Gibson County, Indiana - Biographical sketches, 1914 (part 18 of 20)

James R. Morrow was educated in tlic district schools of liis nciglilnirhood, and his boyhood was spent in perlorniing all those nmltitudinous duties which fall to the lot of the a\ erase farmer's hoy. 1 le attended school in the winter season and assisted on his father's farm in the summers. As a young man he set for himself a definite goal, and his present position in the circles of his community show that he has not labored in vain. He has realized that success means h;ird work and honest endca\or, and throughout all of his career he has never failed to recognize this fact. With these good qualities ever in mind he has gradually added to his possessions until he now has a fine farm of two hundred and ninety acres in this town.ship. In addition to his agricultural interests he is prominently identified with the Francisco State Bank, of which he is a director and vice-president at the present time. He built a beautiful new home of ten rooms in rqii. It is e(|uipped with gas lights and a hot water system. He has made all of the improvements which stand on his farm today. The house is finished in oak which came from the farm.

Mr. Morrow was married on Deceml)er 12, 1895, to Lettie Arnold, of Pike county, this state, and to this union have been born three children: James L. and Mary H.. who are both in the high school at Princeton, Indiana, and Samuel R., the youngest, who is still in the common .schools. Mr. ]\Iorrow takes a very active interest in the education of his children and intends that they shall receive the best which can be gi\en them. He is a firm believer in education and realizes that in the life of the present day an education is a \-aIuable asset.

In politics ^Ir. ]\Iorrow was a Progressive and allied himself with that party in the fall of 1912. He votes for the best men rcgardles>^ of their party affiliations. He is well informed on all the public questions of the day and is an interesting conversationalist on the current topics before the people. He and his family are faithful and earnest members of the Presbyterian church and are interested in the various activities which are promoted by that denomination. Mr. Morrow attributes his success to his industry and strict integrity, feeling that without these qualities he would never have attained the position which he holds today. His comfortable station in life is such that he can now de\ote his time and energies to helping the community at large, and accordingly, every movement which has for its object the bettering of the social and moral life of the community finds in him a ready and .sympathetic sujijiorter. The >^tudy of the lives of such nien as he should be an incentive to the young men whose fortunes and destinies are yet to be determined. The example of any farmer who can accumulate a farm of two hundred and ninety acres under modern-day conditions is one which is well worth studying. It is a pleasure to record the life of such a citizen, and the province of a volume of this nature is to set forth for coming generations the lives of men who have been as important factors as the subject of this sketch in the development of the community in which they live.

Jackson Depriest

It is proper to judge of the success of a man's life by the estimation in which he is held b}- his fellow citizens. They see him at his work, in his family circle, in the church, in the public forum, they observe the operation of his code of morals, witness how he conducts himself in all the relations of society and civilization, and are therefore competent to judge of his merits and his demerits. After a long course of years of such daily observation it would be out of the question for his neighbors not to know his worth. In this connection it is not too much to say that the subject of this sketch has passed a life in his township which has been marked by strict attention to business and a modicum of success which indicates that he has directed his energies along the lines of honest endeavor. As a private citizen and public official he has been accorded definite recognition by the citizens of his township, being now the township assessor, in which position he is rendering efficient and satisfactory service. The mere fact that any citizen holds an office by virtue of the suffrages of his fellow citizens is a sure indication of the esteem in which he is held by the community.

Jackson Depriest, the fourth of seven children, was born July 23, 1858, in Barton township, Gibson county, Indiana, the son of \A illiam and Dicy A. (McCleary) Depriest, both of whom were natives of this county also. William Depriest was one of the early settlers of Gibson county, and went through all the struggles incident to the pioneer farmer of the early days of Indiana.

Jackson Depriest was educated in the district schools of his native county and performed all the multitudinous duties which fall to the lot of the ordinary boy on the farm. He has spent all of his life with the exception of the last few years, upon the farm and has built for himself a reputation of being one of the most progressive farmers of his township. On his well improved farm uf one hundred aud thirty acres he has excellent huildings and has brought it to a high state ot cultixation. He carries on a diversified system of farming, raising all the crops which are common to this section of the state. In addition to his general crops, he alsu raises considerable li\-e stock.

Politically, Mr. Depriest has been a life-long Democrat and has been rewarded by his party by being elected township assessor, an office which he is now holding to the entire satisfaction of the citizens of the town.ship. Previous to his election as township assessor, he had been deputy for two years, so that he went into the office well qualified and equipped to discharge the duties of that important position.

Air. Depriest was married August 2, 1879. to Ellen Colingcr, and to this union have been born six children, Mrs. Delta King, who li\es on a farm in Center township, has one child. Fay: Mrs. Stella Mahon, whose husband is a farmer in Center township: Ottri, who is married and lives in Princeton, and has one child, Cloyd; Homer, who lives on his father's farm in t/entev township. Mrs. Depriest is a faithful and earnest member of the Regular Baptist church of Providence, and contributes liberally to the various activities of the church. They are firm believers in the great amount of good which can be accomplished by the church and lend themselves willingly to all movements which have for their purpose the bettering of the moral, civic and social life of the community in which they live. They have a hospitable home and number their friends and ac(|uaintances by the score. Mr. Depriest has never allowed the multitudinous activities of his life to warp his kindly nature, but has preserved his warmth of heart for the broadening and helpful influences of human life, being a kindly, genial man ami a gentleman whom it is a pleasure to meet.

William A. Wheeler

Among the old and representative families of Gibson county there are none who hold a more prominent place than does the Wheeler family. Coming to this county early in its history, they have seen it emerge from a primiti\e wilderness to a farming community which is second to none in the state. Thev were among those who drained its swamps, cleared its forests and built the highways which connect the fine farms scattered throughout the length and breadth of the county. The)- are of that class o^f early settlers who had to battle with the ague and miasma of the swamps and all of those ills which surrounded the farmer of pioneer times. Too much credit cannot be given these sturd}' forefathers of ours who ha\'e made it possible for us to enjoy the comforts which surround us on every hand today. A scion of one of these pioneer families is William A. Wheeler, and one of the most prominent farmers of the county.

William A. Wheeler, son of Charles W. and Mary A. (Karn) Wheeler, was born September 4, iS'Sg, in Gibson county, Indiana. Charles W. Wheeler was a native of this county, while his wife came from Crawford county, Indiana. Charles Wheeler was one of the earliest settlers of the county and has been engaged in farming all his life. He is still living and resides near Princeton, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Wheeler were the parents of nine children, the subject of this sketch being the second in order of birth.

William A. Wheeler received his early education in the district schools of his home neighborhood, and although his early education was limited, he has been a reader all his life and keeps himself well informed upon all the current topics of the day. That he has kept himself well posted on all affairs, particularly those pertaining to agriculture, is evidenced by the fact that he is the owner of three hundred and thirty acres of fine land in this county. This farm he has brought to a high state of cultivation and has always believed in keeping it well stocked with all the latest farming machinery. In addition to being engaged in a diversified system of farming and raising all those crops common to this locality, he makes a specialty of breeding Hereford cattle. He has as fine a herd of Herefords as can be found in the state and takes a great deal of pride in keeping it to a high standard of excellence. He has a beautiful home, sulastantial barn and other outbuildings on his place and enjoys all the modern conveniences of life.

Mr. Wheeler has been twice married, his first wife being Ellen Griflin. of this county, to whom he was married in August, 1892, and to this union there was one child born, Ralph, who is living with his father on the farm. His second marriage was to Cora Utley, the daughter of Lewis and Jane Utley, to whom he was married on July 3, 1898, and to this union there ha\'e been born three children, Pearl and Claud, who are at home, and Roy, deceased, in his home life, Mr. W'heeler is an ideal father and husband and is always solicitous for the happiness of his wife and children.

Mr. ^^'heeler is a Republican in politics, but has never sought any political office at the hands of his party. He has devoted all of his time and at- lention towards his private interests. althou,i;h he takes an intelligent interest in the deliberations oi his parly. Jle and his family are I'aithfnl adherents of the rresb\terian church, ami take an acti\e interest in the various departments of work in that denomination. They realize that the church is an important fact(ir in the life of any community, and for this reason lake advantage of every opportunity to all\- ihemselves with any movement which has for its end the raising of the nuiral and religious life of their community. Mr. Wheeler's record has been one replete with duty well done and conscientiously performed. In every relation of life he has been an advocate of wholesome living and clean politics and has always tried to stand for the highest and best interests of his community and the fact that he is held in high esteem by his neighbors shows that he has not labored in vain. He is a credit to the honored family fmm which he is descended and will have the satisfaction of handing down to his clu'ldren the record of a life which has been well spent in the service of his community.

