went overland to Oregon. Both the
brothers were married at this time, and took their wives with them on the
long trip to the far west in 1S42, and both of their wives died in that state.
William Parrett only stayed a short time in Oregon, but Richard remained
and taught the Indians for some time. He received an appointment from the
government as governor of the Indian agency and remained there for two
years among the Indians. He then returned to Indiana and married a second
time. Upon his return to this state he settled in Evansville and engaged in
the manufacture of brick and later his father and his mother's father helped
him to buy a farm at Patoka, in Gibson county. He dro\'e through from
Evansville to his new home, his wife and son making the trip on the train,
being among the first passengers to make the trip on the new railroafl, which
onlv ran as far north as White river. He resided on this farm from 1853
until 1862, when he sold it and moved to Henry county, Indiana, where he
settled on a farm near Dunreith. After a residence of two }-ears in Henry
county, he sold out and liought a farm south of Princeton, this county, and
three years later he traded this tract for a farm north of Patoka, where his
son, Charles, now lives. He continued to reside on this farm until he sold
it to his son and removed to Patoka, where his death occurred in 1898, his
GIDSON COl'NTV, INDIANA. 7^5
wife surviving liini ten years. Richartl ]\[. Parrett was twice married. His
first wife died in Oregon during his stay in that state. His second wife was
Anna Ehza Htidelson. of (jibson county, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James
Hudelson, whom he met while coming home for his vacation from Asliury
College, where he was attending school. There were two children by the first
marriage, both of whom are deceased. By the second marriage there were
six children who li\ed to maturity: Riil)ert X., Ijorn in Evansville. December
3, 1849; Estclla, who married Willnugiiby W'ithersponn, and lives in Indian-
apolis; Frank H., a farmer living near Oakland City: William F., a hanker
of Patoka, Indiana; Charles K., who is living on the old hciniestead near
Patoka; and Bessie, the wife of E. H. Jenne, of Creencastle, Indiana.
R. N. Parrett received his education in the primitive schools of his
county, his first school house being a log structure at Miller's Station. Later
he attended school at Patoka, and when his parents moved to Henry Cdunty,
this state, he was in school during their residence there. Upon their return
to Gibson county, he entered the Gorley school south of Princeton and other
schools in his township. He finished his education by taking a course in the
normal school at Lebanon. Ohio. After finishing his schooling he went into
the sawmill business and continued to follo^v this occupation in Patoka and
White River townships for the next thirty years. He was \-ery successful in
this business and accumulated a very comfortable competence, and in 1900
he bought a half interest in the Princeton Light and Power Company. In 1901
he moved to Princeton and has continued to reside in that place since. The
Princeton Light and Power Company was incorporated in 1893 ^^'th a capital
stock of one hundred thousand dollars. At the present time H. C. Barr is
president: John AL Parrett, secretary and treasurer, and R. X. Parrett, super-
intendent. In 1890, R. X"'. Parrett helped to organize the Farmers Bank at
Princeton, and he has been connected with this financial institution since the
date of its organization until charter expired. He is also a director in the
People's X^ationai Bank of Princeton, and helped organize the Princeton Tele-
phone Company, of which he is now president. He was alsn at one time
connected with the Hazleton bank, but disposed of his interests there in order
to devote more time to his interests in Princeton.
R. X^. Parrett was twice married, his first wife being Maria dcirley, of
Patoka township, whose death occurred in 1872, leaving two sons, John M..
of Princeton, who is secretary-treasurer of the Princeton Light and Power
Company. John married Xettie Berger. The other son by the first marriage
is Fred R., who is manager of the Princeton Independent Tcleiibone Com-
726 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
pany. He married Cora Caterjohn. R. N. Parrett's second wife was Nancy
E. Little, of Patoka, Indiana, the daughter of Robert and (Hartin)
Little, and to this union there have been born eight children : Mable, the wife
of L. K. Redman, who is now general agent for the Chicago & Eastern
Illinois Railroad Compan}^, which has headc(uarters at Terre Haute, Indiana;
Nell, deceased, March, 1914, who married Arthur Book, shoe merchant of
Princeton; Richard R., who is now with his father; Jessie, deceased; Mary,
who is still at home ; AVilliam Fletcher, who is connected with the Chicago &
Eastern Illinois Railroad Company at Terre Haute; Morton Chester, who is
attending the high school at Princeton, and Catherine, also attending school.
R. N. Parrett has been a life-long Republican, but has ne\'er been a
seeker after any political office. His extensive business interests have ab-
sorbed all of his time and attention and he has never felt that he had the time
to indulge in the game of politics. He is a consistent member of the Meth-
odist Episcopal church at Princeton, and for many years has been a trustee in
the church. Mr. Parrett is a man of excellent endowments and U])right char-
acter and has been a valued factor in local affairs in Gibson county for many
years He has ever commanded the entire confidence and esteem of his fel-
low citizens and has been vigilant in his efforts to further the interests of his
city and county along material, moral and civic lines.
WILLIAM A. WHITSITT.
One of the enterprising and successful farmers of Gibson county, who
has succeeded in his chosen vocation through his courage, persistency and
good management is William A. Whitsitt, who comes from a distinguished
family of this county. He has not only attained to a definite degree of suc-
cess in agricultural pursuits, but at the same time he has stood for those
things which make for the benefit of the community in which he lives, and
for this reason is one well Avorthy of mention in a biographical volume of this
nature.
William A. Whitsitt, the son of William B. and Margaret (McClure)
Whitsitt, was born on July 15, 1880, in Princeton, Gibson county, Indiana,
both his parents also being natives of this county. His father, William B..
still resides with his son on the old home farm. His mother's death occurred
January 14, 1908. William B. Whitsitt has followed the occupation of a
GIBSON COrXTV, INDIANA. ~ IJ
farmer all his life and is one of the most successful and highly respected
old veterans in the county. At the time our country was in danger during
the Civil war, he enlisted and went to the front with the Tenth Regiment of
Indiana Volunteer Cavalry and served for about one year and a half, being
mustered out in June, 1S65, at Vicksburg, Mississippi. Immediately after
the close of the war he returned to Gibson county, and in 1869 he was mar-
ried to Margaret McClure, the daughter of Joseph and Catherine N. (Devine)
McClure, and to this union were born four children : Samuel C, Joseph P.
and Anna B., who are all deceased, William A., the immediate sul)ject of
this sketch, being the only surviving child.
William A. Whitsitt was given the best education which the district
schools of this county afforded at that time, and while he was attending
school, he put in all of his spare time working on his father's farm. He is
now the owner of a fine farm near Princeton, which he has brought to a higli
state of cultivation, and his ninety-three acres is one of the highest priced
tracts in the county. Here he raises all the crops common to this locality and
in addition is a breeder of pedigreed Holstein cattle. His farm is well equip-
ped with all modern machinery and agricultural accessories and he also has
a fine home and excellent barn and other outbuildings. He keeps abreast of
the times in every way and is looked upon as one of the most progressive
young farmers of this locality.
Mr. Whitsitt was married January 29, 1903, to Leafy L. Myers, the
daughter of Aaron and Hannah S. (Cole) Myers. Aaron Myers is a native
of Gibson county, while liis wife was bom in Vanderburg county, this state.
Mr. and Mrs. Whitsitt are the parents of four children: Helen F.. born
August 6, 1905: William E., born March 6, 1907: Robert F., born March 15,
1909, and Wayne A., born Fel)ruary 11, 1912. All of these children were
born in Gibson county except William, who was bom in Lawrence county,
Illinois.
The father of \^'■illiam A. \\'hitsitt i<; residing wnlli him on the farm,
as is the mother of Mrs. Whitsitt. Both father and son have always voted
the Republican ticket until the fall of 1912, when they cast their lot with the
new Progressive party. All the members of the family are adherents of the
Methodist Episcopal church at Princeton, and are interested in its various
activities. William B. Whitsitt is a charter member of the Grand Army of
the Republic Post No. 28, at Princeton.
William A. Whitsitt is a quiet and unassuming man, who has never had
zxv\ ambition for public oflfice, but has contributed according to his means
728 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
to the civic and moral advancement of his community, while his admirable
daily life has won for him the respect and confidence of the circles in which
he moves. He and his wife have a large circle of friends who admire them
for their hearty hospitality and wholesome influence in the community where
they reside. They are friends to the poor and charitable to the faults of
their neighbors and always stand ready to unite with their fellow citizens in
every good work.
CYRUS N. ESKEW.
The science of agriculture — for it is a science as well as an art — finds an
able demonstrator as well as successful practitioner in the person of Cyrus N.
Eskew, who is widely known in Gibson county, maintaining a \-ery productive
and desirable farm in Patoka township. ?Ie comes of a very highly lionored
pioneer family, members of which ha\'e played well their parts in the general
development of this favored section of the great Indiana commonwealth.
Cyrus N. Eskew was born on February 5, 1857, in Boone township,
Warrick county, Indiana, the son of John and Annie (Carter) Eskew, both
born and raised near Bowling Green, Kentucky. John Eskew came to In-
diana in early manhood with his parents, James Eskew and wife, who ob-
tained a wild tract of land in Boone township, Warrick county, to the clear-
ing and cultivation of which they devoted their sole attention. James Eskew
followed farming throughout his active life, and was a man of sound princi-
ples, persistent industry and genuine worth. John Eskew was reared on the
paternal farm in Warrick county, and had but little opportunity to go to
school, his early years lieing required in the strenuous labor of the frontier
farm. However, he was ambitious to secure an education, and by hard and
persistent home study he became a well-informed man. After his marriage
he acquired a tract of land adjoining his father's farm, which, when cleared,
developed into a splendid farm. In the spring of 1869 he located near Oak-
land City, Gibson county, where he lived until his death, which occurred in
January, 191 1. His wife had died many years before, passing away in
i860. For his second wife he married Mrs. Martha J. Wakeland, the widow
of Samuel Wakeland, who is now living near Oakland Cit_\'. By his first
wife John Eskew is the father of the following children: Delia C, who died
in March, 1912, was the wife of Daniel Tracer, a farmer in Gibson county;
Julia Ann, also deceased, was the wife of Shedrick Parker, a Gibson county
farmer; Thomas B., who is a farmer in Warrick county, Indiana, married
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. "29
Melinda Robismi; Cyrus, tlic iinmcilialc subject of tliis sketcli ; Jasper, a
farmer at I'Vancisco. Tu John liskew's second marriage were l)()rn four
children, namely: Sylvester, deceased; Sarah J., the wife of William Collins,
a farmer near Oakland City: John Franklin, a farmer near Oakland City,
who married Mattie Spore, ami Emma, the wife of James llarl)iscMi, who
lives near Francisco.
Cyrus X. Eskew had 1)ut little iip])ortunities for securing an education
and remained untlcr the itarental roof until nineteen years of age. lie then
began farming on his own account near Patoka, but four years later mo\ed
to Patoka and there followed agricultural pursuits for a like period. Mr.
Eskew maintained his residence in Patoka until 1888, when he moved to
King's Station. Indiana, where he rented land and farmed for eighteen
years. .\t the end of this period he liought the sixty-four acre tract on which
he now lives and also forty-three and one-half acres in another tract, and has
since given his attention to its operation. He has also for the past three \ears
been engaged in the grain and coal lousiness at King's Station, in which he
has met with pronounced success, his treatment of his customers being such as
to retain their friendship and patronage. By his persistent efforts and good
management ^Nlr. Eskew has been enabled to gain a distinctive success in the
various lines of effort to wdiich he has applied himself and won a large fol-
lowing of warm and loyal friends since locating in Gibson countx'.
On December 14, 1882, Mr. Eskew married Mary C. Harris, who was
born in Patoka, the daughter of John Wesley and Hannah ( Key^ Harris, the
father born in 1833, near Chattanooga, and the mother a native of Gibson
county, Indiana. John W. Harris came to Gibson count}- in i860, settling in
Patoka, where he followed the trade of carpentry. Mr. Harris was a mem-
ber of the Baptist church, his wife holding meml)ership in the .Methodist
Episcopal church. The Harris famil}- has for many >-ears been pronn'nent in
the various localities where its members have lived, and was among the early
settlers of Harrisburg, Dauphin county, Pennsylvania. Prior to her mar-
riage to Mr. Harris, Mrs. Flarris was the wife of William Johnson, of
Patoka, and to them were born three children, Alice Melinda, the wife of
William Stermer, of Patoka. Lizzie Etter, the wife of Newton Etter, and
Charles, who died in 1912. To Mr. and Airs, Harris were born the following
children: Mary C. (Mrs. Eskew): Fannie, the wit'e of John Jones, of
Patoka; John, who has been a member of the fire department of Memphis.
Tennessee, for several years, married Kate Burbank: Frank, of Indianapolis,
a traveling salesman, married Pearl Hitch: Nora is the wife of Preston Mil-
730 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
burn, of Patoka; Wallace, a grain dealer of Patoka, married Stella Trippert,
and Minnie, who died in early youth. To Mr. and Mrs. Eskew have been
born two children, Estella M., the wife of Arch Whittaker, a farmer at King's
Station, and they have two children, Mary Helen and John L. ; Marjorie
Geraldine is at home with her parents. Estella, who graduated from the
Princeton high school with the class of 1903, was a teacher for three years.
Mr. Eskew has always taken a deep interest in educational matters and has
served efficiently as school director at King's Station, and as a stanch Repub-
lican he has always been active in the support of his political party. He and
his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which they
give earnest support. They are well known throughout the community and
enjoy the friendship and esteem of all who know them.
PRESTON MILBURN.
The following is the sketch of a plain, honest man of affairs, whp by
correct methods and a strict regard for the interests of his patrons has made
his influence felt in Patoka and won for himself distinctive prestige in the
Inisiness circles of that city. He would be the last man to sit for romance or
become the subject of fancy sketches, nevertheless his life presents much that
is interesting and valuable and may be studied with profit by the young,
whose careers are yet to be achieved. He is one of those whose integrity and
strength of character must force them into an admirable notoriety which
their modesty never seeks, who command the respect of their contemporaries
and their posterity and leave the impress of their individuality deeply stamped
upon the community.
Preston Milburn, a successful merchant and prominent citizen of Patoka,
was born in Lynn county, Missouri, on May i, 1867, the son of Captain
x^ugusta and Belle (Devin) Milburn. The father was born on the old Mil-
burn homestead in Gibson county, Indiana, on December 23, 1838, and the
mother was born in Gibson county about 1841 on the old Tichenor homestead.
The father was a farmer, and was a veteran of the Civil war, having served
as captain of Company C, Fifty-eighth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry,
in which he saw service from 1861 to 1865. At the battle of Missionary
Ridge he was severely wounded, the bullet striking his nose and passed
through his face and right jaw, coming out through the neck. He was in the
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 73I
battle of Shiloh and all the other important battles in which the I'ifty-eisbth
Regiment took part.
He received his education in the public scho(jls at Patoka, and in iS66
the family went to Missouri. In 1874 they returned to Gibson count>-, where
he followed farming up to the la.st few years, when he retired frmn active
labor and his death occurred in August, 1907. His wife 'lied in iSycj. They
were the parents of five children, of whom, Preston, the subject of this sketch,
was the first born, the others being Alexander D., deceased; Harvey; Sue, the
wife of Oscar Witherspoon ; and Mary, the wife of D. R. Trippett, of Mem-
phis, Tennessee.
Preston Milburn, after completing his education in the common schools,
engaged in teaching for five years in White River township, and then for
some time was employed as clerk in a store at Patoka. On May i, 1897. he
became postmaster of Patoka, in which position he served for eleven consecu-
tive years, giving eminent satisfaction not only to patrons of the office but to
the postoffice department. Since March 10, 1904, Mr. Milburn has been en-
gaged in the general mercantile business in Patoka, he and his brother, .Alex-
ander D., buying the property from F. A. White. Eventually his brother died,
February 27, 1910, and the subject has since conducted the business on his
own account. He has been very successful in his enterprise and has also
acquired the ownership of a farm of three hundred and forty-fi\e acres of
bottom land in White River township, which has proven a comfortable source
of income.
On June 10, 1896, Preston Milburn married \nra Harris, the daughter
of J. W. and Hannah ITarris, of Patoka, and to them have been born three
children : Alexander, Almyra and Josephine.
Politically, Mr. Milburn has been a life-long Republican, and lias taken a
deep interest in the success of his party. Religiously, he is affiliated with the
ATethodist Episcopal church to which he gives earnest support. Fraternally,
he is affiliated with the Alodern Woixlmen of .\nierica and tiie Free and
Accepted Alasons at Patoka. His career has e\cr been an honoralile one. his
relations to his fellowmen have always been above reproach, and his good
name beyond criticism. He wears the proud American title of "self-made
man" and being in the most Htera! sen.se of the term the architect of his own
fortune, he may well feel a sense of pride in his achievement and *^" honor-
able position to which he has attained among the enterprising citizens o" ■^he
county, in which the busy years of his active life have been passed.
"^■^2 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
W. H. LOWERY.
specific mention is made of many of the ^\■orthy citizens of Gibson
county within the pages of this book, citizens who have figured in the growth
and development of this favored locahty and whose interests are identified
with its every phase of progress, each contributing in his sphere of action to
the well-being of the community in which he resides and to the advancement
of its normal and legitimate growth. Among this number is he whose name
appears above, peculiar interest attaching to his career from the fact that his
entire useful and busy life has been spent within the borders of this county.
W. H. Lowery, who is conducting a prosperous and successful meat
market in Oakland City, Indiana, is a native son of the old Hoosier state,
having been born in Washington county, Indiana, on January 24, 1858. His
parents, John A. and Mary J. (Harmon) Lowery, were also natives of
Washington county, where in early life the father followed farming. Later
he located near Fredericksburg, in the same county, and engaged in the mer-
cantile business. About thirty-three years ago he came to Gibson county and
located in Oakland City where he engaged in mercantile business until about
two years prior to his death, which occurred in 1906 at Somerville, this
county. He was survived about four years by his widow, who died in 1910.
She was a member of the Christian church for over sixty years, and was one
of exemplary character and excellent qualities of head and heart, retaining
to a marked degree the love and respect of all who knew her. To Mr. and
Mrs. Lowerv were born five children : James Franklin, of Washington
county, Indiana: W. H., the immediate subject of this sketch; Henry T., de-
ceased; H. P., of Mt. Carmel, Illinois; and Carrie, the wife of Walter
Downey, of Francisco, Gibson county.
W. H. Lowery attended the public schools of his home neighborhood in
Washington county, and was reared to the life of a farmer, which pursuit he
followed for a number of years. About two years after his father came to
Gibson countv, the subject followed him, and here engaged in farming and
teaming for four or five years. About twenty-five years ago he established
his present meat market, in which enterprise he was successful from the start,
and for a number of years has been the leader of his line in his community.
He does much of his own butchering and keeps none but the very best grades
of meat, and this fact, together with his courtesy, and evident desire to please
his customers, has retained for him a large and representative patronage.
On October 2, 1879, Mr. Lowery married Isabella iMcKinster, of Wash-
ciBsox c•()^■^•r^■. ixdiaxa. j^t,
ington county, Indiana, and to them have l)ccn hdrn tour children: lunma,
the wife of Elwood Burkhardt, of Oai<]and City; !•".. I'., of Oakland City:
Lydia. the wife of Lennic Siple. of Oakland City; and Masel. of this place.
Politically, Mr. Lowery is a stanch supporter of the Republican i)arty,
although he has been too busy a man to seek public office. His fraternal
affiliations are with the Modern Woodmen of America, while religiously he is
a member of the General Baptist church at Oakland City. He has always
been interested in the public and ci\ic affairs of the community, and has
identified himself with business affairs aside from his market, being a director
in the First National Bank, and giving his support to e\'ery movement calcu-
lated to advance the best interests of the community. Genial-'and unassum-
ing in his relations_ with his fellowmen, he is deservedly po])ular. and ranks
among the leading citizens of Oakland City.
ABSALOM VEAGER.
The gentleman whose name open this review long occu])ied an eminent
and enviable standing in the county where he so long made his home, and he
preserved to an unusually large degree the confidence and respect of the
people with whom he had so long been associated. His standing was not
acquired by him because of the influence of wealth, or original social position,
or the aid of influential friends, but was honestly earned and richly merited
by his own inherent worth: by the possession of those traits of cliaracter which
have always found expression in a life de\'oted to the welfare of his own
home circle and to the ]irogress and ad\ancement of the comnuuiit\- wiili
which he was so closely connected. Perhaps his dominant and most notable
diaracteristic was fidelity to truth and honor. He invariably sought the
things that were h.onest and of good repute. In the training of his children
no precept was so constantly and so urgently insisted on as those which con-
cerned sound and worthy characters, .\lthough his life was a busy one, his
every-day affairs making heavy demands upon his tiine, he never shrank from
his duty as a citizen and his obligation to the community. To write a de-
tailed account of his long and useful life would reipiire a niucli more elalxn'-
ate article than the nature of this volume admits or reipiircs. Sufficient will
be said, however, to form a correct conception of the ni.nn and his career, a
career affording many \aluable lessons to the young of the rising generation.
Absalom Yeager is a son of one of the old sterling families of German
734 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
origin, his ancestors having come to this country some time during the
eighteenth century, and settled in Virginia. Joel Yeager, father of the sub-
ject of this sketch, was born in Jefferson county, Virginia, in 1789. While yet
a young man, he removed to Kentucky, settling near Mt. Sterling, where he
was married and where he remained until about 1826, when he came to In-
diana and settled at a point one mile north of Cynthiana, Posey county. There
he followed the peaceful vocation of farming until his death. While a resi-
dent of Kentucky, he had married Anna McDonald, also a resident of that
state, but a native of Virginia. Her death also occurred in Posey county.
Thev were the parents of four children, three sons and a daughter, of whom
the youngest was Absalom Yeager, the immediate subject of this sketch,
Avhose birth occurred in Campbell county, Kentucky, in 1819, and who ac-
companied his parents on their removal to Indiana. In 1842 Absalom
Yeager came to Gibson county, settling on a tract of timbered land in John-
son township, where he cleared and developed a farm, and continued to
reside for many years, being numbered among the sturdy pioneers of that
locality. He followed agriculture during all of his active years, and was
noted among the substantial and enterprising citizens of the locality.
In November, 1842, Absalom Yeager married Elizabeth Williams, who
was born in Posey county in 1822, daughter of Bennett and Polly Williams,
and to this union were born seven children : Henry A., a prominent attorney
of Princeton, Indiana; Newton; James M. ; Mary A., who died on April 11,
1896; Andrew J. ; William C, trustee of White River township, and a citizen
of Patoka; and Emma F. In November, 1892, Absalom Yeager and his wife
celebrated the golden anniversary of their wedding, and the occasion was
made a happy and joyous one, not only to this grand old couple, but to their
children, and other relatives who attended the happy occasion. Mr. and Mrs.
Yeager were for many years earnest and faithful members of the Baptist
church, giving of their means to its support, and being actively interested in
the various affairs of usefulness connected with the religious work of this
society. Mr. Yeager died in December, 1903.
Absalom Yeager belonged to a class of men of whom Indiana has great
reason to be proud, for he was of that type who brought order out of chaos,
and, unheeding hardships and dangers, he conquered the forests and changed
them to productive fields, whence came the sustenance of the people. The
farmer of the long ago opened the way to our present prosperity. The labor
and thought invoh'ed in obtaining a living from the land in those days stimu-
lated both mental and physical nature until he became strong and willing to
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 735
undergo hardships and privations and win such results. Of sncli was Mr.
Yeager, whose influence during an eminently industrious life made for the
progress of the community, whose interests he ever had at heart. His record
is the story of a life whose success in life is measured hy its u.sefulness, a life
that made for good in all its relations with the world. And his career, though
in a sense uneventful, is well worth being preserved on tin.- pages of the his-
tory of his community.
W. H. SMITH, M. D.
The present age is essentially utilitarian and the life of every successful
man carries a lesson which, told in contemporary narrative, is productive of
much good in shaping the destiny of others. There is, therefore, a due
measure of satisfaction in presenting, even in brief resume, the life and
achievements of such men, and in preparing the following history of the
scholarly physician whose name appears above, it is with the hope that it may
prove not only interesting and instructive, but also serve as an incentive to
those who contemplate making the medical profession their life work.
W. H. Smith was born in Pike county, Indiana. November i8, 1870,
the son of Dr. J. T. and Charlotte (Martin) Smith, the former a native of
Clarksville, Tennessee, and the mother of Pike county, Indiana. Dr. J. T.
Smith, who is nearly eighty years old, has been a practicing physician in Pike
county for forty years, living at Hosmer, where he has enjoyed the confidence
and esteem of the cornmunity, and where he has been eminently successful
in the practice of his profession. His wife is deceased. They were the par-
ents of three children, two of whom, the subject and one sister, Mrs. Zack
Welton, of Hosmer, are living. W. H. Smith attended the schools of Pike
county, and supplemented the education there received hy attendance in the
high school at Oakland City. Having determined to make the practice of
medicine his life work, he entered the Kentucky School of Medicine at Louis-
ville, where he was graduated in 1893 with the degree of Doctor of ^Tedicine,
and in June of the same year he entered upon the active practice at Hosmer,
Pike county, where he remained six years. In 1889, desiring a larger field
for his efiforts, Dr. Smith came to Oakland City, where he has since resided
and where he has achieved a reputation as a practitioner of the healing art.
He realized early that there is a purpose in life and that there is no honor not
founded on worth and no respect not founded on accomplishments. His life
736 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
and laljor have been eminently worthy, l^ecause they have contributed to a
proper understanding of Hfe and its problems. By a life characterized by
high motives and because of his many fine qualities of head and heart he has
earned the sincere regard of a vast acquaintance, and his success in his chosen
field of endeavor bespeaks for him the possession of superior attributes. Yet
he is a plain, unassuming gentleman and straightfurward in all his relations
with his fellowmen.
On April 25, 1895, Dr. Smith married Joan McHugh, a native of Pike
county. She is a lady of culture and refinement and is a popular member
of the circles in w-hich she moves. Dr. Smith is a Republican in his political
affiliations, but has been too busy a man to take a very active part in political
affairs. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, tlie Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America, while
professionally, he is a member of the Medical Society of Gibson county, and
Indiana State Medical Association. He is health officer of Oakland City,
and has taken a deep interest in all civic affairs connected with the welfare
of his fellow citizens. He has been successful in his financial affairs, and is
the owner of a splendid farm in Pike county. Genial and hospitable by
nature, he has earned a high place in the esteem of all who know him and is
rightfully included in the list of representative citizens of his community.
JONAH G. LEGRANGE.
Among the men of sturdy integrity and reliable traits of character who
have contributed their quota to the advancement of the upbuilding of Gibson
countv, Indiana, mention may most consistently be made of the gentleman
whose name appears at the head of this sketch. The prosperity which he
enjoys has been won by commendable qualities and it is also his personal
worth that has gained for him the esteem of those who know him.
Jonah G. LeGrange, one of the leading stock men and successful farmers
of Gibson county, Indiana, was born on July 27, 1858, on the old LeGrange
homestead, Patoka township, and is the son of Richard and Hannah ( Tiche-
nor) LeGrange, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. The subject's
maternal grandfather, who also was a farmer, was twice married, and he be-
came the father of the following children ; Aaron, who was a farmer near
Fort Branch, this county, died at Owensville; John, also deceased, was a
farmer in Patoka township and died there; William was also a farmer
JOXAH G. LE GRANGE.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. J ^^J
in Patoka township and died there; Peter died in youth; Ricliard was
the father of the subject of this sketch; Ann became the wife uf a Mr.
Mounts, of Patoka townsliip; the ninth became the wife of Joshua Enibree,
and Hved and died in Wabash township, this county; Polly .Ann became the
wife of Rev. T. M. Strain, of Fort Branch. Richard LeGrange. father of
the subject, had only a common school education, being a self-learned man,
but becoming widely informed on general questions. After his marriage he
located four miles west of Princeton in Patoka township, where, on section
II, he located and cleared a fine farm, and there reared his famil\-. Subse-
quently, having gained a competenc)-, he retired from active lal)or, and
moved to Princeton, this county, where his death occurred in 1872. b'or his
second wife he married Mrs. Mary Thornburg, of Newburg. He was widely
known throughout this section of the county and was respected by all who
knew him. An old-line Whig in his early political proclivities, later he be-
came allied with the Republican party, to which he gave stanch support dur-
ing the rest of his life. Religiously, he and his wife were members of the
General Baptist church. By his marriage to Hannah Tichenor he became tlie
father of five children: Ann Eliza, deceased, was the wife of Lewis Bink-
le}', of Princeton; Clarence, deceased, married Xan LeGrange. who now lives
in Princeton; Jonah, the subject of this sketch; George, now deceased, mar-
ried Lillie Whittaker, who. after his death, liecame the wife of Oscar La-
Grange, of Patoka township.
The subject of this sketch received his education in the home schools and
at Fort Branch, and lived at home until he was twenty-two years of age.
He has followed agricultural pursuits throughout his active life, with the
exception of a period of thirteen years, when he lived at Princeton, engaged
in the mercantile business, which he later sold to (leorge Skelton. In all the
enterprises to which he has given his attention he has lieen eminently suc-
cessful and for many years he has been nunibere<l among the progressive and
successful business men oi the count}-. He is tlic owner of a line farm of
two hundred and twenty acres besides the home place in I'atoka township,
and also of one hundred and sixty acres in Union township. He carries on a
general farming business, and also gives consideralile attention to live stock,
raising a good manv Duroc Jersey Refl hogs, Hereford cattle and I'ercheron
horses. He has always bought and sold large numbers of live stock, and has
found it a very profitable source of income.
When about twenty-two years of age, the suliject of this sketch was
(47)
738 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
married to Margaret Ayres, of Patoka tqwnsliip, this county, the daughter of
James and Sarah Ann (Davis) Ayres. Her father came early to Gibson
county with his family, settling south of Princeton in Patoka township, and
was numbered among the first settlers. They located in section 31, where
the father successfully followed farming pursuits, and was numbered among
the leading citizens of his locality. To Mr. and Mrs. LeGrange have been
born three children, George, who died young, one who died in infancy, and
Clarence, born February 21, 1894, who remained at home. He is a graduate
of the Princeton high school, with the class of 1913, and is an estimable and
promising young man.
Politically, Mr. LeGrange has given a life-long support to the Republican
party, and while a resident of Princeton rendered efficient service as a mem-
ber of the town council. Religiously, he and his family are identified with
the General Baptist church, to the support of which they contribute liberally.
Fraternally, Mr. LeGrange is an appreciative member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to the subordinate lodge at Princeton.
Mr. LeGrange has performed well his part in life, and it is a compli-
ment worthily bestowed to say that this locality is honored in his citizenship,
for he has achieved eminent success through his own efforts and has always
stood for what is best in life, giving his support to all movements having for
their object the betterment of the public welfare. Because of his genial dis-
position and unassuming manner, he has gained and retains the friendship of
all who know him.
HUGFI D. McGARY.
Among the honorable and inlluential citizens of Gibson county, Indiana,
is the subject of this review, who has here maintained his home for many
years, winning a definite success by means of the agricultural industry, to
which he has devoted his attention during the years of an active business life.
His career has been without shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil, and thus
he has ever commanded the confidence and esteem of his fellowmen.
Hugh D. McGary was born on February 7, 1839, in Montgomery town-
ship, Gibson county, Indiana, and is a son of Harrison and Nancy (Prii^ard)
McGary, the father a native of Kentucky, and the mother a native of North
Carolina. Harrison D. McGary, who had been a soldier in the war of 1812,
accidentally came to Gibson county where he entered a tract of land in Mont-
GIBSON COl'NTV INDIANA. y T^g
gomery township, to the clearing and cultivation .of which he devoted his
attention until his death, which occurred in 1843. He was survived several
years by his widow. They became the parents of three children, namely:
W'illiam H., who was killed in the battle of Stone's River, Januarv 31. 1862;
Joseph K. and Hugh D., both of whom were also veterans of the Civil war.
Hugh McGary was reared on the paternal homestead, where he remained until
1884, when he removed to Princeton. Four years later he returned to the
farm, and the following year went to California, where he remained two
years. Then returning to Gibson county, he located at Fort Branch, where
he now resides, although he has business interests in Princeton. Both as
farmer and business man Mr. McGary's record has been characterized bv per-
sistent industry, sound business judgment and wise discrimination in the
conduct of his affairs, so that he was enabled to accumulate a competencv
which has made his later years free from care.
Mr. McGary has a most honorable military record, he having enlisted on
May 24, 1 861, for a period of three years, at a time when the greater number
of enlistments were for only three months, and Mr. McGary now claims that
no one outside of his regiment enlisted at that lime f<ir the three-vcar period.
His command was assigned to the ^^^estern arni\-, in which he saw much hard
service under Col. R. H. Smith, participating in all of the campaigns for which
the western army was noted and including the terrible battles at Shiloh,
Stone's River. Chickamauga, Chattanooga and Atlanta. He is now a member
of the Grand Army of the Republic, where, with his comrades, he kee])s alive
the memories of days gone by. In 1884 Mr. McGary was elected sheriff of Gib-
son county, and was re-elected in 1886. In 1898 he was elected to represent
Gibson county in the Indiana Legislature, performing his duties to the satis-
faction of his constituents. He has for many years taken a prominent part
in local public affairs. His political aftiliations have always been with the
Republican party, while religiously he has long been an earnest and devoted
member of the General Baptist church at Fort Branch.
On September 26. 1867, he was married to Sarah C. Weed, a native of
Gibson county, and to them have been born three children : Zenas C, who
lives on the old home farm in Montgomery township; Clyde C, who lives in
Vinita, Oklahoma ; and Maud, the wife of John Lucas, of Sedalia, Missouri,
who is chief clerk for the superintendent of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas
Railroad. In all that constitutes true manhood and good citizenship, Mr.
McGary is a worthy example, and none stands higher than he in the esteem
and confidence of the circles in which he has moved.
740 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
WILLIAM B. BINGHAM.
To a great extent the prosperity of the agricultural sections of our
country is due to the honest industry, the sturdy persistence, the unswerving
perseverance and the wise economy which so prominently characterize the
farming element of the Hoosier state. Among this class may be mentioned
the subject of this life record, who, by reason of years of indefatigable labor
and honest effort, has not only acquired a well merited material prosperity,
but has also richly earned the highest esteem of all with whom he is as-
sociated.
William B. Bingham was born in Patoka, Gibson county, Indiana, on
March 20, 1864, the son of Gordon Byron and Minerva (Stockwell) Bing-
ham, the former a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and the latter of Princeton,
Gibson county, Indiana. Gordon B. Bingham, Sr., was the son of a Gordon
Bingham, also, who was a successful merchant in Baltimore, Maryland.
During the Civil war period, the subject's father ]3laye(l an important part in
caring for the business interests of the family at home, and eventually became
the owner of extensive mercantile interests, comprising a store, flour mill,
packing house, distillery, etc., and was very successful in the management
of these enterprises. His death occurred in 1876 and that of his wife in
1907. Of the eight children born to these parents, but four are now living:
W. B.; G. B., of Patoka; Mrs. W. P. Casey, of Patoka; and Mrs. S. G. Ingle,
of San Diego, California. The city of Princeton, Gibson county, Indiana,
was named in honor of the Prince family, to which the subject's maternal
grandmother belonged. The family has been prominent and active for many
years in various business interests, its various members having attained high
reputations for probity of character, sound business judgment and progressive
dispositions. William B. Bingham attended the public schools of Patoka, and
also spent three years in the Evansville high school, thus receiving a good
practical education. In 1883 he entered upon the active fields of life upon his
own account as a farmer in the White River bottom in which he had im-
mediate success and to which he has devoted his attention continuously since.
He is associated in this enterprise with his brother, Gordon B., as well as in
the grain business at Patoka, his brother having charge of the latter end of the
business. By persevering eflforts, persistent industry and sound business
judgment in the handling of their affairs they have realized large returns
in both lines of their business and today they are numbered among the enter-
prising and substantial citizens of Patoka.
GIRSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 74I
W. B. Bingham has been twice niarritd, lirsl. in \H8() to Jennie Hewlett,
the niece of Dr. John F. Howard, well kimwn in this locality. Her death
occurred on December 3, 1S89, and in iNcjj Mr. Bingham married Laura
Hewlett, the daughter of John W. Hewlett and a sister of his first wife. To
this union have lieeii horn four cliildren: Jennie, Minerva, Bernice and
William B., Jr.
Politically, Mr. Bingham has long been a sujiporler of the Re])ul)lican
party, and is a man of great public spirit, and takes a deep interest in c\-ery-
thing which promises to benefit the community and his fellowmen in any
way. Fraternally, he is afiiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America.
In all the relations of life Mr. Bingham has commanded the confidence and
respect of those with whom he has been brought into contact and a liiographi-
cal historv of his Iocalit\' would not lie coniiilete withoiu a record of his career.
H. A. MILBURN.
It is with a large degree of satisfaction that the biographer takes up the
life history of the gentleman whose name forms the caption of this article, a
man widely known as one of the honored citizens of Gibson county, and who,
though a comparatively young man, has already becoiue prominently identified
with the varied interests of his community. His well-directed efforts in the
practical afifairs of life, his capable management of his business interests and
his sound judgment have brought to him prosperity, and his life demonstrates
what may be accomplished by the man of energy and ambition, who is not
afraid to work. In all the relations of life he has commanded the respect and
confidence of all with whom he has been brought in contact, and the history
of Gibson county would be incomplete without a record of his career.
Herbert A. Milburn, for many years a prominent citizen and successful
business man of Patoka, Gibson county. Indiana, and the postmaster of that
thriving town, was born on No\ember 23, 1872, the son of Edgar and Mar-
garet L. (Sellers) Milburn. He is descended from a long line of sterling
ancestors, the family having been residents in the state of X'irginia for many
years. His paternal great-grandfather came from the old Dominion state to
Indiana, establishing a splendid homestead east of Patoka, Gibson county.
Here the subject's grandfather, Felix Milburn. was born and reared and later
married Margaret Brazelton, also a native of Gibson county. Among their
children was Edgar Milburn, who, on attaining mature years, engaged in mer-
742 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
cantile business at Hazleton, which he conducted successfully for several
years, and also was connected with .Bingham's distillery in Patoka. His
death occurred on April 24, 1875, when the subject of this sketch was but
two years old, and he was survived many years by his widow, whose death
occurred on December 13, 1909. They were the parents of six children,
namely: Electa, who became the wife of Alonzo Hinkle, who is now de-
ceased; Clarence, a druggist of Patoka; Blanche, the wife of Robert A.
Dixon, of West Summerville, Massachusetts; Felix O., a druggist of Patoka;
Edgar E.. one of the proprietors of the Sun of Springfield, Ohio, and Her-
bert A., the immediate subject of this sketch. The mother of these children,
who was left a widow when all of the children were young in years, courag-
eously took up the burden thus thrown upon her shoulders, and by teaching
school managed to svipport her family and give all her children good practical
education. She was a good woman in the best sense of the tenn, conse-
crated to her children, and of her the subject of this sketch says that all he is
and hopes to be is due entirely to his mother's help and influence. She was a
refined, cultured woman of noble aims and ideals, and instilled in her children
those principles calculated to develop in them upright manhood and woman-
hood. Her father, Preston Sellers, was for many years a well-known lawyer
of Georgetown and Ripley, Ohio.
Herbert A. Milburn received his education in the Patoka public schools
and was a student in Indiana State Normal School at Terre Haute, and of
the Danville Central Normal College. He then followed teaching as a voca-
tion for fifteen years, six years of which time he was assistant principal of the
Patoka schools, and three years in the Francisco schools, being principal
during one year of the time. He was elected principal for another year, but
resigned in order to enter the drug business at Patoka, with which he was
connected for two years. He then engaged in the general merchandise busi-
ness at Patoka, which commanded his attention for five years, at the end of
which time, in October, 1912, he sold his interest. In 1907 Mr. Milburn was
appointed postmaster of Patoka, and is still the efficient incumbent of that
office, discharging his official duties to the entire satisfaction of both his de-
partmental superiors and the patrons of the office. Though starting in the
world practically unaided, 'Mr. Milburn has, by the exercise of good judg-
ment and wise economy, been enabled to accumulate a fair amount of this
world's goods, including some valuable real estate, his residence property, the
store building in which he formerly conducted business, several vacant lots, a
livery stable in Patoka, and some valuable property in Princeton. He is
GIBSON (OlXrV, INDIANA. 743
numbered among the solid and substantial men uf his community, and has
borne his full part of the burden of carrying on the civic affairs of Patoka,
giving his support at all times to sucii movements as promised to be of benefit
to the community. He is a symmetrically developed man, discharging the
duties of citizenship with an eye to the greatest good, and his popularity is
only bounded by the lines within which he is known. Faithful to every trust
reposed in him, the future may have for him other positions than that he now
so capably holds.
On December 31, 1902, Herbert A. Milljurn married Julia McCnnnell,
the daughter of Alexander McConnell, of near h'rancisco.
Politically, Mr. Milburn is an ardent supporter of the Republican party,
in the ranks of which organization he has been an active worker for many
years. Fraternally, he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the
Order of the Eastern Star and the Modern \Voodmen of America, while his
religious connections are with the Presbyterian church, in the prosperitv of
which he is actively interested.
WILTJAM P. CASFY.
To present in detail the leading facts in the life of one of Patoka's busy
men of affairs and throw light upon some of his more prominent character-
istics, is the task in hand in order to place before the reader the following
brief biography of William P. Casey. Though still in the prime of vigorous
manhood, he has already won a distinguished place in the business world,
besides impressing his strong personality upon the community where for a
number of years he has been a forceful factor in directing thought and mold-
ing opinion.
William P. Casey vas born in Patoka. Cibson coinUy, Indiana, on I-'cbru-
ary 5, 1861, and has spent practically his entire life in this immediate locality.
His parents were William T- and Charlotte M. (Park) Casey, the former a
natix'e of Posey county, Indiana, and the latter l)orn in New >'ork state.
William J. Casey iiecame a merchant in Patoka. where for many years he
successfully conducted business aft'airs and also served very efficiently as
auditor of Gibson county, being one of the few Democrats who has served in
that office up to the time of his term, which was about 1876. He was re-
elected for a second term, but died before entering upon the term. He came
to Gibson county in young manhood, locating in Patoka, and resided there
744 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
continuously up to the time of his death, which occurred in February, 1878
or 1879. His widow is still living and resides in Princeton. They were the
parents of four children, namely: Howard B., who died at the age of four
years; Emma, who died at the age of twelve years: \\'illiam P., the subject
of this sketch ; and Luella, the wife of L. C. Embree, an attorne}' at Princeton.
William P. Casey attended the public schools of Patoka, and was later,
during 1878-1879, a student in old Asbury College, now DePauw Uni-
versity, at Greencastle. .Vfter entering life's liattle on his own ac-
count, he was employed in various ways until, by rigid economy and per-
severing industry, he got a start and finally became a clerk for T. H. Jerauld,
in whose store he was employed for two years. Having ambition higher
than that of a clerical capacity, Mr. Casey began reading law in the office of
L. C. Embree, of Princeton, but a year later he was compelled to give up his
studies. During the following year he was employed in a shoe store in In-
dianapolis, but returned to Patoka and formed a partnership with Frank
Parrett in 1883, buying the stock of Mr. Jerauld, who had died, and he has
been engaged in business consecutively since, and has met with eminent suc-
cess in the enterprise. About two years after starting he bought his partner's
interest, and has since conducted the business on his own account. Sagacious
and far-seeing in his business afifairs, Mr. Casey has been enabled to build up
a large and profitable trade throughout this community and is numbered
among the solid men of his locality.
On September 3. 1889, William P. Casey was married to Mary S. Bing-
ham, the daughter of G. B. and Minerva Bingham, of Patoka, and to this
union there have been born three children, namely : William Bingham Casey,
of Patoka. a commercial traveler: Lucile Marie and Helen Agnes.
Fraternally, Mr. Casey is activcl_\- identified with the Knights of Pythias,
the Modern Woodmen of America and the Trilie of Ben-Hur, in the work of
which he takes a deep interest. Politically, he has been an acti\'e exponent of
Democratic principles, and in the ranks of his party he has given efficient
service. In 1898 he was nominated for the position of county auditor, and
together with the rest of his ticket went down to defeat. Standing distinct-
ively forward as one of the representative men and progressive citizens of
Patoka, Mr. Casey owes his pronounced success in life almost wholly to his
own efiforts, and is freely entitled to the appellation "A self-made man." His
life's story contains little outside of the ordinary, and his every act has been
open to the scrutiny and criticism of his fellowmen, but few, if any, of whom
have found anything to condemn.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 745
kH'Ti
cCLURE.
The career of tlie well-remembered gentleman whose name forms the
caption of this paragraph, was a strenuous and varied one, entitling him to
honorable mention among the citizens of his day and generation in the county"
in which his life was so closely identified. Although his life has been brought
to a close by the inevitable fate that awaits all mankind, his influence still
pervades the lives of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances who revere
his memory. As a business man or private citizen, he was always true to
himself and his fellowmen and the tongue of calumn}- never touched him.
As a soldier he proved his loyalty to the government he lo\ed so well and
the long and tiresome marches in all times and situations, on the tented field,
and in the line of battle, where tlie rattle of the musketry, mingled
with the terrible concussion of the bursting shell and the deep diapason of
the cannon's roar made up the sublime but awful chorus of death. To such as
he the country is under a debt of gratitude which it cannot repay and future
generations will commemorate their chivalry in story and in song.
A. D. McClure was born on December 22, 1837, near Princeton, Giljson
county, Indiana, and was the son of Joseph P. and Catharine N. (De\'in)
McClure, the father of Scotch descent and the mother a native of the state of
Indiana. A. D. McClure passed the major portion of his life in his native
state and most of it in Gibson county, the exceptions being three years' resi-
dence in Kentucky and a short time in Vincennes. He received a good, prac-
tical school education in the public schools of that locality, and as soon as he
was old enough, took upon himself the battle of life, in the course of which
his efiforts were rewarded by a well-merited competency. At the outbreak of
the Southern insurrection, Mr. McClure gave practical evidence of his pat-
riotism by enlisting as a private in Company H, Seventeenth Regiment In-
diana Volunteer Infantry, which was a part of the famous Wilder's brigade,
and which served throughout the war, taking part in many of the most im-
portant engagements and campaigns of that conflict. Inuring a jiart of his
war service, Mr. McClure served as a special scout for General Wilder. Upon
return to peaceful pursuits, Mr. McClure engaged in various enterprises, and
for about twenty-four years he operated the old mill at Patoka which had
been established many years before, and which was one of the best known
and most popular mills in this section of the state. Mr. McClure gave close
attention to every detail of his business, and owing to his accommodating
disposition and his attention to the wants of his patrons, he enjoyed a large
746 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
and profitable patronage for many years. His death occurred on March 6,
1907. His chief characteristics seemed to be keenness of perception, a tire-
less energy, honesty of purpose and every-day common sense. He was suc-
cessful in business, respected in social life, and as a neighbor discharged his
duties in a manner becoming a liberal-minded, intelligent citizen of the state
where the essential qualities of his manhood were duly recognized and prized
at their true value. To write a detailed and full account of his long and use-
ful life would require a much more elaborate article than the nature of this
work permits or requires. Sufficient to say, however, that in his record there
was much that was commendable and his character forcibly illustrated what a
life of energy can accomplish when plans are wisely laid and actions are
governed by right principles, noble aims and high ideals. His death removed
from Gibson county one of her most substantial and highly esteemed citizens
and the many beautiful tributes to his high standing in the world of affairs
and as a man and citizen attested to the abiding place he had in the heart and
affections of a host of friends.
Mr. McClure was twice married, first, on October 19, 1865, to Sarah N.
Green, the daughter of Hiram Green, and to this union were born two daugh-
ters, Katherine Louise (deceased), and Mary Ellen, who is still living. Mrs.
Sarah McClure died on August 28, 1871, and on November 18, 1877, Mr,
McClure married Maria C. Weber, who was born in Salzwedel, Germany,
the daughter of Henry and Sophia Weber. She came to America when
about eighteen years of age. Henr\^ Weber was also a member of the Seven-
teenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, which formed part of Wilder's
brigade, and rose to the rank of sergeant. His death occurred in Gibson
county on April 5, 1898, at the age of seventy-two years. To this Second
union were born five children, namely: Nora Charlotte (deceased); Clara
S., the wife of Julian Palmer, of Patoka; Ella D. (deceased) ; and Allie H.,
a twin of Ella, who is now the widow of Clarence J- Barker, of Fort Branch,
Gibson county; .Ada Ann is the wife of Byron Bingham, of Patoka. Clarr
ence J. "Barker, who was depot agent at Fort Branch, died on August 18,
1913, being stricken with uremic poisoning in the railroad station at Kansas
City, while en route home from New Mexico after a residence of three years
in the latter state. He and his wife had two children, John Alexander and
Alma Fay.
Mr. McClure was an enthusiastic Mason, having attained to the degree
of the York rite, including the order of Knights Templar, being a member of
the commandery at Vincennes ; Mr. Barker was a member of the order at Sul-
GIBSOX COfXTY, INDIANA. 747
livan, Indiana. Religiously, Mr. AlcClure was a nieinher of the I^aptist church,
and having a high conception of his ])rivileges and responsibilities as a Christ-
ian, he supported this church to the extent of his means. A man of congenial
and kindly impulses, he made friends of all with whom he came in contact, and
was widely known throughout Gibson county as one of her representati\ e
citizens. Mrs. McClure was a member of the same church at Evansville,
and her parents were also members of this church.
WILLIA.M ARMSTRONG .\VATr.RS.
Indiana will soon round out one himdred years of its history. It is the
record of the steady growth of a community planted in the wilderness in the
last century and reaching its magnitude of today without other aid than that
of continued industry. Each county has had its share in the story and every
county can lay claim to some incident or transaction which goes to make the
history of the commonwealth. After all, the history of a state is but a record
of the doings of its people, among whom the pioneers and their sturdy de-
scendants occupy places of no secondary importance. The story of the plain
common people who constitute the moral bone and sinew of the state will
always attract the attention and prove of interest to all true lovers of their
kind. The first settlers of this state were in the .southern part and the hard-
ships and disadvantages which surrounded them at every turn have long since
disappeared with the march of civilization. The subject of this sketch, now
deceased several years, is one of the finest exani]iles of the sturdy pioneer
and frontiersman who came to this state in the years when Indians were ram-
pant in our forests; w-hen every swamp was full of malaria; when transpor-
tation had to be carried on by water, or else by the trails which led through
the woods. William Armstrong Waters not only fought the fight of the
farmer in subduing the Indians and the forest, but also served his country in
that long struggle which was necessary to preserve our union in the sixties.
William Armstrong Waters, the son of James R. and Nancy (Arm-
strong) Waters, was born in 1813, west of Owensville, in Gibson county. In-
diana. His parents came from North Carolina to Christian county. Ken-
tucky, and from thence they moved, in 1807, to what was then Knox county,
Indiana. At that time Gibson county was not organized, and the lanrl which
they entered upon their arrival was later a part of that count\- w hen it was
organized, March 9, 1813. James R. \\'aters, the father of the subject, was a
748 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
son of Thomas Watei.v, a native of Virginia, who went to North CaroHna,
where James R. was born. Thomas Waters later moved to Kentucky and in
1807 he and James R., then a young man, came to Gibson county, Indiana.
Thomas Waters entered land from the government in section 4, township
3 south, range 12 west. He was not able, to get his patent from the
government until November 10, 181 1. Starting here in the primeval forest
several years before Indiana became a state, he fought the forests by day, the
Indians by night and the malaria all the time. His closest market was Vin-
cennes and this could be reached only by an old Indian trail. On this farm,
entered in 1807, Thomas R. Waters lived and died at a ripe old age, having
succeeded by his native honesty and sound business judgment to the acquisi-
tion of a comfortable competence. James R. Waters entered land in section
34, township 2 south, range 12 west. His brother, William, entered the other
part of the same quarter section, but later James bought his part of this land.
James R., father of the subject of this sketch, married Nancy Armstrong, a
native of North Carolina. In 1809 she came with her parents, John and
Polly fSwayne) Armstrong, from North Carolina to Kentucky, and later to
Vanderburg county, Indiana. James R. Waters lived and died on the land
which he entered.
William A. Waters, whose history is here presented, was born on his
father's farm and there grew up to manhood. Early in life he was married to
Eliza Jones, daughter of Charles and Eleanor (Warrick) Jones. Her mother
was a daughter of Capt. Jacob Warrick, one of the heroes of the battle of
Tippecanoe, and after whom Warrick county was named. Her father.
Charles Jones, came from North Carolina to Christian county, Kentucky, and
from thence, by way of Henderson, Kentucky, then called Red Banks, to
Gibson county, Indiana, in company with James R. ^Vaters, who had gone
back to Christian count}', Kentucky, to collect money due him. William A.
Waters bought a farm in 1825, where his children still live. It is a quarter
of section 3, township 3, range 12 west, located west of Owensville, and here
he lived all his life with the exception of the time when he was serving in the
Civil war.
William A. Waters and his son, James, both enlisted in Company E,
Forty-second Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and followed the cam-
paign from Chattanooga in the summer of 1863 through to Atlanta and then
followed Sherman on his famous march to the sea. From thence they went
up through the Carolinas to Virginia and were in the Grand Review at Wash-
ington in the summer of 1865. William A. Waters was mustered out as a
lieutenant after serving seven months, resigning on account of ill health.
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. "49
The I)rother contimicd tni throuyh to tlie close tif the war. Duriiii^' his two
years' service in the army James R. was constantly at the front and tonght
in all the battles from Chattanooga down through Georgia and up through
the Carolinas until the surrender of Johnson in Ntfrth Carolina in April.
1865. Although the son saw so much of hard military service, he was never
wounded and came out of the conflict in good health.
William A. Waters returned to the farm at the close of his service, and
by successful business management he succeeded in ac(|uiring a \ery com-
fortable competence. He continued active o]ierations on the farm until his
death, which occurred on August (>. 1886, his widow surviving him many
years, her death occurring on February 3, 190T. at the advance<l age of
eighty-one. Their union was blessed with eleven children, eight of whom
grew to maturity and five of whom are still living together on the old home
farm, Charles C, James B., John F.. LHlen and Martha. Charles C. Waters
enlisted to fight in the Civil war, but when he went to be mustered into the
service, it was found that his company was full, so he was sent back home.
All of these five children own farms of their own, their total acreage aggre-
gating nearly nine hundred acres, all of which is located in Montgomery
township. None of them have ever married, preferring to keep unchanged
the tie of home and family which bound them together as children on the old
homestead. Here they live an unostentatious, hospitable life, doing all the
good that thcv can for the communitv in which they live. No fanuly is held
in higher esteem in this county than the Waters familv and no movement
which has for its end the betterment of the community is ever launched
which does not find in them ready and sympathetic helpers. They have al-
wavs displayed that consistent Christian spirit, that genuine worth that has
endeared them to all classes, and their lives have been an inspiration to
others.
WARRICK n. JOHNSON.
It is the progressive, wide-awake man of atl'airs who makes the real
history of a community and his influence as a potential factor of the body
politic is diflficult to estimate. The examples such men furnish of ))ainstaking
ctYort and steadfast integrity strongly illustrate what is in the power of each
to accomplish, and there is always a full measure of satisfaction in adverting
even in a casual way to their achievements in advancing the interest^ of their
fellowmen and in giving strength and solidity to the institutions which
750 GIDSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
make so much for the prosperity of the community. In placing the history
of the influential citizen of Gibson county, Indiana, whose name forms the
caption of this review, it is plainly seen that the respect and esteem which he
enjoys has been won by his commendable qualities, and it is also his personal
worth that has won for him the highest regard of all who know him.
Warrick D. Johnson, son of Levi and Louisa (Smith) Johnson, was
bo'rn on February i, 1865, one and one-half miles east of Johnson Station.
Levi Johnson was born about half way between Poseyville and Cynthiana, in
1824, the son of George and Anna (Williams) Johnson. George Johnson
came to Indiana with his parents, Arthur and Lucy (Harmon) Johnson, from
North Carolina in the early history of the state. George Johnson was mar-
ried in this county, and after his marriage he lived in Cynthiana until after
his first wife died, when he married Mary Mason, and continued to reside
near Cynthiana until his death. Levi Johnson lived under the parental roof
until he was old enough to work out, and then he worked at farm labor for
several years in the Maumee bottoms west of Johnson Station. On October
21, 1848, he was married to Louisa Smith, w^ho was born about two miles
west of Owensville, June 12, 1829, and is a daughter of Dr. John Willis and
Martha (Warrick) Smith. Her father was born at Danville, Kentucky,
about 1800. He studied medicine at Louisville and came to Gibson county,
Indiana, in the early days of the state, buying land west of Owensville and
becoming quite an extensive land owner in this county. He was among the
first physicians in this part of the country, and his practice extended from
Princeton to New Harmony and Evansville. He was married to Martha
Crockett Warrick, who was born June 3, 1809, about two and one-half miles
southwest of Owensville. She was a daughter of Captain Jacob Warrick, a
hero of Tippecanoe. Doctor Smith was said to be two generations in ad-
vance of his time, and was one of the foremost physicians of that section of
the state. He was educated at Danville, Kentucky, well versed not only in
medicine, but in the literature of his day, and was a very interesting con-
versationalist. It was said that upon his death the whole township was in
tears His death occurred August 17, 1835, and some years after his death
his widow married Jacob Paden.
.A.fter Levi Johnson married he built a log cabin in the woods two miles
west of Owensville on land where his widow still lives, and there he spent the
remainder of his days. He taught school for several years before his mar-
riage, and served as trustee of the township when a young man and was
elected again in later vears.
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. 75 1
As a fanner he was very successful and gradually added to his land
holdings until he was one of the largest land owners in the township. To
Mr. and Mrs. Levi Johnson were horn six children: John Willis, deceased;
George Washington, who lives west of Owensville: Martha, who is living
with her mother: Emma, tlie widow of John Doss Thompson, lives in
Owensville; David Warrick lives two miles west of Owensville: Laura Ella
died in childhood. Levi Johnson was an active Republican all his life and
took a prominent part in the councils of his party. He was also a very active
member of the General Baptist church, and for years was a deacon in that
denomination. His death occurred on November 26, 1904.
Warrick D., son of Levi Johnson, was reared on the homestead farm.
following the ordinary life of the average country boy, going to school in the
winter seasons and working on his father's farm in the summers. After
finishing the schools of his county, he became a student at the State Normal
at Terre Haute for four terms, at the expiration of which time he engaged in
teaching, followed this occupation for five years in Montgomery township,
and was teaching at the time of his marriage.
In 1887 Afr. Johnson was married to Phena Boren. the daughter of
Samuel and Serelda i ?ilarvel) Boren. She was born about four miles south
of their present home and lived there until her marriage. Her family gene-
alogy is set forth in sketch of T. J. Boren, elsewhere in this work. Mr. and
Mrs. Johnson are the parents of five children : Mata. the wife of Harvey
Witherspoon, lives south of Owensville, in Union township: Warren Boren
married Violet V. Benson, the daughter of Columbus and Laura (Thompson)
Benson, on February 3, 1914, and is on the farm with his father: he runs a
grain elevator at Johnson Station ; \\'arner Lee and George Washington,
Jr., are in the high school at Owensville: Ella Marie is in the common school
at Owensville.
After his marriage Mr. Johnson engaged in the operation of the farm
where he is now living, and graduallv built up his farming interests by buying
more land until he is now the owner of over three hundred acres of as fine
land as there is in the county. In 1913 he built a handsome residence,
equipped with all the modern impro\ements and one of the most beautiful
country homes in the township. He owns the land on which Johnson Station
is built, a town which was platted and opened for the sale of lots in 19x1.
He and his son, Warren, are engaged in grain buying and selling business,
shipping their grain from Johnson Station. He has been very successful in
his business afifairs, owing to the fact that he has exercised sturdy persistence.
752 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
stern integrity and excellent judgment, qualities which have won for him the
confidence and esteem of the public to a marked degree.
He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and also of the Mod-
ern Woodmen of America. Politically, he has affiliated with the Republican
party, and has been an active worker in its behalf. He has never been a
seeker after political honor, but has been content to devote his time and
energy to his increasing business affairs. A study of his career shows what
patient purpose and steadfast integrity will accomplish, and there is a full
measure of satisfaction in recording the life history of such valuable citizens.
They give strength and solidity to all the institutions and movements which
have for their object the welfare of the community. He possesses in a marked
degree those sterling traits of character which have commanded uniform
confidence and regard, and for this reason he is toda)' honored by all who
know him and is numbered among the representative men of his county.
GEORGE C. MASON, M. D.
The man who devotes his talents and energies to the noble work of min-
istering to tlie ills and alleviating the sufferings of humanity is pursuing a
calling which in dignity, importance and beneficial results is second to no
other. If true to hi? profession and earnest in his efforts to enlarge his sphere
of usefulness, he is indeed a benefactor of his kind, for to him more than to
any other man are entrusted the safety, the comfort and, in many instances,
the lives of those who place themsehes under his care and profit by his services.
It is gratifying to note in the series of personal sketches appearing in this
work that there remain identified with the professional, public and civic
affairs of Gibson county many who are native sons of the county and who
are ably maintaining the prestige of honored names. Of this number. Dr.
George C. Mason, who is prominent among the physicians and surgeons and
who is practicing his profession at Oakland City, is one of the representative
men of the county. He stands in the front rank of Gibson county's profes-
sional men, having been engaged. in his calling here for many years, during
which time he has not only gained wide professional notoriety, but also estab-
lished a sound reputation for uprightness of character in all the relations of
Hfe.
George C. Mason was born in Barton township, Gibson county, Indiana,
GIHSON COUNTY, INDIANA. -53
on January 24, 1848, and is descended from one of the sterling did pioneer
families of Gibson county. His grandfather. Rezin Mason, who founded the
family in Virginia, was of Scotch birth, and a relative of the distinguished
divine, Dr. John Mason. His son. Rezin Mason, Jr., father of the subject of
this sketch, was born near Winchester, Virginia, in 181 8, and came to Indiana
with his mother and three sisters in 1836, and located in Gibson county. He
married Elizabeth Jane Martin, the daughter of John and Jane (Steele)
^lartin, and to this union were born ten children, of whom George C, the sub-
ject of this sketch, was the first born. The latter was reared on his father's
farm in Barton township, securing his education in the neighboring schools,
and, being of a studious disposition, at the age of fifteen years he had ac-
quired a good knowledge of the fundamental branches. However, his father's
death at this time threw upon him the care of the family, which responsi-
bilit}' he accepted with heroic courage, devoting himself to the support of his
mother and brothers and sisters until some of the latter were old enough to
relieve him of a part of the burden. During this period he did nr)t cease his
efforts to gain a further education and, although confronted with many ob-
stacles that would have discouraged one of less heroic mold, he continued his
efforts in this direction and through his persistent efforts he became a well-
educated and symmetrically developed man. Fortunately for this farmer boy
there was in the neighborhood a Presbyterian clergyman. Rev. Rol)ert Gray,
a graduate of Oberlin College. Ohio, and a man of superior college attain-
ments, to whom young Mason went for directions in his advanced studies and
to whom he recited. In this way he equipped himself for teaching in the
common schools of his county and also prepared himself for college, entering
the classical course in the State University, where he spent two years. Dur-
ing the following eight years he engaged in teaching in the public schools,
and during a portion of this time he was associated with Prof. Lee Tomlin,
in the Oakland City Normal School. He also served efficiently as superinten-
dent of the public schools of Fort Branch and Hazleton. However, the peda-
gogical profession did not satisfy the young man's ambition, and in January,
1876, George Mason determined to engage in the medical profession as a life
work, and to this end began his technical studies in Miami Medical College of
Cincinnati, and later in the Medical College of Indiana at Indianapolis, where
he was graduated in 1879. Subsequently he supplemented this professional
work by studies in Eastern colleges and. thus thoroughly prepared for his life
work. Doctor Mason came to Oakland City and entered upon the active prac-
U8)
754 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
tice of his profession, his efforts being rewarded by a large clientele. In his
chosen field of endeavor, Doctor Mason has achieved success such as few
attain, and his eminent standing among the leading medical men of southwest-
ern Indiana has been duly recognized and appreciated not only in Oakland
City, which has long been honored by his residence, but also throughout this
section of the state. In addition to his long and creditable career in one of the
most useful and exacting of professions, he has also proved an honorable
member of the body politic, rising in the confidence and esteem of the public,
and in every relation of life never falling below the dignity of true manhood,
nor in any way resorting to methods that have invited criticism. As a citizen,
he has ranked with the most influential of his compeers in affairs looking
toward the betterment of his chosen city and county. His character has ever
been above suspicion, and those who have been favored with an intimate ac-
quaintance with him are profuse in their praise of his many virtues and up-
right character, that of a true gentleman.
Doctor Mason has long been a close student of political history, being an
extensive reader, and he takes a profound interest in educational affairs, in-
cluding in his linguistic attainments Latin, Greek and German, all of which
he reads with equal facility. Doctor Mason is a Republican in his political
views, and in 1880 was elected a representative to the Legislature by a ma-
jority of two hundred and twelve votes, being the first Republican elected in
Gibson county in sixteen years. During the ensuing session of the Legisla-
ture, the Doctor had the satisfaction of voting for Benjamin Harrison for
United States senator, and earnestly advocated measures which resulted in the
improvement of public roads. Doctor Mason served fourteen years consecu-
tively as president of the Oakland City school board, in which he rendered
valuable service in the advancement of local educational affairs. On July 15,
1897, Doctor Mason became superintendent of the Southern Indiana Hospital
for the Insane, serving efficiently in this position for three years. He is a
member of the Gibson County Medical Society ajid the State Medical Society,
taking a deep interest in the proceedings of these bodies. His religious affilia-
tion is with the Presbyterian church, in which he is an elder. He has been
very successful in material affairs, owning a splendid apple orchard of fifty
acres near Somerville, this county, in the handling of which he has been very
successful.
On July 17, 1873, at Princeton, Doctor Mason was married to Elizabeth
L. Henderson, who was born in Guernsey county. Ohio, the daughter of
Thomas W. and Jane (Gray) Henderson, and to this union have been born
GiBSOX corxrv. ixdiaxa. jsS
tour cliildren, two of wIidiii arc livinii-, nann.-ly : Gertrude S., wlio is the
wife of Robert W. Hunter, who is engaged in the lumber business at Provi-
dence, Kentucky; Grace L., born July 17, 1881, and died January 23, 1887;
George C., born September 13, 1S84. and died .\])ril 4. 1885; Russell L. is a
graduate of \\'abash College, and lives in ( )akland ("\{y. l)eing a clerk in the
Why clothing store.
G. B. BIXGHAM.
Among the earnest men whose enterprise and depth of character have
gained for them a prominent place in the comminiity and the respect and
confidence of their fellow citizens is the honored subject of this sketch. A
leading farmer and grain man of the locality in which he resides and a man
of decided views and laudable ambitions, his influence has ever been exerted
for the advancement of his kind, and in the vocations to which his energies
are devoted he ranks among the representati\ e men of the county.
G. B. Bingham was born in Patoka, Gibson county, Indiana, on April 6,
1866, and is a son of Gordon Byron and Minerva (Stockwell) Bingham, the
father a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and the mother of Princeton, this
county. Gordon B. Bingham came to Gibson county in yoimg manhood,
locating in Princeton. His father, Gordon B. Bingham, had been a well-to-do
merchant in Baltimore, Maryland, and his son, the subject's father, actjuired
large interests of difterent kinds, including store, flour mill, packing house,
distillery, etc. He was successful in the inanagemer.t of these enterprises, and
was numbered among the substantial and influential business men of the com-
munity. During the Civil war, the responsibility of looking after the affairs
at home fell upon his shoulders, an.d he managed the business interests of the
family in such a way as to earn the commendation of his father. Two of
his brothers were in active service in the war. Captain Sylvester, in the North-
ern army, and John, in the Southern army. His death occurred in \HjG. He
was survived many years by his widow, who died on April 13. Hpj. To
them were born eight children, of whom four are living, namely : W. B.
Bingham, G. B. Bingham, Mrs. \\ . P. Casey, of Patoka, and Mrs. S. G. Ingle,
of San Diego, California. The subject's maternal grandmother bore the
family name of Prince, and after her family the city of Princeton, Gibson
county, was named.
G. B. Bingham received his eilucation in the public schools of Patoka,
756 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
and then engaged in the grain business and farming in partnership with his
brother, the subject looking after the grain business. He has been eminently
successful in this enterprise, and for many years has been numbered among
the progressive and enterprising business men of Patoka. He retains his
farming interests, which he has found to be a profitable investment, and gives
his personal attention to every detail of his business affairs, being wide awake
and following up-to-date methods in the conduct of his business.
In February, 1907, Mr. Bingham married Ada McClure, the daughter of
the late A. D. McClure, of Patoka, and to them has been born one child, Mary
Agnes. Politically, Mr. Bingham has been a life-long Republican, and has
served as a member of the Patoka town council. He takes an intelligent in-
terest in all affairs looking to the welfare of the community, giving his sup-
port to those measures which tend to elevate and improve local conditions.
His chief characteristics are keenness of perception, tireless energy, honesty
of purpose and moti\e and every-day common sense, which have enabled him
not only to advance his own interest, but also largely to contribute to the
moral and material advancement of the communitv.
GEORGE M. WATT.
It is the progressive, wide-awake man of affairs who makes the real
history of a community and his influence as a potential factor of the body
politic is difficult to estimate. The examples such men furnish of patient
purpose and steadfast integrity strongly illustrate what is in the power of
each to accomplish, and there is always a full measure of satisfaction in
adverting even in a casual waj' to their achievements in advancing the inter-
ests of their fellowmen and in giving strength and solidity to the institutions
which make so much for the prosperity of a community. Such a man is the
worthy subject of this sketch, and as such it is proper that a review of his
career be accorded a place among the representative citizens of the city and
county in which he resides.
George M. Watt, proprietor of one of the largest mercantile houses of
Oakland City, and one of the sterling citizens of this community, was born
on June 22, 1859, near Xenia, Greene county, Ohio. His parents were Hugh
and Margaret (Murray) Watt, the father a native of Erie county, Penn-
sylvania, the latter of Glasgow, Scotland. Hugh Watt followed farming and
GIBSON COUNTY, INOIAXA. 757
brick making, being successful in these dual nccuiKitions, and in 1864 came
to Gibson county, Indiana, where he located on a farm south of Oakland
City, on which he lived until his death, which occurred in the fall of 1880,
at the age of seventy-four years. A man of sterling qualities of character, he
enjoyed to a marked degree the confidence of the community, and was a
prominent and influential member of the United Tresbyterian church. His
widow survived him many years, dying in 1901. at the age of sixty-four
years. She had come to America with her parents when but eleven years of
age, locating in Greene county, Ohio. To Hugh and Margaret Watt were
born seven children, namely: R. G., of Princeton, Indiana; Laura, deceased,
who was the wife of Oliver Hammonds, of Petersburg, Indiana: Mattie,
deceased: George; Stella, the wife oi James Tomlin. superintendent of the
Evansville public schools; Lydia. the wife >>( ]. M. Plack, a music teacher in
Spokane. Washington; and W. R . of \\'ashington, Indiana.
George ]\I. Watt attended the schools of Gibson county, being but four
years of age when his parents removed to that county from Ohio. He re-
mained with his parents, assisting with the. work of the farm until be was
twenty-one years of age, when he and his brother bought a farm near Oak-
land City, where he lived during the following sixteen years, gi\-ing his un- .
divided attention to its operation. He then entered into partnership in the
undertaking business with Porter Lamb, which lasted for eight years, and in
1910 he formed a partnership with J. N. J^ickson and engaged in the hard-
ware and agricultural implement business, which still demands his attention.
They carry a complete line of shelf and heavy hardware, as w ell as a full line
of agricultural implements and enjoy a full share of the pul)lic's patronage.
Politically, Mr. Watt is a Republican, and has ser\cd two terms as a
member of the city council. During this ])crio(l he was an earnest supporter
of the movement and largely responsible for the securing of the water works
in Oakland City, though this was accomplished in the face of hard opposi-
tion. Religiously, he is a member of the Presbyterian church, to which he
gives earnest support. He has been prosperous in his business affairs, and
besides the mercantile interests in this city he is the owner of a good farm in
Columbia township.
On November 26. 1891. Mr. A\'att was married to Flora L Crawford,
who was born in Columbia township, Gibson county, Indiana, the daughter of
John B. and Amanda Crawford, and to this union have been born two chil-
dren, John M., now thirteen years of age. who is now attending school, and
Ethel, who died at the age of one year. .Mr. Walt has performed well his
758 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
duty in all the relations of life, and while advancing his own interests, has
not been unmindful of the general welfare of his fellow citizens. Thus he
rightl}- deser\-es a place in the history of his locality.
THOMAS J. BOREN.
That the plenitude of satiety is seldom attained in the affairs of life is
to be considered a most beneficial deprivation, for where ambition is satisfied
and every ultimate end realized, if such be possible, apathy must follow.
Effort would cease, accomplishment be prostrate, and creative talent waste its
energies in inactivity. The men who have pushed forward the wheels of
progress have been those to whom satisfaction lies ever in the future, who
have labored continuously, always finding in each transitional stage, an in-
centive for further effort. Mr. Boren is one whose well direct-ed efforts have
gained for him a position of desirable prominence in the agricultural circles
of Gibson county, and his energy and enterprise have been crowned by a
gratifying degree of success.
Thomas J. Boren is a native of Gibson county who has lived all his life
within its bounds, and was born on August 23, 1849, near Antioch, in the
southern part of Montgomery township, where he now resides. He is a son
of Samuel and Zerelda (Marvel) Boren, Samuel Boren's birth-place being
the same as th^t of his son. He was born in 1825, the son of John Doss
and Jemima 'Bbi^en, who were among the very earliest pioneers of the county,
coming here when this whole county was almost virgin wilderness. They
entered government land, which is now the old Boren homestead and on
which the immediate subject of this sketch resides. There John Doss Boren
and wife finished their days, and there their son Samuel grew to manhood,
married Zerelda Marvel and there made his home on the same tract. Zerelda
Marvel was also a native of Gibson county, born in what is now the west end
of Union township, the daughter of Painter and Lydia Marvel. Samuel
Boren and wife were the parents of seven children, two of whom died in
infancy and another son, John Doss, died at the age of twenty-one years.
The remainiiig four are still living, namely: Thomas J., the subject of this
sketch : Mrs. Phena Johnson, of Gibson county ; Mrs. ]\Ianesa ^^'asson, of
Cynthiana, and Mrs. Lydia Redman of the same place. Mrs. Samuel Boren
was a devoted member of the Cumberland Presbvterian church and reared
GIBSOX COr.NlV. iXDIAXA. 759
her family in strict accordance with the tenets of that faith. ThelJoren
family has been prominent in the liistury of the county from earhest days.
John Doss Boren was a man of we;dth and intluence anil at one time the
heaviest tax-payer in Montgomery township.
Thomas J. Boren grew to manhood on the same land olitained by his
grandfather from the go\ernnient and when about twenty years old he made
his first business venture by purchasing a tract of about fifteen acres located
near his home and having on it a neat little house and barn. He remained
at home until in 1872, and at the age of twenty-three was united in marriage
to Eliza \\'elborn, a sister of Judge O. M. Welliorn, of Princeton. She was
born in the \icinity of her present luime. For two or more years after their
marriage. Thomas J. Boren anil wife li\cd on the place he had first purchased
and in 1875 they mo\ed to the old Welliorn homestead, where they have since
resided. It is a most beautiful countrx- home w itii a large, jjark-like yard,
dotted with great forest trees and beautiful shrubs', and a most hospitable
home to enter.-
Air. Boren has always employed the most modern methods in his agri-
cultural work and is thoroughly up-to-date in all he does. In addition to
his general farming, he gives ]jarticular attention to registered Hereford
stock and Poland China hogs. At one time he had quite a large herd of
cattle, but now keeps only a few of the very best. For one year, 1898, Mr.
Boren was on the road selling Deering farm implements. He was county
superintendent of rock roads for four years, 1907 to 1911, and has given his
time to other public services from time to time.
Mr. and Mrs. Boren have a family of three children. Ella ]\lay. who is
the wife of Walter Bixby, lives in Evansville. Indiana, and has one son,
Walter Thomas. Frank, who lives in Owensville. is in the insurance busi-
ness and is also deputy state oil inspector. Ilis wife was Minnie Pruitt and
they have two small daughters. Alice and Martha. C. Fred Boren is located
at Owensville. and for years has been superintendent of Montgomery town-
ship schools: he also deals in live stork. His wife was Belle Sunmcrs and
they have one .son, Charles Frederick. Mr. Boren comes of a robust and
long-lived family. His mother's grandmother Marvel died at his father's
home during the Civil war at the age of one hundred and four years, and
was able to read without glasses, her faculties being unimpaired, and she had
sufficient strength to walk quite a distance.
yir. Boren's fraternal aftlliation is with the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks at Princeton and the Tril)e of Ben-llur at Owensxille. Re-
760 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
ligiously, both he and liis wife are members of the General Baptist church
and give earnest support to that society, both with time and means. Mr.
Boren is one of those solid men of brains and substance, so essential to the
material growth knd prosperity of a community, and his influence has been
willingly extended in behalf of every deserving enterprise that has for its
object the advancement or welfare of his fellow-citizens. His estimable
qualities of head and heart and the straight-forward, upright course of his
daily life have won for him the esteem and confidence of the circles in which
he has moved, and has given him a reputation for integrity and correct con-
duct such as should be coveted bv everv man.
BARTLETT BENNETT HOLLIS.
It can not be other than gratifying to note that withm the pages of this
compilation will be found mention of many prominent and successful citizens
of the county who have here passed their entire lives and who stand repre-
sentatives of the sturdy pioneer element which instituted the Herculean task
of reclaiming this section of the state from the wilderness, carrying the
work valiantly forward and leaving it to their sons and daughters to rear the
superstructure upon the foundations thus firmly laid. Those who have been
the builders and founders of Gibson county are the ones who chiefly find
place in this work, and in this number mention should not be omitted of the
personal career of the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this
article.
Bartlett Bennett Hollis was born April 7, 1843, two and a half miles
south of Princeton, Gibson county, Indiana, the son of Othniel Hollis, of
near Milton, Guilford county. North Carolina. Othniel Hollis was born in
1808 and was a son of Jesse and Frances (Brown) Hollis, also natives of
North Carolina, the mother being a sister of Brazel Brown, who kept the first
hotel in Princeton.
Jesse Hollis and family came to Gibson county in 1825, in company
with Hudson Brown, and lived the first year after their arrival in the Ploosier
state on the Jonathan Young farm. They secured heavily timbered land
two and one-half miles south of Princeton on the state road, and made their
home here for the rest of their days. Jesse Hollis died in 184S and his wife
in 1853. They were the parents of the following children: Priscilla mar-
BARTLETT B. MOLLIS.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 761
ried Samuel }logue; Ella was twice iiuirricil, lirsl lu a Mr. Jislus ami iheii to
Hosey Holcomb; Alary is deceased; Ulhnicl, the subject's father.
Uthniel Hollis enjoyed a very limited schooling and on his marriage
went to K\ans\ille, Indiana, and engaged in the Imlel l)iisiness lor two \ears,
at the enil uf which period, his father dying, lie returned to the old home
place and bought out the other heirs, continuing to reside there for about
thirt}' years, when he sold the propert\- and mo\ed to I'rinceton, where he died
I'ebruary 14, 1S94, his wife having passed away in 1876. He was a mem-
ber of the Regular Baptist church, a Whig, and later a Republican, and was
well known and highly respected in his ueig:hbf)rh(5od. He married Alicha
Stewart, of Mason count}-, Kentucky, a daughter of John and J'llizabeth
(Trekel) Stewart, natives of \irginia. Alicha Stewarts parents removed
from the Old Dominion to Maryland and later to Kentuck)'. in 1820 coming
to Gibson count}-, and settling southeast of Haubstadt, where they secured
land and made their hunie. They w-ere the parents of ten children, namely:
Charles, Greenbury, Warner, [,uther, Stephen. John, George, Kerrila, wlnj
married William Thornton, Rachael. who married James Knowles. and
Alicha, the stibject's mother.
Othniel and Alicha Hollis were the parents of the following children:
Frances married Robert J. Alexander and is now deceased; John is retired
and living at Princeton; Sarah Ann died young; Ellen is the widow- of Capt.
J. R. Ashmead, of Terra Haute, Indiana; Bartlett B. ; Cornelia is living with
the subject; Louisa died of typhoid fever in 1862; an infant daughter.
Bartlett Bennett Hollis, the subject (jf this review, secured a very limited
education in the schools of his early days, he attending the Orr school. On
August 12, 1862, Air. Hollis enlisted in Company A, Eightieth Regiment
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, at Princeton, and after being outfitted and drilled
for a brief period at Indianapolis, the company was sent to Covington, Ken-
tuck\-, and assigned to the Twenty-third Army e'urps. The first captain of
this company was named Simmonson and the second to take that position
w-as Charles Brownlee, while the regiment in the course of the war was com-
manded by four different colonels, Denby, Brooks. Culbertson and Owen.
After spending a short period in the hospital at Louisville on account of sick-
ness, the stibject joined his regiment at Crab Orchard, and on May 14. 1864,
at the battle of Resaca, he was shot through the left shoulder, the bullet pass-
ing through his left lung and coming out under the shoulder blade. He was
in the hospitals at Chattanooga. Nashville. Louisville and F,vansville, and
762 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
was honorably discharged from his country's service February 14, 1865.
Mrs. HolHs had three brothers in the Union army, namely: Irvin was in
Company F, Thirty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry; Francis M. was a
member of Company F, Thirty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and Wil-
liam fought in the ranks of the One Hundred and Forty-ninth Indiana Volun-
teer Infantry.
On June 4, 1S72, Mr. Hollis was united in the hoi)' bonds of matrimony
with Sarah Jane Polk, of Patoka township, Gibson county, the daughter of
Clayborn and Rachael (Shoptaugh) Polk, who came from Hardin county,
Kentucky, to this county in 1844, where the father engaged in farming and
flour milling and became a prominent man. The parents of Mrs. Hollis had
twelve children and those who reached maturity were: Irvin C. is living in
Sanford, Florida; Isabelle is the widow of Robert Kendle, of Princeton, Indi-
ana, and is mentioned more fully in another portion of this volume; Francis
M. was a mill man in the South and West and died in Kansas; William A.,
who died in 1905, was a mill man at Fort Branch and had also engaged in
the tile and mill business near Madisonville, Kentucky; Caleb Clark lives in
Valparaiso, Indiana; Sarah Jane, Mrs. Hollis.
To Mr. and Mrs. Hollis have been born the following children: Heber
Ernest is a miller at Emerson's mill at \'incennes, Indiana. He started to
learn the milling business at the age of sixteen. He married Melissa Dame;
Othniel (better known as "Ott") is a farmer and stock man at Patoka and
married Forna Brown ; Francis Allen married Effie Martin and is farming in
Patoka township; Bartlett H. died at the age of five months; John Stewart
married Jessie Binkley and is a farmer in Paloka township; Rachael is the
wife of Herbert Thompson, an oil driller at Bartelsville, Oklahoma; Walter
is farming at home; Charles Edwin married Maude Blum and is farming in
Patoka township ; Clarence V. is at home.
After his marriage Mr. Hollis lived on the Judge Ro1)inson place for
about a year, then at different places in Patoka township and in 1891 located
on the present farm in Patoka township, the old Polk place, where he now
has eighty acres of fine land, besides ownmg the eighty acres where his son
resides. A general farming and stock raising business is carried on and a
first-class modern agricultural plant developed.
Believing in the principles set forth in the platform of the Socialist
party, Mr. Hollis has allied himself with this party. He is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church and belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic.
GIBSON COUXrV. INDIANA. 763
ELI J. ROBB.
The true measure of indixidual success is determined by what one lias
accompHshed. An enumeration of those men of a past generation who were
successful in their hfe work and at the same time left the impress of their
strong personaHties upon the community, men w Iio won honor and recogni-
tion for themselves, and at the same time conferred lionur on the locality in
which they resided, would be incom]3lete were there failure to make s])ecific
mention of the gentleman whose name initiates this paragraph, for although
Eli J. Robb has long been sleeping the sleep of the just, his influence still
pervades the lives of those who were so fortunate as to enjoy his acquaint-
ance His name is deeply engraved on the pages of Gibson county's history,
for his life was a busy one, and he never allowed anything to interfere with
his Christian obligations or the faithful performance of his church duties.
His entire Christian life was a steady effort for the worth of the Christian
doctrine, the purity and grandeur of Christian principle and the beauty and
sublimity of Christian character. Pure, constant and noble was the spiritual
flame that burned in and illumined the mortal tenement of the subject of this
memoir, and to the superficial observer can come but small appreciation of his
intrinsic spirituality, his faith being fortified by the deepest study, and the
Christian verities were with him the matters of most concern among the
changes and chances of this mortal life.
The late Eh J- Robb, the son of Eli and Nancy (Davis) Robb, was born
in Montgomery township, Gibson county, Indiana, in May, 1830. His father,
Eli Robb, was born August 7, 1797, the son of Thomas and Lydia (Waller)
Robb. Thomas Robb was born August 10. 1769, and his wife was born
Februarv 21, 1777. Thomas Robb, the grandfather of the subject of this
sketch, came to this county with his family in a very early day. and settled in
Montgomery townshij). on tlie farm now owned liv I'.rcsiev Robb. TIere Eli,
the father of Eli J., was reared, and upon his marriage to Xancy Davis he
entered government land at Griffin, in Posey county. Later he moved to
what is now known as the William Shelton farm in Montgomery township.
this countv, and on this farm the subject of this sketch first saw the light of
dav. Shortlv before the birth of Eli J- Robb, his father died, and three
years afterward his mother married Samuel Montgomery. The\- li\cd near
Cynthiana and reared a large family of children. On reaching his majoritv.
Eli J. Robb was married. October 8, 1851, to Zerelda Finch, a native of
Vanderburg county, Indiana. She was a daughter of G. \\'. and Deliiah
764 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
(Graves) Finch. Her father was a native of Kentucky and her mother of
Virginia. G. W. Finch was one of the most prominent men in the south-
western part of Indiana. He was a very active Mason and in the early days
of Indiana he helped in the organization of a number of lodges in this section
and it is believed that he had the honor of helping to organize the first Ma-
sonic lodge in Indianapolis. He had a Masonic apron that was given his
father by George Washington's wife, a white satin apron stamped by Martha
Washington with the Masonic emblems. It was given him with the request
that it go to the first of his sons who should become a Mason. This son was
Senator G. W. Finch, and he left it to his oldest son, who was a Mason, and
thus it has been handed down until it is now owned by G. W. Finch, Jr., of
Carmi, Illinois. Senator Finch came to Indiana when Evansville was a mere
village and was offered the town site for a little gold watch which he owned,
but refused to make the deal. He was an active Democrat all his life and the
great political debates which were the rage during his days were often held
at his home. He served two terms as state senator from Vanderburg county.
Among his friends was the late Robert Dale Owen, who was for several years
a representative in Congress.
After his marriage Eli J. Robb and wife made their home on his farm
in section 36, INIontgomery township. Their marriage was blessed
with two children, Hattie E., and Sarah Ann, who died at the early age of six
months. On this farm Mr. and Mrs. Robb remained the rest of their days
with the exception of three years, when they lived in Lincoln, Illinois, in
order to give their only daughter, Hattie E., an education at Lincoln Uni-
versity, a Cumberland Presbyterian college. However, their daughter's
health failed on account of her close application to her studies and they re-
turned to their farm in this county, where they continued to reside until their
death, Mrs. Robb's death occurring July 7, 1891, her husband surviving her
twenty years, passing away on January 5, 1911.
j\lr. Robb was an ardent Prohibitionist and attended the state conven-
tions of his part)- for many years as a delegate. His counsels were sought
by the leaders of that party, and he always occupied a very prominent place
in the state and county conventions. Mr. Robb was noted throughout this
locality for his generous hospitality, and his doors were always open to the
poor and needy. Very frequently there were several orphan children being
cared for in his home, or some unfortunate being aided by him, and no man
ever lived in Gibson county who was more popular or well beloved by all
classes than Eli J. Robb. Although not affiliated with any church as a mem-
GIBSOX COLNl-Y. INDIANA. 765
ber, \et he was a regular atteiulanl of churcli services and e\ery church near
him received some financial aiil Inmi him. It is said of him that umi c-von a
tramp was ever turned hungry from his door. It is not what wo gi\c. hut
what we share that renders our gifts valuai)le.
Hattie Elizabeth, the only daughter of Eli j. Robb, taught school two
terms in Gibson county after leaving Lincoln University. While in Illinois,
she became acquainted with her first hu.sband, Professor P. L. DeardortY, a
native of that state. They were married Sei)t ember 9. 1874, and until his
death he followed the occupation of a teacher. He was su])erinten(lent of
schools one year at Mechanicsburg, Illinois, two years at Graysville, that state,
one year at Fort Branch, Gibson countw Indiana, and the last year of his life
was superintendent of the city schools at ^lattoon. Illinois. At the time of his
examination for a teacher's certificate in Illinois, he passed the best examina-
tion which had ever been passed up to that time in Coles count}-. Illinois.
He was a genuine scholar, a Latin student of great ability, and was also \ery
active in church and Sunday school w<")rk and always strictly followed his
motto, "Onward and Upward." Shortly after their marriage his health ga\e
way and he went to Colorado to recuperate. On his return from Colorado to
Illinois he stopped at Abilene, Kansas, at the home of Senator Burton, whose
wife was a member of the Robb family, and here his death occurred Jul\- 27,
1879. Professor Deardorff was a \ery conscientious worker and while teach-
ing he studied medicine, intending to follow that profession later on,
.\fter the death of her husband. Mrs. Deardorff returned to the home
of her parents in Gibson county, where she has since lived. She was again
married December 26, 1895. to Edgar H. Bailey, but the marriage did not
prove congenial and after about thirteen years it was thought best to bring
their marital relations to an end. Since that time Mrs. Bailey has continued
her residence on the old home place where she was born in May, 1853. Here
she has lived a life of usefulness, which has endeared her to every one in the
community. When her mother died, Mrs. Bailey promised her to do more
for the poor than they had done and this meant much, for Mr. and Mrs. Robb
had been probably the most charitable people in the whole township. Mrs.
Bailey considers her promise to her mother as a duty laid upon her and, as she
is able, not only gives money, but also that rare symjiathy that means I'ar
more. She has been a power for good to all with whom she comes in con-
tact, gives homes to the unfortunate and oppressed, and e\en has several of
the unfortunates in her own home at times. Fortunately she is possessed
with the means to carry out her charitable idea'^ and the good which she does
766 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
for this community has rendered her one of the best beloved women of the
county. Her kindly bearing, her loving kindness, and the friendly methods
of doing her good deeds, her tender and ennobling way of bringing cheer to
the hearts of the unfortunate will probably never receive due credit in this
world.
JOHN D. CHISM.
Among the citizens of Gibson county, Indiana, who have built up a com-
fortable home and surrounded themselves with valuable real estate and per-
• sonal property, few have attained a higher degree of success than John D.
Chism. With few opportunities except what his own efforts were capable
of mastering and with many discouragements to overcome he has made an
exceptional success in life and in his old age has the gratification of knowing
that the community in which he resides has been benefited by his presence.
John D. Chism, one of the most successful farmers in Gibson county,
Indiana, was born on August 28, 1852, in Montgomery township, this county.
His parents were William and Mary (Fitzgerald) Chism. William Chism
was born in White county, Illinois, and his wife was a native of Posey county,
this state. John Chism. the father of William Chism, was one of the first of
the family to come to White county, Illinois, and when the family settled
there in 1812, they were in the midst of the struggles incident to the war of
18 1 2. Howe\er, they were ne\'er troubled with the Indians, and lived in
that county the remainder of their lives. William, the father of John Chism,
was the only son of the family who grew to maturity. The four daughters
of Mr. and Mrs. John Chism who grew to maturity were as follows : Mrs.
Rachel Graham, Mrs. Margaret Blue, Mrs. Nancy Rudolph and Mrs. Sarah
Graham. William Chism grew up in White county, Illinois, and received
his limited education in the district schools of his home locality. In 1843
he left Illinois, settling in Gibson county, Indiana, about three miles north of
Poseyville. Later he entered government land in Gibson county, this state,
and cleared and improved a farm of respectable proportions. Here he lived
the life of a farmer the remainder of his days, his death occurring in 1876.
He was a life-long Democrat and, with his wife, a member of the Regular
Baptist church. To Mr. and Mrs. William Chism were born eight children :
James M., of Poseyville, Indiana, born October 11, 1845; Margaret, the wife
of John Martin, born October 11, 1850: Hiram, born January 28, i8s=;. died
GIBSON cniTxrv, ixniWA. 767
Tilly t6. 1853: Elizabeth, horn October 5, 1856. married Phili]) Martin, and
lives on the old Chism homestead: William, born October 27. ICS58, died
October 9, 185Q; Hattie, born January _>. jSC)z,. married John Arbuthnot, of
Center township, this comity: Charles B., born August 2, 1862, is now a miner
in Alaska, and John D., the immediate subject of this sketch.
John D. Chism was the third child in the family and rccci\ed his educa-
tion in the schools of his home locality, finishing his educational training in
the Owensville high school. That he prospered well by his schooling is shown
in the fact that he was successful in securing a teacher's license and later
taught school in Posey county for one year. He continued to reside at home
until his mother's death, after which he bought part of his father's old farm
and built a house and otherwise improved the place. Later he sold this place
and bought eighty acres on the state road south of Princeton about twelve
miles and here he lived for nine years. He then .sold this farm and pur-
chased a farm near Douglas Station. Indiana, consisting of one hundred
twenty acres, which he continued to ojierate for the next twenty-one years.
In addition to his farming interests he also had a general store at Douglas
Station and handled grain of all kinds. 'Mr. Chism has always been a \-ery
successful farmer, and in fact, everything to which he has turned his attention
has been successful. He has made considerable monc\- in the buying and
selling of grain, live stock and agricultural products of all kinds.
John D. Chism was married November 17, 1881. to Grace B. Mauck.
the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alford Alauck. who are rcj^resented elsewhere
in this volume. ]\Ir. and Mrs. Chism are the parents of six children : .\ngie.
who married Alva Montgomery in January, iqo6. Immediately after marriage
thev lived in Alontgomery township, but went west on account of Mrs. ^^Tont-
gomery's health and while there she died. Mrs. Montgomery left two chil-
dren, Carroll, deceased in 1899, and Jeanette. Blanche L., who married Joseph
McCullough, September 13, 1913. lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Mary, who, after
graduating from the Princeton high school, entered Indiana University at
Bloomington where she is still a student: Harold, who died in 1899, at the
age of four years; Lucy, who is still at home and attending high school at
Princeton.
Mr. Chism is a stanch Democrat, but has never been an aspirant for any
political office. His business aflfairs have occupied all of his attention and
demanded all of his time, so that he has had no time to play the political .game
in his countv. However, he is a man who keeps well informed on all the
current affairs of the day. and has decided convictions nn important questions
768 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
which he is able to set forth in a very forcible manner. As a farmer and
business man he has been eminently successful and he and his wife now are
the owners of several valuable farms in Gibson county, as well as personal
property of various kinds. The family moved in 1913 to Princeton and
bought a home at 701 South Gibson street, where they dispense hospitality to
a large circle of friends and accjuaintances. Mr. Chism is a man of fine and
alert mentality and is deeply interested in everything pertaining to the ad-
vancement of his community along material and moral lines, and for years
has been prominent as one of Gibson county's highly respected citizens.
LEMUEL O. EMMERSON.
The history of a county or state, as well as that of a nation, is chiefly a
chronicle of the lives and deeds of those who have conferred honor and dig-
nity upon society. The world judges the character of a community by those
of its representative citizens and yields its tributes of admiration and respect
to those whose words and actions constitute the records of a state's prosperity
and pride. Among the prominent citizens of Gibson county who are well
known because of the part they have taken in public affairs is Lemuel O.
Emmerson.
