Biographical

The following biographies are not listed in alphabetical order, but are, rather, listed as found in the original source.

G. V. Menzies, of Mount Vernon, ranks as one of the leading members of the Indiana bar. He has practiced law in this State for over forty years, and during that time has been a prominent figure in many of the important cases that have been adjudicated by the highest tribunals of the Commonwealth. Like many other successful lawyers, he has taken an active interest in politics, and on several occasions figured prominently in the National councils of the Democratic party. He was born in Boone county, Kentucky, December 21, 1844, and is a son of Dr. Samuel G. and Sally (Winston) Menzies, the former was a native of Woodford county, Kentucky, and the descendant of Revolutionary stock from Virginia. Capt. Samuel P. Menzies, a direct lineal ancestor, served in Washington's army, and commanded a battery at Yorktown. Sally Winston, the wife of Dr. Menzies, was born near Richmond, Va. Her parents emigrated to Kentucky when she was a child. G. V. Menzies, the subject of this review, was reared on a farm and attended the common schools and also attended school in Cincinnati, Ohio. When sixteen years of age he went with his father, who at that time was surgeon of the First regiment, Kentucky volunteers (Union). Young Menzies was present at the campaign in West Virginia during the summer of 1861, when the First Kentucky served in General Cox's brigade against the Confederate forces under Generals Wise and Floyd, in the Kanawha Valley. When at Gauley Bridge, W. Va., the boy received an appointment as midshipman at the United States Naval Academy, at Annapolis, Md. Part of Mr. Menzies' class completed the four-years course in three years, and he was therefore graduated in the class of 1864. He was assigned to duty at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, where he served until June, 1865, when he was ordered to the frigate Colorado, the flagship of the European Squadron and served in that duty two years. He was then transferred to the Monitor Miantonomah, the first vessel of that type to cross the ocean. He served as ensign on board that vessel until they returned to the United States in July, 1867. In September, 1867, he joined the South Pacific Squadron, serving on the frigate Powhatan. He was appointed to the staff of Rear Admiral John A. Dalhgren and served as flag lieutenant until he was relieved. Lieutenant Menzies then served in the same capacity on the staff of Rear Admiral Thomas Turner. In October, 1869, Mr. Menzies returned to the United States, and on November n, 1869, was united in marriage to Miss Esther Hovey, the only daughter of Gen. Alvin P. Hovey, who was then United States Minister to Peru. To this union were born three children : Mary M., married Walter A. Seymour, who is now deceased, and she resides at Pelham, N. Y. ; Juliet M., married Lloyd B. Fitzhugh, and she resides at Mt. Vernon, and Winston, personal mention of whom is made elsewhere in this volume. Shortly after his marriage Lieutenant Menzies was assigned to duty at Portsmouth Navy Yard, until August, 1870. From that date until November, 1871, he was on duty at the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md., when he resigned from the navy, having attained the rank of lieutenant commander. He immediately came to Mt. Vernon and engaged in the practice of law, and has been continuously in the practice to the present time, and through all these years has taken an active part in politics also. He was a delegate to the Democratic convention at St. Louis in 1876, which nominated Samuel J. Tilden and was Presidential elector for the First district of Indiana that year. In 1878 he was elected to the State senate, from the district composing Gibson and Posey counties, for a term of four years. In 1880 he served as a delegate of the National Democratic convention held at Cincinnati, and in 1884 was a delegate to the Democratic National convention and vice chairman of the Indiana delegation. He was a delegate-at-large to the National Democratic conventions of 1896, 1900, 1904 and 1912. In 1904 he was chairman of the Indiana delegation and also member of the committee on credentials. He placed Governor Marshall in nomination for Vice-President at the Baltimore convention by a clever and able speech, which was well received, and in the convention of 1884 he made the motion to make Cleveland's nomination unanimous, which was carried. Mr. Menzies was the Democratic nominee for Congress at a special election in 1905, also at the general election of 1906, but was defeated both times. He has served as delegate to several river and harbor conventions, by appointment of governors of Indiana, and was a member of the commission appointed by the United States Supreme Court to establish the boundary line between Indiana and Kentucky opposite Green River Island. He has been a member of the board of control for the State Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument since 1894, by appointment from governors of the State, and is now president of the board. He has been admitted to practice in all the courts, both State and Federal. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and the Loyal Legion of Indiana. Mr. Menzies possesses the natural attributes of a great lawyer, in addition to being a close student of the law all his life. He is possessed of a well balanced legal mind, and is a fearless and forcible advocate, and as a trial lawyer has few equals in the State. Capt. Winston Menzies, editor and proprietor of the "Evening and Weekly Sun," Mt. Vernon, is a native of Posey county, and a son of Maj. G. V. Menzies, born in Mt. Vernon November 22, 1876. He was educated in the public schools of Posey county and the New York Military Academy at Cornwall-on-the Hudson, New York. Later he entered the University of Indiana at Bloomington, Ind., graduating in the class of 1897. He then took up newspaper work, and was reporter on the "Daily Democrat" one summer. He then went to St. Louis, and was employed on the "Republic" staff until the breaking out of the Spanish- American war. In April, 1898, he enlisted as a private in Company H,. One Hundred and Fifty-ninth Indiana infantry, and on July n, 1898, was transferred to the One Hundred and Sixty-first Indiana infantry, and commissioned captain of Company B. His regiment was sent South, assigned to the Seventh army corps, under Gen. Fitzhugh Lee, and served through the entire Cuban campaign. To Captain Menzies belongs the distinction of being the youngest captain in the Seventh army corps. He received his commission before he was twenty-two. He was mustered out of the service in April, 1899, and returned to Mt. Vernon, again engaging in the newspaper work, this time as city editor of the "Democrat." In 1901 he went to Fort Wayne, in the employ of the United Boxboard & Paper Company, and remained there until 1905, when he went to Indianapolis for the same company. In 1907 he again returned to Mt. Vernon, and became managing editor of the "Evening Sun," which was organized at that time. In December, 1909, he bought the paper, and is now the sole .owner. Captain Menzies was married April 30, 1901, to Miss Irma Wasem, eldest daughter of Louis Wasem, a prominent merchant of Mt. Vernon and Evansville. To Captain and Mrs. Menzies has been born one child: Esther Hovey, born at Fort Wayne, February 4, 1902. Captain Menzies is a member of Camp Fee, Spanish-American War Veterans; the Military Order of the Loyal Legion, and the Press Club of Indianapolis.

George William Curtis, Sr., former clerk of the Eleventh judicial circuit, popular citizen and breeder of pedigreed horses of National reputation, was born on the old Curtis farm in Black township, Posey county, Indiana, the son of William Boyd and Nancy Lucy (Harshman) Curtis. The family is of English descent, and was founded in the Virginia colony previous to the War of the Revolution, in which members of the family served with the Colonial troops. The first of the family to settle in Indiana was William Curtis, a native of Virginia, who came to Posey county previous to 1814, and located on land in what is now Black township. He was accompanied by a son, Thomas Cottrell Curtis, who also located in Black township, and reached the advanced age of ninety-two years, and who resided on the same farm until his death. Both were farmers, acquired valuable properties, and were men of influence in the formative period of the county. William Curtis was the grandfather of the subject of this review. His son, William Boyd Curtis, was reared on the home farm, attended the schools of the period, and became one of the successful farmers of the county, and the owner of valuable lands. He was a Democrat, took an active part in the work of his party, and was one of the influential men of his time. He married Nancy Lucy Harshman, the daughter of George and Dorcas Harshman, residents of the township, and pioneer settlers in the county. George William Curtis, Sr., acquired his education in the district schools of Black township, and the academy in Mt. Vernon. Until 1862, he was employed on the home farm. From the year mentioned until 1867, he was a teacher in the schools of Indiana and Illinois. In the last named year he rented from his father a tract of land and began farming. On April 7, 1869, he married Miss Ruth Greathouse, the daughter of Lorenzo D. Greathouse, born in Posey county in 1818, the son of David Greathouse, a native of Pennsylvania, and founder of the family in Indiana. From that year until 1900, with the exception of eight years, in which he occupied the office of clerk of the Posey County Circuit Court, he was engaged in farming and the breeding and racing of pedigreed horses. His initial purchase of breeding stock was from the famous Belle Meade farm of Tennessee in 1883. The most notable of the performers which were bred on his farm were, Egmont, the sensation of the season of 1887, entered for the season of 1888, in stakes totaling over $80,000, and sold by him in the spring of the last named year for $10,500; Topmast, who won the greatest number of races of any horse in America during the season of 1889; Gold Band, Red Cap and Silver Set. His animals were raced on the tracks at Louisville, Chicago, St. Louis, Lexington, New Orleans, Covington, Memphis and elsewhere. Mr. Curtis became one of the prominent and popular breeders of the country and his stable was a profitable one. Previous to his engaging in the breeding of racing stock, he was an active and influential factor in the political life of his county. He has been a lifelong Democrat. He was elected clerk of the Posey County Circuit Court in 1874, and re-elected in 1878. His administration of the affairs of this office was such as to procure the highest commendation. In 1900, he became a resident of the city of Mt. Vernon, where he has since resided. He was appointed deputy circuit clerk of the Eleventh judicial circuit in 1904, and is still serving in that capacity. Mr. and Mrs. Curtis are the parents of the following children, viz.: Stella, born January 26, 1870, the widow of Silas O. Thomas, a farmer of Black township ; Olive Branch Curtis, born in 1874. and who died aged nine; George William Curtis. Jr., personal mention of whom follows this article, and Ben Wilkes Curtis, born October 6. 1880, an employee of the Cumberland Telephone Company at New Harmony, Ind.

George William Curtis, influential lawyer of Posey county, senator from the First district of Indiana, and citizen of State-wide prominence, was born in Mt. Vernon, November 10. 1878, the son of George \V. and Ruth (Greathouse) Curtis, a personal review of whom precedes this article. Senator Curtis received his early educational discipline in the schools of his native city, and later entered the University of Indiana, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1900. He was admitted to the bar in Mt. Vernon in May, 1901, where he has since practiced his profession. Since October, 1910, he has been associated in practice with William Espenschied, under the firm style of Espenchied & Curtis. The firm is recognized as one of the most successful in Southwestern Indiana, and they have appeared in connection with the most important litigations in both the State and Federal courts. In the practice of his profession Senator Curtis has attained recognition as a leader among his fellow members of the bar through his comprehensive knowledge of the law, his logic in argument, and as an orator of more than usual brilliance. His close attention to business and the honesty and fairness with which he has treated his clientage have won the support and respect of the citizens of his district. His political allegiance has been given the Democratic party, and of his party and its policies he has ever been a consistent supporter. He was elected prosecuting attorney of the Eleventh judicial circuit, composed of Posey and Gibson counties, in 1904. His record in the administration of the affairs of this office was such as to place him in line for the nomination to the senator ship from the First district, to which he was elected in 1910. His work as a member of the senate during the session of 1911. was such that his colleagues on the Democratic side unanimously selected him as president pro tempore and floor leader during the session of 1913. Much can be said of his labors in the last named session. He was identified as a leader in the framing and passage of the Public Utility Act. The vocational education bill, passed through his committee, and received his active support on the floor of the senate. He was the author of the uniform high school text book law, and through much opposition and by his efforts it became a law. In its operation a large saving to the parents of the school children will obtain. As floor leader and president pro tempore, he labored not alone for himself, but by his accommodating disposition was of great assistance to all who were working openly for progressive Democratic legislation. Through both sessions in which he served he took an active part in those measures which were worth while, and was considered by his fellow members as one of the energetic and active leaders of his party therein. It is generally conceded that as a parliamentarian he ranks as a leader in his State ; as an orator he has few equals, while his charming personality has endeared him to a wide acquaintanceship. He has always stood for the interests of the common people, and to his constituents he has been loyal. He possesses ability, honesty and courage, while his fairness is an added quality which deserves honorable mention. At this writing, 1913, he has announced himself as a candidate for the office of attorney general. The comment of the press of the State succeeding his announcement shows a consensus census of opinion as to his qualifications for the office, which has seldom been equaled in its praise of a candidate for nomination. Senator Curtis is a member of the Masonic order and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Of the latter order he is vice-president for Indiana, and served during 1912 and 1913 as district deputy. Senator Curtis married, on September 16, 1903, Miss Rena Streeby, the daughter of Jay B. Streeby, of Mt. Vernon. Mrs. Curtis is a woman of wide acquaintance and popular in the social circles of her home city, in which she is a leader. She is a member of the Martha Hunter Guild. During the residence of Senator Curtis and his wife at the State capitol Mrs. Curtis was known as one of the leaders of the official set, and her charm of personality and mind assisted greatly in furthering the Senator's influence.

Julius C. Barter, successful farmer, influential citizen and descendant of two of Posey county's pioneer families, was born in the Barter home, Second and Walnut streets, Mt. Vernon, on December 30, 1857, the son of John L. and Jane (Templeton) Barter. The Barter family is of English origin and was founded in Posey county by John Barter, born May 14, 1797, in the village of Houl, Devonshire, England, who settled with his sons, John, Richard, William and James, in Black township previous to 1820. James, the youngest of these sons, and the grandfather of our subject, Julius C. Barter, engaged in the general merchandise business in Mt. Vernon in 1825, shortly after it became the county seat. John L., the son of James, and father of our subject, was born in Mt. Vernon in 1830. He was also a merchant. He married when a young man, Jane Templeton, the daughter of Samuel L. Templeton, a pioneer of Black township. He was a native of North Carolina, and entered upon land two miles west of Mt. Vernon in 1825. He was a tanner and built and operated a tannery upon his farm. He also manufactured harness and saddles and later shoes. He was thrifty and became the owner of valuable land interests. He was a member of the Methodist church, active in its support, and served as trustee for many years. He married Sally Curtis, the daughter of William G. Curtis, a native of North Carolina, who was also a pioneer settler of Posey county. Jane Templeton Barter was born in Posey county in 1835 and died on December 5, 1902. Her surviving children are as follows : Julius C., the subject of this sketch ; Sally, the widow of Worth Templeton, former trustee of Black township, and successful farmer, who resides in Los Angeles, Cal., and Harris, who is married and resides in Los Angeles. The eldest child, Mark Barter, born December 2, 1855, died in June, 1905. Julius Ceasar Barter was reared in the family of his grandfather Templeton, with whom his mother went to live when he was four years of age. He attended the district schools of Posey county and acquired a good common school education. Since early boyhood, farming has been his occupation, and in this line of endeavor he is recognized as authority. He is the owner of a portion of the old Templeton farm, on which is situated "Barter's Grove," one of the favorite picnic grounds near Mt. Vernon, and which has been the scene of many enjoyable festivities. Mr. Barter has been a lifelong Democrat, has been active in the political life of the county, but has no inclination for public office. He cast his first vote for Samuel J. Tilden. He has never married.

John Lorenz Schultheis, clerk of the city of Mt. Vernon, is a native of Indiana, and was born in Haubstadt, Gibson county, on May 21, 1865, the son of Lambert and Elizabeth (Mauder) Schultheis. Lambert Schultheis was born in Germany, September 24, 1838, and died on August 9, 1903. He came to the United States in 1844, with his father, Michael Schultheis, who had $800, considered a large sum for an emigrant at that time. He came to Gibson county, Indiana, and bought land. His residence in the new land was short, however, as he died about three months after investing in Gibson county. Lambert, but six years of age at the time of his father's death, was reared in the family of Anton Schaefer, a distant relative, and later learned the cooper's trade. When seventeen years of age he secured employment, as a cooper, with Anton Raben, of St. Wendel, Posey county, remaining in his employ until 1872. From the last mentioned year until his death, which occurred in 1903, he followed the carpenter's trade. He was a Democrat in his political affiliations, and a devout member of the Catholic church. He married when a young man, Elizabeth Mauder, the daughter of Joseph and Margaret Mauder, of Haubstadt, Gibson county. She was born on May 8, 1839, and died on August 29, 1869. They were the parents of four children, two of whom survive: John Lorenz, the subject of this review, and Kate, who married Victor Knapp, M. D., a resident of Ferdinand, Ind. Mary, the eldest child, married August Wolf, who died, and she married Fred Schnautz, of Haubstadt. She died on April 30, 1901. Joseph M., the youngest of the children, died January 24, 1911, aged forty-two. Lambert Schultheis married for a second wife, Kate Handel, and of this union one son was born, Edmond, a resident of Mt. Carmel, and a cooper by trade. John Lorenz Schultheis received his educational training in the parochial school of Haubstadt, and was taught the carpenter's trade by his father, a line of occupation he followed until 1891, in the vicinity of Haubstadt until 1886, when he removed to Mt. Vernon, and until 1891, in the last named city. From 1891 to 1895, he was employed as clerk by William Melton, from 1895 until 1903. in a like capacity by Andrew A. Schenk, and from 1903 until January, 1906, as secretary and manager of the Mt. Vernon Opera House, by the late August Schieber. In 1905, he was elected treasurer of the city of Mt. Vernon, for a four-year term, which expired in January. 1910. His administration of the affairs of that office was such as to secure his election, in 1909, by a flattering majority, to the city clerkship, in which position he is now serving. He is a Democrat, has been an active worker in his party's interests, and enjoys the confidence of his fellow citizens. As a public official, his acts have been marked by honesty and fidelity, and the departments of the city's business over which he has had charge have been known for their efficiency. Mr. Schultheis is a member of Posey Aerie, No. 1717, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and of the German Aid Society of Mt. Vernon, of which he is secretary. Mr. Schultheis married, on November 1, 1898, Miss Anna Maus, the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Maus, of Mt. Vernon. Mr. Maus was a well known millwright and many of the flouring plants of Posey county were built under his supervision. Mrs. Schultheis was born on August 15, 1870. There is one child of this union, Ruth E. Schultheis, born August 22, 1899.

George Green Thomas, auditor of Posey county, is a native of Lynn township, and was born on his father's farm November 25, 1855, the son of James E. and Margaret (Duckworth) Thomas. James E. Thomas was born in Waverley. Humphries county, Tennessee, February 22. 1820. He came to Posey county in 1839 and entered on land in Lynn township. Here he cleared away the forest and developed a fine farming property. He underwent the hardships incident to the pioneer of that period, labored successfully with the problems at hand, and became a man of influence in his township. He was a Democrat, served in township office, and was an active supporter of those measures which had for their object the betterment of the community. He was a member, of the Baptist church and gave generously to its support. He married in 1840 Miss Margaret Duckworth, the daughter of William Duckworth, a pioneer settler of Black township. She was born in Posey county in 1821. The Duckworth family came from North Carolina; and Absalom Duckworth entered land in Black township in 1811, Thomas and James in 1817. James E. Thomas died in 1895, and his wife in 1879. Three children were born of this union: George G., the subject of this review; Cornelia, the wife of Robert Campbell, owner of extensive ranch property and a resident of Spokane, Wash., and Margaret S., the wife of David J. Noel, of Carmi, Ill., grandson of John Noel, one of the early settlers of Posey county, who died in Mt. Vernon, aged ninety-five. Previous to his marriage to Miss Duckworth, Mr. Thomas had married Miss May Robinson and of this union one daughter was born : Louisa J., the widow of Harrison C. Stout, who was a farmer of Black township. She is a resident of Carmi, Ill. George Green Thomas acquired his education in the public schools of Lynn township and Mt. Vernon. Reared on his father's farm, he has been engaged in farming since boyhood, and is recognized as one of the successful agriculturists of his county. His farm property, which consists of the old Thomas farm in Lynn township, to which he has added by purchase, has improvements that are modern in all respects, is well stocked, and is operated at a satisfactory profit. Mr. Thomas has been a lifelong Democrat. His first public office was that of trustee of Lynn township, to which he was elected in 1890. He carried the township by a majority of sixty, although it had a normal Republican majority of fifteen. In 1906 he was elected recorder of Posey county, and was re-elected in 1910. He took office January 1, 1908, and his present term expires January i, 1916. He has made an efficient and courteous official and his administration of the business of his office has won the esteem of the citizens of his county. Mr. Thomas married on October 23, 1879, Miss Margaret N. Weir, the daughter of James Weir, a prominent farmer of Lynn township, and member of one of the oldest families in the county. The family was founded in Posey county by William Weir, a native of Virginia, who settled in Black township in 1807. She is also a granddaughter of John Noel, early settler and one of the most prominent citizens of his time. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are the parents of one child, a son, Archie Lee Thomas. He was educated in the schools of Lynn township and Mt. Vernon, and completed a course in Perkins & Herpel's Commercial College, St. Louis, in 1901. He is the manager of his father's farm interests. Mr. Thomas is in all respects a high type of the conservative, unassuming American, diligent in his various duties and business affairs and conscientious in all things. He is rich in the possession of personal popularity and the esteem which comes from honorable living.

Thomas Jefferson Johnson, surveyor of Posey county, is a native of Harmony township and was born on his father's farm, four miles east of New Harmony, on January n, 1845, the son of Moses and Elizabeth ( Johnson) Johnson. The family was founded in Posey county by Thomas Johnson, a native of North Carolina, later a resident of Kentucky, who settled in Harmony township prior to 1816. He was a blacksmith, an occupation which he followed while a resident of Posey county. He removed to Clay county, Illinois, about 1840, where he died. Moses Johnson was born in Harmony township in 1817. He was a farmer and surveyor. He was a Democrat and was elected county surveyor in 1853 and in 1872, and died in 1874 while in office. He was a member of the Regular Baptist church. He married Elizabeth Johnson, a distant relative, who was born in Kentucky in 1813. She died in April, 1889. They were the parents of five children, four of whom survive : Cynthia, the wife of Orvis S. Endicott, a farmer of New Haven, Ind. ; Susan, the widow of Martin Williams, who was a farmer of Robb township, Posey county; she is a resident of Evansville; Thomas J., the subject of this review; and Mary, the widow of Jeddy Pitts, who was a well known farmer of Mt. Vernon; she is a resident of Pomona, Cal. Thomas Jefferson Johnson received his early educational training in the district schools of Harmony township, later attended the University of Indiana, where he completed a two-year course in the law department, being a member of the class of 1865. He subsequently practiced his profession in Posey county. From the days of his early manhood he took an active interest in his father's work as a survej'or and became proficient in this line of endeavor. He also was an active participant in the political life of his section and an ardent Democrat. His first public office was that of assessor of Harmony township. He was elected surveyor of Posey county in 1870 and appointed in 1874 to fill out the unexpired term of his father, who had succeeded him. From 1875 until 1881 he farmed in Harmony township. In 1880 he was elected to his former office, that of county surveyor, and was re-elected in 1882, 1884, 1886 and 1888, serving until January, 1891, when he became auditor of the county, having been elected the previous fall. He was re-elected to this office in 1894 and served until March, 1899. From the last-named year until 1903 he farmed in Center and Point townships. In 1902 he was again elected surveyor of Posey county, his seventh election to this office. He was re-elected in 1906, 1908, 1910 and 1912, his term expiring in January, 1914, and the eleventh which he has served As a public official, Mr. Johnson has won the respect and esteem of the citizens of his county and his administration of the affairs of his office has been marked by honesty, fidelity and high efficiency. In point of years of service, few county officials of the State of Indiana have ever equalled him, as he will have concluded, when his present term expires in 1914, twenty-nine years of public duty, of which twenty-one have been passed in the office of surveyor. Mr. Johnson married on March 18, 1869, Miss Caroline Barrett, of Harmony township, who died December 18, 1881.

William _Henry Fogas, ex-secretary of the Indiana State Board of Pharmacy and well known druggist of Mt. Vernon, was born in that city on February 21, 1862, the son of Andrew C. and Mary (Heilman) Fogas, natives of Germany. The father was born in the Province of Hanover in 1837, and his wife in Hessen-Darmstadt in 1839. Andrew C. Fogas came to the United States with his parents in 1841, who located in New Orleans, La., and were stricken with yellow fever within a few months after their arrival, and died. Andrew, then a boy of four, was taken into the family of William Zimmerman, who had married his step-sister. The Zimmermans became residents of Evansville, Ind., and Andrew was apprenticed to the cigarmaker's trade with John Rhine- lander, of that city. In 1861 he came to Mt. Vernon and established the first cigar factory. He conducted this business until his death in 1904, a period of forty-three years. He was a successful business man, a popular and respected citizen, and an active factor in the commercial, civil and social life of the city. He was a Republican in politics, served as treasurer of the city of Mt. Vernon several terms, and took an active part in the campaigns. He was prominently identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and served as treasurer of the Mt. Vernon lodge for some thirty years. He married, when a young man, Miss Mary Heilman, the daughter of William Heilman, of Evansville. Mrs. Fogas died in 1906. They were the parents of nine children, four of whom are living: William H., the subject of this sketch; John T., retail druggist; George A. and Fred C., jewelers, all of Indianapolis; Mary Louise, the wife of Fred C. Schnur, of Mt. Vernon, died in 1887. Four children died in infancy. William Henry Fogas received his early educational discipline in the schools of his native city and graduated from its high school in 1878. While in the employ of McArthur & Company he completed a course in the St. Louis, Mo., College of Pharmacy, graduating with the class of 1884. Subsequent to his graduation he entered the employ of Joseph G. Gardiner, druggist, Mt. Vernon. He remained with Mr. Gardiner until his death in 1880. From 1880 to 1884 he clerked for William M. McArthur & Company, when he established his present business, which is, at this writing, 1913, the oldest in the city. His standing among the pharmacists of the State is attested by his appointment as a member of the Indiana State Board of Pharmacy in 1907 by Governor Hanly, re-appointed in 1908 and appointed by Governor Marshall in 1912. His present term expires in 1916. He served as secretary of this body in 1911. He is a Republican, takes an active part in the work of his party, and is a consistent supporter of those measures which have for their object the betterment of the community. He has attained the Knights Templars degree in Masonry, is a member of La Vallette Commandery and of Hadi Temple Shrine of Evansville ; and is also a member of Criterion Lodge, Knights of Pythias. Mr. Fogas married on June 24, 1886, Miss Kate L. Black, the daughter of Hon. Asa M. Black, a prominent attorney of Terre Haute. They are the parents of one child, a daughter, Alice B. Fogas. She is a graduate of the Mt. Vernon High School, Tudor Hall School, Indianapolis, and attended for two years Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill. The family have long been prominent in the social circles of their home city.

William Frier. — A publication of this nature exercises its most important function when it takes cognizance of the life and labors of those who have risen, through their own unaided efforts, to positions of prominence and usefulness in the community and who have been of material value in its growth and development. Mr. Frier has realized a substantial success in the business world, is the owner of an important manufacturing enterprise in the city of Mt. Vernon and merits distinctive recognition in this publication. William Frier is a native of Illinois and was born at Shawneetown on August 12, 1875. His parents were William Matthew and Hannah (McGuire) Frier. The father was also born at Shawneetown. He was a printer by trade, an occupation he followed until 1909. From 1892 until 1897 he resided in Mt. Vernon, subsequently in McLeansboro, Ill., and is now a resident of East St. Louis. He retired from active business in 1909. William Frier received his education in the public schools of his native town and later learned the cigarmakers' trade. He came, with his parents, to Mt. Vernon in 1892, where he secured employment with A. C. Fogas, a pioneer cigar manufacturer of the city. He was employed in the Fogas factory until 1897, when, with Frank Kahn, he established the Mt. Vernon Cigar Company. The following year, 1898, he withdrew from this partnership and established his present factory, operated under the business style of William Frier, cigar manufacturer. During the fifteen years in which this enterprise has been under his ownership and management a trade has been developed requiring a factory output of over one million cigars per annum. His products have always had that necessary essential to success — quality. He possesses executive ability, of a high order, is recognized by the trade as a salesman of exceptional ability, and his financial judgment sound. Mr. Frier has a substantial and profitable investment in Sapulpa, Okla., owning the controlling interest in the firm of Lawrence & Frier, wholesale and retail cigar merchants. They have a large and growing jobbing business in the territory surrounding Sapulpa and the most extensive retail business in their line in that city. Essentially a business man, Mr. Frier has neither inclination nor time for politics. He is independent as to party. On questions and measures affecting the welfare of the community he can be relied upon to lend his support. He is a member of Mt. Vernon Lodge, No. 277, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Mt. Vernon Aerie, No. 1717, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a liberal contributor in support of the Catholic church. On August 15, 1900, Mr. Frier married Miss Lula Lawrence, a daughter of David Lawrence, a well known stock dealer of Mt. Vernon. Mrs. Frier is a native of Alabama and was born in Huntsville on October 27, 1876. They are the parents of one child, a son, Lawrence Matthew Frier, born October 3, 1903.

Marshall Hume Hall. — History is the preserved record of events — as biography is the personal record of those who have been actively concerned in the molding and action of the events from which history is made. A publication of this nature exercises its most important function when it takes cognizance of the life and labors of those citizens who have been of material value in the advancement and development of a community. Mr. Hall is well and favorably known to the citizens of Posey county through his service as a public official, which is attested through his election in 1912 to the office of sheriff by the largest majority ever received by a candidate for that position. Marshall Hume Hall is a native of Posey county and was born on his father's farm in Black township December 16, 1859. His father was John T. Hall, a native of North Carolina, who settled in Black township about 1830, where he took up land and engaged in farming, an occupation which he followed until his death, which occurred on April 7, 1869. He was a man of strong religious convictions, served as clerk of the Baptist church at Farmersville for over twenty-five years, and became an influential citizen of his county. He married, when a young man, Lavina, a daughter of John Bradley, of Black township, and granddaughter of Cornelius Bradley, one of the early pioneers of Posey county. Cornelius Bradley was a native of Ireland who came to the Virginia colony previous to the War of the Revolution, in which he served until its close. The Posey county records show that he drew a pension for his services during the struggle of the colonists for independence. He took up land and was engaged in farming in Black township until his death, which occurred in 1840. His daughter, Lavina, and her husband, John T. Hall, were the parents of six children, of whom but two are living at this writing, 1913: Mary E. Whipple, widow of Marion Whipple, residing in Black township, and Marshall Hume Hall, the subject of this review. Those deceased are Medora, who married Polk Dowen ; Lawrence T. ; Edward B. and William J. The latter married Emily Dunn. She is a resident of Mt. Vernon. Marshall Hume Hall was called upon to earn his living at the age of ten; his father having died in 1869 and his mother when he was aged three. His education was acquired in the country schools during such time as the earning of a livelihood would permit. He was employed as a boy in doing odd jobs and later engaged in farming. In 1886 he entered the employ of A. Wassem & Company, lumber manufacturers of Mt. Vernon, and remained with this firm until 1893, when he was appointed custodian of the Posey county court house. He was made a deputy sheriff in 1901, and served in this capacity under Sheriffs James F. McFaddin, Alonzo K. Grant and Joseph M. Causey. Recognition of efficient service was given him in 1912, when he was made the nominee of the Democratic party for the office of sheriff and his election by a greatly increased majority over previous incumbents of the office attests to his qualifications for the position and his popularity in the county of his birth. It is certain that his administration of the office of sheriff will meet the approval of the citizenship of Posey county, as has his service in the past. He is a member of the Mt. Vernon Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Court of Honor and of the Methodist church. Mr. Hall married on February 20, 1884, Ruth, the daughter of John and Ellen Russell, of Black township. Mr. Russell was a native of England, became a resident of Posey county in 1850, where he was a successful farmer and well and favorably known. Mr. Russell died in 1872. His widow is a resident of Black township and has reached the ripe age of eighty-seven. Mr. and Mrs. Hall are the parents of three children: John W., born December 4, 1884, a merchant tailor of Mt. Vernon; Ina B., born July 31, 1889, employed as cashier by Stinson Brothers, Mt. Vernon, and Orran R., born February 9, 1900.

Theodore Raben, president of the Mt. Vernon Construction Company, the Consumers Ice and Cold Storage Company, and the John Larkin Company, is a native of Posey county, and was born in St. Wendel, May 17, 1860, the son of Anthony and Mary S. (Ten Barge) Raben, the former of Lichtendoorde, Gelderland, Holland, came to the United States in 1840 and settled in St. Wendel, Posey county, Indiana. He was a cooper and he established the first cooper shop in St. Wendel, also the first general store. Some years later he formed, with George Naas, the firm of Raben & Naas, general merchants and millers. The business of this firm grew to be the largest, in point of sales, in the county. They owned the leading stores in Mt. Vernon and St. Wendel, and were also interested in flour mills in both towns. In 1884 the junior partner, Mr. Naas, died and the firm style was changed to Raben & Sons, of which firm our subject, Theodore Raben, was an interested principal. The money stringency of 1893, together with too generous credits, forced the firm to make an assignment, and the business was liquidated. Anthony Raben resumed business in St. Wendel, where he conducted a general store until his death in 1904. He served as postmaster of that town for about fifty years, through both Republican and Democratic administrations, although he was a Democrat and an active and influential member of the party in his section. He was reared a Catholic and gave generously toward the support of his church. He married, when a young man, Mary S. Ten Barge, who died in 1867. They were the parents of sixteen children, eight of whom are living at the present time (1913). They are as follows: Johanna, the wife of Frederick Brakamp, merchant tailor, of Evansville ; John, a retired farmer, of St. Wendel ; Joseph, who owns extensive farm property near Ridgeway, Ill. ; Theodore, the subject of this review ; Mary, the wife of Frank Thuis, a well known manufacturer of Vincennes ; Louisa, the wife of Anthony Louix, wholesale dealer in dairy products, Evansville ; Charles, a general merchant of St. Wendel, and who succeeded his father in that line ; and Elizabeth, the wife of George Mann, a farmer of Black township. Five children died in infancy and the following lived to maturity : Anna, the wife of William Heyns, the well known furniture dealer and manufacturer of Evansville, who was the owner of the Vendome Hotel and promoted the organization of the company which built the present structure, operated as the new Vendome ; died in 1891 ; Kate, the wife of Joseph Ebner, president of the Consolidated Ice Company, of Vincennes, died in 1893 > an^ Henry, manager of the Raben merchandise business and mill at St. Wen- del, died in 1910. Theodore Raben received his early educational discipline in the public schools of St. Wendel, which was supplemented by a course in St. Meinrad's College, Spencer county, Indiana, and St. Francis College, Teotopolis, Ill. He also attended a commercial college at Evansville and completed a course there in 1879. His first employment was with the firm of Hankins, Naas & Co., for whom he clerked from 1876 until 1879, and in the last named year he entered the employ of Fuhrer, Boyce & Co., millers and grain dealers, of Mt. Vernon, of which firm his father was a partner. In 1881 he married, resigned his position in Mt. Vernon and removed to St. Wendel, where he had secured a position with the firm of Raben & Naas, general merchants and millers, of which his father was the senior partner. On the death of Mr. Naas in 1884 the firm of Raben & Sons was organized and he became an interested principal, and he was given the management of the Mt. Vernon store, of which he was in charge until the closing out of the business in 1893. From 1893 until 1896 he was the resident agent at Mt. Vernon of the Fulton Avenue Brewing Company, of Evansville. In the the last named year Rosa Raben secured the agency for southwestern Indiana and southeastern Illinois from the American Brewing Company, of St. Louis, for their product, and Mr. Raben covered the territory as her agent, continuing in this capacity until 1898, when she secured the Mt. Vernon agency of the F. W. Cook Brewing Company, of Evansville, since which time he has been her agent. In 1907 he, with Rosa Raben, Louis Raben and S. A. Gano organized the Mt. Vernon Construction Company. It was incorporated with a paid-in capital of twenty-five thousand dollars and the following officers elected: President, Theodore Raben; secretary and treasurer, Louis W. Raben; and S. A. Gano, general manager. Since the establishment of its business, in 1907, the company has constructed fifteen miles of rock road in Gibson county, sixty-five miles of gravel road in Posey county, and some two hundred bridges, the latter of various types, and all in Posey county. The company operate a large gravel plant at New Harmony and are extensive employers of labor, as many as one hundred teams and two hundred men having been on the pay roll at one time. The work done by the company has given entire satisfaction, the business is in a most satisfactory condition, has paid large dividends to the stockholders, and since the retirement of Mr. Gano, in 1909, has been under the management of Louis W. Raben, the secretary and treasurer. In 1901 our subject, with Allyn B. Hart and the late August Schieber, organized the Consumers' Ice and Cold Storage Company, of Mt. Vernon ( see chapter on Manufacturing and Commercial Enterprises), of which he is president. He is also president of the John Larkin Company, of Mt. Vernon, manufacturers of washing compounds and toilet preparations. As a builder of residence property Mr. Raben has done much for the city of Mt. Vernon, having built within the past ten years twenty-one houses. He has had in view, as his principal object in this work, the offering of an opportunity to men of the laboring and salaried class to own their own homes, as he has sold on the small payment plan and at prices which have been reasonable. Measures having for their object the welfare of the city and its residents have always received his active support. His political allegiance has been given to the Democratic party. He is a member of Mt. Vernon Lodge, No. 277, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and of its house committee since the General Hovey home was purchased ; Posey aerie, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the German Aid Society of Mt. Vernon. Mr. Raben married, on May 17, 1881, Miss Rosa Fuelling, the daughter of Clamour and Regina Fuelling, of Mt. Vernon, where Mr. Fuelling is a well known merchant tailor. They are the parents of three children : Antoinette, born December 13, 1883, the wife of John W. Hall, dry cleaner and tailor of Mt. Vernon ; Louis W. Raben, a sketch of whom follows this review ; and Vera, born March 16, 1892, who resides with her parents. In the successes realized by Mr. Raben, and they are substantial ones, his wife has been of potential assistance. Shortly after their marriage, when reverses had swept away about all he possessed, her sympathy, counsel and courage put heart and fighting spirit into his efforts, while her sound business judgment, keen financial sense, and sound advice were drawn upon within stint. Her possession of business qualification of high order have in no wise detracted from her love of home and family. She has reared her children to be useful citizens, the home life of the family has been perfect, and she is one of the popular hostesses of her home city.

Louis William Raben, secretary, treasurer and general manager of the Mt. Vernon Construction Company, is a native of Posey county and was born in Mt. Vernon on July 26, 1887, the son of Theodore and Rosa ( Fuelling) Raben, personal mention of whom precedes this review. Louis W. Raben received his early educational discipline in the public schools of Mt. Vernon and subsequently completed a course in the Christian Brothers College at St. Louis, Mo. In 1903, when but seventeen years of age, he entered the employ of the Lee Lumber Company, of Memphis, Tenn., as bookkeeper, a position he filled with credit until 1906, when ill health compelled him to resign. He returned to Mt. Vernon and spent the year in recuperating from an operation. In 1907 he assisted in the organization of the Mt. Vernon Construction Company, and upon its incorporation was elected secretary and treasurer. In 1909 he was made general manager, succeeding S. A. Gano, who had filled the position since the establishment of the business. That he possesses business qualifications of high order is proven in the growth of the business of the company under his management, together with the standard of work which it has completed. He has pluck and energy, a pleasing personality and is recognized as one of the most successful of the young business men of the county. Mr. Raben is unmarried and resides with his parents. He is a member of Mt. Vernon Lodge, No. 277, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of which he is lecturing knight. He is a communicant of the Catholic church.

Daniel Oscar Barker, a leading lawyer of southwestern Indiana and a prominent citizen of Posey county, of which he is a native, was born on his father's farm in Robb township, July 31, 1853, tne son °f Hiram and Elizabeth A. (Fitzgerrell) Barker. Hiram Barker is a native of Kentucky, born near Bowling Green on February 25, 1824, and now a resident of the city of Mt. Vernon. He came to Indiana when a lad of ten years of age, his parents locating in Gibson county. Here he spent the early years of his life, underwent the vicissitudes incident to that pioneer period, and became a successful farmer. His farm and residence were near the city of Owensville. He became a resident of Mt. Vernon about 1889, and is one of the oldest men in Posey county, his ninetieth birthday occurring in 1914. His wife was a daughter of John S. Fitzgerrell, who was a native of Posey county, and the son of James and Elizabeth ( Ray) Fitzgerrell, natives of Ireland, who became pioneer settlers in Robb township. Daniel Oscar Barker acquired his early education in the public schools of Owensville. Subsequently he entered the law department of the Indiana State University and was graduated a member of the class of 1875. He located for practice in Brinston, Ind., where he remained but a few months, removing to McPherson, Kan., the county seat of McPherson county, then in its formative period. Here he built up a lucrative business, was recognized as one of the leading men in his profession in the county, and attained an influential position as a citizen. The severe crop failures, grasshopper plague and reaction from the booming of county seat towns in the early '8os, caused him to return to Indiana, in 1885. He became a resident of the city of Mt. Vernon and resumed the practice of his profession. In 1897 he formed, with George F. Zimmerman, a son-in-law, the firm of Barker & Zimmerman, and was his associate in practice until 1907. In 1909 he formed with Roscoe Usher, his son, the firm of Barker & Barker, with which he was connected at the time of his death, on February 25, 1910. During his practice in Posey county, which covered a span of twenty-five years, Mr. Barker appeared in connection with the most important litigations in its courts. He had wide and comprehensive knowledge of the science of jurisprudence, was a man of strong character and individuality, an orator of no mean power and in argument logical and convincing. He was held in high esteem by the fellow members of his profession and the citizens of his county, in whidi he attained a position of prominence. Mr. Barker married, on May 25, 1876, Miss Alice B. Doss, the daughter of Azriah Doss, who built the first grist mill in Posey county. This was located at Blairsville. Mr. and Mrs. Barker became the parents of six children, five of whom are living. They are, in order of birth, as follows : Mabel, born January 8, 1878, the wife of George F. Zimmerman, for ten years the associate of Mr. Barker in the practice of law and now a resident of Oklahoma City, Okla. ; Roscoe Usher Barker, a review of whom follows this article ; Mary V., born February 20, 1889 ; Claude F., born July 1, 1892, an employe of the Chalmers Motor Company, of Detroit, Mich. ; and Gladys A., born October 2, 1894, a graduate of the Mt. Ver- non High School, class of 1912 ; Loyette Barker, born July 8, 1882, died February 4, 1902. When a child of eighteen months she received an injury that resulted in curvature of the spine. She was a brilliant scholar and though an invalid through life was insistent on being allowed to attend school, and completed the tenth grade. Mr. Barker was a high type of the American gentleman, unassuming and conservative, diligent in his duties and commercial affairs, and conscientious in all things. He was a student, possessed a large and well selected library and kept thoroughly in touch with the men and affairs of his day. Political office never appealed to him, although he never neglected in the least his civic duties. He was a Democrat. He was a member of the Masonic order and prominent in the work of the various bodies of that order in Mt. Vernon. He was a member of Mt. Vernon Lodge, No. 277, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and Criterion Lodge, Knights of Pythias.

Roscoe Usher Barker, prosecuting attorney of the Eleventh judicial circuit of Indiana, was born at McPherson, Kan., November 2, 1879, the son of Daniel O. and Alice B. (Doss) Barker, a review of whom precedes this article. Roscoe U. Barker was reared in the city of Mt. Vernon, where his parents located when he was six years of age. His early education was gained in the schools of the city and subsequently he entered the literary department of the Indiana University, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in the class of 1901. He received the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1907. He engaged in teaching in the school year 1901-2 in Mt. Vernon, and was principal of the grammar school during the years 1902-3-4 and 1905. From 1905 until 1907 he was in the office of Baker & Zimmerman, of which his father was the senior member. In the last named year he commenced the active practice of law, although admitted to the bar in 1901. He formed with his father, in 1909, the firm of Barker & Barker, an association which lasted but one year, his father's death occurring in 1910. He was appointed to his present office on March 1, 1913, by Governor Ralston, for a term of two years, his circuit, the Eleventh, comprising Posey county, having been cut down by the making of Gibson county a separate circuit in 1913. Since attaining his majority he has taken an active part in the political affairs of his home city and county. He is president of the Democratic Central Committee of Mt. Vernon, and is influential in the councils of his party. He has attained the Council degrees in Masonry and is a member of Mt. Vernon Lodge, No. 277, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of which he is exalted ruler. Mr. Barker is recognized as not only one of the coming men of the Indiana State bar, but as one of the progressive citizens of Mt. Vernon who are using their best efforts toward the growth and development of their city.

Frederick W. Nolte, deceased, formerly a farmer and land owner on a large scale, was born in Prussia, Germany, June 14, 1847, and died August 20, 1899. He was a son of August and Charlotte (Schwartz) Nolte, natives of Germany, who came to the United States in 1856, locating at Evansville, Ind., where he followed the occupation of shoemaker. Frederick Nolte obtained a good German education in the schools of Germany, but his English education was acquired by his own efforts. At the age of thirteen years he began clerking in a dry goods, boot and shoe establishment in Evansville, continuing there for a number of years, and then going into an exclusive dry goods store. Here he remained seven years. Later he became managing proprietor of a large dry goods store, but discontinued this after eighteen months and became a traveling salesman, which vocation he followed successfully for five years. In 1880 he removed to Mt. Vernon and bought 1,400 acres of land, at once becoming a successful farmer on a large scale. Frederick Nolte was twice married. His first wife was Miss Lizzie Link, whom he married in 1875, but who lived but seven months after their marriage. On April 23, 1879, Mr. Nolte married Miss Mary Ann Evison, daughter of James and Mary Ann (Broadhead) Evison. She was born May 10, 1855, in Mt. Vernon. Her father was born March 16, 1809, in England and came to America by way of New Orleans at the age of twenty-five. He died September 5, 1873, at Mt. Vernon, where he had been a merchant tailor. He was a consistent member of the Episcopal church. During the Civil war he was a member of the State Home Guards. Mr. Evison was married, August 13, 1839, to Miss Mary Ann Broadhead, daughter of William and Mary Ann (Baldwin) Broadhead. Mary Ann Broadhead was born April 12, 1813, and died August 3, 1883. They had seven children, all of whom died in infancy except Mary Ann, who became Mrs. Frederick Nolte. Mr. and Mrs. Nolte had six children, four daughters and two sons: Mary Evison, born September 17, 1880, graduated from the Mt. Vernon High School and became a teacher of note in the State, married E. M. Spencer, Jr. (see sketch of Elijah M. Spencer), November 30, 1900, and they have one child, Elizabeth, born July 20, 1901 ; Lola Evison, born November 3, 1881 ; Frederick Evison, born February 25, 1884; James Evison, born April 2, 1885; Lucy Isabel, born January 1, 1892 ; Emily, born August 9, 1894.

George Washington Robertson, deceased, inventor, banker and public official, was born December 22, 1842, in Connersville, Ind., son of Thomas and Lydia (Frost) Robertson, natives of Westchester county, New York. He was the eldest of five children. After finishing high school he became a clerk to a quartermaster in the United States Navy at the age of nineteen. At the age of twenty-one he was commissioned paymaster of the flag ship "Carondelet" for a fleet of twenty-one vessels. On account of sickness he resigned after a service of four years, and after remaining one year at a sanitarium in New York he entered the college at Marietta, Ohio, taking the full collegiate course. He then took a commercial course in Chicago, all at his own expense. He became clerk in a bank at Muncie, Ind., and later in Evansville, Ind. In 1880 he organized the Monticello National Bank at Monticello, Ind., becomings its cashier and its active head. Three years later he came to Mt. Vernon and became assistant cashier of the First National Bank. Under President Harrison's administration he was appointed chief of the redemption division of the United States Treasury, holding this office ten years. He assisted in counting all the funds in the United States treasury for both the outgoing and incoming administrations of Presidents Cleveland and Harrison. Mr. Robertson also was an inventor, having patented the Robertson machine gun, which he sold to the Government for use in the army and navy. He had a number of other patents, among which was the automobile seat. He retired from active life in 1899 and died July 5, 1912. In politics he was a Republican and his fraternal affiliations were with the Knights Templars. On June 10, 1875, Mr. Robertson married Miss Anna Pullar Lockwood, daughter of John M. and Caroline Charlotte (Newman) Lockwood. She was born November 23, 1852, at Evansville, Ind. John M. Lockwood was a descendant of Edmund Lockwood, who came with Governor Winthrop and his Pilgrim band in 1630. Mr. and Mrs. Robertson had one child, Estella Lock- wood. She lives with her mother at 604 Main street, Mt. Vernon, on Lot No. 179, corner of Main and Sixth streets, which is the same lot on which the first school house in Posey county was built. Miss Robertson is an expert musician and a teacher of theory, harmony and composition. She was educated in Chicago and in Washington, D. C. Mrs. Robertson is a literary woman, making frequent contributions to the press on historic subjects and on present day matters of general interest.

Hon. William Gonnerman. — Success in any line of occupation, in any avenue of business, is not a matter of spontaneity, but represents the result of the application of definite subjective forces and the controlling of objective agencies in such a way as to achieve desired ends. Mr. Gonnerman has realized a large and substantial success in the business world and his career has well exemplified the truth of the foregoing statements. He occupies today a large place in the commercial circles of the city of Mt. Vernon and is a potential force in its most important industry. He has large and varied capitalistic interests and is one of the distinctively representative men of Posey county. Progressive and energetic in the management of these varied affairs, loyal and public spirited as a citizen, he holds a secure position in the confidence and esteem of the community and has contributed in large measure to the industrial advancement of Mt. Vernon. He is vice-president of the Keck-Gonner- man Company and the People's Bank and Trust Company and president of the Industrial Brick Company, specifically mentioned on other pages of this volume. William Gonnerman is a native of Germany and was born in Solz, county of Rodenberg, Province of Hessen-Nassau, on January 5, 1856, the son of Adam and Martha (Ripple) Gonnerman. The father, Adam Gonnerman, owned and managed a bakery in the town of Solz, having learned the trade when a boy, and the business has, since his death, been conducted by his son-in-law. Mrs. Gonnerman survived the death of her husband but three years, passing to her reward in 1904. The surviving children by this union are: Catherine, the widow of Johann Schaefer, machinist of Sontra, Germany ; Christina, the wife of William Shaus, a farmer of Armstrong, Vanderburg county, Indiana ; Conrad, foreman of the Louisville & Nashville railroad's freight depot in Evans- ville ; Rudolph, in the forestry service of the German government ; William, the subject of this review ; Henry, secretary of insurance for the Province of Nassau ; Elizabeth, the wife of George Gross, of Sontra ; Herman, a retired baker, of Eschwege, Germany ; Eliza, the wife of Fred Eichholz, a saloonkeeper, of Cassel ; Christian, proprietor of a bakery in Eschwege, Germany ; and Julia, the wife of Henry Abel, baker, of Solz, Germany, and successor to Adam Gonnerman. Adam J. Gonnerman, the eldest child of this union, died in 1883. William Gonnerman received his education in the public schools of his native town, was apprenticed to the machinist's trade, which he learned under his brother- in-law, Johann Shaefer, and became a journeyman machinist at the age of seventeen. In 1873 ne decided to avail himself of the broader opportunities offered in the United States. He landed at Castle Garden, and later came to Evansville, Ind. He secured employment in the foundry and machine shops of Conrad Gratz, and was made foreman in 1878, a position which he creditably filled until 1884. In the year mentioned he removed to Mt. Vernon, and here instituted his first independent business venture. With John Keck and Henry Kippler he formed the firm of Keck, Gonnerman & Co., and engaged in the foundry business. From the modest enterprise thus established has been developed the extensive and important industry of the Keck-Gonnerman Company, the most important industrial plant in Posey county, and one of the largest and most successful in southwestern Indiana. As vice-president in charge of the manufacturing and sales departments of the company he has been responsible for the high standard of quality maintained ih its products, their efficiency in performance, and improvement in design. That he possesses the qualifications necessary to the successful management of the departments under his charge is proven by the highly satisfactory growth of the business of the corporation. He is also president of the Industrial Brick Company, of Mt. Vernon, of which he and Louis A. Keck were the principal organizers. A review of these enterprises is found in the chapter, "Manufacturing and Commercial Enterprises," to which the reader is referred for supplemental information. In 1908 he. with Charles A. Greathouse, organized the People's Bank and Trust Company, of Mt. Vernon. He was elected vice-president on its incorporation and is still serving in that capacity. A review of this institution is found in the chapter, "Banks and Banking." For some time he was the senior member of the form of William Gonnerman & Co., who owned and operated the electric lighting plant at Mt. Vernon. Mr. Gonnerman has always taken an active interest in the questions of the day and he has actively supported, both with time and money, those measures which have had for their object the betterment of civic, commercial and social conditions. He is a Republican. He was elected to the city council in 1890 and served for ten years. He introduced the measure, which was passed, providing the fund for the building of the present city hall, and it was through his efforts that modern fire equipment was provided by the city. He was elected to the State senate in 1904 and served one term, which included the regular sessions of 1907 and 1909 and the special session of 1908. He was made chairman of one of the most important of the committees, that of manufactures, and was a member of those on banks and banking, agriculture, executive appointments, labor, fees and salaries, claims and expenditures, and congressional apportionment. He refused to become a candidate for renomination, as his business affairs required his attention. His election to the senate was a distinct personal victory, as he received a majority of 198 in a district having a normal Democratic majority of 600. Mr. Gonnerman is a member of Mt. Vernon Lodge, No. 277, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks ; Criterion lodge, Knights of Pythias, and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a member and generous supporter of the German Lutheran church. Mr. Gonnerman married, on September 7, 1875, Miss Lena Alexander, the daughter of Henry Alexander, a farmer of Rheinfaltz, of Germany. She died on April 5, 1891. They were the parents of the following children: Margaret, born November 13, 1876, the wife of Joseph Forthof- fer, a machinist in the employ of the Keck-Gonnerman Company ; Catherine, born July 20, 1878, the wife of William Espencheid. an attorney of Mt. Vernon, a sketch of whom is published in this work; Caroline, born May 15, 1880, the wife of Ray Smith, lumber dealer of Mt. Vernon; William H. Gonnerman, born July 23, 1884, mechanical engineer, Keck- Gonnerman Company, and a graduate of Purdue University, class of 1906, and Lena, born December 31, 1888.

