FRED MAETSCHKE, one of the young progressive business men of New Albany, was born in the northern part of Germany in 1861, and is the son of Gottlieb and Charlotte (Hohn) Maetschke, natives of Germany. Fred, the subject of this sketch, received a limited education, and came to America in 1881. He located in New York and followed tailoring. After a time he went to New Jersey, where he followed the same business, and in 1883 came to New Albany. Here he continued the same business, and in 1888 formed a partnership with H. G. Harmeling, and is now doing a prosperous business. He is a member of the German Evangelical Church, and is Democratic in politics.

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JOHN S. MARSH, born in New Albany, Ind., September 1, 1844; educated in the public schools of his native city, and at the age of 19 enlisted in the Ninth Indiana Infantry in the three months’ service, under the first call of President Lincoln for 75,000 men.
He served his term, and returned home and took a position at $1.25 per day as a laborer in his father’s rolling mill, which stood on the site of the present Ohio Falls Iron Works, and for twenty-six years has continued at the same place, though the small mill of his father has given place to the immense works now occupying its site. In all these years he never lost two weeks from work at any one time.
February 22, 1877, he was appointed manager of the Ohio Falls Iron Works, which position he now holds.
He married Miss Martha Summers, of Utica, Ind., in 1863, who died in 1875, leaving two children, James and Lillie; Lillie is the wife of Joseph Brinley, of Leadville, Colo. He married again in 1877 to Miss Clara Kepler, and by this marriage has three children – Oliver H., Lena W. and Bertie B.
He has filled all the chairs in the I. O. O. F., and is a member of the Grand Lodge of that Order. He is also a member of the K. of P. and the G. A. R. and of the M. E. Church.
He is the son of Samuel S. and Mary Ann Stevenson Marsh. His father has been connected with steamboat smithery, castings and rolling mills all his life, and is a native of New Albany and one of its substantial citizens.

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CAPT. CHARLES T. MATTHEWS is a native of New Albany, Ind., and was born February 28, 1848. He is a son of Joshua and Eliza (Reed) Matthews, - the former was from Boston, Mass., and settled here before subject was born. He was a shoe manufacturer, and died in 1877. Charles T., the subject of this sketch, received his education in the public schools. When 11 years old he commenced work as a teamster, which he followed until he was 15 years.
He then entered the army and was made a messenger in the quartermaster’s department under Capt. Crane, remaining with him two years. He then came home and entered the fire department, in which he served four years, when he resigned for the purpose of learning the trade of heater at New Albany Forge. This he followed until the panic of 1873, when he went into the glass works for about three years, then into the fire department again, and was appointed captain in 1878, and served under four different chiefs. He was elected chief in 1885, and has been elected each successive year since.
He was married in 1874 to Miss Mary Hermey, of Clark county, a daughter of John and Margaret (Reed) Hermey. They have one child, Harry. Capt. Matthews is a K. of P. and K. of L. and in politics is a Democrat.

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MORRIS McDONALD, SR., was born at Centerville, Ohio, November 10, 1836. His parents were John S. and Nancy McDonald, and he comes from a lineage noted in the legal and financial history of the country.
His father was a native of Pennsylvania, a man thoroughly read in the law, and eminent in his life as a commercial man, banker and manufacturer.
His first banking experience was as an officer of the New Albany Branch of the old State Bank, of Indiana, and at the expiration of its charter and the chartering of the Bank of the
State of Indiana, he was elected president of this bank serving in that capacity during its existence.
He was one of the incorporators of the First National Bank of New Albany, and was connected with that institution till his death. He also was the president and manager of the New Albany Savings Bank during its entire existence. He was largely engaged in pork-packing during the fifties and up to about 1865; was a stockholder in the New Albany Glass Works for several years, and for ten years a stockholder in the New Albany Rail Mill.
From 1850 to 1854 he was extensively engaged in milling and the grain and flour trade.
He died in 1877, honored and mourned by the community in which so many years of his useful and active life had been passed, leaving the impression of his business energy and public spirit upon the city whose material interests he did so much to promote.
The mother of Mr. Morris McDonald is descended from a historic American family.
She is the daughter of Nathaniel McLean, an eminent citizen of Ohio, and the niece of the late Judge John McLean, of the Supreme Court of the United States, a noted Whig politician in his day, but so thoroughly an anti-slavery man that he was nominated by the Free Soil party as a candidate for the Presidency.
She is a woman of strong individuality of character, and prominent in the moral and philanthropic enterprises of the M. E. Church, of which she is a devoted member. Descending from such a lineage, and inheriting the indomitable business qualities of both parents, it is not remarkable that the subject of this brief sketch, Mr. Morris McDonald, has risen to a position of business and political eminence and leadership.
Possessing an independent spirit, he commenced the active pursuits of life when only a boy.
His education was received in the public schools of New Albany. He entered Asbury University, at Greencastle, Ind., but the tediousness of a college course was little suited to the inclinations of one whose ambition was to enter the commercial and financial world and grasp the enterprises that opened before him.
He therefore remained but a short time at college and, returning to his home in New Albany, soon entered into the pork-packing business with his father, and therein laid the foundation of his fortune. He soon became a large stockholder in the Bank of the State of Indiana, transferring his holdings to the First National Bank of New Albany on its organization, and becoming one of its directors. He was a large stockholder in the New Albany Rail Mill for ten years, and during that period the superintendent and business manager of this extensive manufactory. Selling his holdings in this mill he engaged in the pork, flour and grain trade, and for some time operated flour mills. He was also at one time a large stockholder in the New Albany Glass Works, finally purchasing the entire property, which he soon after sold. For all his business enterprises he brought such commercial aptitude and thorough push that they proved prosperous.
Mr. McDonald was for a number of years prominent in political life – a leader in his party, the Republican – and could have had high official position, had he not always declined to become a candidate for office. In 1884 he represented his party as a delegate for the State at large to the National Convention at Chicago.
He was the original proprietor of and platted the beautiful suburban addition to New Albany, Silver Grove.
He was among the chief promoters of the building of the New Albany & St. Louis Air-Line Railroad, and for many years a director in the company.
He was the originator of the legislation and the organizer of the Indiana company that secured the erection of the elegant steel cantilever bridge over the Ohio river between New Albany and Louisville, and but for his efforts, sagacity and indefatigable labors, this fine structure would not today span the Ohio. He organized the company that built the Cannelton & Tell City Railroad, and was its president during its construction.
He is a man of great kindliness of heart and a generous helper of the poor. He is withal very urbane and genial in manners and a man to whom his friends are strongly attached.
He was married in 1859 to Miss Sallie Singer, two sons and a daughter blessing the union. The eldest son, John S., a prominent and thorough business man, is an enterprising and successful grain dealer; the youngest son, Morris, is the paymaster of the Louisville, Evansville & St. Louis Railroad, 21 years of age and among the rapidly rising young railroad men of the country.

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WILLIAM H. McKAY, general insurance agent, was born in Bullitt county, Ky., July 6, 1847. At the age of five years his parents removed to Missouri, where he was reared. After attending the common schools of Missouri he became a student of Eastman’s Business College, of New York, from which he graduated in August, 1866. He engaged in the insurance business, and in 1872 took up his residence in New Albany, Ind., where he entered upon the insurance business with Dr. M. C. Browning, under the firm name of Browning & McKay.
His partner, Dr. Browning, was lost on the steamer, Pat Rogers, August 4, 1874; but the style of the firm remained unchanged until February, 1877, when he purchased, and has ever since conducted, the entire business, the largest of its kind in the city, representing twenty fire companies, in addition to his being general agent for the Union Central Life and also agent for the Standard Accident Companies.
Mr. McKay was united in marriage in 1869, to Miss Mary Wilson, of Macon City, Mo., a daughter, Bonnie, blessing the union.
Mr. McKay takes an active interest in all moral and religious enterprises, is a deacon in the Third Presbyterian Church, and a well known Sunday-school worker.
He is vice-president of two prosperous building and loan associations, and has taken a good deal of interest in real estate in the city, having erected two elegant residences – one on East Oak street and one on Ekin avenue.
He is a son of Col. D. C. McKay, a retired capitalist, now residing in Kansas.

