Gibson County, Indiana - Biographical sketches, 1914 (part 17 of 20)

Joseph, one of the sons of John Mauck, and grandfather of Edgar Mauck, was born in 1787 and took as his wife Grace Broyles. They came to Gibson county about the year 1821 and obtained wild land, which they cleared and made a home. His efiforts were mainly devoted to farming, but he also operated flat boats on the river, a picturesque mode of transportation in those days. Flat boats were constructed, loaded perhaps with the produce of a whole neighborhod and, manned by several men, would drift down the river to various points, sometimes e\'en as far as the excellent market at X'ew Orleans, and then, when the cargo \va.s disposed of. would make the return journey, often the entire distance, by foot. Joseph was one of three brothers, the others being John and Henry, who came together to Hilison county, locating in Montgomery township. .All rcired large families and the present-day Maucks are mostly descendants ni these Ihree hnnlicrs. Joseph was also widely known and respected, as had been his fatliev. and was a leading man of his day in the community. He was a member of the Baptist church and a Democrat. His death occurred in 1S57. Joseph and wife reared a family of eleven children, who grew to m;uihond and womanhood, namely: Elizabeth, born September 20, 1808, became the wife of Thomas ~^'^ Roberts, and they passed their lives together in Montgomery township, Gibson county. Julius, who was born December 20, 1810. and passed his life in the same township, was a man unusually well educated for his day and community. Jacob, born August 21, 1813. lived in Montgomery townshiiJ. Samuel, born June 19. 1815, lived in Montgomery township and tlied in Princeton. Catherine, born April 9. 1818, became the wife of Thomas Wil- , y/ ll*<' ^ ' later renio\ed to Mt. Carmel. Illinois, where he followed his vocation, that of ^^^'ryTjA A rf a miller. John, born October 17. 1824. was a miller and merchant engaged J ^ir^^ with his brother Abraham, and was drowned in Mt. Carmel. Illinois, in 1861. The eighth child was Alfred (father of Edgar Mauck). born ]\Iay i. 1827; died June 26. 1913. Ellen, born May 24. 1830. became the wife of Henr\- Ayres. Lucinda J., born May 6, 1833. married Reuben Emerson. The\- lived in Montgomery township on the old homestead and were the ])arcnts of two children. Thomas and Calvin. The youngest child of this good oldfashioned family was Susan, born December i. 1836. and who married William Redman. They made their home in Mt. Carmel, Illinois. All of those above mentioned are now dead.

Alfred ^Nlauck. the father of the immediate subject of this sketch, was born as above stated, in 1827. He received only a limited schoi^ling in his youth, but it was a foundation properly laid and on it he reared a structure of learning which would do credit to one of excellent college training. He was a great reader of history, a tireless student of the Bible, and a fine mathematician. He was always fully informed on current events and considered an authority in such matters. In all this he had the adxantage of a remarkable memory, which was doubtless of untold assistance both in acipn'ring knowledge and in the conduct of his business. All his life was spent in (iilj- (61) son county. Until his twenty-third year he made his home on the old homestead, and at that time Bought a general store in 0\vens\ille, where he was in partnership with Smith Devin for several years. He later had as a partner Henry Ayrcs, which connection continued until he came to Princeton, in 1859 and purchased the Zenith mill. This mill he operated for several years, in the course of which he purchased his partner's interest. During this time he was also in the mercantile and pork-packing business. He sold his milling interest in 1881, after which time he gave his undivided attention to his farming interests. He owned land in Patoka, Washington, Montgomery and Center townships. He was a stanch Democrat, vitally interested in the affairs of his party, but never aspired to office, although he was induced to serve once as councilman.

Alfred Mauck was first married in 1849 to Nancy Devin, of Princeton, who was born in 1S33, a daughter of James and Hannah (Chapman) Devin. Her father was the son of the Rev. Alexander Devin, one of the iirst Baptist ministers in Gibson county, who resided in Princeton, where he died. He was alsi) a fanner. Her mother was a native of Kentucky and the daughter of Robert Chapman, who built the first brick building on the town square of Princeton. He later went to Glasgow, Missouri, where he died. Nancy Devin Mauck had one son, Edgar, subject of this sketch, and she died ]\Iay i, 1854, while still a young woman.

Alfred !\Iauck was married the second time to Rachael Lindley, of Orange county. Indiana, who died in 1S56. His third wife was Mary -V. Maris, of Parke county, Indiana, who died May 17, 1893. To this union was born the following children: Luella, who became the wife of ^^'illiam Hargrove, of Indianapolis; Grace, who married John B. Chism, of Princeton; i\Iabel K., wife of Ellis A. Auburn, farmer and dealer in automobiles of Princeton; and Alfred M., who married Jenetta Tresloff. He is a farmer on the old home place in Patoka township. Alfred, the father, was connected with his brothers in Mt. Carmel, Illinois, where they carried on a thriving comrrission business.

Edgar Mauck was born in Owensville, Indiana, January 4, 1854. His elementary schooling was received in Princeton and he later attended a normal school and also received instruction at other places. He was early engaged with his father in his milling and farming interests. He was united in marriage April 5, 18S3, to Margaret Angeline Fitzgerald, of Posey county, Indiana. Her father was a nati\e of Gibson county, who moved to Posey countv, Indiana, later to ^^'hite county, Illinois, and again back to Posey county, where he died in 1901. His wife died in 1886. He was a farmer all his life. Jn addition to their daughter, who became the wife of lulgar Mauck, they had other children, namcl}- : Mnrcnce, who married Xathan ]\ioi!tg'unory and resided in Posey county, lndian;i. Both are now dead. Laura (deceased), who was the wife uf Al KoM). who lives in Missouri. Lizzie (deceased), wife of I*. .Smith, of Plats]>urgh. Missnuri. Janie, wife of Silas Hines, and D. G.. who marrietl Mary Turpin. and they li\c on the old place in J'osey county.

After his marriage, Edgar .Mauck farmed in Washington township for three years, when he removed to Pleas:mton, Iowa, where for eight vears he engaged in farming and stock raising. At the end of this time he returned to Gibson count\- and settled in Center township, where he has since engaged in stock raising in connection with farming. Up-to-date in all methods pertaining to his chosen line of work, he has been very successful. Mr. Mauck has been a life-long supporter of the DL-mocratic party, to whose affairs he has given much of his time. He was elected treasurer of Gib.son county in 1908 and served four years. He lias filled other oflices within the gift of his party, and to the discharge of such duties has carried the unvarying integrity and kindly manner which have won for him the liking and respect of all who know him

Mr. and Mrs. Mauck have a family of three children : Samuel F.. who was educated in the home schools and the Kirkville state normal, became a teacher in the public schools and is now superintenrlent of the schools of Bunceton, Missouri. He married Fay. daughter of W. H. Mill inn. uf Iluonville, Missouri. To them has been born one srm. William V.. Luella and Laura, young daughters, remain at hMnic. the furmer attending high school and the latter still in the grades. The religious sympathies of the family are with the Baptist church. He became a memlier of the lndci)endent Order of Odd Fellows in 1877.

^Ir. Mauck is one of the prominent and leading men of Gibson county, a man foremost in every movement which has as its object the good of the community. Abreast with all questions of the hour, his generous nature is moved not ak^ne by sentiment, but directed by intelligence as well. Such a clean, helpful life is of inestimable value to a community and a host of warm personal friends bear witness to the regard in which he is held. Such sterling characters are ''the salt of the earth" and by their sanene.ss and cleanness set up the standard for right living in their communities.

Michael Eisler

There is perhaps no record in this volume which more clearly demonstrates the force of industry and honesty in the affairs of life than does the life history of the late Michael Eisler. Almost every civilized country on the face of the globe has sent its representatives to Indiana, but there is no more important or valued element in our citizenship than that which has come from Germany. Mr. Eisler was among the native sons of the Fatherland who crossed the Atlantic to America, finding here good opportunities which he improved, with the result that he became a successful man and one whose efforts were of great value to the community in which he lived. His birth occurred in Germany on October 6, 1830, and he grew to manhood in his native country, where he learned the trade of a shoemaker.

Upon coming to this country he took up his abode in Princeton. Indiana, where he followed his trade of shoemaker, building up a large and lucrative business in the town and vicinity. He crossed the briny deep several years before tlie Ci\'il war and the demand for his product was largely augmented by the war. with the result that he was enabled to buy a farm after the close of the war. He gradually added to his landed possessions until at the time of his death, on October 6, 1911, he owned a fine farm of one hundred and eighty acres of land in Center township, which was well improved and in a high state of cultivation.

Although he started out with nothing, he worked earnestly and persistently and liecause of the productiveness of the soil and his careful and practical manner of engaging in agricultural pursuits he was known as one of the most prosperous farmers of the county at the time of his death. Earl}' in life he was married to Dora Rinefort, a native of Germany, and she is still living at the advanced age of ninety-three and has good health. Mr. and Mrs. Eisler were the parents of two sons : John W., who was born November 4, 1865, and lives with his aged mother and his brother on the old home farm. He has never married. The other son is Thomas, born February 6, 1867, who was married on June 24, 1913, to Lizzie McDivit, the daughter of James and Lizzie McDivit.