William Mason Holton, M. D. — Among the physicians and surgeons of Indiana who attained a distinction merited by years of study, observation and practice, was he whose name initiates this article. An active practitioner in his profession for fifty-eight years, he equalled, in length of service, the record of American practice. Doctor Holton was born in Westminster, Vt, on July 15, 1827, a son of William and Betsey (Mason) Holton. His ancestors, paternal and maternal, were among the early settlers of America, and numbered among them are men who achieved distinction in the frontier life of those early days, in the commercial era which followed, in the French and Indian wars, and later in the War of the Revolution. The Holton family was founded in America by William Holton, a native of Ipswich, England, who came to the Massachusetts Colony in 1634. He removed to Hartford, Conn., in 1636, where he was one of the first settlers, and died in Northampton, Mass., August 12, 1691. He was a member of the first board of magistrates and a representative to the grand court. Doctor Holton is descended from William Holton as follows : John, the son of William, born in Hartford, died in Northampton, Mass., April 14, 1712. William, son of John, a resident of Northampton, Mass., died in 1756: John, son of William, was born in Northampton, Mass., August 24, 1707, died in Northfield, Mass., October, 1793. Joel, son of John, born in Northfield, Mass., July 10, 1738, died August 12, 1821. He was one of the twelve original settlers of Westminster, Vt., built and owned the first saw mill in the town, and was one of its most influential citizens. His brother, Solomon Holton, was a lieutenant in the Colonial army and served throughout the War of the Revolution. William, the son of Joel, was born in Westminster, Vt., July 26, 1771. He was a farmer and removed to McDonough county, Illinois, in 1835, where he died in 1857. His son, William, born in Westminster, Vt., October 31, 1801, was the father of Doctor Holton. He was a farmer, and with his father settled in McDonough county, Illinois, in 1835. He married, on September 15, 1826, at Cavendish, Vt., Betsey Mason, a member of a pioneer family of that State. William Mason Holton acquired his literary education in the public schools of Vermont and Illinois. He later determined to make the practice of medicine his life work and entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons, of New York City, from which he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1852. Following his graduation he spent one year in practice in that city. In 1853 he removed to Plymouth, Ill., practicing his profession in that town until 1859, when he came to Posey county, Indiana, and located in Stewartsville. Doctor Holton served for about two years in support of the Union cause in the Civil war. He enlisted in 1861 in Company D, Sixtieth Indiana volunteer infantry, and became lieutenant of his company. He was transferred by Governor Morton, in 1862, to the Twenty-fifth Indiana and served as assistant surgeon of that regiment until 1863, when he was compelled to resign on -account of ill health. In 1863 he located at New Harmony, his place of residence until his death, which occurred on December 13, 1910. As a physician and surgeon he was considered one of the most able in his section of the State. Until his death, at the age of eighty-three, he continued to keep up his interest in the advancement of the science of medicine. He possessed a large library, which was well selected and of wide range. He was a student all his life, a great reader, and kept abreast of the times, not only as to his profession, but upon general subjects as well. He was a member of the Posey County Medical Society, the Indiana State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. The meetings of these organizations were his opportunity for relaxation from practice, kept him in touch with fellow practitioners and the advancement in medicine and surgery. He seldom failed to attend these gatherings, even during his latter years. He took an active interest in the political affairs of his county and State, was a Republican from the birth of the party, and influential in the councils of his local organizations. He had neither inclination nor time for public office, although frequently urged to become a candidate. Doctor Holton married, at Elizabethtown, Essex county, New York, on March 14, 1853, Miss Caroline E. Cuyler, the daughter of Col. E. S. Cuyler, a prominent lawyer of Essex, and a member of one of the pioneer families of that section of the State. She was born in Essex, Essex county, on December 24, 1833, and died in New Harmony, March 8, 1873. They were parents of eight children, five of whom are living. They are as follows: Mrs. Fannie C. Kight, of Washburn, Ill.; Mrs. Cornelia Catherine Brigham, of Chicago, Ill.; Mrs. Minnie G. Bailey, the wife of William S. Bailey, lawyer of Tulsa, Okla. ; William E. Holton, cashier of the Mt. Vernon National Bank, a review of whose life follows this sketch ; and Frank C. Holton, of Plymouth, Ill., an employe of the Post Office Department, rural mail service. Those deceased are : Emma E., who married Leo Kahn, of Evansville, Ind. ; Charlotte E., who was the wife of August Duysing, of Evansville ; and Mary Alice, who died August 4, 1875. The tributes of respect, and in many cases of affection, called forth by the death of Doctor Holton have seldom been equalled in Posey county in the passing away of a citizen. His life work was finished ; it had met to a great extent the fullness of his ambition. But infinitely more precious and of personal consequence to him was the fact that he died rich in the possession of a well earned popularity, and in the affection that slowly develops only from unselfish works.

William Edward Holton. — The growth and development of Posey county, particularly its commercial and industrial development, has been accomplished by and with the assistance of its financial institutions. In the conduct of the business of its banks opportunity has been given many men to exercise not only their financial talents, but to greatly assist in prior to his death, which occurred January 31, 1899. He was married July 15, 1840, and had thirteen children as follows: Julia A., Darius North, Mary Jane, Charles P., Louise Catherine, Nathaniel Stewart, Al- vin Hovey, Emily, William, Ira Hackett, James Madison, Edwin Sherman and Derusha Ella. Mr. and Mrs. MacGregor had three children : Olive, born October n, 1869, married Frank M. Smith, June 27, 1894, had one child, Francis McGregor, born April 5, 1900, and lost her husband January 6, 1900; Inez, born October i, 1872; Charles Monroe, born June 2, 1876. graduate of Purdue University, at Lafayette, Ind., now an electrician of Mt. Vernon. Charles Married Miss Mabel Clair Highman, on November 27, 1907, and they have one child, Sarah Catherine, born December 2, 1908.

William Espenschied, prominent attorney, popular citizen, and senior member of the law firm of Espenschied & Curtis, of Mt. Vernon, was born at Leavenworth, Kan., April 27, 1876, the son of Peter and Kath- erine (Schnarr) Espenschied. Mr. Espenschied was reared in the city of Mt. Vernon, of which his parents became residents in 1878, was graduated from its high school in 1892, and completed a two-year course in the State University at Bloomington. From 1895 until 1897, he was engaged in teaching in the public schools of Posey county. He then read law and was admitted to practice in 1898. In November of the last named year he was appointed deputy prosecuting attorney for the Eleventh judicial district, composed of Posey and Gibson counties. He remained in this position until 1901, when he became prosecuting attorney of this district, having been elected in 1900. He was elected to succeed himself in 1902. His record in the office was creditable to himself and to his constituents. Following his retirement, in 1905, he resumed the practice of law, and in 1910 formed with Hon. George William Curtis the firm of Espenschied & Curtis. During the years of his practice, Mr. Espenschied has appeared in connection with important litigations in both the State and Federal courts, and is recognized by members of the bar as an able and conscientious practitioner. He is a member of the Masonic order and of Mt. Vernon Lodge, No. 277, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Mr. Espenschied married, on October 30, 1901, Miss Katherine Gonnerman, daughter of Hon. Wflliam Gonner- man, a personal review of whom appears elsewhere in this work. They are the parents of one child, William Peter Espenschied, born August 28, 1903.

Kelly De Fur, clerk of the circuit court of Posey county, was born on his father's farm near Wadesville, Center township, on May 5, 1875, the son of Theophilus and Eliza (Wade) De Fur. He is of French ancestry on the paternal side, the De Fur family having been founded in America during the Colonial period, when his ancestors came from France to the Carolina colony. The family dates its founding in Posey county from the settlement in Robb township of De Fur, the great-grandfather of our subject. Thomas De Fur, his son, became a man of influence in his township, was a farmer, a lifelong Democrat, and supported the Christian church. Theophilus, the son of Thomas and father of our subject, was born in Robb township. He was a carpenter and cabinet maker. He sold furniture, made coffins, and acted as the undertaker of that district. He married Eliza Wade, the daughter of Thomas Wade, a native of South Carolina, and a pioneer resident of Center township. He was a successful farmer, influential, and founder of the town of Wadesville. Theophilus De Fur and wife were the parents of four children, three of whom survive his death, which occurred on January 24, 1886. They are : William E. De Fur, a machinist of Ashton, Ill. ; Kelly, the subject of this sketch, and Omar, born May 18, 1885, of Wadesville, with whom the mother resides. A son, Thomas, died an infant. Kelly De Fur received his education in the schools of Center township, working during his boyhood years as a farm hand. In 1893, he entered the employ of Thomas D. Shelton, grain dealer of Wadesville, as bookkeeper and buyer, remaining in this position until 1895, when he became a clerk in the general store of James Cross, Wadesville. In 1904, he formed a partnership with Walter Williams, under the firm name of De Fur & Williams, and they engaged in the hardware business at Wadesville. He disposed of his interest in this enterprise in 1905 and secured a position as a traveling salesman, which he followed until March, 1906, when he formed with Louis Schlosser, a brother-in-law, the firm of De Fur & Schlosser, general merchants, Wadesville. In 1909, the interest of Mr. Schlosser was bought by John A. Wade, and the firm style changed to De Fur & Wade. The business was liquidated in 1911. Subsequently, Mr. De Fur, a lifelong Democrat, received the nomination of clerk of the circuit court, and was elected by more than the normal majority. He entered office on January i, 1913. Since his incumbency of the office, the administration of its business affairs have been such as to receive public commendation. He is an untiring worker, his courtesy is unfailing, and he possesses the qualifications for the successful conduct of the office. Mr. De Fur is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of the Modern Woodmen of America. He married on November 3, 1898, Miss Emma Schlosser, the daughter of Christian Schlosser, a well known farmer of Wadesville. They are the parents of two children: Dale De Fur, born June 3, 1900, and Clyde De Fur, born January i, 1910.

Charles Smith, Jr., founder of the retail lumber firm of Charles Smith & Sons, well known citizen of Posey county, and veteran of the Civil war, was a native of Germany, born in Baden on June 8, 1844, the son of Carl Schmidt, who brought his family to the United States in 1852, and first settled in Shawneetown, Ill. He afterwards removed to Carmi, that State, and Jater became a resident of Mt. Vernon, Ind., where he was engaged in the saw mill and lumber business, from which he retired in 1890, and died in Mt. Vernon in 1902. Charles Smith, Jr., as the name is now spelled, enlisted in Company F, Eighty-seventh Illinois volunteer mounted infantry on August 15, 1862, and served for three years with his regiment, being mustered out in Helena, Ark., June 16, 1865. On the conclusion of his military service he entered the employ of Charles Schaumberger, a retail grocer of Mt. Vernon. About 1868, he formed with his father, the firm of Charles Smith & Son, and engaged in the manufacture of lumber, their mill being at the corner of Sycamore and Saw Mill streets. In 1882, Louis Smith, a brother, was admitted to partnership, and the firm named changed to Charles Smith & Sons. In 1886, the entire plant was destroyed by fire, the loss suffered being a total one, as they carried no insurance. Two years later the business was moved to its present location on Second street. In 1890, the elder Smith retired and the business was continued by the sons under the firm style of Charles Smith, Jr., & Brother. In 1901, Louis Smith retired from the firm, and Mr. Smith's four sons were admitted to partnership, under the present name of Charles Smith, Jr., & Sons. On January 24 of the following year, 1902, Mr. Smith died, his life work ended, and which included one of his cherished wishes; the establishing of his sons in the business which he had developed until it was the leading one in its line in Posey county. He was a man of strict integrity, of warm friendships, a home builder; a predominant characteristic of whom was his fatherliness, his great foresight in caring for his own, and his tender sympathy with them was conspicuous in his life. He believed in the family and the fireside, and in the sacredness of the hearth. Mr. Smith married on January 7, 1869, Miss Lizsette Armbruster, the daughter of Barnabus Armbruster, a well known farmer of Black township, and a native of Germany. She was born on September 2, 1844, in Marrs township, Posey county. They were the parents of seven children, five of whom, with their mother, survive. They are in order of birth, as follows : Charles Edward, born February 14, 1871 ; William Lee, born February 20, 1874; Clinton F., born December 19, 1876; Ira A., born December 28, 1878, all of whom are members of the firm of Charles Smith, Jr., & Sons ; Winona A., born March 28, 1882, the wife of Otto Weilbrenner, of Mt. Vernon ; Ordella M., born November 20, 1869, and Ruby, born July 4, 1885, are deceased. The business of Charles Smith, Jr., & Sons, owned by the four sons of its founder and their mother, is conceded to be, by those in the lumber industry, one of the best managed enterprises of its kind in Southern Indiana. They operate a planing mill, carry a general line of rough and dressed lumber, and finished builders' material. The buildings are models of their kind and equipped with modern labor saving devices for the satisfactory conduct of the business. The buildings and yards occupy a space having a frontage on Second street of 148 feet, and extending back to the Ohio river. The plant represents an investment of $18,000, one half million feet of lumber is carried in stock and the average sales per year total $40,000. In the conduct of the business Charles E. Smith is in charge of the mill and yards, Clinton F. Smith is the buyer, William Lee Smith, who is an architect, the sales department, and Ira F. Smith is the office manager.

Joseph Milton Causey, sheriff of Posey county, successful agriculturist and prominent citizen, was born on his father's farm in Lynn township on February 27, 1864, the son of David Bryant and Margaret E. (Cox) Causey. The family was founded in Indiana in 1830, when Hutson Bryant Causey, born in North Carolina, in 1795, came to Posey county and settled in Center township, where David Bryant was born on July i, 1840. The latter married in early manhood, Margaret E. Cox, the daughter of David Cox, who was also a pioneer resident of Center township. Hutson Causey and his son, David, were farmers. They underwent the hardships incident to the development of a wilderness, cleared away the forest and made productive farm lands from it, were active and influential in the various phases of the life of their period, and performed men's work at a time when living was a strenuous performance and success was obtained only through hard work and the enduring of many privations. Hutson Bryant Causey died in 1872, aged seventy-seven. His son, David Bryant, on September 13, 1900. Margaret Cox Causey preceded her husband to the rest eternal on October i, 1892. They were the parents of eight children: Jane D., born December n, 1861, is the wife of Daniel Willis, a farmer, who resides near Dexter, Mo.; Joseph M., the subject of this review ; Maria, born June 3, 1866, the wife of Henry Travers, a farmer of Center township; William H., born January 20, 1870, a farmer, residing at Mt. Vernon ; Emma B., born September 20, 1872, the wife of Henry Shaffer, a farmer of Lynn township ; Sarah J., born March 30, 1875, the wife of Elvis Wiley, also a farmer of Lynn township ; Enoch E., born December 30, 1877, a farmer of Lynn township, and Seth L., born January 22, 1880, of Lynn township. Joseph Milton Causey was reared, on his father's farm and acquired his education in the district schools of Lynn and Center townships. Reared a farmer, he has continued in that line of endeavor, and has made a success of it. His farm property, which consists of 170 acres, is situated near Wadesville, in Center township, its improvements, which include a modern residence, erected in 1913, are of the best, and in the conduct of his farm work, he is recognized as one of the most progressive agriculturists in the county. To the citizens of Posey county, Mr. Causey is best known through his service as sheriff, a position he has filled since 1910, although he had attained prominence in public life as trustee of Center township, an office to which he was elected in 1900, and in which he served from November 16 of that year until January I, 1905. During his incumbency of, this office he built some twelve miles of new dirt roadway, repaired or reconstructed nearly all of the bridges in the township, and secured the addition of high school work in the schools. He left the office with a cash balance of about $1,000 more than when he entered it, and notwithstanding the large expenditures necessary for the improvements made by him, was able to reduce the tax levy from sixty-three to fifty- five cents. He has been a lifelong Democrat. He has always taken an active part in the work of his party, has been influential in its councils, and his record as trustee of his township was such as to secure for him the nomination for sheriff in 1908, which was followed by his election by a flattering majority. He entered upon the duties of his office on January i, 1910, and his administration of the business of this department of the county's official service has been commended for its efficiency. He has always made good ; as a farmer, as trustee, and as sheriff. His methods have been clean, capable and honest, and he possesses a popularity which is deserved. He is a member of Mt. Vernon Lodge, No. 277, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks ; Posey Aerie, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and Wadesville Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Causey married, on August 10, 1884, Miss Laura Travers, the daughter of Joseph A. Travers, a well known farmer of Harmony township. They adopted, in 1894, a son, Edwin A. Causey, who is the manager of the Causey farm in Center township. He married, on July n, 1909, Miss Lois Wade, the daughter of James A. Wade, a farmer of Center township. They are the parents of two children : Ralph Causey, born November 6, 1911, and Joseph Merle Causey, born January 27, 1913. James M., born May 18, 1910, died January 26, 1911.

Dr. Arno Klein, a popular and successful young physician of Mt. Vernon, is a native of Posey county. He was born at Mt. Vernon, November 19, 1886, and is a son of Charles P. and Catherine (Schwerdt) Klein. The former is a native of Alzei, Germany, and the latter of Evansville, Ind. The father came to America when a young man and, for several years, was engaged in buying furs. He then settled in Kentucky and engaged in the general mercantile business at a place which he named Alzei, after his native city. He remained there until 1882, when he came to Mt. Vernon and engaged in the grocery business, which he has successfully conducted ever since, and is one of the substantial business men of Posey county. He has accumulated every dollar earned by straightforward business methods, which has won for him the confidence of the business world. The Klein family consists of two sons: Dr. Klein, of this review, and Otto C, who is engaged in the grocery business with his father. Dr. Klein attended the public schools of Mount Vernon and was graduated from the high school in the class of 1906. He also attended the Culver Military Academy three years. After spending a year in Germany, he returned to America and entered the Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia, Pa. He graduated from this time-honored institution of medical science and surgery in 1911, with a degree of Doctor of Medicine. After serving three months as interne in the Jefferson Hospital, he accepted a position in the Williamsport State Hospital, Williamsport, Pa. He remained there one year, when he returned to his home in Mt. Vernon, and engaged in the general practice of his profession. Dr. Klein is well known in the county, and his skill in the field he has chosen for his life's work was recognized from the start. He is capable, diligent, and a close student of the science of his profession, and enjoys a good practice. He was united in marriage February 26 1913, to Miss Emily V. Brower, of Williamsport, Pa. Dr. Klein is a member of the Mt. Vernon Medical Society ; a Thirty-second degree Mason, and a member of the Elks.

Vincent M. Cartwright, of Mt. Vernon, is a native son of Posey county, and a descendant of sturdy pioneer ancestors. He was born in Harmony township, January 17, 1843, and was one of a family of ten children born to Presley and Sidda M. (Mage) Cartwright. Presley Cartwright was also born in what is now Harmony township, then in the Northwestern Territory, August n, 1811. He spent his life in the locality of his birth, where he died November 26, 1896. He followed farming most of his life. He was also a cooper, shoe maker, and carpenter. Presley Cartwright was a son of Samuel, who came to the Northwestern Territory from Tennessee in 1800, at about the age of twenty. He settled in what is now Harmony township, which was an unbroken wilderness. The Cartwrights suffered all the privations and hardships common to the lot of the pioneers of the times. Two brothers of Samuel were killed by the Indians. The Cartwrights are of Scotch descent. Sidda M. Mage, our subject's mother, was a daughter of Daniel and Sidda (Green) Mage. The family came from Washington county. North Carolina, about 1825, and settled in the northern part of Posey county. They drove the entire distance from North Carolina, the girl, Sidda, walking most of the distance, as did the other members of the family. She died in February, 1882. Vincent Cartwright remained at home and worked on the farm after the fashion of the average boy of the times, until the peaceful life of the Nation was interrupted by the coming on of the Civil war. At this time, young Cartwright enlisted August i, 1862, at Evansville, in Company C, Sixty-fifth regiment, Indiana volunteer infantry. His regiment was immediately sent to Kentucky to oppose the Confederate operations in that section. The campaigning there was mostly of a skirmishing nature, and what insurance companies would term "extra hazardous." Mr. Cartwright did a great deal of scout duty. He was wounded September 22, 1863, at Bloutsville, Tenn., but recovered after a few months and took part in Sherman's Atlanta campaign. He participated in the engagements at Jonesboro and Franklin, Tenn. His regiment was in the pursuit of Hood and from Clifton, Tenn., went by boat to Cincinnati, then to Annapolis, and from there to Fort Fisher. Took part in the North Carolina campaign, and was at the surrender of Johnston at Greensboro, N. C. Here Mr. Cart- wright was mustered out, June 22, 1865. When discharged, he was sergeant of the color guard. He had been elected first lieutenant of his company and recommended by the captain of his company for appointment, but never received his commission. At the close of the war, Mr. Cartwright returned to his Posey county home, and attended school for a time. He then went to Missouri and from there to Salina, Kan., where he was engaged in the lumber business. He was thus engaged when he lost his left hand in a mill accident, September 2, 1866. He then ref turned to Harmony township, and attended school again for a time where he engaged in teaching in Lynn, Center and Harmony townships until 1876, when he was elected trustee of Lynn township, serving two terms. In 1882, Mr. Cartwright was elected county recorder and served two terms, or until 1890. He then engaged in the real estate business and did an extensive business as pension attorney. In 1910, he was elected justice of the peace, which office he still holds. As a public officer, Mr. Cartwright's methods have been of the character that has won for him the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens. He was united in marriage March 25, 1869, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of William Wilson, of Lynn township. She was born in that township and her father was also a native of Posey county. To Mr. and Mrs. Cartwright were born five children, three of whom are living: Cynthia, married Aaron Shuffert, of Chicago; Ethel, married Noble Utley, of Mt. Vernon, and Fannie O., married Henry A. Deutsch, of Strathmore, Cal. Mr. Cartwright has been a lifelong Democrat, and taken a keen interest in the affairs of his county, State and Nation. He was chairman of the Democratic central committee of Posey county in 1884, and as a token of appreciation of his services, the committee presented him with a beautiful gold-headed cane, which he prizes very highly. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and is past chancellor of the lodge. He was the first State representative at the grand lodge at Indianapolis ; he is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Post No. 491, and is the president of the Sixty-fifth Indiana Regimental Association, which meets on September 22 of each year. The meeting of 1913 was held at his residence. He is a charter member of the regular Baptist church.

Armenius Templeton, retired farmer and stock raiser, of Mt. Vernon, Ind., was born in Black township, Posey county, October 30, 1849, a son of Gilbert and Desire (Phillips) Templeton, the parents natives of Posey county, where the father farmed and raised stock. Gilbert Templeton was the son of Samuel and Sally (Curtis) Templeton, natives of North Carolina, who came to Posey county about 1815, one year before Statehood and one year after the organization of the county. Samuel Tem- pleton entered land, the country at that time being a wilderness. His son, Gilbert, was born in Posey county in 1820, and grew to manhood, assisting in clearing the land. Our subject also cleared a great deal of farm land and can remember when a large part of the land now under cultivation was thickly wooded. The first school he attended was in a log building on his father's farm. After finishing school he worked on the farm with his parents. His father died in 1891. Mr. Templeton was engaged in farming and stock raising until twenty-three years ago, when he retired from active farming to look after his lands. All of his farms are in Point and Black townships, 300 acres being in the former, and 150 in the latter. On his retirement from farming he removed to Mt. Vernon, and in 1888 went into the hardware business, contining the store for sixteen years. He has served as councilman and has been in various ways identified with the upbuilding of the town and county. He is a member of the Methodist church, in which he is a trustee. In politics he is a Prohibitionist. Mr. Templeton was married February 3, 1880, to Pauline Newman, daughter of Charles and Rosana (Scheiber) Newman, parents natives of Germany, who came to this country when young. Mr. Newman was a farmer. Pauline was born in Posey county and attended the country schools at that time held in a log house. Later she continued her education at Mt. Vernon. Mr. and Mrs. Templeton became the parents of five children : Bertha, who married Edward Blake- ly, and lives in Lajunta, Colo. ; Everett A. (see sketch of E. A. Temple- ton) ; Gilbert C., married Justine Stander, and lives in Fowler, Colo. ; Arthur N., at home with his parents, and Raymond, deceased. Mrs. Templeton is an active worker in the Methodist church and the whole family are members.

Frederick A. R. Kemper (deceased), formerly a prominent farmer of Mt. Vernon, Ind., was born in that town February 14, 1860, a son of Frederick and Anna (Mehl) Kemper, parents natives of Germany. Frederick, Sr., was a veteran of the Mexican war. Before the Civil war he was a farmer and saw mill man, but died during the Civil war while a soldier in Missouri. The parents of our subject had six children. Frederick, Jr., was married January 27, 1883, to Miss Bertha Haas, daughter of Anton and Nancy (Henry) Haas. Bertha Haas was born September 23, 1863, in Mt. Vernon. Her father was a native of Germany, and her mother of Posey county. Mr. and Mrs. Kemper had six sons : Earl Vernon, born February 26, 1885, a steamboat clerk, Memphis, Tenn. ; Royal Haas, born August 10, 1888, postoffice clerk at Mt. Vernon, belongs to the Elks; Edmund Emil, born June 26, 1892; Raymond Lester, born July 3, 1895; Paul Frederick, born December 19, 1898; Walter Anton, born August 13, 1902. Mr. Kemper died November 15, 1910. He was a farmer all his life, and belonged to the German Methodist Episcopal church.

David Walter Welch, M. D., of Mt. Vernon, was born in Saline county, Illinois, near Galatia, March 5, 1848, and is a son of Egbert G. and Nancy ( Upchurch) Welch. His father was a native of Tennessee, and came of an old Virginia family, and at the age of eighty-eight years he died at Galatia, Ill., where he was a pioneer settler, and his mother was born at Galatia, Ill., and was a daughter of David Upchurch, who came from North Carolina to Illinois, and was the founder of Galatia. Dr. Welch was reared on the farm, attended the country schools, and the Illinois State Normal at Normal, Ill., and then engaged in the profession of school teaching for fifteen years. He was superintendent of schools at Rock- port, Ind., for two years, of the schools of Boonville, Ind., for two years, having previously been assistant superintendent of schools at Evansville, Ind. His early teaching was in Illinois. He was at Shawneetown for three years. He read medicine in the office of Dr. George B. Walker, dean of the Evansville Medical College. He then began practice in the country about five miles northeast of Mt. Vernon. He located in Mt. Vernon in 1888. He did post-graduate work at the Chicago Clinical College, and is a member of the Mt. Vernon City, the Posey County, and Indiana State Medical societies, and also of the Ohio Valley Medical Association. Dr. Welch married in 1868 Jennie R. Wright, of Cloverport, Ky. They have five sons and two daughters. The Doctor is a Prohibitionist in politics. He is not only an able and prominent physician, but as a citizen is progressive. To him is largely due the steps that led to the improvement of the public roads in Posey county, in which matter he received strong opposition, but the splendid roads of the county stand as a monument to his spirit of progress and foresight.

Douglas C. Ramsey, M. D., a prominent physician of Mt. Vernon, Ind., was born in Xenia, Clay county, Illinois, son of George D. and and Mary A. (Price) Ramsey. His father was born and reared in Cincinnati, Ohio, and his mother in Vincennes, Ind. The father was a physician and practiced at Xenia, Illinois, where he died at the age of seventy-seven, and the mother died at Mt. Vernon, aged eighty-two. The name Ramsey is of Scotch origin. Douglas Ramsey attended the public schools and for two or three years had a private tutor. He graduated from the Washington University in 1880, and shortly afterward located in Mt. Vernon, remaining here since that time. He took a post-graduate course in the St. Louis University in 1893, one in the Chicago Policlinics in 1895, and has visited Montreal and other Eastern cities to obtain medical knowledge. He has written much for medical journals, the following being among his subjects : "Brain Surgery," New York "Medical Record," "Salicylic Acid in Rheumatism," and "Preventation of Tuberculosis." Dr. Ramsey was appointed a member of the State Board of Health by Governor Matthews, and served from 1895 to 1897. He was president of the board and while serving in this capacity he wrote several valuable reports. He is a member of the Posey County, the State and American Medical associations, and also of the Mississippi Valley Society. He has twice been president of the Posey County Medical Association. For four years he was medical examiner for the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and was for a similar time their medical director or intermediate. Governor Durbin appointed Dr. Ramsey delegate to the National Tuberculosis Congress, held in New York in 1907. He was president of the pension board under the two terms of President Cleveland. In politics, Dr. Ramsey is a Democrat, and fraternally he is a Master Mason and an Elk. He was medical director for the Intermediate Life Assurance Company for the first four years of its existence.

Col. Richard Sarlls, one of the early pioneers of Posey county, Indiana, was born in Ghent, Carroll county, Kentucky, August 13, 1839, son of Richard and Julia (Evertson) Sarlls, the mother a native of New York, and the father of Indiana. They removed to Kentucky and died when Richard was but seven years of age. Richard Sarlls came to Posey county, Indiana, in 1846. At that time the place called McFadden's Bluff, now Mt. Vernon, did not number over 500 inhabitants, and the wharf was not yet built. The boy had already begun its schooling in Kentucky, and continued in the schools of Posey county, paying tuition of $1.00 per month, besides having to do the janitor's work. He attended school in Mt. Vernon. At that time the "Ricaune" mill stood where the wharf was built later. Our subject started in life by blacking shoes, and at the age of twelve was able to operate the steam wool carding mill owned by his uncle. About three years later he and his uncle began grinding wheat. Pie became an expert judge of grain, and during the Civil war worked for Lowry Welborn & Sullivan, a big grain concern. Upon leaving the employ of this firm he engaged in the grain business with a nephew of Mr. Sullivan, under the name of Sullivan, Sarlls & Company. They did a general merchandise business, in addition to buying and selling grain. This company did a thriving business until the cholera epidemic in the '703, when they failed and turned everything over to their creditors. He left the company in 1874, and two or three weeks later he bought a barge load of drowned corn and flour, the cargo of the old "Ironsides." Inside of two more weeks he sold the cargo at a profit of five cents per bushel, netting the sum of $2,500, with which he again embarked in the grain business. The next year Mr. Washington Boyce sent Mr. Sarlls and Mr. William Fuhrer to Wichita, Kan., to buy grain and they bought 30,000 bushels, which they sold in Kansas City and returned to Mt. Vernon. That fall they began buying hogs, as there was no corn on account of the floods. In 1876 they bought over 450,000 bushels of corn, which they sold at a profit of $50,000. Mr. Sarlls then began buying land and secured 1,100 acres in Illinois. He continued in the grain business alone and has prospered ever since. He has made his money by dealing in grain and land, and has handled more than 20,000 acres of land. He did not make money in hogs, having only about $100 when he got through with his season, but the buying of grain in 1876 put him on his feet again. Mr. Sarlls is also a mechanic and understands machinery about mills. On one occasion he was paid $20.00 for four hours' work fixing a pump. This was before he worked for Wei- born, & Sullivan. Colonel Sarlls now owns about 2,800 acres of land in Illinois, Kentucky and Indiana. At the time of the Civil war Colonel Sarlls was lieutenant in Company A, National Home Guards, and made trips to Kentucky in charge of his company. On June 7, 1860, occurred the marriage of Richard Sarlls to Elizabeth Hinkle, daughter of Edward Hinkle, a merchant of Shawneetown, Ill., where Mrs. Sarlls was born, December 7, 1840, and where she was raised. They had seven children: Richard E., deceased ; Edward, deceased ; Jessie Walter, of Jackson, Miss. ; Howard, of Mt. Vernon ; LeRoy Anson, of Philadelphia, Pa., and Louis, of Evansville. Jessie married E. M. Brady. The first wife died February 7, 1879. Mr. Sarlls married again in June, 1883, Frances Hinch, daughter of John D. and Ellen Hinch, natives of Posey county, where she was born and raised. They have one child, Mary Emily, who married Dr. H. P. Carson, now a resident of Phoenix, Ariz. Our subject is one of the largest land owners of Posey county, and is offering some attractive farms to the people.

Ferdinand A. Funke, vice-president and general manager of the Mt. Vernon Straw Board Company, was born in Evansville, Ind., January 24, 1868, the son of Ferdinand and Mary (Kuntz) Funke, both of whom were born in Germany, the father at Ruethen, Luebstadt, Westphalia, and the mother near the city of Worms. Ferdinand Funke learned the trade of a gun and lock smith. He came to the United States in 1849, locating in Evansville, Ind., where he opened a shop and followed the trade learned in his native land. In 1858 he built a paper mill and began the manufacture of wrapping paper, in the operation and management of which he continued until his death in 1895. The enterprise was a success from the start and he realized a substantial fortune from its profits. After his death the business was continued by his sons, John M., Ferd A. and Joseph, under the firm style of Ferdinand Funke Sons. The output of the plant at the present writing is three thousand tons per annum, marketed in the United States, and the plant represents an investment of over $50,000. It is operated under the management of John M. Funke. Mr. Funke is survived by his widow and the following children: Caroline; John M. Funke, president of the Mt. Vernon Straw Board Company, Mt. Vernon, the Commercial Bank, Ev- ansville, director in the Globe Paper Company, and having important real estate and manufacturing interests in Evansville; Ferdinand A. Funke, the subject of this article, and Joseph Funke, secretary of the Mt. Vernon Straw Board Company, Mt. Vernon. Ferdinand A. Funke acquired his education in the public schools of Evansville and the Evansville Business College. He entered the employ of his father in 1885 and was taught by him the trade of making wrapping paper. On his father's death in 1895, and the taking over of the business by his sons, under the firm style of Ferdinand Funke Sons, he became superintendent of the mill and remained in charge of the manufacturing end of the business until 1904, when he was elected vice-president and general manager of the Mt. Vernon Straw Board Company (see chapter on Manufacturing). The continuous and healthy growth of the business of this corporation since its founding, the satisfaction given by its products, together with the good will extended to him at all times by the employees, prove his possession of these qualities which not only assure his business success, but make him a valuable acquisition to the citizenship of Mt. Vernon, of which he became a resident in 1909. He is a Democrat and a member of Mt. Vernon Lodge, No. 277, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a communicant of the Catholic church and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Mr. Funke married on October n, 1909, Miss Mary Logel, daughter of Louis Logel, of Evansville. They are the parents of two children : Ludwig Ferdinand, born August 2, 1910, and Karl Ferdinand, born May 2, 1912. Mrs. Funke is a communicant of the Catholic church and a leader in the social circles of Mt. Vernon.

John H. Moeller, mayor of the city of Mt. Vernon, successful man of affairs and popular citizen, is a native of Posey county and was born in the city of which he has served as chief executive on August 7, 1867, the son of John and Dortha (Haas) Moeller. John Moeller, the founder of the family in Indiana, was born in Altenschlirf, Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, on December n, 1837. He received a good education in the schools of his native town, was apprenticed to the cooper's trade, and came to the United States in 1855, first locating in New Orleans, where he remained a short time, and then came by boat to Louisville, Ky., where he secured employment at his trade. In 1857 he became a resident of Mt. Vernon, secured employment in the cooper shop of Philip Vernon, and in 1864 succeeded to this business through purchase. From 1882 until 1893 he had as associates in business George Zeigler and William Rheinwald, but in the last named year bought them out. In 1903 he consolidated his business with that of his son's, John H. Moeller, under the firm style of J. H. Moeller & Company. In addition to the cooperage shop they ran a saw mill and stave and heading factory. The business was operated very successfully, but in 1911 the mill burned and John Moeller retired from the firm. He at present is the owner of a cooperage plant which is reviewed at length in the chapter "Manufacturing and Commercial Enterprises." Mr. Moeller married on May 18, 1859, Miss Dortha Haas, a daughter of Charles Haas, a pioneer resident of Mt. Vernon, who was born in Lauteraka, Beiren, Germany, and who died in Mt. Vernon in 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Moeller are the parents of the following children: Mollie L., the wife of Adam Ware, Mt. Vernon; Charles C., Mt. Vernon; John H. Moeller, the subject of this review; William, Mt. Vernon ; and Nellie H., the wife of Charles Pearson, Mt. Vernon. Mr. Moeller and his wife are members of the German Methodist church. Mayor Moeller was reared in the city of Mt. Vernon, acquired his education in its public schools, and learned his father's trade, that of cooper. He became a clerk when sixteen years of age; later learned telegraphy and was employed in Mt. Vernon by the Western Union Telegraph Company, the Evansville & Terre Haute and the Louisville & Nashville railroads, and in Texas by the Missouri Pacific railway. He returned to Mt. Vernon from Texas in 1885 and was made assistant agent of the Evansville & Terre Haute railroad, a position he filled until 1888, when he engaged in the cooperage business, having as a partner his brother, Charles. He purchased the latter's interest in 1898, built up an exceedingly profitable enterprise and in 1903 consolidated it with that of his father, under the firm style of J. H. Moeller & Company, as previously stated. In 1911 the saw mill was destroyed by fire, and as this portion of the firm's enterprise was uninsured, they suffered a heavy loss. Shortly after the fire the elder Moeller retired from the firm and the business was continued by our subject. During 1911 he was the chief factor in inducing the Whitmore Handle Company to locate in Mt. Vernon, and as one of the inducements held out to them for locating in the city, rented his cooperage property to them at a very low rental. The value of this plant to the city of Mt. Vernon is easily estimated by perusal of the chapter on "Manufacturing and Commercial Enterprises," which contains an article descriptive of its history. As a manufacturer of staves, heading and cooperage, Mayor Moeller attained a substantial success ; he was an untiring worker, knew each and every detail of the business, from the buying of timber in the tree to the marketing of the finished product, and had the cheerful cooperation of his employees. As a citizen of Mt. Vernon he has, since attaining his majority, been actively concerned in the development and betterment of its commercial and civic affairs. He has always been a consistent advocate of the principles and policies of the Republican party and an active worker in its ranks. His first public office was an appointive one, that of city commissioner, which he entered in 1901, and served for six years. His record in the administration of the affairs of this office was such that he was honored in 1909 by his party with the nomination for the office of mayor, and he was elected by the largest majority ever given a candidate for that position. During the four years in which he has occupied the mayor's chair he has given the city an exceedingly able and frugal administration, considering the many improvements made; while his unselfish attitude and broad-mindedness in dealing with questions and policies which had for their object the good of the city proves that he has the right conception of the duties and obligations of the office. To his progressiveness, stick-to-it-iveness in surmounting difficulties and business foresight the city is indebted for its handsome water-front park ; another site having been under consideration. His logical handling of the proposition, combined with perseverance in securing the money necessary for its equipment, won for the citizens not only a place of recreation for young and old, but one that could not be surpassed for accessibility and beauty of view. He found the city with a debt of $3,000 in excess of its limit. This was changed within two years to a surplus of $5,000. He has secured greatly improved service from the light, water and telephone companies, public drinking fountains, an overhead crossing at Mulberry street and the Louisville & Nashville railway, safety gates at other dangerous crossings have been installed, sanitation and sewerage conditions greatly improved, a street flushing machine bought, many of the unpaved streets oiled, the weeds cut and trees trimmed on the public thoroughfares, while other improvements are in prospect. During the disastrous flood of April, 1913, his executive and initiative talents were exploited at their best. With a vast section of territory adjacent to the city under water, thousands without shelter or provisions, and live stock in the greatest peril, he headed the relief movement and assumed charge of its operation. He secured, through the War Department, rations for ten thousand people for ten days, together with a distributing force under the command of Captain W. K. Naylor, and with him acted as pilot of the relief expedition. He commandeered every boat, power, skiff, and flat, on the river and these were in constant use in bringing to Mt. Ver- non the people who were marooned. He obtained by telegraph from Governor Ralston an order stationing one company of militia in the city, who were to assist in rescue work, and who were under his orders. Through his efforts the Red Cross Society sent a representative, Mr. Hubbard, to the city, and through their joint efforts $20,000 was raised for the relief of those who had lost their all in the disaster. This labor entailed upon Mayor Moeller severe hardship and caused him to be absent from his business for nearly one month. During this trying period his conduct was marked by no thought of self but by a desire to do all in his power to relieve those who were in need, irrespective of condition, and to fulfill to the utmost his obligations as head of the government of Mt. Vernon, which was untouched by the waters. That his efforts have been appreciated is attested through his nomination for the office of mayor, to succeed himself, in the election of 1913; his majority in the primary having been overwhelming, and his reward by election to a second term seems certain. Mayor Moeller is affiliated with a number of secret and social organizations. He is a member of Mt. Vernon Lodge, No. 277, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks ; Posey Aerie, Fraternal Order of Eagles ; Loyal Order of Moose ; Knights of Pythias, Hoo Hoos, and is president of the Mt. Vernon Boosters Club. He is a member of the German Methodist church. Mr. Moeller married on August 23, 1892, Miss Anna H. Nefzger, daughter of the late Xavier Nefzger, of Mt. Vernon. They are the parents of two children : Esther C. Moeller, born October 25, 1893, who graduated from the Mt. Vernon High School in the class of 1912, and John Robert Moeller, born January 18, 1911. The family are popular in the social circles of their home city and the Moeller residence is known for its generous hospitality. Mrs. Moeller is a communicant of St. Matthew's Catholic Church. Mayor Moeller is a fine type of the German-American citizen, is a self- made man, possesses energy, initiative, and executive ability of a high order, and is justly entitled to the popularity he has attained, both as a citizen and as an official of his home city. He has always maintained that the best citizen is the home builder, and that such are to be depended upon to devote a part of their time, intelligence and funds to secure that which is most desirable in furthering the general welfare of the community in which they reside. That he is consistent is exemplified in his record as mayor of Mt. Vernon.

David M. Erwin, formerly a merchant at Erwin Station, a point named for him, was born in that vicinity in Black township, Posey county, Indiana, July 21, 1854, son of James M. and Rachael J. (Redman) Erwin, both natives of the township in which our subject was born. James M. is the son of Samuel Erwin. Both his parents were natives of Tennessee and came to Posey county over one hundred years ago, when this part of the country was still a wilderness, there being no city of Mt. Vernon. Samuel Erwin entered several hundred acres of land in Black township, part of which is still in the hands of his grandson, David M. James Erwin cleared up a number of acres of this land and our subject finished the work of clearing away the forest. James Erwin was born September 6, 1829, and his wife, Rachael, was born August 25, 1832. Both are living with their son, David M., enjoying a ripe old age. David Erwin received his early education at Farmersville and at Gill school house. Later he graduated from the Evansville Commercial College and attended the University of Indiana at Bloomington, Ind. After leaving the university he engaged in the book business in Mt. Vernon, where he had a store for about two years. Selling out, he went back to the farm where he was raised and farmed for about six years. In 1884 he opened a general stole at Erwin Station. Here he remained for twenty years and was ticket agent for the Evansville & Terre Haute railroad and the only postmaster the place ever had. The store is now abandoned, but the flag station is still known as Erwin's Station. In 1902 he retired from business and removed to Mt. Vernon, where he has a nice city home. His farm at Erwin's Station contains no acres. Mr. Erwin has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for thirty-three years, a member of the Encampment for sixteen years, and has represented the Grand Lodge and Grand Encampment several times. He also belongs to the Ben Hur Lodge and the Baptist church. In politics he is a Republican. On April 12, 1879, Mr. Erwin married Miss Katie Kastenbader, a native of Hawesville, Ky., who was raised in Mt. Vernon, where she attended common school. They had three children: Minnie, John and James, all deceased, and the mother died in December, 1881. Mr. Erwin married the second time, February 12, 1884, taking as his wife Amelia Banks, a native of White county, Illinois, where she was raised and attended common school. They had two children, one of whom died in infancy. The other, Frank M., was born June 25, 1889. He attended at Craborchard school in Black township until he finished the eighth grade. His parents then removed to Mt. Vernon and he graduated from the high school there. He then entered Purdue University, graduating with the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1912, and also received a degree in civil engineering, being the first person from Posey county to graduate with the degree of Civil Engineer. He married Pearl Bottomly, daughter of James Bottomly, of Mt. Vernon, and he is now engaged by the Louisville & Nashville railroad as civil engineer at Louisville, Ky. In politics he is a Republican.

Howard H. Sarlls, publisher and proprietor of the Mt. Vernon "Republican," a weekly newspaper, was born in Mt. Vernon December 27, 1870, and has been a resident of that city ever since. He is the son of Colonel Richard and Elizabeth A. Sarlls (see sketch of father). His mother died February 7, 1879. He attended the public schools of Mt. Vernon. graduating in the class of 1888. He worked at the printer's trade in local offices during the summer months while attending school. He went to business college in Indianapolis in the winter of 1889-1890, after which he again took up printing in local offices and in the offices of the Poseyville "News" and Evansville "Journal." In February, 1893, he went in with John B. Thomas to establish the "Republican" under the firm name of Sarlls and Thomas. Eighteen months later he took entire charge of the paper, which he has since conducted. On December 4, 1895, Mr. Sarlls married Miss Lottie Engler, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George \V. Engler. At present their home is at 220 West Fifth street. Mt. Vernon.

John Willis Turner. — The growth and development of any community depends largely upon the management of its financial institutions. The manufacturing and commercial enterprises of the city of Mt. Vernon, as well as the farmers of Posey county, owe much to the progressive policy of the First National Bank of Mt. Vernon, of which Mr. Turner has been the controlling executive since 1907. He occupies today a prominent place in the banking circles of southwestern Indiana, has contributed in large measure to the advancement of Mt. Vernon, in whose still greater commercial and civic prestige he is a firm believer, and holds a secure position in the confidence and esteem of the citizens of the county. John Willis Turner was born on his father's farm in Owen county, Kentucky, near Georgetown, Scott county, on August 7, 1872, the son of Thomas W. and Amanda J. (Lee) Turner. The family was founded in America by Joshua Turner, a native of Ireland, who settled in Kentucky in 1847. He was a farmer and a successful one. He served with the Confederate forces in the Civil War and was killed at the battle of Cumberland Gap. His son, Thomas W. Turner, the father of our subject, was also a native of Ireland, where he was born on February 19, 1843. He came to Kentucky with his parents in 1846 and was reared on his father's farm. He also served with the Confederate forces in the Civil war and was wounded in the battle of Murfreesboro, Tenn. He married when a young man Miss Amanda J. Lee, the daughter of Nathaniel W. Lee, founder and owner of the town of Lee's Mills, and well known distiller and land owner of Owen county, Kentucky. Mr. Turner was reared1 and has always followed farming as an occupation. He has been successful as an agriculturist, is a man of influence and enjoys the confidence and esteem of the residents of his neighborhood. His political allegiance has been given the Democratic party and he has taken an active part in the work of that organization. Mrs. Turner died in 1880. They were the parents of four children, two of whom are living: Fannie Lee, born August 26, 1870, is the wife of Frank M. Davis, a carriage and implement dealer of Corinth, Ky., and John Willis, our subject. Flora, born October 5, 1875, died of pneumonia in 1892, and Stella, born April 5, 1879, died in 1887. Mrs. Turner's maternal ancestors were among the early settlers of America and numbered among them are men who achieved distinction in the frontier life of those early days, in the commercial era which followed, in the War of the Revolution, and later in the Civil war. The founding of the Lee family in Kentucky dates from the settlement there of Dr. LeGrand Lee, a physician of Virginia, and descendant of General Lee of Revolutionary fame. He was joined later by Doctor Joseph Lee, a physician, John Lee, a Baptist preacher, and Nathaniel W. Lee, brothers, the latter of whom was the grandfather of the subject of this review. He became the most extensive land owner of his section of the State, one of its most suecessful distillers, and was one of the most influential citizens of his district. His death occurred on August 27, 1893. John Willis Turner received his early educational discipline in the public schools of Owen county, graduated from Owenton High School and in 1889 entered the literary department of the Kentucky State College at Lexington and was graduated in the class of 1893. The succeeding two years he wras engaged in raising hogs on an extensive scale, purchasing the refuse from his grandfather's distillery for feed. The markets of 1894 and 1895 were high and he sold at a large profit. The success he had attained in his initial business venture attracted the attention of the officers of the First National Bank of Owenton and he was offered and accepted a position with that institution. He resigned from this position in 1897 and entered the People's Bank of the same town, where he remained until 1899, when he accepted the position of corporation clerk in the State Capitol at Frankfort. While in charge of this office he gained a comprehensive grasp of banking as conducted in Kentucky, which has been of great advantage to him in his later career. He became a resident ol Posey county in 1903, when he came to Poseyville and organized the First National Bank of that town. His connection with this institution, of which he was cashier, continued until 1907, when he was offered and accepted the position of cashier of the First National Bank of Mt. Vernon, the oldest financial institution in the county and which, at this writing, 1913, has the largest deposits. In the administration of the business of this bank, of which he has been the dominant executive since 1907, his progressiveness, energy and resourcefulness have been largely responsible for the healthy growth enjoyed by the institution, as well as the high reputation of the organization. He is known to the banking fraternity as an able and discriminating financier and one who has brought the administrative policy of his bank up to the point of highest efficiency. Essentially a business man, he has neither the time nor inclination for public office, though he never neglects in the least his civic duties and obligations and has taken an active part in the councils of his party. He has been a lifelong Democrat. Mr. Turner has attained the Thirty-second degree in Scottish Rite Masonry, is a member of Indianapolis Consistory, and Hadi Temple Shrine, Evansville. He is a member of Mt. Vernon Lodge, No. 277, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Mr. Turner married on October 14, 1896, Miss Anna Lee True, the daughter of William R. and Sue Katherine True, of Louisville, Ky. They are the parents of one child, a daughter, Mary Louise, born March 12, 1907. Mrs. Turner is a woman of broad culture and refinement and popular in the social circles of Mt. Vernon, in which she is a leader. The Turner residence, one of the most attractive in Posey county, is known for its gracious hospitality. Mr. Turner is in all respects a high type of the conservative, unassuming American, diligent in his various duties and business affairs and conscientious in all things.

James Madison Greathouse. — Great, indeed, have been the changes which time and man have wrought in Posey county since the birth of Mr. Greathouse in 1847, and no man has been more actively identified with the work of improvement in Point township than he. He is best known to the citizens of his native county through his service as township trustee, to which office he was elected in 1908, in the administration of which he has proven the possession of sound financial ability, marked executive talent and sound business judgment. To him the township is indebted for an extended school term, modern school buildings, greatly improved roads, substantial bridges and a financial policy which has wiped out a considerable indebtedness, replaced it with a comfortable cash balance, and this has all been accomplished without an increase in the tax rate. James M. Greathouse was born on his father's farm in Point township, on April 27, 1847, a son of John Tecum- seh and Eliza (Browning) Greathouse. The father was a native of Union county, Kentucky. Little is known of his early life or occupations, except that he operated a grist mill on Highland creek, Union county, previous to his locating in Posey county, Indiana. In some manner he learned that relatives were living in the latter county and acting on an impulse to join them, he tied his belongings on a slab and, pushing it ahead of him, swam across the Ohio to the Indiana shore. In Point township he found three cousins, the sons of David Greathouse (see sketch of Frank M. Greathouse). During the year of his arrival in Posey county, 1844, he married Eliza Browning Great- house, the widow of his cousin John. They became the parents of the following children : Aaron, born in 1845, a resident of Mt. Vernon and veteran of the Civil War; James Madison, our subject; William R., a traveling salesman ; and Sarah Ann, the wife of James Dowell, a farmer of Black township. John Tecumseh Greathouse underwent the hardships incident to the early life of the county, cleared and improved land and became a prosperous farmer. The first frame building in Point township, a school house, was built on his farm in 1872, and was named the Greathouse school. This building was replaced in 1913 by one of concrete, substantially finished and furnished and erected under the supervision of his son, James M., trustee of the township. Mr. Great- house died in 1880. He was a charter member of Mt. Vernon Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of the Methodist church. His wife died in 1863. James Madison Greathouse was reared on his father's farm and received his education in the school bearing the family name. From boyhood his occupation has been that of a farmer. He is recognized as one of the progressive and successful men of his district ; one who has always taken an active interest in public affairs and who has given generously of both time and money in assisting those movements which had the public good in view. He has been a lifelong Democrat. He was elected trustee of Point township in 1908. When he entered upon the duties of this office the affairs of the township were in a deplorable condition. The treasury was empty and an indebtedness totaling $17,000 had been incurred by previous incumbents of the office. During his administration of the affairs of the township its indebtedness has been reduced to $2,250; two modern school buildings have been built, one a graded school building of two rooms at a cost of $3,500, and the new Greathouse school, a one-room building costing $3,000. These buildings are modern in all respects. They are constructed of concrete and the interior finish and equipment are of the best. The roads of the township have been greatly improved and a number of substantial bridges have been built. The township treasury has about $4,000 in cash (1913). These improvements have been made and the debt reduced without increasing the levy of previous years and the levy for 1913 was cut four cents. The record made in the administration of the affairs of this office by Mr. Greathouse will probably stand as the high-water mark of efficiency and accomplishment for many years to come. Mr. Greathouse married on March 29, 1871, Miss Victoria Combs, a daughter of David Combs, a farmer of Black township. He was born in Kentucky in 1816 and died in 1876. His wife was Jane Thompson, also a native of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Greathouse are the parents of the following children: Evaleen, born September 21, 1876, the wife of Edwin V. Spencer, Jr., a farmer of Black township ; Flora May, born' July 4, 1880, the wife of Edward Morlock, also of Black township ; and Bessie, born March 10, 1889, residing with her parents. Three children died in infancy — David A., James C. and Ida Belle. Mr. Greathouse is in all respects a high type of the conservative American, diligei\t in his various duties and commercial affairs, and conscientious in all things. He is rich in the possession of a well earned popularity and the esteem which comes only from honorable living.

Joseph Robinson Raines, auditor of Posey county, editor and publisher, was born at St. Wendel, Ind., January 31, 1864, the son of Charles and Jane (Culley) Haines. The first of the family to settle in Indiana was Peter Haines, a native of Kentucky, who located in Robinson township, Posey county, during its formative period. He was a farmer and the grandfather of the subject of this article. His son, Charles Haines, born in Posey county, also a farmer, married when a young man Miss Jane Culley, also a native of the county, where she was born in 1835. Charles Haines died when our subject was a child. He is survived by his widow, now a resident of Cynthiana, and the following children, viz : Mary E., the wife of James R. Smith, a farmer of Smith township, Posey county; Martha, the widow of Albert Whiting, Anna, Ill.; Ella, the wife of Crawford B. Smith, a farmer of Smith township, Posey county; Joseph R., auditor of Posey county; Charles L., Cynthiana; and Fannie J., the wife of William M. Chappel, a farmer of Oakland City, Gibson county, Indiana. Joseph Robinson Haines was reared on the Haines farm in Robinson township and assisted in the work incident to its carrying on until he was aged nineteen. He received his education in the public schools of Posey county and was graduated from the Cynthiana High School in 1883. From 1883 until 1890 he was engaged in teaching in the schools of the county. In the latter year he purchased the Posey- ville "News," of which he was the editor and publisher until he entered the office of auditor in 1912, and of which he retains the ownership. Mr. Haines has always taken a keen interest in the questions of the day and has been active and influential in the political life of his home county. He is a Democrat. He was elected to the lower house of the State Legislature in 1900 and re-elected in 1902. His work during the sessions of 1900-01 and 1902-03 received the commendations of his constituents and he was considered by his colleagues as one of the energetic and active leaders of his party in the house. He was elected auditor of Posey county in 1910 and entered upon the duties of the office on January i, 1912. His administration of the business affairs of this department of the county's official life has received favorable comment, efficiency has been the mark consistently sought, and promptness in the conduct of work constantly maintained. He had previously served as an official of the county through appointment, having filled the office of treasurer from February 28, 1907, until January i, 1908, succeeding Fred A. Morelock, who had died in office. He is a member of the Masonic order, Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Haines married on December 20, 1893, Miss Virgie C. Dougherty, the daughter of James H. Dougherty, a farmer of Rolla, Mo. They are the parents of one child, Edith May Haines, born May 7, 1895.

John T. Gill, a retired farmer of Posey county, now living at 324 West Ninth street, Mt. Vernon, Ind., was born in Black township, Posey county, March 20, 1845, son °f John T. and Anna (Moore) Gill, also natives of Posey county. Their parents, who were natives of Virginia, came to Posey county at an early date. Samuel Gill, the grandfather of our subject, at one time owned a part of the land on which Mt. Vernon now stands. Before his death, in 1850, he owned 300 acres three miles northwest of the town, where he had been an active farmer all his life. He had two daughters and six sons as follows : Joseph, John T., Samuel, Sarah, Anna, James M., Quincy A., William H., all born in Posey county, and all now deceased. John T. Gill, Sr., the father of John T., of this record, was born in Posey county in 1806 and married Miss Anna Moore in 1831. She was born October 5, 1810, in Posey count}', her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Moore, natives of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. John T., Sr., had ten children: Sarah (deceased), born April 18, 1832; Samuel ( deceased), born December 23, 1833 ; James (deceased), born April 21, 1836; Joseph (deceased), born December 14, 1837; Rachel, born September 24, 1839, now the widow of David Lyttle, Clarkston, Wash. ; Charles ( deceased), born May 6, 1841 ; Martha Ann, born December 30, 1842, now the widow of John M. Crunk, Mt. Vernon ; John T., of this sketch ; Zachariah Taylor, born October 28, 1848, now deceased ; Harriet, the youngest, died in infancy. John T. Gill, our subject, was educated in the public schools of Posey county. His father died when he was but five years of age and he was reared by his uncle, Joseph Gill, who lived five miles northwest of Mt. Vernon. Here John T. lived until 1864, when he enlisted in Company B, First Indiana cavalry, and was mustered out in July, 1865 at St. Charles, Ark. He took part in the battles of Pea Ridge, Pine Bluff and Helena, Ark., but was never wounded. He is now a member of the Harrow post of the Grand Army of the Republic, of Mt. Vernon, in which he has served as adjutant and has from time to time been honored with other offices. His brothers, James and Joseph, were also veterans of the Civil war, serving in Company F, Twenty-fifth Indiana volunteer infantry. In 1902 Mr. Gill was elected a member of the advisory board of Black township, serving eight years. In 1904 he was elected councilman from the Fourth ward in Mt. Vernon, serving six years. He is a Republican, and belongs to Beulah Lodge No. 578, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. On March 10, 1875, Mr. Gill married Miss Mary A. Brookins, daughter of Milton and Sarah (Davis) Brookins. She was born May 2, 1855, near Mt. Vernon, Ill. Her parents were natives of Ohio. They have had but one child, Fannie, born March 23, 1879, and died April 30, 1907. She was educated in the schools of Mt. Vernon. Mr. Gill was a farmer all his his life until his retirement in 1900. His farming interests comprise eighty-seven acres in Black township, which he rents. He now lives in Mt. Vernon.