Lemuel O. Emmerson was born at Iving's Station, south of Princeton,
Gibson county, Indiana, on April 11, 1846, the son of Lemuel and Nancy
(Dougan) Emmerson. The father was a son of Jesse Emmerson, who came
from Lincoln county, Kentucky, to Gibson county, Indiana, on April 10,
1809, locating on what is known as the John Martin Smith place between
Princeton and Owensville, and was one of the earliest settlers of this locality.
He and his family floated down the Ohio river on canoes to Evansville, from
there coming to Princeton, their first camp being on the present site of Judge
Land's residence. At that time but little settlement had been made in this
locality, the land being covered by a dense forest. Jesse Emmerson was born
a British subject, his birth taking place near Culpeper, Virginia, in 1767, and
it is noteworthy that he has a son, Henry P. Emmerson, who is now living in
the Soldiers' Home at Lafayette, Indiana, being now (this year, 1914)
eighty years Of age. Thus two generations of this family have witnessed
every change in the American colonies and states since the independence of
the former. Jesse Emmerson was a farmer by vocation and a man of con-
siderable influence and force in this community. He married Elizabeth
LEMUEL O. EMMERSON.
GIBSON CnUMV. rNDIANA. "69
Emmerson, who was pi\ibal)ly a Cdusin, and tu llicni were Imn! I'liurloen chil-
dren, twelve sons and two daughters, five ul" wlioni were deaf and dumb, m-
cUiding the subject's father. Of these fourteen children, Henry P. is the only
one living. The senior, Lemuel Emmerson, while living, was a successful
farmer in Patoka township, this count}, and died on December 12, 1845, a
few months before the birth of the subject of this sketch. He was the father
of hve children, namely: Mary E. Mead, of Oakland City, Indiana; James
R., of Oakland City: :\Irs. Hannah J. Rutter, deceased; Mrs. Malissa \'ickers,
of Oakland City, and Lemuel O., the subject. After the father's death, the
mother became the wife of Stephen Sanders, there being no issue to this union,
and her death occurred in 1872 at Fort Branch, this county.
Lemuel O. Emmerson was reared on the paternal farmstead, receiving
his education in the country schools of his home neighborhood. On Decem-
ber 8, 1863, when but sixteen years of age, he enlisted in Company D, One
Hundred and Twentieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, rendering valuable serv-
ice to his country, receiving an Iionorable discharge on December 8, 1866. He
took part in all the campaigns and battles in which his regiment participated,
including the battles around Atlanta, and thnse at Rocky Face, Snake Creek
Gap, Resaca, Lost Mountain and Kenesaw Mountain. He helped to lay the
bridge at the crossing of Chattahoochee river, at the mouth of Soap creek, and
there waded the stream in the face of the enemy's fire. He was in the battle
of Atlanta, where General McPherson was killed, and in the sanguinary con-
flict at Jonesboro. After the fall of Atlanta, Mr. Emmerson accompanied
his regiment in the pursuit of Hood to Tennessee, and took part in the engage-
ments at Columbia, Nashville, and Franklin, Tennessee, and was in the battle
ni Kingston, Xorth Carolina, one of the last of that great ennlliel. ivelurning
home upon the conclusion of his ser\ice, Air. Emmerson went to school for
two \ears and then engaged in teaching, which commanded his attention for
twenty-nine years, during all of which period he taught in Gibson county
schools with the exception of four terms. In 1898 Mr. Emmerson retired
from pedagogical work as a profession and was elected a justice of the peace.
This position he now holds, and he has discharged his duties to tlie entire sat-
isfaction of all who have had business in his court. Well informed in the
general principles of jurisprudence and with a large sense of justice and fair-
ness, his decisions have been marked by a soundness of judgment and correct-
ness of view, which have received the commendation of the higher courts.
On Alarch 11, 1872, Mr. Emmerson was married to Marinda J. Mason, a
(49)
770 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
native of Gibson county and a representative of one of its sterling families.
To this union there were born three children, of whom one is living, Bessie,
the wife of Lewis A. Shearer, of Charleston, West Virginia. Mrs. Emmerson
died in 1890, and on April 16, 1891, Mr. Emmerson married Mary E. French,
of Fort Branch, this county. Politically, he is an ardent Republican, while
his religious membership is with the General Baptist church. Fraternally, he
is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Grand Army
of the Republic. A man of sterling character and ciualities, he has earned and
retained to a notable degree the confidence and esteem of the entire commun-
ity and is clearly entitled to representation in a work of the character of the
one at hand.
JAMES KILMARTIN.
The history of the loyal sons and representative citizens of Gibson
county would not be complete should the name that heads this review be
omitted. When the fierce fire of rebellion was raging throughout the South-
land, threatening to destroy the Union, he responded with patriotic fervor to
the call for volunteers and in some of the bloodiest battles for which that great
war was noted proved his loyalty to the government he loved so well. During
a useful life he has labored diligently not only for his own material advance-
ment, but has also been devoted to the public welfare, doing what he could to
benefit the community and advance its standard of citizenship.
James Kilmartin was born July 4, 1846, in New Orleans, Louisiana, the
son of Michael and Susan (Fox) Kilmartin. Michael Kilmartin was a
native of county Tipperary, Ireland, and came to America in 1840, first
locating in Muskingum county, Ohio, at Dresden, where his marriage took
place, the wife being a native of Wayne county, Pennsylvania. After his
marriage he went to New Orleans and remained about seven years, after
which he returned to Ohio and became half owner in a distillery at Dresden,
which he operated until his death, in 1854, in his thirty-second year. In
early life he was a contractor and builder. Susan Fox, his wife, was a
daughter of Henry Fox, of Pennsylvania, he being of German descent. In
an early day Henry Fox secured a land claim in Guernsey county, Ohio, and
hired a man to help him move his family to his newly acquired land. On the
journey a wagon broke down and Mr. Fox went to the house of a nearby
settler to secure a chain to repair the trouble. He never returned, and his
GIBSON COUNTY, IN'mANA. 771
bod_\- was found in the ri\ei- witli the chain alxtul his nock. The man who
was helping him to move look the horse and left the family there alone in
the woods for several days until travelers happening along found them and
helped them to their claim in Guernsey county, where the mother and her
family settled and made a home. Subject's maternal grandparents had eight
children : John, Mary, Delilah, Henry, Sarah, Pete and the subject's mother.
All of the family lived in Ohio, except John, who as a _\-(iung man went to
Polk county, ^Missouri.
To James Kilmartin's parents were born five children, as fnllows : A
son died in Xew Orleans, Louisiana, in infancy; the subject: Alary and Aden
are deceased; Sarah lives in Louisville, Kentucky.
The subject of this review attended the comnicm schnuls ;uul worked
on the home farm until the commencement of the Civil war, when, Septem-
ber II, 1862, he enlisted in Company F. Sixty-second Ohio Volunteer In-
fantry, which was sent to Fortress Monroe and the first battle in which sub-
ject was engaged was at Fredericksburg, A'irginia. In the spring of 1863
Air. Kilmartin's command was sent to S'luih Carcilina and was at \ew Berne
and Alorris Island: July 10, 1863, they were at the siege of Fort Wagner,
and then were ordered to Hilton Head, South Carulina, where the regiment
was veteranized and granted a thirty days' furlough to visit their homes.
Returning to Virginia, Air. Kilmartin's command was assigned to the Tenth
Army Corps and they were in all the engagements up to and including Ap-
pomattox, and were granted honorable discharge June 20, 1865. when they
returjied to the Buckeye state. Mr. Kilmartin's health was badly broken
w hile he was in the service and he long suffered from the effects of the ex-
posure and hardships which he endured. He remained in Ohio until 1868
and then went to Maysville, Mason county, Kentuck\-. and went in work at
the cooper's trade, which he had previously learned. He wmked in different
parts of Kentucky until 1880, when he came to Oakland City, Indiana, and
followed his vocation there until 1900, coming then to Princeton, where he
was employed in the same manner until his retirement.
In 1870, in Mays\ille, Kentucky, Air. Kilmartin was married to Frances
Snidicor, of that city, a daughter of Gilbert and Alinerva (Ham])ton) Snidi-
cor, she of Alaysville, Kentucky, and he of Orange county. New York. He
was a soldier in the Sixteenth Kentucky Infantry and served four years.
He was a boot and shoe mak-er by trade and a fine workman. Both he and
his wife died in Maysville. To the subject and wife have been born the
following children: George, who is a cooper by trade, has engaged in
772 GIBSON COUNTYj INDIANA.
several different kinds of business, and is now li\-ing at home, emplo_ved with
Smith & Riggs, grocers. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, the Tribe of Ben-Hur, and the Free and Accepted Masons ; Ida A.
is at home; Minnie is the wife of Walter Riggs, grocer, of Princeton.
Mr. Kilmartin is an honored member of Archer Post, Grand Army of
the Republic, is now senior vice commander of the post and has always
taken an active interest in its.aiYairs. Mrs. Kilmartin is a member of the
Methodist church, having belonged to it for many years.
CHARLES KIGHTLY.
The character of a community is determined in a large measure by the
lives of a comparatively few of its members. If its moral and intellectual
status be good, if in a social way it is a pleasant place in which to reside, if its
reputation as to the integrity of its citizens has extended into other localities,
it will be found that the standards set by the leading men have been high and
their influence such as to mould the characters and shape the lives of those
with whom they mingle. In placing the late Charles Kightly in the front
rank of such men, justice is rendered a biographical fact universally recog-
nized throughout the localit}- long honored by his citizenship by those at all
familiar with his history. .Although a quiet and unassuming man, with no
ambition for public position or leadership, he contributed much to the material,
civic and moral advancement of his community, while his admirable qualities
of head and heart and the straightforward, upright course of his daily life
won for him the esteem and confidence of the circles in which he moved, and,
although he is now sleeping the "sleep of the just," his influence still lives
and his memory is greatly revered.
Charles Kightly, who for many years was well known as a successful
druggist and public-spirited citizen at Oakland Cit3\ Indiana, was born in
1850 in Chatters, England, and his death occurred at his home in Oakland
City on January 14, 1913. He was the son of John and Mary Kightly, who
also were born at Chatters, and who came to the United States in 1852,
landing at New Orleans. They came on to Evansville, Indiana, where they
located on December 25, 1852, and there the father's death occurred about six
months later. He was a farmer Jiy vocation and a man of clean life and
excellent characteristics. He was survived many years by his widow, who
died in 1902, at the age of eighty-six years. They were the parents of five
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 7/3
children, of whom two are now livini^-. Mrs. Barridge and Mrs. Williams,
both now residing in Evansville.
Charles Kightly received his education in the common schools of
Evansville, supplementing this by a special course of training in a business
college, and in 1877 he came tu Hazleton, (libson county, Indiana, and
entered the employ of his uncle, Josiah Kightly, who operated a store. In
addition to clerking in the store Mr. Kightly engaged in buying wheat and
other grain for his uncle, and also during this period learned the drug busi-
ness. The latter vocation attracted him, and in 1880 he opened a drug store
on his own account at Poseyville, Indiana, which he operated for nine years
with good success, but on account of poor health he was compelled to dispose
of his business, and during the following two years he located at Evansville,
though during that time he traveled nutch of the time. In 1892 Mr. Kightly
came to Oakland City and bought the W. L.West drug store and de\oled him-
self to the management of this business until his death. He was a keen and
sagacious business man and so managed his affairs as to reap a satisfactory
pecuniary reward. He enjoyed a wide acquaintance throughout Gibson
county and made many warm personal friends who esteemed him highly be-
cause of his excellent personal characteristics and his success in business
affairs. He owned a splendid and attractive home in Oakland City where his
widow now resides.
In 1878, Mr. Kightly married, at Hazelton. Indiana, Eva M. Gardner,
who was born at Princeton. Indiana, the daughter of James T. and Martha
('Ewing) Gardner. James T. Gardner came lo Prniceton, Indiana, as a
single man. and here was married. He was a cooper by trade and exentually
located at Hazleton, where he worked at his trade until 1885. when he went
to California and entered the soldiers' home, where he has since lived. He
still makes regular trips back to his old home to see his family, his wife still
residing at Hazleton. as she does not care to go so far away from the other
members of her family. James T. Gardner is a veteran of the Civil war, hav-
ing enlisted at Princeton in Company D. Fifty-eighth Regiment Indiana
Vohuiteer Infantry, with which command he served throughout the war, tak-
ing part in many of the most important battles and campaigns of that hi.storic
struggle. During his residence in Gibson county he enjoyed a wide acquaint-
ance and was highly respected by all v.ho knew him. To him and his wife
were born five children, namely : Eva M. Kightly. Marion, deceased, who
was the wife of William Reedy, of Hazleton: .'\gncs. the wife of Henry
Briner, of Hazleton, wnth whom their mother now lives; Sallie. who died at
774 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
the age of eighteen years; Clifford C, who lives at Detroit, Michigan, is
district passenger agent for the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific railroad;
he married May Stewart, of Dysart, Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Kightly were
born two daughters, Edith, the wife of Sanford Trippett, of Princeton, Indi-
ana, who are the parents of three children, Blanche, Byron K. and Charles
K. ; Blanche married B. O. Bennett, now of Caruthersville, Missouri, and is a
civil engineer. They have one daughter, Martha G.
Fraternally, Charles Kightly was an appreciative member of the Knights
of Pythias, and he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal
church. Mr. Kightly is remembered by those who knew him well as a man
of strong personality, but he never forced his convictions upon anyone, being
notably reserved and undemonstrative. His high sense of honor restrained
him from directing his activities toward any but worthy objects. He was a
splendid type of the self-made man, having in him the elements that make
men successful in the highest degree. Pre-eminent among his qualities was
that sound judgment which is ordinarily called common sense. His good
judgment extended to men as well as measures and for these reasons he was
a thoroughly practical man, self-reliant, firm and resolute. To this was
added the one thing necessary for the ideal business man, a scrupulous honesty
in his dealings with his fellow men. His life was exemplary in every respect
and his memory will long be carried by a wide circle of friends and acquaint-
ances throughout this section of the state.
FRANKLIN JONES.
The best title one can establish to the high and generous esteem of an
intelligent communitv is a protracted and honorable residence therein. The
subject of this sketch, some years deceased, spent his entire life in Gibson
county and because of his earnest and consistent life in the face of ill health
sufficient to discourage totally one of less optimism and natural hopefulness,
he earned the sincere respect and good opinion of all who knew him.
Franklin Jones was a native of Gibson county, born near Owensville,
in Montgomery township in 1823, and died near where he was born June 16,
1908. He was born in the first one of four houses built on the same site and
died in the last one built. He was a son of Charles and Eleanor (Warrick)
Jones and the parents of Charles were Cadwallader and Martha (Pitt) Jones,
natives of England. Martha (Pitt) Jones was a relative of William Pitt,
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 775
England's famous statesman, and came to America before she was married.
Her people located in North Carolina, where also hxated the Jones family
from England and there she and Catlwallader Jones were married. In tlieir
early married life they went to Kentucky to make their home and there their
son, Charles, was born in the vicinity of Hopkinsville. Cadwallader dietl
there and ]\Iartha came to Indiana with her son Charles. She married the
second time after locating in Gibson county, her husband !)eing Jesse Wells,
and they lived on Barren creek, about three and one-half miles west of
Owensville. Charles Jones took as his wife Eleanor Warrick, daughter of
Capt. Jacob Warrick, who made a name for himself during the Indian wars
in the early days of the state, and recei\ed a mortal wound at the hatlle of
Tippecanoe. Charles Jones and wife took up their residence on land south
of Owensville and lived there until their death. Twelve children were born
to Charles Jones and wife, namely: Mrs. Eliza Waters; Jacob W., who
ne\er married and made his home with his brother John near Midland City,
Illinois, and died there at the age of eighty-eight. He had a very retentive
memory and prided himself on his knowledge of the history of his family.
He was also proud of the fact that his first vote was cast for Henry Clay for
President of the United States, and ahva\s recalled with pleasure that he had
heard Abraham Lincoln speak. He was successful financially and acci iiuilated
considerable wealth during his life. The third child was Franklin, the
immediate subject of this sketch: John became quite wealthy also and lived
for many years near Midland Cit}-, Illinois, where he died ; Nancy, a daughter,
became the wife of Abram Mauck: William always lived on his father's place
south of Owensville, Indiana, and died there March 14, 1908; Robert died in
infancy: Martha lived to be about forty years of age and died unmarried;
Thomas Corwin Jones made his home south of Owensville. His wife was
Mary Kesterson and to them were born five children. The mother and three
of the children are dead. Marshall lived for many years at Beatrice.
Nebraska, and died there, while James Snu'th Jones never married and died
on the old homestead in Gibson county.
On December 16, 1847. Franklin Jones was united in marriage to Com-
fort Sharp, born near Cynthiana, Indiana, and a dauiditer of John \\right
and Temperance (Sharp) Sharp. The Sharp family originally came from
Carroll county, near Baltimore, Maryland, and at the close of the eighteenth
century went to Kentucky, later coming to Gibson county about 1833. Benja-
min Sharp, father of John Wright Sharp, secured government land which he
reclaimed from the wilderness, located near the present site of Owensville,
776 GIBSON COUNTYj INDIANA.
and this same tract of land is to-day known as the Frani<hn Jones estate.
Benjamin Sharp and wife were the parents of twehe children, namely:
Thomas, John Wright, Talbott, Micajah, Benjamin, Mary Weaver, Hannah,
Nancy, Cassandra, Mrs. Sally Pollard, Prudence Pollard and Carolina Mont-
gomery. Benjamin Sharp's wife was Elizabeth Wright.
Benjamin Sharp's brother Thomas married Rachael Elliott and settled
in Gibson coimty on the land now owned by William H. Redman. There
were eight children in their family, two sets of triplets and one set of twins.
Their names were: James E., Horatio, George, John, Hugh, Mrs. Elizabeth
Ann Hunter, Mrs. Temperance Sharp and her twin sister Comfort.
John Wright Sharp, son of Benjamin Sharp, married Temperance Sharp,
daughter of his uncle Thomas. They had two daughters. Comfort and a
child who died in infancy. John Wright Sharp and wife died when their
little daughter, Comfort, was only twelve years old, and she came to live with
her aunt Elizabeth Herring on the land where John Wright Jones, mentioned
elsewhere in this volume, now resides, and there she made her home until her
marriage to Franklin Jones. Her mother. Temperance Sharp, daughter of
Thomas Sharp, was born in 1800, and when the baby. Temperance, was but
two weeks old, her father started on a trip back to Maryland. ^Vhile there,
the baby's Aunt Temperance gave her a ring for the little namesake, made of
Guinea gold and that ring is still in existence, being in the possession of the
daughters of Franklin Jones.
Franklin Jones and wife were the parents of eight children, all of whom
lived past maturity. There were Eleanor W., Maria, John Wright, Martha
Temperance, Eliza Jane, Mary Elizabeth, Sarah Alice, and William Franklin.
All are now living but Sarah Alice, who was the wife of W. O. Jones, and
died leaving five children. Her husband is still living near Owensville.
Eleanor W., Maria, Martha Temperance and Eliza Jane still live on the old
homestead left them by their parents. They proved themselves worthy chil-
dren of such excellent parents, and remained with their father and mother,
caring for them through their old age. Mary, one of the daughters of the
family, is the wife of Theodore Crawford and lives not far from the old
home and William F. also lives in the neighborhood.
Franklin Jones was a farmer all his life, but for many years was unable
to engage in the active work required about the homestead owing to con-
tinued illness which incapacitated him, and the management of the home fell
very largely upon his efficient and faithful wife and the older children of the
family. Notwithstanding this, however, they reared their large family.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. . T/J
caring for them properly, and accumulated considerable property besides.
\\'hile not a member of any church society, Franklin Jones gave his religious
sympathies to the Baptist church and lived in strict accordance with the rules
of same. Throughout his life, his manner of living was such as to win for
him many warm friends, and considering the disadvantage under wiiich lie
labored, he was able to accomplish a surprising amount, l-roni hcncath iiis
roof, sons and daughters have gone forth to take their places in the world,
bearins: with them the consciousness of earlv and correct training.
ZADOK M. McCLEARY
To attain a worthy citizenship by a life that is always honored and re-
spected, even from childhood, deserves more than mere mention. It is no
easy task to resist the many temptations of youth and early manhood and
plant a character in the minds and hearts of associates that will remain an
unstained figure for all time. One ma\ take his place in public life through
some vigorous stroke of public policy, and even remain in the hearts of
friends and neighbors, but to take the same position b\- dint of the practice
of an upright life and without a craving for exaltation merely for selfish
ends, whose chief desires seem to be to serve others and lead a life of use-
fulness and honor, is worthy of the highest praise and commendation. Such
'a man is Zadok ]\I. McCleary, a man who has discharged his public and pri-
vate duties as they appeared to him, honestly and in a spirit of candor and
fairness. He is always ready to assist when he sees that aid is needed
and he certainly deserves the high esteem in which he is held.
Zadok M. McCleary was born in Barton townsjiip. Gibson county, In-
diana, December i, 1844, the son of James L. and Maria (Martin) Mc-
Cleary, he a son of William, of Ohio, and he a son of Robert, of Ireland.
The McCleary family were early settlers in Barton township, Gibson county,
arriving in that community about the same time as the Skelton family.
They settled on wild land and the family has always lived in that locality.
Subject's father was a farmer and died in 1878. at the age of sixty-five,
and his wife passed away in 1877, in her sixty-fifth year. They were mem-
bers of the Baptist church. To them were born eight children: ( i ) William
H. is deceased. He married Jane C. Kirkpatrick and they had three children,
James. John K. and Thomas W. William H. was a soldier in Company F,
Fortv-second Indiana Volunteer Infantrv. (2) James W. was a member
778 . GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
of Company F, Fortj^-second Indiana Volunteers, and was killed at Stone's
River. (3) Jacob died young. (4) The subject. (5) Mary married James
C. McGregor and both are deceased. (6) Anna is the wife of Miles Mc-
Kane, of Chandler, Indiana. (8) Dicey D. married Neamiah Wallace and
died in Essex, Missouri.
Zadok M. McCleary received little schooling and worked on the home
place until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he, his father and two
brothers all enlisted in Company F, Forty-second Regiment Indiana Volun-
teer Infantry, his father and brothers enlisting on October 9, 1861, and the
subject in December of that year, he joining the company at Chattanooga,
Tennessee. He was in Sherman's command on the march to the sea, and
was engaged in all the battles and skrimishes incident to that memorable
campaign, finally taking part in the grand review at Washington, D. C. Mr.
McCleary was discharged from the army July 21, 1865, at Louisville, Ken-
tucky, and returned home.
On December 22, 1865, Mr. McCleary was united in marriage to Nancy
L. Kirkpatrick, of Barton township, the daughter of John and Nancy (Wil-
son) Kirkpatrick, who were early pioneers in Barton township, having come
here from the Chester district of South Carolina, their native state. They
spent their lives in Barton township, the father being a farmer. To John
and Nancy Kirkpatrick were born ten children, namely : Letitia, deceased
wife of James C. Minnis ; Jane, widow of William H. McCleary, of Mackey,
Barton township; Robert and William, deceased; Mary, deceased, married
James M. Hunter, who died in Andersonville prison; John, deceased; Nancy,
the wife of Mr. McCleary; Sarah, deceased; one died in infancy; James, of
Bentonville, iVrkansas.
To Mr. and Mrs. McCleary have been born eight children : Hettie died
at the age of fifteen years; Laura Ann married W. D. Farris, of Barton
township, and is the mother of the following children: Charles (deceased),
Ella (deceased), Alva, Lillie, Floyd (deceased). Lula, John, Hazel, Josie,
Earl, one died in infancy, and William; Cora married James W. Farris, of
Barton township, and is the mother of five children, Harley, Mahala, Blanche,
Clyde and FIar\e}- ; Clara married L. L. Bell, of Evansville, Indiana, and has
five children, Russell, Fred, John, Edward and Esther; John enlisted in the
regular army of the United States June 16, 1898, and was honorably dis-
charged April 15, 1899, by general order number forty-four, from head-
quarters at San Juan, Porto Rico. He served all through the Spanish-
American war. Previous to his army service he was with the Tutor Iron
GIBSON COrXTY, INDIANA. 779
Works at East St. Louis and was also a member of the East St. Louis police
force. He died September 4, 1906. He was a splendid young man. a Mason
and an Odd Fellow; Mary is the widow of David Fields, of Mt. Vernon.
Illinois, and has one daughter. Edith; Emma is the widow of Crawford
Martin, of Mt. Vernon, Illinois; Dora is the wife of George F. Seats, a mill
man of Houlka, Mississippi. They have two children, Thelma and Golden.
After the war Mr. AlcCleary lived in Barton township and followed agri-
culture until 189::, when he removed to Summerville, Indiana, remaining
there until igof). wlien he located in Oakland City, where he has since re-
mained.
Mr. ]\IcCleary is an honored memlier of tiie (jrand Army of the Re-
public, being a member of A. H. Cockrum Post No. 520, at Oakland City,
and is now serving his eighth term as commander. The suliject is a faithful
and earnest member of the General Baptist church at Oakland City.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN JOHNSON.
A career marked by earnest and indefatigable application has been that
of the honored and substantial citizen of Gibson county, Indiana, whose name
appears at the head of this sketch. In this county he has had a continuous
residence of nearly four score years, in all of which time his life has been an
open book and read by his fellowmen. He was a valiant soldier of the Ci\il
war. where his fidelity was of the type which has characterized his actions
in all relations and gained for him the confidence and esteem of the public,
and the unbounded respect of all with whom he has been brought into con-
tact. As a farmer looking out for everything which would advance the
farming interests of his communit\- : as n ])u1)lic oflicial endeavoring to put
into his office the best judgment which he possessed; as a soldier in the late
Rebellion, we find him in all of these various walks a man in whom his fellow
men could place unbounded confidence. The old soldiers are fast passing
away and the few who are left should be honored by every citizen who loves
his country. These were the men who proved their love and loyalty to the
government along the path of marches, on the lonely picket line, on the
tented field and amid the flame and smoke of battle and then returning to civil
life, again took up manfully the struggle of industrial and commercial life,
but whether in war or in peace, the record of Mr. Johnson has been signalized
by honesty of purpose and integrity of thought and action so that he has fully
78o
)N COUNTY,
deserved the position which has heen granted to him by the people with whom
he has mingled for so many years.
Benjamin Franklin Johnson was born April 23, 1834, in Pike county,
Indiana. His i3arents were Benjamin and Polly (Almon) Johson, the father
a native of Virginia, and a son of Arthur Johnson, who was bom in 1757 in
Virginia and served through the Revolutionary war. At the close of that
struggle he returned to civil pursuits and married Lucy Harmon and moved
to Kentucky, and from thence he went to Gibson county, Indiana, settling in
Montgomery township. After remaining there a few years he went west-
ward and settled in White county, Illinois, where his death occurred. About
twenty years after his death his grandsons, Levi and Benjamin Franklin,
moved his body to a cemetery seven miles north of Carmi and erected a sub-
stantial monument over his grave. Polly Almon. the mother of the subject,
was born in Kentucky and while she was still a young girl, moved to this state
and settled in Montgomery township, this county. She was a daughter of
Arnot Almon and wife. She had a brother, Thomas, who was wounded in
the battle of Tippecanoe in 181 1, and another brother, Buckner, who was
killed in the same battle. Benjamin Johnson and wife, parents of the subject,
settled in ]\Iontgomery township, this county, after their marriage, while B. J.
Johnson was a small child, and soon after coming here the wife and mother
died. Benjamin Johnson lived a widower the rest of his life, his death oc-
curring at the age of sixty-three, having spent his whole life on the farm.
To Benjamin Johnson and wife were born eight children, of whom three of
the sons are living: Thomas Almon, of Owensville; Marion, of Oakland
Cit}-, and Benjamin Franklin, the immediate subject of this sketch. Three
of the brothers, Thomas, B. F. and A\'illiam R., deceased, were .soldiers of
the Civil war.
Benjamin Franklin Johnson enlisted on September 3, 1863, in Company
D, One Hundred and Twentieth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and
was assigned to duty in the Twenty-third Army Corps under General Scho-
field in the Army of the West. He participated in many battles and
skirmishes, among which were the battles of Resaca, Kingston, North Caro-
lina, the second battle of Nashville, and others in the northwest part of
Georgia and Tennessee. He was at Raleigh, North Carolina, in the spring of
1865 when Johnson surrendered to General Sherman. He was then kept
on guard duty until January 6, 1866, at which time he was finally mustered
out. He immediately returned to Montgomery townshi]^, and resumed his
farming operations.
GIBSON COUXTV. INIHANA. 78I
Mr. Johnson has been married three limes, iiis first marriajie Dceurriny
on September 4, 1859, to Laura A. Davis, the daughter of W'iiHam and Sally
(Johnson) Davis. Her father was a native of North Carolina and came to
this state in an early day. liis family settling along Black river in AFontgomcry
township, near the Posey ci>unt\- line. To Air. Jolinson's first union were
born five children: Emma, the widow of William TTenry Shar]ie. who now
lives in Vincennes, and is the mother of six children, fi\'e living and one
dead: Ida Ross, deceased y\iic of Julius Martin, was the mother of three
children, two Jiving and one dead: Sally D.. the wil'e of R. M. Johnson, lives
in Hamilton county, Illinois, and has si.x children : Charles, deceased, was the
father of three children, one of whom is also deceased: ^^'i1liam \V., who
lives at Vincennes, is a practicing attorney in that city.
In 1876 Mr. Johnson married Henrietta (Williams) Mounts, who died
two years later, January 22, 1S78, lea\ing two sons, James Burgess, who
died in infancy, and Francis Alexis, who li\-es at Centralia, Illinois. Francis
A. married Margaret Benson, and they have one son. On November 3,
1881, Air. Johnson married Mary Ann Parkhill, the daughter of John and
Martha (Patterson) Parkhill. She was b(^rn in Clays\ille, Guernsey county,
Ohio, and to this union four children were born: Lena, the wife of Bert
Dodd, who lives in Vincennes, and has one son. Benjamin Franklin Dodds,
born December 7, 1906; Dr. Morris H. C, a physician at Vincennes; Benja-
min Ernest, a telegraph operator, of Floren, California, who married Flor-
ence Towes, and Martin Harrison, of Chicago Heights, who is an emiiloye
of the United States Steel Corporation at that place.
Fraternally. Mr. Johnson belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, and has been a life-long member of that fraternity. Lie has always
taken a prominent part in public afifairs and has served as a member of the
Gibson county council for four years, failing of re-election only b\- a mistake
in the printing of the ballots. He served as constable for eight years upon
his return from the war, and made a most excellent official in the capacity.
As a member of the county council he took an active part in all the aflfairs of
that important body. He has been a member of the Grand Army of the
Republic for more than forty years, and has always been found a true friend
of the soldier. He and his wife are loyal members of the Christian church,
and have always contributed liberally to the support of that denomination.
In all his relations with his fellow men he has so conducted himself that he
has won the esteem and confidence of all with whom he has come in contact.
782 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
THOMAS COYNE.
The history of every man is an account of what he does, and the hfe
history of some men is as interesting as a novel. A novehst could take the
life history of Thomas Coyne, of Princeton, and around it weave a romance
which would make a novel of first rank. The incidents in his life, the strug-
gles through which he has gone and the fine type of character which is illu-
strated in the man would make a story which would grasp the hearts of its
readers. His story begins in Ireland, where he was born March 24, 1846,
and after thousands and thousands of miles of wandering he is now living at
Princeton, Indiana, a peaceful, quiet life, surrounded by his family and
friends and highly respected and honored by everyone in the community.
Thomas Coyne was born in Ireland, the son of John and Nora (Welsh)
Coyne. His father died when he was a small boy and he came with his
mother and the rest of the family to America when he was thirteen years of
age and settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, at which place the mother shortly after-
wards died. The children of Mr. and Mrs. John Coyne were Nora, de-
ceased : Martin, of Manchester, Ohio, who served the government during the
Civil war and is now a furniture dealer in that place ; Anna, of Germantown,
Ohio; Mary, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Thomas, the immediate subject of this
sketch.
Thomas Coyne never went to school and what education he has gained
has been actually picked up in the tramp life which he passed through in his
experiences in the Civil war and in the regular army afterwards. He is surely
a self-taught man. As a small boy he ran away from his home in Cincinnati
and never stopped until he found himself in the camp of the Union soldiers
in West Virginia in the summer of 1861. One of the officers asked him
what he wanted to do, and he told him that he wanted to become a soldier.
Accordingly he was taken into the camp, given food and set to work feeding
and caring for the army mules. He proved to be a very efficient boy and
when the army changed camp he was taken along and went with the army
from place to place until he reached Washington, D. C. He was then sent
to Warrington, Virginia, and carried the mail from Culpeper to Siegel's
division in eastern West Virginia. While on duty he was taken sick and
had to return to his home in Cincinnati. Just as soon as he recovered he en-
listed, on December 2, 1862, as a second-class boy in the United States navy
and served on a boat which did patrol duty on the Mississippi, Ohio, Ten-
nessee and Cumberland rivers. He was promoted to quartermaster the sum-
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. jS^
iiier he was sixteen years of age and served as long as this boat was on duty,
being discharged on July ii, 1864. From 1864 to 1866 he was in the gov-
ernment employ at Nashville, Tennessee, as a teamster. On March 8, 1866,
he enlisted in the United States Regular Army, Company G, Fourth Light
Artillery, and was stationed at Detroit, Michigan. After his enli.stmenl iiad
expired he went to Wyandotte, Ohio, and there took emploxnient as a
puddler in the steel works. While here he was married to Mary Fllen Kelly,
of Wyandotte, Ohio. Owing to the nature of his occupation he made fre-
quent changes during the next few years. In 1871 he left Wyandotte, Ohio,
and went to CIe\ eland, that state, where he remained for about nine months.
From here he went to Niles, Ohio, and in 1872 to Erie, Pennsylvania, and
the following year returned to Ohio and worked fur a time at Ashtabula,
where his wife died. There were two children b\' this marriage, Mary, de-
ceased, and fames, of Princeton, Indiana. In 1873 the panic came on and
all of the factories shut down, and for this reason Mr. Coyne cimld not find
an\- work at all. For the next two }-ears he was nicrcl\- a wanderer over the
face of the earth and tra\eled thousands of miles, Irving to tind something to
do. In 1875 he found a position in the stone quarry at Greencastle, In-
diana, where he worked for about a year, and then, in 1876, came to Owcns-
\ille, Indiana, where he found employment in a saw mill.
Mr. Coyne was married a second time in 1879, to Julia Ellen Nolan,
of Gallatin county, Illinois, and to this union there ha\e been born four chil-
dren: Thomas E., who married Mabel Dauglierty and is now with the
Stonnburg Electric Company, of Chicago, Illinois; Nina, the wife of Levi
Welsh, of Decatur, Illinois, who has two children, John and Mary Ellen;
John Martin, the third child, is now with Brooks &• Company, an auditing
company, of Chicago. For four 3-ears he was trafiic manager of the Carson,
Perrin & Scott Company, of Chicago. He married Mary L. Gales; Gladys
Dale, the youngest child, is still under the parental roof, and is now a senior
in the high school at Princeton. The children have all been remarkablv suc-
cessful and reflect great honor upon their parents.
He went from Owensville to Oakland City. Tnfliana, where he \\(jrke(l
in a flouring mill for a short time. From Oakland e'ity he went to Prince-
ton, where he remained for two years. In 1889 he went to Kingfisher
county, Oklahoma, with his family and entered one hundred and sixtv acres
of government land on which he li\ed for six years. Howe\er. the crops
were so poor that he decided to give up his claim and return to this countv.
After disposing of his land and farming implements, he started overland and
784 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
settled for a time in St. Clair county, Illinois. The contrast between the old
life and conditions in Oklahoma was so marked and so much to the ad-
vantage of Illinois that he lived in that state for six years. In 1901, how-
ever, he came back to Princeton with his family and bought his present home
at 829 North Race street, where he and his family are now living. He is now
in the employ of the Southern Railway shops at Princeton.
Mr. Coyne is one of the most loyal members of the Grand Army of the
Republic post at Princeton, Indiana, and always take a very active interest
in the deliberations and activities of that order. He is also a member of the
Free and Accepted Masons and a Knight Templar at Princeton. Mr. and
Mrs. Coyne are members of the First Baptist church at Princeton and are
both interested in the moral and civic welfare of their community. They
are fine people in the highest sense of the word and have reared a splendid
family of children. Today there is no more highly respected citizen in
Princeton than Thomas Coyne.
L. J. DEUTSCH.
Among the earnest men whose enterprise and depth of character have
gained a prominent place in the community and the respect and confidence of
his fellow citizens is L. J. Deutsch, well-known merchant of Oakland City.
He is a man of decided views and laudable ambitions, and his influence has
ever been for advancement of his kind and in the vocation to which his ener-
gies are devoted he ranks among the thriftiest young business men and is
deserving of the large success which has attended his efforts.
L. J. Deutsch, well-known merchant and well-known citizen of Oakland
City, was born near Corydon, Harrison county, Indiana, on February 12,
1864, the son of Jacob and Magdalen (Louis) Deutsch. Both of these par-
ents were natives of Alsace, Germany, who came to America in childhood
with their parents, who located respectively in Kentucky, and Corydon, In-
diana. The father followed farming during his active years and eventually
removed from Louisville, Kentucky, to Harrison county, Indiana, where he
lived until his final removal to Gibson county. In 188 1 Albert Deutsch, an
elder brother, came to Oakland City and engaged in the grocery business. The
subject of this sketch came here one year later and the balance of the family
in 1886. The business was begun in a modest way at the corner of Harrison
and Main streets, and they were prospered in this enterprise, but eventually
suffered the loss of their entire stock by fire. They then located on Depot
.1. DKUTSCH.
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. 7f<5
Street, but about eigbt years ago removed to their present location mi Main
street. Albert and L. J. Deutsch were in business together until, about fourteen
years ago, the former sold his business and located at San Antonio, Texas,
where he is now engaged in the lumber business. I'lie fatlier of these sons died
here about seven years ago, and the mother al)uut two years later. They were
the parents of eight children, of whom six are living, namely: Mrs. Sallie
Houston, of Odon, Indiana; Mrs. Emma D. Mauck, of Bentonville, Arkansas;
Albert, of San Antonio, Texas; Mrs. Mary Hurley, of Bentonville, Arkansas;
L. J., the immediate subject of this sketch, and Mrs. Anna E\ans, of Shreve-
port, Indiana.
L. J. Deutsch received his education in the i)ulilic schools at Corydon,
and practically his entire life has been spent in the grocery business. He first
worked in a store in New Albany, from whence he came to this locality in
1882. Possessed of marked business ability and characterized by sturdy per-
severance and indomitable industry, his success has been earned by hard work
and has been honestly merited. He has been successful in his material af-
fairs and has other interests aside from his grocery, being a stockholder,
director and vice-president of the First National Bank, of Oakland City, and
a man of definite and recognized influence in local commercial affairs.
In September, 1892, Mr. Deutsch married Elizabeth Martin, of Oakland
City, this county, the daughter of Jackson and Virginia Martin, and U> them
have been born two children, Magdalen and Robert.
Politically, Mr. Deutsch is a Democrat, while Iiis religious affiliation is
with the Presbyterian church. Fraternally, he is a member of the Free and
Accepted Masons and the Knights of Pythias, having attained to the degree of
Knight Templar in the first named order. He is deeply interested in every-
thing pertaining to the welfare of the community in whicli he resides and is
now rendering efficient service as president of the Oakland City school board.
The store conducted by him is one of the most popular and most extensively
patronized stores of its kind in this locality, its large success being very largely
due to the able management and wise business discernment of tlic subject,
who is a progressive, alert and careful Inisiness man and who has his affairs
under superb system, his customers always receiving courteous and honest
treatment. Mr. Deutsch is deserxing of great credit for what he has accom-
plished, for he is a self-made man in the truest sense of the word and has
accumulated the competency which is his through his own unaided eflforts.
Because of his sterling qualities of character and his high standing in the
communitv, he occupies an enviable position among his fellow citizens.
(50)
786 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
JAMES A. BLACK.
The gentleman whose life history the biographer here takes under review
is one of those strong, sturdy characters who have contributed largely to the
welfare of the community where he lives, being a business man of more
than ordinary sagacity and foresight, and as a citizen, public spirited and
progressive in all that the term implies. He is a native son of the old
Hoosier state, having been born in Monroe township, Pike county, Indiana,
on March 27, 1843. He is a son of David and Martha (Coleman) Black,
the former of whom was a native of Georgia, born in 1812, and the latter
born in Crab Orchard, Kentucky. David was a son of William Black and
came as a small boy with his parents to Indiana, locating in what is now
Monroe township. Pike county. They were among the first white settlers in
that vicinity and made their location right in the midst of the primeval
forest with Indians and wild beasts all about them. Here they commenced
the arduous task of making a home, and after years of hard work they con-
verted that once forest home into well cultivated fields and buildings and
there they reared their family. William also served in the War of 1812,
prior to coming to Indiana, and was a man highlj' respected in those early
days.' William Black and wife were the parents of five children, namely:
Robert, who lived near Decker Station, Indiana ; William, who went early to
Missouri ; John, who became one of the first settlers in southeastern Illinois ;
David, father of the immediate subject of this sketch, and the only daughter,
Betsy, who was the wife of Richard Barrett and lived at Oakland City and
later in Center township, Gibson county.
David Black received his education in the early subscription schools,
whose ad\antages were very limited, reading, writing and arithmetic being
about the only branches taught. He was ambitious to own land in his own
right and when a young man he obtained a tract of government land in
Patoka township, Pike count}', which he cleared and where he made his
home. The old log cabin he erected is still standing on the place. He ac-
quired one hundred and twenty acres of good land and always engaged in
farming. He was an old-line Whig and was active in the affairs of his party.
He was also a member of the General Baptist church and did much to further
the interests of that society in the new territory. He was a man who took
interest in public affairs and was much looked up to and respected. He died
on his home farm at the age of seventy-three years and his wife passed away
at the age of sixty-seven. They were the parents of fourteen children.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 787
namely : Robert and William, both deceased, were engaged in farming in
Pike county. The former married Malinda Lowe and the lalter's wife was
Mar}- Ann Davis. Henry died unmarried, and Da\id, who was a farmer in
Pike county, married Celia Pierson. John, deceased, married a Miss Crowe.
When but sixteen years of age he enlisted in Company F, Eighteenth Regi-
ment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served throughout the war. After its
close he engaged in the saw mill business at Wheeling, Indiana. Samuel was
also a soldier of the Rebellion, a member of Company I, Forty-.second Regi-
ment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Three months after enlisting, he con-
tracted measles and died in the hospital at Louisville, Kentucky. He left a
widow, ]\Iary Jane Coe. Frank, who resided on the old home place, married
Elizabeth Coe. James Aaron is the immediate subject of this sketch. Re-
becca became the wife of John Davis, of Pike county ; both are dead. Martha
is the widow of W. M. Christeson and resides in Pike county; Mary Ann,
deceased, was the wife of 'SI. Chumnry. and Nancy married George Face,
and both of them are dead. Henry died in Illinois. Rebecca married Con-
rad Slater, who was killed in the Civil war.
James A. Black attended the early schools of Pike county and resided
under the parental roof until the age of nineteen years, when, on August 22,
1862, at Rockport, Indiana, he enlisted in Cumpany I, Forty-second Regi-
ment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was sent to Indianapolis to be fitted
out for service. From there he was sent to Louisville, Kentucky, and from
there his company marched to join their regiment at Salt River. Kentucky.
He was on a three days' march from Louisville to Bardstown when he was
taken down with measles and was sent to Hospital Xumber I'our at Jjards-
town. This hospital was established in an old woolen factory and during
his month's illness there he almo.st died. Before leaving there he was cap-
tured by General Morgan, after having sufifered from typhoid fever and diph-
theria in addition to the original sickness of measles. At enlistment he had
weighed one hundred and forty-six pounds and after leaving the hospital
his weight was reduced to eighty pounds. As soon as he was able to be re-
moved, his brother Frank came and took him home and he was discharged
for disability in the spring of 1863. It took him fully two years to con-
valesce and for some time after that he was not strong.
In 1867 he was married to Harriet Harkncss. of Hardin county, Ken-
tucky, and to them were born eight children, three of whom, Zada, Annie and
\\'illiam, are dead. John L. is in the restaurant business at Oakland City,
Indiana. His wife was Stella Pipes. Charles, who married Eliza Coleman,
7oo GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
is a farmer in Pike county; Clarence farms his father's homestead in Pike
county. His wife was Ella Green. Delia remains at home, and Hettie,
the fourth child in order of birth, is the wife of William Leinhart, of Patoka
township, Pike county.
After his marriage, Mr. Black purchased a forty-acre tract in Monroe
township, Pike county, which was their original home and to this he has
added from time to time until he now owns two hundred and forty acres of
finely located land, which he himself has cleared and on which he has made
all the improvements. He has always engaged in general farming and in
addition has raised considerable stock, devoting especial attention to regis-
tered Poland-China hogs. He has also dealt extensively in cattle in addition
to what he has raised. In 1902 he and three of his sons went to Williams
county. North Dakota, and entered land. Mr. Black disposed of his holdings
there in 1905 and on his return located in Oakland City, where he has since
resided in retirement from active business. Mr. Black's religious sympathies
are with the General Baptist church, to which he gives liberally of his means.
He is a stanch Republican of the old school and also a member of the Grand
Army of the Republic. Mr. Black has been engaged in hard work all his
life, has used his brain as well as his hands, and has reaped the reward which
comes to those who so toil. He is well and widely known, has a large circle
of friends in both Pike and Gibson counties and is honored and respected by
all. He has always taken an interest in public affairs and has always been
quick to array himself on the side of right and good for the community at
large. He served nineteen times as a juror under Judge Welborn.
ISAAC R. BENNETT.
It is with a great degree of satisfaction that biographers revert to the
li\-es of those who have made the rough path of life smooth by their untiring
perseverance, and have attained success in any vocation requiring definiteness,
consecutive endeavor and determined action. Such lives, whether they be of
calm, conservative routine, or of sudden accomplishments, must abound in
both lesson and incentive and prove a guide to young men whose fortunes
are yet matters for the future to determine.
Isaac R. Bennett was born in Morgan county, Illinois, June 6, 1837, the
son ot Isaac R. and Mary (Jones) Bennett, he of Bourbon county, Kentucky,
and she of North Carolina. The subject's father was one of the pioneers in
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. /OQ
^I(.irgan county, Illinois, where he lived all his life, his death occurring in
1881, in his eighty -first year. His wife died in 1864, aged fifty-six. He was
a prominent man in his day and had the respect of all who knew him. As
early as the year 1818 it is recorded that he sat on a jury, probably one of the
ver}' first juries in his commun.ity. He followed farming and was a justice
ol the peace for forty years, was an associate judge and a member of the
Legislature in 1854. Ha\ing a close acquaintance with the immortal Abra-
ham Lincoln, the subject's father took a great interest in the political suc-
cesses of the martyred President. He served all through the Mexican War.
To Isaac R. Bennett. Sr., and wife were born eleven children, namely: John,
William, Clayburn Jones and Elizabeth are deceased ; Jane is living in Mor-
gan county, Illinois: Sarah and Mary, twins, are deceased; the subject; Rob-
ert lives in Morgan county, Illinois ; Richard and James K. Polk are deceased.
Isaac R. Bennett, the subject of this review, received the meager edu-
cation afforded the children of pioneer times in the subscription schools. He
and his brother, Clayburn Jones, purchased the old home place and lived on
it until 1877, when the subject came to Gibson county, .and, ]\Iarch 10, 1864,
was married tu Nancy S. Lathom, of Patoka township, l)orn October 26,
1843, the daughter of Jonathan and Elenore (Brown) Lathom, her father
born July 9, 1805, in Prince William county, Virginia, and her mother born
in September, 1804, in Caswell county, North Carolina. Jonathan Lathom
came to Indiana with his father, William, in 1809, and the family entered
land near Oakland City. Mrs. Lathom's parents arrived in this county in
1825, and the parents of the subject's wife were married in October, 1827.
William Lathom had a farm two miles north of Patoka which was originally
covered with heavy timber. This was cleared and made into a good home
place. William married Nancy Norman, and both are long since deceased,
he jjassing away at his daughter's home north of Princeton, and she on the
home place. Their children were : Ollie, killed by the Indians at \'incennes,
Indiana: Elenore, ]Mrs. Bennett's mother; Tsephena, the wife of John Har-
grove, of this county: Elizabeth, the wife of Hudson Brown, of Patoka town-
ship : Polly Ann was first married to a Mr. Hodgpath and then to John Key
and they lived in Patoka township; Nancy married \\'illiani Kirk and lived
near Hazleton.
Elenore (Brown) Lathom was a daughter of James Brown, of Caswell
county. North Carolina, who came to Gibson county in 1825, and followed
agriculture in Patoka township. His children were: Millie, who married
Clark Hargrove and lives near Oakland City: Elenore, Mrs. Bennett's
790 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
mother; Hudson, who lives on the old home place in Patoka township and
was first married to Elizabeth Lathom and then to Caroline Utter.
The children of Jonathan and Elenore (Brown) Lathom were: William
J., born July 17, 1828, married and was a merchant and farmer in Morgan
county, Illinois. His second wife was Jane Bennett, who lives in Morgan
county, Illinois, he being deceased; Elizabeth and another daughter died in
infancy; James Colman, born February 20, 1830, was a farmer in Gibson
county. He married Julia Davis, of Morgan county, Illinois, and is now de-
ceased : Jonathan died in his nineteenth year ; Isephena, born in December,
1838, married Barney Morrison and lived in Center township, Gibson county;
Sarah Ellen, born February 3, 1842, married James Lownsdale and lived
first in Pike county and later in Center township, Gi'Json county, both now
being deceased; Nancy was born October 26, 1844; George Norman, born
August 21, 1846, married Sallie Welborn, both deceased; Richard N. died at
the age of seven.
The subject and wife have been the parents of four children, namely:
(i) Mary Elenore was born February 5, 1865, and married John Hitch, a
merchant of Princeton, this union resulting in the birth of four children:
Robert, born February 14, 1891 ; George, born October 24, 1892; Bennett,
born November 7, 1893, and died in February, 1913; Pauline, deceased; (2)
Jonathan Lathom was born March 9, 1867, and is an engineer on the South-
ern railroad at Princeton. He married Mary J. Sutton and they have had
three children: Maurice was born July 13, 1888; Mabel was born June 4,
1890; Mary was born June 21, 1901, and died February 8, 1907. (3)
Christina N. was born October 9, 1875, and is the wife of J. W. Cunning-
ham, a farmer, now retired and living in Princeton, who is referred to else-
\Ahere in this v»ork. (4) James Elmer was born July 30, 1878. For years
he was employed with the Southern railroad, but is now a motorman in Cin-
cinnati. He married Jennie Robinson.
Before Mrs. Bennett's father married he carried brick in the construc-
tion of the old seminary building, receiving twenty-five cents a day and
sas'ing this money with a view of getting married. He followed farming all
his life and was well known and respected in his community. As a young
man he entered government land south of Francisco in Center township, and
erected a log cabin with no door and a stick chimney and fireplace. He took
a lot of young pigs to raise on the place, but they were carried ofif by bears.
He was a member of the General Baptist church and a stanch Republican,
having served as assessor for nine years.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 79I
After their marriage Isaac R. Bennett and his wife tirst lived in ^Torgan
county, IHinois, but in 1877 sold their lantl tiiere and removed to Patoka
township, Gibson county, Indiana, where they farmed until August, 191 1.
At that time they came to Princeton and located at their present residence at
611 North Hart street, still, however, owning their farm and renting it.
In his political belief. Mr. Bennett has alwavs given his support to the
Democratic party, while in rcliginus matters, he is a member of the Re-
formed Baptist church.
GEORGE STRAIN.
George Strain, who, after a long, busy and useful career, is now living
retired in Port Branch, was born at Patoka, Gibson county, Indiana, on
March 4. 185 1, the son of Rev. Thomas M. and Polly (Lagrange) Strain.
When Thomas M. Strain was but a lad his father was killed by a tree falling
on him. The subject's maternal grandfather was Erin Lagrange. Thomas
M. Strain was reared in Gibson cotmty, remaining on the homestead until at-
taining mature years. He w-as reared in the Presbyterian faith, and after
professing religion he joined the Baptist church, of which his wife was a
member. In that body he was ordained to tlie ministry, in which he was
actively engaged for many years, having preached near his home farm and
at Princeton. In September, 1852, he opened a store at Fort Branch, in
partnership with his brother-in-law, Charles Harrington, anrl at the same
time continued his ministerial duties. He cleared a place in the grcne. k in-
structing such seats as w^as possible under the conditions then existing, and
continued this as a religious meeting place for many years, or until the old
red school house w-as built, at which the different denominations met, and
where the Protestant churches of that section were first started. He was
successful in his mercantile enterprise, and also engaged in the buying and
shipping of pork, having a small packing house, the products of which he
mo.stly shipped to New Orleans on flat-boats! The partnership continued a
number of years, when he bought Mr. Harrington's interest and conducted
the business alone for a number of years. He was widely known as a suc-
cessful business man, upright citizen, and enjoyed the generous respect and
esteem of his fellow citizens, and was looked up to as an authority, possess-
ing rare judgment and foresight. He was a leader in the Baptist denomina-
tion, being a pioneer of the faith in his community, and the early church in
792 GIBSON COUNTYj INDIANA.
this section is much indebted to his earnest and energetic efforts in its behalf.
He was a self-taught man, and later taught school, and in after years was a
man of good education and a great Bible student, a convincing speaker and
able man. Late in life his eyesight failed, and his death occurred in July,
1906, at the age of eighty-nine years. Of the family of six children born to
Thomas i\I. and Polly Strain, George, the immediate subject of this sketch,
was the youngest. He passed his youthful years in Fort Branch, where he
graduated from the high school and then engaged in farming, in which he
continued for several years, or until his health failed, when he came to Fort
Branch and engaged with his brother in business. Later he bought the latter's
interest and continued the business until his retirement after twenty-six
years' steady employment as a merchant, and with fair success.
On April 14, 1886, he married Mrs. Mary Wingate, of Gibson county,
the daughter of Amosie D. Pioneer, a man of prominence in the community,
who served as probate judge for twelve years, and was a justice of the peace
for many years, being known widely throughout the country as Squire Fos-
ter. He was the owner of a good farm in Patoka township, where he lived
with his family. ]\'Ir. and Mrs. Strain are members of the Baptist church, to
which they give a liberal support. Fraternally, Mr. Strain is a member of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being a past grand of his lodge and
a delegate to the Grand Lodge. He is also a member of the Tribe of Ben-
Hur The children born to Thomas M. and Polly Strain are as follows:
Louisa, the wife of Dr. William R. Genung, who is represented elsewhere in
this work ; Lucinda, the widow of Samuel Sands, of Indianapolis : A. F. and
Sylvester, who are partners in business at Fort Branch; Andrew J., who died
in 1909, at the age of fifty-eight years, and George, the immediate subject of
this sketch.
JOHN L. BROWN.
The history of the loyal sons and representative citizens of Gibson county
would not be complete should the name that heads this review be omitted.
When the fierce fire of rebellion was raging throughout the Southland,
threatening to destroy the Union, he responded with patriotic fervor to the
call for volunteers and in some of the bloodiest battles for which that great
war was noted proved his loyalty to the government he lov.ed so well. During
a useful life in the region where he lives he has labored diligently to promote
the interests of the people, working earnestly and with little regard for his
CIRSON COUNTV. INDIANA. /^^
personal advancement ur ease. lie has been tlcvoled to the public welfare
and in all of his relations his highest ambitions have been to Ijenelit the com-
munity and advance its standard of citizenship.
John L. Brown, the son of David and Elizabeth (Kindle) Brown,
was born October 2, 1844, five miles southwest of Princeton, Indiana. David
Brown was a native of Harrison county, this state, and was born in 1808.
Upon reaching the years of his majority he came to Gibson county, where he
bought a farm for eight dollars per acre. This he cleared of timber and
drained the swamps and otherwise improved it until, when he was ready to
retire from active farming, it w as well worth eighty dollars an acre, which his
son paid him for it. and it is now recognized as one of the best farms in the
county. Elizabeth Kindle, the first wife of David Brown, was also a native
of Harrison county, and her death occurred when the subject of this sketch
was about five years of age. There were six children b\' this marriage, Will-
iam K.. deceased, who married Frances Polk, was a carpenter, and was also
in the army. He was a minister of the Gospel in California f(jr many years,
and was the father of one child. James E.. who married Dices Ann Summers,
who died in Oklahoma in 191 3, leaving a family of seven children, William,
Perry, Charles. John, Anna, Ollie and one who died at the age of seven years;
Mrs. Eliza Tichenor, deceased: Mrs. Sarah Johnson, deceased: Jacob A., who
died at the age of sixteen, and John L., the suljject of this review. After the
death of his first wife in 1849, David Brown married Elizabeth Stroud in 1852.
She had four children, Lewis, deceased: Thomas, deceased; ?^Irs. jMary
AVoods and Mrs. Cassie Williams, deceased.
John L. Brown spent his early life on the farm and helped his father clear
the heavy timber from off the land. \\'hen the Ci\il war broke out, John was
only seventeen years of age, but he was fired with all the enthusiasm of youth
and longed to throw his fortunes with the companies which were being re-
cruited from his county. He did not succeed in getting enrolled among the
first to leave the county, but in 1863 he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred
and Twentieth Regiment Indiana \'olunteer Infantry, for a jieriod of three
vears. His first service was in southeastern Tennessee and from there he
followed Sherman through Georgia to Atlanta, and thence to the sea. He dis-
played unusual heroism and bravery in many battles in which he took part,
and fortunately was never wounded with the exception of being badly bruised
when a bullet grazed his shoulder. He enlisted as a private, but was pro-
moted to the rank of a corporal on account of bravery and later was made a
sergeant and was mustered out as a sergeant in July, 18^15, at Indianapolis.
794 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
After being mustered out of the service, Mr. Brown returned to his home
county and worked on his father's farm for several years, at the same time
saving his money and investing it in land. In the course of a few years he
had accumulated a farm of two hundred and eighty acres, which is known as
one of the finest farms in the township, if not in the county. In 1909 he built
a large, modern barn, having lost his former barn by fire. There is no more
progressive farmer in the county than he, and he makes it a point to keep well
posted on all the latest agricultural methods. He always buys the latest im-
proved farm machinery, and is thereby enabled to get the best results from
his land. He is one of the most congenial, warm-hearted and best loved men
in the county, and is known everywhere as a man absolutely square in all his
business dealings. He has always been a believer in the Golden Rule and
carries it out in all of his transactions with his fellow men. He can get more
corn and wheat per acre than any other farmer in the county and is universally
conceded to have the best success in raising grain. He also keeps live stock
and has been very successful in raising horses and swine.
Mr. Brown has been twice married, first to Sarah Jane Clark, on January
17, 1869, the daughter of Jordan and Rachel (Mounts) Clark. Her father
was a farmer and a native of this county. Her mother also was a native of
this county, and both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Clark were the par-
ents of a large family of children : Eliza, who married George W. Woods,
and has two children, Carl and Hazel; Mrs. Woods teaches in the district
schools of the township; Lizzie, the wife of Madison Knowles, a farmer in
Center township, this county, has one child, Ovilla ; Arthur, who married Belle
Tichenor, is a farmer near King's Station, Patoka township, and they have
two children, Eunice and Mildred ; Forney, who married Otto Hollis, a stock
buyer living near Princeton, and they have three children, Barton, Jones and
Herschell ; Eva, the wife of Harvey McCarthy, a farmer near Princeton, has
two children", Earl and Paul ; Harvey married Amy Collins, and is now operat-
ing the homestead farm of eighty acres, and has one child, ]\lelvin ; two chil-
dren who died in infancy.
On February 20, 1895, John L. Brown married Melissa Clark, the
daughter of William and Margare^ (Stone) Clark. William Clark was a
native of this county and a General Baptist preacher, and his death occurred
on November 8, 1899, in Owensville. His wife was also a native of this
county and died in Owensville in 1905. The second marriage was blessed
with three children, Zella, who died at the early age of three months ; Arvel
and Darwin, both of whom are still at home with their parents.
GIBSON COUMV, INDIANA. 795
Although j\lr. Brown has l)ecn a lifeluiig Kepuljlican, he has never sought
any pohtical preferment at the hands of his party, lie takes an intelhgent in-
terest in the great poHtical questions of the day and is able to discuss them
intelligently. He and his wife have long been members of the White General
Baptist church. He has been a member for more than fifty years of this
denomination and for a number of years was treasurer of the church, but
resigneil on account of his age. He is still a trustee of the denomination.
J\lr. Brown is one of those progressive, self-made men who are thoroughlv in
harmony with the spirit of the achanced age in which he lives. In all his
business affairs he has conducted them in such a manner that stamps him as a
man who has a natural aptitude for successful management. He has not per-
mitted the accumulation of his comfortable competence to affect in any wa\-
his actions toward those less fortunate than he, being a most sympathetic and
broad-minded man and one who has a host of warm and admiring friends
throughout the county.
JOSEPH D. HUSSEY.
Among the oldest and most highly respected families of Gibson county,
Indiana, is the Hussey family, which came to this county in 182 1. Richard
Hussey, the founder of the family bearing his name in Indiana and other
states in the West, was born in Lebanon county. ]\laine, May 24, 1789, and
died April 15, 1851. He was married on October 4, 1811, to Alpha Mills, of
Kennebec county, Maine, her birth occurring on January 27, 1791, and her
death on ]\Iay 29, 1S41. This worthy couple reared a large family of thir-
teen children: Elizabeth M., born July 9, 1812, died April 27, 1878; Julia
Page, botn January 22, 1S14: Zazhariah, born October 25, 1815; James
Madison, born June 8, 1817, in Kennebec county, Maine; George B., born
Mav 17, i8ig, in Washington county, Ohio; Ansel Alexander Hamilton, born
November 16, 182 1 ; John Hibbard, born July 26, 1822, in Gibson county,
Indiana: Clara, born !\Iarch 19, 1824; Charles Wellington, born May 18,
1826; Elizabeth Ann, born April 11, 1828; Richard Perry, born April 4,
1830; Martha M., born March 24, 1833; Alpha Louisa, born October 15,
1835. In 1817 Richard Hussey and wife, with four children, left Kennebec
county, Maine, and tra\eled overland to Washington county. Ohio. Here
he followed the trade of a cabinet maker for four years and in 1821 the
family left Ohio and came to Gibson county, Indiana, locating five miles east
796 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
of Princeton in Center township. Here Richard Hnssey and his sons put up
a cabin and blacksmith shop, and here the family lived for several years, the
mother's death occurring on this farm. Mr. Hussey's shop, in which he did
both iron and wood work, was the center of a large community and the people
from far and near came to him to have their work done. In this way he
formed a large acquaintance and probably no man in the county was better
known in his day than Richard Hussey.
James Madison Hussey, the son of Richard Hussey, and the father of
the subject of this review, was one of the children who were born in Maine
and left that state when he was an infant. He received the meager schooling
which was afforded in Gibson county in the twenties, and since he was the
oldest child in the family, he early took up the burden of helping to support
the family. He remained on the home farm helping his father in his shop
until he was married ; then he rented a part of his father's farm. James M.
Hussey married Sarah Patterson, of Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, a daugh-
ter of Robert and Rebecca (Wilson) Patterson. Sarah Patterson had come
from Pennsylvania to Xenia, Ohio, when a small child with her parents, and
later came with them to Gibson county, Indiana, where they settled in Center
township, near the Hussey homestead. There were four of the Patterson
family: James, who li\ed in Princeton; Harriett, who married a IMr. Shaw
and went back to Pennsylvania, where her death occurred: Sarah, the wife
of James M. Hussey; and one who died in infancy. To James M. Hussey
and wife were born eight children: Henr)- W., who lives in Canada and
married Mary J. Harbison; Robert Dale, who married Eliza J. McClellan,
was in the Civil war and served three years in Company G, One Hundred
and Twenty-eighth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. After his death,
in i8'72', his widow married L. B. Wallon, a druggist at Francisco, Indiana;
Richard Lewis, whose sketch is given elsewhere in this volume; Franklin C,
deceased; Ella Maria, the wife of Lon C. Dilday, of Princeton; James M.,
who married Isabelle Ingram, is a farmer in this county ; Joseph Devin, the
immediate subject of this sketch, and Arabella, the widow of Isaac N. Eby.
of Princeton. He was a farmer, and died December 8, 1898, lea\ing his
widow and two children. Earl and Allan Dale.
James M. Hussey, the father of Joseph D., enlisted in the Civil war in
Company B, Sixty-fifth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, on August
2, 1862. As first lieutenant he helped to raise two companies. Shortly after
going to the front he died, and in November, 1862, his body was brought
from Henderson, Kentucky, and buried in the cemetery near Princeton with
GIBSON' CdLXTY, INDIANA. 797
all the lionors ol war. His widow \\\x\\ at i\w old h.iinc place until her death,
in i8g8. Slie was of a deeply reliijiou.s teniperanienl and an earnest worker
in church circles. She was a consistent and devoted member of the United
Presbyterian church for fifty-five years, and a woman who was loved and
respected by all who knew her.
Joseph D. Hussey was born in Center township, Gibson county, Indiana,
August I, 1859, and recei\ed a ver\- limited education in the common schools
of his home township. He continued to reside on the home farm until he
became of age, when he removed to Francisco and engaged in business in
that place. Three \ears later he removed to Princeton, where he continued
in business until 1910, when he retired. In 1906 he bought his splendid home
on North Seminary street, where he is now living a retired life, surrounded
by all the comforts and con\eniences of modern life.
Mr. Hussey was married in 1883 to Jemima E. McFetridge, of Center
township, in this county, and she died in August, 18S7, leaving one child,
Sarah Mabel. The daughter married Eugene B. Smith, a wireless operator
for the United States government at Porto Rico during the Spanish-.\meri-
can war, and now lives at Belle\"iew, Ohio, where he is engaged in the dairy
business Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of two children, Kalherine
Elizabeth and Joseph Eugene. Jemima E. McFetridge, the first wife of Mr.
Hussey, was the daughter of Scott and Sarah (Johnson) McFetridge, an
old family of Gibson county. They came to this county in 1821, before the
Hussey family. The Johnson family, headed by David Johnson, a soldier
of the W^ar of 1812 and a hero of the battle of Tippecanoe, came to this
county before 1800.
Mr Hussey was married a second time to Mary Roselle Langford, in
]\Iarch, 1894, and to this marriage was born one daughter, Josephine Aladge,
who is still with her father. The second wife of Mr. Hussey, who died in
February, iqoo, was the daugliter of John and Sarah (Young) Langford,
of Warrick county, Indiana. The Langfords are of English ancestry, and
Richard Langford, the grandfather of Airs. Hussey, was one of the earliest
settlers in the state, arriving in the vicinity of Evansville in 181 5.
On April 2, 1906, Mr. Hussey married Emma J. f^^'estfall) Hochhalter,
the daughter of George and Jacobena fBrigius) Westfall. Her parents were
both natives of Germany and Afrs. Hussey was born before her parents came
to this country. She was eleven years of age when her parents came to
America and settled in Warrick county in this state. Mr. Westfall was a
blacksmith by trade and at the opening of the Civil war enlisted in the Union
798 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
army and served four years at the front. Emma J. Westfall was married on
March 30, 1882, to PhilHp Hochhalter, a cooper, of Newburg, Warrick
county. He died February 13, 1891, leaving his widow with one son, Louis
C Hochhalter, who married Emily Webber. Louis and his wife have one
son, Elarold, and live in Evansville.
BENJAMIN F. BENSON.
It is the farmer who makes it possible for men in any other occupation
to live. Farming was the original occupation of man, and it is the only pro-
fession which could exist independently of any other. Indeed, every other
occupation is dependent upon the farmer. The products of the farm have
made our railroads what they are today, and the great bulk of manufactur-
ing is made necessary because of the farmer's needs. The people of the city
could not live a week without the farmer's products. He holds not only the
purse strings of the nation, but even the very life itself of the people. For
this reason the farmer has in reality the most important profession of all.
Gibson county has as fine farms and as good farmers as can be found any-
where in the state, and among them is the subject of this review.
Benjamin F. Benson is the son of Sylvester and Nancy (Ewing) Ben-
son, and was born February 3, 1871, about four miles northwest of Owens- -j 1/^Vlt
ville. His father was a native of this county, being born on his father's ^jn^i^T
farm July 10, 1823. He was a very influential farmer and citizen, and one 1 rr cjf'l
of the most widely known men in the county. He took an active part in Re- ' *^
publican politics and was elected to the office of county commissioner for
three terms. He was president of the board of county commissioners at the
time the first court house in Gibson county was built, and by his integrity
and devotion to public duty he rendered valuable service at that time. Pie
took a great deal of pride in the Benson family history and at one time wrote
the family history, but unfortunately lost it by fire at the time his residence
was burned. He is now living with his daughter, Mrs. William Scott. Some
time ago he suffered a paralytic stroke, which has rendered him speechless
and deaf and unable to finish his family history. He was the son of William
and Margaret Benson, his grandfather being a native of Ireland. The mother
of the subject of this sketch was a native of Dubois county, Indiana, and died
March 12, 1898. Mr. and Mrs. S3dvester Benson were the parents of eight
children: Columbus; James; Benjamin F., the subject of this sketch; John;
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 799
Luella, who died at the age of three; Luther; Mrs. Margaret Johnson, and
Mrs. Lilhe Scott.
Benjamin F. Benson was united in marriage on June 17, 1896, to Fannie
Cleveland, daughter of John and Mary (Polk) Cle\eland. Her father was a
son of George Cle\^eland, a native of Vanderburg county, this state, where he
spent his boyhood days before coming to Gibson county. He has always
follo^^ed the occupation of a farmer and has ninety-six acres of excellent
farming land near Owensville. He was Irorn in 1844 and died in 1899. His
wife was also a native of this county and died at the home of her son-in-law,
Benjamin F. Benson, in 1906. Mr. and Ishs. John Cleveland were the par-
ents of four children : Roger ; Fannie, the wife of the subject of this review ;
Mrs. Flossie Lee and Charles.
Benjamin F. Benson spent his boyhood days on the farm and received
the best education vvhich the district schools of his locality afforded. He has
devoted his whole time and energies to his farming interests and now owns
two hundred and fourteen acres of excellent farming land in this county.
He keeps well posted on all modern methods of scientific farming, and in this
way has become one of the most successful farmers of the county. In addi-
tion to his general farming he has made a specialty of raising live stock for
the market, and takes a justifiable pride in his dwelling, fine home, barn and
outbuildings, and has one of the best improved farms in this section of the
state.
Mr. and JMrs. Benson have been blessed with six children, three of
whom died in infancy. There are three sons still at home with their parents,
Ronald, Burneil and William. It is needless to say that these boys are re-
ceiving every advantage which modern education can give thein, and that
they will be well prepared to take their places in the affairs of the community
later on.
.Vlthough Mr. Benson has always affiliated with the Republican party,
he has never sought any political office, but has been content to devote all of
his time and energies to the management of his farming interests. He and
his wife are both loyal members of the General Baptist church and arc inter-
ested in all the activities of that denomination. Mr. Benson is a deacon in
the church. He is a man of modest and unassuming disposition, a fine type
of the reliable, self-made American; a friend to the poor, charitable to the
faults of his neighbors, and always ready to unite with them in every good
work. He is a man who in every respect merits the high esteem in which he
is universallv held.
800 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
JAMES W. COCKRUM.
A review of the life of the honored subject of this review must of neces-
sity be brief and general in its character. To enter fully into the interesting
details of the career of J. W. Cockrum, touching the struggles of his early
manhood and the successes of his later years, would far transcend the limits
of this article. He has filled a large place in the ranks of the public-spirited
citizens and successful newspaper men of his day, and that he has done his part
well cannot be gainsaid, for his record has been such as has gained for him the
commendation and approval of his fellows. His career has been a long, busy
and useful one and he has contributed much to the material, civic and moral
advancement of the community, while his admirable qualities of head and
heart and the straightforward, upright course of his daily life has won for
him the esteem and confidence of the circles in which he has moved.
James W. Cockrum, president of the J. W. Cockrum Printing Company
and editor of the Oakland City Journal, is a native son of Gibson county, Indi-
ana, having been born in Oakland City on August 22, 1861. He is the son of
Col. W. M. and Lucretia (Harper) Cockrum, whose respective families are
among the oldest and best known in this section of Indiana. W. M. Cockrum
was born in Oakland City and his wife was a native of Pike county, Indiana.
James W. Cockrum received his elementary education in the common schools
and in the Oakland City high school, where he graduated in 1887. He then
went on the road as a commercial traveler for a school supply concern and,
being eminently successful in this line, he was induced to organize the Indiana
School Furnishing Company of Oakland City, which from the start was a
success and from the demands of this business Mr. Cockrum, in 1891, drifted
into the printing business. In 1893 he established the Oakland City Journ-at,
a weekly newspaper, which met with popular favor from the start, so that one
year later he changed it to a semi-weekly issue. At that time two other news-
papers were in the local field, but both have since retired. As editor, Mr.
Cockrum wielded a forceful and trenchant pen, having that genuine instinct
for news which characterizes successful newspaper men. The J. W. Co.ck-
rum Printing Company, Avhich is incorporated, is well equipped, and makes a
specialty of commercial and bank printing, catering particularly to the latter
trade and doing an extensive business all over the United States. Mr. Cock-
rum has gi\'en his special attention to this work and is numbered among the
successful editors and publishers of southwestern Indiana. He has long been
a forceful and influential factor in this localitv, not onlv in business, but also
jamp:s w. cockrum.
GIBSON COfX lY. INDIANA. 80I
in public and civic lite, and is numlicrcd anionic the distinctively representative
men of this section of the state.
Politically, an ardent Republican, Mr. Cocl<runi lias Icmg been numbered
among the leaders of his part\- in Indiana, and has achieved distinctive recog-
nition because of his ability and acti\ it\-. He was appointed by Governor
Durbin a member of the Louisiana Exposition commission from the first dis-
trict, which handled an appropriation of one hundred and fifty thousand dol-
lars for the purpose of giving Indiana proper representation at the World's
Fair. He was chosen secretary of the commission and had supervision of the
detail work in connection with the Indiana exhibit. In 1904 Mr. Cockrum
was elected secretary of the National Editorial Association of the United
States, serving four years, and rendering efficient service while acting in the
interest of the association. He has also served as president and secretary at
different times of the Indiana Republican Editorial Association and as presi-
dent and secretary of the Southern Indiana Press Association.
Fraternally, Mr. Cockrum has long been active in the interests of Free-
masonry, having taken all of the degrees of the York Rite, including that of
Knight Templar, and thirty-two degrees of the Scottish Rite, being a mem-
ber of the consistory at Indianapolis. He is also a memljer of Hadi Temple
of the ?ilystic Shrine at Evansville. In the Knights of Pythias, Mr. Cockrum
has achieved distinctive honors, having been past chancellor of Chevalier
Lodge and has been a member of the grand lodge of Indiana for twelve years,
serving on important committees during this period. Religiously, he is, a
member of the General Baptist church, to which he gives earnest su])port.
On September 24, 1891, Mr. Cockrum was married to Agnes Pritchett,
who was born at Fort Branch, Gibson county, but who at the time of her mar-
riage was living at Carmi, Illinois. She was the daughter of Elisha L. and
Martha E. Pritchett. To this union have been born two daughters, Dorothy
Dale and one deceased. The Cockrum residence in Oakland City is one of the
finest and most artistic homes in the community and here the spirit of true and
old fashioned hospitality is always in evidence, the liome being a favorite
gathering place for the many friends of the family.
In such a man as Mr. Cockrum there is special satisfaction in offering
in their life records justification for issuing a biographical coirtpendium such
as the one in hand, not necessarily that the career of men of his type has been
such as to gain them v.ide reputation or the plaudits of men. but that they have
been true to the trusts reposed in them and shown such attributes of character
(5^)
802 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
as entitle them to the regard of all and have been useful in their respective
careers of action, at the same time winning the confidence and good will of
all with whom they have come in contact.
ALFRED PRITCHETT.
No other county in Indiana furnished braver men for the Civil War
than did Gibson county. This state sent over two hundred thousand men to
the front during that memorable conflict and Gibson county contributed its
quota without any difficulty, meeting every call of Governor Morton with a
promptness which bespoke well for the patriotic zeal of her sons. They left
their homes to sa\e their country and hundreds of them sacrificed their lives
that the Stars and Stripes might continue to wave over a united nation. We
cannot forget that they fought a brave fight for human liberty, and that they
deserve all the praise which can be given them. They are fast answering the
last roll call, and within a few years we can only honor their memory. It
seems eminently fitting in this volume to set forth the lives of these gallant
veterans who are still living. Among the brave boys in blue who enlisted
from Gibson county there is none who is more worthy of an honored place
in this volume than the subject of this sketch.
Alfred Pritchett, one of the best beloved citizens of this county, was
born three miles southeast of Owensville, July 14, 1841, the son of Elisha
and Elizabeth ( Rutledge) Pritchett. Elisha was a native of Kentucky, and
came to this county with his parents when a young man, his father having
entered land in this county when it was all heavily timbered and generally
swampy. He followed the occupation of a farmer all his life and died in this
county in 1853. His wife, Elizabeth Rutledge, to whom he was married in
1 82 1, was a native of Tennessee, coming to this county with an elder
brother when she was eight years of age, her parents having died when she
was four vears of age. A few years later she and her brother made the
trip on horseback to this county in 1811. Her death occurred November 11,-
1897, at a ripe old age. Her mother died at the age of ninety-one years,
leaving a family of ten children, all of whom are living but two. To Mr. and
Mrs. Elisha Pritchett were born twelve children: John, deceased; Absalom,
deceased ; William H., deceased ; James J. ; Mrs. Serelda Richards ; Pressley,
deceased; Mrs. Polly J. West; Charles, deceased; Mrs. Eliza Adams; Alfred,
CURSON COUNTY. INDIANA. 803
the inimediale subject uf tliis sketcli ; Mrs. l^lizalietli Willierspuon and Mrs..
Sarah Mounts.
Alfred Pritchett has spent all of his life in this county with the excep-
tion of three years" service in the Civil War. lie received the hest education
which the district schools of that day afturded, and lias always been inter-
ested in the intellectual welfare uf his cunimunily. \\'hen the news of the
fall of Fort Sumter was flashed throughout the country, he was filled with
the same patriotic fervor which fired the hearts of hundreds and thousands
of other young men of the X'urth. When a cumpany was l)eing organized in
the fall uf \f<(>2 in his cuunty, he cnlisied in Company C as a pri\ate on
September 13th, his company being in the Forty-second Regiment, Indiana
Volunteer Infantry. The first captain of his conijjany w^as Captain French,
who was succeeded later during tlie war by Captain Frank Emery. His first
service was in Tennessee, and he later followed Sherman from Chattanooga
down through the Georgia campaign to Savannah, taking part in all the en-
gagements in that state ; from Sa\annah his company was with Sherman on
his northward march through tlie Carolinas and was present at the time
General Johnson surrendered to General Sherman, in Alay. 1865, in North
Carolina. During the last three months he was detailed as one of an escort
to General Davis and served in sc\eral minor engagements under his com-
mand. Although he was present and t<iuk part in many severe engagements
during his service, he was fortunate in cscajjing without being wounded and
came out at the end cjf his service witli his health unimpaired. Howc\er, in
later years he has become blind, but is bearing this terrilile afiliction with great
fortitude and courage.
After being mustered out at Indianapolis, in July, 18G5, he returned to
his home in Gibson county. He was first married, in 1867, to Katherine
Summers, daughter of Richey Summers. Her death occurred in 1871, lea\-
ing two children, Aubrey, who is now deceased, and Mrs. .\nna .\Icorn.
Simeon Alcorn, the husband of Anna (Pritchett) .\lcorn, was born
November 23, 1863, three miles east of Owensville, the son of Elisha and
Mary (Alartin) Alcurn. Elisha Alcorn was a native of \'anderburg county,
this state, and early in life was left an orphan and was reared by his grand-
mother i\larvel, spending his buyhoud days with his grandparents. He came
to this county at the age of twenty-one years and settled on a farm about
two miles southeast of Fort Branch, later selling this farm and buying a tract
of land near McGrary Station. He continued the occupation of a farmer
throughout his life, bis death occurring in i<)Oi. His wife, Mary Martin,
804 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
was also a native of Vanderburg county and her death occurred in 1910.
To these parents were born eight children : Orphia, deceased ; Mrs. Francis
Elizabeth Sides; Sarah, deceased; Thomas M.; Simeon; Mrs. Lucinda Sides;
Mrs. Tilda Ellen Peacock and Mrs. Mary Alice Gibson. Simeon Alcorn was
married October 6, 1887, to /Vnna Louisa Pritchett, daughter of the subject
of this sketch, and is one of the substantial, progressive farmers of the town-
ship, having two hundred and thirteen acres of well-improved land under a
high state of cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Alcorn are the parents of one child,
Zella, who is the wife of Walter Simmons, a farmer of this township. Mr.
and Mrs. Alcorn are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church and
he is a trustee and steward of that denomination, and both of them take an
active part in church work.
Alfred Pritchett was married the second time to Fannie Yeager, on
July 28, 1875. She was a daughter of Nicholas and Julina (Roberts) Yea-
ger. Mr. Yeager was a native of this county, his parents being Daniel and
Charity (Smith) Y'eager, who were pioneers of the county. Nicholas Yea-
ger kept a store in Owensville with his brother-in-law, William Crawford,
for many years, but later purchased a farm east of Owensville, which he con-
tinued to operate until his death, which occurred February 22, 1892. His
wife was also a native of this county, her birth occurring December 6, 1828,
four miles north of Owensville. She was a daughter of Thomas Robert^.
Mr. and Mrs. Yeager were married April 9, 1848, and were the parents of
seven children, William H., ]Mrs. Fannie Pritchett, Franklin, deceased, Mrs.
Sarah Ellen Emmerson, J\Irs. Cordelia Pritchett, who died in Arkansas in
1912; Daniel H., who died at the early age of two years, and George B. To
Mr. Pritchett's second union were born two children, Eva, deceased, and
Lester, who married Nellie Stone. Lester is a promising young farmer of
this county.
Although Mr. Pritchett has lived the allotted three score and ten, he is
still active and is managing his well-improved farm of one hundred and sixty
acres. He has been a follower of the best agricultural methods and keeps
well posted on the newest ideas in scientiiic farming. Mr. and Mrs. Prit-
chett exemplify their Christianity in their every-day life and despite the fact
that he has lost his sight, he continues to be cheerful, bearing" his affliction
with that fortitude which characterizes the true Christian believer. No more
conscientious man ever lived in the county than Mr. Pritchett, and in all his
business transactions he has so conducted them that he has won the respect
and admiration of all with whom he has come in contact. All honor to this
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. S05
gallant old veteran, who now, in ihe twiliylit ni liis long and useful career, is
patiently waiting the final roll call.
He has been a life-long member of the lUyllie Chapel, Methodist Episco-
pal church, and still takes a very active part in church afifairs. For many
years he has been the class leader and his inspirational talks have been of
untold value to the members of the church. His life has been a shining light
to all the community, and no one can view his career without seeing that he
is one of God's noblemen.
JAMES ALLEN SMITH.
Among the successful, self-made men of Gibson county, whose efforts
and influence have contributed to the material upbuilding of the community,
James Allen Smith occupies a conspicuous place. Being ambitious from the
first, but surrounded with none too favorable environment, his early years
were not especially promising, but resolutely facing the future, he gradually
surmounted the difficulties in his way, and in the course of time he has risen
to a prominent position in the agricultural circles of his community. In doing
this he has won the confidence and esteem of those with whom he has come
in contact, either in a business or social way, and for years has stood as one
of the representative citizens of the locality honored by his citizenship. His
life and labors arc worthy, because they have contributed to a proper under-
standing of life and its problems. The strongest characters in our national
history have come from the ranks of the self-made men, to whom adversity
acts as an impetus for unfaltering efifort, and from this class has come the sub-
ject of this review. He has not permitted himself to follow the rut in a blind
way, but has studied and experimented in various agricultural methods, and
has thus secured the best returns from enterprising effort. His life has been
such as to elicit just praise from those who know him best, owing to the fact
that he has always been loyal to the trust imposed upon him and has been
upright in his dealings with his fellow men, at the same time lending his sup-
port to the advancement of any cause for the welfare of the community.
James Allen Smith, one of the most prominent farmers in Gibson
county, was born September 12, 1849, fi^'^' miles northeast of Owensville. His
parents were John Martin and Elizabeth Jane (Stone) Smith. John M. w-as
a native of Adair county, Kentucky, his birth having occurred in that place
on September 30, 1827, and was a son of David and Eliza Smith. His father
emigrated from Kentucky to this state and settled in Gibson county on a
8o6 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
farm, on which he Hved until his death, which occurred at the age of eighty-
one. John M. Smith was married three times. His first marriage was to
EHzabeth Jane Stone, October 28, 1847, and to this union were born six
children: James A., the immediate subject of this sketch; Nancy Jane, who
married D. B. Montgomery, a farmer of Union township; Martha .\lice, who
was the wife of George Mangrum, died on September 12, 1872; Milton Bird,
who died at the age of fourteen ; Henry Wilson married Matilda Mauck, and
Willis Clinton, who married Martha Spore. John M. Smith's second mar-
riage was to Mary Elizabeth Haren, December 18, 1870, and she died June
5, 1897. To this union there were born two children, Elnora, who died in in-
fancy, and Iva Minda, the wife of Noble Douglas. Mr. Smith's third mar-
riage was to Margaret Erwin, March 29, 1898. Mr. Smith's death occurred
in Owensville on February 23, 1908, leaving his widow, who is still living at
Princeton in this county. He continued in the active management of his
farm until he was seventy years of age, when he retired and moved to
Owensville. He was always very much interested in the church activities of
the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and was an elder in that church many
years before his death.
James Allen Smith spent his boyhood days on the homestead farm,
doing all the ordinary work which falls to the lot of the farmer's boy. He
attended the common schools of his neighborhood and also the high school at
Owensville. He then taught school in the township for four years before his
marriage. After his marriage, on March 23, 1877, to Lydia Mauck, the
daughter of Samuel and Eliza (Yeager) Mauck, he purchased the farm
which he still owns. His wife's father, Samuel Mauck, was a native of this
county and followed the occupation of a farmer until his death, October 10,
1896. His wife, Eliza Yeager, was also a native of this county and died in
i860. Mr. and Mrs. Mauck were the parents of five children : Maria, de-
ceased; Miranda, who married James A. Jones, now deceased; Lydia, wife
of the subject of this sketch ; Henry and Thompson.
Mr. Smith has one hundred and sixty acres of excellent farming land,
practically all of which is under cultivation at the present time. His farm
is well stocked with up-to-date farming implements, and has been brought
by his careful management to a high state of cultivation. He has never had
any aspirations in a political line, although he has always taken an active
interest in the principles of the Prohibitionist party. Some years ago he was
township trustee for one year and filled this position to the entire satisfaction
of the township. He has been uniformly successful in all his business trans-
GlISSON COUXTV, INDIANA. 807
actions and is nnw unc of the dircctor.s of tiie iMrst Xational Bank of Owens-
ville.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of five children: Flora Letha, who
niarrietl George Clark, a farmer near King's Station, in this county, and has
two children, Gerald and Johnny Pauline, both of whom are still under the
parental roof; Eliza Orela, who married Charles Dorsey, a hardware mer-
chant of Poseyville, Indiana, has one daughter, Helen, who is at home with
her parents; Hoyt Obra married Jessie Shannon and lives in Akron, Ohio,
where he is employed as a sales manager; Lewis Roy, who died at the age of
twenty, and Milton Byrd, who lives at home with his parents.
Mr. Smith and his wife are earnest and devoted members of the Cum-
berland Presbyterian church at Ov.ens\ille, and Mr. Smith has been an elder
in this church for se\eral years. He has come into his present position by
hard work and the exercise of honest business methods. His tireless energy
and steady determination have won for him the unqualified confidence and
esteem of all who know him.
\
HENRY MOWRER.
There are several hundred different occupations at the present time, but
there is only one of all this number that is absolutely necessary to man's exist-
ence. The three things without which man cannot live are food, clothing and
shelter, and it is the farmer who not only controls the food supply, but also
holds the clothing products of the world in his hands. His is the only occu-
pation which can exist independently of all others. .An increasing number of
our best farming men are taking agricultural courses in college, thereby fitting
themselves the better for scientific farming. The profession has taken on
increased dignity within the past few years and more and more of our \i»ung
men are applying themselves to scientific farming. The farmer of today
has the immense advantage of working with machinery which renders his
work free from many of its former disadvantages. Gibson county has hun-
dreds of splendid farmers and among them the sul)ject of this sketch holds a
worthy place.
Henry Mowrer, the second of four children born to fxobert and Caroline
fAyers) Mowrer, was born March 22, 1865, on the Joe Heston farm, about
four miles from Princeton, this county. Robert Mowrer was a native of
8o8 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
this county, his birth having occurred on December 25, 1832, near Owens-
ville. He followed agricultural pursuits all his life, the last nine years of
which were spent in Illinois, where his death occurred December 12, 1878.
His wife was also a native of this county and died there January 21, 1879.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Mowrer were the parents of four children: James T.,
who married Lizzie Teel, is an engineer at Macon, Georgia, and has two
children. Hazel and Erwin ; Nettie, who married Vinton Newell, an engineer
of Macon, Georgia; Lucinda, the wife of George Land, lives in San Diego,
California, and has three children, Henrietta, Marvin and Marion.
Henry Mowrer was united in marriage on August 7, 1890, to Ida Spore,
the daughter of Julius and Mary (Clark) Spore. Her father was a native of
this county, his birth having occurred on December 25, 1834, five miles north
of Owensville. He continued active operations on his farm until about
fifteen years before his death, which occurred on November 25, 1910, at
Owensville. His wife was also a native of this county and died in Owens-
ville, February 17, 1909. To them were born three children: Mary, the wife
of Joseph Nettleton, a farmer living near Fort Branch, Indiana ; Martha, the
wife of W. C. Smith, a farmer living near Princeton, has three chil-
dren, Velva, Nola and Blanche; Ida, the wife of the subject of this review.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Mowrer are the parents of eight children, all of
whom are still under the parental roof : Carrie, Jessie, Vesper Julius, Doyl,
Nora, Marie, Harold Robert and Gertrude Fern.
Henry Mowrer spent his boyhood days on the home farm, his parents
living in this state until he was four years of age, at which time they moved
to Illinois, where they both died. He continued to reside in Illinois for some
years and then returned to Gibson county, where he has since remained. After
his marriage, in 1890, he farmed the Spore farm for fifteen years, and then
purchased the John M. Smith farm of eighty acres, where he now lives. He
carries on a general system of farming and also raises considerable stock.
Of late years he has been engaged in the dairy business and has been very
successful along that line. He has one of the largest and best equipped barns
and machine sheds in the township and has improved his farm until it is one
of the best farms in the locality. Within the last few years he has used more
than eleven hundred rods of woven wire fencing and put in an extensive
system of drainage. He is known throughout the community as one of the
most progressive and wide-awake farmers of the county. He has always
been a hard worker and tireless energy has not been without its rewards in
his case.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 809
Although he is a Deniocral in politics, he has never sought any political
office, being satisfied to devote all of his time and attention to his farming
interests. Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America,
and religiously, is a loyal and earnest member and trustee of the Cumberland
Presb3^erian church. His wife is a mcmlicr of the General Baptist church,
and both contribute liberally of tlieir means to the support of their respective
churches. The chief characteristics of Mr. Mowrer are his tireless energy,
honesty of purpose and motive and every-day common .sense, which has
enabled him not only to advance his own interests, but also largely contribute
to the moral and material advancement of the community honored by his
residence.
JOHN W. TURNAGE.
It will always be a mark of distinction to have served in the Federal
army during the great Civil Vi'ar between the states. The old soldier will
receive attention no matter where he goes if he will but make himself known,
particularly if he puts on the old faded uniform. And when he passes away,
which he will soon do, friends will pay him suitable eulogy for the sacrifices
he made a half century ago on the battlefield or in the no less dreaded hospital.
And ever afterward his descendants will revere his memory and take pride in
recounting his services for his country in the hour of peril. The gentleman
whose name initiates this paragraph is one of the old soldiers who went forth
to fight to save the Union.
John W. Turnage was born March 9, 1840, in Sliawncetown, Illinois,
the son of Gardner and Julia Ann (Odam) Turnage. Gardner Turnage, the
father, was a native of Memphis, Tennessee, and the mother of Owensburg,
Kentucky, he dying in 1840 and liis wife in 1848. They were the parents
of two children, the subject, and James W. James VV. died in 1807. ^^
was a stationary engineer and lived in Washington, Daviess county, Indiana.
He married Celia Ann Under, wbi) is also deceased, and they had one child.
Maw who married James Sertile. a contractor at Indiana])olis.
The subject of this review went to live with his grandmother Odam as a
boy, and had no chance to go to school. At the age of ten he went to live
with an uncle, Willis Odam, at Covington, Fountain county, Indiana, and
was with him until he reached his seventeenth year, when he went to work
for himself in the woolen mills, continuing at this until i860. He then went
8lO GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
to Haubstadt, Gibson county, and enlisted in the army on July 8, 1861, be-
coming a member of Company K, Twenty-fourth Indiana Volunteer In-
fantry, being mustered into the service of the Union army July 31, 1861. His
regiment was sent to Jefferson City, Missouri, then to Springfield, and finally
to Autville, where they wintered. In the spring of 1862 the regiment of
which the subject was a member took part in the battle at Fort Donelson,
were then at Fort Henry, Crump's Landing, and in the second day's battle
at Shiloh. Marching to Gravel Ridge, they remained at that point for some
time, and were then marched to Memphis, later going from there by boat to
Helena, Arkansas, and up the Arkansas river and then up White river, en-
gaging in the battles of Duval's Bluff and Arkansas Post. They were then
ordered to Helena, crossed the Black river and returned to Helena, where
they wintered. In the spring of 1862, on April 16, they were in the fighting
around Vicksburg, and were almost continually engaged until July 4, 1863,
being in the battles of Champion's Hill, Black River and Vicksburg, and going
to Jackson, Tennessee, were in a second battle there, marching back to Vicks-
burg. By boat they proceeded to Port Hudson, Louisiana, and after a two
days' stop, went on to New Orleans. After participating in the battle in
Tash county, about eighty miles west of New Orleans, they returned to the
Crescent City and spent the following winter. In the spring of 1864 they
took part in the Red river campaign, then coming up the river to Alexandria,
Mississippi, they built a dam across Red river to bar out gunboats and troop
transports. They were then engaged in several skirmishes along the Red
river and Old river and returned to New Orleans. Joining his regiment at
Baton Rouge, the subject's enlistment expired July 31, 1864, and he started
for home, coming by boat to Cairo, Illinois, and then proceeding to Indian-
apolis to be paid.
After having thus honorably and faithfulh' served his country, Mr.
Turnage again took up the pursuits of private life. April 9, 1865, he was
united in marriage to Anna Vail, of Hamilton county, Ohio, near Cincinnati,
the daughter of James and Lydia Ann (Layton) Vail, both natives of Ham-
ilton county, Indiana, where they were reared and married. The father of the
subject's wife was a shoemaker by trade and in 1856 or 1857 went to Shelby-
ville, Illinois, where he worked at his trade and engaged in farming until his
death, in 1870. His wife died December 10, 1842, and he was married a
second time, his second wife being Sarah Marklin, of Ohio, who passed away
in 1868. By his first marriage, Mrs. Turnage's father had four children:
Peter, deceased, a Tarmer at Shelbvville. Illinois : Charles, deceased, a farmer
GIBSON corxrv. Indiana. 8ii
in Hamilton county. Oiiio ; Frank, dcccascti. a fanner in Elhin^liani county,
Illinois; the subject's wife. Tu hi^ second marriage were born nine children,
namely: Arthur L., who was born September 29, 1831, died young; Lunetta,
born August 17, 1S54, and li\ing in Illinois; Adalesea, born November 29,
1857, died young; Alonzo, born September 16, 1859, also died in his infancy;
Florence, born June 6, 1862; Oscar, born May 18, 1864. married Sophia
Pfohl and is a barber in Princeton: deneva, born December 7, 1S66, married
a Air. Griffith, of Allendale, Illinois; Waller L. is a Ijarber by trade, and is in
Chicago, Illinois; Estella D., born May 31, 1872, is living in Illinois.