The Eisler brothers are now operating their farm of two hundred acres, which is owned jointly by them and their mother. The brothers are among the most progressive and enterprising farmers of the county and in their diversified system of agriculture ha\'e met with very gratifying success. The countv has benefited bv their labors because thev have raised the standard of farming bj- ihe use oi niudcrn and up-lu-datc iiielhods uf operation. 'I'hcy have a fine home, excellent barns and outbuildings, and take a great deal of pride in keeping their premises in neat condition. Thomas is a stockholder and director in the Francisco State T.ank, and takes an active part in the management of the affairs of the bank. The bmtliers are lx)lh afliiialed with the Democratic party, l)nt have never taken an active part in politics, preferring to devote all of their time to liie care of their agricultural interests. They are loyal members of the German Evangelical church, and have always contributed liberally of their means to the support of that denomination. They are keen and clear-headed, always busy, alwa\'s careful and conservative in financial matters, moving slowly and surely in every business transaction, and in all that they have done they have so conducted themsehcs that they have won the confidence of all with whom they come in contact.

Michael, the father of these two worthy sons. ne\-er regretted his determination to come to .\merica, fur he found tli.it its advantages had not been exaggerated. He was a man of strung will and marked force of character and these elements gained him the success wiiich made him one uf the most substantial citizens of the county. His loss to the community and liy his family was deeply felt and it is with pleasure that we present his record to our readers as that of one of our representative citizens of foreign liiriii. loyal to his adopted countr\-. and a man whom to know was to lo\e.

The physician who w<-iuld succeed in liis profession must possess many qualities of head and heart not included in the curriculum of the schools and colleges he may have attended. In analyzing the career of the successful practitioner of the healing art it will invariably be found to be true that a broad-minded sympathy with the sick and suffering and an honest, earnest desire to aid his afflicted fellow men have gone hand in hand with skill and able judgment. The gentleman to whom this brief tribute is given fortunately embodies these necessary qualifications in a marked degree and by energy and application to his professional duties is building up an enviable reputation and drawing to himself a larger and remunerative practice.

Harry B. Gudgel, M. D., was born in Hazleton, Gibson county, Indiana, October 7, 1877, the son of John Franklin Gudgel, M. D., a native of Gibson county, born in Columbia township near Oakland City, January 29, 1849, and died October 4, 1901, and Cynthia Anna (Baldwin) Gudgel, born in Gibson county. The father of John Franklin Gudgel was Andrew Gudgel, a native of Owensville, Indiana, while Andrew Gudgel's father, who was also named Andrew, came from Kentucky to Indiana in i8f p and located in what is now Gibson county, between Owensville and Fort Branch. Here he bought government land and engaged in farming. He was a man of excellent stock and of unquestioned integrity.

The family name was formerly spelled "Goodshall," the change to the present mode of spelling having been made many years ago. Dr. Gudgel's father received his elementary education in the district schools, after which he taught several years, and then took up the study of medicine at Oakland City, Indiana, with Dr. McGowan. Subsequently he attended medical college in Louisville, Kentucky, and then the Miami Medical College at Cincinnati, graduating from that institution in 1874. Upon completing his studies in preparation for the work of his chosen profession, he came to Hazleton, where he engaged in practice until his death. He was a man who took an active interest in public affairs, and while not an office seeker or holder, he took great pride in casting his vote for men and principles that stood on high moral grounds. His death, due to Bright's disease, occurred in his fifty-second year.

Dr. Gudgel, the eldest of a family of- five children, secured a good elementary education in the common schools and thereafter engaged in teaching in Hazleton, which profession he followed for three years. Being desirous of following in the footsteps of his worthy father, in 1893, he entered the Medical College of Indiana, at Indianapolis. On' finishing the course at this institution, he further pursued his studies in the Louisville Medical College and then at the University of Illinois, graduating from the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Chicago in 1904. With this thorough and conscientious preparation for his life work, he returned to Hazleton and entered upon the practice of medicine, and the splendid practice which he has at present testifies that his efforts were not in vain.

In 1907 Doctor Gudgel was united in marriage to Emma Horrall, of Washington, Daviess county. Indiana, the daughter of S. O. Horrall, who was extensively interested in the lumber luisiness and was well and favorably known throughout Indiana.

The subject is a member of the Indiana State Medical Association and of the Gibson County Medical Association, while, fraternally, he has membership in the blue lodge of the Masonic fraternity, in which he is a past master; he has passed througli the chairs in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is an earnest unci appreciative menil)er of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Stanford Withf.Rspoon

An enumeration of the representative citizens of Gib.son cmmty, Indiana, would be incomplete without specific mention of tiie well known and popular gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. A member of one of the old and highly esteemed families of the county and a public spirited man of ati'airs. he has stamped the impress of his individuality upon the community and added luster to the honorable name which he bears, having always been scrupulously honest in all his relations with his fellowmen and leaving no stone unturned whereby he might benefit his own condition as well as that of his neighbors and friends; consequently he has long ago won the favor of a great number of people of Center township, where he maintains his home and business and which township he is serving as trustee.

Stanford ^^'itherspoon was born September 2. 187 1, in Montgomer)' township, Gibson county, near the city of Owensville, and is the son of John L. and Katherine ( Scott) \\'itherspoon. both natives of Gil).-^on county. They were the parents of a family of six children, the immediate subject of this sketch l)eing the seccntl child in order of l)irth. John L. Witherspoon had been engaged in farming in Gibson county all his life, his only absence being the three years' ser\ice he gave to his country during the dark days of the sixties as a member of Company A, Fifty-eighth Regiment Indiana A'olunteer Infantry.

Stanford \\'itherspoon recei\'ed his earl_\- education in the district schools of his native county and from the time he was (|uite a young boy he assisted his father in carrying on the work of the farm. His niotlier died when he was seventeen years of age and for fi\e years thereafter he remained under the paternal roof. On August 26. 1S94, he was united in marriage with Xora Stevens, daughter of E. B. and Julia (Reaver) Stevens, tiie former a native of Warrick county and the latter of Gibson county. T.) their union have been born two children, namely: Glen P.. born June jC>. iSi/), and now in the second year of high school; and Hazel, born June 26. iS.')G. ami in the first year of high school.

when he renio\ed his famil) to tlie town of Francisco, Gibson county, and engaged in the hardware business. He has been eminently successful in this business venture and is the owner of the fine new building in which his business is located. He is also the owner of various pieces of residence property about town and by his success shows what steady determination and effort rightly directed can accomplish.

Mr. Witherspoon gives his political support to the Republican party, in the afiairs of which he always evinces a keen interest, and in 1908 he was elected trustee of Center township, Gibson county, on that ticket and is still in office today. The religious sympathies of the family are with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mr. Witherspoon is a member, and to the furtherance of whose uiterests he gives of his time and means.

Mr. Witherspoon stands high in public estimation by reason of the upright life he has led and through his genial and kindly nature he has made for himself a warm place in the estimation of those who know him best.

William Montgomery

The biographies of enterprising men, especially of good men, are instructive as guides and incentives to others. The examples they furnish of patient purpose and steadfast integrity strongly illustrate what it is in the power of each to accomplish. Some men belong to no exclusive class in life; apparently insurmountable obstacles have in many instances awakened their dormant faculties and served as a stimulus to carry them to ultimate renown. The instances of success in the face of adverse fate would seem almost to justify the conclusion that self-reliance, with a half chance, can accomplish any reasonable object. The gentleman whose life history is herewith outlined was a man who lived to good purpose and achieved a splendid success. By a straightforward and commendable course he made his way to a respectable position in the business world, winning the hearty admiration of the people of his county and earning a reputation as an enterprising, progressive man of aft'airs which the public was not slow to recognize and appreciate.

William Montgomery was born on May 8, 1840, on the old Montgomery homestead in Patoka township, Gibson county, Indiana, the son of Green B. and Eliza (Fitzgerald) Montgomery, natives of Kentucky and Indiana, respectively. Green B. Montgomery came at an early date to Gibson county, Indiana, where he obtained a tract of wild land, making his lirst home in the midst of a dense forest, which then covered this section of the country. He cleared a small spot and then erected a rude log cabin, which served him for a home until he was able to erect a more commodious and attractive home. Mr. Montgomery was a farmer, and spont the rest of his life actively engaged in the operation of this farm until his death, which occurred there. His wife died in Princeton. To him and his wife were born the following children : James, who was a farmer in Patoka township, but is now deceased, married Nancy Griffin; John B., who was a farmer near White Church, Patoka tow^nship, and was three times married - first to Sarah Perkins, second to Rebecca Pritchett and third to ilaggie Barnett; William B., the immediate subject of this sketch; Parmelia, who married, first, Sandi.smi Emberton, and then Joseph T. Woods, of Princeton, Indiana; Richard, a retired farmer of Princeton, who was a veteran of the Civil War, serving in the Eightieth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry; Martha, the wife of L. Olmstead of Patoka township; Willis, deceased, who married Elizabeth Faulkner, deceased; Thomas, the fifth child in order of birth, is a farmer in Patoka township, and married Cordelia McDowell; V'ictoris, the wife of Robert Corn: Xora, deceased, wliu was the wife of Charles Florica. of Arkansas.

