Daviess County, Indiana - Biographical sketches, 1886 (part 7 of 7)

ABRAHAM D. EIRE (deceased) is a native of Gibson County, Ind., where he was born January 3, 1824. He is a son of Edmond Eirk, who was a native of the "Blue-grass" State, and came to Indiana with his parents when only a small boy. In 1850 our subject came to Enox County, Ind., and here has always made his home. At the age of twenty-six years he was married to Mary Jane Mayhall, daughter of William Mayhall, a native Eentuckian. After marriage he located on his present farm and cleared 170 acres, owning 600 acres. To their marriage seven children were born, five of whom are living: Frank, Alice, Charles, Octavia and Drusilla. Mr. Eirk did not participate in the late war. He died June 30, 1884, of cancer of the throat. His widow still survives him.

D4U History Of Knox County

Co., Ind., August 31, 1847, and is one of two children of John and Sarah (Cunningham) Miller, who were natives of Illinois. The father was born in 1825, and was reared mostly in Decker Township, where he followed farming as an occupation. Allen remained with his people until twenty-one years of age, and received a common school education. April 12, 1866, he led to Hymen's altar Eliza Hall, who died March 1, 1880, having borne ^ six children. June 9, 1881, Mr. Miller married Emma Small, who bore him two children. In February, 1861, he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Twenty-first Volunteer Cavalry, and was in the battles of Pulaski, Columbia, Franklin, Nashville. Spring Hill, and Sugar Creek. He was taken prisoner near Columbia, and also near Franklin, but managed to escape both times. He was mustered out at Vicksburg, Miss., in August of 1865, and was discharged at Indianapolis. He then returned home and resumed farming and stock raising, and owns thirtyfive acres of land. He has held the office of constable since 1872. and has given good satisfaction.

MATHIAS PICKLE is a native of Washington Township. Knox Co., Ind., where he was born in 1845. He is a son of Henry Pickle, who was born in "Wise County, Va., in 1796, and came to Indiana in 1814. After reaching this State he became a tiller of the soil, and was married to our subject's mother, Elizabeth Lawson. He soon after located on the farm where Mathias was born, and cleared seventy-five acres of land. He died in 1850, and the mother in 1862. Mathias spent his boyhood days on a farm, and in 1866 was married to Mary Ice, daiighter of Joseph Ice, and a native of Kentucky. After his marriage, Mr. Pickle lived in Illinois about six years, and then came to Knox County, Ind., and located in Decker Township in 1881. They are the parents of these children: Joseph H, MaryE., John F. and William E., and one child who died in infancy. Mr. Pickle is a supporter of Democratic principles. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church. He owns sixty-five acres of land, and takes considerable interest in the raising of short-horn cattle.

WALTEK SISCO is a native of Decker Township, Knox Co., Ind., born in November, 1829, son of Peter and Eliza Sisco. The father was born in New Jersey, and came to Indiana when hut a child, and lived for some time in Vincennes, but afterward located permanently in Decker Township. They were among the early settlers, and the father died in 1864. Walter was one of five children. His mother died when he was quite young, and he was reared on a farm by his father until seventeen years of age. He then went to Mississippi, where he worked one year, and was soon married to Elizabeth Frederick, daughter of Isaac and Eliza Frederick. Since his marriage he has lived in his present neighborhood. To their marriage eight children were born, only two of whom are now living: Daniel B. and Francis M. Mr. Sisco owns thirty-five acres of very good and well-cultivated land, and is in sympathy with the Democratic party.

STEWART THOMPSON was born in Gibson County, Ind., August 17, 1832, son of Henry and Nancy (Cunningham) Thompson, who were born in West Virginia and Indiana in 1803 and 1807, respectively. The father came to Gibson County, Ind.. in 1818 and was married in 1829, and in 1853 moved to Illinois where he died the same year. The mother died in Gibson County in 1850. In 1851 our subject began farming for himself, and September 2, 1858, was married to Margaret Jones, daughter of Wiley and Margaret Jones, natives of North Carolina. Nine children were born to them: Florence, Alice, Eleanor, Thomas H. Nancy A.. Maggie, Willie, Emma J. and Mary R. All are living except Alice, Nancy and Maggie. Mr. Thompson has always been a warm Democrat and cast his first presidential vote for Buchanan. He was assessor of Madison Township, Pike County, from 1800 to 1862, and was justice of the peace in Washington Township. Gibson Co., Ind, from 1866 to 1868, and held the same office where he now lives eighteen months. He was elected trustee of Decker Township in 1882 and re-elected in 1884, and is still holding that office. He is not a member of any secret order or of any church. He is a farmer and owns 118 acres of land. He moved to Decker Township in 1872, and is one of its first-class citizens.

J. M. TURNER is a son of Elias Turner, who was born and reared in Illinois. Our subject was one of six children and was born in the " Sucker State " September 15, 1840. When he was sixteen years old the family broke up, and after working about six months in Illinois, he came to Indiana, and here his father died in 1872. His mother's death occurred in Illinois in 1857. After coming to the " Hoosier State " he engaged in agricultural pursuits, and has ever since been a tiller of the soil. On the 9th of February, 1868, he was united in marriage to Rosa H. Moore, a daughter of Thomas Moore, and in 1S81 located on the farm where he now lives. He owns 100 acres of excellent farming land and is laying up his share of worldly goods. Mr. and Mrs. Turner became the parents of the following children: Mary Louisa, Margaret, Joseph C. (deceased), Harry R. and Emma Carbin. Mrs. Turner died September 20, 1880, and Mr. Turner took for his second wife Arena Starnater, a native of Gibson County, Ind., and daughter of R. E. Starnater. To them was born one child, viz. : Ada Rosa. Mrs. Turner's father has been a resident of Decker Township for twenty-five years, and was an old settler of the township. He died in 1S7(>.

