Gibson County, Indiana - Biographical sketches, 1914 (part 12 of 20)

Benjamin Franklin Johnson

A career marked by earnest and indefatigable application has been that of the honored and substantial citizen of Gibson county, Indiana, whose name appears at the head of this sketch. In this county he has had a continuous residence of nearly four score years, in all of which time his life has been an open book and read by his fellowmen. He was a valiant soldier of the Ci\il war. where his fidelity was of the type which has characterized his actions in all relations and gained for him the confidence and esteem of the public, and the unbounded respect of all with whom he has been brought into contact. As a farmer looking out for everything which would advance the farming interests of his communit\- : as n ])u1)lic oflicial endeavoring to put into his office the best judgment which he possessed; as a soldier in the late Rebellion, we find him in all of these various walks a man in whom his fellow men could place unbounded confidence. The old soldiers are fast passing away and the few who are left should be honored by every citizen who loves his country. These were the men who proved their love and loyalty to the government along the path of marches, on the lonely picket line, on the tented field and amid the flame and smoke of battle and then returning to civil life, again took up manfully the struggle of industrial and commercial life, but whether in war or in peace, the record of Mr. Johnson has been signalized by honesty of purpose and integrity of thought and action so that he has fully

Benjamin Franklin Johnson was born April 23, 1834, in Pike county, Indiana. His i3arents were Benjamin and Polly (Almon) Johson, the father a native of Virginia, and a son of Arthur Johnson, who was bom in 1757 in Virginia and served through the Revolutionary war. At the close of that struggle he returned to civil pursuits and married Lucy Harmon and moved to Kentucky, and from thence he went to Gibson county, Indiana, settling in Montgomery township. After remaining there a few years he went westward and settled in White county, Illinois, where his death occurred. About twenty years after his death his grandsons, Levi and Benjamin Franklin, moved his body to a cemetery seven miles north of Carmi and erected a substantial monument over his grave. Polly Almon. the mother of the subject, was born in Kentucky and while she was still a young girl, moved to this state and settled in Montgomery township, this county. She was a daughter of Arnot Almon and wife. She had a brother, Thomas, who was wounded in the battle of Tippecanoe in 181 1, and another brother, Buckner, who was killed in the same battle. Benjamin Johnson and wife, parents of the subject, settled in ]\Iontgomery township, this county, after their marriage, while B. J. Johnson was a small child, and soon after coming here the wife and mother died. Benjamin Johnson lived a widower the rest of his life, his death occurring at the age of sixty-three, having spent his whole life on the farm. To Benjamin Johnson and wife were born eight children, of whom three of the sons are living: Thomas Almon, of Owensville; Marion, of Oakland Cit}-, and Benjamin Franklin, the immediate subject of this sketch. Three of the brothers, Thomas, B. F. and A\'illiam R., deceased, were .soldiers of the Civil war.

Benjamin Franklin Johnson enlisted on September 3, 1863, in Company D, One Hundred and Twentieth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was assigned to duty in the Twenty-third Army Corps under General Schofield in the Army of the West. He participated in many battles and skirmishes, among which were the battles of Resaca, Kingston, North Carolina, the second battle of Nashville, and others in the northwest part of Georgia and Tennessee. He was at Raleigh, North Carolina, in the spring of 1865 when Johnson surrendered to General Sherman. He was then kept on guard duty until January 6, 1866, at which time he was finally mustered out. He immediately returned to Montgomery townshi]^, and resumed his farming operations.

Gibson Couxtv. Inihana. 78I

Mr. Johnson has been married three limes, iiis first marriajie Dceurriny on September 4, 1859, to Laura A. Davis, the daughter of W'iiHam and Sally (Johnson) Davis. Her father was a native of North Carolina and came to this state in an early day. liis family settling along Black river in AFontgomcry township, near the Posey ci>unt\- line. To Air. Jolinson's first union were born five children: Emma, the widow of William TTenry Shar]ie. who now lives in Vincennes, and is the mother of six children, fi\'e living and one dead: Ida Ross, deceased y\iic of Julius Martin, was the mother of three children, two Jiving and one dead: Sally D.. the wil'e of R. M. Johnson, lives in Hamilton county, Illinois, and has si.x children : Charles, deceased, was the father of three children, one of whom is also deceased: ^^'i1liam \V., who lives at Vincennes, is a practicing attorney in that city.

In 1876 Mr. Johnson married Henrietta (Williams) Mounts, who died two years later, January 22, 1S78, lea\ing two sons, James Burgess, who died in infancy, and Francis Alexis, who li\-es at Centralia, Illinois. Francis A. married Margaret Benson, and they have one son. On November 3, 1881, Air. Johnson married Mary Ann Parkhill, the daughter of John and Martha (Patterson) Parkhill. She was b(^rn in Clays\ille, Guernsey county, Ohio, and to this union four children were born: Lena, the wife of Bert Dodd, who lives in Vincennes, and has one son. Benjamin Franklin Dodds, born December 7, 1906; Dr. Morris H. C, a physician at Vincennes; Benjamin Ernest, a telegraph operator, of Floren, California, who married Florence Towes, and Martin Harrison, of Chicago Heights, who is an emiiloye of the United States Steel Corporation at that place.

Fraternally. Mr. Johnson belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has been a life-long member of that fraternity. Lie has always taken a prominent part in public afifairs and has served as a member of the Gibson county council for four years, failing of re-election only b\- a mistake in the printing of the ballots. He served as constable for eight years upon his return from the war, and made a most excellent official in the capacity. As a member of the county council he took an active part in all the aflfairs of that important body. He has been a member of the Grand Army of the Republic for more than forty years, and has always been found a true friend of the soldier. He and his wife are loyal members of the Christian church, and have always contributed liberally to the support of that denomination. In all his relations with his fellow men he has so conducted himself that he has won the esteem and confidence of all with whom he has come in contact.

Thomas Coyne

The history of every man is an account of what he does, and the hfe history of some men is as interesting as a novel. A novehst could take the life history of Thomas Coyne, of Princeton, and around it weave a romance which would make a novel of first rank. The incidents in his life, the struggles through which he has gone and the fine type of character which is illustrated in the man would make a story which would grasp the hearts of its readers. His story begins in Ireland, where he was born March 24, 1846, and after thousands and thousands of miles of wandering he is now living at Princeton, Indiana, a peaceful, quiet life, surrounded by his family and friends and highly respected and honored by everyone in the community.

Thomas Coyne was born in Ireland, the son of John and Nora (Welsh) Coyne. His father died when he was a small boy and he came with his mother and the rest of the family to America when he was thirteen years of age and settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, at which place the mother shortly afterwards died. The children of Mr. and Mrs. John Coyne were Nora, deceased : Martin, of Manchester, Ohio, who served the government during the Civil war and is now a furniture dealer in that place ; Anna, of Germantown, Ohio; Mary, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Thomas, the immediate subject of this sketch.

Thomas Coyne never went to school and what education he has gained has been actually picked up in the tramp life which he passed through in his experiences in the Civil war and in the regular army afterwards. He is surely a self-taught man. As a small boy he ran away from his home in Cincinnati and never stopped until he found himself in the camp of the Union soldiers in West Virginia in the summer of 1861. One of the officers asked him what he wanted to do, and he told him that he wanted to become a soldier. Accordingly he was taken into the camp, given food and set to work feeding and caring for the army mules. He proved to be a very efficient boy and when the army changed camp he was taken along and went with the army from place to place until he reached Washington, D. C. He was then sent to Warrington, Virginia, and carried the mail from Culpeper to Siegel's division in eastern West Virginia. While on duty he was taken sick and had to return to his home in Cincinnati. Just as soon as he recovered he enlisted, on December 2, 1862, as a second-class boy in the United States navy and served on a boat which did patrol duty on the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland rivers. He was promoted to quartermaster the sum- iiier he was sixteen years of age and served as long as this boat was on duty, being discharged on July ii, 1864. From 1864 to 1866 he was in the government employ at Nashville, Tennessee, as a teamster. On March 8, 1866, he enlisted in the United States Regular Army, Company G, Fourth Light Artillery, and was stationed at Detroit, Michigan. After his enli.stmenl iiad expired he went to Wyandotte, Ohio, and there took emploxnient as a puddler in the steel works. While here he was married to Mary Fllen Kelly, of Wyandotte, Ohio. Owing to the nature of his occupation he made frequent changes during the next few years. In 1871 he left Wyandotte, Ohio, and went to CIe\ eland, that state, where he remained for about nine months. From here he went to Niles, Ohio, and in 1872 to Erie, Pennsylvania, and the following year returned to Ohio and worked fur a time at Ashtabula, where his wife died. There were two children b\' this marriage, Mary, deceased, and fames, of Princeton, Indiana. In 1873 the panic came on and all of the factories shut down, and for this reason Mr. Coyne cimld not find an\- work at all. For the next two }-ears he was nicrcl\- a wanderer over the face of the earth and tra\eled thousands of miles, Irving to tind something to do. In 1875 he found a position in the stone quarry at Greencastle, Indiana, where he worked for about a year, and then, in 1876, came to Owcns- \ille, Indiana, where he found employment in a saw mill.

