Genealogy Trails

Troy Township Cannelton
Perry County, Indiana


MILLARD F. BABBITT, a native of Hawesville, Ky., was born October 27, 1857. Stephen B. Babbitt, his father, was a native of Warren County, Penn.; moved to Kentucky years ago, and during the late war served three years in the Twenty-seventh Regiment Kentucky Volunteer Infantry. Martha M. Nichols was the name of our subject's mother, and she was born in Hancock County, Ky. Millard F. Babbitt, when a child, attended the county schools of his native State, but received the better part of his education at Cannelton, Ind., under the instruction of Professors Wetherell and Meunier. When eighteen years old he began teaching school, and from that time to the summer of 1885 followed that profession, the last three years having had charge of the grammar department of the Cannelton schools. He is now engaged in the insurance business, and represents the Germania, North America and Hartford Fire Insurance Companies, and the New York and Equitable Life Companies. Mr. Babbitt is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the F. & A. M. and the I. O. O. F. Of the last-named fraternity he is the present Noble Grand.
"MARTIN V. BURNETT, a merchant of Cannelton, is a native of Breckinridge County, Ky., and was born August 31,1827. His parents were Green B. and Nancy (Gibson) Burnett, who raised a family of eleven children. Our subject received but a limited education in the schools of his native State, and was reared to the life of a farmer until the age of twenty-two years. He then came to Cannelton, where he has ever since been engaged in a general merchandise trade with the exception of the first two years. On February 17, 1846, he was married to Ruth E. Stephens. Her death occurred two years later, and his second marriage was July 5, 1849, when Mary Wadkins became his wife. In early life he was a Democrat, but in 1856 voted for Fillmore. Since that time he has been identified with the Republican party. He was two years a member of the Town Board. Both Mr. and Mrs. Burnett are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and contribute their full share to the support of that and all other charitable institutions. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, and has attained the Royal Arch degree.
WILLIAM CLARK, of Cannelton, is a native of Summit County, Ohio, and was born December 6, 182*. He is one of the family of Roan and Margaret (De Haven) Clark. Mr. Clark's education was limited in his early years, but through industrious reading has acquired a general information on nearly all topics. His first occupation was that of a machinist, which he followed for nine years, until September, 1857. At that time he moved to Peru, Ill. While there he engaged in the manufacture of matches for two years. From there he went to Upper Alton, Ill., and remained there employed in the manufacture of sewer pipe until April, 1862. He then came to Cannelton, where he has made his home ever since. Upon coming here he worked for Clark Bros, in the pottery for about two years, and then engaged in the coal business in a small way. With the proceeds from this he purchased an interest in the pottery of his brothers. He remained a partner until 1869, when he sold to his brother. He then engaged in the manufacture of stoneware for eight years alone. During this time he had to overcome many difficulties, but by hard and skillful labor finally succeeded in making first-class ware, so that in quality he could compete with any ware in the western markets. He sold to his brothers in February, 1877. In November, 1880, he began editing the Cannelton Journal, a Republican paper, which he followed for eighteen months. He then received a position as clerk in the pension office. After nearly a year he was compelled to resign on account of articular rheumatism in the right arm. He has recently purchased a with farming and stock-dealing, until 1883. when he retired from the business. He is also one of the original stockholders in the Cannelton Paper-Mill Company. Mr. Diener and family are members of the Lutheran Church, and he belongs to the German Benevolent Society. He has his family well provided for in case of his death as he carries a policy of $6,000 in the Germania Life Insurance Company of New York.
ELISHA E. DRUMB, attorney of Cannelton, is a native of Perry County, born May 20,1841. He is one of seven children born to Dr. William P. and Sarah A. Stevens Drumb. In early life he received a common school education in the schools of the county, and at the age of sixteen years he went as a cadet to West Point Military Academy. He attended that institution for more than three years and left it for the purpose of volunteering in the civil war, but on account of a disagreement with his officers, he returned home and that intention was abandoned. He then began reading law in the office of Ballard Smith. Later he attended law school at Chicago. While in that city, November 4, 1862, Hattie J, Portsmouth became his wife, and their three children are named May E., William P. and Aggie C., all living. They belong to the Episcopal Church, and he to the Odd Fellows and Masonic fraternities. In politics he is a Democrat and in 1876 was a candidate for State senator. In 1870 he started the Enquirer, which ho edited four years with success. He was admitted to the bar, May 19. 1862.