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CHARLES McKENNA, a native of Ireland, was born in 1822, and came to the United States in 1849, locating at New Albany. He was an expert stone mason before he left his native land, and, on arriving at his adopted home, at once engaged in work at his trade.
He is a man of great energy and force of character, and these traits have been prominent through his life, although he is very quiet [in] disposition. It may be said of him, however, that no more genial or more upright citizen lives in New Albany. By his industry and high sense of honor and integrity, he is possessed of a competency of this world’s wealth.
He was for many year[s] a street and building contractor, and the work he did upon streets is to-day the best evidence of his honesty and expertness as a workman.
In 1869 he was elected on the Democratic ticket Street Commissioner of New Albany, serving four years, leaving the office with the respect as well as the regret of all the citizens.
In 1882 he was Market Master, serving faithfully and satisfactorily. He was married in 1848, in Ireland, to Miss Mary Brady, a native of that country. They have no children. He is a member of the Catholic Church.

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SAMUEL C. McNEFF, born January 14, 1833, in Morgan county, Ind., was reared in and attended the public schools of that county until 16 years old, when he went to Iowa and spent one year.
In 1852, he came to New Albany, Ind., his present residence, and learned the trade of carpenter with Charles Sackett, forming a partnership with Mr. Sackett in 1864, the firm name being McNeff & Co., the partnership continuing 18 years. During these years the firm erected the magnificent court house at New Albany; 1865, two large business houses for G. C. Cannon, on Pearl street; the splendid business block of Jacob Goodbub, Pearl street, the Windsor Hotel building, and many others of equal note, style and beauty. The firm dissolved in 1880.
Mr. McNeff carried on business alone for two years. In 1833 he formed a partnership with Christian Wolf, under the firm name of McNeff & Wolf.
In August, 1886, he and William Houpt, under the firm name of McNeff & Houpt, commenced the manufacture of Patent Clamp Brick, a process by which brick are made much harder and burn more even than by any other, and this business is still carried on.
In 1856 he was married to Miss Sarah E. Littell, of Clark county, Ind. Two children of the marriage survive: James W., who married Miss Mary Smithwick, of New Albany, and Lazette C., the wife of Orry F. Laduc, of Louisville, Ky.
Mr. McNeff has been an Odd Fellow since 1856 and a member of the Christian Church since 1863.

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ROBERT N. MORRIS was born November 18, 1858, in New Albany, Ind., and is a son of William D. and Eliza A. (Cutshaw) Morris, the latter a native of Salem, Ind., and the former a native of Virginia, and who came to Indiana with his parents, and settled near Greenville in the early history of the State. He was a produce merchant, and also did considerable wholesale business. He died June 28, 1882, aged 62 years.
Robert N. Morris, the subject of this sketch, was raised in New Albany and educated in the public schools. Pursuing his studies under competent teachers, he mastered the common branches and acquired a good practical education that has been of great benefit to him in his active business life. He was elected city clerk in 1883, and re-elected in 1885.
He became a candidate for auditor in 1886 and, illustrative of his popularity, was elected by 1,187 majority against Democratic nominee. He is a prominent Mason and senior warden of his lodge; belongs also to the Odd Fellows and to the Knights Pythias.

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WILLIAM MURPHY (deceased) was born January 9, 1809, in Hampshire county, Va., and was a son of John and Sally (Miller) Murphy, the former a native of “Auld Ireland,” and
the latter of Virginia. Her grandfather, Henry Miller, came to this country with William Penn, and at one time owned a farm on which the city of Philadelphia now stands.
William Murphy, the subject, was reared on a farm; when very young removed with his parents to Shenandoah county. Here he was taken by Garrett Seymour, a large planter and slave owner. He worked for him until he was 15 years of age, when he became overseer and drover – it being his business to take all the surplus cattle raised on Seymour’s plantation to New York and dispose of them. He followed this until he was 24 years of age, when he married Miss Eliza Sills, of his native county of Hampshire. The result of this union was six children, two of whom are living: Sarah married Mr. Martin and afterward Mr. Tyler, and lives in Harrison county; Hattie married John M. Utz, and lives in New Albany. His wife died about 1849, and in 1850 he was married to Miss Catherine Weaver, of Floyd county. The result of this marriage was ten children, of whom seven are now living, as follows: William H., Isaac, Amanda, Archie G., Mattie, Kate and James. R. Those dead are Franklin, Charles and Jane. Previous to his second marriage he removed to Floyd county, and settled on Isaac Park’s land near Edwardsville. His neighbors collected and erected a home to shelter his family, which they completed in one day. In after life he was often heard to say that those were the happiest days of his life spent in that little log house. He remained there seven years and then removed to the farm of William Sloan, and then to the farm now owned by Charles Duncan. He met with reverses here, sickness, failure of crops, etc., which embarrassed him financially. He sold corn at twelve and a half cents per bushel, oats at seven cents, eggs three cents per dozen, and paid thirty-five cents a pound for coffee, calico fifty cents per yard. He followed teaming for a while, hauling, principally for Benjamin Baker, produce to Louisville, passing down the Knobs before the Pike was made. He then moved to New Albany, where he lived some twenty years. He worked in the shipyard of John Evans, and worked in boiler shed for Harper, who discharged him because he would vote for Henry Clay, in 1844, instead of James K. Polk for President. He followed different kinds of business until 1864, when he bought a farm in Georgetown township, on Indian creek, to which he devoted his entire attention until his death March 28, 1886, at the age of 77 years. He and wife joined the M. E. Church in 1867, and for nineteen years lived a most exemplary and consistent Christian life.
Archie Murphy was born in Floyd county, December 4, 1850; was reared on a farm, educated in common schools until 17, when he entered Marengo Academy, in Crawford county, taking a regular course. He then commenced teaching, and has taught every winter since; he also took a business course in New Albany Commercial College in 1880. He is one of the most successful teachers in Floyd county.
James R. Murphy was born December 3, 1867. He was brought up on a farm, educated in the common schools, spent two years at Hartville school and one term at Marengo Academy, and also took a business course in New Albany Commercial School. He also teaches in the public schools. The Murphy boys, as they are called, are industrious young men, and own 250 acres of fine land.

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GEORGE A. NEWHOUSE, SR., was born in Germany in 1841, and came with his parents to America in 1851, locating at New Albany, where he was educated in the public and private schools.
He learned the trade of machinist in the shops of the Louisville, New Albany & Chicago Railroad, with which company he has been for thirty-three years, filling the position of general foreman for many years, resigning it in the autumn of 1888. He is regarded as one among the best machinists in Indiana
He is a Past Master Mason and treasurer of New Albany Lodge, No. 39; a Past Grand in the Odd Fellows, and a Past High Priest in the Encampment of the same order; a member of the Knights of Pythias; a member of the German M. E. Church, and treasurer of its Board of Trustees, and has been superintendent of its Sunday school for many years. He is also Recording Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Y M. C. A.
In 1860 he was married to Mary E. Edler, of Wheeling, W. Va., and seven children have been born to them: Adelaide, wife of Wm. A. Laufer, of Louisville; John F., who married Louisa Hartman, of New Albany, and is master mechanic of the Louisville Southern Railroad and the K & I Bridge Company; Louisa J., wife of Henry L. Graf, agricultural dealer, New Albany; Florence A.; George A, clerk for Henry L. Graf; Charles Y., learning the trade of machinist.
George A. Newhouse Sr., is the son of Frederick L. and Adelaide (Huneke) Newhouse, both natives of Germany. His father died at New Albany in 1880, aged 71; his mother died at New Albany in 1871, aged 61. He has one sister, Mary, wife of Charles Goodbub, New Albany, Ind.