Mr. Coyne was married a second time in 1879, to Julia Ellen Nolan, of Gallatin county, Illinois, and to this union there ha\e been born four children: Thomas E., who married Mabel Dauglierty and is now with the Stonnburg Electric Company, of Chicago, Illinois; Nina, the wife of Levi Welsh, of Decatur, Illinois, who has two children, John and Mary Ellen; John Martin, the third child, is now with Brooks &- Company, an auditing company, of Chicago. For four 3-ears he was trafiic manager of the Carson, Perrin & Scott Company, of Chicago. He married Mary L. Gales; Gladys Dale, the youngest child, is still under the parental roof, and is now a senior in the high school at Princeton. The children have all been remarkablv successful and reflect great honor upon their parents.

He went from Owensville to Oakland City. Tnfliana, where he \\(jrke(l in a flouring mill for a short time. From Oakland e'ity he went to Princeton, where he remained for two years. In 1889 he went to Kingfisher county, Oklahoma, with his family and entered one hundred and sixtv acres of government land on which he li\ed for six years. Howe\er. the crops were so poor that he decided to give up his claim and return to this countv. After disposing of his land and farming implements, he started overland and settled for a time in St. Clair county, Illinois. The contrast between the old life and conditions in Oklahoma was so marked and so much to the advantage of Illinois that he lived in that state for six years. In 1901, however, he came back to Princeton with his family and bought his present home at 829 North Race street, where he and his family are now living. He is now in the employ of the Southern Railway shops at Princeton.

Mr. Coyne is one of the most loyal members of the Grand Army of the Republic post at Princeton, Indiana, and always take a very active interest in the deliberations and activities of that order. He is also a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and a Knight Templar at Princeton. Mr. and Mrs. Coyne are members of the First Baptist church at Princeton and are both interested in the moral and civic welfare of their community. They are fine people in the highest sense of the word and have reared a splendid family of children. Today there is no more highly respected citizen in Princeton than Thomas Coyne.

Among the earnest men whose enterprise and depth of character have gained a prominent place in the community and the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens is L. J. Deutsch, well-known merchant of Oakland City. He is a man of decided views and laudable ambitions, and his influence has ever been for advancement of his kind and in the vocation to which his energies are devoted he ranks among the thriftiest young business men and is deserving of the large success which has attended his efforts.

L. J. Deutsch, well-known merchant and well-known citizen of Oakland City, was born near Corydon, Harrison county, Indiana, on February 12, 1864, the son of Jacob and Magdalen (Louis) Deutsch. Both of these parents were natives of Alsace, Germany, who came to America in childhood with their parents, who located respectively in Kentucky, and Corydon, Indiana. The father followed farming during his active years and eventually removed from Louisville, Kentucky, to Harrison county, Indiana, where he lived until his final removal to Gibson county. In 188 1 Albert Deutsch, an elder brother, came to Oakland City and engaged in the grocery business. The subject of this sketch came here one year later and the balance of the family in 1886. The business was begun in a modest way at the corner of Harrison and Main streets, and they were prospered in this enterprise, but eventually suffered the loss of their entire stock by fire. They then located on Depot

Street, but about eigbt years ago removed to their present location mi Main street. Albert and L. J. Deutsch were in business together until, about fourteen years ago, the former sold his business and located at San Antonio, Texas, where he is now engaged in the lumber business. I'lie fatlier of these sons died here about seven years ago, and the mother al)uut two years later. They were the parents of eight children, of whom six are living, namely: Mrs. Sallie Houston, of Odon, Indiana; Mrs. Emma D. Mauck, of Bentonville, Arkansas; Albert, of San Antonio, Texas; Mrs. Mary Hurley, of Bentonville, Arkansas; L. J., the immediate subject of this sketch, and Mrs. Anna E\ans, of Shreveport, Indiana.

L. J. Deutsch received his education in the i)ulilic schools at Corydon, and practically his entire life has been spent in the grocery business. He first worked in a store in New Albany, from whence he came to this locality in 1882. Possessed of marked business ability and characterized by sturdy perseverance and indomitable industry, his success has been earned by hard work and has been honestly merited. He has been successful in his material affairs and has other interests aside from his grocery, being a stockholder, director and vice-president of the First National Bank, of Oakland City, and a man of definite and recognized influence in local commercial affairs.

In September, 1892, Mr. Deutsch married Elizabeth Martin, of Oakland City, this county, the daughter of Jackson and Virginia Martin, and U> them have been born two children, Magdalen and Robert.

Politically, Mr. Deutsch is a Democrat, while Iiis religious affiliation is with the Presbyterian church. Fraternally, he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and the Knights of Pythias, having attained to the degree of Knight Templar in the first named order. He is deeply interested in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community in whicli he resides and is now rendering efficient service as president of the Oakland City school board. The store conducted by him is one of the most popular and most extensively patronized stores of its kind in this locality, its large success being very largely due to the able management and wise business discernment of tlic subject, who is a progressive, alert and careful Inisiness man and who has his affairs under superb system, his customers always receiving courteous and honest treatment. Mr. Deutsch is deserxing of great credit for what he has accomplished, for he is a self-made man in the truest sense of the word and has accumulated the competency which is his through his own unaided eflforts. Because of his sterling qualities of character and his high standing in the communitv, he occupies an enviable position among his fellow citizens. (50)

James A. Black

The gentleman whose life history the biographer here takes under review is one of those strong, sturdy characters who have contributed largely to the welfare of the community where he lives, being a business man of more than ordinary sagacity and foresight, and as a citizen, public spirited and progressive in all that the term implies. He is a native son of the old Hoosier state, having been born in Monroe township, Pike county, Indiana, on March 27, 1843. He is a son of David and Martha (Coleman) Black, the former of whom was a native of Georgia, born in 1812, and the latter born in Crab Orchard, Kentucky. David was a son of William Black and came as a small boy with his parents to Indiana, locating in what is now Monroe township. Pike county. They were among the first white settlers in that vicinity and made their location right in the midst of the primeval forest with Indians and wild beasts all about them. Here they commenced the arduous task of making a home, and after years of hard work they converted that once forest home into well cultivated fields and buildings and there they reared their family. William also served in the War of 1812, prior to coming to Indiana, and was a man highlj' respected in those early days.' William Black and wife were the parents of five children, namely: Robert, who lived near Decker Station, Indiana ; William, who went early to Missouri ; John, who became one of the first settlers in southeastern Illinois ; David, father of the immediate subject of this sketch, and the only daughter, Betsy, who was the wife of Richard Barrett and lived at Oakland City and later in Center township, Gibson county.

David Black received his education in the early subscription schools, whose ad\antages were very limited, reading, writing and arithmetic being about the only branches taught. He was ambitious to own land in his own right and when a young man he obtained a tract of government land in Patoka township, Pike count}', which he cleared and where he made his home. The old log cabin he erected is still standing on the place. He acquired one hundred and twenty acres of good land and always engaged in farming. He was an old-line Whig and was active in the affairs of his party. He was also a member of the General Baptist church and did much to further the interests of that society in the new territory. He was a man who took interest in public affairs and was much looked up to and respected. He died on his home farm at the age of seventy-three years and his wife passed away at the age of sixty-seven. They were the parents of fourteen children.

namely : Robert and William, both deceased, were engaged in farming in Pike county. The former married Malinda Lowe and the lalter's wife was Mar}- Ann Davis. Henry died unmarried, and Da\id, who was a farmer in Pike county, married Celia Pierson. John, deceased, married a Miss Crowe. When but sixteen years of age he enlisted in Company F, Eighteenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served throughout the war. After its close he engaged in the saw mill business at Wheeling, Indiana. Samuel was also a soldier of the Rebellion, a member of Company I, Forty-.second Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Three months after enlisting, he contracted measles and died in the hospital at Louisville, Kentucky. He left a widow, ]\Iary Jane Coe. Frank, who resided on the old home place, married Elizabeth Coe. James Aaron is the immediate subject of this sketch. Rebecca became the wife of John Davis, of Pike county ; both are dead. Martha is the widow of W. M. Christeson and resides in Pike county; Mary Ann, deceased, was the wife of 'SI. Chumnry. and Nancy married George Face, and both of them are dead. Henry died in Illinois. Rebecca married Conrad Slater, who was killed in the Civil war.

James A. Black attended the early schools of Pike county and resided under the parental roof until the age of nineteen years, when, on August 22, 1862, at Rockport, Indiana, he enlisted in Cumpany I, Forty-second Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was sent to Indianapolis to be fitted out for service. From there he was sent to Louisville, Kentucky, and from there his company marched to join their regiment at Salt River. Kentucky. He was on a three days' march from Louisville to Bardstown when he was taken down with measles and was sent to Hospital Xumber I'our at Jjardstown. This hospital was established in an old woolen factory and during his month's illness there he almo.st died. Before leaving there he was captured by General Morgan, after having sufifered from typhoid fever and diphtheria in addition to the original sickness of measles. At enlistment he had weighed one hundred and forty-six pounds and after leaving the hospital his weight was reduced to eighty pounds. As soon as he was able to be removed, his brother Frank came and took him home and he was discharged for disability in the spring of 1863. It took him fully two years to convalesce and for some time after that he was not strong.

In 1867 he was married to Harriet Harkncss. of Hardin county, Kentucky, and to them were born eight children, three of whom, Zada, Annie and \\'illiam, are dead. John L. is in the restaurant business at Oakland City, Indiana. His wife was Stella Pipes. Charles, who married Eliza Coleman, is a farmer in Pike county; Clarence farms his father's homestead in Pike county. His wife was Ella Green. Delia remains at home, and Hettie, the fourth child in order of birth, is the wife of William Leinhart, of Patoka township, Pike county.