ABRAHAM BAREKMAN was born in Pennsylvania in 1774. At the age of ten years he was brought to Indiana, where the parents in time acquired 800 acres of land. They settled on it, and after a short time the Indians went on the war path, and they were obliged to take refuge in Vincennes for protection. Here they lived about ten years, and while there the father died. The mother lived several years longer. Abraham, his brother, and two other parties left the fort on a hunting expedition, and while in camp one night were surprised and captured by a party of Indians, and taken to the head waters of the White River, where they were kept about six months. The braves were away at war, and they were left under the care of the old men and women. Taking advantage of this circumstance they made their escape, and returned home and went to work on the farm where his children still live. In 1799 he was married to Elizabeth Anthis, born in- 1775, in Virginia. In their family were seven children: Margaret, Susan, Catharine, Isaac, Abraham, Jr., William and An- drew. The father served as one of the minute men in an early day. He, as well as all the boys, was a stanch Democrat. He was a farmer, and worked at that and blacksmithing and gunsmithing. He died in 1850 and his widow in 1871. Abraham and Andrew Barekman have lived on the old homestead ever since. The former was born in 1811, and the latter in 1817. They obtained their education in the old-fashioned log schoolhouse, and have since led a quiet, unassuming life. Abraham is a bachelor. Andrew was married in 1847 to Louisa J. Fitch, who bore him seven children: Abraham, John, Lewis, Angeline, Laura, Andrew and Ellis E. Mrs. Barekman died in 1883. Abraham and Andrew have excellent health, and have the confidence and respect of all who know them.

THOMAS J. BECKES is a son of William P. and Margaret (Jordan ) Beckes, who were born in Indiana and Kentucky, in 1790 and 1703, respectively. The mother came to Indiana when but a child, and here her marriage took place in 1810. By occupation the father was a farmer, and in connection made large quantities of apple and peach brandy for a number of years. He was a Democrat, and held the office of justice of the peace a number of years, and both were working members of the Presbyterian Church. The father died in 1858 and the mother in 1853. Thomas' ancestors on his father's side were of Scotch- Welsh descent, and on his mother's Dutch-Irish. Subject was born in Knox County, Ind.. in 1823. He received a somewhat limited education in the old subscription schools, and at the age of twenty years began working for himself. In 1848 he was married to Sarah Mail, born in 1828. She was a daughter of Isaac and Julia (Springer) Mail, and died in 1857, having borne four children: Thomas C. and Isaac W., and two infants, deceased. In 1858 Mr. Mail took for his second wife Massa A. Mail, sister of bis first wife, by whom he had three children: Julia O., Herschel R. and Lyman M. His second wife died in 1864, and the same year he married his present wife, Keturah Conger, born in 1838. To them nine children were born: Laura A., Homer M., Horace C, Florence M., Ellis H, Norman E., Leroy D., Olive A. and an infant deceased. Julia, Thomas and Isaac are school teachers. Lyman M. is studying medicine. In 1864 he was chosen ap- praiser of real estate of Knox County, and also held the position of township trustee and clerk with great ability. His father assisted hirn in life by giving him 100 acres of land, which lie, byindustry and economy, increased to 275 'acres. He has been a successful farmer, and takes a deep interest in the intellectual and moral advancement of his community.

JACOB P. CATT, one of the early settlers of Johnson Township, is a son of George and Kebecca (Pea) Catt. The father was a native of Georgia, and when a mere boy came with his parents to Knox County, Ind. He followed the occupation of farming and in connection operated an old horse-mill. He was trustee of the township in early- days, and after a long and wellspent life died at the age of seventy-six years, and the mother at the age of sixty-eight. Subject was born in 1819 on the old farm, and in boyhood attended the old subscription schools. At the age of twenty-two years he was married to Elizabeth A. Case, born in Dubois County, Ind., in 1821. To their union these five children were born: Martin, Amanda, Jacob, George W. and Rebecca J. Soon after marriage they located on their present farm, and here the father spent much of his time at milling. Politically the family are Democrats, and for over twelve years Mr. Catt served as township trustee and for sixty-six years has been a citizen of the township. In 1867 Mrs. Catt died. His son, George W., is one of the rising young farmers of the township, and was born in 1851. He secured a common school education, and at the age of seventeen began to battle his own way in the world. In 1873 he was married to Eliza A. Glass, born in Johnson Township in 1851. Her father, Joseph Glass, died of small-pox in the late war. George and his wife are the parents of these children: Etta, Ellis G., Royal E., Laura, Nora and Bertha. Mrs. Catt is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Catt was elected to the position of township trustee in 1882, and has held the position with ability to the present time.

JAMES H. CURRY, farmer, is a son of Andrew and Rebecca (Price) Curry! He was born in Knox County, Ind.. in 1821. He had only the advantages of the subscription schools in boyhood. He remained with his parents until twenty-four years of age and then worked for about four years at the carpenter's trade. In 1847 he was married to Nancy A. Baker, born in Knox County in 1823. She is a daughter of N. and Rebecca (McBain) Baker. The father was born in Germany and the mother in Kentucky. To Mr. and Mrs. Curry were born four children: George W., Helen, John W. and James H. Soon after their marriage they settled on a farm of 120 acres. Here the father died in 1882. He was a Republican. The mother yet resides on the home place. The father was a man of great integrity of character and his death was universally lamented. Since his death his wife and the only living children (John and James) have been living on the home farm. John is unmarried, but James is married to Clara Yates. The Curry family has long been identified with the interests of Knox County, and is one of high respectability.

FREDERICK HANNAMAN is a son of Frederick and Clara (Lincomeyer) Hannaman, who were born in Hanover, Germany, where they were raised and married. In their family were three children - two sons and one daughter. All the family, save our subject and his sister, died in Germany. Frederick was born in the same province as his parents in 1816, and was educated in the German language. His sister preceded him to America, and was keeping a grocery and bar in connection when he arrived. He clerked in the store about eleven years, and then went to Cincinnati. Ohio, and after several changes finally settled in Knox County in 1865. In 1849 he wedded Mrs. Catharine Willey, born in Hanover in 1816, by whom he had these four children: John Frederick, John Harmon, John Henry and Charles D. Mr. Hannaman and his son Charles belong to the Democratic party. As a farmer he has been quite successful, and now owns a good farm of 191 acres. Charles, the only child living, was born in Madison County, Ind., in 1858, and was educated in both English and German. He remained with his parents until 1880, when he was married to Caroline Meyer, born in 1858, daughter of Caspar Meyer. They have two children: Anna arid Lydia. They have a large farm of 300 acres, and he is one of the rising young farmers of the county, and promises to excel his father as a business man. He and wife are members of the Lutheran Church.

