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Genealogy Trails
SPENCER COUNTY, INDIANA
BIOGRAPHIES
LUCE TOWNSHIP

WILLIAM ALLEN, a retired merchant and farmer of Enterprise, Ind., is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, born November 11,1829, being the eldest son in a family of five children born to William and Lettie (Trumper) Allen, natives of Ohio and New York respectively. They were married in the former State January 2, 1825, and resided at New Richmond and Cincinnati, Ohio, until they came to Spencer County. The former erected the first saw and grist-mill built in Luce Township. He was at one time one of the leading architects and builders of Cincinnati. He died about three years after coming to Spencer County, January 25,1842. His widow married again and died at the age of seventy-one years, August 25, 1876. William Allen, the subject of this sketch, was reared at home. His father died when he was twelve years of age, and four years later he began to serve an apprenticeship to a carpenter, which lasted three years. He then gave the most of his attention for the next eight years to boat building and dealing in wood. He was afterward engaged in mercantile pursuits at Enterprise, and in the livery business at Rockport. In 1866 he returned to Enterprise, where he was again engaged in merchandising until 1883, when he retired from business. He is a Republican in politics, and in 1884 was a candidate for the office of County Commissioner. He was defeated by a small majority in a county overwhelmingly Democratic. August 23, 1854, he was united in marriage with Mary C. Boyd. To this union no children have been born. James H. Allen, a brother of the preceding, was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, September 29, 1835. Left an orphan at an early age, he when fourteen years old, began life as a cook on a flat-boat. He was afterward engaged for some time in milling and logging. He is now following the business of farming, having a good farm of 180 acres. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is well and favorably known throughout the county. November 8, 1862, his marriage with Rhoda Boyd was celebrated. To them five children have been born. They are Jennie, Annie, William C., Claude J S., and Mollie M.

ROBERT J. AXTON was born in Ohio County, Ky., May 12, 1824, being the fourth son of Bayless E. and Elizabeth (Terry) Axton. He received only a limited education in youth, but after attaining his majority he attended school and acquired a fair knowledge of the common branches. He remained at home until December 2, 1850, at which date his marriage with Sarah A. Pattie occurred. This union was blessed with six children. Mrs. Axton died April 20, 1863, and and he was again united in marriage with Evaline B. Bayless, a daughter of Almira (Barney) and I. L. Bayless, by whom he was the father of ten children, eight of whom are living. Mr. Axton is engaged in farming and stock raising, and is the owner of 360 acres of land, 260 of which lie near Richland City. In politics he is a Democrat. He has served the people as justice of the peace, and is well and favorably known in Spencer County.

DAVID J. AXTON, a leading farmer of Luce Township, Spencer Co., Ind., was born in Ohio County, Ky., April 20, 1832. His parents were Bayliss E. and Elizabeth (Terry) Axton, natives of North Carolina, whence they went to Kentucky. Until the time of his marriage he lived with his parents in his native State, where he received his education. He was raised a farmer, and that has continued to be his occupation. Miss Margaret A. Allen became his wife October 9, 1856. She is also a native of the same county as her husband. Their union has been blessed with ten children. Mr. Axton is one of the most successful farmers and stock-raisers in the county. He owns 1,600 acres of good land well improved, which he has acquired by honesty and industry, having started in life a poor boy. He belongs to the Masons, and is a Democrat in politics. He has served his county twelve years as county commissioner, retiring in 1883 with an unblemished reputation.

GEORGE A. BAUMAN, one of the foremost farmers of Luce Township, is a native of Germany, and was born July 17, 1835. He is the eldest of eight children, of whom George and Sophia (Beyer) Bauman were the parents. In 1836 the family came to America, and settled in Hamilton County, where their home continued to be until 1852—the year they came to Spencer County. The father's death occurred in 1871, and the mother's in 1881. George A. continued to reside with his parents until his marriage, and received a good common school education. On February 22, 1857, he married Anna Mary Elzer, also a native of Germany. She has borne him nine children. Her birth occurred February 1, 1839. Farming and stock-raising has been his principal occupation, as it is at present. He and wife belong to the United Brethren Church. He is a Republican in politics, and in the late war served in the Eureka Home Guards.