\\'illiam Montgomery received a limited education in the schools of his boyhood place, and his early years were characterized by hard, strenuous labor in assisting his father to clear and improve the home farm. However, he was not to be discouraged by the lack of educational opportunities, but, being naturally of a studious disposition and ambitious to learn, he applied himself closely to all the books obtainable and eventual! \- l)ecame a well-informed man on general subjects. He lived at home until his marriage in 1869, when he located in Patoka township on the farm where his widow and son now live. Here he applied himself closely to agricultural pursuits during the remainder of his life and achieved a splendid success. He was readily recognized as an enterprising and progressive agriculturist, the peer of any of his contemporaries. He was not selfish in his interests, but was alive to everything that concerned the welfare of the community, giving his earnest support to every movement which promised to be of material benefit to his fellows. Mr. Montgomery had an honorable war history, having enlisted in 1861 as a private in Company P>, Sixty-fifth Regiment Indiana X'oiunteer Infantry, and serving his country faithfully about four years.

Woods. James Woods was the son of Da\id and Esther (Witherspoon) Woods, and was born in Patoka township, going to Warrick county, Indiana, for several years and back again to Princeton. In 185 1 he located again in Princeton and engaged in the mercantile business, eventually locating on a farm southwest of that city, where his death occurred, his widow dying in Princeton. They were members of the United Presbyterian church and were the parents of ten children: Mary, deceased, married David Pierce; Margaret became the wife of Richard Riggs, of Princeton; Thomas H., deceased, was a member of the One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and after four weeks' service, died and was brought home for burial; Anna J., wife of the subject of this sketch; Catherine, deceased, was the wife of William C. Daily; Frank is a farmer near King's Station in Patoka township in this county, and married Mary Boyle ; Gilbert died unmarried ; Louisa, deceased, was the wife of \\'illiam Hanks; John B., a merchant at Princeton, married Mary C. Hanna.

To Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery were born ten children, namely: Charles F., who is employed in the Southern railway shops at Princeton, and married Amy Sherry, and has two children, Florence and Lillie; Mary Dell became the wife of Charles Knight, of Patoka township, and they have one son, Virgil; James died at the age of nine years; Elmer Walter, a farmer in Oklahoma, married Stella M. Brown; Clarence died at the age of three months ; Jennie is the wife of William Blemker, a car repairer in the railroad shops at Princeton, and has two sons, Ralph and Jesse; Arthur is single, and remains at home with his mother; Maggie is the wife of Walter Arburn, a farmer near Princeton, and has four children, Daru in, Xola, Roy and Thelma; Ross is a lemon grower at Santa Paula, California; Fred, who is a ranchman at Santa Paula, California, married Bessie Woods, and has one child, Hagel Elenora.

Politically, William Montgomery gave life-long support to the Republican party, in the success of which he was deeply interested, though he was never an aspirant for public office for himself. His death occurred on December t8, i8q6, after a life of earnest efforts characterized by strictest integrity, and his death was deeply mourned by all who knew him. He has been for many years a prominent, substantial and influential citizen of his comnnmity, who always stood for the best things in the community, and whose influence was ever on the side of right. Though devoting the major part of his time and attention to the development of his own interests, he never allowed the pursuit of wealth to warp his kindly nature, but pre- served his faculties and the warmth of his heart for the bruadeuing and helpful influence of life, being to the end the kindly, genial friend and gentleman whom it was a pleasure to meet. Mrs. Montgomery is a woman of fine personal character, possessing to a notable degree those womanly graces which win and retain friendship, and is highly respected throughout the community in which she has for so many years resided.

James A. Westfall

The student interested in Gibson county, Indiana, dues not have to carry his investigation far into its annals before learning that James A. Westfall has long been an active and leading representative of its agricultural interests and that his labors have proven a potent force in making this a rich farming region. Through several decades he has carried on farming, gradually improving his valuable place, and while he has prospered in this, he has also found ample opportunity to assist in the material development of the count)-, and his co-operation has been of value for the general good.

James A. Westfall was born in Harrison county, Indiana, about ten miles west of Corydon, on December i, 1838, the son of Stephen and Margaret (dinger) Westfall. The latter, who was a daughter of William Kendie, of Butler county, Kentucky, was born between Knoxville and Nashville, east Tennessee, and her first husband was John dinger. Stephen Westfall was reared in Kentucky and was there married, and became one of the pioneer settlers of Harrison county, Indiana, his first home being a small timber claim where he erected a log cabin, which was later succeeded by a more comfortable residence. Here he cleared and improved the farm, which he develoi)ed into one of the best of the locality, and lived there the remainder of his life, his death occurring on October 26, 1875, at the age of eighty years, seven months and twelve days. ?{is wife died on Octo1)er i-j. 1888. aged ninety-two years, seven months and twenty-one days. The father had followed farming all his life; had become well-known throughout his section of the state and was highly respected bv all who knew him. He and his wife were members of the United Brethren church. He was a Whig in politics in e;irly life ami later identified himself with the Republican party.

Stephen Westfall was married to Mrs. Margaret ("Kendle) dinger and to this union, in addition to James A., with whom this sketch deals, were born the following children : Lenora, the wife of Peter Hottle, who died De- cember lo, 1848, at the age of twenty; William H., who died on May 25, 1863, at the age of forty years, one month and twenty-eight days, married Sarah Lowden; Matilda, who was the wife of Peter Hottle, died November 24, 1910; Nancy, who was the wife of Frederick Martin, died on September 4, 1913, at the age of seventy-nine years, nine months and twenty-one days; Hiram L., who married Mary Tichenor, and died on July 21, 1866, at the age of thirty-six years, seven months and twenty-one days; Sophia, the wife of John Brown, died February 15, 1871, aged forty-four years, three months and one day; Julia, the wife of a Mr. Daniels, died on February 9, 1870, aged forty-four years, three months and seventeen days. By her first marriage, Mrs. Westfall had three children: Elizabeth, who died March 17, 184 1, aged two years; Mary, who was the wife of John Brown, and died January 18, 1844, at the age of twenty-nine years, and Margaret, the wife of Joseph Cole, who died July 18, 1854, at the age of thirty-eight. Stephen Westfall, the father of James A., died October 26, 1875, at the age of eighty years, seven months and twelve days.

James A. Westfall, the immediate subject of this sketch, is the only one of his family now living. He attended the old log school in Harrison county in his youth, his educational opportunities having been limited. He lived on the home farm until 1865, when he was married, when he came to Patoka township and engaged in farming, renting land for several years. In 1875 he bought his present farm in Patoka township, known as the old Ayres place, which is comprised of ninety-seven and one-half acres of splendid land, which he has impro\ed and maintains in a fine state of cultivation. He has made many valuable and permanent improvements on the place, and here carries on a diversified system of agriculture, raising all the crops common to this locality. He also gives some attention to live stock, raising shorthorn and Holstein cattle, Duroc Jersey Red and Poland China hogs, and a good grade of horses. He exercises the closest personal supervision over every detail of his farm work, and the attractive and comfortable residence, commodious and well-arranged barns, good outbuildings and the general condition of the fields indicate him to be a man of excellent taste and sound judgment.

On October 26, 1865, Mr. Westfall was married to Eliza E. Cole, of Crawford county, Indiana, a daughter of David and Mary Cole, who were natives of Harrison county, Indiana, and were farming folks, and lived in that locality throughout their entire lives. In early days Mr. Cole had been a flatboat man on the Ohio river, having transported much Indiana produce to New Orleans and other southern river ports. To Mr. and Mrs. Westfall have been born four cliildren : Nettie J., at home; Orus M., a farmer in Patoka township, who marrieil Oma Gambriel, and they liave three children, Grace, Roy and Ralpli ; Lowell R., a farmer in I'atoka townshi]), married Miss McCarthy, and they have two children, Harvey and George ; Irene is at home with her parents.

Politically, the Republican party has always claimed Mr. Westfall's support, while religiously, he and his family are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, to which they give earnest support. Personally, I\lr. Westfall is friendly and wins and retains friends without effort, for he is at all times a gentleman, obliging, unassuming and honest in his dealings with his fellow men. His life has been one of unceasing industry and perseverance, and the systematic and honest methods which he has followed have won for him the unbounded confidence and regard of all who have formed bis acquaintance.

Aaron Trippet

Agriculture has been the true source of man's dnminicin on earth ever since the primal existence of lalior and has lieen the pivotal industry that has controlled, for the most part, all the fields of action to which his intelligence and energy have been devoted. Among this sturdy element of (iibsou county whose labors have profited alike themselves and the community in w hich tlie\ live is the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch, and in view of the consistent life lived by the subject, all of which has been passed within the borders of this county, it is particularly fitting that the foliow inir short record of his career be incorporated in a book of this nature.

Aaron Trippet. an enterprising citizen, highly successful farmer and vice-president of The Citizens' State Bank, Hazleton, Indiana, was born in Gibson county. January 3. 1845, the son of Alexander and Nancy (King) Trippet. Both were natives of this county, the father confing from one of the oldest families here. All his life he was engaged in general farming and died in 1866. Alexander Trippet and wife were the parents of nine children, of whom the immediate suliject of this sketch was the third child in order of birth.