Gibson county has been fortunate in the numlicr and character of its farmers and much of the material prosperity of the county can be attributed to the fact that its farmers have kept abreast of the times. It can hariUy be questioned that the farmer is an index to the civilization of any community. If the farmers are progressive and up-to-date it follows that the standard of living in that community will be high. Thousands of banks have been organized within the last few years in order to supply the needs of the farmer, and according to one authority, the farmer and his crop furnish the bulk of the money for most of the smaller banks throughout the United Stales. The wholesome living which is the good fortune of the farmer is a big factor in keeping up the general tone of a countv. The business men of the towns are drawing the men for iheir employes from the country and everywhere it is noticed that the men who are rising to proniiuence in the various activities of life were liorn and reared on the farm. C.ibson county has long been known as one of the very best farming counties of the state. and its excellent farmers have been one of the biggest factors in the material advancement of the county. Among the many excellent agriculturi.sts of Gibson county there is no one who stands higher in the estimation of his

John F. Meade was born in this county, near Owensville, June 25, 1862, the son of John S. and Minerva (Yeager) Meade, who were also natives of this county. His father was a life-long farmer and served as county commissioner at the time when the present court house was built. He is still living at the advanced age of eighty-six years, his wife's death occurring August 14, 191 1. To Mr. and Mrs. John S. Meade were born ten children, the subject of this sketch being the fourth child in order of birth.

John F. Meade was educated in the district schools of his home neighborhood and also took a course in the Francisco high school. He took advantage of his opportunities, applying himself closely to his educational training, so that he became a teacher in his township schools for three terms, and in this profession he proved very successful and no doubt would have had a long and useful career had he chosen to follow that vocation. However, the call of the farm resounded in his ears and feeling that he would prefer an agricultural career to the profession of teaching, he engaged in farming, and in this line of endeavor he has proven very successful, and is now the owner of one hundred and fifty-five acres of fine farming land in Center township. This land he has brought to a high state of cultivation, and with all the modern improvements which he has put on this farm, it is now considered as one of the most \aluable farms in the county for its acreage.

Mr. Meade was married on June 24, 1885, to Jessie C. Whiting, the daughter of Captain C. C. and Louisiana (Craig) Whiting, both natives of Posey county, this state. Captain Whiting is referred to in the miltary history elsewhere. To Mr. and Mrs. Meade has been born one child, Florence, who was married in August, 19 13, to Floyd Loper, one of the high school teachers in Francisco; they are living in Francisco at the present time.

Mr. Meade has been a life-long Republican in politics and always takes an active interest in the councils of his party. His worth as a man and citizen was recognized by his party and he was nominated on the Republican ticket for township assessor and was elected in due time. Fie has now held this office for six years, and has given universal satisfaction. He and his wife are faithful and earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Francisco. They are deeply interested in the welfare of their community, and any mo\-ement which has for its end the bettering of the moral or civic welfare of their immediate locality finds in them ready and sympathetic helpers. Mr. Meade gives his unreserved support to the various enterprises uf his comniiuiity which seek to elevate the moral tone of its members, and liv his straightforward and upright dealini;s in all of his atlairs. he has gained for himself a sound reputation for st|uare and honest dealings.

Sa.Muel Ii. Lawrence

It matters much less where geographically a man comes into the world than how he comes into its life as a living force, or what he does and becomes in it. Eleredity and environment have much to do in conditicjning his character and power, and fortunate indeed is the individual who has been well born and whose surroundings have made for his best develo])ment. The vi'ell-known subject of this sketch has been peculiarly blessed in both these respects. He conies from old and highly esteemed ancestors and was reared under excellent home influences, the result being the fine specimen of manhood and citizenship which he today represents.

Samuel H. Lawrence, the son of Solomon AI. and Marv E. (Clark) Lawrence, was born in Gibson county. Indiana. March 12, 1S51. Tlis father was a native of Ohio and settled in this statein iX:;_:; on the same farm n(pw owned by his son Samuel. He took an active part in the de\elo])nient of this section of this county, and was a true pioneer of his day. He experienced all the vicissitudes and hardships of life in a new country, and at his death, on December 22, 1879. he was missed by a large number of his fellow men as a man who had discharged his every duty in such a manner as to be worthy of the confidence and esteem with which he was uni\ersall\' held. His widow survi\ed him many years and did not pass away until March _^o. 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Solomon M. Lawrence were the parents of a large faniil}- of eight children: \A'illiam C, a mail carrier. li\ing in Princeton. Indiana: Mrs. Sarah E. Stormont. deceased: Samuel H.. the subject of this sketch; C. W., who lives at Princeton; Mrs. Anna .\. l)avi^<Mi. of I'rinceton; Mrs. Nancy E. Hudelson, widow, whose husband was a farmer in Center township, Gibson county; and Mrs. Armilda J. Mahan. who lives with her father on the old home place. Her husband, Thomas Mahan. to whom she was married in 1889, died in July, iSgo. leaving one son, Lawrence; the eighth and youngest child is Hugh T., who lives on a farm in Center township, Gibson county.

bilities. Reared in close touch with nature, in the fields and woods and farm, at an early age accustomed to manual labor, he developed while still a }-oung man a strong and vigorous physique which, with a naturally keen and alert mind, subsequently made him a fine specimen of manhood. During his childhood and youth he attended the public schools of his neighborhood and when the time came to choose a vocation, he decided to become a tiller of the soil, which honorable and useful calling he has since followed with satisfactory financial results. He worked on his father's farm until he was about thirtytwo years of age, when he bought a farm of eighty acres in Center township. He continued to operate this farm until his father's death, when he later sold it and bought a half interest in the old home place.

He has never been married, his widowed sister and her son having lived with him for the past twenty-five years. On his fine farm of one hundred acres he carries on a diversified system of farming, and raises abundantly all the crops grown in this part of Indiana. He is very much interested in keeping everything on his farm in first class condition, a fact which bespeaks well for the industry- and energy of the owner.

In politics he is affiliated with the Progressive party and keeps well informed on all the Questions of the dav. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, and contributes freely '^f his means to the support of that denomination. As a neighbor he is kindly disposed and accommodating and his influence at all times has made for good among those with whom he has been thrown in contact. He is essentially a practical man, sound in judgment and well endowed with that most excellent quality known as good common sense. His integrity, personal honor and high character have won him a conspicuous place in the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens.

Thomas M. Palmer

The life of the early pioneers of Indiana is always interesting to the modern generation. To the men who were born in the thirties and are still living at the present time, the life of today must present strange contrasts to the life which they lived as boys. Thomas M. Palmer, the subject of this sketch, who was l;)orn January 19, 1832. in. A'anderlnirg county, this state, is one of the oldest pioneers now li\ing in Ciibson county. His parents were William and Mary ( Miller) Palmer, and they came from the East to this state. His father was the first blacksmith in the town of Evansville. When

Thomas was a small lad of two or three years of age his father, while raising a log for their cahin home, slipi)ed and broke his leg. from which accident he never recovered and his death occurred shortly afterwards, leaving his widow with six children.

Thomas .M. Palmer receixed wliat little education the schools of that primitive time afforded and can describe very entertainingly the (|ueer old log cabin which then was used as a school house. With its log seats and writing desks tacked to the wall, it was a primitive structure indeed, and yet with the light streaming through the greased paper windows and with the goose quill pen, these forefathers of ours learned to write much better than many of the boys and girls of our schools today. It is related that Jonathan Jennings, the fir.st governor of the state in 1816. wrote such a fine hand that his letters were saved by the school teachers throughout southern Indiana and used as window ]janes, so that the pupils might have the writing of the governor as a model to follow. J\Ir. Palmer has related to the historians of this volume many interesting incidents of the early days in Indiana. He has one interesting story of a "coon" hunt; when he reached a tree and fired into the top of the branches, he brought three "coons" <iut of the tree at one shot.

As a young man Thomas 'SI. Palmer worked at the plastering trade for several years and upon sa\ing one hundred dollars went to F.vansville to seek his fortune. Here he entered into partnership with a man by the name of Riley in the bu\ing of poultry and this business ])roved to be very successful. He followed this line for se^-eral years and finally went into the raising of sheejx Plere he was e(]ually successful and continued to conduct this business for several years. In the meantime he began to acrpiire land, and in the course of time was the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of land in Center township, in this county. In addition he has accunuilated town property in Francisco, and has interests in several of the banks of the county.

'Sir. Palmer was twice married, first to Rosann Gore, a nati\c of the Hoosier state, v.-hose death occurred April 0. 1867. On February 17, 1861}, he was again married to ]Mary A. Heaps, the daughter of Golden and Elizabeth Heaps, who were natives of England, but had come to this state early in its histor}'.

Politicalb.'. Mr. Palmer has been a life-long Deiuocrat and is one of the oldest voters in the county. He has never held any office other than road super\-isor of his township, and in the several \-ears during which be dis- charged the duties of this office, he has done very efficient work in fixing np the roads of his township. He and his wife are faithful and earnest members of the Regular Baptist church at Francisco and are active in the discharge of all the obligations which the church demands. For more than twenty years they have lived in Francisco and are enjo}"ing the twilight of their lives surrounded by all the modern conveniences.

Mr. Palmer is one of the few old pioneers left in this county and he is still hale and hearty and able to recall incidents which have happened for the last seventy-live years. The reminiscences of such a man would make an interesting volume for future generations. He is one of the best known men throughout this community and is respected and honored by everyone. Because of his reputation for integrity and his high character, his influence for good in this community has been most potent and in all the relations of life he has commanded the confidence and respect of a long list of friends and acquaintances, and has the satisfaction of knowing that in his old age that the community in which he resides has been benefited by his presence and his counsel. By his long years of hard labor and honest endeavor he has acquired a well-merited material prosperit}- and richly deserves to pass the remainder of his days in peace and quietness, surrounded by those who Io\"e him best.

