Gibson County, Indiana - Biographical sketches, 1914 (part 10 of 20)

Henry C. Mckers

It is generally considered by those m the habit of superficial thinking that the history of great men only is worthy of preservation and that little merit exists among the masses to call forth the praises of the historian or the cheers and appreciation of mankind. A greater mistake was never made. No man is great in all things and very few are great in many things. Many by a lucky stroke achieve lasting fame who before that had no reputation beyond the limits of their neighborhoods. It is not a history of a lucky stroke which benefits humanity most, but the long study and effort which made the lucky stroke possible. It is the preliminary work, the method, that serves as a guide for the success of others. Among those earlier citizens of Gibson county who served their day and have now passed into the great beyond, leaving behind them the fruits of a proper life, is the subject of this sketch.

Henry C. Vickers, deceased, was born in 1833, in North Carolina, and died in Oakland City, Gibson county, Indiana, July 12, 1901. He came to Gibson county when a boy and was taken into the home of an uncle, Granderson Vickers, who resided near Providence church in Union township, this county. Here he grew to manhood, becoming efficient in agricultural work. Owing to circumstances, he received but a limited schooling in his youth, which was always a cause for regret with him. In 1873 he was united in marriage with Malissa Stephens, widow of Lewis Stephens, of Springfield, Illinois, and a daughter of Lemuel Emmerson. of Patoka township, Gibson county.

Lewis Stephens was a teacher in the public schools and also was engaged in agriculture near Fort Branch, Indiana. He married Malissa Emmerson in 1861. Not long after his marriage he enlisted for service in the war of the Rebellion, being a member of Company E, Eightieth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served three years. He re-enlisted for service in the same company and regiment and received a wound at the battle of Perrysville, from the effects of which he died at Louisville, Kentucky, in the hospital there. He had also suffered an attack of measles while in service. One son was born to the union of Lewis and Malissa ( Emmerson) Stephens, being Charles, who is a teacher in the public schools at Jacksonville, Texas. His wife was Helen Follett and to them has been born one child, Pauline.

Shortly after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Vickers sold their farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Union township and moved to Oakland City, Indiana, where for many years Mr. Vickers was engaged in the dry goods business. In later years, the close confinement telling on him, he disposed of his business and engaged in truck gardening.

Mr. Vickers was a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted in Company E, Fifty-eighth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, at Princeton, and served until the close of the war. During this time he was shot ill the ear. which destroyed his sense of hearing. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic at Oakland City and his religious sympathies were with the Cumberland Presbyterian church, of which he was a consistent member. Mrs. Vickers holds her church membership in the General Baptist church, and gives of her time and means to furthering the good work of that society. Politically, Mr. Vickers was a stanch Republican, always taking a quiet though keen interest in his party's affairs. Mr. and Mrs. Vickers were the parents of five children, three of whom are dead, Wilbur, Randolph and an infant son. Laura is the wife of Lewis Goff, of Winslow, Indiana, and is the mother of two children, Mary L. and Margaret. Dale 11.. tlie 'inl\- li\ing' son, resides with hi.s mother and is engaged in sign and general jjainting at Oakland City. The late Henry C. Vickers was of a retiring disposition and possessed of many admirable traits, making him a good husband and father and a good citizen. He was of genial nature, well liketl and rcs])ecte(l ])y a large number of friends.

George T. Keneipp

In a brief sketch of any living citizen it is diflkult to do him exact and impartial justice, not so much, however, for lack of space or words to set forth the familiar and passing events of his personal history, as for want of the perfect and rounded conception of his whole Hfe, which grows, develops and ripens, like fruit, to disclose its truest and best flavor only when it is mellowed by time. Daily contact with the man so familiarizes us with his virtues that we ordinarily overlook them and commonly underestimate their possessor. It is not often that true honor, public or private, - that honor which is the tribute of cordial respect and esteem, - comes to a man without basis in character and deeds. The world may be deceived by fortune, or by ornamental or showy qualities, without substantial merit, and may render to the undeserving a short-lived admiration, but the honor that wise and good men value and that lives beyond the grave must ha\e its foundation in real worth, for "worth maketh the man." Not a few men live unheralded and almost unknown beyond the narrow limits of the city or community wherein their lots are cast, who yet have in them, if fortune had opened to them a wider sphere of life, the elements of character to make statesmen or public benefactors of world-wide fame. Compared with the blazon of fame which some regard as the real seal or stamp of greatness, there is a lowlier and simpler, and yet true standard whereb)- to judge of them and fix their place in the regard of their fellow men. During his life of nearly sixty years in Owensville, this county, its people have had means to know what manner of man George T. Keneipp is. The record of testimony is ample that he is a good citizen in the full sense of the term, and worthy of honor and public trust, ever doing worthily and well whatever he puts his hand to do - an encomium worthy of being coveted by every man.

George T. Keneipp, the son of Robert and America (Lucas) Keneipp, was born in Owensville, Indiana, .\pril it, 1853. Robert Keneipp was a native of Erie countv, Ohio, and mo\ed to ]^,lount Carmel, Illinois, with his parents when a small child. There he received his common school education and at an early age was apprenticed to a tanner. He grew to manhood in Mount Carmel and was married in that place. In 1852, when he was about twenty-six years of age, he came to Owensville, Gibson county, Indiana, where George T., the subject of this sketch, was born. In 1854 Mr. Keneipp began farming in Montgomery township, about one and one-half miles north of Owensville, on a forty-acre tract of land. After operating this farm for about a year, he moved five miles north of Owensville on a farm on Skelton creek, where he lived for three years. Then an opportunity presenting itself to enter the business world, he moved to Owensville and entered into a partnrship with James Montgomer}' in the general mercantile business. Not finding this to his liking, he sold out his interest three years later and purchased a farm about one and one-half miles northwest of Owensville, the farm now occupied by his son, Fielding L. Here he lived until 1890, when he moved about one and one-half miles south of this farm to another place, where he spent the remainder of his days, his death occurring December 4, 1893. His wife, Mrs. Robert Keneipp, mother of the subject of this sketch, was a native of this county, and was born about one mile north of Owensville. She is still living with her son, Fielding, at the advanced age of eightyfour vears. To these parents were born two children. Fielding L. and George T. Fielding married Edith Kirkpatrick and lives on the old homestead farm, and has three children, Nellie, who married Luther Knowles, who died some years ago, and now makes her home with her father on the farm ; she has one child, Alvin; Anna May married Hugh Marvel, a farmer living on the home place, and is the mother of one daughter, Eugenia ; Robert lives with his parents on the home farm.

George T. Keneipp was married October 20, 1875, to Ivitty H., the daughter of Henry and Eliza (Mason) Matthews. Her father is a native of Buckinghamshire, England, and came to this country when the subject's wife was only six weeks old. They came to New Jersey, where they remained for four years, then they came west and settled near Evansville on a farm, where they remained for one year, but wishing to take up his old trade of miller, he moved to Hazleton, Gibson county, Indiana, where he entered the employ of Byram Bingham, who owned and conducted a large flouring mill. He worked in this mill for three years, when he came to Owensville and bought the old Star mill from John Walker. He continued to operate this mill until his death, which occurred February 12, 1877. His wife was also a native of England, and her death occurred February 5, 191 1.

in Owensville, at the home of Mr. and Afrs. Kcncij)]). Mr. ami .Mrs. Ilenry Matthews were the parents of .-;ix children: F.ninia, deceased; Harry, deceased; Thomas J.; Kitty: Joseiih. deceased, and Wayne, deceased. F.mnia married John S. Lucas, and they had five children. Ilenry, John, Harvey. Emma, deceased, and Nohle : Thomas J. married, first. Ella Barker, whose death occurred January 20, 188,3, and subsequently he married Mrs. Martha Boren, and by his second marriaije there were three children, Hugh, Byron and Paul.

To Mr. and Mrs. George Keneipp have been born six children : .\rthur M., Hervey, Lucretia, deceased in 1908: Eunice, Elsie, decea.sed in 1897; and Zella. Arthur M. married Nola Bixler and lives on a farm about one mile west of his father's farm ; they have one son, James, who lives at home, and one who died in infancy : Her\ey married Margaret Dorsey, and hves on a farm near Owensville. He graduated in mechanical engineering from Purdue University in 1905, and afterwards spent two years in the Baltimore & Ohio railroad shops at Baltimore, but was compelled to return to agricultural life, because of his health, came back to Owens\ille and engaged in farming : he has two children, Harry and Warren ; Eunice married Jesse Montgomery and resides in Owensville, and has two children, Alice and Philip ; Zella married W. S. Jaques and lives on a farm about two miles west of Owensville, and has one child, Howard; Lucretia married H. A. Smothers, a veterinary surgeon in Mount Carmel, Illinois; they have one son, George ; Elsie died at the age of eight years.

George T. Keneipp has had a very interesting career in this county, and is one of the best known business men within the limits of the county. After finishing his education in the Owensville high school he managed his father's farm until 1896, at which time he was appointed township trustee, holdiivg this of^ce until November, 1899. He had previously farmed with his father in partnership until 1882, when he bought a farm of his own of eighty-se\en acres near Owensville,- and remained on this place until 1899. In this year he bought the Barker farm of one hundred and seventy-six acres, and has since added twenty acres more to his holdings. This farm he has improved in every particular, has drained it, fenced it and brought it to a high state of cultivation. He has added all the uKxlern improvements, which lighten the labor of the farmer, and is universally conceded to be one of the most progressive farmers in this locality.