HENRY CROWDER, of Luce Township, is a farmer, and was born January 31, 1839, being the second in a family of five children. His parents were Nathaniel and Mary (McClary) Crowder, who were natives of Kentucky and Ireland. They were married in Spencer County, where the balance of their lives was spent, and where our subject was born. The early schools of his time afforded all the education that Henry obtained. He was raised on the farm and accustomed to the hard work incident to a farmer's life. On February 14, 1865, he joined Company F, Fifty eighth Regiment of Indiana Infantry, but was discharged at the close of the war in July following. Upon his return home he again engaged in agricultural pursuits at the old homestead. His marriage with Drusilla Cunningham was celebrated, and to them seven children have been born, named George B., Robert S., Franklin W., Hays C., Eugene, Nathaniel and an infant, deceased. Mr. Crowder owns 42,0 acres of fertile and well improved land. Politically he is a Republican, and belongs to the Masonic fraternity.

FORD W. DODD, a merchant and citizen of Richland City, is a native of Spencer County, Ind., and was born August 25, 1856. He is the second of two children, of whom Charles P. and Mary A. (Hall) Dodd were the parents. Ford was raised in his father's family and is yet making that his home. His mother died in 1860 and his father in 1878, and he still lives with his step-mother. His education was obtained in the common schools of the country and he now owns one half interest in the hardware, harness and undertaking business, conducted under the firm name of McKenney & Dodd. Politically he is a Democrat and religiously is independent and liberal. He belongs to the Odd Fellows fraternity and is one of the well and favorably known men of his town.

WILLIAM T. FERGUSON is a son of Josiah W. and Martha J. (Riddle) Ferguson, who raised a family of nine children. His birth occurred February 29, 1848, in Spencer County, Ind., where his whole life has been spent and his education received in the common schools. He assisted his father on the farm until his marriage, which took place May 12, 1874. His wife was Eliza B. Axton, who has borne him a family of five children. Mrs. Ferguson was born December 25, 1854. They are residents of Richland City, where Mr. Ferguson is engaged in the retail merchandise business and doing a lucrative trade. In religion both he and wife are independent in their views. His politics are Democratic and he is one of the young and enterprising men of his place.

JAMES GRANGER, of Luce Township, is a native of Clermont County, Ohio, and was born August 19, 1827. He is the second son in a family of six children born to Salmon B. and Sarah (Wells) Granger, who were natives of New York and New Jersey. Our subject was left an orphan at the age of twelve years and his education is little, having been acquired in the common school. He has made his way through the world since that time. On October 5, 1848, he was united in wedlock to Mary A. Hensel, also of Ohio, and to their union two children have been born, named Sarah J. (deceased), and John Milton. Mr. Granger makes farming and stock-raising his occupation. He owns 169 acres of well improved land. Both he and wife are members of the United Brethren Church, in which he spent thirteen years as minister. In the fall of 1856 he came to Indiana and located in Orange County, where he remained two years. In 1872 he settled where he now lives. He enlisted August 14, 1862, in Company H, Eighty-first Regiment Indiana Volunteers, and was discharged in May following on account of physical disability.

JOHN HAINES, a prominent farmer of Luce Township, was born in Worcestershire, England, March 25, 1821. He is the second son in a family of eight children, born to John and Elizabeth (Grove) Haines. He is the only one of his father's family in the United States. He immigrated to America in 1854, and located in Luce Township. For several years he made ditching his business, and graded the first road in the township. His marriage with Minerva Williams was solemnized April 16, 1856, and together they are the parents of twelve children. The mother was born June 24, 1839. Mr. Haines is now engaged in farming and does an extensive nursery trade. He is located about one and a half miles south of Richland City, and owns 240 acres of land, all of which he has acquired since coming to America. He is a Democrat and a Mason.