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DR. ELIJAH NEWLAND is a representative of an old family. His ancestors came to America with William Penn, in 1682, the good old Quaker who settled Pennsylvania. Samuel Newland, Governor of the Bank of England a century or more ago.
Dr. Newland was born in Burke county, N. C., June 20, 1807, and is a son of Benjamin Newland, a native of York county, Pa., who was born in 1763, and who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. When but sixteen years of age, he stood his draft, drew a lucky number, shouldered his musket, which he carried until the close of the war. He was one of the guards of Lord Cornwallis, after his surrender at Yorktown.
He was reared a Quaker, and after going into the Revolutionary army he was disowned by his people. He did not return home after the war was over, but subsequently married Miss Catherine Tate, a native of Pennsylvania.
She was a daughter of Robert Tate, who said he was “neither Robert Tate, bondman, nor Robert Tate, Yoeman, but Robert Tate, Gentleman.”
Benj. Newland, the father of Dr. Newland, left Pennsylvania shortly after his marriage and went to Virginia, and later to North Carolina, from whence he removed to Salem, Ind., in 1825, when Gen. John DePauw, Saml. Milroy, Alexander Little and Christopher Harrison (the latter the first Lieutenant-Governor of Indiana), were all prominent in politics.
Dr. Newland, the subject of this sketch, attended school at Salem, at the Seminary of the famous John I. Morrison. He read medicine with his brother, Dr. Robert C. Newland, beginning his studies in 1828, attended lectures in 1829-30 at old Transylvania University at Lexington, Ky., when it was in the zenith of its glory, and the most famous institution of learning west of the Alleghenies.
He graduated in 1830, and in April of that year began the practice of his chosen profession at Salem, his old home, - first with his brother until the latter removed to Arkansas in 1836, and after that alone.
He had a large and lucrative practice, extending over six counties. This he kept up about twenty-three years in Washington, performing nearly all the surgical operations in that county. There was a United States three per cent fund agent, to be appointed by the County Board as manager of that per cent fund, and he was appointed manager. In 1843 he collected the taxes of the county, and in the Presidential election of 1844, he was on the Polk electoral ticket.
In 1852 he was elected State Treasurer, running 2,500 ahead of the ticket, and in 1854 he was nominated by the Democratic State Convention, by acclamation, for re-election, but the Know Nothing craze defeated him. He could have claimed the office on a technicality, as the Know Nothing candidate was voted for under two or three different given names, but he waved the right.
In 1866 he was elected to the Legislature from Floyd county, having removed to New Albany in 1857. The Democrats were in the minority but he was an influential representative and was elected without difficulty. When he removed to New Albany, Alexander Burnett, ex-Lieut. Gov. Hon. M. C. Kerr, Jno. B. Winstanley and A. P. Willard were prominent in politics.
In 1853 he quit the practice of medicine, as he thought he had done his share of hard work and would surrender the field to younger men. They would not let him retire from practice while at Salem, and for that reason was elected Treasurer of State and removed to Indianapolis.
He was married in 1832 to Miss Amanda Lyon, a sister of Dawson Lyon, Esq., deceased, of Salem. And he again married, in 1841, Margaret M. Talbot, of Madison, Ind. He has no children living; a daughter of his own was the second wife of Washington C. DePauw. Newland T. and Charles W. DePauw are his only grandchildren.
He was cashier of the Bank of Salem, at New Albany, for four years, from 1857 to 1861, when, owing to ill health, he went out “hunting and fishing.”
He owns twenty-eight acres of land in Floyd county, 1,000 acres in Lawrence county, 630 acres in Washington county. He has been a member of the Episcopal Church for over twenty years.
In 1841 he joined the Methodist Church, and for twenty-five years was a consistent member, when he joined the Episcopal church. He is a prominent Mason and a Knight Templar. He is a strong Prohibitionist, and believes in a national law abolishing the liquor traffic.

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FRANCIS NORTON, born October 30, 1846, at Bordentown, N. J. When a child his parents removed to Troy, N. Y. Here he attended school till 14 years old, when he entered a rolling mill and learned the trade of roll turner. In 1864 he went to Montreal, Canada, to assist in the erection of a rolling mill, remaining three years. In 1868 he went to Newburg, a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio, and engaged as [a roll] turner, and was the first man at Cleveland to make a Bessemer steel wire rod, which proved very successful; but very great improvements have since been made in the Cleveland mill, it having grown into the largest Bessemer steel wire works in America. In the fall of 1869, he located at New Albany, Ind., and engaged as roll turner at the Ohio Falls Iron Works, where he still remains, adding to his other position that of attending the guide-rolling department. In 1884 he was an alternate delegate to the National Republican Convention at Chicago, and is at present a
member of the Floyd County Republican Central Committee. He is a member of the Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers, and also a Mason, Odd Fellow, and Knight of Honor. From 1863 till 1866 he was a partner with his brother-in-law, Geo. E. Beard, in the agricultural implement and seed business. He was married in 1885 to Mrs. Hattie Maur, of Chicago, Ill, but has no children. He is the son of Joseph Norton, a native of Bloomfield, England, who came to the United States when he was but ten years old, and was reared in New Jersey. The father is a rolling mill man, and has built a number of large and costly rolling mills in the United States and Canada. He is still living, hale and hearty, at the age of 64 years, at New Albany, Ind.

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OLLIE OWENS, born at Owensburg, Greene County, Ind., Oct. 19, 1852. He was reared until 17 years old at Owensburg (which town was named for his father), attending the common schools there. At 17 he went to Mitchell, Ind., where he attended the High School for two years. After leaving school he taught for two sessions, and then came to Floyd county, Ind., where he taught for three sessions.
He spent his vacations in the drug-store of his brother-in-law, Isom Burton, at Mitchell, in the study and practice of pharmacy.
In 1880 he engaged in the drug business for himself at No. 431 North Vincennes street, where he still carries on the business with the success that always follows intelligent enterprise and industrious application.
On March 13, 1877, he was married to Miss Alice White, daughter of Edward White, Sr., and they have four children – Estella, H. B., Marshall and Pearl. He is a Mason of the Royal Arch Degree, a K. of P. and a member of the Baptist church. In 1876 he was Deputy Marshal of Mitchell, Ind. His father, Lilburn Owens, is a native of Indiana and a farmer residing in Greene county, and is a blacksmith by trade. His mother, Elizabeth Owens, was also a native of Indiana; she died in 1855, leaving six children – Juliette, Catherine, Marshall, Belle, Ollie and Howard.

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GEN. JASPER PACKARD, editor of the New Albany Tribune, was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, Feb. 1, 1832. His parents were natives of Delaware. When he was three years of age his parents removed to Indiana, and settled in Marshall county on a farm, where he was brought up, and educated in the common schools, and at Oberlin College, Ohio, graduating from Ann Arbor, Mich., in 1855. He read law at Laporte, Ind., was admitted to the bar in 1859, and practiced until the war began.
In 1861 he volunteered as a private in the 48th Indiana Infantry, and was promoted step by step until he became captain of his company. In 1864 he was made lieutenant-colonel of the 128th Infantry, and the next spring (1865) was made colonel of same, and at the close of the war was made brigadier-general for meritorious service during his long term.
After the war he returned to Laporte and in 1866 was elected auditor of the county; in 1868 he was elected to Congress, and again in 1870 and 1872. In 1874 he organized a new paper, The Laporte Chronicle which he published for four years, and then sold it because he had been appointed revenue agent, which he held for eight years. In 1886 he started a daily paper, The Public Spirit. This he discontinued and brought the material to New Albany, and in April 1888 started the Tribune.
He was married in 1855 to Miss Harriet S. Tibbits, of Michigan. They have three children.