THOMAS JOHNSON, the leading farmer of Johnson Township, is the youngest child of Thomas and Catharine (Catt) Johnson. His father was one among the earliest settlers of this township, the township being named in his honor. After remaining here a short time he returned to Louisville, Ky., where he married Miss Catt. Returning to this county, they settled in the woods, which were then full of Indians and wild animals. Here they cleared up their farm, and spent the remainder of their days in agricultural pursuits. He was always an industrious farmer, and a stanch Democrat. He died at the age of eightyeight, and she at seventy-seven. He was of English descent and she of German. The subject of this sketch was born in 1823, within a hundred yards of where he has lived ever since. His early advantages for obtaining an education were very limited, the school he attended being four miles distant from his home. At the age of sixteen he commenced life on his own account, managing his father's farm for some time. He then bought a couple of small fields, and received a few acres from his father. Since then he has increased his possessions to over 2,300 acres of land. In 1848 he was married to Caroline Lane, born in Johnson Township in 1831. They were the parents of four children: Abram, John, Clark and Thomas. Mrs. Johnson died in 1854. He was married the second time to Frances Roderick, born in 1S34. Five children were the result of this marriage: Paton and Victoria (twins), Riley, Bryant and Levi. His second wife died in 1866, and in 1868 he was married to Harriet Roderick, who was born in this township in 1835. To them have been born three children: Fannie, Harry and Commodore. Mr. Johnson has always been a Democrat, casting his first vote for James K. Polk for president. In 1868 his house and six outbuildings were destined by fire, and on the ruins of the old house a fine brick one has been erected. Notwithstanding the losses by fire and flood, he has succeeded in rising to the ownership of one of the largest tracts of land in the county. For some years he has been a large stockholder in the Knox County Fair Grounds, and has held the position of director in the association. Mr. Johnson has been a citizen of Johnson Township for sixty-three years, and for thirty years has been in-

JOHN JOHNSON, a prosperous young farmer of Johnson Township, Knox Co., Ind., is a son of Thomas and Caroline (Lane) Johnson and was born in said county in 1850. In boyhood he had poor advantages for education, owing to the demand for his services at home. At the age of twenty-three he concluded that it was not good for man to live alone and accordingly, in 1874, was married to Miss Mary Bailey, born in Illinois in 1851. Her parents were John G. and Louisa (Beauno) Bailey. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were born these children: Llewellyn, Edith, Thomas, Estella and John. In politics he is a stanch Democrat and cast his first vote for Greeley. He has been quite successful, as he started in life with almost nothing and has succeeded in obtaining a good start. As he is industrious and economical he is certain to succeed in his endeavors. Mrs. Johnson is a member of the Catholic Church.

JOSEPH KIMMONS is a son of Peter and Eliza (Purcell) Kimmons, both natives of Knox County, Ind., and born in 1813. Here they grew to years of maturity and were married in 1839. They soon after located on the farm where Joseph now lives, and there spent the remainder of their lives in agricultural pursuits. He was an industrious farmer and, at the time of his death in 1870, owned over 400 acres of land. He was a Bepublican. Since that time Mrs. Kimmons has lived with her children. Our subject was born in Johnson Township in 1852 and in boyhood received a common school education. At the age of eighteen he began to battle his own way in the world. He received fiftyseven acres of his father's farm, which has since been increased to 200 acres. In 1878 he was married to Alice Todd, born in Clark County, 111., in 1854, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Stogsdell) Todd. They have two children named William O. and Herbert L. Mr. Kimmons is a stanch Bepublican and his first presidential vote was cast for B. B. Hayes. He has been a prosperous farmer and is much esteemed by all who know him.

SAMUEL LANE, a prosperous farmer of Johnson Township, Knox Co., Ind., is a son of Daniel and Sarah (Purcell) Lane. The father was born in 1810, in the house where Samuel now lives. The mother was also a native of this township and was born in 1809. They were married in 1828 and began farming. They spent their lives in Knox County and became the parents of eleven children, all of whom died except two. Both father and mother were for many years members of the Presbyterian Church. During the early part of the father's life he was a pilot on flat-boats, but afterward abandoned this for farming, and owned at the time of his death (1876) 250 acres of land. The mother lives with our subject and has reached the ripe old age of seventy-six. Samuel was born in the same house as his father in 1833. He received limited educational advantages and resided under the parental roof until nineteen years of age, when he was married to Maria Baker, who died after a married life of fourteen months, leaving one child, Winfield. In 1858 he took for his second wife Mrs. Margaret Robb, by whom he had three children: James M., Ellis and an infant deceased. In 1863 he married his third wife, Ellen Bayer, by whom he had this family: Claudie, Frankie, Eva, Edgar, Gussie, Daniel, Oscar, Stella and Bertha. In 1876fcMr. Lane moved on the old homestead, where he has lived ever since. He is a stanch Republican and cast his first vote for Scott. He has been quite prosperous as a farmer, and for fifty-three years has been an esteemed citizen of Knox County.

ISAAC P. LANE is a son of Danforth and Mary (Fail) Lane. The father was a native of Knox County, and after some years of married life moved to Lawrence County, 111., where the mother died. A short time afterward he married Martha Garner and moved to Wabash County, 111., where he died. He was a farmer and stock raiser, and during his life was an active, industrious man. He was of Irish-German origin, and the mother's ancestors were German. Isaac was born in Lawrence County, 111., in 1840. He had almost no advantages for schooling, not having attended more than eighteen months. When ten years of age he was obliged to do for himself, and after living with his kindred until nineteen years of age, when he began working by the month, and continued until 1861, when he shouldered his musket and went to the war. In Company K, Twenty-fourth Indiana Infantry, he volunteered his services, and participated in the bat- ties of Shiloh, Cornith, Vicksburg, Grand Prairie, Champion Hill and Port Gibson, and other battles of lesser note. After three years' service he returned home with an honorable discharge. He then continued farming, and in 1869 was married to Mary Scott, by whom he had two children, Danforth G. and an infant deceased. After a brief married life of three years Mrs. Lane died. Mr. Lane took for his second wife Jane Jordan, born in Tennessee in 1840. She was married twice before, first to A. S. Parker, by whom she had these two children : Alonzo and William P. The second husband was Ephraim Jordan. To this union < me child was born, Jesse G. Mr. and Mrs. Lane have two children : Mary E. and Daisy J. Subject is a stanch Republican, and cast his first vote for Lincoln. He has been a successful farmer. Mrs. Lane is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