JOHN C. HAINES, a merchant of Richland City, is a native of Spencer County, Indiana, and was born May 7, 1857. He is the eldest son in a family of twelve children, born to John and Minerva (Williams) Haines, the former of whom is a native of England, and both now reside in Spencer Co. John C. was reared and educated by his parents, receiving such education as the common school affords. He remained at home assisting his father on the farm and in a nursery, until his marriage. That was on September 16, 1878, when Mrs. Fannie (Thomas). Ruble became his wife. She was born December 25,1848. Mr. Haines is now engaged in the dry goods, grocery and general merchandise business, and is doing a successful trade and carrying a large stock. He owns a farm near Rockport, besides property in Richland and Arkansas. He belongs to the Masonic society, and is well and favorably known throughout the county.

JAMES HATFIELD, a well-known citizen of Luce Township is a native of Daviess County, Ky., born February 1,1843. He is the only living child of Elijah and Emiline (Morgan) Hatfield, both natives of Kentucky, where they were married, and where the latter died when James was but five weeks old. His father was married again and he was reared by his step-mother. He remained at home until August 23, 1862, when he enlisted in Company C, of Col. Netter's regiment, which was afterward consolidated with Company F, Twelfth Kentucky Cavalry. He served until the close of the war and was mustered out at Louisville, Ky., in 1865. He then came to Spencer County, and located in Luce Township. He is now engaged in farming, merchandising and saw-milling. He has recently laid out a village on his property, which he has christened Hatfield. He is a stanch Republican, and in 1884 was the nominee of his party for sheriff of the county. He was defeated by a small majority. In his own township he wiped out a Democratic majority of eighty, and received thirty-five more votes than his opponent. February 21,1864, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Hoover, of Ohio County, Ky. Two children were born to them, both of whom are deceased. Mrs. Hatfield died in Spencer County, and February 23, 1874, he married Ida Davis, of Warrick County. Two children were also born to this union. Death a second time robbed him of his help-meet, and he was a third time married on February 20,1880, to Miss S. B. Carlton. They have three children.

JOHN S. HUFFMAN, a resident of Luce Township, Spencer County, Indiana, was born in Meade County, Ky., February 17, 1828. He is the eldest son of Abram S. and Rebecca (Shoptaugh) Huffman. His education was received in the early schools and is limited. He was raised on the farm, and remained with his parents until his marriage, which occurred March 2, 1848. His wife was Elizabeth J. Abshier, and she has borne him nine children. She was born August 3, 1828. During all his life, Mr. Huffman has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He owns a good farm of seventy-nine acres well improved. Mrs. Huffman belongs to the Christian Church, and he is a member of the I. O. O. F., and a man who enjoys the esteem of all who know him.

ALLAN JAMESON, of Richland City, was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, April 13, 1848. He remained in his native country, where he was educated, until 1871. In June of that year he 'started for the United States, where he landed in due time at New York. Soon after that he went to Louisville, thence to the military institute at Frankfort, Ky., thence to Owensboro, thence to Henderson. At the last place he began working in the tobacco business for Kerr, Clark & Co. About one year later he went to Boonville, in the employ of the same firm. For four years he remained there, and after one year more he came to Richland, and is still in the employ of the same company as manager of their business at the town. October 22, 1883, he married Josie Wilkison. His political views are Democratic, and he belongs to the Masonic, I. O. O. F., and K. of P. societies. She belongs to the order of the Eastern Star, and both are highly esteemed by those who know them.

DAVID B. KELLEY, one of the farmers of Luce Township, is a native of Ohio County, Ky., where he lived with his parents until 1859, when they came to Spencer County. He was born January 11, 1841, and received nearly all his education in his native State. He was reared upon the farm, and has followed agricultural pursuits all his life. He was married to Susan, a daughter of William and Delilah Garrett, on March 24, 1864. Four children are the fruits of this union, named Katy D., Estella, Effie T. and Eliza C. Mr. Kelley was born March 17, 1844, a native of Spencer County. Mr. Kelley owns a good and well-improved farm, and is a Democrat in politics, and takes a lively interest in public affairs. His wife is a member of the Regular Baptist Church, and both enjoy the high opinion of those who know them.