Mr. Keneipp takes an active interest in the different fraternities of Owensville, being a member of four different fraternal organizatinns, the

Free and Accepted Masons, Modern Woodmen of America, the Tribe of Ben-Hur and the Court of Honor. Although he has always taken an active part in the deliberations of the Republican party, he has never held any political office except the office of trustee, v^'hich is held by appointment. He takes an intelligent interest in current affairs, and is well posted on all political questions of the day.

Mr. Keneipp and his wife have long been members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Owensville, he being a trustee and steward of the church, and they are both firm believers in the efficiency of the various church organizations. They do much good and devote a great deal of their time to the social and missionary work of their church.

Mr. Keneipp has been uniformly successful in all of his business transactions, and the directorate of the Owensville Banking Company has recognized his executive ability by electing him president of that company. He is a very companionable, quiet and unassuming man, and has reached his' success in life only by hard work and painstaking effort. He is widely acquainted throughout the county and is well liked by all with whom he comes in contact. No movement which has for its object the betterment of the social, moral or religious welfare of his community is ever broached which does not find in him a ready and sympathetic helper. Such men as he are a blessing to the community in which they live.

Victor Lemme

\\'hether the elements of success in life are innate attributes of the individual or whether they are quickened by a process of circumstantial development it is impossible to determine. It is certainly true that the profession of teaching gives one habits of industry and application which are essential to success in any other profession. No one will gainsay the fact that fifteen years' experience in the school room is a very valuable asset to any man and when to this is added those sterling qualities of good common sense and sound business judgment, the man so blessed is sure to make a success in any undertaking. A gentleman with all these admirable qualities is Victor Lemme, and a perusal of his career should be an incentive to the younger generation.

Gibson Colxtv, Indiana. 7I3

His father came to America from Germany when lie was ten years of age and, with his parents, settled in \'anderl)urg count\-, this state, where they hved for a short time before permanently removing to Gibson county. The mother of the subject died in February, 1893, leaving three children, Victor, the immediate subject of this sketch; Charles E., a fruit grower in Utah, and Herbert J., a court stenographer living at Princeton, Indiana. Some years after the death of Mrs. William Lemme, Mr. Lemme married again, and to this union were born two children, both of whom are still at home with their parents.

Victor Lemme was educated in the district schools of Barton township, and then completed his high school education at Princeton, following this with a course at the Central Normal College at Danville. Indiana, and was also a student in the Vincennes University, and one of the first students to enter the Oakland City College, which he attended for five terms. Thus equipped, he started out to teach in his home township and was a successful teacher in the county for fifteen years. He inherited from his parents the German habits of thrift and industry and invested his savings in land, spending his summers on the farm while he was teaching school. He continued his pedagogical work until ic;o8, when the citizens of his township prevailed upon him to run for the office of trustee, and showed their confidence in his ability by electing him to that ofifice by a large majority. This office is one of the most important within the suffrages of the people, and he is discharging its duties to the entire satisfaction of the citizens of the township. He has twenty teachers under his jurisdiction and is rapidly bringing the schools of his township to a high state of excellence. During his term of office he has had one certified high school established, and the high school at Mackey is doing excellent work for the short time which it has been in existence. His term of office will not expire until January, 1915.

Mr. Lemme was married April 6, i8gq. to Minnie Miller, daughter of Samuel and Cornelia (Stroud) Miller, both natives of South Carolina. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are the parents of three children, Minnie, the wife of the subject of this sketch; William B., a stock buyer at Somerville, and James S., who lives at home. To. Mr. and Mrs. Lemme has been born one son, Maurice M., born February zt,. 1905, who is now attending the schools in his township.

Mr. Lemme is now living on his farm of one hundred and thirteen acres, and is regarded as one of the most progressive and enterprising young farmers of his county. Hi? teaching experience makes him a very competent trustee, and the interests of the township are well served by him. Politically, he has always been a Democrat and his party has recognized , his ability by electing him to his present office. Fraternally, he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and Knights of Pythias, his membership in both lodges being held at Oakland City. Mr. Lemme has succeeded in his chosen vocation solely through his own courage and persistence, and he is a man who believes in lending whatever aid he can to his neighbors. He has not only attained a definite degree of success in his profession as teacher and farmer, but he has at the same time greatly benefited the community in which he lives, and for this reason well merits a place in a biographical volume of this nature.

James L. Stewart

The gentleman to a brief review of whose life and characteristics the reader's attention is herewith directed is among the favorably known and representative citizens of Oakland City, Gibson county, Indiana. He has by his enterprise and progressive methods contributed in a material way to the advancement of his locality and during the course of an honorable career has been fairly successful in his business enterprises, having been a man of energy, sound judgment and honesty of purpose, and is thus well deserving of mention in this volume.

James L. Stewart was born December 12, 1844, in Palmyra, Missouri, a son of Thomas P. and Frances (Sanders) Stewart, who were natives of Louisville, and after their marriage went westward into Missouri. James Stewart, the father of Thomas P., was a native of Georgia. He was descended from colonists who had accompanied the British General Oglethorpe when he came to the new world and founded the colony of Georgia. Later, James Stewart and family located in Kentucky, near Louisville, on the Beardstown pike, and where the first toll gate was located. There they obtained land which they cleared and where they made a comfortable home, and passed the remainder of their lives. James" wife was Jane Stephens, .a cousin of Alexander LI. Stephens, and to their union were born four children, namely: Susan, Sarah, Thomas P. (father of the immediate subject of this sketch) and James.

Thomas Patrick Stewart, father of James L., grew to manhood in Kentucky, having the advantage of but limited schooling, but was a self-taught man. It was about 1835 when Ik- wenl to Palmyra, Missouri, wliicli was tlien but a small village indeed. Tlic Indians were thick about the settlement and wild game of all kinds was plt-nliful. He was a plasterer by trade and this occupation he followed until his death in i'almyra, in 1889, at the advanced age of eighty years. His wife had died two years previously, at the age of seventy-two. Both were consistent members of the Christian church. He had originally been a stanch Whig in politics and at the dissolution of that party refused to cast his vote with the others then in existence, because he had been a leader of the Whig party until Horace Greeley ran for President in 1872 and for whose election he voted. Thomas P. Stewart and wife had a family of three children: GabrilHa. widow of Thomas J. Johnson, resides in the state of Colorado; James L., the immediate subject of this sketch, and Sarah P., widow of James Reeves, of Montrose, Iowa.

The subject of this sketch received but \ery limited schooling when a boy and started out in life for himself when but a lad of fourteen years. He worked at \-arious occupations and in various places for a time, and in 1863 or 1864 left Missouri, coming to Evansville, Indiana, and in January, 1865, he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Forty-third Regiment Indiana \^olunteer Infantry. He was sent to Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Tallahoosa and Clarksville and did garrison duty until October of the same year, when he was discharged. He returned to Evansville and came on to Princeton, Indiana, and has since been a resident of Gibson county. He first went to work for William H. Evans on the Princeton Dcuiocrat. where he stayed for a year, and from that time until 1878 he was a sort of journeyman printer, being employed on papers in \arious towns. In the year above mentioned, he settled in Oakland City, Indiana, where, on September 19, 1880, he was united in marriage to Alice M. Dickson, of Center township, Gil)Son county, a daughter of John and Catherine (Elliott) Dickson, who died in 1859. During the Civil war he served as a private in Company D, Fiftyeighth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, having enlisted at Princeton. After the war he took up his old residence in Center township, later going to Illinois. However, he did not long remain there and returned to GiI)son county, dying at Francisco in 1896. They were the parents of three children: Sarah, who is Airs. James Woods, of Princeton: Mrs. Stewart, wife of the subject of this sketch, and Margaret, deceased.

Mr. Stewart has continued to reside in Oakland City since first going there l)efore his marriage and is a jjlasterer liy trade, lie has also from time to time (lone some newspajier work. .Mr. and Mrs. Stewart originally, had three sons and one daughter who died in infancy. The eldest son gave his hfe to his country during the Spanish-American war. This was Raymond T., born October 8, 1881. He received his education in the home schools and in November, 1898, enlisted in Company D, Twelfth Regiment Regular United States .Vrmy. He was a musician, a cornet player. He was sent direct to the Philippines and was in the battle of San Fernando Angeles. He contracted dysentery in a very bad form, was taken to the hospital on August 9th and remained there until January 2nd following. He was returned to the United States and died on February 18, 1900, at Presidio, California. The remains were returned to Oakland City and interred in Montgomery cemetery. Mattie, the daughter, born May 18, 1883, died August 27, 1883. Maxwell D., the second son, was born June 2, 1884, and was educated in the schools of his native town. He has always been employed by the Nordyke & Mannon Company at Indianapolis and resides there. He married Georgia Cooper and they have two children, Elenore and Charles. The third son, Donald W'., was born July 23, 1893. He attended the grade and high schools at home and is now on the road for the Fairbanks-Morse Company of Indianapolis, selling their gasoline engines.