Gibson county could boast of few more progressive and successful farmers and stock men than the subject of this brief biographical review, who has long been well and favorably known in Washington township, and, in fact, in the entire county of Gibson, having operated excellent farming lands for many years, being considered one of the leading citizens of the community. He is enterprising, neighborly and hospitable, combining within himself those qualities of sterling manhood that make not only a useful member of society, but a man whom any locality might well be delighted to honor. In looking to his individual interests, he has never lost sight of his duty to his fellow men and in many ways has contributed to their well being and happiness, yet all in a quiet, unassuming manner, seeking to do good yet avoiding public display.

(Lewis; AIcRoberts. The latlier was a native of Kentucky, where he was bom in 1S22, his death occurring in 1895. while the mother was a native of Gibson county, Indiana.

Milton McRoberts' paternal grandfather moved to the stale of Ohio about 1823 and settled near Cincinnati and died a few years after locating there. His son, Artemus B., the subject's father, came to the Hoosier state when a young man and settled in Washington township, Gibson county, his brothers having preceded him to this place. Shortly after his arrival in the new community he married and purchased two hundred acres of densely timbered land. His energies were then bent toward hewing a home from this uninxiting trace, an enterprise in which he was greatly encouraged by his neighbors, who informed him that he would starve to death, as a great portion of his land was low and wet. However, it seems that Artemus Mc- Roberts knew what he was about, as he paid no attention to these discouragements, going ahead steadily in his battle with the virgin forest, and in time was enabled to laugh at the dismal prophecies of those who had Ijelittled his land, it now constituting one of the best tracts in the county. Me was a very successful man in his time, of rather a retiring nature, and although handicapped by the lack of an early education gained from books, his innate common sense and maturely developed jud;;nient made him a man jocikcd up to in his community.

Of a family of nine children, eight sons and one daughter, Milton was the eldest, six of these children yet living. His early youth was spent in Washington township, where he assisted his parents in the work on the home farm. On October 2, 1874, Mr. McRoberts was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Elizabeth A. Foster, who was born in Gibson county. To this union have been born nine children, as follows: Clarence was educaleil in the district schools and college and is now teaching at Wheeling, Indiana: James L., who received a similar education, taught school for some time, and was appointed trustee of the township in 1912. when the previous trustee died: John R. is living in Patoka: Edith M. is the wife of Samuel Kolb, of Washington township; Sally G. died July 7, 1889: Ethel F. died December 16, 1890; Cornelia is the wife of Fines Trippet : Louis M. and Edna E. are at home.

Mr. McRoberts has spent his entire life on his farm, which he has developed and cultivated with no small measure of success. He formerly made a specialty of fine stock, his Polled .\ngus registered cattle being among the best specimens of that sterling breed to be found anywhere.

In 1894 Mr. McRoberts was elected trustee of his township on the Democratic ticket, and in the six years in which he gave his best abihties to that important office there was not the slightest adverse criticism of his conduct of the affairs of that position. During his administration the plan for consolidating the schools was worked out and subsequently adopted.

Mr. McRoberts is deeply interested in the growth and well being of the Union Bethel Presbyterian church in Washington township, in which he has been a deacon and a trustee for several years'.

Although his life work has been the noble calling of agriculture, yet the subject of this sketch, William L. McRoberts, has found time in a busy and useful life to do much toward ameliorating the condition of his fellow men, often laboring with disregard for his own welfare if thereby he might attain the object sought - to make some one better and happier. Such a life as his is rare and is eminently worthy of emulation, being singularly free from all that is deteriorating or paltry, for his influence is at all times uplifting, and thousands of people have been made l^etter for having known him.

William L. McRoberts was born August 8, 1837, at Cincinnati, Ohio, the son of David McRoberts, of New York state, and Rebecca (Abbott) McRoberts, of IMaryland. The father of David McRoberts, also named David, was an orderly sergeant in the war of 181 2 and remained in the East all his life.

Rev. McRoberts' father removed from the Empire state to Ohio after marrying and settled near Cincinnati. In 1840 he left the Queen City and, with his family, came down the Ohio river to Evansville, Indiana, from which point thev came overland to Washington township, Gibson county, and here the father purchased land. A younger brother here joined them, he having come from Cincinnati with the horses, driving them through over the rough trails and primitive roads of the time. Twenty years later, in i860, the family was joined by Reuben, another brother of the father. Reuben's son, David, enlisted in the Union army at the outbreak of the Civil war, and died in the service. Reuben, a brother of David AIcRoberts, was a member of the Sixtv-fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, while another brother, Alex- amler, was atlaclied lo tlic 'rweiUy-foiinh Indiana NOIuiHcxt Inl'anlry. Alexander couipleted his original K-rni of cnlistnu-ni nt ilnx-c years and then re-enlisted and served until tlic cIpnc nt the war. Ins terni uf service covering the entire period of hostilities, as did also that of his brother, Reuben.

David McRoberts spent his life on his farm in Washington township, cultivating his land in seasmiahle weather and during the winter months working at his trade as a cooper. In this craft he was possessed of great skill, and his talents at that time were devoted to the making of lard pails, there being a great demand for these to be used in shipping down the river to New Orleans. He was a few years over sixty wiien he died, his death being caused by the bursting of a IjIiukI vcssl-1. Tn Mr. ar.d Mrs. I)a\ id .\lc- Koberts were born twelve children, but twn of wIidui are now lixing, a number of them dying in infancy, the rest reaching an old age.

William L. AlcRoberts passed his boyhood days on the home farm, lending a hand to the arduous task of making a wilderness yield forth its best for the support of the hardy pioneers. He secured what eilucalion it was possible to obtain in the crude schools of the district at that time, remaining on the home farm until 1861. On February 3, 1861, he was united in marriage to Mary Kirk, of Washington township, Gibson county, the daughter of an old pioneer family in that community, the town of Kirksville having been named in honor of them. To this union were born four children, namely; W. A., of Washington township: Ambro.se, of Evansville, Indiana; Ethel, who married Roljcrt M. Keel, a nunister of the gospel, and lives in Illinois; David A., who is a minister in Illinois.

The first wife of Mr. McRoberts died in 1907, and he subsef|uenlly married Mrs. Rosella Thompson, of Washington township, (iibson county, the daughter of Alexander Bennet, an early settler of this county, who was born in 1800 and died in 1875. His second wife had a daughter. Ethel, by her first marriage, who is now the wife of Henry Troutman, of Washington township.

Mr. McRoberts has followed the vocation of farming practically his entire lifetime, although in his younger days he worked at the cooper's trade with his father. Over thirty years ago the sul)icct entered the ministry and has been preaching to the local Methodist church ever since. Now. at the age of seventy-six years, he is enjoying good health and is as active as many a man of twenty-five years younger.

from the intelligent exercise of his franchise, the subject consented to accept a term of six years in the office of countv commissioner, in which position he very creditably acquitted himself.

While agriculture has been Mr. McRoberts' chief life work, he has devoted considerable attention to his duties as a minister of the gospel, being earnest in all he says and does. He is known throughout this locality as one of the leading citizens of a community noted for the high order of its citizenship. He is truly a good and useful man, but he is plain and unassuming, and strives to do his duty ?t all times, regardless of inconvenience to himself.

Willis Pauley

The people who constitute the Isone and sinew of this country are not those who are unstable and unsettled, who fly from one occupation to another, who do not know how to vote until they are told, and who take no active and intelligent interest in the civic afifairs of their community. The backbone of this country is made up of the families who have made their homes, who are alive to the best interests of the community, who attend to their own business in preference to the affairs of others, and who work on steadily from day to day, taking the sunshine with the storm, and who rear a fine family to a comfortable home and an honest life. Such people are always welcome in any country and in any community. They are wealth producers, and Gibson county is fortunate in being blessed with many of them, among whom is the subject of this sketch.

Willis Pauley was born October 8, 1868, in Washington township, Gibson county, Indiana, the son of William and Ella (Miller) Pauley, the father having been born in Kentucky in 1833 and dying in Washington township, Gibson county, in 1890, at the age of fifty-seven years, while the mother was a native of Gibson county.

William Pauley came to Gibson county in 18 so, when he was about eighteen years of age, and located in Washington township, where he passed his life, reaching a position of honor and respect among his fellow men.

Of a family of five children, Willis was the eldest, and spent his youthful days on the home place, attending the district school and assisting his father in the conduct of the farm. In 1890, however, Willis Pauley struck out for himself and engaged in farming on his own behalf. He purchased his present home farm in iyo5, liaving (lis[)osed of hi.-; former proi)erty, and now owns one hundred acres of as fine land as can be found in the county. It is all under a high state of cultivation and improved with the most modern and up-to-date farm buildings, which, together with his comfortable home, represents an agricultural plant of which any man might feel proud. Along with general farming, j\lr. Pauley raises coach horses, for which he finds a ready market at remunerative prices.