After his marriage, Mr. Black purchased a forty-acre tract in Monroe township, Pike county, which was their original home and to this he has added from time to time until he now owns two hundred and forty acres of finely located land, which he himself has cleared and on which he has made all the improvements. He has always engaged in general farming and in addition has raised considerable stock, devoting especial attention to registered Poland-China hogs. He has also dealt extensively in cattle in addition to what he has raised. In 1902 he and three of his sons went to Williams county. North Dakota, and entered land. Mr. Black disposed of his holdings there in 1905 and on his return located in Oakland City, where he has since resided in retirement from active business. Mr. Black's religious sympathies are with the General Baptist church, to which he gives liberally of his means. He is a stanch Republican of the old school and also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. Black has been engaged in hard work all his life, has used his brain as well as his hands, and has reaped the reward which comes to those who so toil. He is well and widely known, has a large circle of friends in both Pike and Gibson counties and is honored and respected by all. He has always taken an interest in public affairs and has always been quick to array himself on the side of right and good for the community at large. He served nineteen times as a juror under Judge Welborn.

Isaac R. Bennett

It is with a great degree of satisfaction that biographers revert to the li\-es of those who have made the rough path of life smooth by their untiring perseverance, and have attained success in any vocation requiring definiteness, consecutive endeavor and determined action. Such lives, whether they be of calm, conservative routine, or of sudden accomplishments, must abound in both lesson and incentive and prove a guide to young men whose fortunes are yet matters for the future to determine.

Isaac R. Bennett was born in Morgan county, Illinois, June 6, 1837, the son ot Isaac R. and Mary (Jones) Bennett, he of Bourbon county, Kentucky, and she of North Carolina. The subject's father was one of the pioneers in

^I(.irgan county, Illinois, where he lived all his life, his death occurring in 1881, in his eighty -first year. His wife died in 1864, aged fifty-six. He was a prominent man in his day and had the respect of all who knew him. As early as the year 1818 it is recorded that he sat on a jury, probably one of the ver}' first juries in his commun.ity. He followed farming and was a justice ol the peace for forty years, was an associate judge and a member of the Legislature in 1854. Ha\ing a close acquaintance with the immortal Abraham Lincoln, the subject's father took a great interest in the political successes of the martyred President. He served all through the Mexican War. To Isaac R. Bennett. Sr., and wife were born eleven children, namely: John, William, Clayburn Jones and Elizabeth are deceased ; Jane is living in Morgan county, Illinois: Sarah and Mary, twins, are deceased; the subject; Robert lives in Morgan county, Illinois ; Richard and James K. Polk are deceased.

Isaac R. Bennett, the subject of this review, received the meager education afforded the children of pioneer times in the subscription schools. He and his brother, Clayburn Jones, purchased the old home place and lived on it until 1877, when the subject came to Gibson county, .and, ]\Iarch 10, 1864, was married tu Nancy S. Lathom, of Patoka township, l)orn October 26, 1843, the daughter of Jonathan and Elenore (Brown) Lathom, her father born July 9, 1805, in Prince William county, Virginia, and her mother born in September, 1804, in Caswell county, North Carolina. Jonathan Lathom came to Indiana with his father, William, in 1809, and the family entered land near Oakland City. Mrs. Lathom's parents arrived in this county in 1825, and the parents of the subject's wife were married in October, 1827. William Lathom had a farm two miles north of Patoka which was originally covered with heavy timber. This was cleared and made into a good home place. William married Nancy Norman, and both are long since deceased, he jjassing away at his daughter's home north of Princeton, and she on the home place. Their children were : Ollie, killed by the Indians at \'incennes, Indiana: Elenore, ]Mrs. Bennett's mother; Tsephena, the wife of John Hargrove, of this county: Elizabeth, the wife of Hudson Brown, of Patoka township : Polly Ann was first married to a Mr. Hodgpath and then to John Key and they lived in Patoka township; Nancy married \\'illiani Kirk and lived near Hazleton.

Elenore (Brown) Lathom was a daughter of James Brown, of Caswell county. North Carolina, who came to Gibson county in 1825, and followed agriculture in Patoka township. His children were: Millie, who married Clark Hargrove and lives near Oakland City: Elenore, Mrs. Bennett's

The children of Jonathan and Elenore (Brown) Lathom were: William J., born July 17, 1828, married and was a merchant and farmer in Morgan county, Illinois. His second wife was Jane Bennett, who lives in Morgan county, Illinois, he being deceased; Elizabeth and another daughter died in infancy; James Colman, born February 20, 1830, was a farmer in Gibson county. He married Julia Davis, of Morgan county, Illinois, and is now deceased : Jonathan died in his nineteenth year ; Isephena, born in December, 1838, married Barney Morrison and lived in Center township, Gibson county; Sarah Ellen, born February 3, 1842, married James Lownsdale and lived first in Pike county and later in Center township, Gi'Json county, both now being deceased; Nancy was born October 26, 1844; George Norman, born August 21, 1846, married Sallie Welborn, both deceased; Richard N. died at the age of seven.

The subject and wife have been the parents of four children, namely: (i) Mary Elenore was born February 5, 1865, and married John Hitch, a merchant of Princeton, this union resulting in the birth of four children: Robert, born February 14, 1891 ; George, born October 24, 1892; Bennett, born November 7, 1893, and died in February, 1913; Pauline, deceased; (2) Jonathan Lathom was born March 9, 1867, and is an engineer on the Southern railroad at Princeton. He married Mary J. Sutton and they have had three children: Maurice was born July 13, 1888; Mabel was born June 4, 1890; Mary was born June 21, 1901, and died February 8, 1907. (3) Christina N. was born October 9, 1875, and is the wife of J. W. Cunningham, a farmer, now retired and living in Princeton, who is referred to else- \Ahere in this v»ork. (4) James Elmer was born July 30, 1878. For years he was employed with the Southern railroad, but is now a motorman in Cincinnati. He married Jennie Robinson.

Before Mrs. Bennett's father married he carried brick in the construction of the old seminary building, receiving twenty-five cents a day and sas'ing this money with a view of getting married. He followed farming all his life and was well known and respected in his community. As a young man he entered government land south of Francisco in Center township, and erected a log cabin with no door and a stick chimney and fireplace. He took a lot of young pigs to raise on the place, but they were carried ofif by bears. He was a member of the General Baptist church and a stanch Republican, having served as assessor for nine years.

After their marriage Isaac R. Bennett and his wife tirst lived in ^Torgan county, IHinois, but in 1877 sold their lantl tiiere and removed to Patoka township, Gibson county, Indiana, where they farmed until August, 191 1. At that time they came to Princeton and located at their present residence at 611 North Hart street, still, however, owning their farm and renting it.

In his political belief. Mr. Bennett has alwavs given his support to the Democratic party, while in rcliginus matters, he is a member of the Reformed Baptist church.

George Strain

George Strain, who, after a long, busy and useful career, is now living retired in Port Branch, was born at Patoka, Gibson county, Indiana, on March 4. 185 1, the son of Rev. Thomas M. and Polly (Lagrange) Strain. When Thomas M. Strain was but a lad his father was killed by a tree falling on him. The subject's maternal grandfather was Erin Lagrange. Thomas M. Strain was reared in Gibson cotmty, remaining on the homestead until attaining mature years. He w-as reared in the Presbyterian faith, and after professing religion he joined the Baptist church, of which his wife was a member. In that body he was ordained to tlie ministry, in which he was actively engaged for many years, having preached near his home farm and at Princeton. In September, 1852, he opened a store at Fort Branch, in partnership with his brother-in-law, Charles Harrington, anrl at the same time continued his ministerial duties. He cleared a place in the grcne. k instructing such seats as w^as possible under the conditions then existing, and continued this as a religious meeting place for many years, or until the old red school house w-as built, at which the different denominations met, and where the Protestant churches of that section were first started. He was successful in his mercantile enterprise, and also engaged in the buying and shipping of pork, having a small packing house, the products of which he mo.stly shipped to New Orleans on flat-boats! The partnership continued a number of years, when he bought Mr. Harrington's interest and conducted the business alone for a number of years. He was widely known as a successful business man, upright citizen, and enjoyed the generous respect and esteem of his fellow citizens, and was looked up to as an authority, possessing rare judgment and foresight. He was a leader in the Baptist denomination, being a pioneer of the faith in his community, and the early church in this section is much indebted to his earnest and energetic efforts in its behalf. He was a self-taught man, and later taught school, and in after years was a man of good education and a great Bible student, a convincing speaker and able man. Late in life his eyesight failed, and his death occurred in July, 1906, at the age of eighty-nine years. Of the family of six children born to Thomas i\I. and Polly Strain, George, the immediate subject of this sketch, was the youngest. He passed his youthful years in Fort Branch, where he graduated from the high school and then engaged in farming, in which he continued for several years, or until his health failed, when he came to Fort Branch and engaged with his brother in business. Later he bought the latter's interest and continued the business until his retirement after twenty-six years' steady employment as a merchant, and with fair success.