In 1864 Mr. Turnage v,ent to Shelbyville, Illinois, and was employed
in the woolen mill of the Hall Manufacturing Company until 1867, from
there going to Haubstadt, Gibson county, and subseriuently installed ma-
chinery in woolen mills at Evansville and New Harmonw afterward remov-
ing to King's Station, where he was engineer in the mill (if A. J. \^'oods,
then going to Fort Branch and installing an eight-run mill for Downe_\-,
Foster & Lewis, which he ran for several years. The subject later engaged
in the implement business in Fort Branch with N. Beil & Company for three
years, and then came to Princeton, where he was in the same line, forming
the partnership of Riggs & Turnage. this firm existing for two years, and on
the dissolution of the partnership Air. Turnage., for a brief period, was with
Martin Meyers in the same business. Selling dut his interests, the sui)ject
took employment with the McCormirk Harvester Company as a traveling
representative, which he followed for three years, having the territory of
Gibson and Pike counties and a part of Warrick county. In 1901 Mr. Turn-
age resigned his position and took employment with the Russell Com])any,
selling threshing machinery until 1009, he being general agent in charge of
fiftv-two counties in this state and Illinois. Since iqoq the subject's health
has been poor, and he has lived in retirement.
To the subiect and wife have Ijeen Ixirn eight children, namely: Emma
Bell married Alfred Sutton, of Princeton, a Initcher and farmer, and they
have one son. Willis: Mittie married W. S. Swisher, a carpenter, of In-
dianapolis: Anna is at home and has been with the Princeton Democrat
for the last eighteen vears : George W. is a railway fireman at Princeton.
Indiana, and married Ada ^^Vight : Tena married Charles Da\is. of Alt.
Carmel. Illinois, a conductor on the Big Four railroad, and they have three
children, Edna, Anna Bell and Geraldine : L. G., of Princeton, is an elec-
tric machinist at the mines, and married Ella Aliller; John died February
8l2 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
15, 1909; Frank, machinist, married Marcus St. Clair, of Hoxie, Arkansas,
and they have two children, John and Mildred.
Mr. Turnage is an honored member of the Grand Army of the Re-
public, having been a charter member .of Archer Post No. 28 at Princeton,
while, fraternally, he is a loyal member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. The subject is a strong believer in the principles of the Demo-
cratic party, while his afinliation in religious matters is with the Christian
church.
ALBERT SCHUMACHER.
No profession has made greater advancement during the last half cen-
tury than has the agricultural profession, and practically all of the dis-
advantages which surrounded the pioneer farmer have been done away
with because of the multitude of modern inventions which tend to lighten
the farmer's labors. It takes less labor now to operate a farm of fifty acres
than it did to operate a farm of ten acres fifty years ago, and inventions
are coming into use every year which are helping the farmer to increase
his sphere of usefulness. Indiana is recognized as one of the best farming
states in the Union and no county in this state has better or more progres-
sive farmers than has Gibson county. Among the hundreds of farmers who
have made this county famous as an agricultural section, there is no one
more worthy of a place in a biographical volume of this character than
Albert Schumacher, the subject of this review.
Albert Schumacher, the son of Joseph and Anna ( Bawel ) Schumacher,
was born November 6, 1863, in Lynnville, Warrick county, Indiana. His
father was a native of Germany and came to America when he was a young
man about twenty-four years of age and settled in Warrick county. After
working at farm labor in the locality in which he settled he married Anna
Bawel in November, i860, who had come with her parents to Warrick
county when she was sixteen years of age. They were also natives of the
fatherland. Joseph Schumacher then bought a farm near Lynnville in War-
rick county and continued the operation of it more than fifty years, only re-
cently moving to Lynnville. He served through the Civil war in Company E,
Twenty-sixth Regiment Indiana A^olunteers, and is still active and in good
health at the age of eighty-one years. By frugal and thrifty habits he suc-
ceeded in acquiring about two hundred acres of well improved land, which
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. 813
his son now operates. His wife, the mother of the subject of this sketch,
was born May 2, 1833, and died in Warrick county, in 1882. Mr. and Mrs.
Joseph Schumacher were the parents of seven children: George, who died
at the age of forty-three years ; Albert, the immediate subject of this sketch ;
Amelia, born December 31, 1866, and died April 19, 1896; Charles, -August,
Otto and Hugo, the last two named being twins. Amelia married John Gie-
selman, a farmer of Warrick county, and three children were born to them
before her death, Adolph. Theodore and Walter; Charles married Helen
Roth, and lives in Missouri, and has four children ; August married Emma
Clusmeyer, and lives in the southeastern part of Te>;as, where he is follow-
ing the occupation of a farmer, and is the father of four children; Otto M.
is a farmer in Kansas, and has two children. Joseph and Marie; Hugo mar-
ried Carrie Stunkle, and lives in Warrick county, this state, on a farm, and
is the father of two children, Alljert and Xorman. After tlie death of his
first wife in 1882, Joseph Schumacher married Pauline Jeide, in May, 1883,
a native of Posey county, this state, and to this union were born seven chil-
dren: Mary, Jacob, Freda, Elmer, Ida and two who died in infancy. Mary
married John Schmidt, and lives in this county on a farm; Jacob married
Lillie Nordhorn, lives on his father's farm and has two sons, Richard and
Iceland ; Freda lives at Evansville, Indiana ; Elmer makes his home with his
brother. Jacob, on the old homestead farm; Ida is living with her father in
LynnxiHe.
Albert Schumacher was married Xovemher 14. 1886, to Mary Bluemie.
daughter of Lewis and Elizalieth (Fischer) Bluemie. Her father was born
in Germany on August 30, 1834, and came tn America when he was about
twentv-one vears of age, settling in Posey county, this state, where he worked
on a farm until he was married. His wife was also a native of Germany,
born November 9. 1836, and is still living with her daughter at Anderson,
Indiana. Mr. Bluemie died October 7, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Bluemie reared
a familv of six children. Albert, who died in infancy; Mary, the wife of
Albert Schumacher, I\Irs. Rosa Bawel, who died April 11, 1892; Lewis.
Christina and Albert. Lewis married Hettie Mason and lives in Anderson.
Indiana, and has three children. Doyle, Arnold and Orvillc : Christina mar-
ried Lytle Corder, and also lives in Anderson, and is the mother of four
children, Fornia. Errna, Harold and Lomveir; Albert married Alice Fisclier
and lives in Rochester, Indiana, and is the father of two children. \^erna and
Donald.
Albert Schumacher spent his boyhood days mi the farm near Lynnville;
8l4 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Indiana, redeiving his elementary education in the district schools of his
township. He worked on his father's farm until his marriage and about two
years after\Aard. He then moved to a farm near New Harmony, Indiana,
where he remained for a year and a half, and then moved to a farm
near Cynthiana, this county, where he remained for a year. His next move
was to a four-hundred-acre farm near Owensville, where he still lives. He
owns one hundred acres of land himself, on which his son-in-law, Otto
Kiefer, lives. Mr. and Mrs. Schumacher are the parents of two children,
Adelia. born in 1887, who is still at home, and Nora, the wife of Otto Kiefer,
who has one son, Desmond.
Fraternally, ]\Ir. Schumacher is a loyal and earnest member of the Tribe
of Ben-Hur, of Owensville, and politically, has alwa}-s been an adherent of
■ the Republican party, and has been very active in its councils in his county
and locality, but has never been a seeker for any political office. His religious
affiliations are with the Methodist Episcopal church of Lynn\ille, and he
contributes liberally to the support of that denomination.
Mr Schumacher is a man of well rounded character, sincere, devoted
and lG)'al to his friends, and he has all those qualities of head and heart \\hich
endear him to the confidence and esteem of all.
ARTHUR BROWN WOODS.
Among the men of sterling worth and strength of character who have
made an impress on the life of the locality in which they live, no one has
achieved a larger meed of popular respect than the gentleman whose name
appears at the head of this review. His lifelong residence in one locality has
given the jjeople an opportunity to know him in e\'ery phase of his char-
acter, and that he has been true to life in its every phase is manifest by the
esteem and regard in which he is held by all those who know him. He has
gained his success bv his own honest endeavor and indomitable energy, and
has placed himself in the front rank of the farmers of his community, by
exercising these excellent qualities. He has outstripped less active plodders
on the highway of life and has achieved a marked success in agricultural
affairs and has won for himself a name which all men who know him delight
to honor, owing to his upright life and habits of thrift.
Arthur Brown Woods, who is a son of Sidney M. and Seralda J.
(Keathley) Woods, was born October 28, 1869, five miles west of Princeton
cinsoN couNTV. ixniANA. 015
on the old homestead fanii. Tlie \\'oods family are represented specifically
elsewhere in this \oIunie. Arthur B. Woods spent his boyhood days on his
father's farm, enjoying the best education which the district schools of his
time afforded. When he was a young boy his father died and shortly after-
wards his oldest brother also died, and this caused Arthur B. to take the
responsibility of caring for the family upon his own shoulders. It is to his
credit that he was equal to the emergency, and successfully managed the farm
for some years. He was married October 16, 1893, to Julia Thompson, the
daughter of Francis Marion and .Susanna (Fravel) Thompson. To Mr. and
Mrs. Arthur B. Woods have been born six children. Darwin. Sidney, \'ada,
Frieda, Marjorie and Eugenia. After his marriage ]\Ir. Woods purchased
the old Smith farm of one hundred and ten acres, on which he still resides,
and which he has brought to a high state of cnltixation. Later he added an
additional ten acres, making a total of one luintlrcd and twenty acres oi
fine farming land. He engages in general farming and also raises consider-
able live stock, in which he has been very successful. He keeps abreast of the
latest improvements in farming machinery and equipment and recently built
a two-hundred-dollar silo, and made other improvements to the value of a
thousand dollars on his place. He has remodeled the old residence which
was on the farm when he bought it, and now has a most attractive and up-
to-date farm in every respect, well fenced, well drained and by a scientific
system of crop rotation he keeps his ground in good producti\-e condition.
Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, be-
longing to the lodge at Owensville. Although he has been a life-long Demo-
crat he has never taken a very active interest in the deliberations of his party.
He has never asked for any public office, but has been content to devote his
time and energy to the building up of his agricultural interests. He and his
wife are both loyal and earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal church
at Owensville, and he acts as one of the trustees of the church.
Mr. Woods is a man of pleasing disposition, genial personality and easily
makes friends wherever he goes. He always looks on the bright side of life
and is very charitable to the faults of his neighbors. In his business trans-
actions he is strictly honest and upright and exercises all those qualities which
make for good citizenship. At the outset of his career Mr. Woods recog-
nized the fact that perseverance and honest effort furnished the only ro\al
road to prosperity and independence and began to work earnestly and dili-
gently to advance himself, using these excellent qualities as guides, with the
result that he is now numbered among the progressive and successful farmers
of Gibson countv.
8l6 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
GEORGE WASHINGTON SMITH.
An enumeration of the representative citizens of Gibson county, Indiana,
would be incomplete without specific mention of the well known and popular
gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. A member of one of the old
and highly esteemed families of the county, and for many years a public-
spirited man of affairs, he has stamped his individuality upon the community
and added luster to the honorable name which he bears, having always been
scrupulously honest in all his relations with his fellow men and leaving no
stone unturned whereby he might benefit his own condition as well as that
of his neighbors and friends, consequently he long ago won the favor of a
great number of people of Montgomery township, where he maintains his
home in Owensville.
George Washington Smith is a native of the "Sucker"' state, born in
Logan county, Illinois, June 22, 1859, the son of Warrick and Margaret
(Simpson) Smith. Warrick Smith was a native of Gibson county, born in
Owensville, September 23, 1831, being the third child and only son of Dr.
Willis J. Smith, one of the pioneer physicians of Gibson county. Doctor
Smith was born about 1800 at Danville, Kentucky, the son of parents in good
circumstances. He was an extremely well educated man, a man of broad
ideas which placed him in advance of his day and age. He received his
medical training at the Louisville Medical College and came to Gibson county
early in his married life. He was a man highly honored by all who knew him
and his practice extended over a wide area. He made his home about two
miles west of Owensville on what is now known as the Paden farm, and his
practice extended from Princeton to New Harmony. He spent a great deal
of time in the saddle, as was the custom of early physicians, and in taking his
lonely way tlirough unbroken spaces he met and made friends with the In-
dians and by his honorable treatment of them won their sincere regard. To
them he was the great "medicine man," and as such was honored and revered.
His promising and useful life was early closed, his death occurring August
17, 1835. Before coming to Indiana, Dr. Willis J. Smith was united in mar-
riage with Patsy C. Warrick, a daughter of Capt. Jacob Warrick. She was
born on June 3, 1809, near Lexington, Kentucky. Captain Warrick was
prominent in the early military affairs of the state of Indiana, and his record
appears in that chapter in this work devoted to military affairs. At the battle
of Tippecanoe he received his mortal wound and before his death occurred
/>
j
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iiiVAi^S^-' ■•■^
m''
, V
GEORGE W. SMITH.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 817
bequeathed his possessions to various lieirs. a portion of whicli went to liis
•hiughter, Patsy C, wiie of Dr. Willis J. Smith. The wife of Capt. Jacob
Warrick was Jane Montgomery, who was horn in Virginia in 1774 and in
Gibson county married Jacob Warrick in i/()^ \^\ ^Xji\U LD'j fv^)-
Warrick Smith, father of the immechate subject of this Sketch, was
united in marriage to Margaret AI. Simpson in February, 1856, and they at
once took up their residence near Atlanta, Logan county, lUinois. They
resided on a farm, which he operated, and he also conducted a livery and sales
stable in the town of Atlanta, remaining there for twelve years, at the end of
which time he returned to his native Montgomery township. Here, in 1868,
he purchased the John C. Simpson farm, where his wife was born, located
directly north of Owensville. John C. Simpson and his wife, Margaret
(Stewart), were the parents of Mrs. Warrick Smith. He came to Gibson
county in the early forties and took up residence near Owensville, where he
H\ed to a ripe old age, spending his very last days in the town of Owensville.
Warrick Smith was a man who became prominent in the affairs of the com-
munity, after taking up his residence on the Simpson farm, and lived there
until his death, in June, \qo2. His wife's death occurred January -'4. 1895.
They were consistent members of the General Baptist church and took great
interest in the progress of that society's affairs. His fraternal affiliation was
with the time-honored order of Freemasonry and he gave much of his time to
the interests of the Democratic party. While not a seeker after office for
himself, he wielded a definite influence for others. In the spring of 1897 he
laid out and platted Smith's addition to the town of Owensville. adding a
decided improvement in the affairs of that thriving town. Four children were
born to Mr. and Mrs. Warrick Smith, one of whom died in early infancy.
Those growing to maturity are George W'., the immediate subject of this
sketch; John Willis, farmer and bank director, residing north of Owensville,
and Lillie, the only daughter, wife of Charles Arurnahan. of Owensville.
George W^ashington Smith was nine years old when his parents returned
to Gibson county from Logan county, Illinois, and has lived in the vicinity
of Owensville ever since, both owning and renting land in \arious places.
His education was received in the schools of his native county and he remained
at home until his marriage, March 2j. 1890, to Mina Montgomery, who was
born near Owensville, a daughter of Benjamin F. and Hannah (Sharpe)
Montgomery. Benjamin F. Montgomery was born south of Owens\ille, the
son of Samuel and Cvnthia .Ann (Griggsby) Montgomery. Samuel yiont-
8l8 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
gomery was a son of Hugh jMontgomery, Sr., and was called "Blind Sam,"
owing to an affliction of weak eyes, and to distinguish him from others of the
same name in the community. Samuel Montgomery was an excellent gun-
smith and several specimens of his work are still to be found near Owens-
ville. Benjamin F. Montgomery, father of Mrs. George W. Smith, is con-
sidered a quite versatile man, having the ability to handle many different
lines of work with equal ease and facility. He has long been considered a
resident of Owensville, and for the past twenty years has lived at the various
homes of his children. His wife, who died March 3, 1874, was Hannah
Sharpe, daughter of Harrison and Amaretta (Decker) Sharpe, and was born
and raised near Vincennes, Indiana.
George Washington Smith holds membership in several fraternal bodies,
among them being the Free and Accepted Masons, the Tribe of Ben-Hur,
Modern Woodmen of America and others. He and his wife are both mem-
bers of the Order of the Eastern Star and take an active interest in the affairs
of the General Baptist church, of which both are members. Mr. Smith has
always been a stanch Democrat and is considered one of the foremost men
of his party in the township. He was at one time appointed a county com-
missioner to fill a vacancy occurring and was himself a candidate for the
office at the next election. He met defeat with his ticket, but succeeded in
cutting down the nominal majority of the opposition to within a few votes
of election. In 1898 he was elected a county commissioner and in the year
1900 was elected trustee of Montgomery township, serving four years. In
1908 he received the nomination for recorder of Gibson county, but was
defeated, the election going to the opposition. He has recently been elected
a member of the Owensville town board. When in office, he has been most
conscientious in the discharge of the duties pertaining thereunto, often neglect-
ing his own private affairs that public ends might not suffer.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of eight children, namely: Lyle
Warrick, born October 31, 1892; Chauncey M., born May 6, 1894; Willis F.,
born February 29, 1896; Heber W., born February 9, 1898; Margaret, born
April 10, 1900; Madeline, born February 18, 1902. died February 24, 1904;
Mona A., born July 5, 1906, and Norman B., born May 25, 1908. Mr. Smith
is considered a broad-minded man, full of spirit and a leader in those matters
relating to the advancement of his fellow men. He is a man of decided con-
victions on public questions, maintains his stand with resolute firmness and
has made his usefulness felt in the various trusts with which he has been hon-
ored fTom time to time. In e\-ery sphere of endeavor in which he has taken a
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. biQ
part, his unpretending bearing and strict integrity have elevated him in the
confidence of his fellow citizens and his inlluence is always powerful and
salutary in the comnuinity.
WILLIAM L. WOODS.
The gentleman to a brief review of whose life and characteristics the
reader's attention is herewith directed was among the favorably known and
representative citizens of Gibson county. By his indomitable enterprise and
progressive methods he contributed in a material w ay to the advancement of
his locality and during the course of an honorable career was fairly suc-
cessful in his business enterprises, having been a man of energy, sound judg-
ment and honesty of purpose, and is thus well deserving of mention in this
volume.
William L. Woods, a native of Gibson county, \vas born five miles south-
west of Princeton on section 21, Patoka township, on "September 13, 1820,
and passed his entire life of seventy-six years on this one farm, having lived
in three different houses in the same yard. This old homestead in the town-
ship of Patoka was first owned by Joseph Woods, father of William L., who
came to Gibson county, Indiana, from Tennessee in 1820. He secured gov- _
ernment land in section 21, Patoka township, which he converted
from wild land into cultivated acres and well fruited orchards. In addition
to general farming, he raised stock extensively, and was a successful, well-
known and highly respected man. He and his wife, who was Elizabeth
Hanna, died on this place. To them were born six children, namely : Pat-
rick N., a farmer in Patoka township; Polly, deceased, who was the wife of
Silas Stone, of Owensville; William L., the immediate subject of this sketch;
Andrew Jackson ; Jane, who married John Hudelson and Abraham.
William L. Woods attended school in tb.e little old log school house of
earlv pioneer days, heated from an open fireplace and where the children sat ■
on crude and uncomfortable puncheon seats. His schooling was necessarily
limited and at an early age he began to assist his father around the farm and
in the course of time came into the management of the home place. He ^vas
a very successful farmer and in addition to that line of work gave a great
deal of attention to the different phases of the cattle business. He bought
and sold cattle and other stock, paying special attention to the raising of
820 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Shorthorn cattle, long wool and Cotswold sheep ; he also had a fine strain of
Poland Chhm hogs and a splendid class of general purpose horses. His
activity inlive stock naturally made him interested in the Gibson County Agri-
cultural Society and fair, especially in his particular line. He was one of the
directors and leading men of the fair association. His life was Amanda C.
Mangrum, whom he married on the 14th of October, 1852, and she is still
living west of Princeton at the age of eighty-two years. William L. Woods
died on January 10, 1897. in the seventy-seventh year of his age.
Amanda C. Mangrum was the daughter of William and Mary C.
(Douglass) Alangrum, and was born J\Iay 12, 1831. William Mangrum was
born in North Carolina on January 8, 1792, and died on March 26, 1841.
His marriage to Mary C. Douglass resulted in the birth of thirteen children,
a typical pioneer family. The children were as follows: Alcephas W.,
born February 5, 1813; Olivia J., born November 22, 1814, died at the age of
ninety-two years; Narcissa, born September 10, 1816: Trafton, born June
18, 1818; Spencer, born October 13, 1820; Valentine S., born December 28,
1822, died at the age of eighty-five years; William E., born December 31,
1824; John N., born January 13, 1827; Henry J., born March 4, 1829, died
October 19, 1904; Amanda C, born March 12, 1831 ; Mary E., born Septem-
ber 28, 1833; Lydia E., born September 18, 1835, now Mrs. John Selby, of
near Petersburg. Indiana, and Mileta E., July 22. 1838.
William Mangrum was one of the first men to enter the county of Gib-
son. He first settled in what was known as the Froggery settlement. The
land was wild and uncultivated, and after securing a tract from the govern-
ment he set to work to clear a space for a home and his crops. Mr. Mangrum
did a great deal of freighting in the early days and also ran a peddler wagon
for some time. At another time he occupied the unique position as driver
of the overland stage between Evansville and Vincennes. He was a popular
man in his day and was well liked. Both he and his wife died on the old
home place. Mr. Mangrum was a member of the old Liberty church of the
.Christian denomination. Politically, he was an old-line Whig.
William and Amanda C. Woods reared a family of seven children, as
follows: Harriett Ann, wife of John McCarty, Vw'mg west of Fort Branch,
Indiana; Jane, wife of Joseph Emerson, of near Owensville, Indiana; John
Fremont, a farmer on the old homestead, whose wife was Essie Cushman;
Martha, deceased wife of Thomas Emerson, a farmer of Montgomery town-
ship; Olevia, widow of Joseph McCarty, who resides at McCaw Summit;
GIBSON" COUNTY, INDIANA. 02I
Lewis, who died September u, \i>jj, at the ai^e of six years, ten uujiUlis and
se\'en tla\'s, and Geori^e \\'.
It is ajjprupriate at this juncture to say soinelliirig of Joseph ]McCarty,
whose widow now hves at McCaw Summit. Joseph McCarty was born in
Patoka township, this county, on February 3, 1862, and was the son of Jacob
and Nancy (Wilson) McCarty. wliicli parents were from Ijioomington,
]\Ionroe comity, Indiana. Tn tliese latter parents were liorn the following
children who grew to maturity; John, who married Harriett Ann Woods,
and now lives west of Fort Branch, where he keeps a well-stocked implement
store ; William, who is deceased ; Joseph : Belle, w'ho married James Adlcins,
of McCaw Summit; Amanda, who married first Charles Solomon, and later
Benjamin Backley. Joseph McCarty attended the district schools and latei"
the schools at Vincennes. and then took up farming in Patoka township, later,
farming on the Woods and DunL-q) place>, and in igo6 bought a farm at
McCaw Summit. In ii;i_' he built a home at tb.is jjlace. lie was associated
with Oscar Clark for many years in the implement business, the firm being
known as Clark & McCarty. He was a member of the agricultural board
for nineteen years. Mr. McCarty was a member of the Baptist church, and
was a very .strong Prohibitionist. His death occurred on June 3, 1913. He
had married Oievia Woods, on December i, 1881, and two children were
born to this union, Harvey A. married E\'a Brown and is the father of two
children, Earl Brown and Paul Lamon ; Virgil lives at home with his mother.
]\Ir. McCarty took an active interest in many business and ci\ic enterprises
during his life, at one time l)eing ])resident of the -\merican .\;itional Bank
of Princeton. During this time he was also interested in the White Church
cemetery to a great extent.
George W. Woods, the son of William L. Woods, was born on .\pril
12, 1868, at the family homestead, Patoka township, this county, and was
educated in the district schools of Gibson county, also spending one year at
the high school at Owensville. Indiana. ' On September 4, 1889. he was
united in marriage to Eliza E. Brown, of Patoka township, a daughter of
John L. Brown, a farmer. To their union have been born two children,
nau'ely ; Carl L.. who was educated in the home schools, was a salesman for
several vears, and is now emi)loye(l at the Princeton iKjstoffice, and riazel D.,
who remains at home, and is a teacher in Patoka township schools.
From the time of his marriage until i8c)8 Mr. Woods was engaged in
farming and then went into the harness and implement business at Princeton.
822 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
For six years he continued in this business, when he disposed of it and entered
the livery trade.
Mr. Woods' political sympathies have always been with the Republican
party, in whose affairs he has ever taken a quiet interest. His fraternal
affiliations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern
Woodmen of America, the Tribe of Ben-Hur and the Kjiights and Ladies of
Honor, being connected with these societies through the local organizations
at Princeton. He is also a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal
church, to which he gives a liberal support.
Altogether, Mr. Woods has led a well rounded and complete life, meas-
uring up to the high standard of manhood in all relations of life and is well
deserving of the high esteem in which he is held in the community.
VIVIAN H. EMMERSON.
The farmer is the bulwark of the nation and investigation has shown
that a majority of our best business men in the cities were raised on the
farm. George Washington was a farmer and was proud of the fact. Abra-
ham Lincoln was raised on a farm in Spencer county, Indiana. Probably
the most popular Democratic governor this state ever had was "Blue Jeans"
^Villiams, who prided himself on being nothing but a farmer. The Repub-
lican party never had a better governor than that plain and unostentatious
farmer, James A. Mount, ^^erily the farmer is the bulwark of the nation
and the salt of the earth. Among the farmers of this county none is more
progressive than Vivian Emmerson, the subject of this brief review. He has
been thorough]}- schooled in all the multitude of agricultural details, which
are the necessary concomitants of the best farmers. Careful and conserva-
tive in his business methods and affairs, he is nevertheless sufficiently pro-
gressive to make him keep apace with twentieth-century ideas and methods of
agriculture. For these reasons it is eminently fitting that he find a worthy
place in this volume.
Vivian Emmerson, the son of Thomas and Ella (Montgomery) Emmer-
son, was born October 20, 1881, on a farm three and one-half miles east of
Owensville, this county. His father was also a native of this county, and
lived on the farm practically all of his life, with the exception of the last
few years, in which he engaged in the hardware business in Owens^-ille. He
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 823
moved from the farm to 0\vens\ille in 1890, where he conducted a liardware
store until his death in 1898. He served as county commissioner of Gibson
county for two terms, but died before the expiration of his second term.
He was well liked by everyone and did full justice to his important office by
his square dealing and honest methods. His wife was also a native of Gib-
son county and died in 1896. Mr. and Airs. Thomas Emmerson were the
parents of three children, Vivian H., the immediate subject of this sketch;
X'irgil, deceased in 1S91 ; Verlie, who married Marion Jones, a farmer in this
county, having land adjoining that of the subject: Mr. and Mrs. Jones have
one child, Lloyd, who is still at home.
Vivian H. Emmerson was reared on his father's farm and lived the life
of the ordinary farmer's boy, attending school in the winter seasons and
working on his father's farm during the summer months. After attending
the Owensville high school he started to take the mechanical engineering
course at Purdue University, but after continuing two terms he returned to
the farm and engaged in the hardware business which he followed for about
six years. In 1907, he closed out this business and returned to the home
farm, where he has continued to reside until the present time.
Mr. Emmerson was married March 6, 1903, to Amanda Linenberger,
the daughter of Frederick and Paula Ann (Bass) Linenberger. Her father
was a native of Germany, but came to America while yet a young man with
his parents. He has been a farmer, but is now living retired in Owensville.
Airs. Linenberger is a native of Barton township, this county, and is still liv-
ing. They were the parents of six children : William, who lives at Johnson
Station; Airs. Alary Dyball, of Owensville; Amanda, the wife of the subject;
Simeon, Fred and Alinnie, who are living with the subject of this sketch.
Mr. and Airs. Vivian Emmerson have one son, Raymond, and are now
living on the farm, enjoying all the pleasures of agricultural life. They
have a fine home, well furnished and attractive, modern barn and outbuild-
ings, and one of the most up-to-date farms in the township. Air. Emmerson
is an enthusiastic Alason, being a mcnilier of the chapter, council and coni-
mandery of that order. Although he is a Republican in politics, he has never
asked for any political office at the hands of his party, being satisfied to de-
vote all his time and energies to his farming interests. He is a progressive
farmer in every sense of the word, and is making a scientific study of agri-
cultural methods. While primarily attending to his own interests, he has
not neglected his duty to his fellow man, but has !)een untiring in his efforts
to inspire proper respect for law and order, and is ready at all times to assist
humanity along civic and social lines.
824 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
THOMAS A. WALTERS.
All honor should be accorded the brave "boys in blue" who, when the
ominous clouds of rebellion gathered over Qur national horizon, sacrificed the
pleasures of home, business opportunities and all that makes life happy, and
went forth to "do and die," if need be, on the fields of carnage in the South,
thus saving a great and united country to succeeding generations. The sub-
ject of this biography is one of that loyal host, and, incidentally, one of the
most highly honored citizens of Fort Branch, Gibson county, Indiana, where
he has spent a long and successful career.
Thomas A. Walters was born January 22, 1847, i" the eastern part of
Fort Branch, Gibson county, the son of Reuben T. and Susan (Smyth) AA'al-
ters, the former born Septemlier 20, 1S20, near where the Methodist Episcopal
church now stands in Fort Branch, and the latter born in county Monahan,
Ireland, the daughter of Thomas D. .Smyth, who settled on a farm near Fort
Branch at an early date, reared a large family and died at the age of sixty-
four. A brother of the subject's mother, Jeremiah, the eldest son of Thomas
D. Smvth, was an officer in a crack English regiment, the family being fol-
lowers of King William, the hero of the battle of the Boyne in 1690. The
trouble between the Orangemen and Catholics becoming very acute, the whole
family moved to America, with the exception of a daughter who was married
in the Emerald Isle, and later emigrated to Toronto, Canada. The Smyth
familv settled near Fort Branch. The youngest son had a successful career as
a phvsician and after retiring from practice died in Princeton, Indiana. The
other children located near Evansville, Indiana, except William, the second
son, who remained on the home farm. The Smyths were people of promi-
nence in their day and were highly respected in their communities. William
Smyth, a brother of the subject's maternal grandfather, amassed a fortune
and an international fame as a linen manufacturer in Ireland.
The subject's paternal grandfather was Alvin Walters, of New Jersey,
who was a fisherman, in which vocation he lost his life in a very tragic manner
in about 1813 or 1814. He and two companions and two boys went out in a
fishing smack, which encountered rough water and was upset, all being
drowned with, the exception of one of the boys, who was the subject's father,
he sa\-ing himself l\v clinging to the upturned bottom of the boat. Alvin Wal-
ters swam to the shore, a distance of about three miles, but was so exhausted
on reaching land that he could not extricate himself from the tangled seaweed
THOMAS A. WALTERS.
CinSDX COL'NTV, INDIANA. 825
and perished. In the nieanlime lii.s wife had bee.uuie anxious and went tu the
shore, where she found his lifeless body. The niotlier had come to Indiana in
search of land in i8jo, being accompanied by iier bruther-in-law. Enoch
Walters, and while at Fort Branch ga\e birth to the subject's father, return-
ing shortly to New^ York, where she remained until after her husband's death,
when she returned to Indiana, in about 1S33. The subject's father had been
fortunate in securing an excellent education in New York, he having attended
the schools there up to the age of thirteen, and after the family was located in
Indiana and the mother had again married, he resumed his studies, finishing
his education in the old seminary in Princeton at the age of twenty. He then
worked on his stejj-father's farm for about six years and was then married,
March 13, 1S46. the parents of his wife dying on that same date and leaving
her an orphan. The father of the sultject ami his bride moved on to the farm
east of Fort Branch where Thomas .\. was born, they soon purchasing a
brother's interest in the place and continuing its cultivation until 1880, when
the father retired and made his home in Fort Branch, where he died April 21,
1895, his wife having passed away .April 22. 1891. Reuben T. W'alters was
a man of the highest character and intelligence, a strong supporter of the
]\Iethodist Episcopal church, and. although many times urged by his friends
to accept public ofifice, steadily refused. To himself and wife were born eight
children, namely: Thomas A., the subject: Mercy J. died August 17. 1901 ;
Sally L. married Calvin Binkly. of Clay Center, Kansas; Susan is tlie wife of
B. F. Shannun and li\es a half mile north of I'ort Branch; James D. lives in
Austin, Minnesota; Richard S. lives in i'drl liranch ; Williaiu died in infancy:
Fanny M. L. died January 27, 1891.
T. A. Walters, the subject of this review, received a good elementary
education in the common schools of Evansville and Fort Branch. On Decem-
ber 14, 1863, he enlisted in Company B, Tenth Indiana Cavalry, One Hundred
Twenty-fifth Regiment, Col. Thomas M. Pace commanding the regiment and
Capt. Thomas G. Williamson the company. The subject was mustered in at
Vincennes December 14, 1863, and, with his comrades, was sent to Columbus,
Indiana, where the regiment was organized, and on the 21st of Alay they were
dispatched to Louisville, Kentucky, from there tf) Xa.shville. Tennessee, and
then to Pulaski, Tennessee, which vicinity they spent tiie summer, having
numerous engagements at different points in that section with General
Wheeler's forces. In the fall of that year (November, 1864) the regiment
was returned to Xashville and took part in the battle of Nashville, on Decem-
ber 14, 15, 16 and 17, 1864. A portion of the regiment followed after the
826 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
retreating General Hood, while the remainder were sent to Nashville and
placed on board ship for Mobile, Alabama, the subject being with the latter
body. From New Orleans they immediately continued on to Mobile, the other
part of the I'egiment having joined them on the way, and arrived in the
Crescent City about May 12, 1865. Remaining there a few days, they were
sent back to Mobile, and after the fall of the forts they started through
Alabama and Mississippi, expecting to join General ^Vilson. They had al-
ready taken Selma and detachments were in pursuit of Jefferson Davis, so they
proceeded to Montgomery, thence to Kosciusko and then to Vicksburg, where
they were mustered out August 30, 1865.
Mr. Walters, being honorably discharged September 7, 1865, at Indian-
apolis, he returned to the old homestead, and, at the insistence of his father,
attended two terms of school, his parent wishing him to become a physician,
but the subject was not inclined toward that profession. For a time he en-
gaged in various occupations, spending two years in the hardware business in
Minnesota. In 1876 he was selected as a deputy sheriff and served two years.
In 1894 occurred his election to the office of recorder of Gibson county, in
which responsible position he was an efficient and popular public servant for
four years, refusing a second term.
The subject of this brief review was married October 30. 1895, to Anna
E. West, of Newburg, Indiana, the daughter of Henry C. and Phoebe E.
(Genung) West. Phoebe West was a sister of Dr. William R. Genung. of
Fort Branch, and her father, who died in 1872, was a veteran of the Civil
war, he having been a member of Company E, Twenty-fifth Indiana Volun-
teer Infantry, and having been wounded at Pittsburg Landing.
Mr. Walters is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Stephen
Meade Post No. 187, while his fraternal affiliations are with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, of which he has been an appreciative member for
forty-five years, and the Tribe of Ben-Hur and the Knights of Pythias. He
has always taken an active interest in politics, being prominent in the councils
of the Republican party. Mrs. Walters is a member of the Methodist Episco-
pal church.
In the real estate and insurance business conducted by the subject a large
measure of success has been his. At the present time Mr. Walters represents
twelve of the leading insurance companies of the country and is handling the
bulk of the business in that line in his community. For many years he has
been a notary public and he also enjoys a large patronage from attorneys and
others needing his services in a notarial capacity.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 827
SAMUEL B. THOMPSON.
The office of biography is not to give voice to a man's modest estimate
of himself and his accomphshments, but rather to leave upon the record the
verdict establishing his character by the consensus of opinion on the part of
his neighbors, friends and fellow citizens. The life of the honorable subject
of this sketch has been such as to elicit just praise from those who know him
best, owing to the fact that he has always been loyal to trusts imposed upon
him and has been upright in his dealings with his fellow men, at the same time
lending his support to the ad\ancement of an\- cause looking to the welfare
of his community.
Samuel B. Thompson, the son of Francis Marion and Susannah Eliza-
beth (Fra\el) Thompson, was born March 12, 1875, three and one-half miles
north of Owensville. The genealogy of the Thompson family is found else-
where in this volume in the sketch of Francis Thompson, father of the subject
of this sketch.
Samuel B. Thompson spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, and
after taking the course in the common schools of his home county, he gradu-
ated from the Owensville high school. After this he spent one year in the
old Normal College at Princeton, Indiana. Upon his marriage he bought his
present farm of one hundred and nineteen acres from his father, and has
improved it with that discriminating judgment which stamps him as one of
the most progressive farmers of the township. He has a fine residence, com-
modious barns and other outbuildings, and his farm is well fenced and
drained. He takes a very active interest in all the movements which have for
their end the improvement of farming, and has acted as chairman of the
Farmers' Institute of his cOunty. He believes that the corn show contests
which have been held in the county are productive of great good, and for this
reason is an enthusiastic booster for them. He keeps himself well informed
on the latest methods of scientific farming and is always ready to take advan-
tage of anything which will improve his farm and bring about better results.
Although he is an ardent Democrat, he has never sought anv political
office, being content to devote all his energies to his agricultural interests.
Fraternally, he is a valued member of the Modern \\'oodmen of .America. He
is a clean, progressive farmer, well liked and with a pleasing disposition which
makes him friends wherever he goes. He is devoted to his chosen vocation
and has lent honor and dignity to the profession of farming, and justly de-
ser\es to be numbered among the progressive and enterprising citizens of his
828 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
county. With his natural intellectual endowments and upright character,
he has become a valued factor in the community, and is ever vigilant in his
efforts to further its interests along moral, material and civic lines.
Mr. Thompson was united in marriage to Cora E. Emmerson on October
19, 1899. She was a daughter of James and Susan J. (Williams) Emmer-
son, whose family is referred to specifically elsewhere in this volume. Mrs.
Thompson is lady of many excellent qualities of head and heart, devoted to
her home and family, and religiou.sly, is affiliated with the General Baptist
church, of which she is an ardent and loyal member, taking a deep interest in
all the various activities of that denomination. She and her husband are
popular and well liked in the social circles in which they move and command
the respect and esteem of all who know them. To Mr. and Mrs. Thompson
has been born one child, Alice Pauline.
PINKNEY S. ARAISTRONG.
Fealty to facts in the analyzation of the character of a citizen of the
type of Pinknev S. Armstrong, progressive farmer and business man of
^Montgomery township, Gibson county, is all that is required to make a bio-
graphical sketch interesting to those who have at heart the good name of the
community honored by his residence, because it is the honorable reputation of
the man of standing and affairs, more than any other consideration, that
gives character and stability to the body politic. While advancing his in-
dividual interests, he has never lost sight of his obligations to the com-
munity in general, where for many years he had held a high place in popular
confidence and esteem.
Pinkney S. Armstrong was born November 24, 1866, in Montgomery
township, this county, the son of William S. and Emily (Smith) Armstrong.
William S. Armstrong, subject's father, was born in Vanderburg county.
Indiana, the son of Kirby and Miranda (Gambrel) Armstrong, and the father
of Kirby was John. John Armstrong was one of three brothers who came to
America from Ireland. For seven years he had been a sailor on the high
seas, and wear^'ing of this, he decided to settle down to the life of a farmer in
America. He and his brothers lived for a short time near Albermarle Sound
in North Carolina, and later John went to Kentucky. There he stayed for a
short time and about the year 1806 came over into Indiana, at the time when
his son, Kirby, was a lad of about seven years. They settled in Vanderburg
TY, INDIANA.
829
county, where the hid Kirby grew to nianhdiuh married, and there his .son
\\'ilHani S. was burn. William S. also grew to manhooil in Vanderhurg
county, and when about twenty-two yoars <>ld was imited in marriage with
Emily Smith. She was born in Ahjntgoniery township, Gibson county, a
daughter of Dr. Willis Smith. Her mother was Patsy Warrick, a daughter
of Captain Jacob Warrick, prominent in the early history of Gibson county
and one of the heroes who received a mortal wound din-ing the battle of Tip-
pecanoe. Doctor Willis Smith was originally from Kentucky and was one
of the pioneer physicians of this count}-, when the practice of the profession
of medicine was surely no sinecure.
After his marriage. William S. .\rmstrong moved to Gibson county,
locating in Alontgoniery township, between Owensville and Princeton and
about four miles from Ow-ensville. He purchased land at this point and
here he and his wife passed the remainder of their lives. His death occurred
July 24, 1877, and his wife died January i. 1902, at the age of se\ enty-five
years.
Pinknev S. Armstrong grew up on his father's farm and continued to
live there until he was thirty-two years old. On December 1, 18S7, he was
united in marriage with Martha Roberts. She is a native of Gibson county, a
daughter of John and Jane( Montgomery) Roberts, and is a sister of William
T. Roberts, the present auditor of Gibson county. Her mother, Jane Mont-
gomery, was a daughter of Colonel William Montgomery, a prominent pio-
neer of the county. To the union of Pinkney S. and Martha (Roberts)
Armstrong was bom one child, Alildred Blanche, who was not quite six
years old at the time of her mother's death, June 14, 1909. On Ma)' 21. 1911,
Mr. Armstrong took as his second wife Xora Smith, a native of Montgom-
ery township, and a daughter of Henry W. and Matilda (Mauck) Smith.
After his first marriage, in 1887, Mr. Armstrong continued to reside
on his father's farm for eleven years, when he purchased his present farm
three miles northeast of Owens\ille. In all. he is the owner ot alxnit nine
hundred acres of fine farm land. He has about eighty acres in his home
farm and this he farms, together with about one hundred and sixty acres
near King's Station, and the balance of his land, located at the same place, he
rents. The accumulating of this vast acreage is a high tribute to the excellent
business ability of Mr. Armstrong. Forseeing that the fine farm lands in
his county would some day demand a much higher price than they did in
his earlier manhood, he bought up all the land he felt he was safe in assum-
ing, borrowing heavily to meet his obligations, and when the rise came, as he
830 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
felt sure it would, he found himself a wealthy man. Mr. Armstrong has not
only farmed along the most modern and scientific methods, but he has devoted
considerable attention to the raising of live stock, doing especially well with
a fine strain of Poland China hogs. In addition to this, he has done a large
business in raising pears and is now giving his particular attention to the
growing of alfalfa on a large scale, inoculating the soil and carrying it
through to the harvest in the most approved scientific method. In addition to
his regular business, Mr. Armstrong is a stockholder in six banking concerns,
namely : Farmers' National Bank of Princeton, Citizens' Trust and Savings
Bank of Princeton, First National Bank at Fort Branch, llie Bankers' Na-
tional at Evansville, the First National Bank of Owensville and the Ameri-
can National Bank of Princeton. He is also a director in the two last named.
Mr. Armstrong is a man of splendid influence in his community, and
being a A^ery industrious man who has led an honorable career, he sets a
worthy example to the younger generation of his community. He is re-
garded as. a public-spirited man who can always be counted on to support the
right side of any movement involving the moral, educational and social wel-
fare of his fellow-citizens. He is one of those solid men of brain and sub-
stance, so essential to the material growth and prosperity of a community
and whose influence has been willingly extended in behalf of every deserving
enterprise.
R. P. LOCKHART.
Although not an old man in years, the gentleman whose life record is
herein outlined has stamped his individuality in no uncertain manner upon the
localities where he has resided, being an excellent representative of that type
of the much heralded American business man — the type that does things — Mr.
Lockhart being a worthy descendant of a long line of honorable and influen-
tial ancestors.
R. P. Lockhart, who is at present engaged in the lumber business in
Patoka, was born at Winthrop, Atchison county, Missouri, (in Jifly 6, 1864,
the son of Ephraim G. and Elizabeth (Casey) Lockhart, natives, respect-
ively, of New York state, and Posey county, Indiana. Ephraim G. Lockhart
came to this county about 1854 and first devoted himself to farming pursuits,
and later he became interested in saw and grist mills and other enterprises, in
which he was very successful. Lie attained to a high place in the esteem of his
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 83I
fellow citizens, serving for many years as a justice of the peace at I'atoka. A
few years after locating liere lie nio\e(l to Atchison county, Missouri, and
about 1864 returned to Gibson county, spending the rest of his days in this
state. He lived in Dubois county a short time, but his death occurred in
Patoka at the age of seventy-two years. His wife had died about two years
prior to that time. They were the parents of six children, namely : William,
Katie and Arena are deceased, Henry, of Patoka, R. P., the immediate sub-
ject of this sketch, and Thomas, deceased.
R. P. Lockhart received his education in the public schools of Patoka,
and then took up the vocation of saw filing, in which he was employed in
various saw mills throughout southwestern Indiana for many years. About
eight years ago Mr. Lockhart engaged in the saw mill business on his own
account in Patoka, in which enterprise he has met with pronounced success.
In addition to his milling interests, Mr. Lockhart owns a splendid farm of
two hundred and forty acres of land west of Patoka, which he is devoting to
general agricultural purposes, raising all the crops common to this locality and
also giving some attention to the breeding and raising of live stock. He is a
stockholder and director in the Patoka National Bank, of which he was one
of the organizers in connection with Will Parrett. .Alex D. Milburn. Preston
Milburn and others. He is considered a man of keen and sagacious business
judgment, whose advice is sought Ity tli<ise in need of counsel.
On June 20, 1900, occurred the marriage of Mr. Lockhart to Kate
Cline. the daughter of Daniel Cline, of Patoka. The ceremony which united
this couple was extraordinary in one respect at least. Mr. Lockhart was in
Stanton, Tennessee, and his bride in Patoka on the day set for the wedding.
Mr. Lockhart found that he would be unable to come to Patoka and the cere-
mony was performed by telephone. To their union has Ijeen born a daughter.
Cathleen Elizabeth.
Fraternally. Mr. Lockhart is an enthusiastic member of the Masonic
order, while politically, he is a Progressive Republican, h:iving served as a
member of the city council. He owns one of the most attractive residences
in Patoka, and here the spirit of old-time hospitality is always in evidence,
the home being a favorite gathering place of the many friends of the family.
Personalh-. Mr. Lockhart is popular, possessing to a marked degree the char-
acteristics that win and retain warm friendships. For his kindness and court-
esy he has found an abiding place in the esteem of his fellow citizens, and
his intelligent energy and enterprising spirit have made his influence felt dur-
ing his residence in Gibson county.
832 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
HON. ALBERT GALLATIN HOLCOMB.
Prominent among the representative citizens of Gibson county, Indiana,
pre-eminently distinguished for his splendid ability in carrying to completion
important public enterprises and enjoying marked prestige in many things far
beyond the limits of the community honored by his residence, the gentleman
whose name forms the caption to this brief review stands out a clear and con-
spicuous figure among the successful men of a part of the great Hoosier
state noted throughout the commonwealth for its high order of citizenship.
Characterized by breadth of wisdom and strong individuality, his achieve-
ments but represent the utilization of innate talents in directing efforts along
lines in which mature judgment, rare discrimination and a resourcefulness
that hesitates at no opposing circumstances, pave the way and ultimately lead
to great achievements. It is not the intention of the biographer in this con-
nection to give a detailed history of his busy life, but rather to note, inci-
dentally, his connection with the various phases of the development of Gibson
county and to show the marked influence he has wielded in advancing the
material interests of this locality by his strict adherence to the Golden Rule
and his desire to promote the general good.
Albert Gallatin Holcomb was born March 7, 1858, in Johnson township,
Gibson county, Indiana, the son of Silas M. and Nancy A. (Ralston) Hol-
comb, the mother being a sister of Dr. W. G. Ralston, of Evansville, Indiana,
and the father a son of Hosea Holcomb, who came from Virginia to Indiana
as a young man and entered land in Gibson county three and one-half miles
east of Haubstadt. Hosea Holcomb settled in the virgin forest, cut timber,
cleared his land, built a home and raised his family here, being a successful
man in all that term implies.
The subject's father continued on the original property after the death
of his father and continued the successful conduct of the home place. He
was a man who took an active part in public affairs and was elected to and
served in the state Legislature, being a leader in his district. He died in his
sixty-five year. He was the father of five children, namely : William R. is
now living in A'incennes : Albert G. ; Minnie is deceased ; Martha lives at Fort
Branch ; Andrew 1^. is in Oklahoma.
The subject of this review spent his boyhood in Johnson township, re-
ceiving his education in the common schools, and then taught school for eight
years. At the end of this period he was elected trustee for two consecutive
terms and gave such efficient service in that responsible office that at the com-
ALBERT G. HOLCOJU
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 833
pletion of his second term lie was ilie clioice of the people of his district for
state senator, to which ofilice he was elected for one term. His constituents
soon realized the wise choice they had made in selecting Mr. Holcomb to rep-
resent their interests in the General Assembly, for he devoted his talents and
energies to legislating for their best interests, he being the author of a number
of admirable measures, and displaying a wise discrimination in the casting of
his vote on all matters before the senate. In 1904 the subject was the unani-
mous choice of the Democratic party as a candidate for Congress, but he was
included in the general landslide which overwhelmed his party on the occasion
of Roosevelt's second election. Mr. Holcomb has been chairman of the Demo-
cratic county committee for four years and also has served as chairman of his
township for the last thirty years, having been elected to the latter position
when he was but eighteen years of age, he ha\ing been on the committee con-
tinuously since.
For sixteen years the subject has been a member of the board of directors
of the Gibson County Agricultural and Horticultural Fair, having served as
president of this body for two terms. He has attended and been an active
worker in the farmers* institutes for a number of years. The Senator has a
splendid farm adjoining the town of Fort Branch, where he raises fine crops
of grain and other farm products. His place is a model agricultural plant, the
equipment of buildings, silo and barns being especially complete. For a num-
ber of years the subject has been interested in the best o-rades of live stock, his
Percheron horses, bred from registered sires, having taken many prizes at
fairs, while his cattle are pure bred Jersevs. His large and beautifully fur-
nished modern residence is located at the turn in the main road, the bend in
the road forming the border to a lawn frirmed in the shape of a half circle,
comprising about a half acre in extent, and i^resenting a pleasing effect with
its beautiful shrubbery and trees.
On October 27, 1881, the subject was married to Alice M. Hull, daughter
of Thomas Hull, a pioneer of Gibson county. To this union have been born
two children, namely : Thomas secured his early education in the common
schools and in the Fort Branch high school, supjilementing this by courses in
the law departments of the University of Georgia and Yale University, after
which he located as a practicing attorney in Chicago : Harold R. is attending
high school.
Thomas Hull, the father of the subject's wife, came originally from New
York City, and he was the son of John Hull, whn emigrated to ijiis country
(33)
834 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
from Li\erpool, England soon after his marriage to Elizabeth Taylur, of
Rochester, England. John Hull and wife lived in New York City for a short
while, during which time the son Thomas was born. Leaving this city, the
family removed to Boston, where Thomas attended school and it was his privi-
lege to see General Lafayette on his farewell visit to this country in 1824.
Removing from Boston, they went to New Orleans by the ocean route, that
same year, where they remained until 1827, when the family came up the river
to Gibson county, Indiana, and settled on a farm near Owensville, in Mont-
gomery township, where they continued to make their home the rest of their
lives. The grandfather died in 1869, at the age of eighty-four, while the
grandmother passed away in 1867. in her seventy-sixth }ear. The great-
grandmother of Mrs. Holcomb was Elizabeth (Edwards) FIulI, whose hus-
band died as a young man, leaving two sons and one daughter, Mrs. Hol-
comb's grandfather being one of the sons. The mother of the subject's wife
was Elizabeth Nixon, whose grandfather, William Nixon, was a native of
L-eland.
GEORGE WASHINGTON JOHNSON.
The best title one can establish to the high and generous esteem of an
intelligent community is a protracted and honorable residence therein. George
Washington Johnson has resided in this locality all his life and his career has
been a commendable one, well deserving of being perpetuated on the pages
of a historical work of the nature of the one in hand. Knowing that the
county was destined to take a high rank in the productive and rich localities
of the North, he applied himself very closely to his work and waited for the
future to bring its rewards, and today he is one of the substantial men of his
county.
George Washington Johnson* one of the most prominent farmers of
Gibson county, was born January 2, 1852, two miles west of Owensville. He
is the son of Levi and Louisa (Smith) Johnson. His father was born in
New Harmony, Indiana, December 25, 1824, the son of George and Anna
(Williams) Johnson. The Johnson family came to this state about 1807
from Virginia before the admission of the state into the L^nion. Levi John-
son's mother died when he was born, and a little later his father moved to
Gibson county and settled in Montgomery township, where he lived the re-
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 835
niainder of his life. Levi jdhnsim was reared to manhood in this township
and here married Louisa Smith, the daughter of Jackson W. and Martha C.
(W'arrick) Sniilli. ALartha Warrick was a daughter of Captain Warrick,
the celebrated hero of the liattle of Tippecanoe, who fell in this memorable
battle, which w-as fought in the fall of iSi i. Her father, Jackson W. Smith,
was born near Lexington, Kentuck\ , anil came to Gibson count}- early in the
history of the state.
From the time of his marriage Le\i Johnson lived about two miles west
of Owensville. He was a life-long farmer and by close application to his
business he secured a very comfortable competence for his children. He took
an acti\e part in local public affairs and served two terms as township trustee.
His death occurred November 25, 1904, and his widow is still living at the
advanced age of eighty-five years. Mr. Johnson was an active and faithful
member of the General Baptist church during all his life and always took an
acti\e interest in all the \arious workings of that denomination. Mr. and
Airs. Le\'i Johnson were the parents of six children: John \V. : George W.,
the immediate subject of this sketch: Martha: Emma, widow of Doss
Thompson; Warrick D. ; Laura, who died at the age of three years.
George W. Johnson grew to maturity in Montgomery township on his
father's farm. Here he lived the life of the a\erage farmer boy, going to
school in the winter seasons and working on the farm in the summer. He
was united in marriage to Marovia Johnson, who w as the daughter of George
Buckley Johnson and Lizzie (Martin) Johnson, and was born five miles west
of Owensville, her parents having come to Intliana among the first settlers of
of the state. Upon becoming twent\'-one years of age his father gave him
forty acres of land, and within a year he bought an additional forty acres, just
west of Owensville, and li}- strict attention to his business and by thrift and
frugality, he gradually increased his holdings until he is now the owner of
two hundred and forty acres of fine land, and in addition to this he has
bought land which he has given to his daughter.
.As a young man George W. Johnson attended Asbury University, now
DePauw, at Greencastle, and after leaving the university he taught school
for a number of years. To Mr. and Mrs. George W. Johnson have been
l)orn two children, one son who died in infancy, and a daughter, Laura Ella,
the wife of Dr. Ralph W. Emersim, who lives near her father and is the
mother of seven children, Ralph Waldo, Johnson. Louisa E., John Warrick.
Myron Titus and twin babies. All of the family are loyal members of the
General Baptist church at Owens\ille. Mr. Johnson has been a member of
836 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
the Free and Accepted Masons for thirty years, and has always taken an
active interest in the affairs of that fraternal organization.
Dr. Ralph Waldo Emerson, the son-in-law of George "VV. Johnson, was
born one mile east of Owensville on October 23, 1869, the son of John W.
and Nancy Jane (Knowles) Emerson. Dr. Emerson grew up on the farm
near Owensville, securing his elementary education in the district schools of
his county. Later he took the classical course at Union Christian College at
Merom, Indiana, graduating from Ihat institution on June 13, 1895, with the
degree of Bachelor of Arts. In September of the same year he entered the
Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, Ohio, and graduated from that school
on May 10, 1898. Ten days later he was back in Owensville, had opened his
office for business in the active practice of his profession, and continued
active practice for four years and a half. In 1903 he discontinued his prac-
tice owing to ill health and retired to the farm, where he has continued to
reside since. In his practice he was building up rapidly a good reputation for
himself as a physician. He was well prepared for a general practitioner and
had his health permitted him to continue in the practice he would undoubt-
edly have become one of the prominent physicians of his county.
On August 28, 1898, Mr. Johnson was married to Laura Ella Johnson,
the daughter of George W. and Marovia Johnson, who are represented in
the foregoing pages. The whole family are very much interested in music.
Mrs. Emerson took a musical course at Oakland City College and graduated
in both the vocal and instrumental departments. Every one in the family
plays on some musical instrument. The youngest son, at the age of eight
years, plays a cornet and has the reputation of being the youngest cornetist
in the state ; Wash Johnson plays the slide trombone, and the family assist in
the orchestra of the General Baptist church. Mr. and Mrs. Emerson are the
owners of one hundred and eighty-eight acres of fine land in this county and
Mr. Emerson also farms his father-in-law's land of two hundred and twenty
acres, making a total of four hundred acres operated by Doctor Emerson.
Agriculture has always been an honored vocation from the earliest ages and
men of education are turning to the farm in increasing numbers every year.
The free out-door life of the farm has a decided tendency to foster and de-
\-elop that independence of mind and self-reliance which characterize true
manhood. It has always been the fruitful soil from which has sprung the
moral bone and sinew of the country. Mr. Emerson is leading a life charac-
terized by perseverance and energy and commands the confidence and re-
spect of the people of the community in Avhich he lives.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 837
CLAUDE A. SMITH.
In a brief sketch of any living citizen it is difticult to do him exact and
impartial justice, not so much, ho\ve\cr, for lack of space or words to set
forth the familiar and passing events of his personal history, as for want of
the rounded conception of his whole life, which grows, develops and ripens,
like fruit, to disclose its truest and best flavor only when it is mellowed by
time. Daily contact with the man so familiarizes us with his virtues that we
ordinarily overlook them and commonly underestimate their possessor. The
man whose name stands at the head of this sketch has already won for him-
self an enviable reputation as a lawyer in a community noted for the high
order of its legal talent, and being still in the first flush of manhood, of un-
doubted honor and integrity, has before him great opportunities in his chosen
profession.
Claude A. Smith was born July 26, 1881, at Owensville, Gibson county,
Indiana, the son of John F. and Cleo (Bird) Smith, both natives of Gibson
county. John F. Smith was born in Montgomery township. Gibson county,
December 25, 1853, where he passed his entire life. In 1889, together with
Richard P. McGinnis, he organized the Owensville Bank. From the first he
served as its cashier arid remained in that capacity, retaining his interest in
the bank until his death. This was the first bank in that (Montgomery)
township. Mr. Smith was an active member of the Knights of Pythias and
was serving as chancellor commander of his lodge at the time of his death,
in September, 1893.
Claude A. Smith's parental grandfather was Noah Smith, who lived to
be eightv-four years old and died some six or seven years ago. He was a
farmer all his life. His wife was Patsy Benson, a member of one of the finest
families of the county.
Mrs. John F. Smith, widowed mother of the subject of this sketch,
makes her home in Owensville, Indiana, where she has lived all her life. She
is the mother of one other child, Mabel, the wife of Lynn Lucas, furniture
dealer of Princeton. Jacob F. Bird, maternal grandfather of the subject, still
resides in Owensville at the ripe old age of eighty-six. He was the first
county superintendent of Gibson county and is said to have started the first
school in Montgomery township. Fie was a memlier of the Indiana Legisla-
ture fifty years ago.
Claude A. Smith attended the primary and high schools of Owensville.
graduating from the latter in 1900. Having chosen the law as his profession,
838 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
he then matriculated in the Indiana State Uni\-ersity, from which he was
graduated in 1903 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He attended Colum-
bia University, New York City, for special training in his chosen profession,
was admitted to the bar in 1905, and after his graduation from Columbia
University in 1906, took up the practice of law in Princeton.
On July 23, 1907, he was united in marriage to Phoebe Barnard, daugh-
ter of G. W. Barnard, of Oakland City. Mrs. Smith is the daughter of Grove
W. and Maria (Teel) Barnard, her father being a native of Connecticut and
her mother of this county. Grove W. Barnard came to this county when
grown and taught school for some time; but later engaged in the milling
business at Oakland City, where he was killed in 1892. He was an active
Democrat and had been the county chairman of his party.
Mr. Smith is a member of the time-honored body of Master Masons,
and an active and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Politically, his convictions are with the Republican party. An energetic and
upright young man, Mr. Smith possesses those qualities which make a man a
representative citizen in whatsoever locality his lot may fall.
W. L. ROBBINS.
The true measure of individual success is determined by what one has
accomplished. An enumeration of those men who have succeeded in their
special vocations in Gibson county, and at the same time are impressing their
personalities on the community, men who are conferring honor on the locality
in which they reside, would be incomplete were there failure to make specific
mention of the gentleman whose name initiates this paragraph, for he is an
important factor in the business life of his comnumity. The splendid success
which has come to him has been the direct result of the salient points in his
character, for, with a mind capable of laying judicious plans and a will strong
enough to carry them into execution, his energy, foresight and perseverance
have carried him forward to a position in the front rank of the successful
business men of his community. He has carried to successful completion
whatever he has undertaken, and his business methods have ever been in
strict conformity with the standards and ethics of commercial life. He has
taken an intelligent interest in the civic life of the community and has earned
the high regard in which he is held by all who know him.
GinSdN COUNTY, INDIANA. 839
VV. L. Robbins was bcirn at Paoli, Orange Cdunly, Indiana. Marcb jo,
1838, the son of David and Arrianna (Gilluni) Robbins. Uavid Robbins
was born August 22, 1812, and his wife, a native of Chatham county. North
CaroHna, was born February 11, 1809, their marriage taking place January 22,
1835. The father of David Robbins was Nathaniel Robbins, who came from
Pennsylvania to Orange county, Indiana, at an early date, where he engaged
in agricultural pursuits all his life.
The subject of this brief review was the second of seven children, four
of whom are still living. His boyhood days were spent in Orange county,
where he attended the district school for a period of only forty-nine days al-
together and helped in the work of the farm until he reached his legal ma-
jority. In i860 he was united in marriage to Mary A. Tate, to which union
were bom three children, namely: Alice E., deceased; Hettie and Dessie
May died in infancy. After his marriage. Mr. Robbins continued agricul-
tural pursuits, specializing in the raising, buying and selling of hogs. In
1862, owing to the unsettled condition of business due to the Civil war, the
subject lost all he possessed. However, his indomitable spirit rose superior
to reverses, and he continued farming until 1870, at which time he remo\ed
to Gibson county and located in Hazleton. where for several years he was
employed by Jarvis Hazleton in the lumber Inisiness. In i88t he rented a
saw mill from Mr. Hazleton and went into business on his own account.
This business, prospering, he continued in it until IQ02. having in the mean-
time worn out two saw mills.
The second marriage of the subject occurred on .\pril 27, 1882. when
he was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Sallie Williams, daughter
of Eli A. and Margaret M. (Hartin) Williams, the former a native of North
Carolina, wiio died in October, 1882. at the age of seventy-two years, and the
latter a native of South Carolina, who died in 1892, at the age of seventy-
four years. The mother's family mo\-ed to Indiana alraut 1830 and located
in Princeton. The father was actively engaged as a carpenter and builder
in Princeton during his lifetime. Mrs. Robbins was educated in the public
schools of Princeton and at the age of sixteen years engaged in teaching,
which she continued up to the time of her marriage in 1882, teaching twenty-
three terms and missing but one year during that time, this being due tn ill
health.
During his highly successful career in the lumber business, Mr. Robbins
confined himself exclusively to the best grades of timber, mostly walnut and
oak. P.v careful and systematic attention to the details of his business he
840 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
became highl}- successful and gained a reputation for being an ideal em-
ployer. He always made it a point when placing an emploj'e in a certain posi-
tion to hold him responsible for the work of his department, never interfering
so long as results were forthcoming in a satisfactory manner. In the sulaject's
boyhood days, while he was working out for others, he had many trying ex-
periences, especially in the matter of securing his wages after they were
earned. At that time he resolved that should he ever engage in business for
himself he would see to it that his employes received their money when it was
due, and it is his proud boast that in the twenty-one years he was in business
he missed but two Saturday nights in making up the pay roll, and those were
occasions when he was ill. It is a testimonial to his good standing in the
business world that when, in 1884, the spring thaw came suddenly and carried
away his logs, leaving him practically without a dollar, he went right ahead,
his good name tiding him over and comparatively few knew how heavily his
misfortunate had borne upon him.
While the subject's early education was very meager, he has by close
observation and reading become a man well grounded in the general knowl-
edge of the world, the practical kind that is really worth while. In brief,
Mr. Robbins has, by his own hands, carved out a place for himself in his
community that has gained for him the respect of his fellow men. Mr. and
Mrs. Robbins are faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs.
Robbins' mother belonged to the Friends church. Mr. Robbins has been a
stanch Democrat all his life, but never a candidate for anv office.
JOHN DAVID SMITH.
Among the enterprising and progressive citizens of Gibson county, none
stands higher in the esteem of his fellow citizens than the gentleman whose
name forms the caption of this sketch. He has long been actively engaged in
agricultural pursuits in this county and the years of his residence here have
but served to strengthen the feeling of admiration on the part of his fellow
men owing to the honorable life he has led and the worthy example he has set
the younger generation, consequently the publishers of this biographical com-
pendiurn are glad to give such a worthy representation in this work.
John David Smith, of Crowleyville, Wabash township, Gibson county,
is a native of the Hoosier state, having been born in Posey county, Indiana,
January 16, 1865, and is the son of Richard Smith and Jane (Medows)
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 84I
Smith. Richard Smith was a son of Adam Smith, who came from Virginia
about the year 1829, when Richard was about five years of age. They settled
in the south edge of Montgomery township, Gibson county, along Black
river, being among the early settlers of that section. Here Richard Smith
grew to manhood and here he was married to Jane Medows, who was a native
of Kentucky, having been born and reared near Cynthiana, that state. After
his marriage Mr. Smith moved to a farm near Stewartsville, which he
operated until the outbreak of the Civil war, when, he responded to the call of
his country for defenders and served faithfully throughout that great struggle,
taking part in many of the great battles of that conflict, receiving severe
wounds in the leg and being taken prisoner at one time. He was a loyal and
brave soldier and at the close of the war was mustered out and given an honor-
able discharge, and returning to his home again took up agricultural pursuits.
He moved to the Kendle farm, two and one-half miles south of Crowleyville,
in Wabash township, this county, now owned by Harmon Siegert, and here
he spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring on this place. He was
a life-long farmer, devoted to his chosen calling, of which he made a distinct
success, and was highly respected by his fellow agriculturists and all with
whom he came in contact. In politics he was a Democrat, while both he and
his wife were earnest and faithful members of the Baptist church. To them
were bom six children: Mary, deceased, the wife of Henry Carbaugh,
spent her life in Wabash township, this county: Olletha died at the age of
twenty-two; Isaac Newton died on December Z2, 1912, antl also was a life-
long resident of Wabash township; John D.. the immediate subject (if this
sketch; Lewis Marshall, of Kennsburg, Illinois: Alfred Clinton resides in the
state of Washington. The father of these children died in 'May, 1886, at the
age of sixty-two years.
John David Smith was reared under the parental roof, securing his edu-
cation in the common schools of his neighborhood, and in his early life
worked at farm labor between school seasons. In April, 1887, at the age of
twenty-two. he was married to Rhoda Smith, wlni was a daughter of William
and Marv Ann (Picketts) Smith, who had moved fmni Warrick county,
Indiana, to Wabash township, this cnunt\-, in an early day. and to this union
were born three children, namely: Delia, who was the wife of Thomas
Tillet and died at Grayville : Edgar died at the age of seven years, and Mary
is still at home with her father. The mother of these children died in 1898,
and on October 22. 1908, Mr. Smith was married to Mrs. Mary A. Williams,
who was born in Harmony township. Posey county, Indiana, the daughter of
842 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
William and Elizabeth (De Foster) Hunget. Her parents were early settlers
of Posey county, her father having come there from South Carolina fifty-nine
years ago, at the age of ten years, while her mother's birth occurred near
Bowling Green, Kentucky, and she lived at that place until her marriage to
Mr. Hunget. Mrs. Smith lived in Posey county until her marriage to Mr.
Smith. Her first husband was John ShuU, and they were the parents of two
children, Martha E., who lives with her mother, and Mahala, who died at the
age of five years. After Mr. Shull's death his widow married Riley R. Will-
iams, who is also deceased.
For the past seven years Mr. Smith has been engaged in the general
mercantile business at Crowleyville, and is well known all over this section of
the county. He carries a good line of general merchandise, and while his
store is not a large one, he does a thriving business, and in July, 1913, also
established a store at Johnson's Station, and is now conducting both stores,
meeting with very satisfactory success in this line. He is a Democrat in
politics, and takes an active part in all public affairs of his community. In
1908 he was elected assessor of Wabash township for the term of four }-ears,
and because of legislative changes in the law governing his term of office, he
continues to hold the office for two more years, making a term of six years.
He is discharging the duties of this important office to the eminent satisfac-
tion of his constituents and is one of the popular, enterprising and alert citi-
zens of his community.
THEODORE FLEMING THOMAS.
A review of the life of the honored subject of this review must of
necessity be brief and general in its character. To enter fully into the inter-
esting details of the career of Theodore Thomas Fleming, touching the strug-
gles of his early manhood and the successes of his later years would far
transcend the limits of this article. He has filled a large place in the ranks
of the public-spirited citizens of his day, and that he has done his part well
can not be gainsaid, for his record has been such as has gained for him the
commendation and approval of his fellows. His career has been a long, busy
and 'useful one and he has contributed much to the material, civic and moral
advancement of the community, while his admirable qualities of head and
heart and the straightforward course of his daily life has won for him the
esteem and confidence of the circles in which he has moved.
GinSOX (.OINTY, INDIANA. 843
Theodore Fleming Thomas was horn May 22, 1857, in Princeton, In-
diana, the son of James and Cyntliea ( Key) 'i'homas, the former liaving been
born in London, England, and the latter in ( iibson county, Indiana, near the
town of Princeton. The Christian name of su1)ject"s paternal grandfather is
unknown, although efforts have been made a numlier of times to ascertain it,
there being considerable of an estate to which subject would be entitled were
he able to clear up this genealogical jihase. It is only known that the grand-
father was a resident of London, England. James Thomas, father of llie sub-
ject of this biography, was a prominent civil engineer in luigland. 'laving
been foreman during the con.struction of one of the large bridges built over the
Thames river. The family at that time consisted of two brothers and a sister.
When James Thomas and his brother came to America the sister remained in
England. On arriving in New York, the two brothers separated, subject's
father coming to Princeton, Indiana, at an early date, where he located and
engaged in the manufacture of firearms, he being an extrordinarily proficient
gunsmith. In those pioneer days, before the advent of labor-saving machin-
ery, almost everything was done by hand, and. it must be admitted, done in a
more thorough and workmanlike manner than is the case nowadays. James
Thomas, it is affirmed, made the best of guns complete, lock, stock and barrel,
and built up a thriving business for those days. His natural genius as a me-
chanic won him a reputation far and wide, and a few of the firearms made by
him are still preserved and highly prized by their owners. He was thus
actively engaged until the time of his death, at the age of seventy-six years,
his death occurring while he was living with his son at Owensville. Gibson
county.
fames Thomas was twice married, and to the first marriage were born
two children, Franklin and Helen. Franklin was a gunsmith and li\ed at
Washington, Indiana, where he died in 1862, single. He willed ten tlious.nul
dollars to the Cumberland Presbyterian church. He made lots of guns and
was a celebrated workman. The daughter. Helen, died at Sparta. Illinois,
several vears ago.
To Tames and Cvnthea Thomas were born seven children, namely:
Henrv died in 1874: Mary, who married Henry Geisky. is now deceased;
David is making his home in Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania; William is de'-e;ised ;
Susannah married Harry Pigman and lives in Cincinnati. Ohio; the subject;
Dellia married Frank Rightly and lives in AMiite River township. Gibson
county.
The subject spent his boyhood days in Princeton, where he attended the
844 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
district schools, after completing which he took up the task of learning the
blacksmithing trade in the shop of Thomas Ewing and Henry Geisky. Upon
completing his apprenticeship, he went to Louisville, Kentucky, where he
worked at his trade for three years, learning the construction of engines and
general machine work. Returning to Princeton, in 1882, he saw an opening
for his talents in the town of Hazleton, and there he started in business on
his own account. He has steadily increased his business, now handling farm
implements of all kinds and having a machine shop in connection, where all
varieties of repair work are done.
In November, 1878, Theodore Fleming Thomas was united in marriage
with Berminnia Shreves, of Decker Station, Knox county, Indiana, daughter
of John W. Shreves, a native of Scotland. To this union have been born
nine children, namely : Oliver Morton resides in St. Louis and is superin-
tendent of the Western Union Telegraph office there; Fay E. married Cleve-
land Morgan, of Atlanta, Georgia, where they reside; John F. is connected
with his father's business; Louis R. is train dispatcher for the Cincinnati,
Hamilton & Dayton railroad at Indianapolis ; Leslie A. is now in Evansville,
Indiana, and is assistant foreman of the Vulcan Plow Company ; Franklin L.
is emploj^ed by the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad Company as assist-
ant agent and operator at Hazleton, Indiana ; Blanche, ^lay and Dale are still
under the paternal roof.
Fraternally, Mr. Thomas is a member of the blue lodge of the Masonic
fraternity, while in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows he has been
through all the chairs and has been honored by selection a number of times
as delegate to the grand lodge. He is a member of the city council, of which
body he has served as president. Politically, he was a stanch Democrat, while
in his religious belief, he was a loyal member of the Methodist Episcopal
church.
WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON DE PRIEST.
The office of biography is not to give voice to a man's modest estimate
of himself and his accomplishments, but rather to leave upon the record the
verdict establishing his character by the consensus of opinion on the part of
his friends and neighbors. The life of the honorable subject of this review
has been such as to elicit just praise from those who know him best, owing
to the fact that he has always been loyal to trusts imposed upon him and has
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 845
been upright in his dcahngs with his fellow men, at the same time lending his
support to the ad\ancement of any cause looking to the welfare of the com-
munity at large.
William Henry Harrison De Priest was born August JO, 1841, in
Gibson county, Indiana, the son of George W. De Priest, a native of Bowling
Green, Kentucky, and Julia (Foster) DePriest, who was born near Fort
Branch, Gibson coimty. The grandparents of the subject on the paternal side
were William and Nancy DePriest, who came from the state of Mississippi
over one hundred years ago and settled in Bowling Green, Kentucky, later
removing to Gibson county, where they entered government land near Fort
Branch. Here they spent the remainder of their days engaged in farming.
The subject's father assisted on the home farm and after the death of his
parents he took charge of the estate and energetically applied himself to the
development of the land. As an example of his energy, it is cited that he
taught school for a period of six months in 1840 in order to get money to pay
a man for getting out logs, he doing the building himself. This house is still
standing and is occupied by his widow, who was his third wife. The father
only li\ed to be forty-five years of age. He was very successful in life, start-
ing with but forty acres given him by his father, and at the time of his death
being the owner of a farm of five hundred acres, he having cleared over two
hundred acres. He was a man of great energy, and was a strong Democrat,
the subject having been named after William Henry Harrison. He was well
informed, a readv debater, and was urged many times by his friends to rim
for Congress, but could never be persuaded to do so.
The subject of this review was the oldest of a family of four children.
He lived on the home farm until 1875, when, owing to poor health, he sold
out and came to Hazleton, where he engaged in general merchandising. His
business prospering, he added a grain elevator, which burned down about
1883. and about two years later his store was also destroyed by fire. Going to
Princeton, he was engaged in clerking for fi\e years, after which he returned
to Hazleton and engaged in the grain business. Five years was -^pent in this
line, he then going into the drug business with his brother at Hazleton. .\fter
the brothers organized a mill. ^Tr. DePriest again returned to the farm of
his brother, where he acted as superintendent until 1898. when he was ap-
pointed postmaster at Hazleton. He has given such uni\ersal satisfaction
both to the postal authorities and the general public that he has been ap-
pointed to the same position at the end of each four-year term. His genial
manner has won for him a host of friends and acquaintances, among whom
846 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
he is familiarly known as "Uncle Billy." In connection with his duties as
postmaster, he has a nice assortment of stationery, pencils, postcards, etc.,
and enjoys a good patronage. He has had more than his share of the ups and
downs of life, but every reverse has found him bobbing serenely up ready for
another battle, never disposed to quarrel with his fate.
Fraternally, the subject is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Hazle-
ton, being affiliated with the blue lodge, and he is also an active worker in the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a member of the Cumberland
Presbyterian church at Hazleton, Indiana.
THEODORE U". CRAWFORD.
Specific mention is made of man}- of the worthy citizens of Gibson
count}' within the pages of this l^ook, citizens who have figured in the growth
and de\elopment of this fa\-ored locality, and whose interests are identified
with its every phase of progress, each contributing in his sphere of action to
the well-being of the community in which he resides and to the ad\'ancement
of its moral and legitimate growth. Among this number is Theodore W.
Crawford, one of the leading farmers of Montgomery township, Gibson
county, Indiana.
Theodore W. CranTord is a nati\'e of this county, ha\'ing been liorn at
Oakland City August 28, 1861, the son of James Lawrence and Annie
(Townsend) Crawford. James Lawrence Crawford was born at Owens-
ville, the son 01 Holly and Delia (Dimick) Crawford. Holly Crawford was
a native of the state of New York and in 1816, when a }-oung man, he jijur-
neyed westward to Indiana, arriving at Vincennes about the time the Indians
\\ere bought out and driven further westward. He remained but a short
time, returning to New York, but in 1818 came back to this state to stay.
Before returning to Indiana he went to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he
joined several families coming out to Indiana. These were the Dimicks, the
Runnels and the Townsends. They built a fiat boat, which was launched on
the Ohio river at Pittsburgh and conveyed themselves and their possessions to •
their new home The Dimicks settled at Princeton, and there are now cab-
inet makers of the name who are descendants of these pioneers. Holly Craw-
ford also came to Princeton, and at that time it was only a little village,
struggling to assume metropolitan airs. Holly Crawford was a carpenter
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 847
and his labor lit'lped to form many of the liomes hnih in early da_\s. 1 ie als(j
helped to build the old mill on the creek south of the town square. 1 le later
moved to Owensville and lastly to Oakland City, where he came to p(>ssess
some live or six hundred acres of land. This he farmed, or that jiortion
which was cleared, and here he died. James Lawrence Crawford was about
sixteen years old when his father took up his residence at Oakland City, and
he lived the remainder of his life on the land which has father had owned,
fillowing in the footsteps of his worthy father. Holly Crawford had for many
N'ears been justice of the joeace and a man nuich admired am! respected.
James Lawrence was comparatively yount;- when he became an elder in the
Cumberland J'rcsliyterian church, and gave many years to that service, douig
all in his power to further that society's interests. He took as his wife .\nn]e
M. Townsend, born about three miles north of Princeton, a daughter of Dean
Townsend, whose father came from Pitt.sburgh with Holly Crawford. She
still lives on the old Crawford hometsead near Oakland City.
Theodore \\". Crawford grew up on the old home place, attendinj/ the
countr}' schools and later the high school at Oakland City, from which he was
graduated. In 1884 he united in marriage with Mary E. Jones, sister of John
\\\ Jones and rlaughtcr of P'ranklin Jones, deceased, sketches of whose lives
appear elsewhere in this volume. For about five years after his marriage
Mr. Crawford continued to reside in Oakland City, and at that time purchased
a farm about three miles southwest of Owens\-ille, \\here he now resides and
where he owns in all some two hundred acres of fine farm land. .Mr. and
Mrs. Crawford are the parents of five children, namely: Eva, Frank L.,-
Opha, who is the wife of Lowell Mauck, and lives within two miles of her
father's home; Minnie J. and Delia, who graduated from the Owensville
high school in the spring of 1914. All of the family except Opha are at
home. Minnie, however, is at present attending State Normal School at Terre
Flaute, Indiana.
Politically. Mr. Crawford is a stanch supporter of the Republican parly.
He is not a seeker after office for himself, but wields a definite influence in
the party campaigns. Fraternally, he is a member of the time-honored order
of Freenasonry, in which he has taken all of the ^'ork Rite work except the
Knight Templar degree. Religiously, he is a member of the Cumberland
Presbyterian church and gives this society his liljeral support. Mr. Crawford
is a man of large views and broad sympathies, and no movement for the ad-
vancement of his community has ever solicited his aid in vain, for he believes
in progress all along the line of material effort and his interests are always
848 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
in harmony with the highest and best interests of his fellow citizens. Genial
and unassuming in manner, he has a host of friends throughout Gibson
county.
WILLIAM H. THORNE.
The success of men in business or any vocation depends upon character
as well as upon knowledge, it being a self-evident proposition that honesty is
the best policy. Business demands confidence and where that is lacking busi-
ness ends. In every community some men are known for their upright lives,
strong common sense and moral worth rather than for their wealth of political
standing. Their neighbors and acquaintances respect them, the younger gen-
erations heed their examples, and when they "wrap the drapery of their
couches about them and lie down to pleasant dreams" posterity listens with
reverence to the story of their quiet and useful lives. Among such men of a
past generation in Indiana was the late William H. Thorne, who was not only
a progressive man of affairs, successful in material pursuits, but a man of
modest and unassuming demeanor, well educated, a fine type of the reliable,
self-made American, a friend to the poor, charitable to the faults of his
neighbors and who always stood ready to unite with them in every good work
and active in the support of laudable public enterprises. He was a man who in
every respect merited the high esteem in which he was universally held, for he
was a man of public spirit, intellectual attainments and exemplary character.
\\'illiam H. Thorne was born in Culpeper county, Virginia, April 26,
1823, the son of Thomas Thorne. He was married in 1842 to Jemima Cain,
also of Virginia. He died in 1902, his wife having passed away a few months
before.
The Thornes were a prominent family in A'irginia. At the outbreak of
the Civil war \A'illiam H. Thorne was engaged in farming, his estate being
located in Wirt county, West Virginia, a tract that had been cleared and im-
proved by the subject, and here were born eight children. At the commence-
ment of the Civil war their sympathies were with the South, although they
were opposed to slavery.
At the close of the war the family removed to Indiana, arriving on
March 11, 1865, and locating at Hazelton, Gibson county, where the subject
acquired three hundred acres of land adjoining the town, a portion of which
has become town property known as Thome's addition, on which he erected
?^
\v
#
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 849
the residence at present occupied by his daughters and known as Thorne Hill.
The subject of this review served twelve years as justice of the peace at
Hazelton and was a man highly respected and honored, he being a gentleman
of the old Southern school.
To the subject and wife were born eight children, namely: Lunsford
was a member of Company E, Thirt\-sixth \'irginia Regiment, Brecken-
ridge's division, Early's corps; he was captured by the ['"cderals, hut v as
pardoned and eventually he joined his family and came to Indiana; Zadock,
deceased; Mary Margaret married Dr. M. M. Morgan, and both are now de-
ceased; William Wirt, deceased; Theodore T. is a successful merchant in
Hazelton; Esther Jane; Martha A., now Mrs. Crowe, resides on Thorne Hill;
Lillie Belle. Esther Jane, mentioned abo\'e, is the widow of W. S. Kelley,
who was a prominent attorney of Chicago. They made their home in
Oklahoma, where Mrs. Kelle\' has considerable property. Her son, Wayne
Scott Kelley, is the author of a number of popular stories, he writing under
the nom de plume of "Si.\ Shot Shortie." Lillie Belle married Marcellus
Howard Decker and is living on part of the old home place. They have four
children: Marcellus Overton, the owner of the ferry across White river;
Cayula Belle, who has been teaching in the Hazelton schools for the last seven
^•ears ; Alphonso and Alberta are twins. .Mphonso is at home and .\lberta,
who married Fred B. McNiece, is living near Hazelton.
Mrs. Crowe and her sister, Mrs. Kelley, who occupy the residence.
"Thorne Hill," are great lovers of books, are broad-minded in their views
and are ladies of exceeding culture.
HENRY P. PHILLIPS.
There is no positive rule for achie\'ing success, and yet in the life of the
successful man there are always many lessons which might well be followed.
The man who gains prosperity is he who can see and utilize the opportunities
that come in his path. The essential conditions of human life are e\'er the
same, the surroundings of individuals differing but slightly, and when one
man passes another on the highway of life to reach the goal of prosperity
before others who perhaps started out before him, it is because he has the
power to use advantages which probably encompass the whole human race.
(54)
850 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Today among the prominent citizens and successful business men of Hazleton,
Gibson county, Indiana, stands Henry P. Phillips. The qualities of keen dis-
crimination, sound judgment and executive ability enter very largely into his
make-up and have been contributing elements to the material success which
has come to him.
Henry P. Phillips was born near Union, Pike county, Indiana, October
23, 1864, the son of John G. and Mary J. (Sullivan) Phillips, both natives of
Gibson county, he of Washington township, and she of near Hazleton. The
father of John Phillips was also named John. John Phillips, St., was of
Irish stock and after coming to America he settled in North Carolina and
after living there for a short time, removed to Tennessee. But a brief period
was spent in that state, the grandfather's family soon removing to Indiana
and locating in Gibson county. Here they spent the rest of their days, the
grandfather reaching the age of seventy. The father of the subject of this
review continued the work of cultivating the home place until his death oc-
curred April 29, 1868.
To John G. and Mary J. Phillips were born the following children :
William Franklyn died at the age of fifteen years ; Nannie is the wife of J. P.
L. Weems, an attorney at Vincennes, Indiana ; the subject, and a child that
died in infancy. The mother, after the death of the father, was married to
Fred Gowen and lives at Giro, Indiana.
The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood days in Washington town-
ship in the northern part of the county. On September 16, 1892, he was
married to Zora Brice, of Hazleton, Indiana the daughter of William Brice,
a pioneer of Gibson county. To this union have been born eight children,
namely: Ruth, who is a teacher in White Ri\er township; Grace, living at
home, is a music teacher ; Mary, Cecil, Edith, Maurice and Brice are in school ;
Frank died in infancy.
After the subject's marriage he was engaged in the operation of a port-
able saw mill for some years, but the timber in the community becoming
scarcer each year, he decided to locate permanently in Hazleton, where he es-
tablished his present business in 1902. Here a large local business has been
built up, he handling a large amount of Southern pine, most of his other grades
of lumber also coming from the South. In addition to his large lumber busi-
ness, he also handles cement, plaster and building materials. Mr. Phillips has
conducted his business on a plane that has won for him a respected place m
the commercial world, and has gained for him an enviable position among the
public-spirited and progressive citizens of Gibson county. His residence, at
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 85I
the corner of Brown and Second streets, adjoining his kiniber yard, is all
that a modern home should be. and a spirit of genuine hospitality pervades it
at all times.
Mr. Phillips efficiently served his township as trustee for the four years
from 1905 until 1909. Fraternally, he is a past master in the Masonic blue
lodge, while he has passed through all the chairs in the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows.
TAMES S. ^lOWRY.
One of the conspicuous names on the list of Gibson county agriculturists
is James S. Mowry, a gentleman of high standing, to whom has not been
denied a full measure of success. Long recognized as a factor of importance
in connection with the farming and stock raising industries here, he has been
prominently identified with the material growth and prosperity of this part
of the state, his life having been closel)' interv.o\en with the history of the
county where he has been content to !i\e and follow his chosen \ocation for
nearly three-quarters of a centur}-.
James S. Mowry was born September 10, 1839, in Montgomery town-
ship, Gibson county, the son of Jacob and Margaret ( Summers) Mowry. the
father being born in 1778 in Shenandoah count}-, A'irginia, the mother lieing
also a native of the Old Dominion.
Jacob Mowry, father of the subject, came to Indiana with his parents in
pioneer days, they first locating in Harrison county, and later remo\ed to Gib-
son county, settling in Montgomery township, where land was purchased and
a home place established. Here subject's father spent his entire life. He died
in 1850, and the subject's mother passed to her reward in 1844. Jacob
Mowry was twice married and to the first union were born five children. By
his second marriage eight children were born, namely : George, now deceased,
a farmer in Gibson county; Delila, also deceased, the wife of Xclson Johnson ;
Polly, deceased, married James Sargent; Margaret first married William
King and then John Alsop. and she is now deceased: Robert died in Illinois:
Anna, deceased, the wife of Thomas N'ewcoml): Ella, deceased: the sulaject.
Jacob Mowry, the subject's father, was an exiicrt millwright and in politics
gave his support to the Democratic party.
James Mowry's chances for obtaining an education were verv meager,
his only schooling being one short three-months term. At the age <jf seven
years he was bound out to Joseph Wasson for a year and a half, after which
852 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
he lived with Abrani MaucK* Sr., until he reached his fifteenth year, when, Mr.
MaucH dying, he took up his abode with a cousin, Joseph Summers. Remain-
ing with Mr. Summers for four years, the subject struck out for himself and
engaged in farm work for about a year, when, the Civil war breaking out, he
enlisted in the army, his service beginning August 6, 1861, as a member of
Company F, Thirty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry. After being recruited
to full war strength in Princeton, the company left for Indianapolis, where
the regiment was organized and outfitted, and in a short time sent to Lex-
ington. Kentncky. where they took part in the battle of Wild Cat. From this
point the command to which Mr. Mowry was attached was dispatched to
Tennessee, and at Thompson's Station, Tennessee, Mr. Mowry was captured
and sent to Libby prison for thirty-nine days. However, he was fortunate
in being among the early exchanges, and was taken to City Point and from
there to Annapolis, Maryland, by boat. Here he was granted a ten days'
furlough and returned to Indianapolis and then home for a brief visit. At
the expiration of his leave of absence, Mr. Mowry, in June, 1863, rejoined
his comrades at Franklin, Tennessee, and was engaged in the Atlanta cam-
paign, receiving an honorable discharge from his country's ser\ice at Atlanta,
Georgia, in September, 1S64. While in the army Mr. Mowry contracted
rheumatism, from which he has since sufifered a great deal.
The subject of this review has been twice married. His first marriage
occurred May 28, 1863, to Ophelia Hanks, daughter of James S. and Rose
(McMullen) Hanks, who came to Gibson county, Indiana, in 1810, and
located in Patoka township, one and one-half miles southwest of Princeton.
The parents of subject's wife are now deceased, and she died March 9, 1905.
Mr. Mowry's first union was blessed by the birth of four children : Sarah D.,
deceased; Oscar F., a farmer in Patoka township, who married Anna Dakin ;
William, a printer in Princeton, who married Isabelle Able; Ross, who died
ill his twelfth year.
In November, 1907, the subject was united in marriage to Maria L.
Kendel. the widow of James M. Kendel, a farmer of Patoka township, who
died in 1868. By her first marriage Mrs. Kendel had two children : Perry .A.
is a farmer in Morris county, Kansas, and married Emma Chastine; Cather-
ine Elizabeth married Ulysses Collins, of Chicago, Illinois.
Subject's second wife was a daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth (Cal-
vin) Brown. Her father. Frederick Brown, was born in 1787 in Pennsyl-
vania, and her mother was a native of Kentucky. He first located in Greene
county, Tennessee, after leaving his home state, later removing to Harrison
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 853
county, Indiana, in i^ii, and then to Clilison cmnUy, about 1840, settlins; in
Patoka township, where he followed agricullural pursuits until his death. 1 le
first married Sarah Kohl, of Tennessee, and lo this union were horn seven
children : David, Mary Ann, Daniel, John, Elizabeth, Abraham and Kate.
By her father's second marriage Mrs. Mowry was the only child.
At the close of the Civil war James S. Mowry located in Patoka town-
ship, southwest of Princeton, and purchased land, which he farmed for some
years. He removed to Princeton in 1909, and then located at his present
place, known as "Taft Town," a short distance northeast of the city, where
he bought a small place and has since resided. For many years Mr. Mowry
worked at the carpenter's trade, and later was in the grocery business in
Princeton for six years.
Mrs Mowry's grandfather, George Hniwu. was a soldier in the Ameri-
can Revolution, serving in the Colonial army for eight years. Her mother
was first married to William Cochran, a C.ihson county farmer, and they
were the parents of eight children: Joseph H., James W., Nancy, Alary Ann,
Jane, Cynthia. William and Melinda. Mrs. Mowry was born December 18,
1842.
Tames S. Mowry belongs to Post No. 28, Grand Army of the Republic,
at Princeton, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal churc'i. while his
wife belongs to the General Baptist church.
SAMUEL O. MARVEL.
To a great extent the prosperity of the agricultural sections of our coun-
try is due to the honest industry, the sturdy persistence, the unswerx ing ]ier-
severance and the wise economy which so prominently characterize the farm-
ing element of the Hoosier state. Among this class may be mentioned Samuel
O. Marvel, the subject of this life record, who by reason of years of inde-
fatigable labor and honest efifort, has not onl\- acquired a well-merited ma-
terial prosperity, but has also richly earned the highest esteem of all with
whom he is associated. On his farm of one hundred and eight\-two acres
of well located land in Montgomery township, this county, he carries on gen-
eral farming and stock raising in a manner that attests his business ability.
Samuel O. Marvel was born in 1849 '" the southern portion of Mont-
gomery township, in the vicinity of his present home. He is the son of
James, born in 1803, but the place of whose birth is doubtful. His father.
854 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Prettyman Marvel, removed from their original home in Delaware to Geor-
gia, and it is uncertain whether James was born before or after their move,
but it is probable Georgia was his birthplace. However, he was but a small
child when his father, Prettyman Marvel, and family came to Gibson county,
settling first where Fort Branch now is (that was in 1808), and in 181 1
entered the land where the immediate subject of this sketch now lives, and
lived there to a good old age. The last year or two of Prettyman Marvel's
life was spent in Illinois, whither he had journeyed to see a son. Travel was
very wearisome in those days, and as he became quite feeble, while there, he
was unable to make the return journey and died there in 1854^
James Marvel, who was five years old when his parents brought him to
Gibson county, grew to manhood on his father's farm. He took as his wife
Comfort Knowles, a native of Kentucky and the daughter of David Knowles.
Pie came to Gibson county about 18 10, and purchasing land a short distance
south of where Samuel O. Marvel now resides, passed the remainder of his
life there. After his marriage, James Marvel lived on his father's place,
buying ground from time to time until he had accumulated some four hun-
dred acres. They were the parents of eleven children, only three of whom
are living: David, James L. and Samuel O., the immediate subject of this
sketch. William K. died March 9, 19 14. James Marvel and wife were con-
sistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church and gave much of their
time and substance to forward the cause of that denomination. He died in
1S85, and her death occurred two years earlier.
Samuel O. Marvel grew to manhood on the old homestead of his father
and grandfather and when a young man went to Franklin county, Illinois,
where he purchased a farm and lived for about ten years. While there, in
1872, he was united in marriage with Parthena Bailey, a native of Franklin
county, Illinois, daughter of James and Catherine (Launius) Bailey. In
1884 Samuel O. Marvel moved his family back to the old homestead in
Montgomery township, and here he has since made his home and carried on
his business. Eight children were bom to the union of Samuel O. and Par-
thena Bailey Marvel, namely: James R., who lives near his father and whose
wife was Elsie Knowles; Lewis, who remains at home with his father; Da\id
Byron, who is engaged in the hardware business at Owensville, where he re-
sides. His wife was Ora E. Knowles and they have one daughter, Thyra C.
lola, who became the wife of Ora Rogers, lives in Arkansas and is the
mother of two children, Alona and Wilbur. ]\Iinnie, who is Mrs. John Mont-
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. 855
gomery, of Owensville, has one daughter. Rita. Ethel is the wife nf Magnus
Montgomery, who is in tlie hardware business in (_)\vens\ille. A httle slaugh-
ter, Mattie. died when not i|uile thirteen years old and the\- also lost an inlanl
son, Ralph. Parthena Bailey ]\larvel died in 1902. and in 1904 Mr. Marvel
again married, his bride being Mary Launius. a cousin of his first wife. .She
was born in Franklin county. Illinois, a daughter of Thomas and l-llizaheth
Launius.
Mr. IMarvel's religious sympathies are with the Cumberland I'resbyterian
church, of which he is a consistent member, and Mrs. Marvel holds her
church membership with the Missionary Baptist church. There is very much
that is commendable in the life record of this man, for he has been found
true to duty in every relatiim. whether of a public or private character, and
while energv and indu.stry ha\ e been salient features of his business career,
he is equallv well known for his uprightness and, the hunorable methods he
has always follo\\ed, and for his loyalty to any trust reposed in him. Because
of his genial and unassuming disposition and his genuine worth, he enjo\s a
well-deserved popularity- throughout this county.