January 26, 1891, Mr. Pauley was united in marriage to Frances John- ,son, daughter of Thomas Johnson, of Knox countv. Indiana, one of the best known and most prosperous farmers in the -^tate. He is the possessor of two thousand four hundred acres nf fine land in Kncix couiUa', on which he raises large crops, in addition to marketing about one hundred iicad of horses annually. On the splendid estate over which he presides he maintains a deer park stocked with sixty head of these beautiful animals.

To Willis Pauley and wife have been born five children : Ethelbert, Pearl, Artie, Willis and Waldo, all of whom are still under the parental roof.

Mr. Pauley is a worthy and representative citizen, having acted well his part in life, and while primarily interested in his own affairs, he has not been unmindful of others, as his efforts to advance the public good and promote the welfare of his fellow men ahundanilx- attest.

There could be no more comprehensive history written of a city or county, or even <if a state and its people, than that which deals with the life work of those who, by their own endeavor and indomitable energy, ha\'e placed themselves where they well deserve the title of "progressive." In this sketch will be found the record of one who has outstripped the less active and less able plodders on the highway of life, one who has not been subdued by the many obstacles and failures that come to every one, but who has made them stepping stones to higher things and at the same time that he was winning his way in material things of life gained a reputation for uprightness and honor.

William Hyneman was born November 11, 1849, '" Washington township, Gibson count_\-, Indiana, the son of A. K. and Luzanna (Hargrove) H\neman, the father being born in the same county and township, where he died in 1900, in his seventy-ninth year, and the mother a native of White River township. The father of A. K. Hyneman was John Hyneman, who came from Pennsylvania to the Hoosier state o\er one hundred years ago and located in Washington township, the land which he originally entered being yet in the possession of the family. At the time of his coming to Gibson county there was but one family living between his home and Princeton. Here he continued the rest of his days on the original homestead, dying in his eighty-first year.

A. K. Hyneman spent his entire life on the land originally occupied by his father, developing and improving his holdings until he became the possessor of over four hundred acres of the best land in the community, he being one of the representative men of his time. To A. K. Hyneman and wife were born nine children, namely: John is living in Patoka township; Mary and Isaphina are deceased ; William ; Lizzie, deceased ; Samuel resides on the old homestead; R. A. is living in Pike county; Cynthia resides in Ohio; and Willis, Washington.

William Hyneman's early life was spent on his father's place, he receiving a good education in the district schools. On May 25. 1881, he was married to ]\Irs. Edith (Price) Thompson, daughter of Amzi Price, of Washington township, who was born in 1810 and died in 1893. Her grandfather, W^illiam Price, settled in this county over a century ago, he having emigrated from North Carolina, and Amzi Price continued during his lifetime on the home place.

To William Hyneman and wife ha\'e been born six children; Perry, deceased ; Minnie, at home ; Ora. who married George Decker ; Edgar, who died in infancy ; Bret and Burtis. at home.

After his marriage, Mr. Hyneman rented land in Pike county, Indiana, where he followed farming for about a )ear, and then came to Washington township, Gibson county, and purchased land, on which he has continued to reside. This land, which includes a part of the old homestead, has been improved and added to until it nov/ comprises a tract of two hundred acres, and is considered one of the best farms in the county. A number of improvements have been made, among them a splendidly located and comfortable home and good barns and other farm buildings.

Mr. Hyneman has always taken an active and earnest interest" in educational matters and served for a number of years on the school board, having been a member when the present Mt. Olympus school was established, it being one of the finest country schools in the United States, having five teachers. Always a strong advocate of consolidation. Mr. Hyncnian has been a leader in all improvements tending to modernize and increase the utility of the educational institutions of his district. Mrs. Ilyneman is a member of the Cumberland Presln'terirui church and takes a deep interest in its well-being and effectiveness.

Johx A. Zw'Issler

Any person who will investigate the facts in the case will be surprised to learn of the great numlicr of people of Germanic nati\it\' and descent now living in the United Slates-. Uni|uestionably the greatest number of emigrants reaching the .shores of the new world conies from that nation, and statistics show that there is more Germanic blood in the United .States than any other. This being a fact, it is easy to account for the prosperity and morality of this country. Not only that, but it will afford an explanation for the love of learning shown by the people of this vast nation. Germany is famous the world over for its remarkable uni\ersities. for its educated men, for its poets and philosophers, and for the industry, patience, intelligence, morality and sturdiness of its citizens. These qualities have been brought to this country by the immigrants, and are now part and parcel of our wonderful nation - its progress in domestic economy, its advancement in e\ery branch of material improvement, and its love of country and home.

John A. Zwissler, one of the leading farmers of Patoka township, Gibson count}-, Indiana, was born on November 2. 1853. in Audenbach, Germany, the son of Lawrence and Agnes Carl Zwissler, both of whom were also natives of the same locality. There they were reared and married, wheii^the father successfully followed farming until his death, which occurred in 1859, at the age of sixty years. The following \ear the widow and her children came to the United States in the hope of improving their condition. These children were Catherine, who is now living at Sjjarksville, Ohio; Joseph, deceased; Peter, who remained in the fatherland, where he followed farming; Barbara, deceased; Ferdinand, deceased, and John A., the immediate subject of this sketch. Subsequently, the mother became the wife of Simon Moser. also a nati\-e of Germany, and to them were born two children. Kate, who lives in Evansville, Indiana, and Mary, a resident of Vanderburg county. Indiana. When the family first arrived in America they located in Dayton, Ohio, for two _\ear.s, and then came to IndianapoHs, Indiana, where they remained until they moved to Evansville, Indiana, two years later. There the father and mother both died. John A. Zwissler has received only a limited education, and at the age of twenty-six years, in 1872, he enlisted in the Fifteenth Regiment of the United States Army, at Evansville, Indiana, being sent to Newport Barracks, where he remained until sufficiently acquainted with military tactics, and was then assigned to the command at Fort Stanton, in New Mexico, where he remained for five years. During a part of this time he was assigned as escort to the paymaster through that section of the country, and proved a trustworthy and faithful soldier. After his discharge from the ami}- he came to Gibson county, Indiana, and, in 1879, located on the Charles Key farm, south of Princeton, in Patoka township. He first obtained eighty acres of land in section 31, to which he later added ninety acres more, being now the owner of a fine tract of one hundred and seventy acres, comprising one of the best farms in Gibson county. Mr. Zwissler remodeled tlie residence and other farm buildings and made many other and substantial improvements, which have added materially to the value and attractive appearance of the place. He is up-todate and progressive in his ideas relating to agriculture, and in this calling has achieved a splendid success. He carries on a general farming business, raising all the crops common to this section of the country, and also gives some attention to the raising of live stock, in which he is also successful.

In 1879 Mr. Zwissler married Margaret McWilliams, a native of South Carolina, a daughter of David and Martha (Wharn) McWilliams, also natives of .Sottth Carolina, but who became early settlers of Gibson county, where the father followed farming, and where he and his wife died. To Mr. and Mrs. Zwissler have been born the following children : Martha Agnes, the wife of Elbert Cunningham, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Lawrence, a farmer, who is at home ; Sarah Ellen, who died unmarried ; Olive, the'' widow of William L. Smith, who lives with her father'; j. Arthur, who is now attending the civil engineering department in Purdue University, where he will graduate with the class of 1914: Florence, who is at home and is a student in the Princeton high school ; and Mary and Katie, who are deceased.

Politically, Mr. Zwissler is an earnest Republican, and religiously is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at King's Station in this county. Mr. Zwissler occupies a prominent place among the substantial farmers of his locality, and deserves all the splendid success which has attended his efforts. He has acted well his part in life, and while primarily interested in his own aliairs, he has nul been unmindful of the interests of ulliers, as his efforts to advance the pubhc guoil and promote tiie welfare of the community amply attest.

Sylvester B. Rubinson

Sylvester B. Robinson, a farmer and intluential citizen of Giiison county, was born here September 15, 1S52, the son of James A. Robinson, who was born in Warren count)', Kentucky, August 20, i8_'6. Tiie father of James Robinson was John, a nati\e of \''irginia, who after his marriage to a Miss Daugherty, went to Kentucky, where they secured a large tract of land on which they made their home and where he died. After his death, his wife came to Gibson county, Indiana, about the year 1847, ^"^1 here she died in 1861. They were the parents of seven children, namely: Sarah. William. Earl, Milton, James A,, Robert and John. This entire family is now deceased. James A., one of the sons, came to Gibson county about the year 1847 and was that _\'ear married to Louisa Benson, a native of Gibson county, born in 1S33. She was a daughter of William Benson, of Hardin county, Iventuck}', who had come to Gibson county and married Margaret Leach, who w^as born in \'irginia in 1S03. ^^'illiam Benson was originally from Virginia and came here in 1816, where he died in 1878. The wife's death occurred in 1866. Mr. Benson was a wheelwright by trade, quite skilled in that day when all sorts of farm implements and vehicles were hand made. He was also a farmer, owning and cultivating a large tract of land. Their children follow^ : IMary Jane, deceased; Sylvester, who died un ]\iarch 31. 1914; Martha, deceased; Ellen, wife of Amasa Wilson, of Montgomery township; Louisa (mother of the immediate subject of this sketch), of Owensville, Indiana; Sarah, deceased; ^^'illiam C. who was killed at Kingston, North Carolina; and Lemyra, deceased.