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JAMES S. PEAKE, in point of continuous service in the business, is the oldest dry goods merchant in New Albany, Ind. He is the son of John Peake and Abigail Smith, and was born at New Albany, January 9, 1834, and being left an orphan at nine years of age, was reared in New Albany by the late Judge Thomas L. Smith.
His father was a native of Kentucky, his mother of New York; they came to New Albany in 1833. He was educated in the New Albany schools. In 1852 he entered the store of W. N. Benton as clerk; in 1853 took a clerkship in Noyes & Clynes’ store, remaining seven years; in 1860 went to the dry goods house of E. M. Hubbert; in 1866 went to C. A. Reineking’s store, remaining until 1871, when he formed a partnership with John Baer, in dry goods, under the firm name of Peake & Baer.
The firm continued eight years, doing a large business, when Mr. Baer purchased the stock. The same year (1879) Mr. Peake started in the dry goods business alone, and continues the business to this time at No. 48 East Market street, where he has built up a large and valuable trade. This makes 36 years of continuous service in the dry goods trade; and it will be observed that Mr. Peake, as a clerk, was always in demand. This is a high compliment to his integrity as well as to his business tact and industry.
In 1862, Mr. Peake was married to Mary F. Pullen, daughter of Louis L. and Ruth Elliott Pullen, her mother being the sister of the late Capt. B. L. Elliott, who commanded the steamer A. L .Shotwell in her famous race with the steamer Eclipse, from New Orleans to Louisville. Two children have been born to them: Thomas H. and Ruth A.
Mr. Peake is a member of the I. O. O. F., and also of the Central Christian Church, and has been deacon in the church since its organization. He has been successful in business, and has won his success through sterling business qualities and integrity.

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GEORGE F. PENN, born at Louisville, Ky., May 21, 1847. His father, James C. Penn, was a native of Bedford county, Va., and his mother, Jane Floyd, a native of Kentucky.
He is a self-made man. In 1862 he joined the Home Guards at Lynchburg, Va., and in the autumn of 1864 was attached to Nelson’s Battalion of Kirkpatrick’s Battery of Amherst’s Light Artillery of the Confederate service, and served in that capacity until the close of the war.
Mr. Penn made his home in New Albany in 1866, his first employment being a clerkship in the glass works.
In 1880 he was appointed superintendent of the window-glass and bottle departments of the works, and in 1887 was promoted to superintendent of the plate-glass department of the works.
He has been six times elected to the City Council of New Albany from the first ward, serving twelve years, and at each election receiving a large majority of the votes of his ward. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity (being a Knight Templar), of the I. O. O. F., Knights of Pythias, A. O. U. W., and Knights of Labor. Few men possess better business qualifications, and these he carries into the discharge of his official duties as a councilman.
On December 28, 1870, he was married to Miss Mary F. Hart, daughter of Capt. William Hart, who served two terms as Mayor of New Albany, and was a prominent steamboatman, boat builder and citizen of New Albany. Five children have been born of Mr. Penn’s marriage, one daughter and four sons.
Left fatherless at ten years and motherless at twelve, Mr. Penn has made his way in the world by individual effort and has risen to honorable positions by force of character in merit, in public spirit and personal enterprise.

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CAPT. JONATHAN PETERS was born in Orange county, Indiana, August 22, 1833. His grandparents, Jonathan and Mary Peters, and Jonathan and Mary Tatum, the former natives of Kentucky, the latter natives of North Carolina, were early settlers of Indiana, coming to the State in 1814.
His father, John R. Peters, was born in the blue grass regions of Kentucky, coming with his father to the State when but three years old.
The grandfathers, Jonathan Peters and Jonathan Tatum, were farmers, as was also John R. Peters; and Jonathan Peters, the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm, receiving a common-school education.
In 1863 he enlisted as a private in the One hundred and seventeenth Indiana Infantry, under Col. Thos. J. Brady; but before leaving Indianapolis he was elected second lieutenant, and afterward appointed quartermaster by Col. Brady. The regiment returned and was mustered out in 1864. In January, 1865, he recruited a company, and was commissioned captain, Co. F, 144th Indiana Infantry, in which he served until the close of the war, at which time he was A. A. A. General of Love’s Brigade, Brooks’ Division, Hancock’s Corps, Army of the Shenandoah.
After being mustered out he came to New Albany, engaging as a traveling salesman in the wholesale hat and boot and shoe trade until 1872, when he engaged in the newspaper business.
He is now the principal owner and manager of the New Albany Daily and Weekly Ledger.
In politics, Capt. Peters has always been a Democrat, taking a great interest in the organization and welfare of his party, fearless in its defense, but always ready to discountenance and condemn the mistakes of his party leaders.

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FRANCIS W. PETERS, born June 6, 1853, at Brownstown, Wayne county, Mich., educated in the common schools of his native county, and in 1872 went to Forks of Salt River Ky., where he remained five months, and then located at New Albany, where he has since resided.
He is the manager of the I. F. Force Hickory Handle Works, one of the most extensive of their kind in the West, and having many important business connections with other interests of its proprietor.
Mr. Peters is a man of practical experience and of mechanical skill and good management.
He is the son of John H. Peters and Elizabeth A. Chase, and his father was a pioneer of Michigan, walking to that State from the State of New York in 1836, when but 18 years old,
his birth occurring in 1818. He still lives at Brownstown, Mich., a very active man, doing as much work on the farm as any hand employed.
Francis W. Peters and Mary E. Force, sister of Mr. I. L. Force, proprietor of the Hickory Handle Works, were married in 1874 and have two boys: Clarence W. and Raymond F. He is a member of the Knights of Honor, being a charter member of the New Albany Lodge, No. 922. His mother died when he was but seven years old, leaving a husband and six children, one of whom, Charles O., has since died. Of the survivors, Catherine N. married John C. VanRiper, and lives at Detroit, Mich.; Clara A. married Myram Harryman, and resides at Duluth, Minn.; Jennie M. married L. M. Lovette, and resides at Oak Park, Chicago; William H. is married, and lives at Michigan City, Ind.; Francis W. married, and lives at New Albany, Ind. His father married a second time, his last wife being Mrs. Caroline Metcalf, Brownstown, Mich., and by this union there are two children: John A. and Carrie J., both of whom are attending school.

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LEVI L. PIERCE, a native of Newcastle, Lawrence county, Penn., was born September 28, 1850, and is a son of David Pierce and Sarah Belle Ray, natives of Pennsylvania, who, when he was but six years old, died, leaving him an orphan. Mr. Pierce attended the common schools of his native county, and at the age of sixteen years took employment in the window-glass department of a glass works, remaining there until advanced to a blower. He came to New Albany in 1876 and took the position of blower with the New Albany Plate Glass, Window Glass and Bottle Works, and has been a resident of New Albany, and with the W. C. DePauw Company ever since, now being superintendent of the window-glass and bottle departments of these works. He was married in December, 1875, to Miss Belle Smith, of Newcastle, Penn., who died November 14, 1884, leaving four small children, two daughters and two sons, Nellie L., Emma, Harry M. and Ray. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and several other organizations; also a member of the M. E. Church. He has been solicited to run for Mayor of New Albany several times, but always declined to make the race. He has made himself what he is – emphatically a self-made man.

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PAUL REISING is a native of Germany, and was born in 1819. He is a son of Frank and Mary (Lettinger) Reising, who came to America about 1850, and were plain honest German people. Paul, the subject, has been in the brewing business many years. He located in Louisville, Ky., in 1854, and, in partnership with Peter None, operated the City Brewery two years, when the partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Reising removed to New Albany, where he has since resided. In 1858 he bought, at sheriff’s sale, the brewery he now owns, and which he has ever since operated. It is one of the largest in the city, and has a capacity of about 12,000 barrels annually. Mr. Reising was married in 1843 to Miss Stockmiller, native of Germany. They have two children. He is a zealous member of the Catholic Church.

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JOHN J. RICHARDS was born in New Albany, Ind., Sept. 3, 1842. His father, Peter Richards, a butcher by occupation, was a native of Lorraine, and came to America in 1832. His mother, Anna Huhlgrun, was a native of Bavaria.
Mr. Richards was reared in New Albany, and is a butcher, though he served an apprenticeship as a coppersmith. He served one term as a member of the New Albany City Council.
He was elected Mayor of the City in 1883, was re-elected in 1885, and again re-elected in 1887, and is now (1888) filling the office. In the responsible offices he has been called to occupy by the votes of the people he has discharged his duties faithfully and well and has won great popularity. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being a Knight Templar and a member of the German Benevolent Society.
In 1864 he was married to Elizabeth Renn, a native of Floyd county, and a daughter of Joseph Renn, a native of Prussia and a pioneer of Floyd county.