Mr. Stewart is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic at Oakland City and his religious afifiliation is with the Christian church, while politically he is a stalwart supporter of the Democratic party. Fraternally, he is a member of Oakland City Lodge No. 467, Free and Accepted Masons. He is very well known throughout the county as a man whose principles of living are such as to win for him the high regard of all. He is a man who keeps well posted on current events and is considered one of the best impromptu speakers in Gibson county. During the years of his residence here, he has made manv warm friends, which is a fitting tribute to a man's genuine worth.

Isaac L. Mounts

Too much honor cannot be given to the boys in blue who fought through the long and bloody struggle in the sixties. When they heard their country's call they forsook their ordinary vocations, enrolled under the stars and stripes, and with patriotic fervor and enthusiasm braved all the dangers of the battlefield in order that our beloved flag might continue to wave from the lakes to the gulf. The sacrifices they made cannot be calculated, the dangers they encountered cannot be computed, and yet they were never found unwill- ing to do their full duty. The homage of a grateful peojile is theirs and we delight to accord them all the praise so justly due them. Among the few veterans who are left in Gibson county none are more deserving of a worthy place in this volume than the gallant old soldier whose name heads this sketch.

Isaac L. Mounts, one of the best known pioneer citizens of Gibson county, was born three miles south of Owensville, August 14, 1839. the son of Garrard and Martha (Montgomery) Mounts. Garrard Mounts, a native of Kentuck)-, migrated to this state in early life and settled on land near Black River, three miles south of Owensville. Mr. and IMrs. Garrard Alounts died several years ago. They were the parents of twelve children : Mrs. Nancy Emerson, deceased ; Mrs. Almira Redman, deceased : Wesley, deceased ; Smith, deceased; Mrs. Elizabeth Trible, who is still living; Eliza Ellen, deceased; Parmelia, deceased; John D.. deceased; Isaac L.. the immediate subject of this sketch ; Mrs. Martisha Redman ; Indiana, and one child who died in infancy.

Isaac L. Mounts spent his boyhood da}-s on the farm and receixed what meager schooling the district schools of the township afforded. At the opening of the Civil war he heard his country's call and responded with all the enthusiasm of youth, throwing his fortunes in with the thousands of young men who were ready to endure all dangers for their country's sake. He enlisted in Company F, Fifty-eighth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, on November 25, 1862. His company was attached to the Army of the West and immediately after his enlistment he was transferred to Tennessee, where he participated in the setond day's battle of Shiloh. It is not possible in this connection to detail all the fights and through which the gallant Fifty-eighth fought. Among the more important engagements in which Mr. Mounts was a participant were Shiloh. Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, Stone's River and the siege of Kudwille. At Knoxville his company was organized into a pontoon train, and from that time until the end of the war they were building bridges and doing guard duty. After joining the pontoon brigade he engaged in no more battles, serving as a non-commissioned corporal from that time until the close of the war. He was mustered out at Indianapolis July 25. 1865. It is interesting to note at this place that the history of the Fifty-eighth Indiana Regiment has been compiled bv Colonel Gil R. Stormont. of Princeton, the editor of this work.

having his health impaired, proof of which is evidenced by his good health at the present time. The fifty years which have elapsed since the close of the war have been spent in agricultural pursuits in this county, where he has brought his farm to a high state of cultivation. He is a verv quiet, pleasant and unassuming man, keen of memory and progressive in his methods of business.

Mr. Mounts was married January i, 187 1, to Sarah E. Pritchett, the daughter of Elijah and Elizabeth (Rutledge) Pritchett, and to this union has been born one son, John, who is unmarried and li\'es at home with his parents; Ada, deceased: and Jessie, deceased.

Mr. Mounts is a man who by his own unaided efforts has worked his way from a modest beginning to a position of influence in his community. Plis life throughout his whole career has been one of unceasing industry and perseverance and the systematic and honorable methods which he has followed have won for him the unbounded confidence of his fellow citizens of Gibson, whose interests he has ever had at heart. His career presents a notable example of those qualities of mind and character which have e\-er overcome obstacles and won success, and his example is eminently worthy of imitation.

Robert A. Allen

Among the men who have led an eminently active and useful life in this county for the past fifty years the name of Robert A. Allen is prominent as one who has been identified with the life of the community in which he has lived. His career is that of an able and conscientious worker and his friends know him as a man of tireless industry and unafraid to carry out his convictions. As a man of high integrity and genial, affable nature, he has won countless friends among the good people of his locality, where he has lived so many years.

Robert A. Allen, the son of John and Letitia (Cook) Allen, was born in Gibson county, Indiana, on May 15, 1863. John .Mien was born in Ireland in 1824 and it was there that he met and wooed the girl who became his wife, who was born in 1825. They came to America in 185 1, landing at New Orleans and later moved to Princeton, where they remained for about ten years. They then moved to a farm in this county, just west of Princeton, known as the "Cherry Grove" farm, which they operated for about ten years.

after which they moved on the farm where Mr. .\Ilen now lives. John Allen died on December q, 1899, and his wife followed him to the other land on April 3, 1909. Mr. and Mrs. John Allen were the parents of a large family of eight children: Mrs. Catherine Spnnv, who lives near Douglas Station; Andrew D., who resides in .Mton, Missouri: Mrs. T.etitia A. Lathro]), of Princeton: Mrs. Mary J. Knowles. who lives in Nebraska: Thomas, a farmer in this county: Mrs. Rebecca Schlamp. whose hu.sl)and is a farmer in tliis county: Robert A., and James, who lives on a farm in Patoka townshi]).

Robert A. Allen received the be.st education afforded liy tlie district schools of his neighborhood and spent his childhood and early manhood working on the home farm. He has devoted his whole life to agricultural pursuits and has met with success commensurate with his efforts. lie is practical and methodical in his labors and gives his personal attention to every detail of his farm work with the result that he has an enviable standing in the community because of his ability and success in his chosen \ocation. In addition to the raising of grain and fruits, he also gives some attention to the breeding and raising of Ii\e stock, which he has found to be a ijrolitable source of income. His farm of sixty-six and two-thirds acres is well improved in every respect. His substantial and attractive residence, commodious and well arranged barns and well kept fences all l)ear evidence to the wise discrimination and excellent taste of their owner.

Robert A. Allen was married March 22. 1900. to Rosa Laib, daughter of Lewis and Sophia (Blessing) Laib. Lewis Laib was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and it was there that he met his future wife. They came to Gibson county, Indiana, in 1857 and he has been a farmer in this county during all these years and is still living on his farm of one hundred and fifty-five acres near Princeton. His wife died January 7. 1914, and is luiricd in the Odd Fellows cemetery at Princeton. Mr. and Mrs. Laib were the parents of ten children : Edward, of Jackson, Tennessee : Jacob, of Evansville, Indiana ; Rosa, wife of Mr. Allen: John, of Princeton, Indiana: Sophia, who lives at home with her father : Louis, who resides on his father's farm : Joseph, of Princeton; William, deceased September 18, 1897: Mrs. Maggie Park and Mrs. Nellie Bruce. Mr. and Mrs. Allen are the parents of three children, William L., Floyd R. and Hazel. Mrs. Allen is a lady of many kindly graces of head and heart, who has by her kindliness of manner and excellent fjualities endeared herself to a large circle of friends.

Mr. Allen gives his ardent support to the Republican party and takes a deep interest in public affairs, although he is not in any sense a seeker after public office. He and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, Hights Chapel, and take an active part in supporting all worthy movements which have for their object the welfare of their fellow citizens. Mr. Allen has never shrunk from his duties as a citizen and his obligations to the church, his neighbors and friends. To him home life has been a sacred trust and nothing has happened which could swerve him from the path of rectitude and honor. He easily wins friends and always retains them and enjoys a marked degree of popularity in the county where so many of his active years have been spent.

Thomas Wark

Though many years have passed since the subject of this sketch passed from the life militant to the life triumphant, he is still favorably remembered by many of the older residents of Gibson county, and because of his many excellent personal qualities and the splendid and definite influence which his life shed over the entire community in which he lived many years, it is particularly consistent that specific mention should be made of him in a work containing mention of the representative persons of the county. A man of high moral character, unimpeachable integrity, persistent industry and excellent business judgment, he stood "four square to every wind that blows," and throughout the community he occupied an enviable position among his fellow men.

Thomas Wark was born July 12, iSii, in the township of Orbeg, county Donegal, Ireland, and died August 25, 1895, ^t Fort Branch, Gibson county, Indiana, at the age of eighty-four. He was a son of Joseph and Martha Wark. An ancestor of the subject removed from Scotland to Ireland and received a grant of land from the British government. According to the best information, this was about two hundred years ago, and the descendants of this an-cestor have continued to hold this same land.

In 1832 Thomas Wark emigrated to America, landing at New Orleans and, coming up the Mississippi and the Ohio rivers, located at or near Evansville, Indiana, where for some years he was engaged in trading alone the river in eggs, chickens and produce. He later purchased land in Gibson county and farmed for some years. He had three brothers and one sister, the sister now being the wife of Joseph McClay. Stephen and Joseph en- listed on the Union side during the Civil war, Joseph having been a member of the Home Guard during the famous ^lorgan raids. Stephen, who had previously engaged in farming in Illinois, went t.> the front from tliat state, but Thomas, the immediate subject of this review, was in such a poor state of health that he could not enter the service of his country, much to his regret. Aliout the close of the Ci\'il war Thomas Wark moved to I'ort Branch and made it his home the rest of his days, selling his farm and building an elegant modern residence in the town, which is now occupied bv his grand-nieces, the Misses Irwin.