JOHN MAIL, one of the leading farmers in Johnson Township, is a son of Isaac and Julia (Springer) Mail. The father was born in 1797 in Knox County, Ind., and the mother in the same place in 1807. After their marriage they settled in Johnson Township, and here spent the remainder of their lives in agricultural pursuits. In their family were ten children- - five sons and five daughters. The father was a member of the Democratic party. His farm consisted of 100 acres of timber land, which by his industry he increased to over 500 acres. His death occurred in 1845 and the mother in 1877. From such ancestry sprung our subject. He was born in Knox County in 1827. His early opportunities for education were very limited, as he was obliged to walk four miles to the nearest log schoolhouse. At the age of seventeen his father died, and he then took charge of the entire farm until his brothers were grown. In 1852 he was married to Margaret Holmes, born in 1827, daughter of Josiah and Margaret (McClure) Holmes. Mr. and Mrs. Mail became the parents of these children: Louisa, Isaac, William R., John F., Julia and Lizzie. William, after graduating at the State Normal School in 1880, was made principal of the Edwardsport schools, and later of the Clinton schools. In the spring of 1885 he completed the course at the Philadelphia Dental College, and is now located at Terre Haute. Mr. Mail is a stanch member of the Democratic party, and cast his first vote for Lewis Cass. He is

ISAAC MAIL, son of John and Margaret (Holmes) Mail, was born in Knox County, Ind., in 1855. His education was obtained in the common schools, and after remaining at home until twenty-four years of age, he married and began life on his own responsibility. He was married in 1881 to Miss Mattie Eeel, who was born in Knox County in 1857. She is a daughter of David and Margaret (McCoy) Reel. They have one child, Boyal S. Both Mr. and Mrs. Mail are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Politically he is a member of the Democratic party, and his first presidential vote was cast for Hancock. After marriage he erected a fine dwelling-house, in which lie now lives, on a tract of land given him by his father. He has been cpaite prosperous as a farmer, and is a wide-awake young business man of the county.

JOHN F. MAIL, farmer, of Johnson Township, is a son of John and Margaret (Holmes) Mail, and was born in said township in 1860. He spent the life of the average farmer's boy, and obtained an ordinary education in the common schools. He made his home with his parents until twenty -five years of age, when he married Anna Johnston. She was born in Knox County, Ind., in 1862, and is a daughter of William G. and Nancy A. (Eeel) Johnston, who are both members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Mail is a stanch Democrat in politics, and cast his first vote for Hancock. After his marriage they settled on a farm of 136 acres, where they now live. Both husband and wife belong to the first families in the township, and he is a young man of good babits and has the confidence and respect of all who know him.

TOWNLEY N. REDFEEN is a son of Solomon and Jane (Cox) Eedfern. The father was a native of North Carolina, born in 1788. When a young man he went to Ohio, and there met his wife. The father was a farmer, and was a minister of the Gospel in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Two of his sons are ministers of the same church as himself, and two are ministers of the United Brethren Church. Though seventy-three years of age, he bravely offered his services to his country at the breaking out of the Eebellion. The father was of Scotch descent, and the mother of Irish. Of such ancestry was born our subject, born in Ohio in 1835. He received a common school education, and remained with his parents until twenty-one years of age. He then came to Indiana and located in Vanderbur'g County. In 1865 he was married to Ellen V. King, born in 18-17. To them were born six children: George W., Elmer E., Martha L., James H., John and Louis V. Mr. Redfern was a soldier in the late war, enlisting in Company E, Twenty-fifth Kentucky Infantry in 1861. He was at Fort Donelson and Shiloh, and after nearly two years' faithful service he was honorably discharged, on account of chronic rheumatism. After his return he rented land, and in 1875 purchased seventy-five acres, where he now lives, and which he has increased to 104 acres. He is a prosperous farmer, and takes great interest in the moral advancement of the community.

JAMES M. RODARMEL is a son of Abram and Nancy ( Hannah) Eodarmel, who were born in Pennsylvania in 1784 and 1794 respectively. Both parents came to this county when children. Soon after marriage they settled in' Harrison Township, Knox County, where they spent the remainder of their days. The father was a farmer and carpenter, and for a number of years owned and operated an old-fashioned whip-saw. The last house he built is still standing, and lumber he sawed is still in use. The father died in 1833. The mother married again, and after that husband's death she returned to the old homestead, where she died in 1858. James' paternal ancestors were Germans, and his mother's people were of German-Irish origin. He was born in Knox County, Ind., in 1829. Owing to the sparsely scattered schoolhouses at that period, his educational advantages were somewhat limited. At the age of eighteen he began working for himself on the old home place, and in 1857 was married to Harriet S. Johnston, born in Knox County in 1838, daughter of Lorenzo D. and Ann (Gibbony) Johnston. The mother was a native of the "Emerald Isle," and died in 1865. The father died in 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Eodarmel became the parents of thirteen children: Caroline F., John J., Marshall, Lizzie, Ann G., Minerva, Mary, Dora, Charles, Rachel, Lula, Lillie and Hattie. The husband and wife and four children are church members. Mr.

Rodarmel is a stanch Republican, and cast his first vote, for Fillmore. Soon after his marriage he located on his present farm and has been fairly successful as a farmer, and in connection works at the carpenter's trade. His mother and sister spun the yarn for the first cloth made in this part of the county.

ROBERT C. THOMPSON, a farmer of Johnson Township and son of Henry Thompson, was born in Indiana in 1837. When young he received a common school education, and on reaching manhood worked on the farm by the month and rented until after his marriage to Sarah Roderick. By hard labor and economy he accumulated enough money to enable him to purchase twenty acres of land, which he afterward increased to 250 acres. Mrs. Thompson was born in 1837, and is a daughter of Franklin and Ella (Johnson) Roderick. Both parents died when Mrs. Thompson was a mere child. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Thompson these seven children were born: Riley, Charley, Orie, Franklin, James, Robert, and an infant deceased. Mr. Thompson was a member of the I. O. O. F., and throughout his entire life was an industrious, energetic worker. His death occurred in 1880. Although not a member of any church, he was favorable to every good work and was ever ready to lend a helping hand to the needy. Wherever he lived he won the respect and confidence of all who knew him. Since his death his wife and oldest son have farmed the home place very successfully.