EWIN DALLAS HULFISH.
Among the oldest newspaper men of the state is Ewin Dallas Hulfish,
who published the first newspaper e\er printed in Owensville, Gibson county,
Indiana. He has been actively engaged in the printing business for the last
fortv-five years, and is said to be the oldest active printer in the state of In-
diana. He was born August 25, 1849, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and
was a son of David and Rebecca (Carpenter) Hulfish. His father was a
native of New Jersey and his mother was born in Philadelphia. Ewin D.
Hulfish was onlv six years of age when his parents moved to Princeton, In-
diana, and a vear later settled in Owensville, in this county, where tlie\- re-
mained for the rest of their lives. David Hulfish was a shoemaker by trade,
and followed that occupation successfully throughout his life.
Ewin D. is the only child living of the seven born to his parents. He
received a very limited common school education and before he was of age
he learned the shoemaker's trade and also followed carriage painting for a
time. Bv the time he was twenty-one years of age he had learned the rudi-
ments of the printer's trade and in that same year started the publication of
the Owensville Montgomery Xctvs. which soon suspended. He is now sole
856 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
owner and publisher of the Star-Echo. The paper is recognized as an in-
fluence for good in the community, as its editor uniformly takes a stand on
the right side of all questions affecting the public welfare.
Mr. Hulfish was twice married, his first wife being Dora Sherrill, of
McMinnville, Tennessee, to whom he was married on September 2, 1869,
She was a daughter of Uriah and Charlotte (Martin) Sherrill, and to this
union there was born one son, David S., who is now a resident of England,
where he is employed by the British government in installing an automatic
telephone exchange. Some years after the death of his first wife, Mr. Hul-
fish married Maggie E. Spore on May 5,, 1886, the daughter of Elbert W.
and Nancy (Cochran) Spore, and there were three children born to this
second marriage: Stephen, who is now foreman of the Star-Echo, and
Emma Lee and Roderick, who are still at home.
Politically, Mr. Hulfish has affiliated with the Democratic party since
he became of age, and has always advocated- the principles of that party. He
is greatly interested in music, and organized • and was leader of the first
Owensville brass band. He had the honor of drawing the first check paid Ijy
an Owensville bank and also purchased the first postoffice money (jrder which
was issued by the 0\vens\-ille postoffice.
JOHN C. GORMAN.
It is generally acknowledged fact that journalism is one of the most im-
portant factors in twentieth-century life, exerting as it does an influence on
practically every department of society. This relation is just as actual and
potent in the smaller cities and towns as in the large cities, and he who directs
the policy of a newspaper or wields the pen which gives expression to that
policv, exerts a personal control over local thought and action that is not
equaled by any other profession. Among the newspaper men of Gibson
county who have, by their progressive attitude toward local afifairs, contributed
in a very definite measure to the advancement of the community, is the gen-
tleman whose name appears above and who is successfully publishing the
Princeton Democrat.
John C. Gorman, the son of George W. and Mary A. (McQuaid) Gor-
man, was born in Owensville, Indiana, December 12, 1866. .His father was a
native of Connecticut and was sent west as an orphan child to Terre Haute,
where he was apprenticed to a printer. After serving his appresticeship in the
J^J^
^'^^V^-^-^^^e^^^
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. 857
Terre Haute oflice he went to the E:\msvillc Jonniai where he remained for
a number of years. Upon the outbreak of the Mexican war, in 1846, he en-
Hsted as a private and served the full two years in the war with Mexico, being
mustered out as a sergeant. Upon his return he went to Owensville, where he
spent the rest of his life in business. When the Civil war broke out he was
still filled with the patriotic zeal which iired men of younger years and or-
ganized Company H. Seventeenth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in
Gibson county. He entered the ser\ice as a major and later was promoted to
lieutenant-colonel of the same regiment. Later he resigned his commission
and returned to Indiana, where he was commisisoned by Governor Morton to
organize the One Hundred Twentieth Mounted Infantry at Vincennes. This
he accomplished to the entire satisfaction of the governor and turned over
the regiment to him for mustering in. although he did not himself go with the
regiment. He served two and one-half years in the Seventeenth Regiment
and saw service in some of the hardest fought battles of the war. Mr. and
Mrs. George W. Gorman reared a faniilv df six children: James I'., de-
ceased; George C. ; Agnes, deceased: Mnrcnce. Kninia and John C. George
W. Gorman died in August, 1887, his widow surxiving him twenty year.s, her
death occurring in February, 1907.
John C. Gorman was educated in the common and the high schools of
Owensville, Indiana. When a small boy he started to learn the printer's trade
and by the time he was through high school he had learned the mechanical end
of the business. By the time he was seventeen years of age he was a full-
fledged printer and able to make his living by the trade. At the age of thirteen
he began to work in the office of the Ozvcns^Allc Echo and at eighteen he went
to Princeton, where he entered the office of one of the papers, serving in dif-
ferent capacities. His first work was on the Gibson County Leader; from
there he went to the Princeton Deiuorrat; then to the Princeton Clarion, after
which he went to Posey ville, Indiana, where he took charge of the Poseyville
News for two years. All the time he was gaining valuable experience and
perfecting himself in the management of a newspaper, and at the expiration
of his two years' service in Poseyville, he returned to Owensville and pur-
chased a job office, which he continued to operate until October. 1888, at which
time he started the Owensznlle Gleaner, a weeklv paper. He published this
tmtil March, 1895, when he sold it out and went to Princeton, where he pur-
chased the Princeton Democrat, buying the controlling interest. He has been
the controlling factor in this paper for the past nineteen years and has greatly
enlarged and improved the paper in that time and is now the owner. When he
858 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
took charge of it, it only had four pages and only two of those were printed in
Princeton. It is now an eight-page daily and also he issues a semi-weekly.
In 1896 he moved his ofifice and equipment to a better location and the weekly
was changed to a semi-weekly, and the morning daily was made an afternoon
paper. As a newspaper man he ranks among the leaders in his section of the
state, and the Democratic party finds in him one of the spokesmen for the
principles and policies of the party. Recently, Mr. Gorman has been recom-
mended by the congressman from this district for the position of postmaster
of Princeton.
Mr. Gorman was married in September, 1891, to Mary L. McGinnis, the
daughter of James P. and Melissa (Mauck) McGinnis, both of whom were
natives of Gibson county. To Mr. and Mrs. Gorman have been born three
children, Helen E., Georgia and John, Jr. Mrs. Gorman died December
15, 1896. She was a lady of sterling worth, whose many kindly deeds and
loving ministrations will be remembered in the neighborhood in which she
lived and which was made better by her presence and influence.
Mr. Gorman is a stanch adherent of the Democratic party, and as an
editor in this community he has wielded a wide influence in the councils of
his party. Fraternally, he is a charter member of the Knights of Pythias at
Owensville, and was one of the charter members of the lodge of Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks at Princeton and is a member of the Sons of
A^eterans. Personally, he is affable and popular with the people in his city
and ready at all times to lend his aid to all laudable measures which have for
their object the general good of the community. By a life consistent in
motive and liecause of his many good qualities he has earned the sincere
regard of all who know him, and his success in the newspaper field has been
one well merited.
JOHN T. ALLBRIGHT.
The office of biography is not to give voice to a man's modest estimate
of himself and his accomplishments, but rather to leave upon the record the
verdict establishing his character by the consensus of opinion on the part of
his neighbors and fellow citizens. In touching upon the life history of the
subject of this sketch the writer aims to avoid fulsome encomium and extrav-
agant praise; yet he desires to hold up for consideration those facts which
have shown the distinction of a true, useful and honorable life — a life char-
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
859
acterized by perseverance, energy, l)ro;ul cliarity and well-ik'Tmed purpose.
To do this will be but to reiterate llie dictum prcmnunccil uimn the man liy ihc
people who have known him long and w ell.
John T. Allbright was born in October, 183S. in Martin cdunly, Imliana.
the son of John W. and Eliza (Jones) Allbright. \vii<i were botii natives ot
Martin county. The Allbright family are of German stock and settled in
Pennsylvania many years ago, and members of the family have been prom-
inent in the various localities in wliich they have lived. The suliject's mater-
nal ancestors were from \'irginia. John W. Allbright received but a limited
school education, and practically his entire life was devoted to agricultural
pursuits. He died at the C(>niparati\e]y earl\- age of lliirty-live years, liis
death having been caused 1))- an injurx- received at a log rnlling. He was sur-
vived many years by his widow, wlm died at Oakland City, Indiana. Tliey
were the parents of six children, .^ive suns and a daughter, namely: Jolm T.,
the immediate subject of this sketch; David, who lives at New Harmony.
Indiana: Mary, of Pittsburg, Kansas; James, deceased; Thomas, who lives
in Minnesota, and Joel, of Edwardsville, Illinois.
John T. Allbright attended the schools of his home neighljoriioocl and
remained with his mother until his marriage, in 1S60, when he and his wife
removed to Shoals, Indiana, where they resided until 1882. While living at
Shoals, Indiana, on August 14, 1862. Mr. Allbright enlisted as a private in
Company A, Seventeenth Regiment, Indiana \'olunteer Infantry, and accom-
panied his command to Indianapolis, wliere they were fitted out and were tlu-.i
sent south to Green ri\'er and on tn MunifordsxiHe, Kentucky, (^n Xuxem-
l)er 27. t86^, the subject was taken sick at Gallatin. Tennessee, and was in
the hospital from December 27. iShj. until February i, 1863. He then went
back to Murfreesboro, and on June 24. 1863, was in the battle of Hoover's
Gap on Duck river ; then the command went to Chattanooga, wliere they
went into camp for a while. Later they went to Ringgold, Georgia, and thence
to Rock Springs, where they were detailed to guard 1)ridges. Returning to
Chattanooga and Murfreesboro, the command later went to Shelby ville, and
took part in the battle at that place and then went on to near Rogers\ille.
Alabama, from which place they returned ti> Pulaski. The subject then came
home on furlough in January, 1864, and took the smallpo.x, being confined
to quarters from January until .April. Rejoining his regiment at Pulaski,
Tennessee, he re-enlisted as a veteran and was sent to Nashville, Tennessee,
where his command was assigned to General \\'i!son's di\ ision. The regi-
ment went to Macon, Georgia, where they remained until the close of the war,
86o GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
receiving their discharge at Nashville, Tennessee, on June 27, 1865, and at
once came to Indianapolis, where they were paid off and mustered out. Mr.
AUbright had many close calls from injury during his service, taking part in
all of the battles in Rogers' campaign, in which his regiment participated, as
far as he was able. He is now an honored member of the Grand Army ])ost
at Oakland City, Indiana. In 1887 Mr. and Mrs. AUbright moved to Oak-
land City, Indiana, where he followed the shoemaking and harness-making
trades, which he had learned in 1857, and which he has followed during prac-
tically all of his active life. He is well known in Gibson county, where he has
won a host of warm personal friends and where he has built up a large and
profitable business by strict attention to his aft'airs and courteous treatment of
his customers.
In i860 Mr. AUbright was married to Amanda Teney, of Aurora, In-
diana, and to them have been born the following children: Alice, the wife of
William Cook, of Linton, Indiana; George, of Los Angeles, California, while
four children died in early life. Religiously, Mr. AUbright is an earnest
member of the Christian church, to which he gives a liberal support of his
means and substance. Mr. AUbright is a man of splendid influence in his
community, having been an industrious man and made an honorable career,
setting a worthy example to the younger generation of his community. He
is a public-spirited man and can always be counted on to support the right
side of any mo\-ement involving the moral, educational or social \velfare of
his fellow citizens.
WILLIAM L. LEISTER.
The subject of this sketch, William L. Leister, a well-known physician
of Oakland City, Indiana, is descended from a line of sterling pioneer an-
cestry. His paternal grandparents. Dr. David and Elizabeth (Richey) Leis-
ter, were residents of McCracken county, Kentucky. There, in the year 1818,
was born to them a son, William R., who in early youth suffered the loss of
his parents by death. Thereafter he made his home with his maternal uncle.
Simeon Richey, in Scott township, Vanderburg county, Indiana.
In the year 1840 W'illiam R. Leister married Mary, second daugh':er of
William and Elizabeth (JNIarcus) Rogers, of Vanderburg county. To this
union four children reached majority, three sons and one daughter : David
R., Benjamin Franklin, William Leroy and Mary Elizabeth. Of these sons,
David R. enlisted at the outbreak of the war of the Rebellion in 1861. in
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 86l
Company A, Fifl^'-eitihth I'^einmciU Indiana N'olunleur lnl'anlr\, with wliicli
he served three years, participatin!; in tlic ini[)ortant ^•nga,^enK•nt^ in whicli
his regiment took part, includini,^ tlie liatllo of Chickaniauga. So(in aftrr the
close of the war he began llie study and practice of medicine, making his
home at Oakland City until in the year 1875, when he wenl to- Arkansas, in
which state he resided (hiring the remainder of his life, lie (h'ed at his home
in Ellsworth, Logan county, Arkansas, June u. 1001, in iiis sixty-lirst year
of age.
Benjamin F. Leister was also a soldier in the L"ivil war, having enlisted
in the summer of 1861, at X'incennes, Indiana, in Com])any K, Twenty-
fourth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was with his regiment in
all its campaigns. In the battle of Champion's Hill, ^Mississippi, he received a
mortal wound and died on the battlefield.
William L. Leister, the immediate subject of this sketch, was born June
the 14th, 1847, ri^^^r the village of Lynnville, Warrick county, Indiana, where
his parents resided at that time, coming with his family to Gibson county in
the fall of 1854. The youth received a common school education, and owing
to the calamity of total blindness which befell the senior Doctor Leister in tiie
fall of 1863, the son was denied a complete collegiate training, but as much
as possible he made amends for this deprixation. While providing sub-
sistence for his parents and for his own family he secured the assistance of
a noted teacher. Professor Lee Tomlin, then principal of the Oakland City
Normal Institute, and was enabled to become proficient in English and in
Latin, studying through the school years 1875, '76, '"]•] and '78.
Doctor Leister matriculated in the Eclectic Medical College of Cincin-
nati, Ohio, in the fall of 1868. After attending part of four different years,
the Doctor was graduated from the aboA-e named school of medicine in June,
1884.
September the 16th, 1869, Dcjctor Leister was united in marriage to Sue
L. VanZandt, daughter of James and Mary Ncxy ( Fisher) X'anZandt,
pioneers of Gibson county. To this union Gail. Lloyd, Stanley, Mary J\'e.xy
and Josephine were born. In the \ear 1899, ^t Rogers, Arkansas, the wife
of Doctor Leister passed awa}-.
November 7, 1901, the Doctor married Carrie Lesbia Tui)])s,. daughter
of Levi W. and Arvilla (Frisby) Tubbs, York state people.
In the fall of 1905 his children having settled to themselves. Doctor
Leister, with his wife, returned to his old boyhood home, Oakland City,
Indiana.
862 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
At present Doctor Leister is associate editor and medical bool< reviewer
for the American Medical Journal of St. Louis, Missouri, liaving held this
position the last twelve years. This well known publication is now in its
fortv-second year of existence.
Politically, Doctor Leister has always affiliated with the Republican party,
though his professional engagements have necessarily pre\ented him from
taking active part in political afifairs. In his younger days the Doctor had
been gi\-en to materialistic reasonings, but after he reached the summit of
life's way, and when the shadows began to lengthen, he saw more clearly the
will of the Master and more firmly believed in a happy immortality. He is
a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and gives liberal support to that
society, yet he is broad in his religious views and acknowledges fellowship
with all religious bodies.
In addition to his creditable career in his profession the Doctor has also
proved an honorable member of the body politic, rising in the confidence and
esteem of the public and in every relation of life he has never fallen below the
dignity of true manhood, nor resorted in any way to methods that have in-
vited criticism.
JOHN WILLIS SMITH.
Indefatigable industry, sound business judgment and wise management
have been the elements which ha\e contributed to the success achieved by John
Willis Smith, enterprising and progressi\e farmer of Montgomery township,
Gibson county, and director in the Owensville Banking Company. His farm
is well improved and highly productive, being numbered among the best farms
of the township in which he li\'es, and because of his high character and un-
questioned integrit}-, he enjoys to a marked degree the sincere respect of the
community.
J,ohn Willis Smith was born January lo, 1857, in Logan county, Illinois,
near Atlanta, the son of Warrick and Margaret (Simpson) Smith. His
father was originally from Gibson county, Indiana, having been born in
Owensville, September 23, 1831, but directly after his marriage in 1S56 he
took his bride to Logan county, Illinois, with the intention of making their
permanent home there. They remained there until 1868, carrying on farming
and running a livery stable in the town of Atlanta, when they returned to
Gibson countv. Warrick Smith then purchased from his wife's father, John
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 863
C. Simpson, thuir old home near ( )\vcnsvillc, and there ihey passed tlie re-
mainder of their Hves and reared their family. There were four children
born to them, one dying in infancy. (Jf the remaining three, John W'iliis,
the immediate subject of this sketch, is the oldest of the family, George Wash-
ington Smith is a retired farmer living in Owensville, and Lillie, the only
daughter, is the wife of Charles ^Jurnahan of the same place.
Warrick Smith, father of the subject of this sketch, was the only son of
Doctor Willis J. Smith, one of the pioneer physicians of Gibson county, who
came here from Danville, Kentucky, his birth-place, in early days. He was
born about the year iSoo, received an excellent education, finishing his medical
training in Louisville. Kentucky, and came directly to Gibson county to take
up his life work. He was a man of ])arts, broad minded and liberal beyond
his time; in fact, a man many \ears in advance of his day and age. For
several years he carried on an extensive practice over a large section, winning
all with whom he came in contact through his charming personality and
sterling worth. He won the friendship of the Indians who still roamed the
forests hereabout and was by them considered a sort of demi-god. He died
what seemed an early death for one so promising, departing this life in his
thirty-sixth year. His wife was Patsy C. Warrick, daughter of Captain Jacob
Warrick, whose history is closely associated with the early history of Gibson
county, and who is often mentioned elsewhere in this volume.
Warrick Smith Vvas a worthy son of his excellent father and in his time
was considered a leading citizen of Montgomery townshi]). He took an
active interest in political affairs, giving his stanch support to the Democrat
party, and while he never sought office for himself, was known as a man of
influence. He was a member of the ancient order of Free and Accepted
Masons and also a member of the General Baptist church, gix'ing of his time
and substance to further the cause of that society. His death occurred in
1902, while his wife departed this life on January 24, 1895.
John Willis Smith was eleven years old when his parents returned to (Hb-
son county after their sojourn in Illinois, and he attended the schools of
Owensville for a time after that. .\t llie early age of twenty-one he began
to show his business ability and foresight, and rented a tract of land, putting
in a crop of wheat which made him excellent returns. From this he got his
financial start. He purchased forty acres of swamp land, considered not valu-
able, but by the time he had cleared and drained it, he had an excellent piece
of farming land. When this was paid for. he added other tracts from time
to time until he had accumulated almost five hundred acres of bottom land.-
864 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
This he later sold to William Watson and in turn purchased three hundred
and sixteen acres of excellent ground north of Owensville. In addition to
general farming, he devotes his especial attention to the raising of pure blood
Hereford cattle and has about thirty registered head. He also gives par-
ticular attention to breeding an excellent strain of Percheron draught horses.
In addition to his farming and stock raising interests, he is a director of the
Owensville Banking Company, which compan}- he helped organize and in
which he has been since interested.
Mr. Smith has never married. He is a member of the time-honored
order of Freemasonry and politically gives his support to the Democratic party.
At one time he was quite active in the afifairs of that party, but of late years
business has too closely claimed his attention. By his persistent advocacy of
wholesome living, pure policies and honesty in business, Mr. Smith has long
enjoyed the undivided respect and esteem of all who know him, being re-
garded as one of Gibson county's most substantial and worthy citizens, and
therefore, merits representation in a work of the nature of the one at hand.
WILLIAM ROY GENUNG, M. D.
The final causes which shape the fortunes of individual men and the
destinies of states are often the same. They are usually remote and obscure,
their influence wholly unexpected until declared by results. When they in-
spire men to the exercise of courage, self-denial, enterprise, industry and call
into play the higher moral elements; lead men to risk all upon conviction,
faith — such causes lead to the planting of great states, great nations, great
peoples. That country is the greatest which produces the greatest and most
manly men, and the intrinsic safety depends not so much upon methods and
measures as upon that true manhood from whose deep sources all that is
precious and permanent in life must at last proceed. Such a result may not
be consciously contemplated by the individuals instrumental in the production
of a country ; pursuing each his personal good by exalted means, they work
out this as a logical result; they have wrought on the lines of the greatest
good. In reviewing the life of one such individual, we look back over the
pathway he has trod and note its usefulness — its points worthy of emulation
and perpetuation. What William Roy Genung. of Fort Branch, Indiana, has
done for his fellow men and the community in general might, in a manner, be
told in words, but in its far-reaching influences cannot be measured. He has
WILLIAM R. GP:NUNG, M. D.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 865
been in touch with the people, and from a sincere and deep-felt interest in
their welfare has labored for all that would prove of public benelit, his position
as one of his county's rei^resentative citizens being cheerfully conceded by all
who know him.
The genealogical record of the Genung family has been w ritten by several
of the descendants, but that written by Mary Josephine Genung, now Mrs. L.
AI. Nichols, of Ithaca, New York, is considered the most reliable. The name
is variously spelled Gei)ung, Ganong and Ganung being the forms most com-
monly used by the present generation. The Genungs now living in Gibson
county are descended from Jean Guenon, who died previous to May 21, 17 14.
He was probably born in the province of Saintonge, France, in the vicinity of
LaRochelle. At the time of the persecution of the Huguenots because of their
religious belief, he, with others of that faith, went to Holland, where they
tirst settled in Leyden, later going to Amsterdam. From the latter port Jean
Genong sailed on April 2, 1657, in the ship "Draevat," under Captain Bester-
vaer, and after a long and tedious voyage, landed at New Amsterdam, now
New York. From the fact that he was noted on the list of passengers, it is con-
cluded that he was not a child at that time. He settled at Flushing, Long
Island, and among others was credited with'being a property owner in records
dated October 9, 1675. His will' is dated November 24, 1703, at which time
he was possessed of considerable property, which he divided among his sons,
giving to Jeremiah forty acres and to John twenty-nine acres, leaving the bal-
ance of his estate to his "beloved wife, ]Mararch.'' The military records con-
tain the names of twenty-three members of this family who took part in the
war of the Revolution, which is a ^•ery creditable record. Among the de-
scendants of this emigrant and his wife was Elani Genung, son of Stephen
Genung, who was born on May ij, 1796, at Genungtown (now East Madison,
New Jersey), and died November 5, 1845. He was an ordained preacher of
the Methodist Episcopal church, and one of the first pastors at the Mt. Horeb
Methodist Episcopal church in Warren township. Somerset county. New Jer-
sey. From September i to December 2, 18 14, he was in the United States
service as one of Captain Carter's riflemen, and eventually removed to the
state of Indiana, where he died. On January 15. 1820, he was married to
Elizabeth Tucker, who was born on September 8, 1801, and who died in
November. 1833. She was a daughter of Joseph and Deborah (Linn) Tucker,
and the mother of six children. The third in order of birth of these children
was Dr. William Roy Genung, who was born in Somerset countv. New Ter-
866 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
sey, on JMarch i8, 1827. When five years of age he moved to Indiana with
his parents and received his elementary education in the common schools of
that frontier state. Later he became a student in old Asbury College (^now
DePauw University) at Greencastle, where he pursued his classical and liter-
ary education, graduating in 1845. To him now belongs the distinction of
being (in 1913) the oldest living graduate of that renowned educational in-
stitution. Because of that fact he has been for over a year the holder of an
alumni cane which formerly was the property of Thomas A. .Goodwin, of In-
dianapolis, and which is to be handed down to the oldest living graduate, by
whom it is to be retained the remainder of his life. At the time of the Doc-
tor's graduation, in 1845, the finances of the college did not permit of their
having an engraved diploma, the graduates in that day receiving a written
certificate. In 1910, at the commencement, which the Doctor attended while
the diplomas were being distributed, the Doctor remarked on the good fortune
of the graduates that they had diplomas, and that they had none in his time.
Thereupon the dean of the university made it his business to look up the first
plate made for the college, and the Doctor was presented with a certified
diploma, sixty-five years after his graduation, which gave him particular
pleasure. The class of '45 has given a number of notable men to the country,
among whom may be mentioned John Wesley Childs, of Kansas City, Mis-
souri; Hon. James Harlan and others. Immediately after graduating from^
Asbury College, Doctor Genung took up the study of medicine under the
direction of Dr. Somerville E. Leonard, of New Albany, Indiana, with whom
he continued his studies until 1849, when he entered the medical department
of the University of New York, and after taking three full courses, was grad-
uated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Immediately afterwards he
made a visit to Fort Branch, where his stepmother then resided, and was
induced to remain here, and entered at once upon the practice of his pro-
fession, building up a large and successful clientele. During the subsequent
years Doctor Genung was numbered among the most prominent and success-
ful doctors in this section of the state, having practiced over a wide radius of
the -country, and in many families he doctored successive generations. He was
very successful and accumulated much material wealth, being owner of several
splendid tracts of farm land at the time of his death. He long held distinctive
prestige in a calling which requires much patience, sound mentality and intel-
lectual discipline of a high order, supplemented by rigid professional training
and thorough mastery of technical knowledge, with the skill to apply the same,
without which one cannot hope to rise above mediocrity in his profession. In
Ginsox couxTV. ixniAXA. 867
addition to his long and crcdilabk- career in one of the most nseful and
exacting professions, the Doctor also proved an honorable member of the Ixxly
politic, rising in the confidence and esteem of the public, and in every relation
of life he never fell below the dignity of true manhood, nor in any way re-
sorted to methods that invited criticism. In 1883 the Doctor was elected a
member of the Indiana state Legislature, where he served with credit to him-
self and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. Effectually a man
among men, he ever moved as one who commanded respect by innate force,
as well as by superior ability. As a citizen he easily ranked among the most
influential of his compeers in affairs looking toward the betterment of his
home city and county.
On June 17, 1866, Doctor Genung married Louisa Strain, daughter of
Rev. T. M. and Mary (Lagrange) Strain, and to tiieni were lidin the follow-
ing children: i^'rances Lake, who compku-d her education at D^i'auw Uni-
versity, was married on October 25, 1S86, to J. R. Hedden, representative of
the Evansville & Terre Haute, now the Chicago & Eastern Illinois railroad,
and whose death occurred in 1893. To Mr. and Mrs. Hedden were born the
following children: Jessie May, the wife of Prof. Hallam Walker Davis, of
Manhattan, Kansas; Edith Louise, assistant principal of the Fort Branch
high school, was also a graduate of DePauw I'niversity: John Richard, a
traveling salesman; Horace Genung is represented in a later paragraph of this
sketch; Bertha, the wife of \\'. C. Polk, of Fort Branch: Mary Elizabeth, the
wife of R. M. Stormont, of Oakland City, and Homer, who i^ also represented
in a later paragraph.
Horace Genung was born at Fort Branch. Indiana, on J^cbruary 7, 1870,
and secured his elementary education in the Fort Branch public schools, and
attended the high school. He then entered DePauw University, and after
finishing the course there, he returned to Fort Branch, and entered upon the
management of the home farm, to which he devoted his attention for eight
years. In 1893, owing to his wife's ill health, he removed to California, where
he remained three years, then returning to Fort Branch, he bought an interest
in the Fort Branch Milling Company, of which he became su]>erintendent.
He continued purchasing stock in this enterprise, of which he eventually ob-
tained the controlling interest, being now president and general manager. The
original mill, which was built at King's Station about 1878, was later re-
moved to Fort Branch, and many substantial and permanent improvements
have been made, Mr. Genung having spent over ten thousand dollars in build-
ings and equipment. The mill, which is up-to-date in every respect, has a daily
868 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
capacit}- of one hundred barrels. They buy corn and wheat, shipping the
former and grinding the latter. Their favorite brand of flour bears the trade
names of Seven Stars and Wild Rose. The former has an immense sale in
the South, where it is considered a leading brand of flour. Mr. Genung is
also a stockholder in the Farmers and Merchants Bank, and owns a farm one
mile east of Fort Branch, which he has found a profitable source of income.
In March, 1890, Horace Genung was married to Margaret Blessing, the
daughter of John Blessing, a pioneer settler of Gibson county, and to this
union has been born one child, John Roy, who is now a student in the medical
department of Indiana University. Fraternally, Mr. Genung is an enthus-
iastic member of the Masonic order, belonging to the chapter of Royal Arch
Masons, and the Scottish Rite, in which he has taken the thirty-second degree.
Religiously, he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church,
of which he is a trustee and he is also actively interested in the Sunday
school, being the present superintendent.
Homer T. Genung was born at Fort Branch, Indiana, on February 12,
1882, being the youngest child born to his parents. His early education was
received in the public schools of Fort Branch, and after his graduation from
the high school, he took a course at Purdue University. Upon the completion
of his technical training, he and his brother-in-law, W. C. Polk, purchased the
•drain tile plant which had been organized by Douglas & Polk some time during
the sixties, and after being engaged in this enterprise for some time they in-
stalled an electric light plant on the same premises, having continued since to
supply the city of Fort Branch with commercial and public light. In 19 11
the tile plant was dismantled, because of the fact that a silo business had been
started which demanded their full attention. The latter business consists of
the manufacture of forms used in the making of concrete silos, and they also
manufacture forms for making cement grain storage buildings. This business
has steadily increased and has necessitated the erection of a fine new plant,
now in the course of construction, which will be one hundred and ten by one
hundred and fifty feet in size, the office being in the second story. The pres-
ent officers of the Polk-Genung-Polk Company are as follows : President,
W. C. Polk; vice-president, H. O. Cherry: secretary-treasurer, H. T. Genung;
assistant treasurer, W. A. Polk. The new plant will employ about thirty men,
and will, when completed, have cost about twenty-five thousand dollars. The
output of this company has been distributed to many distant points of the
country, including Brownsville, Texas, Montana, San Francisco and New
York. The products of the company are covered by patents, and the outlook
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 869
for future business is very promising. The production of electrical power
has also proven a profitable feature of the business, it being a twenty-four
hour service, and I\Ir. Genung, as one of the leaders in the enterprise, has
shown a public spirit in all his enterprises, seeking ever to advance the best
interests of the community. A good business man in every respect, keen and
sagacious in his judgment, he has so managed his affairs as to reap satis-
factory pecuniary reward and also gain the esteem and confidence of the
entire community.
Fraternally, Mr. Genung is a member of the Masonic order, being a mem-
ber of Fort Branch Lodge, No. 696, and has taken the degrees of the Scottish
Rite, up to and including the thirty-second, being also a Noble of the Mystic
Shrine, Hadi Temple, Evansville.
ALEXANDER D. GREEN.
It was remarked by a celebrated moralist and biographer that •'there
has scarcely a life passed of which a judicious and faithful narrati\e would
not have been useful.'' Believing in the truth of this opinion, expressed by
one of the greatest and best of men, the writer of this review takes pleasure
in presenting a few facts in the career of a gentleman who, by industry, per-
severance, temperancf and integrity, has worked himself from an humble
station to a successful place in life and won an honorable position among the
well-known and highly esteemed men of the locality in which he resides.
Alexander D, Green was born August 5, 1846, in Knox county, Indiana,
the son of John D., of Knox county, he the son of John D., of Virginia. The
grandfather, with a brother, Samuel, who had first settled in Henderson
countv, Kentucky, came to Indiana in pioneer times and settled in Knox
county, where he married a Miss Dun (her mother a Bogardus), and lived
the remainder of his life. To the subject's grandparents were born the
following children; William, Robert, James, Samuel, Harriett, Eliza and
the subject's father. John D. died in Vincennes and the rest of the children
have all lived and died in Knox county.
The father of Alexander D. Green received an exceedingly limited edu-
cation in the Knox county schools and resided in that county until 1 864, when
he removed to Evansville, Indiana. He was a bricklayer by trade and also
engaged in agriculture. He was a very active man, a stanch Re|Hiblican and ■
a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. In 1868 he removed to
870 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Princeton, Gibson county, and shortly afterward built the old school
which stood on the site of the new high school. For a number of years he
engaged in contracting and building and a number of the best structures of
his day were monuments to his skill and industry. He lived to the ripe old
age of seventy- four. Twice married, his first wife, who died in 1854, bore
him the following children: Alexander D., the subject; Dora married
Thomas Hart, of Denver, Colorado; Mollie died in Texas, and William M.
died in Danville, Illinois. The second wife of the subject's father was Ann
M. Draper, of Knox count)'. Indiana, and this union was blessed by the birth
of eight children, namely : Fannie, the wife of William F. Westfall, of Knox
county; Carrie married William Phillips, and lives in Evansville; Nellie, de-
ceased, was the wife of George Brown, of Evansville; Charles, a bricklayer,
resides in Memphis, Tennessee; Effie, deceased, was the wife of George Davis,
of Gibson county; James lives in Vincennes; Frank is a bricklayer in Vin-
cennes ; Fred is a railroad man of Vincennes.
The subject of this review in early boyhood attended the county schools,
being compelled to follow a blazed trail four or five miles through the dense
forest to reach the little log school house. Until the outbreak oi the Civil
war Mr. Green remained at home working on his father's place and for
neighboring farmers.
In August. 1863, Mr. Green enlisted in Company E, Fifty-first Regiment
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Denny, his maternal grand-
father. After being sent to Indianapolis for outfitting and drill, the com-
mand to which the subject was attached was sent first to Louisville, Ken-
tucky, and then to Nashville, Tennessee, where, after a few skirmishes, they
proceeded to Chattanooga and took part in the fighting at Missionary Ridge
and Rome, Georgia. Here the regiment was captured and incarcerated in
the famous Libby prison for three weeks, after which they were paroled, and
Mr. Green returned to his home. However, he again enlisted in the fall of
1S64, this time as a substitute for his father, being assigned to Compan_\- K,
Forty-fourth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and in this command
he was a participant in the battles of Franklin, Nashville, Tunnel Hill and
Ottawa and was also in a number of skirmishes. On the completion of his
service at the end of the war, ]\Ir. Green v.as' mustered out in September,
1865, at Indianapolis.
July 22, 1870, Mr. Green was united in marriage to Sarah A. Pollard,
daughter of A. C. and Lucinda (Thompson) Pollard, who came from their
native state of Virginia in earlv davs and settled in Hillsdale, Vermillion
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 87I
county, where they engaged in agricukure and passed their hves. To the suh-
ject and wife have been born four children, namely: Harry E., a bricklayer,
of St. Louis. .Missouri, who married Jennie Birmingham and has two children,
-Muriel and Ruth; John, who married Artie I'.erlin and lives in Princeton;
Austin C, a bricklayer, who married' Maud Garrett, of Tennessee, and lives
in St. Louis, Alissouri; William W., a brick layer, who married Chloe A.
Mills, of Bellmont, Illinois, and resides at home with his parents.
After the Civil war j\Ir. Green located in Evansville. Indiana, and
worked at his traile, also doing a great deal of contracting. Subsequently he
followed his trade of masonry in a great man\- of the \\'estern states, return-
ing to Indiana in 1871 and locating in Gibson count\- at Princeton. He lived
there until 1884, when he bought his present home place, known as the
"Green's Fruit Farm," one and one-half miles northeast of the town im the
Wheeling and Princeton road, where he has developed a tine place. Since
coming to this community Mr. Green has done a great deal of contracting,
both in Princeton and throughout the county.
Mr. Green is a member of .\rcher Post Xo. 28. Grand Army of the
Republic, in which he takes an active interest, having attended a great many
reunions and encampments of that organi;^ation. He also belongs to the
Bricklayers' Union at Princeton. In his political belief Mr. Green is a Demo-
crat.
JOHN KELL McGregor.
It is not an easy task to describe adecjuately a man who has led an
eminently active and busy life and who has attained a position of relative
distinction in the community with which his interests are allied. But biog-
raphy finds its most perfect justification, nevertheless, in the tracing and re-
cording of such a life history. It is, then, with a full appreciation of all that
is demanded and of the painstaking scrutiny that must be accorded each
statement, and yet with a feeling of satisfaction, that the writer essays the
task of touching briefly upon the details of such a record as has been that of
the honored subject whose life now comes under re\ iew.
John Kell McGregor, familiarly known as "Kell" McGregor, is a native
of Gibson county, born in Barton township November 18, 1839, a son of John
and Jane (Paris) McGregor, he a native of Ohio and she originally from
eastern ]*vIissouri. John McGregor was a son of .\ndrew, born in county
8/2 _ GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Deery, Ireland, and who came to America when a young man and settled in
Ohio. Later he came to Gibson county, Indiana, and located in Barton
township, being among the first settlers in the county. He passed the re-
mainder of his life in Barton township and died on his original home there
at the advanced age of ninety-six years. He was twice married and to
his first union were born four children, Robin, George, Eliza and John.
By his second wife he also had four children, Andrew, Polly, Joseph and
Nancy.
John McGregor, father of the immediate subject of this sketch, had but
a limited education in his youth, opportunities for acquiring more than the
rudiments of an education being so meager in this new country. He was but
a small boy when his parents came to Gibson county, but he managed to
acquire a limited education, and continued to pursue his studies alone, reading
such works as came to his hand, until he came to be considered a well-in-
formed man. When he grew to young manhood, he secured a tract of govern-
ment land in Barton township, which he proceeded to clear and convert into a
home. He put up a small cabin and here he and his wife set up their home
and reared their family. He died at the age of seventy-six on this old home-
stead: his wife had preceded him several years. His mode of life was such
as to win for him the highest regard and liking of all with whom he came in
contact. There were thirteen children born to John McGregor and wife.
Mary Ann, the oldest, became the wife of Joseph Gest, and both are dead.
He was a member of Company F, Forty-second Regiment Indiana Volunteer
Infantry, and was killed during the battle of Chickamauga. Mrs. Gest died
in Tanuarv, 191 2. F. Marion married Iva Martin, a farmer of Barton town-
ship, and both are dead, as are also Elizabeth and her husband, James Sover-
cool. He was a member of Company F, Forty-second Regiment Indiana
Infantry, during the Civil War. George W. (deceased) married Anna
BurnsTand she is still living in Pike county. He was also a member of Com-
pany F, Forty-second Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Ellen died
unmarried. James (deceased) was a member of the same company and regi-
ment mentioned above, and at his death left a widow, who was Mary Mc-
Cleary. The seventh child in the family was John Kell, the immediate sub-
ject of this sketch. Gilbert married Jane Kell and lived in Barton township;
both deceased. Jane is the widow ef George Johnson and resides in Barton
township. Samuel is a farmer and gardener, in the same township. His
wife was Lavina Currey. Eliza is the wife of John C. Martin, a farmer of
Barton township. Josiah, who died in May, 1913, was a farmer. He mar-
ried Tebitha Green. Hannah, the youngest, died when a small child.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 873
John Kell AlcGregor received his education in the early subscription
schools of the county. This he attended in a little old log school house and
sat on benches made from split logs. He remained at home until the time of
his marriage, March 28, 1861, to Isabelle Watt, of Xenia, Ohio, a daughter of
Andrew and Elizabeth (Dodds) Watt. They were originally from Ohio and
came to Gibson count}- in 185S, locating in Columbia township, where they
lived the rest of their lives. He was a farmer and also rulJuwed the trade
of a cooper.
After his marriage, John Kell McCJregor took up farming on a i)art df
the old McGregor homestead in Barton township and lived there until in
1901 when he moved to Oakland City, Indiana, where he has since resided,
having retired from active work. In addition to his farm work, he also oper-
ated a country store at the farm and taught school f</r a nunil)er uf years.
He was a school director for eighteen years.
On October 7, 1861, Mr. McGregor enlisted in Company F, Forty-second
Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, organized in Barton- township, and
was first sent to Evansville. From there he was sent to Henderson, Ken-
tucky, and up the Green river to South Carrollton and while on guard duty at
Calhoun he became ill from the exposure. He was guarding a boat at the.
time and his watch extended from eight in the evening until ten the next morn-
ing. He gave way under the strain and was sent to the hospital at Evans-
ville, Indiana, and confined there from February, 1862, to .September of the
same year, when he was discharged on account of disability and sent home.
He has never fully regained his health since then.
Mr. and Mrs. McGregor were the parents of several children, of whom
Nettie Jane was the oldest. She was a teacher four years before her mar-
riage to Samuel McElroy. They made their home in Greene county, Indiana,
near Scotland, where she died in 1900. James R. is at present a city mail
carrier in Princeton. He taught school for ten years. His wife was Sadie
Rucker. Their daughter Elizabeth has always lived at home. Newman, de-
ceased, was a farmer and met his death while cutting saw logs in 1894. His
widow, Mary Watts, still lives in Barton township. Nora was a teacher
before her marriage to S. Asdell, of Scotland, Greene county. He is a black-
smith. Henrietta is teaching near Greenville, Tennessee. She has been
engaged in this labor for about fifteen years, having taught in Greene, Craw-
ford and Gibson counties. She has also taught in an Indian school at Tama
Iowa, and is now an in.structor in a missionary school among the mountaineers
of Tennessee. Their daughter Nancy died unmarried at the age of twenty-
seven. Mrs. John Kell McGregor died ]\Iay 2, 1880.
874 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
In politics, Mr. McGregor has always been a stalwart Republican and
has done all in his power to uphold the dignity of the party. He is also a
consistent member of the United Presbyterian church and gi\'es liberally of
his substance to its maintenance. He is properly numbered among the sub-
stantial citizens of his locality, having contributed in many ways to the ad-
vancement of his fellow citizens. He has in the course of an honorable
career been successful in his business affairs and at the same time has placed
himself high in public estimation.
BENJAMIN O. WILDER.
Dependent very largely upon his own resources from his early youth,
Benjamin O. Wilder, of near Oakland City, has attained no insignificant suc-
cess, and though he may have, like most men of affairs, encountered obstacles
and met with reverses, he has pressed steadily forward, ever willing to work
for the end he had in view. His tenacity and fortitude are due, no doubt, in a
•large measure to the worthy traits inherited from sterling ancestors, whose
high ideals and correct principles he has ever sought to ])erpetuate in all the
relations of life.
Benjamin O. Wilder is a native of Franklin county, Tennessee, born at
the foot of the Cumberland mountains, March 25, 1836, a son of Nathaniel
and Mary (Taylor) Wilder. They were both natives of that county and he
engaged in general farming as well as following his trade of a blacksmith. In
1847 ^li^y came with their family to Warrick county, Indiana, locating four
miles west of Boonville on the old plank road. Here he erected a home and
also a blacksmith shop, where he worked at his trade. Here they remained
for seventeen years, when they disposed of that location and purchased eighty
acres of land one mile west of Augusta, in Pike county, Indiana. On this
place Nathaniel Wilder passed the remainder of his life and died at the age
of seventy -five. Here his first wife died, at the age of fifty, having been a
great sufferer from rheumatism and practically an invalid for many years. By
his first wife, Nathaniel Wilder had fourteen sons, only five of whom grew
to maturity, namely: Benjamin O., the immediate subject of this sketch;
Plenderson, a retired farmer living at Oakland City : John, deceased, a mem-
ber of the Fifty-eighth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry; Council, de-
ceased, also a member of the Fifty-eighth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer In-
fantry, and George, deceased, who was second lieutenant of the same com-
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 875
pany and regiment. Nathaniel Wilder took as his second wife luneline Mur-
phy, a native of the Hoosier state, and to them were born three children :
James and Walker, deceased, and Charles, who is engaged in the insurance
business at Oakland Cit\'. The family were closely identified with the affairs
of the Methodist Episcopal church and did much to extentl its connections in
their home society. Originally, Mr. ^^'ilder was a Whig in politics, hut when
the Republican party came into existence, he ga\e it the same stanch support
he had accorded the older party in earlier years.
Benjamin O. Wilder recci'.ed onlx- a limited schooling in his \-outh,
owing to the limited circumstances of his parents and the meagre opportuni-
ties afforded at best. He remained at his father's home until 1862, when he
went to Mount Era, in \\"ayne county, Illinois, and there united in marriage
with .Susan Aiken, of that place. He had a grocery store in the town named
and maintained his home there until about a year after the close of the Ci\il
war, and during that stormy period he gave more than a year's service to his
country. About 1866 Mr. Wilder disposed of his interests in Mount Era and
returned to Boonville, near which place he engaged in farming. .\ fter re-
maining" there for a short while, he engaged mi farming in I'ikc county and
later took up residence in Gibson county, near Oakland City, where he sl'll
resides.
To Benjamin O. Wilder, by his first marriage, were born three children,
namelv : Mary, wife of the Reverend Albert Keaggy, a minister of the
United Brethren church, located in the state of \\^ashington : William, a land
agent at Perkins, Oklahoma, and Alice, deceased. After the loss of his first
wife, Mr. Wilder united in marriage with Sarah A. Bailey, of Warrick
countv, Indiana, by whom he reared a family of se\eral children. Ora is
engaged in farming near Evansville, Indiana. His wife was Sarah Taylor.
Olive resides in Evansville, the wife of ^\■illian1 Bone. Lillie, who is Mrs.
Luther Thompson, is also a resident of Evansville. Hattie lives in Indian-
apolis and is the wife of Ed. \\'alters. Grace is the wife of Clyde Schrodes,
of Evansville. Albert, whose wife was Doria Elliott, resides at Oakland City;
Daniel, who married Mary Cummings, has his home in Indianapolis, while
Eva, who is a bookkeeper and stenographer for the gas company of Oak-
land Citv, is the only one of the family who remains at home. In addition
to the above named, three children died in infancy.
In addition to his business activities above mentioned. Mr. Wilder oper-
ated a grocery store in Scalesville, Pike county, for seven years and also
dealt in real estate. This business interest he traded for his eighty acres of
876 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
farm land, which he cultivated until 1903, when he retired from active duties
on account of poor health resulting from exposure endured while in the army.
In November of 1863 Mr. Wilder enlisted as a private in Company K,
Sixty-first Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was first ordered to
Springfield to be fitted out. From there he was sent to Camp Butler, where
he remained for some time and from there went to Cairo, Illinois, and
Duval's Bluff, Arkansas, under General Steele. He did guard duty a great
deal of the time. He received his honorable discharge on January i, 1865.
Mr. Wilder is a member of the honored Grand Army of the Republic at Oak-
land City and his religious affiliation is with the Methodist Episcopal church,
of which he is a faithful and consistent member. Mr. Wilder has always
been an ardent supporter of the principles of the Republican party and while
never seeking ofifice for himself, has been interested in seeing the right man
go into the right place and used his influence accordingly. There is much that
is commendable in his life's record, for he has been found true to every duty
in every relation of life. He is well known for his uprightness and the hon-
orable methods he has always. followed. Because of his genial and unassum-
ing disposition and genuine worth, he enjoys a well-deser\'ed popularity
throughout his part of the county.
LEANDER SMITH.
Practical industry, wisely and vigorously applied, never fails of success.
It carries a man onward and upward and Ijrings out his individual character
and acts as a powerful stimulant to the interests of others. The greatest re-
sults in life are often obtained by simple means and the exercise of the ordi-
nary qualities of common sense, perseverance and industry. There is no call-
ing, however humble, in which enterprise and industry, coupled with well
directed purpose, will not be productive of some measure of success, and in
the pursuit of agriculture the qualities mentioned are quite essential. Among
the well known and highly respected farmers of Gibson county, who have
attained to a degree of success in their line, and who have at the same time
benefited the community in which they have lived, is the gentleman to a re-
view of whose career we now direct the reader's attention.
Leander Smith, the son of Joseph and Mary Caroline (Watkins) Smith,
was born in 1853, at Princeton, Indiana. Joseph Smith was born in Smith
county, Tennessee, in 1824, and came to Princeton, Indiana, with his parents.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 8/7
W\'lie Smith and wife, when he was four years of age. Ji)se[)h Smitli's
mother died when he was but five years of age, and he spent his boyhood days
at Princeton, and for about twenty-fi\-e years drove teams there for Messrs.
Dinimock and .\Faxani. He was a soKlier in the .Mexican War and also
served in the Civil ^\'ar. In the latter he enlisted first in the l''ifty-eii;hth
Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he served a while, after-
wards re-enlisting in the One Hundred Forty-third Regiment Indiana Volun-
teer Infantry. ser\'ing his country well and faithfully. During his boyhood
he had been bound out until his majority, thus learning the habits of thrift
and industry, and developed into a reliable, upright citizen, who lived a life
free from blame. His death occurred at the Soldiers' Home at Marion, Indi-
ana, in the summer of 1905. Mary Caroline (Watkins) Smith, the mother
of the subject, was also born at Carthage, in Smith county, Tennessee, and
came to Gibson county with her parents. Jesse Watkins and wife, about the
same time that the \\'ylie Smith family came to Indiana. She grew up at
Princeton, and li\ed at that place all the rest of her life, her death occurring
there in 1870.
Leander Smith grew up in the city of Princeton, and received his ele-
mentary education in the public schools of that place. At an early age he
started working in Jessup's woolen factory, and continued working there
until he was twenty-one years of age. by which time he had worked himself
up to a prominent position in the mill, and handled one of the most important
machines in the mill. Upon reaching his majority he left Princeton and went
to Mississippi, where he worked for two years in a sawmill, lie then came
back to this county and worked for a short time in the stone qnarr}-. I'ollow-
ing this he worked out on a farm near New Harmony, in Posey county, for a
short time. While working in Posey county, he was married in 1878 to Mis-
souri Martin, the daughter of William and Susan Martin. Her parents were
born and married in Tennessee, and came to Black township, Posey county,
Indiana, shortly after their marriage. They moved from Black township to
Point township, and finally located in Linn township, where they spent the re-
mainder of their lives. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Smith moved to
Linn township, Posey county, eight miles south of Xew Harmony, where thev
continued to reside until 1900, when they moved to Wabash township, (lib-
son county, and settled on a farm three miles south of Crowleyville. To Mr.
and Mrs. Smith have been born eight children, five of whom are living.
These children are as follows: Martha Jane died in 1904, at the age of
twenty-six years; Joseph died in 1895. at the age of fifteen years; I'urnell
8/8 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
died in 1894; Maude, the wife of William Hntchins, lives two miles southwest
of her parents on a farm, and is the mother of five children. Hazel, Welborn,
Manford, Melvin and Fred; Fred was a soldier in the United States army for
three years, his term expiring in January, 191 2. He was stationed at Fort
Russell, in \\'yoming, and is now at home in Wabash township; Frank is in
the United States army, stationed at Pasadena, California; Lizzie, wife of
A. A. Rutter, lives at Winslow, Indiana, and is the mother of two children,
Raymond and Albert ; IVIackie is at home with his parents.
Mr. Smith has spent his whole life in agricultural pursuits, performing
all those multitudinous details which fall to the lot of the American farmer.
He is a quiet, unassuming man, who has won the esteem and confidence of his
felloAv citizens by his uprig'ht dealings with them and by his support in the
advancement of any cause looking to the general welfare of the communit}'.
As a citizen he is public spirited and enterprising; as a friend and neighbor
he combines the qualities of head and heart that have won confidence and com-
manded the respect of his neighliorhood. In all his acti\'ities as a citizen, he
has so ordered his life that he has earned the unqualified endorsement of his
fellow citizens.
WILLIAM T. WATSON.
The men most influential in promoting the ad\-ancement of society and
in gi\'ing character to the times in which they Vive are tw-o classes, to-wit, the
men of study and the men of action. Whether we are more indebted to the
one class or the other is a question of common diiiference of opinion. Neither
class can be spared and both should be encouraged to occupy their several
spheres of labor and influence zealously and without mutual distrust. In the
following paragraphs are briefly outlined the leading facts and characteristics
of one of the most striking men of action w-ho has ever lived in Gibson count}-.
Although the subject of this sketch has lived in the county only about ten
years, such has been his peculiar force and power that he has been a very
material factor in advancing the interests of this county. His success as a
business man is due to his keen perceptive faculties, unusual soundness of
judgment and his uprightness in all his dealings with his fellow citizens, and
his systematic and honorable methods have resulted in gaining for him the
confidence of all those with whom he has come in contact.
William T. Watson, the largest land owner of Montgomery township,-
r.inSdN COUNTY. INDIANA. 879
Gibson county, was born June 24. 1855, near W'lieelin^-. West \'iri;inia, the
son of Owen fl. and Martha (Clark) Watson. When Wilham T. was aliout
four years of age the family left West \'in;inia and nioxed to l'".d!.;ar cimnty.
Illinois, where he grew up and spent tlie most of his life. He took advantage
of the best schooling which could l)c ol^taiiied from the district schools of his
county. His father died when he was about twehe years of age, and as he
was the eldest of a family of several children, he was liy this misfortune made
the head of the family. He li\ed at home until the death of his mother,
which occurred soon after he reached his majoritw During this lime he
managed his father's farm of two hundred and forty acres and made a eoni-
fortable living for the family. He was married in 1S78 to Linnie W ynn.
whose parents were Thomas and Lina Wynn, and residents also of lulgar
cr)unty, Illinois. Ha^•ing" inherited thirty acres of land from his paternal
estate, he sold it for one thousand dollars and with this smn he began Ins
Start in life. A man of more than ordinary- Imsiness ability, he has been very
successful in all of his financial operations. He bought more land in the same
county and started to farm on an extensi\e scale, not only raising the ordinary
products of the farm, but buying and selling all kinds of live stock. Branch-
ing out in the real estate business, he bought and sold farms and has built up
his material fortune in this way. .\lthough be considers Chrisman, Illinois,
his home, he has been deeply interested in Montgomery township, (libson
county, Indiana, since February, 1903, when he made his first purchase of
real estate in the county. He now owns sixteen hundred acres in Mont-
gomery township in addition to three hundred and fifty acres in Illinois. He
has spent most of his time since 1905 in Montgomery township, superintend-
ing the management of his extensive holdings here. In September. 1911, he
laid out the town of Skelton in Montgomery township, and still owns the town
site.
^Ir. and Mrs. William Watson have reared six children: Minnie M..
Lydia W., Mabel, ]\Iartha C. N'ewton Everett and John W. His wife died
May 2, 1905.
Mr. Watson has always taken an active interest in pulilic affairs and
while living in Illinois was elected supervisor of bis township. A supervisor
in Illinois is an official corresponding in general nature to the township trustee
of Indiana, one supervisor being elected for each township and the supervisors
of the county constituting the county board. Mr. Watson is a member of
the time-honored order of Free and Accepted Masons, a Knight Temjilar,
Knights of Pythias and is also a member of the Modem Woodmen f>i .\mer-.
88o GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
ica, in all of which fraternal organizations he takes an active interest. He
also holds membership in the Tribe of Ben-Hur.
Mr. Watson is a quiet, plain, unassuming" man, easily approached and a
man who treats all of his employees well. His success has been attained be-
cause he has brought to bear all those qualities which win for him the con-
fidence of his fellow men. He is industrious, temperate, economical and in
every way exemplar)- in his daily life and conduct. As a factor of the body
politic he has borne well his every duty and no one questions his standing
in this favored localitv of the state.
HUMPHREY C. HELDT.
Among those persons who have by virtue of their strong individual
qualities earned their way to a high standing in the estimation of their fellow
citizens, having by sheer force of character and persistency won their way
from an humble beginning to a place of influence and prominence in the com-
munity where they live, the subject of this sketch is entitled to special mention
in a volume of this character.
Humphrey C. Heldt, member of the well-known firm of Creek & Heldt
Hardware Company, at Oakland City, Indiana, was born in Vanderburg
county, this state, on November 17, 1866. His parents were C. D. and
Caroline (Fickas) Heldt, the father a native of Germany and the mother of
Vanderburg county. C. D. Heldt came to America in the spring of 1854,
locating in Vanderburg county, Indiana, where he took up the vocation of
farming, in which he met with splendid success. He was a soldier of the
Civil war, having enlisted in Company F, Twenty-fourth Indiana Volunteer
Infantry, with which he served throughout that struggle. He was one of a
family of thirteen, nine of whom came to America. After the war he re-
turned to Vanderburg county and bought a farm, the purchase of which he
had started during the war while home on a furlough. After completing the
payment on this land, he added to it as he was prospered and eventually ac-
quired the ownership of two hundred and twenty acres. To him and his wife
were born eight children, of whom six are living, namely: Mary J., the wife
of Joseph Haag. of Knight township, Vanderburg county, Indiana ; Elizabeth,
the wife of Julius Wigger, also of Knight township: Martha, the wife of
Elmer Hodson, of Evansville, Indiana; Bismark L., of Evansville ; Frederick,
•Ml'IIKKV C. HKI
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 881
of Knight township, Vandcrbiirg county, and tlie subject of tliis sketch, wlio
was the first born. The mother of these children died on December 25, 1910.
Humphre)- C. Heldt was reared on the home farm until twenty-six years
of age, receiving his education in the public schools of Vanderburg county.
He began teaching school upon the completion of his own studies, teaching
during the winter months, and attending college in the summer. He was a
student in the Southwestern Normal University at Princeton, and from there
he was graduated in 1892. Altogether he taught seven years in Vanderburg
county, gaining a splendid reputation as an enthusiastic and successful edu-
cator. In 1893 Mr. Heldt came to Gibson county, locating on a farm in
Columbia township, which he operated and at the same time engaged in teach-
ing in the township high schools for four years. During the following two
years he taught in the Francisco high school, and then, on April 2, 1900, he
bought a half interest in the hardware business with \\". T. Creek, of Oakland
City, which has commanded his attention CDUtinuously since. The business
was conducted as a private firm until 1903, wiien the cunipany was incor-
porated, and ]\Ir. Heldt has been manager of the business. The splendid suc-
cess which has attended the Creek & Heldt Hardware Company is due
largely to the persevering efforts and industry of the subject, who has been
untiring along the line of building up the business in this community. He is
also the owner of a splendid farm of one hundred and twenty-two acres in
Columbia township, in the cultivation of which he maintains a deep interest,
and which he has found a profitable source of income.
On August 3, 1892, Mr. Heldt married Eunice Coleman, the eldest daugh-
ter of W. H. Coleman, of Oakland City, and they have had three children, two
of whom are living, Charles H., who is in school, and Robert C, also in school.
Fraternally, Mr. Heldt is a member of the Masonic lodge, belonging to blue
lodge, council and chapter, and also to the Tribe of Ben-Hur and the Modern
Woodmen of America. Religiously, he is a member of the Presbvterian
church, of which he has been an elder for twenty years. Politically, he is a
Progressive and is enthusiastic in the political cause which he has espoused.
Mr. Heldt has by his indomitable enterprise and conservative methods con-
tributed in a material way to the advancement of his locality, and in the cour.se
of his honorable career has been very successful in all of his enterprises. Hav-
ing been a man of energy, sound judgment and honesty of purpose, he is well
deserving of mention in this volume. He is unselfish in his outlook upon life
and, aside from his own affairs, he takes an intelligent interest in cvcrythin"-
(56) ' ■ "■
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
pertaining to the community in which he Hves, giving his earnest support to
all measures having for their ohject the advancement of the public welfare,
morally, educationally, socially and materially. Genial and unassuming, he
has deservedly won a high place in the hearts of his acquaintances and friends.
HISTORY OF THE STORMONT FAMILY.
The Storniont family is of Scotch-Irish origin. This much is certain,
but there is a good deal lacking in the way of data to enable one to give a con-
nected and reliable ancestral history of the family in that country. It is
pretty well authenticated that the early ancestors came from Scotland and
settled in the north of Ireland, probabty in the latter part of the sixteenth cen-
tury. It is certain that Samuel Stormont, the father of the branch that came
to America, came from county Antrim, Ireland. But how long he had lived
there before emigrating is not known. There is a pretty well founded tradi-
tion that some of the family of that name in that country held titled honors,
with inherited estates, and were identified with government affairs. The
Lord Stormont, who figured in history of the Revolution as a representative
of Great Britain, belonged to one of the family branches. It is related that
this title came to him by inheritance from an uncle, as did also a landed
estate, on which was a castle near Belfast, known as "Stormont Castle." This
castle still stands and is known by that name, but the Stormonts do not occupy
nor own it now.
There is a story, which may be related in this connection, that this Lord
Stormont had inherited a legacy from his uncle. Admiral Stormont, of the
British navy, and that this legacy was passed to his nephew, David Stormont.
son of Samuel, mentioned above; that this David Stormont refused to ac-
cept this legacy, or to have anything to do with it, because he regarded it as
ill-gotten gains, the legacy being obtained as prize money from captured
vessels. And the conscientious scruples of this David Stormont, who came
with his father to this country, were maintained by some of his children, who
lived and died in Princeton. So this legacy, whatever it amounted to, was
never claimed.
As has been stated, the father of the branch that came to this country,
and with whom this sketch has to do, was Samuel Stormoirt. At the time of
his family leaving Ireland they were given a certificate from the church to
which they belonged, of which the following is a copy:
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 803
"That Samuel Stonnont, liis wife, Martha, and son David, whd is a
single person, who is about to go to South Carolina, with his daughter, Esther,
who is also a single person, soberly and honestly, and may be received into
any Christian society where (jod, in His providence hath ordered his lot."
This certificate is not dated, and there is no date obtainable as to the
time of their arrival in America. It appears from this, and other instances
along the line, that the Stormonts of early times were so much occupied in
raising large families that they were very negligent about dates and details
of their movements. But, from the fact that there w ere five children in the
family, and only the two oldest are mentioned in tlie church certificate, it is
probable that the others were born after the family came tn this country.
And, from other evidence, it is likely that Samuel Stormont came to .\merica
in the first half of the seventeenth century. The children were : David, who
married Nancy Boyd; Esther, who married James Chestnut; Martha, who
married Samuel Ferris; Mollie, who married Samuel McClure: John, who
married (i ) Xancy ^^■ilson (2) Betlie Maybin; William, who married Anna
McClure.
It is not the purpose of this sketch to follow the line of family history of
the Stormonts, from the time of the settlement of this first family in South
Carolina, down to the present time. This would be impracticable, if not im-
possible, because of the lack of data upon which a reliable record could be
made. Even if this were obtainable, a complete genealogical record of the
several branches of this family down to the present time would interest but
few of the readers of this volume. It is the purpose to deal only with the
history of the branch of the original family that came to Gibson county, and
were among the early settlers. These were well-known by many of the older
citizens now living, and their family history may fi-nd appropriate place in a
Gibson county history. This sketch will bring the genealogical line dow^n
within the memory of the present generations, and those who care to do so
may take up this line and follow the several family branches, ad infinitum.
So far as known, Sanuiel Stormont and all his sons and daughters found
homes in South Carolina, probably all in Chester district, and there they spent
their life time. From the best information obtainable, David, the oldest son,
married Nancy Boyd in 1 788, and the history of this family comes within the
purpose of this sketch.
Family of DiTi'ld Stoinuont. son of Samuel.
Martha, born July 7, 1789, never married, and died in Princeton.
Robert, born April 30, 1791. the father of Dr. \Vasson Stormont. a former
864 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
teacher in the old Seminary in Princeton, who moved to Topeka, Kansas,
in the early days of that territory, and was a well-known and prominent
physician and citizen of that city and state. Crawford, another son, was
well-known in Princeton, where he lived in his early years. He died at
his home in Sparta, Illinois, a few years ago. Neither of the sons of
Robert Stormont had any children.
Amanda, married Dr. George P>. Graff, who was a prominent physician in
Princeton, in the later forties and early fifties. He removed to Omaha,
Nebraska, about 1859, where he died several years ago. His wife died
some years later. The only one of the family now living is a son, John,
who is located some place in Wyoming.
Louisa, married Moses Biddle. One son, Crawford Biddle, is now living in
Chicago. Another son. Dr. Edgar Biddle, lived in Patoka, and died
there a few years ago.
Mary, born April 8, 1793, was never married. She lived and died in
Princeton.
Esther, born June 3, 1795, married Clem Allen. She had two daughters and
one son; one of the daughters married John Garrett. Mrs. Garrett was
the mother of the late Mrs. William Anderson, and the grandmother of
Dr. Robert Stormont Anderson, Mrs. J. A. Pfohl and Mrs. David Burch-
field, of Princeton, and Mrs. John Hamilton, of Manhattan, Kansas.
Nancy Agnes, born October 23, 1799, married Joseph Hartin The children
were Margaret, the first wife of Andrew J. Wright ; David ; Mary, Cath-
erine, Sarah and Joseph C. Hartin.
David, born August 7, 1802. married Mary Hartin 1825 and removed from
South Carolina to Gibson county in 1812, and resided in this county
from that time until his death in 1886. His children were Nancy J., who
married John Hull; Amanda married John Adams; Martha married
Alex. McConiiahe)- ; Joseph enlisted in the Forty-sectmd Indiana Regi-
ment Volunteer Infantry and died in tlie service ; Robert, deceased : and
Riley, _the only son living, who married ]\Iary Lytle.
family of John Stoniioiit, second son of Samuel.
John Stormont was twice married: First to Nancy Wilson: second to Eliza-
beth Maybin. James and Samuel were sons by the first wife. The
children by the second wife were Mary, Thomas and Sarah. Mary mar-
ried Samuel McClure; Sarah married William Stormont, a cousin;
Thomas was killed in an accident in South Carolina ; Samuel removed to
southern Illinois where he died. Some of the members of this family
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. OO5
remained in the south. Idcatiny; in northern .Mississippi, and their descend-
ants were loyal to tlie Confederate cause (hirint^- the Ci\il War. .\
Colonel Stormont eoninianded a .Mississippi ref,nnient and another by
that name in the Confederate army was killed in the battle of Stone's
River; another, a Confederate prisoner, died at .\lton. Illinois.
James, the oldest son of John Stormont, removed with his' entire family e.\-
cept the oldest son, John, to Gibson county in 1832, and settled on the
Indian creek hills, about three miles east of Princeton. John, who was
married before leaving South Carolina, removed to Greene county, Ohio.
The family of James Stormont has been identified with the history of
Gibson county from early times and their history is given more in detail.
Family Histary of James St(iriiio)il. Grandson of Samuel.
James Stormont. born July 16, 1773. died in Gibson county, 1862. Married
Jane Sprowl (1781) (October i. \pji). Removed to Gibson county 1832.
Their children were :
Nancy, born July 16. 1801, who niarrie<l (i) James \'ance. (2) William
Lawrence.
Jennette. born .\pril 6. 1804, who married John .McWillianis. .\ daughter.
Mrs. "Martha Spence. widow of Gal)riel Spence. is the only one of this
famil\- now living.
John, born January 5. 1806, married (i) Esther McMillan, (2) Nancy
Cooper. Removed from South Carolina to Greene county, Ohio. Two
of his sons, Rev. Samuel R. Stormont and Wm. Henry Stormont, were
residents of Gibson county for several years before their death. The
widow and a son of Rev. Samuel are residents of Princeton.
William, born December 7. 1807, married (i) Sarah W'allace. (2) Elvira
Louisa Carithers, (3) Mary Lizada Carithers. (.\ more detailed historv
of this family is given under a subhead to follow. )
Martha, born December 12. 1809. married Robert Ervin. John Rilev. who
married Sarah Finney, and Xanc_\- E.. who married George W. .Shopbell.
reside in Princeton and are the only children of this familv now living.
Mary, born April i, 1812, married David Stormont (a cousin), and lived and
died in southern Illinois. Robert P. Stormont, who died at his home in
Princeton a few years ago, was a son. His widow is still living here.
Rosanna, born April 20, 1814, married Joseph Woods Hogue in Gibson
county and removed to ^^'arren county. Illinois.
Sarah A., born February t6. iH]C>. married William Hogue and removed to
Warren county, Illinois.
»00 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
James, born December 30, 181 7, married Amanda Melvina Carithers. (A
more detailed history of this family is gi\-en under a sub-head to follow.)
Jane, born November 30, 1819, married (i) John Paul, (2) John McNeece,
Samuel Riley, born March 6, 1823, married Mary Cooper and remo^'ed to
Greene county, Ohio, where he died a few years ago, the last of the
family.
David, born July 14, 1825, married Mary Ann Clark, both deceased. (A
more detailed history of this family is given in a sub-head to follow.)
family of WiUiaDi Stormont, son of James.
James Renwick, married Rebecca M. Clark, both deceased. The children
living are, Sarah Elizabeth, who married Erastus L. Townsend ; Marietta,
who married Hugh Morrow, and Miss Jane Amanda, living, Princeton.
Jane Amanda, married Charles B. Ford, both deceased. The children living
are, William AI., who married Eleanor Ames, Indianapolis; Rose, who
married E. T. Hoar, Indianapolis; J. Crawford, who married Emma
Sulmer, Marion, Indiana.
Gavin McMillan, married Elizabeth Watt (deceased), Pomona, California.
Sarah Diantha, married William C. Lawrence. The children are, John C,
who married Clyde Stormont, Canon City, Colorado ; Clarence E., who
married Anna Massey, Princeton ; Elmer, who married Carrie Fischer,
Danville, Illinois; and Emner, Cairo. Illinois.
Gilbert Reiley, married Kate Keys. The children living are, Harry K., who
married Eunice Heston, Indianapolis; Donald M., who married Pearl
Murphy, Princeton; Ralph M., who married I\Iary Genung, Oakland
City.
Mary Rose Ann. born April 16, 1845, died February 25, 1847.
Andrew Harve}". married Jennette Paul, Sterling, Kansas.
Nancy Theresa, born March 3, 1850, died August 19, 1859.
William John, born September 2, 1852, died August i, 1859.
Elizabeth Elvira, born February 17, 1856, died November 25, 1888.
Josiah Crawford, born October 11, 1857, died September 7, 1877.
Miss Mary Louisa, living in Princeton.
Faiiiily of James Stormoiif. son of James, Sr.
John McLeod. married Nancv E. ^^^att. The children are Clyde, who mar-
ried John C. Lawrence, Canon City, Colorado ; Frank Newton, who mar-
ried Grace Gilmore, Jacksonville, Florida: Miss Lillian, living at home.
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. OO7
Andrew Riley, married Sarah E. Lawrence ami moved to Xel)raska: huth
deceased.
Mary Jane, married Thomas McLaughlin and moved to Mariim county.
Illinois. The wife died May 12, 1913, the husband died several years
previous. The only daughter, Florence, is living in Canon City, (dlurado.
Martha Araniinta, died at her home in Princeton in 1893.
James Calvin, living in California.
Gilbert McAIaster, married Lyda Cunningham. The hushantl died at his
home in Gibson county in 1897. ' '1^" widow removed to Long Pieach.
California, where she is now living.
Samuel Josiah, married Anna Sturges and removed to St. Louis. Missouri.
where the}; are now living.
Family of Diuiti Stoniioiit. Son of faincs, Sr.
Elizabeth Louisa, married Milton Kell (deceased), Princeton. The children
are Miss Ella, and Lilly, who married \^'illiam Lockwood, Evansville.
John Crawford married (t) Jane McLaughlin, (2) Margaret Baldridge.
The children are Arthur, who married Oma Boswell : Ernest. Laura.
David and Bertha.
James Theophilus. living in Gibson county.
EDWARD WEISGERBER.
The following is a brief sketch of the life of one who. In- close attention
to business, has achieved marked success in the wtirld's affairs and risen to
an honorable position among the enterprising men of the county with wiiich
his interests are identified. It is a plain recoril. rendered remarkable b\- no
strange or mysterious adventure, no wonderful and lucky acciilent and no
tragic situation. Mr. Weisgerber is one of those estimable characters whose
integrity and strong personality must force them into an admirable notoriety,
which their modesty never seeks, v.-ho command the respect of their con-
temporaries and their posterity and leave the impress of their individuality
upon the age in which the\- live.
Ed Weisgerber was born on December 11. 1874, in Patoka town-
ship, Gibson county, Indiana, and is the son of Eniil and Gertiude Weisgerber.
These parents, who were both born and reared in Germany, came to .\merica
888 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
at different times, locating at Princeton, Indiana, \vhere their marriage oc-
curred. The father was a brick layer by trade, and also owned a good farm
in Patoka township where his son Henry and daughter Sophia now live.
Sometime after the death of his first wife he married Nellie Hale, of Pike
count}', Indiana, who is still living in the latter county. In his later life Emil
Weisgerber lived in Pike county. In 1861, in response to the call of his
adopted country for defenders of the national integrity, he enlisted as a
private in Company F, Thirty-third Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry,
with which he served during the remainder of the war. He went through
many hardships and privations, and as a result of his exposures he contracted
a bad throat. He also became a member of Archer Post, Grand Army of the
Republic, at Princeton. He was a member of the United Presbyterian church,
and a man of excellent qualities of character, being widely known and highly
esteemed by all. To him and his wife were born the following children:
Emma, who now lives in Princeton, is the widow of L. Hill: Anna, who is
unmarried, lives in Illinois; Sophia, with her brother Henr\-, lives on the
home farm in Patoka township; Henry, just referred to, is a successful
farmer; Gertrude,- deceased; Edward, the subject of this sketch; Clara, the
wife of John H. Burns of Patoka township in this county.
Edward ^Veisgerber attended the schools of his home neighborhood, re-
maining with his parents until 1894, when he took up the vocation of farm-
ing for himself at Tafttown, Patoka township. There he continued to be
engaged in this line with splendid success until INIarch 13, 1913, when he took
charge of the Lotus celery farm in Patoka township for William J. Ritters-
kamp, proprietor of the Princeton gardens. He had started to work for Mr.
Ritterskamp in 1899 ^""^ '^^'^^ '^'^'ith him for four years, when he took up
gardening on his own account until again joining Mr. Ritterskamp. The
Lotus celery farm, which is located five miles southwest of Princeton, is one
of the noted celery farms of this section of the state, and a large portion of
its success is due to the personal efforts of Mr. Weisgerber.
Edward Weisgerber was married on May 15, 1894, to Gertrude L.
Malone, of Patoka township, Gibson county, Indiana, the daughter of Hugh
Malone, and to this union have been born six children: Gladys C, George
Herbert, Ruby Catherine, Isabelle, Rudolph and Delbert. Politically, Mr.
Weisgerber is an earnest advocate of the Republican doctrine, and has been
active in the support of this organization for many years. Fraternally, he is
a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having his membership
in the subordinate lodge at Princeton for the past seven years. He is also a
CIRSON COUNTY. INDIANA. 889
member of the encampment of this urder. Tlie snccess wln'eh atlen(k'(l Mr.
Weisgerber and his aftairs has been <hie Id his persistence, inlet^rity and
splendid judgment, quaHties wliicli liave won for him (lie eonlidence and
esteem of the pubhc to a marked degree.
FRAXK RE A VIS.
It is always pleasant and i)rolnal)le to re\ie'.v the career of a man who
has won a definite goal in life, whose career has been such as to command
the honor and respect of his fellow citizens. In these days a man cannot live
a secluded life, but if he is to be a part of the community in which he li\es
he must subserve his interests to those of the community at large. 'Ihe most
valuable citizens to any community are the men who not only are aljle lo man-
age their own affairs successfully, but also to take an intelligent part in the
affairs of the community. No man lives entirely to himself and a man's
\'alue to the public is measured by the .service tii his fellow men. The suljjeet
of this sketch has been one of those men who ha\e not only been success fnl in
their own private business, but he has. when called upon In- his fellow citizens.
been a prominent factor in contributing to the welfare of the district in which
he lives.
Frank Reavis, the only child of Alexander and Louisa ( Palmer) Reavis,
was born January 13. 1861. in Center township, this county. His parents also
were both natives of Gibson county, and were among the pioneer settlers of
the county. Frank Reavis received his education in the district schools of
his neighborhood, and his early life was divided between his school duties and
the various chores on the farm which fall to the lot of the average country
lad. On the farm he learned all those details which must be mastered 1)\- the
farmer before he can be able to command any degree of success in ai^ricul-
tural lines. Some one has said that the information which a farmer nnist
have would fill a \olume of several hundred pages and he who has tried to
operate a farm without previous experience will readily acknowledge the
fact. Our schools today are giving courses in agriculture and trving to
teach it from a scientific standpoint. However, it is undoubtedly true that
many a college graduate with a degree in agriculture can go home to his
father, who was reared on the farm and get information which he never re-
ceived from books.
890 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Mr. Reavis was united in marriage on October 18, 1881, to Sarah L.
Wood, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Wood, and to this union there have
been born two children, Durbin C, who has had a very successful career as
an educator. After finishing his elementary education in the township schools
of his county, he graduated from the Francisco high school, and then took the
three-year course in the Oakland City College. He followed this by taking
the course of study provided for in the University of Chicago. His teaching
experience has been very extensive, starting from the bottom and continuing
on up through the various grades of teaching experience until he is now the
superintendent of the St. Louis. Missouri, schools. He has been the superin-
tendent of the high schools at Hazleton, Indiana, and Francisco, Indiana ; later
of the Oakland City College and now, as before stated, has charge of the
schools at St. Louis. Such a career is certainly worthy of emulation and
should be a source of great gratification to his parents and friends. The sec-
ond child of Mr. and Mrs. Reavis is Mrs' Nellie D. Shanor, who now lives
at Oakland City, this county, her husband being superintendent of the Oak-
town schools. Mr. and Mrs. Shanor are the parents of one child, Charles
Reavis.
Mr. Reavis is the owner of one hundred and seventy acres of fine farm-
ing land in Center township, though he is living in Francisco. Fie has brought
his farm to a high state of cultivation and has equipped it with all the modern
appliances necessary for the successful farmer. He has always taken a very
prominent part in the material advancement of his county and his ability was
recognized several years ago by the county commissioners when they appointed
him as superintendent of the rock roads of Center township. It costs about
three thousand dollars a mile to build a rock road and there are now about
twelve miles of this splendid road in Center township. As superintendent
of the roads he has given universal satisfaction to the citizens of the town-
ship, and the roads which he has constructed are a credit to the community.
Mr. Reavis has been an active member of the Democratic party, but has
held no other office than that of superintendent of the rock roads of his
township. He feels that in this office he can perform a very useful service
for his community, and is content to exercise all his talents along this par-
ticular line. He has made a study of road building and is recognized as one
of the count}''s best qualified men in roadbuilding. He and his family are
members of the General Baptist church of Francisco, and take a prominent
part in all the acti\ities of that denomination. He is a member of the Tribe
of Ben-Hur at Francisco. He is a man of high moral character and strictest
MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM P. WITHERSPOON.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 09I
integrity, persistent industry and excellent judgment, and as such he has wdu
the esteem of all with w horn he has come in contact. While he has heen ad-
vancing his individual interests, he has never lust sight of his ohligation to the
community in general, where fur man) years he has held a high place in the
popular confidence and esteem.
WlLLl.V.M 1'. WITHERSPOOX.
The great English poet, I'upe, has said that •■the proper study uf man-
kind is man," and no truer statement was ever niatle. To be able to trace
one's ancestry back through the past generations and find that they have
occupied high and honorable positions in the history of their country, is a
source of genuine satisfaction and deep graitfication. There is no one who
would not like to have it said that his ancestors fought in the Revolutionary
war, the Mexican or the Civil wars; and to be a descendant of a signer of
the Declaration of Independence or a president of Princeton University is
an honor which falls to very few people. There is, however, one family in
Cibson county which can claim as distinguished ancestry as any in the state
of Indiana, an ancestry which includes some of the most honored names of
Revolutionary fame and which has continued down through the years of
our country's history as a family of high ideals and patriotic devotion to
their land. The Witherspoon family has seen one of its distinguished ances-
tors as the friend of Washington and Madison and Franklin and a signer
of the Declaration of Independence, others as valiant soldiers in the Revolu-
tion, others as heads of great educational institutions, others as leaders in
the Civil war, and all members of the family as high-minded citizens and
patriots who loved their God, their country and their homes,
William P. Wither.spoon was born near Patoka, Gibson county. Indi.ina,
at the Witherspoon homestead on February i i. i8j8, being the sixth child of
William P. and Parmelia (Berlin) Withersi)oon. This family of \\ither-
.spoons is a branch of the Witherspoons of Xew Jersey, who were ])roniineni
patriots at the time of the War of the Revolution. John Withers] n. father
of William P. Witherspoon, Sr., was born in 175'). and was a surgeon in
the Continental army, serving three years, and also attained to the degree
of Doctor of Medicine. His uncle. Tc>hn AX'itherspoon. was a signer of the
Declaration of Independence, a member of the Continental Congress, and
892 GIBSON COUNTY," INDIANA.
afterwards president of Princeton College, New Jersey. After the close of
the Revolutionary War, one branch of this family moved southward and
William P. Witherspoon, Sr., the father of the subject of this sketch, was
born in Alabama in 1808, and, leaving his native state twenty years later,
went north to southern Indiana. In 1833 he married Permelia Berlin, and
two years later purchased the farm where he resided until the time of his
death, which occurred in 1892. His daughter, Zella, cared for him the last
eleven years of his life. The wife and mother died in 1878. Their family
consisted of nine children, seven boys and two girls, five of whom are now
living. Mr. Witherspoon pursued his first lessons in the Patoka schools and
later attended school on the old Tippecanoe battle field, north of Lafayette,
Indiana. He was but a lad when the Civil war broke out, and three years
later, at the age of sixteen, he entered the ranks of the Union army, enlist-
ing in Company G, One Hundred Forty-third Regiment Indiana Volunteer
Infantry, in which he was first color guard, which place he occupied until
the close of the war. He was mustered out at Nashville on October 17,
1865. Three of his brothers also ser\'ed in the Union army: John was a
member of Company H, Seventeenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry,
and re-enlisted after the expiration of his first term of enlistment; Moses
and James were in Company A, Eightieth Regiment Indiana Volunteer In-
fantry. After the war Mr. Witherspoon lived with his father on the home
farm until October, 1868, when he went to Vermillion county, Illinois, and
took employment in the store of his cousin, J. R. Witherspoon, of Fair-
mount, where he remained for eighteen months. He then returned to
Patoka for one year, and in 1870, in company with his brother, Moses,
opened a store of general merchandise at Patoka, which they conducted until
the spring of 1872.
On the I2th day of March, 1872, Mr. Witherspoon was married to
Esther, daughter of Major and Martha (Thompson) Burroughs. Major
Burroughs' father was born in Kentucky, and his mother in Pennsylvania.
Mrs. Burroughs' father's parents came to this country from the northern
part of Ireland and settled in Erie count}', Pennsylvania, where Mr. Thomp-
son was born, grew to manhood and taught school for several years, later
coming to Indiana, where he followed the same profession. He was married
to Esther Payne, of Orange county. New York. From there they moved to
Danville, Illinois, where he again took up the profession of teaching and
continued in this line until five of his own children had attended school under
his teaching. After he gave up this profession he was appointed register of
GIBSON COIXTY, INDIANA. 893
the land oflice by the I'rosidcnl of the L"nitLHl States, selhni^' all the go\'crn-
nient land in Chanipai.yn and WTniillidU counties. Illini)is, durini;- those years.
He died in iy()3, his widow surxixin;.;- him thirtv-nine years, her death oc-
curring in 1902, at the advanced age of ninety-two years.
Major Burroughs, Mrs. Witherspoon's father, enlisted as a private in
August, 1862, in Company E, Seventy-third Regiment Illinois Infantry,
which was organized at Fairmount, that state, and was called the "Preacher
Regiment" on account of every regimental officer being a Methodist minis-
ter. At the time of the organization of this company Air. Burroughs was
elected captain and one year later the major of the regiment died and Cap-
tain Burroughs was promoted to the rank of major. lIowe\er, Captain
Burroughs commanded the regiment until the chjse of the war, as Colonel
Jacques was absent most of the time, acting as spy for President Lincoln.
Major Burroughs was with his regiment in every battle except one, he lieing
sick in the hospital at that time. He recei\ed a personal letter from General
Thomas commending him upon his braxery in time of action. Major Bur-
roughs and wife were Cumberland Presb\terians, he being superintendent
of the Sabbath school for fourteen years and elder in the church from the
time of its organization until it merged into the Presbyterian church in 1911,
a period of forty years. Six children were born to Major and Mrs. Bur-
roughs, two of whom survive, N. W. Burroughs, of Fairmount, Illinois, and
Airs. \\'illiani P. W'itherspoon.
Mr. and Airs. W'itherspoon purchased a farm in N'erniillion county,
Illinois, and remained in that state for thirty-three years, the last ten years
of whicli period they resided in Homer. Champaign county, Illinois. During
that time Air. W'itherspoon ser\ed on the board of education at Homer for
ten years, was one of the first incorporators of the Homer Fair Association
and was a member of the Vermillion County Fair Association for sixteen
years. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Archer Post of
Princeton, and also belongs to the Ahjdern W'ooflmen of America, with
which order he has been prominently identified for the last twenty-one years.
In 1905, although still havyig interests in Illinois land, they came to Gibson
county, Indiana, and purchased the home where they now reside, the Hudle-
son homestead, and also invested in land in the White River lx)ttoms. Air.
and Airs. Witherspoon have three children: Stella, who married Charles AI.
Cessna, a farmer and stock raiser and dealer of South Charleston, Ohio, and
who has four children, C. Russell, Esther Lou, Florence and William Har-
old: Wilson W.. who resides at Patoka, Indiana, married Cornelia French
894 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
and they are the parents of two children, Wilson French and Esther Mar-
garetta. Wilson Witherspoon is interested in farming and stock raising in
connection with his father; Myrtle M., who became the wife of James E.
Hall, a mail clerk between Evansville and Chicago; they have one son, Ed-
ward Gerald, and reside in Princeton, Indiana. Mr. Witherspoon has one
hundred and seventy-two acres in the home farm, two hundred and eighty
acres of bottom land in this county and eighty-five acres in Vermillion county,
Illinois.
EDWARD RICKARD.
The life of the farmer of today is the most independent existence which
can be enjoyed, and with all the modern inventions to facilitate farming, it is
rapidly losing those objections which have always appeared so ominous to the
average farmer lad. Then, again, the public school has taken cognizance of
the subject of farming and today in the schools of Indiana farming is being
taught and given as much attention as arithmetic. Our colleges are granting
degrees in agriculture and farmers' short courses are being given everywhere
throughout the state. The last Legislature of Indiana created a new county
official for the sole benefit of the farmers of the state and the county agent
promises to be a wonderful help to the farmers. No better farming land can
be found in the state than in Gibson county and among the many good farm-
ers of the county there is none who has made more of a success of this time-
honored occupation than Edv^ard Rickard.
Edward Rickard, the son of Henr\- and ^lary (Hill) Rickard, was born
December 25, 1854, in Columbia tovvuship, Gibson county, Indiana, on the
farm where he has lived all of his life. His father was a native of North
Carolina and came to Gibson county with his parents when he was a boy of
seven years of age. Henry Rickard grew to manhood in this county and
became one of the most substantial farmers of the township in which he lived.
He was twice married, his first wife being Mary Hill. To the first marriage
were born two children, Edward and Mrs. Amanda Jenkins, deceased. The
second marriage of Henry Rickard was to Mrs. Elizabeth Wigs, and to this
union were born two children, Mrs. Minnie Robb, of Gibson county, and Mrs.
Amelia Beoshears.
Edward Rickard received the practical education which was furnished
by the district schools of his township and has supplemented it by a wide
range of reading and close observation of men and events. • He has lived a
GIUSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 895
plain, unostentatious life, free fmni .ill tlie worries of the business man, and
reared his children to spheres of usefulness. He inherited two liundred acres
of land from his father and h;is added foriy acres, niakin.c;- him a lutal <>f iwn
hundred and forty acres.
Mr. Rickard was married November 12. 1878. to .America J. .\shl)y, the
daughter of Tames and Cynthia A. (Atkins) .\shby, of Pike county, and U>
this union there ha\e been born five children : Lloyd, deceased ; Clyde, de-
ceased; Beryl, deceased; Effie, who is a graduate of the Oakland City high
school, and still at home; Garrett E., the youngest child, who is also now
staying at home. Garrett is making an enviable record in the teaching ])ro-
fession, having been principal of the Oakland City high school for the past
four years. After graduating from the Oakland City high school he entered
the State University at Bloomington where he graduated in June, 1913, with
the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He has also taken work in the Uni\ersity of
Chicago and expects to complete the work in that institution leading to the
degree of Master of Arts. He is meeting with pronounced success in his
chosen field of history teaching and, judging from the past, the future holds
additional honors for him.
The first wife of Edward Rickard died January 22, 1900, and on Decem-
ber 3, 1902, he was married to Bertha A. Williams, the daughter of lulward
and Bertha (Gorlets) Williams. Both of her parents were natives of Ger-
many and reared a family of five children : Mrs. Cora Klenck, Lucy Kelle,
deceased, H. Edward, Mrs. Edward Rickard and Mrs. Anna Baker.
Mr. Rickard has carried on a system of diversified farming and by a
skilful rotation of his crops has been able to keep his land in a high state of
productivity. He has all the latest implements and tools necessary to the
up-to-date farmer and is classed as one of the m()st scientific farmers oi the
county.
Mr. Rickard has been a Democrat, although not a partisan in the strict
sense of the word. In local elections he prefers to vote for the i)est man,
irrespective of his party afiiliations. Mr. Rickard was elected to the office
of township trustee in his home township in 1905 and filled that important
ofifice to the entire satisfaction of the citizens of the township. In his church
relations he has long been a member of the General Baptist church, while his
wife maintains her membership in the Presbyterian church. Mrs. Rickard
is a woman of intelligence and culture and is afifable and pleasant in all of her
social relations. Mr. Rickard is the kind of a man who wins the respect and
esteem of all of those with whom he is associated.
896 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
J. W. McGOWAN, M. D.
It is not alwaj'S easy to discover and define the hidden forces that move
a Hfe of ceaseless activity and large professional success; little more can be
done than to note their manifestation in the career of the individual under
consideration. In view of this fact the life of the successful physician and
public-spirited man of affairs whose name appears above affords a striking
example of well-defined purpose, with the ability to make that purpose sub-
serve not only his own ends but the good of his fellow men as well. Doctor
McGowan holds distinctive prestige in a calling which requires for its basis
sound mentality and intellectual discipline of a high order, supplemented by.
the rigid professional training and thorough mastery of technical knowledge,
with the skill to apply the same, without which one cannot hope to rise above
mediocrity in ministering to human ills. In his chosen field of endeavor
Doctor McGowan has achieved a notable success and an eminent standing
among the medical men of his county. In addition to his creditable career in
one of the most useful and exacting of professions, he has also proved an
honorable member of the body politic, rising in the confidence and esteem of
the public, and in every relation of life he has never fallen below the dignity
of true manhood nor in any way resorted to methods that have invited criti-
cism or censure.
J. W. McGowan is a native of the old Blue Grass state, having been born
at Monticello, Wayne county, Kentucky, on January 22, 1855. His parents.
Dr. W. J. and Delila J. (Ramsey) McGowan, were also natives of Wayne
county, but they moved to Gibson county, Indiana, in 1862, locating at Prince-
ton. During the Civil war Dr. W. J. McGowan was a hospital or contract
surgeon, but after his return from the scenes of war he entered upon the prac-
tice of his profession at Oakland City, where he remained until his death,
which occurred on March 13, 1895. He was a graduate of the University at
Louisville, and was a man of marked intellectual attainments. He was a mem-
ber of the lower house of the Indiana State Legislature about 1870. being a
Democrat in his political world. His widow, who is now seventy-eight years
of age, makes her home with the subject of this sketch. He was one of four
children, the other three dying in childhood.
The subject of this sketch received his elementary education in the public
schools of Oakland City. His father M^as engaged in the drug business in this
city and for a while young McGowan was employed in this store, thus gaining
DR. J. W. McGOWAN.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
897
first hand much \aluable infonnatiuii relative to chemical ami plianiiaceutical
matters. In 1877 young McGowan matriculated in the medical department of
the University at Louisville, where he was graduated in 1881 with the degree
of Doctor of Medicine. He was then for four years a student at North-
western University at Chicago, graduating in 1885. He took several post-
graduate courses, including one in 1889 at the University at Louisville, and in
1896 at the Post-Graduate Medical School of Chicago. Doctor McGowan be-
gan active practice of his professitjn in 1878 at Eureka, Spencer county, Indi-
ana, but six months later came to Oakland City where he has been engaged
continuously in the practice since, with the exception of the years 1889 and
1890, when lie was surgeon of the Montana Territory prison at Deer Lodge,
Montana. Lie is a member of the Oakland City Medical Society, of which he
is president, and of the Gibson County Medical Society, the Indiana State
AFedical Society and the American Medical Association. He is surgeon for
the Southern Railway and a member of the Association of Surgeons for the
Southern Railway. He specializes in surgery and has performed successfully
many difficult operations. He possesses a well-equipped office in every respect,
including a large and well selected library of professional literature and keeps
closely in touch with the most advanced thought relative to his profession.
He has been successful in his material affairs and is the owner of a splendid
farm a few miles north of Oakland Cifr}. where he makes a specialty of breed-
ing and raising trotting horses, having a strong love for those animals.
In December, 1912, Dr. McGowan was married to Audie M. ( Traylor)
Grim, of Winslow, Indiana.
Politically, Dr. McGowan is a stanch advocate of the Democratic partv,
and has served as a member of the council of Oakland City and was treasurer
of that corporation. Fraternally, he is a member of the Free and Accepted
Masons, belonging to the blue lodge, the chapter of Royal Arch Masons, the
council of Royal and Select Masters at Oakland City, the commandery of
Knights Templar at Princeton, while in the Scottish Rite he belongs to the
Lodge of Perfection at Evansville and the Consistory, thirty-second degree, at
Indianapolis. ■ He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Tribe of
Ben-Hur and the Modern Woodmen of America. Religiously, he is an earn-
est member of the Methodist Episcoi)al church, to which he contributes liber-
ally. He is a man of many sterling characteristics of head and heart and
among his contemporaries it would be hard to find a record as replete with
dutv faithfullv performed in all the walks of life, while his career in the
(57)
898 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
humble sphere of private citizenship has been such as to commend him to the
favorable consideration of the best people of Gibson county, where he has
long maintained his residence.
JOHiN H. BERGER.
Among the self-made men of Center township, Gibson county, who
started in life with practically nothing and have attained to a position of
affluence and prominence in the affairs of their locality, is John H. Berger,
the proprietor of a one-hundred-and-sixty-acre farm in Center township. He
is a type of the farmer who, without money or friends to start in with, relied
upon his own determination and ability to gain his success.
John H. Berger was born in Armstrong township, Vanderburg county,
Indiana, May 6, 1852, and received a good, practical common school educa-
tion in the schools of his home county. Early in life he was left to his own
resources and worked at any honest toil which offered him a fair return for
his labor. In addition to working by the day, he learned the carpenter trade
and was in a fair way of making a success of this when his health com-
pelled him to abandon the profession. He then came to Gibson county and
began farming in what is now Union township. Later he came to Center
township and purchased one hundred and sixty acres. After he had bought
his farm he began to improve it in various waj's and by a skillful system of
crop rotation he increased the productivity of the soil so that he was enabled
to realize a handsome return on his farming each year. In addition to rais-
ing all the crops of grains common to this locality, he also stocked his farm
and added not a little to his annual income from the sale of stock.
Mr. Berger was married on October 24, 1877, to Wilhelmina Haag, the
daughter of John and Christina (Schillinger) Haag. His wife's parents
were natives of Germany and came to the United States and settled in Van-
derburg county, Indiana, among the early settlers of that part of the state.
They came to this county before their marriage and were later married in
Vanderburg county, w^here they lived and reared a family. John Haag
died as a soldier of the Civil war in Louisiana. Mr. and Mrs. Berger are
the parents of four children: John G., a general contractor of this county;
Dora M., who married William Strunck, a merchant of Buckskin, Indiana;
Emma C, the wife of William H. Block, a farmer of Center township, and
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. 899
Walter, who is still at huinc with his parents. About twenty years aj^'o Mr.
Berger was severely injured as the result of a fall, and since that time has
not been actively engaged in farming, liis son. Walter, is now operating
the farm under his father's superintendence.
Mr. Berger has been a member uf tiie Republican party since reaching
his majority and has been honored by his party on more than one occasion.
\\'hen he was only twent}-six years of age he was elected township assessor
of his township, and discharged the duties of that office in a highly satis-
factory manner. In 1900 he was elected county assessor and held that im-
portant office for six years, filling it to the entire satisfaction of the citizens
of the count}-. His work as assessor was of such a nature as to render him
one of the best men in the employ of the United States census bureau in
1910. He took the examination under the civil service rules and passed with
a high grade, and was assigned to Center township.