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JOHN RUSSELL was born in New Albany, Ind., December 28, 1853, where he was reared. He was educated in the public schools, being a diligent pupil. When but 13 years old he took employment in the Rolling Mill, working there at different periods for fifteen years, during these years learning the trade of ship carpenter, which he followed for three years. He thus, by industry and natural aptitude in mechanical skill, acquired two good trades.
In June, 1881, with John J. Lyons as a partner he engaged extensively in the hotel, livery and feed business, they taking charge of the West End Hotel, West Seventh and Main streets, New Albany.
He is a man of great business energy and enterprise, and by these and his general popularity has financially prospered.
He was married in November, 1882, to Miss Ida Martin, of Fairmount, Jefferson county, Kentucky, and three children, John G., Mary L. and Edna C. have blessed the marriage. He is a member of the Catholic Knights of America. His parents are John Russell and Mary Russell (not related before marriage, though both of the same name.) Both are of County Cork, Ireland, and came to the United States in 1850 and located at New Albany, where both now reside.

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CHARLES SACKETT was born in Westfield, Mass., May 13, 1813, and with his father, a native of the same place, came to Indiana in 1825, the family locating at Corydon, Harrison county, where he learned the trade of a carpenter, afterward establishing himself in the business of contractor and builder, carrying on this business in Harrison county until 1844, when he removed to New Albany and carried on, very successfully, the same business until 1875.
Mr. Sackett served the people of Floyd county as county commissioner for about ten years. Afterward he was elected county auditor, serving in that position the full legal term, discharging all the public trusts confided to him with the strictest fidelity and to the satisfaction of the people.
He was noted as a contractor and master builder. Among the noted public buildings he erected are, the Floyd County Court House, the New Albany Opera House and Wesley M. E. Church. He was the architect and builder of many of the best business houses and residences in New Albany. He always was public spirited and identified himself with all the enterprises that have helped build up the city, particularly the manufacturing industries and
railroads. He is the heaviest stockholder in the New Albany Forge and Rolling Mill and president of the company.
In 1837 he was united in marriage to Miss Josie Gresham, the daughter of George and Mary Gresham, in Harrison county, his wife being an aunt of Judge W. Q. Gresham of the U. S. Courts of Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin. Mr. Sackett’s marriage was blessed by thirteen children of whom ten survive: Ozen, George E., Belle M., Mary, Katie, Jennie, Alice, William, Frances and Ida May. Mr. Sackett’s mother was Sallie Woods, of Groton, near Boston, Mass., a woman of strong personality, and for a brief time his parents resided in Boston, starting west from that city and crossing the Alleghenies in a wagon to Pittsburgh, where they remained for a time, then purchased a flatboat, in which they floated down the Ohio to the mouth of Harrod’s creek, near Louisville, Ky., and thence to Corydon, Ind., where he purchased a farm, to which the family removed. After the death of his wife the father of Mrs. Sackett returned to his native town in Massachusetts, where he died in 1858, at the age of 68. Associated with Mr. Sackett in the Steam Forge and Rolling Mill Company is his son, Mr. George E. Sackett, who is secretary and treasurer of the company. Mr. Sackett served several terms as a member of the New Albany City Council.

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CHARLES W. SCHINDLER, Recorder of Floyd county, is a native of New Albany, born Nov. 4, 1858.
His father, Albert Schindler, a native of Germany, and a plasterer by trade, came to New Albany in 1848, and, after a useful and honorable life, died June 16, 1886. His mother, Mary Boersie, was also a native of Germany.
Mr. Schindler, after receiving a full course of instruction in the schools of New Albany, became a student at the Ohio State Normal School, at Lebanon, Ohio, from which he graduated in 1883. He learned the trade of plastering from his father, but became a successful teacher in the public schools of his native county, winning merited popularity by his devotion to his duties.
In 1884 he was a candidate for the State Legislature and was defeated on a technicality before the Democratic Convention of his county. In 1886 he was nominated by the Democratic party, and elected County Recorder, the duties of which responsible office he is discharging with fidelity to the interests of the people and with honor to himself.
His wife was Miss Fannie M. Stolzer, daughter, of William Stolzer.

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LEVI H. SCOTT, was born in Lafayette township, Floyd county, Ind., March 26, 1856, and after attending the public schools he became a student at the Bedford Male and Female College, from which he graduated.
He then took a full course at the Northern Indiana Normal College, Valparaiso, from which he graduated in 1878.
He immediately commenced teaching in the public schools of Floyd county, and in 1881 was elected county superintendent of Public Schools. In 1883 he failed of re-election and resumed teaching at Scottsville, Floyd county.
In June, 1885, he was again elected county superintendent, and re-elected in 1887. In 1888, March 16, he received the Democratic nomination for treasurer of Floyd county, to which office he was elected by a handsome majority Nov. 6, 1888.
In 1879 he was married to Miss Hanna G. Scott, daughter of Wesley Scott, of Floyd county, Ind.
He is the son of Jeremiah and Dorcas Wilson Scott, his father being a native of Floyd county and his mother of Clark county, Ind. His father was born in 1831 and was a prominent farmer of Floyd county; he died May 28, 1886, leaving a wife and eleven children; all are living except the eldest. They are Wesley (who died Dec. 24, 1886, being trustee of Lafayette township), Levi H., Walter J., Angeline, Martha A., James H., William, Dorcas, May and Estella.
Mr. Scott has [three] children: Orella, Maude, Berla and Daisy.
He is an Odd Fellow and a member of the Christian Church.

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JAMES G. SHIELDS was born in Floyd county, Ind., October 10, 1829, and is a son of Clement N. and Mary (Stewart) Shields. The former was a native of Barren county, Ky., and is a son of Patrick Shields, who came from Virginia to Indiana when the latter was a Territory.
It is said that the first religious meeting held in the Territory was held in his house. Mary Stewart Shields was born in Barren county, Ky., of a very strict Christian family.
His father, after moving to this State, commenced merchandizing near New Albany in 1830, and 1832 moved into New Albany, where he continued to reside until his death.
The grandmother of the subject was among the first white women in the State of Indiana, and his grandfather was a member of the Provisional Convention that got up the Territorial Constitution of government of the Indiana Territory.
He was with Gen. Harrison at the battle of Tippecanoe, and was his warm personal friend, a Whig and a warm supporter of the General for the Presidency.
James G., the subject of this sketch, is the eldest of two boys, and was reared in New Albany. He received a good practical education, and upon reaching manhood engaged in the retail dry goods business; he was also interested at the same time in five Ohio river steamers, viz: “Huntress,” “Star,” “Burd Levi,” “Cora S.” and “Ollie Sullivan.” His last steamboat venture was in 1879 – “Steamer Shields.”
Prior to the war he was engaged in the jobbing business – from 1853 to 1860 – at New Albany, Indiana, and Keokuk, Iowa. He served the Government during the war, carrying provisions.
Since the war he has been a traveling salesman in Arkansas, representing McCord & Aydelotte hat house in Louisville. Both members of this firm died in 1888, and since January 1, 1889, Capt. Shields has been in the employ of their successors, H. C. & C. I. Warren.
In 1852 he was married to Miss Cora A. Snyder, of Salem, Ind. They have one daughter living out of four; his son Harry died in 1879.
He is a 33d degree Mason and a Past Eminent Commander of Knights Templar No. 5, New Albany, Ind. Mr. Shields is a man of intelligence, a business man of the best qualities, and a thorough gentleman.

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S. S. STALCUP was born in Valeene, Ind., in 1855, and is a son of John and Martha (Riley) Stalcup. His grandfather, Samuel Riley, was a native of Virginia, and came to this
State when a boy. He grew to manhood and became a thorough business man. He established a bell foundry, and later engaged in mercantile business. When the Mexican war broke out he volunteered and served twelve months.
The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools of New Albany, his family having removed to this place when he was but six years old. He worked for a time in the brick business, and in anything else that would support him. In 1875, he went into partnership with Geo. Hopkins, of Louisville, Ky., in the mercantile business, which he continued for two years.
He was married in 1880 to Miss Ida Samuel, of Louisville. They have three children – Carrie, Horace and Samuel S. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, of the I. O. O. F., K. of P. and of the Republican party.