PATRICK H. AVHEATLEY, may be mentioned as one of the I irosperous farmers of Johnson Township. He is a son of Arthur and Catharine (Lewis) Wheatley, who were born in Kentucky and Virginia, in 1805 and 1808, respectively. They were married in Kentucky about 1825, and there lived until 1839, when they moved to Knox County, Ind., and settled in Vincennes. The father was a carpenter by trade, and later followed the occupation of farming, about two miles from Vincennes, and there spent the remainder of his life. For many years he had charge of the mail route from Vincennes to Edwardsport, and on one of his trips contracted a fever which resulted in his death in 18u6. The mother is still living. Our subject was born in Breckenridge, Ky., in 1832. He was a student in the subscription schools, and at the age of twenty-four years began doing for himself. At this time he was married to Mary Bowman, born in Lawrence County, 111., in 1839, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Bowman, the former born in Pennsylvania in 1809, and the latter in Ohio in 1808. Their marriage took place in Ohio, and after living in Lawrence County, 111., for some time, they came to Knox County, Ind., about 1854, where the father died a year later. Since that time the mother has lived with her children, and is seventy-seven years old. Mr. and Mrs. Wheatley are the parents of these children: Sarah J., Julius, Arthur, Lewis, Mary E., Daniel, Lydia A., Anna C. and William. Mr. Wheatley is a member of the Catholic Church and a Democrat in politics, and cast his first vote for Buchanan. He served four years as justice of the peace, and for the same length of time as township trustee. He has been a prosperous farmer and owns 188 acres of good land.

ELI H. DUNN, farmer and stock raiser, is a son of Joseph and Mary (Hawkins) Dunn, and was born in Knox County, Ind.. February 19, 1831. The father was a native of Kentucky and the mother of Indiana. Our subject's paternal grandfather was Samuel Dunn, who came to Knox County. Ind., in 1811. He and his son Joseph were farmers by occupation, and experienced many of the privations incident to pioneer life. Our subject's father removed to Daviess County shortly after marriage, and here the father died. Eli H. was a mere child when his father removed to Daviess County. He was reared on a farm, and at the age of sixteen began working at the carpenter's trade, and after attaining his majority worked at this trade exclusively until 1856, when he removed to Steen Township, this county, and began farming. He and S. L. Dunn rented a farm in partnership, continuing together until the spring of 1868 when he began to farm by himself and has met with excellent success. He owns 600 acres of land, the most of it well improved. It represents his own industry and hard work. In 1868 it was a wilderness, but he has reduced it to a fine state of cultivation, and he now ranks among the first men of the county as a farmer and stock raiser. He is one of the very few men who can say he never spent 5 cents for liquor, or who was never under its influence. He is a stanch Republican and a worthy member of the Masons. Mr. Dunn was married April 21, 1868, to Miss Malissa E. Steen, born January 8, 1830, daughter of John and Ruth Steen, who was one of the very early settlers of Knox County. Mr. and Mrs. Dunn are the parents of these two children : Ruth C. and John. They are also members of the Presbyterian Church.

SIMON T. McKINLEY was born in Knox County, Ind., June 20, 1818, the youngest of five children born to Thornton and Eliza B. (Nicholson) McKinley, born in Kentucky and Indiana, and of Irish-German and Irish extraction. He received a somewhat limited education, and remained under the paternal roof until twenty-eight years old. About this time he was married, and removed to the farm where he now lives, having purchased it in 1877. He worked out by the day and month to obtain his start, and his home now represents the fruits of his own labor. He owns 250 acres of land, the greater part under cultivation. He was married, December 4, 1877, to Miss Sarah E. Robinson, daughter of Richard Robinson, born January 2, 1852. She is a " member of the Presbyterian Church, and Mr. McKinley is a Republican politically. Thornton McKinley, the father of our subject, removed with his 'parents to Daviess County, Ind., in his youth, in 1816, and was here reared to manhood. He was reared on a farm, and followed this vocation through life. He removed to Knox County after his father's death, and lived with a sister until he was married, February 16, 1810. He visited Texas in 1846, with a view to making that State his home, and after his return was taken ill, and died November 0, 1817. Mrs. McKinley, soon after her husband's death, purchased her present home, where she has lived ever since. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

PETER H. OVERPAY, an extensive farmer and stock raiser, is a native of Tennessee, born September 18, 1820, and is the eldest of two sons born to George and Thurza Overbay, who were born in Tennessee and North Carolina, respectively. Peter H. came to Floyd County, Ind., in 1823. The father died when our subject was quite young, and as he was the eldest, part o£ the burden of supporting the family fell on his shoulders, consequently his educational advantages were quite limited. He remained at home until twenty years of age, and then came to Knox County to do for himself. He purchased his first real estate of 100 acres in 1843 for $210. He kept bachelor hall part of the time, and when tired of that would board with his mother, who lived near. He remembers the time when all kinds of game were abundant, but was not an expert with the gun. In 1850 he was married, and immediately located on his farm, where he has ever since made his home. He has added to his farm, little by little, until he now owns 1,500 acres of land, and is the largest landholder in the township. He has seven sons, who aid him on his extensive farm. His land is under excellent cultivation, and he owns thirty head of work horses and mules and raises from thirty to forty calves per season, thus showing his skill and management as a farmer. He never voted anything but the Democratic ticket and cast his first vote for Van Buren. January 16, 1850, he was married to Miss Jane Stevenson, born in Ireland, in December, 1824, daughter of John and Sarah (Condy) Stevenson, who were born in County Tyrone, of the "Emerald Isle," and came to America in 1831, and located in Knox County. In 1832 the father died, and Mrs. Stevenson raised the children to manhood and womanhood. Her death occurred in 1880. Our subject became the father of ten children: George S. (deceased), Lewis L., Thomas, Frances M., John H, Robert E., Sarah J., William B., Peter H. and Fanny B. For the last three years Mr. Overbay has been somewhat of an invalid, caused by heart disease, but still manages to oversee his farm.