JOHN P. DUNN, deceased, was one of the early and prominent citizens of Perry County, and a native of Dearborn County, Ind. He located at Troy in 1846 and engaged in merchandising. He remained there until his election as auditor of State in 1852. He was elected a member of the constitutional convention in 1850. In politics he was a Democrat and with his party ticket was defeated for a second term of the State auditor ship. He was three times married and father of eighteen children. His third wife was Margaret Quarrels who became such on January 6, 1853. To their union four children were born of whom only Isaac is now living. Until 1860 he resided in Indianapolis. At that time he was appointed one of the original directors of the Northern State's Prison, in which capacity he served for two years. In June, 1876, he returned to his old home at Troy, where his death occurred December 19, 1868. Isaac Dunn was born December 23, lb53, at Indianapolis, in the old capitol building. He received a common school education in the schools of Michigan City and Troy. In September, 1871, he began attending the Military College of Kentucky, which he continued for three years. After this he attended and graduated at a commercial college in Indianapolis. He then engaged in the hotel business in that city until 1876. For a short time he was in the commission business at Louisville, and then returned to Troy. In 1878 he was candidate for State Legislature, and in 1880 he secured the nomination for county auditor. On account of the constitutional amendments being declared null, he was not elected until 1882. On April 9, 1877, he was united in matrimony to Frances C. Gerth of Troy, and by her is father of two children: Maggie T. and Isaac P. Mrs. Dunn is a member of the Catholic Church.
LOUIS DWYER, county clerk, was born near Taunton Mass., March 25, lb48, one of the ten children of Michael and Sarah (Stone bridge) Dwyer. While yet young he came with his parents to Perry County and located at Cannelton where he attended the public schools during his early years. In 1866-67 he attended St. Meinrad's College, this was the extent of his education. At fourteen he began distilling and working coal mines. In 1868 he operated a mine in Daviess County but the year following sold out and returned to Cannelton where he continued the mining business until 1876. In 1874 he had been elected county recorder and assumed the duties in 1876. He was re-elected in 1880, and in 1884 was elected county clerk in which capacity he is now serving. On November 22, 1875, his nuptials with Catherine V. Hufnagel were celebrated and to their union three children have been born: Sarah, Clara and William M. They were all members of the Roman Catholic Church, and he is politically a Democrat. He resides upon a farm about one mile from town and is engaged in the coal, lumber and stave business.
WILLIAM HECK, Sr., one of the leading citizens of Cannelton is a native of Nassau, Germany and was born October 19, 1835. He is one of eight children born to John and Christina (Lawrence) Heck. His education was acquired in his native land and in October, 1850, lie started for America where he landed in due time at New Orleans. After this he was engaged for short time in Smithland and Caseyville, Ky. In June 1850 he settled at Cannelton where his home has ever since been. Until 1858 he was employed in the coal mines. In that year and in company with his brother he began keeping a general store. In 1865 he sold out to his brother. Until 1872 he then conducted a brewery and from that time on was operating a coal mine on his farm near town. In 1876 he was elected justice of the peace and he has held that office ever since. Sophia M. Arnolds became his wife February 2, 1858; to them have been born eleven children these eight now living, John J., Fred W., Elizabeth K., Katie, Henry J., Charles L., Whilleamen and Edward C. The family belongs to the Protestent Lutheran Church. He belongs to the I. O. O. F., German Benovelent Society and is captain of the German Fire Company. His politics are Democratic.