John A. Deig, a prominent farmer of Mt. Vernon, was born in Black township, March 21, 1870, son of John S. and Mary (Muller) Deig, the father born in Germany, came to this country in 1838 with his parents and settled in Posey county near St. Phillips. John S. was but five years of age at that time and he was educated in the common schools of his locality and later engaged in farming and stock raising. He married Mary Muller, daughter of Louis Muller, in 1855. They became the parents of twelve children : Caroline, Mary, Margaret, Joseph, Charles, Louis, William, John A., Frank, Lillie, Anna, and one who died in infancy. Of these only John A. and Frank are living. Caroline married Antone Breiner (see sketch). John A. Deig was raised in Black township, Posey county, where he was educated in the public schools and worked on the farm with his father until of age, when he started out for himself, self, farming one year on the home place on the Fourth street road. After the first year he removed to his farm adjoining the town of Mt. Vernon, and has recently built one of the finest residences in the city, located on Main street, the last house inside the city limits. It is near one of his farms containing ninety-one acres. He has 160 acres east of town, making a total of 251 acres. On October 10, 1893, occurred the marriage of John A. Deig and Matilda Fischer, daughter of Valentine and Barbara (Soellner) Fischer, her parents natives of Germany, the mother from Bavaria and the father from Hessen- Darmstadt, Germany. The mother came to Posey county in 1836 with her parents, who located in the county. The father came in 1839 with his parents, who located in West Virginia, and after two or three years came to Posey county, where they engaged in farming and stock raising. Mrs. Deig was born in Marrs township, December 13, 1869, where she was reared, and educated as far as the common schools went. She then attended St. Joseph Academy at Evansville, where she graduated in 1886. Mr. and Airs. John A. Deig became the parents of five children: John (deceased), Cecelia (deceased), Sylvester S., Alfonso W. F., and Francis J. Sylvester S. and Alfonso W. F. are attending school in Mt. Vernon. Mr. Deig is a Democrat in politics, and he and his family are members of the Catholic church.

Henry Weissinger (deceased), former undertaker and furniture dealer, of Mt. Vernon, Ind., was born in Springfield, Ohio, July 14, 1834, and died in Mt. Vernon, Ind., May 22, 1906. He' was a son of Carl and Marie (Klenck) Weissinger, both natives of Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany. They came to Mt. Vernon when their son, Henry, was a boy. Henry was bound out to a cabinet maker of New Albany and remained with him many years. During the Civil war he was in the United States Marine Service on the gunboat "Autocrat," and as a ship carpenter had the the rank of second lieutenant. He came to Mt. Vernon in 1866 and opened an undertaking and furniture establishment. Later he discontinued the furniture business, but continued in the undertaking line until his death. In 1894 his son, Allison V., became his partner and the firm of Weissinger & Son was formed. The business is still conducted under this name, Allison V. now having as his partner his own son, Merle A. Henry Weissinger was married, in New Albany, Ind.. in 1857, to Martha Venable, who was born and reared in that town and who now lives in Mt. Vernon at the age of seventy-five years. They became the parents of eight children : Allison Venable, of Mt. Vernon; Harry, of Chicago; John R., of Enid, Okla. ; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Henry Walters, of Sapulpa, Okla. ; Manor, of Mt. Vernon ; Frank, of Enid, Okla. ; Mattie, now Mrs. Jesse Sutton, of Danville, Ill., and Jesse, of Enid, Okla. Henry Weissinger was a Democrat, served as councilman of Mt. Vernon and was county coroner four terms. He was a Master Mason and with his wife belonged to the Missionary Baptist church. Allison V. Weissinger was born in New Albany, Ind., March 31, 1859. He was reared in Mt. Vernon to the age of about sixteen, when he returned to his maternal grandparents in New Albany, remaining there for eight years attending school. He then came back to Mt. Vernon to work with his father. From 1888 to 1894 he was with the Adams Express Company and was away in the West a greater part of this time. In 1894 he became his father's partner and has continued in the business since that time, building his present fine establishment in 1911. He is a licensed embalmer and served as secretary of the State board of embalmers, to which office he was appointed by Governor Durbin, for seven years. Mr. Weissinger is a member of the Elks lodge and of the Knights of Pythias. He is a Democrat in politics and a member of the Presbyterian church. In 1882 he was married, at Mt. Vernon, to Adellah Duckworth, daughter of John K. Duckworth, a liveryman and stage line owner of Mt. Vernon and related to one of the early pioneer families of Posey county. They have but one child, Merle, who is associated with his father in business and has served his third term as county coroner. He married, in 1906, Miss Grace Sullivan, daughter of Richard L. Sullivan, grain dealer of Mt- Vernon. They are the parents of one child — Emily Dee — born April 22, 1908.

Enoch E. Thomas, former mayor of Mt. Vernon, Ind., and ex-sheriff of Posey county, was born October 8, 1837, on a farm in Lynn township, Posey county, son of Capt. George W. and Ann 'L. (Noel) Thomas. George W. Thomas was born in Kentucky in 1813, while his parents were enroute from North Carolina to Posey county, Indiana, one year after the county was organized. The parents of George W. farmed in Posey county from 1813 to 1855, when they removed to Mt. Vernon. He became the owner of several hundred acres of land and was a pioneer miller, having built the first steam mill in Posey county. In 1855 ne engaged in wharf and steam boating on the Ohio river, following this business until his retirement. He represented Posey county in the State legislature two years and was county recorder four years, and at different times was city councilman. While recorder of the county he, with Governor Hovey, secured the passage of an act permitting the use of funds in the county treasurer's hands for building the present court house. He was a life-long Democrat and belonged to the Masonic lodge. Enoch Thomas was reared on his father's farm in Lynn township, where he attended the country schools three months out of the year. In 1855 his parents removed to Mt. Vernon and he attended the old seminary two years. He is essentially a self-made man, and at the age of eighteen he engaged in the wharf and boating business with his father under the firm name of G. W. Thomas & Son. He continued in the business until 1882, when he embarked in the coal business. In 1884 he was elected on the Democratic ticket to the council from the Second ward, which is strongly Republican. This office he held two years. In 1886 he was elected mayor of Mt. Vernon, and was reelected in 1888. The water works franchise was granted during his first term as mayor. In 1897 he was elected sheriff of Posey county, and was reelected in 1899, serving four years and four months in all. He is said to have been the best sheriff the county ever had. He was always a prominent and active citizen. He is a charter member of the Mt. Vernon Lodge No. 277, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and has filled all of its offices. At present he is treasurer of the lodge. On December i, 1864, occurred the marriage of Enoch E. Thomas to Miss Anna Weaver, daughter of Dr. Warren Weaver, of Mt. Vernon. She was born in Evansville, Ind. They have five children : Gertrude, born in 1865, died in 1871 ; Mabel, the wife of Wilbur Cushman, lumberman, of Poseyville; Cornelia, the wife of Dr. C. H. Fullinwider, of Mt. Vernon ; Emma, the wife of Charles Chislett, real estate, of North Vancouver, British Columbia ; Ena, wife of A. K. Boyce, commercial traveler, of Terre Haute, Ind.

Edwin Rinear, M. D., one of the leading physicians of Mt. Vernon, Ind., was born in Liberty Center, Wells county, Indiana, June 24, 1866, son of Elias M. and Mary Jane (Hupp) Rinear. His great-grandfather was a Frenchman who came to this country with Lafayette and served in the American Revolution. His grandfather, Charles Rinear, son of the French soldier, was born in New Jersey, and Elias M. Rinear, son of Charles Rinear, was born in Cuyahoga county, Ohio. Mary Jane Hupp was born in Wells county, Indiana, of Pennsylvania Dutch ancestry. Elias M. Rinear was a druggist in Liberty Center and other towns of Indiana, and now lives in Bluffton. He was a soldier in the One Hundred and First Indiana infantry and for three years was a "fife major." Edwin Rinear was reared in the place of his birth and attended the public schools, later completing a teacher's course in Holbrook Normal at Lebanon, Ohio, after which he taught for six years in the Wells county public schools. He then took up the study of medicine at Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating from the Medical College of Ohio, of that city, in 1890. He practiced at Liberty Center ten years, at Warren, Ind., three or four years, at Bluffton for a time and located at Mt. Vernon in May, 1911. He is a member of the Mt. Vernon Medical Association, which he organized in 1912, is secretary of the Posey County Medical Association and a member of the Indiana Medical Society. In 1890 Dr. Rinear married Queen Mabel Webb, daughter of Benjamin F. Webb, of Warren, Ind. In politics he is a Democrat. Our subject is a self-made man, rising in the world by his own efforts. His chief distinction apart from his skill as a physician and surgeon is that he is a musician of more than ordinary skill and an artist of no mean ability.

Rev. Paul Press, pastor of the Trinity Evangelical Church at Mt. Ver- non, Ind., was born at Cambria, Wis., March 30, 1877, son of Reverend Gottlob and Julia (Guenther) Press, both born in Germany, and married in Missouri in 1867, shortly after coming to America, having known each other in Germany. Gottlob Press has devoted his life to the ministry in the Evangelical church. When Paul was about three years of age his father accepted a pastorate at Arcola, Ill., and four years later was called to New Hanover, Ill., where our subject spent the greater part of his youth. Paul Press was educated in the public schools at Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, Ill., and at Eden Theological Seminary, St. Louis, Mo., where he completed a four-year course and was ordained in the ministry in 1898. His first work was at Murphysboro, Ill., where he remained five and one-half years, and in January, 1904, came to Mt. Vernon. He has been a member of the board of education since 1910 and in politics is a Republican. In 1905 Reverend Press married Anna Brauer, of Murphysboro, Ill., and they have two children, Paul and Helen.

Elijah M. Spencer, deceased, formerly a prominent attorney of Mt. Vernon, Ind., was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, December 6. 1831, the seventh son of Mathias and Harriet (Smith) Spencer, natives of Connecticut, the father born November 15, 1795, and the mother born April 23, 1796, and died April 9, 1874. The parents were farmers. They were married in 1818, and had eight sons: William D., born March 5, 1819, died May 7, 1858; Daniel S., born April 5, 1820, now deceased; John W., born February 24, 1823, died March 15, 1859; Dr. Edwin V., born October 9, 1825, died May 28, 1902 ; Henry A., born August 29, 1828, died January 21, 1888; Harvey H., born June 12, 1830, died February 13, 1831; Elijah M., born December 6, 1831, died October 3, 1912; George W., born August 9; 1835, now a retired farmer of Corey, Pa. Elijah M. Spencer was a graduate of the Allegheny College, of Meadville, Pa., and came to Mt. Vernon in July, 1856, where he was an active and successful lawyer all his life. At the time of his death, October 3, 1912. he was the oldest member of the Posey County Bar Association, and that fraternity adopted elaborate resolutions of respect. He was an extensive owner of real estate and had retired in 1906 after fifty years of law practice. In politics Mr. Spencer was a Democrat and represented Posey county in the State legislature for two terms, beginning in 1865. He was very active in law making, was a member of several important committees and author of several successful measures, which today stand as monuments to his memory. He served for a time as county attorney. Mr. Spencer was public spirited and liberal, and the last check he issued before his death was a large donation to the Presbyterian church, of which his wife and daughters are active members. He was very highly respected in the community in which he for so many years was a substantial and dependable citizen. Elijah Spencer was married November 15, 1860 at Akron, Ohio, to Miss Mary E. Morse, daughter of Huron and Alethia (Ives) Morse. Mrs. Spencer was born December 27, 1839, in Portage county, Ohio. Her father was born July 29, 1807, and died June 16, 1885, and her mother, born April 30, 1810, died March 20, 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Huron Morse had four children : Laura A., born August 12, 1833, died May 24, 1901; Lucy H., born July 9, 1835, died October 26, 1894; Charles R., born October 14, 1837, died April 9, 1905 ; Mary E., born December 27, 1839. Mr. and Mrs. Elijah M. Spencer had six children: CharlesM., born November 21, 1861, lawyer and assistant State auditor, Indianapolis; John W., born March 7, 1864, now chief justice of the State Supreme Court; Frank B., born August 12, 1868, died June 17, 1892; Mary A., born November 29, 1870, now the wife of Allyn B. Hart, superintendent of ice company, Mt. Vernon ; Stella I., born March 19, 1873, was the wife of Arthur E. Fretageot, a merchant of New Harmony, died August 22, 1913, leaving one daughter, Mary, eight years old; Elijah M., born March 19, 1876.

George L. Hoehn, of Hoehn & Howard, real estate and insurance, Mt. Vernon, Ind., was born in Harmony township, February 8, 1856. He is a son of Blasius and Josephine (Pfister) Hoehn, both natives of Germany, and also settled in Posey county in 1853. The father died in Lynn township in 1869, aged forty-eight, and the mother passed away in 1875, aged fifty years. George L. Hoehn was educated in the public schools, and took a commercial course. He engaged in the grocery business and later learned the tinner's trade. In 1887 he was appointed deputy county treasurer, serving in that capacity until 1895, when he was elected county treasurer, and served until 1900. For a time he was engaged in the grocery business, and in 1908 formed the present partnership with Mr. Howard. Mr. Hoehn was married October 8, 1890, to Miss Margaret Deig, of Marrs township. They have one child, Raymond L. He is a member of the Catholic Knights of St. John and is a Democrat.

William Degress Bennett. — In the development of the agricultural resources of Posey county, which has resulted in her fame as a corn producing district, opportunity has been offered to many not only to cause the dense woodland to bloom with waving grain, to realize substantial returns in a financial way, but to become leaders and teachers among their fellow men. Among those who have been active in the development of Point township from the time of the removal of the forests to the present is numbered the subject of this review. William D. Bennett is a native of Kentucky and was born near Bell's Coal Mine, Crit- tendon county, March i, 1857, a son of James Madison and Mary E. ( Humphreys) Bennett, both of whom were born in Tennessee. The Bennett family are of English ancestry. Prior to the War of the Revolution, three brothers, Nicholas L., Walker Marion and Emory Hughes Bennett, immigrated to the Virginia colony, and subsequently all three served in the Continental Line in the struggle which resulted in the formation of the Union. These brothers were the founders of the family in America. William D. Bennett is the fourth in descent from Emory Hughes Bennett, the Revolutionary soldier, which is as follows: Emory Hughes Bennett, born in England, resident of Virginia colony, a soldier of the Colonial army; Emory Hughes Bennett, Jr., his son, plantation owner of Tennessee (2) ; Emory Hughes Bennett, second, his son, born in Tennessee, resident of Kentucky and an early settler in Point township, Posey county, a blacksmith by trade, and father of our subject (3). He was born near Nashville, on December n, 1834. He served with Morgan's force in the Civil war, was captured by the Union forces, and remained a prisoner at Chicago for twenty-two months, refusing to take the oath of allegiance to the Union in order to secure his release. On the conclusion of hostilities he followed his trade of blacksmith, locating in Kentucky, and came to Posey county in 1875. With his son, William D., he bought 100 acres of land, at that time covered with forest. The tract was located in Point township, and is a part of the farm now owned by our subject. The elder Bennett followed his trade until his death, and the shop was operated for some years afterward by his son. He married when a young man, Mary E. Humphrey, a native of Tennessee, and whose father was a plantation owner and man of influence. The family originated in England, was founded in America during the Colonial period, and several members were active supporters of the movement which resulted in independence and served as well with the Colonial forces. Mr. Bennett's death occurred on December 28, 1887, and that of his wife on May 20, 1902. They were the parents of the following children : William D. ; Jane Anne, wife of Jeremiah Kelley, a veteran of the Civil war, and resident of Mt. Vernon. Mrs. Kelley died in 1891 ; Emory Hughes Bennett, a retired farmer of Mt. Vernon ; Fannie M., wife of Walter A. Curtis, farmer of Point township ; John K. Bennett, farmer of Point township, and Walker Marion Bennett, also a farmer of Point township. William D. Bennett attended the country schools of his native State, the time spent in securing an education being very limited. From his father he learned the trade of blacksmithing, which he followed both in Kentucky and Indiana. Upon his coming to Posey county, in 1875, when, with his father, he purchased a tract of timber land, much of his time was spent in clearing the tract for farming purposes. The hardships incident to reaching the goal — a producing farm — were many ; privations equally plenty, but he had the pluck, courage and energy necessary to win out. His farm, one of the most productive ones per acre in his township, is the return for many years of hard labor, privation and possibly some loss of enthusiasm. His holdings comprise 130 acres. The improvements are substantial, the farm well stocked and its owner is considered one of the successful men of his township, as well as one of the most influential. He has been a lifelong Democrat, is active in the affairs of that organization in his district, but not inclined to accept office. He is a member of Point Lodge, No. 779, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a liberal supporter of the Methodist church. Mr. Bennett married, on April 3, 1887, Louisa, the daughter of the late Henry Heinekamp, a native of Germany, and a carpenter by trade and a resident of Mt. Vernon. He was accidentally killed on March 26, 1889, by being thrown from his wagon, which ran over him. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett are the parents of the following children : Annie Christina, Cora Elgin, Emory Hughes, and George Washington. One child, a son, died in infancy.

John Keck, manufacturer and man of affairs, president of the Keck- Gonnerman Company, of Mt. Vernon, and one of the most influential men in Posey county, of which he is a native, was born on his father's farm in Marrs township on August 7, 1851, the son of Andrew and Ro- sanna (Grossman) Keck. Andrew Keck and his wife were natives of Germany, who came to America with their parents and lived in Philadelphia, Pa., where they married. He brought his family to Posey county, Indiana, in 1835, and located on land in Marrs township. He was a farmer, an untiring worker, possessed the frugality common to the German race, and was known as a man of strict honesty. His death occurred in 1876, and that of his wife in 1861. They were the parents of twelve children, seven of whom are living. They are in order of birth, as follows: Caroline, the wife of Christian C. Stilz, a market gardener of Evansville; Anna B., the widow of Jacob Meyers, who resides in Portland, Ore. ; Rosanna, the widow of John C. Woody, who resides in Terre Haute; Christiana, the wife of J. F. Schiela, of Mt. Vernon; John, the subject of this review ; Peter, of Mt. Vernon, proprietor of an electrical equipment supply store, and Louis H., secretary and treasurer of the Keck-Gonnerman Company, of Mt. Vernon. The deceased children are as follows : Maria, who was the wife of George Maurer, a farmer of Marrs township ; Amelia, who married Henry Habenicht, a grocer of Evansville; Andrew, a drygoods merchant of Evansville; Eliza, who was the wife of Benjamin Blakely, of Mt. Vernon, and Catherine, who died in her eighteenth year. John Keck was reared on his father's farm, assisted in the farm work, and acquired his education in the district schools of his home township and Evansville. On attaining his majority, he struck out for himself, secured employment in Evansville, and became a machinist. He initiated his first business venture in 1877, when he purchased a half interest in the foundry owned by his brother- in-law, John C. Woody, at Mt. Vernon. The business was conducted under the firm name of Woody & Keck until 1883, when it became Keck & Onk, this partnership continuing for a few months, when new principals were admitted and the firm, Keck, Gonnerman & Company formed. The business of this firm was incorporated in 1901, as the Keck-Gonner- man Company, of which Mr. Keck has since been president. A review of the growth of this enterprise, the most important in Posey county, is included in the chapter, "Manufacturing and Commercial Enterprises," to which the reader is referred for supplemental information. As a citizen of Mt. Vernon, his place of residence for thirty years, Mr. Keck has been one of its most potential factors as a developer of commercial enterprises. He was one of the active factors in the organization of the Industrial Brick Company, the Home Mill & Elevator Company, and the Sunlight Milling Company, all of which have added to the prosperity of the city and which are reviewed at length in the chapter, "Manufacturing and Commercial Enterprises." He is also a member of the directorate of the First National Bank of Mt. Vernon. With his brother, Louis H. Keck, he is the owner of 865 acres of choice bottom land in Posey and Gibson counties, which are operated under their supervision. He has always taken an active interest in the civil affairs of his county and State, but political office has never appealed to him. He is a Democrat. He is a member of the Masonic and Knights of Pythias orders, and of the Methodist church. Mr. Keck married, on March 20, 1877, Miss Addie Frank, the daughter of Valentine Frank, a market gardener of Louisville, Ky. They are the parents of two children : Frank L. Keck, born June 16, 1882, a graduate of the Mt. Vernon High School, and assistant superintendent of the Keck-Gonnerman Company, and Grover C. Keck, a graduate of the engineering department of Purdue University, class of 1906, who is the assistant secretary and treasurer of the Keck- Gonnerman Company, and manager of the automobile sales department-

Miles W. Thomas, influential citizen, successful farmer and trustee of Black township, was born on his father's farm near the city of Mt. Vernon on May 15, 1858, the son of David and Mary (Noles) Thomas. David Thomas was also a native of Posey county, his wife a native of Kentucky. Both died in 1864, when Miles was a lad of six years of age. He was reared in the family of his brother-in-law, John M. Gregory, a farmer of Black township, who removed in 1874 to Illinois. In the last named year, Miles Thomas became self-supporting. He secured employment as a farm hand and continued in this occupation until 1876, when he rented an eighty-acre farm in Marrs township. He remained a renter until 1893, when he purchased 180 acres of land in Marrs township, and which he has brought up to a high point of cultivation. He also owns forty-three acres in Black township, three miles east of Mt. Vernon, which he purchased in 1897. Since attaining his majority he has taken an active part in the political life of his township, and has been a consistent supporter of the policies of the Democratic party. He was elected to his present office, that of trustee of Black township, in 1908, and in the administration of its affairs he has proven the possession of sound business judgment and keen financial sense. Since taking up the duties of the office, he has built three modern school buildings, one in 1911, one in 1912, and one in 1913, at a total cost of $13,800; besides putting all of the older buildings in a thorough state of repair. The roads of Black township are conceded to be the best in the county, and represent close attention to this essential of the farmer by the trustee. A drainage ditch, costing $3,200, has also been completed tinder his supervision, and is one of the important improvements of the township under his administration. His election was by a majority of 176 in a township normally Republican by 100; a highly complimentary evidence of his standing as a citizen and reputation as a man of affairs. Mr. Thomas married in 1879 Miss Mary Lewis, the daughter of Thompson P. Lewis, farmer and influential citizen of Marrs township. To them have been born seven children, four of whom died in infancy, and the others are as follows: Lewis W., born July 3, 1880; Elizabeth, born November 27, 1888, and Thompson, born October 12, 1900. The family became residents of the city of Mt. Vernon in 1909, and are well and favorably known.

Andrew A. Schenk, successful merchant, influential citizen, and treasurer of Posey county, is a native of the city of Mt. Vernon, where he was born on April 8, 1857, the son of Eberhardt P. and Margaret (Deig) Schenk. The family was founded in Indiana by Frank Schenk, a native of Germany, who came to Posey county in January, 1837, and located on land in Marrs township. He died in 1846 and his wife in 1872. They were the parents of Eberhardt P. Schenk, who was born in Germany, in 1821, and who obtained a good education in that country. His early life was passed on his father's farm. In 1847 ne settled on a farm of his own in Marrs township, which he operated profitably. In 1855 he, with his brother, Frank Schenk, built the Union Hotel on the southeast corner of Main and Second streets, which they conducted until 1861, when Eberhardt P. sold his interest and returned to his farm in Black township, resumed its operation and continued farming there until his death. Mr. Schenk was an active and influential factor in the political life of Posey county, a Democrat, and served acceptably as county commissioner for several years. He married Margaret Deig in 1847. They were the parents of the following children, viz. : Mary Ann (deceased), Katherine, Frank P., Andrew A., the subject of this article, Barbara, Margaret ( deceased), and Elizabeth. The parents were communicants of the Catholic church, and the family were reared in that faith. Andrew A. Schenk was reared on his father's farm and educated in the schools of Marrs township. On attaining his majority he engaged in farming on his own account and remained in this occupation until 1892, when he removed to Mt. Vernon and engaged in the grocery business. He has since developed one of the most profitable enterprises in this line in the county. He posseses a reputation for honesty and fair dealing which combined with commercial ability of high order has enabled his to accumulate a competence. Like his father, he has been an active factor in the political life of his home township, and later in that of the county. He has ever been a consistent advocate of the principles and policies of the Democratic party, which honored him, in 1910, with nomination to the office of treasurer of Posey county, and elected him by a highly satisfactory majority. He was elected, to succeed himself, in 1912. In the administration of the affairs of this department of the county's business, Mr. Schenk has given the same close attention to detail which made for his success both as a farmer and merchant. The writer is persuaded to believe that for all round efficiency the office has never had a more able occupant. Mr. Schenk married, on September 18, 1884, Miss Katy Grabert, the daughter of Frederick Grabert, of Black township. They are the parents of five children, who are as follows : Fred E. Schenk, assistant treasurer of Posey county ; William C. Schenk, manager of the Schenk grocery store ; Carl O. Schenk. Arthur A. Schenk, and Raymond Schenk, the last three named being employed in various capacities in the store owned by their father. The family is popular in their home city, active in its social life, and the Schenk residence on Water street is one of the handsome homes of Mt. Vernon.

Eberhardt B. Schenk, president of the E. B. Schenk Hardware Company, of Mt. Vernon, influential citizen and successful man of affairs, was born near Evansville, Ind., July 10, 1844. He was reared in St. Philip and Mt. Vernon, coming to the latter city with his parents in 1856. His education was acquired in the public schools and his first occupation was that of clerk in the Union Hotel of Mt. Vernon, built and conducted by his father and uncle. He initiated his first commercial venture in 1866, when he engaged in the pump business. In this he was successful. He engaged in the hardware business in 1873, doing busines under the style of E. B. Schenk. Under his management this enterprise has grown to be the leading one of its line in Posey county. Mr. Schenk occupies the office of president and his son, John Schenk, that of secretary and treasurer. The company carries a complete line of hardware, plumbing materials, stoves and furnaces, sporting goods, cutlery, and implements. The stock carried represents by far the largest investment of any similar enterprise in the county, is the most comprehensive in assortment, and in point of volume of sales, exceeds by far any competitor in the city. Mr. Schenk is known to the hardware trade as being especially well informed in all the branches and details of the line. As a merchant, he is considered as one of the most successful in his section. He is a citizen of influence, and that influence he has consistently used in the support of those measures which have had for their object the development and betterment of the commercial, civil and religious life of his city and county. He is a Democrat, takes an active interest in the questions of the day, but has never had inclination for public office. He is a member of Mt. Vernon Lodge, No. 277, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and a communicant of the Catholic church. Mr. Schenk married Miss Elizabeth Stahloefer, of Mt. Vernon.

Clem V. Schenk, a young business man of Mt. Vernon, who is successfully conducting a plumbing, heating and sheet metal enterprise, which ranks first in its line in Posey county, was born in Mt. Vernon on January 6, 1885, the son of Eberhardt B. Schenk, a review of whose life precedes this article. Clem V. Schenk received his education in the schools of his native city, supplemented by a two-year course in Jasper College, at Jasper, Ind. His first employment was in the store of his father, where for three years he was a salesman, eight years an employee in the plumbing and sheet iron department of the same store, and of which he became foreman. In June, 1911, he took over the shop end of his father's business, and has developed a successful enterprise. He occupies commodious quarters in a two-story brick building on West Second street, having a frontage of forty feet and running back ninety feet. His equipment comprises all needed machinery necessary for the carrying on of the business, and his stock of material is the largest and most varied of any in its line in the county. Mr. Schenk is a member of Mt. Vernon Lodge, No. 277, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and takes an active interest in the political life of his city and State. He is a Democrat. Mr. Schenk married, on September 25, 1907, Miss Carrie Frielinghausen, the daughter of Antone Frielinghausen. The family are communicants of the Catholic church.

John Herrmann, one of Posey county's most enterprising and intelligent citizens, was reared and educated in Germany, where he was born August 10, 1827, the fourth son of a family of six children born to John and Magdalena (Wagner) Herrmann, who were natives of Germany and lived and died in the Fatherland. He came to America in 1851, locating first in New York State, where he remained for one year. He then went to Ohio and on March 18, 1853, he located on a farm near Wadesville, Ind., remaining there until 1887, when he came to Mt. Vernon. John Herrmann made his own start in life, unselfishly leaving his share of the family estate to his widowed mother and brothers and sisters. By indomitable courage and energy he succeeded in acquiring 300 acres of very fine land, now under cultivation. His barn, which is the finest in the county, cost $6,000. He has an elegant residence and financially is one of the foremost farmers in the State. Mr. Herrmann is a member of the Lutheran church and is a Democrat and takes an active interest in politics. He held the office of justice of the peace sixteen years, and in all respects is worthy of the confidence reposed in him. He has been offered many positions of honor and trust by his political friends, which for various reasons he could not accept. He is prominent in the councils of his party and as a citizen takes a leading place in the community. In 1887 he removed from Wades- ville to Mt. Vernon and after holding the office of county treasurer he retired. Mrs. Herrmann died in 1906, and since that time he has made his home with his son, John G. Herrmann. On August 20, 1851, occurred the marriage of John Herrmann and Margaret Hempfling and they became the parents of seven children : Barbara, deceased ; Simon, deceased ; Elizabeth, deceased ; Christiana ; Carolina, deceased ; John G., and Sophia, deceased. John G. was born September 10, 1866. On September 7, 1890, he married Miss Tillie Stephens, daughter of Henry and Mollie (Vosloh) Stephens. The next year he removed to Mt. Vernon and engaged in farming. At the same time he was in the implement business with his brother-in-law, Joseph M. Stephens, from 1902 to 1912, when he purchased Mr. Stephens' interests in both farm and implement business. At present Mr. Herrmann is the proprietor of an up-to-date garage located on Main street and sells the Buick automobile and carries a full line of automobile accessories. The farm is known as the Little Island in the western part of Black township, and consists of 423 acres. Mr. Herrmann was also in the race horse business for three years. He belongs to the Masons, Odd Fellows and Elks.

Enoch Beal Bixler, successful man of affairs and popular citizen of Cynthiana, was born on his father's farm in Armstrong township, Van- derburg county, Indiana, April 21, 1853, the son of John and Caroline ( Lechner) Bixler, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, John Bixler having been born in Lebanon county on July 8, 1802, and his wife in Lewistown on September i, 1815.' They were married in Lew- istown on March 27, 1834. Four years later, in 1838, John Bixler decided to seek his fortune in the West and, with a covered wagon, drawn by one horse, he set out for Indiana and eventually located in Vander- burg county, where he purchased land from the government, paying $1.25 per acre. In his new home he underwent the hardships common to the pioneer of that time, did his due share toward the development of his section and accumulated a competence. He was a man of some influence in his township, was held in esteem by his fellow citizens, and reared his children with a view to their becoming useful men and women. The original Bixler homestead, when purchased from the government a wilderness, through his efforts made a highly productive farm property and is still owned by one of his children. John and Caroline Bixler were the parents of eleven children, seven of whom are living at this writing (1913) and are as follows: Benedict, Nancy J., the widow of Moses Wilkinson, who was a resident of Smith township, and in which she resides; Cornelia; Jonas T. ; Enoch B., the subject of this review ; Edson M. and Ella F. The deceased children are : Mary C., Virginia, John H. and Elias W. Enoch Beal Bixler was reared on the home farm in Vanderburg county and acquired his education in its district schools and in Cynthiana, being a pupil in the first school house erected in that town. Subsequently he engaged in teaching. He was engaged in this profession for eight years, six in Armstrong township, Vanderburg county, and two in Smith township, Posey county. He next engaged in farming and stock raising, an occupation in which he has been signally successful. His eight years as a teacher has had much to do with his desire to keep in touch with the advancement in agricultural methods, and the result of his studies along this line is seen in the results obtained in the management of his farm properties. As a stock raiser he ranks among the first in his section. His farm of 200 acres in Vanderburg county is one of the most valuable in that section of the State, its improvements are modern, it is well stocked, and under his management is a profitable enterprise. He is president of the Mutual Telephone Company of Cynthiana and a director in the Evansville, Mt. Carmel & Olney Railroad Company, an organization chartered to build an electric line from Olney, Ill., through Mt. Carmel to Evansville, a distance of about sixty miles. A portion of the road has been completed and it is the expectation that it will be in operation from terminal to terminal within two years. It traverses a highly productive country, having an average population of 700 per square mile, and will stimulate development of the territory through which it runs. Mr. Bixler has been an active factor in the enterprise, not only in the organization of the company, but in the affairs of the company since incorporation. He has other investments of importance. His political affiliation has been with the Republican party and he is a consistent supporter of its principles and policies. Political office has never appealed to him. He is a member of the town council of Cynthiana, however, a case of the office seeking the man. He became a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in 1883 and has been an active worker in his lodge. He is a member of the Christian church and served as moderator of the congregation at New Liberty for five years. In 1907 he built one of the most beautiful residences in Cynthiana, having seven acres of grounds, and the family have since resided in that city. Mr. Bixler married on September 26, 1885, Miss Nettie Newman, a daughter of William and Jane (Rutter) Newman, personal mention of whom will be found in the sketch of Schuyler C. Newman. Mrs. Bixler was born on the Newman farm in Armstrong township, Vanderburg county, and was educated in the schools of her home township and in Cynthiana. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bixler: Ivey Florence, deceased, and Edna E., born May 12, 1888. She is the wife of Ransom Ewing, a farmer of Cynthiana. Mr. and Mrs. Ewing are the parents of two children : Arvin K., born July 5, 1909, and Millage W., born February 13, 1913.

Ira L. Turman, a physician and surgeon of Cynthiana, Ind., belongs to an old established Indiana family rich in historical lore. His greatgrandfather, Benjamin Turman, was of English descent and was born in Virginia, residing for a number of years in Bedford county, of that State, where all of his children were born. He removed to Champaign county, Ohio, remaining there four years, thence to Sullivan county, Indiana, in the year 1810. In the year 1806 Mr. Benjamin Turman had, with a small party, explored the country on the Wabash near the mouth of what afterwards was called Turman's creek, but at that time a settlement seemed too hazardous an undertaking. Four years later, on returning to the Wabash valley, he left his family at Carlisle, where a settlement had been made, while he, with his sons and a few soldiers, built a fort on the prairie where he had decided to locate his home. From that time the prairie, the creek, which joins the Wabash at that point, and the township took his name. He brought with him from Ohio his farm implements, furniture and a considerable number of horses, cattle and hogs. These were the first hogs in this section of the country and they were capable of subsisting on the natural products of the soil. The Indians still frequented the locality and sometimes were cross and impudent. This did not deter Mr. Turman from the purchase of a large tract of land from the government in 1816. He had the first dairy and first fruit tree nursery in that part of the State, and some of the trees planted nearly 100 years ago are still standing, one apple tree measuring three feet and three inches in diameter. He lived to see peace restored between the United States and England and the Indians driven from the Wabash Valley. His death occurred in his spacious dwelling, built of hewed logs, in 1818. Thomas Turman, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Bedford county, Virginia, August 18, 1796, and his wife, Susannah Lavina (White) Turman, was born in Roane county, Tennessee, November i, 1801. They were married January 27, 1818, her grandfather, the Rev. Hezekiah James Balch, performing the ceremony. Rev. Balch was appointed on May 20, 1775, on a committee of three to draft and revise what was known as the Mecklenberg Declaration, which was the first Declaration of Independence made in America, and which was sent to the President of Congress in Philadelphia by Capt. James Jack. The Turmans produced large quantities of corn, for which there was no market nearer than New Orleans, and it is said that they were the first to propose transportation to that point by means of flat boats of home construction. Thomas Turman was one of the first to make the perilous journey, and opened up a trade that meant so much to the settlers all along the rivers and streams leading to the Mississippi from that time until the coming of railroads. The Wabash, Ohio and Mississippi rivers had many hidden rocks, dangerous sand bars and imbedded logs of immense size, which added greatly to the perils of the voyage, which often required months to make. However, Mr. Turman carried on a successful freighting business for many years, always accompanying his boats personally and superintending the sales of goods. In his absence his wife conducted the farming operations with such energy and good judgment that an ample crop was always awaiting transportation. On one of these trips he was gone so long that he was given up for lost, but returned just after the birth of a son, who was named Return Jonathan, and who was the father of Dr. Ira L. Turman, of this record. Thomas Turman died June 30, 1863, and his wife died March 28, 1875. Return Jonathan Turman was born July 6, 1837, attended the common schools and when old enough to do so he farmed and raised stock on Turman's prairie, where he still resides. He was married April 3, 1864, to Perlina A. Wible, and to them were born twelve children, our subject, Ira L., being the third. The family are distinguished for great natural musical ability. The wife and mother died February 2, 1890. Dr. Ira L. Turman was born at Graysville, Ind., February 13, 1869, and was raised a farmer boy. After finishing the common schools he attended the Union Christian College at Merom, Ind., after which he taught school for one year and then began the study of medicine under Dr. J. L. Durham, of Graysville. He entered the medical department of the University of Louisville, Ky., graduating with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1894. In May of that year he located for the practice of his profes'- sion at Cynthiana, where he has since remained and enjoys a lucrative practice. Dr. Turman 'belongs to the Posey County and Indiana State societies, and the American Medical Association. He was president for one year and secretary for two years, 1910-1911, of the Posey County Medical Society. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. The first marriage of Dr. Turman was on August 22, 1895, to Miss Agnes Bixler, daughter of Benedict R. and Martha (Boren) Bixler, natives of Vanderburg county, where they were engaged in farming and stock raising. Agnes Bixler was born and raised in Vanderburg county. She attended common and high schools and graduated from the normal school at Princeton, after which she taught several terms in the rural schools prior to her marriage. They had one child, Claud Kenneth, born December 14, 1896, a graduate of the Cynthiana High School, class of 1913, and now a teacher. The first wife died on October 26, 1904. On March 15, 1906, Dr. Turman married Grace Bixler (nee Emerson), daughter of John W. and Ellen (Yeager) Emerson, natives of Gibson county, where Grace Emerson was born and reared. She was a student of the Union Christian College at Merom, Ind. Mrs. Turman had one child by her first marriage, David Clair Bixler, born July 16, 1904. Dr. and Mrs. Turman have two children, Robert E., born February 2, 1908, and Agnes Lucile, born February 4, 1912. The Turman family are members of the Christian church.

Samuel Benson Montgomery, physician and surgeon Of Cynthiana, Ind., is a member of a family which has figured prominently in the history of the world since 944, the death of Yves de Bellesme, Count of Alencon, in Normandy, the first person recorded as bearing the name of Montgomery, occurring in that year. Since that time the Montgomerys have been heard of in France, England, Holland, Scotland, Ireland and America, his descendants having located in all those countries. It is from those that lived in Scotland and Ireland that we have the American line, and the antecedents of our subject. In 1605 Hugh Montgomery, of Braidstane, Scotland, was given title to one-third of the Con Oneil estate of Ireland for services rendered in Oneil's behalf in securing his pardon from King James. Mr. Montgomery at once set about to place a desirable class of emigrants on the large possessions he had secured. Of the first fifty-one families he brought there six families bore the name Montgomery, and within five years his colonization was so successful that he was able to report 1,000 men at his Majesty's service. Out of the amalgamation of the thousands of Scotch emigrants brought into Ireland by Hugh Montgomery and other knights, with the native Irish, came the Scotch-Irish family, many of whom have come to America, settling at first in Virginia and finally scattering in every State in the Union. Samuel Montgomery, Sr., a direct descendant of Hugh Montgomery, was born in Virginia about 1740, and served in the Revolutionary war. He was quiet, peace-loving, industrious and religious, and was highly esteemed by his neighbors. He was an elder in the old Presbyterian church in Kentucky, and in 1814, three years after coming to Indiana, he consented to assist in the organization of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. This he did at the earliest solicitation of Rev. William Barnett, and with them in the project was James Knowles, an elder in the Old School Presbyterian church. These three men formed the basis for the first Cumberland Presbyterian church of Indiana, and they formed the new organization without reordination or relinquishing any part of their former faith, and for the sole purpose of advancing the cause of Christ. Samuel Montgomery, Sr., married Polly McFarland, in Virginia, and later removed to Perryville, Ky. In 1811 he came with most of his family to Indiana and settled in Gibson county. The father of Samuel Montgomery, Sr., had slaves, and the son, being a religious man. did not believe it was right, and for that reason left home with his belongings and came to Indiana, where he set his negroes free at Evansville, which at that time consisted of two log houses and a cornfield. He bought his land at $1.50 per acre. It is now worth $200 per acre. Samuel Montgomery, Jr., was born in Kentucky in 1794, the ninth and youngest child of Samuel Montgomery, Sr. At the age of seventeen years he belonged to the State militia, and at the time of the call of General Harrison for help at the battle of Tippecanoe, he was absent on a visit. Upon returning and learning that his company had joined General Harrison, he hastily followed on horseback, but met his company at Vincennes, on their return. He married Sarah Montgomery on November 15, 1814. She was born in 1793, and died in August, 1829. This was the thirty-eighth marriage license issued in Gibson county. Five children were born to this union. He was married the second time in 1833, when Nancy Robb, nee Davis, became his wife. Five children were born to this second marriage. Mr. Montgomery was drawn on the first jury in the county. Court was held in a small log cabin southwest of Princeton, on the McCurdy farm. Jesse M. Montgomery, the tenth and youngest child of Samuel Montgomery, Jr., was born May 5, 1845, m Gibson county, Indiana. He is a farmer by occupation, and a staunch Republican in politics, having represented Gibson county in the legislature in 1887. He now lives one mile north of Cynthiana, where he has one of the finest farms in the county. On November 22, 1866, he married Lemira Benson, a daughter of William Benson, of Montgomery township, Gibson county, and they became the parents of three children all of whom received college educations. Samuel B. Montgomery, the youngest child of Jesse M. and Lemira ( Benson) Montgomery, was born on his father's farm in Gibson county, one mile north of Cynthiana, July 6, 1874. He was raised on the farm, completed the common schools and graduated from the Owensville High School in 1892. He attended Wabash College one year and then entered the medical department of the University of Louisville, where he graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, in 1898. He located at Poseyville, Ind., for practice, remaining there one year. He then went to St. Wendel, where he remained three years, and although successful in both these places he decided to locate in Cynthiana, and came here in 1902. He enjoys a large and lucrative practice, and is a member of the Posey County and Indiana State Medical societies, and the American Medical Association. He belongs to the Christian church, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Court of Honor. Politically, he is a Progressive. On September 15, 1898, Dr. Montgomery married Miss Eva L. Boyle, daughter of Henry and Matilda (McReynolds) Boyle, both natives of Indiana, the father of Vanderburg county, and the mother of Posey county. Her parents are now retired, living in Cynthiana in the summer and in Florida in the winter. Mrs. Montgomery was born in Vanderburg county, July 17, 1879, and was educated in the common and high schools of Cynthiana, and at Owensboro College, Owensboro, Ky. They are the parents ol two children: Mary Leona, born March 5, 1901, and Dorothy Mae, born March 16, 1905. Mrs. Montgomery is a member of the Presbyterian church, and active in its charities.

James Edward Gudgel, physician and surgeon of Cynthiana, Ind., belongs to a family which figures prominently in the history of Indiana. His great grandfather was named Andrew -Gudgel, his grandfather, William Cudgel, and his father, Andrew Cudgel. We quote from the history of Gibson county, Indiana, published by James T. Tarlt & Company, concerning the Cudgel family: Andrew Cudgel, the grandfather of the present Andrew Cudgel, of Columbia township, was a man whose memory is worthy of record in this work. He was of German origin, and settled in Pennsylvania. He was married three times, and the father of seventeen children. The maiden name of the last wife was Elizabeth, and she was the grandmother of Andrew Gudgel, of Columbia township. After the Revolutionary war was over and peace declared, Mr. Gudgel, like many of that day, concluded to emigrate to the then far West, beyond the Alleghany mountains. In the year 1785 he set out with his family for Kentucky, a region then being wrested from the savages by Boone and his heroic companions. After a tedious and toilsome journey they arrived at their destination, and located on Silver creek, a strip of country which lies between the present cities of Lexington and Frank- ford, where he erected a cabin and subsequently built a grist mill on the creek. He operated this water mill for a number of years, to the great advantage of the settlers. Mills at that time were not numerous in the then wild West. Cudgel's mill was considered the best one in Kentucky. Owing to a defect in the title of his land, a farm of 600 acres, on which the mill was located, and which involved him in three law suits, he concluded in order to avoid further annoyance to leave that locality. He disposed of some of his property and removed to the Territory of Indiana, arriving here early in 1811. He settled in the timber on a tract of land about two miles east of where Owensville is now situated. Here, with the energy characteristic of the old settler, he cleared a small patch of ground, erected a log cabin, and subsequently made a farm, upon which he continued to reside until his death. Prior to his coming to Indiana, in consequence of exposure, he had practically lost the use of his legs ; but he was a man of determined energy, and he would chop and clear up brush around his cabin for hours while sitting in a chair. The following incident will show the pluck of the old veteran. During the Indian troubles, which occurred about this time, his family all went to Fort Branch, which was a strong block house, erected as a rendezvous for the settlers of that locality. This plucky old pioneer would not go to the fort, but insisted on remaining at home in his cabin to take care of things. The Indians frequently come to his place, and while the old man was sitting in his chair, fearless of danger, the wily savages walked around him, frequently patting him on the head, and in their rude fashion complimented him on his bravery. It is one of the peculiarities of Indian character to admire bravery in those they regard as their foes. His third and last wife survived him a few years. By his last marriage he had a family of three children : Nancy, who married William Teel, and Hettie, who became the wife of Harrison McGary, a relative of whom was the first settler of what is now Evansville. Both Teel and McGary were old and prominent settlers in that part of the country and many of their descendants still live in and around the neighborhood of Owens- ville. The only son by the last marriage was William Gudgel, who was the father of Andrew Gudgel, of Columbia township, and he was the father of James Edward, our subject. The history continues about William Gudgel, the grandparent of our subject. He was born in the State of Kentucky in the year 1802, and came here with his parents in 1811. As will be observed, he was then a lad of ten years of age, and he, like most of the boys of the pioneers, was handy in assisting to clear away the bush and timber around the cabin home. As he grew to manhood he became quite a noted hunter, and by his skill he succeeded in killing a great deal of game. It is related of him by his son, Andrew, that it was no uncommon thing for him to sally out and on a single trip kill three or four deer, and several turkeys, which were then very plentiful in the densely timbered districts of that neighborhood. The pecularity of his fire arms is worthy of description. His rifle was what was then known as a sixty-bullet gun to the pound. It was a hammered barrel made by hand, flint lock, horn trigger, and very effective in doing its work. In the year 1824 William Gudgel married Lucy Thurman. They had born to them a family of twelve children, who grew to man and womanhood. Eleven are yet living (1884) and ten are residents of Gibson county and one of the State of Illinois. Five of the gallant sons of this old pioneer did service in the Union army during the late Rebellion. The names of the children of William and Lucy Gudgel in the order of their birth were : Andrew, the father of our subject; Henry T., who was a soldier in an Illinois regiment during the late war, died at Pine Bluff, Ark. ; Martha, who became the wife of Henderson Pritchett; Nancy, wife of Lorenzo S. Douglas; Jacob; Edward; Sarah, wife of Rice Redman, now residing in White county, Illinois; Nicholas; John; Caroline, the wife of Leroy Martin, and they reside in Fort Branch ; Abraham, and Harriett, the wife of Henry Yeager. The last named are living on a farm a short distance from Owensville. William Gudgel was a farmer and was an industrious and enterprising man. He reared a large family, who are among the best citizens of the county. For many years he was an invalid. In politics he was identified with the Whig and Republican parties. His death took place in February, 1877. His widow survived him until 1888, and resided at the old homestead with her sons, John and Abraham. Andrew Gudgel, the father of our subject, was born in Gibson county, Indiana, February 19, 1825, the son of William and Lucy (Thurman) Gudgel, the grandson of Andrew and Elizabeth (Pane) Gudgel. His early education was such as could be obtained in the district schools of that period. He remained with his parents, working on the farm until September 3, 1846, when he was married to Elvira Wallace, the daughter of John Wallace. He held the office of justice of the peace for several years, and was a strong Republican, although never a man of political aspirations. When the Civil war broke out he enlisted in Company A, Fifty-eighth regiment, Indiana volunteers, and participated in many battles, was severely- wounded at the battle of Stone River, but he would not go to the hospital, and never was absent a day during his service of three years and three months. He had eight children, four boys and four girls. The four boys were all professional men, two lawyers and two doctors. James Edward Gudgel, our subject, was born in Gibson county, on the farm of his parents, on the tenth of March, 1858. His parents are of German descent, while his grandmother, Lucy (Thurman) Gudgel, was of Scotch- Irish extraction. A relic of the voyage they made across the ocean is still in Cynthiana. It is a pot, in which they cooked potatoes on the vessel during the voyage. The name was originally spelled Goodgell, but the Kentucky family spelled it Gudgell, and the Indiana family Gudgel. Parents on both sides were farmers and stick raisers, and his forefathers made their livelihood out of the wilderness of Indiana. Dr. Gudgel attended the district schools until he was about fifteen years old, when he entered the high school at Oakland City, Ind., and graduated with the class of 1879. At this time there was a normal school at Oakland City, which he attended, making about nine years in school at that place. He afterwards taught school four years in rural districts, and one year in the grammar grade at Booneville, Ind. After teaching school he attended Evansville Medical College, graduating with the degree of Doctor of Medicine as a member of the class of 1883, and during his last year was interne in the Evansville City Hospital. In 1883 he located at Cynthiana, Ind., where he has since remained in the practice of his profession, and is one of the three oldest men, in point of continuous service, in Posey county. He is a student, possesses a comprehensive library, and keeps in touch with the advancement in medicine and surgery. In 1888 he spent three months in post-graduate work in the College of Physicians and Surgeons at St. Louis. Dr. Gudgel has always taken an active part in the political life of his township, and is a consistent advocate of the principals and policies of the Republican party. He served one term as a trustee of the city of Cynthiana, and as health officer for two years. He is a director of the Cynthiana Banking Company. He is a member of the Posey County Medical Association, of which he was president in 1910. He is also a member of the Indiana State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He was married September 3, 1886, to Lizzie T. Smith, a daughter of George W. and Mary J. (Calvert) Smith, natives of Smith township, Posey county. The grandfather of Dr. Cudgel's wife, Daniel Smith, was also a pioneer resident of Posey county, and lived near Posey- ville. The family came to Indiana from Kentucky, but originally from North Carolina, coming to Posey county during the early days of the Eighteenth century. Dr. Cudgel's wife is the daughter of a farmer and stock raiser, and she was born and educated in Posey county, graduating from the Cynthiana High School in 1880. After her graduation she taught school one term in Owensville, two terms in Gibson county, and one term in Posey county. The family are members of the Presbyterian church. Four children have been born to Dr. and Mrs. Cudgel : Harold Owen, born July 12, 1887, who completed a three-years course in the Indiana State University in 1908, subsequently was a teacher in the Cynthiana schools, and is now superintendent of the Maxwell Garage, Law- renceville, Ill. ; Helen, born December 28, 1897. Eva and Marjorie died in infancy.

Schuyler C. Newman, lumber merchant and former school teacher, came of an English family, and was born in Armstrong township, Van- derburg -county, December 21, 1869, son of William and Jane (Rutter) Newman. His father is a native of Vanderburg county, and his mother was born in Posey county. His father was a successful farmer, and is now retired, and living in Cynthiana, where he and Mrs. Newman celebrated their golden wedding January 26, 1913, all of their six children being present. The father is seventy-seven and the mother seventy- eight years of age. Schuyler C. Newman was reared on his father's farm in Vanderburg county, and received his education in the, district schools, Cynthiana High School, the normal school at Princeton, and the Indiana State Normal School at Terre Haute. After finishing his education he engaged in teaching for six years in the rural schools of Vanderburg county, farming the last two years of this time. He then gave up teaching and farmed for two years. About 1903 he bought a farm adjoining Cynthiana, and in 1905 he became a resident of that town, where he established a lumber business, which he still owns. In 1906 his brother was admitted to partnership in the firm, under the style of Newman Brothers. The firm carries a well assorted stock of lumber, sashes and doors, fence posts, cement, sand, lime, plaster and paints and oils. They also operate a planing mill. Their business is profitable, and the firm enjoys a reputation for honest and fair dealing. Mr. Newman is an active worker in the Presbyterian church, in which he has his membership. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In politics he was formerly a Republican, but is now a Prohibitionist. He was married in Cynthiana on May 7, 1899, to Miss Ada Stewart, daughter of Frank and Martha Stewart, of Vanderburg county, where she was born and raised on her father's farm. Mr. and Mrs. Newman have two children : Iva S., born March 6, 1900, and Maurice T., born March 13, 1907, both now attending the Cynthiana schools.

Carlos B. Macy, superintendent of the city schools of Cynthiana, Ind., was born on a farm in Posey township, Rush county, Ind., November 29, 1882, son of Thomas B. and Lutitia (Pitts) Macy, natives of the same county. Our subject attended the common and high schools of Manilla, Ind., and then spent one year in the academy at Spiceland, Ind., after which he began teaching school in the rural districts, continuing his education in the University of Valparaiso in the summer months. He was also a student at Purdue, at the University of Indiana, and graduated from the Indiana State Normal, Terre Haute, in the class of 1912. After leaving Rush county he taught one year in Marion county, at New Augusta, and one year in Corydon, and one year at Wadesville. In 1910 he was appointed principal of the high school at Cynthiana, and in 1912 became superintendent. He is a member of the Quaker church and belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. In 1908 Mr. Macy married Nelle Underwood, daughter of Joseph N. and Elizabeth Underwood, of Versailles, Ind., where her father was a merchant. Mrs. Macy was reared in the town, graduated from its high school in the class of 1901, and taught school for a number of years prior to her marriage. She is a member of the Baptist church. They are the parents of one child, a daughter, Mary Elizabeth.

Henry Thomas Calvert, of Cynthiana, Ind., is a representative of a family long established in Southern Indiana, the first of that line to locate in this section having been Patrick Calvert, who was born in Tennessee in 1784. In 1804 he married Miss Sarah Martin, who was born in South Carolina in 1783. They came to Indiana in 1811 and settled near Owensville, in Gibson county. About this time the country was in the throes of war and Patrick Calvert, like a true patriotic citizen, assisted in bringing about peace, driving the Indians permanently from the fertile Wabash Valley. He was also a soldier under Gen. W. H. Harrison in the famous battle of Tippecanoe. After the war he returned to his farm, and in 1816 removed to Armstrong township, Vanderburg county, and purchased from the Government land which is still in possession of the family. Here he followed the occupation of a farmer until his death, in 1860. His wife died in 1840. Patrick Calvert was a man of rigid convictions on matters of right and wrong, dealt justly and honorably with all and being always friendly and neighborly he was loved by all who knew him.