Religiously, the Berger family are members of the German Evangelical
church and contribute lilierally of their time and means to its support. j\lr.
Berger has lixed a busy and useful life in this county, and as a private citizen
and as a public official he has measured up to the full standard of American
citizenship. For this reason he is justly regarded as a representative man of
his township and countv.
DR. WILLIAM P. WELBORN.
The success of men in business or any v(Kation depends u]jon character
as well as upon knowledge, it being a self-evident proposition that honesty is
the best policy. Business demands confidence and where that is lacking busi-
ness ends. In every community some men are known for their upright lives,
strong common sense and moral worth rather than for their wealth of politi-
cal standing. Their neighbors and acc|uaintances respect them, the younger
generation heed their example, and when they "wrap the drapery of their
couches about them and lie down to pleasant dreams" posterity listens with
reverence to the story of their quiet and useful lives, .\mong such men of a
past generation in hnliana was the late Dr. William P. Welborn. of Prince-
ton. Gibson county. Indiana, who was not only a progressive man of affairs
successful in material pursuits, but a man of modest and unassuming de-
meanor, well educated, a fine type of the reliable, self-made American, a
friend to the poor, charitable to the faults of his neighbors and alwavs ready
900 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
to unite with them in every good worii and active in the support of laudable
public enterprises. He was proud of Princeton and of the grand state of
Indiana and zealous of their progress and prosperity. He was a man who in
every respect merited the high esteem in which he was universally held, for
he was a man of public spirit, intellectual attainments and exemplary charac-
ter.
Dr. William P. Welborn was born near Owensville, Indiana, on Feb-
ruary 14,- 1837, and died at his home in Princeton, on February 12, 1898.
His father, Samuel P. Welborn, was one of the early settlers of Gibson
county and during his active years was one of the most prominent men in
the public affairs of the community. He was the father of eleven children.
Dr. William P. Welborn was reared on a farm and early became accus-
tomed to labor of the most strenuous kind, which, probably more than any-
thing else, fitted him for the battles of his later life, giving him a good phys-
ical constitution and habits of industry, perseverance and energy, which con-
tributed largely to his later success. He secured his early education in the
district schools and academies and then attended one term in the State Uni-
versity at Bloomington, Indiana. He had early entertained an ambition to
become a doctor and with that end in view he began the reading of medicine
in the office of Doctor Cook at Owensville. this county, after which he took
a full course in a medical college in Philadelphia, where he graduated a year
or two prior to the opening of the Civil war. He immediately entered upon
the acti\-e practice of his profession at Owensville, but upon his country's
call for helpers he enlisted in 1862 as assistant surgeon of the Eightieth
Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which command he remained
until the close of the war. That he was faithful in the performance of his
duty was the unanimous testimony of those who were familiar with his
army record and he retired from the ser\ice with the consciousness of duty
well done. His natural kindness of heart prompted him to do even more
than the strict regulations required of him, ministering to the needs of the
sick and wounded soldiers. This unremitting service brought ser-ious sick-
ness to himself during his army service and to this sickness can be mainly at-
tributed the disease which remained with him in after life and which event-
ually resulted in his death. After the close of the war. Doctor Welborn
came to Princeton and engaged in the practice of his profession, which com-
manded his attention until 1870. In that }"ear he was nominated by the
Democratic party as a candidate for county clerk, to which office he was
elected and entered upon the discharge of his duties. So satisfactory was
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 9OI
his administration tlial lie \va^ iv-flectcfl in 1874 and thus completed a
service of eight years in the office. Dtn-iut; llie latter part of his official
term Doctor Welborn was appointed recei\er for the Gibson County Bank and
in addition to his official duties as county clerk, he successfully handled and
settled up the affairs of this defimet institution. Upon the expiration of his
official term. Doctor U'elborn associated with W. D. Downey in the dry
goods business, which they carried on for several years, but in the meantime,
having Ijeen elected cashier of the People's National Bank and finding that
the duties of the position required practically all his time, he disposed of his
mercantile interests. For over fifteen years prior to his death he served effi-
ciently as cashier of the People's Bank, and the splendid success which at-
tended this institution was largely due to the wise direction and personal
influence which he gave to the bank. A deep student of financial questions,
his accurate judgment and wise counsels were considered invaluable to those
in need of advice and in many ways he contributed largely to the success of
several business institutions in this locality. For nearly two decades RTr.
Welborn was a member of the city school board and contributed to the ex-
tent of his ability to the success of our educational system.
Religiously, Doctor \^'el]Jorn was a life-long member of the Presln-
terian church, with which he became affiliated upon his return from the
army, and shortly after which time he was made a ruling elder, serving
faithfully and efficiently in this capacity during the remaining years of his
life. In this service, as in all others to which he was called, he gave his
most sincere and healthy effort. He was devoted to his church and de-
lighted himself in its ordinances. Well and truly has it been said. '"The
serene, silent beauty of a hol\- life is the most powerful influence in the
world, next to the might of God."
The announcement of Doctor W'elborn's death came as a distinct shock
to the community which he had so long honored by his residence, though it
was well known that his health had been in a precarious condition for sev-
eral weeks, but he had in so large a measure filled a place in the communitv
that for the time being it seemed as if the loss was irreparable. The funeral
services were held at the late home of the deceased on South Hart street.
Princeton, on February 14, t8q8, the sixty-brst anniversary of his birth, and
was attended by a vast concourse of friends and citizens who thus desired to
pav their last tribute to the honored dead.
.\s a marked testimonial to the high standing occupied bv Doctor W'e)-
born in the community was the public memorial which was held bv the con-
902 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
gregation of the First Presbyterian church on Sunday, February 20, 1898,
the occasion thus giving civic expression to the congregation's sense of loss
as well as a tribute to the character and worth of one who had borne so
great a part of the work of the church for many years. Among the splendid
tributes paid to Doctor VVelborn on this occasion the following words are
quoted :
From Rev. A. J. Kerr, a former pastor of this church, then residing in
New York City:
"As pastor of the church in which he was for many years a ruling
elder, and which he loved, and which he knew i loved, I was closely asso-
ciated with him for almost three years. I saw him in times of perplexity
and sorrow as well as in seasons of comfort and satisfaction and joy, and
my estimation of him enlarged and my love for him deepened as the months
went on.
"What he was as a personal friend thousands can testify. His kind-
ness was so unvarying and so wide in its reach that people went to him as a
matter of course, sure of sympathy and aid. His wisdom in business affairs
was so conservative, in the sense of that word, so sound that men learned to
trust him as a brother, and young men went to him as they would go to a
helpful father.
"And now another name, and, I must say in all calmness, one of the
truest and greatest in the whole city directory, is added to the number who
have gone up to join the company triumphant. He is among those who, hav-
ing finished their course and kept their faith, are assembled with the apostles
and prophets and martyrs and saints in the City of God. What a glorious
host! I mourn with his beloved family, with you, with my own family; but I
also rejoice with you all because we have another representative among that
noble multitude who see God face to face.
"I do not know of any better recommendation of the church of Christ
in Princeton than Doctor Welborn. His estimate of the \alue of Christianity
was shown :
( 1 ) By his devotion to the church. He was not a man to devote him-
self lightly or blindly to anything, but he did devote himself to his church.
He was always in his place on the Sabbath day. He loved the services of
the sanctuary and allowed them to exercise their due influence upon his life.
(2) He carefully brought up his family in the same way. He led
them to the House of God. They didn't wander hither and thither as their
miniature fancy might choose. He saw the supreme value of personal re-
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 9O3
liyiuu to each ui them, and what the power of the church is in human h\es,
and he rejoiced at seeing his four boys fellow members with him in the told.
(,3) His gifts, then, became the natural expression of religion in liis
heart. He gave largely and liberally to his own church, but his interest went
beyond his own. I suppose there were few churches in the whole county that
did not share his bounty. But his gifts w-ere not limited there. He appre-
ciated the great work of giving the Go.spel to the destitute parts of our land
and to the people whose lot is cast under foreign skies, and he gladl\' con-
tributed to their salvation.
■'Doctor Welborn was a frequent representative of his church in the
presbytery, where his counsel was highly appreciated, and he was sent more
than once to both the state synod and national general assembly, as a
fitting man to take part in church affairs that were of world-wide importance.
"I am thankful that I knew him. 1 rejoice in sharing with )-ou the
honor which his life reflects upon our common humanity."
From the Sabbath school of tlie IVesbyterian church was presented a
memorial from which the following w^ords are quoted :
"When we contemplate the career of hiin whose name is on our lips
today, we are constrained to say that 'Life is worth living,' and W(jrth living
it like steadfast men with Christian faith and trust.
"He was not only a successful man in handling the various temporal
affairs with which he was connected all along his life, but gave many years
to the most zealous service of the Lord. He was faithful beyond measure to
every service of the sanctuary, and seldom indeed was he ever missed from
his accustomed place on the Lord's day, from Sabbath school, from prayer
meeting, from meetings of the oflicial Ixjards of this, the First Preslnterian
church, he loved so well. Loving his church with all the strength of well-
grounded principles, he was nevertheless liberal and charitable to the con-
scientious convictions of those who differed from him.
"As a man he was kind, courteous and warm-hearted; faithful in the
discharge of all his duties; earnest and consistent in his devotion to princi-
ples; and, ahvays helpful to others, he lived a <|uiet, useful and godly life.
"He w^as indeed a man 'diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving
the Lord.' In him we have a noble example of man, citizen, soldier, mer-
chant, public servant. Christian; and of him we ma> on this <iccasion
speak rather in the language of a psalm of life than in words befitting a
tribute to the dead."
904 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
The following was presented as a tribute from the session, of which
Doctor \Velborn had long been a member :
"Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God, in His great wisdom and lo\e,
to call from our church to the church triumphant, our esteemed and much
loved brother and elder. Dr. \\'illiam P. Welborn ; and,
"Whereas, The session of this church, recognizing well the valuable
and lasting service he so nobly rendered this session and this church, by his
Christian life and conduct and by his prudence and wisdom in its highest
coimcils; and being deeply sensible of the loss sustained by this session and
this church, he served so faithfully and so well; and recognizing that in all
positions which he held he worked earnestly for the advancement of the
church and the great cause of his Master, with untiring zeal and devotion.
Therefore, be it
"Resolved, That this, the session of the First Presbyterian church of
the citv of Princeton, Indiana, give this expression of its deep appreciation
of his life and labor, and of the love and esteem borne him, who has passed
from us, and that it extend its sincere Christian sympathy to his family in
their sad bereavement, in the death of a true, loving Christian husband and
father, and that these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of this session
and a copy be furnished the family."
On May 5, 1869, William P. Welborn was united in marriage with
Mary Jerauld, daughter of the late George N. Jerauld, who for so many
years was a prominent merchant of Princeton. To that union were born six
children, of whom two daughters died in infancy, while four sons survived
their father, namely: Jerauld, Oscar, Maurice and Charles.
JOHN WHITE.
Clearly defined purpose and consecuti\e effort in the affairs of life will
inevitably result in a due measure of success, but in following out the career
of one who has attained success by his own efforts there comes into view the
intrinsic individuality which made such accomplishment possible and thus
there is granted an objecti\e incentive and inspiration, while at the same there
is enkindled a feeling of respect and admiration. The qualities which have
made the subject of this sketch one of the prominent and .successful farmers
and public officials of Gibson county have also brought him the esteem of
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 905
his fellow citizens, for his career has been one of well-direcled energy,
strong determination and honorable methods.
John White, one of the most prominent farmers of Center township,
Gil)son county. Indiana, was born January 7, 1S59. in l-^vansville, Indiana.
His parents were Alfred and Milliscent (Inwood) White, both of whom were
natives of England, and his father is still living and at the present time is
residing in California at the ad\anced age of eighty -iour years. Mr. and
Mrs. Alfred White were tlic parents of tive children, all of whom arc living
except one daughter.
John W'hite received his early education in the district schools of \'an-
derburg county, this state, and passed his boyhood days in the city of
Evansville, performing all those mutitudinous chores which fall to the lot
of the average boy. Here he was given that practical, out-door education
which has stood him in such good stead in after life. On August 28, 1881,
he was married to Sarah J. Scott, and to this union were born six children,
Mrs. Laura P. White, of Princeton ; Albert, deceased : Caroline, deceased :
Frank lives in Terre Haute, Indiana; Mrs. Frances \auglin lives on a farm
near Petersburg, Indiana; Milliscent, of Evansville. Mr. White was mar-
ried a second time to Pauline George, on (October 24, 1909. She was a
daughter of John M. and Pauline (Bass) George, her father being a
native of France, while her mother was a nati\e of Indiana. Mr. and Mrs.
George were the jjarents of nine ciiildren. Mrs. White being the eighth child
in order of birth.
Mr. White is engaged in di\crsilied farming and successfully raises all
the crops common to this section of the state. He is well read on ail the
latest and most improved methods of agriculture and does not hesitate to
keep himself well supplied with the latest farming implements and machinery.
As a result he is justly regarded as one of the most progressive and up-to-
date farmers in the township. He has so conducted his affairs that he has
been fortunate to lav aside a competence which insures him comfort in his
old age. He is a stockholder and director in the Francisco State Bank.
Mr. White has always taken an intelligent interest in political affairs. Fra-
ternally, he is a member of the Tribe of Ben-Hur, of Francisco. He and his
wife are faithful and earnest meml)ers of the Regular Baptist church, and
are interested in all the activities which that particular church fo.sters. .Mr.
White is a genial, straightforward man, one who has the greatest sympathy
for his fellow man, and is always ready to aid and encourage those who are
struggling to aid themselves. He is a man of .strong convictions and when
gob GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
he believes that he is on the right side nothing can swerve, him from it.
Home life with him is a sacred trust and friendships are inviolable. A man
of gentle and unassuming demeanor, he has by his strict integrity won the
esteem of a large circle of friends and acquaintances in the community
which has been honored by his citizenship for so many years.
HENRY F. BROADWELL.
Those who faced every danger and death itself upon the battle fields of
the Civil War and bore suffering and made sacrifices for their country's sake
are especially deserving of mention in these annals. The younger generation
should never forget that to them is due a debt of gratitude which can never
be repaid, as the prosperity, liberty and happiness which we now enjoy is the
direct outcome of their labors and loyalty. Among the honored veterans
who have answered the last roll call, the late Henry F. Broadwell was one
who gave three of the best years of his life to the ser\ice of his country and
then returned to his home and lived a life of usefulness and honor until his
death, on September 26, 1908.
Henry F. Broadwell, the son of Henry and Elizal^eth (Poison) Broad-
well, was born October i, 1838, in Warrick county, Indiana. His father
was a native of North Carolina, while his mother was born in Virginia. His
father was one of the earliest settlers of Warrick county and was identified
with the agricultural interests of that county all his life.
The subject of this sketch was reared upon the home farm in the usual
inanner of boys of that period and received the meager schooling which the
country schools afforded at the time. When still quite young he began to
assist in the duties on the farm, working in the fields from the time of early
spring planting until after the crops were harvested in the late autumn.
When the news of the fall of Fort Sumter was flashed throughout the
country he felt that his first duty was to his country, so he donned the blue
uniform of the nation and went south in defense of the Union cause. He
was a member of Company A, Fifty-eighth Regiment of Indiana Volunteer
Infantry, which was recruited in Gibson county, and served with gallant
distinction throughout the war. He saw hard fighting and underwent all of
those hardships which fell to the lot of every soldier, thus demonstrating his
fidelity to his beloved country.
JOSIAH KIGHTLY.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 907
Immediately after the close of the war he returned to this county and
married Sarah A. Downing, the daugliter of James and Sarah E. (Drysdale)
Downing. Plis wife's father was born in Posey county and her mother in
Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Eroadwell were the parents of a large family of
eight children: Mrs. Belle Mead; Mrs. Mary D. Mandis; D. S. Broadwcll;
James L., deceased; Rufus A.; Mrs. F.nima C. Witherspoon : Mrs. Elizabeth
E. Boyd; and John W. After the death of her husband, in 1908, Mrs.
Broadwell went to live with her son, D. S. Broadwell, and they are udw
residing on the old home place in Center township. Her sun is unmarried
and she is still able to do a considerable amount of work despite her advanced
age. They are both members of the ^^lelhodist Episcopal church.
The late Mr. Broadwell was a life-long Republican and at one time was
elected assessor of Center township, an oliice which he filled to his credit and
to the universal satisfaction of the entire township. He always took a very
active part in all the deliberations of his party and was frequently consulted
by the leaders of his party. His whole life was marked by strict integrity
and hone-^t endeavor and he fdllowcd a course from which nothing could
swerve him as long as he belie\ed he was in the right. This determined
loyalty to what he thought was right was one of his strongest and most com-
mendable traits of character and enabled him to command the confidence and
esteem of all.
FRANCIS J. RIGHTLY
The life history of him whose name heads this sketch has been for more
than three score years closely identified with the history of Gibson countw
Indiana. Throughout the years his life has been one of untiring activity
and it has been crowned with a degree of success obtained by cmiparativelv
few- who aspire to leadership in their calling. Years of conscientious work
as a farmer have brought him not only a comfortable competence, hut the
knowledge that he has been of great benefit to the social and moral welfare
of his community as well. By a straightforward and honorable course he
has been successful to a marked degree and his life afifords a splendid
example of what an American youth plentifully endowed with good common
sense, integrity and determination can accomplish when accompanied by
good moral principles. As a citizen he is public spirited and enterprising,
and as a friend and neighbor he combines the qualities of head and heart
908 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
that have won confidence and commanded respect throughout the county.
His entire accomplishments represent the results of the utilization of the
innate talents which are his and the directing of his efforts along those lines
where mature judgment and rare discrimination have led the way. As a
representative of one of the oldest families of the county, he has a heritage
of all those good qualities which go to make up a good citizen.
Francis J. Kightly, the son of Josiah and Elizabeth Kightly, was born
August 13, 1849, in Evansville, Indiana. His parents were both natives of
England, the father's birth occurring January i, 1822. His father was twice
married. After the death of his first wife. October 29, 1865, he married
Sarah Wroe on April 8, 1867. To the first marriage were born the following
children : I-'rancis Josiah, the immediate subject of this sketch : William
Wroe ; Sarah Jane : Mary Elizabeth ; Samuel Wroe ; Emma K. and John
Russell. The second union was blessed with the following children : Lucy,
Alice May, John AMlliam. Mr. Kightly's second wife died January 11,
1898. The sketch of William S. Ennes, elsewhere in this volume, gives ad-
ditional facts of the Kightly family.
Francis J. Kightly, the eldest son by the first marriage, was educated
in the district schools of Gibson county, and in his younger days worked on
the farm and has spent his whole life in agricultural pursuits. As a farmer
he has adopted all of the modern improvements in that line of endeavor and
has five hundred acres of as well improved land as can be found in the state.
At the present time he has several tenants on his farms and ha.s retired from
the active duties of farm life.
Mr. Kightly has been twice married. His first wife was Lucinda Ed-
wards, of this county, to whom he was married on September i, 1880.
After the death of his first wife he was united in marriage, on ^Vpril 28,
1903, to Dell Brimer, the daughter of James and Cynthia (Key) Brimer.
Mr. Key is a native of Kentucky and his wife of England.
Mr. Kightly has been a life-long Republican, but the fact that his town-
ship and county is overwhelmingly Democratic has kept him from being an
ofifice holder. He has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows at Hazelton for more than thirt3'-five years, and has always taken a
prominent part in the deliberations of that order. He has always affiliated
with the Methodist Episcopal church at Hazelton and has been a liberal con-
tributor to the support of that denomination. Mrs. Kightly is a member of
the General Baptist church.
Mr. Kightly comes of a splendid family, one of the oldest in the county,
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 909
and has always been strong iuv right Hving and indiistriuus habits, fur eilu-
cation and morahty, for loyalty to the government and for all that con-
tributes to the welfare of the comnuinity. Sheer force of personality and
determination, coupled with soundness of judgment ani! keen discrimination,
has brought him the success which he so rightly deserves, lie has proved
an honorable meml)cr of the body politic and in e\ery relation of life has
never fallen below the tnio dignity of manhood, nor in any way resorted to
methods that invited the censure of his fellow citizens. As tiie scion of a
most excellent family he has niainlaincd the prestige ol all the honored de-
scendants of that family.
MARYFIELD M. COLEMAN.
It is a well authenticated fact that success comes as tlie result of legit-
imate and well applied energy, unflagging determination and perseverance
in a course of action, when once decided upon. She is never known to
smile upon the idler or dreamer and she never courts the loafer, and only
the men who have diligently sought her favor are crowned with her blessings.
In tracing the history of the influential farmer and representative citizen
of Oakland City, Gibson county, whose name forms the captif)n of this
review, it is plainly seen that the prosperity which he enjoys has been won
by commendable qualities and it is also his personal worth that has gaineil
for him the high esteem of those who know him,
Maryfield M. Coleman first saw tiie light of day on Marcli S. 1N43. in
Monroe township, Pike county. Indiana, being a son (jf Conrad and Xeili,
Coleman. Conrad Coleman was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1809
and his wife was born in Pike county, Indiana, in 1812. When a boy Conrad
Coleman went with his father, Joseph, to Barren county, Kentucky, where
thev got wild land which they cleared and established their home. Josej)!!
Coleman was a prosperous farmer in his day, and was the owner of con-
siderable land.
When a bov of four years. Conrad Coleman lost his lower left arm,
i)eing injured in an old corn mill lie attended school at Glasgow. Ken-
tuckv, receiving an excellent education for those days. lie remained under
the parental roof until he reached the age of twenty-one years, and in
1830 he came to Indiana, locating in Monr'ie township. Pike county, where
he got wild land. In all. he acfpiired six hundred and forty acres, and
9IO GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
had a large portion of it cleared. He raised and dealt extensively in live
stock, cattle, horses, sheep, mules and jacks. He seemed to be but slightly
handicapped by the loss of his arm and in his prime could use an ax and
accomplish as much hard work as one whole in body. He was a man of
great energy and ability who took a great interest in the progress of
affairs in his county. It was he who made the first assessment of the whole
of Pike county and did a great deal of other tedious clerical work in the
same cause. At the age of forty-five, his health failed him, probably due
to the ceaseless demands upon his strength, and he then retired from active
labor for the rest of his life. His death occurred July IQ, 1855, and his
wife lived until the fall of 1880. He was originally a Whig, but at the
dissolution of that party, gave his earnest support to the Republican party.
He was a consistent member of the Baptist church and did much to further
the cause of that society in his community. To Conrad Coleman and wife
were born ten children, namely: Jane, deceased, married John LeMaster and
had three children; Mary Emily, deceased, the wife of Jackson Pancake,
deceased; Luvina, deceased, the wife of John Mason, who died at Nash-
ville, Tennessee, during the Civil War; Joseph V., a retired farmer living
in Oakland City, who married Barbara Beatty; Henry, deceased, a farmer
in Pike county, who married Elizabeth Parker; Mahala, deceased, who mar-
ried John English; Maryfield M., the immediate subject of this sketch;
Joshua, deceased, who married Nancy Deter, of Pike county; Nancy Ellen,
the wife of James Gillman, residing in the same county, and Susan, who
died when small.
IMarvfield M. Coleman received but a small amount of schooling when
a lad, and remained with his parents until seventeen, when he started out
in life for himself. On April 5, 1866, he was united in marriage with
Catherine Nossett, of Columbia township, Gibson county, a daughter of
William Nossett, who had come from Ohio originally, and was one of the
first settlers in Columbia township. He was a farmer and also a black-
smith, and Ixjth he and his wife closed their lives at the home they had
made when coming to Giljson county. To Mr. Coleman, by his first mar-
riage, were born five children, the eldest being Warrick, druggist and
trustee, at Winslow, Indiana: Lucy, the wife of George Duncan, of Pike
county, Indiana; Edgar, who is a breeder of fine cattle and jacks, at Muren.
Indiana. His wife was Carrie Humsucker. The fourth child is Millard, who
is in the livery business at Oakland City. His wife was Zillie Reed. The
fifth child was Ada, who died when sixteen years of age. Catherine Nos-
r.IHSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 9II
sett Coleman died July 25, iSgo, aiul he was married for the second lime, on
July 30, 1901, to Catherine Martin, of I'ike county. She was the widow of
Adam Martin and a daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Kime) Loveless.
The mother was originally from 'rennessec, while the father is a native
of Pike county, whose father was one of the first settlers there, coming
from South Carolina. Joseph Loveless died March jS. iS/,:;, ;md his wife's
death occurred July 22,, 1901.
Maryfield M. Coleman was only twenty years of age when he re-
turned from the war and settled in Monroe township. Pike county. He se-
cured a tract of heavily timbered land which he cleared oft" and started
to make a comfortable home. Here he lived for thirty years and had two
hundred and seventy acres of land under cultiA-atinn. On July 10, 1895, he
left his home and mmed to Oakland Cit_\', where he has since resided. Tie
clerked for a while and also suld clothing and dr}- goods for two years.
It was on December 9, 1861, that Mr. Coleman enlisted in Company
D, Fifty-eighth Regiment Indiana \'olunteer Infantry, in Pike county.
Indiana. He was sent to Ev"ansville, then to Indianapolis, and then to
Camp Short, at Louisville. He was not there long and was sent on to
Nashville, Tennessee, where his company engaged in the battle of Shiloh, and
was afterwards in pursuit of General Bragg to Louisville, Nashville and
Bardstown, Kentucky, and engaged in the battle of Perrysville. They were
ordered on to Nashville and were in the important engagements of the
war; the battle of Stone's River, Chattanooga, Chickamauga. and Mission-
ary Ridge. They were later ordered to Chattanooga, and on May 12, 1864,
his regiment started on the Atlanta campaign, with Sherman, and continued
with him on his march to the sea. On January 20, 1865, they had reached
Savannah, Georgia, on the return trip, and, jiassing on through the Caro-
linas and Virginia, participated in the Grand Review at Washington, I). C
in May, 1865. He was then returned to Louisville and received his dis-
charge on Tuly 25, 1865. He went to Indianapolis to be paid oft", and then
returned home, having seen an unusual amount of active service and having
gone through the various engagements unscathed. Mr. Coleman is a member
of the Grand Army of the Republic, at Oakland City, and his religious con-
nection is with the Presbyterian church at that place.
On account of their many agreeable qualities, Mr. and Mrs. Coleman
have endeared themselves to the people of Oakland City, and as he is a
man of upright character, unalterably opposed to all forms of lawlessness.
he holds an enviable position in the regard of the community.
912 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
JAMES W. KEY.
The life- history of James W. Key, one of the well known and highly
esteemed venerable citizens of Gibson county, now living in honorable re-
tirement, shows what industry, good habits and stanch citizenship will ac-
complish in the battle for success in life. His record has been one replete
with duty well and conscientiously performed in every relation of life. He
has come down to us from the pioneer period and has noted the wondrous
transformation from that time to this, playing his part in the drama of civili-
zation. He has thus been an advocate of wholesome living and cleanliness in
politics as well and has always stood for the highest and best interests of the
community in which so many of his active years have been passed and which
has been honored by his citizenship.
James W. Key is a native of Gibson county, born on the loth day of
March, 1S32, near Hazelton. He is a son of William and Sarah (Bruner)
Key, both of whom were natives of Kentucky and were among the earlier
settlers of Gibson county. They were married in 1831 and William Key
died August 12, 1836, leaving his young widow and three small children, the
eldest of whom was James W., the subject of this sketch. William Key was
born in 1804 ^nd his death occurred on August 12, 1836. His widow after-
ward became the wife of John Ewing, who was of Irish stock and a pioneer
settler in Gibson county, Indiana, owning a good farm in White River town-
ship ]\Ir. Ewing died on November 27, 1859, and was survived many years
by his widow, who died on August 5, 1896, when past eighty-eight years of
age. To !\Ir. and Mrs. Ewing were born two children, namely : Mary, who
became the wife of Samuel Argrove, of Pike county, and who died on March
II, 18S5; she was the mother of two children, Minnie and John E. The
other child, John W. Ewing, who was born February 14, 1850, in Gibson
county, Indiana, died in February, 1909. The marriage of William Key to
Sarah Bruner occurred in 183 1, and at the time of his death he left, besides
his widow, three small children, the eldest of whom was James W., the im-
mediate subject of this sketch.
The subject's paternal grandfather, William Key, Sr., was a native of
Kentucky, and to his marriage with Hannah Level were born a large family
of children. William Key, Sr., was a man of industrious habits and was a
genius in that he could do many things and do them all well. He was by trade
a millwright, and after coming to Indiana made his home at Princeton. While
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. 9I3
building a mill un South Hart street, that city, he tell forty feet, sustaining
injuries, from which, however, he recovered and lived to be past eighty-five
years of age. In later life he took up shoemaking and coopering. He was a
man of cheerful and jovial disposition and was widely known and well liked
by all who knew him.
James W. Key is the only one of his father's family who is living today,
and he has attained an advanced age well preserved in mind and body and
with a keen interest in current extents. His schooling in his youth was lim-
ited, partly owing to the limited circumstances of his mother and partly to
indififerent opportunities at best. When quite young he took up the \ocation
of farming, which he has followed all his life and is at present living on his
farm in \\'hite River township, Gibson county, in retirement from the active
affairs of life, surrounded by his family.
On September 28, 1858, Mr. Key was married to Ellen J. McClure,
daughter of Joseph E. and Katherine ( r)c\ in ) McClure. bulh of whom were
natives of Gibson county and passed their entire li\es within its Ik inters. To
their union were born ten children, namely: James and Joseph 1'.. deceased;
Luella, Ada J., .Sarah F., Katherine A. and Charles F.. all of whom reside at
home with the parents, the latter having charge of the operation of the farm
for. his father. William F. is engaged in farming in White River tcnvnship,
Gibson county: his wife was Eva GoufY, of Kentucky. Margaret E. is the
wife of John Stewart, a farmer of Gibson county, and Robert S., whose wife
was Geneva Har\ey, is engaged in agricultural work in Patoka township.
On September 28, 1908, Mr. and Mrs. Key celebrated the fiftieth anniversary
of their marriage in a fitting manner and are still spared to each other. Thev
ha\e many interesting incidents to relate of the earlier life in the countv
before many of our present-day conveniences were thought of. Mr. Kev has
lived in the same place since he was three years old and well remembers when
the first railroad was built through this section and when wood was the fuel
used on the locomotive The house they occupy was built in 1874. The sub-
ject and his wife have twelve grandchildren.
Air. Key is a stanch Republican of the old school who has alwavs been
interested in the alifairs of the party, and his religious membership is with the
Methodist Episcopal church, in the progress of which society's afifairs he
takes' great pleasure.
Personally. Mr. Key is a man of clean character and lias ewr exerted a
healthful inriuence in the cummunit\-. gixinj.;- his su])]jort to e\er\- nioxenient
(58)
914 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
which promised to advance the welfare of the community in any way. Be-
cause of his genuine worth and the success which has crowned his Hfe's
efforts, he enjoys the sincere respect of all who know him and he is eminently
erititled to representation in a work of the character of the one in hand.
DR. JOHN M. WILLIAMS.
There is no class to whom greater gratitude is due from the world at
large than the self-sacrificing, sympathetic, noble-minded men whose life
work is the alleviation of suffering and the ministering of comfort to the
afflicted, to the end that the span of human existence may be lengthened and
a great degree of satisfaction enjoyed during the remainder of their earthly
sojourn. There is no standard by which their beneficial influence can be
measured ; their helpfulness is limited only by the extent of their knowledge
and skill, while their power goes hand in hand with the wonderful laws of
nature that spring from the very source of life itself. Some one has aptly
said, "He serves God best who serves humanity most." Among the physi-
cians and surgeons of Gibson county who have risen to eminence in their
chosen field of endeavor is the subject of this review, whose career has been
that of a broad-minded, conscientious worker in the sphere to which his life
and energies have been devoted and whose profound knowledge of his pro-
fession has won for him a leading place among the most distinguished medi-
cal men of his day and generation in the city of his residence.
Dr. John M. Williams, the son of Simon and Lavina (Sharer) Will-
iams, was born January 25, 1857, in Vanderburg county, near the cit}- of
Evansville, Indiana. His father was a native of Posey county. Indiana, and
was a son of Bennett Williams, while his mother's birth occurred in Gibson
county. Mr. and Mrs. Simon Williams began their married life in Van-
derburg county, but removed to Gibson county. Fort Branch, in 1870, where
Mr. Williams lived a retired life until his death, three years later. His wite
survived him several years, living with her son in Owensville, where her
death occurred in 1896.
Doctor Williams lived Avith his parents in Vanderburg count}' on the
home farm until 1870, at which time he removed with his parents to Fort
Branch. He attended the common schools of that village, graduating from
the high school in due course of time, after which he took a course at In-
DK. J. M. WILLIAMS.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 9I5
diana University at Bloomington. He liad always been a close student, and
after graduating from the high school, secured a license to teach and taught
one year before he entered the State University. For the next three years
he taught during the winters and attended the university during the spring
and summer seasons, completing his education in 1878.
While still in school at the university, Mr. Williams began the study of
medicine at Fort Branch by reading in the office of one of the old practi-
tioners there. He thought that in the practice of medicine there were greater
advantages for doing good in his community than by following the pro-
fession of teaching. By the fall of 1879 'i^ 'I'l^l saved enough money to
warrant him going to Cincinnati and starting in to take the regular medical
course in the E. M. Institute of that city. He was a student at this institution
for the next two years, graduating in 1881. Immediately after graduation
he opened an office in Fort Branch, in Gibson county, but in the fall of that
year he moved to Owensville, where he has practiced continuously since. In
Owensville and vicinity his name is a household word, for not only has he
treated the children of the community in their infancy, but he has seen them
grow up, marry and then has ministered unto their children. With rare
skill and resource, with quick perception and almost intuitive judgment, he
has made a name for himself in this community. His ability to make a
correct diagnosis and then prescribe the proper treatment to be used has
brought him a practice second to none in the count \-. During all the years
he has been a close student of medical science, keeping in touch with the
latest advances along that line and thereby has won the complete confidence
of the whole community. His wide practice has lieen remunerati\e and he
has shown the same ability in his business affairs which has brought him
success in the medical profession. He assisted in the organization of the
First National Bank of Owensville in iqoo, and has been a director in that
institution continuously since. In addition to his banking interests he has
made large investments in land, owning at the present time several hundred
acres of the best land in Gibson county. This success in his business affairs
has been owing to his steady persistence, sterling integrity and excellent
judgment, and yet he has not allowed his material success to blind him to the
interests of the community at large. He has always been a contributor to
everything having for its object the moral, social or educational advance-
ment of his community.
Doctor Williams was married November i, 1883, to Margaret Mont-
gomery, a native of Owensville, the daughter of James and Louisa (Lucas)
gi6 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Montgomery. Her father was a very successful grain merchant of that city
and one of its leading citizens, and his death occurred in that place in 1891:
Doctor Williams and his wife are the parents of one child, Gertrude, who is
at home with her parents.
Doctor Williams and his family are members of the General Baptist
church, to which institution they contribute liberally of their means, and in
which they haxe always taken an acti\e interest, and have been the means of
doing an incalculable amount of good in their church work. As a member of
the Owensville Medical Society and the County Medical Society, Doctor
Williams has been no inconsiderable factor in advancing the medical interests
of the town and county. With his professional skill he combines rare sym-
pathy and thereby adds to his efficiency as a practitioner. He is devoted to
his chosen vocation and has lent honor and dignity to the medical profession,
having due regard for the highest standard of professional ethics and ex-
hibiting marked skill in the treatment of diseases. Such men are blessings
to everv communitv in which thev live.
TAMES H. COCKRUM.
In examining the life records of the citizens of Gibson county it is grati-
fying to note that so many of her people have been born and reared here; in
fact, have spent their entire lives in this \icinity. It proves the stability of
the people and also indicates that this is an excellent place to live and that a
livehhood may be here obtained with the least expenditure of labor possible,
so that we have a quiet, satisfied, law-abiding and worthy citizenship and a
fair and prosperous country, equal to any in the sisterhood of counties in the
great Hoosier commonwealth. The Cockrums are among the honored
pioneer citizens here and they have done their full share of the work of
furthering the development of the county.
James H. Cockrum, a well known citizen of Gibson county and a former
postmaster at Oakland City, was born in the city now honored by his resi--
dence, on April 23, 1868, a son of James M. and Sarah Frances (Thomas)
Cockrum, the father a native of Gibson county, and the mother of the state
of Kentucky. James M. Cockrum was a farmer, merchant, attorney and in
early life a successful shipper. In all the avenues of life's activities in which
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 9I7
he engaged he was successful and Ijecause of his persexering inckistry, sound
judgment and integrity of character, he not only enjoyed success in life's
affairs, but what was of more value, the confidence and esteem of the people
with whom he mingled. His death occurred in 1903. He had served as
postmaster at Oakland Cit\- under the administration of President Harrison,
and in 1907 represented GibsDU cc unity in the stale Legislature. He was a
prominent supporter of the Republican [)arty in tiiis localil)- antl exerted
considerable influence in local public aff.iirs. Reli.i;i(iusly, he was a trustee
of the Cieneral Baptist church at Oakland Lity for iiian_\- )-ears, while frater-
nally, he was identified with the k'ree and Accepted Masons and the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows. He was a veteran of the Civil war, ha\ing
served as a private in the Forty-second Regiment Indiana \'olunteer Infantry
and rendered valiant service for his country. Mis wiilnw now li\es at Oak-
land City. They were the parents of eight children, namely: Sallie E.. de-
ceased, December 10, 1913: James H.; Charles V'., of Kansas City, Missouri;
Edna, the assistant postmistress at Oakland City; Thomas R., of Princeton,
and Ralph N.. of Kansas City.
Tames H. Cockrum was educated in the pulilic schools of Oakland City,
and his first eiTorts in life on his own account were as a farmer and stock
raiser, operating a farm adjoining the city on the north. He has been suc-
cessful in this vocation and still lives on the farm which he formerly operated.
On February 22, 1910. Mr. Cockrtmi was appointed postmaster of Oakland
City, and discharged the duties of that office in a manner which won ffir him
the commendation of his superiors in the department and the favor of the
patrons of the office. He retired from the postoffice on April 1, 1914.
Politically, he is a stanch supporter of the Republican party, and has for
many years been prominent and active in political work. Religiously, he is
a member of the General I'laptist church, while fraternally, he is a member
of the Independent Order of Odd I'elli ws. in both subordinate lodge and
encampment, and the Modern ^\'oodmen of America.
On February 28, 1906. Mr. Cockrum married Ada Ihirba, the daughter
of R. C. Burba, of Oakland City, and to this union have been liorii liirce
daughters: Esther Grace. Jennie Frances and Jessie Leee. Mr. Cockrum
has always been interested in the welfare and progress of his native county
and in the development of its resources he gives his assistance and influence
to all laudable means and measures toward these ends. He. possesses a force-
ful personality and is well liked by all who know him.
9l8 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
WILLIAM DANIEL KENDLE.
A review of the life of the honored subject of this memior must of
necessity be brief and general in its character. To enter fully into the
interesting details of the career of the late William Daniel Kendle, touch-
ing the struggles of his early manhood and the successes of his later years,
would far transcend the limits of this article. He filled a large place in
the ranks of the active, energetic and public-spirited citizens of his day
and generation and the memories which attach to his name and character
form no inconsiderable chapter in the history of his native county, Avhere
he passed his life, doing good to all whenever possible.
William Daniel Kendle was a native of Gibson county, born in Pa-
toka township, on November 21, 1838, and he departed this life in Prince-
ton, Indiana, November 29, 1898. He was a son of George Kendle, born
April 7, 1812, in Washington county, Tennessee, whose first wife was
Lucinda Denbo, born October 19, 1813. His second wife was Pauline Em-
bree, born April i, 1821. She was the widow of John Embree and a
daughter of George Barker. He was a farmer who come to Gibson county
and settled in Patoka township, west of Princeton. Here he obtained a
tract of land which he farmed during the rest of his life.
George Kendle had come with his parents from Tennessee to Har-
rison county, Indiana, in 1814, and he remained with them until February
of 1837, when he started out for Gibson county. Upon his arrival here,
he selected land about five miles west of Princeton, in Patoka township.
Here he lived for many years and in 1872 retired from active work on his
farm and moved to Princeton, where he passed the remainder of his life.
His long years of residence in a community rapidly changing from the
frontier to a thickly settled territory with all modern advantages, were
for him years of activity and doubtless of enjoyment. He was ever found
anxious to do anything that would advance the welfare of the community.
George Kendle and wife were the parents of five children, namely: William
Daniel, the subject of this sketch; John R., born September 14, 1840;
Mary E., born October 18, 1842; Elizabeth, born August 28, 1844: Susan
D., born April 15, 1846, and Sarah J., born July 22, 1848.
William Daniel Kendle received only a limited schooling in his youth,
owing to the limited circumstances of his parents and the meager oppor-
tunities offered at best, and he remained at his father's home until his mar-
riage. He chose as his bride Mary Spore, horn in Princeton, and a daugh-
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 9I9
tcr of David and Lucinda (Mauck) Spore. The mother was a native of
Gibson county, Indiana, and the father came from Knoxville, Tcnnes.see.
When a young man he came on a prospecting trip to Gibson county, and
was later joined by his father and mother and the other members of tlie
family. They obtained a tract of wild land which they cleared, and on
which they passed the remainder of their lives. Me died in his sixty-fifth
year and she was in her sixty- fourth. They were the parents of seven
children, namely: Jacob, Henry, Robert, David. Elbert, Sallie and Betsy.
The Spores were devout meml)ers of the Metiiodist Episcopal church.
David Spore and wife had nine children, of which Julius, who was a
farmer living near Owensville, and whose wife was Mary McCrary, was the
oldest; both are now dead; William, living in Princeton; Thomas, living near
Oakland City, Indiana; Andrew, a retired farmer living in Owensville, In-
diana; Isaac, decea.sed, was a farmer, near Owensville; Maggie married
Baker Lucas, both deceased; Amanda married Isaac W^Dods. both deceased;
John, deceased, lived in Patoka township Mrs. Kendle, widow of William
Daniel Kendle. was the third oldest child of this fairiily in the order of
birth.
After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Kendle settled down on his father's
place, in Patoka township, and engaged in general farming, paying par-
ticular attention to the raising of first class live stock. Here tiiey remained
until 1885. when they removed to Princeton, where he died. He \v;is a man,
quiet and imassuming and whose sterling worth won fur him many warm
friends. He was a kind and loving husband and father, and a man possessed
of unusual business ability, as his activities showed. To Mr. and Mrs. Kendle
were born four children, namely: Lucinda, born June i8, 1862, first
married to William McCarty, of Princeton, and later to L. W^ilhite, of
Princeton. She is the mother of two children: Arthur, of Princeton, mar-
ried Matilda Binkley and Florence, of Patoka township, married Lowell
Westfall. Emma was born October 6. 1863. married Julius Gamble. She
died June i. 1004. Lizzie was born in T870, and married Joim Massey,
of Princeton. She !ias one son, Percy. Dovie w;is bcrn in i88.| and mar-
ried George B. Grigs1)v, of Princeton; they have one daughter, Isabelle.
Mr. Kendle was a man of undoubted integrity who held the confi-
dence of all who knew him. and because of his excellent (|ualitie? he
was quite often called upon to settle estates of deceased friends and to see
that orphans were properly provided for. and took pleasure in attending
to duties thus imposed upon him. He gave his political sup])ort tiT the
920 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Democratic party, but was not given to an}- active interest in its affairs.
His religious sympathies were with the ^Vhite Baptist church, and he took
great interest in the welfare of this societ}-. Altogether, his was a well-
balanced, rational life; the quiet, sane life whose influence is all on the
side of good and cannot be estimated from any earthly standpoint. Like
the ever widening circles from a pebble cast into a body of water, so the
influence of good deeds, too. are ever widening circles, beating at last upon
the shores of eternity.
J. W. CUNNINGHAM.
Among the honorable and influential citizens of Gibson county, Indiana,
is the subject of this review, who has here maintained his home for many
years, winning a definite success by means of the agricultural industry to
which he has devoted his attention during the years of an active business
life. His career has been without shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil,
and thus he has e\-er commanded the confidence and esteem of his fellow
men.
Joseph W. Cunningham was born on Jul}- 2, 1853, at Giro, \Vhite River
township, Gibson county, the son of John and Phoebe (Key) Cunningham,
the former a native of White River township, Gibson county, and the latter
born on North Hart street, Princeton. John Cunningham was a son of one
of Princeton's township's early settlers, who came from Georgia about 1803,
settling east of Hazelton, in the midst of heavy timber, which he cleared
from the tract of land which he had secured and developed a splendid farm.
His first home was a log cabin, and in this the family lived until able to erect
a more substantial and attractive home. He was the father of five sons:
Stewart, Samuel, Joseph, John and Giles, all of whon-i became farmers in
White Ri^•er township, except Joseph, who finally located at King's Station,
this county. They also had two daughters, Cynthia, the wife of Joseph
Hayes, and another one who became the wife of Joseph Decker. John Cun-
ningham received only a common school education, and as a young man
engaged in the mercantile business at Buena Vista, Indiana, and also became
connected with the pork packing industry. He shipped large quantities of
pork, produce, corn, walnut lumber, etc., to New Orleans on flat boats, and
acquired a considerable quantity of valuable farm land. He died in i860
while making a trip south with produce. His widow afterwards married
GIBSOV COU^•TV. INDIANA. 921
David Robb in 1864, and they lucaled seven miles norlli of Princeton, on the
old Robb farm, where they both died. Tu John Cunnini,dKun and his wile
were born the following chUdren : j-'avilla. deceased, the wife of Jasper X.
Davidson, of Princeton: William ( ireen. deceased, who married Alary Hitch,
now living in Patoka : Joseph W'., the immediate subject of this sketch:
Arminta, deceased; John, who died at the age of twenty-one years. To Mr.
and Mrs. Robb were born two children, Anna, the wife of Charles Parrett, of
White River township, (jibson county, and Xora, the wife of Oscar Spare,
who lives south of Princeton.
Joseph \y. Cunningham receixed the ad\antages of a common school
education at Patoka and Deckard, Indiana. He lived at home with his step-
father and mother until he was twenty-three years of age, when he located on
the Barnes place in White River township, to the operation of which he de-
voted himself continuously, and with splendid success, until .\ugust 6, 1^13,
when he retired from the farm and mo\ed to Princeton, establishing himself
in a home at No. 219 South Alain street. He is the owner of four hundred
acres of land in White River township, which has been maintained at the
highest standari! of agricultural excellence, being numbered among the best
farming tracts of the county. In addition to agriculture, Mr. Cunningham
was engaged for many years in the buying of grain and stock and also as-
sisted in the organization of the bank at Patoka, being at this time one of the
directors of that institution. Starting in life with practically no assistance,
he has achieved this splendid success entirely bv his own efforts, and is en-
titled to his due share of credit for what he has accomplished.
W^hen twenty-three }ears old Mr. Cunningham was united in marriage
with Xan Tribbett, a native of Gibson county, Indiana, who was born on the
old Trililiett farm north of Princeton and whose death occurred in 1906. On
Xovember 11, 1908, Mr. Cunningham married Christine Bennett, who was
born in Jacksonville, ]\Iorgan county, Illinois, but resided in Gibson conntv
at the time of her marriage. She is the daughter of Isaac and Martha
(Latham) Bennett, her father a native of Morgan county, Illinois, and the
mother of Gibson county, Indiana. By his first marriage, Air. Cunningham
became the father of the following children: Byron, who died April 12,
1910, was a school teacher for many years, and later cashier in the Patoka
National Bank at Patoka. Gerald, who was educated in the schools at Patoka
and the public schools at Louisville, Kentucky, and Indianapolis. Indiana.
is now a successful dentist at Princeton. Roy T. graduated from the
Patoka schools, and later attended a technical school at Boston, Alassachu-
922 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
setts, in which he took the electrical course, and also took the musical course
in the conservatory at Warren, Ohio. He went to Washington, D. C,
where he became the leader of the Fourth Regimental Band, being assigned
to Fort Monroe, Virginia. There he took up military studies and was one of
the class of four who graduated, receiving his commission as second lieuten-
ant in the coast defense department. He has been stationed at Fort Mor-
gan for the last two years, having charge of the Thirty-ninth Regimental
Band. He is an excellent musician, being a splendid performer on almost all
the band instruments. George, who is unmarried and remains at home, is the
owner of a farm in White River township, in this county, and is interested
with his father.
In politics, Mr. Cunningham has always been allied with the Demo-
cratic party, and has always taken an interest in Democratic affairs in this
locality. Religiously, Mrs. Cunningham is a member of the First Presbyter-
ian church at Princeton. Mr. Cunningham is a man of splendid influence in
his community, having been a very industrious man and having had an honor-
able career, setting a worthy example to the younger generation of this com-
munity and giving his own children a splendid training". He is regarded as a
public-spirited man. and can always ht counted on to support the right side
of any mo^'ement involving the moral, educational or social welfare of his
fellow citizens.
SAMUEL T. HESTON.
That life is the most useful and desirable that results in the greatest good
to the greatest number, and though all do not reach the heights to which they
aspire, yet in some measure each can win success and make life a blessing to
his fellow men. It is not necessary for one to occupy eminent public posi-
tions to do so, for in the other walks of life there' remains much good to be
accomplished and man/'opportunities for the exercise of talents and influence
that in some way will touch the lives of those with whom we come in contact,
making them better and brighter. In the list -of Gibson county's successful
citizens, Samuel T. Heston has long occupied a prominent place. In his
I'ecord there is much that is commendable, and his career forcibly illustrates
what a life of' energy can accomplish when plans are wisely laid and actions
are governed by right principles, noble aims and high ideals. In his public
career, as well as in his private life, no word of suspicion has ever been
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. 923
breathed against him. His actions are the result of careUil and conscientiuus
thought, and when once convinced that he is right, no suggestion of personal
profit or policy can s\\cr\e him from the course he has decided on. Jn offer-
ing the following brief resume of his life it is believed that it will scr\e as an
incentive to the youth whose careers are yet matters for the future to
determine.
Samuel T. Heston was burn in Gil)son count}'. Indiana. .May u, 1866,
the son of Joseph .S. and Margaret A. (Wallace) Hestou. 'Ibe father was
born in Ellicot Cit)-. .M;iryland, antl came west in 1S53, following the busi-
ness of milling for some time after his arrival in Indiana and later turning to
farming and stock raising, in which he was very successful. To Joseph S.
and ^largaret Heston were born si.K children: Samuel T., with whom this
narrative deals; Olive B., who married John E. Joyce, of Princeton; Eunice
E., who married Harry K. Stormont ; and three children who are deceased.
After acquiring an elementary education in the district schools. Mr.
Heston ■ attended Eastman College at Poughkeepsie, New ^'ork. later taking
a course in the business college at Lexington, Kentuck\ . After completing
this commercial course the subject was employed as bookkeejicr for the
I\loore Alilling Company at King's Station, which occupation he followed f<u-
about two years, and then helped to organize the Farmers Bank, in iSS<). and
is still connected with that institution. He started in the bank as assistant
cashier, then became cashier and eventually president. The institution has
grown and prospered until it is one of the best banking houses of its class
in the community. The capital stock is Siooooo, and the institutinu, which
was a state bank for twenty years, w'as changed to a national bank. an<l ww
is called the Farmers' National Bank.
In addition to his financial interests at Princeton. Mr. lle-ii
pre■^ideln of the Bankers National B.ank of E\ans\ille. Indiana,
(organized in 1007. with a capital stock of ,'^230,000.
i"or four years Mr. Heston ser\cd as cit\- treasurer, and I
responsible office in a manner that ga\e entire satisfaction to the t;
.\mong Mr. Heston's other business connections, be is director and
of the Mechanics Building and Loan Association and is also on the board of
directors of the Perpetual Building, Loan_ and Savings Association, lie
was one of the organizers of the Farmers' Oil Company and is still a stock-
holder, although not at j^resent holding an office in that cor|)oration. A\'hen
the Evansville & Princeton traction line was projected, he was one of the
prime movers and was its first treasurer.
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924 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
In 1890 Mr. Heston was united in marriage to Sarah F. Grace, daughter
of Benjamin and Merchans Grace, who h\'ed in Michigan and never moved
to this state. To this union ha\e been born live children; Gladys G.. Joseph
S., Darwin M., Edwin B. and George W., all living at home.
In politics Mr. Heston supports the Democratic party, while his religious
affiliations are with the First Presbyterian church. The home of Mr. Heston
at 603 South Main street, is a model of all that a modern, comfortable,
hospitable home should be. His father died in 191 1, the mother having
passed away five years before, in 1906.
The Heston family at one time owned fourteen hundred acres of land,
and Mr. Heston and his sisters are now the possessors of twelve hundred
acres.
GEORGE WITHER SPOON.
It cannot be other than interesting to note in the series of personal
sketches appearing in this work the varying conditions that ha\-e compassed
those whose careers are outlined, and the effort has been made in each case
to throw well focused light on the individuality and to bring into proper
perspective the scheme of each respective career. Each man who strives to
fulfill his part in connection with human life and human activities is deserv-
ing of recognition, whate\-er may be his field of endea\'or, and it is the func-
tion of works of this nature to perpetuate for future generations an authentic
record concerning those represented in its pages, and the value of such pul>
lications is certain to be cunnilative for all time to come, showing forth the
individual and specific accomplishments of which generic history is ever
engendered.
George Witherspoon, the son of W. P. and Sitha A. (McDonald)
Witherspoon, was born September 17. 1858, in Gibson county, Indiana, his
father being a native of Tennessee, while his mother was born in Xorth
Carolina. His father came from Tennessee when he was about eighteen
years of age and settled in Cokmibia township, this county, where he taught
school for a number of years. With the money saved from his teaching,
together with what he earned in "the summers by farm work, he was enabled
to buy a farm south of Oakland City. Later he disposed of this tract and
secured a farm near Francisco, but in 1863, he moved to Illinois and lived on
a farm in Vermillion county in that state, for the remainder of his days.
GIBSOX COUNTY, INDIANA. 925
Eight children were born to .Mr. and .Mrs. \\". I'. \\ithcrsi)(i( m, the sul)ject
of this sketch being the second in order nf l)irlh.
George W'itherspoon was echicated in the district schodls of \erniillion
county, IlHnois. .\s a farmer's boy he was tlie recipirm of all those ad\an-
tages which fall to the lot of the l)ov on the farm, and there learned all the
intricacies which the successful farmer must have at his command, lie was
married October 4, 1893, to Mary W'ood, daughter of John and Lovvie
(Ireland) Wood, and to their union have been born two children : I.ura, born
November 6, 1894, who is now attending the high school at 1-rancisco and
will graduate in spring of 1914 ; Edna, born June (). iSoy. is also a student in
the Francisco high school, from which she will graduate in 191 5. John
Wood, a native of England, came to this country with his parents and the
rest of the family. They first settled in X'anderburg county, Indiana, near
A\'arrenton. and later moved to the farm where they !i\ed the rest of their
li\es. John Wood came here after his marriage and bought a farm m
Center township where he remained all his life. Lov\'ie Ireland was a native
of Gibson county. Her parents were early settlers in this count v and are
referred to elsewhere in this volume.
Mr. Witherspoon is living on his fine farm of one hundred and eighty
acres and in addition to his general farming, makes a specialty of breeding
fine Percheron horses. Fie has registered his farm under the laws of Indi-
ana as the "Sunnyside Stock Farm." He keeps well informed on the latest
and mo.st improved methods of farming and has his farm ec|uipped with all
the latest improved maciiinery, and as a result he has lieen \er\' successful
in the prosecution of his chosen xocation and is fast accumulating a \ery
comfortable competence for his old age. He is now getting ready to build
a modern home and expects to have it completed within the coming year.
Mr. Witherspoon has been a life-long member of the Republican party,
but has never sought any political office, being content to devote all of his
time and attention to his agricultural and stock raising interests. He and
his wife are loyal and earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal church
of Francisco, and are actively interested in all the difl:'erent organizations of
the church. Every nioxenient which has for its object the bettering oi the
.social or civic life of the community finds a ready helper in Mr. Witherspoon,
and becau.se of the clean life he has led in this community and the worthy
movements which he has helped, his friends and ac(|uaintances are found
everywhere throughout the community.
926 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
CUNACUM McELLHINEY.
The United States is the most cosmopolitan nation of the earth. Her
citizens are drawn from every country and clime, and a residence of a few
years in this country so imbues them with the American spirit that they
become among our best citizens. No nation has furnished better or more
substantial citizens to this country than has the little island of Ireland. From
the Emerald Isle has come many a family which has won an honored place
in the community in which they chose to settle. Among the many families
of Irish descent who have come to this state, there is none who are more loyal
to their adopted country than the McEllhiney family of Gibson county.
Cunacum McEllhiney, the son of John and Mary J. (Curscadin) Mc-
Ellhiney, was born November 19, 1875, at Princeton, Indiana. His father
and mother were married in Ireland and came to this country in 1866, land-
ing at New York. Later they moved westward and settled in Princeton,
Indiana. John McEllhiney was a millwright in the old country and when he
came to Gibson county he followed his trade and also was a watchman at an
engine house in Princeton for several years. Afterward he engaged in farm-
ing, continuing in that occupation until his death. To Mr. and Mrs. John
McEllhiney were born nine children, some of whom were born in the old
country.
Cunacum McEllhiney received his elementary education in the district
schools of Gibson county, and early in life started out to make his own way.
He was first a bricklayer and plasterer and worked at his trade for several
years. He then bought a small tract of land and went to farming, and by
hard work and wise management he has become a very successful farmer in
this county, and is the owner of one hundred acres of good land with a
beautiful home on it.
Mr. McEllhiney was married December 14, 1899, to Ida Legier, the
daughter of Amos and Mary (Wallace) Legier, both natives of Gibson
county, and to this union there have been born two children, Earl, iiorn Jan-
uary 25, 1902, and Lloyd, born November 27, 1912.
Politically, Mr. McEllhiney is an ardent Prohibitionist and does all he
can to further the interests of his party. He is a member of the Cumberland
Presl3}terian church and contributes of his sub.stance to the support of that
denomination. He has always been an industrious and hard working citizen
and has made his way unaided from the bottom of the ladder. Whatever
success he now enjoys he can attribute to those sterling c[ualities of head and
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 927
heart which are always the concomitants of success. He has managed his
business affairs in such a way that he has won the hearty approbation of all
the citizens of his community, and always takes a stand on the right side of
every public question and every movement which seeks to better his com-
munity's welfare finds in him a sympathetic helper.
William J. McEllhiney, the brother of the subject of this sketch, was
born in April, 1866, in Donegal county, Ireland, and came to this country
with his parents when he was about one year old. He received his early edu-
cation in the district schools of this county. He has always exercised those
admirable qualities which characterized his brother and the success which he
has attained is the natural result of persistent effort backed by these qualities.
William McEllhiney was married November 7, 1889, to Elissa M.
Greek, the daughter of Joseph and Berilla (Mills) Greek, the father a native
of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where his birth occurred October 7, 1822.
At an early age he accompanied his parents to Indiana, coming down on a
flat boat to Evansville on the Ohio river. Joseph Greek's father was a car-
penter by trade, which occupation he followed until his death in 1835 at the
age of forty years, his widow, Catherine (Sellers) Greek, surviving him
many years, her death occurring in 1875, at the advanced age of eighty years.
In his early life Joseph Greek was employed in various ways until he finally
secured a permanent position in a brick yard, where he remained for several
years. Mr. Greek was married to Berilla Mills on March 4. 1848, and this
marriage was blessed with the following children : Mrs. Ellen Seals, deceased
April II. 1873; A. T.. deceased October, 1908: .Airs. M. T. Paul: Samuel M..
deceased: George W., deceased; John H., who lives in California; Airs. .Mice
M. Brown; A. L., deceased; Mrs. Hattie L. McCormick. whi) lives in Giliscm
county; Mrs. Rhoda McEllhiney, the wife of Thomas J. McEllhiney. who
is represented elsewhere in this work, and Mrs. Elissa McEllhiney, the wife
of William McEllhiney.
To Mr. and Mrs. William McEllhiney ha\e been liorn eight children :
Moses M., born November 25, 1890, who graduated from the common
schools of Gibson county March 29, 1907, from the Erancisco high school
March 31, 1911, and will graduate from Valparaiso University in 1914. He
taught school one winter in Center township ; Rhoda A., born July 29, 1892,
is still at home; Margaret E., born January 7, 1896, died November 5. 1897;
William A., bom November 8. 1898; Rosie .\., born January 9, 1901 ; Joseph
H., born October 6. 1902; Rachel H.. born December 28, 1905, and Mary
B., born February 5, 1908.
92b GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
William J. McEllhiney has by his industry acquired a fine farm of one
hundred and twenty-six acres of land in this county. This has been ac-
complished only by steady persistence and untiring effort and the application
of upright principles in all of his financial transactions. He carries on a sys-
tem of diversified farming and is recognized as one of the most progressive
farmers of his township. He and the members of his family are attendants
of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and are very actively interested in
all the organizations of the church. He has always been a stanch Prohibition-
ist and ever faithful to uphold the teachings of that party. Since his party
has never been in power he has never held any public office, although he is
deeply interested in all the great political questions of the day. Mr. Mc-
Ellhiney is a fine type of the man who makes his way unaided and while he
has been primarily attending to his own agricultural interests he has not neg-
lected that larger life, which tends to the upbuilding of the community in
which he lives. He has always been a man oii whom his neighbors could de-
pend in every respect. He has that respect for law and order which char-
acterizes a good citizen and is ready at all times to uplift humanity along
civic and social lines.
The McEllhiney brothers are respected throughout the length and
breadth of Gibson county and their friends and acquaintances honor and es-
teem them for the good work which they have done in their respective com-
munities.
WILLIAM PRENTICE BEARING.
The life of the scholarly or professional man seldom exhibits any of those
striking incidents that seize upon public feeling and attract attention to him-
self. His character is generally made up of the aggregate qualities and qualifi-
cations he may possess, as these may be elicited by the exercise of the duties
of his vocation or the particular profession to which he may belong. But
when such a man" has so impressed his individuality upon his fellow men as
to gain their confidence, and through that confidence be retained in important
positions, he becomes a conspicuous figure in the body politic of the com-
munity. The subject of this review is one of the scholarly men of his county,
who, not content to hide his talents amid life's sequestered ways, by the force
of will and a laudable ambition forged to the front in an exacting and responsi-
ble calling and earned an honorable reputation in one of the most important
WILLIAM P. BEARING.
GIBSOX COUXTY. IXDIANA. 929
branches of i^ublic service. A well educated, synimclrically dc\eIoped man,
his work as an educator has for many years been of such a high standard of
excellence that his position in the front rank of his profession has long been
conceded. Keeping abreast of the times in advanced educational methods,
and possessing a broad and comprehensive knowledge, he is, because of his
high attainments, well rounded character and large inlluence, eminently entitled
to representation in the annals of his county.
William Prentice Dearing. the president (jf Oakland City College, with
which institution he has been connected lor many years, is a native son of the
Hoosier state, having been born in Pike county on September 30, 1874, and
is a son of J. B. T. and Betty A. (Selby) Dearing. the former a native of Ken-
tucky and the latter of Pike county, Indiana. These parents are both living
and reside on a farm five miles south of Petersburg, Pike county. William P.
Dearing received his elementary education in the public schools of Pike county
and in the Oakland City high school, where he was graduated in 1890. He
then entered Oakland City College, from which he was the first graduate in
the classical course in 1895. He was then a student in the University of Chi-
cago for a time and at the age of twenty years liecame dean of the faculty of
Oakland City College. He served eight years in that capacity, and in 1903,
at the age of twenty-eight years, became the president of the college and has
been retained continuously in this position until the present time. It is a
notable fact that Professor Dearing was born, educated, married and began
his life work within a radius of five miles. While endowed naturally for the
career to which he has devoted himself, Mr. Dearing supplemented his natural
equipment with an enthusiasm for his profession and a close and critical study
of advanced educational methods. He keeps in close personal touch with the
student body, and as instructor or adviser he holds the interest of those under
him, and many of the students who have come forth from Oakland City Col-
lege have received from him their greatest inspiration for their life work. He
is widely and favorably known as a lecturer before teachers' institutes and
associations, as well as on the Chautauqua platform. He is naturally elocjuent,
his marvelous descriptions and vivid word pictures holding his audiences and
stamping him as a public speaker of unusual attainment. Among the special
lectures which President Dearing has delivered on different occasions through-
out the Middle West, are the following: "The Heritage of the American
Youth," "The Battle with the Beast." "If I Were You," "The Educated ^fan
and His Mission." "Jack and the Bean Stalk." "The Other Fellow." "The Old
(59)
930 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
and the New," "The Double Role," "z'\ii Hour With Poe," "The Dignity of
Youth," "A Theology For the Business Man," "The Teacher's Creed," "Big
Business," and "The Drama of Esther." A modern, practical thinker and an
eloquent and forceful speaker, Doctor Dearing's lectures ha\e given universal
satisfaction wherever he has spoken.
On January i, 1896, William P. Dearing was married to May Cockrum,
the eldest daughter of Col. W. M. and Lucrecia Cockrum of Oakland City.
To this union have been born two children, Mazo and William Cockrum.
Fraternally, William P. Dearing is an appreciative member of the Knights
of Pythias, while religiously, he is a member of the General Baptist church, of
which he is an ordained minister and in the various activities of which society
he is greatly interested. Although a quiet and unassuming man, he has con-
tributed much to the material and civic advancement of this community, add-
ing to admirable qualities of head and heart, a straightforward and upright
character in his daily life, that has won for him the esteem and confidence of
all the circles in which he has moved. His personal relations with his fellow
man have ever been mutually pleasant and agreeable, and he is highly regarded
by all, being easily approached, obliging and straightforward in all the relations
of life.
FRED C. KUESTER.
The farn:ing profession has been revolutionized within the last fifty
years and the farmer of today knows few of the disadvantages which sur-
rounded the pioneer farmers of this state. Scores of inventions have been
put on the market which enable the farmer to lead a life of ease as compared
to the arduous labors which his father had to undergo. The result is that an
ever increasing number of our best young men are remaining on the farm in
preference to trying their fortunes in the city. The farmer is certainly the
most independent man of the country and all other professions must bow to
him. Indiana is known throughout the length and breadth of this country
as one of the best agricultural states of the Union, and Gibson county ranks
with the best farming sections of the state. Gibson county ;tarmers are not
to be excelled bv an^- other county in the state and among its many excellent
farmers no one occupies a more prominent place than the subject of this
review.
Fred C. Kuester, the son of John and Katherine (Swartz) Kuester, was
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. ' 93 1
born October 20, 1859, in \'anderburg a^unly, Indiana, near Evansville.
Both of his parents were of German extraction. His lather came to this
country in 1854, setthng near Evansville, on a farm and there lived for four-
teen years, after which he engaged in the grocery Ijusiness in F.xansvillc, at
the corner of Sixth and Main streets until his death.
Fred C. Kuester, the subject of this sketch, received his early education
in the sciiools of Evansville, and assisted his father in the grocery store until
the time of his father's death. He then went on a farm and supported his
mother and the rest of the family for several years by his work. At the
age of twenty-one he was married to Barbara Apple, of Posey county, Indi-
ana, and to this union were born three children : William, who lives with his
father on the farm; Mrs. Katherine Roseraeyer, of Center township; one
child died in infancy, .\fter the death of his first wife, he was again married
on April 15, i8yi, to Matilda Garbers, the daughter of John and Lena
(Labra) Garbers. Mrs. Kuester's father was a native of Germany, while
her mother was born in Indiana. To Mr. Kuester's second marriage were
born six children, five of whom are living: Myrtle, Laura, Jr>hn. Hulda. Ed-
ward and one child who died in infancw
Fred C. Kuester li\ed on a rented farm for fi\e years after his first
marriage and then came to Gibson county, September 21, 1888, and bought
forty acres of land from John Aulnn-n, and by unflagging industry and strict
attention to his agricultural interests, he gradually increased his land hold-
ings until he is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of as fine land
as can be found in the township. It is interesting tc n jie that the first house
on his farm in Giljson county was a log structure, which he built himself.
Howe\-er, with his good wife and his cliildren, he started to Iniild up his
farm and not many years r<jlled around before he was alile to put up a
substantial home and other good farm buildings. His farm is now under
a high .state of cultivation and is well equi])i)ed with all modern improxenients
and shows what can Ije acccimplished \\lien a goal is set and llic proper encrg\-
applied.
Although i\Ir. Kuester has been a life-long Democrat, he has never asked
for office at the hands of his party. He has been content to devote all of his
time and ability to his agricultural interests. However, he has kept ]iace
with the various movements of his party and takes an acti\'e interest in its
deliberations. Religiously, he is affiliated with the German Snake Run
church and helps in the various activities of that denomination. He is a
member of the lodge of Eagles at Princeton.
932 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Mr. Kuester is a good type of the American citizen who starts out with
practically nothing and by the sweat of his brow has acquired for himself a
comfortable home and laid by a sufhciency of this world's goods to insure
his comfort in his old age. Too much credit cannot be given to the man
who is thrown upon his own resources at an early age and by his own efforts
is enabled to rear a family and supply them with all the comforts of mod-
ern civilization. This is what Mr. Kuester has done and it is to his credit
that in so doing he has not neglected the moral and civic welfare of his com-
munity. Mr. Kuester is a genial and unassuming gentleman who has so
conducted his affairs in the township as to win the confidence and esteem of
his fellow citizens. His success has not been attained by any sudden stroke
of fortune, but rather by unceasing industry and attention to his chosen
vocation. Such men are a credit to any community, and were there more
such men this country would be far better off. It is a pleasure to set forth
in this brief sketch the life and character of such a man. He can pass on to
his children and to his children's children the record of a life well spent.
THOMAS J. McELLHINEY.
There are no more highly esteemed citizens of Gibson county than the
McEllhiney brothers. Born of sturdy Irish parents, they have inherited
through generations of hardy ancestors all of those excellent quaHties which
belong to the people of Ireland. With few opportunities except what their
own efforts were capable of mastering and with many difficulties to overcome,
they have made an exceptional success in life, and the communities in which
they live are proud to number them among their residents. All of them are
progressive and enterprising and persevering and these qualities are sure to
bring success if faithfully directed. They are men of strong and noble char-
acter and have worked with zeal during their residence in this community
for the moral, religious and social welfare of the locality.
Thomas J. McEllhiney, the second of the three brothers living in this
county, was born March 15, 1862, in Ireland. His parents were John and
Marv (Curscadin) McEllhiney, both of whom were natives of Ireland. The
family history of the McEllhineys is specifically set forth in sketch of Cuna-
cum McEllhiney elsewhere in this volume.
Thomas J. McEllhiney came with his parents to America when he was
four years of age and settled with them in Gibson county, Indiana. Here he
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 933
received his elementary education, but owing to the tact that it was necessary
for him to start out early in hfe to earn a livehhood, his education was
hmited, although he has not let that hinder him in any way, but has kept
himself well informed upon all the current topics of the day by reading the
newspapers and magazines.
Thomas J. McEUhiney was married on July 22, 1886, to Rhoda Greek,
the daughter of Joseph and Berilla (Mills) Greek. He was born in Pennsyl-
vania and his wife in Center township in this county. Joseph Greek was born
in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1822. His parents moved to Intliana
early in his life, and he worked at various occupations and upon reaching the
age of twenty-six he was married to Berilla Mills on March 14, 1848. They
reared a large family of children to honored and respected manhood and
womanhood and this family history is specifically referred to elsewhere in
this volume in the .sketch of Cunacum McEUhiney.
To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. McEUhiney have been born two children,
Ruth and Robert R. Ruth, born November 13, 1887, is the wife of David
Dunning, a farmer of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Dunning have three chil-
dren: Elsie, Royal and Lela M. Robert R., born August 14, 1889, is still
at home with his parents. Mr. McEUhiney purchased the farm on which he
now lives, a tract comprising seventy-one acres, going into deirt for the whole
amount of the purchase price. Within five years, however, he had by hard
work and strict application to business, succeeded in paying off the total
indebtedness incurred by this purchase. Since then he has bougiit sixty-one
acres more land and has paid for all of this from the products of the farm.
In addition to his agricultural interests, he is financially interested in the
Francisco Telephone Exchange, of which he is the president and manager.
In this he has shown excellent business judgment and administrative ability
and the service given by this telephone company has increased in value since
he took charge of the work.
Politically, Mr. McEUhiney is a Progressive and sees in that party a
chance to bring about certain reforms which will be of benefit to the nation
in general. In his religious affiliations he is found in the Methodist Episcopal
church, where he takes an active interest in the \arious departments of the
work of that denomination.
Mr. IMcEllhiney, because of his many excellent personal (|nalities and
splendid influence which his life has shed over the locality in which he has
lived, is a man who has won a host of friends throughout the township.
His high moral character and persistent industry have brought him a meed
of fame which he rightly deserves.
934 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
WALTER T. GALLIGAN.
The most elaborate history is necessarily an abridgment, the historian
being compelled to select his facts and material from a multitude of details.
In every life of honor and usefulness there is no dearth of incident and yet in
summing up the career of any man the writer needs touch only the salient
points which give the keynote of the character, but eliminating much that
is superfluous. Thus in giving the life record of Walter T. Galligan, suffi-
cient will be said to show that he is one of the enterprising, influential and
progressive citizens of Gibson county, Indiana.
Walter T. Galligan, junior member of the firm of Kell & Galligan, mer-
chants at Oakland City, is a native son of the old Hoosier state, having been
born in Terre Haute, Vigo county, on July 13, 1869. His parents were
Michael and Mary (Troutman) Galligan, the father a native of Ohio, and
the mother of Kentucky. Michael Galligan. who was a railroad engineer by
vocation, came to Oakland City in the employ of the Southern railroad, with
which company he was connected for many years, proving one of the most
faithful and trusted employes. He is now retired from active work and
lives in Louisville, Kentucky. After the death of his first wife, he married
Mollie Wilson. The subject of this sketch was the only child by his first
union.
Walter T. Galligan recei^'ed his education in the public schools of Oak-
land City and Louisville, Kentuck}-, and in 1888 he became a salesman in
the store of John D. Kell & Company at Oakland City, the company being
Mrs. Nannie Duncan, of Princeton. In 1890 Mr. Galligan purchased Mrs.
Duncan's interest in the business, since which time the firm name has been
Kell & Galligan, the store being known as the "Why" store. A large and
complete stock of clothing, shoes and general furnishings for men are carried
in this store. Three years ago the}' established another department under
the name of the "When" store, containing a complete stock of dry goods.
The "When" is a stock company, of which Mr. Galligan is the president, Mr.
Kell, vice-president, and C. J. Powers, secretary and treasurer. The business
has been very successful, and is now numbered among the leading com-
mercial houses of this locality. ]Mr. Galligan has been very successful in
everything to which he has applied himself, and is vice-president of the
Creek & Heldt Hardware Company, a corporation at Oakland City, and a
director in the Columbia State Bank, one of the successful and influential
financial concerns of Gibson county. A man of earnest purpose and upright
GIliSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 935
life, he has so ordered his actions as to win and retain the cdnfidence ami
esteem of the entire community, and he is rightfully numbcretl anion;; the
representative men of Gibson county.
Mr. Galligan was married to Essie M. Bucklin, of Princeton, the daui,di-
ter of T. M. and Ann Bucklin. and to them ha\e been born two dau!.;luers.
Helen and Margaret.
Religiously, Mr. Galligan is a member of the Presbyterian church, while
fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic order, in which he has taken the
degrees of the York Rite, holding membership in the commandery of Knights
Templar at Princeton, and in Hadi Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine,
at Evansville. He is a self-made man and has made his way in life unaided.
Personally, he is a man of pleasing address, obliging, genial, a good mixer,
makes and retains friends without effort, and he is in every way worthy of
the high esteem in which he is universally held.
MOSES .McELLHIXEY.
No more substantial and moral citizens liave ever come to this country
from foreign lands than the sons of Ireland and wherever they have settled
they have become honored and respected citizens. As a race they are char-
acterized by industry and a patience which overcomes all obstacles and thus
insures them success in whatever undertaking they choose to follow, (iib-
son county has been honored by having several of the sons of the Emerald
Isle as citizens, but no family of Irish descent has ever occupied a more
prominent place in the material development of the county than has the Mc-
Ellhiney family.
Moses McEllhiney, the youngest child of John and Mary J. (Curscadin)
McEllhiney, was born in Ireland February 15, 1861. His parents were born,
reared, married and spent several years of their married life in their native
land. Moses was given his elementary schooling in the sod schoolhouses of
Ireland, and his subsecpient education has been gathered in the wide school
of observation and experience, and his success of today is convincing proof
that he has been an apt student. \\'hen Moses was a young boy he came with
his parents to the United States and settled in Princeton, Indiana. John
McEllhiney was a millwright in Ireland and when he came to Gibson county
he took up the same trade. For some years he was also a watchman at the
936 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
engine house in Princeton, and a more efficient and faithful employee the
railroad company never had. Some years before his death he engaged in
farming and was engaged in this occupation at the time of his death. To
Mr. and Mrs. John jNIcEllhiney were Ijorn nine children, among whom were
Moses, Cunacum and William J., three brothers who are now living in Gibson
county, Indiana.
]\Ioses McEllhiney is a fine example of the truly self-made man, for he
has won his way through his own unaided efforts. He received a ver}'
meager education in Ireland and as soon as he came to this country he started
out to help make a living for the family, and since that time has been a man
who has literalh' earned his bread by the sweat of his brow. His first work
in this country was in a saw mill with his brother, where he worked about
two weeks, and recei\'ed one hundred pounds of flour for his labor. His
father then bought for him a horse and wagon and he started into the dray
business in Princeton, his first job being the delivering of a sack of flour to
John Oswald, for which he received five cents. His second and his next call
was for J. J. Hartman, for whom he hauled some hardware from the depot
for fifteen cents, the total for his first day's work being twenty cents. With
this inauspicious beginning he laid the foundation for his future success, and
at the end of two years he sold his draying outfit and went on a farm where
he worked for his father for about fifteen years. He then went to Colorado,
where he became the foreman of a cattle ranch and remained in that state for
five years, at the expiration of which time he returned to Gibson county,
where he and his brother purchased eighty acres of land. After his mar-
riage in i8g8, he rented the farm of Harvey Greer and li\ed on this place for
eleven years, when he purchased his father-in-law's farm of twenty-six and
one-half acres. He proceeded to build a new home on this farm, which is
one of the handsomest country homes in the county. He also has good out-
buildings of all kinds, and is now in a fair way to become a landowner of
some prominence. Shortly after building his new house, he bought sixty
acres of land from Alexander Mooney, and to his rapidly growing farm he
later added twenty-three acres of land which he bought from his brother,
Robert, and twenty acres of his brother Cunacum's farm, making him a
total at the present time of one hundred and thirty-five acres of good farm-
ing land. As a day laborer he never made more than twenty-seven dollars a
month, and he can now look back with some satisfaction on a career which
has been marked by good, honest hard toil.
Moses McEllhiney was married to Carrie Rinehart. September 7, 1898,
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 937
tlie daughter of Frank and Luna Waltz, lie a native of ("lihsun edunty. while
his wife was born in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Kinehari were the parents of
six children: Carrie: John, deceased: .Mrs. Sophionia Weidenhender, who
lives in Princeton, Indiana; Mary, at home; Louis, of Bloomington, Illinois;
and Daniel, who lives in Princeton. To Mr. and Mrs. Mcl""llhiney have been
born six children: John, born Xovember 9, 1899: Henry, born June 10,
1902; Venito, born November 2, 1904; Daniel, born May 4, 1907; Mary,
born August 24, 1909. and Mabel, born October j8. iqii. who lived only
two weeks.
Mr. McEllhincy has been a strong Democrat in his i)olilical views, but
has never taken an active part in politics. Much of his time has been spent
outside of the state, and while he was working in Indiana, he had neither the
time nor the means to indulge in the game of politics. He and the members
of his family are devout adherents of the Catholic church and contribute
liberally of their substance to this denomination. Mr. McEllhiney's career
abounds in honest work, persistent efifort and a perseverance which has never
forsaken him during all the years of his endeavor. His life and labors are
worthy of emulation and show what can be accomplished by a man who starts
out with the intention of making an honest living. He is rearing his family
to lives of usefulness and intends to give them that education which will fit
them for the affairs of life. He is highly resi)ected and honored by all who
know him.
FELIX N. WESTFALL
All honor is due the gallant veterans who an- still living today. They
are fast answering the last roll call, and within a few years they will all have
passed away, leaving nothing but the memory of an heroic life spent for the
love of their country. When the news of the fall of Fort Sumter was flashed
across the country the hearts of the North were lired by patrioti.-m which
augured well for the nation. \o Xorthern state had a more patriotic governor
than Indiana, and had every governor done as much to help Presiilent Lin-
coln as did Governor Morton the war would not have lasted as long as it
did. No other state furnished as many men in proportion to its population as
did Indiana; no other troops were sent into the field as well equipped and as
well drilled as were the Indiana soldiers. More than two hundred thousand
men enlisted from the state of Indiana alone, and in every engagement in
which they participated they were never found lacking in that fine enthusi-
938 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
asm which is conducive to victory. Whether upon the battle field or in the
camp, whether in the prison pen of the South, they were always found faith-
ful and loyal to the country which was supporting them. Amid the sound of
shrieking shell they never faltered, but obeyed every command of their
superior officers. Often wounded, they left the hospital and fought on until
the end. Thousands who were made prisoners rejoined their companies and
were often captured again, but it is to their credit that they never wavered;
they never showed the white feather. No county in the state furnished braver
or better men than did Gibson county, and of the thousands of men who
went from this county, the seventeen-year-old youth whose name heads this
sketch was fired by as pure a patriotism as was shown by any of the recruits
who went to the front.
Felix N. Westfall, a Civil war veteran and prominent citizen of this
county, was born September i8, 1844, in Owensville, this county. His par-
ents were Calvin and Juliana (Cormick) Westfall, the father born in Harri-
son county, Indiana, and the mother a native of Gibson county. Calvin West-
fall came to Gibson county when he was about eight years of age with his
parents and lived on his father's farm until he was about twenty-two years
of age. He received his elementary education in Harrison and Gibson county
schools and as a youth enjoyed all those advantages which fall to the lot of
the ordinary country lad. After his marriage he bought a farm in this county,
which he operated and improved, and where he lived for the remainder of his
life. To him and his wife were born nine children, of whom Felix N. was
the fifth in order of birth.
Felix N. Westfall was reared on the paternal farmstead and received his
education in the district schools of Gibson county. On August 10, 1862, when
he still lacked one month of being eighteen years of age, he enlisted in Com-
pany F. Eightieth Regiment Indiana \^olunteer Infantry, and served
throughout the remainder of the great conflict, being discharged on June 22,
1865, at Salisbury, North Carolina. He left Princeton with his company on
the 8th day of September, 1862, and on October 8th of the same year he
engaged in his first battle in Kentucky. Here he was severely wounded, but
quickly recovering, he again joined his company. The corps to which his
company was attached followed the Confederates to Danville, Kentucky,
where they (the Confederates) were going to encamp for the winter. On this
forced march he was disabled and sent to the hospital, where he remained
from the 27th of November, 1862, until March 20, 1863, when he was again
able to rejoin his regiment. Within a short time he was again disabled and
GIBSON CorXTY, INDIANA. 939
was this time sent Xo Luuisvilk-, Kentucky, tn recuperate. As stmu as he was
discharged from the hospital, he rejoined liis regiment at Lel)an(in, Kentucisy,
and was then in active service until the day on which he was mustered out.
We cannot give too much credit to those gallant hoys in hlue who followed
wherever their commander led them, whc) never (|uesti<Mied an order, hut
fought through the bloodiest of conflicts without ever iiinciiing.
Immediately after being mustered out of the service Mr. West fall re-
turned to Center township, Gibson county, and started to work on the farm.
On December 13, 1867, he was united in marriage to Rosalie Dougherty, the
daughter of Frank and Jane (Montgomery) Dougherty, and to this union
there were born eight children: William, deceased, December 26, 1912;
Melissa Edith, who died in infancy; Hiram T., who lives in Oregon; Marion
O., who lives in Nebraska; Mamie A., who died in infancy; ]Mrs. Alary J.
Combs, of Princeton, Indiana; Mrs. Julia A. Hyslop, whose husband is a
farmer in Center township, and Orville, who died in infancy.
At the time of his marriage Mr. Westfall bought a fafm of eighty acres
in Center township, this county, and continued to operate this tract until a
few years ago when he moved to the town of Francisco. As a farmer he was
very successful in raising all the crops common to this section. He gradually
improved his farm and kept it well stocked with the latest farming machinery,
thereby materially increasing the value of his farm. He has been a life-long
Republican in politics, but has been satisfied to devote all of his time and
attention to his agricultural interests and for this reason has not taken a
very active part in politics. Howe\er. he keeps himself well informed on
all the public questions of the day and can di.scuss them intelligently. He and
his family are faithful and earnest members of the General Baptist church,
and have alwavs taken a prominent part in the activities of this denomina-
tion. Mr. Westfall is a prominent member of the Grand Army of the Re-
public post at Princeton, and takes a great deal of pleasure in being present
at the meetings of Archer Post.
Mr. Westfall can look back over a life well spent. As a soldier he per-
formed his every duty with faithfulness and courage, and as a private citi-
zen he has never fallen short of the dignity of true manhood. In all his
business transactions he has so conducted his life that he has won tlie un-
qualified approbation of all of his fellow citizens, so that when he answers
the final roll call there will be no one but what can say "His life was gentle
and the elements so mixed in him that the whole v-orld might stand u]) and
sav, he was a man."
940 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
JOHN N. McKEDY.
There is no occupation which gives a man the independence of hfe,
which brings him closer to nature than does farming. In pioneer times farm-
ing was very much of a drudgery, but with all the modern improvements, the
farmer is relieved of much of the hard work which was the portion of his
forefathers. Then, too, farming" has risen in dignity, until now it is often
referred to as a profession rather than as an occupation. Fifty years ago
the science of agriculture was in its mere jnfancy, and to think that a man
had to take a course in college in order to be a successful farmer would have
been laughed at, but today our colleges are teaching agriculture as a science
and are turning out thousands of young men who are well trained in the
scientific methods of farming. Another ad\'antage which the present day
farmer commands which was totally unknown to his pioneer forefathers, is
the matter of transportation. Good roads are threading every portion of our
state today and the interurban and automobile keep the farmer in close touch
not only with his neighbors, but with the life in the city as well. Gibson is
one of the oldest counties in the state and consequently has many fine farms
and good farmers within its borders. .Among the enterprising and pro-
gressive farmers of the county, there is no one who stands in higher esteem
than does the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch.
John N. McKedy was born April ii, 1850, in Owensville, Indiana, the
son of Thomas H. and Maria (Teal) McKedy, both natives of this county.
They were the parents of seven children, the subject being the second child in
order of birth. Thomas H. McKedy located in Center township on the farm
where his son, John N., is now living. He cleared this land, drained and
fenced it and put up a log cabin in the early days, where he and his good wife
started to housekeeping.
John N. McKedy was reared on the home farm and received his early
education in the district schools of his neighborhood and followed this by a
course in the Oakland City College. That he took advantage of his educa-
tional opportunities is shown by the fact that he took the state teachers'
examination and secured a license to teach school in his county. Although
he only taught one term of school he made a good record as a teacher that
j'ear and the teaching profession lost a good instructor when he decided to
abandon teaching and engage in farming.
John N. McKedy was united in marriage on March 10, 1877, to Mary
Madden, the daughter of Wright and Susan J. (Hollingsworth) Madden,
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 94 1
both natives of tlie Hoosier state. To Mr. and Mrs. McKedy have been born
two children, Homer V., who is now the chief clerk in the New York, New
Haven & Hartford Railroad at New Haven, Connecticut, and Mrs. Mary
May Lagier, whose husband is a farmer in Center townshi]); siic has two
children, May L., born .Vpril 4, 1909, and Madge, born June j;!,. ii;i_'. The
wife and mother died December 31, 1S97.
Mr. McKedy is the owner of a finely improved farm of eighty-live acres,
besides other land holdings in Center township. He has retired from active
farm life and rents his farms out to tenants. As a farmer he was successful
and was counted as one of the most progressi\e farmers of his comnninitv
at the time when he retired from active labors on the farm. I'nliiically. he
is a firm adherent and believer in the principles of the Pruhihitionist partv,
and has taken a very acti\c interest in the deliberations of that party. He is
a member of the Presbyterian church, and has always been prominent in the
activities of that denomination. Mr. McKedy is a man who is well informed
on all public questions of the day and keeps apace with the progress of
civilization. He does a great amount of reading and takes pleasure in talk-
ing o\er the problems of the day with his friends. He is a genial, unas-
suming man whom it is a pleasure to meet, and all of his neighbors speak
in the highest terms of his genial comjianionship. While he has been look-
ing out for his material advancement, he has not neglected those higher inter-
ests which go out after the welfare of his community, and accordinglv he is
in hearty sympathy with all movements looking toward the betterment of the
community of which he is a resident.
JOHN ARBUTHNOT.
In the history of Gibson county, as ajiplying to the agricultural inier-
ests, the name of John Arbuthnot occupies a conspicuous ])lace. for through
a nuiliber of years he has been one of the representative farmers of Center
township, progressive, enterprising and i^ersevcring. .Such (|ualilies al-
ways bring success, sooner or later, and to Mr. .\rbuthnot they ha\e brought
a satisfactory reward for his well-directed effort, and while he has Ijenefited
himself and community in a material way, he has also I)een an influential
factor in the educational, political, and mora! uplift of the comnuinity fa-
vored by his residence.
John Arbuthnot. the son of Ulysses and Lurana (Da\is) Arbuthnot.
942 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
was born June lo, 1857, at Linnville, Indiana. His father came to Gibson
county in 1867 and settled on a farm aljout three miles south of Princeton.
He \'ias a saddlemaker by trade and later followed farming until his death
in Jul}-, 1893. His widow is still living with her son John at the advanced
age of eighty-two. She is still very active for a woman of her age. To
Mr. and Mrs. Ulysses Arbuthnot were born four children: Nancy J., John,
Martha (deceased) and Elizabeth (deceased).
John Arbuthnot received his elementary education in the district schools
of Gibson county, and in 1892 began to learn the trade of a miller. He
followed this occupation for e]e^'en years, but after his marriage he de-
cided to engage in farming. Accordingly he mo\ed to Tennessee and oper-
ated a farm in that state for three years. Not liking to remain in that state,
however, he sold his farm and returned to Gibson county, Patoka town-
ship, Indiana, where he purchased a farm near Poseyville. He improved
this farm and conducted it very successfully for a number of years, but
finding a farm in Center township which suited him better, he sold his
other farm and bought the one in Center township which he owns today.
On this farm of one hundred and fort3'-two acres he carries on a diversified
system of farming and also raises stock which has proved to be very remun-
erative. He is a progressive and scientific farmer who is al)le to get the best
results from the soil.
He was married on February 10, 1887, to PTarriet E. Chism, the daugh-
ter of William and Mary Fitzgerald Chism. His wife's parents were both
born in Gibson county, his wife being born in the county on January 2, 1865.
Mr. and Mrs. Arbuthnot are the parents of five children : Mrs. Lillian M.
Harbson (born November 21, 1887), whose husband is a teacher in Gibson
county, at Francisco; Maud E. (born in Tennessee, April 12. 1890) ; Charles
U. (born January 20, 1893), who is now living in the town of Francisco,
Indiana : and two sons who are still under the parental roof — William C.
born June 0. 1896) and Paul E. (born June 4, 1900)'.
]\Ir. Arbuthnot has been a Democrat all his life, and keeps well in-
formed on the political questions of the day. He has not been a seeker after
political honors, preferring rather to devote all of his energies to his agricul-
tural interests. He and his family are loyal members of the General Bap-
tist church and are interested in the various activities of that denomination,
ination.
]Mr. Arbuthnot has won his success only In- hard and unceasing labor
and deserves an honoral^le place among the representati\'e farmers of his
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 943
county. He has always taken a part in all movements whicli sou,y:]it to amel-
iorate the moral and social conditions of his communit)-, and in sn ddin^ has
won the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens.
C. A. SHUBART.
The following is a sketch of a plain, honest man of aft'airs. who hy cor-
rect methods and a strict regard for the interests of his patrons has made his
influence felt in Princeton and won for himself distinctive prestige in the
professional circles of that city. He is one of those whose integrity and
strength of character must force them into an admirable notoriety which
their modesty never seeks, who command the respect oi their contemporaries
and their posterity and leave the impress of their individuality deepl}- stamped
upon the community.
C. A. Shubart, one of the most prominent photographers of this sec-
tion of the state, was born October 5, 1869, i" Bethel, Pennsylvania. His
parents, Augustus and Elizabeth (Welborn^ Shubart, were also natives
of the Keystone state and lived their whole life in the city of Bethel. Au-
gustus Shubart was a farmer and successful business man in Bethel during
his whole career. He and his wife reared a large family of six children:
Henrietta ; Anna, deceased ; Katherine, deceased ; Henry, deceased ; Aden,
deceased; and C. A., the immediate subject of this sketch.
C. A. Shubart received his education in the schools of his native city
and upon reaching the years of \-iiung manhood he entered the ser\ice of
a photographer at Canton. Ohio, in cirder to learn the trade. He remained
here for about ten \ears, when he removed to Marion, Indiana, where he
remained a short time. Feeling that there was a good opening in Prince-
ton for a photographer he o])ened up an establishment in that place in 1898
and has been successful from the first. A destructive fire which occurred
on December 23. 191 2, destro3'ed twenty thousand negatives and all (jf his
photographic equipment as well. However, with true determination to
win and confidence in his ability to succeed he immediately re-established
himself and is now rapidh- winning back enough to recoup himself for his
heavv losses by this fire. He is recognized as a man of artistic tastes and
one who can satisfy the most fastidious subject, while his courteous manner
and affable personality have been the means of attracting to him an e\-er
944 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
increasing number of customers. He made the pictures and views which
are used in this volume.
Mr. Shubart was married on November 30, 1896, to Minnie Reese,
the daughter of Brubaker and Martha (Sheckler) Reese. He met his wife
while working in Canton, Ohio, and they were married in that city. Fra-
ternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Although he is a Republican in
politics, he has never taken an active part in political affairs and public
offices have had no attraction for him. Mr. Shubart is a man who has the
good name of the community at heart and his is the life of a man who gives
character and stability to the body politic.
JOSEPH K. McGARY.
Among the strong and influential citizens of Gibson county, the records
of whose lives have become an essential part of the history of this section, the
gentleman whose name appears above occupies a prominent place and for
years he has exerted a beneficial influence in the locality where he resides.
His chief characteristics are keenness of perception, a tireless energy, honesty
of purpose and motive, and every-day common sense, which have enabled him
not only to advance his own interests, but also largely contribute to the moral
and material advancement of the community.
Joseph K. McGary was born September 28, 1844, on a farm in Mont-
gomery township, Gibson county, and is a son of Harrison D. and Nancy
(Pritchard) McGary, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of North
Carolina. Harrison D. McGary, who had come to Gibson county in early
manhood, was a soldier in the war of 1812. He was a farmer by vocation,
and lived in Montgomery township until his death, which occurred in 1845,
his widow dying some years later. The paternM grandfather, Hugh McGary,
who was a native of Kentucky, took part in the early Indian wars with Daniel
Boone, and became one of the first settlers of Evansville, having come up the
Ohio river in a boat and tieing it to an elm tree which died only a few years
ago ; another tree was planted on the spot with considerable ceremony, the sub-
ject of this sketch being present on that occasion. The subject of this sketch
is one of three children, the others being William H.. who was killed in the
battle of Stone's River on January 31, 1862, and Hugh D., who lives at Fort
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 945
Branch, but who is engaged in business in Princeton in partnership with the
subject. Mr. ]McGary received his education in the public schools of his home
community, residing on the paternal farmstead until 1885, when he removed
to Princeton, where he has since resided. He was very successful in the
operation of the farm, and also engaged in a number of other commercial
enterprises, having been treasurer of the sheet metal works for seven years,
or from the time the company was organized until it sold out. He is now
engaged in the loan business, in partnership with his brother Hugh, and they
are numbered among the successful and enterprising business men of
Princeton.