JACOB HECK is one of the children born to John and Christina (Lawrence) Heck. He was born in Nassau, Germany, September 18, 1829 and was educated in his native land where he followed the occupation of a miner. In July 1851 he landed in America, and remained one year in New York working a mill. At the end of that time he came to Cannelton and has made it his home ever since. For eight years he was engaged in prospecting and digging for coal. Since 1861 he has been engaged in the retail merchandise business. Besides this he was three years "boss" at the mines of the American Coal Company and two years manager of the paper-mill of which he is one of the stockholders. He also owns a fertilizer. On July 11, 1853, he was joined in wedlock to Catherine Yeagel, and they are the parents of nine children, named Fred, William, Sophia, Henry, George, Louise, Phillip, Elizabeth and Jacob, all living. They are members of the Evangelical Church, and he belongs to the Odd Fellows fraternity. Politically he is a Demociat, and always has been. Mrs. Heck was born in Wheeling, W. Va., and her parents are natives of Germany, whence they came to America in 1832.
WILLIAM HENNING, attorney at Cannelton, was horn December 17, 1829, in Pennsylvania. He is one of three children born to John and Dorothea (Hildebrand) Henning. When six months old he went with his parents to Germany where he lived until twenty years of age and was educated. In 1850 he returned to America and resided for a short time at Johnstown, Penn., Wheeling, W. Va., Barnesville, Ohio, and in 1855 located at Calais, Ohio. Here he remained until 1862, when he went to Johnstown again, and was instrumental in forming an artillery company for the war. While in Ohio he studied law, and was admitted to practice at the December term 1858 of the Supreme Court at Columbus. He has continued the practice of his profession ever since. In April, 1866, he came to Cannelton, where he has been actively engaged in practice. His first marriage was at Johnstown, Penn., June 2, 1850, to Elizabeth Helfenbein, who bore him one child, named Mary. Her death occurred January 3, 1854, and at Miltonsburg, Ohio, in April following Lena Howiler became his second wife. She was the mother of two of his children, named John W. and Margaret. September 3, 1858, Mrs. Henning died. His third and last marriage was September 9, 1860, with Sarah E. Cleveland. Their union has been blessed with eight children, named Emma, Ella, William C., Pety, Edwin, Bertha, Lillian and Mamie. Mrs. Henning is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he belongs to the I. O. O. F. In 1867 he was elected prosecuting attorney for the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit. He is a Democrat and has 'for several years been attorney for the town of Cannelton.
MAJ. THOMAS J. DE LA HUNT (deceased) was one of the best known of Cannelton's citizens. He was of French descent and was born November 15, 1835, at Rathcool, Tipperary County, Ireland. At the age of ten years he came to America with his parents, and resided for a few years in Quebec and Toronto, Canada. From there he moved to New York, and in 1859 graduated with honor at Genesee College. In elocution he received the highest prize of the college. The same year he came to Cannelton, and was for a time engaged in what was known as Franklin Institute. In 1860 he travelled through the South in the interest of the school book publishing house of Morton & Griswold, Louisville. Ky. In 1861 he joined Company F of the Twenty-sixth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, and was commissioned its second lieutenant. He was soon made adjutant of the regiment, and while serving at such was severely wounded at the battle of Prairie Grove, Ark., in December 7,1862. He partially recovered and was ordered to Indianapolis as inspector of recruits, and later became post commander at Evansville for about one year, and until he went upon the staff of Gen. A. P. Hovey. He was again wounded at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain. His wounds and exposure so impaired his health as to compel his resignation in May, 1864. In October,1865 he was elected county auditor and served for four years. In January, 1866, he was married to Miss Isabelle Huckaby, of Cannelton, by whom he was the father of one son named Thomas J. By Gov. Baker he was placed on the committee to investigate the Indiana Sinking Fund at New York. Soon after his return from the army he purchased the Cannelton Reporter, and continued to edit it until his death, which occurred March 26, 1872.
THOMAS HURST, retail liquor dealer of Cannelton was born in Jacksonville, IlI., October 11. 1843. He is one of eleven children born to the marriage of James S. Hurst and Mary A. Payne, both natives of Kentucky and of Irish descent. He remained in his native town until he was fourteen years old, when he went to Hannibal, Mo., with the intention of becoming a veterinary surgeon. He remained there only n few months, and after visiting several other towns returned home and clerked in his cousin's shoe store for two years. At his country's first call for troops he enlisted in Company G, Tenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry for three months, and at the expiration of that time re-enlisted in Company K, Second Illinois Artillery. July 6, 1863, he was placed in the secret service department, in which he served until receiving his discharge January 14, 1865. After the war he lived at Natchez for two years, and then came to this county where he has resided ever since, with the exception of three years spent in Louisville. In 1878 he engaged in the retail liquor business at Leopold where he remained until 1883, when he came to Cannelton and established himself in the same business. He has been very successful, and during the seven years in which he has been in the business, he has never taken a glass of intoxicating liquor. December 21, 1863, he married Margaret (Lambert) Murray.