RICHARD ROBINSON is a son of Harmon B. and Eleanor ( Steen) Robinson, who are of English-Irish descent and born in North and South Carolina respectively. Harmon Robinson is a son of Abner Robinson, who removed from North Carolina to Ohio at an early day. They came to Indiana about 1818 and located on a 400 acre farm south of where Wheatland now stands When Harmon had attained his majority, his father gave him 100 acres of land. Through economy and well directed efforts he succeeded in gaining 434 acres of land. He was a man of considerable influence and a sincere admirer of Andrew Jackson, and always voted his principles. He held a uumber of county offices, and was a member of the Presbyterian Church. He died in June, 1853. The mother is yet living on the old homestead. Richard Robinson was born in Knox County, Ind., October 16, 1824. Owing to being obliged to work on the farm he obtained a somewhat limited education. He remained under the paternal roof until twenty-four years of age, when he married, and immediately located on tbe farm where he now resides. He lived in a log house until 1863, when he built his present large two-story brick. It is very finely situated and gives a fine view of the surrounding scenery. By his industry he has secured a large share of this world's goods. He owns 1,250 acres, all under fence. He is the largest stock raiser in the township. He is a member of the Democratic party, and although never aspiring to office, was forced to serve as township trustee. He was married, March 4, 1852, to Miss Francis Stevenson, of Knox County, born in Ireland on April 1, 1829.

CHARLES C. WEAVER, farmer, was born in Franklin County, Penn., May 7, 1841, and was the second of eleven children born to the marriage of George S. and Margaret P. (Osbraugh) Weaver. They were of German and Irish extraction and are natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a miller by trade, and in 1846 moved to Maryland, where he followed farming and milling. In 1849 he came West to Knox County, Ind., and purchased 300 acres of land for $300. He returned to his early .home, but soon returned home to look after his coal interests in this State. In the fall of 1850 he built a block-house, into which he moved with his family. Here they lived for some time and experienced many hardships. He gave up milling and engaged exclusively in farming. He cleared upward of 100 acres in the river bottoms and engaged extensively in raising corn. He was a Republican, and served as justice of the peace. He and wife were members of the Old School Presbyterians. The mother died in 1876, and the father in July, 1880. Charles G, our subject, obtained a limited education in the common schools, and resided with his parents until the first call came for 300,000 men to defend our country. He then enlisted in Company E, Twenty- eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry and served two years in tbe Army of tbe Potomac. Then his brigade was transferred to Gen. Sherman's division, and he was with him on his famous march to the sea. He participated in the following battles: Fredricksburg and all the engagements with Gen. Sherman. He was a prisoner for some time, and was veteranized in 1864, and served until the close of the war. He was discharged July 21, 1865. He returned home and began working at the carpenter's trade, which he has followed nearly ever since. He was bridge-builder on the railroad for nearly sixteen years. In 1882 he began farming. He has always been an active Republican and his first presidential vote was cast for U. S. Grant. He was elected justice of the peace in 1883. His marriage to Miss Catharine Hauk took place April 20, 1871. She is of German parentage and the daughter of Jacob and Sophronia (Eagler) Hauk. Mr. and Mrs. Weaver are the parents of three children: Eliza D., Stead and Margaret. Both husband and wife are church members.

SOLOMON WETZEL is a native of Virginia, where he was born May 28, 1819. His parents, George and Margaret (Cormany) Wetzel, were natives of Pennsylvania, but of German extraction. The father was a farmer and mechanic, and was married in Virginia, and later moved to De Witt County, 111. Since the war he was a Republican, previous to that time a Democrat. His death occurred June 23, 1878, and the mother's August 21, 1877. Our subject, Solomon, secured the education and raising of the average farmer's boy. At the age of twenty he began the battle of life for himself, and engaged in driving stage between Vincennes and Washington, and later from Vincennes to Terre Haute, continuing two years, and receiving from $15 to $20 per month. Having a good knowledge of tools, he worked at carpentering and millwrighting until his sons were old enough to assist him on the farm, and in 1856 rented a place and carried on farming in connection with his trade. In 1877 he purchased his present farm of fifty acres, which is fairly improved, with good buildings. January 4, 1840, he married Miss Eliza Burris, born February 15, 1821, daughter of Joshua and Martha (Lively) Burris, natives of Virginia, and of English and German extraction. Mrs.

Wetzel came with her parents to Daviess County, IncL, in 1830. Here both of her parents died. Mr. and Mrs. Wetzel became the parents of ten children, six of whom are living: Clark P., Charles M., Laura D. (wife of J. C. Hennon), Margaret A. (wife of James Harbin), Nancy E. (wife of George E. Poole), and Eliza M. Mr. Wetzel and his wife are members of the Christian Church, and he has been an active Democrat all his life, but has never aspired to office.

HAMILTON WILLIAMS, trustee of Steen Township, Knox Co., Ind., was born in Washington Township, that county, January 20, 1853. His boyhood was spent on the farm and in attending the common schools. After working on the farm for some years, he engaged in the saw-mill business. He is a Democrat politically, and cast his first presidential vote for S. J. Tilden. In 1880 he was appointed to fill the unexpired term of George S. Williams as justice of the peace, and in April of the same year was elected to the same office. In April, 1884, he was chosen trustee of the township, defeating William Donaldson by seven votes. In 1872 he was married to Abigail M. Eichardson, who has borne him seven children, these now living: Jesse L., Lillie M., Willie C. and Clara E. Mrs. Williams died April 8, 1885. Mr. Williams is a member of the Christian Church, and for a number of years he has manifested much interest in tbe political affairs of the county. He has made a good officer, and is a thorough gentleman, and is much respected by all who know him.

HANNIBAL YOUNG, a successful farmer of this county, was born in Crawford County, 111., January 26, 1831, and is one of twelve children born to Thomas and Lucy (Barbee) Young, who were natives of Kentucky. They are of English extraction. Hannibal was reared upon a farm, and had the advantages of the common schools. He was left an orphan at the age of fourteen years, and he then came to Knox County to live with his brother John, who now resides in Palmyra Township. Here he remained until attaining his majority. He started in life with no capital excepting his two hands and indomitable courage. He worked as a farm hand for some time, receiving $10 per month for his services. By his industry and economy, in ten years' time he had saved enough money to enable him to purchase a small home.