On April 14, 1886, he married Mrs. Mary Wingate, of Gibson county, the daughter of Amosie D. Pioneer, a man of prominence in the community, who served as probate judge for twelve years, and was a justice of the peace for many years, being known widely throughout the country as Squire Foster. He was the owner of a good farm in Patoka township, where he lived with his family. ]\'Ir. and Mrs. Strain are members of the Baptist church, to which they give a liberal support. Fraternally, Mr. Strain is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being a past grand of his lodge and a delegate to the Grand Lodge. He is also a member of the Tribe of Ben- Hur The children born to Thomas M. and Polly Strain are as follows: Louisa, the wife of Dr. William R. Genung, who is represented elsewhere in this work ; Lucinda, the widow of Samuel Sands, of Indianapolis : A. F. and Sylvester, who are partners in business at Fort Branch; Andrew J., who died in 1909, at the age of fifty-eight years, and George, the immediate subject of this sketch.

John L. Brown

The history of the loyal sons and representative citizens of Gibson county would not be complete should the name that heads this review be omitted. When the fierce fire of rebellion was raging throughout the Southland, threatening to destroy the Union, he responded with patriotic fervor to the call for volunteers and in some of the bloodiest battles for which that great war was noted proved his loyalty to the government he lov.ed so well. During a useful life in the region where he lives he has labored diligently to promote the interests of the people, working earnestly and with little regard for his personal advancement ur ease. lie has been tlcvoled to the public welfare and in all of his relations his highest ambitions have been to Ijenelit the community and advance its standard of citizenship.

John L. Brown, the son of David and Elizabeth (Kindle) Brown, was born October 2, 1844, five miles southwest of Princeton, Indiana. David Brown was a native of Harrison county, this state, and was born in 1808. Upon reaching the years of his majority he came to Gibson county, where he bought a farm for eight dollars per acre. This he cleared of timber and drained the swamps and otherwise improved it until, when he was ready to retire from active farming, it w as well worth eighty dollars an acre, which his son paid him for it. and it is now recognized as one of the best farms in the county. Elizabeth Kindle, the first wife of David Brown, was also a native of Harrison county, and her death occurred when the subject of this sketch was about five years of age. There were six children b\' this marriage, William K.. deceased, who married Frances Polk, was a carpenter, and was also in the army. He was a minister of the Gospel in California f(jr many years, and was the father of one child. James E.. who married Dices Ann Summers, who died in Oklahoma in 191 3, leaving a family of seven children, William, Perry, Charles. John, Anna, Ollie and one who died at the age of seven years; Mrs. Eliza Tichenor, deceased: Mrs. Sarah Johnson, deceased: Jacob A., who died at the age of sixteen, and John L., the suljject of this review. After the death of his first wife in 1849, David Brown married Elizabeth Stroud in 1852. She had four children, Lewis, deceased: Thomas, deceased; ?^Irs. jMary AVoods and Mrs. Cassie Williams, deceased.

John L. Brown spent his early life on the farm and helped his father clear the heavy timber from off the land. \\'hen the Ci\il war broke out, John was only seventeen years of age, but he was fired with all the enthusiasm of youth and longed to throw his fortunes with the companies which were being recruited from his county. He did not succeed in getting enrolled among the first to leave the county, but in 1863 he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Twentieth Regiment Indiana \'olunteer Infantry, for a jieriod of three vears. His first service was in southeastern Tennessee and from there he followed Sherman through Georgia to Atlanta, and thence to the sea. He displayed unusual heroism and bravery in many battles in which he took part, and fortunately was never wounded with the exception of being badly bruised when a bullet grazed his shoulder. He enlisted as a private, but was promoted to the rank of a corporal on account of bravery and later was made a sergeant and was mustered out as a sergeant in July, 18^15, at Indianapolis.

After being mustered out of the service, Mr. Brown returned to his home county and worked on his father's farm for several years, at the same time saving his money and investing it in land. In the course of a few years he had accumulated a farm of two hundred and eighty acres, which is known as one of the finest farms in the township, if not in the county. In 1909 he built a large, modern barn, having lost his former barn by fire. There is no more progressive farmer in the county than he, and he makes it a point to keep well posted on all the latest agricultural methods. He always buys the latest improved farm machinery, and is thereby enabled to get the best results from his land. He is one of the most congenial, warm-hearted and best loved men in the county, and is known everywhere as a man absolutely square in all his business dealings. He has always been a believer in the Golden Rule and carries it out in all of his transactions with his fellow men. He can get more corn and wheat per acre than any other farmer in the county and is universally conceded to have the best success in raising grain. He also keeps live stock and has been very successful in raising horses and swine.

Mr. Brown has been twice married, first to Sarah Jane Clark, on January 17, 1869, the daughter of Jordan and Rachel (Mounts) Clark. Her father was a farmer and a native of this county. Her mother also was a native of this county, and both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Clark were the parents of a large family of children : Eliza, who married George W. Woods, and has two children, Carl and Hazel; Mrs. Woods teaches in the district schools of the township; Lizzie, the wife of Madison Knowles, a farmer in Center township, this county, has one child, Ovilla ; Arthur, who married Belle Tichenor, is a farmer near King's Station, Patoka township, and they have two children, Eunice and Mildred ; Forney, who married Otto Hollis, a stock buyer living near Princeton, and they have three children, Barton, Jones and Herschell ; Eva, the wife of Harvey McCarthy, a farmer near Princeton, has two children", Earl and Paul ; Harvey married Amy Collins, and is now operating the homestead farm of eighty acres, and has one child, ]\lelvin ; two children who died in infancy.

On February 20, 1895, John L. Brown married Melissa Clark, the daughter of William and Margare^ (Stone) Clark. William Clark was a native of this county and a General Baptist preacher, and his death occurred on November 8, 1899, in Owensville. His wife was also a native of this county and died in Owensville in 1905. The second marriage was blessed with three children, Zella, who died at the early age of three months ; Arvel and Darwin, both of whom are still at home with their parents.

Gibson Coumv, Indiana

Although j\lr. Brown has l)ecn a lifeluiig Kepuljlican, he has never sought any pohtical preferment at the hands of his party, lie takes an intelhgent interest in the great poHtical questions of the day and is able to discuss them intelligently. He and his wife have long been members of the White General Baptist church. He has been a member for more than fifty years of this denomination and for a number of years was treasurer of the church, but resigneil on account of his age. He is still a trustee of the denomination. J\lr. Brown is one of those progressive, self-made men who are thoroughlv in harmony with the spirit of the achanced age in which he lives. In all his business affairs he has conducted them in such a manner that stamps him as a man who has a natural aptitude for successful management. He has not permitted the accumulation of his comfortable competence to affect in any wa\- his actions toward those less fortunate than he, being a most sympathetic and broad-minded man and one who has a host of warm and admiring friends throughout the county.

Joseph D. Hussey

Among the oldest and most highly respected families of Gibson county, Indiana, is the Hussey family, which came to this county in 182 1. Richard Hussey, the founder of the family bearing his name in Indiana and other states in the West, was born in Lebanon county. ]\laine, May 24, 1789, and died April 15, 1851. He was married on October 4, 1811, to Alpha Mills, of Kennebec county, Maine, her birth occurring on January 27, 1791, and her death on ]\Iay 29, 1S41. This worthy couple reared a large family of thirteen children: Elizabeth M., born July 9, 1812, died April 27, 1878; Julia Page, botn January 22, 1S14: Zazhariah, born October 25, 1815; James Madison, born June 8, 1817, in Kennebec county, Maine; George B., born Mav 17, i8ig, in Washington county, Ohio; Ansel Alexander Hamilton, born November 16, 182 1 ; John Hibbard, born July 26, 1822, in Gibson county, Indiana: Clara, born !\Iarch 19, 1824; Charles Wellington, born May 18, 1826; Elizabeth Ann, born April 11, 1828; Richard Perry, born April 4, 1830; Martha M., born March 24, 1833; Alpha Louisa, born October 15, 1835. In 1817 Richard Hussey and wife, with four children, left Kennebec county, Maine, and tra\eled overland to Washington county. Ohio. Here he followed the trade of a cabinet maker for four years and in 1821 the family left Ohio and came to Gibson county, Indiana, locating five miles east of Princeton in Center township. Here Richard Hnssey and his sons put up a cabin and blacksmith shop, and here the family lived for several years, the mother's death occurring on this farm. Mr. Hussey's shop, in which he did both iron and wood work, was the center of a large community and the people from far and near came to him to have their work done. In this way he formed a large acquaintance and probably no man in the county was better known in his day than Richard Hussey.

James Madison Hussey, the son of Richard Hussey, and the father of the subject of this review, was one of the children who were born in Maine and left that state when he was an infant. He received the meager schooling which was afforded in Gibson county in the twenties, and since he was the oldest child in the family, he early took up the burden of helping to support the family. He remained on the home farm helping his father in his shop until he was married ; then he rented a part of his father's farm. James M. Hussey married Sarah Patterson, of Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Robert and Rebecca (Wilson) Patterson. Sarah Patterson had come from Pennsylvania to Xenia, Ohio, when a small child with her parents, and later came with them to Gibson county, Indiana, where they settled in Center township, near the Hussey homestead. There were four of the Patterson family: James, who li\ed in Princeton; Harriett, who married a IMr. Shaw and went back to Pennsylvania, where her death occurred: Sarah, the wife of James M. Hussey; and one who died in infancy. To James M. Hussey and wife were born eight children: Henr)- W., who lives in Canada and married Mary J. Harbison; Robert Dale, who married Eliza J. McClellan, was in the Civil war and served three years in Company G, One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. After his death, in i8'72', his widow married L. B. Wallon, a druggist at Francisco, Indiana; Richard Lewis, whose sketch is given elsewhere in this volume; Franklin C, deceased; Ella Maria, the wife of Lon C. Dilday, of Princeton; James M., who married Isabelle Ingram, is a farmer in this county ; Joseph Devin, the immediate subject of this sketch, and Arabella, the widow of Isaac N. Eby. of Princeton. He was a farmer, and died December 8, 1898, lea\ing his widow and two children. Earl and Allan Dale.