During his lifetime the subject made several trips to the i-"nierald Isle, and on his first visit brought with him on his return Isabella Irwin, daughter of his sister Isabella. She made her home with him and was of great comfort and help to the subject in the declining years of his life. On a later visit to his native land Mr. Wark brought back with him a grand-niece, the granddaughter of his sister, Isabella Irwin, the child l^eing but four and one-half years of age when she arrived in this country. She received a good education in the schools of Fort Branch and is now occu])ying the Wark residence, her ]jarents having been John and Euiiheiiie ( Fawcett) Irwin, and her given name Elizabeth.

]\Irs. Isabella Irwin came to join her sister in tiie summer of iS(;8 and still resides with her. The Irwin sisters are faithful members of the Methodist church and are charming and cultured ladies. They possess a beautiful home and have a splendid library and their social acti\ities are confined to the most refined circles of their community.

Mr. Wark was a Republican and very stanch in bis political views. He cast his first vote for William Henry Harrison and his last vote for Benjanu'n Harrison.

John A. Spexcf

In examining the life records of self-made men it will invariably be found that indefatigable industry has constituted the basis of their success. Of course there are other elements which enter into and conserve the advancement of personal interest, but the foundation of all true success is earnest. persistent endeavor. John A. Spence, the sul^ject of this sketch, is one of those self-made men who has achieved his success only by liringing to bear those sterling qualities of strict honest\- and ujirightness which are sure to (46) bring success Starting in life with practically nothinsf. he has by his own unaided efforts, won a very comfortable competence, and now lives in a fine home surrounded by all the modern conveniences of life.

John A. Spence, the son of Gabriel and Martha (McWilliams) Spence, was born in Gibson county, March 6, 1861. His father was a native of Ireland and his mother Avas born in Gibson county, Indiana. Early in life he was a steamboat man on the Hudson river in New York, but later came to Indiana and settled in this county, where he married. To Gabriel Spence and wife were born five children: John A., the immediate subject of this sketch; Mrs. Emily Finney, who lives at Princeton, Indiana; James M., deceased; Jennie, who lives with her mother in Princeton, and Mrs. Cora Halfaker, who lives in Missouri. Mrs. Gabriel Spence, the mother of the subject, is still living in Princeton, her husband having died in July, 1901.

John A. Spence was educated in the district schools of Gibson county and worked on his father's farm until he was twenty years of age. On the day before he was twenty years of age he was married to Lottie E. Lockhart, the daughter of William and Minerva (Burton) Lockhart. Mr. Lockhart was a native of Ireland, while his wife was born in Indiana. To Mr. and Mrs. Lockhart were born seven children.

Mr. and Mrs. Spence started out in life with only one asset, in addition to their own good common sense and ability to work. This was a trotting mare, and they still have the old mare, now twenty-eight years of age. After their marriage they bought eighty acres of land two miles and a half southcast of Princeton, where they now live, and went into debt for all of it. Howe\-er, bv hard work and good management they succeeded in paying for this farm many years ago. Mrs. Spence has contributed no little to the succcess of the family and deserves an equal share of credit with her husband for their splendid home which they now enjoy. They have a. fine, new modern house and all the conveniences of a city home. In addition to a general system of farming, Mr. Spence deals in blooded horses and also raises a considerable amount of hogs and milch cows.

Mr. and Mrs. Spence have reared an interesting family of five children, all of whom are still under the parental roof: Bertha, born September 8, 1892; Lester, born August 7, 1894; James, born- November 22, 1895 ; Robert, born March 2, 1898, and Walter, born March 4, 1900.

Politically, Mr. Spence is an adherent of the Republican party, but has never sought any public office at the hands of his party. He and his family are loyal members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church in Princeton, and contribute liberally to the support of that denomination. Fraternally, Mr. Spence is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He is regarded by all as one of the representative and progressive men of his county, and has been a man of tireless energy and strong courage and thus has won and holds the unqualified esteem of his fellow citizens. He is known as one of the most active citizens in his agricultural and stock raising interests, and his labors have been a potent force in making this county known throughout the state for its excellent farms. His success can be attributed to his untiring energy and the exercise of the ordinary qualities nf common sense, perseverance and sterling integrity.

Richard M. Parrett

One of the old and distinguished families of Gibson county, Indiana, which has left its impress upon the material and moral life of the county is the Parrett family. Robert Parrett came from England to America in 1814. He was born, reared and married in his native country and his oldest daughter, Mary Anne, was born on board ship on the voyage to this country. The ship in which they came to this country was called the "Mary Anne" hence the name of the first born daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Parrett were the parents of ten children, only one of whom, Eva. is now living. These children in order of their birth, are as follows : Mary .Anne; John \\'., Ijorn 1818, who was a circuit-rider Methodist minister, farmer, lawyer and justice of the peace, and died in 1913, at the age of ninety-five; Richard M., decea.sed 1908; William P., who was judge for thirty years and a member of Congress for the Evansville district; Robert, was an attorney of Lagrange, Indiana; he was a major in the One Hundredth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, and was killed during a windstorm while at the front, a tree falling across his tent. He was brought back to his native state for burial ; Mrs. Martha Rolierts ; Mrs. Sarah Reed, who was the wife of Rev. Hiram Reed, and lived at Evansville (he was at one time the pastor of the Englewood Methodist Episcopal church at Evansville, Indiana) ; Jane, who married Alva Johnson, an attorney of Evansville ; Joseph was also a resident of Evansville ; Eva. the only child of the ten living, married Union Bethel, of Newburg, Indiana, and is now past eighty years of age.

Robert Parrett, the father of Richard Parrett. the subject of this sketch, landed in New York on his way from England and went overland to Pitts- burgh, Pennsylvania, and thence down the Ohio river to Cincinnati, Ohio. From thence he traveled overland to about fifty miles east of Vincennes, Indiana, where he remained for about a year. He then located near Blairsville, in Posey county, this state, where he lived for two or three years, after which he moved to Evansville, Indiana. Here he entered a large tract of land in the upper part of what is now Evansville, and he and his sons burned the brick and built the first Methodist Episcopal church in that city. He was a local preacher of that denomination and always took a great deal of interest in the establishment of new Methodist churches and was more or less of a circuitriding preacher all of his life. He was one of the Methodists wlio was instrumental in establishing Asbury College at Greencastle, this state, now known as DePauw University.

Richard M. Parrett, the immediate sul^ject of this sketch, received his earlv training in the district schools of ^''anderburg county, this state, and later with his brother. John, he attended Asbury College at Greencastle. While they were in attendance at Asbury College they wished to come home for vacation, so they walked from Greencastle to Terre Haute, and then took a little boat to Mt. Carmel, and from thence they again walked to Evansville to spend the vacation between tenns. After Richard had finished his education, he and his brother, William P., went overland to Oregon. Both the brothers were married at this time, and took their wives with them on the long trip to the far west in 1S42, and both of their wives died in that state. William Parrett only stayed a short time in Oregon, but Richard remained and taught the Indians for some time. He received an appointment from the government as governor of the Indian agency and remained there for two years among the Indians. He then returned to Indiana and married a second time. Upon his return to this state he settled in Evansville and engaged in the manufacture of brick and later his father and his mother's father helped him to buy a farm at Patoka, in Gibson county. He dro\'e through from Evansville to his new home, his wife and son making the trip on the train, being among the first passengers to make the trip on the new railroafl, which onlv ran as far north as White river. He resided on this farm from 1853 until 1862, when he sold it and moved to Henry county, Indiana, where he settled on a farm near Dunreith. After a residence of two }-ears in Henry county, he sold out and liought a farm south of Princeton, this county, and three years later he traded this tract for a farm north of Patoka, where his son, Charles, now lives. He continued to reside on this farm until he sold it to his son and removed to Patoka, where his death occurred in 1898, his wife surviving liini ten years. Richartl ]\[. Parrett was twice married. His first wife died in Oregon during his stay in that state. His second wife was Anna Ehza Htidelson. of (jibson county, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Hudelson, whom he met while coming home for his vacation from Asliury College, where he was attending school. There were two children by the first marriage, both of whom are deceased. By the second marriage there were six children who li\ed to maturity: Riil)ert X., Ijorn in Evansville. December 3, 1849; Estclla, who married Willnugiiby W'ithersponn, and lives in Indianapolis; Frank H., a farmer living near Oakland City: William F., a hanker of Patoka, Indiana; Charles K., who is living on the old hciniestead near Patoka; and Bessie, the wife of E. H. Jenne, of Creencastle, Indiana.