In 1858 he sold this and removed to Illinois, and after remaining there three years, he returned and purchased eighty acres of land in Steen Township. In 1865 he purchased his present farm of 125 acres of land, which is now well improved and makes them a comfortable home, the result of his own labor. He is a Republican in politics, and held the office of justice of the peace four years. He was married March 15, 1865, to Miss Catharine Ballow, of this county. They are the parents of these three children: Lucy A., Lilly May, Myrtle A. Mrs. Young is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

REV. JOHN P. FOX, of Palmyra Township, Knox Co., Ind., was born October 15, 1831, near Bruceville, and is one of a family of twelve children of Henry and Catharine (Snyder) Fox. The father was of German origin, and was born in August, 1794, in Virginia. In early life he was a farmer, but in later life followed agricultural pursuits for a livelihood. He came to Indiana in 1829, and settled in Knox County. He died August 6, 1867, near Bruceville, Ind. The mother was born in Virginia in 1798, and is yet living. Our subject was reared at home, and remained with his parents until reaching his majority. The following year he went to the " Sucker State'' for the purpose of laying a landscript, but soon sold out and went to Terre Haute and purchased a horse-power and threshing machine, which he brought to Knox County, the first of the kind in said county. He was educated in the district schools, and in addition entered Hanover College, graduating in 1859. The following year he entered the Western Theological Seminary at Alleghany, Penn., remaining two years. December 25, 1861, he married Mary C. Wampler, daughter of David and Jane Wampler. Mrs. Fox was born February 3, 1836, in Virginia. They have four children: David H, John F., Edward E. and Jennie. In 1861 Mr. Fox was licensed to preach. He has preached in these States: Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, and Indiana. In 1876 he came to Knox County, and in 1879 puro60 HISTORY OF KXOX COUNTY.

chased a farm, where he has since resided. He is a conscientious Christian, and has been a minister over twenty-five years. He is an easy and fluent speaker, and is yet preaching the gospel. He is a Prohibitionist, and is a member of the I. O. O. F.

JOHN T. HOLLINGSWORTH, a prominent and thrifty farmer and stock dealer of the county, is the sixth of a family of seven children born to Joseph and Elizabeth (Palmer) Hollingsworth, mention of whom is made elsewhere in this work. He was born near where he now lives November 1, 1846, and was reared on his parents1 large farm. He secured a very good common school education, and when twenty-one years of age married and settled on his present farm. He has been quite prosperous in his business ventures, and now owns 218 acres of very fine land, well improved. He deals in live stock of all kinds, and is an extensive shipper. He is a member of the Christian Church, and his wife is a Presbyterian. He has always been a firm and zealous Democrat, and has deservedly won the respect of his fellowmen. He was married October 12, 1871, to Louisa Simpson, of Bruceville, who died November 17, 1879, after having borne four children, all of whom are deceased. November 29, 1882, Mr. Hollingsworth took for his second wife Maggie Patterson, of this county. They have one child, Anna E., now over two years old.

ROBERT W. KNOWLAND, farmer, is a son of William and Mary (Tencher) Knowland, natives of the "Blue-grass State," and was born in Greene County, Ind., in 1827. He remained there with his parents until thirteen years of age, when he became a "bound boy" in Crawford County, 111., until twenty -one years of age. He then came to Knox County, Ind., and remained with his brother in Washington Township a number of years. In the spring of 1849 he began farming for himself, and raised a good crop. In 1851 he was married to Eleanor Hollingsworth, daughter of Peter and Sarah Hollingsworth, natives of Knox County. She died in 1855, having borne one child, James. Our subject was married in 1857 to Miss Mary Timms, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Salisbury) Timms, natives of Lawrence County, 111. To them were born eleven children: Alvin L., William T., Robert L., Mary E., William T., Noah M., Maude L.,

Knowland are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and he is one of the ruling elders. He became a member of the I. 0. 0. F., in 1868, of the Old Post Lodge of Vincennes. He is a strong Republican, and was elected trustee of Palmyra Township in 1877, and served faithfully four years. He sold his splendid farm of 115 acres and intends leaving for Hastings, Neb., in March, 1886.

PETER MARSHINO was born in Loraine, France, now Germany, February 28, 1832, and is a son of Peter and Lena Marshino. At the age of eighteen years our subject came with his parents to America, in 1849. They landed at New Orleans and came immediately to Vincennes, Ind., where they followed the lives of farmers. The father died in 1867. Our subject received a common German education, but was not educated in the English. He was married in 1855 to Miss Mary Meyer, daughter of Andy and Magdaline (Meyer) Meyer. She came from Alsace, Germany, in 1819, when about seventeen years of age. Her parents died in Germany. She lived about one year in Evansville, Ind., and then came to Vincennes. They have seven children, viz. : Katie, Lena, Josephine, William P., Joseph, Ella and Peter, Jr. Shortly after their marriage they purchased 100 acres of land, part of the old Gibson farm, which the father has since increased to 155i acres. He is in good circumstances, and made his own way in life, for which he deserves much credit. He is a stanch Democrat, and he and wife are members of the Catholic Church.

Part Ii

Geology of the County - Boundary and Drainage - Fossils - Section of the Coltnty - Analysis of Coals - Numerous Bores Throughout the Coltnty - Local Details - Sandstone and Limestone - Iron Ore, Clay, etc. - Native Timber.

DAVIESS COUNTY is bounded on the north by Greene County, east by Martin, south by Pike and Dubois, and west by Knox, and contains about 424 square miles. It lies at the junction of the east and west forks of White River, which stream, with its tributaries, Sugar, Mud, Aikman, Veal, Prairie, Smithers, Pond, Purse and a few other creeks, chains the whole county. The county lies wholly within the area of the coal measures, and is probably not surpassed by any other county in the State in the number, value and availability of its coal deposits. . By a careful examination of the county it is found that the strata slope or dip to the southwest, and that the principal coal (L) was in past ages removed by erosion from the northern part of the county, except perhaps from elevations occasionally left standing. The following is a connected section of the county strata.

Analysis Of Coals

Coal L is an excellent coking coal free from deleterious impurities, and ranges in thickness from 3 feet 10 inches to 5i feet. At Washington it averages 5 feet. It is cubical, fractures irregularly and contains little calcite or pyrite. An analysis of it from five different banks gives fixed carbon 56.5 to 61.5 per cent, aver- 59.1 per cent. The quantity of gas varies from 30 to 35.5 per cent, while the ash varies from 2 to 6 per cent. Coal X varies from 2 to 5 feet in thickness. It outcrops in many places and is being worked in several places. It is pure, containing less ash and fixed carbon and more gas than Coal L. An analysis of Coal X from Section 23, Town 3, Range 7, gave 1.75 per cent of ash, 50.75 of fixed carbon, 1 of water and 46.5 of gas. Over Coal X is usually found a heavy-bedded, coarse-grained grayishbrown sandstone. This Coal X may be seen outcropping from the mouth of Veal Creek to Edwardsport, in Knox County.