James M. Hussey, the father of Joseph D., enlisted in the Civil war in Company B, Sixty-fifth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, on August 2, 1862. As first lieutenant he helped to raise two companies. Shortly after going to the front he died, and in November, 1862, his body was brought from Henderson, Kentucky, and buried in the cemetery near Princeton with all the lionors ol war. His widow \\\x\\ at i\w old h.iinc place until her death, in i8g8. Slie was of a deeply reliijiou.s teniperanienl and an earnest worker in church circles. She was a consistent and devoted member of the United Presbyterian church for fifty-five years, and a woman who was loved and respected by all who knew her.

Joseph D. Hussey was born in Center township, Gibson county, Indiana, August I, 1859, and recei\ed a ver\- limited education in the common schools of his home township. He continued to reside on the home farm until he became of age, when he removed to Francisco and engaged in business in that place. Three \ears later he removed to Princeton, where he continued in business until 1910, when he retired. In 1906 he bought his splendid home on North Seminary street, where he is now living a retired life, surrounded by all the comforts and con\eniences of modern life.

Mr. Hussey was married in 1883 to Jemima E. McFetridge, of Center township, in this county, and she died in August, 18S7, leaving one child, Sarah Mabel. The daughter married Eugene B. Smith, a wireless operator for the United States government at Porto Rico during the Spanish-.\merican war, and now lives at Belle\"iew, Ohio, where he is engaged in the dairy business Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of two children, Kalherine Elizabeth and Joseph Eugene. Jemima E. McFetridge, the first wife of Mr. Hussey, was the daughter of Scott and Sarah (Johnson) McFetridge, an old family of Gibson county. They came to this county in 1821, before the Hussey family. The Johnson family, headed by David Johnson, a soldier of the W^ar of 1812 and a hero of the battle of Tippecanoe, came to this county before 1800.

Mr Hussey was married a second time to Mary Roselle Langford, in ]\Iarch, 1894, and to this marriage was born one daughter, Josephine Aladge, who is still with her father. The second wife of Mr. Hussey, who died in February, iqoo, was the daugliter of John and Sarah (Young) Langford, of Warrick county, Indiana. The Langfords are of English ancestry, and Richard Langford, the grandfather of Airs. Hussey, was one of the earliest settlers in the state, arriving in the vicinity of Evansville in 181 5.

On April 2, 1906, Mr. Hussey married Emma J. f^^'estfall) Hochhalter, the daughter of George and Jacobena fBrigius) Westfall. Her parents were both natives of Germany and Afrs. Hussey was born before her parents came to this country. She was eleven years of age when her parents came to America and settled in Warrick county in this state. Mr. Westfall was a blacksmith by trade and at the opening of the Civil war enlisted in the Union army and served four years at the front. Emma J. Westfall was married on March 30, 1882, to PhilHp Hochhalter, a cooper, of Newburg, Warrick county. He died February 13, 1891, leaving his widow with one son, Louis C Hochhalter, who married Emily Webber. Louis and his wife have one son, Elarold, and live in Evansville.

Benjamin F. Benson

It is the farmer who makes it possible for men in any other occupation to live. Farming was the original occupation of man, and it is the only profession which could exist independently of any other. Indeed, every other occupation is dependent upon the farmer. The products of the farm have made our railroads what they are today, and the great bulk of manufacturing is made necessary because of the farmer's needs. The people of the city could not live a week without the farmer's products. He holds not only the purse strings of the nation, but even the very life itself of the people. For this reason the farmer has in reality the most important profession of all. Gibson county has as fine farms and as good farmers as can be found anywhere in the state, and among them is the subject of this review.

Benjamin F. Benson is the son of Sylvester and Nancy (Ewing) Benson, and was born February 3, 1871, about four miles northwest of Owens- -j 1/^Vlt ville. His father was a native of this county, being born on his father's ^jn^i^T farm July 10, 1823. He was a very influential farmer and citizen, and one 1 rr cjf'l of the most widely known men in the county. He took an active part in Re- ' *^ publican politics and was elected to the office of county commissioner for three terms. He was president of the board of county commissioners at the time the first court house in Gibson county was built, and by his integrity and devotion to public duty he rendered valuable service at that time. Pie took a great deal of pride in the Benson family history and at one time wrote the family history, but unfortunately lost it by fire at the time his residence was burned. He is now living with his daughter, Mrs. William Scott. Some time ago he suffered a paralytic stroke, which has rendered him speechless and deaf and unable to finish his family history. He was the son of William and Margaret Benson, his grandfather being a native of Ireland. The mother of the subject of this sketch was a native of Dubois county, Indiana, and died March 12, 1898. Mr. and Mrs. S3dvester Benson were the parents of eight children: Columbus; James; Benjamin F., the subject of this sketch; John;

Benjamin F. Benson was united in marriage on June 17, 1896, to Fannie Cleveland, daughter of John and Mary (Polk) Cle\eland. Her father was a son of George Cle\^eland, a native of Vanderburg county, this state, where he spent his boyhood days before coming to Gibson county. He has always follo^^ed the occupation of a farmer and has ninety-six acres of excellent farming land near Owensville. He was Irorn in 1844 and died in 1899. His wife was also a native of this county and died at the home of her son-in-law, Benjamin F. Benson, in 1906. Mr. and Ishs. John Cleveland were the parents of four children : Roger ; Fannie, the wife of the subject of this review ; Mrs. Flossie Lee and Charles.

Benjamin F. Benson spent his boyhood days on the farm and received the best education vvhich the district schools of his locality afforded. He has devoted his whole time and energies to his farming interests and now owns two hundred and fourteen acres of excellent farming land in this county. He keeps well posted on all modern methods of scientific farming, and in this way has become one of the most successful farmers of the county. In addition to his general farming he has made a specialty of raising live stock for the market, and takes a justifiable pride in his dwelling, fine home, barn and outbuildings, and has one of the best improved farms in this section of the state.

Mr. and JMrs. Benson have been blessed with six children, three of whom died in infancy. There are three sons still at home with their parents, Ronald, Burneil and William. It is needless to say that these boys are receiving every advantage which modern education can give thein, and that they will be well prepared to take their places in the affairs of the community later on.

.Vlthough Mr. Benson has always affiliated with the Republican party, he has never sought any political office, but has been content to devote all of his time and energies to the management of his farming interests. He and his wife are both loyal members of the General Baptist church and arc interested in all the activities of that denomination. Mr. Benson is a deacon in the church. He is a man of modest and unassuming disposition, a fine type of the reliable, self-made American; a friend to the poor, charitable to the faults of his neighbors, and always ready to unite with them in every good work. He is a man who in every respect merits the high esteem in which he is universallv held.

James W. Cockrum

A review of the life of the honored subject of this review must of necessity be brief and general in its character. To enter fully into the interesting details of the career of J. W. Cockrum, touching the struggles of his early manhood and the successes of his later years, would far transcend the limits of this article. He has filled a large place in the ranks of the public-spirited citizens and successful newspaper men of his day, and that he has done his part well cannot be gainsaid, for his record has been such as has gained for him the commendation and approval of his fellows. His career has been a long, busy and useful one and he has contributed much to the material, civic and moral advancement of the community, while his admirable qualities of head and heart and the straightforward, upright course of his daily life has won for him the esteem and confidence of the circles in which he has moved.

James W. Cockrum, president of the J. W. Cockrum Printing Company and editor of the Oakland City Journal, is a native son of Gibson county, Indiana, having been born in Oakland City on August 22, 1861. He is the son of Col. W. M. and Lucretia (Harper) Cockrum, whose respective families are among the oldest and best known in this section of Indiana. W. M. Cockrum was born in Oakland City and his wife was a native of Pike county, Indiana. James W. Cockrum received his elementary education in the common schools and in the Oakland City high school, where he graduated in 1887. He then went on the road as a commercial traveler for a school supply concern and, being eminently successful in this line, he was induced to organize the Indiana School Furnishing Company of Oakland City, which from the start was a success and from the demands of this business Mr. Cockrum, in 1891, drifted into the printing business. In 1893 he established the Oakland City Journ-at, a weekly newspaper, which met with popular favor from the start, so that one year later he changed it to a semi-weekly issue. At that time two other newspapers were in the local field, but both have since retired. As editor, Mr. Cockrum wielded a forceful and trenchant pen, having that genuine instinct for news which characterizes successful newspaper men. The J. W. Co.ckrum Printing Company, Avhich is incorporated, is well equipped, and makes a specialty of commercial and bank printing, catering particularly to the latter trade and doing an extensive business all over the United States. Mr. Cockrum has gi\'en his special attention to this work and is numbered among the successful editors and publishers of southwestern Indiana. He has long been a forceful and influential factor in this localitv, not onlv in business, but also

Politically, an ardent Republican, Mr. Cocl<runi lias Icmg been numbered among the leaders of his part\- in Indiana, and has achieved distinctive recognition because of his ability and acti\ it\-. He was appointed by Governor Durbin a member of the Louisiana Exposition commission from the first district, which handled an appropriation of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars for the purpose of giving Indiana proper representation at the World's Fair. He was chosen secretary of the commission and had supervision of the detail work in connection with the Indiana exhibit. In 1904 Mr. Cockrum was elected secretary of the National Editorial Association of the United States, serving four years, and rendering efficient service while acting in the interest of the association. He has also served as president and secretary at different times of the Indiana Republican Editorial Association and as president and secretary of the Southern Indiana Press Association.