CHARLES W. LADD, M. D., of Cannelton, is a native of Louisville, Ky., and was born October 8, 1856. He is one of nine children born to W. W. and Mary E. (Steele) Ladd. Dr. Ladd was raised and educated in his native city. In March, 1882, he graduated from the Louisville Medical College, and soon after that he located in Cannelton in the practice of his profession. On July 31, 1882, he married Kittie L. Reardon, of Louisville. By her he is father of one child named Anita, and born September 3, 1883. In his profession the Doctor has been very successful, and he makes surgery a specialty. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ladd are members of the Roman Catholic Church, of Cannelton. In politics he is a Democrat, and in 1884 was elected coroner of the county.
JAMES LEES, one of the leading citizens of Cannelton, was born in Ireland, July 15, 1824. His parents were English and his father was at the time in the British Army. At the age of four years he went with his parents to British America, where he remained until 1836. He then went to England and resided until 1849, receiving his education in that country. In the year 1842, at the town of Duckinfield, he began the trade of a machinist and ever since then he has followed that occupation. In 1849 he came to America and for one year remained in the Eastern States. In the fall of 1850 he came to Cannelton, and was given charge of the repair shop, in the cotton-mill. This Ire held until August, 1860, at which time he became engineer, a position he has filled ever since. His nuptials with Mary Shaples were celebrated in England, April 18, 1849. Of their family of seven children, these five are now living: John E. William F., Sarah J., James and Jessie A. Mr. Lees is owner of the foundry and machine shops, at Cannelton, which are conducted by two of his sons. He and wife are members of the Episcopal Church, and he belongs to the Blue Lodge in Masonry. In politics he is a Republican. He was major of the Fifth Regiment of the Indiana Legion during the war.
HON. HEBER J. MAY, was born in Pike County, Ind., November 28, 1846. At the age of six or seven years he moved with his parents to Perry County, and with the exception of two years' residence in Evansville, has made Cannelton his home ever since. He was educated in the common schools of the county and took private instructions from Rev. W. L. Githens. After a due course of reading he was admitted to practice law, and has been an active and successful practitioner ever since. He has been an active Democrat all his life, and from 1868 to 1871 filled the ofiBce of school examiner. In 1882 he was nominated by his party for joint-senator from Perry and Spencer Counties, without opposition. He was elected by a decisive majority, and his record in the Senate has been entirely satisfactory. He married Miss Gertrude Huntington, a daughter of Judge Huntington, late of the United States District Court for Indiana.
PHILLIP R. AND LEONARD MAY were both born in Prussia, the former on December 1, 1840, and the latter on the 23d day of May, 1842. While yet young they came to America with their parents, who were Charles and Elizabeth (Jacoby) May. They settled near Rome, in Perry County,where their education was obtained in the country schools. Their home was with their parents on the farm until they enlisted in the army. That was in October, 1861, when they joined Company B, of the Third Kentucky Cavalry, for three years. At the end of that time Leonard again volunteered for a longer time, and returned home at the close of the war. Phillip came home immediately after the expiration of his term of service, and on November 12, 1871, Dinah B. Platt became his wife. To them have been born four children: Samuel L., Walter T., Charles F. and Phillip E., all living. After the close of the war they worked an oil well for a time, and in the early part of 1866 began in the shingle and grist-mill business at Cannelton on a small scale. This they continued until 1880, when they bought their present large flouring-mill, which they conduct under the firm name of P. R. May & Bro. They do a large business and are among the enterprising men of the town. They are Republicans and members of the Odd Fellows fraternity. Leonard was married on the 12th of August, 1866, to Mrs. Elizabeth (Brandenstien) Wagner. Together they have nine children : Lilly, Albert C., Edward L., Mattie B., Jennie S., Russell (deceased), Harry G. Raymond and Florence. Mrs. May was mother of one child by her former husband, named Joseph G. The brothers were engaged in the battles of Stone River, Atlanta, Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, Resaca, Goldsboro, Dalton, Ringgold, Marietta, and went to the sea with Sherman. The father has long been a prominent citizen of the county and was at one time county sheriff.