When a vouth, Aaron Trippet recei\-ed such education as it was possible to obtain in the earlv schools of the county, but was somewhat handicapped in his attendance owing to his services being needed on the home farm. He remained under the parental roof until reaching his twenty-second year, w hen he was united in marriage with Susan Robb, daughter of Da\'id and Delila (Decker) Robb, both nati\es of Gibson county. To this union have been born eleven children, four of whom still remain with the parents, namely: Aaron, Florence, May and Eunice. Iva lives in Hazleton, as does also Dora, wife of William F. Cassidy. David is engaged in the lumber business at I\'lemphis, Tennessee, and Sanford resides in Princeton, where he is engaged in the practice of law. Lillie is the wife of Alonzo E. Morrison, a farmer of Gibson county, and Stella, who married Wallace Harris, resides in Patoka. Mr. Trippet has been desirous that all his children receive a good education and thus they have been well fitted to cope with the ]3roblems of life.

At the time of his marriage, Mr. Trippet was the owner of seventy acres of fine land in White River township, Gibson county, where he carried on general farming, and so well did he do this, showing such unusual abilit}-, that he was able to add to his holdings from time to time until hi,' now stands possessed of over eight hundred acres of excellent land. He still carries on general farming, giving especial attention, perhaps, to the raising of fine strains of live stock. In addition to his duties as an agriculturist, he some time ago became identified with the afifairs of The Citizen's State Bank of Hazleton, and fills the office of its \'ice-presidency. Early in life, IMr. Trippet became an ardent advocate of the principles of the Democratic party and has e\-er been active in its support.

Mr. Trippet is a man of forceful temperament, possessing untiring energy and fine discrimination. It is needless to add that he is highly respected by all who know him throughout the locality where he lives. In all the relations of life he has been found faithful to every trust, and because of his sterling worth, uncompromising integrity, courteous manner and kindly disposition, he has won and retains the warm regard of all \\ith whom he associates, the latter including the very best people of the county.

James W. Bruner

That life is the most useful and desirable that results in the greatest good to the greatest number, and though all do not reach the heights to which they aspire, yet in some measure each can win success and make life a blessing to his fellow men ; and it is not necessary for one to occupy eminent public position to do so, for in the humbler walks of life there remains much good to be accomplished and many opportunities for one to exercise talents and intluence which in some way will touch the lives of those with whom we come in contact, making them brighter and better. In the list of Gibson county's successful citizens the subject of this review has long occupied a prominent place. In his career there is much that is commendable and his life forcibly illustrates what a life of energy can accomplish when plans are rightly laid and actions governed by right principles, noble aims and high ideals.

James W. Bruner is well known throughout Gibson county, where he was born on Octriber 7, iN6_>. and where his entire life has been i)assed. He is the son of Juhn C. and Sarah (Melton) Bruner, both of whom were natives of this county. The father's family were among the pioneers of the county and he himself passed his life within its borders engaged in agricultural work, James W. Bruner was the sixth chikl in a family of nine children and when young attended the school known to some of the older citizens of the count)- as the Deckard school. This was the only school he ever attended and his opportunities for an education were rather limited, for at the age of twelve, his father died, leaving the mother with heavy responsibilities. From that time, James W. assisted his older brothers in the operation of the home farm and while still quite a young man. the death of his elder brother William made it necessary for him to take charge. He assumed the dutv which thus fell upon him and for a number of years continued to operate his mother's farm. Air. Bruner is now residing on his one hundred and eighty-four acre farm in White River township, Gibson county, where he carries on general farming and stock raising and the general air of prosperity all about the place bespeaks the untiring energy and up-to-date methods employed by the owner. Mr. Bruner has business interests aside from the operation of his farm, being one of the principal stockholders in the Patoka National Bank, where he also fills a place on the board of directors. Mr. Bruner"s business methods have ever been such as to win the confidence and respect of all with whom he came in contact and he is well worthy the prominence he has gained through his own endeavor.

Air. Bruner has been twice married, his first wife being Susan G. Crowder, with whom he was united in marriage January 15, 1896. To their union were liorn four children, namely: Alta R., Edith M., Ralph J. and John W.. all of whom reside at home. The present Mrs. Bruner was Carrie Denton, to whom Mr. Bruner was married April 2, 1907. She is a daughter of S. D. and Matilda .\. Denton, both natives of the Hoosier state, and tn Afr. Bruner bv his second wife ha\e been born two children. Lois D. and Robert.

Politically, Mr. Bruner gives his loyal support to the Democratic party, in whose affairs he has always taken a keen interest, while his church membership is with the Cumberland Presbyterian church, to whose support he is a generous contributor. His fraternal affiliation is with the time-honored order of Free and Accepted Masons, being a member of Columbia blue lodge. No. 450. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of .\merica.

Mr. Bruner is a member of that sterling class who, Ijy the high tone of their lives, raise the standard of right living, a man to whom the ambitious younger generation can look as an example of what determination and right principles can accomplish in the face of obstacles. In every avenue of life's activities he has been true to every trust and is justly popular in his home community, always being in the forefront of the rank desiring all that is good and proper for those with whom he comes in contact. His years of service in the one location have endeared him to many friends both far and near.

Story Of Promdexce Spring, Andersonville Prison

One of the most remarkable incidents of Divine interposition in behalf of suffering humanity, since the days of Moses, was the occurrence in Andersonville prison during the Civil war, when a stroke of lightning brought forth a spring of cool refreshing water for the relief of the thousands of famished prisoners confined in that place. Their only supply of water had been such as was afforded by a murky stream of surface drainage that ran through the stockade, infected with germs of disease and death. In answer to the cry of the children of Israel, the Lord directed Aloses to strike the rock and the water gushed forth; just as surely, it must be conceded, in answer to the cry of the suffering patriots in Andersonville, did an unseen hand by lightning stroke cause a never-failing spring of water to gush forth from the dry ground. In reverent acknowledgment of the source from which this favor came the prisoners gave it the name of "Providence Spring," and this spring has continued from that time and is known by that name to this day.

While Providence Spring has a national history, it may have appropriate mention in a history of Gibson county, from the fact that some of Gibson county's soldiers suffered and died in Andersonville and had personal knowledge of this miraculous event. Among those who had this personal knowledge, and is probably the only one now living to relate it, is Albert Mills. He was among the first to visit the scene of the lightning stroke and take a drink of water. He visited the place January 8, 1885, twenty-one years after, and took a drink from the same spring. A photograph was taken at this time showing him taking a drink and showing the spring as it now appears. A reproduction of this picture, which Mr. Mills prizes very highly, appears in another place in this work.

"In the afternoon of July 18. 1864, a day of unusual and oppressive heat in the Andersonville prison pen, there occurred one of the most terrific thunder storms that I ever heard or witnessed. One sharp flash of lightning after another played among the tall pines surrounding the stockade and over the camp of awe-stricken prisoners. About two o'clock there appeared to be a temporary lull in the storm and I stepped from under the shelter of our weather-worn blanket and took an observation of the efifects of the storm. I was looking in the direction of the north hillside when a blinding flash of lightning like a ball of fire came direct to tire earth with a deafening crash. I was certain that this thunderbolt had struck the earth inside of the stockade, and the place seemed to be near where a friend and comrade, Frank De- Lashmet, a Princeton boy, of the Fourteenth Indiana, had his tent. Apprehensive of the safety of Frank, and other comrades near, I went at once to investigate. I found that he and others had sufifered a severe, shock, but were not seriously affected.

"By this time several of the prisoners had gathered at the place and it was discovered that the lightning bolt had made a hole in the ground, a few feet bevond the "dead line,' and in this hole there was a si)rin;4 of clear cool water. This hole was about two and a half feet in diameter and about two feet in depth.

"It was certain death for a prisoner to cross the 'dead line,' and, as this spring was beyond that line, the prisoners soon devised a plan to procure water by attaching tin cups to poles, enabling them to reach the spring. As one after another of the thirsty comrades obtained a drink of this refreshing water he would kneel and thank God in reverent acknowledgment of this blessing, which we all recognized as coming direct from His hand. It was in the minds of all, too. that it was a mark of His infinite wisdom in causing this fountain of water to spring forth at this particular place, beyond the 'dead line.' and, therefore, free from trespass, or any claim of private ownership. When it was found that this was a never-failing si)ring. the water (62) was brought into camp on the safe side of the line, by means of a trench from the spring leading to a large box trough, which was made by the prisoners. This provided an inexhaustible supply of water for the thousands who visited the place, day and night, to quench their thirst.

"Since the days of my confinement there as a prisoner of war I have visited Andersonville twice, in 1885, and again in 1913. On both visits I found refreshment of body in drinking water from this spring, and a refreshment of memory in recalling the miraculous way it came into existence. Through the efforts of the Woman's Relief Corps, assisted by the Grand Army, the grounds inside the old stockade have been purchased and a fine monument has been erected, commemorating the suffering and sacrifices of the prisoners confined there. A stone pavillion has been erected over Providence Spring, suitably inscribed, preserving to future generations this memorial of Divine interposition in behalf of suffering humanity."