R. N. Parrett received his education in the primitive schools of his county, his first school house being a log structure at Miller's Station. Later he attended school at Patoka, and when his parents moved to Henry Cdunty, this state, he was in school during their residence there. Upon their return to Gibson county, he entered the Gorley school south of Princeton and other schools in his township. He finished his education by taking a course in the normal school at Lebanon. Ohio. After finishing his schooling he went into the sawmill business and continued to follo^v this occupation in Patoka and White River townships for the next thirty years. He was \-ery successful in this business and accumulated a very comfortable competence, and in 1900 he bought a half interest in the Princeton Light and Power Company. In 1901 he moved to Princeton and has continued to reside in that place since. The Princeton Light and Power Company was incorporated in 1893 ^^'th a capital stock of one hundred thousand dollars. At the present time H. C. Barr is president: John AL Parrett, secretary and treasurer, and R. X. Parrett, superintendent. In 1890, R. X"'. Parrett helped to organize the Farmers Bank at Princeton, and he has been connected with this financial institution since the date of its organization until charter expired. He is also a director in the People's X^ationai Bank of Princeton, and helped organize the Princeton Telephone Company, of which he is now president. He was alsn at one time connected with the Hazleton bank, but disposed of his interests there in order to devote more time to his interests in Princeton.

R. X^. Parrett was twice married, his first wife being Maria dcirley, of Patoka township, whose death occurred in 1872, leaving two sons, John M.. of Princeton, who is secretary-treasurer of the Princeton Light and Power Company. John married Xettie Berger. The other son by the first marriage is Fred R., who is manager of the Princeton Independent Tcleiibone Com-

Little, and to this union there have been born eight children : Mable, the wife of L. K. Redman, who is now general agent for the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad Compan}^, which has headc(uarters at Terre Haute, Indiana; Nell, deceased, March, 1914, who married Arthur Book, shoe merchant of Princeton; Richard R., who is now with his father; Jessie, deceased; Mary, who is still at home ; AVilliam Fletcher, who is connected with the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad Company at Terre Haute; Morton Chester, who is attending the high school at Princeton, and Catherine, also attending school. R. N. Parrett has been a life-long Republican, but has ne\'er been a seeker after any political office. His extensive business interests have absorbed all of his time and attention and he has never felt that he had the time to indulge in the game of politics. He is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Princeton, and for many years has been a trustee in the church. Mr. Parrett is a man of excellent endowments and U])right character and has been a valued factor in local affairs in Gibson county for many years He has ever commanded the entire confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens and has been vigilant in his efforts to further the interests of his city and county along material, moral and civic lines.

William A. Whitsitt

One of the enterprising and successful farmers of Gibson county, who has succeeded in his chosen vocation through his courage, persistency and good management is William A. Whitsitt, who comes from a distinguished family of this county. He has not only attained to a definite degree of success in agricultural pursuits, but at the same time he has stood for those things which make for the benefit of the community in which he lives, and for this reason is one well Avorthy of mention in a biographical volume of this nature.

William A. Whitsitt, the son of William B. and Margaret (McClure) Whitsitt, was born on July 15, 1880, in Princeton, Gibson county, Indiana, both his parents also being natives of this county. His father, William B.. still resides with his son on the old home farm. His mother's death occurred January 14, 1908. William B. Whitsitt has followed the occupation of a farmer all his life and is one of the most successful and highly respected old veterans in the county. At the time our country was in danger during the Civil war, he enlisted and went to the front with the Tenth Regiment of Indiana Volunteer Cavalry and served for about one year and a half, being mustered out in June, 1S65, at Vicksburg, Mississippi. Immediately after the close of the war he returned to Gibson county, and in 1869 he was married to Margaret McClure, the daughter of Joseph and Catherine N. (Devine) McClure, and to this union were born four children : Samuel C, Joseph P. and Anna B., who are all deceased, William A., the immediate sul)ject of this sketch, being the only surviving child.

William A. Whitsitt was given the best education which the district schools of this county afforded at that time, and while he was attending school, he put in all of his spare time working on his father's farm. He is now the owner of a fine farm near Princeton, which he has brought to a higli state of cultivation, and his ninety-three acres is one of the highest priced tracts in the county. Here he raises all the crops common to this locality and in addition is a breeder of pedigreed Holstein cattle. His farm is well equipped with all modern machinery and agricultural accessories and he also has a fine home and excellent barn and other outbuildings. He keeps abreast of the times in every way and is looked upon as one of the most progressive young farmers of this locality.

Mr. Whitsitt was married January 29, 1903, to Leafy L. Myers, the daughter of Aaron and Hannah S. (Cole) Myers. Aaron Myers is a native of Gibson county, while liis wife was bom in Vanderburg county, this state. Mr. and Mrs. Whitsitt are the parents of four children: Helen F.. born August 6, 1905: William E., born March 6, 1907: Robert F., born March 15, 1909, and Wayne A., born Fel)ruary 11, 1912. All of these children were born in Gibson county except William, who was bom in Lawrence county, Illinois.

The father of A. \\'hitsitt i<; residing wnlli him on the farm, as is the mother of Mrs. Whitsitt. Both father and son have always voted the Republican ticket until the fall of 1912, when they cast their lot with the new Progressive party. All the members of the family are adherents of the Methodist Episcopal church at Princeton, and are interested in its various activities. William B. Whitsitt is a charter member of the Grand Army of the Republic Post No. 28, at Princeton.

William A. Whitsitt is a quiet and unassuming man, who has never had zxv\ ambition for public oflfice, but has contributed according to his means to the civic and moral advancement of his community, while his admirable daily life has won for him the respect and confidence of the circles in which he moves. He and his wife have a large circle of friends who admire them for their hearty hospitality and wholesome influence in the community where they reside. They are friends to the poor and charitable to the faults of their neighbors and always stand ready to unite with their fellow citizens in every good work.

Cyrus N. Eskew

The science of agriculture - for it is a science as well as an art - finds an able demonstrator as well as successful practitioner in the person of Cyrus N. Eskew, who is widely known in Gibson county, maintaining a \-ery productive and desirable farm in Patoka township. ?Ie comes of a very highly lionored pioneer family, members of which ha\'e played well their parts in the general development of this favored section of the great Indiana commonwealth.

Cyrus N. Eskew was born on February 5, 1857, in Boone township, Warrick county, Indiana, the son of John and Annie (Carter) Eskew, both born and raised near Bowling Green, Kentucky. John Eskew came to Indiana in early manhood with his parents, James Eskew and wife, who obtained a wild tract of land in Boone township, Warrick county, to the clearing and cultivation of which they devoted their sole attention. James Eskew followed farming throughout his active life, and was a man of sound principles, persistent industry and genuine worth. John Eskew was reared on the paternal farm in Warrick county, and had but little opportunity to go to school, his early years lieing required in the strenuous labor of the frontier farm. However, he was ambitious to secure an education, and by hard and persistent home study he became a well-informed man. After his marriage he acquired a tract of land adjoining his father's farm, which, when cleared, developed into a splendid farm. In the spring of 1869 he located near Oakland City, Gibson county, where he lived until his death, which occurred in January, 191 1. His wife had died many years before, passing away in i860. For his second wife he married Mrs. Martha J. Wakeland, the widow of Samuel Wakeland, who is now living near Oakland Cit_\'. By his first wife John Eskew is the father of the following children: Delia C, who died in March, 1912, was the wife of Daniel Tracer, a farmer in Gibson county; Julia Ann, also deceased, was the wife of Shedrick Parker, a Gibson county farmer; Thomas B., who is a farmer in Warrick county, Indiana, married

Melinda Robismi; Cyrus, tlic iinmcilialc subject of tliis sketcli ; Jasper, a farmer at I'Vancisco. Tu John liskew's second marriage were l)()rn four children, namely: Sylvester, deceased; Sarah J., the wife of William Collins, a farmer near Oakland City: John Franklin, a farmer near Oakland City, who married Mattie Spore, ami Emma, the wife of James llarl)iscMi, who lives near Francisco.

Cyrus X. Eskew had 1)ut little iip])ortunities for securing an education and remained untlcr the itarental roof until nineteen years of age. lie then began farming on his own account near Patoka, but four years later mo\ed to Patoka and there followed agricultural pursuits for a like period. Mr. Eskew maintained his residence in Patoka until 1888, when he moved to King's Station. Indiana, where he rented land and farmed for eighteen years. .\t the end of this period he liought the sixty-four acre tract on which he now lives and also forty-three and one-half acres in another tract, and has since given his attention to its operation. He has also for the past three \ears been engaged in the grain and coal lousiness at King's Station, in which he has met with pronounced success, his treatment of his customers being such as to retain their friendship and patronage. By his persistent efforts and good management ^Nlr. Eskew has been enabled to gain a distinctive success in the various lines of effort to wdiich he has applied himself and won a large following of warm and loyal friends since locating in Gibson countx'.

