Gibson County, Indiana - Biographical sketches, 1914 (part 7 of 20)

An enumeration of the representative citizens of Gibson county who have won recognition and success for themselves and at the same time conferred honor u]3on the community dignified by their citizenship, would be decidedly incomplete were there failure to make specific mention of the popular gentleman whose name initiates this review, who has long held worthy prestige in business and social circles and has always been distinctively a man of affairs. He wields a wide influence among those with whom his lot has been cast, ever having the affairs of his county at heart and doing whatever he could to aid the general development of his native locality, thereby deserving the applause which is toda}' accorded him liy all classes.

J. W. Ivurtz was born in Gibson county, January 5, 1848, the son of William and E. I. (Arbuthnot) Kurtz. The father was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1818, and emigrated to the state of Indiana in early days, locating first at Vincennes, later at Patoka and then at Princeton, Gibson county, where he worked in the newspaper business and took an active interest in political affairs, serving as auditor of the county for ten years and as a member of the school board for eighteen years. He was a public-spirited man, being allied with the Democratic party until the outbreak of the Civil war, at which time he transferred his allegiance to the Republican party, later in life, however, voting independently. To the subject's parents were born nine children, of whom three are yet li\-ing, namely : Joseph is residing in Princeton ; Clara married S. F. Brazelton, who is a township trustee ; and I. W.

Henry Kurtz

Alter J. \V. Kurtz had cuiniiktetl his early education, aa|uired in the common schuols, he clerked iu a grocery store tor ahout a year and then vvorked in a printing office tor about the same length of time, at the end of which period he went into the grocery and fancy goods business and was so engaged from December i, 1864, until 1895. In the latter year Mr. Kurtz took up the real estate and insurance business, which he still continues and in which he has been eminently successful. He handles the local business for some of the strongest and most reliable companies in the country, among them being the Fidelity-Phenix Insurance Company of New York, the Liverpotil and London and the Globe Companies, the Germania Fire Insurance Company of New Yoik, the Connecticut I*'ire Insurance Company of Hartford, the Queen Fire Insurance L"om])any of .\merica. and others equally as well known. In his real estate business he has confined his operations to city and county property.

In October, 1878, Mr. Kurtz was united in marriage to Ophelia C. Baldwin, daughter of Reuben and Nancy (Harper) Baldwin, Reuben Baldwin being a well known old settler anfl merchant of Gibson county. To the subject and wife have been born two children: Fred B. is a ph\sician and lives in Indianapolis; Ralph B. is in business with his father.

Never being ambitious to become an officeholder, Mr. Kurtz has contented himself in the exercise of his franchise in the interests of the Republican party and left the oftentimes intemjjerate scramble for public office to those so inclined.

George D. Seitz

Holding distinctive prestige among the leading business men of Haubstadt, Gibson county, Indiana, and standing out clear and distinct as one of the public-spirited citizens of his community. George D. Seitz has achieved an honorable record as an enterprising, self-made man, who from a modest beginning and by his own undivided eff(7rts has worked his way to a position of affluence and influence in the commercial world. His life has been one of unceasing industry and perseverance and the systematic and honorable meth-. ods which he has ever pursued have gained for him the unbounded confidence and esteem of his fellow men and a permanent place among those to whose energ)', sound judgment and superior foresight the town of Haubstadt is so largely indebted for its advancement.

George D. Seitz was born in the fatherland in the month of June, 1852, the son of John Seitz, who emigrated to America in i860, later bringing his family to this country. He located in New York city, and soon afterwards enlisted in the Federal army, from which time all trace of him has been lost. The subject of this .'sketch was placed in an orphanage for a time, and was then sent west to the state of Indiana, where he was reared, working at farm labor until he reached the age of eighteen, at which time he took employment with a railroad company which was afterward merged with the Chicago & Eastern Illinois. While in the service of this railroad in the capacity of brakeman, the subject was so unfortunate as to lose a leg, the accident occurring while he was engaged in switching in the yards at Princeton. The railroad company gave him employment, as soon as he was able to again take up active work, as agent, he being the first agent of the company at Haubstadt, assuming the duties and responsibilities of that position in 1874 and continually serving in that capacity for eighteen years.