PETER MEYER, one of the business men of Cannelton, was born in the city of St. Wendel, Prussia, October 28, 1825. His education was obtained in his native country and he learned the trade of a shoemaker. On the last day of June, 1855, he landed at New York, and in December following, came to Cannelton, which has been his home ever since. For six years he was employed in the coal mines, and with his earnings he started a shoe and leather store. In this he conducted a successful business until 1880, when he sold it out. He was one of the oiginal stockholders of the paper-mill in Cannelton in 1872. He has been treasurer and general business manager of that concern most of the time since. On June 30, 1856, his marriage with Margaret (Schupmehl) was solemnized, and by her he is the father of three children. The entire family are members of the Catholic Church. In politics he is a Democrat, and in 1867 was elected town treasurer. In 1873 he was chosen a member of the school board and with the exception of two years has held that office ever since.
DWIGHT NEWCOMB, a prominent citizen of Cannelton, was born in Franklin County, Mass., December 1, 1820, and is the only surviving member of a family of twelve children born to the marriage of Dalton Newcomb and Harriet Wells, also natives of the " Old Bay State." He was reared in his native county, where he remained until he attained the age of seventeen years. Being one of a large family of children, and his father a man in very moderate circumstances, living on a New England farm, he received only a common school education. After leaving home he worked in an edge-tool manufactory, and later, in the hydraulic machine works in Vermont, until 1841, when he came to Louisville, Ky., and clerked in his brother's grocery store for five years. The next five years was spent in steamboating, and in 1849, he built the steamer California, which he sold in June, 1851. In September of that year, he came to Cannelton to look after his brother's interest in the cotton-mill, but with no intention of becoming a permanent resident of the place. The mill, however, was in such a condition that it was necessary to make extensive repairs, and he remained five years putting tho mill in good shape. He was subsequently elected president of the cotton mill good pany. In 1855, under the firm name of D. Newcomb & Co., he leased the American Cannel Coal Company's Mines, and invested about $42,000 in their development. It proved to be an exceedingly profitable investment. After repaying the capital invested, a total dividend of $400,000 remained. For five years Mr. Newcomb in partnership with others, operated a coal mine at Newburgh. He has always taken a vacation from business for about two months each year, visiting Saratoga, Newport, and resorts in this country, and for ten years made an annual trip to Europe. He has now entirely retired from business. Mr. Newcomb is a man of rare business ability, and deserves great credit for the part that he has taken in developing the resources of the county and building up the town. In politics he is a Democrat, and formerly took a very active part in the political affairs of the State and county.
REV. FREDERICK WILLIAM PEPERSACK, Catholic pastor of St. Patrick's and St. Michael's churches at Cannelton, was born March 21,1822, at Dinklage, Oldenburg. He came to America in January, 1847, and for several years was engaged in teaching school at St. Wendel, Posey Co., Ind. He received the highest praise from the pastor, Father Weinzoepfel. He prepared for the university, and was ordained priest at Vincennes by Bishop de St. Palais on March 24, 1855. On the feast of the Seven Dolors, he celebrated his first mass at St. Wendel. He was appointed the first resident pastor of St. James' in Gibson County immediately after this, and remained there until June 1866. He left it much improved and free of all indebtedness. From June 1866 to October 1870, he served as pastor of St. Nicholas, in Ripley County. At the last named date he became pastor of Millhousen, in Decatur County. There he found debts to the amount of $18,000, and church accounts badly kept. By skillful management he succeeded in greatly reducing that, and also built a school for the larger boys, and thoroughly renovated the school for girls. He remained at Millhousen until his appointment at Cannelton, in March 1885. He was instrumental in building St. Joseph's at Princeton, Ind., in 1866, now one of the most flourishing in the diocese.