On December 14, 1882, Mr. Eskew married Mary C. Harris, who was born in Patoka, the daughter of John Wesley and Hannah ( Key^ Harris, the father born in 1833, near Chattanooga, and the mother a native of Gibson county, Indiana. John W. Harris came to Gibson count}- in i860, settling in Patoka, where he followed the trade of carpentry. Mr. Harris was a member of the Baptist church, his wife holding meml)ership in the .Methodist Episcopal church. The Harris famil}- has for many >-ears been pronn'nent in the various localities where its members have lived, and was among the early settlers of Harrisburg, Dauphin county, Pennsylvania. Prior to her marriage to Mr. Harris, Mrs. Flarris was the wife of William Johnson, of Patoka, and to them were born three children, Alice Melinda, the wife of William Stermer, of Patoka. Lizzie Etter, the wife of Newton Etter, and Charles, who died in 1912. To Mr. and Airs, Harris were born the following children: Mary C. (Mrs. Eskew): Fannie, the wit'e of John Jones, of Patoka; John, who has been a member of the fire department of Memphis. Tennessee, for several years, married Kate Burbank: Frank, of Indianapolis, a traveling salesman, married Pearl Hitch: Nora is the wife of Preston Mil- burn, of Patoka; Wallace, a grain dealer of Patoka, married Stella Trippert, and Minnie, who died in early youth. To Mr. and Mrs. Eskew have been born two children, Estella M., the wife of Arch Whittaker, a farmer at King's Station, and they have two children, Mary Helen and John L. ; Marjorie Geraldine is at home with her parents. Estella, who graduated from the Princeton high school with the class of 1903, was a teacher for three years. Mr. Eskew has always taken a deep interest in educational matters and has served efficiently as school director at King's Station, and as a stanch Republican he has always been active in the support of his political party. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which they give earnest support. They are well known throughout the community and enjoy the friendship and esteem of all who know them.

Preston Milburn

The following is the sketch of a plain, honest man of affairs, whp by correct methods and a strict regard for the interests of his patrons has made his influence felt in Patoka and won for himself distinctive prestige in the Inisiness circles of that city. He would be the last man to sit for romance or become the subject of fancy sketches, nevertheless his life presents much that is interesting and valuable and may be studied with profit by the young, whose careers are yet to be achieved. He is one of those whose integrity and strength of character must force them into an admirable notoriety which their modesty never seeks, who command the respect of their contemporaries and their posterity and leave the impress of their individuality deeply stamped upon the community.

Preston Milburn, a successful merchant and prominent citizen of Patoka, was born in Lynn county, Missouri, on May i, 1867, the son of Captain x^ugusta and Belle (Devin) Milburn. The father was born on the old Milburn homestead in Gibson county, Indiana, on December 23, 1838, and the mother was born in Gibson county about 1841 on the old Tichenor homestead. The father was a farmer, and was a veteran of the Civil war, having served as captain of Company C, Fifty-eighth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in which he saw service from 1861 to 1865. At the battle of Missionary Ridge he was severely wounded, the bullet striking his nose and passed through his face and right jaw, coming out through the neck. He was in the

He received his education in the public scho(jls at Patoka, and in iS66 the family went to Missouri. In 1874 they returned to Gibson count>-, where he followed farming up to the la.st few years, when he retired frmn active labor and his death occurred in August, 1907. His wife 'lied in iSycj. They were the parents of five children, of whom, Preston, the subject of this sketch, was the first born, the others being Alexander D., deceased; Harvey; Sue, the wife of Oscar Witherspoon ; and Mary, the wife of D. R. Trippett, of Memphis, Tennessee.

Preston Milburn, after completing his education in the common schools, engaged in teaching for five years in White River township, and then for some time was employed as clerk in a store at Patoka. On May i, 1897. he became postmaster of Patoka, in which position he served for eleven consecutive years, giving eminent satisfaction not only to patrons of the office but to the postoffice department. Since March 10, 1904, Mr. Milburn has been engaged in the general mercantile business in Patoka, he and his brother, .Alexander D., buying the property from F. A. White. Eventually his brother died, February 27, 1910, and the subject has since conducted the business on his own account. He has been very successful in his enterprise and has also acquired the ownership of a farm of three hundred and forty-fi\e acres of bottom land in White River township, which has proven a comfortable source of income.

On June 10, 1896, Preston Milburn married \nra Harris, the daughter of J. W. and Hannah ITarris, of Patoka, and to them have been born three children : Alexander, Almyra and Josephine.

Politically, Mr. Milburn has been a life-long Republican, and lias taken a deep interest in the success of his party. Religiously, he is affiliated with the ATethodist Episcopal church to which he gives earnest support. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Alodern Woixlmen of .\nierica and tiie Free and Accepted Alasons at Patoka. His career has e\cr been an honoralile one. his relations to his fellowmen have always been above reproach, and his good name beyond criticism. He wears the proud American title of "self-made man" and being in the most Htera! sen.se of the term the architect of his own fortune, he may well feel a sense of pride in his achievement and *^" honorable position to which he has attained among the enterprising citizens o" county, in which the busy years of his active life have been passed.

W. H. Lowery

specific mention is made of many of the citizens of Gibson county within the pages of this book, citizens who have figured in the growth and development of this favored locahty and whose interests are identified with its every phase of progress, each contributing in his sphere of action to the well-being of the community in which he resides and to the advancement of its normal and legitimate growth. Among this number is he whose name appears above, peculiar interest attaching to his career from the fact that his entire useful and busy life has been spent within the borders of this county.

W. H. Lowery, who is conducting a prosperous and successful meat market in Oakland City, Indiana, is a native son of the old Hoosier state, having been born in Washington county, Indiana, on January 24, 1858. His parents, John A. and Mary J. (Harmon) Lowery, were also natives of Washington county, where in early life the father followed farming. Later he located near Fredericksburg, in the same county, and engaged in the mercantile business. About thirty-three years ago he came to Gibson county and located in Oakland City where he engaged in mercantile business until about two years prior to his death, which occurred in 1906 at Somerville, this county. He was survived about four years by his widow, who died in 1910. She was a member of the Christian church for over sixty years, and was one of exemplary character and excellent qualities of head and heart, retaining to a marked degree the love and respect of all who knew her. To Mr. and Mrs. Lowerv were born five children : James Franklin, of Washington county, Indiana: W. H., the immediate subject of this sketch; Henry T., deceased; H. P., of Mt. Carmel, Illinois; and Carrie, the wife of Walter Downey, of Francisco, Gibson county.

W. H. Lowery attended the public schools of his home neighborhood in Washington county, and was reared to the life of a farmer, which pursuit he followed for a number of years. About two years after his father came to Gibson countv, the subject followed him, and here engaged in farming and teaming for four or five years. About twenty-five years ago he established his present meat market, in which enterprise he was successful from the start, and for a number of years has been the leader of his line in his community. He does much of his own butchering and keeps none but the very best grades of meat, and this fact, together with his courtesy, and evident desire to please his customers, has retained for him a large and representative patronage.

ington county, Indiana, and to them have l)ccn hdrn tour children: lunma, the wife of Elwood Burkhardt, of Oai<]and City; !-".. I'., of Oakland City: Lydia. the wife of Lennic Siple. of Oakland City; and Masel. of this place.

Politically, Mr. Lowery is a stanch supporter of the Republican i)arty, although he has been too busy a man to seek public office. His fraternal affiliations are with the Modern Woodmen of America, while religiously he is a member of the General Baptist church at Oakland City. He has always been interested in the public and ci\ic affairs of the community, and has identified himself with business affairs aside from his market, being a director in the First National Bank, and giving his support to e\'ery movement calculated to advance the best interests of the community. Genial-'and unassuming in his relations_ with his fellowmen, he is deservedly po])ular. and ranks among the leading citizens of Oakland City.

Absalom Veager

The gentleman whose name open this review long occu])ied an eminent and enviable standing in the county where he so long made his home, and he preserved to an unusually large degree the confidence and respect of the people with whom he had so long been associated. His standing was not acquired by him because of the influence of wealth, or original social position, or the aid of influential friends, but was honestly earned and richly merited by his own inherent worth: by the possession of those traits of cliaracter which have always found expression in a life de\'oted to the welfare of his own home circle and to the ]irogress and ad\ancement of the comnuuiit\- wiili which he was so closely connected. Perhaps his dominant and most notable diaracteristic was fidelity to truth and honor. He invariably sought the things that were h.onest and of good repute. In the training of his children no precept was so constantly and so urgently insisted on as those which concerned sound and worthy characters, .\lthough his life was a busy one, his every-day affairs making heavy demands upon his tiine, he never shrank from his duty as a citizen and his obligation to the community. To write a detailed account of his long and useful life would reipiire a niucli more elalxn'- ate article than the nature of this volume admits or reipiircs. Sufficient will be said, however, to form a correct conception of the ni.nn and his career, a career affording many \aluable lessons to the young of the rising generation.

origin, his ancestors having come to this country some time during the eighteenth century, and settled in Virginia. Joel Yeager, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Jefferson county, Virginia, in 1789. While yet a young man, he removed to Kentucky, settling near Mt. Sterling, where he was married and where he remained until about 1826, when he came to Indiana and settled at a point one mile north of Cynthiana, Posey county. There he followed the peaceful vocation of farming until his death. While a resident of Kentucky, he had married Anna McDonald, also a resident of that state, but a native of Virginia. Her death also occurred in Posey county. Thev were the parents of four children, three sons and a daughter, of whom the youngest was Absalom Yeager, the immediate subject of this sketch, Avhose birth occurred in Campbell county, Kentucky, in 1819, and who accompanied his parents on their removal to Indiana. In 1842 Absalom Yeager came to Gibson county, settling on a tract of timbered land in Johnson township, where he cleared and developed a farm, and continued to reside for many years, being numbered among the sturdy pioneers of that locality. He followed agriculture during all of his active years, and was noted among the substantial and enterprising citizens of the locality.