James A. Robinson, after his marriage to Louisa Benson in i.'^47, located on a farm in Gibson county, where he remained until 185(^1, at which time he moved to De^^'itt county. Illinois. He remained there ten years, and in 1866 returned to Gibson count\-, where he farmed until 1903. He was always anxious tij introduce new and helpful methods into his agricultural work and has the distinction of ha\-ing brought the first corn planter into Gibson county. He was a man of genial disposition who made scores of friends. Always a stanch Republican, he was active in the politics of his county and filled an office or iwo. He and his wife were the parents of nine children, se\en of whom are now li\ ing. Their names follow : Martha, born September 20, 1850, deceased, the wife of Elisha L. Pritchett, a farmer, furniture dealer and funeral director; Sylvester B., subject of this sketch; George C. died in infancy; Woodfin D., born January 27, 1857, in DeWitt county, Illinois; graduated from State University at Bloomington in 1879, taught school for a while, later attended law school at Ann Arbor, Michigan, from which he was graduated in 1882, was admitted to the bar and took up the practice of his chosen profession in Princeton. In 1884 he was elected county superintendent of the schools of Gibson county. He and A. P. Twineham operated the Gibson County Leader for about a year. He was first elected judge in 1895 and served twelve years on the appellate bench. He also represented his district in the state Legislature. In 1909 he removed to Evansville, Indiana, where he took up the practice of law with a partner under the firm name of Robinson & Stilwell. His wife was Jessie Montgomery. The fifth child in this family was William C, born June 28, 1859, residing at present in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In his earlier years he was a dealer in grain at Oakland City, Indiana, and later went to Kansas, where he started in banking business, and still later to Holyoke, Colorado, where he practiced law and engaged in real estate business. He was also made judge in the county courts there. Later he removed to Colorado Springs, where he has since practiced law. He is a stanch Republican and was elected senator of his district. His wife was Lida Dorsey. The sixth child is Minnie Belle, born June 30, 1862, wife of Henry Mauck, of Owens- *ille, Indiana, a farmer and stock dealer; Dove, the seventh child, born in October, 1866, wife of Osborn Lockhart, dealer in coal and building materials at Owensville; Ada, the eighth child, born in August, 1869, wife of John A. Mauck, a salesman traveling out of Fort Smith, Arkansas; and Anna, the ninth and last child, born in 1875, wife of Orville McGinnis, of Evansville, Indiana, a graduate of DePauw University and now an attorney. He has served in office and was referee in bankruptcy.

Sylvester B. Robinson received his elementary education in the schools of DeWitt county, Illinois, later attending the high school at Owensville, Indiana, and the Normal College at Lebanon, Ohio, from which he was graduated in 1872. He taught school for five years in the schools of Gibson county and then took up farming in Patoka township. Here he remained for two years, when he went to Miller, South Dakota, took up a homestead claim and was there three years. At the end of that time he returned to Gibson county and was interested in the coal business at Owensville for about

Sylvester B. Rohinson was first married on Angust 12, 1875. ^" ^'-'^i'}' Barker, of Owensville. danghter nf Iliram and Eliza ( l-'itz!.;crald ) Barker. He was a farmer and pioneer of Giljson connty. To their uninn was horn one child. Pearl, wife of E. D. Flctchall. of Posey ville. Indiana, dealer in li\'e stock. To Mr. and Mrs. I'letchall have heen born four children: l-'niil\- (deceased). \'irginia. E. D.. Jr., and Robert L Mrs. Robinson's death occurred June 28. 1878. Mr. Robinson's second wife was Hattie Jaquess. whom he married September 20. i8q2. She was a nati\-e of Owcnsxille. Indiana, a daughter of William A. and Mar}- A. (Pollard) Ja(|ue><s. ller father was a hotel man and was originally of Poseyville, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Jaquess had a family of eight children, namely: Rn.\anna. wife of Richey Summers, of Owensville; Emma, wife of ^^^ .\. Stewart, of \'anderbilt. Texas: Lora. wife of Henry P.aird. of Xew .Albany. Indiana: Metchcr P.. a farmer of Owensville: Hattie. wife .of Mr. Txobinson ; Retta. wife of Charles A\'. Heistand, of .Stamiis, .\rkansas: Ada B.. unmarried, a milliner in Connersville. Indiana, and Alinnic, the wife of U. G. Teal. <if Owensville. Indiann. By his second marriage, Mr. Robinson has one son. James J.. 1iorn July 14, 1893. who attended the State University at Bloomington and graduated with the class of 19x4.

All through life Mr. Robinson has been a stanch Rcpul)lican rmd has taken some active interest in politics, but has never aspired for office as have other members of his famih-. Religiously, his sympathies are with the ]Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mrs. Robinson is a member and to which he gi\-es his support. Of undoubted honesty and integrity. Afr. Robinson enioys the high esteem of all with wbnm he comes in contact. The members of the family move in the best circles of the community and because of their genuine worth and splendid qualities they enjoy the high regard of all.

William Exxes

Among all branches of history, there is none more instructive or more eagerlv sought after than that which truthfully delineates the rise and progress of the state, county or community in which the reader lives. There is pleasure as well as profit to e\-ery intelligent mind in contemplating the struggles of the early settlers in every portion of the great ^^'est : how- they encountered and successfully o\ercame e\-en- species of trial, hardship and danger to which men in that stirring period were subjected. But these things strike us more forcibly and fill our minds with more immediate interest when confined to our own locality where we can yet occasionally meet with some of the silver-haired actors in those early scenes, men whose bravery in encountering the manifold troubles and misfortunes incident to frontier times has borne an important part towards making Indiana what it now is, and whose acts, in connection with hundreds of others in the first settling of our vast domain, have compelled the world to acknowledge us an invincible people. The early settlement of Gibson county was marked by as much heroism and daring as characterized the frontier history of any other section of the state. Her pioneers were men of invincible courage, undaunted by the obstacles which confronted them, and the results of their self-sacrificing labors are today seen in the wonderful achievements they wrought in laying the foundation upon which their successors have builded wisely and well.

William S. Ennes, ex-county treasurer and retired merchant of Princeton, Indiana, was born November 28, 1862, in Washington township, Gibson county, Indiana, son of Embree and Martha J. (Kirk) Ennes, both of Washington township, this county. The father was a son of John and Elizabeth (Key) Ennes, of South Carolina, and who were among the pioneer settlers of Washington township. Here they secured wild land, which they cleared and made a home, reared a large family and died there. They were buried in Mt. Olive cemetery. Embree Ennes had only a limited schooling in the schools of those days and lived at home until August, 1862, when he enlisted in Company B, Sixty-fifth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, at Princeton. Shortly after joining his command, he w^as taken sick at Henderson, Kentucky, and his wife brought him home, where he died in 1863 at the age of twenty-one years. He was a farmer and he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. His wife was married a second time, to John Sullivan, a farmer (deceased), of Buena Vista. Washington township, in this county. She resides in Oakland City. To John Sullivan and wife (Mrs. Martha J. Ennes) were born: Jasper S., a farmer in Knox countv, Indiana: U. S., a jeweler at Vincennes, Indiana: Ada, deceased: Perry O., with the Waltham \A'atch Company at Waltham, Massachusetts. since 1892.

William S. Ennes, who was the only child by his mother's first marriage, was educated in the home schools and also at the Danville Central Normal College. After he left school he clerked in a hardware store at Fort

Wayne. Indiana, and was also with r.arrcll ^K; Stukc>. hardware dealers ai Princeton, Indiana. He was appointed deputy county treasurer in iHHtj and was then appointed county treasurer to fill out an uuex])ired term in 1897, serviiag three months, after which he was elected county treasurer, taking ot^ce in 1900 and ser\ ing t<jur \ears. After the expiration of his term he was in the grocery business in Princeton, Indiana, for eight years, selling out in lyii. and since then he has looked after his farm interests.

William S. Ennes was married Novemljcr 14, 1889. t-o Lucy Rightly, who was born in \Vhite River township, Gibson county, Indiana, and is a daughter of Josiah Rightly. To Mr. and Airs. Ennes have been born four children, namely: X'esper D., born March 9, 1891, who graduated from the high school of Princeton, and is now a steam fitter at Crawlordsville. Indiana; Darle, born Jul_\" 11, 1S93, who is attending Indiana University at Bloomington. and is in the second year; Raymond, born August, 1902, and died in October, 1902, and Lowell R., born October 4, 1903.

For the past ten years Mrs. Ennes has been on the board of charities and lor the past four years has been president of guardians. She takes a great interest in lodge and charity work and is a splendid woman and mother.