Leroy Calvert, the seventh child of Patrick Calvert, was born on February 4, 1819. On January 13, 1843, ne married Penelope Shelton, who was born in Mason county, Kentucky, September 24, 1821, coming to Indiana with her parents when two years of age. History records no stronger, cleaner character than the Hon. Leroy Calvert, father of our subject. He had strong religious convictions, and worked earnestly for the advancement of his country and community. His early life was spent in attending the common schools and in working on his father's farm, where he received strict training and high ideals of right and wrong, which later were so noticeable in his character in handling the important affairs of life intrusted to him by his friends and neighbors, and in his public service. Until 1876 Armstrong township had been without a church, and the one built at that time was called "Cal- vert's Chapel," in appreciation of the assistance of Mr. Calvert and of his worth to the community. The building is free to all Christian denominations. The political career of Leroy Calvert has been a notable one, and such as to reflect credit upon himself and family. He was a staunch Democrat until 1884, when he voted for St. John for President. Under the old constitution he served as clerk of the board of trustees, after which he held offices as follows. He was elected justice of the peace in 1848 and served two years, resigning to become a candidate for county commissioner, to which office he was elected in 1850. At the time of the building of the Vanderburg county court house, in 1852, he held the responsible position of president of the board. From 1856 to 1860, he served as township trustee, being in the latter year elected county treasurer. His execution of the duties of his office was so satisfactory that he was re-elected to the office. At the expiration of his second term he retired to his farm, but was chosen by the people of Armstrong township as their trustee once more, and in 1868 was elected representative in the general assembly. When in the session following his election, an attempt was made to pass the fifteenth amendment, Mr. Calvert, with fifty-five of his fellow Democratic members, resigned and returned to their homes. In the special election which was then called by Governor Baker, Mr. Calvert was re-elected and returned to the assembly, but the obnoxious attempt being made again at a special session he resigned a second time and came back home to stay. Upon his affiliation with the Prohibition party, in 1884, he was made their first nominee for Congress, in the First district, and was an exceptionally strong candidate. In 1888 he was placed upon the ticket as a candidate for presidential elector for the First district. His death occurred in 1898, and that of his wife in 1876. They had seven children, five girls and two boys, Henry T. Calvert, the sixth child, being our subject.

Henry T. Calvert was born in Armstrong township, Vanderburg county, Indiana, April 25, 1855, son of Leroy and Penelope (Shelton) Calvert. He was reared in his native township, where he attended the common schools, first in an old frame school house of early construction, later attended the Fort Branch schools, and for several years went to school in Cynthiana. After leaving school he began farming, first with his father, and later for himself on a rented place. After his marriage he farmed the homestead, and his father lived with him until his death. Our subject farmed and raised stock for several years and lived on the farm until 1899, when he removed to Cynthiana and built a nice city home. In the fall of 1900 he became an employee of the Ziliak Schafer Milling Company's elevator at Cynthiana. He was engineer for four years and was then made manager of the elevator, which position he held until 1909, when he resigned to make a trip to California. He left Indiana in July, 1909, and remained through the next winter. Since his return to Cynthiana, Mr. Calvert has lived a retired life, still owning his farm and city property. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, in which he has always been an active worker. Until 1900 Mr. Calvert was a staunch Democrat, but since that time he has been a worker in the Prohibition party. His first Presidential vote was cast for Samuel J. Tilden. On October i, 1879, Mr. Calvert married Marietta McConnell, daughter of Robert G. and Sarah (Kimball) McConnell, the former a native of Smith township, Posey county, and the latter of Gibson county. Robert G. McConnell was born about 1832, the son of John B. and Lucinda (McCrary) McConnell. John B. McConnell was born in Scotland, August 29, 1794, and his wife was of Irish descent. He was married December 23, 1817, to Lucinda McCrary, who was born July 7, 1800, and to them were born nine children: James C, born February 28, 1819; Alexander R., born December 7, 1821 ; Marinda K., born April 17, 1824; Ann E., born September 29, 1826; Miner G., born October 20, 1829; Robert G., born March 2, 1832 ; Zerelda C., born December 25, 1833 ; John C., born March 16, 1837, and Mary Ruth, born March 9, 1839. The mother of Mrs. Calvert died August 23, 1874, and her father died September 17, 1881. The mother was born November 12, 1837. John B. McConnell came to this country from Scotland, about the year 1800, and settled in North Carolina. He removed to Tennessee, where he remained only a short time before coming to Indiana and locating with his family in Posey county, where his son, Robert G., father of Mrs. Calvert, was born. Robert G. and Sarah E. McConnell became the parents of six children : Marietta, the wife of our subject, born June 28, 1857; Louella, born May 27, 1862; William G., born September 21, 1866; Eliza C, born January 7, 1869; Lillian G., born September 16, 1871, now deceased; Sarah E., born August 9, 1874. Mrs. Calvert attended the common schools of Posey county as a child. She and Mr. Calvert are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. To Mr. and Mrs. Calvert four children were born: Eva, born September 22, 1895; Maude, died in infancy; Ethel died aged eight years, and Edith died aged four years and six months.

Frank E. Lewis, editor and publisher and former minister of the Christian church, of Cynthiana, Ind., was born in Jasper county, Ill., January 5, 1871, son of James and Joan (Woodward) Lewis, mother a native of Kentucky and the father a native of Jasper county, where he was chief engineer of the light plant at Newton, Ill. Frank Lewis was raised in Newton and attended the common and high schools, after which he began wrork in a newspaper office at the age of fourteen years. He learned the printer's trade, which he followed until 1906, when "he was ordained a minister of the Christian denomination. He located at Danville, ILL., where he had several churches on a circuit, and remained here until April I, 1912, when he bought the Cynthiana "Argus" and took charge of the paper, which he has since edited and published. He is a Democrat in politics and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows On July 3, 1891, Mr. Lewis married Miss Maude Johnson, daughter of Harry D. and Belle (Phillips) Johnson, of Noble, Richland county, Illinois, where her parents were born and where her father was proprietor of a hotel. Here Mrs. Lewis was born and educated. They became the parents of five children : Lucile, Aden, Hershey, Isabelle and Harry T., the last deceased. Aden and Hershey are attending school in Cynthiana and Lucile is assistant in the "Argus" office. The family are members of the Christian church.

David C. Alcorn, a prominent farmer of Smith township, Posey county, Indiana, was born in the same place where he now lives on October 3, 1868. He is the son of James T. and Anne (Boren) Alcorn, both born in Gibson county, Indiana. The great-grandparents of our subject settled in Indiana at an early date and the family helped wrest the land from the Indians and wild beasts and develop it into what it has now become. The grandfather, also James T. Alcorn, married a Miss Haines. The family have always been farmers. The father of David C. died November 7, 1870, when the latter was but two years old and his mother married R. J. Brown and still lives, residing in Poseyville. David was reared on a farm, attended common school, later graduating from the schools of Poseyville. He then took a course in a commercial college at Terre Haute, Ind., graduating in 1888. He then obtained a position as. bookkeeper in the Calvert & Bozeman Lumber Company, of Poseyville, Ind. He had a small piece of land containing thirty-three and one-third acres near town and decided to farm it, so he gave up his position and lived on his farm, "batching" for one season. He then thought he would like to be a commercial traveler, but as he expressed it in his own language, " After spending money for two beds in one night and not having time to get either of them warm," decided once more to return to the farm. His experiences at first were not so pleasant, as he did his own farm work and housekeeping for the first four years, until he got a start. On October 27, 1894, he married Ella Saulmon. Mrs. Alcorn was born in Gibson county and was raised in Posey county, where she was educated, and was married in her twenty-sixth year. Two years after his marriage Mr. Alcorn discontinued the old way of farming and began with new methods, breeding hogs for the market. By adding good blooded stock to keep his drove up to the standard and by exercising care not to over-fatten his animals he made a great success of the business. Mr. Alcorn is one of the most scientific farmers in Posey county. He runs his farm on business principles, taking an invoice each year. His land is well improved, having tile drainage and other conveniences. He keeps strict account of each investment, which enables him to stick to the most profitable ones. He is active among the hog breeders of the county and has taken a trip west into Kansas to study the cattle feeding business, in which he is now engaged to some extent. From his start of thirty-three and one-third acres Mr. Alcorn has, by scientific methods, close study, industry and economy amassed a comfortable fortune, now owning 370 acres of land. He is a director in the Poseyville Mutual Telephone Association. Mr. and Mrs. Alcorn have two children : Corry A., born June 26, 1897, and Alma, born December 18, 1899. Corry A. is a freshman in the Poseyville High School. He raised fifty acres of corn last year, which made eighty-one bushels to the acre. This field was the best reported in the county and he sold more than 200 bushels for seed. Alma is now attending school in Poseyville. The family belongs to the Christian church, Mr. Alcorn being an elder in the church.

James Gale, a member of one of the pioneer families of Kentucky and Indiana, was born April 3, 1829, son of Ellison and Margaret Cale, natives of Kentucky, who came to Posey county, Indiana, where James was born and reared. After finishing common school he began farming and accumulated a large fortune before his death. He bought his farm in Smith township in 1849, ar|d on May 2 of the next year married Jane Jolly, daughter of Maxie and Nancy (Price) Jolly, natives of South Carolina, who came to Posey county in 1804, and are said to have been the first settlers near Stewartsville, where they located in the midst of the forest, there being no road, or even trail, near their home. Here a small clearing was made and a cabin built. The clearing was added to from time to time and the land farmed. Eight years after his location here Mr. Jolly joined the army of Gen. W. H. Harrison and helped drive out the Indians in the Wabash valley. Upon the restoration of peace he returned to his home and continued farming and stock raising. He was a blacksmith by trade, and being the only skilled workman in the vicinity, he had plenty of this kind of work. He helped build the first church in Posey county, which was located in the grove where Stewartsville now stands. In the erection of the building a log fell and killed a little boy, and his was the first grave in the church yard. This cemetery in the church yard is now said to the largest in the county. Mrs. James Cale is the sixth child in a family of eleven children, of whom only herself and one sister are living. She was born April 14, 1825, and attended such schools as were in those days available. The first one was held in her father's kitchen, before any school building had been erected in the county, and the first teacher was James Wasson. When school buildings finally were erected they were of logs with puncheon seats and no ceiling except the boards of the roof. Heat was furnished by large fire-places. In those days the woods of Indiana were full of Indians and wild animals. The Jolly family had a neighbor by the name of Parks who was a bee hunter, and who had three children whom he was accustomed to take with him on his expeditions into the woods. One day when he had just cut down a bee tree on the Wabash the Indians came up and killed him and took his children captives. When they did not return the neighbors went to look for them, finding the body of Mr. Parks, but before they got it home they were ordered to Vincennes for the War of 1812. At that time there were no towns of New Harmony, Mt. Vernon or Evansville, and Mr. Jolly went to Red Banks, now Henderson, to trade. This was through woods uninhabited except by wild animals and Indians. Mr. and Mrs. Cale became the parents of five children: Annie, Sidney (deceased), Delia (deceased), Oscar, and Maxie (deceased). Annie married James Kimball and they live in Gibson county. They have no children. Sidney married Joseph Davis and lived in Gibson county until her death. Joseph Davis and Sidney Cale had five children — Mabel, Delia, James, Ewell K. and Lois. Delia Cale married Dr. Thomas Young, of Poseyville and they had one child, Morris, who was two years of age when his mother died and who was raised by his grandmother Cale.

Oscar Cale, banker and landowner of Poseyville, Ind., was born in Smith township, same county, March 5, 1862, son of James and Jane ( Jolly) Cale (see sketch). He attended school in Smith and Robb townships, after which he entered college at Valparaiso, Ind. Upon completing his education Mr. Cale returned home and engaged in farming and stock raising. After his marriage, in 1884, he went to Gibson county, Indiana. Here he remained for about six years, and in August, 1890, he located in Smith township, Posey county, on a farm, where he has since lived. Mr. Cale is president of the First National Bank, in which he is also a director. He was one of the first stockholders of the institution. He is also the largest landowner in his township. In politics he is a Democrat. Mr. Cale married Mary J. Young, daughter of Thomas and Martha (McFadden) Young, on October 26, 1884. The grandparents of Mrs. Cale on her mother's side were among the first settlers of Mt. Vernon, Ind. Both parents were natives of Posey county, where they were engaged in farming and stock raising. Mrs. Cale was born in Smith township, August 28, 1863. She attended the common schools of her native township and of Robb township. Mr. and Mrs. Cale became the parents of four children: Mattie, born August 31, 1885; Lena, born February 26, 1890; Mary, born September 22, 1901, and one that died in infancy. Mattie married Kern A. Williams and lives in Poseyville, Ind. Lena and Mary are at home with their parents. The family are members of the Christian church.

James W. Wiggins, a successful farmer of Poseyville, Ind., was born in Saline county, Illinois, March 10, 1865, son of John M. and Emily ( Endicott) Wiggins, the mother a native of Virginia and the father of Kentucky. They came to Illinois in 1867, removed to Gibson county, Indiana. John M. Wiggins was the son of Thurin Wiggins and his wife was the daughter of John H. Endicott. A short time after John M. came to Indiana his father located in Montgomery county, this State. Thurin Wiggins had six sons and one daughter, of whom John was the fifth child. Three of the boys, Charles, Newton and David, were in the Civil war. Two of them were killed. John Wiggins was born April 23, 1827, and died March 5, 1885. Emily Endicott was born April 16, 1830, and died March 21, 1887. They were married in Saline county, Illinois, where they engaged in farming and stock raising, and where our subject was born. They removed to Gibson county, Illinois, and after two or three years came to Indiana and located in Smith township, Posey county, in 1869. They became the parents of ten children: Leoma M. (deceased), Mary E. (deceased), Sarah E., John N., Kesiah F. (deceased), Matilda F., James W., Emily M. (deceased), David S. and Elam G. James Wiggins attended the country schools and the high school at Cynthiana until his father's death, when he was called upon to look after the farm. Two years later the mother died. At that time two of the children were married and three were dead, and our subject remained at home with Matilda F., Emily M., David S. and Elam G. The first of those remaining to marry was David S., who went to farming for himself in Smith township. The next was our subject, who marred Miss Emma E. Martin, daughter of Ellison L. and Mariah (McDonald) Martin, of Posey county, the wedding occurring May 7, 1892. Her father was a son of Harrison and Mary (Russell) Martin, and her mother was the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Graves) McDonald. Ellison L. was a native of Armstrong township, Vanderburg county, Indiana. Mrs. Wiggins was born in Vanderburg county, January 14, 1869, but while she was still a child her parents removed to Posey county, where she attended the country schools and the Poseyville High School. Mr. and Mrs. James Wiggins have two children : Jesse E. resides at home and is a graduate of the common schools and is working on the farm with his parents, and Oma A., a graduate of high school, is also at home. The family are members of the Christian church at Poseyville, in which organization Mr. Wiggins is an elder. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and in politics is a Prohibitionist.

Thomas D. Shelton, former county commissioner of Posey county, is a native of Indiana, having been born in that State April i, 1837, one of the ten children of John and Catherine (Finch) Shelton. He made his home with his parents until the death of his father, when Thomas was about twenty years of age. He then made his home with his brother, George. Three years later (February 14, 1860) he married Keziah Murphy, daughter of Aaron and Amelia Murphy, who was born in Posey county, February 2, 1839. At the time of his marriage Mr. Shelton located on the home place in Vanderburg county. A year later he removed to Posey county, purchasing land in Smith township. He sold this holding in 1871 and bought another tract of eighty-five acres, which he farmed until 1906, when he retired. Mr. Shelton was elected county commissioner in 1886 and served six years. He was later elected ditch commissioner, still holding that office. He has settled up numerous estates, was appointed guardian and several different times was appointed by the court land commissioner. For several years Mr. Shelton was a wheat buyer, doing business on commission. He was successful and amassed a comfortable fortune. The Shelton family are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. Our subject is a Prohibitionist in politics and a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Mr. and Mrs. Shelton had four children: George M. (deceased), James A. (deceased), Flora married E. W. Anderson and they live in Poseyville, Ind., and Jesse, whose biography is here given.

Valentine Bender, a German farmer of Poseyville, Ind., was born in Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, November 6, 1863, son of August and Catherine (Berg) Bender, natives of the same province in Germany, who came to America in 1865, locating in Vanderburg county. August Bender taught school in Germany and farmed. When he came to America he engaged in farming and stock raising. He died in Vanderburg county in 1874, and his wife died in 1886. Valentine Bender attended the common schools of Vanderburg county, first going to a public school held in a log school house and later attending private school. After finishing his education he worked on the farm. His father having died when he was eleven years old he remained at home until after the death of his mother. In 1888 he removed to Posey county, locating in Smith township, where he bought a farm near the Robb township line. Here he began improving the place and doing general farming, and raising stock for sale. He has sixty-two and one-half acres under cultivation. Mr. Bender was married, June i, 1886, to Threase Will, daughter of Jasper and Louisa (Sanders) Will, natives of Vanderburg county, Indiana, where they were farmers. Mrs. Bender was born in the same county, in Armstrong township, where she attended school. They have nine children : Louisa, who married George Augermeyer, lives in Vanderburg county on a farm; Henry, Frederick A., Olivia T., Alamanda C., Ida M., Viola T., Oscar Antone, Albert A. Jasper, Ida, Viola and Oscar are attending common school in Posey county and all the children are at home except the married daughter. All the family are members of the Catholic church at Poseyville, and Mr. Bender is a Democrat. Mrs. Bender was born December 26, 1865. Her father died in 1870. Mr. Bender came of a family of musicians, his grandfather, Philip Bender, having been an organist as well as a school teacher and his father also having been an organist of note in Germany. August Bender was born in 1822 and came to America at the age of forty-three. Valentine Bender is one of a family of six brothers and one sister: Philip, Vanderburg county; John, now dead; Fred died at Mt. Carmel, Ill.; Barthel, Vanderburg county; Valentine, subject; and Henry, who also lives in Vanderburg county, and Catherine, who married Henry Will, of Poseyville, Ind. All the brothers are farmers except Henry and Barthel. Mr. Bender is one of the most progressive farmers of Posey county.

Jesse J. Shelton, son of Thomas D. and Keziah (Murphy) Shelton, of Robb township, was born in that township May 14, 1873. HC was educated in the country schools, in the Poseyville High School, where he graduated, and in the University of Kentucky at Lexington. After leaving the university he came to Cynthiana, where he engaged in the drug business for two or three years. He then farmed and bought grain for a time and later was employed for about a year with the Cumberland Telephone Company. In 1907 he returned again to the farm in Robb township, where he has remained ever since. He is an auctioneer, devotes a part of his time to that business and is making a success of it. He farms ninety acres of land, making a specialty of Hampshire hogs, and has for several years been a promoter of pure-bred stock in Posey county, being an active member of the Breeders' Association. He was a member of the executive committee of the First District Corn School for a number of years. He belongs to the General Baptist church, is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and of the Modern Woodmen of America. In politics he is a Democrat. Mr. Shelton was married, March 26, 1896, to Miss Marvel, daughter of Thomas Marvel (see history of Marvel family). They have two children : Van Thomas, born September 23, 1899, and Imogene, born January 19, 1903. Both children are attending school in Poseyville. Mrs. Shelton is a member of the Christian church at Cynthiana.

Samuel M. McReynolds, a member of an old established family, and son of Revolutionary ancestry, was born in Smith township, Posey county, Indiana, August 22, 1840. His parents were Joseph and Elizabeth ( Compton) McReynolds, the former also a native of Smith township and the son of Samuel McReynolds, the son of Joseph McReynolds, who enlisted in the Revolutionary war at the age of seventeen years and served seven years. He was a native of Tennessee and of Scotch- Irish ancestry. The first of the family to come to this country from the highlands of Scotland were James and John McReynolds, and this sketch deals with their descendants. Joseph McReynolds, the Revolutionary soldier, came to Posey county, Indiana, before the State was admitted to the Union, and his grandson, Joseph, the father of our subject, was born here in 1816. In coming to the new home from Tennessee the wife of Joseph McReynolds was drowned in crossing Barr's creek in Smith township. Samuel McReynolds attended the common schools of his township in a log building with puncheon seats and desks made of a plank fastened to the sides of the room. There were no blackboards, charts or other facilities for instruction. Later a better school house was built and better equipment installed. After his father's death he worked for his board among the farmers while attending school. After saving a little money he went to school at Owens- ville, then a graded school of two rooms. After completing this course he began teaching school and continued for four years, at the same time studying penmanship, in which he later completed a course in Indianapolis. After this he taught penmanship at night in addition to his day duties as teacher and saved about $2,000. He then married and went to farming on the Wabash bottoms. The first year the floods destroyed all crops and he went to Kansas in 1869, where he settled on Osage Indian land, twelve miles south of Eureka in Greenwood county. With the exception of two neighbors, one living one-half mile away and the other four miles, there were no settlers in the vicinity. At that time Indians were numerous and buffalo roamed the plains in thousands. On one occasion Mr. McReynolds went buffalo hunting with his neighbors. While hunting near Medicine Lodge, about 150 miles west of his home, they were warned that the Indians were about to raid that part ol- the country, and as they were about through hunting they went home at once. Two weeks later they heard news of the terrible Indian raid. There being no railroads the news traveled slowly. He remained in Kansas about three years, when he sold out and brought his family back to Posey county. On their return his wife's father gave her eighty acres of swamp land. He improved this property and lived on it seven or eight years, farming and raising stock. He then bought his present farm of 253 acres of land in Smith township and continued in farming and stock raising until 1891, when he retired from active business, and has since devoted his time to looking after his interests. Mr. McReynolds is an example of a self-made man, having hired out on a farm, clerked in drug and dry goods stores and taught day and night to get his start in life. In his life on the plains he was never afraid of the Indians, although his great-grandfather and great-grandmother Compton were killed by the savages in Illinois while hunting bees. In 1864 Mr. McReynolds enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Thirty- sixth Indiana infantry, and served until the close of the war. In politics he is a Democrat. On June 5, 1868, Samuel McReynolds married Miss Elizabeth J. Young, daughter of Greenberry and Barthenia (Sinclaire) Young, and a native of Smith township, Posey county. Her father was a native of Posey county and his father, Jackson Young, came to this county from Virginia at an early date. Greenberry Young was a farmer in Robb township on the line between Smith and Robb townships, and here the wife of our subject was reared and attended country schools, and later the schools at Owensville. She taught school one term before her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. McReynolds became the parents of three children, one of whom died in infancy. Two daughters are living: Minnie Ettie, who married Dr. George C. Smith, of Poseyville, has one child; Elva Aline married I. E. Wilkinson and they live in Cynthiana, where he is a retired farmer. They have one child.

Ellison Cale, one of the prominent farmers of Smith township, Posey county, Indiana, was born December 31, 1866, on the old family homestead where his father was born. Pie is the son of Joseph and Eliza ( Jolly) Cale. His grandfather, who also was named Ellison Cale, was born in Kentucky and came to Posey county at an early date and established the family residence here. Joseph and Eliza (Jolly) Cale had five children, of whom our subject was the fourth. He first attended the country schools and later graduated from the Cynthiana schools. After finishing his education he worked on the farm with his parents until the death of his father, in 1902. His mother then removed to Poseyville, and our subject is now in possession of the old homestead and additional land to the total amount of 270 acres located about the center of Smith township. It is not only one of the largest farms in the township, but is one of the best improved, having a large brick dwelling house, built before the death of the father. It is one of the prettiest and best kept country places in Posey county. Mr. Cale has made a specialty of hogs, raising the Poland China stock, and raises horses and cattle for farm purposes, making no specialty of thoroughbred animals. Ellison Cale was married October 28, 1892, to Miss Manervia E. Fletchall, daughter of Isaiah and Emma (Stevens) Fletchall, of Posey county, of which they are natives, and where Mr. Fletchall engaged in fanning and stock raising. Mrs. Cale was born in Posey county and attended the schools of Poseyville until her graduation. She is a member of the Christian Science church of Evansville, Ind.

Rev. Francis B. Luebbermann, of Mt. Vernon, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in June, 1857. He attended the Christian Brothers' School of that city and at the age of fourteen began the study of languages, classics, finally philosophy and theology at St. Meinrad's Seminary. He was ordained in 1880, and was located at Evansville, Ind., as assistant in Trinity church, and remained there until 1883. He located in Mt. Vernon in December, 1883, and after a brief respite returned in 1884, under permanent appointment to St. Matthew's church, and has remained ever since. He has a congregation of 250 families, but, when he came, he had seventy- eight families only, an increase of 172 families. Rev. Father Luebbermann has been indefatigable in his labors to advance the prosperity of St. Matthew's parish, and being a gentleman of scholarly attainments and eloquence, and withal possessed of a genial temperment, he has won the sincere affection and esteem of his flock, and these amiable qualities have proven to be no small factors in the successful prosecution of the good work he has set before him. His zeal in church labor is untiring and unflagging. He was appointed to the parish when in his early prime, and no clergyman could well have been found to carry out, with as favorable prospects for the desired results, the commendable, yet arduous duties to the performance of which he was assigned. Besides his parish duties Father Luebbermann has always been engaged in literary work of some kind, writing or translating books of historic interest. From 1888 until 1907 he published two monthly magazines, "The Poor Souls' Advocate," and "Der Armen Sulin Freund"; also started the "Knights of St. John's Journal," and in July, 1913, began the publication of the "Parish Record of St. Matthew's Church." The publication, now in its fifth month, is well edited, handsomely typed, and has a general circulation among the families of the parish.

W. O. Tretheway is one of the substantial citizens of New Harmony, who enjoys a well earned reputation for honesty, uprightness and good citizenship. Mr. Tretheway is a native of England, born February 28, 1848, at St. Stephens, forty-one miles from Lands End, in the county of Cornwall. His parents, Thomas and Ann (Columb) Tretheway, lived in the mother country, and are both now deceased. Young Tretheway was educated in the schools of his native land, and in early life was apprenticed to learn the blacksmith and wagon making trades. He served five years and his princely salary was $5.00 and his board and clothes. But pay was not the prime object of his endeavor. He was there to learn his trade, and he learned it thoroughly. When a young man of nineteen, in 1867, he immigrated to America, locating in New Harmony, where he had a brother and sister living at the time. Here he worked at his trade for a time, when he went to Mt. Vernon, where he remained seven years, working at his trade. Then on account of ill health he was advised to go west and accordingly went to Stockton, Cal. He soon gained his health in sunny California, and remained there working at his trade until the spring of 1878, when he returned to New Harmony and engaged in general blacksmithing and wagon making, which has claimed his attention ever since. He has built up an extensive business and constantly employes two assistants and sometimes more. Mr. Tretheway was married November 17, 1869, to Miss Sarah Baldwin, of Mt. Vernon. To this union have been born six children : Mary Leora, married John^ Armstrong; William A., blacksmith and wagonmaker, New Harmony; Grace, married Nelson Felch, New Harmony ; Clara, married William Ward, New Harmony ; Hattie, married Fred E. Cook, New Harmony, and Gar- field, died in 1904, at the age of nineteen. Mr. Tretheway has always taken a keen interest in political affairs and is a Republican. He has served with credit in the city council. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Encampment and Rebekahs, and takes a prominent part in the State organization, as well as the local lodge. While Mr. Tretheway takes a deep interest in the welfare of all public institutions, perhaps his devotion to the fire department of New Harmony is paramount. He has served as chief for twenty-seven consecutive terms and has been identified with that organization for thirty-five years. His long experience as a fire fighter, coupled with his ability to handle men, places him in the front ranks of the volunteer fire chiefs of the State. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and has served as superintendent of the Sunday school for twenty-five years.

Joel W. Hiatt, one of the most highly respected citizens of New Harmony, is a native of Indiana, and has been a resident of Posey county for nearly forty years. Joel Hiatt was born June 10, 1850, in Hamilton county, Indiana. His parents were Harmon and Mary (Harris) Hiatt, both natives of North Carolina, and early settlers in Randolph county, Indiana. They later removed to Hamilton county. The father was a physician and practiced his profession many years in the State. The Hiatts came from Quaker stock, and the maternal side of our subject's ancestors were Virginians of English descent. Both parents are now deceased, and their mortal remains rest in the cemetery at Crawfordsville, Ind. Joel Hiatt's early life was mostly spent in Crawfordsville, where he attended the public schools and later entered Wabash College, where he graduated in the class of 1873, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and in 1888 the college conferred upon him the degree of Master of Arts. After graduating from Wabash College, Mr. Hiatt entered Harvard University as a Divinity student, pursuing the study of philosophy for a time, but upon due reflection decided that an ecclesiastical function in life was not to his liking. He then abandoned that course and turned to teaching and accepted the position of principal of the Mt. Vernon High School, a position which he held two years. In 1876 he came to New Harmony as superintendent of schools there, a position which he filled with entire satisfaction two years. In 1885 he was appointed document clerk of the House of Representative, Washington, D. C. He served in this capacity until 1895, except an interval of two years. Mr. Hiatt was united in marriage in 1878 to Francis Owen Fitten, an estimable lady of culture and refinement. She is a daughter of William Owen. Politically, Mr. Hiatt has never wavered in his allegiance to the Democratic party. He is a man of deep convictions, and a lover of justice and fair play. He has ever been a student of men and affairs, as well as of books, and is a profound scholar. His duties while at Washington, D. C., brought him into close and intimate relation with many of the leading men of the Nation, whose acquaintance in many instances ripened into lasting friendships, which have afforded him much pleasure. He is an ardent supporter of every institution which tends for the uplifting of humanity and the betterment of his fellow men. Mr. Hiatt is a member of the Working Man's Institute, and has taken an active interest in its welfare. A few years ago he led and won in the movement for cataloguing the books of that institution by the card index system. He also secured the services of a public accountant and devised a system which was introduced. He is a member of the park commission, and for eight years has been superintendent of the parks of New Harmony. Mr. Hiatt is a great lover of nature and his work in connection with the parks is an agreeable task, and the beauty and well kept appearance of the city parks certainly bear mute testimony of the magic touch of a master hand. The writer of this sketch has known Mr. Hiatt intimately and well can testify to his many manly excellencies.

Horace Pestalozzi Owen, president of the New Harmony Banking Company, and one of the active financiers of Posey county, is the only male representative of the Owen family now living in New Harmony. He is a son of Col. Richard Owen, esteemed mention of whom is made elsewhere in this volume. Horace Owen was born in New Harmony, November 2, 1842, received his education in private schools and the Western Military Institute at Blue Lick Springs, Ky., an institution owned by his father and Gen. Bushnell Johnson, which later became the University of Nashville. About this time the sectional feeling that preceded the Civil war was growing more and more bitter, and on this account his father came north. Colonel Owen was State geologist at the- time and Horace accompanied him in his work in that connection, and assisted him for the next two years. Then the great Civil war came on and in the fall of 1861 he enlisted in Company F, Sixteen Indiana infantry, and was commissioned first lieutenant. Afterwards he was adjutant of the regiment and later served as adjutant of the First brigade, Tenth division, Thirteenth army corps, Army of the Mississippi. He was at Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Jackson and the siege of Vicks- burg. Mr. Owen saw much hard fighting and fortunately escaped serious injury. His narrowest escape was at Arkansas Post, where he was ren-: dered unconscious by the explosion of a shell. In 1863 Mr. Owen resigned his commission to return home and care for his mother, while his father remained in the army. After he returned to New Harmony he turned his attention to the business world, and in a short time engaged in the hardware and implement business with Victor C. Duclos as a partner. He continued in this business two or three years, when he engaged in the drygoods business until 1872, when he went to Terre Haute, where he engaged in the grain business for two years. In 1874 he returned to New Harmony and again entered the hardware and implement business with his brother, E. F. Owen. They sold the first binder south of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad in Indiana. He became cashier of the New Harmony Banking Company at the organization of that institution, stitution, and in 1879 became its president, in which position he still serves. Mr. Owen is of the banker's temperment, safe, sane and conservative, always bearing in mind how he can give the best service to his patrons, and at the same time serve the best interests of his institution. Horace Owen is a man of genial disposition, who makes friends and keeps them. He is naturally of a generous nature and kind hearted. He takes a deep interest in the progress and welfare of his town and county. For twenty-five years he has been president of the school board, and has served as president of the Working Man's Institute for ten years. He is also president of the New Harmony 1914 Centennial Commission. He has always been an active Republican, but has never aspired to hold office. Mr. Owen was united in marriage May 8, 1867, to Miss Natalie Burroughs Mann, who is also a native of New Harmony. She belongs to a highly respected family, being the daughter of Dr. Josiah Stockton Mann, who came west from the Genesee Valley, New York, at an early day. Mrs. Owen is prominent in the social world and possesses the true nobility of American womanhood. To Mr. and Mrs. Owen have been born three children: Nora Edgeworth, married Arthur DeBois Armstrong, Memphis, Tenn. ; Aline Dale, married Dr. Benjamin F. Neal, New Harmony, and Richard Dale, a successful real estate dealer of Los Angeles, Cal. Mr. Owen is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, and the Grand Army of the Republic, of which he is past commander. The family are communicants of the Episcopal church, of which he has been senior warden twenty-five years.

Henry Brown, clothier and general outfitter, New Harmony, Ind., whose name introduces this sketch, is a striking example of what industry and honest business methods will do for a poor boy who starts life in a strange land, empty handed and alone, with a determination to win by right methods. Henry Brown is a native of Germany, and was born April 12, 1853. He came to America when a lad of fourteen. After remaining in the East about a year, he journeyed westward, coming to Evansville, Ind., in 1869. Here he spent ten years in mercantile business, and in 1879 came to New Harmony and engaged in the clothing and gents' furnishing business. He has conducted this business up to the present time, and is today one of the leading merchants of Posey county, and the only complete men's outfitter in New Harmony. For thirty-four years Henry Brown has done business with the people of New Harmony and from every part of Posey county, and his customers who regard his word as good as his bond, are legion. He has built up a business and a reputation of which he may be justly proud. While Mr. Brown has been successful in business, he has also cheerfully given his time to public affairs, in which he has taken a keen interest and an active part. He has served as president of the town board about ten years, and acted as clerk of that body about the same length of time. He was united in marriage October 14, 1879, to Miss Katie A. Adler, of Evansville. To this union have been born two children : H.' L. and L. A., both prosperous manufacturers in Cincinnati, Ohio! They are owners and proprietors of the H. L. Brown Fence Manufacturing Company, who are extensive manufacturers of heavy wire goods. Henry Brown is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Knights of Pythias. For several years he took an active and prominent part in lodge affairs, and his politcal affiliations have been with the Democratic party.

Eugene W. Nash, one of New Harmony's representative business men, and descendant of a pioneer family of Posey county, was born five miles east of New Harmony, May 12, 1862. He is a son of Andrew and Julia ( Smith) Nash, the former a native of Butler county, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Kentucky. Andrew Nash was a son of Jesse and Sarah ( Cavett) Nash, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of Ireland. Jesse Nash came to New Harmony with his family from Butler county, Pennsylvania, in 1815. They came down the Ohio river on a flat boat. He and George Rapp were close friends back in Pennsylvania, and he was induced by Rapp's glowing accounts of the possibilities in Posey county to emigrate here with his family. He bought his first land from George Rapp and this same farm is still owned by his descendants. Jesse Nash was a cabinet maker, but devoted the latter part of his life to farming. He was a conscientious, hard working man, and took a live interest in the affairs of his time. He was an old-time Whig. He died in 1844, aged eighty-two years, and was survived by his wife two years, who was also eighty-two at the time of her death. Andrew Nash, father of Eugene, came to Posey county with his parents in 1815. In early life he was a shoe maker, but later a farmer, and spent his life in Harmony township. He was one of a family of seven children, all of whom are now deceased. They all lived to ripe old ages. Three of the sisters passed the ninety-third milestone. Andrew Nash died April 24, 1900, aged ninety-one. His wife departed this life October 8, 1899, aged eighty- two. They were the parents of ten children : George, deceased ; William, deceased ; Mary, married James H. Cox, Stewartsville ; John, resides on the old homestead ; Edward, deceased ; Martha, deceased ; Nancy, married William J. Johnson, Harmony township ; James, Harmony township; Andrew, Harmony township, and Eugene W., the subject of this review. Eugene Nash was reared on the old homestead in Harmony township, educated in the district schools and the Poseyville High School. He remained on the farm until he was twenty-eight years old, when he came to New Harmony and engaged in the furniture and undertaking business, from 1890 to 1900. At this time he sold his furniture business, but continued in the undertaking business, and is still engaged in that occupation. He is also interested in the general insurance business. Mr. Nash has been twice married. On October 30, 1889, he was married to Aquilla, daughter of Dr. John J. Grigsby, of Petersburg. Ind. Two children were born to this union : Hercia and Kenneth. Mrs. Nash died May 25, 1900. September 15, 1909, Mr. Nash married Miss Emma, a daughter of Col. Charles C. Screeder, of Evansville, Ind. Politically Mr. Nash has always been identified with the Republican party and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, and holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. He is one of the substantial business men of Posey county.

Levi J. Wilkinson. — To have accomplished so notable work as has Levi J. Wilkinson in connection with the Christian church would prove sufficient to give precedence and reputation to any man, were it to represent the sum total of his efforts; but Mr. Wilkinson is a man of broad mental ken, strong initiative and distinct individuality, who will not only leave a lasting impression in the denomination in which he has been a lifelong member, but 'has been a potent, though unostentatious factor in the commercial life of Posey county, where for fifty years he conducted a successful retail enterprise, devoted to a general line of merchandise. To him the city of Cynthiana is indebted for one of the most beautiful, from an architectural standpoint, and substantially built church edifices in southern Indiana, together with a substantial endowment, which places it upon a self-sustaining basis. Other institutions also have received generous donations and endowments, his philanthropies to date exceeding those of any citizen who has resided within the county, and other substantial gifts to his church are contemplated. Levi J. Wilkinson was born on his father's farm in Gibson county, Indiana, February 22, 1825, the son of William and Mary (Miller) Wilkinson. The Wilkinson family is of English origin and dates its founding in America during the early. Colonial period when members of the family came from England and settled in the Colony of North Carolina. Numbered among them are men who achieved distinction in the frontier life of those early days, in the commercial era which followed and later in the War of the Revolution. The family was founded in Indiana by Cary Wilkinson, a native of North Carolina, who came to the State from Barren county, Kentucky, in 1808. He made the journey in one of the old style Conestoga wagons and crossed the Ohio at Red Banks, now Henderson, on a ferry. He located on land near what is now Fort Branch, and the old log fort of that name, erected for protection from the Indians, was built with the assistance of him and his sons. The country was a wilderness and the settlers few when he erected his first house. It was constructed of logs, without nails, and without windows, light being admitted through the door and chimney. The floor was of puncheon and the beds were made by boring holes in the logs of the walls about three feet from the floor and driving in poles, making a scaffolding on which the bed clothing was placed. While they were short on luxuries they were long on hospitality — the latch- string was always out to all comers. Added to the hardships incident to the clearing of the wilderness were the Indians, then plentiful, and the wild animals, panthers, bob-cats, bear and wolves being in abundance. Gary Wilkinson did not live to see the territory which he had helped to wrest from the savages become a State. He passed away in 1815. He married Sarah Mangrum, a daughter of William Mangrum. They became the parents of eleven children, four of whom died in childhood. William Wilkinson, the fourth of these children to reach man's estate, was born in North Carolina, on December 18, 1800, and came to Indiana with his parents in 1808. His education was acquired in the schools of that period. The school house was built of blocks, greased paper was used for window lights, quill pens for writing, and the ink at that time was made by boiling maple bark and adding a little copperas. He was forced to take up a man's work at the age of fifteen, through the death of his father, and the making of tillable land from the forest fell upon his shoulders. He married Mary Miller, a daughter of the Rev. John Miller, a minister of the Christian church. In 1830 he became a member of this denomination and lived a devout Christian life. He was a successful farmer, an influential citizen and one of the most active factors in the development of his township. He became a resident of Cynthiana on his retirement from active labor and passed away in 1887. His political affiliations were first with the Whigs, but upon the organization of the Republican party he became an active supporter of its principles. He was an ardent admirer of Abraham Lincoln, once journeying to Illinois to hear him speak. William and Mary (Miller) Wilkinson were the parents of eleven children, all of whom, except Levi J., the subject of this review, have passed to their reward. They were in order of birth as follows : Isaiah, John, Deliah, Sarah, Nar- cissa, Emily, Balaam, Aaron B., Levi J., Silas N. and Amos C. Levi J. Wilkinson, farmer, merchant and philanthropist, was reared on his father's farm in Gibson county, received his education in the district schools and engaged in farming, an occupation he followed until 1855 — in Gibson county until 1851 and in Posey county until 1855. In the last named year he engaged in the general merchandise business in Cynthiana under the firm style of Wilkinson & Putnam, having as an associate James Putnam. The latter's interest was purchased by Mr. Wilkinson shortly afterward and J. H. C. Lowe became his partner. Two others were admitted to the firm and its style became Wilkinson, Lowe & Co, Mr. Wilkinson retired from the firm within a few months, however, and engaged in the business without associates. As a merchant he was successful. His business was the leading one in Cynthiana, his stock the largest, offering the most in the way of selection, and was as well the best kept and arranged of any in the city. Posey county has never had a merchant who in his dealings with all has been more fair, more honest or more charitable than was Mr. Wilkinson during an active commercial life of fifty years, and which in respect to length has seldom been equalled in the State. During his active commercial life he was a purchaser of choice farm lands and became the owner of several hundred acres in Posey county. As a citizen he has always taken an active interest in those enterprises which have had for their object the development and betterment of the community. He made a donation of one thousand dollars toward the building of the Evansville & Terre Haute railroad, in addition to paying his proportion of the bonds. In 1901 the Christian church and parsonage at Cynthiana were erected at a cost of twenty-five thousand dollars, the fund for this undertaking being the gift of Mr. Wilkinson to the congregation. He also deeded to the congregation one hundred and fifty- eight acres of land as an endowment for maintenance. His gifts to the Christian College at Merom to date are two hundred and seventy acres of land and seven thousand dollars in money. To Jireh College, at Jireh, Wyo., he has given sixty-two acres of land and five thousand two hundred dollars in money. It is the intention of him and his wife to leave to the mission board of the Christian church that part of their fortune which remains upon their departure from this life. Mr. Wilkinson married, in 1845, Miss Elizabeth Smith, a daughter of Daniel and Nancy (Spain) Smith, who died in 1870. Of this union two children were born, both of whom died in infancy. On March 16, 1871, Mr. Wilkinson married Miss Julia E. Wilkinson, a daughter of Isaiah and Mary (Pruett) Wilkinson. She was born in Johnson township, Gibson county, Indiana, on December 4, 1840. They have been members of the Christian church since childhood and have always been leaders in the work of building up their denomination. The sunset years of their lives have been given over to the work of the Master, while the fruits of their labor are being expended in furthering the work of their church. Mr. Wilkinson, now in his eighty-ninth year, is remarkably vigorous, his health remarkably good for one of his age, while his mental powers are practically unimpaired. Mrs. Wilkinson, who has been a willing helpmeet for over forty years, is now in her seventy-third year. She is a woman of fine intellectuality and her influence has been of potent value in the community. Their home life has been ideal. What may be termed their life work is nearly finished. It has met to a great extent the fullness of their ambition, but, infinitely more precious to them is the fact that they are rich in the pos- sion of the affection which slowly develops only from unselfish works and the esteem which comes from honorable living.

James N. Whitehead, one of the prominent and influential men of affairs of Posey county, was born in Harmony township December 2, 1868, of pioneer ancestors. Mr. Whitehead was reared on a farm and received his education in the public schools. He began life as a farmer and has followed this vocation all his life, and has been successful to a marked degree. Today he is one of the large land owners of Posey county. Seven years ago he moved to New Harmony, where he has a beautiful residence. He conducts his large agricultural operations throughout the county, while he maintains his residence in town. Judging from the success which Mr. Whitehead has met in farming, one would naturally think that this line of endeavor had received his undivided attention, but such is not the case. He has found time for other business enterprises in which he has been equally successful. He has been interested in the First National Bank of New Harmony for several years, and for the last four years has been president of this substantial institution, a position he now holds. He served as its vice-president for two years before he succeeded to the presidency of the institution. He is also extensively interested in the Corbin Milling Company, of New Harmony, and the Fuhrer-Ford Milling Company of Mt. Vernon. Mr. Whitehead was united in marriage January i, 1892, to Miss Iva E. Williams, also a native of Posey county. To Mr. and Mrs. Whitehead have been born four children: Lela, Earl (deceased), Martha E. and Jennie Louise. Mr. Whitehead is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He is the progressive kind of citizen that counts in any community. He is public-spirited and ever ready to support any worthy enterprise for the upbuilding of his county and her institutions.

Frank R. Lawless, president of the town board of New Harmony, is a native of Ireland. He was born in the city of Dublin in 1870, and when a child came to America with his parents, who settled in Richland county, Illinois. Here young Lawless spent his boyhood, days, and attended the public schools until about fifteen years of age, when his mother died. He then went to Cleveland, Ohio, where he learned the trade of sheet metal worker and plumbing, heating, and ventilating. After mastering his trade, Mr. Lawless worked as a journeyman in Cincinnati, Detroit and St. Louis for a time, and in 1894 came to New Harmony and engaged in business for himself. His business embraces plumbing, sheet metal working, heating, and ventilating. He has completed several of the most extensive contracts in his line in Posey county, and from a business standpoint, has met with well earned success. As a mechanic, he is master of his art, and as a manager of men, he is equally competent. While Mr. Lawless has been successful in a business way, he has also devoted much time and study to local municipal affairs. He was first elected a member of the city council in 1906, and since that time, has been untiring in his efforts for civic betterment of New Harmony. He is now serving his fourth term as president of the town board, and every term of his administrations has been characterized by improvement and betterment of conditions. Under his careful and far-sighted business methods as applied to municipal affairs, New Harmony's municipal lighting plant is an institution of which any citizen of New Harmony may be proud. Other improvements at which he has aimed and fought for have been equally successful. He has endeavored to administer the affairs of the town with fairness to all and special privilege to none and has succeeded as nearly as is possible. If he has made mistakes, they have been " mistakes of the head and not of the heart." He has studied the problems which confronted him and has used his best judgment, and the result is that New Harmony has as good city government as any other municipality in the State. Mr. Lawless was married November 6, 1894, to Miss Carrie A. Smith, of Olney, Richland county, Illinois. To this union have been born four children : Robert, Richard, Charles and Paul- inus, all students in the New Harmony schools. Mr. Lawless is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and chairman of the centennial executive committee of that order. His political affiliations are with the Democratic party, and he is a member of Holy Angels Catholic Churh of New Harmony, of which he is a trustee.

William O. Boren, banker, merchant and educator of Cynthiana, and trustee of Smith township, Posey county, Indiana, was born on his father's farm near Fort Branch, Gibson county, September 14, 1869, the son of Absalom and Mary (Redman) Boren. Both of his parents were born in Gibson county and were members of pioneer families who were actively concerned in the early development of that section of Indiana. Absalom Boren spent the active years of his life in his native county, where he was engaged in farming and stock raising. Upon his retirement he removed to Cynthiana, where he has since resided. William O. Boren received his early educational discipline in the district schools of Gibson county. This was supplemented by a high school course and further study in the Indiana State Normal College at Danville. Upon completion of his school work he engaged in teaching and was principal of the Howell, Ind., schools. In 1904 he formed, with Perry Pritchett, the firm of Pritchett & Boren and engaged in the retail hardware business in Cynthiana. This enterprise was a success. In 1912 Mr. Boren disposed of his interest and accepted the position of cashier of the Cynthiana Banking Company, of which he is a director, and in this capacity has made good. Detailed information of this institution is to be found in the chapter on "Banks and Banking." Since becoming a resident of Posey county he has taken an active part in the political life of Cynthiana and Smith township. He is a Democrat and was honored by his party through election to the office of trustee of Smith township, in 1908, and is still serving in that capacity. His administration of the affairs of this office has been marked by the same close attention to detail, progressiveness and sound financial sense that has characterized his commercial career. The schools of his township have received the benefit fit of his past experience as a teacher, which has resulted in the Cyn- thiana school becoming a commission institution; its equipment is equal to that of any in the county, while the district schools have been greatly improved as regards those essentials which permit of successful operation. Mr. Boren is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen of America. He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Cynthiana, has served as treasurer for several years and is one of the most influential and active men in the congregation. Mr. Boren married, in 1891, Miss Stella Pritchett, a daughter of Henderson and Martha (Cudgel) Pritchett, of Montgomery township, Gibson county, in which county each was born. Mr. Pritchett is a successful farmer and stock raiser. Of this union one child has been born, viz. : Martha Marie Boren, born July 7, 1907.

Arthy M. Cleveland, a prominent farmer of Cynthiana, Ind., was born in Gibson county, same State, May 18, 1863, son of L. W. Cleveland (see sketch for ancestry). When he was about fifteen years of age his parents removed from Gibson county to Posey county, locating in Smith township. Arthy attended school in these two counties and at the age of eighteen years began farming, working on shares with his grandfather for two years, after which he hired out by the day at various jobs. At the age of twenty-three he rented a farm and began farming for himself. After living on various farms he rented a place from C. Reister in 1891. This farm then consisted of sixty acres, but he now has 145 acres. Mr. Cleveland cleared about twenty-five acres on this farm, and in all has cleared fifty- five acres of ground. Our subject became township trustee in 1904 and served for one term of four years. He has also served as deputy sheriff, constable, and two terms as road supervisor. In politics he is a Democrat. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Wroodmen of America and the Royal Neighbors. On October 19, 1886, Mr. Cleveland was married to Mary L. Craig, daughter of David E. Craig, a farmer of Smith township, where she was born and raised and where she received her education. She died August 31, 1896. Mr. Cleveland took as his second wife Miss Hannah Stevens, daughter of Daniel and Elzina Stevens, of Smith township, natives of Posey county, where they were raised and where they raised their daughter. The wedding occurred June 22, 1899. Mrs. Cleveland attended the common schools of her county, and graduated from the Cynthiana High School in 1887.

Lewis W. Cleveland, farmer and justice of the peace of Smith township, Posey county, Indiana, was born in Gibson county, same State, June 16, 1842, son of Charles and Phoebe (Lundford) Cleveland. Charles Cleveland was born May 10, 1800, in Harrison county, Kentucky, and his wife was born in September, 1806, a native of Virginia. The father of Charles Cleveland was Micajah Cleveland, who was born in Virginia and served with his two sons in the War of 1812. In 1834 Charles Cleveland came from near Cynthiana, Ky., and with his wife and five children settled in Gibson county, Indiana, then a wilderness with plenty of game roaming the woods. He and his wife, whom he married in Harrison county, Kentucky, became the parents of thirteen children, ten of whom lived to be men and women. Lewis W. Cleveland was the tenth child in the family. He was reared in Gibson county, where he attended common schools in a rude log building (for full description see sketch of Thomas Marvel in this book). After leaving school he taught for one year and then farmed on the home place, where he was born. He was married May 25, 1862, to Elizabeth Meadows, daughter of George H. and Matilda ( Allen) Meadows, after his marriage continued for five years to live on the home farm with his parents, removing from there to Posey county in 1869. For one year he farmed in Robb township, after which he traded his farm for a grocery business in Cynthiana. He closed out this business in 1874, since which he has farmed. In 1884 he was elected justice of the peace of Smith township and has held the office continuously ever since. He and his wife had nine children : Arthur M., George W., Lucian N. (deceased), Laura E., Mandaily, Effie G. (deceased), Dexter Lee, in St. Louis, Mo., Grover and Guy. Laura E. married Newton Finley and they live in Cynthiana. Mandaily married Ed Harper and they now live near Mt. Carmel, Ill. Mr. Cleveland has been a member of the Regular Baptist church for fifty years. He is a Democrat and his first vote was cast for Stephen A. Douglas for President.

John H. Williams, farmer and stock raiser, of Cynthiana, Ind., was born November 6, 1856, son of William H. and Mary (Meadows) Williams. William H. was the son of Enoch Williams, who married Miss Lowe and was the first of the family to come to Posey county, having removed to this section from South Carolina. The country was in a wild condition at that time and the woods were still full of Indians and wild animals. They located in Smith township, and here William H. was born in 1820, and was reared in the woods, where he helped clear the ground. He attended the schools of those times and later engaged in farming and stock raising, continuing in this business until his death in 1886. His wife preceded him in death, passing away in 1861. John H. Williams was born in Smith township, where he attended the country schools, which were still furnished with log benches. He afterward attended the graded schools of Cynthiana and went one year to high school at Poseyville, Ind. Upon leaving school he worked at home with his parents until his marriage, which occurred December 10, 1881, to Martha E. Marvel, daughter of John and Mary (Young) Marvel. This Marvel family is descended from the Marvels of Sussex county, Delaware, and the Youngs were early settlers in Posey county. John Marvel was a soldier in the Civil war. He was a farmer and stock raiser, and, following the family tradition, was a breeder of fine horses. Some of the best colts in this section were raised from his stallions. Mr. and Mrs. Marvel are both dead, the latter passing away about two years ago. Mrs. Williams was born and raised in Smith township, where she attended common schools. Mr. and Mrs. Williams had four children: Harvey T., James W. (deceased), Ethel, and one who died in infancy. Harvey T., a farmer and former teacher, married Ivy L. Yates and now lives in Knox county, Indiana. Ethel married Dr. D. W. Montgomery and lives in Princeton, Ind. The first wife died October 12, 1889, and Mr. Williams married again, on June 2, 1891, to Mrs. Elzina Witherspoon, widow of James N. Witherspoon. daughter of Dean and Elizabeth Martin, natives of Vanderbtirg county, where she was born and raised. She received a common school education. They have no children. The family are members of the Big Creek Regular Baptist Church, in which Mr. Williams is one of the deacons. He is a Democrat. Mr. Williams is one of the two men who are raising alfalfa in Smith township. He was the first in Posey county to begin raising pure-bred White Leghorn poultry and now there is hardly a farm that does not have them. He has won many blue ribbons at the poultry shows of Evansville, Princeton and elsewhere. Mr. Williams served as president of the Wabash Valley Poultry Association from 1904 to 1909. He ships his chickens all over the United States. The Williams farm has the largest apple orchard in Posey county, having seven acres exclusively in apple trees. Its yield has been 2,000 bushels of apples besides fruit enough to make 2,000 gallons of cider.