DAVID M. KELLEY, a citizen of Richland City, is a native of Simpson County, Ky., and was born August 12, 1836. He is the fourth son and twelfth child born to Joseph and Dosha (Holcomb) Kelley, both natives of North Carolina. Our subject was reared at home and received a limited education, and later by his own efforts acquired a good business education. At the age of twenty-three years he began learning the shoe-maker's trade. In 1875 he opened a shoe store in Richland, which he continued only one year, and then started in the drug and grocery trade, and has ever since been engaged in merchandising. He now does a dry goods and general merchandise trade, and does a large business. His wife was Angeline Elkins. Their nuptials were celebrated September 21, 1859, and their union has been blessed with five children. Her death occurred March 4, 1871, and on July 4, 1875, Mrs. Mahala (Thrailkill) Arnold became his second wife. Politically he is a Democrat, and is one of the substantial men of his community.

CHARLES H. LAWBURGH, merchant of Eureka, Spencer County, Ind., and native of Dayton, Ohio, was born July 23, 1842. His parents were John H. and Julia A. Lawburgh, natives respectively of New York and Kentucky. They were married in Ohio, and came to Spencer County in 1849. He died at Rockport. His widow still resides in Luce Township. Charles H. received a good practical education in youth, and remained at home until the breaking out of the war, when, on July 9, 1861, he enlisted in Company I, Twenty-fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which regiment he served until discharged at Chattanooga in August, 1864. After his return from the war he followed painting and clerking, each for several years, In October, 1882, he opened a general merchandise store, which he still conducts. He has a large and growing trade. On January 22, 1878, his marriage with Julia Miller was celebrated. They have three children, James C., Robert L., and Charles H. In politics Mr. Lawburgh is a Democrat, and has been twice elected to the office of township Trustee.

JOSEPH MATTINGLEY, a well-to-do farmer of Luce Township, was born in Perry County, Ind., July 19, 1828. He remained at home until October 10,1850, when he was married to Elizabeth Y. Boyd. He has always followed agricultural pursuits, and is the owner of a good farm of 140 acres. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served a term as Trustee of his township. He is the father of six children, Adelaide, (deceased), William E., (deceased), James B., Francis, (deceased), George E. and Lillian. His wife is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Mattingley is the second in a family of seven children born to Thomas and Nancy A. (Woodson) Mattingley, natives of Kentucky and Maryland respectively. They were married in Perry County, and located near Eureka. Mrs. Mattingley died October 8, 1848, and in 1851 he was again married and moved to Kentucky, where he died soon after.

LEONID AS H. McCOY, a prominent physician of Richland City, Spencer Co., Ind., where he was born February 23, 1$51, is the fourth son in a family of ten children, six of whom are now living. Their parents were Alfred H. and Olivia (Jones) McCoy, who were natives of Kentucky and Indiana. Their marriage occurred in Spencer County and they now live in Gentryville. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which the father has been for many years a local preacher. Leonidas lived at home until twenty years of age, receiving a good common school education. He taught four terms of school, and at the age of twenty-two began reading medicine with Dr. William Jones at Selvin. In October he began one year's course in the Indiana Medical College at Indianapolis. He then began the practice at Richland City. In the fall of 1880 he attended lectures in the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, where he graduated in the following spring. Since then he has continued his practice with success. Miss Emma Hatfield became his wife March 17, 1875, and to them have been born three children, named Charles R. (deceased), Stella and Bertha. Besides town property he owns 111 acres of land well-improved. They belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he belongs to both Masons and Odd Fellows.

JOHN T. McKENNEY, a prominent merchant of Richland City, is a native of Spencer County, Ind., and was born September 15, 1846. He is the eldest eon in a family of six children, five of whom are now living and born to Felix and Mourning (Tucker) McKenney. The father was for twelve years justice of the peace in Luce Township, and both parents were members of the United Brethren Church. John T. continued to reside with his parents until his marriage, and received a good common school education. He assisted his father on the farm and on December 27, 1865, his marriage with Elizabeth Devine was solemnized, and to their union four children have been born, named Victoria, Viola (deceased), Jesse and Lula. Mr. McKenney is engaged in the hardware, harness and undertaking business at Richland City, in company with Mr. T. W. Dodd. He owns three dwellings well located. Politically he is a Democrat, and in the spring of 1882 was elected township Trustee and re-elected in 1884. He belongs to the Odd Fellows, and his wife is a member of the United Brethren Church, and both are highly esteemed by their neighbors and all who know them.