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JACOB B. STARR, born in Byrnville, Harrison county, Ind., June 16, 1847, but located at Georgetown, Floyd county, Ind., with his parents, at the age of ten years.
He was educated at the common schools and then took an elective course in Hartsville University, completing his work in this institution in 1869. He then taught school in the county for nine years, when, in 1878, he was elected principal of West Spring Street School, New Albany, Ind., and removed to that city.
He continued seven years as principal of this school, when, in 1885, he was elected superintendent of the public schools of New Albany, and is now serving his fourth term in that honorable and responsible position. In 1876 and 1877 he was trustee of Georgetown township, Floyd county, Ind. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and of the Christian Church.
In 1872 he was married to Miss Mary J. Lidikay, of Floyd county, and three children have blessed the marriage – Iler D., Oscar E. and Hattie M. He is a son of David B. and Mary Argenbright Starr, both natives of Harrison county, Ind. His father served three years in the army, which broke down his health, and from the effects of which he died at his home in New Albany in December, 1887. His mother is a resident of New Albany. He has two brothers living – W. L. Starr, a practicing physician and county coroner, and Huon J. Starr, millwright, New Albany.

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PETER R. STOY, general manager, vice-president and treasurer of the Ohio Falls Iron Works. There are few men in Indiana who have attained more local prominence, socially and financially than the subject of this sketch. His history is much like that of others, who, by their own efforts have attained competence and position and yet wore the stamp of individuality. Commencing with no capital but an unblemished character, he has, by honesty and fair dealing, become known as one of Indiana’s successful business men.
He was born February 25, 1825, in the village of New Albany. His father, Peter Stoy, was a ship cabin builder, who was born and reared in Philadelphia, Pa. His mother, Mary E. (Wicks) Stoy, was a native of Erie in the same State. Peter Stoy, Sr., came to New Albany in 1881. Mr. Stoy attended school in his native village until he was fifteen years of age. He entered the hardware store of Charles Woodruff, January 1, 1841, and continued in this and the dry goods business as clerk until 1845. At this time the death of his father occurred, and he took charge of the estate which was badly embarrassed. He succeeded in settling all liabilities and saved a competence for his mother. In the spring 1847 he took the position
of clerk on the Ohio River Steamer “Atlantis,” but left this employment after one season, as the influence and early training of a pious father and mother made the wild and boisterous life of the steamer repugnant to him. He then engaged in the hardware trade in the store of his former employer – who had died in the meantime – accepting a share in the prospective profits of the business in lieu of salary. Here he remained until 1851 when he went into business on his own account. Purchasing his stock on an Eastern market, at first hand, he was enabled to offer as good inducements to the trade as older houses and became very successful. He has made numerous friends, and has passed through two severe financial crises with his credit unquestioned.
In 1866, with several others, he organized the Ohio Falls Iron Works. In 1873, after the great financial panic, he was elected vice-president of the company and in January, 1876, he was chosen vice-president, treasurer and general manager which position he now holds. He also continues his hardware business at the old stand, in which he is ably assisted by his two sons, Lewis R. Stoy and Raymond P. Mr. Stoy has been a member of the City Council the greater part of the time since 1850, and was elected by a large majority to the important office of commissioner of Floyd county. He is not now and never has been a politician. His political principles are Republican, but he was elected to office by the aid of Democratic voters in a county which gives a large Democratic majority.
In 1850 he married Miss Ellen Beeler, of New Albany, Ind., daughter of William and Elizabeth Beeler, and is a member of one of the best families of Floyd county.
Mr. and Mrs. Stoy have been honored members of the M. E. Church since 1843. Socially and financially Mr. Stoy stands among the most highly respected and influential citizens of New Albany.

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GEORGE J. STROBEL was born at New Albany, Ind., April 26, 1861. His parents, Simon Strobel and Julia Winkler, were natives of Germany, coming to America in 1855, and locating at New Albany, where his father engaged in the leather business, which he continued until his death in 1884, at the age of 49, leaving a wife and five children; they are all living. They are George J., John L., Josephine, Carrie and Katie.
George J. Strobel was reared in New Albany and educated in the public schools, graduating from the New Albany Commercial College. After his graduation he engaged in the jewelry business at Cincinnati, but in 1883 returned to New Albany and entered the queensware business, which he continued until 1887, when he sold out and turned his entire attention to the wholesale leather and shoe finding business, which he had controlled while in the queensware trade. His place of business is at No. 8 East Market street.
He is a member of the German Benevolent Society and of the Catholic Church, and a man highly esteemed in business and social circles. His father was also a member of the Catholic Church, a business man of enterprise and a highly respected citizen.

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SHELBY SUMMERS was born in Floyd county, Ind., December 5, 1845, and is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Utz) Summers; the former was born in Virginia, May 2, 1817, and came to Indiana with his parents when but a year old; his wife, Elizabeth Utz, was born in Indiana, and is a daughter of Conrad and Elizabeth (Baker) Utz, both of whom were born in Rockingham county, Va.; the former in 1784 and the latter in 1890. The subject of this
sketch, Shelby Summers, was brought up on a farm and educated in the common schools. He was married, at the age of twenty-five, to Miss Henrietta Welch, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Russell) Welch, natives of this State. Mr. and Mrs. Summers have three children, viz: William O., Joseph V., and Elizabeth E. Mr. Summers owns sixty acres of highly improved land. He is an enterprising and prosperous farmer. He was elected township trustee of Georgetown township at the last election (1888) on the Democratic ticket.

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JOHN H. THOMAS was born in Floyd county, Ind., February 9, 1828, and is a son of Thomas and Mary (Martin) Thomas, the former a native of North Carolina, where he was born in 1807. His ancestors, he affirmed, came over in the Mayflower, making the Thomas family one of the oldest in the country. They eventually settled in Maryland, and from thence went to North Carolina, and came to this State many years ago. The latter, Mary (Martin) Thomas, was born in 1807, and was a daughter of Thomas Martin, who was a soldier under Gen. Harrison in his Indiana campaign of 1811, and was with him in the battle of Tippecanoe. He came originally from North Carolina.
John H., the subject of this sketch, was raised principally in Harrison county, and educated in the common schools – some of them very common – being of the log cabin, puncheon floor, stick chimney kind, common a half century ago. After reaching maturity, and having obtained a fair education, he commenced teaching, and followed it through the winter seasons from 1849 to 1864, occasionally teaching a summer term also. He then engaged in mercantile business in Georgetown, having moved to this county, which he has since followed with good success.
Mr. Thomas was married in 1854, to Miss Lavinia Zimmerman; both of her parents were of German origin, and emigrate to America in an early day, and settled in Maryland, thence to Virginia, and thence to Indiana, when in woods. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have no children – he, however, takes an active interest in educational matters. Mr. Thomas was elected clerk of Georgetown township, assessor for four years, and after serving a term was elected school trustee, which office he held for two or three terms; he is at present one of the trustees of the town.
He is a member of the United Brethren Church.

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LOUIS VERNIA, born in Floyd county, Ind., June 9, 1836, is a son of Peter and Susannah Piers Vernia.
His father was a native of France, but came to the United States when only 15 years old, engaging, after his maturity, in the mercantile business, and being a heavy purchaser and shipper of produce to New Orleans and other Southern markets, continuing this business most of his life, and dying in 1881, at the age of 73 years.
Mr. Vernia’s mother was a native of Ireland, coming to America at the age of five years.
Louis Vernia, the subject of this sketch, received only a common-school education. In 1857 he commenced business as a retail grocer in New Albany, continuing for four years. He then changed his business to a dealer in feed and grain and wholesale and retail groceries, his establishment being on Spring street and very large, and his business very
extensive. In 1887 he began to wind up his large business, but is yet engaged in the grocery trade.
Mr. Vernia is a member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, and president of the prosperous Total Abstinence Temperance Society of that church. He has served several terms as a member of the New Albany Council, and was a reliable and wise member of that body.
He was married in 1868 to Mary E. Doherty, a native of Floyd county, Ind., and ten children have been born to the marriage: Mary, Anna, Susannah, Thomas, Louis, Edward, Paul, Martin, Roger and Herman.