CHRISTIAN RAUSCHER, county commissioner, and a citizen of Cannelton, was born in Wittenberg, Germany, April 23, 1832. His parents were John and Catherine (Costanbader) Rauscher. All his education was obtained in early life in his native country. At the age of twelve years he left home arfd friends and started for the New World, where he landed at New Orleans in August, 1844. For about a year after that he was employed as baker in that city. From there he went to Louisville and learned the butcher's trade, and remained in that place until his settlement in Cannelton, in 1855. At that time he had but $10 and that sum he invested in two hogs, and from which he derived considerable profit. Ever since then he has been engaged in the butcher business in the town with good success. Frederica Idler became his wife in the fall of 1853. She is also a native of Germany, and has borne him five children, these three now living: Mrs. Katie Keehorn, John and Mrs. Lizzie Cummings. Both Mr. and Mrs. Rauscher belong to the Lutheran Church, and he is a member of the Blue Lodge in Masonry. Politically he is a Democrat, and in 1884, was elected county commissioner, which office he now holds.
WILLIAM L. SHALLCROSS, of Cannelton, was born in Louisville, Ky, March 18, 1830, and is a son of John and Mary (Lewis) Shallcross. The father was a native of Manchester, England, and came to America in 1812. Three years later he located at Louisville. He resided there until his death, in 1867, being at that time one of the most widely known business men in the West, and leaving a fortune valued at $250,000. Of his twelve children but six are now living. William L. is the fourth child, and was raised in his native city, where he received a good education, mostly from private tutors. At the age of sixteen years he began a wholesale grocery business, and two years later removed to Iron Mountain, Mo., where he was engaged as clerk for the Iron Mountain Company. After three years more he returned to Louisville, and for fifteen years followed the milling business. Since October, 1870, he has been living in Cannelton, and acting treasurer of the American Cannel Coal Company. At Elizabethtown, Ky., on April 17, 1855, Mary Crutcher became his wife. She bore him seven children, these four now living: Mary S., Lillian, Eliza J. and James C. On January 6, 1876, Mrs. Shallcross, who was a member of the Episcopal Church, died. His second marriage occurred February 17, 1879, with Mary P. Claycomb. By her he is father of one child, named Marcia P. He. is a member of the Knights of Honor, and in politics is a liberal Democrat.
JOHN SILVEREISAN, proprietor of Phoenix Hotel, of Cannelton, is a native of Prussia, born April 9, 1836, being the fifth of seven children in the family of William and Catharine (Dono) Silvereisan. When eight years old, he came with his parents to the United States, and located near Rome, in this county. Owing to the meager educational facilities of those times, he received but little school instruction. At the age of seventeen he went to Cincinnati and learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed as a journeyman in the shops of Lemon & Bro. and Newcomb & Co. for fourteen years. He then worked in the blacksmithing and repairing shop at the cotton-mill until July, 1879, when he engaged in his present business. November 27, 1858 he married Margaret Ruby, who died February 14, 1872, leaving two children, Frederick L. and Lillian. He chose for his second wife Amelia Beckwith, whom he married July 28, 1872. Mr. Silvereisan is very successful in the hotel business, and keeps a first-class house. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Democrat.
HON. JOSEPH F. SULZER, of the firm of J. F. Sulzer & Bro., was born in Louisville, Ky., September 20, 1837. He is the eldest of five children. His parents were Samuel and Magdalene (Herman) Sulzer. He may be said to have grown up behind the counter, as his father was a merchant. When seventeen years of age he began business for himself near Frankfort, Ky. At the end of one year he returned to the city, and for more than two was a " bright worker" in the tin business. In 1855 he located at Cannelton in trade. Since that time he has been one of the leading merchants of the place. Louise W. Kolb, of Cannelton, and native of Ohio, was married to him January 20, 1861. She has borne him five children: Mabel, Frank K., Grace, Floy and Raymond. They are members of the Episcopal Church, while he belongs to the Lutheran and the Masonic and Odd Fellows' lodges. In politics he was formerly a Democrat, but for several years has been allied with the Republican party. In 1880 he was elected to the State Legislature against the strongest opposition. He takes an active interest in all public enterprises of his town. In company with his brother Samuel, he owns one of the best retail stores in southern Indiana, and in addition they have a branch house at Cloverport, Ky., and one at Troy, Ind.