SAMUEL F. MCLAUGHLIN, of Luce Township, was born in McLean County, Ky., February 28, 1835. His parents were Thomas and Susan (Reaves) McLaughlin, who raised a family of nine children, and located in Warrick County, near Boonville in 1845, where they remained the balance of their days. Samuel received a limited education, and continued to reside at home until twenty-two years of age. At that age he began farming for himself, the first year as a hired hand. He finally owned a farm near Grandview, where he erected and operated a steam saw-mill. Later he bought another mill, but traded for a store in Boonville, which he sold at auction. He enlisted in Company I, Fifty-third Regiment Indiana Volunteers, and was discharged at Goldsboro, N. C., by reason of his term of service expiring. He was for a time a prisoner. Amanda Masterson became his wife August 11, 1859, and she has borne three children, only Laura F. now living. His wife's death occurred August 7, 867. He has since been married to Mrs. Anna (Middleton) Woodruff. Mr. McLaughlin is now engaged in merchandising, milling and farming. He is worth about $7,000, and is a Democrat and member of the Masonic order.

WILLIAM MILLER, of the firm of Simon Miller & Co., Richland City, was born in the county where he now lives December 11, 1828. He is the eldest child in the family of James and Elizabeth (Roberts) Miller. He was reared at home and educated in the primitive schools of his time. At the age of eighteen years he went to New Albany to learn the carpenter's trade. He remained there until 1879, when he returned to his native county and located at Richland City. He is half owner of the business conducted under the firm name of Simon Miller & Co. In addition to this they do a large business in carpentering and building. His marriage with Miss Eliza A. Fountain occurred August 6, 1857, and their union has been blessed with these three children, Benjamin F., Perrean and Carrie. In January, 1881, he was appointed postmaster at Lake post office, and this position he now holds. His politics are Republican and he belongs to the Odd Fellows.

SIMON MILLER was born in Spencer County, Ind., March 15, 1830. His parents were James and Elizabeth (Roberto) Miller, who bore a family of nine children, Simon being the second son. The parents were among the early settlers of the county, where most of their lives were spent. Until he was seventeen years of age Simon remained at home, going to school and working on the farm. At that age he began to learn the carpenter's trade, an occupation he has followed until the present time. His marriage with Nancy McKenney was solemnized January 28, 1858, and to their union nine children have been born. Mr. Miller is now engaged in the drug and grocery trade at Richland City as a partner with his brother William. In the spring of 1879 he was elected justice of the peace, an office he now holds. His politics are Republican and he belongs to the Masonic and Odd Fellows societies.

ANTHONY W. MONTGOMERY (deceased) was a native of Kentucky, born March 4, 1811. At an early day he came with his parents to Spencer County where he passed the remainder of his days. His death occurred April 14, 1860. His marriage with Matilda (Mattingley) Snook took place in the year 1852. They had four children America B. (now Mrs. John T. Taylor), William H., Nelson W. and Anna E. Mrs. Montgomery was born March 5, 1823, and died on the home farm near Eureka July 20, 1870. She was a member of the Regular Baptist Church. The sons William H. and Nelson W. both remained at home until the death of their mother. They now own about 600 acres of land. Both are single and are numbered among the substantial men of the county. Politically they are Democrats.