During the Civil war, Mr. McGary took an active part in his country's
defense, enlisting in March, 1864, in Company E, Forty-second \"olunteer In-
fantry, being the youngest of three brothers who took part in that conflict.
He participated in all of the battles from Chattanooga down to Savannah, and
was with Sherman on his historic march to the sea, proving a valuable and
faithful soldier, according to the testimony of his comrades. He is now and
has been for a number of years an active member of the Grand Army of the
Republic, and he, in association with D. W. Smith, got up the petition and
started the effort for the erection of the soldiers' monument in Princeton, and
probably more to Mr. McGary than anyone else is due the credit for the suc-
cess of this project, as Mr. Smith died sooon after the petition was started and
the burden of the work fell upon Mr. McGary.
Mr. ]\IcGary has been twice married, tirst, in September, 1872. to Rebecca
Weed, to which union no children were born. Mrs. McGary died in 1901, hav-
ing been an invalid for many years, and in June, 1904, Mr. McGary married
Mrs. Matilda Degrafif, whose maiden name was Trible. She was born and
reared in Johnson township, Gibson county, and is a lady of many excellent
qualities of head and heart, who has endeared herself to all who knew her.
Politically, Mr. McGary is a stanch supporter of the Republican party,
while religiously he is an earnest and active member of the Methodist Epis-
copal church. In local civic affairs he has long taken a deep interest, having
served efficiently as a meiuber of the city council for six years, and gi\ing his
support to all movements for the betterment of the public \\elfare. Although
his life has been a busy one, his every-day affairs making heavy demands upon
his tiiue, he has never .shrunk from his duties as a citizen and his obligation to
his church has never been neglected. He is. first of all. distinctively a man of
the people, whose interests he has at heart and for whom he would not hesitate
(60)
946 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
to make any reasonable sacrifice. Genial and unassuming in his relations with
his fellows, he has a wide acquaintance, among whom are many warm and
loyal personal friends.
HENRY WILD EM AN.
Among the prominent young farmers of Center township, Gibson county,
Indiana, no one occupies a more prominent place than does the subject of this
review. He comes from highly honored German parentage and has a herit-
age of all those sterling qualities which characterize the German emigrants
who came to this country early in its history. He takes a very active part in
all the social, material and intellectual interests of his community and is alto-
gether one of those citizens whom any county would be proud to possess.
With his good common sense, strict integrity and steady persistence he has
won a name for himself early in life and is well liked by all with whom he
has come in contact.
Henry Wildeman, the son of Charles and Sally (Aker) Wildeman, was
born in Posey county, Indiana, No\ember 9, 1870. Henry Wildeman, Sr.,
the father of Charles, was a very highly educated man and school teacher in
Germany. He spoke German and French. He brought his family to this
country in 1849 ^"d settled in Posey county, Indiana, where he remained the
rest of his life on a farm. He directed the farm work but was never actively
engaged. Charles Wildeman was born in Germany in 1835, while his wife,
Sally Aker, was a native of Posey county, Indiana. In 1882, the family
moved to Gibson county and settled on the farm where Henry now lives.
Charles Wildeman died on July z^j, 1909, his wife having passed away many
years previous, February 23, 188 1. To Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wildeman
were bdrn tweh'e children: Mrs. Carrie Whitman; Mrs. Katie Gerhart, de-
ceased: .\ndre\A', who is represented elsewhere in this work; Mrs. Lizzie
Weaver; Mrs. Rosie Stateman; Charles, who is also represented elsewhere
in this work: Henry, the immediate subject of this sketch; Joseph; Frank, a
farmer of Center townshi]^ in this county : Mrs. Maggie Smith and Sallie,
who died in infancy.
Henry Wildeman received his common school education in the district
schools of his neighborhood and worked on his father's farm until he was
twenty-five years of age; then he went west and followed teaming for two
years, at the expiration of which time he returned to Gibson county, where
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 947
he has since resided. He is the owner of a line farm ol one luindred and
forty-five acres in this county in Center tiiwii^hip. whicii is well improved and
equipped with the latest agricuUura! machinery, in addition to carrying on
a system of diversified farming, he also raises cmisiilerahle H\e stocl<, in which
he has been very successful.
Mr. Wildeman was married un May 21, 1902, to Katie Deters, the
daughter of Barney and Mary Deters, and to this union there have been born
three children: Edgar, born January 22, 1904; Roy, born October 18, 1908;
Albert, born October 6, 191 1. Mr. Wildeman has had success commensurate
with his ability and efi^ort and is recognized in the community as a man of
more than ordinary ability. In addition to his farming interests, he has
stock in the Francisco State Bank, at Francisco, Indiana. Politically, he is a
Democrat, but has never been an aspirant for political preferment. He is a
member, with his family, of the Catholic church, and contrilnites liberally
of his substance to the support of this denomination and takes an interested
part in all the activities of the church. He is one of the most prominent and
progressive farmers and business men of this section of the county, and his
counsel is frequently sought by his friends. He belongs to that class of men
who are pushing forward the wheels of progress and by sheer force of char-
acter and persistency he has won his way to a place of influence and ])n)ini-
nence in the community where he lives.
JOHN H. MILLER.
Success in this life comes to the deserving. It is an axiom demonstrated
by all human experience that a man gets out of this life what he puts into it,
plus a reasonable interest on the investment. The individual who inherits
a large estate and adds nothing to his fortune cannot be called a successful
man. He that falls heir to a large fortune and increases its value is success-
ful in proportion to the amount he adds to his possession. But the man who
starts in the world unaided and by sheer force of will, controlled by correct
principles, forges ahead and at length reaches a position of honor among his
fellow citizens achieves success such as representatives of the two former
classes can neither understand nor appreciate. To a considerable extent the
subject of this sketch is a creditable representative of the class last named,
a class which has furnished much of the bone and sinew of the count r\- and
added to the stability of our government and its institutions.
94° GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
John H. Miller, a veteran of the Civil war and a retired lawyer of
Princeton, Indiana, was born in Rockport, Indiana, on December i, 1841. His
parents were Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Franklin Miher, his father being born
in Virginia. B. F. Miller was reared in Washington, Pennsylvania, and
after receiving a common school education started in the manufacture and
wholesaling of tobacco, and later went to Co\'ington, Kentucky, where he
followed the same business. He was married at Harrodsburg, Kentucky, to
Nancy A. Fliggins, and in 1832 removed to Newberg, Indiana. After a resi-
dence of two years in that city, he went to Rockport, and in 1849 to Gentry-
ville, Indiana, where his death occurred in 1884, at the age of seventy-nine
years, while his wife died at the age of eighty-two years. Mr. Miller was a
Whig in politics before that party was a part of the Republican party, and
from 1856 on until the time of his death, he supported the Republican party.
Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Miller reared five children: Jane, deceased; Addie, de-
ceased; Elizabeth, deceased; Benjamin F., who served during the Civil war
in Company H, Forty-second Regiment Indiana Volunteers, and was killed at
the battle of Stone's River; and John H., the immediate subject of this sketch.
John H. Miller received his common school education in the southern
part of Indiana and for a time attended a private school taught by a Mr.
Burns, a man of excellent learning for those days. When the Civil war was
at its height in December of 1863, Mr. Miller enlisted in Company H, Tenth
Regiment Indiana Volunteer Cavalry. He organized the company and was
the first lieutenant, being mustered into the service on March 8, 1863. His
company saw service in the battles of Decatur, Alabama; Nashville, Tennessee;
Mobile ; Fort Blakely" and Spanish Fort and many other engagements. Since
he was a member of the cavalry service he saw a great deal of staff duty.
He served until the close of the war and was discharged in the summer of
1865.
Immediately after the close of the war Mr. Miller returned to this state
and located in Petersburg, where he read law for a time with Wiley C.
Adams, of Jasper, Indiana. In the spring of 1866, he was admitted to the
bar and took up the active practice of his profession at Petersburg, with a
partner, E. P. Richardson, and continued his practice at this place until 1884,
when he located in Princeton and resumed his practice with J. E. McCullough.
This firm of McCullough & Miller did a general law business until 1906,
when Mr. Miller retired on account of age, and since that time he has looked
after his farm interests at Union in Pike county in this state, where he has
one of the finest farms in the county. He is a breeder of fine mules. Here-
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 949
ford cattle, Poland-China and Reil jersey ln'i^s, and is regarded as one of
the most successful st(ici< breeders in this pari of the stale.
Mr. JMiller was married nn March 30, 1868, to Mary E. Montgomery,
the daughter of Thomas L. and Elizabeth (Edmondson) Montgomery, of
Petersburg. Indiana. She died on August 11, 1905. Mr. and Mrs. John H.
Miller were the parents of two children, Montgomery L., who died shortly
after he was admitted to the bar, and Bessie A., wIk) is still at home. Mr.
Miller is a member of the United Presbyterian church of Princeton, taking
an interested part in the various activities of this denomination. Fraternally,
he is a member of the Archer Post, Grand Army of tlie Repul)lic, and takes a
lively interest in the affairs of this order. Like his father before him. he has
been a life-long Repulih'can. but has ne\er been a seeker for or held any
political office.
As a lawyer ]\Ir. Miller, by a straightforward and honorable course has
Iniilt up a large and lucratixe legal business and financially has been fairly
successful. His life affords a splendid example of what an American youth,
plentifully endowed with good common sense, energy ami thrift, can ac-
complish when accompanied by good moral principles. lie was intensely
methodical and unswerving in his search of the essentials of the legal founda-
tion and sources of legal conception and thought, holding devoutly to the
highly embellished record of equity in all matters of jurisprudence. Ndw in
his declining years he can look back upon a life which has l)een well spent
and a record which needs no apology in any particular.
JOSEPH ROBERT KEXDLE.
Among those who are eminently entitled to a place in a work uf this
character is the gentleman whose name initiates this paragra]ih, wh(j has
passed to his reward, but whose name will continue to adorn the annals
of his communit}- for all time, owing to the fact that he performed well
his part in the drama of civilization and led a life that was exemplary in
every respect. He set an excellent example to the younger generations, for
he was a leader in his locality in all matters that pertained to its upbuilding,
and in a conservative manner did what good he could in all lines as he la-
bored for his own advancement and that of his family. His memory is
well worthv to be cherished bv his descendants and friends.
950 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Joseph Robert Kendle was born September 14, 1841, in Gibson county,
Indiana, the son of George Kendle, who was a native of Harrison county,
Indiana. George Kendle came to Gibson county at an early date, and
passed the remainder of his life in this community, his death occurring in
the city of Princeton.
The subject of this brief biographical review obtained such education
as was afforded by the schools of that period, and then took up the pur-
suit of agriculture, in which he was one of the most successful men in
Gibson county. The breeding and raising of fine live stock occupied much
of his attention, a ready market always being found for his products in
this line.
September 25, 1862, Mr. Kendle was united in the bonds of matrimony
to Isabelle Polk, daughter of Clayborn and Rachel (Shoptaugh) Polk, \vho
were born and reared in Kentucky, although Mrs. Kendle was a native of
Gibson county. Clayborn Polk was a blacksmith, an expert sawsmith and
gunsmith, but on his removal to Indiana devoted almost all his attention
to agriculture, in which vocation he soon established himself as a leader
among the progressive men of his time. He was one of the first in his
community to ditch land in order to increase its fertility, and it is noted
that his influence along the lines of scientific farming was felt in later
years, while his interest in the schools was productive of much good along
educational lines. He built the first grist mill in Gibson county.
No children were born to ]\Ir, and Mrs. Kendle. ^Ir. Kendle built
the fine home in 1882 in which his widow resides, and at that time he retired
from active farming. The discovery of oil on ]\Ir. Kendle's farm added
much to its value, there now being twenty wells located on the three hun-
dred acres owned by his widow.
Although never aspiring to public oiifice, Mr. Kendle took an active
interest in public afifairs, being a Democrat and- having well defined views
on the subject of prohibition, of which he was an earnest advocate. Frater-
nally, he was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, while his church
affiliations were with the General Baptists.
Mrs. Kendle, A\-ho is now spending the winters in Florida, has two
sisters and two brothers living.
Thus, in this all too brief life record, are gi^•en the principal events of
interest in the life of one who ever ga\e his support to all worthy enter-
prises and projects for the general good, so that, although he has passed
from the life militant to the life triumphant, his character still lives in
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 95 1
the memories of his fellow men as a model citizen antl urn: who made a
large contribution to the development and progress of this section of the
state. I\Irs. Kendle has. since her husband's death, been very successful in
the handling of her business affairs, and donates generous!}- to all enter-
prises having for their ends the good of the cunnnunily.
GKORCl'. \\1-:I!1':R.
TliDUgh nature affords excellent o]jpurtunilies f(ir the carrying un of
certain lines of labor in every locality, there is demanded of any man great
industrv and diligence if he succeeds in any business. Competition makes
him put forth his best efforts and it re(iuire^ great care In cnnduct any bu>i-
ness enterprise along profitable lines. This is esi)ecially true of farming and
from the time of earliest spring jilanting until the en ips ;ire har\ esled the
farmer's life is a busy une. Imcu thrnugh the winter months he prepares
for the labors of the coming year and thus lays the foundation of his success
for the ensuing year. .\nd. }et. the farmer leads a most independent exi.st-
ence and always has the satisfaction of getting a day off whenever he desires.
Gibson county has as fine farms and excellent farmers as can be found any-
where in the state of Indiana, and among these farmers is the subject of this
sketch.
George Weber, the son of Adam and Catherine (Cumbel) \\'eber, was
born August 17, 1838, in Posey county, Indiana. His parents were both natives
of Germany, and came to this country and settled in Posey county before the
Civil war. .\dam Weber was a very successful farmer and at the time of his
death was one of the largest land owners in Posey county, ha\ing se\eral
hundred acres of land in the county. He exercised all those qualities of Ger-
man thrift and industr_\- which have made the sons of ( iermany leaders in this
country in whatever they have undertaken. Xo country has sent Ijetter emi-
grants to America than Germany and they are always an important factor in
e\erv community so fortunate as to get them as settlers. .\dam W'eber li\ed
to a ripe old age, not passing away until 1885.
George Weber received his. early education in the l^osey county schools
and worked on his father's farm until his marriage. Here he w.'is taught by
his worthy father all those luultitudinous iletails which the farmer nuist
know if he wants to be successful in his chosen vocation.
Upon his marriage on January 15, T884, tO' Catherine Alaurer. the daugh-
952 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
ter of George and Elizabeth (Carter) Maurer, he went to farming on eighty
acres which he had previously bought but not paid for entirely. His wife's
father was a native of Germany and had come to this state early in life and
settled in Gibson county where he married, his wife being a native of the
county. To ]Mr. and Mrs. \A'eber were born nine children: Elizabeth (de-
ceased), whose birth occurred April 15, 1885; Mary, born December 2",
1887; Maggie, born September 7. 1889; Joseph, born October 24, 1891 ;
William, born April 15, 1894, who is a traveling salesman out of Chicago:
Erances, born November 6, 1896; Theresa, born June i, 1899; Edith, born
October 29, 1902; Anna, born September 2, 1906. All of the children are
still at home except Mary and Maggie, who live at Evansville, Indiana..
Mr. Weber has been a very successful manager and has gradually added
to his landed possessions until he now owns one hundred forty-three and a
half acres in this county. He has built a fine residence upon his farm and
enjoys all the modern conveniences of life. This has lieen accomplished by
the application of those principles of sterling honest}- and integrity' in all his
business transactions with his fellow citizens.
The Democratic party has always received his earnest endorsement and
upon election days he gives to its men and measures his ballot. He has never
asked for any political favors at the hands of his party being content to devote
all of his time and energy to his agricultural interests. He and his family
are loyal members of the Catholic church and contribute liberally of their
means to the support of that denomination. They have ab.vays co-operated
with e\'ery movement which was directed toward the bettering of the com-
munity in which they lived. The honesty of Mr. Weber stands as an un-
cpiestioned fact in his career and there are other elements which are equally
strong in his character and which command for him the unqualified con-
fidence of those with whom he is associated.
JOSEPH SEBASTIAN.
Gibson county is characterized by a goodly share of sturdy German
descendants and no better people can be found in any section of the state.
They have done much for the development of the state and wherever they
have settled thev ha\'e been prominent factors in the material progress of their
resi)ecti\-e communities and have done their full share towards the establish-
ment of the various institutions of civilization. Manv of these honored
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 953
pioneers are stil! li\ing in the midst of the scenes of tiieir furnier iahurs and
are toda}- enjoying the richly merited respect and material rewards which have
come to them as the resnlt of their earnest and honest endeavors. ( )ne of
this nnmber is the gentleman whose name heads this Ijrief sketch and whose
lather was one of the earliest German settlers of the county.
Joseph Sebastian, one of the most prosperous (lerman descendants of
the county, the son of George J. and Genieva ( Arml)ruster) Sebastian, was
born July lo, 1854, in Vanderburg county, Indiana. Both of his parents
were natives of Germany, his father coming to America when he was about,
thirty-five years of age and settling on land near Ex'ansville. At that time
the land was a forest wilderness and the axe of the white man had never
touched it. He paid the first taxes on the land and with grim determination
started in to make his farm yield the best possilile results. He was com-
pelled to endure all of those hardships and deprix'ations which fall to the lot
of the pioneers in any new country, and with true (ierman thrift he suc-
ceeded. He and his good wife in the course of time had one of the best
farms in the county and reared a large family of eight children, the sul)ject of
this sketch being their fifth child.
Joseph Sebastian's boyhood days were spent in the usual manner of
farmer lads, going to the district schools for a short time in the winter and
w'orking on his father's farm in the summer. He continued to labor on the
home farm until his marriage, which occurred on Ajiril 6, 1880. His wife was
Louisa WoU. the daughter of Martin and Mary .\. ( Deamerl Wolf. Both
of his wife's parents were Ijorn in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Sebastian are
the parents of five children: Joseph G.. who was 1)orn May 10, 1881. He is
a blacksmith and lixeryman at ]\ lackey, Indiana, and also manages^ the grain
elevator at the same town. He married .\nna Brahm and has five children :
Bruner, Katherine, ^^'ibert, Rosa and George Washington: John M., the sec-
ond child, was born February 26. 1887, and lives upon one of his father's
farms. He married Mary Angemier and has one son, Joseph G. ; two sons
are living on a homestead in Montana — Martin F., born April 24, 1885, and
Frank .\., born November 25, 1886; Mary G., the youngest child of the sub-
ject, is at Ferdinand, Indiana, in a convent.
Mr. Sebastian is possessed of more than ordinary ability, as is shown b\-
his success in life. Starting out with practically nothing, he has gradually
added to his landed possessions until he now owns a farm of three hundred
acres of as fine land as can be found in the county. This result has been
obtained only by painstaking and conscientious efforts and the application
954 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
of strict business principles. As a citizen and neighbor he takes a Hvely inter-
est in whatever concerns the welfare of his community, being a man of in-
telligence, good judgment and commendable public spirit. He has a beauti-
ful home on his farm where he and his faithful wife are surrounded with all
the comforts of modern life.
yir. Sebastian's affiliations politically have always been with the Repub-
lican party but he has never sought any office at the hands of his party. He
and all the members of his family are devoted adherents of the Catholic
church and have contributed to the various activities of their church in ac-
cordance with their means. Pfis life has been wholesome and exemplary in
ever}- respect and his course in all matters has been such as to win him the
respect and regard of all with whom he has come in contact. As a gentle-
man, citizen, business man and Christian, his life has been well rounded out
and he stands toda}- as one uf the l:>est representative men of his county.
LEVI WALLACE COULTER.
Conspicuous among the representative men and public-spirited citizens
of Gibson county is the well known gentleman whose name forms the caption
of this article. He has made his influence felt for good in his community in
Montgomery township, where he owns eighty-eight acres of finely located
land, being a man of sterling worth, whose life has been closely interwoven
with the history of the community in which he resides. His efforts have
always been for the material advancement of his locality, as well as for the
social and moral welfare of his fellow men, and the well regulated life he has
led has gained the respect and admiration of all his fellow citizens.
Levi Wallace Coulter was born on December 8, 1834, on the Susque-
hanna river in Pennsylvania, the son of Hugh and Rebecca (Wilaman)
Coulter. When he was a little child about a year old, his parents decided
to try their fortunes in what then seemed the far west and decided to settle
in Indiana, and did so, locating about five miles north of Washington, Indi-
ana, Daviess county. There they purchased land, but later disposed of it and
removed to Gibson county. Hugh Coulter had lived there but a few }-ears
when his death occurred about the year 185-, while the subject of this sketch
was quite a young man.
Le\-i ^Vallace Coulter first came to Gibson county in the spring of 1848.
J
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 955
having made arrangements to work for a brother-in-law residing here. This
was Samuel Wheeler, who had rented a farm on Black river in the southern
portion of Montgomery township. Two years later Samuel Wliecler moved
within about seven miles of Evansville, Indiana, where he alsn rented a farm,
and 3'oung Levi \\'allace Coulter went with him. They remained there
abijut a }ear and in the fall uf * 850 Wheeler purchased land in (iihsun
county, north of Union Chapel. Levi Wallace Coulter returned with his
brother-in-law, but hired out to another man for six months. It was his wish
to attend school and the arrangement entered into was that he should work
for six months and board and clothing to be furnished him and be permitted
to attend school. He fulfilled his part of the agreement, but his employer
did not and so he sought another place, working about for different neigh-
bors. He worked for Edward Knowles until 1854 and then entered into an
agreement with him whereby he was to operate Knowles' farm for his board
and half the crops. Wr. Knowles died the following autumn.
In the fall of 1856, the subject of this sketch was united in marriage to
■Nlalissa Knowles, daughter of Nathan and Temperance (Boren) Knuwles.
IMalissa Knowles was born November 2^, 1834, and was reared on the land
where they now reside, the same spot the}- have li\-ed ever since their mar-
riage fifty-seven years ago. Truly this is an enviable record, a pri\ilege
enjoyed by few indeed. Nathan Knowles, father of Mrs. Coulter, was born
June 17, 1795, and, when a small boy, went from his home in Delaware to
Georgia with his parents, James Knowles and wife. He had reached \'oung
manhood when in 181 1 the family came here and his father, James Knowles,
secured land on section 23 in Montgomery township, where Mounts Station
is now, and there he passed the remainder of his life, .\fter a few )'ears.
Nathan Knowles entered land in section 35, north of Cynlhiana, where he
lived for manv years and on which spcit he died Fel^ruary 2. i8(;2. Had he
lived until the following June, he would ha\'e been ninet\'-se\en years old.
It was there he was married to Temperance Boren, who was born September
19. 1800, and died September 13, 1835. She was the daughter of Nicholas
Bo-^n, who settled near Blythe Chapel in Gibson county and died there.
Ezekiel and John were his sons and located and died east of Cynthiana.
Levi Wallace Coulter and. wife are the parents of two children, namely:
Elvis M., who lives on the same farm with his father and attends to the actual
work about the place. His wife was Sally Downs and they have a family of
four children, two sons and two dau!?;hters : Floyd and Ciro\-er are the sons,
and the dattghters are Mrs. Cleo Cater and Mrs. Mamie Steele. The other
956 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
son of Mr. and Mrs. Coulter is Nathan McClellan, who resides about one
and one-half miles east of his father on the line between Johnson and Mont-
gomery townships. He married Etta Pitzer and they have two children.
Opal and Wilson.
The house in which Mr. and Mrs. Coulter live was built in 1821 when
timber was plentiful and that of which it is composed is heavy and strong.
It was originally a log house of one large room with a great fire place in one
end, but has since been weatherboarded, added to and made a more modern
dwelling. Mr. Coulter has an excellent memory and has many interesting
things to tell of early pioneer days. Their home has an inviting air of
hospitality that insures a welcome to all. Mr. Coidter recalls the log rollings
of those early spring times and says the first cook stove he ever saw was
owned by his brother. Hiram, who had purchased it at Washington, Indiana,
and used it to heat his house. That was about 1847. He also recalls the
enthusiasm of the people over the first railroad, and the timidity felt at any-
thing that could run so fast of its own power, although it would be considered
anything but speedy in our day and age. Politically, Mr. Coulter has always
given his support to the Democrat party. His many years of residence in
the community have won for him and his faithful wife the unbounded friend-
ship of old and young alike.
ANDREW J. WIEDEMANN.
One of the enterprising and successful farmers of Gibson county who
has succeeded in his chosen vocation solely through his own courage, per-
sistency and good management is Andrew J. Wiklemann, of Center township,
a man who berie\-es in lending what aid he can to his neighbors and the gen-
eral public while advancing his individual interests. Descended from Ger-
man parentage, he has all of those excellent traits which make the German
citizens of our country welcome wherever they settle.
Andrew J. Wildemann, the son of Charles and Sally (Aker) Wildemann,
was born in Posey count}-, Indiana, November 4, 1863. Both of his parents
were natives of Germany and lived there until after their marriage, when
they came to America and settled in Posey county. In 1882 the family
moved to Gibson county and settled on the farm now owned by their son,
Henry. Charles Wildemann died July 2'j, 1909. his wile having passed away
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 957
many years before, February 23, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wiklemanii
were the parents of a large family of twelve chiklren : Airs. Carrie Whilman ;
Mrs. Katie Gerhart, deceased; Andrew J.; Mrs. Lizzie \Vca\er; .Mrs. Rusie
Stateman; Charles, who is represented elsewhere in this Ixink: licniy. wlm
is also represented elsewhere in this volume; Frank, a farmer nf Leiiler town-
ship, in this county; Joseph; Mrs. Maggie Smith; and .Sallie. whu died
infancy.
Andrew J. Wildcmann received the limited education which was tn be
obtained from the district schools of Posey county and has supplemented it
with reading and close observation. He assisted his father on the home
farm until the time of his marriage, in this way becoming familiar with all
the details which mark the successful farmer.
Andrew^ J. Wildemann was married to Katherine M. Freppon, the daugh-
ter of Mattias and Katherine Freppon, on November 22. 1892. Maltias
Freppon was a native of Germany and came to this country with his jjarents
when he was about three years of age. He saw ser\ice in the Ci\il war in
Company A, Forty-second Regiment Indiana \'olunteer Infantry, and was
in continuous action for three years and six months. Mr. anf! Mrs. Fre])pon
are still living in Evansville, Indiana.
Mr. and Mrs. Wildemann are the parents of three children: Stella R.,
born August 23, 1893, and still living at home; Lillie, deceased; Leo, de-
ceased; they also reared a boy. Herbert Chesser, taking him in llieir home
when he was nine years of age. He continued to live with them until he
was eighteen, when he moved to Montana.
jMr. Wildemann has l)cen very successful as a ttller of the .soil on his farm
of one hundred and twelve and a half acres of land. He is careful and con-
servative in all his business transactions and yet is sufficiently far-sighted
to make good investments. As a stockholder and director in the Francisco
State Bank, he is closely identified with the financial interests of his com-
munit}', and is recognized as a man of more than ordinary ability along busi-
ness and commercial lines. He also has invested in property in the town of
Princeton, Indiana.
Mr. Wildemann has alwa}-s advocated the policies and principles of the
Democratic party, and takes an active interest in the caucuses and conventions
of his party. However, he has ne\er been a candidate for political office.
preferring to give all of his time and attention to his own affairs. He and
the remainder of his family are devout members of the Catholic church and
contribute liberally of their means to its support. Mr. Wildemann is a man
958 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
who makes friends wherever he goes, and because of his personal qualities
of honesty and integrity he has a wide circle of friends and acquaintances in
the conmiunitv where he has lived so nianv years.
ELIJAH BINKLEY-
To a great extent the prosperity of the agricultural section of our coun-
try is due to the honest industry, the sturdy persistence, the -unswerving per-
severance and the wise economy which so prominently characterize the farm-
ing element of the Hoosier state. Among this class may be mentioned the
subject of this life record, who, by reason of years of indefatigable labor
and honest effort, has not only acquired a well merited material prosperity,
but has also richly earned the highest esteem of all with whom he is as-
sociated. Mr. Binkley has preferred to spend his life in his native community,
believing that richer opportunities existed near his own threshold than else-
where. He represents one of the old and sturdy families of the section of the
state of which this history deals, the Binkleys having played well their part
in the affairs of the same from the early days to the present time and- the
subject has sought to keep the good name of his progenitors untarnished.
Elijah Binkley, who for many years was numbered among the active
and industrious agriculturists of Gibson county, but who is now retired from
active labor, was born on December 26, 1833, in Patoka township, this
county, and is the son of George and Catherine (Chinn) Binkley. These par-
ents, who both were natives of Yadkin county. North Carolina, were reared
and married in their native state and in 1827 came to Warrick county, In-
diana. A short time later they removed to Gibson county, locating in Patoka
township, where Mr. Binkley secured a tract of wild land, which he cleared
and developed into a good farm. Their first home was a rude log cabin,
typical of that pioneer period, and here they established their home and reared
their children to honorable manhood and womanhood. They spent the re-
mainder of their lives on that place, and died there. They were members of
the Methodist Episcopal church and people of sterling qualities of character,
enjoying to a very creditable degree the confidence of the community. They
were the parents of eleven children, namely : James, who went to Kansas and
was there killed ; Frederick, who moved to Kansas, where his death occurred :
Jacob, deceased; Elijah, the immediate subject of this sketch; Pauline, the
widow of William Van Zant, and now residing in Princeton ; Julia Ann, the
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 959
wife of Henry Thomas Tichenor, of Princeton; Dicy, deceased, wiio was tlie
wife of William Spore, of Princeton; George, deceased; Caroline, who lives
in Kansas; Lovina is the widow of Warren Wade of Missouri, and Lewis,
a retired farmer of Princeton.
The subject of this sketch received a limited education, his only oppor-
tunity being the subscription schools of his neighborhood, which in that early
day were rather primitive, both in methods and equipment. He lived at home
until about 1858, when he was married, and then lived for a while on a part
of his present farm, which he cleared and otherwise improved. This place has
been added to from time to time until he is now the owner of eighty acres of
valuable and well-improved land. To the cultivation of this tract, Mr. Bink-
ley devoted himself with such splendid success that in 1901, feeling that he
had gained a competency sufficient to free his later years from care, he re-
tired, and is now living quietly at his home in Patoka township.
On April 8, 1858, Mr Binkley married Matilda Sweezey, a native of
Gibson county, Indiana, a daughter of Sanford and Elizabeth (Jennings)
Sweezey. These parents were born and reared in Nelson county, Kentucky,
hut were early settlers in Gibson county, where they located on a tract of
land in Patoka township. To Mr. and Mrs. Sweezey were born the following
children: Nancy J., deceased; WilHam H., deceased, and Matilda, who is now
Mrs. Binkley. Sanford Sweezey died at the age of fifty. He had been a
successful farmer, and as a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church,
he wielded a beneficent influence in that community. He was three times
married, his second wife being Nellie LaGrange, and the third wife, Mary
Ann Booker. To Mr. and Mrs. Binkley has been liorn a sun, Oenry L.
Binkley, a traveling salesman, who married Mar}- Alice Irvin. and they lia\e
a (laughter, Hazel, the wife of Paul Carey.
Politically, Mr. Binkley has always voted the Republican ticket, especi-
ally in national elections, while in local affairs he assumes a more independent
attitude, voting for the man whom he deems best c|ualitied for the office. He
is in close touch with all public works, and holds a decided opinion on all the
great issues of the day. He and his wife are members of the General Bajitist
church, belonging to the society known as the White Church. Mr. Binkley
is well preserved for a man of his years, retaining his mental and physical
faculties to a marked degree, and, having a splendid memory, is authority on
many incidents connected with the early life of the community. It is related
of him that at one time he knew personally almost every resident of Gilison
county. Having begun life practically at the bottom of the ladder, he climbed
960 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
to the top with no help but a brave heart, industrious hand and an inteUigent
brain and is a Hving example of what may be accomplished in this favorite
country of nature, by patient perseverance, even under circumstances often-
times discouraging. Genial and unassuming by nature, he has many warm
friends and is liked by all who know him.
EDGAR MAUCK
The biography to which the reader's attention is now directed is that of
Edgar Mauck, ex-county treasurer of Gibson county, Indiana, and successful
farmer, a man who, by reason of his active interest in politics, his business
connections and his genial personality, is widely known and universally liked
and respected. The families from which Mr. Mauck is descended have been
prominent in the history of Gibson and other counties in the southern portion
of the state, and it is highly interesting to trace back his family for se\eral
generations.
Beginning with John Mauck, great-grandfather of the immediate sub-
ject of this sketch, we find he was with Cornwallis's army at the battle of
Yorktown. A nati\'e of Virginia, he married a Miss Keyser and after the
close of the Revolutionary war he went into Tennessee, and, still journeying
westward, came to the Kentucky shore of the Ohio river at a point opposite
the present town of Mauckport, in Harrison county, Indiana. This was in
the year 1801, at which time there was the merest settlement at the place
named. He came into Indiana at that point, obtained land, on which he
located and the town that sprung up about him was given his name. He was
a man of ability and a leader of his day, and was known far and wide and
highly respected by all. He built the first mill at ]\Iauckport and, after
rearing a large family, he and his wife died and were buried there.
Joseph, one of the sons of John Mauck, and grandfather of Edgar
Mauck, was born in 1787 and took as his wife Grace Broyles. They came
to Gibson county about the year 1821 and obtained wild land, which they
cleared and made a home. His efiforts were mainly devoted to farming,
but he also operated flat boats on the river, a picturesque mode of transpor-
tation in those days. Flat boats were constructed, loaded perhaps with the
produce of a whole neighborhod and, manned by several men, would drift
down the river to various points, sometimes e\'en as far as the excellent
ALFRED MAUCK.
ih..
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. 961
market at X'ew Orleans, and then, when the cargo \va.s disposed of. would
make the return journey, often the entire distance, by foot. Joseph was one
of three brothers, the others being John and Henry, who came together to
Hilison county, locating in Montgomery township. .All rcired large families
and the present-day Maucks are mostly descendants ni these Ihree hnnlicrs.
Joseph was also widely known and respected, as had been his fatliev. and was
a leading man of his day in the community. He was a member of the Bap-
tist church and a Democrat. His death occurred in 1S57. Joseph and wife
reared a family of eleven children, who grew to m;uihond and womanhood,
namely: Elizabeth, born September 20, 1808, became the wife of Thomas ~^'^
Roberts, and they passed their lives together in Montgomery township, Gib-
son county. Julius, who was born December 20, 1810. and passed his life in
the same township, was a man unusually well educated for his day and com-
munity. Jacob, born August 21, 1813. lived in Montgomery townshiiJ.
Samuel, born June 19. 1815, lived in Montgomery township and tlied in
Princeton. Catherine, born April 9. 1818, became the wife of Thomas Wil- , y/ ll*<' ^ '
kins. Abram. brirn February 17. 182 1, li\ed in Montgomery township, Init H^f^-Mdt
later renio\ed to Mt. Carmel. Illinois, where he followed his vocation, that of ^^^'ryTjA A rf
a miller. John, born October 17. 1824. was a miller and merchant engaged J ^ir^^
with his brother Abraham, and was drowned in Mt. Carmel. Illinois, in 1861.
The eighth child was Alfred (father of Edgar Mauck). born ]\Iay i. 1827;
died June 26. 1913. Ellen, born May 24. 1830. became the wife of Henr\-
Ayres. Lucinda J., born May 6, 1833. married Reuben Emerson. The\-
lived in Montgomery township on the old homestead and were the ])arcnts
of two children. Thomas and Calvin. The youngest child of this good old-
fashioned family was Susan, born December i. 1836. and who married Will-
iam Redman. They made their home in Mt. Carmel, Illinois. All of those
above mentioned are now dead.
Alfred ^Nlauck. the father of the immediate subject of this sketch, was
born as above stated, in 1827. He received only a limited schoi^ling in his
youth, but it was a foundation properly laid and on it he reared a structure
of learning which would do credit to one of excellent college training. He
was a great reader of history, a tireless student of the Bible, and a fine mathe-
matician. He was always fully informed on current events and considered
an authority in such matters. In all this he had the adxantage of a re-
markable memory, which was doubtless of untold assistance both in acipn'ring
knowledge and in the conduct of his business. All his life was spent in (iilj-
(61)
962 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
son county. Until his twenty-third year he made his home on the old home-
stead, and at that time Bought a general store in 0\vens\ille, where he was in
partnership with Smith Devin for several years. He later had as a partner
Henry Ayrcs, which connection continued until he came to Princeton, in
1859 and purchased the Zenith mill. This mill he operated for several
years, in the course of which he purchased his partner's interest. During
this time he was also in the mercantile and pork-packing business. He sold
his milling interest in 1881, after which time he gave his undivided attention
to his farming interests. He owned land in Patoka, Washington, Mont-
gomery and Center townships. He was a stanch Democrat, vitally interested
in the affairs of his party, but never aspired to office, although he was in-
duced to serve once as councilman.
Alfred Mauck was first married in 1849 to Nancy Devin, of Princeton,
who was born in 1S33, a daughter of James and Hannah (Chapman) Devin.
Her father was the son of the Rev. Alexander Devin, one of the iirst Baptist
ministers in Gibson county, who resided in Princeton, where he died. He
was alsi) a fanner. Her mother was a native of Kentucky and the daughter
of Robert Chapman, who built the first brick building on the town square of
Princeton. He later went to Glasgow, Missouri, where he died. Nancy
Devin Mauck had one son, Edgar, subject of this sketch, and she died ]\Iay i,
1854, while still a young woman.
Alfred !\Iauck was married the second time to Rachael Lindley, of
Orange county. Indiana, who died in 1S56. His third wife was Mary -V.
Maris, of Parke county, Indiana, who died May 17, 1893. To this union
was born the following children: Luella, who became the wife of ^^'illiam
Hargrove, of Indianapolis; Grace, who married John B. Chism, of Prince-
ton; i\Iabel K., wife of Ellis A. Auburn, farmer and dealer in automobiles of
Princeton; and Alfred M., who married Jenetta Tresloff. He is a farmer on
the old home place in Patoka township. Alfred, the father, was connected
with his brothers in Mt. Carmel, Illinois, where they carried on a thriving
comrrission business.
Edgar Mauck was born in Owensville, Indiana, January 4, 1854. His
elementary schooling was received in Princeton and he later attended a nor-
mal school and also received instruction at other places. He was early en-
gaged with his father in his milling and farming interests. He was united
in marriage April 5, 18S3, to Margaret Angeline Fitzgerald, of Posey county,
Indiana. Her father was a nati\e of Gibson county, who moved to Posey
countv, Indiana, later to ^^'hite county, Illinois, and again back to Posey
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANAi 963
county, where he died in 1901. His wife died in 1886. He was a farmer all
his life. Jn addition to their daughter, who became the wife of lulgar
Mauck, they had other children, namcl}- : Mnrcnce, who married Xathan
]\ioi!tg'unory and resided in Posey county, lndian;i. Both are now dead.
Laura (deceased), who was the wife uf Al KoM). who lives in Missouri.
Lizzie (deceased), wife of ^■. I*. .Smith, of Plats]>urgh. Missnuri. Janie, wife
of Silas Hines, and D. G.. who marrietl Mary Turpin. and they li\c on the
old place in J'osey county.
After his marriage, Edgar .Mauck farmed in Washington township for
three years, when he removed to Pleas:mton, Iowa, where for eight vears he
engaged in farming and stock raising. At the end of this time he returned
to Gibson count\- and settled in Center township, where he has since engaged
in stock raising in connection with farming. Up-to-date in all methods per-
taining to his chosen line of work, he has been very successful. Mr. Mauck
has been a life-long supporter of the DL-mocratic party, to whose affairs he
has given much of his time. He was elected treasurer of Gib.son county in
1908 and served four years. He lias filled other oflices within the gift of his
party, and to the discharge of such duties has carried the unvarying integrity
and kindly manner which have won for him the liking and respect of all who
know him
Mr. and Mrs. Mauck have a family of three children : Samuel F.. who
was educated in the home schools and the Kirkville state normal, became a
teacher in the public schools and is now superintenrlent of the schools of
Bunceton, Missouri. He married Fay. daughter of W. H. Mill inn. uf Iluon-
ville, Missouri. To them has been born one srm. William V.. Luella and
Laura, young daughters, remain at hMnic. the furmer attending high school
and the latter still in the grades. The religious sympathies of the family are
with the Baptist church. He became a memlier of the lndci)endent Order of
Odd Fellows in 1877.
^Ir. Mauck is one of the prominent and leading men of Gibson county,
a man foremost in every movement which has as its object the good of the
community. Abreast with all questions of the hour, his generous nature is
moved not ak^ne by sentiment, but directed by intelligence as well. Such a
clean, helpful life is of inestimable value to a community and a host of warm
personal friends bear witness to the regard in which he is held. Such ster-
ling characters are ''the salt of the earth" and by their sanene.ss and clean-
ness set up the standard for right living in their communities.
964, GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
MICHAEL EISLER.
There is perhaps no record in this volume which more clearly demon-
strates the force of industry and honesty in the affairs of life than does the
life history of the late Michael Eisler. Almost every civilized country on
the face of the globe has sent its representatives to Indiana, but there is no
more important or valued element in our citizenship than that which has come
from Germany. Mr. Eisler was among the native sons of the Fatherland who
crossed the Atlantic to America, finding here good opportunities which he
improved, with the result that he became a successful man and one whose
efforts were of great value to the community in which he lived. His birth
occurred in Germany on October 6, 1830, and he grew to manhood in his
native country, where he learned the trade of a shoemaker.
Upon coming to this country he took up his abode in Princeton. Indiana,
where he followed his trade of shoemaker, building up a large and lucrative
business in the town and vicinity. He crossed the briny deep several years
before tlie Ci\'il war and the demand for his product was largely augmented
by the war. with the result that he was enabled to buy a farm after the close
of the war. He gradually added to his landed possessions until at the time
of his death, on October 6, 1911, he owned a fine farm of one hundred and
eighty acres of land in Center township, which was well improved and in a
high state of cultivation.
Although he started out with nothing, he worked earnestly and persist-
ently and liecause of the productiveness of the soil and his careful and prac-
tical manner of engaging in agricultural pursuits he was known as one of
the most prosperous farmers of the county at the time of his death. Earl}'
in life he was married to Dora Rinefort, a native of Germany, and she is
still living at the advanced age of ninety-three and has good health. Mr.
and Mrs. Eisler were the parents of two sons : John W., who was born
November 4, 1865, and lives with his aged mother and his brother on the
old home farm. He has never married. The other son is Thomas, born
February 6, 1867, who was married on June 24, 1913, to Lizzie McDivit, the
daughter of James and Lizzie McDivit.
The Eisler brothers are now operating their farm of two hundred acres,
which is owned jointly by them and their mother. The brothers are among
the most progressive and enterprising farmers of the county and in their
diversified system of agriculture ha\'e met with very gratifying success. The
countv has benefited bv their labors because thev have raised the standard of
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 965
farming bj- ihe use oi niudcrn and up-lu-datc iiielhods uf operation. 'I'hcy
have a fine home, excellent barns and outbuildings, and take a great deal of
pride in keeping their premises in neat condition. Thomas is a stockholder
and director in the Francisco State T.ank, and takes an active part in the
management of the affairs of the bank. The bmtliers are lx)lh afliiialed with
the Democratic party, l)nt have never taken an active part in politics, pre-
ferring to devote all of their time to liie care of their agricultural interests.
They are loyal members of the German Evangelical church, and have always
contributed liberally of their means to the support of that denomination.
They are keen and clear-headed, always busy, alwa\'s careful and conserva-
tive in financial matters, moving slowly and surely in every business trans-
action, and in all that they have done they have so conducted themsehcs that
they have won the confidence of all with whom they come in contact.
Michael, the father of these two worthy sons. ne\-er regretted his
determination to come to .\merica, fur he found tli.it its advantages had not
been exaggerated. He was a man of strung will and marked force of char-
acter and these elements gained him the success wiiich made him one uf the
most substantial citizens of the county. His loss to the community and liy
his family was deeply felt and it is with pleasure that we present his record
to our readers as that of one of our representative citizens of foreign liiriii.
loyal to his adopted countr\-. and a man whom to know was to lo\e.
H.\RRV B. (;L-1)(;EL, M. 1).
The physician who w<-iuld succeed in liis profession must possess many
qualities of head and heart not included in the curriculum of the schools and
colleges he may have attended. In analyzing the career of the successful
practitioner of the healing art it will invariably be found to be true that a
broad-minded sympathy with the sick and suffering and an honest, earnest
desire to aid his afflicted fellow men have gone hand in hand with skill and
able judgment. The gentleman to whom this brief tribute is given fortunately
embodies these necessary qualifications in a marked degree and by energy and
application to his professional duties is building up an enviable reputation and
drawing to himself a larger and remunerative practice.
Harry B. Gudgel, M. D., was born in Hazleton, Gibson county, Indiana,
October 7, 1877, the son of John Franklin Gudgel, M. D., a native of Gibson
county, born in Columbia township near Oakland City, January 29, 1849, and
966 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
died October 4, 1901, and Cynthia Anna (Baldwin) Gudgel, born in Gibson
county. The father of John Franklin Gudgel was Andrew Gudgel, a native
of Owensville, Indiana, while Andrew Gudgel's father, who was also named
Andrew, came from Kentucky to Indiana in i8f p and located in what is now
Gibson county, between Owensville and Fort Branch. Here he bought gov-
ernment land and engaged in farming. He was a man of excellent stock and
of unquestioned integrity.
The family name was formerly spelled "Goodshall," the change to the
present mode of spelling having been made many years ago. Dr. Gudgel's
father received his elementary education in the district schools, after which
he taught several years, and then took up the study of medicine at Oakland
City, Indiana, with Dr. McGowan. Subsequently he attended medical college
in Louisville, Kentucky, and then the Miami Medical College at Cincinnati,
graduating from that institution in 1874. Upon completing his studies in
preparation for the work of his chosen profession, he came to Hazleton,
where he engaged in practice until his death. He was a man who took an
active interest in public affairs, and while not an office seeker or holder, he
took great pride in casting his vote for men and principles that stood on high
moral grounds. His death, due to Bright's disease, occurred in his fifty-sec-
ond year.
Dr. Gudgel, the eldest of a family of- five children, secured a good ele-
mentary education in the common schools and thereafter engaged in teaching
in Hazleton, which profession he followed for three years. Being desirous of
following in the footsteps of his worthy father, in 1893, he entered the Med-
ical College of Indiana, at Indianapolis. On' finishing the course at this in-
stitution, he further pursued his studies in the Louisville Medical College
and then at the University of Illinois, graduating from the College of Phy-
sicians and Surgeons at Chicago in 1904. With this thorough and con-
scientious preparation for his life work, he returned to Hazleton and entered
upon the practice of medicine, and the splendid practice which he has at
present testifies that his efforts were not in vain.
In 1907 Doctor Gudgel was united in marriage to Emma Horrall, of
Washington, Daviess county. Indiana, the daughter of S. O. Horrall, who
was extensively interested in the lumber luisiness and was well and favorably
known throughout Indiana.
The subject is a member of the Indiana State Medical Association and
of the Gibson County Medical Association, while, fraternally, he has mem-
bership in the blue lodge of the Masonic fraternity, in which he is a past
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 967
master; he has passed througli the chairs in the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, and is an earnest unci appreciative menil)er of the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks.
STANFORD WITHF.RSPOON.
An enumeration of the representative citizens of Gib.son cmmty, Indi-
ana, would be incomplete without specific mention of tiie well known and
popular gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. A member of one of
the old and highly esteemed families of the county and a public spirited man
of ati'airs. he has stamped the impress of his individuality upon the com-
munity and added luster to the honorable name which he bears, having always
been scrupulously honest in all his relations with his fellowmen and leaving
no stone unturned whereby he might benefit his own condition as well as
that of his neighbors and friends; consequently he has long ago won the
favor of a great number of people of Center township, where he maintains
his home and business and which township he is serving as trustee.
Stanford ^^'itherspoon was born September 2. 187 1, in Montgomer)'
township, Gibson county, near the city of Owensville, and is the son of John
L. and Katherine ( Scott) \\'itherspoon. both natives of Gil).-^on county. They
were the parents of a family of six children, the immediate subject of this
sketch l)eing the seccntl child in order of l)irth. John L. Witherspoon had
been engaged in farming in Gibson county all his life, his only absence being
the three years' ser\ice he gave to his country during the dark days of the
sixties as a member of Company A, Fifty-eighth Regiment Indiana A'olunteer
Infantry.
Stanford \\'itherspoon recei\'ed his earl_\- education in the district
schools of his native county and from the time he was (|uite a young boy he
assisted his father in carrying on the work of the farm. His niotlier died
when he was seventeen years of age and for fi\e years thereafter he remained
under the paternal roof. On August 26. 1S94, he was united in marriage
with Xora Stevens, daughter of E. B. and Julia (Reaver) Stevens, tiie former
a native of Warrick county and the latter of Gibson county. T.) their union
have been born two children, namely: Glen P.. born June jC>. iSi/), and
now in the second year of high school; and Hazel, born June 26. iS.')G. ami
in the first year of high school.
Until about three \ears ago, Mr. Witherspoon was engaged in farnnng.
968 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
when he renio\ed his famil) to tlie town of Francisco, Gibson county, and
engaged in the hardware business. He has been eminently successful in this
business venture and is the owner of the fine new building in which his busi-
ness is located. He is also the owner of various pieces of residence prop-
erty about town and by his success shows what steady determination and
effort rightly directed can accomplish.
Mr. Witherspoon gives his political support to the Republican party, in
the afiairs of which he always evinces a keen interest, and in 1908 he was
elected trustee of Center township, Gibson county, on that ticket and is still
in office today. The religious sympathies of the family are with the Meth-
odist Episcopal church, of which Mr. Witherspoon is a member, and to the
furtherance of whose uiterests he gives of his time and means.
Mr. Witherspoon stands high in public estimation by reason of the
upright life he has led and through his genial and kindly nature he has made
for himself a warm place in the estimation of those who know him best.
WILLIAM MONTGOMERY.
The biographies of enterprising men, especially of good men, are in-
structive as guides and incentives to others. The examples they furnish of
patient purpose and steadfast integrity strongly illustrate what it is in the
power of each to accomplish. Some men belong to no exclusive class in life;
apparently insurmountable obstacles have in many instances awakened their
dormant faculties and served as a stimulus to carry them to ultimate renown.
The instances of success in the face of adverse fate would seem almost to
justify the conclusion that self-reliance, with a half chance, can accomplish
any reasonable object. The gentleman whose life history is herewith out-
lined was a man who lived to good purpose and achieved a splendid success.
By a straightforward and commendable course he made his way to a respect-
able position in the business world, winning the hearty admiration of the
people of his county and earning a reputation as an enterprising, progressive
man of aft'airs which the public was not slow to recognize and appreciate.
William Montgomery was born on May 8, 1840, on the old Montgomery
homestead in Patoka township, Gibson county, Indiana, the son of Green B.
and Eliza (Fitzgerald) Montgomery, natives of Kentucky and Indiana, re-
spectively. Green B. Montgomery came at an early date to Gibson
county, Indiana, where he obtained a tract of wild land, making his
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 969
lirst home in the midst of a dense forest, which then covered this section of
the country. He cleared a small spot and then erected a rude log cabin, which
served him for a home until he was able to erect a more commodious and at-
tractive home. Mr. Montgomery was a farmer, and spont the rest of his life
actively engaged in the operation of this farm until his death, which oc-
curred there. His wife died in Princeton. To him and his wife were born
the following children : James, who was a farmer in Patoka township, but is
now deceased, married Nancy Griffin; John B., who was a farmer near White
Church, Patoka tow^nship, and was three times married — first to Sarah Per-
kins, second to Rebecca Pritchett and third to ilaggie Barnett; William B.,
the immediate subject of this sketch; Parmelia, who married, first, Sandi.smi
Emberton, and then Joseph T. Woods, of Princeton, Indiana; Richard, a
retired farmer of Princeton, who was a veteran of the Civil War, serving in
the Eightieth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry; Martha, the wife of
L. Olmstead of Patoka township; Willis, deceased, who married Elizabeth
Faulkner, deceased; Thomas, the fifth child in order of birth, is a farmer
in Patoka township, and married Cordelia McDowell; V'ictoris, the wife of
Robert Corn: Xora, deceased, wliu was the wife of Charles Florica. of
Arkansas.
\\'illiam Montgomery received a limited education in the schools of his
boyhood place, and his early years were characterized by hard, strenuous labor
in assisting his father to clear and improve the home farm. However, he was
not to be discouraged by the lack of educational opportunities, but, being
naturally of a studious disposition and ambitious to learn, he applied himself
closely to all the books obtainable and eventual! \- l)ecame a well-informed
man on general subjects. He lived at home until his marriage in 1869, when
he located in Patoka township on the farm where his widow and son now
live. Here he applied himself closely to agricultural pursuits during the re-
mainder of his life and achieved a splendid success. He was readily recog-
nized as an enterprising and progressive agriculturist, the peer of any of his
contemporaries. He was not selfish in his interests, but was alive to every-
thing that concerned the welfare of the community, giving his earnest sup-
port to every movement which promised to be of material benefit to his fel-
lows. Mr. Montgomery had an honorable war history, having enlisted in
1861 as a private in Company P>, Sixty-fifth Regiment Indiana X'oiunteer In-
fantry, and serving his country faithfully about four years.
On March 31, 1869. Mr. Montgomery married Anna J. Woods, of Lynn-
ville, Warrick count}-, Indiana, daughter of James and Jennie (Bigham)
970 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Woods. James Woods was the son of Da\id and Esther (Witherspoon)
Woods, and was born in Patoka township, going to Warrick county, Indiana,
for several years and back again to Princeton. In 185 1 he located again in
Princeton and engaged in the mercantile business, eventually locating on a
farm southwest of that city, where his death occurred, his widow dying in
Princeton. They were members of the United Presbyterian church and were
the parents of ten children: Mary, deceased, married David Pierce; Margaret
became the wife of Richard Riggs, of Princeton; Thomas H., deceased, was
a member of the One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer
Infantry, and after four weeks' service, died and was brought home for bur-
ial; Anna J., wife of the subject of this sketch; Catherine, deceased, was the
wife of William C. Daily; Frank is a farmer near King's Station in Patoka
township in this county, and married Mary Boyle ; Gilbert died unmarried ;
Louisa, deceased, was the wife of \\'illiam Hanks; John B., a merchant at
Princeton, married Mary C. Hanna.
To Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery were born ten children, namely: Charles
F., who is employed in the Southern railway shops at Princeton, and married
Amy Sherry, and has two children, Florence and Lillie; Mary Dell became
the wife of Charles Knight, of Patoka township, and they have one son,
Virgil; James died at the age of nine years; Elmer Walter, a farmer in
Oklahoma, married Stella M. Brown; Clarence died at the age of three
months ; Jennie is the wife of William Blemker, a car repairer in the railroad
shops at Princeton, and has two sons, Ralph and Jesse; Arthur is single, and
remains at home with his mother; Maggie is the wife of Walter Arburn, a
farmer near Princeton, and has four children, Daru in, Xola, Roy and
Thelma; Ross is a lemon grower at Santa Paula, California; Fred, who is
a ranchman at Santa Paula, California, married Bessie Woods, and has one
child, Hagel Elenora.
Politically, William Montgomery gave life-long support to the Republic-
an party, in the success of which he was deeply interested, though he was
never an aspirant for public office for himself. His death occurred on De-
cember t8, i8q6, after a life of earnest efforts characterized by strictest
integrity, and his death was deeply mourned by all who knew him. He has
been for many years a prominent, substantial and influential citizen of his
comnnmity, who always stood for the best things in the community, and
whose influence was ever on the side of right. Though devoting the major
part of his time and attention to the development of his own interests, he
never allowed the pursuit of wealth to warp his kindly nature, but pre-
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 97 1
served his faculties and the warmth of his heart for the bruadeuing and help-
ful influence of life, being to the end the kindly, genial friend and gentleman
whom it was a pleasure to meet. Mrs. Montgomery is a woman of fine per-
sonal character, possessing to a notable degree those womanly graces which
win and retain friendship, and is highly respected throughout the community
in which she has for so many years resided.
JAMES A. WESTFALL.
The student interested in Gibson county, Indiana, dues not have to carry
his investigation far into its annals before learning that James A. Westfall
has long been an active and leading representative of its agricultural interests
and that his labors have proven a potent force in making this a rich farming
region. Through several decades he has carried on farming, gradually im-
proving his valuable place, and while he has prospered in this, he has also
found ample opportunity to assist in the material development of the count)-,
and his co-operation has been of value for the general good.
James A. Westfall was born in Harrison county, Indiana, about ten
miles west of Corydon, on December i, 1838, the son of Stephen and Mar-
garet (dinger) Westfall. The latter, who was a daughter of William Ken-
die, of Butler county, Kentucky, was born between Knoxville and Nashville,
east Tennessee, and her first husband was John dinger. Stephen Westfall was
reared in Kentucky and was there married, and became one of the pioneer
settlers of Harrison county, Indiana, his first home being a small timber claim
where he erected a log cabin, which was later succeeded by a more comfort-
able residence. Here he cleared and improved the farm, which he develoi)ed
into one of the best of the locality, and lived there the remainder of his life,
his death occurring on October 26, 1875, at the age of eighty years, seven
months and twelve days. ?{is wife died on Octo1)er i-j. 1888. aged ninety-two
years, seven months and twenty-one days. The father had followed farming
all his life; had become well-known throughout his section of the state and
was highly respected bv all who knew him. He and his wife were members of
the United Brethren church. He was a Whig in politics in e;irly life ami later
identified himself with the Republican party.
Stephen Westfall was married to Mrs. Margaret ("Kendle) dinger and
to this union, in addition to James A., with whom this sketch deals, were
born the following children : Lenora, the wife of Peter Hottle, who died De-
97-2 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
cember lo, 1848, at the age of twenty; William H., who died on May 25,
1863, at the age of forty years, one month and twenty-eight days, married
Sarah Lowden; Matilda, who was the wife of Peter Hottle, died November
24, 1910; Nancy, who was the wife of Frederick Martin, died on September
4, 1913, at the age of seventy-nine years, nine months and twenty-one days;
Hiram L., who married Mary Tichenor, and died on July 21, 1866, at the
age of thirty-six years, seven months and twenty-one days; Sophia, the wife
of John Brown, died February 15, 1871, aged forty-four years, three months
and one day; Julia, the wife of a Mr. Daniels, died on February 9, 1870, aged
forty-four years, three months and seventeen days. By her first marriage,
Mrs. Westfall had three children: Elizabeth, who died March 17, 184 1, aged
two years; Mary, who was the wife of John Brown, and died January 18,
1844, at the age of twenty-nine years, and Margaret, the wife of Joseph Cole,
who died July 18, 1854, at the age of thirty-eight. Stephen Westfall, the
father of James A., died October 26, 1875, at the age of eighty years, seven
months and twelve days.
James A. Westfall, the immediate subject of this sketch, is the only one
of his family now living. He attended the old log school in Harrison county
in his youth, his educational opportunities having been limited. He lived on
the home farm until 1865, when he was married, when he came to Patoka
township and engaged in farming, renting land for several years. In 1875
he bought his present farm in Patoka township, known as the old Ayres
place, which is comprised of ninety-seven and one-half acres of splendid land,
which he has impro\ed and maintains in a fine state of cultivation. He has
made many valuable and permanent improvements on the place, and here
carries on a diversified system of agriculture, raising all the crops common to
this locality. He also gives some attention to live stock, raising shorthorn
and Holstein cattle, Duroc Jersey Red and Poland China hogs, and a good
grade of horses. He exercises the closest personal supervision over every de-
tail of his farm work, and the attractive and comfortable residence, commodi-
ous and well-arranged barns, good outbuildings and the general condition of
the fields indicate him to be a man of excellent taste and sound judgment.
On October 26, 1865, Mr. Westfall was married to Eliza E. Cole, of
Crawford county, Indiana, a daughter of David and Mary Cole, who were
natives of Harrison county, Indiana, and were farming folks, and lived in
that locality throughout their entire lives. In early days Mr. Cole had been
a flatboat man on the Ohio river, having transported much Indiana produce
to New Orleans and other southern river ports. To Mr. and Mrs. Westfall
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. 973
have been born four cliildren : Nettie J., at home; Orus M., a farmer in
Patoka township, who marrieil Oma Gambriel, and they liave three children,
Grace, Roy and Ralpli ; Lowell R., a farmer in I'atoka townshi]), married
Miss McCarthy, and they have two children, Harvey and George ; Irene is at
home with her parents.
Politically, the Republican party has always claimed Mr. Westfall's sup-
port, while religiously, he and his family are members of the Cumberland
Presbyterian church, to which they give earnest support. Personally, I\lr.
Westfall is friendly and wins and retains friends without effort, for he is at
all times a gentleman, obliging, unassuming and honest in his dealings with
his fellow men. His life has been one of unceasing industry and persever-
ance, and the systematic and honest methods which he has followed have won
for him the unbounded confidence and regard of all who have formed bis ac-
quaintance.
AARON TRIPPET.
Agriculture has been the true source of man's dnminicin on earth ever
since the primal existence of lalior and has lieen the pivotal industry that has
controlled, for the most part, all the fields of action to which his intelligence
and energy have been devoted. Among this sturdy element of (iibsou county
whose labors have profited alike themselves and the community in w hich tlie\
live is the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch, and in
view of the consistent life lived by the subject, all of which has been passed
within the borders of this county, it is particularly fitting that the foliow inir
short record of his career be incorporated in a book of this nature.
Aaron Trippet. an enterprising citizen, highly successful farmer and
vice-president of The Citizens' State Bank, Hazleton, Indiana, was born in
Gibson county. January 3. 1845, the son of Alexander and Nancy (King)
Trippet. Both were natives of this county, the father confing from one of
the oldest families here. All his life he was engaged in general farming and
died in 1866. Alexander Trippet and wife were the parents of nine children,
of whom the immediate suliject of this sketch was the third child in order of
birth.
When a vouth, Aaron Trippet recei\-ed such education as it was possible
to obtain in the earlv schools of the county, but was somewhat handicapped in
his attendance owing to his services being needed on the home farm. He
974 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
remained under the parental roof until reaching his twenty-second year, w hen
he was united in marriage with Susan Robb, daughter of Da\'id and Delila
(Decker) Robb, both nati\es of Gibson county. To this union have been
born eleven children, four of whom still remain with the parents, namely:
Aaron, Florence, May and Eunice. Iva lives in Hazleton, as does also Dora,
wife of William F. Cassidy. David is engaged in the lumber business at
I\'lemphis, Tennessee, and Sanford resides in Princeton, where he is engaged
in the practice of law. Lillie is the wife of Alonzo E. Morrison, a farmer of
Gibson county, and Stella, who married Wallace Harris, resides in Patoka.
Mr. Trippet has been desirous that all his children receive a good education
and thus they have been well fitted to cope with the ]3roblems of life.
At the time of his marriage, Mr. Trippet was the owner of seventy acres
of fine land in White River township, Gibson county, where he carried on
general farming, and so well did he do this, showing such unusual abilit}-, that
he was able to add to his holdings from time to time until hi,' now stands
possessed of over eight hundred acres of excellent land. He still carries on
general farming, giving especial attention, perhaps, to the raising of fine
strains of live stock. In addition to his duties as an agriculturist, he some
time ago became identified with the afifairs of The Citizen's State Bank of
Hazleton, and fills the office of its \'ice-presidency. Early in life, IMr. Trip-
pet became an ardent advocate of the principles of the Democratic party and
has e\-er been active in its support.
Mr. Trippet is a man of forceful temperament, possessing untiring
energy and fine discrimination. It is needless to add that he is highly re-
spected by all who know him throughout the locality where he lives. In all
the relations of life he has been found faithful to every trust, and because
of his sterling worth, uncompromising integrity, courteous manner and
kindly disposition, he has won and retains the warm regard of all \\ith whom
he associates, the latter including the very best people of the county.
JAMES W. BRUNER.
That life is the most useful and desirable that results in the greatest
good to the greatest number, and though all do not reach the heights to which
they aspire, yet in some measure each can win success and make life a
blessing to his fellow men ; and it is not necessary for one to occupy eminent
public position to do so, for in the humbler walks of life there remains
(IIHSOX COUNTY. INDIANA. 975
much good to be accomplished and many opportunities for one to exercise
talents and intluence which in some way will touch the lives of those with
whom we come in contact, making them brighter and better. In the list of
Gibson county's successful citizens the subject of this review has long oc-
cupied a prominent place. In his career there is much that is commendable
and his life forcibly illustrates what a life of energy can accomplish when
plans are rightly laid and actions governed by right principles, noble aims and
high ideals.
James W. Bruner is well known throughout Gibson county, where he
was born on Octriber 7, iN6_>. and where his entire life has been i)assed. He
is the son of Juhn C. and Sarah (Melton) Bruner, both of whom were na-
tives of this county. The father's family were among the pioneers of the
county and he himself passed his life within its borders engaged in agri-
cultural work, James W. Bruner was the sixth chikl in a family of nine
children and when young attended the school known to some of the older
citizens of the count)- as the Deckard school. This was the only school he
ever attended and his opportunities for an education were rather limited, for
at the age of twelve, his father died, leaving the mother with heavy responsi-
bilities. From that time, James W. assisted his older brothers in the operation
of the home farm and while still quite a young man. the death of his elder
brother William made it necessary for him to take charge. He assumed the
dutv which thus fell upon him and for a number of years continued to oper-
ate his mother's farm. Air. Bruner is now residing on his one hundred and
eighty-four acre farm in White River township, Gibson county, where he
carries on general farming and stock raising and the general air of prosperity
all about the place bespeaks the untiring energy and up-to-date methods em-
ployed by the owner. Mr. Bruner has business interests aside from the opera-
tion of his farm, being one of the principal stockholders in the Patoka Na-
tional Bank, where he also fills a place on the board of directors. Mr. Bruner"s
business methods have ever been such as to win the confidence and respect of
all with whom he came in contact and he is well worthy the prominence he
has gained through his own endeavor.
Air. Bruner has been twice married, his first wife being Susan G. Crow-
der, with whom he was united in marriage January 15, 1896. To their union
were liorn four children, namely: Alta R., Edith M., Ralph J. and John W..
all of whom reside at home. The present Mrs. Bruner was Carrie Denton, to
whom Mr. Bruner was married April 2, 1907. She is a daughter of S. D.
and Matilda .\. Denton, both natives of the Hoosier state, and tn Afr. Bruner
bv his second wife ha\e been born two children. Lois D. and Robert.
9/6 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Politically, Mr. Bruner gives his loyal support to the Democratic party,
in whose affairs he has always taken a keen interest, while his church mem-
bership is with the Cumberland Presbyterian church, to whose support he is
a generous contributor. His fraternal affiliation is with the time-honored or-
der of Free and Accepted Masons, being a member of Columbia blue lodge.
No. 450. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of .\merica.
Mr. Bruner is a member of that sterling class who, Ijy the high tone of
their lives, raise the standard of right living, a man to whom the ambitious
younger generation can look as an example of what determination and
right principles can accomplish in the face of obstacles. In every avenue of
life's activities he has been true to every trust and is justly popular in his
home community, always being in the forefront of the rank desiring all that
is good and proper for those with whom he comes in contact. His years of
service in the one location have endeared him to many friends both far and
near.
STORY OF PROMDEXCE SPRING, ANDERSONVILLE PRISON.
One of the most remarkable incidents of Divine interposition in behalf
of suffering humanity, since the days of Moses, was the occurrence in Ander-
sonville prison during the Civil war, when a stroke of lightning brought
forth a spring of cool refreshing water for the relief of the thousands of
famished prisoners confined in that place. Their only supply of water had
been such as was afforded by a murky stream of surface drainage that ran
through the stockade, infected with germs of disease and death. In answer
to the cry of the children of Israel, the Lord directed Aloses to strike the rock
and the water gushed forth; just as surely, it must be conceded, in answer to
the cry of the suffering patriots in Andersonville, did an unseen hand by
lightning stroke cause a never-failing spring of water to gush forth from the
dry ground. In reverent acknowledgment of the source from which this favor
came the prisoners gave it the name of "Providence Spring," and this spring
has continued from that time and is known by that name to this day.
While Providence Spring has a national history, it may have appropri-
ate mention in a history of Gibson county, from the fact that some of Gib-
son county's soldiers suffered and died in Andersonville and had personal
knowledge of this miraculous event. Among those who had this personal
knowledge, and is probably the only one now living to relate it, is Albert
Mills. He was among the first to visit the scene of the lightning stroke and
GIUSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 977
take a drink of water. He visited the place January 8, 1885, twenty-one
years after, and took a drink from the same spring. A photograph was taken
at this time showing him taking a drink and showing the spring as it now
appears. A reproduction of this picture, which Mr. Mills prizes very highly,
appears in another place in this work.
In relating his experience and obserxation of this event at tiie lime of
its occurrence, Mr. Mills says:
"In the afternoon of July 18. 1864, a day of unusual and oppressive heat
in the Andersonville prison pen, there occurred one of the most terrific
thunder storms that I ever heard or witnessed. One sharp flash of lightning
after another played among the tall pines surrounding the stockade and over
the camp of awe-stricken prisoners. About two o'clock there appeared to be
a temporary lull in the storm and I stepped from under the shelter of our
weather-worn blanket and took an observation of the efifects of the storm.
I was looking in the direction of the north hillside when a blinding flash of
lightning like a ball of fire came direct to tire earth with a deafening crash.
I was certain that this thunderbolt had struck the earth inside of the stockade,
and the place seemed to be near where a friend and comrade, Frank De-
Lashmet, a Princeton boy, of the Fourteenth Indiana, had his tent. Ap-
prehensive of the safety of Frank, and other comrades near, I went at once
to investigate. I found that he and others had sufifered a severe, shock, but
were not seriously affected.
"By this time several of the prisoners had gathered at the place and it
was discovered that the lightning bolt had made a hole in the ground, a few
feet bevond the "dead line,' and in this hole there was a si)rin;4 of clear cool
water. This hole was about two and a half feet in diameter and about two
feet in depth.
"It was certain death for a prisoner to cross the 'dead line,' and, as this
spring was beyond that line, the prisoners soon devised a plan to procure
water by attaching tin cups to poles, enabling them to reach the spring. As
one after another of the thirsty comrades obtained a drink of this refreshing
water he would kneel and thank God in reverent acknowledgment of this
blessing, which we all recognized as coming direct from His hand. It was
in the minds of all, too. that it was a mark of His infinite wisdom in causing
this fountain of water to spring forth at this particular place, beyond the
'dead line.' and, therefore, free from trespass, or any claim of private own-
ership. When it was found that this was a never-failing si)ring. the water
(62)
9/8 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
was brought into camp on the safe side of the line, by means of a trench from
the spring leading to a large box trough, which was made by the prisoners.
This provided an inexhaustible supply of water for the thousands who visited
the place, day and night, to quench their thirst.
"Since the days of my confinement there as a prisoner of war I have
visited Andersonville twice, in 1885, and again in 1913. On both visits I
found refreshment of body in drinking water from this spring, and a re-
freshment of memory in recalling the miraculous way it came into existence.
Through the efforts of the Woman's Relief Corps, assisted by the Grand
Army, the grounds inside the old stockade have been purchased and a fine
monument has been erected, commemorating the suffering and sacrifices of
the prisoners confined there. A stone pavillion has been erected over Provi-
dence Spring, suitably inscribed, preserving to future generations this me-
morial of Divine interposition in behalf of suffering humanity."
ARTHUR F. BROWN.
Prominent in the affairs of Gibson county and distinguished as a citi-
zen whose influence is extended far beyond the limits of the community hon-
ored by his residence, the name Arthur F. Brown stands out a conspicuous
figure among the successful farmers of the locality of which this volume
treats. All of his undertakings have been actuated by noble motives and high
resolves and characterized by breadth of wisdom and strong individuality
and his success and achievements but represent the result of fit utilization and
innate talent on directing effort along those lines where mature judgment and
rare discrimination led the way.
Arthur F. Brown, one of the leading young farmers of Patoka town-
ship, Gibson county, was born on August 21, 1874, in this township on the
old Brown homestead. His father, John L. Brown, who waa born on Oc-
tober 2, 1844, in Patoka township, was the son of David Brown, of Harrison
county, Indiana, who was the first of the family to come to Gibson county,
in 1840. He was twice married, first to a Miss Kendle and second to a Miss
Straud. He obtained a tract of government land in Patoka township, which
he cleared of the timber which covered it and there built a splendid house.
He always followed agricultural pursuits and was known as a man of emi-
nent respectability and well thought of in his community. His death occurred
at Princeton. He was the father of four children, three sons and a daughter.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 979
of whom there-are now two living. James, in Oklahoma, and John 1... ihe
father of the subject, who is a successful farmer in Montgomery township,
Gibson county. John L. Brown received his education in the common schools
of his home neighborhood, being reared on the paternal farmstead. On com-
ing to mature years, he married Jane Clark, a native of Gibson county, whose
death occurred in 1893. John L. Brown has always followed farming and
stock raising, and is widely known throughout this section of the country,
making his home in Montgomery township, where he is numbered among
the representative citizens of the community. An earnest Republican in poli-
tics, he has always taken a deep interest in local public afifairs, though never
an aspirant for public office. Religiously, he is a member of the General
Baptist church. To him and his wife were born six children, namely : Eliza,
who became the wife of George W. Woods, of Princeton, who is represented
in a personal sketch elsewhere in this work; Lizzie, the wife of Matthew M.
Knowles, a farmer of Patoka township; Fronia, the wife of Ott Plollis, a
farmer and stock man of Patoka township; Eva, the wife of Harvey Mc-
Carthy, a farmer and implement dealer of Patoka township; Arthur F., the
immediate subject of this sketch, and Harvey O , who also operates the old
homestead of Patoka township.
Arthur F. Brown spent his boyhood days on his father's farm and re-
ceived his education in the common schools at Princeton. In 1896 Mr. Brown
located on his present farm in Patoka township, which is a part of the old
John L. Brown place, and here he has successfully conducted agricultural
operations throughout the years, receiving splendid success as an enterprising
and up-to-date farmer. He is now the owner of two hundred and fort\-
acres of splendid land, all of which is entirely under cultivation, and wl^ich
returns a handsome profit to the o\^•ner. He raises ])rincipally wheat, com
and hay, while in the way of live stock he makes a specialty of shorthorn
cattle and Poland China hogs, as well as general purpose horses, lie is
modern in his ideas, giving due attention to every phase of successful a,t;Ticul-
ture, and is a man to adopt new methods, where their ])racticaliilit\- has been
demonstrated by experience.
On August 5. i8g6. Mr. Brown married Florence Tichenor, who was
born at Owensville, Indiana, the daughter of Willis H. and Lenora (Lucas)
Tichenor, the father being a successful merchant and implement dealer at
Owensville. To Mr. and Mrs. Brown have been born two children. Eunice
and Mildred.
Politicallv, ]\Ir. Brown has always given stanch support to the Repub-
gSo GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
lican party, but he has been too busy in the conduct of his own affairs to as-
pire to pubhc office, though giving his earnest support to every enterprise
having for its object the advancement of the local welfare. Religiously, he
and his wife are earnest and faithful members of the General Baptist church,
to the support of which they contribute liberally.
LOWELL R. WESTFALL.
Among the prosperous young farmers of Gibson county, who have built
up a comfortable home and surrounded themselves with the comforts of life,
none have attained a higher degree of success in as short a time as Lowell
R. West fall. With few opportunities except what his own efforts and those
of his wife were capable of mastering, and with many difficulties to overcome
he has made a success of life, and in so doing has earned the universal respect
and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact. He is a man of tireless
energy and strong courage and is a man whose career shows that he is an able
and conscientious worker. As a citizen he is public spirited and enterprising
to an unwonted degree. As a friend and neighbor he combines those qualities
of head and heart that have won confidence and commanded respect. His
life affords a splendid example of what an American youth, plentifully en-
dowed with good common sense, energy and determination, can accomplish
when accompanied by good moral principles.
Lowell R. Westfall, the son of James and Eliza (Cole) Westfall, was
born February 28. 1878, in Gibson county, Indiana. James .\. Westfall was
born in Harrison county, Indiana, about ten miles from Corydon, on Decem-
ber 21, 1838, the son of Stephen and Margaret Westfall. Stephen Westfall
was reared in Kentucky and after his marriage became one of the pioneer
settlers of Harrison county, Indiana, where his death occurred in 1875, at the
age of eighty years, while his wife's death occurred on October 27, 1888, at
the advanced age of ninety-two. James A. Westfall attended the old log
school house in Harrison county and lived there until 1865, when he was mar-
ried and moved to Patoka township, this county. In 1875 ^^ bought his
present farm in Patoka township, and he has brought this tract to a high
state of culti^•ation. To Mr. and Mrs. James Westfall were born'four chil-
dren: Nettie J., who is still under the parental roof; Orus M., a farmer in
Patoka township, who married Oma Gambril, and has three children. Grace,
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 981
Roy and Ralph; Lowell R., the iinmedialc suhjcct of this skclch. and Irene,
who is still at home with her jjarents.
Lowell R. W'estfall was educated in the common schcjols of this county
and worked on his faiher"s farm until he was t\\ent\-une years of aji;e.
While working on the old h.mie farm he learned all th<ise hahits of industry
and diligence which have brought him his success in after life. Mr. W est-
fall married early in life and his excellent wife. Mary 1". McCarty, the daugh-
ter of William and Lucinda B. (Kendall) McCarty. has indeed been a niosi
faithful and efficient wife and mother. Following their marriage on August
14, 1898, they immediately went to work on the farm and each has con-
tributed ver}- materially td the success which has l>een the n.'sult <>f their
united efforts. Although Mrs. Westfall inherited ninety-one and one-half
acres of land from her father, the\ startetl mit with nothing and even went
into debt for the farming tools and horses with which they raised their first
crop. Within five years after their marriage the\ felt themselves able to
purchase fifty-se\-en more acres of land, and in less than three years they had
it all paid for. On this farm of one hundred and forty-eight and one-half
acres Mr. Westfall carries on a diversifietl system of farming, raising all the
crops which are peculiar to this section of the country. They ha\e an attrac-
tive home, good and substantial outbuildings and the farm is well fenced and
drained. Mr. Westfall is very frank to say that his wife has been of great
help to him in his uiidertakings and deserves a full share of the credit for
their success.
William McCarty, the father of Mrs. Westfall, died in 1900. He was
one of Princeton's best known and esteemed citizens. He was a memlier of
the firm of McCarty Brothers, li\er\men. and was an energetic, careful busi-
ness man who numbered his friends by the scores. He was a consistent mem-
ber of the White church. His wife is .still living in Princeton.
Mr. ^^'estfall is a Republican in his political views, but has ne\'er ask-ed
for any political favors at the hands of his party. He has devoted all of his
efiforts and energies to the cultivation and improvement of his farm. Mr.
and Mrs. Westfall are both members of the Cumberland church at Bethel,
and are liberal supporters of all the various activities of that denominaison.
They have two children, Harvey, born December 7. 1899, and George W..
both of whom are still in school.
Mr. Westfall is a fine type of the .\merican farmer, who has gained his
success by the application of uprightness and integrity in all things which he
undertakes. He is actuated by the highest motives, and his vigorous mental
982 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
powers and devotion to his home have endeared him to a wide circle of
friends and acquaintances. He is a genial and unassuming man, modest in
his demeanor and never misses the opportunity to help a neighbor in time of
distress. Such people as Mr. and Mrs. Westfall are a blessing to the com-
munitv in which thev live.
HENRY REMBE.
The German nation has furnished thousands of good citizens for the
state of Indiana and Gibson count}' has been fortunate to count a number of
these as a part of her body politic. The descendants of these early German
settlers in Indiana are characterized by the same thrift and economy which
made their fathers the leading farmers and business men of the various com-
munities in which they settled. Henry Rembe, one of the leading farmers
and stockmen of Center township, Gibson county, Indiana, is a worthy
descendant of one of Gibson county's early German settlers, and during his
life of more than fifty years in this county he has so conducted himself as to
win the commendation of his fellow citizens in every way.
Henry Reuibe was born March 22, i860, in Princeton, Indiana, the son
of Louis and Christiana Rembe. Both of his parents were born in Germany,
and came to this country early in its history, first settling in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania. Louis Rembe was born August 19, 1825, in Sheffield, Ger-
many, and his wife, Christiana Rembe, was born December 28, 1823, in Kron-
stadt. Louis Rembe was a weaver by trade and followed that occupation in
Philadelphia for a time. Later the family came to Princeton, Indiana, where
Louis Rembe worked at different occupations. He helped to build the old
jail, several churches and various buildings in Princeton, and always found
plenty of work to do because he was a man who could always be depended
upon to give good ser\ice to his employer. About 1865, Louis Rembe bought
his first land in Center township, where Henry Rembe now lives. The
farm was poorly improved and was only partially cleared, but he started in
to clear and improve the place and make it remunerative. As he prospered
he added to his land holdings and at one time owned three hundred and four
acres of valuable land in the county. He was a Democrat, but never aspired
to office, while religiously all of the famih' ha\-e been members of the German
Lutheran church. His wife died February 26, 1904, and he passed away
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. 983
March 13. iga^. at tlu' ;ul\ance(l age of sc\enty-ci,ijht years. I.onis Reinhe
and wife were tlie parents nl six cliihlren : Lewis, deceased; Suphia. liie
wife of Martin DeWeise, nf l-'ranciscn, Indiana: tdiarles, a faruK-r nf Center
township: llenr\-. wilii whnm this narrative deal-; : Lottie, tlie wife nf I'Yed
Logankamp, a farmer nf \\arrinL;ton. Indiana: and William. ;i farmer of
Center township.
Henry Rembe was s'iven a very limited edncation. lia\ in;; Ut work from
earliest boyhood on the farm in order to help support tlie family. Ihjwever.
he has been a wide reader and close observer of men and e\ents all his life,
and is now one of the best informed men in his township on current events.
He lived at home until his parents" death taking care of them in their old age.
Mr. Rembe was married .\])ril 26. 1899. to Barbara Keil, <if l'.v:'.nsvil!e.
the daughter of Bernhart and Llizalicth B. ( Steiner ) Keil, whd were natives
of Germany. Bernard Keil was ])orn in Merlenbach llassen Darmstadt,
Germany, in 1825 and died Lebruary 19, 1879. His wife, Elizabeth I!. Keil.
was born in Germany in Oberstinfield Oberant, IMarbach Konig. Riech Witten-
burg, in 1836. They were married in Princeton on September 24. iSt.i.
Her parents came to America early in the histor}- of the county and settled
in Princeton, where ]\Ir. Keil worked in a flouring mill, but later engaged in
farming. Later in life Mr. Keil purchased a home in Evansville, Indiana,
and worked as an engineer and fireman in Heilman's foundry for fifteen
years. He died in that city. lea\ ing his widow, who is still living. Mr. and
Mrs. Keil were the parents of three children who grew to maturity. Barbara,
the wife of Mr. Rembe; Mary, deceased, and Kate. Mr. and Mrs. Rembe
have three children, Elizabeth C, Bernhart Henrv and George jacol).
Mr. Rembe has l)een a Democrat through conviction and interested in
the success of his party, but has never been an aspirant for any jjublic nfllce.
He and his wife are members of the German Lutheran church and gi\e it
their support in such a way as to actively identify themselves with the church
life of their community. Mr. Rembe has always been a hard worker and
now has reached a position where he can take life easy. He has a fine new
brick home, which is modern in every respect. The old home was a large
two story building and was destroyed by fire November 29. 191 2. His farm
is finely improved with good barns and outbuildings and he has the satisfac-
tion of seeing his land net him a handsome return each year. He has at-
tained to his present position snlely through his own efforts and deserves
credit for the fine home which he has m;ide for himself and family. Tie is a
man of domestic tastes and likes nothing better than to sit armmd his own
984 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
fireside. His wholesome life in this county and the friendly treatment which
he has ah\ays accorded his friends and neighbors has won him the esteem
of all with whom he comes into contact.
S. R. DAVIS.
The career of the well-known gentleman whose name forms the caption
of this biographical review has been a strenuous and varied one, entitling him
to honorable mention among the representative citizens of his day and gen-
eration in the county with which his life is so closely identified. Although
his life record is nearing its close by fhe inevitable fate that awaits all man-
kind, his influence still pervades the lives of a wide circle of friends and ac-
quaintances who delight to know him. As public official, soldier or private
citizen, he has been always true to himself and his fellow men, and the
tongue of calumny has never touched him. As a soldier he proved his loyalty
to the government he loved so well on the long and tiresome marches in all
kinds of situations, on the tented field and amid the flames and smoke of bat-
tle, where the rattle of musketry, mingled with the terrible concussion of the
bursting shell and the deep diapason of the cannon's roar, made up the sub-
lime but awful chorus of death. To such as he the country is under a debt
of gratitude which it cannot repay and, in centuries yet to be, posterity will
commemorate their chivalry in fitting eulogy and tell their deeds in story
and song.
S. R. Davis, one of the few old veterans left in Gibson county, was born
December 5, 1840, in Jefferson county, Indiana, and is the son of Benjamin
and Sylvia (Royce) Davis, and to these parents were born seven children,
of which number the subject of this sketch was the second in order of birth.
All of these children are deceased except the subject and one sister, Mrs.
Sarah J. Fish, of Patoka.
S. R. Davis -was reared in Jefferson and Jennings counties, Indiana,
where he received a meager education, which was about all that was given
in those early days in this section. In the little old log school house which he
attended he sat on the old wooden benches with pegs for legs ; the desks were
wide boards fixed around the edge of the wall. The school house in which
he secured his elementary education in Jefferson county had the old-fashioned
fire place at one end of the room. It may be that it was laboring against such
disadvantages that has given him those qualities which have brought him
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 985
success in aiter life, ilis parenls ;iuj\ cd lo (iibson county durin^t; ihc ilays ui
th'.' Ci\ il War, antl a short time afterward Mr. Davis enlisted in Company G,
One Hundred and iMjrty-flfth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and
served for nearly one year in the army. Since he did not enlist until Febru-
ary 4, 18O5. he ilid not see much active service at the front, most of his time
being spent doing guard duty, lie was mustered out of service January Ji,
1866. After being mustered out he came back to Gibson county and bought
a small farm in Center township. At this time it was largely timber land and
he had to go to w ork at once to clear up the ground in order to raise his hrst
crop. He constructed a rude log house and log barn and went to work with a
will. After working on this farm for two years he went to Francisco, where
he remained until January, 1885, when he went back on the farm and again
engaged in its operation. In i88y he moNx-d back to hVancisco, where he has
since resided.
Air. Davis was married August 31, 1862, to I'riscilla P. Lewis, the
daughter of C. R. and Maria ( Baccn I Lewis. This iiiiKm lias been blessed
with six children, only one of whom is li\-ing, L. M. lJa\is, whn is a lelegrai)h
operator and merchant at Marengo. The rive children who have passed
awav are Leweldo F-.. Benny O., C. \i.. Franklin H. and Jesse 1-.
Mr. Davis has been a life long Democrat, and has alwa)s taken an
active interest in politics. He was justice of the peace for fifteen years, 1873
until 1888, and in 1896 he was elected county commissioner of Gibson county
on the fusion ticket. The fact that he was elected on the fusion ticket shows
his remarkable popularity throughout the county. Nothing could better il-
lustrate his sterling qualities of character, as it takes a strong character to win
out on a fusion ticket, and his election as such shows that he has 1)uilt up his
reputation for square dealing throughout the whole county. He and his
family are loyal and faithful members of the General Baptist church and are
deeply intere.sted in the various activities of that denomination.
Mr. Davis is one of those citizens who has surrounded himself with large
landed and personal property. However, he has done all this by his own ef-
forts, having been compelled to start out with practically nothing, fie has
overcome all disadvantages and discouragements and has made an exxcp-
tional success in life, and in his old age has the gratification of knowing that
the community in which he has resided has been benefited by his ])resence.
His keen business ability is shown by the fact that he has been president of
the Francisco State Bank for nearly five years. He is one of the best known
and highly respected farmers and business men of the county, and lias at-
986 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
tained this success by simple means and the exercise of the ordinaiy qualities
of common sense and perseverance. His honorable life has been an inspira-
tion to the present generation, and in the consideration of the prominent
citizens of Gibson county, a review of his career should find a conspicuous
place in such a biographical volume.
THOMAS M. MAXAM.
Self-assertion is believed by many people to be absolutely necessary to
success in life, and there are good reasons for the entertainment of such be-
lief. The modest man very rarely gets what is due him. The ' selfish,
aggressive man elbows his way to the front, takes all that is in sight and it
sometimes seems that modesty is a sin. with self-denial as the penalty. There
are, however, exceptions to all rules and it is a matter greatly to be regretted
that the exceptions to the conditions are not more numerous. One notable
exception is the case of the honorable gentleman whose life history we here
present, who possesses just a sufficient amount of modesty to be a gentleman
at all times and yet sufficient persistency to win in the business world and at
the same time not appear over bold. As a result of these well and happily
blended qualities Mr. ]\Iaxam has won a host of friends in Gibson county.
where he is well known to all classes as a man of influence, integrity and
Inisiness ability, and as a public official he has given universal satisfaction
because of his strict attention to his duties.
Thomas M. Maxam. the son of John S. and Patsy (Mattingly) Maxam,
was born in Gibson county, near Maxam Station, on February 26. 1847.
John S. ]Maxam was a native of Connecticut, and his wife of Spencer county,
Indiana. The grandfather of Thomas M. Maxam came from New York to
this state in the beginning of the last century, and. was associated for some
years with Judge William Prince, who was afterwards a congressman from
this district. The grandfather settled on a farm near Princeton at Maxam
.Station, and, so the story goes, the first tree which he cut down was a sassa-
fras from which he made a feed trough. John S. ^Maxam came .to this state
when he was seven years of age and lived on the farm which was entered by
his father until his death in 1872.
Thomas M. Maxam was educated in the district schools of his township,
and later took a course in music at Chicago. Following this he taught music
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 987
for h\e }-ears, and is slill a music CDiiiposer of imli.'. 1m ir ten years lie was
a section foreman on the railroad which ran thrnu^h (iihsdn county, lie
has always taken an active interest in politics, and as a Kepulilican was
elected trustee of Center township in 1904. He lillcd this oflicc with credit
to himself and to the satisfaction of the cumniunit}', takint^^ an active interest
in the building up of the schools and the construction of highways through-
out the township. He was also elected justice of the peace for several terms and
filled this important office with distinction. He has always been known as
a man of sterling honesty and because of his good common sense, his counsels
have been frequently sought liy his fellow citizens. His worth as a citizen
was recognized by President Roosevelt by appointing him postmaster of
Francisco, in which position he has given such universal satisfaction that he
has held the ol^ce from the time of his appointment up to the iiresenl lime.
]Mr. Alaxam was married on March 29, 1874, to F.liza lliley, the daugh-
ter of John and Lavina (Crist) Hiley, both of whom are natives of Indiana.
This marriage has been lilesscd with seven children: Airs. I.orella Suhling.
who lives on a farm in Gibson county; Adrian H., a .school teacher and attor-
ney living at Boonville, Indiana; Mrs. Gertrude Klusmcier, who lives on a
farm in this county ; Mrs. Estella Bruce, a resident also of this count\- ; l"or-
liss, who is at present principal of the high school at Marengo: Stanley C.
who married Ethel McGrew and is still at home ; Fannie, the youngest of the
family, who graduated from the Francisco high school in the spring of 19 14.
Fraternally, Mr. Maxam is a valued member of the Tndejiendent Order
of Odd Fellows of Francisco, and also of the Tribe of Ben-IIur. of the same
place. He is secretarv of the Ren-Hur lodge at the present lime. He and
his familv are loyal and earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal church
of Francisco, and arc liberal .supporters of that denomination, and lake an
active interest in all the affairs of the church.
Mr. Maxam has always been a hard worker and an industrious man, and
as a result every mile post of the years he has passed has found him further
advanced, more prosperous and with an increased number of friends. In
the communitv in which he has lived for so many years, his influence is felt
among his fellow men and he has earned a name for enterprise and integrity
which justifies him being accorded a place among the representative citizens
of Gibson county. He is a sti-aightforward. unassuming, obliging and genial
man and eniovs the confidence and respect of a wide circle of friends and
acf|uaintances throughout the county.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
THOMAS H. FRENCH.
The occupation of farming, to which the entire business hfe of Thomas
H. French, one of the well known and popular citizens of Gibson county,
has been devoted, is the oldest pursuit of a livelihood of mankind and the
one in which he will ever be the most independent. His name has long been
connected with the general growth of Gibson county, of which he is a native
and where his entire life has been passed. While primarily attending to his
own interests, his life has been largely devoted to his fellow man, having
been untiring in his efforts to inspire a proper respect for law and order and
ready at all times to uplift humanity along civic and social lines.
Thomas H. French, one of the leading farmers and influential citizens
of White Rixer township, Gibson county, Indiana, was born in this county on
June 2, i860, and is the son of Lucius S. and Margaret (Jerauld) French,
both of whom were natives of Gibson county. The parents of Lucius French
were among the earliest settlers of the county, having come here in 1818 and
obtained a tract of land which they cleared and converted into a homestead,
now known as the old French farm. This was about one mile north of the
town of Patoka. Here their son Lucius was born and raised and in this
same neighborhood was the family of Jerauld whose daughter, Margaret,
Lucius French married, and they became the parents of the immediate subject
of this sketch. Lucius French died April 17, 1886, and his wife lived until
1903, having passed her entire life in Gibson county. Lucius French's father
was a leading man in his community in his day, being considered one of the
most progressive citizens. In the year 1836 he built the first two-story brick
residence in the count}' and in the year 1840 he built a large bank barn, the
timbers of which were so heavy that it required the efforts of seventy-five
men to raise the structure. Both this house and barn are still standing in
an excellent state of preservation, due to the care exercised in selecting the
materials going into their construction, the size of the timbers much surpass-
ing anything in use today.
Thomas H. French was the third child in a family of nine children and
received his schooling in the district schools of the county. AVhen quite
young, he commenced assisting with the work around the farm and remained
at home until the age of twenty-six years, when he was united in marriage
with Alar}- E. Daugherty on September i, 1886. She is the daughter of
Joseph and Kate ( Rhardon) Daugherty, both natives of Ireland, who had
settled in Gibson countv a number of vears before. At the beginning of the
GIBSON COUXTY. INDIANA. 989
Civil War, Joseph Dauglierty enlisted for service. To 'riiiima> li. I'reiu-li
and wife ha\e been born six children, namely: Mnnice, .Mary, Isabell, ( irace.
Laura and Elizalx-th, all nf whcmi except .Mary are at home, thnni^h Isabelle
is engaged in teaching in the |)ublic schools. .Mary is the wife of Ray W'.atson.
Air. French and his family reside on hi^ farm of one hundred and f'>rty
acres of finely located land, adjoining the corporation line of the town of
Patoka and here he engages in general farming, paying especial attention to
the raising of melons for the market. In this branch of agriculture he has
been engaged for the past twenty- years, increasing his efforts fronr\ear tn
year, until he now has about sixty acres in melons each year and for the last
three years he has been raising cjuite a number in hr)t beds. Me has maile for
himself quite a reputation in this line of endeavor and has been eminently
successful.
Politically, 'Sir. French gives his support to the Progressive party.
while his religious membership is with the Presbyterian clmrch in whose wel-
fare he is sincerely interested. His fraternal affiliation is with the Tribe of
Ben-Hur and the Modern Woodmen of America.
Mr. French is numbered among the progressive agriculturists and public
spirited citizens of this county and is one of the substantial men of his com-
munity. Endowed by nature with strong mental powers and possessing the
courage and energy to direct his faculties in the proper channels, he early
became a man of resourceful capacity, as the management of his afifairs testi-
fies. He has met everv issue of life squarely and his life-long residence here
has placed him high in the estimation of all who know him by reason of his
sterling worth.