Local Details

In the limestone and calcareous shale over Coal K of this section Productus punctatus, P. cora, P. elegans, P. semireticulatus, Aviculopecten providensis, Bellerophon carbonarious, Chonetes mesoloba, Orthis Rushensis and Cyafhoxonia prolifera were found. The sandstone overlying Coal X appears on the hills near Pond Creek Mills, in Knox County. Between "Washington and Montgomery, the sandstone over Coal X may be seen in several places. Toward the eastern side of the county Coal K changes from a caking to a semi-block or possibly block, and becomes thinner, often too much so to work. Near Montgomery it ranges from one and a half to three feet in thickness. At Montgomery the limestone over Coal K is about one foot thick, and the coal two feet. On Section 7, Township 2, Eange 5, it is three feet thick. On Section 20, Township 2, Eange 5, the following strata appear:

In the vicinity of Alfordsville, on Sections 34, 33 and 26, Coal K has been mined. It contains considerable sulphur, but in other respects is good. The following strata are taken from Section 9, Town 1, Range 5, three miles southwest of Alfordsville :

At the mill the limestone is 6 inches thick, and contains Productus, Spirifer, Pinna and Chonetes. Coal K outcrops near Glendale, Harrison Township, in several places, on Sections 27, 28, 29, 33, 34 and elsewhere, and usually does not exceed 21 feet in thickness, and is generally less. An analysis of Coal K, from four different mines in the vicinity of Glendale, gave fixed carbon from 49.5 to 60.5 per cent, the average being 55.1 per cent; ash, from 1.5 to 2 per cent; gas, from 30.5 to 42 per cent, averaging 37 per cent. The coke was brilliant, puffed, porous, and sometimes lamellar. It is doubtful if any workable, seams of coal exist in the southern part of the county between K and A. Coal I is almost always good block. It outcrops and is

At Clark's Station Coal K is one foot, two inches thick, and Coal I three feet ; on Section 29, Town 3, Kange 5 Coal I is four feet, three inches thick. On the west half of the northwest quarter of Section 29, Town 3, Kange 5, the following is the section:

The sections shown above are highly instructive, and show a great want of persistency in the various coal seams regarding thickness and continuance. Coal A is subconglomerate and outcrops in the northeastern and southeastern parts of the county. At Epsom it is a caking coal, one and a half feet thick. It is the same on Section 35, Town 5, Eange 6. It is found in wells all around Clark's Prairie. There seem to be two strata of coal A in the county, the upper averaging about eighteen inches in thickness, and the lower two and a half feet, the latter being the most persistent seam. It has been worked in numerous places in Towns 4 and 5, Ranges 5 and 6. A few miles north of Washington the country across the county appears to have been subjected to powerful denuding forces, which swept away the upper part of the coal measures. Coal A probably covers the entire area of the county. In some parts of the county there are six seams, giving an average of nineteen feet of coal in the aggregate. It was estimated by the State Geologist that an aggregate of eight feet of coal in the average extended over the entire county, 271,000 acres. The citizens of the county need not fear of exhausting the quantity. Coal L, at Washington, is the best caking coal yet mined in the Western coal field. It is excellent for gas and coke.

Iron, Clay, Ochre, Etc

In the northern part, bog iron ore is often found, several valuable fields being on Clark's Prairie. From 40 to 50 per cent of metal can be obtained from this ore. Clay ironstone is found in numerous places, particularly around Alfordsville. Ochre is also found in this vicinity. The massive sandstone over coal X, in the hills north of Washington, furnishes a durable building stone. Good limestone, four feet thick, and of any length and width, may be obtained on Aikman Creek. It takes a fine polish, but is not durable for outside work. Abundance of good clay for brick and tile abounds.

The Principal Varieties Of Timber

Ash, black, Fraxinus sambucifolia, low land; ash, white, Fraxinus americana, low land; alder, black, Alnus glauca, swampy ground; beech, red, Fag us ferruginea, upland; beech, white, Fagus sylvestris, upland; birch, black, Betula lenta, low land; buckeye, Pavia lutea, low land; cherry, wild, Cerasus virginiana, low land; coffee nut, Gymnocladus canadensis, low land; cottonwood, Populus canadensis, river banks; dogwood, Cornus florida, swamps; elder, box, Acer negundo, low land; elm, white, Ulmns americana, low lands; elm, red, Ul- mus rubra, low land; gum, black, Nyssa sylvatica, low land and upland; gum, sweet, Liquidamber styraciflua, low land; hazelnut, Corylus americana, swamps; hackberry, Celtis crassifolia, low land; hickory, common, Juglans, tomentosa, uplands; hickory, pignut, Juglans porcina, upland; hickory, shellbark, Juglans squamosa, upland ; ironwood, Carpinus ostrya, low land ; locust, black, Robinia pseudo-acacia, low land; locust, honey, Gleditsia triacanthos, lowland; linn, (basswood) Tilia americana,low land; maple, soft, Acer rubrum, low land; maple, sugar, Acer saccharinum, low land; mulberry, Morus rubra, low land; oak, black jack, Quercus ferruginea,low land; oak, white, Quercus alba, low land; oak, red, Quercus rubra, low land; oak, black, Quercus tinctoria, low land; oak, chestnut, Quercus, prinus-palustris, upland; oak, water, Quercus aquatica, swamps; pawpaw, Annona triloba, lowland underbrush ; persimmon, Diosjiiros virginiana, hills and lowlands; poplar, Lyriodendrum iuUpifera, hills ; red bud, Cercis canadensis, low land undergrowth; sassafras, Laurus sassafras, hills and low lands ; spicewood, Laurus benzoin, upland underbrush; sycamore, Acer pseudo-platanus, river banks; willow, white, Salix alba, river banks; walnut, white, Juglans cathartica, low land; walnut, black, Juglans nigra, low land. In the northern part of the county the growth is principally oak.