The following is a story of the life of Josiah Rightly, the father of Mrs. Ennes, as written by himself just following his eightieth birthda\-. and dedicated to his children and his children's children :

'T was born in Chatteras, Cambridgeshire. England, in the closing hours of January 31, 1822. Aly father was William Rightly. My mother's maiden name was Mary Elizabeth Phillips. I was one of eight children, there being se\en boys and one girl in the family. M\- father was a farmer and my earlv life, until I was ten years of age, was passed as childhood days w ere usually passed in that time in a farming community, helping and hindering about the home. When I was ten years of age I decided I would go to work instead of .going to school. I had no trouble in securing work and I want to say right here that I have worked from that day to this (seventy years), but I now feel that I am entitled to a rest for the balance of my earthly davs. As I was saying, when I w as ten years old I hired to a neighbor to herd his sheep and lambs and for this I w-as paid sixpence a da_v - twelve cents in our money. After working a long time for this man. he was so pleased wnth my work he told me he would give me si.\])ence every two weeks for my own in addition to my regular wages, which he knew went to mv parents to help pay my board and clothing. 1 am ])roud to say that I saved the extra sixpence and soon had plenty of money, all of which I care- fully saved until 1 decided to come to this country. I worked for the same boss eight years, then I went home to my father and worked for him four years, driving his team or \\hate\^er there v>'as to do in the daytime and at night I often enjoyed mys^f going to see the girls.

"I had long had a growing desire to seek something better and my thoughts naturally turned to America. When I was twenty-two 3ears old, strong and healthy, in the fall of 1844, the last of October, I bade farewell to home and kindred and set sail on the sailing vessel 'Frankona' bound for New Orleans. Shortly after we set sail the fun began. Before we were out of the Irish channel, we - the passengers one and all - were 'pumping ship' in great fashion, for we were all sea-sick. We had a good time and sailed \ery fast and the rolling salt waves looked like fire. It was a beautiful sight had we been in condition to enjoy it. However, we went to bed and stayed there until the seasickness wore off. While that sickness lasted I will confess I wanted back to the old home and the friends I had always known, but after recovering from the sickness life put on many charms and from that time on I saw all the enjoyment I could out of the voyage. We were forty-seven days making the trip and during that time I saw many strange sights that were new to me. Besides having lots of fun we saw sea hogs, flying fish in great numbers, also one whale. To my unpracticed e\e the whale looked to be as large around as a big horse and more than thirty feet long. I guess he got mad at our vessel for he went off a little ways and blew up the water as high as we could see it. W'hile passing one of the Bahama islands our vessel hove to and there I had my first sight of a black man. That was what we called him then, but after we got to the United States I found the general term used for black man was 'nigger.' To many of us he was a great curiosity. All he had on was a gunnysack with a hole cut in the bottom through which his head came. The captain told the sailors to throw a rope down to him. He had a skiff load of fine fish and he rowed close to our ship side. They threw the rope to him and the darky filled a sack full of the fish and the sailors hauled it on deck. Then the darky came up and he was a sight for us to see - a black man in a gunny sack ! The captain told the steward to take what fish he needed for the cabin and let the passengers have the rest. The fresh fish were a great treat to us. After the darkey went back to his skiff our vessel went on as best it could, but we had sea grass and hot winds to contend with, and we got along very slowly. I remember an incident that occurred al^out that time. There was an old dog on the \-essel and one day as the first mate was on deck the old dog came along and the mate kicked at him. The male happened tliat clay to he wearing a pair of nki shppers and in his kick he missed the dog and the old shpper went saihng into the sea. With that the mate gave the other foot a kiek and, telling both the slippers to go to Hades, he stood and watched the last slipper follow its mate. There were many nice days and many awfully rough days and niglits. Some days the captain would walk the deck and call all hands to Action, declaring there was a storm coming. Then all sails had to be taken in until the storm was over, then another fresh start taken and so it went until we got in sight of the light houses at the mouth of tiie entrance of the great Mississippi river, where we waited for tow Ijoats to take us up the river to New Orleans. Our vessel drew sixteen feel of water o\er the sand bar at liic mouth of llie ri\er. Our tow boat towed three ships up the river to Xew Orleans and we landed at the dock at four o'clock on the morning of December 12, i(S44. and then we green horns began to see the sights. I worked at different occupations at New Orleans for several months and did well working, for what seemed to me, a poor boy, lots of money. In 1845, as there was much talk <)( yeiluw fever in Xew Orleans, I improved the opportunity to go up the ri\er, k-fl UKcity and finally landed at Evansville, where I decided to sla\-. i ])romised my friend Thomas Ruston to go back to New Orleans with him in llie fall, but being assured work as a clerk in the store of Babcock Brothers in I'Xansville I did not go. I stayed with the firm thirteen years. I began work wiih them August 4, 1845. '^y wages being eleven dollars a month and boavd. After I stayed with ihem three years I married Mrs. Elizabeth Furnas of Evansville and went to housekeeping and my wages were increased. Tlu'\- were gradually ad\-anced until I got fifty dollars per month, which was considered exceptionally good wages for those da\s. Having recci\ed wliat 1 consider an exceptional offer, I went to work fur M. W. loisler as clerk in the old warehouse that stood on what was at that time the canal. Inil is n^w known as Fifth street. I remained there about two years, then came up u> Hazleton, Indiana, where I purchased from Mr. Foster a stock of mercliandise. This was in March, iS()2. lint I did not take possession of the slock until April of the same year.

"On the 19th of ,\pril, 1862, I moved my family from Evansville and took up my residence at Hazleton. Indiana, and began the mercantile Inisiness and here I have ever since made my home. I was then about forty years of age and will have been here forty years next \pril if I live to see that day During the forty years I have lived at this place I have witnessed man\- changes. When I came here there was no church or .Sunday scimo] and I was lost on Sunday. When I came to Evansville and began life there Father Parrett and Joseph Wheeler were local preachers at the Locust street Methodist church, and there I attended service. In i860, I think it was, while Brother Gillett was our preacher, we had a big revixal meeting and many of the boys, m\-self among the number, were converted and joined the church and we truly enjoyed religion. So when I moved to Hazleton and found no devotional services to attend I interested myself in starting a Sunday school which. I am indeed glad to say, was very successful and is still showing a continued and healthy growth, both spiritually and in increased members. Since I came here there have been great changes for the better. Churches have been established and Simday is now a day of spiritual strength and thanksgiving.

"In conclusion I want to say to my children and my friends that I know that my days on earth are drav.-ing to a close, but my mind is serene in the comforting thought that 1 have made my calling and election sure with my hea\enly Father and I am now ready and waiting with all 1 have and am to make the change from this life to a seat in Glory 'where moth and rust doth not corrupt and where thieves do not break through nor steal' - there to remain with my beloved ones gone before - forever and forever."

As the preceding autobiographical history of Mr. Kightly has treated in a general way of his life from early childhood, this sketch will deal with such details and matters as have not been there related. He was twice married, his first and second wives being sisters. They were both born in Ramsey, Huntingtonshire, England. The death of Mrs. Elizabeth Kightly occurred October 29, 1865, and she was buried at Oak Hill cemetery, near Evansville. She was a most estimable woman, home loving and domestic in her tastes, and her death was a bereavement indeed to her husband and family. On April 8, 1867, Mr. Kightly was married to Sarah Roe of Hazleton, Indiana. Mrs. Sarah Kightly died January 1 1, iSgS. at her home in Hazleton, Indiana, and was buried at Oak Hill cemetery. She was a kind Christian woman, a fond wife and a loving mother and her loss was deeply felt, not only by her husband and family, but by all who knew her. In each of these \A-ives the husband found a true companion and helpmate and their deaths left him sadly bereaved. After the death of his last wife in 1898, one of his granddaughters. Miss Mary A. West, assumed the duties of housekeeper for his home. In the following August she was married to John Knaub, and those two made their home with the aged man until his final summons. In this connection it may be said that to their loving care and devotion much of llie happine,ss of his latter days was due. He was the object of their kindness, care and solicitude and his interests and happiness were their first thought.

Coming from Evansville, where his first job of work had been the clearing of trees from the present site of the Union station to make way for a hay press, Mr. Kightly was a continuous resident of Hazleton from 1862 until his death, except six months in 1864, when, thinking he could better his conditions, he disposed of his business interests in Hazleton and engaged in the same line in Friendsville, Illinois. This being off a railroad line, he had to freight his goods from Evansville by wagon, crossing the Wabash ri\'er at Mt. Carmel, Illinois. He soon became aware that, for his business, he should be located on some railroad, and coming back to Hazleton, he repurchased the store he had owned there and settled down to make that ])lace his permanent home. Having made this decision he began to invest his savings in land in that section of the county and before his death he was owner of sexeral hundred acres of the best land in Gibson county, h'or many years Mr. Kightly passed his life peacefully and quietly as a country merchant, but in 1875 his landed interests having become of large proportions, he retired from his mercantile business and devoted his time to looking after his farm. Ever an arflent Republican, he did not refuse when in 1882 his party asked him to fill the office of county commissioner, and served two terms. During his term in office the magnificent county court house at the county seat was built and to his watchful care may be credited much of the good work there is to be seen on that building. He was the same careful, conservati\c business man when look-ing after the afl'airs of the count}- that he was in his own personal affairs, and he retired fmm that otfice with the confidence and respect of all with whom he had official dealings. Mr. Kightly was ever interested in the material progress of his home town, and in 1903, realizing that the business of Hazleton and the rich surrounding country lacked the advantages of a bank near at home, he was one of the first to set about the establishment of an institution of that kind. The result was that the Citizens State Bank of Hazleton. Indiana, was founded. He was elected its first ])resident and took an active interest in its affairs until a short lime liefore his death. At the time of his death he was a member of the order of Odd Fellows and until his death was a strong defender of the principles of that order. In personal appearance Air. Kightly was about five feel four inches in height, weighing about one hundred and sixty-five pounds. His com- plexion was normally fair, but owing to his love for outdoor life he was continually tanned until he had a swarthy appearance. He was always close shaven. He was very energetic and active and fond of walking and horseback riding and it was his great pleasure in his old age to mount his favorite horse "i\Iolly," a beautiful black, and ride to his farm daily. He loved his home and was a hospitable and entertaining host. Faithful and constant in his attendance at his church his life was that of an honest man who desired to serve his Maker and his deserving fellow men. He was a Methodist and gave freely of his time and means to further the advancement of that church and the gospel in general. He was honest in all of his dealings; was charitable, but was disposed to know that his charity was well directed. He wanted to live in peace with all mankind and _\et was quick to resent an attempt to perpetuate upon him a wrong. In all his dealings he tried to observe the precepts of the Golden Rule, nor did he look with any degree of charity upon a dishonest act. Personally, Mr. Kightly was sociable and genial with all, and, while possessed of a (|uick and violent temjjcr, he was quick to recover from such outbursts and, if in the wrong, to make ample apology. He looked on the habit of worrying as a sin and his philosophical advice to the man who worried might well be followed by all. To such an unfortunate he would say: "Don't worry, if what you are worrying about can he helped, go to work and help it; if it can't be helped, what is the use of worrying?"' No more truthful and sensible advice was ever given.