In November, 1842, Absalom Yeager married Elizabeth Williams, who was born in Posey county in 1822, daughter of Bennett and Polly Williams, and to this union were born seven children : Henry A., a prominent attorney of Princeton, Indiana; Newton; James M. ; Mary A., who died on April 11, 1896; Andrew J. ; William C, trustee of White River township, and a citizen of Patoka; and Emma F. In November, 1892, Absalom Yeager and his wife celebrated the golden anniversary of their wedding, and the occasion was made a happy and joyous one, not only to this grand old couple, but to their children, and other relatives who attended the happy occasion. Mr. and Mrs. Yeager were for many years earnest and faithful members of the Baptist church, giving of their means to its support, and being actively interested in the various affairs of usefulness connected with the religious work of this society. Mr. Yeager died in December, 1903.

Absalom Yeager belonged to a class of men of whom Indiana has great reason to be proud, for he was of that type who brought order out of chaos, and, unheeding hardships and dangers, he conquered the forests and changed them to productive fields, whence came the sustenance of the people. The farmer of the long ago opened the way to our present prosperity. The labor and thought invoh'ed in obtaining a living from the land in those days stimulated both mental and physical nature until he became strong and willing to undergo hardships and privations and win such results. Of sncli was Mr. Yeager, whose influence during an eminently industrious life made for the progress of the community, whose interests he ever had at heart. His record is the story of a life whose success in life is measured hy its u.sefulness, a life that made for good in all its relations with the world. And his career, though in a sense uneventful, is well worth being preserved on tin.- pages of the history of his community.

The present age is essentially utilitarian and the life of every successful man carries a lesson which, told in contemporary narrative, is productive of much good in shaping the destiny of others. There is, therefore, a due measure of satisfaction in presenting, even in brief resume, the life and achievements of such men, and in preparing the following history of the scholarly physician whose name appears above, it is with the hope that it may prove not only interesting and instructive, but also serve as an incentive to those who contemplate making the medical profession their life work.

W. H. Smith was born in Pike county, Indiana. November i8, 1870, the son of Dr. J. T. and Charlotte (Martin) Smith, the former a native of Clarksville, Tennessee, and the mother of Pike county, Indiana. Dr. J. T. Smith, who is nearly eighty years old, has been a practicing physician in Pike county for forty years, living at Hosmer, where he has enjoyed the confidence and esteem of the cornmunity, and where he has been eminently successful in the practice of his profession. His wife is deceased. They were the parents of three children, two of whom, the subject and one sister, Mrs. Zack Welton, of Hosmer, are living. W. H. Smith attended the schools of Pike county, and supplemented the education there received hy attendance in the high school at Oakland City. Having determined to make the practice of medicine his life work, he entered the Kentucky School of Medicine at Louisville, where he was graduated in 1893 with the degree of Doctor of ^Tedicine, and in June of the same year he entered upon the active practice at Hosmer, Pike county, where he remained six years. In 1889, desiring a larger field for his efiforts, Dr. Smith came to Oakland City, where he has since resided and where he has achieved a reputation as a practitioner of the healing art. He realized early that there is a purpose in life and that there is no honor not founded on worth and no respect not founded on accomplishments. His life and laljor have been eminently worthy, l^ecause they have contributed to a proper understanding of Hfe and its problems. By a life characterized by high motives and because of his many fine qualities of head and heart he has earned the sincere regard of a vast acquaintance, and his success in his chosen field of endeavor bespeaks for him the possession of superior attributes. Yet he is a plain, unassuming gentleman and straightfurward in all his relations with his fellowmen.

On April 25, 1895, Dr. Smith married Joan McHugh, a native of Pike county. She is a lady of culture and refinement and is a popular member of the circles in w-hich she moves. Dr. Smith is a Republican in his political affiliations, but has been too busy a man to take a very active part in political affairs. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, tlie Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America, while professionally, he is a member of the Medical Society of Gibson county, and Indiana State Medical Association. He is health officer of Oakland City, and has taken a deep interest in all civic affairs connected with the welfare of his fellow citizens. He has been successful in his financial affairs, and is the owner of a splendid farm in Pike county. Genial and hospitable by nature, he has earned a high place in the esteem of all who know him and is rightfully included in the list of representative citizens of his community.

Jonah G. Legrange

Among the men of sturdy integrity and reliable traits of character who have contributed their quota to the advancement of the upbuilding of Gibson countv, Indiana, mention may most consistently be made of the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch. The prosperity which he enjoys has been won by commendable qualities and it is also his personal worth that has gained for him the esteem of those who know him.

Jonah G. LeGrange, one of the leading stock men and successful farmers of Gibson county, Indiana, was born on July 27, 1858, on the old LeGrange homestead, Patoka township, and is the son of Richard and Hannah ( Tichenor) LeGrange, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. The subject's maternal grandfather, who also was a farmer, was twice married, and he became the father of the following children ; Aaron, who was a farmer near Fort Branch, this county, died at Owensville; John, also deceased, was a farmer in Patoka township and died there; William was also a farmer in Patoka township and died there; Peter died in youth; Ricliard was the father of the subject of this sketch; Ann became the wife uf a Mr. Mounts, of Patoka townsliip; the ninth became the wife of Joshua Enibree, and Hved and died in Wabash township, this county; Polly .Ann became the wife of Rev. T. M. Strain, of Fort Branch. Richard LeGrange. father of the subject, had only a common school education, being a self-learned man, but becoming widely informed on general questions. After his marriage he located four miles west of Princeton in Patoka township, where, on section II, he located and cleared a fine farm, and there reared his famil\-. Subsequently, having gained a competenc)-, he retired from active lal)or, and moved to Princeton, this county, where his death occurred in 1872. b'or his second wife he married Mrs. Mary Thornburg, of Newburg. He was widely known throughout this section of the county and was respected by all who knew him. An old-line Whig in his early political proclivities, later he became allied with the Republican party, to which he gave stanch support during the rest of his life. Religiously, he and his wife were members of the General Baptist church. By his marriage to Hannah Tichenor he became tlie father of five children: Ann Eliza, deceased, was the wife of Lewis Binkle}', of Princeton; Clarence, deceased, married Xan LeGrange. who now lives in Princeton; Jonah, the subject of this sketch; George, now deceased, married Lillie Whittaker, who. after his death, liecame the wife of Oscar La- Grange, of Patoka township.

The subject of this sketch received his education in the home schools and at Fort Branch, and lived at home until he was twenty-two years of age. He has followed agricultural pursuits throughout his active life, with the exception of a period of thirteen years, when he lived at Princeton, engaged in the mercantile business, which he later sold to (leorge Skelton. In all the enterprises to which he has given his attention he has lieen eminently successful and for many years he has been nunibere<l among the progressive and successful business men oi the count}-. He is tlic owner of a line farm of two hundred and twenty acres besides the home place in I'atoka township, and also of one hundred and sixty acres in Union township. He carries on a general farming business, and also gives consideralile attention to live stock, raising a good manv Duroc Jersey Refl hogs, Hereford cattle and I'ercheron horses. He has always bought and sold large numbers of live stock, and has found it a very profitable source of income.

married to Margaret Ayres, of Patoka tqwnsliip, this county, the daughter of James and Sarah Ann (Davis) Ayres. Her father came early to Gibson county with his family, settling south of Princeton in Patoka township, and was numbered among the first settlers. They located in section 31, where the father successfully followed farming pursuits, and was numbered among the leading citizens of his locality. To Mr. and Mrs. LeGrange have been born three children, George, who died young, one who died in infancy, and Clarence, born February 21, 1894, who remained at home. He is a graduate of the Princeton high school, with the class of 1913, and is an estimable and promising young man.

Politically, Mr. LeGrange has given a life-long support to the Republican party, and while a resident of Princeton rendered efficient service as a member of the town council. Religiously, he and his family are identified with the General Baptist church, to the support of which they contribute liberally. Fraternally, Mr. LeGrange is an appreciative member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to the subordinate lodge at Princeton.

Mr. LeGrange has performed well his part in life, and it is a compliment worthily bestowed to say that this locality is honored in his citizenship, for he has achieved eminent success through his own efforts and has always stood for what is best in life, giving his support to all movements having for their object the betterment of the public welfare. Because of his genial disposition and unassuming manner, he has gained and retains the friendship of all who know him.

Among the honorable and inlluential citizens of Gibson county, Indiana, is the subject of this review, who has here maintained his home for many years, winning a definite success by means of the agricultural industry, to which he has devoted his attention during the years of an active business life. His career has been without shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil, and thus he has ever commanded the confidence and esteem of his fellowmen.

Hugh D. McGary was born on February 7, 1839, in Montgomery township, Gibson county, Indiana, and is a son of Harrison and Nancy (Prii^ard) McGary, the father a native of Kentucky, and the mother a native of North Carolina. Harrison D. McGary, who had been a soldier in the war of 1812, accidentally came to Gibson county where he entered a tract of land in Mont- gomery township, to the clearing and cultivation .of which he devoted his attention until his death, which occurred in 1843. He was survived several years by his widow. They became the parents of three children, namely: W'illiam H., who was killed in the battle of Stone's River, Januarv 31. 1862; Joseph K. and Hugh D., both of whom were also veterans of the Civil war. Hugh McGary was reared on the paternal homestead, where he remained until 1884, when he removed to Princeton. Four years later he returned to the farm, and the following year went to California, where he remained two years. Then returning to Gibson county, he located at Fort Branch, where he now resides, although he has business interests in Princeton. Both as farmer and business man Mr. McGary's record has been characterized bv persistent industry, sound business judgment and wise discrimination in the conduct of his affairs, so that he was enabled to accumulate a competencv which has made his later years free from care.