Fraternally, Mr. Cockrum has long been active in the interests of Freemasonry, having taken all of the degrees of the York Rite, including that of Knight Templar, and thirty-two degrees of the Scottish Rite, being a member of the consistory at Indianapolis. He is also a memljer of Hadi Temple of the ?ilystic Shrine at Evansville. In the Knights of Pythias, Mr. Cockrum has achieved distinctive honors, having been past chancellor of Chevalier Lodge and has been a member of the grand lodge of Indiana for twelve years, serving on important committees during this period. Religiously, he is, a member of the General Baptist church, to which he gives earnest su])port.

On September 24, 1891, Mr. Cockrum was married to Agnes Pritchett, who was born at Fort Branch, Gibson county, but who at the time of her marriage was living at Carmi, Illinois. She was the daughter of Elisha L. and Martha E. Pritchett. To this union have been born two daughters, Dorothy Dale and one deceased. The Cockrum residence in Oakland City is one of the finest and most artistic homes in the community and here the spirit of true and old fashioned hospitality is always in evidence, the liome being a favorite gathering place for the many friends of the family.

In such a man as Mr. Cockrum there is special satisfaction in offering in their life records justification for issuing a biographical coirtpendium such as the one in hand, not necessarily that the career of men of his type has been such as to gain them v.ide reputation or the plaudits of men. but that they have been true to the trusts reposed in them and shown such attributes of character (5^) as entitle them to the regard of all and have been useful in their respective careers of action, at the same time winning the confidence and good will of all with whom they have come in contact.

Alfred Pritchett

No other county in Indiana furnished braver men for the Civil War than did Gibson county. This state sent over two hundred thousand men to the front during that memorable conflict and Gibson county contributed its quota without any difficulty, meeting every call of Governor Morton with a promptness which bespoke well for the patriotic zeal of her sons. They left their homes to sa\e their country and hundreds of them sacrificed their lives that the Stars and Stripes might continue to wave over a united nation. We cannot forget that they fought a brave fight for human liberty, and that they deserve all the praise which can be given them. They are fast answering the last roll call, and within a few years we can only honor their memory. It seems eminently fitting in this volume to set forth the lives of these gallant veterans who are still living. Among the brave boys in blue who enlisted from Gibson county there is none who is more worthy of an honored place in this volume than the subject of this sketch.

Alfred Pritchett, one of the best beloved citizens of this county, was born three miles southeast of Owensville, July 14, 1841, the son of Elisha and Elizabeth ( Rutledge) Pritchett. Elisha was a native of Kentucky, and came to this county with his parents when a young man, his father having entered land in this county when it was all heavily timbered and generally swampy. He followed the occupation of a farmer all his life and died in this county in 1853. His wife, Elizabeth Rutledge, to whom he was married in 1 82 1, was a native of Tennessee, coming to this county with an elder brother when she was eight years of age, her parents having died when she was four vears of age. A few years later she and her brother made the trip on horseback to this county in 1811. Her death occurred November 11,- 1897, at a ripe old age. Her mother died at the age of ninety-one years, leaving a family of ten children, all of whom are living but two. To Mr. and Mrs. Elisha Pritchett were born twelve children: John, deceased; Absalom, deceased ; William H., deceased ; James J. ; Mrs. Serelda Richards ; Pressley, deceased; Mrs. Polly J. West; Charles, deceased; Mrs. Eliza Adams; Alfred,

Alfred Pritchett has spent all of his life in this county with the exception of three years" service in the Civil War. lie received the hest education which the district schools of that day afturded, and lias always been interested in the intellectual welfare uf his cunimunily. \\'hen the news of the fall of Fort Sumter was flashed throughout the country, he was filled with the same patriotic fervor which fired the hearts of hundreds and thousands of other young men of the X'urth. When a cumpany was l)eing organized in the fall uf \f<(>2 in his cuunty, he cnlisied in Company C as a pri\ate on September 13th, his company being in the Forty-second Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry. The first captain of his conijjany w^as Captain French, who was succeeded later during tlie war by Captain Frank Emery. His first service was in Tennessee, and he later followed Sherman from Chattanooga down through the Georgia campaign to Savannah, taking part in all the engagements in that state ; from Sa\annah his company was with Sherman on his northward march through tlie Carolinas and was present at the time General Johnson surrendered to General Sherman, in Alay. 1865, in North Carolina. During the last three months he was detailed as one of an escort to General Davis and served in sc\eral minor engagements under his command. Although he was present and t<iuk part in many severe engagements during his service, he was fortunate in cscajjing without being wounded and came out at the end cjf his service witli his health unimpaired. Howc\er, in later years he has become blind, but is bearing this terrilile afiliction with great fortitude and courage.

After being mustered out at Indianapolis, in July, 18G5, he returned to his home in Gibson county. He was first married, in 1867, to Katherine Summers, daughter of Richey Summers. Her death occurred in 1871, lea\- ing two children, Aubrey, who is now deceased, and Mrs. .\nna .\Icorn.

Simeon Alcorn, the husband of Anna (Pritchett) .\lcorn, was born November 23, 1863, three miles east of Owensville, the son of Elisha and Mary (Alartin) Alcurn. Elisha Alcorn was a native of \'anderburg county, this state, and early in life was left an orphan and was reared by his grandmother i\larvel, spending his buyhoud days with his grandparents. He came to this county at the age of twenty-one years and settled on a farm about two miles southeast of Fort Branch, later selling this farm and buying a tract of land near McGrary Station. He continued the occupation of a farmer throughout his life, bis death occurring in i<)Oi. His wife, Mary Martin, was also a native of Vanderburg county and her death occurred in 1910. To these parents were born eight children : Orphia, deceased ; Mrs. Francis Elizabeth Sides; Sarah, deceased; Thomas M.; Simeon; Mrs. Lucinda Sides; Mrs. Tilda Ellen Peacock and Mrs. Mary Alice Gibson. Simeon Alcorn was married October 6, 1887, to /Vnna Louisa Pritchett, daughter of the subject of this sketch, and is one of the substantial, progressive farmers of the township, having two hundred and thirteen acres of well-improved land under a high state of cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Alcorn are the parents of one child, Zella, who is the wife of Walter Simmons, a farmer of this township. Mr. and Mrs. Alcorn are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he is a trustee and steward of that denomination, and both of them take an active part in church work.

Alfred Pritchett was married the second time to Fannie Yeager, on July 28, 1875. She was a daughter of Nicholas and Julina (Roberts) Yeager. Mr. Yeager was a native of this county, his parents being Daniel and Charity (Smith) Y'eager, who were pioneers of the county. Nicholas Yeager kept a store in Owensville with his brother-in-law, William Crawford, for many years, but later purchased a farm east of Owensville, which he continued to operate until his death, which occurred February 22, 1892. His wife was also a native of this county, her birth occurring December 6, 1828, four miles north of Owensville. She was a daughter of Thomas Robert^. Mr. and Mrs. Yeager were married April 9, 1848, and were the parents of seven children, William H., ]Mrs. Fannie Pritchett, Franklin, deceased, Mrs. Sarah Ellen Emmerson, J\Irs. Cordelia Pritchett, who died in Arkansas in 1912; Daniel H., who died at the early age of two years, and George B. To Mr. Pritchett's second union were born two children, Eva, deceased, and Lester, who married Nellie Stone. Lester is a promising young farmer of this county.

Although Mr. Pritchett has lived the allotted three score and ten, he is still active and is managing his well-improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres. He has been a follower of the best agricultural methods and keeps well posted on the newest ideas in scientiiic farming. Mr. and Mrs. Pritchett exemplify their Christianity in their every-day life and despite the fact that he has lost his sight, he continues to be cheerful, bearing" his affliction with that fortitude which characterizes the true Christian believer. No more conscientious man ever lived in the county than Mr. Pritchett, and in all his business transactions he has so conducted them that he has won the respect and admiration of all with whom he has come in contact. All honor to this

He has been a life-long member of the lUyllie Chapel, Methodist Episcopal church, and still takes a very active part in church afifairs. For many years he has been the class leader and his inspirational talks have been of untold value to the members of the church. His life has been a shining light to all the community, and no one can view his career without seeing that he is one of God's noblemen.

James Allen Smith

Among the successful, self-made men of Gibson county, whose efforts and influence have contributed to the material upbuilding of the community, James Allen Smith occupies a conspicuous place. Being ambitious from the first, but surrounded with none too favorable environment, his early years were not especially promising, but resolutely facing the future, he gradually surmounted the difficulties in his way, and in the course of time he has risen to a prominent position in the agricultural circles of his community. In doing this he has won the confidence and esteem of those with whom he has come in contact, either in a business or social way, and for years has stood as one of the representative citizens of the locality honored by his citizenship. His life and labors arc worthy, because they have contributed to a proper understanding of life and its problems. The strongest characters in our national history have come from the ranks of the self-made men, to whom adversity acts as an impetus for unfaltering efifort, and from this class has come the subject of this review. He has not permitted himself to follow the rut in a blind way, but has studied and experimented in various agricultural methods, and has thus secured the best returns from enterprising effort. His life has been such as to elicit just praise from those who know him best, owing to the fact that he has always been loyal to the trust imposed upon him and has been upright in his dealings with his fellow men, at the same time lending his support to the advancement of any cause for the welfare of the community.