In 1850 Mr. Kightly had taken out his naturalization papers in Vanderburg county, Indiana. He never returned to his English home and never saw any of the family of his youth except his sister and his two brothers, John and Francis, who later came to this country. At his death in 1907 Mr. Kightly left the following surviving children: Mrs. Lucy Kightly Ennes, of Princeton, Indiana, wife of William S. Ennes, who served two terms as county treasurer of Gibson county, Indiana, being elected by the Republican party; and Francis J. Kightly, one of White Riv-er township's most progressive farmers, who lives on a splendid four-hundred-acre farm two miles southwest of Hazleton, Indiana. In his later life, Mr. Kightly celebrated each birthday anniversary by having his children and his childi-en's children meet with him to observe the day. On these occasions he delighted in gathering about him his descendants and relatives and relating humorous and often pathetic incidents through which he passed his younger days. He knew that his period on earth was drawing to a close, yet his desire as he grew older was to make those about him jo}'ful and contented. Often when the cares of the day were heaxy lie wmild lie dnwn upon his cdiu'h, draw iiis familiar old cap down over his eyes and soflly croon ur sing his favorite hymn, "Blessed be the Name of the Lord," until the tired eyes would close and sleep W(.nild softly hold him in its gentle embrace.

Mr. Kightly had all his life been of rugged and sturdy cunsliluliun and as age fastened its ruthless hand upon the sturdy frame the vital tissues of life began to wither and give out. His last sickness, if sicUness it could be called, was of comparatively short duration and through it all there was no suffering. It was simply the ijuiet. invisible dissolution of the mortal b(id_\ and the end drew gradually near. January i, 1907, he began to fail, hrom that time there was a gradual decline until he became perfectly helpless, though free from any suffering. His mental faculties remained strong and clear until within a few hours of his death. He knew those around him and not the least shadow of doubt clouded his mind as to the happy ending of the final summons. The last words he ever uttered on earth w'ere a line of his favorite hymn, which he no doul)t realized to the fullest extent. "Blessed be the Name of the Lord." .\t half past one on the morning of March 6, k.oj, his spirit bade adieu to its mortal clay and joined the lo\ed ones who had preceded him to the golden shore. His death was peaceful and painless and the loved ones who stood about his dying bedside could not mourn as those wiio ha\e no comfort, for they knev\' he was at rest. Another favorite hymn of his was "ANhen I Can Read My Title Clear to Mansions in the Skies." His funeral took place on Thursday, March 7, 1907, at two-thirty P. M., and it was one of the largest ever held in Hazleton. It was from the Metliodist Episcopal church and the services were conducted by Rev. \V. \V. Reynolds, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church, assisted by the presiding elder. Rev. Dr. J. W. Duncan, of the :\lethodist district, and the Rev. J. R. lulwards of the General Baptist church.

The life history of Mr. Kightly would not be comi)Iete without mention made of one who for many years made her home with him, his only sister, Mrs. 3.1arv Ann Knowles. .She married in England and w^as the mother of three children, all of whom died in infancy. Her marriage proving an unhappy one, she came to this country in 1863, and from that time to her death she lived with her brother. By her gentle ways and kindly heart she became established in the affections not only of the family, but of all who knew her. ",\untv Knowles," as she was known to all, was a mother to the children of the family, when they w-ere indeed motherless, and to her brother (65) ' in his man)' bereavements she was a tower of strength and a source of great comfort. She died at the home of her niece, Mrs. Lucy Ennes, at Princeton, Indiana, whom she was visiting in 1892, lacking one month of being eighty years old. Iler body was laid at rest at Hazleton, Indiana.

The grandchildren of Josiah Kightly follow : To Sarah Jane and A. V. West were born seven children, three now living: Mrs. Mary Ann Knaub, Mrs. Alice May Furgerson and Josiah A. West. To IMary Elizabeth and Albert Daly were born three children, all now deceased. To Lucy K. and W. S. Ennes were born four children. Vesper Dale, born March 9, 1891 ; Darle, born July 11, 1893 > Raymond, born August 3. 1902, and died in October, 1902; Lowell Kightly, born October 4, 1907.

The marriages of Josiah Kightly's grandchildren are as follows : 'Sla.ry Ann West and John Knaub, August 27, 1899: Josiah A. West and Luella Kays, July 26. 1902. The great-grandchildren follow : To Mr. and Mrs. Josiah West, Everett, - Ethel, Maud and Chester ; to Mr. and Mrs. Frank Furgerson, Gertrude May : to Mr. and Mrs. John Knaub, John and Velma.

Fraternally. Mr. Ennes is affiliated with the Masons, being a member of the blue lodge at Princeton, the chapter and council, he having attained to the thirty-second degree, while he and his wife are members of the Order of the Eastern Star, Golden Fleece Chapter No. 176, at Princeton, in which subject is a past patron and Mrs. Ennes is a past matron. They are members of the First Methodist Episcopal church.

Mills And Greek Families

This is to be a history of my ancestors and of myself and family. My father's family was of English descent and so was my mother's; my latlior's name was Alills, and my mother's maiden name was Stapleton.

My grandfather and grandmother Mills were born at Holowell. Kenebeck county, Maine. My grandparents, James and Rachael (Courson) Mills, were the parents of twelve children, nine sons and three daughters, all o« whom were born in the state of iMaine. They had seven sons in succession, my father, Duston JMills, being the seventh son. They reared eleven of the twelve children to manhood and womanhood. Their eldest child was a daughter, named Afifia ; then followed the seven sons : Bracket, Zizasa died in infancy, Richard, Asa, Daniel, James and Duston. The remaining children were Mary, John, Samuel and Caroline, the youngest of my grau'lfallur Mills' immediate family.

Aunt Aft'ia Mills married a man in Alaine, by the name of Richard Hussey, the progenitor of all the Husseys that I ever saw. Aunt Affia had thirteen children and raised them all to man's and woman's estate.

Uncle Bracket Mills married Miss Anna Reynolds, here in Indiana. Uncle Richard Mills married in the state of Maine. Uncle Asa Mills married a Miss Delight Vandusen. Uncle Daniel Mills married a Miss Hannah Chapman, and lived and died here in Gibson county. Uncle James Mills married a Kentucky lady by the name of Mahala Hopkins. Then my father, Duston Mills, married Miss Louisa Stapleton and settled on a tract of eighty acres that his father deeded to him, and where he lived and died. The next in order in grandfather's family was Aunt Mary Mills, who married a man by the name of Anson White, and lived in Illinois. Late in life they removed to Iowa, where l)oth died, leaving children, Ouincy. Lewis, .Matilda and Warrick. The next was Uncle John Mills, who married a Miss Elizabeth Varner, and lived and died in Carmi, Illinois. Uncle Samuel Mills married a sister of Uncle John Mills' wife. Her name was Sarah Varner. Aunt Caroline Mills, the youngest of my grandfather Mills' family, married a man by the name of William Coleman. They did not live to be very old. None of my father's family lived to an exceedingly old age.

Grandfather James Mills left the state of Maine on the first of March, 1810, for a new country. They started with wagons and teams and plunder. They traveled on west to the Genesee valley in New York, arriving there the last of ^Vpril. Then grandfather rented a large farm and put all of the family to raising di£ferent crops suitable to the climate. Then grandfather, Uncle Richard and a dog, started on foot for Indiana and Illinois, which was then the far West. They were gone so long that the family, not having heard from them, naturally became very uneasy. About the last of August, the dog they started with got l)ack lo the family in New \'ork. Thev naturally concluded that the Indians had killed grandfather and Uncle Richard. As the crops were all made grandmother thought best to sell off everything and go back to the state of Maine.