Arthur F. Brown

Prominent in the affairs of Gibson county and distinguished as a citizen whose influence is extended far beyond the limits of the community honored by his residence, the name Arthur F. Brown stands out a conspicuous figure among the successful farmers of the locality of which this volume treats. All of his undertakings have been actuated by noble motives and high resolves and characterized by breadth of wisdom and strong individuality and his success and achievements but represent the result of fit utilization and innate talent on directing effort along those lines where mature judgment and rare discrimination led the way.

Arthur F. Brown, one of the leading young farmers of Patoka township, Gibson county, was born on August 21, 1874, in this township on the old Brown homestead. His father, John L. Brown, who waa born on October 2, 1844, in Patoka township, was the son of David Brown, of Harrison county, Indiana, who was the first of the family to come to Gibson county, in 1840. He was twice married, first to a Miss Kendle and second to a Miss Straud. He obtained a tract of government land in Patoka township, which he cleared of the timber which covered it and there built a splendid house. He always followed agricultural pursuits and was known as a man of eminent respectability and well thought of in his community. His death occurred at Princeton. He was the father of four children, three sons and a daughter.

of whom there-are now two living. James, in Oklahoma, and John 1... ihe father of the subject, who is a successful farmer in Montgomery township, Gibson county. John L. Brown received his education in the common schools of his home neighborhood, being reared on the paternal farmstead. On coming to mature years, he married Jane Clark, a native of Gibson county, whose death occurred in 1893. John L. Brown has always followed farming and stock raising, and is widely known throughout this section of the country, making his home in Montgomery township, where he is numbered among the representative citizens of the community. An earnest Republican in politics, he has always taken a deep interest in local public afifairs, though never an aspirant for public office. Religiously, he is a member of the General Baptist church. To him and his wife were born six children, namely : Eliza, who became the wife of George W. Woods, of Princeton, who is represented in a personal sketch elsewhere in this work; Lizzie, the wife of Matthew M. Knowles, a farmer of Patoka township; Fronia, the wife of Ott Plollis, a farmer and stock man of Patoka township; Eva, the wife of Harvey Mc- Carthy, a farmer and implement dealer of Patoka township; Arthur F., the immediate subject of this sketch, and Harvey O , who also operates the old homestead of Patoka township.

Arthur F. Brown spent his boyhood days on his father's farm and received his education in the common schools at Princeton. In 1896 Mr. Brown located on his present farm in Patoka township, which is a part of the old John L. Brown place, and here he has successfully conducted agricultural operations throughout the years, receiving splendid success as an enterprising and up-to-date farmer. He is now the owner of two hundred and fort\- acres of splendid land, all of which is entirely under cultivation, and wl^ich returns a handsome profit to the o\^-ner. He raises ])rincipally wheat, com and hay, while in the way of live stock he makes a specialty of shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs, as well as general purpose horses, lie is modern in his ideas, giving due attention to every phase of successful a,t;Ticulture, and is a man to adopt new methods, where their ])racticaliilit\- has been demonstrated by experience.

On August 5. i8g6. Mr. Brown married Florence Tichenor, who was born at Owensville, Indiana, the daughter of Willis H. and Lenora (Lucas) Tichenor, the father being a successful merchant and implement dealer at Owensville. To Mr. and Mrs. Brown have been born two children. Eunice and Mildred.

lican party, but he has been too busy in the conduct of his own affairs to aspire to pubhc office, though giving his earnest support to every enterprise having for its object the advancement of the local welfare. Religiously, he and his wife are earnest and faithful members of the General Baptist church, to the support of which they contribute liberally.

Lowell R. Westfall

Among the prosperous young farmers of Gibson county, who have built up a comfortable home and surrounded themselves with the comforts of life, none have attained a higher degree of success in as short a time as Lowell R. West fall. With few opportunities except what his own efforts and those of his wife were capable of mastering, and with many difficulties to overcome he has made a success of life, and in so doing has earned the universal respect and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact. He is a man of tireless energy and strong courage and is a man whose career shows that he is an able and conscientious worker. As a citizen he is public spirited and enterprising to an unwonted degree. As a friend and neighbor he combines those qualities of head and heart that have won confidence and commanded respect. His life affords a splendid example of what an American youth, plentifully endowed with good common sense, energy and determination, can accomplish when accompanied by good moral principles.

Lowell R. Westfall, the son of James and Eliza (Cole) Westfall, was born February 28. 1878, in Gibson county, Indiana. James .\. Westfall was born in Harrison county, Indiana, about ten miles from Corydon, on December 21, 1838, the son of Stephen and Margaret Westfall. Stephen Westfall was reared in Kentucky and after his marriage became one of the pioneer settlers of Harrison county, Indiana, where his death occurred in 1875, at the age of eighty years, while his wife's death occurred on October 27, 1888, at the advanced age of ninety-two. James A. Westfall attended the old log school house in Harrison county and lived there until 1865, when he was married and moved to Patoka township, this county. In 1875 ^^ bought his present farm in Patoka township, and he has brought this tract to a high state of culti^-ation. To Mr. and Mrs. James Westfall were born'four children: Nettie J., who is still under the parental roof; Orus M., a farmer in Patoka township, who married Oma Gambril, and has three children. Grace,

Lowell R. W'estfall was educated in the common schcjols of this county and worked on his faiher"s farm until he was t\\ent\-une years of aji;e. While working on the old h.mie farm he learned all th<ise hahits of industry and diligence which have brought him his success in after life. Mr. W estfall married early in life and his excellent wife. Mary 1". McCarty, the daughter of William and Lucinda B. (Kendall) McCarty. has indeed been a niosi faithful and efficient wife and mother. Following their marriage on August 14, 1898, they immediately went to work on the farm and each has contributed ver}- materially td the success which has l>een the n.'sult <>f their united efforts. Although Mrs. Westfall inherited ninety-one and one-half acres of land from her father, the\ startetl mit with nothing and even went into debt for the farming tools and horses with which they raised their first crop. Within five years after their marriage the\ felt themselves able to purchase fifty-se\-en more acres of land, and in less than three years they had it all paid for. On this farm of one hundred and forty-eight and one-half acres Mr. Westfall carries on a diversifietl system of farming, raising all the crops which are peculiar to this section of the country. They ha\e an attractive home, good and substantial outbuildings and the farm is well fenced and drained. Mr. Westfall is very frank to say that his wife has been of great help to him in his uiidertakings and deserves a full share of the credit for their success.

William McCarty, the father of Mrs. Westfall, died in 1900. He was one of Princeton's best known and esteemed citizens. He was a memlier of the firm of McCarty Brothers, li\er\men. and was an energetic, careful business man who numbered his friends by the scores. He was a consistent member of the White church. His wife is .still living in Princeton.

Mr. ^^'estfall is a Republican in his political views, but has ne\'er ask-ed for any political favors at the hands of his party. He has devoted all of his efiforts and energies to the cultivation and improvement of his farm. Mr. and Mrs. Westfall are both members of the Cumberland church at Bethel, and are liberal supporters of all the various activities of that denominaison. They have two children, Harvey, born December 7. 1899, and George W.. both of whom are still in school.

Mr. Westfall is a fine type of the .\merican farmer, who has gained his success by the application of uprightness and integrity in all things which he undertakes. He is actuated by the highest motives, and his vigorous mental powers and devotion to his home have endeared him to a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. He is a genial and unassuming man, modest in his demeanor and never misses the opportunity to help a neighbor in time of distress. Such people as Mr. and Mrs. Westfall are a blessing to the communitv in which thev live.

Henry Rembe

The German nation has furnished thousands of good citizens for the state of Indiana and Gibson count}' has been fortunate to count a number of these as a part of her body politic. The descendants of these early German settlers in Indiana are characterized by the same thrift and economy which made their fathers the leading farmers and business men of the various communities in which they settled. Henry Rembe, one of the leading farmers and stockmen of Center township, Gibson county, Indiana, is a worthy descendant of one of Gibson county's early German settlers, and during his life of more than fifty years in this county he has so conducted himself as to win the commendation of his fellow citizens in every way.

Henry Reuibe was born March 22, i860, in Princeton, Indiana, the son of Louis and Christiana Rembe. Both of his parents were born in Germany, and came to this country early in its history, first settling in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Louis Rembe was born August 19, 1825, in Sheffield, Germany, and his wife, Christiana Rembe, was born December 28, 1823, in Kronstadt. Louis Rembe was a weaver by trade and followed that occupation in Philadelphia for a time. Later the family came to Princeton, Indiana, where Louis Rembe worked at different occupations. He helped to build the old jail, several churches and various buildings in Princeton, and always found plenty of work to do because he was a man who could always be depended upon to give good ser\ice to his employer. About 1865, Louis Rembe bought his first land in Center township, where Henry Rembe now lives. The farm was poorly improved and was only partially cleared, but he started in to clear and improve the place and make it remunerative. As he prospered he added to his land holdings and at one time owned three hundred and four acres of valuable land in the county. He was a Democrat, but never aspired to office, while religiously all of the famih' ha\-e been members of the German Lutheran church. His wife died February 26, 1904, and he passed away

Henry Rembe was s'iven a very limited edncation. lia\ in;; Ut work from earliest boyhood on the farm in order to help support tlie family. Ihjwever. he has been a wide reader and close observer of men and e\ents all his life, and is now one of the best informed men in his township on current events. He lived at home until his parents" death taking care of them in their old age.