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FERDINAND GRAHAM WALKER is an artist of no mean pretensions. He was born at Mitchell, Lawrence county, Ind., February 16, 1859, and is the second son of Rev. Francis and Mary Graham Walker, natives of Ohio and Indiana respectively. His father is a Methodist preacher, and a member of the Indiana Conference, with which he has been connected for thirty-one years. Early in life Mr. Walker manifested the taste for art, which he has since cultivated with such marked success. At ten years of age he loved to draw, and in such exercises at school excelled all his young fellow pupils with ease. At the age of fifteen he entered the Art Department of DePauw College, where he remained some time. During this period he also received instruction and criticisms from Gen. S. W. Price, at that time a prominent artist of Louisville, Ky. Mr. Walker’s success during these days marked the beginning of his true devotion to painting. Having made art his chosen study and vocation, October of 1885 found our gifted young painter a student in the famous art schools of Paris, France. Here at the Ecole de Beaux Arts and the Academie Colarossi, under the direct influence and guidance of the masters in Art, he enjoyed the highest advantages the world can afford a student for perfecting himself in the law and [technic] of fine art. His successes in the Paris schools were even more flattering than those of previous years. At the Academie Colarossi, after having been abroad but four months, Mr. Walker ranked third in the concours in a class of pupils some of whom had studied in the French schools eight years. Returning to the United States in November of 1886, Mr. Walker re-established himself in New Albany in the studio which he had opened prior to going abroad. Since returning he has given his time exclusively to palette, brush, and canvas, with that devotion to be seen only in the true artist. He married Miss Mary Watkin, an accomplished lady of New Albany, whose congenial tastes and sympathies finely harmonize with her husband’s artistic inclinations. Thus far Mr. Walker has given largely of his time to portrait painting. But, though only turning thirty, he has done a great deal of fine work in other fields as well. He is an artist of high rank, and his genius is rapidly winning him a brilliant reputation.

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WALKER, THOMAS WOODRUFF, born at New Albany, Floyd County, Indiana, June M, (sic)  1833; son of Thomas B. and Mary (Woodruff) Walker; married Henrietta C. Dayton at Newark, New Jersey, April 1, 1863; daughter, Marie W.

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HENRY WATKEYS, a prominent inventor of New Albany, and master mechanic of the L., N. A. & C. shops, was born in the Dominion of Canada in 1829. His parents, Henry and Susan Watkeys (nee Potter) were both Canadians by birth; his father was a mechanic by trade. The subject of this sketch, after receiving only the advantages of a common-school education, learned the trade under the tutelage of his father. In 1879 he invented a movable valve seat for locomotives, and in 1880 he invented a throttle valve, which was
adopted by the principal railroad systems of New York State, and at once linked his name among the other great inventors of the country. Among other things Mr. Watkeys has invented, and those which have proved successful as inventions, are the car axle with independent wheel, breech loading shotgun, water valve for hydrant purposes, etc. His wife was a Miss Serviah T. Coleman, of Massachusetts, to whom he was married in 1850, and have eight children – Henry, who is engineer and master mechanic; Luther C., clerk in L., N. A. & C. office; Frederick D., mechanic and draftsman; Frank B., machinist; the younger ones are Charles W., Gertrude, Mabel and Marion. Mr. Watkeys is an ardent Republican, and is a successful business man as well as a successful inventor.

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JOHN R. WEATHERS, teacher, New Albany, Ind., was born at Marengo, Crawford county, Ind., March 12, 1847. He is a member of one of the oldest and most prominent families of his native county.
His father, Capt. Enoch Weathers, a leading farmer of his day, was also a native of Crawford county, and during his life held important local offices, and for many years held the rank of captain in State Militia.
Capt. Weathers’ father, Richard, a Tennesseean by birth, came to Crawford county, and settled there about 1810. Richard Weathers followed the pursuit of farming, and for many years he was a member of third division of United States Militia.
John R. Weathers, the subject of this sketch, received his primary education in the common schools, and subsequently entered the State University at Bloomington, Ind.
In 1870, he began life as a teacher in Marengo Academy, and continued as such in that institution until 1873, when he came to New Albany, and in the same year took charge of the Main street ward school, and held this position for six years.
In 1879 he removed to Little Rock, Ark., and became editor-in-chief of the Little Rock Chronicle and Arkansas School Journal. There he remained for one year. Returning to New Albany, he superintended the East Spring street school for one year, going thence to Cannelton, Ind., and was for five years superintendent of the public schools of that city.
He again returned to New Albany, and was elected principal of the East Spring street school, the position he now fills so acceptably to the patrons of the school.
Mr. Weathers’ wife was a Miss Zibbie Anderson, of Bloomington, Ind., to whom he was married in 1870. Two children, Daisy M. and Nellie G.
John R. Weathers is a member of the Christian Church, a Mason, member of the G. A. R. Order and Sigma Chi fraternity, and is one of the leading and best known educators in Southern Indiana.

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MERRILL A. WEIR, who was born at Salem, Washington county, Ind., is an illustration of what well directed, honest business effort may accomplish.
His father, David T. Weir, was born in Shelby county, Ky., and his mother Ann Eliza Townsend, in Bourbon county, Ky., and were married in Clark county, Ind., December 31, 1826.
Merrill A. Weir was attending the public schools at Salem when his father died, leaving a wife and five children, and compelling him, in order to aid in their support, to leave school.
By working at fifty cents per day and $1.00 per month, he assisted his mother in educating and providing for the rest of the children, being the main support of the family.
At 22 years, having accumulated some money, he was married to Miss Nancy A. Bliss, daughter of Leonard Bliss, a prominent farmer of Washington county. He then engaged for three years in the drug business at Salem, and then commenced flatboating and speculating in produce. This laid the foundation of his fortune.
He left the river when the war broke out, and located at Mt. Vernon, Ind., where he entered largely into speculation in produce, pork and wheat – at one time, with two others, having $250,000 invested in pork and wheat.
At the close of the war he was one of a party of capitalists that organized the First National Bank of Mt. Vernon, Ind.; was an officer and director in the bank for seven years, resigning in 1871, and removing to New Albany, where for two years he operated in pork.
In 1874 he helped to organize the Second National Bank of New Albany, of which he was elected director and cashier, serving as such until January, 1883, and then elected vice president.
In October, 1884, he resigned, intending to quit business, but was called, in December, 1884, to take charge of the New Albany National Bank as cashier, the former officer having resigned. Mr. Weir still remains in this position.
He started out in the world without a dollar, as the main support of his father’s family, which he continued until they were all grown, and bought the old homestead of the heirs, built a good house on it, and gave it to his mother for a home during her life. At her death, not being willing that it should pass into the hands of strangers, he gave it to the Methodist Episcopal Church, for a parsonage, on the sole condition that the trustees of the church were to keep the graves of his parents in good condition after his death. This property cost him $3,500.
He never had any children of his own, but assisted in the rearing and education of several. He never had a note to go to protest, and could always, within twenty-four hours’ notice, pay all he owed. While residing at Mt. Vernon, he deposited $10,000 in E. R. James’ Bank, just before it failed, this being all the money he had. Two years later he got eighty cents on the dollar; yet when he thought he had lost all this money, he was not discouraged, but pushed ahead with energy, and during the two years he had to lay out of its use, made $30,000.
Mr. Weir and his wife have always been kind to and helped the poor. Both are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Weir is also a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a Knight Templar of that ancient and honorable order.