D. H. SWAN. M. D.
Professional success results from merit. Frequently in commercial life
one may come into possession of a lucrative business through inheritance or
gift, but in what are known as the learned professions advancement is gained
only through painstaking and long-continued efifort. Prestige in the healing
art is the outcome of strong mentality, close application, thorough mastery
of its great underlying principles and the ability to apply theory to ])ractice
in the treatment of diseases. Good intellectual training, thorough profes-
sional knowledge and the possession atid utilization of the qualities and at-
tributes essential to success have made the subject of this sketch eminent in
990 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
his chosen calling and he stands today among the scholarly and enterprising
physicians in a county noted for the high order of its medical talent.
Dr. D. H. Swan, the son of Daniel H. and Ruth (Cumelsham) Swan,
was born September 30, 1868, in Harrison county, Indiana, both of his par-
ents being natives of that county also. His boyhood days were spent in his
native county, where- he attended the country schools and laid the foundation
for his future career. After finishing his elementary education in Harrison
county, he entered the Southern Indiana Normal at Mitchell, Indiana, where
he continued his work in the higher branches. He then went to Danville, In-
diana, and entered the Central Normal College, from which he graduated in
1890. He had taught some before graduation, and upon his graduation from
the Normal School at Danville, he came to Gibson county and taught in this
county in Washington and White River townships for six years. He was
rapidly building up his reputation as a successful teacher, when he decided to
leave the profession and study medicine. With this end in view he entered
the medical college at Louisville, Kentucky, in the fall of 1896, and took the
full four years' course in that institution, graduating in the spring of 1900,
after which time he returned to Gibson county and opened his office for prac-
tice at Mackey, where he remained for a period of three months. Francisco
seeming to offer a better opportunity for advancement in his profession, he
moved to that place in the fall of 1900, and there he has continued to reside
until the present time. He rapidly built up a large and lucrative practice and
was gaining a reputation for thorough and conscientious work in dealing
with all kinds of diseases. He became a stockholder in the State Bank at
Francisco, and in 1908 he was elected president of the bank. Preceding his
election to the presidency of the bank he served four years as trustee of
Center township on the Democratic ticket, during which time he gave uni-
versal satisfaction throughout the township for. his excellent administrative
qualities. At the expiration of his term of office as trustee he was induced to
become the cashier of the bank of Francisco, but held that position for only
one year, and in the beginning of the year 1910 he resumed the practice of
medicine and hns continued uninterruptedly in the profession since that date.
Doctor Swan was married November 8, 1898, to Florence C. Worth, the
daughter of Charles and Caroline \¥orth. of Oakland City, and to this union
have been born three children, Ruth, now a junior in the high school at Fran-
cisco, Jean and Gladys. Dr. Swan is one of the charter members of the In-
dependent Order of Odd Fellows, No. 814, at Francisco, and also a member
of the Tribe of Ben-Hur. of the same town.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. QQI
Doctor Swan is devoted to the noble work which his profession impHes,
and has not only earned a due reward from his eflforts in a temporal way, but
has also proven himself eminently worthy to exercise the important func-
tions of his calling by reason of his ability, his abiding sympathies and his
earnest zeal in behalf of his fellow men. 1 11-; iiiulerstandin.y: of the science of
medicine is regarded by those who know him as being broad and compre-
hensive, and the profession and the public accord him a distinguished place
among the practicing physicians of his county. As a physician, as a public
official and as a business man, he has proven true to the trusts imposed upon
him. In his everv relation of life he has never fallen below tlie (ii:;nit\ <>\
true manhood, nor in any way resorted to methods that have invited censure.
Among the families of Gibson county, Indiana, whose members have
worthily discharged their duties to their fellows and their communities, no
family takes higher rank than the Finches, several representatives of whom
are today prominently identitied with the business and social life of Center
township. For many years members of this family have stood for all tli.al
is best in business, educational, moral or social life and have wielded an in-
fluence that has been potential in the development and welfare of their com-
munity, being numbered among the enterprising and progressive citizens of
the county. Because of the prominence which the family has enjoyed and
the close relations they have sustained to the welfare and prosperity of the
locality which has been honored by their citizenship, they are eminently en-
titled to representation in a work of the character of the one at hand.
J. W. Finch, the son of George W. and Martha P. ( Smith) Finch, was
born September ii, 1878, in Gibson county, Indiana. His father, George ^\'.
Finch, was a native of Posey county, as was his mother. Early in life he
came to Gibson county, where he lived the remainder of his life on a farm
four miles south of Francisco, near the old Providence church. To Mr. and
Mrs. George W. Finch were born fifteen children, twelve of whom are still
living and the heads of families. George W. Finch died January 29, 1910,
and his widow passed away three days later on February i, 1910. tlieir
funerals being held at the same time and both being buried in the same grave.
Thev would have celelirated their sixtieth wedding anniversary if they hafl
992 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
lived until 1912. They were earnest and faithful members of the Providence
church for more than fifty years and always took an active interest in all the
vvork of the church.
J. W. Finch was the youngest child of his father's family. He received
his education in the district schools of Gibson county and later attended the
high school at Francisco. After finishing his education at Francisco, he
started teaching in his home township, and taught for ten ^ears in the
county, in Barton, Union and Center townships. While he was engaged in
teaching he attended Vincennes University for three years, in order to better
prepare himself for the teaching profession. He was very successful as a
teacher and was fast building up the reputation of being one of the best
teachers in the county. However, the opportunity presented itself for en-
gaging in the banking business, and after due deliberation he decided that he
would leave the teaching profession and go into the banking business. Ac-
cordingly he took a business course at the Lockyear Business College at
Evansville and entered the Francisco State Bank in July, 1900, as cashier.
He is now a stockholder in the bank, and in addition to his banking interests
he owns ninety-six acres of land adjoining the town of Francisco. He has
called into use in his banking business the same ciualities which l^rought him
such excellent success as a teacher, and is already recognized as a very ca-
pable banker.
Mr. Finch was married on August 17, 1898, to Estella E. Strown, the
daughter of George and Lydia A. (Bruce) Strown, and this union has been
blessed with three children, Jessie, born June 8, 1899; Patsy, born March 29,
1902, and Flossie, born August i, 1904. All of these children are now at-
tending school in their home town.
Politically, Mr. Finch has always been a Democrat, but has never taken
a very active part in the deliberations of his party. He belongs to the Provi-
dence Primitive Baptist church, of which his father and mother were mem-
bers for more than fifty years, and takes an intelligent interest in the aiTairs
of this denomination. Mr. Finch is a splendid type of the American business
man who is a credit to any community. With his clear head, strong arm and
true heart, directed and controlled lay correct principles and unerring judg-
ment, he is fast winning his way, not only to pecuniary independence, but
what is far superior, the deserving confidence and respect of those with whom
he is brought into contact. His residence in this community has brought him
a large circle of warm friends and acquaintances, who esteem him because
of his excellent qualities of character and his upright business ability.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 993
GEORGI-: SCllAFEK.
Aiiiong the representative men of Francisco, Gibson county, Indiana,
there is no one who occupies a nu>re iiighly respected position than does
George Schafer. As a self-made man he stands as a shining example of
what can be accomplished by hard, conscientious work and strict attention to
his business. The occupation of a blacksmith is as essential to the welfare
of any community as that of any other vocation. It is interesting to note
that when the United States government made treaties with the Indians
throughout the Northw^est territory that there was always a provision for
three separate men who were to be provided by the government; one was a
minister of the Gospel, another a teacher and the third was a blacksmith,
and in the welfare of the Indians, it would be hard to say that the blacksmith
was the least important of the three.
George Schafer, blacksmith and one of the most public-spirited citizens
of Francisco, was born April 4. ii>ji), in Perry county, Indiana. His par-
ents were Henry and Alary (Stinehall) Schafer. his father being a native of
Germany and his mother of Perry county. When Henry Schafer first came
to this country he located in Louisville, Kentucky, where he followed the
trade of a blacksmith. He is still living in Francisco and although fifty-
eight years of age is still able to do a good day's work at the forge. Mr. and
Mrs. Heniy Henry Schafer were the parents of eight children, seven sons and
one daughter, the daughter dying at the age of sixteen years, while the sons
are all living.
George Schafer is the oldest of his father's family anil was educated in
the district schools of Crawford county, Indiana, and when eighteen vears of
age he entered into the blacksmith business with his father. Within a year,
before he was nineteen years of age, he moved to Francisco in Gibson count\-
and engaged in the blacksmith business for himself, and has built up a \erv
lucrative trade. He now has a new shop which is fitted out with everv mod-
ern convenience which luarks the shops of towns of much larger size. In
addition to his regular blacksmithing business he does a great aniount of
wood work. He is endowed with much natural skill and with the addition of
his scientific study of the art of blacksmithing he is becoming one of the liest
known I)lack^nu'ths in this section of the state.
Mr. Schafer was married July 24. igi2. to Amanda Brothers, daughter
of David and Luc\-. ( Rodger s) P.rothers. and Ui this union there ha\e been
(63)
994 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
born three children: Horace, born March j, 1902; Edward, laorn Julv 22,
1905. and Clara, born July 24, 1907. 'Mv. and ]\Irs. Schafer are giving their
children every advantage which the modern schools can fnrnish them and
intend that they shall have the best practical education possible. JMr. Schafer
is a citizen \\ ho takes an interest in the educational and moral affairs of his
town to a marked degree. At present he is a member of the town board and
his influence is always on the right side of public questions. He became a
charter member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Xo. 814, when
it was etsablished at Francisco. PoHtically, he is a Democrat, but never
has had the time to take an active part in politics. Mr. and Mrs. Schafer
are leading quiet and highly respected lives and are highly honored and
esteemed by their neighbors and friends for the praiseworthy lives they are
living. They have a very pleasant home in Francisco, where thev dispense
hospitality to an ever-increasing circle of friends.
JOHN H. SHIPP.
Whether the elements of success m life are innate attributes of the
individual, or whether they are quickened by a process of circumstantial de-
velopment, it is impossible to dehne, yet the study of a successful life, what-
ever the Held of endeavor, is none the less interesting and profitable by rea-
son of the existence of this uncertainty. So much in excess of those of suc-
cesses are the records of failures or semi-failures that one is constrained to at-
tempt an analysis in either case and to determine the measure of possession
in an approximate way. Studying the life history of the well-known teacher
and citizen of Gibson county whose name forms the caption of this sketch
we find in this young man many qualities which always gain definite success
in any career properly directed. It is very evident that he has lived a life of
usefulness and one which has resulted in a life of good to others as well, and
it is safe to predict that the future holds much in store for him.
John H. Shipp, the superintendent of the Francisco schools, was born
August 25, 1S85, in Center township, Gibson county, Indiana, the son of
David and Mary (Skelton) Shipp, his father's birth having occurred in Cam-
bridge, England, while his mother was a native of this county. David Shipp
came to this country when he was sixteen years of age and settled near Max-
am's Station, in this county, and has followed agricultural pursuits all his
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 995
life. His death occurrwl Octolicr jt,. u;ij, his wife liavin;; passed awav sev-
eral years before on April 5, 1901.
John S. Shipp was educated in the district schools of his county and
then, unlike most country boys of his time, he finished a high scimol course
in the town of Francisco. This gave him a taste for more learning, so he en-
rolled in the State Normal School at Terra Haute, Indiana, from which he
later graduated. He also attended Oakland City College and Chicago Uni-
versity at different times in order to equip himself better for an educational
career. His first teaching experience was in Center township in his home •
(5ounty, and later he was offered a position in the Francisco high school,
which he filled very acceptably, and for the past five years he has been the
superintendent of the school from which he graduated only a few years ago.
It is often said that a prophet is without honor in his own country, and it
is oftentimes true of teachers as well. Therefore, it is to the credit of Mr.
Shipp that he is having such fine success in his own home school. During the
time that he has had charge of the Francisco school the attendance in high
school has increased over one hundred per cent, and the grade teachers have
been increased from five to eight in number. When he took charge of this
school there was not even a certified course given, but he has brought the
work up to such a standard that the state Ijoanl uf cfhicatinn (crtified it
and have recently granted it a commission, which carries with it the right of
its graduates to enter any college in the state without an examination.
Mr. Shipp was married November 2, 1908, to Thelda H. Loveless, the
daughter of Joseph H' and Lucretia (Hume) Loveless. Joseph Loveless was
born September 5, 1865, in Pike county, the son of James K. and Eliza
(Rainey) Loveless, both of whom were natives of this state. As a young
man Mr. Loveless worked in a coal mine for a few years, and then engaged in
the mercantile business, and is still conducting a general store at the town of
Francisco. Mr. and Mrs. Loveless were married November 12, 1886. his
wife being the daughter of Cornelius and Elizabeth Hume, Imtli natives of
Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Loveless are the parents of five children, Mrs.
Thelda Shipp; Ray V., of Francisco; Mrs. Jennie Chappel, of Francisco;
Clifton and Powell. Mr. and Mrs. Loveless are active members of the Gen-
eral Baptist church of Francisco, and Mr. Loveless has been superintendent
of the Sunday school at that place for the past thirty years. Tn Mr. and Mrs,
John H. Shipp has been born one daugb.ter. Hazel Xannii, wlm is nnw de-
ceased.
Professor Shipp is a Repulilican in politics and has been interested in
996 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
the various political issues which have been advocated by that party. His po-
sition as superintendent of the schools has precluded him from taking a
very active part in politics, although he is one of the best informed men in
his county on political problems. He and his wife are consistent members of
the Methodist Episcopal church of Francisco and contribute liberally of their
means to its support. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, Lodge No. 814, at Francisco. Mr. Shipp's professorship here
has been a busy and useful one and his name is respected by all who have
had occasion to come into contact with him, or who have knowledge of his
life's work. He has dignified and honored his profession, for his life has
been one of consecration to his calling and well does he merit a place of honor
in a volume touching upon the lives and deeds of those who have given the
best of their time and talent to the betterment of mankind.
TAMES R. .MORRO\\'
No sturdier or better citizens ha\e ever come to our shores than have
those sons of Ireland who have made their homes in this country. Fortunate
indeed is the community which receives these people and incorporates them in
her body politic, for wherever they are found they are always industrious,
upright and willing to do their share toward the advancement of the material
and moral welfare of the community in which they reside. In the old
country they learned those habits of industry which insure success and upon
their coming to this country they never fail to bring along those same habits
which made them independent in their old home. The United States have
no better citizens than these sons of Erin. Gibson county is fortunate in
ha\'ing some of these good people and among them James R. Morrow, the
subject of this sketch, occupies a prominent part in the civic life of the com-
munity which is honored by his residence.
James R. Morrow, the son of Irish parents, was born in Center town-
ship, Gibson county. Indiana, on January i. 1870. His parents, James and
Mary Jane (Speer) Morrow, were both born in Ireland, and came to this
state about 1830 and located in Center township, in this county. James
Morrow followed the occupation of a farmer all his life, and at his death,
which occurred in May, iQio, he had become one of the most prosperous
farmers in this kicality. To James ]\Iorrow and wife were born nine chil-
dren. James R. being the youngest of the number.
GIBSON COrXTV, INDIANA. 997
James R. Morrow was educated in tlic district schools of liis nciglilnir-
hood, and his boyhood was spent in perlorniing all those nmltitudinous duties
which fall to the lot of the a\ erase farmer's hoy. 1 le attended school in the
winter season and assisted on his father's farm in the summers. As a young
man he set for himself a definite goal, and his present position in the circles
of his community show that he has not labored in vain. He has realized
that success means h;ird work and honest endca\or, and throughout all of
his career he has never failed to recognize this fact. With these good quali-
ties ever in mind he has gradually added to his possessions until he now has
a fine farm of two hundred and ninety acres in this town.ship. In addition to
his agricultural interests he is prominently identified with the Francisco State
Bank, of which he is a director and vice-president at the present time. He
built a beautiful new home of ten rooms in rqii. It is e(|uipped with gas
lights and a hot water system. He has made all of the improvements which
stand on his farm today. The house is finished in oak which came from the
farm.
Mr. Morrow was married on Deceml)er 12, 1895, to Lettie Arnold, of
Pike county, this state, and to this union have been born three children:
James L. and Mary H.. who are both in the high school at Princeton, In-
diana, and Samuel R., the youngest, who is still in the common .schools. Mr.
]\Iorrow takes a very active interest in the education of his children and in-
tends that they shall receive the best which can be gi\en them. He is a firm
believer in education and realizes that in the life of the present day an edu-
cation is a \-aIuable asset.
In politics ^Ir. ]\Iorrow was a Progressive and allied himself with that
party in the fall of 1912. He votes for the best men rcgardles>^ of their
party affiliations. He is well informed on all the public questions of the day
and is an interesting conversationalist on the current topics before the people.
He and his family are faithful and earnest members of the Presbyterian
church and are interested in the various activities which are promoted by
that denomination. Mr. Morrow attributes his success to his industry and
strict integrity, feeling that without these qualities he would never have
attained the position which he holds today. His comfortable station in life
is such that he can now de\ote his time and energies to helping the com-
munity at large, and accordingly, every movement which has for its object
the bettering of the social and moral life of the community finds in him a
ready and .sympathetic sujijiorter. The >^tudy of the lives of such nien as
he should be an incentive to the young men whose fortunes and destinies
99© GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
are yet to be determined. The example of any farmer who can accumulate
a farm of two hundred and ninety acres under modern-day conditions is
one which is well worth studying. It is a pleasure to record the life of such
a citizen, and the province of a volume of this nature is to set forth for
coming generations the lives of men who have been as important factors as
the subject of this sketch in the development of the community in which
they live.
JACKSON DEPRIEST.
It is proper to judge of the success of a man's life by the estimation in
which he is held b}- his fellow citizens. They see him at his work, in his
family circle, in the church, in the public forum, they observe the operation
of his code of morals, witness how he conducts himself in all the relations of
society and civilization, and are therefore competent to judge of his merits
and his demerits. After a long course of years of such daily observation
it would be out of the question for his neighbors not to know his worth.
In this connection it is not too much to say that the subject of this sketch has
passed a life in his township which has been marked by strict attention to
business and a modicum of success which indicates that he has directed his
energies along the lines of honest endeavor. As a private citizen and public
official he has been accorded definite recognition by the citizens of his town-
ship, being now the township assessor, in which position he is rendering
efficient and satisfactory service. The mere fact that any citizen holds an
office by virtue of the suffrages of his fellow citizens is a sure indication of
the esteem in which he is held by the community.
Jackson Depriest, the fourth of seven children, was born July 23, 1858,
in Barton township, Gibson county, Indiana, the son of \A illiam and Dicy A.
(McCleary) Depriest, both of whom were natives of this county also.
William Depriest was one of the early settlers of Gibson county, and went
through all the struggles incident to the pioneer farmer of the early days of
Indiana.
Jackson Depriest was educated in the district schools of his native
county and performed all the multitudinous duties which fall to the lot of
the ordinary boy on the farm. He has spent all of his life with the excep-
tion of the last few years, upon the farm and has built for himself a reputa-
tion of being one of the most progressive farmers of his township. On his
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 999
well improved farm uf one hundred aud thirty acres he has excellent huildings
and has brought it to a high state ot cultixation. He carries on a diversified
system of farming, raising all the crops which are common to this section
of the state. In addition to his general crops, he alsu raises considerable li\-e
stock.
Politically, Mr. Depriest has been a life-long Democrat and has been
rewarded by his party by being elected township assessor, an office which he
is now holding to the entire satisfaction of the citizens of the town.ship. Pre-
vious to his election as township assessor, he had been deputy for two years,
so that he went into the office well qualified and equipped to discharge the
duties of that important position.
Air. Depriest was married August 2, 1879. to Ellen Colingcr, and to
this union have been born six children, Mrs. Delta King, who li\es on a farm
in Center township, has one child. Fay: Mrs. Stella Mahon, whose husband
is a farmer in Center township: Ottri, who is married and lives in Princeton,
and has one child, Cloyd; Homer, who lives on his father's farm in t/entev
township. Mrs. Depriest is a faithful and earnest member of the Regular
Baptist church of Providence, and contributes liberally to the various activ-
ities of the church. They are firm believers in the great amount of good
which can be accomplished by the church and lend themselves willingly to
all movements which have for their purpose the bettering of the moral, civic
and social life of the community in which they live. They have a hospitable
home and number their friends and ac(|uaintances by the score. Mr. De-
priest has never allowed the multitudinous activities of his life to warp his
kindly nature, but has preserved his warmth of heart for the broadening and
helpful influences of human life, being a kindly, genial man ami a gentleman
whom it is a pleasure to meet.
WILLIAM A. WHEELER.
Among the old and representative families of Gibson county there are
none who hold a more prominent place than does the Wheeler family. Com-
ing to this county early in its history, they have seen it emerge from a
primiti\e wilderness to a farming community which is second to none in the
state. Thev were among those who drained its swamps, cleared its forests
and built the highways which connect the fine farms scattered throughout
lOOO GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
the length and breadth of the county. The)- are of that class o^f early settlers
who had to battle with the ague and miasma of the swamps and all of those
ills which surrounded the farmer of pioneer times. Too much credit cannot
be given these sturd}' forefathers of ours who ha\'e made it possible for us
to enjoy the comforts which surround us on every hand today. A scion of
one of these pioneer families is William A. Wheeler, and one of the most
prominent farmers of the county.
William A. Wheeler, son of Charles W. and Mary A. (Karn) Wheeler,
was born September 4, iS'Sg, in Gibson county, Indiana. Charles W. Wheeler
was a native of this county, while his wife came from Crawford county, In-
diana. Charles Wheeler was one of the earliest settlers of the county and
has been engaged in farming all his life. He is still living and resides near
Princeton, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Wheeler were the parents
of nine children, the subject of this sketch being the second in order of birth.
William A. Wheeler received his early education in the district schools
of his home neighborhood, and although his early education was limited, he
has been a reader all his life and keeps himself well informed upon all the
current topics of the day. That he has kept himself well posted on all affairs,
particularly those pertaining to agriculture, is evidenced by the fact that he
is the owner of three hundred and thirty acres of fine land in this county.
This farm he has brought to a high state of cultivation and has always be-
lieved in keeping it well stocked with all the latest farming machinery. In
addition to being engaged in a diversified system of farming and raising all
those crops common to this locality, he makes a specialty of breeding Here-
ford cattle. He has as fine a herd of Herefords as can be found in the state
and takes a great deal of pride in keeping it to a high standard of excellence.
He has a beautiful home, sulastantial barn and other outbuildings on his
place and enjoys all the modern conveniences of life.
Mr. Wheeler has been twice married, his first wife being Ellen Griflin.
of this county, to whom he was married in August, 1892, and to this union
there was one child born, Ralph, who is living with his father on the farm.
His second marriage was to Cora Utley, the daughter of Lewis and Jane
Utley, to whom he was married on July 3, 1898, and to this union there ha\'e
been born three children, Pearl and Claud, who are at home, and Roy, de-
ceased, in his home life, Mr. W'heeler is an ideal father and husband and is
always solicitous for the happiness of his wife and children.
Mr. ^^'heeler is a Republican in politics, but has never sought any politi-
cal office at the hands of his party. He has devoted all of his time and at-
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. lOOI
lention towards his private interests. althou,i;h he takes an intelligent interest
in the deliberations oi his parly. Jle and his family are I'aithfnl adherents
of the rresb\terian church, ami take an acti\e interest in the various depart-
ments of work in that denomination. They realize that the church is an im-
portant fact(ir in the life of any community, and for this reason lake ad-
vantage of every opportunity to all\- ihemselves with any movement which
has for its end the raising of the nuiral and religious life of their community.
Mr. Wheeler's record has been one replete with duty well done and con-
scientiously performed. In every relation of life he has been an advocate
of wholesome living and clean politics and has always tried to stand for the
highest and best interests of his community and the fact that he is held in
high esteem by his neighbors shows that he has not labored in vain. He is a
credit to the honored family fmm which he is descended and will have the
satisfaction of handing down to his clu'ldren the record of a life which has
been well spent in the service of his community.
JOHX F. MEADE.
Gibson county has been fortunate in the numlicr and character of its
farmers and much of the material prosperity of the county can be attributed
to the fact that its farmers have kept abreast of the times. It can hariUy
be questioned that the farmer is an index to the civilization of any commun-
ity. If the farmers are progressive and up-to-date it follows that the stand-
ard of living in that community will be high. Thousands of banks have been
organized within the last few years in order to supply the needs of the
farmer, and according to one authority, the farmer and his crop furnish the
bulk of the money for most of the smaller banks throughout the United
Stales. The wholesome living which is the good fortune of the farmer is a
big factor in keeping up the general tone of a countv. The business men of
the towns are drawing the men for iheir employes from the country and
everywhere it is noticed that the men who are rising to proniiuence in the
various activities of life were liorn and reared on the farm. C.ibson county
has long been known as one of the very best farming counties of the state.
and its excellent farmers have been one of the biggest factors in the material
advancement of the county. Among the many excellent agriculturi.sts of
Gibson county there is no one who stands higher in the estimation of his
I002 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
fellow citizens than does the gentleman whose name appears at the head of
this review.
John F. Meade was born in this county, near Owensville, June 25,
1862, the son of John S. and Minerva (Yeager) Meade, who were also
natives of this county. His father was a life-long farmer and served as
county commissioner at the time when the present court house was built.
He is still living at the advanced age of eighty-six years, his wife's death
occurring August 14, 191 1. To Mr. and Mrs. John S. Meade were born ten
children, the subject of this sketch being the fourth child in order of birth.
John F. Meade was educated in the district schools of his home neigh-
borhood and also took a course in the Francisco high school. He took ad-
vantage of his opportunities, applying himself closely to his educational train-
ing, so that he became a teacher in his township schools for three terms, and
in this profession he proved very successful and no doubt would have had a
long and useful career had he chosen to follow that vocation. However,
the call of the farm resounded in his ears and feeling that he would prefer
an agricultural career to the profession of teaching, he engaged in farming,
and in this line of endeavor he has proven very successful, and is now the
owner of one hundred and fifty-five acres of fine farming land in Center
township. This land he has brought to a high state of cultivation, and with
all the modern improvements which he has put on this farm, it is now con-
sidered as one of the most \aluable farms in the county for its acreage.
Mr. Meade was married on June 24, 1885, to Jessie C. Whiting, the
daughter of Captain C. C. and Louisiana (Craig) Whiting, both natives of
Posey county, this state. Captain Whiting is referred to in the miltary his-
tory elsewhere. To Mr. and Mrs. Meade has been born one child, Flor-
ence, who was married in August, 19 13, to Floyd Loper, one of the high
school teachers in Francisco; they are living in Francisco at the present time.
Mr. Meade has been a life-long Republican in politics and always takes
an active interest in the councils of his party. His worth as a man and
citizen was recognized by his party and he was nominated on the Repub-
lican ticket for township assessor and was elected in due time. Fie has now
held this office for six years, and has given universal satisfaction. He and
his wife are faithful and earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal
church of Francisco. They are deeply interested in the welfare of their
community, and any mo\-ement which has for its end the bettering of the
moral or civic welfare of their immediate locality finds in them ready and
sympathetic helpers. Mr. Meade gives his unreserved support to the various
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. IOO3
enterprises uf his comniiuiity which seek to elevate the moral tone of its
members, and liv his straightforward and upright dealini;s in all of his
atlairs. he has gained for himself a sound reputation for st|uare and honest
dealings.
SA.MUEL II. LAWRENCE.
It matters much less where geographically a man comes into the world
than how he comes into its life as a living force, or what he does and be-
comes in it. Eleredity and environment have much to do in conditicjning
his character and power, and fortunate indeed is the individual who has
been well born and whose surroundings have made for his best develo])ment.
The vi'ell-known subject of this sketch has been peculiarly blessed in both
these respects. He conies from old and highly esteemed ancestors and was
reared under excellent home influences, the result being the fine specimen of
manhood and citizenship which he today represents.
Samuel H. Lawrence, the son of Solomon AI. and Marv E. (Clark)
Lawrence, was born in Gibson county. Indiana. March 12, 1S51. Tlis father
was a native of Ohio and settled in this statein iX:;_:; on the same farm n(pw
owned by his son Samuel. He took an active part in the de\elo])nient of
this section of this county, and was a true pioneer of his day. He exper-
ienced all the vicissitudes and hardships of life in a new country, and at his
death, on December 22, 1879. he was missed by a large number of his fellow
men as a man who had discharged his every duty in such a manner as to be
worthy of the confidence and esteem with which he was uni\ersall\' held.
His widow survi\ed him many years and did not pass away until March _^o.
1904. Mr. and Mrs. Solomon M. Lawrence were the parents of a large
faniil}- of eight children: \A'illiam C, a mail carrier. li\ing in Princeton.
Indiana: Mrs. Sarah E. Stormont. deceased: Samuel H.. the subject of this
sketch; C. W., who lives at Princeton; Mrs. Anna .\. l)avi^<Mi. of I'rince-
ton; Mrs. Nancy E. Hudelson, widow, whose husband was a farmer in
Center township, Gibson county; and Mrs. Armilda J. Mahan. who lives
with her father on the old home place. Her husband, Thomas Mahan. to
whom she was married in 1889, died in July, iSgo. leaving one son, Law-
rence; the eighth and youngest child is Hugh T., who lives on a farm in
Center township, Gibson county.
Samuel H. grew to manhood with a proper conception of life's respi'n^i-
I004 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
bilities. Reared in close touch with nature, in the fields and woods and farm,
at an early age accustomed to manual labor, he developed while still a }-oung
man a strong and vigorous physique which, with a naturally keen and alert
mind, subsequently made him a fine specimen of manhood. During his child-
hood and youth he attended the public schools of his neighborhood and when
the time came to choose a vocation, he decided to become a tiller of the soil,
which honorable and useful calling he has since followed with satisfactory
financial results. He worked on his father's farm until he was about thirty-
two years of age, when he bought a farm of eighty acres in Center town-
ship. He continued to operate this farm until his father's death, when he
later sold it and bought a half interest in the old home place.
He has never been married, his widowed sister and her son having
lived with him for the past twenty-five years. On his fine farm of one hun-
dred acres he carries on a diversified system of farming, and raises abund-
antly all the crops grown in this part of Indiana. He is very much inter-
ested in keeping everything on his farm in first class condition, a fact which
bespeaks well for the industry- and energy of the owner.
In politics he is affiliated with the Progressive party and keeps well in-
formed on all the Questions of the dav. He is a member of the United
Presbyterian church, and contributes freely '^f his means to the support of
that denomination. As a neighbor he is kindly disposed and accommodating
and his influence at all times has made for good among those with whom
he has been thrown in contact. He is essentially a practical man, sound in
judgment and well endowed with that most excellent quality known as good
common sense. His integrity, personal honor and high character have won
him a conspicuous place in the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens.
THOMAS M. PALMER.
The life of the early pioneers of Indiana is always interesting to the
modern generation. To the men who were born in the thirties and are still
living at the present time, the life of today must present strange contrasts to
the life which they lived as boys. Thomas M. Palmer, the subject of this
sketch, who was l;)orn January 19, 1832. in. A'anderlnirg county, this state,
is one of the oldest pioneers now li\ing in Ciibson county. His parents were
William and Mary ( Miller) Palmer, and they came from the East to this
state. His father was the first blacksmith in the town of Evansville. When
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. IOO5
Thomas was a small lad of two or three years of age his father, while raising
a log for their cahin home, slipi)ed and broke his leg. from which accident
he never recovered and his death occurred shortly afterwards, leaving his
widow with six children.
Thomas .M. Palmer receixed wliat little education the schools of that
primitive time afforded and can describe very entertainingly the (|ueer old log
cabin which then was used as a school house. With its log seats and writing
desks tacked to the wall, it was a primitive structure indeed, and yet with
the light streaming through the greased paper windows and with the goose
quill pen, these forefathers of ours learned to write much better than many
of the boys and girls of our schools today. It is related that Jonathan Jen-
nings, the fir.st governor of the state in 1816. wrote such a fine hand that his
letters were saved by the school teachers throughout southern Indiana and
used as window ]janes, so that the pupils might have the writing of the
governor as a model to follow. J\Ir. Palmer has related to the historians of
this volume many interesting incidents of the early days in Indiana. He
has one interesting story of a "coon" hunt; when he reached a tree and fired
into the top of the branches, he brought three "coons" <iut of the tree at one
shot.
As a young man Thomas 'SI. Palmer worked at the plastering trade for
several years and upon sa\ing one hundred dollars went to F.vansville to
seek his fortune. Here he entered into partnership with a man by the name
of Riley in the bu\ing of poultry and this business ])roved to be very success-
ful. He followed this line for se^•eral years and finally went into the raising
of sheejx Plere he was e(]ually successful and continued to conduct this
business for several years. In the meantime he began to acrpiire land, and
in the course of time was the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of
■gofxl land in Center township, in this county. In addition he has accunui-
lated town property in Francisco, and has interests in several of the banks
of the county.
'Sir. Palmer was twice married, first to Rosann Gore, a nati\c of the
Hoosier state, v.-hose death occurred April 0. 1867. On February 17, 1861},
he was again married to ]Mary A. Heaps, the daughter of Golden and Eliza-
beth Heaps, who were natives of England, but had come to this state early
in its histor}'.
Politicalb.'. Mr. Palmer has been a life-long Deiuocrat and is one of the
oldest voters in the county. He has never held any office other than road
super\-isor of his township, and in the several \-ears during which be dis-
I006 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
charged the duties of this office, he has done very efficient work in fixing np
the roads of his township. He and his wife are faithful and earnest mem-
bers of the Regular Baptist church at Francisco and are active in the dis-
charge of all the obligations which the church demands. For more than
twenty years they have lived in Francisco and are enjo}"ing the twilight of
their lives surrounded by all the modern conveniences.
Mr. Palmer is one of the few old pioneers left in this county and he is
still hale and hearty and able to recall incidents which have happened for the
last seventy-live years. The reminiscences of such a man would make an
interesting volume for future generations. He is one of the best known men
throughout this community and is respected and honored by everyone. Be-
cause of his reputation for integrity and his high character, his influence for
good in this community has been most potent and in all the relations of life
he has commanded the confidence and respect of a long list of friends and
acquaintances, and has the satisfaction of knowing that in his old age that
the community in which he resides has been benefited by his presence and his
counsel. By his long years of hard labor and honest endeavor he has ac-
quired a well-merited material prosperit}- and richly deserves to pass the
remainder of his days in peace and quietness, surrounded by those who Io\"e
him best.
MILTON McROBERTS.
Gibson county could boast of few more progressive and successful
farmers and stock men than the subject of this brief biographical review,
who has long been well and favorably known in Washington township, and,
in fact, in the entire county of Gibson, having operated excellent farming
lands for many years, being considered one of the leading citizens of the
community. He is enterprising, neighborly and hospitable, combining within
himself those qualities of sterling manhood that make not only a useful
member of society, but a man whom any locality might well be delighted to
honor. In looking to his individual interests, he has never lost sight of his
duty to his fellow men and in many ways has contributed to their well being
and happiness, yet all in a quiet, unassuming manner, seeking to do good yet
avoiding public display.
Milton McRoberts was born November 25. 1850, in ^^'ashington town-
ship, Gibson county. Indiana, the son of Artemus Barnard and Indiana
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. IOO7
(Lewis; AIcRoberts. The latlier was a native of Kentucky, where he was
bom in 1S22, his death occurring in 1895. while the mother was a native of
Gibson county, Indiana.
Milton McRoberts' paternal grandfather moved to the stale of Ohio
about 1823 and settled near Cincinnati and died a few years after locating
there. His son, Artemus B., the subject's father, came to the Hoosier state
when a young man and settled in Washington township, Gibson county, his
brothers having preceded him to this place. Shortly after his arrival in the
new community he married and purchased two hundred acres of densely tim-
bered land. His energies were then bent toward hewing a home from this
uninxiting trace, an enterprise in which he was greatly encouraged by his
neighbors, who informed him that he would starve to death, as a great por-
tion of his land was low and wet. However, it seems that Artemus Mc-
Roberts knew what he was about, as he paid no attention to these discour-
agements, going ahead steadily in his battle with the virgin forest, and in
time was enabled to laugh at the dismal prophecies of those who had Ijelittled
his land, it now constituting one of the best tracts in the county. Me was a
very successful man in his time, of rather a retiring nature, and although
handicapped by the lack of an early education gained from books, his innate
common sense and maturely developed jud;;nient made him a man jocikcd
up to in his community.
Of a family of nine children, eight sons and one daughter, Milton was
the eldest, six of these children yet living. His early youth was spent in
Washington township, where he assisted his parents in the work on the home
farm. On October 2, 1874, Mr. McRoberts was united in the holy bonds of
matrimony to Elizabeth A. Foster, who was born in Gibson county. To this
union have been born nine children, as follows: Clarence was educaleil in the
district schools and college and is now teaching at Wheeling, Indiana: James
L., who received a similar education, taught school for some time, and was
appointed trustee of the township in 1912. when the previous trustee died:
John R. is living in Patoka: Edith M. is the wife of Samuel Kolb, of Wash-
ington township; Sally G. died July 7, 1889: Ethel F. died December 16,
1890; Cornelia is the wife of Fines Trippet : Louis M. and Edna E. are at
home.
Mr. McRoberts has spent his entire life on his farm, which he has de-
veloped and cultivated with no small measure of success. He formerly made
a specialty of fine stock, his Polled .\ngus registered cattle being among the
best specimens of that sterling breed to be found anywhere.
I008 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
In 1894 Mr. McRoberts was elected trustee of his township on the
Democratic ticket, and in the six years in which he gave his best abihties to
that important office there was not the slightest adverse criticism of his con-
duct of the affairs of that position. During his administration the plan for
consolidating the schools was worked out and subsequently adopted.
Mr. McRoberts is deeply interested in the growth and well being of
the Union Bethel Presbyterian church in Washington township, in which he
has been a deacon and a trustee for several years'.
REV. WILLIAM L. McROBERTS.
Although his life work has been the noble calling of agriculture, yet
the subject of this sketch, William L. McRoberts, has found time in a
busy and useful life to do much toward ameliorating the condition of his
fellow men, often laboring with disregard for his own welfare if thereby he
might attain the object sought — to make some one better and happier. Such
a life as his is rare and is eminently worthy of emulation, being singularly
free from all that is deteriorating or paltry, for his influence is at all times
uplifting, and thousands of people have been made l^etter for having known
him.
William L. McRoberts was born August 8, 1837, at Cincinnati, Ohio,
the son of David McRoberts, of New York state, and Rebecca (Abbott)
McRoberts, of IMaryland. The father of David McRoberts, also named
David, was an orderly sergeant in the war of 181 2 and remained in the East
all his life.
Rev. McRoberts' father removed from the Empire state to Ohio after
marrying and settled near Cincinnati. In 1840 he left the Queen City and,
with his family, came down the Ohio river to Evansville, Indiana, from which
point thev came overland to Washington township, Gibson county, and here
the father purchased land. A younger brother here joined them, he having
come from Cincinnati with the horses, driving them through over the rough
trails and primitive roads of the time. Twenty years later, in i860, the
family was joined by Reuben, another brother of the father. Reuben's son,
David, enlisted in the Union army at the outbreak of the Civil war, and
died in the service. Reuben, a brother of David AIcRoberts, was a member
of the Sixtv-fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, while another brother, Alex-
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. IOO9
amler, was atlaclied lo tlic 'rweiUy-foiinh Indiana NOIuiHcxt Inl'anlry.
Alexander couipleted his original K-rni of cnlistnu-ni nt ilnx-c years and then
re-enlisted and served until tlic cIpnc nt the war. Ins terni uf service covering
the entire period of hostilities, as did also that of his brother, Reuben.
David McRoberts spent his life on his farm in Washington township,
cultivating his land in seasmiahle weather and during the winter months
working at his trade as a cooper. In this craft he was possessed of great
skill, and his talents at that time were devoted to the making of lard pails,
there being a great demand for these to be used in shipping down the river to
New Orleans. He was a few years over sixty wiien he died, his death being
caused by the bursting of a IjIiukI vcssl-1. Tn Mr. ar.d Mrs. I)a\ id .\lc-
Koberts were born twelve children, but twn of wIidui are now lixing, a num-
ber of them dying in infancy, the rest reaching an old age.
William L. AlcRoberts passed his boyhood days on the home farm,
lending a hand to the arduous task of making a wilderness yield forth its
best for the support of the hardy pioneers. He secured what eilucalion it
was possible to obtain in the crude schools of the district at that time, re-
maining on the home farm until 1861. On February 3, 1861, he was united
in marriage to Mary Kirk, of Washington township, Gibson county, the
daughter of an old pioneer family in that community, the town of Kirksville
having been named in honor of them. To this union were born four chil-
dren, namely; W. A., of Washington township: Ambro.se, of Evansville,
Indiana; Ethel, who married Roljcrt M. Keel, a nunister of the gospel, and
lives in Illinois; David A., who is a minister in Illinois.
The first wife of Mr. McRoberts died in 1907, and he subsef|uenlly
married Mrs. Rosella Thompson, of Washington township, (iibson county,
the daughter of Alexander Bennet, an early settler of this county, who was
born in 1800 and died in 1875. His second wife had a daughter. Ethel, by
her first marriage, who is now the wife of Henry Troutman, of Washing-
ton township.
Mr. McRoberts has followed the vocation of farming practically his
entire lifetime, although in his younger days he worked at the cooper's trade
with his father. Over thirty years ago the sul)icct entered the ministry and
has been preaching to the local Methodist church ever since. Now. at the
age of seventy-six years, he is enjoying good health and is as active as many
a man of twenty-five years younger.
While never having taken an active interest in political affairs, .isidc
(64)
lOIO GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
from the intelligent exercise of his franchise, the subject consented to accept
a term of six years in the office of countv commissioner, in which position
he very creditably acquitted himself.
While agriculture has been Mr. McRoberts' chief life work, he has de-
voted considerable attention to his duties as a minister of the gospel, being
earnest in all he says and does. He is known throughout this locality as one
of the leading citizens of a community noted for the high order of its citizen-
ship. He is truly a good and useful man, but he is plain and unassuming,
and strives to do his duty ?t all times, regardless of inconvenience to himself.
WILLIS PAULEY.
The people who constitute the Isone and sinew of this country are not
those who are unstable and unsettled, who fly from one occupation to an-
other, who do not know how to vote until they are told, and who take no
active and intelligent interest in the civic afifairs of their community. The
backbone of this country is made up of the families who have made their
homes, who are alive to the best interests of the community, who attend to
their own business in preference to the affairs of others, and who work on
steadily from day to day, taking the sunshine with the storm, and who rear
a fine family to a comfortable home and an honest life. Such people are
always welcome in any country and in any community. They are wealth
producers, and Gibson county is fortunate in being blessed with many of
them, among whom is the subject of this sketch.
Willis Pauley was born October 8, 1868, in Washington township, Gib-
son county, Indiana, the son of William and Ella (Miller) Pauley, the father
having been born in Kentucky in 1833 and dying in Washington township,
Gibson county, in 1890, at the age of fifty-seven years, while the mother was
a native of Gibson county.
William Pauley came to Gibson county in 18 so, when he was about
eighteen years of age, and located in Washington township, where he passed
his life, reaching a position of honor and respect among his fellow men.
Of a family of five children, Willis was the eldest, and spent his youth-
ful days on the home place, attending the district school and assisting his
father in the conduct of the farm. In 1890, however, Willis Pauley struck
out for himself and engaged in farming on his own behalf. He purchased
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. lOII
his present home farm in iyo5, liaving (lis[)osed of hi.-; former proi)erty,
and now owns one hundred acres of as fine land as can be found in the
county. It is all under a high state of cultivation and improved with the
most modern and up-to-date farm buildings, which, together with his com-
fortable home, represents an agricultural plant of which any man might feel
proud. Along with general farming, j\lr. Pauley raises coach horses, for
which he finds a ready market at remunerative prices.
January 26, 1891, Mr. Pauley was united in marriage to Frances John-
,son, daughter of Thomas Johnson, of Knox countv. Indiana, one of the best
known and most prosperous farmers in the -^tate. He is the possessor of
two thousand four hundred acres nf fine land in Kncix couiUa', on which he
raises large crops, in addition to marketing about one hundred iicad of
horses annually. On the splendid estate over which he presides he maintains
a deer park stocked with sixty head of these beautiful animals.
To Willis Pauley and wife have been born five children : Ethelbert,
Pearl, Artie, Willis and Waldo, all of whom are still under the parental roof.
Mr. Pauley is a worthy and representative citizen, having acted well
his part in life, and while primarily interested in his own affairs, he has not
been unmindful of others, as his efforts to advance the public good and
promote the welfare of his fellow men ahundanilx- attest.
\MLLIAAI HYXEMAX.
There could be no more comprehensive history written of a city or
county, or even <if a state and its people, than that which deals with the life
work of those who, by their own endeavor and indomitable energy, ha\'e
placed themselves where they well deserve the title of "progressive." In this
sketch will be found the record of one who has outstripped the less active and
less able plodders on the highway of life, one who has not been subdued by
the many obstacles and failures that come to every one, but who has made
them stepping stones to higher things and at the same time that he was win-
ning his way in material things of life gained a reputation for uprightness
and honor.
William Hyneman was born November 11, 1849, '" Washington town-
ship, Gibson count_\-, Indiana, the son of A. K. and Luzanna (Hargrove)
H\neman, the father being born in the same county and township, where he
IOI2 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
died in 1900, in his seventy-ninth year, and the mother a native of White
River township. The father of A. K. Hyneman was John Hyneman, who
came from Pennsylvania to the Hoosier state o\er one hundred years ago
and located in Washington township, the land which he originally entered
being yet in the possession of the family. At the time of his coming to
Gibson county there was but one family living between his home and Prince-
ton. Here he continued the rest of his days on the original homestead, dying
in his eighty-first year.
A. K. Hyneman spent his entire life on the land originally occupied by
his father, developing and improving his holdings until he became the pos-
sessor of over four hundred acres of the best land in the community, he being
one of the representative men of his time. To A. K. Hyneman and wife
were born nine children, namely: John is living in Patoka township; Mary
and Isaphina are deceased ; William ; Lizzie, deceased ; Samuel resides on the
old homestead; R. A. is living in Pike county; Cynthia resides in Ohio; and
Willis, Washington.
William Hyneman's early life was spent on his father's place, he re-
ceiving a good education in the district schools. On May 25. 1881, he was
married to ]\Irs. Edith (Price) Thompson, daughter of Amzi Price, of
Washington township, who was born in 1810 and died in 1893. Her grand-
father, W^illiam Price, settled in this county over a century ago, he having
emigrated from North Carolina, and Amzi Price continued during his life-
time on the home place.
To William Hyneman and wife ha\'e been born six children; Perry,
deceased ; Minnie, at home ; Ora. who married George Decker ; Edgar, who
died in infancy ; Bret and Burtis. at home.
After his marriage, Mr. Hyneman rented land in Pike county, Indiana,
where he followed farming for about a )ear, and then came to Washington
township, Gibson county, and purchased land, on which he has continued to
reside. This land, which includes a part of the old homestead, has been im-
proved and added to until it nov/ comprises a tract of two hundred acres,
and is considered one of the best farms in the county. A number of im-
provements have been made, among them a splendidly located and comfort-
able home and good barns and other farm buildings.
Mr. Hyneman has always taken an active and earnest interest" in educa-
tional matters and served for a number of years on the school board, having
been a member when the present Mt. Olympus school was established, it
being one of the finest country schools in the United States, having five
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. IOI3
teachers. Always a strong advocate of consolidation. Mr. Hyncnian has
been a leader in all improvements tending to modernize and increase the
utility of the educational institutions of his district. Mrs. Ilyneman is a
member of the Cumberland Presln'terirui church and takes a deep interest in
its well-being and effectiveness.
JOHX A. ZW'ISSLER.
Any person who will investigate the facts in the case will be surprised
to learn of the great numlicr of people of Germanic nati\it\' and descent now
living in the United Slates-. Uni|uestionably the greatest number of emi-
grants reaching the .shores of the new world conies from that nation, and
statistics show that there is more Germanic blood in the United .States than
any other. This being a fact, it is easy to account for the prosperity and
morality of this country. Not only that, but it will afford an explanation
for the love of learning shown by the people of this vast nation. Germany
is famous the world over for its remarkable uni\ersities. for its educated
men, for its poets and philosophers, and for the industry, patience, intelli-
gence, morality and sturdiness of its citizens. These qualities have been
brought to this country by the immigrants, and are now part and parcel of
our wonderful nation — its progress in domestic economy, its advancement
in e\ery branch of material improvement, and its love of country and home.
John A. Zwissler, one of the leading farmers of Patoka township, Gib-
son count}-, Indiana, was born on November 2. 1853. in Audenbach, Ger-
many, the son of Lawrence and Agnes Carl Zwissler, both of whom were
also natives of the same locality. There they were reared and married,
wheii^the father successfully followed farming until his death, which oc-
curred in 1859, at the age of sixty years. The following \ear the widow and
her children came to the United States in the hope of improving their con-
dition. These children were Catherine, who is now living at Sjjarksville,
Ohio; Joseph, deceased; Peter, who remained in the fatherland, where he
followed farming; Barbara, deceased; Ferdinand, deceased, and John A.,
the immediate subject of this sketch. Subsequently, the mother became the
wife of Simon Moser. also a nati\-e of Germany, and to them were born two
children. Kate, who lives in Evansville, Indiana, and Mary, a resident of
Vanderburg county. Indiana. When the family first arrived in America
10I4 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
they located in Dayton, Ohio, for two _\ear.s, and then came to IndianapoHs,
Indiana, where they remained until they moved to Evansville, Indiana, two
years later. There the father and mother both died. John A. Zwissler has
received only a limited education, and at the age of twenty-six years, in
1872, he enlisted in the Fifteenth Regiment of the United States Army, at
Evansville, Indiana, being sent to Newport Barracks, where he remained
until sufficiently acquainted with military tactics, and was then assigned to
the command at Fort Stanton, in New Mexico, where he remained for five
years. During a part of this time he was assigned as escort to the paymas-
ter through that section of the country, and proved a trustworthy and faith-
ful soldier. After his discharge from the ami}- he came to Gibson county,
Indiana, and, in 1879, located on the Charles Key farm, south of Princeton,
in Patoka township. He first obtained eighty acres of land in section 31, to
which he later added ninety acres more, being now the owner of a fine tract
of one hundred and seventy acres, comprising one of the best farms in Gib-
son county. Mr. Zwissler remodeled tlie residence and other farm buildings
and made many other and substantial improvements, which have added
materially to the value and attractive appearance of the place. He is up-to-
date and progressive in his ideas relating to agriculture, and in this calling
has achieved a splendid success. He carries on a general farming business,
raising all the crops common to this section of the country, and also gives
some attention to the raising of live stock, in which he is also successful.
In 1879 Mr. Zwissler married Margaret McWilliams, a native of South
Carolina, a daughter of David and Martha (Wharn) McWilliams, also
natives of .Sottth Carolina, but who became early settlers of Gibson county,
where the father followed farming, and where he and his wife died. To
Mr. and Mrs. Zwissler have been born the following children : Martha
Agnes, the wife of Elbert Cunningham, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Lawrence, a
farmer, who is at home ; Sarah Ellen, who died unmarried ; Olive, the'' widow
of William L. Smith, who lives with her father'; j. Arthur, who is now at-
tending the civil engineering department in Purdue University, where
he will graduate with the class of 1914: Florence, who is at home and is a
student in the Princeton high school ; and Mary and Katie, who are deceased.
Politically, Mr. Zwissler is an earnest Republican, and religiously is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal church at King's Station in this county.
Mr. Zwissler occupies a prominent place among the substantial farmers of
his locality, and deserves all the splendid success which has attended his
efforts. He has acted well his part in life, and while primarily interested in
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. IOI5
his own aliairs, he has nul been unmindful of the interests of ulliers, as his
efforts to advance the pubhc guoil and promote tiie welfare of the community
amply attest.
SYLVESTER B. RUBINSON.
Sylvester B. Robinson, a farmer and intluential citizen of Giiison county,
was born here September 15, 1S52, the son of James A. Robinson, who was
born in Warren count)', Kentucky, August 20, i8_'6. Tiie father of James
Robinson was John, a nati\e of \''irginia, who after his marriage to a Miss
Daugherty, went to Kentucky, where they secured a large tract of land on
which they made their home and where he died. After his death, his wife
came to Gibson county, Indiana, about the year 1847, ^"^1 here she died in
1861. They were the parents of seven children, namely: Sarah. William.
Earl, Milton, James A,, Robert and John. This entire family is now de-
ceased. James A., one of the sons, came to Gibson county about the year
1847 and was that _\'ear married to Louisa Benson, a native of Gibson county,
born in 1S33. She was a daughter of William Benson, of Hardin county,
Iventuck}', who had come to Gibson county and married Margaret Leach,
who w^as born in \'irginia in 1S03. ^^'illiam Benson was originally from
Virginia and came here in 1816, where he died in 1878. The wife's death
occurred in 1866. Mr. Benson was a wheelwright by trade, quite skilled in
that day when all sorts of farm implements and vehicles were hand made.
He was also a farmer, owning and cultivating a large tract of land. Their
children follow^ : IMary Jane, deceased; Sylvester, who died un ]\iarch 31.
1914; Martha, deceased; Ellen, wife of Amasa Wilson, of Montgomery
township; Louisa (mother of the immediate subject of this sketch), of
Owensville, Indiana; Sarah, deceased; ^^'illiam C. who was killed at Kings-
ton, North Carolina; and Lemyra, deceased.
James A. Robinson, after his marriage to Louisa Benson in i.'^47,
located on a farm in Gibson county, where he remained until 185(^1, at which
time he moved to De^^'itt county. Illinois. He remained there ten years,
and in 1866 returned to Gibson count\-, where he farmed until 1903. He
was always anxious tij introduce new and helpful methods into his agricul-
tural work and has the distinction of ha\-ing brought the first corn planter
into Gibson county. He was a man of genial disposition who made scores of
friends. Always a stanch Republican, he was active in the politics of his
10l6 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
county and filled an office or iwo. He and his wife were the parents of nine
children, se\en of whom are now li\ ing. Their names follow : Martha,
born September 20, 1850, deceased, the wife of Elisha L. Pritchett, a farmer,
furniture dealer and funeral director; Sylvester B., subject of this sketch;
George C. died in infancy; Woodfin D., born January 27, 1857, in DeWitt
county, Illinois; graduated from State University at Bloomington in 1879,
taught school for a while, later attended law school at Ann Arbor, Michigan,
from which he was graduated in 1882, was admitted to the bar and took up
the practice of his chosen profession in Princeton. In 1884 he was elected
county superintendent of the schools of Gibson county. He and A. P.
Twineham operated the Gibson County Leader for about a year. He was
first elected judge in 1895 and served twelve years on the appellate bench.
He also represented his district in the state Legislature. In 1909 he removed
to Evansville, Indiana, where he took up the practice of law with a partner
under the firm name of Robinson & Stilwell. His wife was Jessie Montgom-
ery. The fifth child in this family was William C, born June 28, 1859,
residing at present in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In his earlier years he
was a dealer in grain at Oakland City, Indiana, and later went to Kansas,
where he started in banking business, and still later to Holyoke, Colorado,
where he practiced law and engaged in real estate business. He was also
made judge in the county courts there. Later he removed to Colorado
Springs, where he has since practiced law. He is a stanch Republican and
was elected senator of his district. His wife was Lida Dorsey. The sixth
child is Minnie Belle, born June 30, 1862, wife of Henry Mauck, of Owens-
*ille, Indiana, a farmer and stock dealer; Dove, the seventh child, born in
October, 1866, wife of Osborn Lockhart, dealer in coal and building mater-
ials at Owensville; Ada, the eighth child, born in August, 1869, wife of John
A. Mauck, a salesman traveling out of Fort Smith, Arkansas; and Anna,
the ninth and last child, born in 1875, wife of Orville McGinnis, of Evans-
ville, Indiana, a graduate of DePauw University and now an attorney. He
has served in office and was referee in bankruptcy.
Sylvester B. Robinson received his elementary education in the schools
of DeWitt county, Illinois, later attending the high school at Owensville,
Indiana, and the Normal College at Lebanon, Ohio, from which he was grad-
uated in 1872. He taught school for five years in the schools of Gibson
county and then took up farming in Patoka township. Here he remained for
two years, when he went to Miller, South Dakota, took up a homestead
claim and was there three years. At the end of that time he returned to
Gibson county and was interested in the coal business at Owensville for about
GinSON COUNTY, INDIANA. IOI7
eight years, since which lime he has carried on farhiing anil stiicl< raisini;'
in Patoka township.
Sylvester B. Rohinson was first married on Angust 12, 1875. ^" ^'•'^i'}'
Barker, of Owensville. danghter nf Iliram and Eliza ( l-'itz!.;crald ) Barker.
He was a farmer and pioneer of Giljson connty. To their uninn was horn
one child. Pearl, wife of E. D. Flctchall. of Posey ville. Indiana, dealer in
li\'e stock. To Mr. and Mrs. I'letchall have heen born four children: l-'niil\-
(deceased). \'irginia. E. D.. Jr., and Robert L Mrs. Robinson's death oc-
curred June 28. 1878. Mr. Robinson's second wife was Hattie Jaquess.
whom he married September 20. i8q2. She was a nati\-e of Owcnsxille.
Indiana, a daughter of William A. and Mar}- A. (Pollard) Ja(|ue><s. ller
father was a hotel man and was originally of Poseyville, Indiana. Mr. and
Mrs. Jaquess had a family of eight children, namely: Rn.\anna. wife of
Richey Summers, of Owensville; Emma, wife of ^^^ .\. Stewart, of \'ander-
bilt. Texas: Lora. wife of Henry P.aird. of Xew .Albany. Indiana: Metchcr
P.. a farmer of Owensville: Hattie. wife .of Mr. Txobinson ; Retta. wife of
Charles A\'. Heistand, of .Stamiis, .\rkansas: Ada B.. unmarried, a milliner
in Connersville. Indiana, and Alinnic, the wife of U. G. Teal. <if Owensville.
Indiann. By his second marriage, Mr. Robinson has one son. James J.. 1iorn
July 14, 1893. who attended the State University at Bloomington and grad-
uated with the class of 19x4.
All through life Mr. Robinson has been a stanch Rcpul)lican rmd has
taken some active interest in politics, but has never aspired for office as
have other members of his famih-. Religiously, his sympathies are with the
]Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mrs. Robinson is a member and to
which he gi\-es his support. Of undoubted honesty and integrity. Afr. Robin-
son enioys the high esteem of all with wbnm he comes in contact. The
members of the family move in the best circles of the community and be-
cause of their genuine worth and splendid qualities they enjoy the high re-
gard of all.
WILLIAM EXXES.
Among all branches of history, there is none more instructive or more
eagerlv sought after than that which truthfully delineates the rise and prog-
ress of the state, county or community in which the reader lives. There is
pleasure as well as profit to e\-ery intelligent mind in contemplating the
struggles of the early settlers in every portion of the great ^^'est : how- they
lOlS GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
encountered and successfully o\ercame e\-en- species of trial, hardship and
danger to which men in that stirring period were subjected. But these
things strike us more forcibly and fill our minds with more immediate inter-
est when confined to our own locality where we can yet occasionally meet
with some of the silver-haired actors in those early scenes, men whose bravery
in encountering the manifold troubles and misfortunes incident to frontier
times has borne an important part towards making Indiana what it now is,
and whose acts, in connection with hundreds of others in the first settling of
our vast domain, have compelled the world to acknowledge us an invincible
people. The early settlement of Gibson county was marked by as much
heroism and daring as characterized the frontier history of any other section
of the state. Her pioneers were men of invincible courage, undaunted by
the obstacles which confronted them, and the results of their self-sacrificing
labors are today seen in the wonderful achievements they wrought in laying
the foundation upon which their successors have builded wisely and well.
William S. Ennes, ex-county treasurer and retired merchant of Prince-
ton, Indiana, was born November 28, 1862, in Washington township, Gibson
county, Indiana, son of Embree and Martha J. (Kirk) Ennes, both of Wash-
ington township, this county. The father was a son of John and Elizabeth
(Key) Ennes, of South Carolina, and who were among the pioneer settlers
of Washington township. Here they secured wild land, which they cleared
and made a home, reared a large family and died there. They were buried
in Mt. Olive cemetery. Embree Ennes had only a limited schooling in the
schools of those days and lived at home until August, 1862, when he enlisted
in Company B, Sixty-fifth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, at Prince-
ton. Shortly after joining his command, he w^as taken sick at Henderson,
Kentucky, and his wife brought him home, where he died in 1863 at the age
of twenty-one years. He was a farmer and he and his wife were members
of the Methodist Episcopal church. His wife was married a second time,
to John Sullivan, a farmer (deceased), of Buena Vista. Washington town-
ship, in this county. She resides in Oakland City. To John Sullivan and
wife (Mrs. Martha J. Ennes) were born: Jasper S., a farmer in Knox
countv, Indiana: U. S., a jeweler at Vincennes, Indiana: Ada, deceased:
Perry O., with the Waltham \A'atch Company at Waltham, Massachusetts.
since 1892.
William S. Ennes, who was the only child by his mother's first mar-
riage, was educated in the home schools and also at the Danville Central
Normal College. After he left school he clerked in a hardware store at Fort
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. IOI9
Wayne. Indiana, and was also with r.arrcll ^K; Stukc>. hardware dealers ai
Princeton, Indiana. He was appointed deputy county treasurer in iHHtj and
was then appointed county treasurer to fill out an uuex])ired term in 1897,
serviiag three months, after which he was elected county treasurer, taking
ot^ce in 1900 and ser\ ing t<jur \ears. After the expiration of his term he
was in the grocery business in Princeton, Indiana, for eight years, selling
out in lyii. and since then he has looked after his farm interests.
William S. Ennes was married Novemljcr 14, 1889. t-o Lucy Rightly,
who was born in \Vhite River township, Gibson county, Indiana, and is a
daughter of Josiah Rightly. To Mr. and Airs. Ennes have been born four
children, namely: X'esper D., born March 9, 1891, who graduated from the
high school of Princeton, and is now a steam fitter at Crawlordsville. Indi-
ana; Darle, born Jul_\" 11, 1S93, who is attending Indiana University at
Bloomington. and is in the second year; Raymond, born August, 1902, and
died in October, 1902, and Lowell R., born October 4, 1903.
For the past ten years Mrs. Ennes has been on the board of charities
and lor the past four years has been president of guardians. She takes a
great interest in lodge and charity work and is a splendid woman and mother.
The following is a story of the life of Josiah Rightly, the father of Mrs.
Ennes, as written by himself just following his eightieth birthda\-. and dedi-
cated to his children and his children's children :
'T was born in Chatteras, Cambridgeshire. England, in the closing hours
of January 31, 1822. Aly father was William Rightly. My mother's
maiden name was Mary Elizabeth Phillips. I was one of eight children,
there being se\en boys and one girl in the family. M\- father was a farmer
and my earlv life, until I was ten years of age, was passed as childhood days
w ere usually passed in that time in a farming community, helping and hinder-
ing about the home. When I was ten years of age I decided I would go to
work instead of .going to school. I had no trouble in securing work and I
want to say right here that I have worked from that day to this (seventy
years), but I now feel that I am entitled to a rest for the balance of my
earthly davs. As I was saying, when I w as ten years old I hired to a neigh-
bor to herd his sheep and lambs and for this I w-as paid sixpence a da_v —
twelve cents in our money. After working a long time for this man. he was
so pleased wnth my work he told me he would give me si.\])ence every two
weeks for my own in addition to my regular wages, which he knew went to
mv parents to help pay my board and clothing. 1 am ])roud to say that I
saved the extra sixpence and soon had plenty of money, all of which I care-
I020 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
fully saved until 1 decided to come to this country. I worked for the same
boss eight years, then I went home to my father and worked for him four
years, driving his team or \\hate\^er there v>'as to do in the daytime and at
night I often enjoyed mys^f going to see the girls.
"I had long had a growing desire to seek something better and my
thoughts naturally turned to America. When I was twenty-two 3ears old,
strong and healthy, in the fall of 1844, the last of October, I bade farewell to
home and kindred and set sail on the sailing vessel 'Frankona' bound for
New Orleans. Shortly after we set sail the fun began. Before we were out
of the Irish channel, we — the passengers one and all — were 'pumping ship'
in great fashion, for we were all sea-sick. We had a good time and sailed
\ery fast and the rolling salt waves looked like fire. It was a beautiful sight
had we been in condition to enjoy it. However, we went to bed and stayed
there until the seasickness wore off. While that sickness lasted I will confess
I wanted back to the old home and the friends I had always known, but after
recovering from the sickness life put on many charms and from that time on
I saw all the enjoyment I could out of the voyage. We were forty-seven
days making the trip and during that time I saw many strange sights that
were new to me. Besides having lots of fun we saw sea hogs, flying fish
in great numbers, also one whale. To my unpracticed e\e the whale looked
to be as large around as a big horse and more than thirty feet long. I guess
he got mad at our vessel for he went off a little ways and blew up the water as
high as we could see it. W'hile passing one of the Bahama islands our vessel
hove to and there I had my first sight of a black man. That was what we
called him then, but after we got to the United States I found the general
term used for black man was 'nigger.' To many of us he was a great
curiosity. All he had on was a gunnysack with a hole cut in the bottom
through which his head came. The captain told the sailors to throw a rope
down to him. He had a skiff load of fine fish and he rowed close to our ship
side. They threw the rope to him and the darky filled a sack full of the fish
and the sailors hauled it on deck. Then the darky came up and he was a sight
for us to see — a black man in a gunny sack ! The captain told the steward
to take what fish he needed for the cabin and let the passengers have the rest.
The fresh fish were a great treat to us. After the darkey went back to his
skiff our vessel went on as best it could, but we had sea grass and hot winds
to contend with, and we got along very slowly. I remember an incident
that occurred al^out that time. There was an old dog on the \-essel and one
day as the first mate was on deck the old dog came along and the mate kicked
GIBSON COrXTY. INDIANA. I02I
at him. The male happened tliat clay to he wearing a pair of nki shppers and
in his kick he missed the dog and the old shpper went saihng into the sea.
With that the mate gave the other foot a kiek and, telling both the slippers
to go to Hades, he stood and watched the last slipper follow its mate. There
were many nice days and many awfully rough days and niglits. Some days
the captain would walk the deck and call all hands to Action, declaring there
was a storm coming. Then all sails had to be taken in until the storm was
over, then another fresh start taken and so it went until we got in sight of the
light houses at the mouth of tiie entrance of the great Mississippi river,
where we waited for tow Ijoats to take us up the river to New Orleans. Our
vessel drew sixteen feel of water o\er the sand bar at liic mouth of llie ri\er.
Our tow boat towed three ships up the river to Xew Orleans and we landed
at the dock at four o'clock on the morning of December 12, i(S44. and then
we green horns began to see the sights. I worked at different occupations at
New Orleans for several months and did well working, for what seemed to
me, a poor boy, lots of money. In 1845, as there was much talk <)( yeiluw
fever in Xew Orleans, I improved the opportunity to go up the ri\er, k-fl UK-
city and finally landed at Evansville, where I decided to sla\-. i ])romised
my friend Thomas Ruston to go back to New Orleans with him in llie fall,
but being assured work as a clerk in the store of Babcock Brothers in I'Xans-
ville I did not go. I stayed with the firm thirteen years. I began work wiih
them August 4, 1845. '^y wages being eleven dollars a month and boavd.
After I stayed with ihem three years I married Mrs. Elizabeth Furnas of
Evansville and went to housekeeping and my wages were increased. Tlu'\-
were gradually ad\-anced until I got fifty dollars per month, which was con-
sidered exceptionally good wages for those da\s. Having recci\ed wliat 1
consider an exceptional offer, I went to work fur M. W. loisler as clerk in
the old warehouse that stood on what was at that time the canal. Inil is n^w
known as Fifth street. I remained there about two years, then came up u>
Hazleton, Indiana, where I purchased from Mr. Foster a stock of merclian-
dise. This was in March, iS()2. lint I did not take possession of the slock
until April of the same year.
"On the 19th of ,\pril, 1862, I moved my family from Evansville and
took up my residence at Hazleton. Indiana, and began the mercantile Inisiness
and here I have ever since made my home. I was then about forty years of
age and will have been here forty years next \pril if I live to see that day
During the forty years I have lived at this place I have witnessed man\-
changes. When I came here there was no church or .Sunday scimo] and I
I022 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
was lost on Sunday. When I came to Evansville and began life there Father
Parrett and Joseph Wheeler were local preachers at the Locust street Meth-
odist church, and there I attended service. In i860, I think it was, while
Brother Gillett was our preacher, we had a big revixal meeting and many of
the boys, m\-self among the number, were converted and joined the church
and we truly enjoyed religion. So when I moved to Hazleton and found no
devotional services to attend I interested myself in starting a Sunday school
which. I am indeed glad to say, was very successful and is still showing a
continued and healthy growth, both spiritually and in increased members.
Since I came here there have been great changes for the better. Churches
have been established and Simday is now a day of spiritual strength and
thanksgiving.
"In conclusion I want to say to my children and my friends that I know
that my days on earth are drav.-ing to a close, but my mind is serene in the
comforting thought that 1 have made my calling and election sure with my
hea\enly Father and I am now ready and waiting with all 1 have and am to
make the change from this life to a seat in Glory 'where moth and rust doth
not corrupt and where thieves do not break through nor steal' — there to re-
main with my beloved ones gone before — forever and forever."
As the preceding autobiographical history of Mr. Kightly has treated in
a general way of his life from early childhood, this sketch will deal with such
details and matters as have not been there related. He was twice married,
his first and second wives being sisters. They were both born in Ramsey,
Huntingtonshire, England. The death of Mrs. Elizabeth Kightly occurred
October 29, 1865, and she was buried at Oak Hill cemetery, near Evansville.
She was a most estimable woman, home loving and domestic in her tastes,
and her death was a bereavement indeed to her husband and family. On
April 8, 1867, Mr. Kightly was married to Sarah Roe of Hazleton, Indiana.
Mrs. Sarah Kightly died January 1 1, iSgS. at her home in Hazleton, Indiana,
and was buried at Oak Hill cemetery. She was a kind Christian woman, a
fond wife and a loving mother and her loss was deeply felt, not only by her
husband and family, but by all who knew her. In each of these \A-ives the
husband found a true companion and helpmate and their deaths left him sadly
bereaved. After the death of his last wife in 1898, one of his grand-
daughters. Miss Mary A. West, assumed the duties of housekeeper for his
home. In the following August she was married to John Knaub, and those
two made their home with the aged man until his final summons. In this
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. IO23
connection it may be said that to their loving care and devotion much of llie
happine,ss of his latter days was due. He was the object of their kindness,
care and solicitude and his interests and happiness were their first thought.
Coming from Evansville, where his first job of work had been the clear-
ing of trees from the present site of the Union station to make way for a hay
press, Mr. Kightly was a continuous resident of Hazleton from 1862 until
his death, except six months in 1864, when, thinking he could better his con-
ditions, he disposed of his business interests in Hazleton and engaged in the
same line in Friendsville, Illinois. This being off a railroad line, he had to
freight his goods from Evansville by wagon, crossing the Wabash ri\'er at
Mt. Carmel, Illinois. He soon became aware that, for his business, he should
be located on some railroad, and coming back to Hazleton, he repurchased
the store he had owned there and settled down to make that ])lace his perma-
nent home. Having made this decision he began to invest his savings in land
in that section of the county and before his death he was owner of sexeral
hundred acres of the best land in Gibson county, h'or many years Mr.
Kightly passed his life peacefully and quietly as a country merchant, but in
1875 his landed interests having become of large proportions, he retired from
his mercantile business and devoted his time to looking after his farm. Ever
an arflent Republican, he did not refuse when in 1882 his party asked him to
fill the office of county commissioner, and served two terms. During his
term in office the magnificent county court house at the county seat was built
and to his watchful care may be credited much of the good work there is to
be seen on that building. He was the same careful, conservati\c business
man when look-ing after the afl'airs of the count}- that he was in his own
personal affairs, and he retired fmm that otfice with the confidence and re-
spect of all with whom he had official dealings. Mr. Kightly was ever inter-
ested in the material progress of his home town, and in 1903, realizing that
the business of Hazleton and the rich surrounding country lacked the ad-
vantages of a bank near at home, he was one of the first to set about the
establishment of an institution of that kind. The result was that the Citizens
State Bank of Hazleton. Indiana, was founded. He was elected its first ])resi-
dent and took an active interest in its affairs until a short lime liefore his
death. At the time of his death he was a member of the order of Odd
Fellows and until his death was a strong defender of the principles of that
order. In personal appearance Air. Kightly was about five feel four inches
in height, weighing about one hundred and sixty-five pounds. His com-
I024 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
plexion was normally fair, but owing to his love for outdoor life he was
continually tanned until he had a swarthy appearance. He was always close
shaven. He was very energetic and active and fond of walking and horse-
back riding and it was his great pleasure in his old age to mount his favorite
horse "i\Iolly," a beautiful black, and ride to his farm daily. He loved his
home and was a hospitable and entertaining host. Faithful and constant in
his attendance at his church his life was that of an honest man who desired
to serve his Maker and his deserving fellow men. He was a Methodist and
gave freely of his time and means to further the advancement of that church
and the gospel in general. He was honest in all of his dealings; was char-
itable, but was disposed to know that his charity was well directed. He
wanted to live in peace with all mankind and _\et was quick to resent an
attempt to perpetuate upon him a wrong. In all his dealings he tried to
observe the precepts of the Golden Rule, nor did he look with any degree of
charity upon a dishonest act. Personally, Mr. Kightly was sociable and
genial with all, and, while possessed of a (|uick and violent temjjcr, he was
quick to recover from such outbursts and, if in the wrong, to make ample
apology. He looked on the habit of worrying as a sin and his philosophical
advice to the man who worried might well be followed by all. To such an
unfortunate he would say: "Don't worry, if what you are worrying about
can he helped, go to work and help it; if it can't be helped, what is the use of
worrying?"' No more truthful and sensible advice was ever given.
In 1850 Mr. Kightly had taken out his naturalization papers in Vander-
burg county, Indiana. He never returned to his English home and never
saw any of the family of his youth except his sister and his two brothers, John
and Francis, who later came to this country. At his death in 1907 Mr.
Kightly left the following surviving children: Mrs. Lucy Kightly Ennes, of
Princeton, Indiana, wife of William S. Ennes, who served two terms as
county treasurer of Gibson county, Indiana, being elected by the Republican
party; and Francis J. Kightly, one of White Riv-er township's most pro-
gressive farmers, who lives on a splendid four-hundred-acre farm two miles
southwest of Hazleton, Indiana. In his later life, Mr. Kightly celebrated
each birthday anniversary by having his children and his childi-en's children
meet with him to observe the day. On these occasions he delighted in gath-
ering about him his descendants and relatives and relating humorous and
often pathetic incidents through which he passed his younger days. He
knew that his period on earth was drawing to a close, yet his desire as he grew
older was to make those about him jo}'ful and contented. Often when the
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. I025
cares of the day were heaxy lie wmild lie dnwn upon his cdiu'h, draw iiis
familiar old cap down over his eyes and soflly croon ur sing his favorite
hymn, "Blessed be the Name of the Lord," until the tired eyes would close
and sleep W(.nild softly hold him in its gentle embrace.
Mr. Kightly had all his life been of rugged and sturdy cunsliluliun and
as age fastened its ruthless hand upon the sturdy frame the vital tissues of
life began to wither and give out. His last sickness, if sicUness it could be
called, was of comparatively short duration and through it all there was no
suffering. It was simply the ijuiet. invisible dissolution of the mortal b(id_\
and the end drew gradually near. January i, 1907, he began to fail, hrom
that time there was a gradual decline until he became perfectly helpless,
though free from any suffering. His mental faculties remained strong and
clear until within a few hours of his death. He knew those around him and
not the least shadow of doubt clouded his mind as to the happy ending of the
final summons. The last words he ever uttered on earth w'ere a line of his
favorite hymn, which he no doul)t realized to the fullest extent. "Blessed be
the Name of the Lord." .\t half past one on the morning of March 6, k.oj,
his spirit bade adieu to its mortal clay and joined the lo\ed ones who had
preceded him to the golden shore. His death was peaceful and painless and
the loved ones who stood about his dying bedside could not mourn as those
wiio ha\e no comfort, for they knev\' he was at rest. Another favorite hymn
of his was "ANhen I Can Read My Title Clear to Mansions in the Skies." His
funeral took place on Thursday, March 7, 1907, at two-thirty P. M., and it
was one of the largest ever held in Hazleton. It was from the Metliodist
Episcopal church and the services were conducted by Rev. \V. \V. Reynolds,
pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church, assisted by the presiding elder.
Rev. Dr. J. W. Duncan, of the :\lethodist district, and the Rev. J. R. lulwards
of the General Baptist church.
The life history of Mr. Kightly would not be comi)Iete without mention
made of one who for many years made her home with him, his only sister,
Mrs. 3.1arv Ann Knowles. .She married in England and w^as the mother of
three children, all of whom died in infancy. Her marriage proving an
unhappy one, she came to this country in 1863, and from that time to her
death she lived with her brother. By her gentle ways and kindly heart she
became established in the affections not only of the family, but of all who
knew her. ",\untv Knowles," as she was known to all, was a mother to the
children of the family, when they w-ere indeed motherless, and to her brother
(65) ' ■
1026 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
in his man)' bereavements she was a tower of strength and a source of great
comfort. She died at the home of her niece, Mrs. Lucy Ennes, at Princeton,
Indiana, whom she was visiting in 1892, lacking one month of being eighty
years old. Iler body was laid at rest at Hazleton, Indiana.
Following is given the genealogical history of the family of Josiah
Kightly :
Josiah Kightly was born January 31, 1822; married Mrs. Elizabeth
Furnas, October 3, 1848. To this union were born: Francis Josiah, born
August 13, 1849, married, first Lucinda Edwards, September 3, 1880, and
then Delia Briner, April 28, 1903; William Roe, born August 8, 1852. died
May 15, 1868; Sarah Jane, born April 11, 1855, married A. V. West, May
I, 1873, died July i. 1884; Mary Elizabeth, born July 9, 1858, married
Albert Daly September 11, 1877, died December 29, 1880; Samuel Roe, born
July 9, 1858, died February 10, 1859; Emma Kate, born June 2, i860, died
March 19, 1861 ; John Russell, born March 7, 1863, died December 25, 1863;
Mrs. Elizabeth Kightly, died October 29, 1865, and Mr. Kightly married
Sarah Roe, April 8, 1867. To this union were born: Lucy, born April 4,
1869, married William Stilwell Ennes, November 12, 1889; Alice May, born
March 19, 1872. died September 10, 1872; John William, born December 26,
1874, died March 11, 1875. Mrs. Sarah Kightly died January 11, 189S.
The grandchildren of Josiah Kightly follow : To Sarah Jane and A. V.
West were born seven children, three now living: Mrs. Mary Ann Knaub,
Mrs. Alice May Furgerson and Josiah A. West. To IMary Elizabeth and
Albert Daly were born three children, all now deceased. To Lucy K. and
W. S. Ennes were born four children. Vesper Dale, born March 9, 1891 ;
Darle, born July 11, 1893 > Raymond, born August 3. 1902, and died in Octo-
ber, 1902; Lowell Kightly, born October 4, 1907.
The marriages of Josiah Kightly's grandchildren are as follows : 'Sla.ry
Ann West and John Knaub, August 27, 1899: Josiah A. West and Luella
Kays, July 26. 1902. The great-grandchildren follow : To Mr. and Mrs.
Josiah West, Everett, • Ethel, Maud and Chester ; to Mr. and Mrs. Frank
Furgerson, Gertrude May : to Mr. and Mrs. John Knaub, John and Velma.
Fraternally. Mr. Ennes is affiliated with the Masons, being a member of
the blue lodge at Princeton, the chapter and council, he having attained to
the thirty-second degree, while he and his wife are members of the Order of
the Eastern Star, Golden Fleece Chapter No. 176, at Princeton, in which
subject is a past patron and Mrs. Ennes is a past matron. They are mem-
bers of the First Methodist Episcopal church.
GIliM).\ COUNIV, IMUANA.
MILLS AND GREEK FAMILIES.
This is to be a history of my ancestors and of myself and family. My
father's family was of English descent and so was my mother's; my latlior's
name was Alills, and my mother's maiden name was Stapleton.
My grandfather and grandmother Mills were born at Holowell. Kene-
beck county, Maine. My grandparents, James and Rachael (Courson) Mills,
were the parents of twelve children, nine sons and three daughters, all o«
whom were born in the state of iMaine. They had seven sons in succession,
my father, Duston JMills, being the seventh son. They reared eleven of the
twelve children to manhood and womanhood. Their eldest child was a
daughter, named Afifia ; then followed the seven sons : Bracket, Zizasa died in
infancy, Richard, Asa, Daniel, James and Duston. The remaining children
were Mary, John, Samuel and Caroline, the youngest of my grau'lfallur
Mills' immediate family.
Aunt Aft'ia Mills married a man in Alaine, by the name of Richard
Hussey, the progenitor of all the Husseys that I ever saw. Aunt Affia had
thirteen children and raised them all to man's and woman's estate.
Uncle Bracket Mills married Miss Anna Reynolds, here in Indiana.
Uncle Richard Mills married in the state of Maine. Uncle Asa Mills married
a Miss Delight Vandusen. Uncle Daniel Mills married a Miss Hannah
Chapman, and lived and died here in Gibson county. Uncle James Mills
married a Kentucky lady by the name of Mahala Hopkins. Then my father,
Duston Mills, married Miss Louisa Stapleton and settled on a tract of eighty
acres that his father deeded to him, and where he lived and died. The next
in order in grandfather's family was Aunt Mary Mills, who married a man
by the name of Anson White, and lived in Illinois. Late in life they re-
moved to Iowa, where l)oth died, leaving children, Ouincy. Lewis, .Matilda
and Warrick. The next was Uncle John Mills, who married a Miss Eliza-
beth Varner, and lived and died in Carmi, Illinois. Uncle Samuel Mills
married a sister of Uncle John Mills' wife. Her name was Sarah Varner.
Aunt Caroline Mills, the youngest of my grandfather Mills' family, married
a man by the name of William Coleman. They did not live to be very old.
None of my father's family lived to an exceedingly old age.
Grandfather James Mills left the state of Maine on the first of March,
1810, for a new country. They started with wagons and teams and plunder.
They traveled on west to the Genesee valley in New York, arriving there
1028 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
the last of ^Vpril. Then grandfather rented a large farm and put all of the
family to raising di£ferent crops suitable to the climate. Then grandfather,
Uncle Richard and a dog, started on foot for Indiana and Illinois, which
was then the far West. They were gone so long that the family, not having
heard from them, naturally became very uneasy. About the last of August,
the dog they started with got l)ack lo the family in New \'ork. Thev
naturally concluded that the Indians had killed grandfather and Uncle Rich-
ard. As the crops were all made grandmother thought best to sell off
everything and go back to the state of Maine.
When grandfather and Uncle Richard reached Indiana, the dog then
left them, and so they concluded to go back to New York and to get the
family together, and return to Indiana. When they got back they found
grandmother getting ready to go back to Ivlaine. Grandfather sold the
crops and started for Indiana. They traveled on to Meadville, Pennsyl-
vania, on the Allegheny river, arriving there in October. There they built
family boats and embarked their teams, wagons and goods, and the several
families started down the Allegheny and Ohio rivers, and landed al Evans-
ville on New Year's day, 1811. There were but three houses in the place,
which was then called Smith's Landing. The\- tied u\) at Smith's Landing
and grandfather and Uncle Richard Hussey started to seek a location. They
went north from Smith's Landing and located east of Princeton, but of
course tliere was no Princeton then. They stopped and looked around where
• Fort Branch is now, but went on north, where they hnally located. They then
walked to Vincennes, where the land ofifice was then located, and entered
their land. Grandfather took up a strij) a mile and a (piarter long
by a half mile wide. Uncle Richard Hussey took a strip three-fourths
of a mile long 'oy one-half of a mile wide. They then returned to
Smith's Landing, unloaded and sold their boats, and took up their march
to possess their new land, and build their homes. Whip sawing was the only
way people got lumber in those days, so they made a whip saw and sawed
up some of the large trees they found on their land, and built their homes.
Uncle Richard Mills was the only one of grandfather Mills' sons who had
married. He married in New York, at Ocean Point. He built a log cabin
in the woods where James Hussey's old house now stands. He dug a well
and cleared some ground. They had two sons. Uncle Richard had learned
the cabinet trade and did not Hke pioneering, so he left this place and the
last we ever heard of him he was in Canada.
Uncle Bracket had learned to be a wood workman. Uncle Asa and
GIBSOX COUNTY, INDIANA.
1029
Uncle Daniel learned tailoring, and settled in Princeton when it became a
town.
Uncle James was named after grandfather and followed farming.
Grandfather and grandmother lived with Uncle James since I can remember.
Uncle James and Aunt Mahala had two sons and four daughters. About the
year 1838 or 1839, grandfather and Uncle James got the notion to have
richer land, so they sold the home and look Congress land in Patoka bottoms,
near Aloore's bridge. They built a log house, large enough for both families,
and in two years they were all dead of malaria, and were buried on their
farms in the bottoms.
Duston Mills was the seventh son in succession of my grandfather's
family. He married Louisa Stapleton, the oldest daughter of Joshua Staple-
ton, also a pioneer of this part of Indiana. Duston Mills was born at Holo-
well, Kenebeck county, in the state of Maine, on June 5, 1804. His wife,
Louisa, was born April 2^. 1808, in Robinson county, Tennessee. Duston
Mills and Louisa Stapleton were married in Xoveml)er, iSjj. To ihcm were
born twelve children. On .M.irch 14. 1829, there were born to them twins, a
son and a daughter, the daughter weighing one pound and the S(3n seven
pounds. Tlie son, whom they named Zyasa, died within twenty-four hours
after l)irth, while the daughter is living yet, at the age of seventy-seven years.
They named the daughter Berilla. Their third child was a daughter which
was born February 4, 183 1, and was named Adelia. The fourth child was a
daughter, born Sej^tember 2, 1832, and named Cecelia. The fifth child was
born November 8. 1833, 'i"'! named Zelissa. The si.xth child was a son. born
January 6. 1835. named Byron. The seventh child was a son, born March 20,
1838, named Horace. The eighth child was a daughter, born August 15,
1840. and named Elvira. The ninth and tenth children were twins, born May
5, 1843, and named Albert and Almena. The eleventh and twelfth children
were twins, born November 19, 1846, and named John and ?\Iary. This
completes the names and ages of the Duston Mills family.
The remainder of grandfather Mills' family were (i) Mary, who mar-
ried Anson \\"hite, and both died in Iowa, leaving quite a family. (2) John
Mills, who married Elizabeth \'arnor. who lived and died in Carmi, Illinois.
They left a family of three children. (3) Samuel, who lived and died in
Grayville, Illinois, leaving a family of two children. He married Sarah
Varner. (4) Caroline, the youngest of the twelve children of my grand-
father Mills, married a Mr. Coleman. They died young and left no family.
The oldest daughter. Berilla, married Joseph Greek, who w.is a brick
1030 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
maker at the time of their marriage, but eventually l)ecame a farmer. They
are both living at this date, August 8, 1907, and have reared a family of
tvi^elve children. Three children died in infancy and five are alive at the
present time. Their eldest was a daughter, Ellen, vi^ho married John Seals.
She died within two years after marriage, leaving a little daughter who
soon followed her to the grave. Their second child was a son, born April
4, 1850, whom they named Albert Tell. He married Sarah Burchfield. He
was killed a few years ago by stepping off a moving train, leaving his widow
with quite a family. Their third child was a daughter named Joanna, born
January 5, 1852, who was married when quite young, to a man by the name
of Marshfield T. Paul. They had a daughter and son before she died. The
fourth child, George William, was l)orn April 18, 1854. and died October 27,
1855. The fifth child was a son, born February 28, 1855, and named John
Henry. The sixth child, born May 18. 1855. was Alace May. The seventh
child was born September 29, i86n, named Abraham Lincoln. The eighth
child, Samuel Milo, was a son, born March 6, 1863, and died October 19,
1863. The ninth child, Kate Louisa, was born October 20. 1864. The tenth
child was a daughter, Margaret Adelia, born June 27. 1867. ami died iMarch
12,1868. The eleventh child, Rhoda, was born January 20, i860. The
twelfth child was a daughter, Zelissa Mills Greek, born April 27, 1871.
The deaths of the family of Joseph and Berilla Greek u]) to the present
time (1907) are as follows: George William, October 27, 1855; Samuel
Milo, October 19, 1863; :\Iary Adelia. March 12, 1868: Ellen Greek Seals,
April II, 1873; Joanna Greek Paul. October 21, 1873; and Abraham L.
Greek, July 8, 1876.
WILLLVAI C. HUDELSON.
There is no positive rule for achieving success,' and }et in the life of the
successful man there are always lessons which might well be followed. The
man who gains prosperity is he who can see and utilize the opportunities that
come in his path. The essential conditions of human life are eyer the same,
the surroundings of individuals differing but slightly, and when one man passes
another on the highway of life to reach the goal of prosperity ahead of others
who perhaps started out before him, it is because he has the power to use
advantages ^\'hich probabh- encompass the whole human race. Today among
the prominent citizens and successful men of Gibson county stands \Viniam
C. Hudelson, retired farmer and stock raiser. The qualities of keen dis-
GIUSOX COUNTY, INDIANA. IO3I
crimination, sound imlynK-nt and executive ahilily enter very lar.irely into
his makeup and have been cinitrilnitir.i.;- elements lo ihe material success which
has come to him.
\\'illiam C. Hudelson is a native uf (iihsnn cnunty and first ^aw the liLjht
of clay on IJecember 4. i8_|4, on the oKl 1 ludelson Immestead iu I'atoka
township, section 22. He is the son (if Alexander, born l-'ebruary 16, 1S22.
in Patoka township also, anil he is the son of ,\le\ander:\\ho was born near
Lexington, Kentuck\-, and who came to Ciibson county as early as 1813 or
1814, and securing a tract of wild land, proceeded to clear it and devote his
talents to general farming and stock raising. He was quite successful in this
and later retired, taking up his residence in Princeton, where he and his wife,
who was Mary Crawford, both died. They were the parents of ten children,
all of whom are dead; Samuel, the eldest, passed his life in Ciilison county;
James was a farmer and also a merchant and produce man at I'aloka and
was widely known; John was a farmer in Montgomery township, ( iibson
countv ; Moses was also a farmer, whose later years were passed in Prince-
ton, where he died; William was a farmer who went to Zenia, Illinois, and
died there; Alexander was the father of the immediate subject of this sketch;
Mary married the Reverend Samuel Baldrich, a minister of the .\ssociate
Reform church, and the_\- made their home in different i)laces; Jane became the
wife of Payton Devin and they made their home just north of Princeton;
Ann w-as the wife of Judge Eli Ely, who li\ed in Princeton, and Isabelle, who
always remained at home and took care of her parents. Isabelle remained un-
married. She also took care of her niece, Mary El\-, the daughter of .\nn
Ely.
Alexander Hudelson,; father of William C. Hudelson, was given an ex-
cellent education for his day and localit)'. When he grew to manhooil he
located on an eighty-acre farm in Center township, this county, where he
lived for about four years, after which he resided in different parts of the
county until he retired from the active life of a farmer and took u]) his
residence in Princeton, where he died May 11, 1904. On September 7, 1843,
he was united in marriage to Julia Ann Kellogg of Ohio, born February 5,
1825, who still resides with the subject at the advanced age of ninety. To
their union were born ten children, namely: W'illiam Crawford, the sub-
ject of this sketch, being the .first born; I.avina Belle, born May 3, 1S4O.
died May 10, 1846; Alexander Chalmer, born Ajiril 18, 1847, who married
Ella Tucker and is a farmer in Center township, this county; Mary Ellen,
born February 15, 1849, died unmarried March 25, 190^; Emma Belle, born
1032 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
June 21, 1851, who married T. Gillespie, of David City, Nebraska; Warren
Stewart, born February 22, 1854, a contractor and builder at Los Angeles,
California; James Perry, born March 2^. 1856, died December 20, 1913;
John McDill, born July 5, 1858, a minister of the IVlethodist Episcopal church,
and at present located at Versailles, Indiana. His wife was Addie Hovall ;
Lucius Rolla, born April 8, 1861, died December 6, 1905, a doctor of medi-
cine, who received his education in the Philadelphia Medical College of Phila-
delphia, Pennsylvania, and practiced in Princeton and later in Rush county,
Indiana. Dr. L. R. married Maude Ellis. Samuel Grant, the youngest
child of the family, was born January 5, 1864, and is a telegraph operator
at Clearwater, Kansas. His wife was Mamie Yenowine.
William C. Hudelson received his elementary education in the schools
of Gibson county, later attending high school at Princeton and Oakland City.
He was quite a young man at the outbreak of the Civil war and, fired with
patriotism, he enlisted in the cause on February 8, 1864, as a private in
Company H, Seventeenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He enlisted
under Colonel J. G. Vale and Captain James Armstrong and was assigned to
the mounted infantry of the Army of the Cumberland. He was in several
skirmishes and all through the Atlanta campaign and received his honorable
discharge August 8, 1865, at Macon, Georgia. After his return home from
the army, he taught school at various places in Gibson county — Oakland
City, Owensville, Patoka and other places. When he decided to follow
the vocation of a farmer, he first located in Center township, later going to
Patoka township, where for the past twenty years he has lived on what was
originally part of- the old McClure homestead. He has successfully carried
on general farming, giving particular attention to the raising of stock.
Politically, Mr. Htidelson is a stalwart supporter of the Republican
party, although he has never sought office. He is a member of Archer Post,
No. 28, Grand Army of the Republic, at Princeton, and is an active meml)er
of the United Presbyterian church, while his wife is a member of the Gen-
eral Baptist church. Mr. Hudelson is a man who stands very high indeed in
the estimation of his friends, a man whose judgment is often sought on im-
portant inatters. He has been intrusted with the settlement of several estates
and in the discharge of his delicate duty has met the approval of all con-
cerned.
Mr. Hudelson has been twice married, his first wife being Joanna Tucker,
of Gibson county, with whom he united in marriage April 24. 1869. She
was born ]March 30, 1847, and died April 2, 1871. To their union was born
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. IO33
one son, Clarence, who died July ii. 1871, while still a habe. On May 28,
1886, Mr. Mudelson took as his second wife Miss Xancy Virginia McClure, a
native of Gibson covnit}-, daughter of Joseph Perry and Catherine Ann
(Devin) McClure. Three children have come into their home — .\nna, who
resides at home, was graduated from the Princeton high school witli tiie class
of 1907; H. Earl was graduated fruin the Princelon high schoul with the
same class as his sister Anna, later ullcndod the State Unixersiiy at iiiooni-
ingtdu, where in 191 1 he graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and
in iqij received the degree of Master of Arts. He is an excellent English
scholar and after finishing his course at the State University at Rloomington,
he took the Doctor's degree at the British Museum in London, England, and
now is assistant instructor in some preparatory school for boys at VoTt
Deposit, Maryland, where he has been for the past two years. In addition
to his studies and duties, he has found time to travel extensivel\- and has
come to be considered a young writer of promise. Laura, thC' youngest
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Pludelson, is attending the Princeton high school
and graduated with the class of 19)3.
The Hudelsons are one of the foremost families of their community,
their home being a charming center from which only good influences radiate.
^Ir. Hudelson takes a commendable interest in the general welfare of the
community and his support can always be counted upon for all measures
which have for their object the educational, moral, social or material advance-
ment of his fellows. Socially, Mr. Hudelson is a pleasing companion who
enjoys the friendship of all who know him. Of marked domestic tastes, his
greatest enioynient is found in his home, where, surrounded by bis family, lie
passes his hajipiest hours.
HUGH MALONE.
The following is a lirief sketch of the life of one who, by close at-
tention to business, has achieved marked success in the world's affairs and
risen to an honorable position among the enterprising men of the county with
which his interests are identified. It is a plain record, rendered remarkable
l)v no strange or mysterious adventure, no wonderful and lucky accident
and no tragic situation, aside from bis heroic services in the Union army.
Mr. Malone is one of those estimable characters whose integrity and strong
personality must force them into an admirable notoriety, which their modesty
never seeks, who command the res])ect of their contemporaries and their
I034 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
posterity and leave the impress of their iiKh'viduahty upon the age in wliich
they hve.