JOHN M. MYLER, a prominent physician and surgeon of Luce Township, is a native of Spencer County, Ind., born March 2, 1832. He is the eldest son in a family of eight children born to Alfred and Margaret (Taylor) Myler, natives respectively of Tennessee and Kentucky. They were married in Harrison County, Ind., and located in Spencer County about 1831, where the former still lives. His wife died in 1865. John M. Myler received a good practical education. He remained at home until reaching the age of twenty, when he began reading medicine, which he continued for two years. He attended lectures at the Iowa University, at Keokuk, during the winter of 1854-55, and again in 1868-69, when he received his diploma. He practiced his profession for a short time at the following places successively: Santa Fe\ Spencer County; Winslow, Pike County, and Lynnville, Warrick County. In 1859 he moved to Eureka, and two years later to his present home, one-half mile east of Eureka. He has now, on account of poor health, retired from active practice. He owns a farm of 310 acres. On October 10, 1860, his marriage with Elizabeth Richardson was solemnized. To this union nine children have been born. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

ROBERT B. PATTIE, a citizen of Luce Township, was born in Ohio County, Ky., March 9, 1834. He was the fourth in a family of seven children born to John and Mary E. (Maxwell) Pattie, also natives of Kentucky. The father was a soldier of 1812. Our subject remained at home until his sixteenth year, when he began to learn the cabinetmaker's trade, working as an apprentice three years in Hartford, Ky. This and the carpenter's trade he followed until his marriage. That event occurred December 19, 1867, and Mary J. Brown became his wife. She was born October 26, 1842, and has borne him a family of nine children. Mr. Pattie is now engaged in farming and stock-raising. He owns 200 acres of land, well improved and fertile. He is a Democrat in politics, and a United Baptist in religion. Mrs. Pattie belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

WILLIAM J. REAVIS, a physician at Richland City, is a native of Gibson County, Ind., and was born September 7, 1863, and is the eldest of his parents' six children. The father and mother were James R. and Margaret J. (Chambers) Reavis. William J. received a common school education at home, and at the age of eighteen years entered Fort Branch College, where he remained two years. After this he taught school for six years, and in 1876 began reading medicine in the office of Dr's. Scales and Tyner, at Boonville. During the term of 1877-78 he attended the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati. After that he located in the practice at Richland City, where he yet resides, and has a large practice. He was united in matrimony to Florence G. Allen April 6, 1879. She is a native of Ohio. The doctor is a Republican and member of I. O. O. F.

THOMAS W. SWALLOW, a substantial farmer of Luce Township, is a native of Harrison County, Ohio, born February 14, 1839. He remained at home until his marriage with Sarah J. Thomas, daughter of Daniel and Narcissus (Herron) Thomas. To this union there were born Mathias W. (deceased), James W. and Eliza F. Mrs. Thomas died October 27, 1871, and he was again married March 5, 1873, to Elizabeth A. Winders, a daughter of John A. and Elizabeth (Hunt) Winders. Five children, Tina E., Charles Mc, Thomas R., Anna E., and one deceased, have been born to them. Mr. Swallow is engaged in agricultural pursuits, and has a good farm of 170 acres adjoining Richland City. Both he and wife are members of the Methodist Church. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F. Mr. Swallow is the third son in a family of nine children born to Thomas J. and Susannah Swallow, both natives of Virginia, in which State they were married. They now live in Washington County, Ohio. He was born November 8, 1802, and she March 1, 1804.

MILTON THRAILKILL, a well-to-do farmer of Luce Township, is a native of Spencer County, Ind. His birth occurred November 17, 1838, and his parents were Aaron and Sarah (McKenney) Thrailkill, who were natives respectively of Virginia and Kentucky. Our subject was reared and educated by his parents, and continued at home until he entered the army as a private in Company K, Twenty-fifth Regiment Indiana Volunteers. The date of his enlistment was July 16,1861. He served in the Rebellion until January 30, 1866, and was then discharged in Texas. On the 27th of December following his marriage with Sarah E. Hatfield was solemnized, and to their union seven children have been born, named Cardie (deceased), Elijah (deceased), Frank, Freddie, Fay (deceased), Sadie and Ada. Mr. Thrailkill makes farming and stock raising his business, and he owns 180 acres of land. Politically he is a Republican, and socially both a Mason and an Odd Fellow. His wife belongs to the order of Eastern Star. He has served the Government three years as store-keeper and ganger.


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