James Allen Smith, one of the most prominent farmers in Gibson county, was born September 12, 1849, fi^'^' miles northeast of Owensville. His parents were John Martin and Elizabeth Jane (Stone) Smith. John M. w-as a native of Adair county, Kentucky, his birth having occurred in that place on September 30, 1827, and was a son of David and Eliza Smith. His father emigrated from Kentucky to this state and settled in Gibson county on a farm, on which he Hved until his death, which occurred at the age of eightyone. John M. Smith was married three times. His first marriage was to EHzabeth Jane Stone, October 28, 1847, and to this union were born six children: James A., the immediate subject of this sketch; Nancy Jane, who married D. B. Montgomery, a farmer of Union township; Martha .\lice, who was the wife of George Mangrum, died on September 12, 1872; Milton Bird, who died at the age of fourteen ; Henry Wilson married Matilda Mauck, and Willis Clinton, who married Martha Spore. John M. Smith's second marriage was to Mary Elizabeth Haren, December 18, 1870, and she died June 5, 1897. To this union there were born two children, Elnora, who died in infancy, and Iva Minda, the wife of Noble Douglas. Mr. Smith's third marriage was to Margaret Erwin, March 29, 1898. Mr. Smith's death occurred in Owensville on February 23, 1908, leaving his widow, who is still living at Princeton in this county. He continued in the active management of his farm until he was seventy years of age, when he retired and moved to Owensville. He was always very much interested in the church activities of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and was an elder in that church many years before his death.

James Allen Smith spent his boyhood days on the homestead farm, doing all the ordinary work which falls to the lot of the farmer's boy. He attended the common schools of his neighborhood and also the high school at Owensville. He then taught school in the township for four years before his marriage. After his marriage, on March 23, 1877, to Lydia Mauck, the daughter of Samuel and Eliza (Yeager) Mauck, he purchased the farm which he still owns. His wife's father, Samuel Mauck, was a native of this county and followed the occupation of a farmer until his death, October 10, 1896. His wife, Eliza Yeager, was also a native of this county and died in i860. Mr. and Mrs. Mauck were the parents of five children : Maria, deceased; Miranda, who married James A. Jones, now deceased; Lydia, wife of the subject of this sketch ; Henry and Thompson.

Mr. Smith has one hundred and sixty acres of excellent farming land, practically all of which is under cultivation at the present time. His farm is well stocked with up-to-date farming implements, and has been brought by his careful management to a high state of cultivation. He has never had any aspirations in a political line, although he has always taken an active interest in the principles of the Prohibitionist party. Some years ago he was township trustee for one year and filled this position to the entire satisfaction of the township. He has been uniformly successful in all his business trans-

Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of five children: Flora Letha, who niarrietl George Clark, a farmer near King's Station, in this county, and has two children, Gerald and Johnny Pauline, both of whom are still under the parental roof; Eliza Orela, who married Charles Dorsey, a hardware merchant of Poseyville, Indiana, has one daughter, Helen, who is at home with her parents; Hoyt Obra married Jessie Shannon and lives in Akron, Ohio, where he is employed as a sales manager; Lewis Roy, who died at the age of twenty, and Milton Byrd, who lives at home with his parents.

Mr. Smith and his wife are earnest and devoted members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church at Ov.ens\ille, and Mr. Smith has been an elder in this church for se\eral years. He has come into his present position by hard work and the exercise of honest business methods. His tireless energy and steady determination have won for him the unqualified confidence and esteem of all who know him.

Henry Mowrer

There are several hundred different occupations at the present time, but there is only one of all this number that is absolutely necessary to man's existence. The three things without which man cannot live are food, clothing and shelter, and it is the farmer who not only controls the food supply, but also holds the clothing products of the world in his hands. His is the only occupation which can exist independently of all others. .An increasing number of our best farming men are taking agricultural courses in college, thereby fitting themselves the better for scientific farming. The profession has taken on increased dignity within the past few years and more and more of our \i»ung men are applying themselves to scientific farming. The farmer of today has the immense advantage of working with machinery which renders his work free from many of its former disadvantages. Gibson county has hundreds of splendid farmers and among them the sul)ject of this sketch holds a worthy place.

Henry Mowrer, the second of four children born to fxobert and Caroline fAyers) Mowrer, was born March 22, 1865, on the Joe Heston farm, about four miles from Princeton, this county. Robert Mowrer was a native of this county, his birth having occurred on December 25, 1832, near Owensville. He followed agricultural pursuits all his life, the last nine years of which were spent in Illinois, where his death occurred December 12, 1878. His wife was also a native of this county and died there January 21, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Mowrer were the parents of four children: James T., who married Lizzie Teel, is an engineer at Macon, Georgia, and has two children. Hazel and Erwin ; Nettie, who married Vinton Newell, an engineer of Macon, Georgia; Lucinda, the wife of George Land, lives in San Diego, California, and has three children, Henrietta, Marvin and Marion.

Henry Mowrer was united in marriage on August 7, 1890, to Ida Spore, the daughter of Julius and Mary (Clark) Spore. Her father was a native of this county, his birth having occurred on December 25, 1834, five miles north of Owensville. He continued active operations on his farm until about fifteen years before his death, which occurred on November 25, 1910, at Owensville. His wife was also a native of this county and died in Owensville, February 17, 1909. To them were born three children: Mary, the wife of Joseph Nettleton, a farmer living near Fort Branch, Indiana ; Martha, the wife of W. C. Smith, a farmer living near Princeton, has three children, Velva, Nola and Blanche; Ida, the wife of the subject of this review.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Mowrer are the parents of eight children, all of whom are still under the parental roof : Carrie, Jessie, Vesper Julius, Doyl, Nora, Marie, Harold Robert and Gertrude Fern.

Henry Mowrer spent his boyhood days on the home farm, his parents living in this state until he was four years of age, at which time they moved to Illinois, where they both died. He continued to reside in Illinois for some years and then returned to Gibson county, where he has since remained. After his marriage, in 1890, he farmed the Spore farm for fifteen years, and then purchased the John M. Smith farm of eighty acres, where he now lives. He carries on a general system of farming and also raises considerable stock. Of late years he has been engaged in the dairy business and has been very successful along that line. He has one of the largest and best equipped barns and machine sheds in the township and has improved his farm until it is one of the best farms in the locality. Within the last few years he has used more than eleven hundred rods of woven wire fencing and put in an extensive system of drainage. He is known throughout the community as one of the most progressive and wide-awake farmers of the county. He has always been a hard worker and tireless energy has not been without its rewards in his case.

Although he is a Deniocral in politics, he has never sought any political office, being satisfied to devote all of his time and attention to his farming interests. Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and religiously, is a loyal and earnest member and trustee of the Cumberland Presb3^erian church. His wife is a mcmlicr of the General Baptist church, and both contribute liberally of tlieir means to the support of their respective churches. The chief characteristics of Mr. Mowrer are his tireless energy, honesty of purpose and motive and every-day common .sense, which has enabled him not only to advance his own interests, but also largely contribute to the moral and material advancement of the community honored by his residence.

John W. Turnage

It will always be a mark of distinction to have served in the Federal army during the great Civil Vi'ar between the states. The old soldier will receive attention no matter where he goes if he will but make himself known, particularly if he puts on the old faded uniform. And when he passes away, which he will soon do, friends will pay him suitable eulogy for the sacrifices he made a half century ago on the battlefield or in the no less dreaded hospital. And ever afterward his descendants will revere his memory and take pride in recounting his services for his country in the hour of peril. The gentleman whose name initiates this paragraph is one of the old soldiers who went forth to fight to save the Union.

John W. Turnage was born March 9, 1840, in Sliawncetown, Illinois, the son of Gardner and Julia Ann (Odam) Turnage. Gardner Turnage, the father, was a native of Memphis, Tennessee, and the mother of Owensburg, Kentucky, he dying in 1840 and liis wife in 1848. They were the parents of two children, the subject, and James W. James VV. died in 1807. ^^ was a stationary engineer and lived in Washington, Daviess county, Indiana. He married Celia Ann Under, wbi) is also deceased, and they had one child. Maw who married James Sertile. a contractor at Indiana])olis.

The subject of this review went to live with his grandmother Odam as a boy, and had no chance to go to school. At the age of ten he went to live with an uncle, Willis Odam, at Covington, Fountain county, Indiana, and was with him until he reached his seventeenth year, when he went to work for himself in the woolen mills, continuing at this until i860. He then went to Haubstadt, Gibson county, and enlisted in the army on July 8, 1861, becoming a member of Company K, Twenty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, being mustered into the service of the Union army July 31, 1861. His regiment was sent to Jefferson City, Missouri, then to Springfield, and finally to Autville, where they wintered. In the spring of 1862 the regiment of which the subject was a member took part in the battle at Fort Donelson, were then at Fort Henry, Crump's Landing, and in the second day's battle at Shiloh. Marching to Gravel Ridge, they remained at that point for some time, and were then marched to Memphis, later going from there by boat to Helena, Arkansas, and up the Arkansas river and then up White river, engaging in the battles of Duval's Bluff and Arkansas Post. They were then ordered to Helena, crossed the Black river and returned to Helena, where they wintered. In the spring of 1862, on April 16, they were in the fighting around Vicksburg, and were almost continually engaged until July 4, 1863, being in the battles of Champion's Hill, Black River and Vicksburg, and going to Jackson, Tennessee, were in a second battle there, marching back to Vicksburg. By boat they proceeded to Port Hudson, Louisiana, and after a two days' stop, went on to New Orleans. After participating in the battle in Tash county, about eighty miles west of New Orleans, they returned to the Crescent City and spent the following winter. In the spring of 1864 they took part in the Red river campaign, then coming up the river to Alexandria, Mississippi, they built a dam across Red river to bar out gunboats and troop transports. They were then engaged in several skirmishes along the Red river and Old river and returned to New Orleans. Joining his regiment at Baton Rouge, the subject's enlistment expired July 31, 1864, and he started for home, coming by boat to Cairo, Illinois, and then proceeding to Indianapolis to be paid.