Mr. McGary has a most honorable military record, he having enlisted on May 24, 1 861, for a period of three years, at a time when the greater number of enlistments were for only three months, and Mr. McGary now claims that no one outside of his regiment enlisted at that lime f<ir the three-vcar period. His command was assigned to the ^^^estern arni\-, in which he saw much hard service under Col. R. H. Smith, participating in all of the campaigns for which the western army was noted and including the terrible battles at Shiloh, Stone's River. Chickamauga, Chattanooga and Atlanta. He is now a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, where, with his comrades, he kee])s alive the memories of days gone by. In 1884 Mr. McGary was elected sheriff of Gibson county, and was re-elected in 1886. In 1898 he was elected to represent Gibson county in the Indiana Legislature, performing his duties to the satisfaction of his constituents. He has for many years taken a prominent part in local public affairs. His political aftiliations have always been with the Republican party, while religiously he has long been an earnest and devoted member of the General Baptist church at Fort Branch.

On September 26. 1867, he was married to Sarah C. Weed, a native of Gibson county, and to them have been born three children : Zenas C, who lives on the old home farm in Montgomery township; Clyde C, who lives in Vinita, Oklahoma ; and Maud, the wife of John Lucas, of Sedalia, Missouri, who is chief clerk for the superintendent of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad. In all that constitutes true manhood and good citizenship, Mr. McGary is a worthy example, and none stands higher than he in the esteem and confidence of the circles in which he has moved.

William B. Bingham

To a great extent the prosperity of the agricultural sections of our country is due to the honest industry, the sturdy persistence, the unswerving perseverance and the wise economy which so prominently characterize the farming element of the Hoosier state. Among this class may be mentioned the subject of this life record, who, by reason of years of indefatigable labor and honest effort, has not only acquired a well merited material prosperity, but has also richly earned the highest esteem of all with whom he is associated.

William B. Bingham was born in Patoka, Gibson county, Indiana, on March 20, 1864, the son of Gordon Byron and Minerva (Stockwell) Bingham, the former a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and the latter of Princeton, Gibson county, Indiana. Gordon B. Bingham, Sr., was the son of a Gordon Bingham, also, who was a successful merchant in Baltimore, Maryland. During the Civil war period, the subject's father ]3laye(l an important part in caring for the business interests of the family at home, and eventually became the owner of extensive mercantile interests, comprising a store, flour mill, packing house, distillery, etc., and was very successful in the management of these enterprises. His death occurred in 1876 and that of his wife in 1907. Of the eight children born to these parents, but four are now living: W. B.; G. B., of Patoka; Mrs. W. P. Casey, of Patoka; and Mrs. S. G. Ingle, of San Diego, California. The city of Princeton, Gibson county, Indiana, was named in honor of the Prince family, to which the subject's maternal grandmother belonged. The family has been prominent and active for many years in various business interests, its various members having attained high reputations for probity of character, sound business judgment and progressive dispositions. William B. Bingham attended the public schools of Patoka, and also spent three years in the Evansville high school, thus receiving a good practical education. In 1883 he entered upon the active fields of life upon his own account as a farmer in the White River bottom in which he had immediate success and to which he has devoted his attention continuously since. He is associated in this enterprise with his brother, Gordon B., as well as in the grain business at Patoka, his brother having charge of the latter end of the business. By persevering eflforts, persistent industry and sound business judgment in the handling of their affairs they have realized large returns in both lines of their business and today they are numbered among the enterprising and substantial citizens of Patoka.

W. B. Bingham has been twice niarritd, lirsl. in \H8() to Jennie Hewlett, the niece of Dr. John F. Howard, well kimwn in this locality. Her death occurred on December 3, 1S89, and in iNcjj Mr. Bingham married Laura Hewlett, the daughter of John W. Hewlett and a sister of his first wife. To this union have lieeii horn four cliildren: Jennie, Minerva, Bernice and William B., Jr.

Politically, Mr. Bingham has long been a sujiporler of the Re])ul)lican party, and is a man of great public spirit, and takes a deep interest in c\-erything which promises to benefit the community and his fellowmen in any way. Fraternally, he is afiiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America. In all the relations of life Mr. Bingham has commanded the confidence and respect of those with whom he has been brought into contact and a liiographical historv of his Iocalit\' would not lie coniiilete withoiu a record of his career.

It is with a large degree of satisfaction that the biographer takes up the life history of the gentleman whose name forms the caption of this article, a man widely known as one of the honored citizens of Gibson county, and who, though a comparatively young man, has already becoiue prominently identified with the varied interests of his community. His well-directed efforts in the practical afifairs of life, his capable management of his business interests and his sound judgment have brought to him prosperity, and his life demonstrates what may be accomplished by the man of energy and ambition, who is not afraid to work. In all the relations of life he has commanded the respect and confidence of all with whom he has been brought in contact, and the history of Gibson county would be incomplete without a record of his career.

Herbert A. Milburn, for many years a prominent citizen and successful business man of Patoka, Gibson county. Indiana, and the postmaster of that thriving town, was born on No\ember 23, 1872, the son of Edgar and Margaret L. (Sellers) Milburn. He is descended from a long line of sterling ancestors, the family having been residents in the state of X'irginia for many years. His paternal great-grandfather came from the old Dominion state to Indiana, establishing a splendid homestead east of Patoka, Gibson county. Here the subject's grandfather, Felix Milburn. was born and reared and later married Margaret Brazelton, also a native of Gibson county. Among their children was Edgar Milburn, who, on attaining mature years, engaged in mer- cantile business at Hazleton, which he conducted successfully for several years, and also was connected with .Bingham's distillery in Patoka. His death occurred on April 24, 1875, when the subject of this sketch was but two years old, and he was survived many years by his widow, whose death occurred on December 13, 1909. They were the parents of six children, namely: Electa, who became the wife of Alonzo Hinkle, who is now deceased; Clarence, a druggist of Patoka; Blanche, the wife of Robert A. Dixon, of West Summerville, Massachusetts; Felix O., a druggist of Patoka; Edgar E.. one of the proprietors of the Sun of Springfield, Ohio, and Herbert A., the immediate subject of this sketch. The mother of these children, who was left a widow when all of the children were young in years, courageously took up the burden thus thrown upon her shoulders, and by teaching school managed to svipport her family and give all her children good practical education. She was a good woman in the best sense of the tenn, consecrated to her children, and of her the subject of this sketch says that all he is and hopes to be is due entirely to his mother's help and influence. She was a refined, cultured woman of noble aims and ideals, and instilled in her children those principles calculated to develop in them upright manhood and womanhood. Her father, Preston Sellers, was for many years a well-known lawyer of Georgetown and Ripley, Ohio.

Herbert A. Milburn received his education in the Patoka public schools and was a student in Indiana State Normal School at Terre Haute, and of the Danville Central Normal College. He then followed teaching as a vocation for fifteen years, six years of which time he was assistant principal of the Patoka schools, and three years in the Francisco schools, being principal during one year of the time. He was elected principal for another year, but resigned in order to enter the drug business at Patoka, with which he was connected for two years. He then engaged in the general merchandise business at Patoka, which commanded his attention for five years, at the end of which time, in October, 1912, he sold his interest. In 1907 Mr. Milburn was appointed postmaster of Patoka, and is still the efficient incumbent of that office, discharging his official duties to the entire satisfaction of both his departmental superiors and the patrons of the office. Though starting in the world practically unaided, 'Mr. Milburn has, by the exercise of good judgment and wise economy, been enabled to accumulate a fair amount of this world's goods, including some valuable real estate, his residence property, the store building in which he formerly conducted business, several vacant lots, a livery stable in Patoka, and some valuable property in Princeton. He is numbered among the solid and substantial men uf his community, and has borne his full part of the burden of carrying on the civic affairs of Patoka, giving his support at all times to sucii movements as promised to be of benefit to the community. He is a symmetrically developed man, discharging the duties of citizenship with an eye to the greatest good, and his popularity is only bounded by the lines within which he is known. Faithful to every trust reposed in him, the future may have for him other positions than that he now so capably holds.

Politically, Mr. Milburn is an ardent supporter of the Republican party, in the ranks of which organization he has been an active worker for many years. Fraternally, he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Order of the Eastern Star and the Modern \Voodmen of America, while his religious connections are with the Presbyterian church, in the prosperitv of which he is actively interested.

Wiltjam P. Casfy

To present in detail the leading facts in the life of one of Patoka's busy men of affairs and throw light upon some of his more prominent characteristics, is the task in hand in order to place before the reader the following brief biography of William P. Casey. Though still in the prime of vigorous manhood, he has already won a distinguished place in the business world, besides impressing his strong personality upon the community where for a number of years he has been a forceful factor in directing thought and molding opinion.