John C. Scherer, undertaker, of St. Wendel, Ind., was born October 30, 1864, a son of Jacob and Margaret (Knapp) Scherer, the former a native of Niederzengheim, Germany, a cabinet maker, who traveled extensively in his native land before coming to America. Jacob Scherer was born in 1816, learned his trade by the time he was nineteen years of age and came to America in 1842, locating first in Canada, and later in Evansville, Ind., where he lived until the war broke out. He was engaged in the furniture business, but the war drove him out and he came to St. Wendel, where he opened a general merchandise store. After living here for some time he removed to Fort Branch, but returned seven years later and engaged in cabinet making and in the undertaking business, in which he continued until his death, June 10, 1891. Mrs. Margaret Scherer was also born in Germany, coming to this country at the age of eight years with her parents, who settled in Pennsylvania and afterward removed to Posey county, Indiana. John Scherer graduated from the public schools of St. Wendel, after which he went to work with his father and learned the cabinet making and undertaking business, and after the death of the father he succeeded to the business. In May, 1897, Mr. Scherer graduated from Clark's Embalming School, Evansville, Ind., and the next year graduated from Clark's Embalming College, of Indianapolis. In 1902 he was admitted by the State Board of Embalmers to practice his profession in the State of Indiana. Until the year 1906 he was engaged in the implement business under the firm name of Coudret & Scherer, but sold out to devote his entire time to undertaking. He is a Democrat in politics and a member of the Catholic church. On October 10, 1893, Mr. Scherer married Miss Benie Hofmann, daughter of William and Catherine (Wolf) Hofmann. Her father, a native of Rheinphalz, Germany, came to America at the age of nineteen and first located in Pennsylvania, three years later coming to Posey county and locating in Parker's Settlement, where he engaged in the general merchandise business and later, with Philip Speck, ran a brewery at the same place. He was trustee of Robinson township several terms and was also postmaster for many years. He died January 20, 1876. Mrs. Hofmann was born in Evansville, Ind., August 20, 1838, and raised in Parker's Settlement, where she received her education and married. Her death occurred October 15, 1889. Mrs. Scherer was born in Parker's Settlement September 5, 1864. She received her education in the town of her birth and later graduated from Eurmick's Commercial College at Evansville, of which her sister was principal of typewriting, bookkeeping and shorthand. Mr. and Mrs. Scherer have three children: Clarence, born August 13, 1894; Irma, November 13, 1896; Elsie, April 4, 1899. Clarence attended commercial college at Evansville, was for one year in the office of the auditor of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois, Evansville, Ind., and is now telegraph operator at Petersburg, Ind., with the same company. Irma is attending high school at Tell City, Ind. Elsie is now attending public school in Smith township. Mr. Scherer and children are communicants of the Catholic church. Mrs. Scherer is a member of the German Evangelical church.

George Franklin Trainer, station agent of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois railroad at \Vadesville, Ind., was born March 7, 1868. on a farm in Robb township, Posey county, son of George King and Susan (Schrader) Trainor. George K. Trainor was born about 1813 at Williamsport, Pa., and came to Posey county at the age of twenty years, where he was a farmer until his death, in 1897. He married Miss Susan Schrader, daughter of John and Pamelia (Jaques) Schrader, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Posey county, where she was born in 1826. She died at Poseyville in 1901. They both belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. and Mrs. George K. Trainor had eight children : John Schrader Trainor, now a merchant at Hayti, Mo.; Charles Edward Trainor, grain merchant, Griffin, Ind. ; Clara, wife of Joseph W. Stevens, wagon maker and justice of the peace, Poseyville, Ind.; Algernon (deceased), \ Villiam A., formerly agent of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois at Poseyville, who was killed by hold-up men in 1892, and leaving a wife and three children ; Carrie, wife of James Kilroy, a lawyer at Poseyville; George F., of this record; Chauncy, graduate of the medical department of Louisville University, now an employe of the patent office at Washington, D. C, and also a magazine writer. George F. Trainor was educated in the public schools of Poseyville, graduating from the high school in the class of 1889. He then took a business course in Lexington, Ky., after which he taught school one year in Bethel township, Posey county. He then began the study of telegraphy in the depot of Illinois Central at Poseyville, and after eight months became operator at Stevvartsville, where he remained five years, when he was appointed cashier at Mattoon, Ill., for the same road. After one year at Mattoon he became station agent at Stewartsville, and has since filled that position successively at Hartsburg, Latham, Mt. Zion, Sullivan, Newton, West Liberty, Parkersburg, Grayville, Griffin and New Harmony, all on the Illinois Central. In 1910 he became station agent at Wadesville, his present location. For a town of its size Wadesville is an unusually good shipping point, the freight business averaging about 400 cars per annum, while it does a good local passenger business. Mr. Trainor is a member of the Order of Ben Hur at Parkersburg, Ill., of the Mystic \ Vorkers at West Liberty, Ill., and also of the Order of Railway Telegraphers. On March 10, 1897, Mr. Trainor married Miss Lottie Bare, daughter of Alexander and Margaret (Dawson) Bare, of West Salem, Ill., the former a hardware merchant. She was born June 7, 1879, at Belmont, Ill. Her father is a native of Germany and her mother of Illinois. They have four children : Murtel Kenneth, born May 23, 1899; Margaret, born September 8, 1903; Fred, born March 8, 1905, and Katherine, born December 6, 1911. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church.

William H. Webb, a farmer of Smith township, Posey county, was bor-n in Franklin county, Illinois, September 30, 1869, son of S. M. and Louisa (Britton) Webb. S. M. Webb was a son of Louis and Harriet Webb, and Louisa Britton Webb was the daughter of William Britton. The whole family are natives of Illinois, where S. M. Webb was a farmer and stock raiser, and where the subject of this sketch was raised and attended the country schools. He was a student one term at Ewing College, Ewing, Ill., after which he farmed at home with his parents until the age of twenty-three years, at which time the family removed to Posey county, Indiana. This was in 1892, and Mr. Webb lived and farmed in Robb township until 1905, when he bought a farm in Smith township, where he now lives. His entire farm of eighty-six acres is under cultivation and he has some very fine stock, although he has never made a specialty of any breed. In politics Mr. Webb is a Democrat. He has served the township as election judge and road supervisor, and is now employed by the township trustee to haul the children in a bus to and from school. On March 5, 1893, occurred the marriage of William H. Webb to Miss Alice Dunn, daughter of William and Susan ( Gill) Dunn, natives of Tennessee, where they were engaged in farming and stock raising. They later lived in Duquoin, Ill., where their daughter, Alice, was born and where she was educated, first attending common school, and later a private high school, in which she completed the course. Mr. and Mrs. Webb have three children : Estella, born February 27, 1895, is a graduate of the common school and has attended the Cynthiana High School ; Normalee, born in September, 1897, is now attending high school in Cynthiana, and Donald, born September 13, 1900, is attending the common schools of Cynthiana. Mrs. Webb is a member of the Baptist church.

John C. Smith, a prosperous farmer of Cynthiana, Ind., was born in Patoka township, Gibson county, that State, June 18, 1831, son of Daniel and Nancy (Spain) Smith, natives of North Carolina, where the former was born in 1788, and the latter about 1800, and they came to Indiana in 1818, locating in Gibson county. In coming to this State he crossed the river at West Franklin and moved northward, stopping at old Fort Branch, which had been built shortly before for the protection of the settlers. He camped at the fort for the night and the next day moved north into what is now called Pike county, where they entered land. On the way they often had to cut their own road through the forest. After coming to the State they moved around from place to place trying to find a suitable location and finally settled in Johnson township, Gibson county. John C. Smith was born before his parents moved to Johnson township. He began attending school at the age of four. His first teacher. was Joshua Kitchen and school was held in a log building with split log seats and it was heated by a big fire-place. The window was made by leaving out a log. The school was moved to the public road later and, as there were no bridges, they put logs across the streams so the children could cross. The teacher was Dr. Ralston, now of Evansville, who is ninety-six years old. The school was maintained by subscription, as there were no public schools. After leaving school he continued to work on the farm with his parents. They removed to Posey county about 1848, but as John C. was working as a hired hand he did not come till 1852, when he was twenty-one years of age. In that year he married Lavina Robb, daughter of Peyton and Susan (Finch) Robb, in whose honor Robb township was named. The Robb family were among the earliest settlers of the county and Lavina Robb was born in Robb township, where she lived until her marriage. After his marriage Mr. Smith bought a farm in Smith township, just east of Poseyville, where he lived for some time, when he sold out and bought the property he now owns, two and one-half miles southeast of Cynthiana. He has been assessor for his township for six years and later was elected county commissioner, serving three terms. He was State representative twice, 1889 and 1891. He has been a lifelong Democrat and is prominent in the councils of the party. In 1860 he was a delegate to the Democratic State convention. The feeling was so strong that it was said that the convention could not be held, but with the aid of guards the meetings went on. While in the legislature he helped elect two United States senators — Dan Voorhees and Senator Turpie. He was also a member of the county and township committees in the house. Since serving in the legislature he has not sought any further political honors and has limited his political activities to looking after his party in Posey county. His first vote for the President was in 1852, for James K. Polk. Mr. and Mrs. John Smith became the parents of ten children: Peyton, Mary, Annie (deceased), Walter, Nora, Flora, Alice, and two who died in infancy. Mary married Walter Endicott, of Poseyville. Nora is the widow of Osbourne Endicott, of Cynthiana. Flora married Newton Martin and after his death married Treat Saul- mon and lives on a farm. Alice married Hugh McNair, a druggist, and they live in Sullivan, Ind. Mrs. Smith died August 13, 1888. Mr. Smith remarried in February, 1891, Catherine Robb, daughter of William Robb, and a cousin of his first wife. She died June 13, 1902.

Henry Brinkman. — A man's real worth to his community is best determined by inquiring into the sentiment of his neighbors and fellow citizens. Their estimate of him is found to be of more value in uncovering the truth than all other sources of information. However, if there is found in this sentiment a diversity of opinion, it is difficult to arrive at accurate conclusions. On the other hand, if absolute harmony prevails in it, if it is found to be a single unit, if a man's neighbors and daily associates, without a single dissenter, proclaim him to be a worthy citizen and a power for good in the community, then accuracy of conclusion is made easy ; for no precedent exists in which perfect harmony of public opinion has proved to be wrong. The conclusions formed and herein set forth with reference to the man under consideration have been moulded entirely from the sentiment of his friends and fellow citizens and, since this sentiment had in it not a single discordant note, its accuracy can be fully vouchsafed and relied upon. Henry Brinkman is the nestor of Posey county's men of affairs. He became a resident of the county in 1850, a principal in a commercial enterprise in 1851, a manufacturer in 1853, and is still the active head, at the age of eighty- eight, of a drain-tile plant and a retail hardware, implement and furniture business. Sixty-two years of continuous commercial activity, during which time his name has become familiar in practically every home within the county, a reputation for honesty, fairness and high business ideals, seldom attained in thefield of commerce, entitle him to distinctive recognition in this publication. Henry Brinkman was born in the Duchy of Lippe-Detmold, Germany, May 16, 1825. He obtained a fair education in the schools of his native country, which he attended until the age of fourteen, learned the brickmaker's trade in the succeeding six years and, during the next five, that of wagon-making. In 1850 inclination led him to seek the opportunities then offering in the United States and he came to Indiana, remaining for about two months in Evansville, and then locating in Mt. Vernon, where he secured employment in the wagon factory of Gottlieb Koerner, and in the following year, 1852, secured in interest in the business. During the years 1854 to 1861 he was engaged in the manufacture of agricultural implements and wagons, the last two years having as an associate in business. John H. Barter. In the last-named year he began the manufacture of the "Brinkman Wagon," having but one apprentice to assist him at the start. His products were well received, proved to be of high quality, and the factory force soon numbered twenty hands. He was the inventor of the " Posey Clipper" plow and manufactured them in profitable quantities. In 1869 he established a brick manufacturing plant which he operated successfully until 1875, when he changed it into a drain-tile factory. This enterprise he has conducted with success, it has given employment to as many as thirty-five hands, and is still operated with profit. In 1875 he formed, with William Burtis, the firm of Brinkman & Burtis and engaged in the implement business. Mr. Burtis retired from the firm in 1881 and the firm name was changed to Brinkman & Sons, two of his sons, Henry A. and Charles, being admitted to partnership. Another son, Otto, was given an interest later and he, with his father and brother, Charles, constitute the present firm, Henry A. Brinkman having died in 1900. Hardware and furniture have since been added to the line of implements and the business is not only the oldest in years of establishment in Posey county, but enjoys a satisfied clientage, while its sales exceed $40,000 per annum. Mr. Brinkman has also been interested directly and indirectly with many other business enterprises of his home city and perhaps no one of its citizens has had more to do with the development and building up of Mt. Vernon than he during the years 1860 to 1895. In truth he has been one of the foremost in every movement which had for its object the city's progress, thrift and substantial growth. He was for several years president of the Manufacturers' Aid Society of Mt. Vernon and brought to this office the same business ability which he had displayed in his private affairs, with the result that the society's affairs were conducted in a wise, conservative and businesslike way. He has been a Republican since the formation of that party. He served as a member of the city council for several terms, having been first elected in 1869. Mr. Brinkman is a member of the directorate of the Mt. Vernon National Bank, is seldom absent from a meeting of the board, and it is probable that there is not another man of his age in the State of Indiana that is a member of the board of directors of a financial institution, much less one who is actively concerned with the conduct of his bank and who is conceded to be a valued member of its governing body. He is a member of the Masonic order and of the Evangelical church. Mr. Brinkman married in October, 1852, Miss Margaret Hahn, a native of Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, and the daughter of Henry Hahn. Mrs. Brinkman died in 1893. Ten children were born of this union, who are as follows : Minnie, who married John C. Leffel, of Mt. Vernon, publisher of "The Western Star" and editor of this work; Mrs. Leffel died on February 28, 1907. Henry A., until his death in 1900 a member of the firm of Brinkman & Sons; Mollie, who has never married and resides with her father; Charles, of the H. Brinkman Company; Caroline, who became the wife of Fred Walter, a merchant of Mt. Vernon, both of whom are deceased ; Louis, formerly interested with his father and now a manufacturer of tile in Georgia ; Anna, who married Meade Williams, of Mt. Vernon, both of whom are deceased ; Otto, a member of the H. Brinkman Company ; Matilda, the wife of William A. Holton, cashier of the Mt. Vernon National Bank, personal mention of whom appears in this work, and Hat- tie, the wife of William O. Wilson, superintendent of the schools of Posey county, who is also mentioned in the biographical section of this volume. To do justice to the many phases of the career of Mr. Brinkman within the limits of an article of this order would be impossible, but in even touching upon the more salient points there may come objective lesson and incentive and thus a tribute of appreciation. As a man among men, bearing his due share in connection with the practical activities and responsibilities of a work-a-day world, he has been successful, but over all and above all, he has gained a deep knowledge of the well springs from which emerge the stream of human motive and action. He has gained a clear apprehension of what life means, what its dominating influences, what its possibilities, and is ever ready to impart to his fellow men the fruits of his investigation, contemplation and mature wisdom.

Capt. Alferd Ribeyre, of New Harmony, known far and wide as "The Corn King," is one of the most extensive land owners and developers in the State. He has inaugurated a plan of farming so extensive that it is difficult to contemplate the man and his great institution, and give him due credit. Captain Ribeyre's vast farming interests aggregate over 7,000 acres, about one-half of which is composed of Cut-off Island. These extensive farms are occupied by about 150 tenants, who work the land on a crop sharing plan, Mr. Ribeyre furnishing everything necessary to go on and do the work. The principal crops are corn and wheat; however, other crops are raised, but not extensively. But, on account of the great corn production, Captain Ribeyre has earned the title of "The Corn King." He is a native of Posey county, born February 17, 1851, one mile southeast of New Harmony, on the "Deep Creek Stock Farm." He is a son of John and Emily Ribeyre, both natives of France. John Ribeyre settled in Posey county, near New Harmony, in the '405. He was one of the most extensive business men in Southern Indiana. He bought land, developed it, and also dealt extensively in cattle. He owned several boats, with which he marketed his own products in St. Louis and New Orleans. He owned the "Buckeye," the "Hoosier," and other boats. He was also a banker, owning and operating the Cut-off Island Bank, at New Harmony, in 1866. He loaned money extensively, and was always lenient to the unfortunate. At the time of his death, he owned about 8,000 acres. John Ribeyre was a man thoroughly abreast of his time. He was a member of the Workingmen's Institute, and public-spirited. His first wife died, leaving two children, Alferd, the subject of this sketch, and Emily, who married Frank Fitton, of Indianapolis. After the death of his first wife, he married Harriet Stanhope, and to this union was born one daughter, Erma, who married Charles A. Greathouse, the present Superintendent of Public Instruction of Indiana. Captain Ribeyre spent his boyhood days in New Harmony, and vicinity, and was associated with his father. While he inherited considerable property from his father, he has made good on his own account, and added vast holdings to his original property. Captain Ribeyre possesses many traits of his father. He is a progressive, liberal, and charitable man. He is always ready to contribute to worthy public enterprises, and render assistance to the needy. He contributes to churches of all denominations, and when the question of raising funds for the New Harmony Centennial of 1914 was being discussed, Captain Ribeyre came forward with a donation of $1,000. Such men are worth while to a town or community. He was united in marriage December 14, 1879, to an estimable lady, Miss Pauline Arnold, of New Harmony. She was born at sea. To Mr. and Mrs. Ribeyre were born three children, only one of whom, Robert R., survives. He resides in New Harmony, and is one of its progressive young business men. He married Jessie, daughter of A. C. Thomas, and to this union have been born one child, Susanna, who, by the way, occupies a prominent place in the affection of her grandfather. Captain Ribeyre is interested, as a stockholder, in the New Harmony Banking Company, and the Mt. Vernon National Bank. His splendid residence, located on Main street, in New Harmony, is one of the finest to be seen anywhere. While Captain Ribeyre has not been active in politics, he has always been a Republican, and served on the town council. Besides his vast farm holdings, and interests above described, Captain Ribeyre owns seven of the best business properties in New Harmony. He also owns and operates a private ferry for his own business.

Joseph R. Welborn, successful farmer, influential citizen, and member of the council of Posey county, was born on his father's farm in Montgomery township, Gibson county, Indiana, December ir, 1849, a son of Samuel P. and Mary (Waters) Welborn. The family was founded in Indiana by Moses Welborn, a native of North Carolina, who was born in Guilford county, near Guilford court house, July 4, 1783. He came to Posey county in 1833 and located at Mt. Vernon, subsequently entering land at the forks of Big creek, which he cleared and developed into productive farm land. He died in 1851, a victim of the cholera scourge of that year. He married, about 1808, Deborah Chipman, born on November 3, 1787. They reared a family of eight children, of whom Samuel P. Welborn was the third in order of birth. The latter was born in North Carolina in 1814, and came to Posey county with his parents. Shortly after arriving in Mt. Vernon, he engaged in flat boating, the one means of transportation at that time, his cargoes consisting of grain and provisions, which he carried to the New Orleans market. While visiting in Gibson county he became acquainted with Mary Waters, a daughter of James Rice Waters, a native of North Carolina, and pioneer settler of Gibson county, where she was born in 1816. They were married shortly afterwards and located on land in that county, at the time densely wooded, which he cleared ; and for a time continued, during the winter months, the transportation of produce to the New Orleans market by flat boat. He became not only a successful farmer and man of means, but was a citizen of influence in his county. He served as treasurer of Gibson county from 1857 to 1861. His death occurred in 1875, and that of his wife in 1887. They were the parents of eleven children, ten of whom reached their majority, and six of whom are living at this writing, 1913. They are as follows: William P., James F., Francis M. Oscar M., Ellen, Sarah, Mary, Joseph R., Eliza, Alice and John. Joseph R. Welborn acquired his education in the schools of his native township, held in the primitive school buildings of that period, later attended the graded school in Owensville, and during the winter of 1868-69 was a student in the Indiana State University at Bloomington. With the exception of two years, in which he was engaged in the general merchandise business in Poseyville, his occupation has been that of a farmer and stock raiser. The Welborn farm, situated one mile west of Cynthiana, consists of 150 acres, and is known as "Homeland." Mr. Welborn has retired from active business car.es and the farm is conducted by his son, Ernest P. Welborn, a graduate of the Wisconsin State Agricultural College, who as a breeder of registered Poland China hogs has attained wide prominence. Animals from his breeding farm, known to breeders as "Homeland's" stock, have a ready sale over a wide area and bring attractive prices. As regards improvements and farming methods, the property represents all essentials known to the scientific agriculturist, and is one of the model enterprises in this line of Southern Indiana. As a citizen, Mr. Welborn has always taken an active interest in the political life of his county and State. He is a Democrat, and has been honored by his party with public office, in which he served with credit to himself and his constituents. He was elected trustee of Smith township in 1882, a member of the council of Smith township in 1900, and to the Posey county council in 1910, in which capacity he is still serving. Mr. Welborn married on June 3, 1874, Miss Rebecca Calvert, a daughter of William and Martha (Endicott) Calvert. Mr. Calvert was born in Vander- burg county, Indiana, of which his father, a native of Ireland, was a pioneer. Martha Endicott was born in Posey county, and is descended from Colonial stock, and members of the family have held positions of prominence in the town, State and Nation. Rebecca Calvert was born in Posey county, Indiana, June 14, 1847, and died September 15, 1907. They were the parents of four children, who are as follows, viz. : Edgar C. Welborn, a graduate of the literary department of the Indiana State University of the engineering department of Cornell, Ithaca, New York, and who is now a mechanical engineer, residing in Milwaukee, Wis. ; William C. Welborn, a graduate of both the literary and law departments of Indiana State University, and junior member of the firm of Veneman & Welborn, attorneys,' Evansville. He married Miss Edith Gauntt, a daughter of Jasper Gauntt, of Marion, Ind. They are the parents of four children, Marion, Ruth, Dorothy and Francis. Alice Welborn, the third ehild, is deceased. Ernest P. Welborn, the youngest of the family, born December 12, 1881, received his early educational discipline in the schools of Cynthiana, later attended Indiana State University, and subsequently was graduated from the Wisconsin State Agricultural College at Madison. He married on April 12, 1903, Miss Ethel Emerson, a daughter of Benjamin F. Emerson, president of the Cynthiana Banking Company. They are the parents of two children: Joseph E. Welborn, born October 4, 1905, and Virginia C. Welborn, born July 4, 1908. Mr. Welborn is manager of the "Homeland" property. The family are popular in the social circles of their county and are members of the Baptist church.

Timothy Scott Downen, a farmer in Robinson township, Posey county, Indiana, is a native of the same township, having been born on the place where he now lives, on December i, 1880, son of George T. and Classic ( Allyn) Downen, natives of Posey county, the father reared on the place in possession of our subject, and the mother in Black township, near Bufkin. George Downen was born in June, 1854, son of Tillman Downen and Classic Allyn was the daughter of Bijah Allyn, of Black township. The father died April 1, 1910, and the mother in June, 1897. Timothy attended the schools of Robinson township, and after finishing his education remained at home with his parents. After they passed away the farm came into his possession. This farm was entered by a Downen in years before it came into the hands of Timothy Downen, and has remained in the family all this time. Mr. Downen makes a specialty of Duroc Jersey hogs, also does general farming and stock raising. He has a good farm of eighty acres. Mr. Downen was married November 30, 1902, to Miss Mary Mills, daughter of Aleck and Matilda (Wilkie) Mills, both parents born in Posey county. Matilda Wilkie was reared in the place of her birth, but Aleck Mills went south with his parents when about eight years old, and did not return for thirty years. Mrs. Downen was born in Posey county, and was reared and educated here. Her father died in autumn of 1905 and her mother is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Downen have had four children, Merle and Leona, who are attending school in Robinson township, Clarisey, and Lynn, who is deceased. Mr. Downen is a Democrat in politics.

Henry Dormer, a farmer of Robinson township, Posey county, Indiana, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, September 25, 1866, son of Fred and Barbara ( Bauer) Donner, natives of Stuttgart, Germany, who came to this country before they were married. They both died while their five children were quite young, the mother in 1870, and the father in 1871. Henry was in bed with smallpox when his mother died, and could not attend the funeral. When left an orphan he lived with his brothers and sisters. His brothers worked in a brick yard, and Henry carried their breakfasts and dinners to them, beside going to school. In 1877, at the age of eleven years, Henry Donner came to Posey county with his brother, William. He lived with his uncle, Henry Donner, Sr., while William went to live with their cousin, Henry Donner, Jr. Here our subject remained for three years, attending school and doing all kinds of farm work and assisting in clearing new ground. He then went to the farm of his cousin, John Donner, where he worked two years for his board and clothes. At the end of this time he hired out to his cousin, Henry Donner, for $80 per year. Half of this he spent for clothes and saved $40. The next year he hired to another farmer for $140 per year and board, saving $100 that year. The next year he was with another neighbor at $150 and board, remaining here two years. After this he returned to his cousin, Henry, who paid him $160 per year, and here he remained four years. He then learned the carpenter's trade and received $1.50 per day, and worked at the trade until his marriage, which occurred September ii, 1892, to Miss Carry Huber, daughter of George and Barbara ( Hahn) Huber, natives of Posey county, where they were reared. After his marriage he started farming for himself. Mrs. Huber, mother of Mrs. Donner, died in 1893, and they lived on the George Huber farm for two years. He then removed to Black township, renting the Joseph Welborn farm, where Samuel Benthal now lives, remaining there four years. In 1897 he rented a farm just west of Oliver, and in 1900 he bought his present farm, which is the old Tim Downen place in Robinson township, and contains 130 acres. Mr. Donner is engaged in general farming. Mr. and Mrs. Donner have had six children: Henry, who died in infancy ; Ida, who married Fred Wedeking, at present living in Evans- ville; Alk, and Olive, graduates of the common school, at home with their parents ; Harry, now in the seventh grade in the Downen school. The Donner family are members of the Evangelical church. Mr. Donner is a Republican in politics, and is now holding the office of trustee of Robinson township, to which he was elected in 1908, and was for two years a member of the advisory board of the township.

Joseph Schmitt, a farmer of Posey county, Indiana, was born in Germany, his parents, Joseph and Anna Marie (Van Waltensberger) Schmitt, being natives of Elsas Ardelsheim, where they engaged in farming, and where their son, Joseph, was born, March 18, 1851. The family came to America in 1855, locating at Princeton, Gibson county, Indiana, where the father drove an ox team, hauling logs for one year, after which he removed to a farm in Robinson township, Posey county, the place where Adam Schmitt now lives, and remained here until his death in 1896. The mother died in 1900. Our subject started to school in Princeton, and after the removal of his parents to Robinson township, attended school at St. Wendel. He worked on the home place until he was seventeen years of age, when he started learning the carpenter trade, working at this until twenty-one. He then worked on a farm one year, and in the summer of 1873 worked with a threshing crew. He was married in September of that year and in the fall cholera broke out and his wife's sister lost her husband and four children and husband's father. After his marriage he began farming on the home place of his wife's father, and has continued farming ever since. In 1892 he was elected assessor on the Democratic ticket, and served five years, and since that time has been deputy assessor for the township every time one has been needed. In 1912 he was elected county commissioner, and is now holding that office. Mr. Schmitt is an auctioneer, and since he was twenty-four years of age he has cried over 300 sales. The marriage of Joseph Schmitt and Miss Amalia Dudenhefer occurred in Robinson township, Posey county, where the bride was born and raised, on September 29, 1873. She is the daughter of Jacob and Magdalene Dudenhefer, natives of Rheinprovinz, Hairx- heim, Germany, who came to America, locating first in Cincinnati, where they were married. Mrs. Schmitt was educated in the schools of St. Wendel. Mr. and Mrs. Schmitt became the parents of ten children : Helena, Anna, Alfonso, Amanda, Alice, Cecelia, Louisa (deceased), Ida ( deceased), Olevia and Elvera. Elvera is a graduate of the St. Wendel school and lives at home with her parents. Helena married Jacob Rothlei, and had three children, Raymond, Daniel and Elmar, the latter deceased. Anna married W'illiam Weyer. They live in Robinson township and have had seven children, Urban, Viola, Arthur, Marie, Randolph, Wilmor (deceased) and Norman (deceased). Amanda married George Baehl, and has three children, Leona, Genevieve and Joseph, the latter deceased. Cecilia married William Engbers, and has one child, William Joseph. Both Amanda and Cecilia live in Evansville. Olevia married Phillip Muhelbaur, and they live in Poseyville. The family are members of the Catholic church at St. Wendel, where Mr. Schmitt has been trustee of the church three terms, and is now director of the choir.

Earnest Willman, a farmer living near Mt. Vernon, Ind., was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., November 30, 1845, son °f Earnest and Katherine Willman, natives of Germany, who came to Pennsylvania and later removed to Posey county, Indiana, when their son, Earnest, was about a year old. They made the trip from Pittsburgh by boat, there being no railroads. They located in the woods at St. Philip, and built a log hut. For more than a year Mrs. Willman baked bread in a skillet. Earnest attended the common schools, and remained at home, working on the farm, until thirty years of age, when he bought a farm of his own. He still owns this place, adjoining his present home. On September 22, 1877, occurred the marriage of Earnest Willman and Miss Johana Elderbrook, daughter of Henry and Sophia (Leonard) Elderbrook, natives of Hanover, Germany, who came to America in 1872, and located in Gibson county, Indiana, where Mr. Elderbrook engaged in farming and stock raising. Johana was born in Hanover in 1854, and attended school in Germany, coming to America with her parents at the age of eighteen. Mr. and Mrs. Willman have seven children : Folney, who married Barbie Winter; Earnest, married Carry Roiddle; George, married Louise Reinghie ; Frederick, married Annie Dempersenier ; Louise and Tillie. All five boys are farming in Posey county. The children are all graduates of the common schools. The family are all members of the Lutheran church.

John Henry Schreiber, a farmer of Black township, Posey county, Indiana, was born on the same farm where he now lives on February 23, 1868, son of Michael and Elizabeth (Franbel nee Dickout) Schreiber, natives of Germany. Michael Schrieber was born in the Fatherland in 1800 and about 1825 or 1826 he started with his young wife to America. She died on the way and was buried at sea. Upon his arrival he located in Posey county, and as land was cheap he soon became one of the largest land owners in this section of the country, having more than 1,000 acres. He was a hard worker, often helping his neighbors in the daytime and doing his own clearing at night. He used cattle exclusively in his farming and clearing. The mother of our subject came to America when a young lady about twenty-three years of age. She received her education in Germany. Michael Schreiber died February 22, 1881, at the age of eighty-one years, and his wife died four years later, on July 8, 1885. John Henry Schreiber was but thirteen years of age when his father died and at the death of his mother he was left in charge of the farm, being the only child by his father's third marriage. There was still plenty of timber standing and he cleared about forty-five acres on the place. At that time there were no rock roads, telephones, autos or other modern conveniences, and at times the roads were so bad that it would be impossible to get to Mt. Vernon for two months at a time, sometimes having to walk the entire distance on the Louisville & Nashville railroad ties. Mr. Schreiber can remember when this railroad was built. Being a hard worker, like his father he has met with a large degree of success, has a farm of 260 acres, all under cultivation except about thirty-five acres of fine white oak and poplar timber. During the past few years he has been raising cattle and hogs for market, meeting with much success in this line. The Schreiber farm is equipped with all modern improvements, gasoline engines for grinding grain, pumping water and other work, an auto, a fine residence and large modern barns. Mr. Schreiber was married December 14, 1888, to Bertha Deitz, daughter of Philip and Charlotta Deitz, natives of Germany, who came to Posey county, where their daughter, Bertha, was born and raised in Black township. Philip Deitz was a cabinet maker. Mr. and Mrs. Schreiber became the parents of five children: John Philip, William Fred, Elizabeth Margaret, George Arthur and William Henry, the last deceased. They are all at home with their father. William Fred married Carry Renner and they have one child, Albert Fred. The family belongs to the Evangelical church, and Mr. Schreiber is a Republican in politics.

William Renschler, farmer, dairy man and stock breeder, of Mt. Vernon, Ind., was born in Vanderburg county, Indiana, July 23, 1869, son of John and Elizabeth (Fuhs) Renschler, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Indiana. John Renschler, now in his eightieth year, still lives on his farm south of Caborn. William Renschler came with his parents to Marrs township, Posey county, at the age of six years and here attended common school. He remained on the farm with his parents until twenty-one years of age and then started for himself, buying his present farm north of Mt. Vernon, on which he has lived continuously since. He now has 160 acres with modern improvements and a beautiful residence. Mr. Renschler is a scientific farmer and breeder of cattle and hogs, using Durham for his beef stock and Jersey for his milk herd. He has lately begun breeding Guernsey for milk and is meeting with success. He breeds Poland China hogs. At present Mr. Renschler is making large quantities of butter, which he sells in Mt. Vernon. His leading farm products are wheat, corn and clover, and he has several smaller crops that pay well. On October 27, 1891, occurred the marriage of William Renschler and Maggie Sailor, daughter of John and Doradier (Schreiber) Sailor, natives of Germany, where the father was a farmer. Mrs. Renschler was born and reared in Black township. Five children were born to this union : Anna, Christiana. Loulie (deceased), Minnie Katherine, Liddie Mary and George Wesley. The children are all at home with their parents and Anna Christiana and Minnie Katherine are graduates of the common schools. The family belongs to the Evangelical church and in politics Mr. Renschler is a Republican.

Samuel Carroll, a farmer of Black township, Posey county, Indiana, was born in the same township where he now lives November 16, 1870, son of John R. and Virginia (Adzech) Carroll. His father, a native of Tennessee, came to Posey county at the time of the Civil war. He enlisted in the Forty-sixth Ohio and served three years in the war. After peace was declared he located in Posey county, where he has lived ever since, and engaged in farming and stock raising. Samuel Carroll finished the common schools and then began farming, first hiring out by the month until 1900, when he rented a farm and began for himself. The man for whom he was working left the county and sold his teams to Mr. Carroll on three years' time. He paid for them in two years. In 1911 he removed to his present home in Black township, where he owns forty acres and rents eighty-five acres. He is a member of the Ben Hur fraternal order, and in politics is a Republican. Mr. Carroll was married July 24, 1892, to Abbie (West) Gulledge, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob West. She was reared and educated in Posey county, where she died in 1902, leaving two children : John, born September 29, 1893, and Trin, born March 28, 1896. On August 10, 1903, Mr. Carroll married Ida Allyn, daughter of Joseph and Rachel Allyn, natives of Posey county, both now dead. Mr. Allyn was a farmer. Mrs. Carroll was born and educated in Posey county. They have two children : Joseph, born November 14, 1911, and Esther Virginia, born April 5, 1912.

Reverend Charles G. Kettelhut, pastor of the Zion's Evangelical church at Lippe, Robinson township, Posey county, Indiana, was born in Pomerania, Germany, February 19, 1866, son of William and Henrietta Kettelhut, natives of the same place. His parents came to America in the fall of 1880 and settled in Freelandville, Knox county, Indiana. Here they engaged in farming and stock raising, and Charles attended the common schools, getting his first lessons in English, although his early education had already been begun in the Fatherland. While going to school he worked on the farm with his parents, but on completing his elementary education he entered the preparatory college at Elmhurst, Ill., in the fall of 1887, graduating with the class of 1891. He was then transferred to Eden Theological Seminary of the Evangelical church at St. Louis, Mo., from which he graduated in 1894. After graduating from the seminary he returned to his home at Freeland, Ind., where he was ordained as a minister of the Zion Evangelical Church and was assigned to the charge at High Hill, Montgomery county, Missouri, in January, 1894, remaining about two years. From there he was called to fill the charge at New Palestine, Ind., .remaining there until 1898, when he removed to Powhatan Point, Ohio. He had charge of that congregation until the fall of 1902, going from there to the congregation at Westphalia, Knox county, Indiana, remaining there until April 15, 1906, at which time he accepted the call of the church at Lippe, Robinson township, Posey county, where he has a large and wealthy congregation with a membership of about 100 families. Since his pastorate here the church has prospered and has one of the largest church buildings in the county with a parsonage of brick in connection. Rev. Kettel- hut was married October 7, 1894, to Elizabeth R. Preiss, daughter of George and Catherine Preiss, both deceased. George Preiss was very prominent in St. Louis county, Missouri, where several other members of the Preiss family have received political honors. He died in the fall of 1908. He was born in Germany and came to this country with his father at the age of nine years. Mrs. Kettelhut was born in St. Louis county, Missouri, and attended the public schools. They have five children : Herbert, who graduated from the Mt. Vernon High School in 1913 and is now attending the Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, Ill. ; Freda and Hulda, graduates of the public schools, who are now taking a special course in music; Theophil and Gertrude, both attending the public schools of Robinson township at District No. 6. All the family are active church workers.

Charles Dausman, trustee of Marrs township and one of the leading farmers of the vicinity, was born in German township, Vanderburg county, Indiana, June 15, 1860, son of Jacob and Barbra (Groeninger) Dausman, both natives of the same township, where they were farmers. The father died in 1867 and the mother in 1861. They were the parents of five children as follows : Mary A., born November 23, 1852, now the wife of Adam Roeder, Evansville, Ind.; Henry Jacob, born October 5, 1854, now a blacksmith in Marrs townhip ; John, born December 3, 1856, died December 8, 1856; George F., born December 25, 1857. died in 1876, and Charles, the subject of this sketch. Charles Dausman was educated in the public schools of Vanderburg county, after which he became a blacksmith, and followed this occupation for twelve years. On May 18, 1876, he came to Posey county, locating in Marrs township, where he worked at his trade. He purchased a small farm in 1889 and began farming. In 1910 he bought the i6o-acre tract on which he lives at present. He is a successful agriculturist and stock raiser and has one of the finest farms in the county. In 1909 Mr. Dausman was elected trustee of Marrs township and is still holding that office. He is a Republican in politics and, with the remainder of the family, is a member of the Lutheran church. On January 4, 1885, Mr. Dausman married Miss Katherine Jourdan, daughter of Jacob and Margaret Jourdan, of Posey county. Jacob Jourdan was born in Germany and died in Posey county, where he was engaged in farming. Mrs. Jourdan was born in Germany July 29, 1829, and died in Marrs township October 22, 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Dausman became the parents of six sons and one daughter: Jacob Charles, born November 13, 1885, married Miss Caroline Noelle, December 27, 1911. She died October 14, 1913. He is now a farmer in Marrs township ; Lydia Katherine, born June 6, 1888, is living with her parents; Charles Henry, born February 4, 1890; Arthur Philip, born May 6, 1894; George Adam, born October 5, 1896, died October 9, 1896 ; William Henry, born June 30, 1898, and Raymond Oscar, born May 6, 1904.

James Robert Lewis, a farmer of Marrs township, Posey county, Indiana, was born in that locality October 7, 1861 (see sketch of Thompson Price Lewis). He was educated in the public schools of his native township and worked on his father's farm until the age of twenty-one, when he began farming for himself. In politics Mr. Lewis is a Democrat and in the past ten years he has been several times deputy assessor of Marrs township and has also been bailiff of the Posey county court several times. Mr. Lewis has been married twice. He first married Miss Ella Wade, in 1882. She was born March n, 1863, in Harmony township, Posey county, daughter of Thomas and Margaret Wade, both deceased, and died June 20, 1887. She became the mother of two children: Ethel, born December 17, 1884, now the wife of John Derrington, a farmer of Black township, Posey county; and Stella, born August 15, 1886, died December 23, 1886. On March 15, 1888, our subject married Miss Edith Donna Reed, daughter of John H. and Jane A. (Johnson) Reed, of Akin, Ill. Mr. Reed was born April 22, 1838, in Virginia, and his wife on February 22, 1841, in Blairsville, Ind. They were married November 24, 1858, and had nine children : Marinda L., born January 21, 1860, died September 5, 1894; Malissa Ellen, born April 17, 1862, died July 4, 1863; Mary Etta, born June 8, 1864, now the wife of Robert S. Lawrence, a farmer of Marrs township; Marcus D., born August 26, 1866; Edith D., born October 20, 1868; Martha Ona, born October 25, 1870, now the wife of Wesley Crumens, of Illinois ; Ada Gertrude, born May i, 1872, died February 3, 1885; Perry Paul, born July 7, 1874, now a farmer in Illinois, and James Harvey, born April 6, 1880. By his second wife Mr. Lewis had three sons and three daughters: William David, born September 19, 1889, was married to Miss Minnie Conley, daughter of William and Eliza Conley, March 25, 1909; she was born May 16, 1889, in Polk county, Illinois, and became the mother of two children, Arvale Lee, born August 23, 1910, and Fred Leroy, born November 30, 1912; John Thomson Lewis, born September 20, 1891; James Herschel, born November 17, 1895 ; Jennie, born December 24, 1892, died August 5, 1895; Edith Donna, born July 30, 1896; Eva Belle, born April n, 1898, who had the honor in 1913 of being elected delegate from Posey county, in the contest conducted by the Evansville "Courier." to go to Washington for the the inauguration of President Wilson. Mr. Lewis is one of Posey county's substantial citizens. He and his family are members of the General Baptist church.

James Pendell (deceased), who for many years was a successful and prominent farmer in Marrs township, Posey county, Indiana, was born in that locality February 4, 1831, and died in the same township April 25, 1909, where his remains were interred in Colven cemetery. He was a son of Harrison Pendell, who came from North Carolina at an early date and settled in Posey county, where he died, in Marrs township, in 1886. Our subject was married January 17, 1883, to Mrs. Sarah J. Knowles, daughter of Stephen and Melvina (Gwaltney) Harrison. Mrs. Pendell was born March 26, 1858, in Marrs township. Her parents were native farmers of Posey county and her father was a veteran of the Mexican war. James Pendell and wife became the parents of five sons and two daughters: William, born February 10, 1886; Charles, born January 26, 1887; Herbert, born October 27, 1888; Ethel, born October 4, 1890; Myrtle, born February 20, 1893; Elmer, born November 22, 1897, died January 4, 1898; Raymond A., born June i, 1899. Mr. Pendell was a private in Company H, One Hundred and Forty-fourth Indiana volunteer regiment, during the Civil war. Mrs. Sarah J. Pendell was first married to William J. Knowles, January 7, 1874. He was a son of Thomas Knowles, of Black township. Mr. Knowles died in 1880. Four children were born to this union: Zella Belle, born October 14, 1874, died December 25, 1875 ; Stephen Thomas, born September 22, 1876, now in the artillery in the United States Army; Saphrona Lee, born December 3, 1878, now the wife of Herbert Frazier, a railroad man of Reading, Pa. ; and Cynthia Jane, born January 4, 1880, died May 21, 1909. Mrs. Pendell now lives on the old homestead in Marrs township at Caborn Station. She is a member of the Primitive Baptist church.

Frank Ritzert (deceased) was a farmer all his life in Marrs township, Posey county, Indiana, owning his own land. He was born February 7, 1865, in the same township where he spent his life, son of Henry and Barbara (Kroek) Ritzert, natives of Germany, who came to this country when the father was fifty-six years of age. They located in Marrs township and took up the occupation of farming and Mr. Ritzert became one of the most active and successful men in the locality. He died, March 28, 1913, and was buried in St. Phillip's cemetery. He was a Roman Catholic, as was also his son, Frank, who died April 15, 1909. On November 17, 1896, occurred the marriage of Frank Ritzert to Miss Bertha E. Wernet, daughter of Henry and Mary (Mesker) Wernet. She was born March 27, 1867, in Vanderburg county, Indiana. Her parents, both of whom are deceased, came from Germany early in life. Mr. and Mrs. Ritzert have had five children. Mary C., born October, 1897; Henry, born February 15, 1899, died on the same day; Cecelia E., born January 6, 1902; Sylvester J., born April i, 1904; and Leroy J., born December 31, 1906.

George J. Seifert, a merchant of Caborns, Marrs township, Posey county, Indiana, was born February 8, 1874, in that township, son of William and Louise (Roesner) Seifert, the former having been born in Marrs township, March 3, 1847. The grandfather of our subject came from Germany to Posey county, and became one of its first settlers. He died in 1891. Four sons and four daughters survive him: William, Nicholas, Fred, John, Susan, Elizabeth, Anna and Carrie. Mr. and Mrs. William Seifert were married in 1873, and became the parents of several " children, six of whom are living: George L., William H., Louis B., Edward, Hermann and Philip. George Seifert was educated in the public schools of Marrs township, and worked on his father's farm until twenty-four years of age, when he bought a farm for himself. He continued farming until 1911, when he sold his land and established a general merchandise business at Caborns, where he has a large trade from the tributary neighborhood. The business was established by William H., his brother, who had conducted it seven years. He was married March 6, 1898, to Miss Emma Martin, daughter of Peter Martin, of Marrs township. Mrs. Seifert was born January 21, 1876, in Black township. Her parents are deceased. They have one child, Viola Martha, born September 12, 1908.

Peter Schick (deceased), of Marrs township, Posey county, Indiana, was born in Germany, January 27, 1850, and came to America in 1883, locating in Evansville, where he worked in a saw mill for two years. In 1885 he removed to Marrs township, where he bought a farm near Caborns Station, and was engaged in the occupation of farming until his death, April 18, 1910. He was a member of the Evangelical church. Mr. Schick was married April 3, 1876, to Miss Anna Mary Wirth, the wedding taking place in Germany. Mrs. Schick was born April 8, 1855, and was the only member of her family to come to America. Mr. and Mrs. Schick became the parents of six daughters and five sons: Magdalena Maria, born August 15, 1877, married to John Hofman February 22, 1906, and became the mother of two children, Laura Marie, born December 16, 1906, and Alma Katherine, born November 10, 1911 ; Elizabeth, born October 2, 1879, married George Kaffenberger October 6, 1904; Margaret, born July 10, 1881 ; Peter, born April 3, 1883, died May i, 1898; George, born February 20, 1885, married Miss Phoebe Schreiber April 10, 1912, and has one child, Alma Marie, born December 23, 1912; Mary, born October 15, 1886, now a teacher in Marrs township ; Abraham, born September 19, 1889; Katherine, born December 18, 1891, graduated from the Mt. Vernon High School in 1910, now a teacher in Marrs township; Jacob, born November I, 1893, died March 10, 1896; Anna, born August 4, 1895, and Friedrick, born August 19, 1897.

John G. Layer, a prominent farmer of Marrs township, was born in Chambersburg, Pa., July 23, 1843, a son °f David and Rachel (Doberer) Layer, both natives of Germany, who, on coming to America, located at Baltimore. The father died when John was a small boy, and he was left on his own resources. Prior to his fifteenth year he worked on a farm, and was a sheep herder, so that his schooling was limited. In 1859 he came to Posey county and worked as a farm hand until the Civil war. On November 7, 1863, he enlisted as a private in Company A, Tenth Indiana cavalry, serving until the close of the war, being mustered out at Vicksburg, Miss. In his period of service he participated in many battles, the last being the siege of Mobile, and he is able to relate many interesting reminiscences. He was wounded once. Upon returning to Posey county, after the war, Mr. Layer bought land, and for the first time in his life became a farmer on his own account. On March 30, 1870, the marriage of John C. Layer and Miss Lodema Harrison occurred. She is the daughter of Zephnirah and Nancy (Cox) Harrison, of Center township, both now deceased, the father dying in 1873 and the mother in 1874. They were both natives of Posey county, and their daughter, Lodema, was born in Center township, July 27, 1848. Mr. and Mrs. Layer became the parents of eight children : Evaline, born February 12, 1871, died February 12, 1876; Ida May, born June 30, 1883, died July 17, 1894; Charles Sherman, born August 14, 1885, died August 26, 1886; Emma Jane, born July 17, 1872, married George Rodel, of Warrick county, Indiana, February 13, 1901 ; Rachel Ellen, born November 27, 1874, married William Vaupel, of Warrick county, Indiana, August 12, 1902 ; Walter George, born March 26, 1877, married Emma Baker December 14, 1902 ; Henry Harrison, born May 29, 1879, married Lena Miller July 20, 1902, and Elizabeth Anna, born March 20, 1881. Mr. Layer is a member of the Harrison Post, No. 91, Grand Army of the Republic, of Mt. Vernon.

John Espenlaub, a farmer and land owner of Marrs township, Posey county, Indiana, was born in Robinson township of the same county, October 14, 1856, son of John C. and Barbara (Mueller) Espenlaub. The father of our subject was born in Germany, September 26, 1826, and came to the United States at the age of twenty-six years, locating in Robinson township, where he bought land and became a farmer, following that occupation until his death, in November, 1907. He was an active member of the Zion Evangelical church in Robinson township, and was a trustee in that organization. He married at the age of twenty-seven, and he and his wife became the parents of fourteen children : Lena, Elizabeth, Caroline, Katherine, John, Louise, William, Henry, Charles, Bertha, Pauline, Minnie, Ernest, and Herman. All are living except Lena. The mother died in 1900. The subject of this record was reared in Robinson township, and in 1882 bought the farm he now owns in Marrs township, where he has since lived and prospered. On November 27, 1882, he married Miss Minnie Dora Schroeder, daughter of Fred and Mary (Berger) Schroeder, farmers of Robinson township, where Mrs. Espenlaub was born, May 10, 1863. The Schroeders came from Germany early in life before their marriage. Their other children were: Louise, Henry, Minnie, Mary, Ernest and Fred. All are living except Ernest, who died November 15, 1911. They are members of the Evangelical church. Mr. and Mrs. Espenlaub have had two sons and four daughters : Anna Barbara, born August 28, 1883, now the wife of Fred Donner, of Robinson township, has had five children, Edward, born December 22, 1907, Fred, born July 14, 1906, Albert, born in January, 1910, Clarence, born November 6, 1912, and Henry, the second, died in infancy ; William Henry, born April 8, 1885; Mary Minnie, born March 8, 1889; Fred, born September 26, 1893, a graduate of the Posey County High School, studied special courses at the State 'Normal, and is now a teacher in the Marrs township schools; Selma K. L., born August 14, 1896; Emily Anna, born July 31, 1903, died January 21, 1908. The family are members of the Zion Evangelical Church and are active workers. Mr. Espenlaub is a Republican, but has never sought office. He is one of the progressive farmers of Posey county, and has a well improved farm, where he carries on general farming and stock raising.

Edgar J. Llewelyn, superintendent of schools of Mt. Vernon, and one of the leading educators of the State, is a native of Ohio. He was born at Martinsville, Ohio, Clinton county, November 21, 1876. He is the son of John and Anne Elizabeth (Kester) Llewelyn, both natives of Ohio, the former of Welsh descent and the latter of German ; the former was born at Pennsville, Morgan county, Ohio, and the latter near Martinsville, Ohio. Both parents are now deceased. The mother died in 1881, when the subject of this review was only five years old, and the father departed this life in 1905. There were six children in the Llewelyn family, only two of whom survive: Edgar J. and Mrs. G. D. Burg- noon, of Lawrenceville, Ill. Prof. Llewelyn is a descendant from teachers on both sides, which, no doubt, had its influence in shaping his career in that profession, while good, hard, honest work has been the master force of his success. When young Llewelyn was about six years of age, and about the time of his mother's death, the father settled near Marion, Grant county, Indiana. Here Edgar attended the public schools until he was thirteen years of age, when his father broke up housekeeping. From this time on the boy made his own way in the world. He went to Hamilton county and completed the course in the Westfield High School, graduating in the class of 1899. In the meantime he had taught school and at one time was engaged in threshing, owning and operating his own machine. In 1900 he entered Earlham College, devoting part of his time to teaching, and graduating in 1907 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. In 1908 he entered the University of Indiana at Bloomington, where he was graduated in 1910 with the degree of Master of Arts, and at the present time is taking a course in Columbia University, New York City. Mr. Llewelyn's life, so far, has been a busy one. He has done things from the start, and at all times has been a close student, taking advantage of every opportunity for improvement and advancement. His career as a teacher began in the district school before he was nineteen, and three years later we find him holding the responsible position of superintendent of city schools at Fishers, Ind. He held this position three years, when he accepted a similar one at Arcadia, Ind. He remained there four years, during which time his salary was nearly doubled, which is the best evidence of the appreciation of his services. In 1905 he was elected superintendent of city schools of Sheridan, Ind., where he was engaged until 1911, with the exception of one year spent in special study at Earlham College. July i, 1911, Mr. Llewelyn was elected superintendent of city schools of Mount Ver- non and has since maintained the high standard of the Mount Vernon schools, which are second to none in the country — with its corps of thirty-nine of the most efficient teachers to be found anywhere. Prof. Llewelyn was married May 17, 1899, to Miss Florence E. Mendenhall, of Westfield, Hamilton county, Indiana. They have one child, Martha Myrtilla, born at Mount Vernon October 14, 1913. Several years ago Mr. Llewelyn became interested in the Men's Bible Class movement. He has made an exhaustive study of the subject and is an enthusiastic promoter of that organization. While at Sheridan, Ind., he organized a class of 200. When he came to Mount Vernon he continued the work of organization with the same untiring zeal which he had manifested at Sheridan. In January, 1912, he organized a class with seventeen members, which has grown to a membership of nearly 700. Mr. Llewelyn has taken an active part in the broader field of educational matters, outside of the school room. He takes an active interest in State and national matters, generally attending conventions of that character. As a public speaker he is well known in many sections. He has delivered a number of addresses at commencement exercises, as well as a number of lectures, and on several occasions acted as an instructor at various teachers' institutes, etc. He is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Masons.

Henry Fisher, farmer and poultry fancier, was born on the same farm where he now lives in Marrs township, Posey county, Indiana, on September n, 1865, son of Valentine and Barbara (Soellner) Fisher, father a native of Hesse, Germany, and the mother a native of Bavaria. Valentine Fisher was reared in Posey county, coming here with his parents when but eight years of age. He engaged in farming and stock raising until his death in 1895. Although very prominent in the Democratic party, he never sought or accepted office. The mother died in 1910. Henry Fisher attended school at St. Philips for seven years and then entered the college of Effingham, Ill., remaining two years. Upon finishing his education he returned home and worked on the farm. For one year he was bookkeeper in a grocery house in Evansville. Aside from this he spent his entire time until thirty-three years of age on the Valentine Fisher farm. In 1898 he was elected county treasurer and in 1899 removed to Mt. Vernon, where he lived during his term of office. He served four years in this capacity and for one year was secretary of the E. B. Schenk Hardware Company. He then engaged in the insurance business. In 1906 he returned to his farm, where he has since remained. He has a fine herd of stock and a valuable flock of thoroughbred chickens. The Valentine Fisher farm contains 220 acres, has the best of improvements and among other things has one of the largest barns in the county. The house is of brick and modern in every respect. On November 21, 1894, Mr. Fisher married Clara Ledvina. The ceremony took place at Trinity Church in Evansville, Father E. B. Ledvina, a brother, officiating. She is the daughter of George E. Ledvina, a native of Bohemia, who is now a civil engineer in New York City. Her mother was born in Tell City, Ind. Mrs. Fisher was born in St. Louis, where she was educated. She came to Evansville to help an aunt who was a fashionable dressmaker, and remained here until her marriage. They have eight children : Victoria, Olivia, Erma, Arthur, Charles, Margaret, Helen Louise and Joseph. All of the children live at home with their parents and received their education in the schools of St. Philip and Mt. Vernon. The family are members of the Catholic church, the father having been trustee in the church at St. Philips for two years and trustee for three years in the church of Mt. Vernon. In politics Mr. Fisher is a Democrat. He is a member of the Mt. Vernon branch of the Catholic Knights of America.