Mr. Rembe was married .\])ril 26. 1899. to Barbara Keil, <if l'.v:'.nsvil!e. the daughter of Bernhart and Llizalicth B. ( Steiner ) Keil, whd were natives of Germany. Bernard Keil was ])orn in Merlenbach llassen Darmstadt, Germany, in 1825 and died Lebruary 19, 1879. His wife, Elizabeth I!. Keil. was born in Germany in Oberstinfield Oberant, IMarbach Konig. Riech Wittenburg, in 1836. They were married in Princeton on September 24. iSt.i. Her parents came to America early in the histor}- of the county and settled in Princeton, where ]\Ir. Keil worked in a flouring mill, but later engaged in farming. Later in life Mr. Keil purchased a home in Evansville, Indiana, and worked as an engineer and fireman in Heilman's foundry for fifteen years. He died in that city. lea\ ing his widow, who is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Keil were the parents of three children who grew to maturity. Barbara, the wife of Mr. Rembe; Mary, deceased, and Kate. Mr. and Mrs. Rembe have three children, Elizabeth C, Bernhart Henrv and George jacol).

Mr. Rembe has l)een a Democrat through conviction and interested in the success of his party, but has never been an aspirant for any jjublic nfllce. He and his wife are members of the German Lutheran church and gi\e it their support in such a way as to actively identify themselves with the church life of their community. Mr. Rembe has always been a hard worker and now has reached a position where he can take life easy. He has a fine new brick home, which is modern in every respect. The old home was a large two story building and was destroyed by fire November 29. 191 2. His farm is finely improved with good barns and outbuildings and he has the satisfaction of seeing his land net him a handsome return each year. He has attained to his present position snlely through his own efforts and deserves credit for the fine home which he has m;ide for himself and family. Tie is a man of domestic tastes and likes nothing better than to sit armmd his own fireside. His wholesome life in this county and the friendly treatment which he has ah\ays accorded his friends and neighbors has won him the esteem of all with whom he comes into contact.

The career of the well-known gentleman whose name forms the caption of this biographical review has been a strenuous and varied one, entitling him to honorable mention among the representative citizens of his day and generation in the county with which his life is so closely identified. Although his life record is nearing its close by fhe inevitable fate that awaits all mankind, his influence still pervades the lives of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances who delight to know him. As public official, soldier or private citizen, he has been always true to himself and his fellow men, and the tongue of calumny has never touched him. As a soldier he proved his loyalty to the government he loved so well on the long and tiresome marches in all kinds of situations, on the tented field and amid the flames and smoke of battle, where the rattle of musketry, mingled with the terrible concussion of the bursting shell and the deep diapason of the cannon's roar, made up the sublime but awful chorus of death. To such as he the country is under a debt of gratitude which it cannot repay and, in centuries yet to be, posterity will commemorate their chivalry in fitting eulogy and tell their deeds in story and song.

S. R. Davis, one of the few old veterans left in Gibson county, was born December 5, 1840, in Jefferson county, Indiana, and is the son of Benjamin and Sylvia (Royce) Davis, and to these parents were born seven children, of which number the subject of this sketch was the second in order of birth. All of these children are deceased except the subject and one sister, Mrs. Sarah J. Fish, of Patoka.

S. R. Davis -was reared in Jefferson and Jennings counties, Indiana, where he received a meager education, which was about all that was given in those early days in this section. In the little old log school house which he attended he sat on the old wooden benches with pegs for legs ; the desks were wide boards fixed around the edge of the wall. The school house in which he secured his elementary education in Jefferson county had the old-fashioned fire place at one end of the room. It may be that it was laboring against such disadvantages that has given him those qualities which have brought him success in aiter life, ilis parenls ;iuj\ cd lo (iibson county durin^t; ihc ilays ui th'.' Ci\ il War, antl a short time afterward Mr. Davis enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and iMjrty-flfth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served for nearly one year in the army. Since he did not enlist until February 4, 18O5. he ilid not see much active service at the front, most of his time being spent doing guard duty, lie was mustered out of service January Ji, 1866. After being mustered out he came back to Gibson county and bought a small farm in Center township. At this time it was largely timber land and he had to go to w ork at once to clear up the ground in order to raise his hrst crop. He constructed a rude log house and log barn and went to work with a will. After working on this farm for two years he went to Francisco, where he remained until January, 1885, when he went back on the farm and again engaged in its operation. In i88y he moNx-d back to hVancisco, where he has since resided.

Air. Davis was married August 31, 1862, to I'riscilla P. Lewis, the daughter of C. R. and Maria ( Baccn I Lewis. This iiiiKm lias been blessed with six children, only one of whom is li\-ing, L. M. lJa\is, whn is a lelegrai)h operator and merchant at Marengo. The rive children who have passed awav are Leweldo F-.. Benny O., C. \i.. Franklin H. and Jesse 1-.

Mr. Davis has been a life long Democrat, and has alwa)s taken an active interest in politics. He was justice of the peace for fifteen years, 1873 until 1888, and in 1896 he was elected county commissioner of Gibson county on the fusion ticket. The fact that he was elected on the fusion ticket shows his remarkable popularity throughout the county. Nothing could better illustrate his sterling qualities of character, as it takes a strong character to win out on a fusion ticket, and his election as such shows that he has 1)uilt up his reputation for square dealing throughout the whole county. He and his family are loyal and faithful members of the General Baptist church and are deeply intere.sted in the various activities of that denomination.

Mr. Davis is one of those citizens who has surrounded himself with large landed and personal property. However, he has done all this by his own efforts, having been compelled to start out with practically nothing, fie has overcome all disadvantages and discouragements and has made an exxcptional success in life, and in his old age has the gratification of knowing that the community in which he has resided has been benefited by his ])resence. His keen business ability is shown by the fact that he has been president of the Francisco State Bank for nearly five years. He is one of the best known and highly respected farmers and business men of the county, and lias at- tained this success by simple means and the exercise of the ordinaiy qualities of common sense and perseverance. His honorable life has been an inspiration to the present generation, and in the consideration of the prominent citizens of Gibson county, a review of his career should find a conspicuous place in such a biographical volume.

Thomas M. Maxam

Self-assertion is believed by many people to be absolutely necessary to success in life, and there are good reasons for the entertainment of such belief. The modest man very rarely gets what is due him. The ' selfish, aggressive man elbows his way to the front, takes all that is in sight and it sometimes seems that modesty is a sin. with self-denial as the penalty. There are, however, exceptions to all rules and it is a matter greatly to be regretted that the exceptions to the conditions are not more numerous. One notable exception is the case of the honorable gentleman whose life history we here present, who possesses just a sufficient amount of modesty to be a gentleman at all times and yet sufficient persistency to win in the business world and at the same time not appear over bold. As a result of these well and happily blended qualities Mr. ]\Iaxam has won a host of friends in Gibson county. where he is well known to all classes as a man of influence, integrity and Inisiness ability, and as a public official he has given universal satisfaction because of his strict attention to his duties.

Thomas M. Maxam. the son of John S. and Patsy (Mattingly) Maxam, was born in Gibson county, near Maxam Station, on February 26. 1847. John S. ]Maxam was a native of Connecticut, and his wife of Spencer county, Indiana. The grandfather of Thomas M. Maxam came from New York to this state in the beginning of the last century, and. was associated for some years with Judge William Prince, who was afterwards a congressman from this district. The grandfather settled on a farm near Princeton at Maxam .Station, and, so the story goes, the first tree which he cut down was a sassafras from which he made a feed trough. John S. ^Maxam came .to this state when he was seven years of age and lived on the farm which was entered by his father until his death in 1872.

Thomas M. Maxam was educated in the district schools of his township, and later took a course in music at Chicago. Following this he taught music for h\e }-ears, and is slill a music CDiiiposer of imli.'. 1m ir ten years lie was a section foreman on the railroad which ran thrnu^h (iihsdn county, lie has always taken an active interest in politics, and as a Kepulilican was elected trustee of Center township in 1904. He lillcd this oflicc with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the cumniunit}', takint^^ an active interest in the building up of the schools and the construction of highways throughout the township. He was also elected justice of the peace for several terms and filled this important office with distinction. He has always been known as a man of sterling honesty and because of his good common sense, his counsels have been frequently sought liy his fellow citizens. His worth as a citizen was recognized by President Roosevelt by appointing him postmaster of Francisco, in which position he has given such universal satisfaction that he has held the ol^ce from the time of his appointment up to the iiresenl lime.

]Mr. Alaxam was married on March 29, 1874, to F.liza lliley, the daughter of John and Lavina (Crist) Hiley, both of whom are natives of Indiana. This marriage has been lilesscd with seven children: Airs. I.orella Suhling. who lives on a farm in Gibson county; Adrian H., a .school teacher and attorney living at Boonville, Indiana; Mrs. Gertrude Klusmcier, who lives on a farm in this county ; Mrs. Estella Bruce, a resident also of this count\- ; l"orliss, who is at present principal of the high school at Marengo: Stanley C. who married Ethel McGrew and is still at home ; Fannie, the youngest of the family, who graduated from the Francisco high school in the spring of 19 14.