After having thus honorably and faithfulh' served his country, Mr. Turnage again took up the pursuits of private life. April 9, 1865, he was united in marriage to Anna Vail, of Hamilton county, Ohio, near Cincinnati, the daughter of James and Lydia Ann (Layton) Vail, both natives of Hamilton county, Indiana, where they were reared and married. The father of the subject's wife was a shoemaker by trade and in 1856 or 1857 went to Shelbyville, Illinois, where he worked at his trade and engaged in farming until his death, in 1870. His wife died December 10, 1842, and he was married a second time, his second wife being Sarah Marklin, of Ohio, who passed away in 1868. By his first marriage, Mrs. Turnage's father had four children: Peter, deceased, a Tarmer at Shelbvville. Illinois : Charles, deceased, a farmer in Hamilton county. Oiiio ; Frank, dcccascti. a fanner in Elhin^liani county, Illinois; the subject's wife. Tu hi^ second marriage were born nine children, namely: Arthur L., who was born September 29, 1831, died young; Lunetta, born August 17, 1S54, and li\ing in Illinois; Adalesea, born November 29, 1857, died young; Alonzo, born September 16, 1859, also died in his infancy; Florence, born June 6, 1862; Oscar, born May 18, 1864. married Sophia Pfohl and is a barber in Princeton: deneva, born December 7, 1S66, married a Air. Griffith, of Allendale, Illinois; Waller L. is a Ijarber by trade, and is in Chicago, Illinois; Estella D., born May 31, 1872, is living in Illinois.

In 1864 Mr. Turnage v,ent to Shelbyville, Illinois, and was employed in the woolen mill of the Hall Manufacturing Company until 1867, from there going to Haubstadt, Gibson county, and subseriuently installed machinery in woolen mills at Evansville and New Harmonw afterward removing to King's Station, where he was engineer in the mill (if A. J. \^'oods, then going to Fort Branch and installing an eight-run mill for Downe_\-, Foster & Lewis, which he ran for several years. The subject later engaged in the implement business in Fort Branch with N. Beil & Company for three years, and then came to Princeton, where he was in the same line, forming the partnership of Riggs & Turnage. this firm existing for two years, and on the dissolution of the partnership Air. Turnage., for a brief period, was with Martin Meyers in the same business. Selling dut his interests, the sui)ject took employment with the McCormirk Harvester Company as a traveling representative, which he followed for three years, having the territory of Gibson and Pike counties and a part of Warrick county. In 1901 Mr. Turnage resigned his position and took employment with the Russell Com])any, selling threshing machinery until 1009, he being general agent in charge of fiftv-two counties in this state and Illinois. Since iqoq the subject's health has been poor, and he has lived in retirement.

To the subiect and wife have Ijeen Ixirn eight children, namely: Emma Bell married Alfred Sutton, of Princeton, a Initcher and farmer, and they have one son. Willis: Mittie married W. S. Swisher, a carpenter, of Indianapolis: Anna is at home and has been with the Princeton Democrat for the last eighteen vears : George W. is a railway fireman at Princeton. Indiana, and married Ada ^^Vight : Tena married Charles Da\is. of Alt. Carmel. Illinois, a conductor on the Big Four railroad, and they have three children, Edna, Anna Bell and Geraldine : L. G., of Princeton, is an electric machinist at the mines, and married Ella Aliller; John died February

Mr. Turnage is an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic, having been a charter member .of Archer Post No. 28 at Princeton, while, fraternally, he is a loyal member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The subject is a strong believer in the principles of the Democratic party, while his afinliation in religious matters is with the Christian church.

Albert Schumacher

No profession has made greater advancement during the last half century than has the agricultural profession, and practically all of the disadvantages which surrounded the pioneer farmer have been done away with because of the multitude of modern inventions which tend to lighten the farmer's labors. It takes less labor now to operate a farm of fifty acres than it did to operate a farm of ten acres fifty years ago, and inventions are coming into use every year which are helping the farmer to increase his sphere of usefulness. Indiana is recognized as one of the best farming states in the Union and no county in this state has better or more progressive farmers than has Gibson county. Among the hundreds of farmers who have made this county famous as an agricultural section, there is no one more worthy of a place in a biographical volume of this character than Albert Schumacher, the subject of this review.

Albert Schumacher, the son of Joseph and Anna ( Bawel ) Schumacher, was born November 6, 1863, in Lynnville, Warrick county, Indiana. His father was a native of Germany and came to America when he was a young man about twenty-four years of age and settled in Warrick county. After working at farm labor in the locality in which he settled he married Anna Bawel in November, i860, who had come with her parents to Warrick county when she was sixteen years of age. They were also natives of the fatherland. Joseph Schumacher then bought a farm near Lynnville in Warrick county and continued the operation of it more than fifty years, only recently moving to Lynnville. He served through the Civil war in Company E, Twenty-sixth Regiment Indiana A^olunteers, and is still active and in good health at the age of eighty-one years. By frugal and thrifty habits he succeeded in acquiring about two hundred acres of well improved land, which his son now operates. His wife, the mother of the subject of this sketch, was born May 2, 1833, and died in Warrick county, in 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Schumacher were the parents of seven children: George, who died at the age of forty-three years ; Albert, the immediate subject of this sketch ; Amelia, born December 31, 1866, and died April 19, 1896; Charles, -August, Otto and Hugo, the last two named being twins. Amelia married John Gieselman, a farmer of Warrick county, and three children were born to them before her death, Adolph. Theodore and Walter; Charles married Helen Roth, and lives in Missouri, and has four children ; August married Emma Clusmeyer, and lives in the southeastern part of Te>;as, where he is following the occupation of a farmer, and is the father of four children; Otto M. is a farmer in Kansas, and has two children. Joseph and Marie; Hugo married Carrie Stunkle, and lives in Warrick county, this state, on a farm, and is the father of two children, Alljert and Xorman. After tlie death of his first wife in 1882, Joseph Schumacher married Pauline Jeide, in May, 1883, a native of Posey county, this state, and to this union were born seven children: Mary, Jacob, Freda, Elmer, Ida and two who died in infancy. Mary married John Schmidt, and lives in this county on a farm; Jacob married Lillie Nordhorn, lives on his father's farm and has two sons, Richard and Iceland ; Freda lives at Evansville, Indiana ; Elmer makes his home with his brother. Jacob, on the old homestead farm; Ida is living with her father in LynnxiHe.

Albert Schumacher was married Xovemher 14. 1886, to Mary Bluemie. daughter of Lewis and Elizalieth (Fischer) Bluemie. Her father was born in Germany on August 30, 1834, and came tn America when he was about twentv-one vears of age, settling in Posey county, this state, where he worked on a farm until he was married. His wife was also a native of Germany, born November 9. 1836, and is still living with her daughter at Anderson, Indiana. Mr. Bluemie died October 7, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Bluemie reared a familv of six children. Albert, who died in infancy; Mary, the wife of Albert Schumacher, I\Irs. Rosa Bawel, who died April 11, 1892; Lewis. Christina and Albert. Lewis married Hettie Mason and lives in Anderson. Indiana, and has three children. Doyle, Arnold and Orvillc : Christina married Lytle Corder, and also lives in Anderson, and is the mother of four children, Fornia. Errna, Harold and Lomveir; Albert married Alice Fisclier and lives in Rochester, Indiana, and is the father of two children. \^erna and Donald.

Indiana, redeiving his elementary education in the district schools of his township. He worked on his father's farm until his marriage and about two years after\Aard. He then moved to a farm near New Harmony, Indiana, where he remained for a year and a half, and then moved to a farm near Cynthiana, this county, where he remained for a year. His next move was to a four-hundred-acre farm near Owensville, where he still lives. He owns one hundred acres of land himself, on which his son-in-law, Otto Kiefer, lives. Mr. and Mrs. Schumacher are the parents of two children, Adelia. born in 1887, who is still at home, and Nora, the wife of Otto Kiefer, who has one son, Desmond.

Fraternally, ]\Ir. Schumacher is a loyal and earnest member of the Tribe of Ben-Hur, of Owensville, and politically, has alwa}-s been an adherent of the Republican party, and has been very active in its councils in his county and locality, but has never been a seeker for any political office. His religious affiliations are with the Methodist Episcopal church of Lynn\ille, and he contributes liberally to the support of that denomination.

Mr Schumacher is a man of well rounded character, sincere, devoted and lG)'al to his friends, and he has all those qualities of head and heart \\hich endear him to the confidence and esteem of all.