Hugh Malone was born August 26, 1842, in Patoka township, Gibson
county, Indiana, the son of James and Lucinda (Key) Malone. The father
of James Malone was also named James. Hugh Malone's grandfather mar-
ried a Miss Hunter. The grandfather came to Gibson county at a very
early date and settled just north of Owensville. James, Sr., had a brother
John, who accompanied him to this county. He was a prominent man of
his time, being known far and wide for his geniality and wit, and as a
story teller, he \\as often the center of an admiring group of friends. The
Malones were great hunters in those early days and their table was always
supplied with the best game of which there was an abundance. In later
years, James Malone, Sr,, lived with his son, Absalom, in the northeast part
of Owensville, his death occurring while he was residing there. In his early
life he w^s at one time captured by the Indians and forced to run the gauntlet,
composed of two rows of redskins, armed with clubs and whips, his body
bearing marks of this experience to his dying day. To James Malone, Sr.,
were born six sons and one daughter : The subject's father was born in Lex-
ington, Kentucky; Thomas, a blacksmith, lived in Owensville and Posey-
ville, Indiana; John, a farmer in Montgomery townshi]); Al was a physi-
cian, preacher and store keeper, at Palestine. Illinois, where he was quite
prominent; Elijah lived at Owensville; Eliza married William Matthews,
a tailor, at Owensville; Parmelia married Owen Jones, a carpenter and
expert wood worker, of Owensville. James Malone, Sr., and wife were
members of the Baptist church.
James Malone, the father of Hugh, came to Gibson county with his
parents when he was but three years old, and lived in this locality until
his death in his sixty-eighth year. On, reaching mature years he worked
for nine years, at the wage of nine dollars a year, his employer being John
Browder. At the end of this time he purchased a suit of clothes at an out-
lay of three dollars, the suit lasting three years. He was united in marriage
to Lucinda Key, of Kentucky, and settled in the Stone neighborhood, in
Montgomery township, later removing to the Robb farm north of Prince-
ton, where Hugh was born. To the subject's parents were born the fol-
lowing children: (i) John is a physician. As a baby he was rocked in a
cradle made from a sugar trough. He attended school at Greencastle and
studied medicine under Doctor West, after which he took up the practice of
his profession and made it his life work. He was an orderly sergeant in the
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. IO35
Forty-second Regiment Indiana \'olunteer Infantry, but on account of disa-
bility was discharged. He died in 1892. His wife's maiden name was
Harriet Trippett. (2} William was a farmer in Patoka township. He was
the victim of an accident which caused his dealli. in culling cnrd wo. id. he
ran to get from under a falling tree and fell on an axe, so scrinuslx- injuring
himself that his death resuhed. (3) Hugh is the subject of this review.
(4) Cynthia, deceased, married William M. Boswell and they lived in Gib-
son county; (5) Annie, deceased, was the wife of Isaac Mounts and lived
in Patoka township. The subject's parents were faithful members of the
Baptist church. His father was a Democrat.
The exceedingly limited early education of Mr. Malone was secured
in the little log house of pioneer times, and he remained on the home place
assisting in the farm work until his enlistment in the Union army, on August
II, 1862. He became a member of Company B, Sixty-fifth Regiment Indiana
Volunteer Infantry, recruiting at Princeton, and under the command of
Captain Stilwell. Colonel Foster and Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson. The com-
mand to which Mr. Malone was attached was sent to Evansville, Indiana,
first being a part of the Twenty-third Army Curps. and its reci:rd ot eighteen
battles and innumerable skirmishes is one to be proud of. From Evansville
they were dispatched to Henderson, Kentucky, and then up the Green River
valley to Schuylersville, returning sulisequently to Henderson, .\ugust ] ith
of that year the command was mounted and sent to Knoxville, Tennessee.
From that place their operations extended as far as Bristol. \"irginia, they ]k'-
ing engaged at Smoky Mountain and Cumberland Gap. After being dis-
mounted they took part in the great .A.tlanta campaign, and finally at the
close of hostilities, took part in the Grand Review, at Washington, in Ai)ril,
1865. After the review Mv. Malone was engaged in the fighting in X'orih
Carolina and was mustered out on June 9, 1865, and returned to his home.
September 7, 1865, Mr. Malone was married to Nancy C. Prichett, of
Harrison county, Indiana, the daughter of John L. and Margaret (J.mk's)
Prichett, he a native of North Carolina, and she of Indiana. John L.
Pritchett came to Indiana in 1862 and. in connection with farming opera-
tions, ran a mill and followed the cooper's trade. He was a very handy
man with tools and his services were much in demand. He was a hard
working and prosperous man, and at the time of his death was the owner
of considerable valuable land. His wife afterwards lived with her son Hugh,
until her death. To John L. Prichett and wife were born fourteen children,
namelv: Wesley, of Floyd county, Indiana; James, a saw mill operator at
1036 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Fitzgerald, Georgia; Mrs. Hugh Malone; Frank, Jane and George, deceased;
Bell, of Giljson county; Tena and Lydia, deceased; Charles, of Knox county,
Indiana; Andy, resident of Gibson county; Annie, deceased, and Lucinda, of
Gibson county.
To Hugh Malone and wife have been born the following children: (i)
Lewis, of Evansville, Indiana, who married Stella Redburn, now-
deceased, and to them were born two children, Roscoe, deceased, and Leafy
G., the wife of Ralph Zimmerman; (2) Will F., who died at the age of thirty
six, married Theodosia Decker and they were the parents of three children,
Charlotte, May and \Villiam H. ; W^ill F. was a farmer, logger anil thresher-
man; (3) Gertrude, who married Edward W'eisgarber, a farmer and gard-
ener of Montgomery count}', and thev were the parents of si.x children.
Gladys, Herbert, Ruby, Isabelle, Rudolph and Delbert.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs Malone located on his father's old
homestead, in Patoka township, for seven years, and then went west over-
land with a team to Shawnee county, Kansas, where they remained for one
year, returning thereupon to Gibson county and resuming the operation of
the old home place. Mr. Malone, after another year, purchased thirty-
seven acres of land from Thomas Morton, which he later sold and then
bought his present fine home place at "Taft Town," just northeast of Prince-
ton, where he has since engaged in gardening and the raising of fine fruit.
Mr. Malone is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, while
his religious affiliation is with the General Baptist church.
JOHN BIEGER,
A review of the. life of the honored subject of this memoir must oi
necessity be brief and general in its character. To enter fully into the inter-
esting details of the career of the late John Bieger, touching the struggles of
his early manhood and the success of his later years, would far transcend
the limits of this article. He filled a large place in the ranks of the active,
energetic and public-spirited citizens of his day and generation, and the
memories which attach to his name and character form no inconsiderable
chapter in the history of his adopted home, where he did his work and
achieved his success.
John Bieger was a native of Germany, born in Hessen, Darmstadt. Ger-
many, March 2. 1833. and died at his home in Princeton, January 14, 1912.
Ginsox LOLxrv, ixdiaxa. 1037
His father and mother both died when he was (|uite young and he was
brought up by his grandparents. He received an excellent ethication in the
old country, the grandparents intending him for the priesthood. However,
the thought of America and its opportunities was attractive to him and when
he was eighteen years old he set sail for this country. He took out his
naturalization papers in 1857. After landing in America, he came almost di-
rectly to Princeton; Indiana, and secured employment with a Mr. Boswell in
his blacksmith shop, where he was to learn the trade. He remained with
Mr. Boswell for several years and later had a shop of his own on the corner
of Prince and Broadw^ay streets, in Princeton, in which he did a thriving
business for a great many years before he retired. He arrived in Princeton
wholly without friends and unable to speak the English language, and in
a comparatively short time he learned the blacksmith trade, and in a few
years had the largest carriage and buggy blacksmith shop in the county, and
his business increased so rapidly that he employed as many as twenty-five
men at times and operated fi)ur and five forges. In 1887 he als.) started
a dairv business, and his son. who manages the I)usincss today, has a fine
herd of full blooded Jersey stock and makes a specially of sujjplying cream
to a large and increasing patronage. Mr. Bieger had unusual business ability,
and coupled with that, his undoubted honesty and integrity placed him high
in the estimation of his fellow business men as well as all others with whom
he came in contact.
John Bieger was twice married. His first wife was Susan HmswcII. 1,1"
Princeton, and after her death he married Mary E. Richey. of this county,
a daughter of Chadwick and }ilatilda ( DePriest) Richey. The Richey family
were originally from Tennessee and were among the early settlers d Cib-
son count\-. The parents died when Mrs. Bieger was a small child. To
lohn Bieger and his wife, Mary, were born three children: a child which
died in earliest infancy: William, who also died when small, and \'an, wlvi
was born in Princeton, and has lived here practically all his life. \'an received
his education in the schools of Princeton, and when quite a young man
was a salesman for Wolfe & Company, \\'elborn & Moser and .Alva Levi, of
Princeton. He continued in this line until it devolved upon him to take care
of the business his father had luiill up, since which time he h.is been giving
it the same assiduous care it recei\ed from his father.
On lanuarv 21, 1007. A'an Bieger was united in marriage to Judith
Long, of St. Louis. Missouri, daughter of George W. and Adeline CChenne-
worthl Long, of Shawnectown. Illinois. The father was a caqienter w^ho
1038 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
died in 1901 ; the mother died in 1900. To Van Bieger and wife has been
born one child, Alvena, born April 14, 1908.
John Bieger was one of the patriotic sons of the United States who,
though foreign born, was anxious to show his love for his adopted country
and early in the Civil War he enlisted in Company A, Eightieth Regiment
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served three years as wagon master. At
the close of the war, he returned fo Princeton and resumed his business. All
through life, Mr. Bieger was a devout communicant of the Catholic church
and gave liberally of his time and means to its support. He was also a
member of Archer Post, No. 28. Grand .\nny of the Republic, at
Princeton. John Bieger, by his industry and perseverance, together with
right principles of living, raised himself from a poor boy to a position of
affluence and became the head of a family known throughout Gibson county,
liked and respected by all. In every community are to be found individuals
who, by reason of pronounced ability and forceful personality, rise su-
perior to the majority and command the homage of their fellows. Of this
class was John Bieger. whose life on earth is closed, but who still lives
in the hearts that love and respect him and in his works here on earth.
R. L. HUSSEY.
Specific mention is made of many of the worthy citizens of Gibson
county within the pages of this work, citizens who have figured in the growth
and development of this favored locality and whose interests have been
identified with its every phase of progress, each contributing in his sphere of
action to the well being of the community in which he resided and to the
advancement of its normal and legitimate growth. Among this number is he
whose name appears above, peculiar interest attaching to his career from
the fact that practically his entire life has been passed within the borders
of this county.
R. L. Hussey, well known throughout southern Indiana as traveling
salesman and manager of S. M. Hess & Bro., of Philadelphia, manufacturers
of fertilizer, was born October 26, 1850, on his father's homestead in Cen-
ter township, Gibson county. His paternal grandfather was Richard Hussey,
originally of Lebanon, Maine, born May 24, 1789, and died April 15, 1851.
On October 4, 181 1, he was united in marriage to Aphia Mills in Belgrade
township, Kennebec county, Maine. She was born January 27, 1791, and
GUiSOX COUNTY, INDIANA. IO39
died May 29, 1841. Their family comprised thirteen children, as follows:
Elbridge M., born in Belgrade township, Kennebec county, Maine, Inly y.
1812, died April 15, 1878; Julian Page, born in Rome, Maine, January 22,
1814; Zachariah, born in Lebanon, Maine, October 25, 1815; James Madison,
born June 8, I'Sij, in Belgrade township, Kennebec county, Maine, father
of the immediate subject of this sketch; George B., liorn May 17, 1819. in
Washington county, Ohio; Ansel Alexander Hamilton, born in Washington
county, Ohio, November 16, 1821; John Hibbard. born July 26, 1822. in
Gibson county, Indiana; Clara, born in Gibson county, March 19, 1824;
Charles Wellington, born in Gibson county. May 18, 1826; Elizabeth Ann,
born in Gibson county, April 11, 1828; Richard Perry, born in Gibson county,
April 4, 1830; Martha M., born in Gibson county, March 24, 1833; Aphia
Louisa, born in Gibson county, October 15, 1835.
When, in 181 7, Richard Hussey and wife left their home in Kennebec
county, Maine, to try their fortunes further west, their family comprised
four children. They first located in Washington county, Ohio. He was a
cabinet maker by trade and was considered an unusually fine workman in
those days when all furniture was hand-made. He was also a blacksmith
and skilful with all kinds of tools. In 1821 they left Ohio, coming tn Gib-
son county. Indiana, and located about five miles east of Princeton in Center
township. He secured a tract of wild land which he commenced to clear. i)ut
up a cabin home and a blacksmith shop and here the family lived for several
years, the mother dying on the place. People came from near and far to
have him do work for them and in this way he formed a wide acquaintance
and no man was better known or more respected in his day.
James ]\Iadison Hussey. son of Richard Hussey and father of the sul)-
ject of this sketch, was one of the children of the family lioni in Maine and
brought when a young child to Ohio and later to Gilison county. In his
youth he received but limited schooling, owing to the poor opportunities of-
fered, and being one of the oldest children of the family, much of the work
about the homestead fell to his lot. He remained at home until he married,
when he rented part of his father's farm and later bought a portion of it.
His wife was Sarah Patterson, born September 2. 1827. in Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, a daughter of Robert and Rebecca fWilson) Patterson. \\'hen
Sarah was but a small child, her parents left their home in Pennsylvania and
came to Xenia, Ohio, later coming on to Gibson county. Indiana, where
they settled in Center township near the Hussey homestead. The father died
shortlv after their arrival in Gibson county. There were four children in
1 040 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
the family: James, who lived in Princeton; Harriet, who married a Mr.
Shaw, went back to Pennsylvania and died there; Sarah, who became the
wife of James Madison Hussey, and Samuel, who died in Center township.
To James Madison Hussey and wife were born the following children:
Henry W., born November 15, 1845, in Gibson county, a farmer of Canada,
married Mollie J. Harberson October 13, 1869; Robert Dale Owen, born in
Gibson county May 16, 1848, married Eliza J. IMcClellan December 15, 1870.
He was in the Civil War, serving three years in Company D, One Hundred
and Twentieth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. His death occurred
May 3, 1877, ^'^cl his widow married the second time L. B. Wallace, a drug-
gist at Francisco, Indiana. The third child was Richard Louis, the subject
of this sketch; Franklin C, born in Gibson county January 15, 1852, died
November 29, 1855, at the age of three years; Etta Elmira, born in Gibson
county April 10, 1855, married Alonzo C. Dilday, of Princeton, on Septem-
ber 25, 1873; James M., born in Gibson county March 11, 1857, a farmer
on part of the old Hussey homestead in Center township, married Isabelle
Ingram November 10, 1880; Joseph Devin, born in Gibson county August
I, 1859, a retired farmer residing in Princeton, whose first wife was Jermi-
mah E. McFetridge, married August 22, 1883, and whose second wife was
Rose Langford; Arabella M., born in Gibson county June 23, 1862, married
in September, i88t. the widow of Isaac M. Eby, of Warrick county. Inrliana.
He was a farmer and died December 8. 1898, leaving two children. Earl
Hussey and Allen Dale.
James Madison Hussey, father of this interesting family, devoted his
energies to agriculture and owned and operated a flour mill and a sawmill
before the war on the banks of the Patoka river at Kirksville. now known as
Wheeling. On August 11, 1862, he took up arms in the Civil War, enlisting
in Company B, Sixty-fifth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, as first
lieutenant. He did not live long after leaving home and died on November
2d of the same year at Henderson. Kentucky. The l)ody was brought home
and interred in Lawrence cemetery with all the honors of war. The widow
continued to make her home on the old place until her death, March 18, 1898.
She was of a deeply religious temperament, an earnest work in church circles
and a consistent member of the United Presbyterian church for fifty-five
years. She was a woman much loved and respected by all and spared no ef-
fort to rear her family in a proper manner.
R. L. Hussev received his elementary education in the public schools of
Gibson county, later attending the Oakland City Normal School. He fitted
GIHSON COl-XTV, IXDIANA. IO4I
himself for a leaclier in ihc puhlic schools ami for seven years tollnued this
vocation. He went to Francisco, Indiana, and served as trustee of Center
township for two years. .\lso for eleven years he was railroad and express
agent for the old "Air Line" railroad at Francisco and built the first depot
at that place. He also had charge of the mail. In addition to these duties he
was a grain dealer and owned a half interest in a hardware store in partner-
ship with Samuel McConnell, where, in addition to the regular line, he was
agent for a complete line of farming tools and implements. He also at one
time had a flour and feed mill there. He was nominated for county auditor
on the Democratic ticket in 1892, but was defeated. He removed from Fran-
cisco to Princeton and in 1896 was again a candidate for the office of county
auditor and again met defeat, both times on account of the Republican party
having an overwhelming majorit}- in the county. He has always taken an
active interest in politics and has done much for his party. In 1897 he be-
came connected with S. M. Hess & Bro. of Philadelphia, as elsewhere stated,
and this connection has l)een in force for the past sixteen years. Mr. Hussey
is a man of ability and tireless energy and stands as an example <if what a
young man with determination and right principles can accomplish alduc and
unaided. Each year of his life has placed him higher in the estimation of his
large circle of friends and acquaintances and he is well worthy the high es-
teem in which he is held. Mr. Hussey has been a member of Lodge Xo. 64,
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Princeton since 1895 'i"*' ^''^ \'\\k(\
all of the chairs in the local lodge. He was also made camp district deputy
grand patriarch of Gibson county for the national encampment held in In-
dianapolis in 191 1. He is also a mem!)er of the Daughters <>{ i\el)ckah. tiv,;
woman's degree in Odd Fellowship.
Mr. Hussey has l)een twice married. In 1880 he was united in wedlock
with Luella May Whiting, of k'raiiciscn. Indiana, a daughter of Captain C. C.
Whiting, of Francisco, wlm died August 5, 1890. To this union were born
two children, namely; Luella Ray. the wife of Jacob \'.. Mcl'urry. of ( ireen-
castle, Indiana, parents of one child, Mary Ella, and Dora Edna, who died
at the age of seven years. On October 29, 1896, Mr. Hussey was married
to Amelia Beck, of Princeton, daughter of \'alentine and Catherine ( I leck-
man) Beck, natives of Germany. They came to Princeton in 1853 when
young and unmarried, their marriage taking place in 1855. He was a shoe-
maker in his earlier years and later a shoe merchant in Princeton until 1898.
His death occurred in 1908 and his wife still lives in Princeton.
(66)
1 042 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Mrs. Amelia Hussey was born in Princeton on April 29. i860. Air. and
Mrs. Beck were the parent.^ of several children, of whom Amelia is
the present Mrs. Hussey. To Mr. Hussey, by his second marriage, have come
three children: Ruth Lucile, born July 8, 1898; Richard Louis, Jr., born May
20, 1901, and Helen Amelia, born January 31, 1903. Their home is a pleas-
ant center for the life of theneig-hborhood, the family being rightlulv num-
bered among the leading ones of the community.
W. A. BARNETT.
It is by no means an easy task to describe within the limits of this re-
view a man who has led an active and eminently useful life and by his own
exertions reached a point of honor and trust in the line of industries with
which his interests are allied. But biography iinds justification, nevertheless,
in the tracing and recording of such a life history, as the public claims a
certain property interest in the career of every individual, and the time in-
variably arrives when it becomes desirable to give the right publicity. It is,
then, with a certain degree of satisfaction that the chronicler essays the task
of touching briefly upon such record as has been that of the subject who now
comes under this review.
W. A. Barnett, well-known business man and agriculturist of Gibson
county, is the son of Robert and Mary Barnett and was born August 24,
1859, on the family homestead about a mile and a quarter southwest of
Ha/letim. He received his early education in the district schools of the county
and early showed his unusual business ability, for at the tender age of twelve
or thirteen years, with the assistance of his mother, from whom he probably
inherited his business ability, he rented and conducted successfully a large
farm. Wishing to engage in other lines of activity later, he gave his atten-
tion to different enterprises, among them being a grocery store and later an
hotel. In 1880 he decided to take charge of the old homestead, which had
come into his possession, part of which he had inherited through the death
of his parents and the rest he had acquired by buying out the interests of
other heirs. He was as eminently successful in this enterprise as in others,
but was not content to confine his activities to that vocation. After a few
years he became associated with the Challenge Wind Mill and Feed Mill Com-
pany of Batavia, Illinois, and for ten years was their general state agent
for Indiana. In connection with this work he had tried to continue the oper-
ation of his farm, but finding the various interests too much to handle, he
GIBSON COU.XTV, INDIANA. IO43
removed his family to Hazletun in 1897. ^" l*"ebruary of 1903 he purchased
a building on Mill street, Hazleton, from T. N. Davidson, and in this build-
ing placed a full line of farm tools and machinery. His success in this en-
deavor can not be c^uestioned, yet he again longed for the life of tlie farm,
and in 1905 returned to his homestead and the vocation of farming, where
he has since remained. He engages in general farming along modern meth-
ods, and in addition to this, gives particular attention to raising seed corn
for the market. He is the only licensed corn judge in Gibson county and is
a member of the Purdue staff. Mr. Barnett originated and furnished the
seed corn for the first boys' corn contest held in Gibson county, January 19,
1911, at Princeton. The picture of the boys who took part in the contest are
found elsewhere in this volume, as well as an article on the contest. He also
raises considerable live stock of good breeding and is in every respect a
thoroughly successful and up-to-date agriculturist.
On November 14, 1888, Mr. Barnett was united in marriage with Carrie
Beck, of Princeton, daughter of Martin and Mary ( I -".nil tree 1 I'.jck. tin." for-
mer a native of Ohio and she of Gibson county. To their union have been
born eight children, the eldest of whom, Arthur, is engaged in farming in
White River township in this county. ^lary, while engaged in teaching in the
public schools of Hazleton, makes her home with the parents, as do also the
rest of the family, namely: Sarah E., Wilbur, Martha. Miriam, Zelia and
Chester. The family is considered one of the foremost in their community
and beneath their hospitable roof there is always a warm welcome for friend
and casual guest alike.
Politically, Mr. Barnett is a DeniDcrat and while he does not seek office
for himself, his influence is oiunled u])cin by those who do seek that honor.
His religious membership is with the Cumberland Presbyterian church, to
whose support he gives of his means. His fraternal affiliation is wilh tlie
time-honored body of Free and Accej^ted Masons, being a member of Ijlue
lodge No. 420: he is also a memiier of the Independent Order of Odd bel-
lows. No. 389, at ITazelton, and the Modern Woodmen of .\merica. In every
avenue of life's activities he has performed his part to the best of his ability,
believing that anything worth doing at all is worth doing well, the result
being that he has won and retains to a notable degree the confidence ancl re-
spect of all who know him. He has a large number of acquaintances, among
whom are manv loyal, stanch and devoted friends and wherever he goes he
receives a hearty welcome. Because of his high personal character and his
genuine worth as a man and citizen, he is specifically entitled to mention
in a work of this character.
1044 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
HENRY SUHLING.
It is proper to judge of the success and status of a man's life by the esti-
mation in which he is held by his fellow citizens. They see him at his work,
in his family circle, in his church, at his devotions, hear his views on public
questions, observe the outcome of liis code of morals, witness how he con-
ducts himself in all the relations of society and thus become competent to
judge of his merits and demerits. 'After a long course of years of such ob-
servation, it would be out of the question for his neighbors not to know his
worth, because as has been said "Actions speak louder than \\ords." In this
county there are nothing but good words heard for the subject of this sketch,
a man born on a foreign soil and who, after much wandering, has taken up
his abode in Gibson county and by his honor, integrity and sterling worth has
placed himself in an enviable position in the regard of his community.
Henry Suhling is a native of Kessel, near Moscow, Russia, where he
was born on August 4, 1831, the son of Henry and Ann Adelade (Brining)
Suhling, she a native of Russia and he a native of Germany. The father
was a man of vast learning, a doctor and lawyer, and possessed of consid-
erable landed interests. There were nine children in the family, all of whom
were brought up in the faith of the Lutheran church. They emigrated to
German}' when tlie subject was three years old. The parents and the rest of
the children always remained in Germany, but Henry, subject of this sketch,
together with his brothers, Julm and .\lhert, emigrated to this country. It
was on March 12, 1845, that Henry Suhling bade farewell to his parents and
set out to take passage for America. He was enabled to work for his passage
over and earned six dollars in addition. The vessel was six weeks in crossing,
but finally reached the harbor at New Orleans. Then began a period of travel
for the young emigrant, during which he was in fourteen states and worked
at various employments. In January of 1861 he was at St. Louis, Missouri,
where he enlisted in Company C, First Missouri Regiment, under command
of General Rosecrans. He served in the army for three years, receiving his
honorable discharge in 1865. After the close of the war he was for a time
in New York City, Cincinnati, Ohio, Evansville, Indiana, and different places
and finally came to Gilisoii county. He had been here once liefore, in 1848,
when he had visited an uncle and had worked as a farm hand on the farm
which later came into his possession.
In 1868 he united in marriage with Catherine Weaver, a native of Penn-
sylvania, who died March 13, 1910, at the age of seventy-nine years and
GIBSON COUNTV. INDIAXA. IO45
thirteen days. He has always been a farmer ami after he settled in Gibson
county he secured ninety acres of lantl which served as a nucleus of his pres-
ent possessions, one hundred and sixt_\' acres of \aluable land in I'atoka
township. He has always followed up-to-date methods in managing his farm
and has been equally successful in stock raising. To him and his wife were
born three children: Henry J., who farms on the old homestead in Patoka
township; Clara Catherine, wife of Philip Brakmeier, a farmer of Patoka
township and mother of two children. lunnia and CliH'ord,. and John .Vlbcrt,
unmarried, who is associated with his brother on the home place. Some seven
years ago Mr. Suhling retired from an active life. He is a man w(jnderfully
preserved for his years, with an excellent memory, and who has many in-
teresting things to tell of his earlier experiences.
Mr. Suhling is a member of the Lutheran church, as was also his wife
and children. He is also a member of the time honored Grand Army of the
Republic and in every relation of life stands high in public estimation. He is
a worthy representative of that foreign-born element which has played such
an important part in the development of our state, and is well entitled to
representation in this work. He has always been actively interested in every-
thing which tended to promote the development of the community and has
been confidently counted on at all times to indorse any progressive measures
and to uphold ever_\'thing which stands for the best interests of the people.
During his long residence here he has not only gained the confidence of his
fellow business men, but as a man of force of character, upright and honest
in his dealings with his fellow citizens, he has gained the esteem of all who
know him and has a great numl)er of warm jjersonal friends.
CHARLES K. P.\RRETT.
It is with pleasure that the biographer has an opportunity to place be-
fore the readers of this work the life record of the honoraljle gentleman
whose name initiates this paragraph, for he is deemed eminently worthy of
representation along with the best and most industrious citizens of Gil)son
county, owing to the fact that he belongs to the energetic and enterprising
class that has made this favored section one of the most noted and richest in
the great Hoosier state. Enjoying distinctive prestige as a farmer, he has
achieved marked success, while his jiractical intelligence, mature judgment
1046 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
and sound business principles have had much to do in molding- public senti-
ment in the community where he has long maintained his home.
Charles K. Parrett, who, for the past twenty-five years, has resided on
his fine farm of three hundred acres in White River township, Gibson county,
is a native of this county. He was born on May 4, 1867, a son of R. M. and
Ann E. (Hudleson) Parrett, both natives of the Hoosier state and she of
White River township. R. M. Parrett came to Gibson county before there
were any railroads completed in this section of the state. He desired to at-
tend DePauw University, then known as Asbury College, at Greencastle,
Indiana, and made the journey from his home in Evansville to Greencastle
on horseback. There he studied theology and was later ordained a minister
in the Methodist Episcopal church. He was well known throughout Gibson
county, having followed his calling in various sections. To him and his wife
were born ten children, of which the subject of this sketch is the eighth in
order of birth.
Charles K. Parrett received his elementary education in the common
schools of Gibson county, later attending the normal school at Danville, In-
diana. On February 23, 1888, he was united in marriage to Anna Robb,
daughter of David and Phoeba A. Robb, born February 23, 1866. To their
union were born three children, namely: Nora, wife of Ross Key, who re-
sides on a farm in Patoka township, Gibson county; Eva M., at home, and
Ruth, the youngest daughter, who is attending high school.
As an agriculturist, Mr. Parrett is numbered among the best in the
county, his thorough methods and up-to-date ideas marking him as a man of
mature judgment and wise discrimination. He is a man of good business
principles and has so conducted his afifairs as to reap a gratifying return for
his labor. He is a man who takes an interest in the financial affairs of his
neighbors and friends and his advice and material assistance is often sought
along this line. In addition to carrying on general farming along modern
methods, he pays special attention to raising high grade cattle and hogs. The
farm he occupies is his old family homestead, endeared through many years'
associations.
Mr. Parrett is a stanch Republican of the old school and has taken an
active interest in politics, while not wishing office for himself. The family
takes a part in the affairs of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mr.
Parrett is a member, and does much to further the interests of that society.
Because of the part Mr. Parrett has taken in the upbuilding and progress
of the community, he has merited the high esteem in which he is held among
GIBSON COUMV, INDIANA. IO47
his fellow men. He has given his support to all niuvenienls which have iiad a
tendency to advance the moral, educational or social interests of the people
and among those who know him best, he is considered one of the best men in
this section of the county.
BYRON S. SPAIN.
To write the personal record of men who have raised themselves from
luiml:)]e circumstances to positions of responsibility and trust in a community
is no ordinary pleasure. Self-made men, men who have achieved success by
reason of their personal qualities and left the impress of their individuality
upon the business and growth of their place of residence and affect for good
such institutions as are embraced in the sphere of their usefulness, unwitting-
ly, pei-haps, build monuments more enduring than marble obelisk or granite
shaft. Of such, we believe, is the gentleman whose name appears above.
Byron S. Spain, who owns two hundred and sixty acres of finely located
land in White River township, Gibson county, Indiana, and is now li\-ing
quietly in his comfortable home, is a native of Gibson county, born within its
borders on December 12, 1849. ^^ is a son of William A. and Jemima
(McFetridge) Spain, both of whom were natives of Gibson county. William
A. Spain was among the earliest children born in this county, and jjassed his
entire life here. He was born May 4, 1828, and died in November, 1886, hav-
ing been engaged in farming all his life. The death of his wife occurred
in April, 1911. They were the parents of eleven cliildren, of which the im-
mediate subject of this sketch is the eldest.
Byron S. Spain received his early education in the district schools of tlie
county and remained under the parental roof until he reached manhood.
When quite young he began to assist his father in his farm work, and has
always continued in this line of business. His present spacious acres are well
cared for; he employs up-to-date methods in carrying on his work, and his
success attests his ability as an agriculturist. Besides carrying on general
farming and the business incident to the successful ojjeration of such a farm,
he pays particular attention to the raising of a good strain of short horn
cattle, Clydesdale horses and Poland China hogs.
On May i, 1872, Mr. Spain was united in marriage with Arvilla Decker,
a daughter of Henry and Margaret (Thompson) Decker. To their union
have been born seven children, namely: Margaret, the wife of David Hazel-
ton, who resides in Dalhart. Texas; Fred, who is engaged in farming in
1048 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
White River township; William W., who resides in Rockport, Indiana, and
is cashier in the bank there; Nellie D., wife of E. E. Curtner. of Hazlftun.
Indiana; Allen G. C, who lives on the farm with his parents and assists in
operating the farm; Bessie, who married Wilbur Fisher, of Patoka, Indiana,
and Ruth, who remains at home.
Mr. Spain is a stanch Democrat, one who has always taken an interest
in the affairs of his party and while not desiring office for himself, his in-
fluence is considered of value by those who have such ambitions. There is
much that is commendable in his life's record, for he has been found true
to every relation of life, and while energy and untiring industry have been
salient features of his career, he is equally well known for his uprightness
and the honorable methods he has always followed, and for his loyalty to
any trust imposed in him. Because of his genial and unassuming disposition
and his genuine worth, he enjoys a well deserved popularity throughout his
part of the county.
DAVID VV. HULL.
In a brief sketch of any living citizen, it is difficult to do him exact and
impartial justice, not so much, however, for lack of space or words to set
forth the familiar and passing events of his personal history, as fur the want
of the perfect and rounded conception of his whole Hfe, which grows, de-
velops and ripens, like fruit, to disclose its truest and best flavor only when
it is mellowed by time. Daily contact with the man so familiarizes us with
his virtues that we ordinarily overlook them and commonly under-estimate
their possessor. It is not often that true honor, public or private, comes to a
man wnthout basis in character and deeds. The world may be deceived by
fortune, or by ornamental or showy qualities, without substantial merit, and
may render to the undeserving a fortuitous and short-lived admiration, but
the honor that wise and good men value and that lives beyond the grave
must have its foundation in real worth, for "worth maketh the man." Not
r, tew men live unheralded and almost unknown beyond the narrow limits of
the ciiv or community where their lots are cast, who yet have in them, if
fortune liad opened to them a wider sphere of life, the elements of character
to make statesmen or public benefactors of world-wide fame. Compared
with the blazon of fame, which some regard as the real seal or stamp of
greatness, there is a lowlier and simpler, and yet true standard whereby to
judge them and fix their place in the regard of their fellow men. During his
(lUiSDX COUNTY. INDIANA. IO49
life of sixty years in Gibson county, its people have hail means to know what
manner of man David W. Hull is. The record of testimony is ample that he
is a good citizen in the full sense of the term, and worthy of honor and public
trust, ever doing worthily and well whatever he puts his hand to do- an
encomium worthy of being coveted by every man.
David H. Hull was born in Gibson county, Indiana, February ii, 1853,
the son of John and Nancy J. (Stormont) Hull, she a native of Gibson
county and he of Boston, Massachusetts. In 1835, when a boy, John Hull
was brought by his parents to Princeton, Indiana, and passed the most of his
life in this county. He spent nine years of his life in New Orleans, where he
went to school and studied French. He attended the early subscription schools
in Princeton and upon reaching years of maturity, took up the vocation of a
farmer. To him and his wife were luirn eight children, of whom ihe suliject
of this sketch is the oldest. j\Ir. Hull comes of a family whose hi.story is in-
terwoven with the earlier history of Gibson county. His great-great-grand-
mother, Mary Boyd by name, lived to the unusual age of one hundred and
six years, and was the first person to be interred in the old Archer cemetery.
David \V. Hull received his elementary education in the district schools
of the county, later attending a commercial school at Evansville. Indiana,
where he finished his course in 1874. Soon after returning home, he was em-
ployed as a bookkeeper by James Little, where he remained until in 1878,
when he engaged in farming in the Waliash valle\-. In 1885 Mr. Hull i)m--
chased one hundred acres of well located land in \\^hite River township,
which served as a nucleus for his present possessions. He now has seven hun-
dred and fiftv-five acres, and the manner in which he conducts his business
as an agriculturist attests his ability as a man of foresight and correct judg-
ment. He raises graded Shorthorn cattle and Duroc Jer.sey hogs and is one
of the largest melon growers of the county. Of the many acres which he
owns, Mrs. Hull claims the distinction of having purchased seventy with
money she had earned teaching school. In addition to his interests on his
home place, Mr. Hull is also engaged in the banking business at Patoka. He
is a heavy stockholder in the Patoka National Bank of Patoka, Indiana, of
which institution he has also been president for the last three years.
On March 8, 1882, Mr. Hull was united in marriage with Anna .Antell.
daughter of John and Nancy (Harbison) Antell. and to their union has been
born one child, John F., who was given a good education, finishing at the
agricultural department of Purdue University at Lafayette. Indiana. On
October l, 1913. he was united in marriage with Anna Clark, the daughter
1050 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
of James Clark, of county Donegal, Ireland. John F. is now in lull i)artner-
ship with his father.
Politically, David W. Hull was formerly a Republican, but has been a
Prohibitionist for several years. In 1880 he was elected assessor of White
River township and discharged the duties of that office to the satisfaction of
all. While not especially desiring office for himself, his influence is always
counted upon by those in the race. Mr. Hull's religious sympathies are with
the Presbyterian church, to whose welfare he gives largely of time and means.
He enjoys the distinction of having served his church as an elder for the past
twenty years and for the last thirty years has taught a class in the Sunday
school. Mr. Hull has lived a life in keeping with the faith he professes and
holds an enviable place in the estimation of his great number of friends.
Faithful to every trust of life, both pul)lic and private, he is honored and re-
spected throughout his nati\'e county aufl is in e\-ery way descr\-ing of the re-
gard in which he is held.
TAMES W. ADAMS.
An enumeration of those men of the present generation who have won
honor and public recognition for themselves, and at the same time have hon-
ored the locality in wliich they belong would be incomplete were there failure
to make specific mention of him whose name forms the caption of this sketch.
The qualities which have made him one of the prominent and successful men
of Gibson county have also brought him the esteem of his fellow men, for
his career has been one of well directed energy, strong determination and
honorable methods. In his early business career he met with reverses which
would have daunted a man of less spirit, but such difficulties only urged him
to more determined effort and he has so managed his affairs as to win large
material success.
James W. Adams is a native of Gibson county, born in Princeton on
March 24, 1848, the son of Joseph and Catherine (Hunt) Adams, the former
a native of Gibson county and the latter of Missouri. The father's family
were among the early citizens of the county and added their share to the
advancement of the community. To Joseph Adams and wife were born four
children, of whom the immediate subject of this sketch is the secoiifl child in
order of birth.
James W. Adams received his early education in the district schools of
Gibson county, being somewhat handicapped in his attendance owing to the
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIA.VA. IO5I
earl_\- death of his father, which occurred when James W. was but four years
of age. The necessity of contributing his share toward the support of tlie
family compelled him to leave school at an early age. At the age of eighteen
years he became an apprentice to the blacksmith trade, at which he worked
for three }ears in Princeton. .\t the end of that time he decided to take up
his residence in Kansas and work at his trade, and he remained there for
three years, later returning to Gibson county.
On March 7, 1S71, Mr. /\dams was united in niarriai;e wilii (..'oi. elia
Robb, daughter of David and Ellen (Decker) Robb, both of whom were
natives of Gibson county. There are two children of the family remaining
under the paternal roof. Dove C and Joseph W. Mr. and Mrs. Adams have
six grandchildren.
At the time of his marriage, Mr. Adams had savetl up four hundred
dollars witli which to set up housekeeping and purchased a few needed
articles to carry on the occupation of farming, which he had decided should
be his life work. He arranged for the purchase of a farm of one hundred
acres, going heavily in debt for same, but with the cheerful determination to
work his wav out as quickly as possible. His farm consisted of excellent
land, part of which was located in the White River bottoms, and the first
year proved disastrous for him, for it was a year of high water and the floods
overspread his farm, destroying all his crops. The failure of his crops made
it impossible for him to meet the obligations attending his purchase, and he
was forced to see his coveted acres slip from his hands. In the face of this
almost overwhelming failure his true nature asserted itself and with renewed
energy and determination, lighted with hope, he arranged for the purchase
of another tract, and this time fortune smiled on him, for he was almost
fortunatelv successful from the start. Through wise management and un-
failing industry he has been able to add to his original holdings from time
to time, until he is now the owner of nine hundred acres of excellent land,
every acre of which attests his ability as an agriculturist who conducts the
business of his farm along modern methods.
Aside from his business interests as a farmer, he is also identified with
the banking business, being a heavy stockholder in the Patoka National P>ank
and also serving as vice-president of that institution. Throughout his life,
Mr. Adams' business methods have been such as to excite the admiration of
those who know him, at the same time inspiring them with absolute confi-
dence in his honesty and integrity.
PoHticallv, 3\Ir. Adams gives his support to the Democratic party, always
1052 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
taking a keen, though quiet interest, in its affairs. His rehgious membership
is with the Methodist Episcopal church, to whose support he contributes
largely.
Mr. Adams is intensely practical in everything he does, and therein lies
the great secret of his success. He is a splendid example of the virile, pro-
gressive man who believes in doing well whatever is worth doing at all, a
man of broad mind, keen discernment and sound judgment. Personally, he
is genial and unassuming, easily approached, and in Gibson county where
almost his entire life ha'? been spent, he is widely known and held in high
regard by all.
JAMES GKA^'
Gibson county has attracted emigrants from many foreign nations, but
no better class of citizens have come from foreign countries and settled in
this county than those who emigrated from Ireland. One of the most sub-
stantial citizens of Irish descent in this county is James Gray, to a brief re-
view of whose career the reader's attention is here directed. Mr. Gray was
born in Ireland on August 27. 1846, the son of John and Lena { White) Gray,
who were descendants of a long and honorable ancestry on both sides of the
family. James Gray has a deed that was made by his grandfather in 1755,
and he also has a deed which was issued in Ireland to his great-great-grand-
father, which is dated 1536. The father of the subject of this sketch never
came to America. He was accidentally shot in 1866, while on a hunting trip
in Ireland. JNIr. and Mrs. John Gray were the parents of five children, the
subject of this sketch being the eldest child; Edward lives in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania ; Sarah and Bessie are both deceased and ]Mrs. Lena West, who
is a resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
James Grav received his education at Loughbrickland, Ireland, and his
boyhood and early manhood was spent on the Emerald Isle, working on his
father's farm. He had been married several years when he came to tlie
United States in 1880, and located in Princeton in this county. His marriage
occurred on December 23, 1868, to Margaret J. Stott. the daughter of John
and Eliza (Black) Stott, natives of Ireland. To Mr. and Mrs. Stott were
born three children: Mrs. James Gray; Kathleen, who lives in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania: Thomas J. Stott, deceased.
L'pon coming to this country, ]\Ir. Gray engaged in farming, settling on
GIBSON COrXTY, INDIANA. IO53
a tract of laiul uoar rrinci'tun in tliis county, ami by liard wfik and persever-
ance he has succeeded in actiinring a hue iann ul' four hiuulred acres, wlierc
he is now living. In addition to his general farming, he makes a specially
of breeding and raising Shortht)rn cattle and large draft horses, in which lines
of endeavor he has been very successful. His stock always brings a high
price in the market.
To Mr. and Mrs. Gray have l)een born nine children: John; Morence,
the wife of baulkner U. Small, who lives in Ireland : .Mrs. I'.dith .Morrison, who
resides in Tennessee; Helena K.. who was a physician, but is now deceased;
Edward, who is a civil engineer in California; James F.. living in Louisville,
Kentucky; Mrs. Bessie Archer, who lives on a farm in this county; Mrs. F.lla
Matier Pate, a resident of Bloomfield, Indiana, and .Mrs. .Susan .M. Kenneily,
who lives in Canada. !Mr. Gray also has nine living grandchildren. I Ic has
always been known to be a great family man and takes a great deal ni interest
in his children and grandchildren. He has given his children the best opj)or-'
tunities which the schools of his countx offered.
]Mr. Grav has been a great traveler in his Hfe. having made no less than
eleven different trips to Ireland and intends to go there again in the year 1914.
He has been a Democrat since coming to this country and is much interested
in political affairs, although he has never been a candidate for any office. Re-
ligiously, he and his family are members of the Presbyterian church, his
wife's father having been a Presbyterian minister. In the comi)arativeIy
short time which Mr. Gray has lived in this country he lia- -hown all those
admirable qualities which make the good American citizen. He has con-
tributed liberallv in a material way to the ad\ancement of the ommunity in
which, he has li\ed and has won friends everywhere l)y his gentle and unas-
suming demeanor.
FRED H. OHXING.
The -trong. true men of a peojjle are always benefactors Their uselul-
ness in the immediate and specific lal)ors they perform can generally be de-
fined, but the good accomplished through the influences and forces they put
in motion and the inspiration of their presence are immeasurable 1)\' any
finite gauge or standard of value. It is liy no means an easy matter t<i esti-
mate a man's worth to a community while he lives; it is not until after he
has been called away that the public begins ])ro]ierly to appreciate his virtues
I054 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
and services and to measure his intluence liy ihe many little acts as well as
large achievements which, unseen at the time, enter so largely into the business
and social life of the community and give character and tone to its various
lines of de\elopment and growth. No class of citizens in Indiana has been
of more benefit to the state than ha\e the sturdy descendants of German
parentage. Gibson county is fortunate in having a large number of these
good people, and among them is the subject of this sketch.
Fred H. Ohning, the present efficient superintendent of the Gibson
county poor farm, was born in \'^anderburg county, Indiana, on October 9.
1857. His ])arents, Henry and Minnie \\'. (Shnelle) Ohning. were both
natives of Germany, his father coming to this country .se\-eral years before the
Civil war and settling first at Evansville. About i8(ij his father moved to
Gibson county and lullowed the occupation of a farmer until his death,
September 12, 191 2, his wife having died in 1895. To Mr. and Mrs. Henry
Ohning were born eight children, the subject of this sketch being the oldest
child. Fred received his early education in the district schools of his
county and early in li'fe started out to make his fortune. For several years
he was engaged in the saw-mill business and at the same time operated a
threshing machine in the summer. By his honest dealings with his customers
he built up a large and lucrative business throughout the county. Recognizing
in him an able and efficient administrative man, the Gibsou county com-
missioners in June. 1909, appointed him as su.perintendent of the count}'
poor farm and in January, 19H. he was re-appointed for four years. .-\t the
time this skeich was jirejiared there were two women and twent)--two men
being cared for on the farm. There are twD hundred acres in the farm and
all but twenty-five acres are under cultivation at the present time. Under the
excellent management of Mr. Ohning the farm is yiekling from six hiuidred
dollars to one thousand five hundred dollars in net proceeds each year, which
goes to show that it is in very capable hands.
JMr. Ohriing was married on February 6, 1S83. to Hannah \\'. Xie-
karap, the daughter of \\"!lliam F. and Hannah N'omhaner. The parents
of Mrs. Ohning were both natives of Germany and to them were born fou.r
children : Mrs. Anna White, Fort Branch, Indiana, who has four children :
.-\meba, who is still at home: Mrs. Emma Bilderback, whose husband is a
farmer in Patoka township, and has one child ; and Lydia. who is still resid-
ing at home.
Mr. Ohning is affiliated with the Democratic ])arty in politics, but has
ne\er held anv other office than the one he now holds. His fraternal con-
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. IO55
nections are confined to tlie Woodmen of ilie World, he being a cliarter mem-
ber of Buckskin Lodge, Xumlier (14. His religious taitli is llial of the
Evangelical church and he and his famil\- are interested in the \arious
acti\ities of that denomination.
The subject of this sketch stands for the best type of citizenship and
because of his impregnable honor and high integrity he has w 1 m the confidence
and esteem of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. 1 le is progressive
and awake, manages the affairs of the poor farm according to true business
principles and has acliiexed a flattering measure of ])opularity and success.
He has made his presence in the comity a potent force for good and his
present standing as a representati\e man has been fairly and honorably'
earned.
WILLIA^I E. McELDERRY.
There is no positixe rule for achiexing success, and yvi in li\es (jt suc-
cessful men there are always lessons which might well be followed. The man
who gains prosperity is he who can see and utilize the opportunity that comes
in his path. The essential conditions of human life are ever the same, the
surroundings of individuals differ but slightly : and when one man passes
another on the highway of life to reach the goal of prosperity l^efore others
who perhaps started out before him, it is because he has the power to use ad-
vantages which probably encompass the whole human race. Toda_\- among
the prominent citizens and successful men of Gibson county. Indiana, stands
William E. McElderry. The qualities of keen discrimination, sound judg-
ment and executive ability enter very largely into his make-up and have been
contributing elements to the material success which has come to him.
\\"illiam E. :\IcElderry was born jMarch 21. \8^2. on a farm near James-
town, Greene county, Ohio, the son of Israel McElderry, who was born De-
cember 17, 1806, in Washington county. Pennsylvania. Israel IMcElderry
joined the Presbyterian church and was made an elder. Throughout his life
he was an earnest church worker, and he was eminently deserving of the ad-
miration and respect in which he was held. He started in life penniless. ha\ing
to borrow the money to buy a coat. In his younger days he learned the woolen
manufacturing business and in rS!40 removed to Greene county. Ohio, and
engaged in farming until hi-: death at Carrollton. Ohio. At one time he and
William Jolinson were the largest <heep owners in the state of Ohio, but
cholera attacked their flocks and most of their sheep died. He sold his
1056 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
interests in Ohio for ten thousand dollars in gold. As a young man Israel
McElderry taught school, was a civil engineer and followed surveying for a
time. He was a very intelligent man, with a splendid education and was a
leader in his day. A stanch Republican, it was his haliit to "stump" the
county in campaign times in the interests of that party. His father was
Daniel McElderry, of Scotland, and came to Carroll county, Ohio, where he
died. In 1855 Israel McElderry went overland to Olmstead county, Minne-
sota, where he with other pioneers secured land, Mr. McElderry getting one
hundred and sixty acres, which he cleared and developed, and so successful
was he in his agricultural work that he l)ecame possessed of thirteen hun-
dred acres of land in Olmstead and Steele counties, Minnesota.
Israel McElderry was twice married, first to Margaret Jane Thomas,
the daughter of Daniel Thomas, of Amsterdam, Ohio, and she died in her
twenty-ninth year on July 12, 1848. Her parents both died in Amsterdam,
Ohio. His .second wife was Catherine (Thomas) Carlisle, a sister of his
first wi.fe, Iiorn in Steubenville, Ohio, November 22, 1806, and is now de-
ceased. Subject's father was a man of exemplary habits and Christian char-
acter. It was said of him that he never used a profane word in his life.
To Israel McElderr\- and his first wife were born the following children:
( I ) Jonathan is a farmer in South Dakota, and also works at the carpenter's
trade. He was a soldier in the Civil war, a nieml^er of Company A, Second
Ohio \'iilunteer Infantry. He married Jennie Hale. (2) Daniel was also
in the Civil war and was wounded December 7, 1864, in the second battle of
Murfreesborc and died January 6, 1865. (3) ]\Iargaret, who lives at
Cromanton, Florida, is the widow of Christopher Ecker, a carpenter of
Canal Dover, Ohio. (4) Arabella is the wife of Frank Cummings, a farmer
of Bonella. South Dakota. By Israel McElderry's second marriage the fol-
lowing children were born: ( i ) William E. (2) Charles died May 10, 1881.
(3) Abraham is employed at the Great Northern car works at Devil's Lake,
North Dakota.
William E. McElderry's maternal grandfather, John Thomas, lived in
Steubenville, Ohio, where he was a dry goods merchant, and owning a black-
smith shop and other establishments and conducting the leading hotel.
Acquiring a limited education in the common schools, Mr. McElderry
remained on the home place until he reached the age of twenty-eight, when,
on September 24, 1879, he was united in marriage to Louie C. Rouzer, the
daughter of Hon. W. H. Rouzer, who was mayor of Dayton, Ohio, and a
printer bv trade. This wife died December 24, 1886. After his marriage
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. IO57
-Mr. jMcKldcrry went lu .Minnesota and cngayctl in farniinL; lor six years,
and then returnetl to Dayton, Ohio, where he engaged in the produce Inisniess
a >ear, later selhng nursery stock for the HeiUes Murscry Company, of that
city, lie then became a salesman for Wesley Yonnsj. handling ornameiUal
fences and mirsery stock through the luistern states for seven years, lie
first engaged in the nursery business on his own account at llooin ille. Indiana,
and was in business there until 1906, when he started the Princeton nurseries,
one mile south of the city of Princeton, where he has since been located.
Here he has built a beautiful home and has a most complete plant, splendidly
eipiipped for his purposes. His business is very extensive, covering many
states, among which are Indiana, Illinois. Michigan, Kentucky, I'lorida ;ind
Louisiana.
On March 5, 1891, Air. ^vlcElderry was married a second time to Mora
N. Jenkins at Atlantic City, New Jersey, a native of IMumsteadville, Penn-
sylvania, the daughter of Philip and Deborah (Nash) Jenkins, Ixjth natives
of the Keystone state.
To the first marriage was born one son, Charles R., who died at the age
of thirteen. His second marriage resulted in the birth of a daughter, \'i\'ian
P., W'ho is now attending school in Princeton. Indiana.
William E. McElderry is a contributor to all the churches, although he
is not a member of any particular denomination. He joined the Masonic
fraternity at the age of twenty-one at Chatheld, Minnesota, becoming .a mem-
ber of Meridian Lodge No. 56 at that place. His membership was .subse-
c;uently transferred, first, to Boonville and then to Princeton. He is a charter
member of the Knights of Pythias at Dayton, Ohio, and is also a charter
member of the Independent Order of Odd Eellow s at Perkasie, Pennsyl-
vania, while the subject and wife are affiliated with the local cha])ter of the
Order of the Eastern Star.
Mr. McElderry and his wife ado]ited the child known a- "the suitcise
babv," February 26, 1913. On February 23. 1913, the baby was found in
a suit case on a Louisville iX: Xaslnille train at F\-ans\ille. Indiana. The
baby was about five days old when found ;ind Dr. I'.enjaniin I". Ro-e and
wife, of Evansville, took care of the child until .Mr. Mcb'.lderry and wile
adopted it. Samuel Dyer, a brakeman on the train says a young ni;m boarded
the train at Henderson, Kentucky, with a suitcase, ruid ini|nired if the tr;iin
went to Evansville. On being informed that it did, he pa»ed through a car.
set the suit case on a seat and jumped off the back platform. The brakeiuan,
(67)
1058 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
thinking that he would return, took no more than passing notice of the inci-
dent, until the contents of the suitcase were disclosed. No one was aljle to
identify the young man who left the haby on the train, only a inost superficial
description of him having been obtained. He was apparently about twenty-
two years of age, five feet seven inches tall and wore a slouch hat. Mr. and
Mrs. McElderrv heard of the incident and at once adopted the l^aby. It is a
beautiful child and has been given the name of Joe Rose McElderrv. Some
time after Mr. McElderry and wife adopted the baby, Mr. Mcl'".l(lerr\- com-
posed the following poem which is here given as he wrote it :
TIIK KEFRAIX OF THE SUITCASE BABY.
Ahiiiiilijiiril 1111(1 I'lit ijii II Miihiiiilit Tniiii. Filintniij 25. 1913.
.\ wee pink baby at dead of the night.
Wrapped in a blanket and suit case tight,
Was placed on the train and sent away
By a brave young man that sneaked away.
Oh, wasn't he brave and wasn't he true
To a wee little baby with eyes so blue.
Oh, what of that motlier to hide her shame.
Abandoned her bal)y and sent on the train.
Oh, wasn't she tender and wasn't she true
To her own darling baby with eyes so blue,
To cast him aside like a toad in the road.
The wee pink baby with a heart's overload.
I wonder if ever to herself hath said
How his little soul will grieve and bleed
When he knows of his own blood mother's deed-
Turned from him with a heart of stone;
How his heart will break and eyes o'erflow
When he knows of his history long, long ago.
God pity the soul of a woman like she,
'Twas not the heart of a brute to be
To give up her offspring to hide her plight;
To set him adrift in the dead of the night—
The wee pink baby fresh from the dew.
The tiny wee baby with eyes so blue.
At four days old they sneaked him away —
Not in the broad open light of the day;
Like cowards they hid him with disdain
And set him adrift on a midnight train.
An innocent darling, a sweet little boy
As pure as the God given smile of Aloy.
GIBSON COL'NTV, INDIANA.
And here's In the railroad laddie boys
With hearts as hi.n' as tlic engine's noise;
And here's to the lady that took him in
When his body was cold and his eyes were dim.
But four days old and nearly froze;
God bless that lady and another Rose.
His flaxen hair and bright eyes of blue
Have won him a home that will see him thriuiyli.
Yes, he has found a dad and a mamma true.
With smiles for them both, and a sister, new.
Yes. he loves them all and they love him, true.
They will stay by the lad and cherish him, too.
TO THE ONES WHO ABANDONED HIM:
You may talk of your riches and wealth and gain,
But all of your wealth wouldn't get him again.
You may strut down town with your head so high,
But God pity your soul when hell's fire burns high.
May it torture your soul in your dreams abed,
And be hell to your souls until after you are dead.
1059
PHILIP J. REIXH ART.
The nations of the world iiave cnntrihutecl nf their best lildod Id the
population of the United States, but no natinn has i^iven to this enuntry lietter
citizens or more loyal subjects than has (Jermanw The xarious rexolutiuns
which occurred in Germany in the nineteenth centiu"}'. while they were un-
fortunate for Germany, were, on the other hand, a blessing to America, for
during the time of these revolutions thousands of the best people of Germany
fled to the United States and became eager citizens of this country. Xo
more patriotic citizens fought for the North during the C'vil war than did
the thousands of German soldiers who enlisted under the Stars and .Stripes
and fought for their newly adopted country. Wherever a German settlement
is found in this country, thrift and material achancement are sure to be seen.
Among the many German families who came to this covmtry in the early days
of its history, the Reinhart family was one (if the most prominent.
Philip J. Reinhart, the son of Jacob and Agnes fW'eidner) Reinhart. was
born April 18. 1856. in \^anderburg county, Indiana. His parents were
born and reared in Germany and married in this country. Philip was the
seventh in order of birth of sixteen children born to his parents, 1 li-^ father
I060 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
was a shoemaker by trade, but when he came to Gibson county he followed
agricultural pursuits.
Philip J. Reinhart received a \ery limited common school education in
the district schools of this county. In May, 1881, he was married to Margaret
Singer, the daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Habbig) Singer. Both of
her parents were natives of Germany. Upon his marriage in 1881, Mr. Rein-
hart purchased a farm in this county, although he had only five hundred dol-
lars in money in his pocket at the time. He had sufficient confidence in his
ability as a farmer to venture upon such a transaction and was compelled to
go into debt for part of the amount. Within twenty years he had it all paid
for and since that time he has gradually enlarged his holdings until he is now
the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of fine land in the county. In ad-
dition to his regular line of farming interests he has operated a threshing
machine for several years. He has also made a specialty of breeding and
raising Poland-China hogs for some years and has one of the finest droves of
this breed which can be found in the county, ^^'ith the help of his good
wife and his cliildren, he has succeeded in acquiring a \'ery comfortable
competence.
Mr. and Mrs. Reinhart are the parents of an interesting family of ten
children: Albert J., a stock buyer living in Texas; Jacob P., a farmer of this
county; Mrs. Tillie Olds, who lives in California; Adam, a farmer of this
county; Antone, at home with his parents; Mrs. Anna Reed, of Princeton;
Nettie B. ; Mary M. ; Philip J., Jr., and Louisa M. The last fi\e named are
still at home with their parents.
Politically, Mr. Reinhart has always been a stanch Democrat, but has not
been a seeker after political honors. He has felt that his interests demanded
his careful attention, s.) he has not thought it possible to take a very active
part in politics. He and his family are earnest and faithful members of the
Catholic church of Princeton, and contribute liberally of their means to the
support of that denomination. They are firm believers in the benefit to be
derived from church affiliations and as a result are e\'er to be found on the
right side of all movements which have for their object the bettering of the
moral and social life of the community in which they live.
Mr. Reinhart and his splendid family have won the esteem and regard
of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. He is one of those self-made
men whose business success has been achieved solely by the exercise of every-
day common sense and untiring energy. He has always been actuated by noble
motives and high resolves and has contributed in his sphere of action to the
welfare of his community in no small degree.
GIBSON COUNTY. INDIANA. I061
JOHN WRKillT JONl'.S.
Holding distiiK-ti\e prosligx' anidiig i1k> ciucrprisiiig citizens of (iilison
county is Jolm Wright Jones, whose record liere brietly outlined is that of a
self-made man, who. by the exercise of the talents with which nature endowed
him, succcssfidly surmounted an unfavorable environment and rose to the
position he now occupies as one of the intluential and well-to-do men of the
locality honored by his residence. He is a creditable rei)resentative of one
of the old and highly esteemed pioneer t'ainilies of suuthern Indiana and
possesses many of the admirable equalities and characteristics of his sturdy
ancestors, wOio came to Indiana in a very earl)- day.
John Wright Jones, who possesses extensive farm lands in MoiUgomery
township, Gibson county, and is considered one of the best agriculturists in
that section, was born in the township where he now li\es on .March 14,
1852, two and one-half miles west of Owensville. He is a son of Franklin
and Comfort (Sharp) Jones. Franklin Jones was born near Owensville in
1823 and was a son of Charles and Eleanor (Warrick) Jones, and Charles,
in turn, was a son of Cadwallader and Martha ( I'itt ) Jones, both of whom
were natives of England. Martha Pitt was a relative of William I'itt. the
great English statesman, and came to America wlien a young girl. She and
Cadwallader Jones were probabh' married in Xortb Carolina and emigrated
to Kentucky, probably near Hopkins\ille. where their son Charles was born.
Here Cadwallader Jones died and his widow came to Indirma. locating m ( iib-
son county, where she later married Jesse Wells and located on Barren creek
about three and one-half miles west of Owens\ille. C harles accompanied
his mother to In.diana and married Eleanor Warrick, daughter of Captain
Jacob Warrick, who was mortall}- wounded in the battle of Tip])ecanoe. After
their tnarriage, Charles Jones and wife located soutli of Owensville and there
passed the remainder of their lives. TweKe children were born to then-
union, namely: i\Irs. Eliza Waters. Jacob W.. I'ranklin. father of the im-
mediate subject of this sketch. John. Xancy Mauck. William. Rol)ert. who
died in infancy, Alartha. Thomas Corwin. Marshall and James Smith. Jacob
W., who never married, lived near Midland City. Illinois with bis brother
John and died when he was eighty-eight. He had an excellent memorv for
family history and was proud of the fact that he cast his first \ote for 1 lenry
CIa^■ and had heard Abraham Lincoln speak. He was successful tinanci.ill\ .
and at his death left quite a fortune. John. also, was a man of mean--, who
had lived for manv vears near Midland City. Illinois. William, who lived <in
I062 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
his father's farm south of Owensville, died March 14, 1908. He was said to
be the largest tax-payer in the township. His wife was a Massey. Thomas
Corwin Jones lives south of Owensville. His wife, now deceased, was Mary
Kesterson and to them were born five children, two of whom are still living.
Marshall made his home in Beatrice, Nebraska, and died there, while James
Smith Jones died unmarried, on the home farm in Gibson county.
Franklin Jones, father of John Wright Jones, was born just about one-
half mile west of where the subject of this sketch now resides. On Decem-
ber 16, 1847, hs married Comfort Sharp, born near Cynthiana, a daughter of
John Wright and Temperance (Sharp) Sharp. The Sharp family was
originally from Carroll county, Maryland, near Baltimore, and in 1799 went
to Shelby county, Kentuck)-, coming to Gibson county, Indiana, about 1833.
Benjamin Sharp, fatlier of John \\' right Sharp, settled on what is now known
as the Franklin Jones estate, about two and one-half miles west of Ovvens-
\ille. They had twelve children, five boys and seven girls, namely : Thomas,
John Wright, Talbott, Micajah, Benjamin, Mary Weaver, Hannah Shar]),
Nancy Sharp, Cassandra Sharp. Mrs. Sally Pollard, Prudence Pollard and
Carolina Montgomery. The mother of this family and the wife of Benjamin
Sharp was Elizabeth Wright. The mother of Benjamin Sharp brought with
her from Wales a pewter plate, which is now a much-prized heirloom in the
family, as is also the family Bible used by him and which is still in practical
use.
After his marriage in 1847, Franklin Jones and wife made their home
about two and one-half miles west of Owens\-ille. where four of their daugh-
ters now reside. Here Comfort Sharj) Jones died August 29, 1907 and
Franklin Jones died June 16, 1908. All his life he had engaged in agricul-
tural work so far as able, but by the time the subject of this sketch was about
eight years old, the father had been so weakened from sickness as to make
farming impossible for him and John Wright Jones, while still what would be
considered a little boy, felt the burden of a man's responsibilities. He plowed
when only eight years old, guided and assisted in all he did by a wise and
loving mother, who allowed him to develop his abilities. She herself was an
excellent financier and this trait seems to have passed on to her son. When
he was but twelve she permitted him to bargain for and trade a horse and at
the age of fifteen he took their produce to Evansville and disposed of it to
advantage. At the age of twenty-two he purchased his first ground, thirty
acres for himself, and did this entirely on credit, agreeing to pay eight per
cent, interest on bis purchase. This debt was discharged in a surprisingly
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 1 063
short time and frcm llial lime nn he made vaiinvi> purehases, usually huynii;
one tract for himself and the next fur his father, in this way he added be-
tween one and two hundred acres to his father's estate before he left home,
and counting this, together with what he has purchased for himself fruni time
to time, makes his total purchases amount to over three hundred aeres. An
enviable record surely, when the tender age at which he -.taried out. and hi>
numerous handicaps, are c<insidered. When f. 'rty-ei,i;ht years n[ age he
settled on his present location, and in addition tu general farming he raises
short horn cattle, Poland China hogs and Buft' Orpinglcm chickens, in all of
which he is highly successful.
On May 20, 1908, Mr. Jones was united in marriage with Mrs. Claire
H. (Basford) Brumbach, widow of Lucius J. Brumbach. She was born at
Greenwich, Ohio, the daughter of Xapoleon O. and Mary Isabelle ( Cani-
.eron) Basford. The Basfords are o^" English ancestry, the first of them
coming to Baltimore, Maryland. Mary Isabelle Cameron, the moiber of
Mrs. Jones, was the daughter of Charles and Maliala A. (Slater) e'ameron.
and was of Scotch-English ancestry. Her father was descended from the
Cameron clan of Scotland and his people were later in life engaged in weav-
ing business in county Antrim in Ireland and were people of means. The
Slater family came to Ohio early in its history and lived in a block-house on
account of the danger from the Indians. At one time the family was considered
the wealthiest in three counties. Charles Cameron was b')rn in count)-
Antrim, Ireland, in 1818, near the Giant's Causeway. He came to .\merica
when about twenty-one years old and made his home with his uncle. James
Cameron, about twelve miles from Ashland, Ohio, and thirteen miles from
Worcester, near Jeromeville. His uncle had entered land from the govern-
ment and this same land continued in the possession of the family until about
a year ago, when the title to it passed out. Xapoleon O. Basford, father of
]\Irs. Tones, was originally engaged in farming, but for the past twenty years
has been in the bakery business most of the time and now resides at ( )wens-
ville. He was engaged in farming in southern Illinois when Mrs. Jones
became the wife of Lucius J. Brumbach, of Odell, Livingston county, Illinois,
on Tmie 14. 1899. Mr. Brumbach died in 1906 at St. Petersburg, Florida,
whither he had gone in search of health. In the meantime, Mr. Basford
had removed to Owensville, and when visiting him, Mrs. Brumbach formed
the acquaintance of Mr. Jones, which resulted in their marriage. To them
one son has come, John Orlando, born June 7, 1909- This is Mr. Jones' sec-
ond marriage. His first wife was Dovie Kell, to whom he was marric.l Aug-
1064 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
ust 30, 1899. She was a native of Kentucky, born and raised near Madison-
ville, daughter of Westerfield and Sarah Kell. She came to Gibson county
when twelve years old and lived with her aunt, Mary Mounts. To John
Wright Jones by his first wife were born two children, a son and a daugh-
ter. The daughter died when a young child and the mother and son both
died at his birth and were buried together.
John Wright Jones stands high in public estimation and can always
be counted upon to be actively interested in anything which tends to the moral
or material betterment of his community. During his long and industrious
career, he has not only gained the confidence of his fellow men in business
dealings, but as a man of force and character, upright and honest, he has a
warm place in the regard of all who know and appreciate his goodness.
CHARLES WILDEMAN.
Among the men who were identified with Posey and Gibson counties dur-
ing the early history of the state and bore their full share in bringing about
the contrast between the distant past and the practical present, the searcher
after local records will find frequent mention of the ancestors of the gentle-
man whose name heads this paragraph. When his father came to this state
from Germany his eyes did not l^ehold the pleasing scenes which are now
familiar to every resident and visitor. Most of the land was still covered
with those famous forests, whose felling and removal constituted the chief
labor of the early arrivals. His father took hold manfully with character-
istic German determination and by dint of many a hard blow eventually found
himself in possession of a large tract of land.
Charles Wildeman, the son of Charles and Sarah ( Aker) ^^'ildeman,
was born January 6. 1869, in Posey county, Indiana. His parents were both
natives of Germany and after first settling in Posey county moved to Gibson
county in 1882, shortly after the death of Mrs. Wildeman, the mother of the
subject of this sketch. She passed away on February 23, 1881. The senior
Charles was one of the largest land owners of the county at the time of his
death in July, 1909. He started life poor and knew what hard work meant,
but he was a good manager and skilful trader, with the result that he ac-
cumulated considerable property before his death.
Charles, the subject of this sketch, was gi\'en such educational advantages
GIBSON COUXTY, INDIANA. I065
as the district schuuls of his county aft'ordcd at tiic lime, lie coiitimiod to
assist Iiis father on the farm until the time of his marriage. He \\a> married
on February 14, 1893, to Carrie Stinner, the daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth
Stinner. Both of his wife's parents were born in C.ermany and came to this
country many years before the Civil war. Mr. Stinner served throughout
the war in Lompany B, Fifty-eighth Regiment Indiana N'olunteer Infantry.
Air. and Airs. W'ildeman. are the parents of three children: George, born .\ug-
ust 2(j. 1S95 : John, liorn September 25, 1898; Rosa, born October 1 1. 1S90.
Mr. Wildcman has spent all his life on the farm with the exceiilii>n of
four years ( kjoS-ujij) when he resided in I'rincetdn. lie and hi- wife nwn
three hundred and thirty acres of well-improved and productive land in
Patoka township under a high state of cultivation. In addition to his
diversified agriculture, he makes a specialty of the breeding of Hereford cat-
tle. He has won success by consecutive and earnest apijlication and good
management, and is known as a careful and straightforward business man.
enterprising and progressi\e, upright in all the relations of life and ])ublic-
spirited in his attitude. In politics he is staunchly .irrayed in support of the
principles and policies of the Democratic party, while he and all the members
of his family are loyal adherents of the Catholic church.
Mr. Wildeman is a pulilic-siiirited citizen who is held in uncpialitied
esteem in the comnnmity in which he lives. He is a gentleman of unfailing
courtesy and gracious personality and the circle of his friends is coincident
with that of his acquaintances. He is an alert business man and a progressive
farmer, while it is unnecessary to add that he is thoroughlv familiar with all
the details of farming. He is doing his share towards building up his cnm-
'nunity and every project which aims at the improvement of the .social, moral.
or intellectual life of the community in which he li\es hnds in him a ready
and sympathetic helper. I'or these reasons he well merits a worthy place in
a \-olume oi the reprcsentatixe citizens of (iibson county.
TAMES W. HILLMAN.
The record of an honorable, upright life is always read with interest,
and it better perpetuates the name and fame of the subject than does a monu-
ment, seen by few and soon crumbling into dust beneath the relentless band of
time. Those who have valiantly fought and suffered for their country are
especially deserving of an honored place in its annals and their posterity will
(68)
I066 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
turn with a just pride to these records of the founders and preservers of a
prosperous, united nation.
James W. Hihman was born in Clay township, Pike county, Indiana,
July 6, 1845, the son of Daniel and IMary (Lane"! Hillman, he a native of
Kentucky, and she of Pike county. Daniel Hillman came to Indiana as a
young man with his father, Henry, and they made their home on wild lantl
which they entered, building a cabin and clearing away the dense underbrush
and trees in order to plant crops. Daniel Hillman had very little opportunity to
attend school, and lived at home with his father until he reached mature
years. He then purchased a farm in the western part of Pike county, later
acquiring land in Clay township, where he passed the rest of his days. He
was well known and highly respected by his neighbors. His first wife was
Mary (Lane) Hillman, she dying in 1848. Rachael W. Wright was the sec-
ond wife of Daniel Hillman, and she died at Newburg, Indiana. They were
members of the Regular Baptist church. To Daniel Hillman and his first
wife were born the following children: (i) John, deceased, was in Company
G, Sixty-fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for three years; (2) Nancy is the
widow of Alfred Decker, who served in the Civil war in Company G, Forty-
second Indiana Volunteer Infantry: (3) Henry, who was a memljer of Com-
pany G, Sixty-fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, died in Andersonville Prison.
He married Mary J. McCrumell. (4) George, deceased, was a member of
Company E, Forty-second Indiana \^olunteer Infantry, and was wounded in
the battle of Perrysville, and he was then honorably discharged and returned
to his home. He was made deaf by the injury. Pie married Edith Davison.
(6) William was in Company K, Twenty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry,
served three years and died on his return to his home in Pike county. (7)
James W., the subject. To Daniel Hillman and his second wife were born six
children, as follows : Taylor, deceased ; Annie, deceased ; Charles Miner mar-
ried Mary Barrett and lives in Pekin county, Illinois ; Dicey, deceased ; Hattie
and Mary.
Acquiring but little schooling in his boyhood days, James W. Hillman
passed his youth on the home farm until he reached the age of seventeen.
He then enlisted, July 15, 1862, in Company G, Fifty-sixth Indiana Volunteer
Regiment, at Evansville, Indiana, the command to which he was attached be-
ing first sent to Henderson, Kentucky, and at that place they started in pur-
suit of the guerillas, being occupied in this hard and trying duty for about a
year. From Kentucky they were sent to Tennessee, being for a while in the
eastern part of that state. In April, 1863. they crossed the mountains to the
'.IBSOX COLXTV,
1067
eastern part of the state and remained iIkmv dnrin.s^ tlie tollDwins winter. In
the spring of 1864 they were in the Atlanta eampaign, engaging in the battles
at Bluntsville, Briscow, Jonesboro. Danridge, Mossy Creek and a number of
skirmishes. In May, 1864, they took part in the Georgia campaign and were
in the fighting at Buzzards Hill, Resaca. Altoona and Kenesaw Mountain.
Later, with one hundred and twenty-five men to guard the artillery teams and
wagons, they went seven miles to Stone Mountain after corn and food, and
just as they were loading they were attacked by a large body of Confederates
and a two hours' battle ensued. During this fighting Mr. Hillman's mess
mate was shot through the heart and Mr. Hillman, dropping his gim, car-
ried the body of his comrade to a wagon. On his return to the firing line he
discovered that some one had appropriated his gun, and he was compelled
to go through the battle unarmed. Subsequently the command was dispatched
in pursuit of Hood in central Tennessee and while on this strenuous detail
his shoes gave out and he was compelled to go Ijarefooted for three days.
From Rome, Georgia, their ne.xt stopping place, they were sent to Dalton
and then by train to Nashville, Tennessee, and from there going to Pulaski,
where they took up the chase of Hood and engaged his forces in battle at
Columbus, Tennessee. About this time Mr. Hillman was seriously ill for a
while. Recovering, he was a participant in the battle of Franklin, Tennessee,
then went to Nashville for two days, then to Franklin again, where he was on
January i, 1865. From that point Mr. .Hillman's command was sent to Clif-
ton, Tennessee, on the Tennessee river, where they remained for three days,
and then proceeded to Paducah, Kentucky, and up the Ohio river to Cincin-
nati, where trains were taken to Washington. D. C. Remaining in Washing-
ton three days, they were then sent to Annapolis, Maryland, and from there
went by boat to Fort Fisher, marching from Fort Fi.sher to Wilmington,
North Carolina, on the Cape Fear river, a march of two hundred and sixty
miles. Later they went to Goldsboro. North Carolina, and had several battles
on the way. Joining General Sherman, they marched to R.aleigh. .Vorth Caro-
lina. After this they were located at Greensboro, North Carolina, and High
Point, in the same state, being at the latter point when the war was ended
and peace declared. He was mustered out at Greensboro and, after going to
Indianapolis to be paid off. returned to his home, July 6, 1865.
Februarv' 13, 1873, Mr. Hillman was united in marriage with Elizabeth
Atkinson, of Logan township. Pike county, Indiana, a daughter of Andrew
Atkinson, a farmer of that county. .After his marriage he located first on a
farm in Logan township. Pike county. Indiana, and later secured two other
I068 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
farms in that county. He followed agriculture in that locality until 1898,
when he removed to Oakland City, where he has since resided. Since leaving
the farm he has run a feed mill and looked after his farming interests.
Mr. Hillman is a consistent and worthy member of the Regular Baptist
church at Oakland City, in which l)ody he is a deacon. In political matters,
Mr. Hillman gives a stanch allegiance to the Republican party. Although
never having been an office seeker in the generally accepted sense of the term,
he served very efficiently as a constable in Oakland City. He is a man of re-
markable memory, is exceedingly well preserved and is one of the well-
known and respected citizens of his community.
SIMEON XOBLE.
There are indixiduals in nearly every community who, by reason of pro-
nounced ability and force of character, rise above the heads of the masses
and command the unbounded esteem of their fellow men. Characterized by
perseverance and a directing spirit, two virtues that never fail, such men
always make their presence felt and the \igor of their strong personality
serves as a stimulus and incentive to the young and rising generation. To
this class the subject of this review very properly belongs.
Simeon Noble was born February 14, 1833, at Lewisville, Ohio, whither
his father, David Noble, had located when as a young man he left his home
in Pennsylvania. After locating in Ohio, he took as his wife Rebecca
Phillips, a native of New Jerse}', whose family had originally come from
England.. The family of David Noble was of German descent. He re-
mained in Ohio until 1857, when he removed his family to Knox county,
Indiana, where he purchased a farm, which he greatly improved, and there
engaged in agricultural pursuits for many years. During the latter years of
his life he lived in Alt. Carmel, Illinois, in retirement from active labors, and
there he died in 1862. His wife had died some years before him, having
passed away in 1857. They reared a family of six children, as follows:
John, who lived and died in Ohio; Francisco, deceased, who made his home
in Mt. Carmel, Illinois ; Simeon, the subject of this sketch ; David, who lived
and died in Ohio, and Joseph, deceased, whose earlier home was also in Ohio,
but who later resided in Knox county, Indiana, and who served during the
Civil war in the Eighth Indiana Cavalry. The youngest child was Addie,
deceased, who was the wife of John Easton, of Mt. Carmel, Illinois. The
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. I069
family was reared in the faith of the ol.i-seh.i.il I'reshyteriaii eluirrh ami
David Noble's poHtical synipatliy was witli the ..M Wliis^- party.
Simeon Noble attended the county sch.H,ls ai I.ewisville, Ohio, and later
received instruction in the West Bedford Academy in Ohio fur two terms.
He remained at home with his father until he enlisted in the army in July,
1864, as a private in Company M, Third Rei,dment Kentucky Volunteer
Infantry, at \'incennes, Indiana. He was lirst sent to Owensboro. Ken-
tucky, where he was in camp for some time and was then sent to Tallahousa
and on to Nashville. He did scout duty all of the time, lie was with the
Army of the Cumberland and was in several battles and skirmishes. Stone's
River, Pittslnirg Landing, Resaca and others. He was discharged in 1S63
and re-enlisted in the same compan_\- and regiment and was sent to Resaca.
He was with General Sherman on his famous march to the sea anfl remained
under his command until the close of the war, taking part in all engagements
which that famous command encountered. He was mustered out of service
at Raleigh. North Carolina, in the fall of 1865. Having served all during
the war and in so many engagements, it is a remarkable fact that he came
out of service almost unscathed so far as ]5ermanent disability is concerned.
He was shot in the hand while guarding a train and also shot in the leg.
In 1864 Air. Xoljle was united in marriage with Adelaide 'i'hurgood,
of Roscoe, Ohio, though a native of England. To tliem were born two chil-
dren, Frank, a stationary engineer at Princeton, who makes his home with
his father, and Beatrice, who has always resided at home. Mrs. Noble died
on March 19, 1898.
After Mr. Noble was discharged from the army, he went to X'incennes,
Indiana, where he engaged in the flouring null business and contimied at that
place for a number of years. He later came to i'rinceton, where he engaged
in the same line of business for a number of years before his retircmeiU
from the active duties of life, having amassed a competence.
Mr. Xol)le is a meml)er of Post No. 2S. Grand Army of the Republic, at
Princeton, and his religious affiliation is with the Methodi.st l-^piscopal church,
to which he contributes of his time and means. Mrs. Noble was a member
of the Presbyterian church. Simeon Xoble is a man well known in Prince-
ton, and in fact all over Gibson county, where he has won and holds a Large
number of friends. The years of his residence here have made him known
as a man of honor and integrity, one who stands for all that is ui)lifting for
the betterment of the community. He is a man well i)reserved for his years
and takes pleasure in keeping posted on all (piestions r,f the day
1070 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
FKliD BUTLER.
It is a pleasure to investigate the career of a successful, self-made man.
Peculiar honor attaches to that individual who, beginning the great struggle
of life alone and unaided, gradually overcomes unfavorable environment,
removes one by one the obstacles from the pathway of success and, by the
master strokes of his own force and vitality, succeeds in forging his way to
the front and winning for himself a competency and a position of esteem and
influence among his fellow men. Such is the record of the popular citizen of
Oakland Cit\- to a brief synopsis of whose life the following lines are devoted.
Fred Butler, a well known citizen of Oakland City and the present
popular and efficient trustee of Columbia township, was born near Millers-
burg, Warrick county, Indiana, on September 22, 1862. He is the son of
John A. and Anna (Hall) Butler, both of whom were natives of England,
of sterling families of that merry little isle, and who came to America in
1 85 1, locating at Evansville, Indiana. Subsequently they located at what
was known as "Nine Mile House," and later removed to the vicinity of
Millersburg, Warrick county, where they remained until 1866, when they
came to I'ike county. Indiana, where they spent the remainder of their years,
their deaths occurring on the farm to which they had given their attention.
The subject of this sketch was reared on the home farm in Pike county
and secured his education in the public schools of that locality. He con-
tinued the cultivation of the home farm until about seven years ago. In 1885
Mr. Butler bought a farm northeast of Pleasantville, Pike county, and in
1S91 he bought a farm six miles southeast of Oakland City, to which he re-
moved and to which he has added until he is now the owner of one hundred
and si.xty acres of fine land. In 1902 Mr. Butler left the farm and took up
his residence in Oakland City, where he has since remained. Mr. Butler
was nut only successful as an agriculturist, but for about twelve years he
engaged extensively in the buying and shipping of live stock, in which also
he met with considerable success. His farm is rendered particularly valu-
able because of the fact that it is underlaid with a strata of petroleum and
gas, the biggest oil well in the state of Indiana being located on his farm, it
testing six hundred and thirty pounds pressure.
From his youth Mr. Butler has taken an active interest in local public
affairs, and before he had attained his majority he was nominated for the
position of constable and was elected three successive terms while residing in
Pike countv. Soon after coming to Oakland City he was elected a member
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. IO7I
of the cit)- C(,aincil fnmi the lliird ward. Tiiis posilinn, liciwcvcr. liv ivsigiicd
in 1909 ill order to accept the office of trustee of Columbia township, to
whicli he had been elected the previous year. lie is a stanch Democrai in
his political views and has for many years been active in liehalf ^f his pari}-.
Fraternally. Mr. liutler is a member ui the Independent Order of Odd l-'el-
lows and of the Conrt of Honor, Ijeing a charter n;eml)er of tbc killer ori^an-
ization. In the Odd Fellows he lielongs In the sulxirdinatc lud^^e ant! en-
campment, and is also a memlier of the Daui^hlers of Rel)ekah. Religiously,
he is a member of the Primitive F.-iplisl cliurch al ( )akland City, as is his
wife, ^^'hen Mr. Butler was elected townsliip tnislee the norm;d Ueiiublican
majority in Columbia township was one hundred and hfty-tive, but .Mr.
Butler overcame this majority and was elected by thirty-four votes, die sa. e
conditions prevailing when he was elected a member of the city council,
when he received a Democratic majority of sixty-fi\-e in a town which h;id a
normal Republican majority.
On August 15, 1884, Mr. Butler was married to Sarali A. I''rance. the
daughter of William C. and Elizafjcth bVance, of Pike county, wiure she was
born anil reared To this unicjn June been born two children, Curtis, born
in 1887, and Lillie. Ixirn in i88(;. Curtis married Etta Ilert, and they have
one child, Dorothy Jean; Fillie became the wife of brank I'.illarl, and they
live at Oakland City. Through all the years of his residence here Mi-
Butler has held the confidence and respect of the people with whom he has
mingled and who have esteemed him because of his genuine worth. Of
genial disposition, possessing honesty of purpose, genius for devising and
executing the right thing at the right time are the chief characteristics of the
man and are the concomitants which have insured his success.
HENRY J. BRADEMEYER.
A citizen of the United States can bear no greater badge of honor than
the distinction of having served the government in the memorable four years
of war between the states. It is a sacred family inheritance, to be prized like
a jewel by all future descendants and kept bright and untarnished by other
acts of valor, patriotism and loyalty in the interests of free government. Even
in this day when there are many of the old soldiers living, no one can sec them
dressed in their faded uniforms wn'thout feeling a glow of pride and without
showing them studied deference. But the ranks of the old phalanx are fast
1072 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
going down before the only foe they can not defeat, and ere long none will
be left to recount the actual experiences of that memorable four years of
sanguinary history. In the meantime, while they are still with us, let us pay
them suitable honor for their sacrifices, patriotism, gallantry and sufferings.
One of these honored veterans is Henry J. Brademeyer, whose active and use-
ful life furnishes the material for this brief biographical review.
Henry J. Brademeyer was born April 6, 1846, in Burlington, Iowa, the
son of William and Henrietta (Rotherl) Brademeyer, natives of Germany.
William Brademeyer was born in the Fatherland in 1812 and came alone to
America in 1828, locating first at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he engaged in
draying for seven years, having been a shepherd and mail carrier before
lea\ing- his nati\e land. Subsequently he removed to Louisville, Kentucky,
remaining there for fifteen years, and then coming to New Albany, Indiana,
he was employed as a watchman for three years. While residing in Louis-
ville, William Brademeyer was married to Henrietta Rotherl, who came
from Germany to America in 1830, first residing at Wheeling, \A'est Virginia,
later at Cincinnati, Ohio, and finally at Louisville. In 1836 Mr. Brademeyer's
father and mother removed to Burlington, Iowa, where he drove a stage and
engaged in draying until 1848, when they went overland to California, and
in the Golden state the elder Brademeyer drove pack mules for the miners
and hauled provisions for a period of three years. They then returned to
Burlington, Iowa, and in 1854 removed to Nauvoo, Illinois. Establishing his
family comfortably here, William returned to California and engaged in
hauling lumber between Sacramento and San Francisco, making his head-
quarters at Sharkey Flats. He spent three years and seven months at this
occupation, and in 1858 he rejoined his family at Dubois, Indiana, they hav-
ing removed to that place in 1856. Here he engaged in farming the remainder
of Iiis life, he and his wife dying in the same year. To them were born the
following children : Amanda, of St. Louis, Missouri ; Caroline, of Minneapo-
lis, Minnesota; John and Henry were twins and John is living in Huntings-
burg, Indiana; William H., of Pokers Point, Arkansas; Josephine, of Hunt-
ingsburg, Indiana; John Wesley and Margaret were twins and both are de-
ceased; Henry J., with whom this narrative deals,
Mr. Brademeyer's early education was acquired under the most adverse
circumstances, he being compelled to walk about four miles to school. Re-
maining on the home farm until he reached his majority, in the fall of 1863
he enlisted in Company M, Tenth Indiana Volunteer Cavalry, his brother,
John, joining the same company. From Louisville, Kentucky, the company
r.lRSON COUNTY. INDIANA. IO73
was sent to Nashville and Pnlaski, Tennessee, and then to Decatur and
Stevenson, Alabama, where he did a great deal of guard duty. From this
point they were dispatched first to Athens, Alahania, then to I'lilaski and
Gravel Railroad, near Nashville, Tennessee, and were in all the battles and
skirmishes in wliicli tlie Sixtcenlli .\rmy Ccirps was cngai^od. spendin.i,' tlie
winter at Gardner Springs. At the end of this trying period they were sent
by boat to Vicksburg and then to New Orleans. From there they crossed
the Gulf of Mexico on the transport "George Peabody" to Alabama and in-
vading the northwestern part of Florida, where they took part in the siege
of Spanish Fort. Later they were in the siege and capture of Fort Blakely.
They then came back north through the northern part of Florida and south-
ern Georgia and Alabama and finally crossed the Tallahama river at George-
town, Georgia. They were at the latter place when they heard the news of
the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. From Georgetown they went to
Montgomery, Alabama, and thence to Columbus. They then went to Vicks-
burg, Mississippi, where their horses were turned in and they did guard duty
for four months, at the end of which period their command was mustered
out of the service.
At the close of the war Mr. Brademeyer and his lirother John went to
Dubois county, Indiana, and fanned for several years. subsc(|uenlly learning
the brick mason's trade at Holland. Indiana. John married Lottie Stillwell
*nd engaged in agricultural pursuits in Pike county, Indiana, which he fol-
lowed for several years, and then went to Holland, Indiana, and worked at
his trade, later locating at Huntingsburg, where he now resides.
In 1 871 Mr. Brademeyer went to Pike county, Indiana. He married
Mary E. White, .of Warrick county, Indiana, the daughter of Henry and
Nancy (Long) White, of near Boonville. Her father was a member of Com-
pany K, Fifty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and died while in the serv-
ice. His wife passed away in her fifty-fifth year. Tn Mr. Brademeyer and
wife were born: William, who married Emma .Moore, and live.s in Cairo.
Illinois, where he follows the trade of miller; Alice, the wife of Robert Ken-
die, of Princeton; Nancy, who married William Wilges, both deceased: Hat-
tie, the wife of Jesse Starky, of Peru, Indiana; David, who married .Annie
Fields, is a fireman at the electric light plant at Princeton.
After his marriage Air. Brademeyer farmed in Pike county, Indiana,
for four years and then removed to New Port. Arkansas, and later to Green-
ville, Missouri, where he engaged in agriculture, subsequently returning to
Indiana and locating at Holland. Dubois county, where he entra^ed in team-
I074 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
ing and later worked at his trade as a brick mason. While in Holland he
served as deputy sheriff two terms and also as constable for nine years. In
November, 1892, Mr. Brademeyer came to Princeton, Gibson county, and
bought his present home at 629 East Christian street, since then working at
his trade.
In political affairs, Mr. Brademeyer has always given his support to the
Republican part}-. He keeps posted on current events, is a man of excellent
memory and is remarkably well preserved for his age.
SAMUEL NATHAN KNOWLES.
Among the representative farmers of Gibson county is Samuel N.
Knowles, who is the owner of two hundred and eighty-seven acres of fine
land in Montgomery township, Gibson county, and is carrying on the various
departments of his enterprise with that discretion and energy which are sure
to find their natural sequence in definite success. He has always been a hard
worker, a good manager and a man of economical habits, and, being fortu-
nately situated in a thriving farming community, it is no wonder that today
he stands in the front rank of the agriculturists of this favored community.
Samuel Nathan Knowles, who has been eminently successful in the pur-
suit of agriculture in Montgomery township, this county, and who has at*
tained a relative degree of prominence in his county by faithful public service,
was born June 3, 1864, near Mounts Station in Montgomery township, on
the southeast quarter of section 2t, and is today living on this same site. He
is the son of John Lowery and Patsy (Montgomery) Knowles, his father
being born in Gibson county on the same section of land where Samuel A.
now lives. His mother, who was a daughter of Colonel William Montgom-
ery, was born about three miles south of Owensville.
John Lowery Knowles, who was born March i, 1823, was reared near
where Mounts Station is now located, and was the son of James Knowles by
his second wife, being the only child of that marriage, while James Knowles
had a numerous family by his first wife. James Knowles came to Gibson
county in the early pioneer days, when Indians were thick in this community,
selected the land he desired and received his government patent, dated De-
cember 23, 1815, making over to him the southeast quarter of section 23,
as above stated. On this land James Knowles and wife passed the re-
mainder of their lives, and were laid to rest near Mounts Station, where their
tombstones can still be seen, giving dates of birth and death.
GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. IO75
John Lowery Knovvles passed his boyhood on his father's farm, assisting
in clearing the land and establishing comfortable surroundings, and on No-
vember 15, 1846, was united in marriage to Patsy Montgomery, who was
born May 4, 1828, daughter of William Montgomery and Peggy (Stone)
Montgomery. Her father was born in 1801, the second child of Joseph
Mvjntgomery, Sr., and was a very prominent man in the early history of the
state. He was a colonel in the early state militia, was county commissioner
from 1837 to 1842 and was a member of the state Legislature 1843-4. He
was an extremely fine looking man, of excellent bearing and dignity, and was
possessed of unusual shrewdness and ability. His home was near Owens-
ville, where he carried on farming in addition to his public duties.
After his marriage in 1846, John Lowery Knowles settled down near
Mounts Station on section 23, where he carried on farming the rcsi nf liis
life. His death occurred October 17, 1905, in his eighty-third year. There
were fifteen children born to John Lowery Knowles and wife, live nf uhfini
died in childhood and the other ten grew to maturity and made iionies for
themselves. Of these, Cordelia is the wife of Har\ey Liuas; (lenrLre is
countv commissioner and lives in the southern end nf Montgimicry tnwiishii);
Henry lives on section 26, near Mounts Station; Xatiian lives in tiie nMrtli-
west quarter of section 2^, while Francis M. resides on the nortii side of liie
same section; Nina is the wife of Jesse Lucas and lives alxmt a mile west <>\
the old Knowles homestead. The mother is still living and makes her home
with her children.
At the death of his father, James Knowles, John Lowery Knowles in-
herited from his estate eighty acres of fine farm land, to which he added
from time to time, until at his death he stood ix)ssessed of seven hundred
acres of fine land. He was an excellent man, full of life and energy and pos-
sessed of unusual Inisiness ability. Lie was of happy temperament and highly
appreciated a good joke. Desiring to keep his sons by him, he instituted a co-
operative svstem in the ciperation of his farming interests and thus secured
the help of his sons and they shared in the benefits of tlieir united efforts.
which proved a most satisfactory arrangement all around. W'liiie nd an
active man in church circles, he attended public worship :iiid the principle- of
his life were drawn from the highest source.
Samuel Nathan ICnowles remained with his father until his marriage in
1886 to Mary Zerelda Martin, who was born in the southern part of Mont-
gomery township, Gibson county, a daughter of William Asbury and Pa-
tience (Knowles) Martin. She was linrn and reared on section 27.
and her father before her was Iwrn and reared on the same sp.,t, his
1076 GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA.
father being the original owner of the land. At his father's death, the mother
and rest of the family removed to Illinois, while William Asbury bought the
home farm and passed the remainder of his life there. He had one hundred
and sixty acres in one tract and fifty-eight in another. Mrs. Knowles is one
of ten children in the Martin family, five of whom are still living. Philip and
John are farmers in Montgomery township; Ed lives at Lincoln, IJIebrastia;
Julius resides at Buckskin, about nine miles east of Fort Branch, Indiana.
Patience (Knowles) Martin, the mother of Mrs. Knowles, was reared just
west of the Black River school in Montgonien' township and was the daugh-
ter of Edward Knowles and wife;))t<tH4y wz*^^^«1^Jk4^
After his marriage in 1886. Samuel T^Iathan Knowles continued to assist
his father in his work for some four or five years, at wliich time he desired
to possess land for himself and purchased from his father the northwest
quarter of .section 23, where he has since residecl. This particular
tract of land is what was known in the early days as the Hullam Jones place.
The land was entered by Jones, who had a grist mill there in pioneer days.
Mr. Knowles is much interested in politics and gives his stanch support
to the Democratic party. In 1902 he was nominated for county treasurer by
his party against F. D. S. Knowles and, thdugh he made an excellent race,
he met defeat owing to the fact that it was a Republican victory clear through.
However, he made an enviable record for himself in that he reduced the
nominal Republican majority of some four hundred to ninety-four, and con-
siders that he broke the backbone of the Republican strength. The salient
point in his campaigning was his advocating that the interest on all county
funds should revert to the county treasury, and this principle has since been
adopted.
Mr. Knowles is of the finest type of manlinod, honest and upright, widely
and favorably known. Into his business of general farming and the raising
of good strains of live stock, he puts good judgment and business ability and
success is inevitable. Mr. and Mrs. Knowles are members of the Methodist
Episcopal church, to which they give liberally of time and means. Mr.
Knowles' fraternal affiliation is with the time-honored body of Free and Ac-
cepted Masons, and in this work he has attained to the council degree. Mr.
Knowles is a busy man, but he finds time and opportunity to take an interest
in matters pertaining to the progress and growth of the community and
county, keeping abreast of the times on all questions of vital interest and
being regarded by all as a leading citizen in the locality honored by his
residence.
2990
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