Fraternally, Mr. Maxam is a valued member of the Tndejiendent Order of Odd Fellows of Francisco, and also of the Tribe of Ben-IIur. of the same place. He is secretarv of the Ren-Hur lodge at the present lime. He and his familv are loyal and earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Francisco, and arc liberal .supporters of that denomination, and lake an active interest in all the affairs of the church.

Mr. Maxam has always been a hard worker and an industrious man, and as a result every mile post of the years he has passed has found him further advanced, more prosperous and with an increased number of friends. In the communitv in which he has lived for so many years, his influence is felt among his fellow men and he has earned a name for enterprise and integrity which justifies him being accorded a place among the representative citizens of Gibson county. He is a sti-aightforward. unassuming, obliging and genial man and eniovs the confidence and respect of a wide circle of friends and acf|uaintances throughout the county.

Thomas H. French

The occupation of farming, to which the entire business hfe of Thomas H. French, one of the well known and popular citizens of Gibson county, has been devoted, is the oldest pursuit of a livelihood of mankind and the one in which he will ever be the most independent. His name has long been connected with the general growth of Gibson county, of which he is a native and where his entire life has been passed. While primarily attending to his own interests, his life has been largely devoted to his fellow man, having been untiring in his efforts to inspire a proper respect for law and order and ready at all times to uplift humanity along civic and social lines.

Thomas H. French, one of the leading farmers and influential citizens of White Rixer township, Gibson county, Indiana, was born in this county on June 2, i860, and is the son of Lucius S. and Margaret (Jerauld) French, both of whom were natives of Gibson county. The parents of Lucius French were among the earliest settlers of the county, having come here in 1818 and obtained a tract of land which they cleared and converted into a homestead, now known as the old French farm. This was about one mile north of the town of Patoka. Here their son Lucius was born and raised and in this same neighborhood was the family of Jerauld whose daughter, Margaret, Lucius French married, and they became the parents of the immediate subject of this sketch. Lucius French died April 17, 1886, and his wife lived until 1903, having passed her entire life in Gibson county. Lucius French's father was a leading man in his community in his day, being considered one of the most progressive citizens. In the year 1836 he built the first two-story brick residence in the count}' and in the year 1840 he built a large bank barn, the timbers of which were so heavy that it required the efforts of seventy-five men to raise the structure. Both this house and barn are still standing in an excellent state of preservation, due to the care exercised in selecting the materials going into their construction, the size of the timbers much surpassing anything in use today.

Thomas H. French was the third child in a family of nine children and received his schooling in the district schools of the county. AVhen quite young, he commenced assisting with the work around the farm and remained at home until the age of twenty-six years, when he was united in marriage with Alar}- E. Daugherty on September i, 1886. She is the daughter of Joseph and Kate ( Rhardon) Daugherty, both natives of Ireland, who had settled in Gibson countv a number of vears before. At the beginning of the

Gibson Couxty. Indiana

Civil War, Joseph Dauglierty enlisted for service. To 'riiiima> li. I'reiu-li and wife ha\e been born six children, namely: Mnnice, .Mary, Isabell, ( irace. Laura and Elizalx-th, all nf whcmi except .Mary are at home, thnni^h Isabelle is engaged in teaching in the |)ublic schools. .Mary is the wife of Ray W'.atson.

Air. French and his family reside on hi^ farm of one hundred and f'>rty acres of finely located land, adjoining the corporation line of the town of Patoka and here he engages in general farming, paying especial attention to the raising of melons for the market. In this branch of agriculture he has been engaged for the past twenty- years, increasing his efforts fronr\ear tn year, until he now has about sixty acres in melons each year and for the last three years he has been raising cjuite a number in hr)t beds. Me has maile for himself quite a reputation in this line of endeavor and has been eminently successful.

Politically, 'Sir. French gives his support to the Progressive party. while his religious membership is with the Presbyterian clmrch in whose welfare he is sincerely interested. His fraternal affiliation is with the Tribe of Ben-Hur and the Modern Woodmen of America.

Mr. French is numbered among the progressive agriculturists and public spirited citizens of this county and is one of the substantial men of his community. Endowed by nature with strong mental powers and possessing the courage and energy to direct his faculties in the proper channels, he early became a man of resourceful capacity, as the management of his afifairs testifies. He has met everv issue of life squarely and his life-long residence here has placed him high in the estimation of all who know him by reason of his sterling worth.

D. H. Swan. M. D.

Professional success results from merit. Frequently in commercial life one may come into possession of a lucrative business through inheritance or gift, but in what are known as the learned professions advancement is gained only through painstaking and long-continued efifort. Prestige in the healing art is the outcome of strong mentality, close application, thorough mastery of its great underlying principles and the ability to apply theory to ])ractice in the treatment of diseases. Good intellectual training, thorough professional knowledge and the possession atid utilization of the qualities and attributes essential to success have made the subject of this sketch eminent in his chosen calling and he stands today among the scholarly and enterprising physicians in a county noted for the high order of its medical talent.

Dr. D. H. Swan, the son of Daniel H. and Ruth (Cumelsham) Swan, was born September 30, 1868, in Harrison county, Indiana, both of his parents being natives of that county also. His boyhood days were spent in his native county, where- he attended the country schools and laid the foundation for his future career. After finishing his elementary education in Harrison county, he entered the Southern Indiana Normal at Mitchell, Indiana, where he continued his work in the higher branches. He then went to Danville, Indiana, and entered the Central Normal College, from which he graduated in 1890. He had taught some before graduation, and upon his graduation from the Normal School at Danville, he came to Gibson county and taught in this county in Washington and White River townships for six years. He was rapidly building up his reputation as a successful teacher, when he decided to leave the profession and study medicine. With this end in view he entered the medical college at Louisville, Kentucky, in the fall of 1896, and took the full four years' course in that institution, graduating in the spring of 1900, after which time he returned to Gibson county and opened his office for practice at Mackey, where he remained for a period of three months. Francisco seeming to offer a better opportunity for advancement in his profession, he moved to that place in the fall of 1900, and there he has continued to reside until the present time. He rapidly built up a large and lucrative practice and was gaining a reputation for thorough and conscientious work in dealing with all kinds of diseases. He became a stockholder in the State Bank at Francisco, and in 1908 he was elected president of the bank. Preceding his election to the presidency of the bank he served four years as trustee of Center township on the Democratic ticket, during which time he gave universal satisfaction throughout the township for. his excellent administrative qualities. At the expiration of his term of office as trustee he was induced to become the cashier of the bank of Francisco, but held that position for only one year, and in the beginning of the year 1910 he resumed the practice of medicine and hns continued uninterruptedly in the profession since that date.

Doctor Swan was married November 8, 1898, to Florence C. Worth, the daughter of Charles and Caroline \¥orth. of Oakland City, and to this union have been born three children, Ruth, now a junior in the high school at Francisco, Jean and Gladys. Dr. Swan is one of the charter members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, No. 814, at Francisco, and also a member of the Tribe of Ben-Hur. of the same town.

Doctor Swan is devoted to the noble work which his profession impHes, and has not only earned a due reward from his eflforts in a temporal way, but has also proven himself eminently worthy to exercise the important functions of his calling by reason of his ability, his abiding sympathies and his earnest zeal in behalf of his fellow men. 1 11-; iiiulerstandin.y: of the science of medicine is regarded by those who know him as being broad and comprehensive, and the profession and the public accord him a distinguished place among the practicing physicians of his county. As a physician, as a public official and as a business man, he has proven true to the trusts imposed upon him. In his everv relation of life he has never fallen below tlie (ii:;nit\ <>\ true manhood, nor in any way resorted to methods that have invited censure.

Among the families of Gibson county, Indiana, whose members have worthily discharged their duties to their fellows and their communities, no family takes higher rank than the Finches, several representatives of whom are today prominently identitied with the business and social life of Center township. For many years members of this family have stood for all tli.al is best in business, educational, moral or social life and have wielded an influence that has been potential in the development and welfare of their community, being numbered among the enterprising and progressive citizens of the county. Because of the prominence which the family has enjoyed and the close relations they have sustained to the welfare and prosperity of the locality which has been honored by their citizenship, they are eminently entitled to representation in a work of the character of the one at hand.

J. W. Finch, the son of George W. and Martha P. ( Smith) Finch, was born September ii, 1878, in Gibson county, Indiana. His father, George ^\'. Finch, was a native of Posey county, as was his mother. Early in life he came to Gibson county, where he lived the remainder of his life on a farm four miles south of Francisco, near the old Providence church. To Mr. and Mrs. George W. Finch were born fifteen children, twelve of whom are still living and the heads of families. George W. Finch died January 29, 1910, and his widow passed away three days later on February i, 1910. tlieir funerals being held at the same time and both being buried in the same grave. Thev would have celelirated their sixtieth wedding anniversary if they hafl lived until 1912. They were earnest and faithful members of the Providence church for more than fifty years and always took an active interest in all the vvork of the church.