George J. Ehrhardt, blacksmith and farmer of Marrs township, Posey county, Indiana, was born in that township, February n, 1863, son of Jacob and Louisa (Dolde) Ehrhardt, the former a native of Germany and the latter of German township, Vanderburg county, where she was reared. The elder Ehrhardt came to America from Baden, Germany, about the year 1858, locating in Posey county, where he built a blacksmith shop at St. Philip, and engaged in this business until his death, in 1880. His son, George, then succeeded in the business, hiring a skilled workman until he learned the trade himself. When our subject was a boy the free schools were 'only open six months each year, but he paid for three months additional each year until he finished the common school branches. He then went to Rank & Wright's Business College, at Evansville, where he studied bookkeeping. After completing the course he was called home by the death of his father to look after the business, and has remained here ever since. He has a farm across the road from his shop. In 1904 Mr. Ehrhardt was elected trustee of Marrs township on the Democratic ticket, and served four years, after which he made the race for Democratic nominee for county treasurer against the present incumbent, A. A. Schenk, and carried every precinct in the county except Poseyville and Mt. Vernon. Mr. Ehrhardt is secretary of the Home Fire Insurance Company of Marrs township, and was the organizer of the St. Philip Telephone Company. His father helped organize the insurance company above named, and was its first president. The family are very progressive and thinkers as well as doers. Although not a medical man our subject was the first health officer in this district. He is a member of the Lutheran church and a Democrat in politics. On October 16, 1887, Mr. Ehrhardt married Miss Carrie Wild, daughter of Lawrence and Elizabeth (Schreiber) Wild, the former a native of Bavaria. Germany, and the latter born in America of German ancestry. Mrs. Ehrhardt was born in Marrs township, Posey county, Indiana, February 9, 1863, attended subscription school until she graduated from the common branches. They became the parents of four children : Carrie ( deceased), Elfriede, Alma, and Arthur. Elfriede married Dan Seifert, and they live at Caborns, where he is engaged in farming and stock raising. They have one child, Alma. Alma and Arthur are at home with their parents. Elfriede attended high school and Alma graduated from the Mt. Vernon High School. Arthur is now attending high school. Mrs. Ehrhardt is a member of the German Methodist church.

Rev. George T. Loesch, the son of George and Veronica Schmitt Loesch, was born at Nauvoo, Ill., April 18, 1857. Having entered St. Meinrad's Seminary, September, 1876, and completed his studies, he was ordained priest May 30, 1885, by the Rt. Rev. F. S. Chatard, D. D., of Indianapolis. His first appointment was as assistant to the Rev. F. T. T. Duddenhausen, of Holy Trinity Church, Evansville, Ind., after whose death, October 27, 1886, Rev. Loesch had temporary charge of Holy Trinity, until the permanent appointment of Rev. H. T. Diestel, of St. Philip, Ind. He remained one year as assistant rector under Father Diestel. November 9 he took charge of St. Bernard's Church in Spencer county ; from there he was transferred to Holy Guardian Angel's Church in Franklin county, where he remained until his appointment to St. Philip's in August, 1888. Many improvements being necessary he set to work at once. The entire congregation responded willingly and lent a helping hand. The church was covered with the best Bangor slate and two vestry rooms added. The church was also frescoed and artistically ornamented by Guy Leber, of Louisville, Ky. New side altars and stained glass windows were donated and placed in the church. Handsome oil paintings and statues were bought, together with a complete outfit of church vestments, and new regalias and banners for the societies. The sisters' residence was erected at a cost of $2,000 in 1894, and many other improvements were made, which are too numerous to mention. St. Philip is in a flourishing condition, and may be justly proud of her church property. At a cost of $10,000 the beautiful new school was built in 1904. This school presents a magnificent piece of architecture and fine arrangements for school room and hall for entertainments. The author of the plans and contractor for the building was Tom Rollett, of Howell, Ind.

Henry Espenlaub, farmer and land owner of Marrs township, Posey county, Indiana, was born in Robinson township of the same county, May 24, 1861, the son of German parents, John C. and Barbara (Mueller) Espenlaub. (See sketch of his brother, John Espenlaub.) In 1887 our subject moved from the locality of his birth and located in Marrs township on the tract of land he now occupies. His farm contains 120 acres, and is eight miles from Mt. Vernon. On February 10 of the above mentioned year he married Miss Maggie Jourdan, daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Jourdan) Jourdan. Mrs. Espenlaub was born March 10, 1861, in Marrs township. Her parents, who were born in Germany, came to America early in life, locating in Posey county. They married in this country and became the parents of four sons and five daughters : John, Katherine, Phillus, Jacob, Johanna, Margaret, Abraham, Lizzie and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Espenlaub have had three sons and six daughters : Mary Anna, born November 28, 1887, now the wife of William Hausman, farmer in Marrs township, and mother of one child, Henry William, born January 27, 1913; John Jacob, born September 16, 1889; Henry Charles, born March 29, 1893; Elsie, born February 20, 1896, died July 3, 1898; Lydia Elizabeth, born February 27, 1898 ; Emma Hanna, born June 20, 1900; Lulu Katie, born January 6, 1901 ; the eighth child died in infancy; Alice Maggie Minnie, born August 21, 1906. Mr. Espenlaub is a Republican and he and his family are members of the Lutheran church.

John W. Dieg, of Marrs township, Posey county, was born April 16, 1869, son of Joseph and Caroline (Fisher) Dieg, natives of Germany, who came with their respective parents to America at an early age, she at the age of three, and he at the age of eight. The families both located in Posey county. The father of our subject is still living, but the mother died in 1905. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Dieg became the parents of five sons and five daughters. Two of the daughters died in infancy. The other children are : Maggie, now the wife of George Fulz, of Evansville ; Julia, now the wife of George Nuruebern, of Vanderburg county ; Kate, now the wife of Louis Depple, of Evansville ; Joseph, Jr. ; Andrew, John, George (deceased), and Henry. Our subject has lived on a farm in Marrs township all of his life, and has been four years on the place where he now lives. He is a Democrat and in 1908 was elected assessor of the township for a term of six years. Mr. Dieg was married July 28, 1907, to Miss Anna Brass, daughter of Casper and Dena (Kreger) Brass, of Marrs township. Mrs. Dieg was born August 29, 1878, in that township, her parents being natives of Germany, who came to America in their early years. Mr. Brass died in 1897. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dieg are Catholics. They have no children.

Captain John Corbin. — On February 13, 1911, there passed to life eternal one of Posey county's most notable citizens, Capt. John Corbin, who, during his lifetime, and held a position among the most honored business men of the community, and, as one of its most successful men of affairs. A djstinct force of character and individuality appeared throughout the life of Captain Corbin. He was a man of strong personal conviction, sound and clear judgment, with a capacity for liberal views, and a natural spirit of benevolence. His patriotism, like his other characteristics, had an intensity that belonged to his nature. He was a native son of Posey county, and came of both Colonial and Revolutionary descent. His first ancestor in America was Henry Corbin, of Warwickshire, England, who settled in Westmoreland county, Virginia, in 1650. Captain Corbin was born at Farmersville, Posey county, Indiana, March 20, 1840, a son of John and Margaret (Gibson) Corbin. His parents came to Posey county in 1836, and settled in New Harmony. Two years later they removed to Yankee settlement, now Farmersville, but in 1844 returned to New Harmony. Captain Corbin spent his early boyhood in Posey county, attending the schools of New Harmony. In 1854 he and a brother and sister drove overland to California, where their father had preceded them four years. They remained in the Sacramento Valley until 1858, when he returned to Posey county via the Isthmus route and New York. In 1859 young Corbin entered Asbury University, Greencastle, Ind. Here he pursued his studies in the style of the average student until the thunder of the guns at Fort Sumter announced that the great conflict was on. Immediately he abandoned his college career, and gave his services to the cause of his flag, with the same indomitable courage that characterized his life. On April 19, 1861, he enlisted in Company K, Sixteenth Indiana infantry. His company was known as the "Asbury Guards." He served in this company until May 14, 1862, when he was discharged by reason of expiration of term of enlistment; August 10, 1862, he re- enlisted in Company A. Ninety-first Indiana infantry, and was mustered in as first lieutenant. On June i, 1864, Captain Corbin was promoted to captain. This regiment was mustered out in June, 1865, and Captain Corbin was transferred to Company G, One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Indiana infantry. When the One Hundred and Twenty- eighth was mustered out, September 5, 1866, Captain Corbin was retained by telegraphic orders from the war department and appointed a member of the military commission to try Maj. John H. Gee, Confederate keeper of Salisbury military prison. During his military career he held many positions of great trust and responsibility. He was commander of military musters at Raleigh, N. C., and on various occasions served as regimental quartermaster. He was post commissary at Cumberland Gap and served as inspector general of the district of the Clinch ; he was inspector of the Second brigade, Third division Twenty-third army corps. He also served on the staff of General Couch, and was acting assistant general on the staff of General Schofield, and aide-de-camp on the staff of General McLean. He acted as judge advocate on several court mar- tials. He was mustered out September 5, 1866, after having refused to accept a commission in the regular army, which was offered him by the war department. His army life was filled with incidents of active service. He participated in the battles of Perryville, the campaign against Morgan, battles of Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, the siege of Atlanta, operations against Hood, at Franklin and Nashville, and participated in the campaign through the Carolinas. At the close of the war he returned to New Harmony, where he read law for a year. In 1867 he engaged in the milling business, and founded the Corbin Milling Company. This venture was a notable success, and stands today as the chief industry of New Harmony. He was the president of this corporation to the time of his death ; also was engaged in various other business enterprises. He was one of the principal stockholders and a director in the New Harmony Banking Company. Politically Captain Corbin was a staunch Republican, and a local leader of his party, but never sought political preferment. He served several years on the school board, and took a deep interest in educational matters, and was a member of the Work- ingmen's Institute. He was public-spirited, and gave cheerfully to every worthy enterprise. He was a member of the committee that built the soldiers' and sailors' monument at Mt. Vernon, and was the author of the inscription which appears on that monument. These lines are typical of Captain Corbin's deep seated conviction of what constitutes citizenship, and are as follows: "A patriotism which readily responds to its country's call ; a deep reverence for its laws ; a decent respect for the rights of others; a sincere love of justice, truth and country are the best safeguards of a Nation's peace." Captain Corbin was united in marriage, January 13, 1869, to Miss Mary Truscott, a native of Cornwall, England. To Captain and Mrs. Corbin were born five children : Laura Lee, born January 13, 1870, a graduate of St. Mary's School, Knoxville, Ill., married H. W. Monical, of Brooklyn, Ind., June 9, 1897; John, born December 9, 1871, graduated at the University of Michigan ; Marcia, born February 25, 1874, educated at Mt. Mary's School, Knoxville, Ill., married Harry Cuyler Ford, New Harmony, October 7, 1903, and three children have been born to them : Richard Corbin, born September 23, 1904, John Birkbeck, born December 4, 1906, and William Michaux, born November 3, 1909; Helen Margaret, born March 31, 1882, married Robert Heinl, of Terre Haute, Ind., September 3, 1912. Mrs. Heinl is a musician of unusual talent. She studied under such noted instructors as Prof. Albino Gorno, Edward MacDowell, Carreno and Harold Bauer, and was a student at Madam Fredin's School, Cincinnati, and the Packer Institute at Brooklyn, N. Y., also Barnard College, New York. The youngest child born to Captain and Mrs. Corbin is Courtland Gibson, born January 9, 1886, who resides in New Harmony. At college Captain Corbin was a Beta Theta Pi. The Corbin family residence is one of deep historic interest. It is one of the finest modern residences to be found in the county, a part of it stands on the original foundation, built by George Rapp in 1819, and later occupied by William Maclure. The original house was burned in 1844, and rebuilt by the Maclure estate in 1847, afterwards owned by David Dale Owen and heirs, from whom it was purchased by Captain Corbin in 1901, who partially remodeled and rebuilt it. Thomas Say, the naturalist, at one time lived there, and in the rear of the Corbin home is a marble monument, erected by Alexander Maclure to the memory of this genius of his time. Here, too, is a mound, underneath the green sward of which rests the mortal dust of Alexander, Ann and Margaret Maclure, and Thomas Say. Surely, this spot possesses a rare combination, as it seems to whisper in deep historic accents, the story of past ages, and at the same time presents to the beholder a magnificent place with every modern convenience and luxury.

Conrad Meinschein (deceased), a German-born farmer of Marrs township, Posey county, Indiana, came to the United States when two years of age, with his parents, who located in Posey county and lived there the remainder of their lives. Our subject was a farmer in Marrs township ail his life, and died there in 1894. He married Miss Mary Espenscheid, daughter of Peter and Katherine (Schnare) Espenscheid, the former a native of Germany, and the latter of Posey county. Their daughter, Mary,, was born January i, 1857, in Leavenworth, Kan., to which place the family had removed about 1850. They returned to Posey county in 1878. Mr. Espenschied died in 1892. He was a butcher. Mr. and Mrs. Meinschein became the parents of six children: Adam, born August i, 1884, died August 2, 1885; Conrad, born January 29, 1886; John, born January 2, 1888; Frank, born July 2, 1890, died in infancy; William, born September 20, 1892 ; George, born June 2, 1894. Mr. Meinschein died in 1894. He was a Republican and a member of the German Presbyterian church, in which organization he was an officer.

Edward Lewis, a farmer of Marrs township, was born April 20, 1879, son of Thompson Price and Elizabeth (Green) Lewis (see sketch of former). He was married July 23, 1902, to Miss Anna Katherine Niemier, daughter of Antone and Katherine (Wolfe) Niemier, of Marrs township, where she was born, July 23, 1885. Mr. Niemier was born in Germany, coming to the United States at the age of eighteen. He was a farmer in Posey county until his death, in 1898. By his first marriage he had one child, Henry Niemier, who lives in Marrs township. By his second marriage he had eight children : Antone, Benjamin F., Anna K., John, Maggie, Lena, Philip, and Mary. The Niemiers were Catholics, as are Mr. and Mrs. Edward Lewis, who became the parents of three sons : Amanel Antone, Edward Benjamin, and Charles Ellis. This family also belongs to the Catholic church.

Thompson Price Lewis, a pioneer farmer of Marrs township, Posey county, Indiana, was born June 8, 1840, in the same farm house where he now lives. He is the son of Robert and Martha (Price) Lewis, the former having been born March 26, 1814, in Marrs township, where he was a farmer till his death, on August 10, 1848. The father of Robert Lewis was a native of Kentucky and came to Posey county in 1809, making the trip on foot and carrying his supplies, and blazing the way with a hatchet. This was Col. John Lewis. He had two sons : James and Robert, the latter the father of our subject; and four daughters — Jane, Betsie, Nancy and Martha, all deceased. Colonel Lewis resided in Posey county till his death in 1854. Robert Lewis had four sons and one daughter: James, born in 1835, died March 16, 1876; John, born in 1837, died in infancy; Thompson Price, of this sketch; Orila Jane, born January 30, 1849, now tne wife of Thomas M. Green, a farmer in Black township; Nathaniel, born in 1847, died in December, 1864. Thompson Price Lewis was married November 3, 1858, to Miss Elizabeth J. Green, daughter of Thomas S. and Mary Green, of Hamilton county, Illinois. She was born February 22, 1844, in the same county. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis became the parents of six sons and six daughters : Mary Jane, born May n, 1860, now the wife of Miles Thomas, farmer and trustee of Black township; James Robert, born October 7. 1861, now a farmer in Marrs township; Udora, born January 6, 1863, now the wife of Alexander S. Goodall, a farmer of Marrs township ; Nathaniel, born January 6, 1866, a farmer in Marrs township ; Patsey, born April 12, 1868, now the wife of Jacob Benner, farmer in Marrs township ; William David, born April 15, 1870, died October 18, 1877; Orila, born August 22, 1872, died August 26, 1873 ; Price, born August 18, 1874, a farmer in Lynn township ; Ellsworth, born September 22, 1876, a farmer in Marrs township ; Edward, born April 20, 1879, a farmer of Marrs township ; Thompson, born July 27, 1882, now on the old home place with his parents, married Miss Margaret Keitel December 31, 1905, and has one child — Elwood Thompson Lewis', born August 27, 1912; Oscar, the youngest child of Thomas Price Lewis, was born May 17, 1885, died May 4, 1887. Mr. Lewis has 365 acres of land in Marrs township and has one of the best improved farms in Posey county with a fine residence and a number of large barns. He is a Democrat and a Baptist.

A. C. Thomas, New Harmony. Perhaps no other man in Posey county is more entitled to the substantial success that he has made of his efforts and opportunities than the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. His early advantages for an education were limited to what was known as the Bayou school in Bethel township, Posey county, but he continued to be a student of books as well as of men and affairs, so far, throughout a career of advancement and accomplishment. He is a native son of Posey county, born in Bethel township, November 28, 1857. His parents were Shelby H. and Sarah (Williams) Thomas. The father was a native of Kentucky and the mother of Indiana. The Thomas family consisted of three brothers, and one sister who died in childhood. A. C. remained at home and worked on the farm until he reached majority, when he went to Kansas to join a brother, who had preceded him a short time. He located in Cloud county, between the towns of Minneapolis and Concordia. This section of Kansas was well on the frontier in those early days. He bought land and remained there two years, during 1879 and 1880. These two years of pioneer life on the great plains of the West gave the young man an insight into the development of the country, which, no doubt, was a valuable asset to his business career. In 1880 he returned to Posey county and engaged in farming until 1885. About this time the Corbin Milling Company was organized. Mr. Thomas took stock and became secretary and treasurer of the company. He later took more stock, and in 1906 became the active manager of the company. His management of this extensive milling and grain business was characterized with the same energy and keen business insight typical of the man. In 1913 he retired as the active business head of this institution in order that he might be able to devote more attention to his other investments and extensive real estate holdings. Mr. Thomas was united in marriage October 16, 1881, to Miss Ella C. Bailey, a refined daughter of William and Elizabeth Bailey, prominent pioneers of Posey county. To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have been born four children: Clauda B., who died in childhood; William H., a resident of Los Angeles, Cal. ; Jessie M., who married Robert Ribeyre, of New Harmony; and Helen C., a student at a young ladies' school at Oxford, Ohio. Mr. Thomas is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, a director of the New Harmony Banking Company, and has been a member of the Working Men's Institute twenty years. He has been a Democrat all his life, casting his first Presidential vote for Cleveland in 1884, and the last one to date for Wilson. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have one of the finest residences in Posey county and their genial hospitality is highly prized and much appreciated by their many friends.

M. B. Pote, postmaster of New Harmony, is a native son of Posey county, born in New Harmony July 28, 1844. He is a son of Thomas and Maria Pote, both natives of England, and early settlers in Posey county, and spent the latter part of their lives in New Harmony. The subject of this review spent his boyhood days in New Harmony, where he attended the public schools during the winter terms. He was just growing into manhood when the Civil war came on, and July 28, 1862, which was his eighteenth birthday, he enlisted in Company A, Ninety-first Indiana infantry. He was in Sherman's march, including the campaign in pursuit of Hood, then back to Clifton, Tenn. Then, they were ordered to Cincinnati, and from there to Washington, then to Wilmington, Cape Fear, Raleigh, and he was mustered out at Salisbury, N. C., July 7, 1865, which gave him an active and honorable military career of three years, lacking twenty days. He served as orderly on General McClain's staff for a time. At the close of the war Mr. Pote returned to New Harmony and was engaged in farming until July i, 1897, when he was appointed' postmaster of New Harmony, having served in that capacity to the present time. Mr. Pote has given general satisfaction in the conduct of the office. He was united in marriage, May 6, 1866, to Miss Mary, daughter of Luther Schnee, a Posey county pioneer. To Mr. and Mrs. Pote have been born five children : Carrie married J. W. Bailey, New Harmony; Anna resides at home; Ray married F. J. Hortsman, Chicago; Sara married Alva J. Ragon, Evansville; and Geraldine is a teacher of art and music in the New Harmony public schools. Mr. Pote has a fine farm of 160 acres just east of town. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Episcopal church, and is a Republican.

William Oliphant Wilson, who has so capably and acceptably filled the position of superintendent of schools for Posey county, occupies a notable position among the educators of Indiana. He was born on his father's farm in Center township, Posey county, on September 22, 1878, a son of Lewis M. and Missouri (Record) Wilson. John S. L. Wilson, grandfather of the subject of this review, was the founder of this branch of the family in Indiana. He was a native of Butler county, Pennsylvania, and came to Posey county previous to 1820. It is probable that the Wilson family have had a more important part in connection with the development of Lynn township than has any other. They were among its first settlers, accumulated extensive land holdings, were active in practically every movement which concerned the progress of the community, and were, without exception, men of influence. Lewis M. Wilson, the father of Superintendent Wilson, was born in Lynn township. His early life was spent on the farm of his father. After acquiring his education he was for some few years a teacher, but later returned to farming. He was a Democrat, but political office never appealed to him, although he served for several years as a justice of the peace. He married Missouri Record, who died in 1888. Mr. Wilson died in 1895. They are survived by the following children: Clara E., the wife of Rev. William L. Rhein, of Francisco, Ill.; William O., the subject of this sketch; Nina D., the wife of E. Benson Oliphant, a salesman in the employ of the Vincennes Bridge Company, who resides at Fort Branch, Ind. ; Lewis O., a well known educator of Tulsa, Okla. ; and Ethel M., the wife of Charles Fox, a farmer of Center township, Posey county, Indiana. Two children are deceased, viz. : John, who died in infancy ; and Ernest Cleveland, born in 1887, a graduate of the Mt. Ver- non High School, who completed a two-years course in the School of Mines at Rolla, Mo., and who died at Bisbee, Ariz., on September 29, 1911. In 1884 Mr. Wilson removed to a farm near Carmi, Ill., his place of residence at the time of his death. Here also occurred the death of his first wife and his marriage, in 1889, to his second, who was Miss Anna Donoghue. One child, a daughter, was born of this union. She died aged three. William Oliphant Wilson was graduated from the high school at Mt. Vernon with the class of 1899. He initiated his career as an educator in the fall of that year as a teacher in the Mt. Vernon schools. From 1901 until the close of the spring term in 1904, he was principal of the Wadesville, Ind., schools. During the summer months of the years in which he was employed in teaching he was a student, completing a one-term course in the State Normal School at Terre Haute in 1900, a similar course in the State University at Bloom- ington in 1901-02-03 and returned to the latter institution in the fall of 1904. In August, 1905, he was elected superintendent of schools for Posey county for the unexpired term of Charles A. Greathouse, who had resigned. He was elected to succeed himself in 1907 and in 1911. During the eight years in which Professor Wilson has been at the head of Posey county schools, he has proven the possession of administrative ability of a high order, has initiated reforms which have greatly benefited the pupils of the county, and has been a consistent advocate of system in all departments of school work. He has brought about uniformity in length of school term in all district schools, uniform reports, and has developed interest among the pupils as regards the Young People's Reading Circle, which has resulted in an increase in the number of books read of about 700 volumes. There is not a school in the county which does not possess a good library, well selected and of wide range, and numbering 200 or more volumes. His administration has been marked by the harmony which has prevailed between superintendent and teachers. Agriculture was included among the studies for students of the seventh and eighth grades in 1912, anticipating by one year its introduction by law. Domestic science was introduced in the country schools in 1913, and although entailing an expense of $2 per student, it is proving generally popular and can not help but be beneficial to the pupil. Mr. Wilson is a member of the National Educational Association, the Indiana State Teachers' Association, the Southern Indiana Teachers' Association and the Southwestern Indiana Teachers' Association, and of the last named was one of its most active organizers and has served as secretary of the organization. He has attained to the Council degrees in Masonry, is a member of the Mt. Vernon Lodge, No. 277, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Court of Honor, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows — a charter member of Wadesville Lodge. He is an influential factor in the political life of his county, is a Democrat and chairman of the county central committee of his party and treasurer of the Mt. Vernon city committee. Mr. Wilson married on June 29, 1910, Miss Harriet Brinkman, a daughter of Henry Brinkman, of Mt. Vernon, personal mention of whom is to be found elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Wilson is a graduate of the Chicago Musical School and popular in the social circles of Mt. Vernon, in which she is a leader.

Peter W. Roche, editor and publisher of the Mt. Vernon "Democrat," was born October 14, 1867, in the city of Evansville. His father was John D. Roche, who served as city treasurer of Evansville one term. His grandfather, Peter W. Roche, was a pioneer who settled in Point township and was a large land owner. He was a resident of Ireland and came to America in his early days, after one of the numerous insurrections in that country. He was educated for a Catholic priest and taught school after coming here. He died in 1844. Dr. Moses Wining was the maternal grandfather of Mr. Roche. He died in 1875. He was born in 1790 and came to this section in the '205. He was one of the earliest doctors in Posey county and blazed the trail to make many calls in his practice. Peter Roche has been in charge of the "Democrat" since September, 1907, when he purchased his brother's interest in the paper. April 15, 1891, he was married to Miss Letitia Pugh at Paducah, Ky., a daughter of Captain Phineas Pugh, one of the noted river men of the war times. He was pilot of many boats that transported soldiers during the war. Mr. Roche has served as Democratic county chairman and been on the Posey county executive committee for twenty years. He served three years as a member of the Mt. Vernon school board, two years being president of that body. At the session of the Indiana State Senate in 1913 he served as chief clerk of the engraving department, a very responsible position.

Dr. Carl Plucks, of Armstrong, Ind., one of the best known men in his section of the State, was born in Patchkau Schlesien, Germany, December ii, 1847, son °f Carl and Anna Ertelt Flucks, both born and reared in that place, where the father was a veterinary surgeon. The grandfather of Dr. Flucks, who was sheriff of the State of Prussia, sold the property and rights back to the State. The father of our subject was born in the prison where the grandfather was sheriff. Carl Plucks attended at the Perfectorat School of Patchkau and later Neisse in Breslau Neurachi Clinic, after which he was in the sanitary service in the Austrian war and later in the Franco-Prussian war in 1870 and 1871. After the latter war Dr. Plucks came to America, locating in Terre Haute, Ind., where he practiced medicine. Here he married Miss Mary Mclienry, daughter of George (of Scotch parentage) and Hannah Mc- Henry (a native of Ireland). Mrs. Plucks was born in Terre Haute. Dr. Plucks practiced there one year and then came to St. Wendell, where he has practiced continuously since 1872, except for a short period when he was in Arkansas. In point of service he is the oldest physician in the county. He keeps abreast of the times, being a reader of all the modern journals dealing with his profession, and belongs to the American, State and county medical associations. In 1887 Dr. Plucks went from St. Wendell to Conway county, Arkansas, for his health. Here he had a drug store and also engaged in the gin business and had other interests which were profitable. In 1892 he was elected to the legislature of Arkansas, where he was a member of the medical committee and of the immigration committee. He introduced the first sanitary bill ever drawn in the State, besides fathering several other bills that became laws. Dr. Plucks also bought several hundred acres of land near the town of Moralton, Ark., the county seat of Conway county, and remained in that place until 1897, when he returned to Posey county, taking up his practice at St. Wendell. He made many friends on his sojourn in Arkansas, among whom are Governor Clark, the present United States senator, Jefferson Davis, Congressman Reed, of the Fifth District, and Captain Carroll Armstrong, of Moralton. He was at one time postmaster of Oppelo, Ark. Since his return he has been exclusively engaged in the practice of his profession, but does only office practice. Dr. Plucks had three brothers : one in Germany, one in St. Louis, and Em- mett Plucks, now deceased, for several years a veterinary surgeon of St. Wendell. Dr. Plucks was married May 21, 1873, and had twelve children, seven of whom are living: Annie, born February 26, 1876, married Fred Sheller, lives in Washington, Mo., and has five children, Carl, Harold, William, Mary Alice and Helen Marie ; Martha, born January 29, 1880, married William Hildebrand, lives at Moberly, Mo., where Mr. Hildebrand is foreman in the Brown shoe factory, had two children, Hubert and Margaret (deceased) ; Carl Joseph, born August 20, 1884, married Bessie Kabe (now deceased), by whom he had one child, married as his second wife Miss Florence Sneyd, of Terre Haute, has four children, Melvin, Carl Jay, William and John Silas ; John J., corporal of the One Hundred and Twenty-seventh company at Ft. Crockett, Galveston, Texas, where he is serving his second enlistment, his first being in the Forty-fifth company coast artillery at Fort Du Pont, Del., where he was first gunner ; Theoderic, born July 29, 1896, at home with parents ; Albertine, born August 18, 1899, living with parents, and Paul, born September 26, 1904, now attending school at St. Wendell. Dr. Flucks is prominent in the councils of the Democratic party in this section of the State, especially in his own county. He is a member of the Catholic church and of the Woodmen of the World.

General Alvin Peterson Hovey. — A pioneer family in any community is of more or less historic interest, no matter if its tenure of residence be of long or short duration. But when a family is not only among the first to settle in a community, but also continues to reside in it for decade after decade and generation after generation, and certain of its members at all times are leaders in every movement intended to conserve the community's welfare and promote its progress, then that family becomes of special historic interest and prominence. One of the most prominent families of southern Indiana, and, indeed, of the whole State, is the Hovey family of Mt. Vernon, established there in 1818 by Abiel Hovey, a native of Vermont and son of Rev. Samuel and Abigail ( Cleveland) Hovey. Abiel Hovey married in 1802 Frances Peterson, born in Vermont on May 20, 1780. He brought his family to Posey county in 1818, then in a formative condition, and engaged in farming. He possessed energy, thrift characteristic of the native of New England, his home training had imbued him with high ideals, which, together with his desire to attain a competence in his new home, soon caused him to become one of the influential men of the county. His death occurred on July 17, 1823, after a residence of five years in Posey county. That of his wife, on September 6, 1836. Alvin Peterson Hovey, the youngest child of Abiel and Frances (Peterson) Hovey, was born in Mt. Vernon on September 6, 1821. He acquired his education in the schools of his native town, was variously employed, while a boy, part of the time as a mason, and while in the latter occupation studied law of evenings in the office of Judge John Pitcher. He was admitted to the bar in 1843. ^n *&49 ne was elected delegate to the Indiana constitutional convention. He served as judge of the circuit court of Southwestern Indiana, composed of eleven counties, from 1851 to 1854. He was elevated to the bench of the Supreme Court of Indiana in 1854 and served for one year, being the youngest member in the history of that body. He was appointed by President Pierce in 1856 United States attorney for the district of Indiana. When the division in the Democratic party occurred, with President Buchanan and Stephen A. Douglas as leaders of the two factions, Mr. Hovey became a partisan of the latter and his activities in his behalf were so fruitful that Buchanan removed him from office, appointing Daniel W. Voorhees to succeed him. On the first call of President Lincoln for volunteers, Judge Hovey began the organization of a company and in a short time the First regi- ment of Indiana legion, of which he was commissioned colonel, was ready for the field. Later he became colonel of the Twenty-fourth Indiana, which joined Tremont's army in Missouri. He was with General Grant in the Vicksburg campaign and was made brigadier-general for gallant conduct at Shiloh. In the battle of Champion's Hill, Miss., May 16, 1863, Hovey's brigade suffered one-third of the entire loss of the Federal forces. He commanded the Twelfth division of the Thirteenth army corps in this engagement. General Grant, in his memoirs, gives special credit to Hovey for his part in the battle. In July, 1864, he was appointed major-general and ordered by General Grant to raise 10,000 men. Only those unmarried were invited to enlist and when the quota was made up it was found that many of the recruits were mere boys and on that account were afterward known as "Hovey's babies." However, there were no more effective troops in the march to the sea. In the latter part of 1864 Secretary of War Stanton appointed General Hovey military commander of Indiana, an office made necessary by a growing hostility in the State toward the national government. While serving in this capacity General Hovey caused the arrest of - a number of persons belonging to the so-called "Sons of Liberty," a treasonable organization, five of whom were convicted and sentenced to be hanged, their sentences being commuted to life imprisonment by President Lincoln. In 1865, at the request of General Grant, he was appointed minister to Peru, serving in this capacity until 1870, when he returned to Mt. Vernon and resumed the practice of law. In 1872 he refused the nomination for governor as he did not wish to reenter politics. However, in 1886, he accepted the unanimous nomination as the Republican candidate for Congress from the first district and was elected by a majority of 1,357 over McCullough, his Democratic opponent. In Congress he championed the cause of the Union veterans in the matter of pensions. In the Republican State convention of June, 1888, he was unanimously nominated for governor and in the election the following November received a majority of 2,000 over the Democratic candidate, C. C. Matson. While in the executive chair the legislature passed a measure making the State Board of Education a text-book commission and authorizing it to determine what text-books should be used in the schools. During the debate on this bill Governor Hovey urged that all text-books used in the public schools should be furnished by the State. The Australian ballot system was also adopted during his administration. At the annual encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic, held in St. Louis in 1888, Governor Hovey was unanimously elected president of the service pension association of the United States and in December, 1889, he addressed an appeal "to the loyal people of the United States and their representatives in Congress," demanding on behalf of the many surviving Union soldiers of the late war the passage of a service pension law. Governor Hovey married on November 24, 1844, Miss Mary James, a daughter of Col. E. R. James, a prominent citizen of southern Indiana. She was born at Baton Rouge, La., February 22, 1825, and died at Mt. Vernon, Ind., on November 6, 1863. They were the parents of five children, who are, in order of birth, as follows, viz.: Esther, born January 8, 1846, the wife of Major G. V. Menzies, of Mt. Vernon, personal mention of whom appears elsewhere in this volume; Enoch James, born February 7, 1848, died August 4, 1852; Charles James Hovey, a sketch of whom follows this article; Mary, born January 18, 1854, died March 30, 1855 ; and Mary Anne, born April 17, 1857, died April 7, 1858. Governor Hovey was married a second time to Mrs. Rosa Valette Smith, the daughter of Caleb B. Smith, Secretary of the Interior in the cabinet of President Lincoln. She died about six months after her marriage. Governor Hovey died in Indianapolis on November 23, 1891. The tributes of respect, and in many cases of affection called forth by the death of Alvin P. Hovey have seldom been equalled in the State in the passing away of a citizen. His own standard of life was high and it was apparent throughout his life while in the practice of his profession, during his service in defence of the Union, and in the positions of public trust which he so creditably filled. What may be termed his life work was finished ; it had met to a great extent the fullness of his ambition. But infinitely more precious and of personal consequence to him was the fact that he died rich in the possession of a well earned popularity, in the esteem which comes from honorable living, and in the affection that slowly develops only from unselfish works. In his professional and public life he was the embodiment of honor, as he was in his social and domestic life, the perfection of love and gentleness.

Charles James Hovey, former banker, and postmaster of the city of Mt. Vernon, Ind., was born in the old Hovey residence, now the property of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and used by them as their club house, on January 8, 1850, the son of General Alvin Peterson and Mary Ann (James) Hovey, a review of whom preceded this article. Charles J. Hovey acquired his education in the schools of the city of Evansville and at the Northwest Christian University at Indianapolis. In 1867 he visited his father, then minister of the United States to Peru, and made an extended tour of South America. He then visited Europe, remaining there three years and attended Polytechnical school at Carlsruher, Baden, Germany. He returned home in 1870 and purchased a one-fourth interest in the Mt. Vernon Banking Company, entering that institution as teller. In 1870 he engaged in the retail shoe business and continued in this line of commercial activity until 1876, when he journeyed to Europe, sailing via the Straits of Magellan, and remained abroad three years. He was obliged to pass through three armies in order to reach the city of Paris, as the Franco-Prussian war was in in progress. He was graduated in medicine and chemistry. On completion of his studies he returned to Mt. Vernon and engaged in farming. He served as justice of the peace for five years, was a railway mail clerk for one year and has twice been postmaster of Mt. Vernon, having served during the administrations of Presidents Arthur and Harrison. Mr. Hovey retired from active business in 1900. Charles J. Hovey married on March 6, 1871, Miss Lillie R. Jaques, a daughter of Jonathan and Parna (Whit- tlesey) Jaques, of Evansville. Mrs. Hovey died on June 5, 1912. They were the parents of five children : Dr. Alvin Jaques Hovey, a prominent dental surgeon of Mt. Vernon, who married Miss Anna Williams, the daughter of S. Jett Williams, a successful agriculturist and influential citizen of Posey county. Dr. and Mrs. Hovey are the parents of four children: Helen, Louise, Florence, Esther and Anna Jaques. Mabel, the second child, born September, 1873, died August 26, 1876. Mary, born August 17, 1875, is the wife of Otto T. Brinkman, of Mt. Vernon. Randolph Jaques Hovey, born March 23, 1879, married Miss Ruth Xep- per, a daughter of Thomas Nepper, St. Louis, Mo. Nina Hovey, the youngest child, was born June 23, 1881. She is the wife of Edwin M. Daniel, of Mt. Vernon, Ind.

Frank Deig, a prosperous farmer and land proprietor of Black township, Posey county, Indiana, was born in the same township where he now lives June 29, 1873, son of John S. Deig and Mary (Miller) Deig, the former a native of Germany who came to this country when quite small, and the latter a native of Posey county. (See sketch of John A. Deig for history of the family.) Frank Deig was reared in Black township, attended common school, and two years of high school in Mt. Vernon. He then went to St. Mary's Institute in Dayton, Ohio, two years, from 1889 to 1891. After leaving college he secured a position as clerk with E. B. Schenk, later working for Alles Bros, and for Stinson Bros. He left the latter concern to engage in farming and stock raising in Black township. This was about 1899 and he has remained on the farm ever since except for one year when he lived in Mt. Vernon with his mother. Mr. Deig has a very large farm containing 4041/2 acres, on which there are two tenants. The crops are chiefly wheat, corn and clover. On May 28, 1901, occurred the marriage of Frank Deig to Mary A. Muth, daughter of Clements and Elizabeth ( Niehhause) Muth, natives of Dubois county, Indiana, where the father engaged in farming and stock raising. Mrs. Deig was born in Spencer county, Indiana, in August 18, 1880. After finishing the common schools she came to Mt. Vernon, where she lived with E. B. Schenk and family. Mr. and Mrs. Deig became the parents of three children : John Stephen and Elizabeth J., both now attending school in Mt. Vernon, and Frank J., who is deceased. The family are members of the St. Matthew's Catholic Church of Mt. Vernon and Mr. Deig is a Democrat and belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 277, of Mt. Vernon, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Muth, parents of Mrs. Deig, are still living in Spencer county.

John F. Ehrhardt, a prominent farmer of Mt. Vernon, Ind., was born at St. Philip in the same State August 14, 1870, son of Jacob Ehrhardt ( see sketch). He was reared at the place of his birth, where he was educated at the public and parochial schools. After leaving school he began farming at home for his mother, his father having died when he was quite young. At the age of twenty-two he started out in life for himself, first renting the place where he now lives, and after four years buying the property. He has a farm of eighty acres under cultivation and well improved. His specialty is wheat and he has been very successful with it. On April 23, 1893, Mr. Ehrhardt married Miss Carolina Appel, daughter of John and Louisa (Krittenstein) Appel, her father a native of Germany who came to this country when a small boy with his parents, who took government land. A part of this land is now in possession of George Ehrhardt, brother of our subject. Mrs. Ehrhardt was born in Marrs township and attended school at the Hartman school house. They have two children, John J., born January 29, 1894, and Edward G., born August 18, 1899. John J. is a graduate of the country schools, the Mt. Vernon High School, class of 1912, and of Draughan's Business College, Evansville, Ind., where he took bookkeeping and stenography. Edward G. is a graduate of the common schools. Mr. Ehrhardt is a member of the Christian Science church, in which he is a trustee, and is independent in politics. He is a stockholder in the St. Philip Telephone Company and in the Home Insurance Company.

John Oscar Dixon, a popular and influential citizen of Posey county and one of its most successful farmers, was born on the Dixon farm in Point township, July 21, 1870, the son of John and Angeline (Wei- born) Dixon. The founder of the family in Indiana was John Dixon, a native of Kentucky, who came to Posey county previous to the year 1820 and entered upon land in Point township. He was the great-grandfather of the subject of this article, who is descended from him as follows : John Dixon, Junior, the son of John, and his son, John Dixon, who married Angeline Welborn, and they were the parents of John Oscar Dixon. The family have been prominent in the affairs of Point township since its organization. In the first township election, held on May 30, 1835, John, David and James Dixon were among the registered voters. The members of the family were extensive land owners, which when purchased by them was virgin forest, and the township owes much to their pluck and energy in clearing the large acreage which they owned and in bringing their lands up to a high state of cultivation. John Dixon, the father of our subject, was one of the successful men of his time, influential in the civil and religious life of his district, and well and favorably known throughout the county. He was a Republican and active in the work of that organization, but without inclination for public office. He was born in Point township on January 28, 1840, and died on April 7, 1888. His wife, who survives him, was the daughter of John Welborn, a native of North Carolina, and one of the successful farmers of Black township, of which he was a pioneer settler. They were the parents of one child, the subject of this sketch. John Oscar Dixon was reared oo the Dixon farm in Point township and educated in its public schools. His father died when he was aged eighteen and his lart^e farming interests were placed under the management of his widow. He was called upon to take the active management, under his mother's guidance, and his success in the working of the property was such as to persuade his mother to give him full charge upon reaching his majority. He is an untiring worker, progressive in his methods, and is recognized as one of the foremost agriculturists in the county. The Dixon farms comprise over 500 acres, are well improved and stocked. Mr. Dixon has always been found among the supporters of those measures which have had for their object the development and betterment of his township, while the schools have received from him liberal support. He has been an earnest advocate of better school buildings and an extended school term, and has served as school director for several years. He is a Republican in his political affiliations, but, like his father, has no inclination for public office. He is a member of the Masonic order, Mt. Vernon Lodge, No. 277, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Posey Aerie, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Dixon married on August 8, 1898, Miss Mary Elizabeth Winston, the daughter of Allen Winston, of Tennessee. They are the parents of three children: Douglas Dixon, born May 31, 1901; James Grover Dixon, born January 6, 1906; and Ola Elizabeth Dixon, born May 31, 1913.

Lannie Gilbert Morrow, manager of the Wadesville branch of the Home Mill and Elevator Company of Mt. Vernon, was born in Posey- ville, Ind., July 15, 1888, son of Anderson and Mary Louise (Reeves) Alorrow. The father was born in Ohio and came to Posey county in 1882, locating at Poseyville, where for ten years he was a building contractor. He retired in 1910 and now lives at Wradesville. Anderson Morrow and Mary Louise Reeves were married in 1884 and had seven children: Lannie G., of this record; Minnie, born September 21, 1891, now the wife of Julius Gambrel, of Caborns Station, Ind. ; Lawrence Earl, born September 27, 1893; Nettie, born August 14, 1897; Harry, born March 28, 1902 ; and two of whom died in infancy. Lannie Morrow was educated in the public schools of Poseyville and Wadesville, graduating from the Wadesville High School in 1905. He was employed in clerking, farming and was a teacher in the district schools of Harmony township. In June, 1912, he became manager of the Wadesville branch of the Home Mill and Elevator Company, of Mt. Vernon. Mr. Morrow was married January 18, 1913, to Miss Myrtle Oliver, daughter of Samuel Oliver, of Center township. She was born December 23, 1887, at Oliver. Her parents are natives of Posey county. Mr. Morrow is a Democrat.

Dr. Charles Arburn, a leading physician of Wadesville, Ind., was born on a farm near Haubstadt, Johnson township, Gibson county, that State, October 13, 1858, son of John and Angeline (Henson) Arburn. John Arburn was born in England July 13, 1824, and came to America with his parents in 1831, locating in Gibson county at an early date. He was a farmer all his life and died at Fort Branch in 1883. In 1840 he married Miss Angeline Henson, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1826. She died in July, 1899. Four sons and six daughters were born to these parents : John M., born March 22, 1844, now a retired merchant of Oakland City, Ind. ; Frances, born September 29, 1843, who married Charles Loper, of Francisco, Ind.; Rebecca, born June 3, 1846, died May 27, 1849; Nancy Jane, born March 6, 1848, died March 6, 1849; David F., born February 14, 1850, died August 4, 1909; Joel H., who became a physician, born February 20, 1852, died in September, 1883; Parthenia, born February 7, 1854, now the wife of Jonathan E. Douglass, a farmer, of Fort Branch, Ind. ; Mary Elizabeth, born February 16, 1856, now the wife of James T. Dorsey, a farmer of Fort Branch, Ind. ; Martha Belle, born October 17, 1860, died December 10, 1861 ; Angeline, born September 8, 1862, now Mrs. Patterson, of Durango, Colo. ; Charles, our subject. Charles Arburn attended the public schools of Gibson county and began teaching at the age of twenty. He taught for four years in that county and then engaged in farming. At the age of twenty-eight he entered the Kentucky School of Medicine at Louisville, from which institution he graduated with the class of 1889. He located for practice at Carmi, Ill., .where he remained two years. In 1892 he removed to East Lynn, Ill. After practicing in that town four years he located in 1896 in Wadesville, where he has an extensive practice and where he has since lived. Dr. Arburn is a student, keeps abreast of the advancement made in medicine and surgery and in 1896 completed a thirty- days course in Chicago Post-Graduate School. He is a member of Posey County and Indiana State Medical Societies, and the American Medical Association. He is a Democrat, a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Court of Honor, Modern Woodmen of America and has occupied all the chairs in his various lodges. Dr. Arburn was married May i, 1884, to Miss Martha Florence Smith, daughter of George W. and Mary Jane (Calvert) Smith, farmers of Smith township, Posey county. She was born November 27, 1861, in Smith township, where her parents were also born. Her grandfather, Daniel Smith, came from North Carolina at an early date and when Posey county was organized in 1814, Smith township was named in his honor. Mrs. Arburn has a sister and brother, both younger than herself, Lizzie, now the wife of Dr. James E. Cudgel, of Cynthiana, Ind., and J. W. Smith, a merchant, of Champaign, Ill. Mr. and Mrs. Arburn have two sons and two daughters : Will Smith Arburn, born January 10, 1886, now in the bond brokerage business at Terre Haute, Ind. ; James E. Arburn, born March 27, 1892, an employe of the Adams Express Company in Indianapolis ; Mary Ruth, born June 6, 1894, and Agnes Dorothy, born December 9, 1900. Dr. and Mrs. Auburn are members of the Primitive Baptist church.

Dan Williams, banker and farmer of Wadesville, Ind., is a native of Posey county, a member of one of its oldest pioneer families and was born on his father's farm in Harmony township on September 3, 1868, the son of Jonathan and Mary Ellen (Cox) Williams. The family was founded in Indiana in March, 1828, when Urbane Williams, a native of Virginia, came from Nelson county, Kentucky, and located on land near Stewartsville, Posey county. About two years later he bought a tract of land in Harmony township, which he cleared and improved, and on which he resided until his death, June 25, 1848. He had married, while a resident of Kentucky, Nancy Johnson, a native of that State, who died in February, 1845. Their son, Asa C. Williams, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Nelson county, Kentucky, October 20, 1818. He was reared on his father's farm in Harmony township and was educated in the schools of that early day. On reaching his majority he engaged in farming, purchasing a tract of forty acres in what is now Center township. He was not only a successful farmer, but a man of exceptional financial ability, and accumulated a large fortune for his time. In 1867 he removed to Mt. Vernon and was elected vice-president of the First National Bank, an institution which he had helped to organize. He was elected president of the bank in 1873 ar>d remained at its head until his death, which occurred in 1896. As a banker he was known as a discriminating financier, one who brought the administrative policy of his bank up to the point of highest efficiency, and whose efforts in fostering the development of the manufacturing and commercial interests of Mt. Vernon were second to none. He was a generous supporter of the Baptist church and his charities were many and varied. As a citizen he was greatly esteemed and he exerted a potent influence for good throughout the county. He was married twice — first on January 28, 1840, to Dicy Cox, a native of Posey county, who died on August 29, 1844. Three children were born of this union: Jonathan, the father of our subject; Martha, who married Charles Hays; and Asa, all of whom are deceased. On July 17, 1845, he married Anna Gwaltney, a daughter of Benjamin Gwaltney, a pioneer citizen of the county. Through his second marriage three children were born : John T., a farmer of Harmony township ; Stephen Jett, personal mention of whom appears elsewhere in this work; and Dicy, deceased. Jonathan Williams became a successful farmer in Harmony township. He took an active part in the political life of his section and wielded an influence for good. He did not possess the commercial genius of his father, preferring to remain on the home farm, where he was at home in the fields, in the woods and with his stock. He married in 1861, Mary Ellen Cox, a daughter of John Cox, a native of South Carolina, who came to Posey county with his parents in the early days of its settlement. The death of Mr. Williams occurred in January, 1873, and that of his wife in April, 1887. They were the parents of seven children, who are as follows : John C., born September 4, 1862, died February 28, 1869; Laura Isabel, born August 12, 1865, who became the wife of David Hutchinson, who resides near Carmi, Ill. She died January 31, -1885; William Henry, born November 22, 1863, died October 15, 1883; Dan, our subject; Leona, born November 26, 1870, the wife of Stephen Hancock, a farmer of Robb township ; Alden L., born June 29, 1879, died April, 1900; and Mary Ellen, born April 22, 1867, died August 21, 1870. Dan Williams was reared on the old home farm in Harmony township and received his education in the public schools of Posey county. On reaching his majority he bought a farm in Lynn township and operated it with such success that his profits equaled the purchase price during the seven years he farmed there. His next venture was in Center township, where he bought 145 acres where he duplicated his former success. He now owns one of the large farms of the county, 320 acres, situated about three miles from Wade- sville. The land is exceptionally good, is in a high state of cultivation, and in the matter of improvements is not excelled in southwestern Indiana. He became a resident of Wadesville in 1905 and in 1907 he promoted the organization of the Farmers National Bank. He was elected cashier of the institution upon incorporation and has since served in that capacity. As a banker he is demonstrating the possession of the sound financial judgment, executive and initiative ability, and progressiveness which made Asa C. Williams a power in the financial circles of his section of the State. In the administration of the business of the institution he has been the controlling executive and to him is due the highly favorable showing made during its six years of business life. The bank has an earned surplus of $4,750, undivided profits of $750, and its deposits average about $120,000, a very creditable showing, considering the population of Wadesville and the strong competition of nearby towns which have long established institutions. His political affiliations have been with the Democratic party. He was elected trustee of Center township in 1904 and served during a term of four years. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Williams married on January i, 1891, Miss Eurie M. Willis, a daughter of Robert M. and Jane (Downen) Willis, the father a farmer of Center township, where she was born on December 31, 1869. Mrs. Williams died on December 7, 1903. They were the parents of five children : Mildred, born October 15, 1891, died October 6, 1898; Harold, born November 8, 1893; and Asa Dan, born January 31, 1896, died September 2, 1896; Anna Jane, born August 10, 1897; and Eurie May, born May 15, 1900. On December 6, 1904. Mr. Williams married Miss Amy Anna Stallings, the daughter of John W. and Martha Stallings, both of whom were born in Posey county, but now reside in Omaha, Gallatin county, Illinois. Mrs. Williams is also a native of Posey county and was born on November 6, 1881. Three children have been born of this union, viz.: Amy Marie, born December 12, 1905; Mary Corine, born June 18, 1908;' and Fannie Jauna, born December 5, 1910.

August Schieber. — History is the preserved record of events, as biography is the personal record of those who have been actively concerned in the moulding and action of the events from which history is made. A publication of this nature exercises its most important function when it takes cognizance of the life and labors of those citizens who have been of material value in furthering the advancement and development of a community. The late August Schieber, a resident of Mt. Vernon for nearly fifty years, its most extensive owner of business and residence property, and one of Posey county's most successful men of affairs, is entitled to distinctive recognition in this volume. August Schieber was born in Wittenberg, Germany, February 7, 1841, a son of Frederick and Magdalena Schieber, residents of the town of Stuggart, where the father died when August was seven years of age. His mother married a second time, her husband being Frederick Richert, and in 1848 he brought his family to the United States and located in Evansville, Ind., where he established a brewery. August Schieber was reared in Evansville, was educated in its schools, was variously employed in the brewery of his step-father and also learned the cooper's trade. He completed a course in Buchanan's Commercial College at Evansville, attending this school at night. On the breaking out of the war in 1861 he enlisted in defense of the Union and served throughout the conflict, being a member of the Twenty-fourth Indiana volunteer infantry, of which General Alvin P. Hovey, then colonel, was in command. Frederick Rickert erected, shortly after the war, a hotel on Wrater street in Mt. Vernon, named the Flower House, in which young Schieber managed the cafe. In 1871 the hotel was sold and August Schieber initiated his first commercial enterprise. He established a retail grocery and liquor store on Water street. In the conduct of this business he demonstrated the possession of those qualities necessary to success as a merchant and built up an exceedingly profitable enterprise. About 1890 he disposed of the store and removed to a more central location at Mulberry and Water streets, where he continued as a merchant until his realty interests became so important that he retired from commercial life, giving his entire attention to the management of his business, residence and farm properties. From the time he entered commercial life he was a consistent buyer, with the profits derived from his business, of farm and city property, until his holdings were the largest of any individual in Mt. Vernon, and required not only his entire time in their supervision, but necessitated the employment of assistants. He was the owner of a number of improved business properties, including the Masonic Hall building, forty-one residences, farm lands totaling over 2,000 acres, the Posey county fair grounds of about forty acres, and had been interested directly or indirectly with many other business enterprises of his home city. He was one of the organizers, the largest stockholder and president of the Consumers Ice and Cold Storage Company, of Mt. Vernon, which is reviewed at length in the chapter on " Manufacturing and Commercial Enterprises," and president of the Lee Lumber Company of Memphis, Tenn., of which his son was general manager, one of the most important concerns in the lumber industry in the South. Essentially a business man, Mr. Schieber had neither time nor inclination for political office, although he served for several terms as a member of the council of Mt. Vernon, believing that a citizen of large property interests should devote a portion of his time and business experience in the management of civic affairs. He was a Republican. Mr. Schieber married on June 18, 1870, Miss Mary Anna Schutte, a daughter of Frank and Clara (Knair) Schutte, both of whom were born in Pricen, Germany. Frank Schutte was a farmer and came to the United States in 1856, locating on land in Marrs township, Posey county, Indiana, which he operated until his death. Mrs. Schieber was born in Pricen, Germany, on June 22, 1851, and was reared in Marrs township. She acquired her education in the St. Philip parochial school and attended the church there. She is a woman who has developed a talent for business affairs, has a comprehensive knowledge of the responsibilities of property ownership, and since the death of Mr. Schieber, which occurred on February 8, 1910, has supervised the management of the large and varied interests left her by her husband. She has been, to some extent, a student, is well read on a variety of subjects, and is the reader of the Christian Science church of Mt. Vernon, of which she is a member. August Frank Schieber. the only child of August and Mary Anna Schieber, was born in Mt. Vernon on March 17, 1871. He received his early educational discipline in the public schools of his native city and through a course of study in St. Francis College at Teotopolis, Ill., and the Catholic College at Dayton, Ohio. He was subsequently employed in his father's store and mill in various capacities and received a thorough business training under the supervision of the elder Schieber. In Gates, Tenn., he initiated his first independent venture when he formed, with Charles Fin- ley, the firm of Schieber & Finley and engaged in the manufacture of lumber, their plant being removed some time afterward to Benoid, Miss. This venture was a success and he demonstrated his possession of executive ability of a high order. He was able to secure recognition among men in the trade as an able manager and one who knew lumber values. An opportunity offering in which he was assured of further advancing his importance among men in his line, he retired from the firm of Schieber & Finley and, with his father and M. E. Montgomery, purchased the business of the Lee Lumber Company, of Memphis, of which he became general manager and his father president. In the management of this enterprise he continued his former success and the company became one of the most important factors in the lumber trade of the South. On the death of his father he succeeded him as president and remained in this capacity until his death on March n, 1913. His death, which occurred while he was in the prime of life, at a time when he had attained a commanding position in his chosen field of enterprise, was a severe blow to his mother, who had but three years before lost her husband. August F. Schieber possessed many likeable qualities, his friends were many and worth while, he promised to become a business man of unusual worth, and his loss to the business circles of Memphis was deplored by the press of that city. August F. Schieber was twice married. His first wife was Miss Annie Naas, of Mt. Vernon. No children were born of this union. After her death he married Mrs. Margaret Drury, nee Freeman. Of this union one child was born : Mary Augusta Schieber, February 18, 1904.