When grandfather and Uncle Richard reached Indiana, the dog then left them, and so they concluded to go back to New York and to get the family together, and return to Indiana. When they got back they found grandmother getting ready to go back to Ivlaine. Grandfather sold the crops and started for Indiana. They traveled on to Meadville, Pennsylvania, on the Allegheny river, arriving there in October. There they built family boats and embarked their teams, wagons and goods, and the several families started down the Allegheny and Ohio rivers, and landed al Evansville on New Year's day, 1811. There were but three houses in the place, which was then called Smith's Landing. The\- tied u\) at Smith's Landing and grandfather and Uncle Richard Hussey started to seek a location. They went north from Smith's Landing and located east of Princeton, but of course tliere was no Princeton then. They stopped and looked around where - Fort Branch is now, but went on north, where they hnally located. They then walked to Vincennes, where the land ofifice was then located, and entered their land. Grandfather took up a strij) a mile and a (piarter long by a half mile wide. Uncle Richard Hussey took a strip three-fourths of a mile long 'oy one-half of a mile wide. They then returned to Smith's Landing, unloaded and sold their boats, and took up their march to possess their new land, and build their homes. Whip sawing was the only way people got lumber in those days, so they made a whip saw and sawed up some of the large trees they found on their land, and built their homes. Uncle Richard Mills was the only one of grandfather Mills' sons who had married. He married in New York, at Ocean Point. He built a log cabin in the woods where James Hussey's old house now stands. He dug a well and cleared some ground. They had two sons. Uncle Richard had learned the cabinet trade and did not Hke pioneering, so he left this place and the last we ever heard of him he was in Canada.

Uncle James was named after grandfather and followed farming. Grandfather and grandmother lived with Uncle James since I can remember. Uncle James and Aunt Mahala had two sons and four daughters. About the year 1838 or 1839, grandfather and Uncle James got the notion to have richer land, so they sold the home and look Congress land in Patoka bottoms, near Aloore's bridge. They built a log house, large enough for both families, and in two years they were all dead of malaria, and were buried on their farms in the bottoms.

Duston Mills was the seventh son in succession of my grandfather's family. He married Louisa Stapleton, the oldest daughter of Joshua Stapleton, also a pioneer of this part of Indiana. Duston Mills was born at Holowell, Kenebeck county, in the state of Maine, on June 5, 1804. His wife, Louisa, was born April 2^. 1808, in Robinson county, Tennessee. Duston Mills and Louisa Stapleton were married in Xoveml)er, iSjj. To ihcm were born twelve children. On .M.irch 14. 1829, there were born to them twins, a son and a daughter, the daughter weighing one pound and the S(3n seven pounds. Tlie son, whom they named Zyasa, died within twenty-four hours after l)irth, while the daughter is living yet, at the age of seventy-seven years. They named the daughter Berilla. Their third child was a daughter which was born February 4, 183 1, and was named Adelia. The fourth child was a daughter, born Sej^tember 2, 1832, and named Cecelia. The fifth child was born November 8. 1833, 'i"'! named Zelissa. The si.xth child was a son. born January 6. 1835. named Byron. The seventh child was a son, born March 20, 1838, named Horace. The eighth child was a daughter, born August 15, 1840. and named Elvira. The ninth and tenth children were twins, born May 5, 1843, and named Albert and Almena. The eleventh and twelfth children were twins, born November 19, 1846, and named John and ?\Iary. This completes the names and ages of the Duston Mills family.

The remainder of grandfather Mills' family were (i) Mary, who married Anson \\"hite, and both died in Iowa, leaving quite a family. (2) John Mills, who married Elizabeth \'arnor. who lived and died in Carmi, Illinois. They left a family of three children. (3) Samuel, who lived and died in Grayville, Illinois, leaving a family of two children. He married Sarah Varner. (4) Caroline, the youngest of the twelve children of my grandfather Mills, married a Mr. Coleman. They died young and left no family. The oldest daughter. Berilla, married Joseph Greek, who w.is a brick maker at the time of their marriage, but eventually l)ecame a farmer. They are both living at this date, August 8, 1907, and have reared a family of tvi^elve children. Three children died in infancy and five are alive at the present time. Their eldest was a daughter, Ellen, vi^ho married John Seals. She died within two years after marriage, leaving a little daughter who soon followed her to the grave. Their second child was a son, born April 4, 1850, whom they named Albert Tell. He married Sarah Burchfield. He was killed a few years ago by stepping off a moving train, leaving his widow with quite a family. Their third child was a daughter named Joanna, born January 5, 1852, who was married when quite young, to a man by the name of Marshfield T. Paul. They had a daughter and son before she died. The fourth child, George William, was l)orn April 18, 1854. and died October 27, 1855. The fifth child was a son, born February 28, 1855, and named John Henry. The sixth child, born May 18. 1855. was Alace May. The seventh child was born September 29, i86n, named Abraham Lincoln. The eighth child, Samuel Milo, was a son, born March 6, 1863, and died October 19, 1863. The ninth child, Kate Louisa, was born October 20. 1864. The tenth child was a daughter, Margaret Adelia, born June 27. 1867. ami died iMarch 12,1868. The eleventh child, Rhoda, was born January 20, i860. The twelfth child was a daughter, Zelissa Mills Greek, born April 27, 1871.

The deaths of the family of Joseph and Berilla Greek u]) to the present time (1907) are as follows: George William, October 27, 1855; Samuel Milo, October 19, 1863; :\Iary Adelia. March 12, 1868: Ellen Greek Seals, April II, 1873; Joanna Greek Paul. October 21, 1873; and Abraham L. Greek, July 8, 1876.

Willlvai C. Hudelson

There is no positive rule for achieving success,' and }et in the life of the successful man there are always lessons which might well be followed. The man who gains prosperity is he who can see and utilize the opportunities that come in his path. The essential conditions of human life are eyer the same, the surroundings of individuals differing but slightly, and when one man passes another on the highway of life to reach the goal of prosperity ahead of others who perhaps started out before him, it is because he has the power to use advantages ^\'hich probabh- encompass the whole human race. Today among the prominent citizens and successful men of Gibson county stands \Viniam C. Hudelson, retired farmer and stock raiser. The qualities of keen dis- crimination, sound imlynK-nt and executive ahilily enter very lar.irely into his makeup and have been cinitrilnitir.i.;- elements lo ihe material success which has come to him.

\\'illiam C. Hudelson is a native uf (iihsnn cnunty and first ^aw the liLjht of clay on IJecember 4. i8_|4, on the oKl 1 ludelson Immestead iu I'atoka township, section 22. He is the son (if Alexander, born l-'ebruary 16, 1S22. in Patoka township also, anil he is the son of ,\le\ander:\\ho was born near Lexington, Kentuck\-, and who came to Ciibson county as early as 1813 or 1814, and securing a tract of wild land, proceeded to clear it and devote his talents to general farming and stock raising. He was quite successful in this and later retired, taking up his residence in Princeton, where he and his wife, who was Mary Crawford, both died. They were the parents of ten children, all of whom are dead; Samuel, the eldest, passed his life in Ciilison county; James was a farmer and also a merchant and produce man at I'aloka and was widely known; John was a farmer in Montgomery township, ( iibson countv ; Moses was also a farmer, whose later years were passed in Princeton, where he died; William was a farmer who went to Zenia, Illinois, and died there; Alexander was the father of the immediate subject of this sketch; Mary married the Reverend Samuel Baldrich, a minister of the .\ssociate Reform church, and the_\- made their home in different i)laces; Jane became the wife of Payton Devin and they made their home just north of Princeton; Ann w-as the wife of Judge Eli Ely, who li\ed in Princeton, and Isabelle, who always remained at home and took care of her parents. Isabelle remained unmarried. She also took care of her niece, Mary El\-, the daughter of .\nn

Alexander Hudelson,; father of William C. Hudelson, was given an excellent education for his day and localit)'. When he grew to manhooil he located on an eighty-acre farm in Center township, this county, where he lived for about four years, after which he resided in different parts of the county until he retired from the active life of a farmer and took u]) his residence in Princeton, where he died May 11, 1904. On September 7, 1843, he was united in marriage to Julia Ann Kellogg of Ohio, born February 5, 1825, who still resides with the subject at the advanced age of ninety. To their union were born ten children, namely: W'illiam Crawford, the subject of this sketch, being the .first born; I.avina Belle, born May 3, 1S4O. died May 10, 1846; Alexander Chalmer, born Ajiril 18, 1847, who married Ella Tucker and is a farmer in Center township, this county; Mary Ellen, born February 15, 1849, died unmarried March 25, 190^; Emma Belle, born

June 21, 1851, who married T. Gillespie, of David City, Nebraska; Warren Stewart, born February 22, 1854, a contractor and builder at Los Angeles, California; James Perry, born March 2^. 1856, died December 20, 1913; John McDill, born July 5, 1858, a minister of the IVlethodist Episcopal church, and at present located at Versailles, Indiana. His wife was Addie Hovall ; Lucius Rolla, born April 8, 1861, died December 6, 1905, a doctor of medicine, who received his education in the Philadelphia Medical College of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and practiced in Princeton and later in Rush county, Indiana. Dr. L. R. married Maude Ellis. Samuel Grant, the youngest child of the family, was born January 5, 1864, and is a telegraph operator at Clearwater, Kansas. His wife was Mamie Yenowine.