J. W. Finch was the youngest child of his father's family. He received his education in the district schools of Gibson county and later attended the high school at Francisco. After finishing his education at Francisco, he started teaching in his home township, and taught for ten ^ears in the county, in Barton, Union and Center townships. While he was engaged in teaching he attended Vincennes University for three years, in order to better prepare himself for the teaching profession. He was very successful as a teacher and was fast building up the reputation of being one of the best teachers in the county. However, the opportunity presented itself for engaging in the banking business, and after due deliberation he decided that he would leave the teaching profession and go into the banking business. Accordingly he took a business course at the Lockyear Business College at Evansville and entered the Francisco State Bank in July, 1900, as cashier. He is now a stockholder in the bank, and in addition to his banking interests he owns ninety-six acres of land adjoining the town of Francisco. He has called into use in his banking business the same ciualities which l^rought him such excellent success as a teacher, and is already recognized as a very capable banker.

Mr. Finch was married on August 17, 1898, to Estella E. Strown, the daughter of George and Lydia A. (Bruce) Strown, and this union has been blessed with three children, Jessie, born June 8, 1899; Patsy, born March 29, 1902, and Flossie, born August i, 1904. All of these children are now attending school in their home town.

Politically, Mr. Finch has always been a Democrat, but has never taken a very active part in the deliberations of his party. He belongs to the Providence Primitive Baptist church, of which his father and mother were members for more than fifty years, and takes an intelligent interest in the aiTairs of this denomination. Mr. Finch is a splendid type of the American business man who is a credit to any community. With his clear head, strong arm and true heart, directed and controlled lay correct principles and unerring judgment, he is fast winning his way, not only to pecuniary independence, but what is far superior, the deserving confidence and respect of those with whom he is brought into contact. His residence in this community has brought him a large circle of warm friends and acquaintances, who esteem him because of his excellent qualities of character and his upright business ability.

Aiiiong the representative men of Francisco, Gibson county, Indiana, there is no one who occupies a nu>re iiighly respected position than does George Schafer. As a self-made man he stands as a shining example of what can be accomplished by hard, conscientious work and strict attention to his business. The occupation of a blacksmith is as essential to the welfare of any community as that of any other vocation. It is interesting to note that when the United States government made treaties with the Indians throughout the Northw^est territory that there was always a provision for three separate men who were to be provided by the government; one was a minister of the Gospel, another a teacher and the third was a blacksmith, and in the welfare of the Indians, it would be hard to say that the blacksmith was the least important of the three.

George Schafer, blacksmith and one of the most public-spirited citizens of Francisco, was born April 4. ii>ji), in Perry county, Indiana. His parents were Henry and Alary (Stinehall) Schafer. his father being a native of Germany and his mother of Perry county. When Henry Schafer first came to this country he located in Louisville, Kentucky, where he followed the trade of a blacksmith. He is still living in Francisco and although fiftyeight years of age is still able to do a good day's work at the forge. Mr. and Mrs. Heniy Henry Schafer were the parents of eight children, seven sons and one daughter, the daughter dying at the age of sixteen years, while the sons are all living.

George Schafer is the oldest of his father's family anil was educated in the district schools of Crawford county, Indiana, and when eighteen vears of age he entered into the blacksmith business with his father. Within a year, before he was nineteen years of age, he moved to Francisco in Gibson count\- and engaged in the blacksmith business for himself, and has built up a \erv lucrative trade. He now has a new shop which is fitted out with everv modern convenience which luarks the shops of towns of much larger size. In addition to his regular blacksmithing business he does a great aniount of wood work. He is endowed with much natural skill and with the addition of his scientific study of the art of blacksmithing he is becoming one of the liest known I)lack^nu'ths in this section of the state.

Mr. Schafer was married July 24. igi2. to Amanda Brothers, daughter of David and Luc\-. ( Rodger s) P.rothers. and Ui this union there ha\e been (63) born three children: Horace, born March j, 1902; Edward, laorn Julv 22, 1905. and Clara, born July 24, 1907. 'Mv. and ]\Irs. Schafer are giving their children every advantage which the modern schools can fnrnish them and intend that they shall have the best practical education possible. JMr. Schafer is a citizen \\ ho takes an interest in the educational and moral affairs of his town to a marked degree. At present he is a member of the town board and his influence is always on the right side of public questions. He became a charter member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Xo. 814, when it was etsablished at Francisco. PoHtically, he is a Democrat, but never has had the time to take an active part in politics. Mr. and Mrs. Schafer are leading quiet and highly respected lives and are highly honored and esteemed by their neighbors and friends for the praiseworthy lives they are living. They have a very pleasant home in Francisco, where thev dispense hospitality to an ever-increasing circle of friends.

John H. Shipp

Whether the elements of success m life are innate attributes of the individual, or whether they are quickened by a process of circumstantial development, it is impossible to dehne, yet the study of a successful life, whatever the Held of endeavor, is none the less interesting and profitable by reason of the existence of this uncertainty. So much in excess of those of successes are the records of failures or semi-failures that one is constrained to attempt an analysis in either case and to determine the measure of possession in an approximate way. Studying the life history of the well-known teacher and citizen of Gibson county whose name forms the caption of this sketch we find in this young man many qualities which always gain definite success in any career properly directed. It is very evident that he has lived a life of usefulness and one which has resulted in a life of good to others as well, and it is safe to predict that the future holds much in store for him.

John H. Shipp, the superintendent of the Francisco schools, was born August 25, 1S85, in Center township, Gibson county, Indiana, the son of David and Mary (Skelton) Shipp, his father's birth having occurred in Cambridge, England, while his mother was a native of this county. David Shipp came to this country when he was sixteen years of age and settled near Maxam's Station, in this county, and has followed agricultural pursuits all his

John S. Shipp was educated in the district schools of his county and then, unlike most country boys of his time, he finished a high scimol course in the town of Francisco. This gave him a taste for more learning, so he enrolled in the State Normal School at Terra Haute, Indiana, from which he later graduated. He also attended Oakland City College and Chicago University at different times in order to equip himself better for an educational career. His first teaching experience was in Center township in his home - (5ounty, and later he was offered a position in the Francisco high school, which he filled very acceptably, and for the past five years he has been the superintendent of the school from which he graduated only a few years ago. It is often said that a prophet is without honor in his own country, and it is oftentimes true of teachers as well. Therefore, it is to the credit of Mr. Shipp that he is having such fine success in his own home school. During the time that he has had charge of the Francisco school the attendance in high school has increased over one hundred per cent, and the grade teachers have been increased from five to eight in number. When he took charge of this school there was not even a certified course given, but he has brought the work up to such a standard that the state Ijoanl uf cfhicatinn (crtified it and have recently granted it a commission, which carries with it the right of its graduates to enter any college in the state without an examination.

Mr. Shipp was married November 2, 1908, to Thelda H. Loveless, the daughter of Joseph H' and Lucretia (Hume) Loveless. Joseph Loveless was born September 5, 1865, in Pike county, the son of James K. and Eliza (Rainey) Loveless, both of whom were natives of this state. As a young man Mr. Loveless worked in a coal mine for a few years, and then engaged in the mercantile business, and is still conducting a general store at the town of Francisco. Mr. and Mrs. Loveless were married November 12, 1886. his wife being the daughter of Cornelius and Elizabeth Hume, Imtli natives of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Loveless are the parents of five children, Mrs. Thelda Shipp; Ray V., of Francisco; Mrs. Jennie Chappel, of Francisco; Clifton and Powell. Mr. and Mrs. Loveless are active members of the General Baptist church of Francisco, and Mr. Loveless has been superintendent of the Sunday school at that place for the past thirty years. Tn Mr. and Mrs, John H. Shipp has been born one daugb.ter. Hazel Xannii, wlm is nnw deceased.

the various political issues which have been advocated by that party. His position as superintendent of the schools has precluded him from taking a very active part in politics, although he is one of the best informed men in his county on political problems. He and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Francisco and contribute liberally of their means to its support. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 814, at Francisco. Mr. Shipp's professorship here has been a busy and useful one and his name is respected by all who have had occasion to come into contact with him, or who have knowledge of his life's work. He has dignified and honored his profession, for his life has been one of consecration to his calling and well does he merit a place of honor in a volume touching upon the lives and deeds of those who have given the best of their time and talent to the betterment of mankind.

No sturdier or better citizens ha\e ever come to our shores than have those sons of Ireland who have made their homes in this country. Fortunate indeed is the community which receives these people and incorporates them in her body politic, for wherever they are found they are always industrious, upright and willing to do their share toward the advancement of the material and moral welfare of the community in which they reside. In the old country they learned those habits of industry which insure success and upon their coming to this country they never fail to bring along those same habits which made them independent in their old home. The United States have no better citizens than these sons of Erin. Gibson county is fortunate in ha\'ing some of these good people and among them James R. Morrow, the subject of this sketch, occupies a prominent part in the civic life of the community which is honored by his residence.

James R. Morrow, the son of Irish parents, was born in Center township, Gibson county. Indiana, on January i. 1870. His parents, James and Mary Jane (Speer) Morrow, were both born in Ireland, and came to this state about 1830 and located in Center township, in this county. James Morrow followed the occupation of a farmer all his life, and at his death, which occurred in May, iQio, he had become one of the most prosperous farmers in this kicality. To James ]\Iorrow and wife were born nine children. James R. being the youngest of the number.