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SAMUEL M. WEIR is a descendant of an old Virginia family, who emigrated to Kentucky in pioneer times. He was born in New Albany, January 9, 1846, and is a son of William M. and Cassandra (Robertson) Weir, natives of Shelby county, Ky., but who removed to Clark county, when Indiana was still a territory. He (William M.) located in New Albany in 1826, and was a cabinet-maker and undertaker by trade. He was a man of considerable local prominence, and served as mayor of the city in 1846 and 1847; and also city treasurer for 1856, and was a strong Whig in politics. He died in 1862. Middleton Robertson, the maternal grandfather of the subject, was a native of Maryland, and removed to the Indiana Territory about 1795-98.
Samuel M., the subject of this sketch, was educated in the public schools and in Towsley’s private school. Most of his life has been spent in the public service. He commenced as clerk of the City Court, which he continued for six years, and has now been city treasurer for fourteen years in succession. He is a most excellent and accommodating public officer, an honest man, and a worthy citizen. In 1874 he married Miss Anna S. Humphreys, a daughter of Captain Humphreys, of New Albany, a prominent steamboat builder, and one of the early citizens of the country.

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SNYDER, CHARLES WILLIAM, physician; born at Hartford, Conn., Jan. 16, 1870; son of Charles Henry and Sophia (Hensley) Snyder; public school edn., Hartford; A.B., Fisk Univ., Nashville, Tenn., 1896; M.D., Yale, 1900; married Birdie Maria Wills, of Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 31, 1903. Began practice in Cambridge. Mass., 1900; removed to New Albany. Ind.. 1903. Republican. Congregationalism Odd Fellow. Home and Office: 514 State St., New Albany, Indiana.
Source: Who's Who Of The Colored Race, by Frank Lincoln Mather, Detroit, 1915 - Transcribed by C. Anthony

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JAMES E. WILSON was born in Corydon, Harrison county, Ind., July 16, 1830, and is a son of George P. R. and Sarah (Spencer) Wilson, the former a native of Kentucky, and born in Bardstown in 1802. After his birth his parents moved to Louisville, where they remained until 1820, when they moved to Corydon, Ind.
George P. R. was a man of considerable prominence, and among the leading statesmen of that day. He was elected to fifteen or sixteen terms in the State Legislature, and one term State Senator, and for twenty years took as active a part in politics as any man in Harrison county. He was considered one of the finest orators in Southern Indiana. He was liberal in his views, earnest in his convictions, and delighted in the company and associations of old friends, with whom he could enjoy himself to the fullest degree. He was fond of hunting and fishing, and was considered one of the best rifle shots of his time. His father, Joshua Wilson, was a Virginian by birth, but of Irish descent.
Sarah Spencer, the mother of our subject, belongs to one of the most prominent families of Harrison county. She was the youngest daughter of Capt. Spear Spencer, a native of Nelson county, Ky., who was captain of a company and participated in the battle of Tippecanoe, and was killed on the field. She was born in Vincennes, January 13, 1809, and the same year her parents moved to Corydon, where she was brought up and lived all her life, dying there July 13, 1885. Her mother was Elizabeth Polk, of Nelson county, Ky., daughter of Capt. Charles Polk.
James, the subject of this sketch, was reared principally on a farm – that known as the old Harrison farm, situated seven miles west of Corydon, on Blue river, and once owned by Gen. William Harrison, grandfather of President Harrison. He remained on the farm until he was about twenty-two years of age, but was educated mostly in Corydon.
He was married in 1852, to Mary J. Davis, a native of this county, and born about eight miles northeast of Corydon. They have seven children, all of whom there are dead but two.

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CHARLES WOLF was born September 26, 1849, in Floyd county, Ind., and is a son of David and Mary (Utz) Wolf, the former was one of the earliest settlers in Harrison county, Ind., but a native of Kentucky, born in 1805. His father, George Wolf, was one of the pioneers of the “Dark and Bloody Ground,” and was of German descent; the latter, Mary Utz, was born in Tennessee, her father emigrated to Indiana about 1812, and spent the remainder of his life there.
Charles, the subject of this sketch, was brought up on the farm and received the benefit of a common-school education. He followed farm life for a number of years, and then engaged in the saw-milling business, which he still follows. He owns the Wolf Hotel in Georgetown, of which he is proprietor, and also owns a number of town lots in Georgetown,
and eighteen acres of highly improved land near the town. By careful management, economy and industry he has accumulated some property, and is so situated as to live comfortably and independently.
In 1871 Mr. Wolf was married to Miss Lavina Crandle, born in Floyd county, and a daughter of T. Crandle, born in Harrison county; his father was a native of Virginia, and a blacksmith. He made the first threshing machine used in Harrison county, and which was rather a unique affair compared with the perfect machines of the present day.
Mr. and Mrs. Wolf have had seven children, viz: Ada M., born April 1, 1874; Ora A. , born August 23, 1876; Mary M. born June 1, 1878; Zella (deceased), born January 22, 1881; Noble E. (deceased), born March 1, 1882; Lottie O., born June 3, 1884, and Beulah, born August 17, 1887.
Mr. Wolf is a man of prominence in his community, and has been School Trustee in Georgetown some six years, and has served as president of the board.

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GEORGE W. WOLF was born in Harrison county, April 13, 1835, and is a son of David and Mary (Utz) Wolf, the former born in Kentucky and the latter in Virginia. The elder Wolf came to Harrison county in 1811 where he lived a number of years and then removed to Floyd county. He died at the age of eighty years. His father, George Wolf, was among the earliest settlers of Kentucky, and was a Pennsylvanian by birth and a German by descent. The maternal grandfather of subject, Adam Utz, was also of German origin, and removed to Indiana from Tennessee in 1812.
The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm in Harrison county until eight years of age, when he removed with his parents to Floyd county. He received a common school education, and at the age of twenty-six years, was married to Miss Sarah A. Meriwether, a daughter of James P. Meriwether, came from Kentucky, and was among the first settlers of Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Wolf have never had any children, but they have partly raised three children. In the latter part of 1862 the subject enlisted in Eighty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co. I, and served faithfully until the close of the war, but during the time was transferred to the Seventh Regiment Veteran Reserve Corps. He was honorably discharged June 30, 1865, and returned home. He has since devoted his time and energies to farming and stock raising, in which he has been entirely successful. He has a farm of 200 acres of excellent land, well improved and in a high state of cultivation. He is one of Floyd county’s energetic and influential farmers, and stands deservedly high among his neighbors.

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FREDERICK WUNDERLICH, a native of Germany, was born October 30, 1830, and in 1848 came to the United States and located at Memphis, Tenn., remaining there one year. During this time he traveled through Tennessee and Mississippi, selling notions to the slaves. From Memphis he went to St. Louis, remaining there but a short time and coming thence to New Albany in 1850.
He remained in New Albany but a short time, going to Louisville, Ky., where, in 1852, he engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes and clothing, continuing in the business until 1864, when he purchased a large shoe manufactory in New Albany, and carried on the business for two years.
In 1866 he engaged in the wholesale grocery business, which he sold out in 1867, and entered the live stock trade, buying and shipping to New Orleans. In 1869 he entered the feed, grain and commission business, and in 1873 added the wholesale liquor business, in which he is still engaged, doing the largest business in his line done in New Albany.
Mr. Wunderlich is a self-made man; he has built up his large business and a substantial fortune by his untiring energy, unswerving integrity and commercial aptitude.
He is a prominent Mason, which order he joined in Louisville in 1855, and has filled every position in the Blue Lodge, he is also a member of the Scottish Rite in Masonry, of the Knights of Honor and of the Ancient Order of Workmen.
He is a member of the City Council of New Albany from the Second Ward. He was married at Louisville, Ky., in April, 1853, to Miss Matilda Molloy, a native of Ireland, who came to the United States in 1849. Two children, Mary and Christina, have blessed the union. Mary is the wife of Louis Michel, who was in business with Mr. Wunderlich. Louis Michel’s death occurred in February, 1889.

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Source: BIOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL SOUVENIR for the Counties of CLARK, CRAWFORD, HARRISON, FLOYD, JEFFERSON, JENNINGS, SCOTT AND WASHINGTON, INDIANA. ILLUSTRATED.
Compiled and Published by John M. Gresham & Company, Chicago, Chicago Printing Company, 1889. pp. 65 – 121