Jacob Becker, retired farmer of Wadesville, Ind., was born March 6, 1839, in Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, son of John and Katherine ( Hirth) Becker. He came to the United States with his parents and three brothers in 1852. They came by sailing vessel, consuming seventy- two days in the voyage, and landed at New Orleans. They then came up the Mississippi river to Cairo, Ill., thence by the Ohio river to Evansville. The wife and mother died of cholera on the boat and was buried at Greenville, Ark. After a few years in Evansville they bought a farm in Robinson, Posey county. The four brothers are as follows : John, now retired at Evansville ; Henry, deceased ; Jacob, of this record ; and Herman, deceased. Jacob Becker learned the shoemaker's trade at Evansville and in 1862 he removed to Posey county and opened a general store in Wadesville, which he conducted for eight years and then sold to his father-in-law, Finley Allison. He then opened a shoe shop in the same town, which he conducted for eighteen years, after which he bought his present farm of eighty acres at the edge .of town. It is now one of the best improved in the vicinity. Mr. Becker has been married twice. On January 30, 1862, he married Miss Mary Allison, daughter of Finley Allison. She was born January 12, 1842, and died July 2, 1867. Two sons were born to this marriage : William H., December 15, 1862, now a railroad man at Indianapolis; John F., born May 12, 1866, a farmer of Center township. Mr. Becker took as his second wife Miss Emily Allison, who was a sister of his first wife. They became the parents of seven children : Mary, born June 19, 1868, married William H. Hidbrader, a farmer of Center township, and they have one child, Herman ; Emma, born March 12, i87o( now the wife of John Wade, of Wadesville; Laura, born April 21, 1872, now the wife of Edward Goad, of Port Orchard, Wash.; Edward, born August 12, 1874, died March 22, 1877; Charles, born June n, 1878, boilermaker at Evansville; Edward, born March 2, 1882, was married October 12, 1903, to Miss Emma Owens, daughter of Flavius and Pauline (Cox) Owens, of Center township. She was born October 28, 1883, in Center township. They have three children, Velma, born May 22, 1904, Melvin Joel, born December 25, 1911, and a son born in October, 1913. Pearl, the seventh child of Mr. and Mrs. Becker, was born August 4, 1886, and is now the wife of Edward Lock- ridge, of Evansville. Mr. Becker is a progressive, substantial citizen of the community and an active member of the Lutheran church. For many years he was an active worker in the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Harri Jara, and Independent Order of Odd Fellows, but has dropped all.

John C. Leffel, editor and proprietor of the "Western Star" and one of the best known newspaper men in southern Indiana, was born in Blairsville, Posey county, May 8, 1850, a son of Daniel and . Barbara ( Reichenbacher) Leffel, both of whom were born in Karlsruhe, Baden, Germany, where they also married. In 1832 they immigrated to the United States and for several years resided in New York City. They changed locations several times and in the latter part of the '403 located in Center township, Posey county, where Mr. Leffel purchased large tracts of land, the town sites of Blairsville and Wadesville being a part of his original purchase. In 1854 he removed to Mt. Vernon and engaged in merchandising. His death occurred in 1873, at the age of sixty-six years, and that of his wife in 1894, aged seventy-nine. They were the parents of eight children, five of whom survive, viz.: Nancy, the widow of George Henrich ; Elizabeth, the widow of William H. Lichtenberger ; John C., of this review; Celia, the wife of Henry Baldwin, all of Mt. Vernon ; and Mollie E., the wife of Valentine Kratz, of Los Angeles, Cal. Those deceased are: Caroline, who married WilHam Derman, of Spokane, Wash., and died in July, 1911; Catherine and William, the former of whom died aged nineteen and the latter aged four. John C. Leffel was educated in the schools of Mt. Vernon and at the age of fifteen became an apprentice in a harness shop at St. Louis, Mo., where he remained until 1867, when he returned to Mt. Vernon and entered the office of the "Democrat" and assisted Tom Collins, the editor and proprietor, in getting out his paper. He remained on the "Democrat" until October, 1875, when he established the Mt. Vernon "Wochenblatt," the first and only German paper to be published in Posey county. In 1877 the first issue of the "Western Star" appeared, the founding of this paper by Mr. Leffel being the result of repeated requests upon the part of leading Democrats that he establish and edit a paper that could be counted on as the organ of the party in the county. From its first issue it has been the aim of the editor to make it alive with interest and with real, practical usefulness, and this has been done, with the result that it is, and has been for thirty- five years, welcomed as a personal friend in the homes of Posey county. In 1885 the publishing of the "Wochenblatt" was discontinued, due to the demands upon Mr. Leffel's time by the "Western Star," which prevented him giving both papers the attention they deserved. He enjoys the distinction of having been the first publisher in Posey county to install power presses and is the only one who has purchased a linotype machine. The office and press room of the "Star" are in point of equipment the best in the county. The building in which they are located was constructed from plans furnished by Mr. Leffel and is especially adapted to the needs of his business. It is the one printing plant of the county in which typesetting is done by machinery. The job printing department of the paper is up to date in all particulars and its business exceeds by far any other establishment in this line in the county. As a newspaper man Leffel has never been surpassed in Posey county. He is a vigorous writer, has a wealth of energy, his editorials are worth while, and his paper has been conducted in an able and clean manner. He has attained the Council degree in Masonry and is a member of Beulah Lodge, No. 578. Mr. Leffel married on July 2, 1872, Miss Minnie Brinkman, the eldest daughter of Henry Brinkman, of Mt. Vernon, a review of whom appears on other pages of this volume. Mrs. Leffel was born in Mt. Vernon on June 8, 1853, and died on February 28, 1907. She is survived by her husband and the following children : Edward, born May 4, 1872, personal mention of whom follows this article; Lillie, born October 4, 1874, the wife of Philip Sud- doth, of Mt. Vernon ; Herbert, born April 24, 1877, who is associated with his father; Daisy, born September 14, 1874, who resides in Evans- ville; Otto, born August 24, 1881, agent at Oskaloosa, Kan., of the Missouri Pacific railway; John, born February 5, 1887, employe of the passenger department of the Shore Line railway at San Francisco, Cal. ; and Minnie, born February 16, 1892, residing with her father.

Edward Leffel is the eldest son of John C. Leffel and Minnie (Brink- man) Leffel. He was born in the city of Mt. Vernon, Ind., on May 14, 1872, and is one of a family of seven children, viz.: Lillian (Leffel) Suddoth, Daisy and Minnie Leffel, and Herbert, Otto and John Leffel, Jr. Mr. Leffel attended the public schools of Mt. Vernon and learned the newspaper business in the "Star" office, which was conducted by his father. When a young man he worked for a short time in the Kellar Printing Company in Evansville, Ind., and the Government Printing Office in Washington, D. C. He held a position in the Indiana legislature of 1892 and later went to Washington. After working twelve or fifteen years in the newspaper and printing business he became engaged in the mortgage loan business, which business he is engaged in at this date, November 7, 1913. He is unmarried.

William A. Oliver, extensive land owner and farmer of Center township, Posey county, and a member of one of the most prominent pioneer families of southwestern Indiana, was born on his father's farm in Robinson township on December 2, 1844, a son of Job and Elizabeth (Jones) Oliver. Job Oliver was born in Kentucky on December 18, 1820, his parents coming to Indiana shortly after his birth. They located in Posey county, then in a formative period, where the father located on land. Job attended the schools of that early day, did his due share of the day's work, endured the hardships common to the settler of the pioneer period, and became one of the large land owners of the county. He was actively concerned in the early development of Center township, a man of influence, and possessed the esteem of all. He was married twice. By his first wife he had six children, three of whom are living, viz.: William A., the subject of this review; Wilson and Samuel. Thompson, Cynthia and Joel are deceased. Anna Shaw, his second wife, bore him six children, viz. : George, Emma, Nelia, James and Ella. Elizabeth is deceased. The town of Oliver was named in honor of Job Oliver, the townsite being a part of one of his farms. William A. Oliver was reared on his father's farm and his education was acquired in the schools of Robinson township. Farming has been his occupation since boyhood and he is recognized as not only one of the successful men in that field of endeavor within his county, but is also one of the influential citizens of his township. Political office has never appealed to him, although he takes an active interest in the questions of the day and never neglects his civic duties. He is a Democrat. His farm of 128 acres is well improved, well stocked and has been his place of residence since 1873. Mr. Oliver has been twice married. In December, 1866, he married Miss Rachel Causey, who died August 9, 1870. She bore him two children : John, born September 10, 1867, died October 22, 1867, and Walter, born July 13, 1870, died October 8, 1870. On January 16, 1873, he married for his second wife Miss Cornelia Fillingim, the daughter of Gracchus and Lurana (Cox) Fillingim. She was born on January 18, 1849. Of this second union three children were born, of whom the eldest died in infancy. Otis L. Oliver, born December 3, 1875, died on February 3, 1892. Elsie M., born December 28, 1879, is the wife of William W. Hoggatt, M. D., of French Lick Springs, Ind. They are the parents of five children, viz.: Verne D., born January 16, 1900; Eunice M., born August 7, 1902 ; Vera Fae, born June 10, 1905 ; Doris and Dorothy, twins, who were born May i, 1912.

Warren Wade, president of the Farmers National Bank of Wades- ville, prominent farmer and stockman and popular citizen, is a native of Posey county and was born on October 27, 1859, a son of William D. and Hester C. (Fillingim) Wade. The family was founded in Indiana by Zachariah Wade, a native of North Carolina, born near Chester Court House, who came to Posey county in the early years of its settlement, became a prosperous farmer, attained influence as a citizen, and was the father of Wadesville, named for him. He was a Democrat, served as justice of the peace for many years, and was identified with practically every phase of the development of his township. William D. Wade was also a farmer. He was born on April 19, 1825, and died on May 14, 1904. On August 8, 1854, he married Hester C. Fillingim, a daughter of Ajax and Eliza (Moye) Fillingim, who, like his parents, were natives of North Carolina. They were the parents of the following children : Warren, the subject of this article ; Albert, born December 6, 1861 ; a resident of New Albany, Ind,; and Jennie, born February 8, 1863, the wife of Sidney Johnson, a prosperous farmer of Harmony township. Three children : Roy, Carrol and Elvis, died in infancy. \ Varren Wade was reared on his father's farm in Center township, assisted in its operation until he was twenty-four years of age, and acquired his education in the district schools of his neighborhood. In 1894 he became the owner of a farm and has devoted his attention to agriculture and stock feeding and in each branch of endeavor has met with success. His farm property consists of 150 acres, its improvements are substantial and it has paid satisfactory returns. In 1907 he, with Dan Williams, promoted the organization of the Farmers National Bank of \Vadesville, and on incorporation he was elected to its directorate. He became vice-president of the institution in 1908 and was elected president in 1909, and is still serving in that capacity. The following year, 1910, he retired from the active management of his farm. He is a Democrat in his political views, is influential in the affairs of his township and served for two years as trustee. In the administration of the affairs of this office he served with credit. He exercised sound financial sense in handling the township funds, was able to greatly improve the roads, building a considerable mileage, and at the same time reduced the levy from seventy-two to fifty-two cents. Mr. Wade married on October 21, 1883, Miss Mary Bailey, a daughter of Larkin and Martha A. (Fitzgerald) Bailey, of Harmony township. Larkin Bailey was born in Harmony township on January 5, 1838, and died December 3, 1878. His wife was also born in the township on September 7, 1837, and died December 18, 1869. Mary Bailey Wade was born on November 2, 1863. Mr. and Mrs. Wade are the parents of one child, Herman Wade, born August n, 1884. He is a graduate of the Wades- ville High School, attended for one term the Oakland City College, and also Purdue University, in the latter institution specializing on agriculture and live stock. He is one of the successful and progressive farmers of Center township, and owns and manages 200 acres of well improved land, which is being scientifically farmed. On November 29, 1908, he married Miss Jessie Wiley, a daughter of James D. and Hannah ( Penfold) Wiley, of Harmony township. She was born on August 7, 1884.

James H. Moye, a successful farmer, extensive land owner and prominent citizen of Posey county, whose death occurred on July 16, 1907, was born on his father's farm in Center township, February 27, 1847. HC was a son of Wyatt G. and Elizabeth (Owens) Moye, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Posey county. The family was founded in Indiana in 1830, when John Moye, a native of North Carolina, located in Posey county, in what is now Center township. He and his descendants, he was the father of eleven children, have had much to do with the development of this section of the county, and have been, without exception, men and women who have had the respect and esteem of their fellow citizens. James H. Moye acquired his education in the schools of his native township, was reared a farmer and upon his father's death became the owner of a part of the home farm. As a farmer he was successful, and added to his holdings in farm lands until he was one of the large land owners of his township. His political affiliations were with the Democratic party, and he took an active part in the campaigns, was influential in party councils, but had no inclination for public office. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and active in the work of his order. Mr. Moye married, in 1873, Miss Susan Cox, who died on September 9, 1877. Two children were born of this union : Walter G. Moye, born November 26, 1874, and LeRoy, who died in infancy. On February 23, 1879, he married Miss Luvina Hunsinger, a daughter of Lewis and Sophronia C. (McCrary) Hunsinger, who was born April 9, 1858, and who resides on the Moye farm two miles west of Wadesville. Her family were residents of White county, Illinois, of which State her father was a native; her mother was born in Posey county. With her brother, Calvin W. Hunsinger, she is the only survivor of the family of six children, four of whom are deceased, and are as follows: Seymour T., Isabell, Larkin Minor, and George Allen. To James H. Moye and 'Luvina (Hunsinger) Moye fourteen children were born, viz. : Sophronia Elizabeth, who died in infancy ; Lewis, born September 29, 1881 ; Fanny, born April n, 1883; James Henry, born May 22, 1885; Joseph Wilburn, born December 31, 1886; Larkin Kenneth, born August 27, 1888; Edith, born September 9, 1889, the wife of Edgar W. Huck; Lilly, born April 8, 1892; Jesse Lawrence, born September 15, 1893; Helen, born June 15, 1896; Ruby, born March 12, 1898, and Susie, born January 5, 1900. The Moye farm is one of the best examples of modern farming in Posey county. Substantial improvements and modern equipment mark the progressive spirit of its owners. The family are active in the social and religious life of their community, possess the esteem of their neighbors, while the home is known for its hospitality.

Clarence Cox, educator, farmer and trustee of Center township, Posey county, is a descendant on both the paternal and maternal sides from pioneer residents of Southwestern Indiana. He was born on his father's farm in Center township, on October 21, 1871, a son of Isaac N. and Harriet N. (Wade) Cox. The father was born on February 7, 1846, and died March 27, 1877. Mrs. Cox was born on December 10, 1843, and with her two children, Clarence, the subject of this sketch, and Elva, born April 18, 1873, wno is tne w'fe °f William H. Ramsey, of Wadesville, Ind,, survive. Isaac N. Cox was a farmer, well and favorably known in his section of the county, who died at a time when he was on the road to success and prominence. Clarence Cox was reared on his father's farm, educated in the public schools and in 1890 engaged in teaching. This profession he followed for sixteen years in the schools of Center township, where he became known as one of the successful educators of his county. In 1908 he was elected to the office of trustee of Center township, and is still serving in that capacity. His administration of the affairs of this office have been creditable to himself and his constituents. His financial policy has been sound, improvements have kept pace with the times, and the schools have benefited greatly through his long experience as a teacher. He has always taken an active interest in the questions of the day and is a consistent supporter of the principles and policies of the Democratic party. Mr. Cox married, on June 9, 1897, Miss Ida L. Moye, a daughter of John L. and Nancy J. (Randolph) Move. She was born on July 11, 1873. They are the parents of two children: Mildred M. Cox, born September 21, 1900, and Myron M. Cox, born July 12, 1905.

Christ Reister, successful merchant, influential citizen and former treasurer of Posey county, was born in the town of Stein, province of Baden, Germany, on December 28, 1848, the son of Christ and Katherine ( Zippese) Reister. Christ Reister, Sr., a tailor by trade, served in the German army during the revolution of 1848. He came to the United States in 1852, landing in New Orleans, and enlisted in the regular army. He was joined by his family in 1852 at Oswego, N. Y., and about three months afterward brought them to Evansville, Ind., where he located. The following year he became a resident of Haubstadt, Gibson county, and engaged in the manufacture of brick, in which he continued until he retired from active business, in 1876. His service in the United States army covered two terms in the regular and one in the volunteer army. He served throughout the Civil war and was captain of Company D, Thirty-second Indiana infantry. Christ Reister, Jr., was reared in Haubstadt and secured his education in the schools of that town. He became an employe in his father's brickyard and remained in this occupation until 1879, when he located in Cynthiana and engaged in the retail liquor business. In 1881 he established a general store and remained in this line of endeavor until 1903, when he retired. He was successful as a merchant and amassed a considerable fortune, which he has invested to advantage. Among his properties is a farm of 146 acres, situated one and one-half miles north of Cynthiana. Mr. Reister is best known to the citizens of Posey county through a residence of four years in Mt. Ver- non, during which time he occupied the office of treasurer of the county. He has for many years been actively identified with the political life of the county and has been a leader in the Democratic party, of whose policies and principles he has been a consistent advocate. He served as inspector of the election board of Smith township for ten years, has attended, as a delegate, state and congressional conventions and has been one of the mainstays of his party in the county. He was honored with the nomination for treasurer in 1906, and was elected by practically a unanimous vote, only seven ballots being in the count against him. His conduct of the business affairs of this office was marked by the same business acumen as had characterized his commercial career. He was elected to succeed himself in 1908. His record as treasurer will stand as highly creditable to himself and his constituents. Since retirement from the office he has been occupied in the management of his farm and supervision of his various investments. Mr. Reister married on September 23, 1875. Miss Mary Triple, a daughter of George W. Triple of Haubstadt. They were the parents of one child, Ada Reister, born July 18, 1876, the wife of Jesse Wade, a successful lawyer of Mt. Vernon. Mrs. Reister died on October 19, 1879. On April 30, 1885, Mr. Reister married Miss Carry Deiteile, a daughter of Jacob and Anne M. Deiteile of Mt. Vernon. She is a native of that city and her father was for many years engaged in the retail market business and one of the four butchers who conducted stalls in the old city market building, erected from the fund donated by Dan Rice, the famous clown and circus owner. Three children have been born of this second marriage of Mr. Reister, two of whom died in infancy. Carolyn Reister, born December 27, 1904, is a student in the Cynthiana schools. Mrs. Reister is a member of the Christian Science church and popular in the social life of her home town. The family residence is one of the handsomest in the county and noted for its hospitality. Mr. Reister and his wife are generous in their support of the various churches and charities in Cynthiana.

Francis Marion Greathouse. — To have attained so notable a record as did Captain Greathouse in connection with his service during the Civil war would prove sufficient to give precedence and reputation to any man, were this to represent the sum total of his efforts ; but Francis Marion Greathouse is a man of distinct individuality, broad mental ken and strong initiative, who has been a leader in his township and the county as well. Captain Greathouse was born on his father's farm in Point township, Posey county, Indiana, April 10, 1840. He is the third child born to George Washington and Martha N. (Harshman) Greathouse. The family is of German descent, was founded in America previous to the war for independence, and in Posey county by David Greathouse, a native of Pennsylvania, who settled in what is now Point township prior to 1818, in which year is recorded his original land entry. He took an active part in the affairs incident to the early settlement of the county, acquired extensive land holdings and was one of the most influential men of his time and section. He married Sarah Callender, also born in Pennsylvania. They were the parents of four sons: Sampson, born December 8, 1808, who died February 2, 1887; George Washington, the father of Captain Greathouse, born July 4, 1810, who died February 4, 1843; John, born 1812, who died in 1842, and Lorenzo Dow, born 1818, who died in 1883. George Washington Greathouse was reared on his father's farm and followed the occupation of farmer. He was known among the men of his time for his integrity and high ideals, was a tireless worker and successful in his business undertakings. He was a builder-up of his properties, which during the pioneer period of the development of the county required hard labor and untiring energy. He married on June 14, 1832, Martha N. Harshman, the daughter of George and Dorcas Harshman, one of Posey county's early settlers, whose homestead was in Prairie Settlement. She was born in Virginia on January 8, 1815. Mr. Greathouse died on the fourteenth of February, 1843, ar>d his wife on February 8, 1872. They were the parents of the following children : Sarah C., born May 6, 1833, and who died March 6, 1880. She married Joel Redmond, a farmer of Posey county. Julia, the second child, born January 17, 1835, married Thomas French, a prominent farmer of Lynn township, and is at the age of seventy-eight, enjoying the sunset years of life, surrounded by her grandchildren (see sketch of Raymond French). Matilda, the youngest child, born June 14, 1842, married Andrew Alexander, a man of sterling worth and intellectual ability, by which union, in 1864, her only child, Rosamond, was born. She became the wife of Dr. G. R. Peckempaugh, a prominent physician of Mt. Vernon, now a resident of Evansville. Mrs. Alexander was a woman of broad education, possessed intellectual ability of a high order and gained extended reputation as an author. She was the founder of the Alexandrian Library of Mt. Vernon (see chapter on Libraries), which she endowed liberally. Her death occurred on April 22, 1892; her husband on November 13, 1866. Francis Marion Greathouse, the third child born to George W. and Martha Greathouse, was reared on his father's farm, attended the schools of his district and assisted in the carrying on of the farm work until the breaking out of the Civil war. In July, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, First Indiana cavalry, and upon its organization was elected first sergeant. He was several times promoted for meritorious service and valor. He was commissioned second lieutenant December 18, 1861, and first lieutenant June 6, 1863. He was mustered out on September 12, 1864. He was with his regiment in the battles of Fred- ericktown, Mo., December 16, 1861 ; Helena, Ark., July 4, 1863 ; Pine Bluff, Ark., October 25, 1863; Mt. Elba, Ark., March 27, 1864, and Mark's Mills, Ark., April 25, 1864. It was during the time when he was detailed on scout duty that Lieutenant Greathouse won his greatest renown as a soldier, his work in this line of warfare being of the highest value to the Union cause, and was the result of careful planning and brilliant execution. His most conspicuous service, in point of value to the cause of the Union, was that of the Longview expedition, March 26, 1864, in which he was the ranking officer. The following extract from the ofifcial report of Col. Powell Clayton, dated Headquarters, Pine Bluff, Ark., April i, 1864, concerns the results of this expedition : "The Longview raid reflects the highest credit to Lieutenants Greathouse and Young, and for brilliancy and success is almost without a parallel. One hundred men, fifty from the First Indiana and fifty from the Fifth Kansas cavalry, marched forty miles into the enemy's country, captured and destroyed a train of thirty-five wagons loaded with stores of great value to the enemy, their paymaster's safe containing over sixty thousand dollars, destroyed their pontoon bridge over the Saline river, captured and brought to Mt. Elba 260 prisoners, 300 horses and mules and a large number of contrabands ; all including the march of eighty miles to Long- view and return in the surprising short space of twenty-four hours." There was not a man lost or a gun fired in accomplishing this capture. Lieutenant Greathouse was in command of his company from July, 1863, until mustered out, his captain being on detached service. He was detailed on scout duty in October, 1863, and served in this capacity until mustered out. His services while in this branch of duty were such as to win for him high commendation from his superior officers, and the results obtained by him were such as to place him among the foremost scouts of the Union army. On conclusion of his military service, Lieutenant Greathouse returned to his family home in Point township and resumed the care of the farm property. In 1872 he purchased land in Lynn township, where he has since resided. His holdings total 400 acres, the improvements are substantial and the farm is well stocked. He has realized a substantial success as an agriculturist, is one of the influential men of Posey county, where he is known for his high ideals, integrity and broad mindedness. He has taken an active part in support of those measures which have had in view the welfare and betterment of the community. He is a Republican. Political office has never appealed to him, and though often urged to accept nomination he has never permitted his name to go before a convention. He is a member of Harrow Post, No. 491, Grand Army of the Republic. On October 30, 1870, Captain Great- house married Miss Maggie T. French, a daughter of James T. French, a farmer of Lynn township, and member of one of the oldest pioneer families of Posey county. She was born on August 15, 1845. Of the children born to Captain and Mrs. Greathouse, four are living, viz. : Cora, born August 14, 1871, the wife of James Bundy, of Lynn township; George Howard, born February 20, 1875, a hotel proprietor of Chicago, Ill.; Bertie, born October 19, 1879, the wife of Prof. C. J. Nelson, a teacher in the Mt. Vernon public schools, and Horace Elwood, born September 23, 1884, who resides with his parents and has the active management of his father's farm properties. A daughter, Grace, born May 22, 1873, a young lady of great personal charm, died on December 28, 1906.

Frederick Wolfinger, successful farmer, extensive land owner and veteran of the Civil war, was born on his father's farm in Marrs township, Posey county, Indiana, June 4, 1841, the son of John Wolfinger, a pioneer settler of that township and a native of Germany. There were six children in the family, all of whom, including the subject of this sketch, are deceased. The others were : John, Lewis, Charles, George and Elizabeth. John Wolfinger and his sons were important factors in the agricultural development of Marrs township, possessed energy, were thrifty, and enjoyed the esteem of their neighbors. Frederick Wolfinger was reared on the farm of his father, assisted in its carrying on, and secured his education in the district schools of his native township. Lincoln's call for volunteers found him ready for his country's defense and he enlisted in the Tenth Indiana cavalry. With his regiment he participated in many important engagements but was never wounded. His service in the Union cause covered a period of three years, and his record was excellent. On conclusion of his military service he returned to Posey county and engaged in farming and remained in this field of endeavor until 1902, when he retired from active labor and became a resident of the city of Mt. Vernon, his place of residence until his death, which occurred on November 9, 1909. As a farmer, Frederick Wolfinger was one of the most progressive and successful men of his section of Posey county. As a man of affairs, he was equally prominent. He possessed financial judgment, was an expert judge of land values and productiveness, seemed to sense the knock of opportunity and avail himself of it, and withal, possessed thrift. He was throughout his lifetime a buyer of farm lands and became the owner of a number of choice farm properties. Public office never appealed to him. He was a member of Mt. Vernon Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and of the General Baptist church. Mr. Wolfinger married, on December 16, 1868, Miss Nancy Benner, who was born in Marrs township, Posey county, on December 9, 1850, the daughter of John and Mary (Mills) Benner. Her father was a native of Germany, who came to America with his parents when but three years of age. He was a prosperous farmer of Marrs township. His wife was born in Black township and her parents were pioneer settlers in Posey county. Mr. Wolfinger is survived by his widow and the following children, viz. : Mary Elizabeth, born October 2, 1869, the wife of Robert Dixon, of Mt. Vernon ; Joseph Welborn, born October 24, 1871; Otis Alvin, born June 20, 1878; James Arthur, born November 24, 1880, graduates of Lockyear's Commercial College, Evansville, and all three prosperous farmers of Marrs township ; Fred B., born September 20, 1889, a graduate of Mt. Vernon High School, class of 1910, ticket agent of the Louisville & Nashville Railway at Mt. Vernon, Ill.; and Eleanor, born June 2, 1894, who graduated from the Mt. Vernon High School with the class of 1913. The third child of Mr. and Mrs. Wolfinger, a son, died in infancy.

Martin Golden, New Harmony. The venerable white haired gentleman whose name introduces this personal review, represents that type of mankind whom we all stop by the wayside to observe and admire. Mr. Golden is an actor of the old school, who for years shed his light on the American stage, furnishing instructive amusement to hundreds of delighted audiences. When he was in the prime of manly vigor his contemporaries were such men as Edwin Booth, Lawrence Barrett, and many others with whom he was associated, which almost causes the student to reflect on that epoch as the second Elizabethan age of the English drama. Mr. Golden knew well most of the actors of his time, and played with many of them, and he treasures many pleasant memories of the stage folk, great and near-great of his time. Our subject is a native of Ireland, born at Cork Hill, Parish of Screen, Novem- vember 10, 1835. His parents were William Golden and Catharine Dunn, also natives of Ireland. Martin was one of a family of ten children, two of whom are now living: Thomas F., a druggist in New York, and Martin. The Golden family embarked for America in 1846, some of the older sons having preceded the other members several years. It seems that they were beset by one misfortune after another. The mother died during the voyage and was buried at sea. Shortly after the family reached Quebec the father was taken ill and died. After the death of his father Martin and a brother were sent to New Orleans to live with an older brother, who was a druggist there. Upon arriving at New Orleans they learned that the brother in New Orleans had died two weeks previously with yellow fever. He then went to live with a cousin there, where he remained and attended school until 1849. Then, at the age of fourteen, he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he secured employment in a wholesale dry goods store. From there he went to Hamilton, Ohio, and worked for a contractor as bookkeeper and timekeeper. In 1851 he returned to New Orleans, and during the next two years two of his brothers died there from yellow fever. In 1854 he decided to leave New Orleans and went to New York, where he had a brother and sister. After reaching New York and seeking his brother and sister he met a New Orleans acquaintance, Charles Gleason, treasurer of the St. Charles theater, New Orleans. Young Golden returned to New Orleans with him and accepted the position of doorkeeper at the St. Charles theater. He was very much interested in stage life and his position gave him an opportunity to meet many actors. He got dramatic books and applied himself to study. He became acquainted with Mr. Benedict De Barr, manager of the St. Charles theater, who booked young Golden for the princely salary of six dollars per week. This was in the fall of 1855, and the company opened the season at St. Louis in "The Hunch Back" with Miss Annette Inse as leading lady. Golden was assigned to take the character of "Holdwell." This was the beginning of his stage career and he made good from that minute, and remained with De Barr in New Orleans and St. Louis until the war broke out in 1861. He then came north and played in all the principal cities with marked success and was associated with many of the great actors of the time. He organized a traveling company, which he managed for several years. Later he took the management of Carter's play, "The Fast Mai!," which he managed several years with great financial success. He has managed opera houses, and played entire seasons in no less than a dozen different large cities throughout the country. Mr. Golden was united in marriage, August 25, 1861, to Miss Emma Isabella Llewellyn, a native of St. Louis, Mo. Mrs. Golden was a talented actress and played with her husband in the principal cities of the United States for years, until on account of her health she was obliged to give up the stage. To Mr. and Mrs. Golden were born four children : Martin T., born at Cleveland, Ohio, May 30, 1862, a leading business man of New Harmony ; William E., born in New Harmony, June 9, 1865, a prominent educator of New York, and now principal of the Polytechnic Institute of that city; Grace, born in the Fontleroy House, November 14, 1867, and died November 14, 1903. She was an operatic singer of National fame. Her untimely death was universally mourned and was a severe blow to her immediate family and many friends ; Frances Llewellyn, born Septemher 7, 1877, at New Harmony. She, too, is an accomplished actress, well known on the American stage. Mr. Golden is a member of the Catholic church. He has had an active and eventful career, filled with many fond recollections and very few regrets. He is now spending the peaceful days of a ripe old age surrounded by his loved ones and enjoying the present to the fullness thereof, as well as the pleasant memories of a life well spent.

Raymond A. French — In the development of the agricultural resources of Posey county, which has placed her in the front rank among her sister counties of the State, it is probable no one family has been more numerously represented or has been of more material value in this development than that of which our subject is a worthy representative. The French family dates its founding in the county from the settlement of Doris French, who entered on land in what is now Lynn tow-nship in 1807. He was a native of Kentucky, born July 10, 1792. He married on March 17, 1818, Sarah Thomas, born October 9, 1801, who came to Posey county with her parents in 1814. Doris French was not only one of the first to settle in the county but was one of the most influential men among the pioneers, the leader of his section, and amassed, for his time, a comfortable fortune. His death occurred on August 28, 1855, and that of his wife on September 8, 1885. They were the parents of the following children: Zedoc, born September 19, 1819; James Thomas, born January 7, 1822 ; Samuel, born March 10, 1825 ; Maria, born October 4, 1827; Lardner Clark, born February 28, 1830; Ralph, born December 26, 1832 ; Thomas, born March 10, 1835, the grandfather of our subject, and Mary, born December 10, 1837. Thomas French -attended the country schools of his neighborhood, assisted his father in the clearing of his forest covered land, farmed and incidentally underwent the hardships common to the lot of the early settlers. In 1855, when but twenty years of age, he married Angelina Calkins, who lived but thirteen months after her marriage. On March 15, 1857, he married Julia A. Greathouse, a daughter of George W. and Martha (Harshman) Greathouse (see sketch of F. M. Greathouse). In 1855 Mr. French purchased the farm now operated by his grandson. As a man among men, bearing his due share in connection with the practical activities and responsibilities of a work-a-day world, he was successful, but, over and above all, he gained a deep knowledge of the wellsprings from which emerge the stream of human motive and action. He was a man of high ideals, broad mind, and took an active interest in the questions of his time. He was a Republican in his political views, and though active in the interests of his party, was not inclined toward political office. His charities were many. Measures having for their object the welfare of the community received his active support. He loved the fields and flowers. He was a home builder. He believed in the sacredness of the hearth. He passed to his reward on March n, 1910. To do justice to his memory within the limits of an article of this nature would be impossible, but in even touching the more salient points there may come objective lesson and incentive and thus a tribute of appreciation. His widow, aged seventy-eight, survives him and resides on the old homestead to which she came as a bride in 1857. They were the parents of one child, a son, Gustave French, born February n, 1858. Gustave French acquired his education in the schools of Posey county. He was taught farming by his father, assisted in the carrying on of his farm properties and resided with him until his death, which occurred on June 6, 1891. While shooting squirrels among the trees in front of the farm residence his gun exploded, causing injuries from which he died. He married on February 23, 1882, Victoria Albright, a daughter of John T. and Mary (Jones) Albright, of Lynn township. They were the parents of two children : Raymond A., the subject of this sketch, and Gladys, born August 26, 1885. The widow and daughter are residents of Mt. Vernon. Raymond A. French was born on the family farm in Lynn township on April 5, 1883. After completing a course in the public schools of Posey county, he attended Columbia College, Evansville. In 1901 he sought employment in the West. Some two years were spent with cattle outfits in Wyoming and Utah, one year with a railroad constructing company. In 1904 he reached Seattle and secured the position of mail clerk on a steamer plying between that city and Victoria, B. C. In 1905 he resigned this position to accept that of freight clerk on a steamer plying between Seattle and Skagway, Alaska, and remained in this employment until 1908, when he returned to Posey county and took the management of the family farm properties. A student and close observer, his travels in the West and Northwest gave him opportunity for investigating at close range the scientific methods of farming in use there. He has applied the knowledge gained to the operation of his properties with satisfactory results. The French farms are well stocked, the improvements are modern and that order which only comes from system prevails in the conduct of carrying on. Mr. French married on January 15, 1907, Miss Katherine Gallick, a daughter of John Gallick, a native of Austria, who is a resident of Ossining, N. Y. She was born at Miva, province of Nitra, Austria-Hungary, on November 24, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. French are the parents of three children: Allen Raymond, born March 8, 1908; Doris Gustave, born September 9, 1909, and Ruth Anna, born March 9, 1913. The family attend the Episcopal church. Mr. French is one of the pushing, progressive men of the county, energetic and unassuming. He is in all respects a high type of the virile American and a worthy descendant of his pioneer ancestors. He is a member of New Harmony Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.

Frederick Pierce Leonard, of Mt. Yernon, who holds an enviable place among his colleagues at law, has been a member of the Posey county bar for the past thirty-three years and this long period of efficient service in the legal profession and of public-spirited citizenship, entitles him to distinctive recognition in this publication. Mr. Leonard was born in Mt. Vernon, Ind., November 4, 1858, the son of Charles Frederick and Mary E. (Pierce) Leonard, the former a native of Bristol, R. I., and the latter of the State of Maine. Charles F. Leonard, the first of the family to settle in Indiana, came to Posey county about 1834, and located in Mt. Vernon, where he engaged in business and became one of the most successful and influential merchants of the county. He was an active and potent factor in the development of the city and took a prominent part in the political life of the county. He was a Republican, contributed generously in support of the campaigns of his party, but was not inclined toward public office. He was married twice. His first wife was Lucretia Knowles, a native of Connecticxit, who died in Mt. Vernon in 1850, a victim of the cholera epidemic of that year. Of this union, five children were born, but one of whom is living, viz., Anna, the wife of Edward P. Elliott of Washington, D. C. Those deceased are: Mary, who married James F. Welborn of Denver, Colo.; Charles, Isaac, and William. The second wife of Mr. Leonard was Miss Mary E. Pierce, who was born in Maine. Five children were born to this union, viz.: Lucretia, who died in infancy; Martha, the wife of James B. Tate. of Evansville, Ind.; Frederick P., the subject of this article; Mark T. of Chicago, Ill., and Augustus H., deceased. Mr. Leonard died on March 31, 1884, aged eighty years, and Mrs. Leonard on July i, 1913. aged eighty-nine years and three months. Both Mr. Leonard and his wife were exceptionally active, mentally and physically, for persons of their advanced age. Each possessed the esteem which conies from honorable living, and the affection which slowly develops from unselfish works. Frederick Pierce Leonard received his early educational discipline in the schools of Mt. Vernon, was graduated from its high school with the class of 1875, and subsequently entered the literary department of the Indiana State University, from which he received his Bachelor of Arts degree with the class of 1878. He next entered the law department of the University of Michigan and was graduated, with the degree of Bachelor of Laws, a member of the class of 1881. On completion of his law studies he returned to Mt. Vernon and engaged in the practice of his profession. During the thirty-three years in which he has been a member of the Posey county bar he has had as associates, Judge Louden, who was with him for five years, and Judge Clements, now judge of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, who remained with him for five years. His practice has been extensive, both as to the number and the character of the suits tried. He possesses an analytical mind, power of concentration, and an unswerving industry, and his briefs are marked for their directness and lucidity of expression. He has appeared in con- nection with the most important litigations in both the State and federal courts and is recognized as one of the most able lawyers of southern Indiana. Public office has never appealed to him, although he never neglects in the least his civic duties and obligations. He is a Republican. In local affairs he has always taken an active part, is independent as to party, and has served for one term as mayor of Mt. Vernon. Mr. Leonard married on October 26, 1892, Miss Easter Harrow, of Mt. Vernon. They are the parents of four children, viz. : Mark (deceased), Juliette, Frederick and John H. Mrs. Leonard is a woman of broad culture and popular in the social circles of the city in which she is a leader. The family residence, in which Mr. Leonard was born, is known for its gracious hospitality.

William C. Fuhrer, president of the Fuhrer-Ford Milling Company of Mt. Vernon, of which city he has been a resident since 1858, and one of the most prominent men of affairs in Posey county, was born in Pitts- burg, Penn., November 25, 1837, a son °f Gregory and Elizabeth (Johns) Fuhrer. Gregory Fuhrer was born in Alsace-Lorraine, France, his parents being of German origin, and about 1830 he came to the United States, located in Pennsylvania and there met and married Elizabeth Johns, a native of Westmoreland county, who was also of German descent. In 1858 he brought his family to Indiana and settled in Mt. Vernon, where he engaged in farming and market gardening. William C. Fuhrer was reared in Pittsburg, Penn., and acquired his education in the public schools of that city and was graduated from Duff's College. Shortly after the arrival of the family in Mt. Vernon, he secured employment as clerk of a wharf boat and was later bookkeeper for the dry goods firm of Mann, Larkin & Welborn. His initial venture as an owner was in the river trade in which he was a part owner in the steamers Hazel Dell, West Wrind, and others of their class. He entered the commercial life of Mt. Vernon with Fred and John Decker — Decker, Fuhrer & Co. — and later with Walter L. Sullivan and Richard Sarlls he formed the firm of Sullivan, Fuhrer & Co., and engaged in the retail dry goods business. In 1867 he engaged in the grain business and in 1883 entered the milling business as a member of the firm of Fuhrer, Boyce & Co., his associates being George W. and William L. Boyce. He was the first to establish a cash grain business, paying on delivery of the commodity, a method of transaction which not only was of decisive advantage to him as a buyer, but enabled the growers to avoid possible loss through the failure of any of the grain dealers during the interval between the buying and marketing of cereals, which in those days consumed some little time as the principal market was New Orleans. In 1883 he firm of Fuhrer, Boyce & Co. built the first "Peerless Mill," which was burned in 1899, ar"d on its site the present mill was erected and is now operated by the Fuhrer-Ford Milling Company, who succeeded to the business of the original builders. A review of this enterprise is included in the chapter "Manufacturing and Commercial Enterprises." Mr. Fuhrer has also been interested directly and indirectly with many other business enterprises of his home city, and perhaps no one of its citizens has had more to do with the development and building up of Mt. Vernon than he. In truth he has been one of the foremost in every movement which had for its object the city's progress, thrift and substantial growth. His political affiliations have been with the Republican party, his first presidential vote having been cast for Apraham Lincoln. In 1876 he supported Tilden and Hendricks, his one deflection from straight party lines. Political office has never appealed to him. He has attained the Knights Templar degree in Masonry, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Fuhrer marrried, in 1860, Miss Ann Phillips, who was born and reared in Lynn township, Posey county. Three children were born of this marriage, viz. : Eugene H. Fuhrer, born March n, 1865, secretary and treasurer of the Fuhrer-Ford Milling Company of Mt. Vernon ; Minnie Fuhrer, born in 1867, wife of Charles E. Peperday of Jacksonville, Fla., who died there in 1905, and a boy who died in infancy.

James L. Keeling, successful merchant and prominent citizen of Oliver, Ind., is a native of Posey county and was born on January 7, 1870, a son of Charles L. and Angeline (Downen) Keeling. The elder Keeling was also a native son of Posey county, having been born in Black township on March 7, 1843. His parents were natives of Virginia, who settled in Posey county during the early years of its development. Charles L. Keeling spent his early life in assisting his father to clear and improve land for farming. His after life was passed in agricultural pursuits. He died in Mt. Vernon on December 29, 1912. Of the family, which consisted of six children, but one is living, a sister, Martha, the widow of W. C. Allen, who was a farmer in Lynn township. He married, when a young man, Angeline Downen, and of this union seven children were born, viz. : James L. Keeling, the subject of this sketch ; Timothy, born June 27, 1873, a farmer of Eldorado, Ill. ; Gertrude, born August 22, 1875, the wife of Ollie Maize, a railway employee of Poplar Bluff, Mo.; Elizabeth, born December 15, 1878, the wife of Henry Overfield, also of Poplar Bluff; Mary, born December 20, 1881, the wife of Walter Compton of Mt. Vernon, Ind. ; Otis, born December 20, 1884, a railway employee of Mt. Carmel, Ill. ; and Martha, who died in infancy. James L. Keeling was reared on his father's farm in Black township, acquired his education in the schools of his native county, and learned the carpenter's trade. He was next employed as a clerk and in 1904 established his present business, that of a general merchant, at Oliver. This enterprise has been successful. Its growth has been continuous, it has been profitable, and Mr. Keeling's business methods have been such as to draw trade from a large district. He is a director in his school district and a member of the Masonic order. Mr. Keeling married, on December 29, 1892, Miss Eva Barton, a daughter of Samuel and Rachel (McKinnier) Barton, each a native of Posey county, where their daughter was born on April 29, 1876. Three children have been born of this union, viz. : Rachel, born October 28, 1893, who married on February 10, 1912, Thomas Menikheim, and they have one son, Earl James, born April 20, 1913; Earl Keeling, born January 29, 1895, a salesman in his father's store; and Veral, born April 14, 1906.

James C. Jeffries, a farmer of Black township, Posey county, Indiana, was born in that township November 12, 1842, son of James S. and Rosanna (Curtis) Jeffries, the farmer born in Mecklenberg county, Virginia, and the latter a native of North Carolina. Mr. Curtis, grandfather of James Jeffries, removed from North Carolina to Tennessee, and then to Indiana, at a very early date before much of the country was cleared. James S. Jeffries was born in 1799, and he came to Indiana with his parents in 1811, the year of the earthquake at New Madrid, Mo. The grandfather Jeffries was an early-day teacher and farmer, operated the ferry at McFadden's Bluff, now Mt. Vernon, and was the first ferryman at that place. He removed to the South later, where he died. Grandfather and Grandmother Curtis and James S. Jeffries and his wife died in Black township. James C. Jeffries received his education in the common schools and in the city schools of Mt. Vernon, and after finishing the course he began teaching in Posey county. Some of the school buildings were of logs with home-made furniture. In his twenty-seven years of teaching Mr. Jeffries only taught ten and one-half months outside of Posey county. A part of these twenty-seven years Mr. Jeffries had been farming in the summer time, and in 1889 he discontinued teaching and engaged in farming and stock raising. He never had to make a second trial for his certificate, his grades always being good. Mr. Jeffries can remember when the country was timbered and log rollings were in vogue in the spring, the feast being ham and eggs. He is an active Democrat. His fraternal affiliations are with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. James C. Jeffries married Miss Martha Templeton, daughter of Gilbert and Martha (Holland) Templeton, who was educated in the schools of Mt. Vernon. The father of Martha Holland was Hezekiah Holland, a doctor and minister in Posey county, where he died. Mrs. Holland died in Kentucky. Mrs. Jeffries was born in Posey county, and attended school near her father's farm. She is the sister of Worth Templeton, former trustee of Black township. Mr. and Mrs. Jeffries became the parents of nine children : George W., William H., Mattie, Ruth and Albert, all deceased ; James G., at home with his parents ; Julius W., married Nellie Armstrong, daughter of Frank J. and Fannie Armstrong, has one child, Mary, and they live at home on the Jeffries farm ; Octavia, married Christian Moritz and lives in Nebraska; and Louis E., lives in Illinois, married Maggie Trafford, daughter of Edward and Dorcas Trafford, has one child, Norma Fern.

Michael Grabert, a retired farmer and merchant of Mt. Vernon. Ind., was born in Wurtenberg, Germany, December 9, 1841. His father died before the birth of George, and his mother afterward married Frederick Rupp. He attended school in his native land and after finishing his education worked on a farm for a time, after which he engaged in the teaming business, following this occupation eight years, four of which were spent driving a hack. He came to America in 1866, his mother and stepfather coming the next year. He settled in Posey county and worked for a man by the name of Eberhardt Schenk on a farm in Black township, two and a half miles from Mt. Vernon. At that time the section now comprising the northern part of the town was all woods. In the spring of 1867 he began farming for himself on the old Campbell place near Mt. Vernon. He was a renter until 1869 when he bought a farm of forty acres southwest of town. Here he lived about eleven years, in which time he increased his acreage to 200. In 1881 he sold out and removed to Mt. Vernon where he engaged in a grocery and saloon business on Store street. He sold the store in 1897 and retired from active business life. Two years later he bought a home adjoining Mt. Vernon. It contains twelve and one-half acres of land which has on it. one of the most beautiful houses in or about town. The lawns are large and well kept, and it has all the modern improvements, including cement walks. While living on the farm Mr. Grabert was road supervisor of Black township. He was the owner of 1,500 acres of land in Black township, Posey count}', 160 in Point township and a section in Carson county, Panhandle of Texas. He is a member of the Luthern church. Mr. Grabert was married the first time in the fall of 1867, to Magdalena Friends, daughter of John Friends and wife, natives of Germany, who came to America and located in Posey county. By this marriage there was one child, Mary, who married Charlie Grabert, and died in October, 1912. Magdalena Grabert died in 1876, and our subject was married again the same year to Margaret Kaufmann, who lived less than a year after her marriage, dying in the fall of 1876. Mr. Grabert was married for the third time in October, 1877, when he took as his wife Louisa Susik, daughter of Frederick Susik and wife, natives of Germany. Her father died in his native country and she came to America with her mother when about six or seven years of age. She was educated in the schools of Posey county. Mr. and Mrs. Grabert had eight children, all boys, one of whom died at birth, and two others, Otto and George, died in childhood. The living are: Andrew G., Charlie, Otto, Fred and William. Charlie and Otto are living in Evans- ville, the former engaged in the saloon business. Andrew G. is a paper- hanger and painter in Mt. Vernon. Fred is working for the Electric Light Company, and William is attending school at Mt. Vernon.

Elliott W. LaDuke, one of the older residents of Posey county, Indiana, whose memory harks back to the days of diamond plows, grubbing stumps and raising wool for clothing, was born in Harrison county, Indiana, October 23, 1858, son of Harrison and Mary (Johnson) LaDuke, natives of the same county where the grandfather of the subject settled upon coming from France. Harrison LaDuke was a farmer and also engaged in brick making, in which he used the old method by hand. Mr. LaDuke, our subject, was raised in Harrison county, attending the country schools of those times. He worked at farming, first as a hired hand, saving money enough to start for himself at the time of his marriage. Oxen were used in hauling timbers in those days, and the old- fashioned farm implements were still in vogue. His first farm had to be grubbed of stumps. Fourteen years ago he bought his present farm, which is one of the best in this section of the country. He has always been successful in his farming and stock raising. Percheron horses, Poland China hogs and cattle have been his specialties. Upon one occasion he sold in Mt. Vernon a Short Horn from his herd which weighed 1,960 pounds. His entire farm of 128 acres is under cultivation and he also farms eighty acres near his home. His political affiliations are with the Democratic party, but public office has never appealed to him. He was one of the active factors in the organization of the Farmers' Elevator Company of Mt. Vernon. On November 13, 1883, Mr. LaDuke married Miss Mary Alldredge, daughter of Jefferson and Isa- belle Alldredge, natives of Indiana, mother born in Lawrenceburg, Ind. She was born in Posey county, Indiana, February 20, 1868, on the farm where her parents still reside. Here she was raised and attended the country schools. As a girl she carded cotton to make quilts, picking the seeds out by hand. She has helped plant corn by dropping it by hand into the hill, someone following with a hoe to cover the grains. Those were the days when wheat was cut with a cradle, and Mr. LaDuke used to do his harvesting in this manner. Clover was cut with a scythe, and raking was done by hand. Threshing was done in the same way that it was done in Biblical times, by tramping out the grain. Mrs. La- Duke remembers the first threshing machine. It was horse power, and was purchased by her brother. It is well within the memory of both our subject and his wife when their parents raised sheep for wool with which they made clothing, using the old spindle and hand loom. They became the parents of seven children: Elmer, born March 12, 1885; Edith, born September 18, 1886, married S. W. Frease, and lives in Black township; Mabel, born February 25, 1889, graduated from the Mt. Vernon High School, and is now teaching school at Stewartsville, Ind. ; Nora, born May 13, 1892, married Earl Miller, and lives in Black township ; Vivian, born December 17, 1897, graduated from the common schools; Malcolm, born January i, 1899, and Floyd, born October 7, 1902, are now attending school. The LaDuke family are members of the Methodist church, in which Mr. LaDuke is a trustee.

Henry Yunker, merchant and farmer of Grafton, is a native of Germany, having been born in the Valley of the Rhine September 3, 1835, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Haas) Yunker, natives of the Rhine valley. He remained on the farm with his parents until seventeen years of age, and in 1852 set sail for America, the trip taking fifty-six days, the ship landing at New Orleans December 22, 1852. The ship was a sailing vessel and while on board news was received of the election of Pierce as president of the United States. Mr. Yunker came to Indiana from New Orleans, reaching Evansville January 5, 1853. He began life in America by working as a farm hand for one month for $5.00. He then began learning the cooper's trade, working for one year for his board. After finishing apprenticeship he borrowed $7.00 to buy tools and came to Mt. Vernon to work in a shop. Later he walked back to Evansville to pay the $7.00. He has an adz that was bought at that time as a relic. After working at his trade in Mt. Vernon, Uniontown and Vanderburg county five years he went into business for himself at McKeetown, Black township, Posey county, and after remaining there one year he went into business in partnership with Conrad Mutz at Grafton. They had a store and some rented land and during the five years that they were together under the firm name of Mutz and Yunker, Mr. Yunker attended to the store and Mutz farmed the land. In 1864 Mr. Yunker bought out Mutz and the next year he sold the store and removed to Mt. Vernon, where he bought a building at the corner of Main and Water streets and embarked in the grocery and saloon business with his former partner. Mr. Mutz had kept the lands and Mr. Yunker bought an equal share in them. They continued doing business as partners for fifteen years. In the meantime, their building was destroyed by fire and they removed to the middle of the block where the colored barber shop is now located and later to the corner where Brinkman now is. At the end of fifteen years they sold out to Kalbfusz, who had acquired an interest in the firm, and Mr. Yunker returned to Grafton, his share in the division being 208 acres of land at that place beside the corner lot at Mt. Vernon. He at once opened a store and became postmaster. In all he has served as postmaster twenty-one years, including the time he served before going to Mt. Vernon. When the Grafton postoffice was first opened only two people took newspapers. Mr. Yunker had to drive to Mt. Vernon twice a week after the mail. He continued as postmaster until the office was discontinued and the rural delivery installed in its place. Mr. Yunker returned to Grafton in 1881 and since that time has added 200 more acres of land to his holdings of that time. When in Mt. Vernon he served the city three times as councilman from the Third ward, defeating a Republican in a Republican ward. He was on the board of county supervisors for one term and a member of the public highway viewers. Mr. Yunker has also been administrator of several estates and has been bondsman for a number of his friends to the amount of thousands of dollars. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in politics is a Democrat. Mr. Yunker was married September 3, 1858, to Miss Caroline V. Schuck, daughter of Godlif Schuck, her parents natives of Germany. Four children were born, to this union : Charles H., who operates the Yunker farm at Grafton ; Anna L., married J. J Boszkirk, and lives in Wichita, Kan.; Emily O., married Charles Walz and lives in Wichita ; Clara, also living in Wichita. The first Mrs. Yunker died August 15, 1874. Mr. Yunker remarried December 24, 1874, taking as his wife Miss Caroline Seib, daughter of Frank Seib, native of Germany, who came to this country from Ellsasz and engaged in the butcher business. Caroline Seib was born in Mt. Vernon, Ind., where she attended the common schools. They have four children, all living: Albert R., farmer; Henrietta E., Margaret M., Frank P., farmer. When Mr. Yunker first came to Indiana this section was a wilderness and when he and Mr. Mutz were farming during the Civil war they had to cut wheat with a cradle, and in the summer of 1873 MF- Yunker cradled seventy-four acres of wheat himself. He was a member of the Home Guards during the Civil war.

Alonzo J. Alldredge, one of the oldest natives of Posey county, was born October 9, 1846, son of Anderson and Sarah Mariah Alldredge, also natives of Indiana. In his boyhood much of the land now under cultivation was forest and there were no railroads in the county. Mt. Vernon was but a small village and where the hominy mill .now stands a Mr. Brinkman had a blacksmith shop and there was a saloon on the location of Rosenbaum's store. There were a great many wild turkeys and Mr. Alldredge can remember of one occasion when his dog was chasing a flock of these birds and one of them jumped up on the fence where he caught it with his hands. At that time there was an old grist mill on the creek near Grafton, where the farmers had their grain ground by water power. Alonzo attended the common schools and remained at home with his parents until the age of twenty-one. At the age of seventeen he enlisted in Brown's company of Mt. Vernon. They made a trip to Morgantown, thence to Henderson and back to Mt. Vernon. He was also in Johnson's raid across the Kentucky border. At the age of twenty- one he began farming for himself, taking charge of his father's place of 200 acres. As only fifty acres of this tract were cleared, he had to subdue the forest before he could gain any benefit of the ground. These were the days of split rail fences, some of those made at that time remaining to this clay. When he started farming he had to cradle his own wheat, mow clover and other grass with a scythe and use oxen for farm work. One year Mr. Alldredge threshed wheat by tramping it out with four horses under a big shade tree. He was able to tramp out 200 bushels in a week's time. He continued clearing his land and now has 240 acres under cultivation, having added to the original holding. Mr. Alldredge married Victoria Bishop, the marriage occurring in 1867. She was born in Posey county, where she was raised and educated. They had four children : Lemuel, January 20, 1872, now living on the home place ; Laura, May 4, 1874; Otis, January 5, 1870, and Minnie, December 3, 1876, now deceased. His first wife died February 7, 1877, ar>d ne married Miss Martha S. Pierman, daughter of James Pierman of Indiana. She was born in Posey county, where she was raised, educated and married. They had five children: Marsh, February 23, 1880; Fred, August 13, 1881 ; Elijah, July 4, 1884; Julius, November 13, 1887, and Eva, November 15, 1890. Eva is deceased and the other four are all living in the county. Mrs Martha Alldredge died January 26, 1891. He married as his third wiie Sarah Pierman, a sister of his second wife.