JOHN SWEENEY, county sheriff, is a native of Ireland and was born May 6, 1849. Timothy and Mary (Walsh) Sweeney were his parents. In the early part of 1854 he came to America preceded by his mother, the father having died prior to that time. He landed at New Orleans and came at once to Cannelton. He received a common school education in the public schools of the town, and in 1865 began a year's course at St. Meinrad's College. After that he learned the trade of a saddler and harness-maker, which he followed until the early part of 1876. In that year he was elected county sheriff and was re-elected in 1878. Upon the expiration of his term in 1880 he was employed two years as foreman of a company of men in the quarries at Rock Island. After that time he bought and sold stock, and speculated a little until April, 1884. He was then nominated by his party for sheriff without any solicitation on his part, and without opposition. He was elected and is now serving his third term in that capacity. This is of itself a sufficient recommend of the esteem in which he was held by his fellow citizens. He is a member of the Roman Catholic Church.
WILL N. UNDERWOOD, editor and proprietor of the Cannelton Enquirer and Reporter, is a native of New York, where he was born in Delaware County, September 16, 1841. He is the youngest child and only son in a family of six children born to the marriage of Nathaniel Underwood and Roxanna Cannon. When he was four years old his parents removed to Ostego County, of the same State, where he was reared and received a good education, graduating from the New Berlin Academy in 1857. The next three years he spent in learning the printer's trade in the office of the Chenango Union. In the fall of 1860 he went to Janesville, Wis., and was engaged as pressman on the Democrat. In October, 1861, he enlisted as a private in the Sixteenth New York Heavy Artillery, with which regiment he served until August, 1865. After his return from the war he was engaged in the printing business at Pittsburgh, and later spent three years at Carlinville, 1ll., where he married Etta Wargensted on March 7, 18t59. From Carlinville he went to Topeka, Kan., and assumed the foremanship in the office of the State Record, remaining there until 1873. In that year he came to Cannelton and purchased an interest in the Enquirer, a few years later he became the sole owner, and in 1877 bought the Reporter and consolidated the two under the title of Enquirer and Reporter.
DOMINICK VANDERPOOL, manufacturer and dealer in leather and shoe findings, is a native of Holland, born in 1831, being the oldest child in the family of Sibron and Julia A. (Deboer) Vanderpool. He was reared at home, receiving his education in the schools of his native country. In 1848 he came with his father to the United States, and after a two year's residence in Cincinnati came to this county, of which he has since been a resident. During his stay in Cincinnati he learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed in Cannelton as a journeyman, previous to the establishment of his present business. He was senior member of the firm of Vanderpool & Gottschalk, tanners, and also for a time dealt quite extensively in hoop-poles. September 4, 1863, he wedded Maria Birlenbach, and to their union have been born five children : Kathrina, William, John, Susanna and Dominick. Mrs. Vanderpool and iamily are members of the Lutheran Church. Politically he is a Democrat, and takes an active interest in the political affairs of the county. He has served several terms as town treasurer, and is the present incumbent.
GOTTLIEB VOGEL, of Cannelton, was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, January 4, 1830, being the youngest of ten children in the family of George H. and Dorotha (Ulichler) Vogel. He was reared in his native country, where he received a common school education. August 31, 1850, he embarked for America and arrived at New York, October 15, from whence he came to Ohio, where he remained about fifteen months. He then came to Cannelton, where he has since resided. He worked in the mines for over thirty-three years, and by economy and industry he has succeeded in accumulating considerable property. July 2, 1854, Louisa Schlemmer became his wife, and by him the mother of eleven children, only two of whom August and Ernest are living. Mr. Vogel and family are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Republican, and is the present trustee of his township.