John S. Alldredge, county commissioner, farmer and former merchant of Mt. Vernon, Ind., was born in Posey county December 9, 1860, son of Samuel S. Alldredge and Louisa (Allbright) Alldredge, natives of Posey county, where the family on both sides was engaged in farming and stock raising. John Alldredge was reared in Black township and after finishing the common schools he worked on the farm with his parents until twenty years of age, when he started out for himself, his father presenting him with a farm to begin on. He still lives on this same farm, but in the meantime he has branched out into other business. For two years Mr. Alldredge had an implement and buggy store in Mt. Vernon, firm style of Alldredge & Son, and previous to this, about 1895, opened a general merchandise store in Upton, and after opening the store in Mt. Vernon he managed the two, besides overseeing his three farms in Black township. He also bought grain for Fuhrer & Co. for two years and then for the hominy mill, and at present is buyer for the American Hominy Co. He has 300 acres of well-improved land, besides a fine home in Mt. Vernon. In 1910 Mr. Alldredge was elected county commissioner on the Democratic ticket. He is active in the Methodist Episcopal church and is a member of the Lion's association. On March 13, 1880, Mr. Alldredge married Miss Sallie Wilborn, daughter of William and Elizabeth Wrilborn, natives of Posey county, where subject's wife was born and attended common school. They had three children : Herman, August 3, 1881 ; William J., November, 1885, and Delia, 1883. The first wife died in 1886. On September 18, 1887, Mr. Alldredge married Miss Mary L. Redman, daughter of George and Ann Redman, natives of Posey county, where their daughter was born and reared. Three children were born to this union, Elsie, 1888, who married Raymond Bray and lives in Posey county; Ethel, 1890, married Herbert Redman and lives in Mt. Vernon, where he is a barber in the Deitz shop, and Edith, deceased in infancy.

William D. Erwin, a representative of one of the earliest families of Black township, Posey county, Indiana, was born in that township February 15, 1859, son of Jefferson and Hannah (Howard) Erwin, both natives of Tennessee. Hannah Howard was the daughter of Baldwin and Susan (Racier) Howard, also natives of Tennessee. The mother of our subject came to Posey county from Davis county, Indiana, and the father came here from Tennessee. He was born in 1814 and she on November 16, 1828. Jefferson Erwin was engaged in farming and stock raising and ran a carding machine to which the settlers brought their wool for many miles. This was the "hangout" for the settlers at certain seasons of the year. He also had a store at Farmersville for seven or eight years. He died December 20, 1875, and his wife November 13, 1888. William Erwin attended school for a short time at Crab Orchard school, but received most of his education at Farmersville. After finishing his course he began farming and has continued in this occupation, making a specialty of Jersey cattle and Poland China hogs at one time. He is a Democrat in politics and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Encampment, the Rebekahs and the Ben Hur lodge. On March 14, 1882, Mr. Erwin married Mattie A. Redman, daughter of David and Johanna (Johnson) Redman, the former a native of England and the latter of Ireland, both coming to this country in childhood. Mrs. Erwin was born in Mt. Vernon on April 17, 1859, and attended common, school at Farmersville and at Mt. Vernon. They have two children : Carrie, born August 23, 1884, and Dalton, April 15, 1883. Carrie attended the schools of Crab Orchard, Farmersville and graduated from high school, 1902, at Mt. Vernon and taught school for one term of eight months. Dalton received his education in the Crab Orchard and Mt. Vernon schools and is a graduate of the Evansville Commercial College. On January 24, 1906, he married Mary E. Ashworth, daughter of David and Frances Ashworth, of Mt. Vernon, and lives in Mt. Vernon, where he is employed by the Chicago & Eastern Illinois railroad. They have two children, Agnes Ellen, born January 19, 1907, and William D., born February 20, 1909. Agnes E. is attending school in Mt. Vernon.

Henry Uhde, a farmer of Black township, Posey county, Indiana, was born on the place where he now lives February 6, 1873, the only child of William and Margaret (Schnack) Uhde, natives of Germany, the mother from Holtstein and the father from Brunswick. He came to this country about 1855 an William Uhde was a soldier in the Civil war, serving in the Sixty-fifth Indiana. They were married September 12, 1869. Henry was reared on the farm and graduated from the Mt. Vernon high school in 1889. The family lived in Nashville, Tenn., for a year and he attended the Catholic school of that place, as well as the public school. After leaving school he began farming and stock raising on the home place. His father died April 18, 1878. On May 15, 1902, Mr. Uhde married Carrie Starken, daughter of August and Margaret (Riecken) Starken, her parents being natives of Holtstein, Germany, where they were reared. They were married in the spring of 1864 and came to this country in 1865. Mr. Starken was a carpenter besides being a farmer and stock raiser. He died April 18, 1888. His wife died November 3, 1904. Carrie Starken was born in Black township May 31, 1878, where she was reared and attended common school at the Gill schoolhouse, also attended the Mt. Vernon schools. Mr. and Mrs. Uhde have three children : Marguerite, Henry and Erwin. All three are attending at the Gill schoolhouse. The family are members of the Lutheran church at Mt. Vernon, and in politics Mr. Uhde is a Republican.

Herman Hellenberg, a farmer of Black township, Indiana, was born in Posey county April 9, 1878, son of Henry and Minnie (llhde) Hellenberg. Henry Hellenberg was born in Germany August 19, 1845, and came to this country on August i, 1866, locating in Mt. Vernon, Ind. Henry Hellenberg was a carpenter by trade and worked at his trade in addition to farming and stock raising. He and his wife had seven children, of whom Frank, of Black township, who has three boys, William, Louis and Frederick, and our subject are living. Minnie, who married George Quinzer, William, Annice, August and Henry died in infancy. The subject was the third child. He was reared in the place of his birth, attended the Gill and Upton schools. After finishing the common school course he began farming on the home place with his parents, who retired in 1900 and located in Mt. Vernon. He has been farming the home place ever since, having eighty-seven acres west of Mt. Vernon. On January 28, 1905, Mr. Hellenberg married Emma Schmack, daughter of Fritz and Lizzie Schmack, natives of Germany, who came to this country in .childhood. Mr. and Mrs. Schmack had seven children, Emma being the fourth. She was born in Black township and attended school at Gill schoolhouse. Mr. and Mrs. Hellenberg had three children : Henry, deceased : Herman and Louise. Louise is now attending school in Black township. They are members of the Lutheran church, and Mr. Hellenberg is a Republican. The mother of our subject died July 19, 1911.

Elijah D. Whipple, a prosperous farmer, minister and former merchant and postmaster, was born on the same farm where he now lives near Upton, Ind., September 7, 1856. At that time there were but two or three houses in the neighborhood and Upton did not exist. The parents of our subject were Willard and Mahalah (Jones) Whipple, the former a native of New York and the latter of Livingston county, Kentucky. The elder Whipple settled at Lawrenceburg, Ind., about seventy- five years ago, and from there removed to Posey county when there was as yet only a little of the ground cleared and wild game was abundant, especially turkey and deer. Elijah Whipple was the eldest of three sons, and after finishing the common schools of those times he went to work on the farm with his parents. Later he farmed for two or three years in the bottoms. Upon the death of his father in the spring of 1876 he returned to the home place, and has lived there ever since. His mother died in 1877. In 1884 Mr. Whipple built a pretty home on his farm, which is well improved and contains 106 acres, all under cultivation. Formerly he was a breeder of Poland China hogs, but at present is engaged in general farming and stock raising. He has been a grain buyer for a number of years and is now agent for the Home Grain and Mill Company of Mt. Vernon, for which concern he buys grain at Upton. At one time Mr. Whipple was in the general merchandise business at Upton, and served as postmaster of the town for four years. The Whipple family are members of the Baptist church, in which our subject was ordained as a minister in 1908. He is a forceful speaker and has preached at several places with great success. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Ben Hur Lodge and of the Court of Honor, and in politics is a Prohibitionist. On July 18, 1875, the marriage of Mr. Whipple to Nancy J. Nestler, daughter of Gilson and Permelia Nestler, took place. The parents of Mrs. Whipple were born in Black township, Posey county, where her father farmed. She was also born in Black township of that county, and was educated in the public schools. Two children were born of this union: Bessie E., December 25, 1891, who married Harley Crawford, and a resident of Kansas City, Mo., where he is an employee of the Metropolitan Railway Company, and Burton E., June 7, 1896, who is at home. The Mrs. Whip- pie died December i, 1901. On October 12, 1902, our subject married Mrs. Osie A. Aldredge, nee Welborn, daughter of William and Fre- donia Welborn, natives of this county engaged in farming and stock raising. She was born in Black township of this county, where she attended the common schools. They have two children, Bonnie M., born July 5, 1903, and Earle E., September 3, 1906, both attending school at Upton, where they have made exceptionally good records.

Elisha H. Phillips, a representative of one of the old established families of Posey county, was born in Black township (same county) July 8, 1852. His grandfather and grandmother, Irad and Eunice (Bennett) Phillips came here from New York, where they were both born, the former in January, 1773, and the latter in 1772. They located in Posey county, Indiana, in 1820, when their son Elisha Phillips, Sr., was a young man. Irad Phillips died in August, 1822, and his wife died in August, 1837. Elisha Phillips, Sr., was born in New York November 19, 1802, and died in Posey county, Indiana, April 16, 1875. His wife. Volley (Burleson), daughter of Aaron and Mary (Hampton) Burleson, was born November 15, 1808, and died January i, 1871. They are both buried in Burleson cemetery at Farmersville, Ind. When the Phillips family first came to Indiana this county was a wilderness, and Elisha, Sr., built his first home of logs in the woods, and was married in 1825. He and his wife became the parents of ten children: Ninvey, born April 17, 1827; Andrew H., born June 8, 1829; Elizabeth, born January 17, 1831; Volley A., deceased, born December 14, 1834; Eunice M., born February 10, 1836; Aaron H., born July 15, 1839; Jonathan H., born February 27, 1845; Elisha H., born July 8, 1852; John T., born January 14, 1841, and Fidelia T., born February 21, 1843. Elisha H. Phillips, the youngest child of Elisha and Volley Phillips, was born on the same farm where he now lives, and attended common school at Farmersville. After graduating from the common school course he began farming and raising stock. He remained at home with his parents until their deaths, after which the home place became his property. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator and Grain Company of Mt. Vernon. He is a member of the Regular Baptist church, and has several times been elected delegate to the General Association of that denomination. He is a director in the organization at Farmersville. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of the Ben Hur lodge, and of the Democratic party. On the first of June', 1876, Mr. Phillips married Annie Dunn, daughter of Robert and Mary Dunn, natives of Butler county, Ohio, who came to Posey county before their marriage. They engaged in farming and stock raising. Robert Dunn was the son of James and Mary (McCluskey) Dunn, natives of Butler county, Ohio, where they were married. They are of Irish extraction. They came to Posey county when their son Robert was nine years of age, and engaged in farming. (See tombstone in Dunn cemetery.) Robert and Mary (Jones) Dunn had six children: Malinda, deceased, Annie, now Mrs. Phillips, Elizabeth, deceased, Angeline, deceased, John T., deceased, and William H. Malinda married Caleb Erwin and had five children, Mary, Versie, Hannah, Elsie, and one who died in infancy. Elizabeth married Walter Hinkley and had one child, Owen. William H. married Elizabeth Buchannan and had two children, Robert and Margaret. Annie, the wife of our subject, was raised in Black township and educated at the Gill schoolhouse, where she graduated. Her parents are both dead, the father dying in February, 1879, and the mother in August, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips had seven children, Albert, William and Eugene, deceased, and Lemnel R., Elisha D., Grace and Zillie, living. Lemnel R. is a farmer of Black township. He married Lulie Dunn, and they have two children, Clyde and Marie. Elisha D. resides in Louisville, Ky. Grace married Henry Kiltz, farmer and rural mail carrier of Black township. They had two children, Horace, deceased, and Helen. Zillie married Herbert Hogan, retail liquor dealer of Mt. Vernon. They have two children, Starlus and Hazel. Mrs. Elisha Phillips is a member of the Regular Baptist church and active in her congregation at Farmersville. The Phillips farm of 132 acres is one of the best in Black township, and has been in the Phillips family for three generations.

Lorenz C. Miller (deceased) was born in Marrs township, Posey county, Indiana, July 9, 1851, and was reared on his father's farm near St. Phillips and later became a farmer on his own account near Caborns. For many years he was a road supervisor. In politics he was a Republican, but was never active, being a quiet industrious man. He was killed by a traction car at St. Philip's Station October 29, 1911. Mr. Miller was married February 8, 1877, to Miss Margaret Wimpelberg, daughter of John and Margaret Wimpelberg, born December 14, 1858, in Vanderburg county, Indiana, of parents who were natives of Germany, and who came to the United States about 1840. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have one son and five daughters living, and two daughters dead, Katie and Amelia. Elizabeth, born September 21, 1878, was married to Henry Battieger and is the mother of three children, Henry, Carl and Odelia. John L., born March 27, 1881, married Miss Maggie Debes May 10, 1905, by whom he has three daughters and one son, Thelma, Leona, Mildred and John Eugene, is now in the general merchandise business at Caborns Station ; Magdalena, born August 22, 1883, was married to Henry Layer and is the mother of four children, Jessemay, Herdis, Clorous and Dorothy. Lillie, born February 17, 1890, married to Ramond Culley. Odelia, born May 26, 1892, and Emma O., born May 6, 1895. Odelia and Emma are still at home with their mother.

Pitts Johnson, a farmer of Black township, Posey county, Indiana, was born on the same farm where he now lives, December 23, 1849. He traces his ancestry back to Capt. Edward Johnson, who came from England with Governor Winthrop in 1630, and the genealogy of the family from this ancestor to our subject has been published and is very highly prized by him. His parents were D. F. and Dorcus (Duckworth) Johnson. D. F. Johnson was a native of New York State, having been born in Cayuga county June 16, 1804, was married June 16, 1825, to Dorcus Duckworth, who was born May 8, 1810, and who died January 23, 1879. He died in 1884. The founder of the family in Posey county was Rufus Johnson, grandfather of Pitts, who brought his family here in 1822. The father of our subject, with Dr. Phillips, went to Vincennes to enter land, making the trip by "riding and tying." Later D. F. Johnson became so homesick that he and Frank Allyn walked back to New York State. When the Johnsons first came here all the land was wild and very little of it had been taken by settlers. Farming was done in the old fashioned way, the wheat being threshed by treading it out. D. C. Johnson, Mr. Allyn and another man were the first to bring a farm machine of any kind to this section of the country. It was a reaper and a man had to stand on it and rake the grain with a pitchfork. When the first frame house was built at Mt. Vernon people came for miles to see it. The building caused as much excitement as did the battleship which later came up the river. Mr. Johnson was married in 1869 and began farming for himself on the home place, where he had been working with his parents since finishing school. He has always been on the home place with the exception of three years, when he went to the bottoms to farm. Mr. Johnson's wife was Miss Louisa Combs, daughter of John and Elizabeth Combs, natives of Posey county, Indiana, where Louisa was born June 28, 1853. She was reared in Black township and attended the common schools. They had two children: Sylvanus, born January 29, 1870, and Victor, born October 3, 1871, and died October 9, 1873. Sylvanus is a teacher in the Farmersville school, and has taught all over the country. He married Miss Emma Smith, daughter of James and Alice Smith, the wedding occurring August 31, 1892. She was born in Union county, Kentucky, and was raised in Posey county, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Sylvanus Johnson have five children : William, Harold, Dorothy, Virginia and Keith.

Fred Schenk, a wealthy farmer of Robinson township, Posey county, Indiana, was born on the same farm where he still lives, on July 20, 1864, son of Theodore and Francisco (Schenk) Schenk. Theodore Schenk was born in Aslargen, Westfallen, Germany, and came to America in 1844. He was a tailor, having learned the trade in the old country, but after working at the business awhile in this country he went to farming on account of his health. He bought sixty acres of land from Frank Schenk, his father-in-law, and began with practically nothing, but made a large fortune before his death, which occurred in 1902, at the home of his son Fred. The father of Theodore Schenk fought in the French and German war, and had two bullets in his body as long as he lived. Francisco Schenk was the daughter of Frank Schenk, who came to America in 1824, locating in Robinson township, Posey county, Indiana. At that time there were but twenty houses in Evansville and they had to cut a road through the woods to reach that point. They built a log house, and the first plow had a wooden mould board. However, a little land was cleared and planted to corn for bread, and they continually improved their condition. Francisco used to carry eggs to Evansville, sometimes taking a basket full which was so heavy that it took two men to put it on her head. One of the members of the Schenk family, on the mother's side, was considered one of the best singers in the world. She sang before the Emperor and became famous the world over. She is a second cousin of our subject. Fred Schenk was born in a long house on the site of which now stands a palatial residence, modern in every way, with inlaid hardwood floors, tile roofing, furnace heat, and hot and cold water. In the yard is a fountain, flower gardens and cement walks. It is one of the most beautiful homes in the county, unsurpassed by any in the city. Fred attended school in St. Philip, walking three miles to school every morning. After completing his education he began farming on the home place, his parents remaining with him until they passed away, the father in 1902 and the mother six years earlier. The brother of our subject was a Roman Catholic priest, and for several years was rector of the church at St. Joseph, Vanderburg county. He died in March, 1909. Mr. Schenk has seen the evolution of farm traffic from oxen to buggies and from buggies to automobiles, and drives one of the latter. He is agent for the Monitor Iron Company of Big Prairie, Ohio, which produces a self-heating flatiron. He employes fifteen men in selling this article and makes his deliveries with an auto truck. All his farm produce is hauled to Evansville. In his memory wheat reaping was done with the cradle. He has tied many sheaves of wheat, and was considered very rapid in this line of work. The Schenk farm consists of 135 acres. Mr. Schenk was elected justice of the peace on the Democratic ticket in 1910, and is now holding that office. Mr. Schenk was married in St. Philip's church to Julia Fisher, daughter of Valentine Fisher (see sketch of Henry Fisher). She was born in Posey county, attended school at St. Philip, and at the St. Joseph Academy of Evansville, from which she was graduated. They have two children, John and Lillie, both of whom attended school at St. Philip, and both are now helping their parents. The family are members of the Catholic church at St. Philip, and Mr. Schenk served the organization as trustee from 1908 to 1912.

Enoch W. McFaddin. — To the resident of Posey county the name of McFaddin is as familiar as that of Washington to the school boy. Members of the family had examined the site of the present city of Mt. Vernon, while on hunting expeditions, previous to its cession by the Indians. Andrew McFaddin, known as "Piddle-de-dum," squatted on land now a part of the city about 1905. He was soon followed by " Slim" Andrew and William, and the locality became known as McFad- din's Bluff. In the development of the county, members of this family have borne an important part, have been honored with public office, in which they have served with credit, and numbered among them have been men of substantial property and influence. Enoch W. McFaddin was born on his father's farm in Lynn township, August i, 1867, a son of Philocles P. and Malinda (Bundy) McFaddin. The father was a son of Noah and Sarah (Albright) McFaddin, and was also born on the McFaddin farm in Lynn township, November 4, 1844. Noah McFaddin was the first of the family to settle in Lynn township, and the original homestead is now owned by his grandson, Noah McFaddin. Philocles P. McFaddin attended the country schools of his home district, three terms at Mt. Vernon, and completed a course at Owensville ( Indiana) Academy. He married when nineteen years of age. He was throughout his lifetime engaged in agriculture and in this occupation he was successful; he accumulated a comfortable fortune, became a man of influence in his section, where he was highly respected for his honesty and clean living. He was a Democrat, took an active part in the work of his party, and was always ready to assist both with time and money any movement that had for its object the improvement of the commercial, civic or religious life of the community. He married, on May 15, 1864, Malinda Bundy, daughter of James and Louisa (Weir) Bundy. She was born January 8, 1845, in Posey county. Mr. and Mrs. McFaddin became the parents of six children : James F. ; Enoch W., Noah, sketches of whom follow ; Benoni, Idellia, Hannie B. and Lemuel P.t who died when quite young. Mr. McFaddin was a member of Artie Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of New Harmony, and both he and his wife were members of the General Baptist church. His death occurred in 1891, and that of his wife on January 20, 1893. Enoch W. McFaddin was reared in Lynn township, attended the public schools and assisted in the work incident to carrying on his father's farm. He engaged in farming on his own account in 1891, and is accounted one of the most successful agriculturists of his township. The improvements on his property are second to none in Posey county. He is widely known in southern Indiana and Illinois as a breeder of light harness horses. He is the owner of Argot W. Wilkes, one of the noted pacing stallions of this section of the State. Daisy Lee, 2:23%, was reared and trained by him, as well as several other valuable animals. He is quite an extensive breeder of Poland-China hogs, and in this line of endeavor has met with success. He is also the owner of a saw mill on Big Creek, which has proven a profitable investment. Mr. McFaddin has been a lifelong Democrat, and has been an active worker in the interests of that organization. He was elected trustee of Lynn township in 1908. His administration of the business of this office was highly creditable. Extensive improvements were made to the township roads, school buildings remodeled and repaired, and several bridges replaced by new ones. Through his handling of the township's finances he was able to reduce the tax levy each year, while accomplishing more in the way of improvements than had any of his predecessors in office. He was a candidate for the office of sheriff in 1912, but failed to secure the majority necessary for election. He is a member of Artie Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, No. 396, of New Harmony, Mt. Vernon Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, Mt. Vernon Lodge, No. 277, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and Posey Aerie, Fraternal Order of Eagles. Mr. McFaddin married, on March 28, 1897, Miss Flora Alexander, daughter of David and Phoebe Alexander. She was born in Posey county on July 6, 1870. The McFaddin home is known for its hospitality, its hostess for her qualities of heart and mind; as is her husband for his goodfellowship, broadmindedness and charity toward his fellow man. He is one of the county's best known sportsmen, a splendid shot, and his hours of recreation are given to the woods, field and stream.

Noah McFaddin is a prominent farmer of Lynn township, and a representative of one of Posey county's honored pioneer families. He was born in Lynn township January 5, 1871, and is a son of Philocles P. and Malinda ( Bundy) McFaddin, both natives of Posey county. Malinda Bundy was born January 8, 1845, and was a daughter of James and Louisa (Weir) Bundy, both pioneers of Posey county. Philocles McFaddin spent his entire life in Lynn township, where he was a prosperous farmer. His parents were Noah and Sarah (Albright) McFaddin, both natives of Kentucky, where the former was born in 1802, the latter in 1804. Noah McFaddin, grandfather of the subject of this review, was a native of Kentucky and of Irish descent. Noah Mc- Fadden, whose name introduces this sketch, was reared on his father's farm in Lynn township and educated in the public schools. He is one of the progressive farmers and grain dealers of Lynn township, to which his fine, well kept acres bear witness. Mr. McFaddin was united in marriage January 8, 1902, to Miss Florence Gano, a native of Posey county. To this union have been born five children : Merle, Hazel, Charles, Hanie and Myron (deceased). Mr. McFaddin is a staunch Democrat and always takes an active interest in the party organization. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a genial gentleman and one of the substantial citizens of Posey county.

James F. McFaddin, former sheriff and influential citizen of Posey county, was born on his father's farm in Lynn township on April 13, 1865, and is the eldest son of Philocles P. and Malinda (Bundy) McFaddin ( see sketch of Enoch W. McFaddin). He was reared on his father's farm in Lynn township and educated in the schools of that township and New Harmony. Since boyhood, he has been actively identified with the agricultural interests of 'Lynn township, is an extensive owner of farm properties, and has operated them profitably. He is best known to the citizens of his home county through his service in public office. In 1894 he was elected trustee of Lynn township and occupied the office of sheriff of Posey county from January i, 1902, until January i, 1906. His administrations of the affairs of these offices were highly creditable to himself and profitable to his township and county. He is a Democrat and prominent in the councils of his party. On entering the sheriff's office he became a resident of Mt. Vernon, and on conclusion of his service engaged in the grain business. Mr. Mc- Faddin is also well and favorably known as a breeder of pedigreed horses. A number of the best animals produced in the county having been bred, trained and raced by him. He is a member of Mt. Vernon Lodge, No. 277, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and of the Baptist church. In 1885 he married Miss Ida B. Aldrich, daughter of Thomas L. and Isabella Aldrich, of Lynn township, and a member of one of Posey county's most prominent pioneer families.

George C. Taylor, New Harmony, a leading member of the Posey county bar, and a descendant of pioneer ancestry, is a native of New Harmony. He was born October 8, 1867, and is a son of Canada and Jane (Williams) Taylor. Canada Taylor was also born in New Harmony in 1831. He was a river pilot by occupation, which he followed principally throughout his life. However, he served as city marshal of New Harmony for a time. He died March 31, 1875. He was a son of Tarpey Taylor, a native of North Carolina, who settled in New Harmony not far from 1820. He was a man of remarkable physical strength, a veritable giant, and his marvelous feats of strength would seem almost incredible. After coming to Posey county he made New Harmony his home until the time of his death. Jane Williams, our subject's mother, was also born in New Harmony, and spent her life there. She died April 7, 1878. She was the daughter of John Williams, who was a native of Tennessee, and settled in the vicinity of New Harmony at an early day. George C. Taylor was one of a family of three children : Frances, married Joseph W. Camp, Terre Haute ; Delia, married Warren Roberts, Fort Branch ; and George C. George was reared in Stewarts- ville to the age of fifteen. He attended the public schools, and when seventeen years old began teaching in the district schools to get money to obtain a higher education. It was not long until he was elected principal of the Wadesville schools, where he remained one year. In the meantime he had attended the State normal school at Terre Haute, and in 1891 became principal of the New Harmony schools, a position he held for four years. He then entered a law office to pursue the study of law. Having devoted much time to the study of law prior to this time, he was prepared for examination a year later, or in 1896, when he was duly admitted to practice. Since that time Mr. Taylor has been engaged in the practice of his profession in New Harmony, where he has built up a large practice, and won the confidence and esteem of a host of acquaintances throughout Posey and adjoining counties. Mr. Taylor is an able lawyer and has ever been loyal to the interests of his clients, and although aggressive where the occasion demands, he is not. however, unfair to an adversary. He served as assistant prosecutor of Posey county from 1896 to 1906, and for fifteen years has been city attorney for New Harmony, and for an equal length of time has been attorney for the Illinois Central Railroad Company. On October I, 1904, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Foshee, of Mt. Vernon, Ind. Mrs. Taylor is an estimable woman, whose genial manner and noble character have won many friends. She comes from a highly respected pioneer family of Posey county. Mr. Taylor is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of Pythias. Politically, he is a Democrat, and has taken keen interest in the councils of his party. He is always interested in any movement which tends to the betterment of his town or county. He has been secretary of the Posey County Agriculture Society for eight years, and is secretary of the New Harmony 1914 Centennial.

Thomas Jones, a successful farmer of Black township, Posey county, Indiana, was born in Lynn township, of the same county, October 25, 1843, son of Samuel and Malinda (Nelson) Jones, the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter a native of Tennessee. These parents had fourteen children, of whom Thomas was the fourth. Samuel Jones was engaged in farming and stock raising, and our subject was reared on the farm, where he attended the country schools. In August, 1863, although yet under twenty years of age, he enlisted in Company H, Ninety-first Indiana regiment. After the war he returned to Black township, to which the family had removed in 1853, and began farming and raising stock for himself. He has continued in that occupation ever since, and has met with a large degree of success. He is a member of the Primitive Baptist church, and in politics is a Democrat. In January, 1866, Mr. Jones married Miss Edith C. Hinkley, daughter of William C. and Nancy Hinkley, natives of Posey county, where they were engaged in farming and stock raising. Mrs. Jones was born in Black township and attended the common schools. They have had five children: Charles, deceased; Mary, married to Jewell Jukam, and living in Denver, Colo. ; Sarah, married Wallace Wilson, they live in Seattle, Wash., and have one child, Walter ; Ida, lives in Denver with her sister Mary ; George, at home with his parents. The family are members of the Regular Baptist church.

Dr. Samuel C. Henderson, a successful practicing physician of Howell, Ind., was born at Surgeonville, Hawkins county, Tennessee, January 16, 1848, son of S. L. and Annie (Williams) Henderson. The grandfather of our subject was killed and robbed by Indians near Chattanooga, Tenn. He had been making a campaign speech at Manchester, a short distance from the city, in the interests of a man by the name of Young, who was running for governor. The next day he started for Chattanooga and the tragedy occurred. Annie Williams was the daughter of Silas and Mary (Gibson) Williams, the former a soldier in the War of 1812, was wounded at Tohopeka (Horse Shoe Bend), March 27, 1814. Samuel Henderson was reared on a farm in Tennessee, attended the common schools of that day, and at the age of fifteen he enlisted in Company E, First Tennessee Federal cavalry, but on account of his youth was not permitted to serve, and was discharged June n, 1865. Two of his brothers were in the Federal army, and one was in the rebel army. After his discharge he again attended school and on March 20, 1866, came to Indiana, locating first at Francisco, in Gibson county. He attended school in Owensville and later taught school in Columbia township, now Center township. He also taught one year at Cox school house, in Posey county. He paid for his education by teaching and by working in the harvest fields in the summer, receiving $3.50 per day for tying wheat. He secured a first' grade certificate, and in 1873 began reading medicine, continuing the study three years while teaching school. He then attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Cincinnati. He was graduated from the Evansville Medical College in 1879. After his graduation he established himself in practice in St. Philip, where he has since remained and has met with great success, accumulating a comfortable fortune meanwhile. He has retired from the most arduous duties of a physician, but still attends to some office practice. Dr. Henderson has a farm, and is a raiser of fine cattle and hogs. He has been township physician three years, and back in 1875 he was assessor for Center township, Gibson county. He is the only Democrat in the family, even his brother who served in the rebel army being a Republican. In faith he is a Methodist, but is not a member of any church. On August 7, 1873, Dr. Henderson married Barbara Pelt, daughter of James and Nancy Pelt. She was born in Wadesville, Ind., where she was reared and received her education. They are the parents of eight children : Annie (deceased), Ina, Estella, Ethel, Myrtle, Charlie, Irma and Versia. Charlie lives in Mt. Vernon and is engaged in farming and stock raising. Irma and Versia are at home with their parents.

Henry Herschelman, a prosperous farmer of Howell, Ind., was born in German township, Vanderburg county, Indiana, February 23, 1853, son of Andrew and Sophia (Leipold) Herschelman, the former a native of Bavaria, and the latter from Wittenberg, Germany. Andrew Herschelman came to this country at the age of twenty. He was a carpenter, and had tools to do the very finest wood work. After several years in America he took up farming in Vanderburg county and continued this occupation until his death in 1897. Henry Herschelman was reared and attended the schools of his native county, and later went to work on the home place with his parents, where he remained until he was twenty-seven years of age. He then began in life for himself. His father gave him seventy-three acres of land in Posey county, and he came here in 1880, and has remained ever since. Even at that date the land was wild and he began clearing it up year by year and improving it with buildings. He now has 120 acres of land, 100 acres of which are under cultivation. He has always engaged in general farming and stock raising. Mr. Herschelman has been a notary public for the past sixteen years. In politics he is a Republican. On May 6, 1880, Mr. Herschelman married Louisa Baumann, daughter of George and Sophia Baumann, natives of Wittenberg, Germany, who came to Posey county in early times and settled in Robinson township, where the wife of our subject was born and reared, and where she received her education in the public schools. Mr. and Mrs. Herschelman have had four children : Amelia (deceased) ; Wesley, who married Cora Luker, and lives with her father on the farm in Robinson township ; Mary, who married George Maier, lives on the Herschelman farm, and is the mother of two children, Edgar and Gilbert; Carry, who is living with her parents. The family are members of the German Methodist church.

George Seib, a farmer of Cynthiana, Ind., was born January 20, 1840, in Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, son of John and Elizabeth Seib. His parents came to America in 1846 and settled in Posey county, where he now lives. When John Seib bought the land there were only about three acres cleared, in fact there was very little cleared ground in the vicinity, and our subject helped clear a great deal of ground. When the house was built he helped clear the ground from around the home. Some of the logs of this first house are in a granary now in use on the place. After finishing the common schools Mr. Seib farmed on the home place and has lived there all his life with the exception of two years, when he was in Illinois. He has added to the original holding and now has 107 acres under cultivation. He is a Democrat in politics, and is a member of the Catholic church. On June 13, 1865, Mr. Seib married Miss Weida Knapps, daughter of Philip Knapps. She was born in Posey county and attended the common schools of St. Wendel. They have ten children: Peter J., Emil, Mary, John, Annie, George H., Catherine, Nicholas, Barbara and Elizabeth. Eight of the children are married and have families, and the other two are at home with their parents. Six live in Posey county and four in Vanderburg county. They are all members of the Catholic church, the family church home being St. Wendel.

Walter G. Carson, a successful farmer of Black township, Posey county, Indiana, was born -January 9, 1862, son of James M. and Jane ( Barton) Carson, natives of this county, where the father was a farmer. James M. Carson was captain of the Ninety-first Indiana Volunteers, and before the war was -over he was made major, holding that office until 1865. He farmed from that time till his death in 1867. Walter G. Carson was born and raised in Marrs township, and in his boyhood there was a great deal of timber land and he did his share of the clearing. The school house in which he received his education was built of logs, seats made of planks with holes bored in them and pegs driven in for legs, and the desks consisted of pegs driven into the walls with boards laid over the pegs. After leaving school he went to work on the farm, first at home for a time, and later hiring out to farmers for several years. The first work he did in the harvest field was to follow with a hand rake the man who was cradling wheat. About August, 1881, Mr. Carson started farming for himself, first in Marrs township and later removed to Black township, where he has now bought a farm of sixty acres. He rents eighty acres adjoining his place, thus farming 140 acres in all. His principal crops are wheat, corn and clover. In his early farming experiences Mr. Carson used cattle, and at that time the outfit of a well prepared farmer would be a plow, harrow, wagon and team. The hay was cut with a scythe and hand raked, and they made their own pitchforks out of dog wood. The schools had terms of about three months out of each year, and one teacher had sixty to seventy pupils in one small room. There were no railroads, and few people had buggies. Mr. Carson was married April 7, 1889, to Parkina Shaw, daughter of Allen and Katherine (Weimiller) Shaw. Her father was a native of England, who came to this country at the age of twelve. Her mother's people were natives of this country and were farmers. Mrs. Carson was born in Posey county January 6, 1868, and was educated in the common schools. Mr. and Mrs. Carson had two children, one of whom died in infancy. Lela, the one remaining child, is a graduate of the common schools. She is an active church worker and takes great interest in Sunday school matters. The family are all members of the General Baptist church, and take an active part in church affairs. Mr. Carson is a Republican.

Fred H. Hagerman, a retired farmer and well-to-do influencial citizen of Mt. Vernon, Ind., was born in Schnathoist, Germany, October 3, 1839, son of Henry and Mary Hagerman, natives of the Fatherland, where they were engaged in farming and stock raising. Fred H. was educated in the schools of his own country and at the age of nineteen years he came to America, locating in Vanderburg county. He worked in a brick yard and in 1862 hired out as a farm hand. He then came to Evansville, where he was married in 1867. He had only $1.25 in his pocket when he first came to Evansville, and was an entire stranger to everyone. In 1870 Mr. Hagerman moved his family to Henderson county, Kentucky, where they lived on a farm until 1874, when they bought a farm in Walnut Grove, Ky., just across the river from Posey county, and lived there for six years. This farm was the first one bought by Mr. Hagerman, and contained 200 acres. In 1880 they removed to Posey county, buying the sixty acres of land which was known as McFaddins Bluffs, and began farming. Sixteen years later Mr. Hagerman built a substantial and beautiful farm house of brick and stone, surrounded with wide lawns and beautiful trees. Gradually he added to his savings and bought land until he now owns 650 acres in Henderson county, Kentucky, and 400 in Posey county. His secret of success is hard work and economy, and by means of these two he has become not only one of the most wealthy, but one of the most influential of the old settlers of the county. Mr. Hagerman married Augusta Dusner on March 14, 1867. She is the daughter of Philip and Williamania Dusner, the former engaged in shoemaking in Evansville, where he had a shoe store. Mrs. Hagerman was born and educated in Evansville, and it was here she met and married her husband. Nine children were born to them : Katie, deceased, Philip H., Mollie, deceased, Frederick O., Sophie V., Elizabeth R., Charles E., William L., and Bertha P. Sophia V. married F. J. Wittmer, and they live in Evansville. Elizabeth R. married August Blosfeld, who is now deceased. Bertha P. married John H. Moore, deceased, and is now at home with her parents. The family are members of the German Trinity church. While living in Henderson county, Kentucky, Mr. Hagerman was school trustee for two or three terms. In his early manhood, while in Vanderburg county he belonged to the Home Guard, joining in 1864 and remaining till the close of the war.

Fred O. Hagerman, a farmer, stockman and grain dealer of Mt. Ver- non, Ind., was born in Henderson county, Kentucky, January 12, 1874, son of F. H. Hagerman and Augusta (Dusner) Hagerman, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Evansville (see sketch of F. H. Hagerman). When he was about five years of age his parents removed to Posey county, Indiana, locating in Black township, and now live adjoining Mt. Vernon. Fred Hagerman was educated in the public schools of Mt. Vernon and in a business college at Evansville. After finishing school he. was employed in McCarthy's drug store at Mt. Vernon, later sold to Charles Dawson. After working in the drug business two years he engaged in farming in Kentucky. The first year he farmed about 120 acres, and the next year increased it to more than 200 acres. He then rented some of his father's land and for five years farmed 500 acres. During this time he was making a specialty of Poland China hogs and raising corn, and in the winter bought and fattened cattle for the market. In 1900 Mr. Hagerman removed to Posey county, where he bought his present farm of 324 acres, three miles west of Mt. Vernon. He continued to farm his land in Kentucky, handling in all over 700 acres. In the last three years Mr. Hagerman has devoted his time almost entirely to stock raising. In the past years he raised registered Short Horns, but has now changed to registered Here- fords, and his herd is one of the finest in the State. He buys and ships large numbers of cattle, his farm in Posey county being especially equipped for the business. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator Company of Mt. Vernon. In politics he is a Republican. He belongs to the German Lutheran church, to the Modern Woodmen of America, and to the Eagles. On February 20, 1894, Mr. Hagerman married Katherine Loerch, daughter of Godford and Mary (Moll) Loerch. Her father is a native of Germany, and her mother of Posey county. Godford Loerch lived at Evansville, where his daughter Katherine was born, but when she was a small child the family removed to Mt. Vernon, where her father engaged in the stone business, and where she attended the common schools. Mr. and Mrs. Hagerman have two children, Mary Augusta _and Ralph Gilbert, both stu4ents at the Gill school house in Black township. The family are members of the Lutheran church.

Alfred E. Smith, a specialist in the culture of fruit and berries, and of bees, living near Mt. Vernon, Ind., was born in Richmond, Va., June 15, 1847, son of John A. and Mary Ann (Clark) Smith, both natives of Virginia. When Alfred was eight years of age the family removed from Richmond to Kentucky, where John Smith engaged in the manufacture of tobacco. He also conducted a hotel at Columbus, Ky. Alfred went to school in a log school house. At the close of the Civil war the family removed to Mt. Vernon, where the father resumed the manufacture of plug tobacco and cigars. Our subject started out in life by helping his father in the tobacco business. When they discontinued the manufacture of cigars, Alfred became a carpenter and helped build the first Louisville & Nashville depot in Mt. Vernon. After working as a carpenter for a few years he began draying in 1878, and still continues this business. Mr. Smith also manufactures bee hives and fixtures, and has also developed a large bee industry, having at present 140 colonies of bees, making a comfortable income from this source alone. Some years ago he removed to a farm overlooking the city of Mt. Vernon for the accommodation of his bee interests, and since that time has developed a large fruit and produce business, raising peaches, pears, apples and cherries. Mr. Smith is scientific and carries on experiments for the betterment of his methods. He has succeeded in raising on one tree twelve different varieties of plums, three of cherris and one of peaches. Another line to which he pays a great deal of attention is berries, of which he has several varieties. His garden is one of the largest in this section of the State. The Smith home is one of the most beautiful spots in or about Mt. Vernon. It is located on a high hill just outside of town. Our subject is making a close study of fruit and produce culture, and is meeting with marked success. In politics he is a Democrat. On November 20, 1870, Mr. Smith eloped with Nannie Daniels and they went to Shawneetown, where they were married. She was born in Mt. Vernon, Ind., May 6, 1854, daughter of William P. and Eliza (Wilson) Daniels, the father a native of Indiana and the mother of Kentucky. The Daniels home stood where the Methodist Episcopal church is now located. Mr. and Mrs. Smith had eleven children: Nelia, Nellie, Alfred E. deceased, William Archibald, Nannie, Charles, Floyd, Percy, Nora, Thomas, and Cornelius, deceased. Nelia married Samp Jeffries, and they live in Black township. Nellie married William Brissell, a merchant of Mt. Vernon. William Archibald married Ethel Wilson, and is farming on Greathouse Island. Nannie married Ed Mischke, agent for the Louisville & Nashville railroad at Hartford, Ky. Charles married Myrtle Mischke, and is now agent of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois at Farmersburg. Ind. Floyd married Miss Margaret Winn, and is in the automobile business at Nashville, Tenn. Percy married Eugenia Pembroke, and is ticket agent at Guthrie, Ky. Nora married Ralph Curtis, and they live on a farm in Black township. Thomas is at home with his parents. The family are members of the Methodist church.

S. Benthal, farmer, stock raiser and cattle feeder of Farmersville, Ind., was born in Black township, Posey county, same State, December 9, 184:, son of Cornelius and Rachael (Rowe) Benthal, the former a native of North Carolina, and the latter of Kentucky. They were married about 1836. Rachael Rowe was first married to David Culley and to them were born two children. Through her marriage to Cornelius Benthal she has eight children, of whom our subject was the fourth. Only one of the others is living: William, who lives in Jefferson county, Illinois. Those deceased are: Mary, Thomas, Rebecca, Jacob, Jowell, Sarah and Elijah. The father and mother died within a few weeks of each other in 1852, leaving this large family of children, the youngest only six months old. Our subject was then about eleven years of age and had to begin taking care of himself, and has continued to do so the rest of his life. What little schooling he received was at the country school house, with slab benches, and one long desk fixed to the wall. He worked on the farm with his uncle, Perry Allen, until July 9, 1861, when he enlisted in Company A, Twenty-fifth Indiana infantry. He left Evansville for St. Louis in the fall of 1861, then to Georgetown, Mo., and from there marched to Springfield, Mo., thence back to the Laurine river. They went to Cold Harbor where they captured some prisoners and took them to St. Louis. They next camped in Jefferson Branch for a few weeks, after which they came by boat to Cairo and joined the fleet going to Fort Henry. The regiment went to Fort Donelson and after the battle there was ordered to Shiloh, where they participated for two days in the battle of that name.

Thomas Marvel, retired farmer and former school teacher, is the great-grandson of Thomas Marvel, of Sussex county, Delaware. The following historical record is quoted : "Andrew Marvel was a member of the English Parliament about the middle of the Seventeenth century and did his whole duty. There was not gold enough in the King's exchequer to make him swerve from the right. He was an author and poet of considerable note." It is a well known fact that the Marvels constituted a part of the colony of Sussex county, Delaware. The Marvels turned their attention to the raising of peaches and fine horses. From the first they made their brandy, which became an indispensable article for family use and public gatherings. They were fond of well trained saddle horses and in their estimation speed was an addition to his other good qualities. No young man in all that country rode a finer horse or possessed a more richly mounted saddle than did David Marvel, who was himself dressed in the finest blue broadcloth. There was living in the same country a wealthy French family by the name of Prettyman, whose daughter was the prettiest girl in all the land. To her, after obtaining the consent of her parents, young David made suit and Miss Comfort Prettyman became his wife. Their family occupied a leading place in society, being composed of daughters, with only one son, born in 1760, whom they named Prettyman. This boy when he grew up was very small, and was an expert rider of horses, which he made profitable as a business. When he wished a wife he sought and obtained the hand of Miss Lavina Rogers, whose near relative was governor of Delaware. His cousin, Elisha Marvel, married her sister Orpha. Thomas Marvel, the greatgrandfather of our subject, was born about 1750. Elisha Marvel, the son of Thomas and Susannah Marvel, was born October 28, 1771, and married Orpha Rogers, who was born December 22, 1775, daughter of John and Comfort Rogers. They had twelve children, as follows : Painter, born October 20, 1793; Comfort, born October 8, 1795; Levina, born February 18, 1798; Elisha, born April 6, 1801 ; George, born October 28, 1803; Polly, born April 6, 1806; William, born October 22, 1808; Orpha, born May 13, 1811; Thomas, born March 20, 1814; Cenie, born December 31, 1816; John Rogers, born July 8, 1819; Unice, born March 2, 1823. All grew to manhood and womanhood except William, who died when quite young. Painter Marvel, the eldest child of Elisha and Orpha Marvel, was born in Delaware and went with his parents to Georgia at the age of five years. The family came to Kentucky from Georgia about the year 1800, or a little later. In 1811 they crossed the Ohio into Indiana, locating in Gibson county, five years before Indiana became a State. Painter Marvel, then eighteen years of age, entered the land on which the family lived. This was in the midst of the forest and he, with his father and brothers, cleared a part of the ground and began farming. He was commissioned by the first governor of the State as lieutenant of a home guard company organized for the protection of the settlers. Painted Marvel farmed all of his life and amassed a comfortable fortune. His death occurred January 18, 1864, at the age of seventy-one, and that of his wife October 16, 1857. They had seven children: Martitia, born September 13, 1823; Serelda, born January 20, 1825; James, born June 15, 1826; Eliza J., born February 24, 1828; William L., born November 2, 1829; Amanda, born February i, 1832, and Thomas, born May n, 1834. All are deceased except Thomas, our subject, and Amanda, who married Nicholas W. Robinson, now deceased, and is living in Ardmore, Okla. Thomas Marvel was reared on a farm in Gibson county, Indiana, where he was born. He attended the country schools, built of logs, with puncheon floors and home-made benches of split logs. There were no blackboards. The writing was done with quill pens, and the ink made of pokeberry juice. After leaving school he entered the Indiana Asbury University at Greencastle, now the DePauw University, where he was a student from 1851 to 1854. Prof. Larribee, one of his teachers, was the first State Superintendent of Public Instruction. As there were no railroads, he had to drive to Greencastle in a hack. He began teaching September 4, 1854, in the same schoofhouse he first went to as a boy. He introduced the use of blackboards. Mr. Marvel taught school at different times, and in seven different rural schools, and between times he farmed and was very successful. In August, 1904, he retired and removed to Cynthiana, and since that time has been councilman one term. Mr. Marvel has seen, many changes in his lifetime. He remembers driving oxen, then horses, and his father bought the first buggy in their neighborhood. Now he drives an automobile. He also remembers when there were no carpets or cook stoves. Mr. Marvel was raised a Whig, but from the organization of the Republican party voted that ticket until 1887, and has voted the Prohibitionist ticket ever since. He is a member of the First Christian church, in which he is deacon and moderator. On September 14, 1854, Mr. Marvel married Miss Betsie Serina Ros- borough, daughter of Alexander and Lucile (Emerson) Rosborough, natives of Gibson county, where she was born and raised. They had six children: William L., born August n, 1855; Eliza J., born September 26, 1858; Lillie B., born January 24, 1860; Alexander L., born November 7, 1864; Lemuel E., born November 8, 1870; Roberta Imo, born April 16, 1877. All are living except William L. Eliza J. married Leroy C. Wilson, and they live at Poseyville ; Lillie B. married James C. Calvert, and lives at Cynthiana ; Roberta Imo married Jesse J. Shelton, and they live in Posey county (see sketch of Thomas and Jesse J. Shelton) ; William L. married Luella Calvert, both now deceased; Alexander married Laura Stone, and they live in Owensville (see Dr. Alexander L. Marvel) ; Lemuel E. married Katie Fitzgerald, and they live at Clinton, Ind. The wife and mother died September 2, 1892. The second wife was Hattie Berridge, nee Cross, daughter of William and Mahala ( Davis) Cross, natives of Cambridge, England, where she was born. She came to America with her parents when quite small. Both parents of Mrs. Marvel are now deceased.

Dr. Alexander L. Marvel, a veterinary surgeon of Owensville, Ind., was born November 7, 1864, and is a son of Thomas Marvel, a sketch of whom precedes this article. Dr. Marvel graduated from the Indiana Veterinary College at Indianapolis in 1904. Previous to that he attended the Chicago Veterinary College and practiced in Owensville in 1903. Dr. Marvel is married and has two children, Naomi and Adrian L. Adrian L. Marvel was born April 5, 1888, and married Nellie M. Wilson, daughter of Columbus and Nancy Wilson. Mrs. Marvel was born in Gibson county, Indiana, where she attended public schools. Her high school education was received at Owensville. Adrian L. Marvel and wife are the parents of two children, Adrian Wilson, born August 18, 1908, and Mirabel, born October 3, 1910.

Clarence P. Wolfe, of New Harmony, is one of the live newspaper men of Posey county. Mr. Wolfe is a native of Indiana and was born in Harrison county, January 20, 1870. He received his education in the public schools and Borden Institute. In early life he began his journalistic career as a reporter on the Evansville "Courier." In 1892 he severed his connection with that paper and on June 20 of that year founded the New Harmony "Times," further mention of which is made in the chapter, "Newspapers," of this volume. Clarence \Volfe was elected trustee of Harmony township in 1908 without opposition, and is now serving in that capacity. He is capable, conscientious, and a hard worker, and justly merits the confidence of the public in the business and political world. He is a Democrat.

Elisha E. Ellis, a successful and popular educator of Posey county, was born on his father's farm on January 13, 1862, a son of John D. and Harriett (Russell) Ellis, both of whom were natives of Posey county. Prof. Ellis received his preliminary educational discipline in the Farmers- ville schools, later in Mt. Vernon, and completed a two-years course in Purdue University. On completion of his education, he engaged in teaching, and at the time of his death, which occurred February 24, 1910, he was principal of the Griffin schools. As a teacher he was recognized as one of the most able in the county, and his death cut short a career which promised rapid advancement in the educational field. He was a member of the Masonic order, the Red Men, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Ellis married, on September 2, 1891, Mrs. Vina K. Barter, nee Kittle, a daughter of William and Gilliah ( Kivett) Kittle.

William Edward Hastings, M. D., a leading physician of Mt. Vernon, was born in Point township, Posey county, Indiana, August 10, 1867, son of William Thomas and Jane (Booth) Hastings, the former born in Delaware and the latter in Posey county. William T. Hastings came to Posey county with his parents when he was a small boy, and they settled in Point township somewhere between the years 1830 and 1835. Grandfather Hastings was of English descent, and was born in Delaware. Grandfather Thomas Booth was born in Posey county, and made his home in Point township, where he died early in life. His father was a pioneer settler in the county. The father of Dr. William E. was a farmer in Point township and died at the age of fifty-five. His wife died at the age of seventy. They had four children who lived to maturity: Thomas, died in 1886, at the age of twenty-eight; David died in 1887, aged twenty-two; William and Ida are still living. Ida married Charles F. Engler, of Mt. Vernon. William E. Hastings was reared on his father's farm and acquired his early education in the country schools. Later he was a student in DePauw University, at Greencastle, Ind., and entered the medical department of Washington University at St. Louis in 1893, graduating with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1897. He spent three years as interne and superintendent of a hospital and came to Mt. Vernon in 1900. Dr. Hastings is interested in farming and has 1,000 acres of land in Point township. He is a breeder of and dealer in cattle and mules, of which he raises a large number. In 1895 he married Anna Bell, a native of Ireland, and she died November 6, 1910, leaving two children, David and Anna.
Source: http://books.google.com/, scanned image History of Posey County, Indiana By John C. Leffel Published by Standard Publ. Co., 1913

ANTHONY, Robert Lincoln, principal high school, penman, lecturer; born at Lancaster, O.., Nov. 28, 1866; son of Mark anil Mallsaa Anthony; grad. high school, Gibson City,Ill., 1885; Iowa State Normal School later; LL.B.. Wilberforce (O.) Univ. Law Dept., 1888; A.B.. Cornell Univ., 1891; A.M., Eastman College, N. T., 1892; (LL D.. Campbell Collego, Jackson. Miss.. 1900); married Carrie B. Gaddle, of Louisville, Ky. June 28, 1893; 7 children: Frank, Julia, Esther. Naomi, Robert, Helen. Minnie. Began as principal colored school at Olmsted. III.. 188&; head master St. Michaels Academy (Episcopal). Cairo. Ill.. 1888; teacher elocution and penmanship at Wilberforce (0.) Univ., 1887-8; principal of school at Indianapolis, Ind., 1889, business dept. State Univ., Louisville, Ky., 1890-3, colored school DuQuoin, Ill., 1896-9, Colored High School, Carmi, Ill., 1899-1901, Colored High School, VIncennes, Ind., 1901-6; while at DuQuolu, began giving Instruction by correspondence which Anally resulted In regular Institutions; founded, 1906, president to 1908, since director, MoKloley Memorial Univ., Vincennes; president, 1908-13, and president board of trustees, Princeton (lnd.) Normal and Industrial Univ., since 1913; principal Booker T. Washington High School, Mt. Vernon, Ind., 1913-15; founder and president Tri-State Orphanage for Colored Children, Mt. Vernon. Has remarkable gift as artist-penman; awarded medals and diplomas tor art and penmanship exhibits at World's Fair, New Orleans, La., 1886, Negro Exposition at Nashville, Tenn., Columbian Exposition, Chicago, Portland (Ore.) Exposition, Cotton States Exposition, Atlanta, Ga., Louisiana Purchase Exposition, St. Louis, Mo.; designed and published Historical-Pictorial Record of M. E. Church (20x32 inches), and similar design for other churches; has contracts for deplomas from 16 or more counties in Indiana, also patrons In many parts of U. S. for his designing, engrossing and engravings; editor and publisher The Orphan; ex-secretary and owns interest In Church Publishing Co., at Vincennes. Lecturer on educational and reform movements; was delegate to National Negro Educational Congress, Denver, Colo., 1911. Republican; speaker for party during campaigns In Ind., Ill., Ohio; was enrolling and engrossing clerk 34th and 35th General Assemblies in Illinois. Baptist Member National Penman and Business Educators' Assn., Western Penmans' Assn., National Teachers' Assn., Indiana State Teachers' Assn., Trl-State Association for Advancement of Colored Orphans, Civic League of Mt. Vernon (secretary). Mason; member Knights of Pythias. Author: How to Teach Writing, 1896; Elementary Mechanical Drawing, 1899; Manual of Penmanship, 1900; University Extension Publications, 1900; How to Read Character from Handwriting, 1901; How to Succeed in Literature, 1902; Household Arts, 1913; Quotation Gems, 1.813; Afro American Literary Readers, 1915. Home: 133 Sawmill st., Mt. Vernon, Ind. Contributed by Barb Z. citing Who's Who Of The Colored Race, by Frank Lincoln Mather, Detroit, 1915 - Transcribed by C. Anthony

Return To Biographies

Return Home

Page Updated
20 October 2009