GEORGE R. WAGNER, druggist and pharmacist, of Cannelton, is a native of the town where he now lives, and was born January 20, 1852. He remained here until fifteen years of age, and then went to Madison, Ind., where he lived two years. In 1871 he went to Louisville, and there engaged in various occupations, among which was telegraphy, for about eighteen months. He began in the drug business in 1876, and two years later commenced a course in the Louisville College of Pharmacy. This he completed in 1880, receiving the medal for the best average. Immediately after this he began the retail drug trade in Cannelton, which he has successfully continued ever since. His parents were William and Catherine (Wolfram) Wagner, who raised a family of six children. He married Emma E. Jacobs, January 31, 1882, and their only child is named Mabel. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and she of the Episcopal. Mr. Wagner is a member of the Knights of Honor.
EBEN WlLBER, one of the old and prominent citizens of Cannelton, is a native of Rensselaer County, N. Y., and was born June 7, 1814. He is one of a family of four children born to Samuel and Amy (Cook) Wilber. His education was all obtained in his native place with the exception of one year's attendance at an academy at Lansingburg. At the age of thirteen he began clerking in his father's store at Schaghticoke, near Troy. For eight years he continued in this business, and then began working in the cotton-mills at Ballston Spa. He remained there six years, and had made such advancement in knowledge of the business that he was chosen to superintend the cotton-mills at Cannelton, which were built and put in operation under his management. That was in October, 1850, and he has since been in charge of this institution. In November, 1853, he was married to Miss Margaret Jackson, who was at that time a resident of Cannelton. To their union five children have been born named Mary A., Maggie J., Charles J., Henry H. and George J., of which only two, Henry and George, are now living. In religion, Mr. Wilber was raised a Quaker, and his sentiments have always been with the church of his childhood. Mrs. Wilber and the children are members of the Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Democrat, and takes a laudable interest in public affairs. He has never had time to be an office-seeker.
JACOB WITTMER, merchant, and proprietor of Rock Island Stone quarries, is a native of Canton Solothurn, Switzerland, born August 7,1839, and is one of seven children in the family of John J. and Mary A. (Schleivley) Wittmer. The father died when Jacob was quite young, and at the age of thirteen, he came with his mother to the United States, locating on a farm in Union Township. After one year, he went to Louisville and learned the barber's trade which he followed in that city for seven years. He was afterward engaged as cook on a steamboat until the war, when he enlisted in Company D, Thirty-fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, serving as cook for the medical department, and later for Gen. Stanley and staff. He was finally made chief cook for a hospital, and after a service of over three years he returned to Perry County. He conducted a barber shop for a number of years, and for a time was proprietor of Phoenix Hotel. In 1879 he erected a store-house and dwelling upon a farm which he had previously bought east of Cannelton, and where he has since resided and conducted a lucrative mercantile business. He is also engaged in quarrying a sand stone of superior quality, for which he finds a good demand. May 21, 1865, he married Elizabeth Garber a native of Baden, and to them have been born five children now living. They are Phillip, Elizabeth. Charles, William and Amelia. Both himself and wife are members of the Catholic Church.
JOHN ZIMMERMAN, a native of Switzerland, was born January 6, 1843, and at the age of three years moved to the southern part of Norway where he remained until ten years old. In the spring of 1853, he came to America and landed at Quebec. Not long after with his family he went to Woonsocket, R. I., where he obtained all his education in the public schools. In the spring of 1858, they located at Cannelton, and lor a short time was employed in the cotton-mill, and about one year as a clerk in a retail store. Later he worked at the gunsmith trade with Fred Miller. On October-5, 1861, he enlisted in Company D, Fortysecond Regiment, Indiana Infantry. In the battle of Perryville he was wounded, and was then transferred to the Mississippi Marine Brigade, where he served until his discharge, January 26,1865. He re-enlisted for one year in Hancock's Corps. At the end of that time he returned home and was engaged in various occupations until January 1868, when he enlisted in the regular army for three years in Battery G, Fourth Artillery. At the expiration of his term of service, he returned to Cannelton. March 26, 1871, he was united in matrimony to Mrs. Mary (Benus) Smith. To their union have been born six children, these five now living: Anna, Caroline, Lilly, Salome and George. He belongs to the Masonic, I. O. O. F. and G. A. R. societies. Politically he is a Republican, and in 1880 was candidate for county treasurer. He is the present chairman of the County Central Committee. In 1871 he began his present merchandise business.

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