In 1892 Mr. Seitz resigned as agent and engaged in business for himself, opening up a lumber yard, the first in the community. He was married, on March 14, 1875, to Nioma J. Ott, of Carlisle, Indiana, the daughter of John Ott, one of the representative citizens of that place. This union has been blessed by the birth of three children, namely : Amy Grace is the wife of Joseph Tenbarg, of Haubstadt, who is in business with his father-in-law ; Sophia Florence is the wife of Frank Riffert, of Haubstadt, and Dora K. is living at home.

By a course of methodical industry and upright dealing, Mr. Seitz has steadily increased the volume of his business, to which he has added a sawmill and a planing-mill. He handles a large amount of southern lumber, some from the state of Washington, and also saws quite a large amount of native timber. The mills and large lumber sheds are located conveniently adjoining the railroad track, affording splendid shipping facilities. They are located with an eye to decreasing fire hazard, and in every respect are absolutely up to date in construction and equipment. Located near his business is the subject's fine modern residence, surrounded by a large and wellkept lawn, in which Mr. Seitz takes justifiable pride.

The subject of this biography was one of the prime movers in the erection of the Christian church, it being the first Protestant church in the township, and he has always taken an active part in its growth and upkeep. He is proud of the fact that since its construction in 1904 he has missed but four services and these were on account of illness or being absent from the town. Along with his other activities, the subject is vice-president of the Bank of Haubstadt, and has had a large part in the develoiinient of that staunch linancial institution.

For thirty years the subject has been a faithful and appreciative niember of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is also affiliated with the Tribe of Ben-Hur. In every phase of his activities he has established a reputation for being a good, clean, upright citizen, and his friends are in number as his acquaintances.

One of the most difficult literary tasks is to write an unexceptionable review of a living man. If the life is worthy of record there is always danger of offending that delicacy which is inseparable from merit; for even moderate praise, when it meets the eyes of its subject, is apt to seem fulsome, while a nice sense of propriety would not be the less wounded by a dry abstract containing nothing but names and dates. To sum up a career which is not }-et ended would appear like recording events which have not yet transpired, since justly to estimate the scope and meaning of a history it is important that we have the closing chapter. In writing a biographical notice, therefore, the chronicler from the moment he takes up his pen should consider the subject as no longer among his contemporaries, for thus will he avoid the fear of offending by bestowing praise where it is merited and escape the risk of giving but a fragmentary view of that which must eventually be taken as a unit. At some risk, therefore, the writer assumes the task of placing on record the life and character of a man, who, by the force of strong individuality, has achieved eminent success in the \ocations to which he has addressed himself and has won for himself an enviable place among the leading men of the city and county honored by his citizenship.

Samuel Hamilton West was born in Johnson township, Gibson county, Indiana, July 8, 1861, the son of Samuel H. West, born in the same township and county in 1820 and died in 1898, and Catherine (Sidle) West, a native of Meadville, Pennsylvania. The subject's grandfather, James W^est, came to Indiana from near Nashville, Tennessee, early in the nineteenth centurvand was one of the settlers in the Rappists' colony at New Harmony, but becoming dissatisfied after about a year, he removed to Gibson county, where he was one of the pioneers. He was a man of devout religious convictions and was active in the organization of the first Methodist church. He was a successful and honored man in his community, rearjng a family and giving them as good an education as the limited school facilities of that time afforded. His death occurred in his seventieth year.

The subject's father, Samuel H. West, Sr.. early in life displayed the energy and ambition which brought him such marked success later in life. At the age of fifteen, not being satisfied with the home in which the family was living, he went into the forest, cleared away the timber, cut and hewed the logs and erected a new home, which was occupied by the family for over half a century. He then proceeded to clear a place and erected a home for himself, and on its completion he married and brought his bride to the new home. However, after a few years, he built what was considered an exceptionally fine house in those days. His was an active life, spent in work of great benefit to his fellow men. A-'ery devout in his religious life, he was a pillar and charter member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Fort Branch, in which town he spent his declining years. He took quite an interest in educational matters, his children receiving the best that could be secured in the schools of those early days.

To Samuel H. West, Sr., and wife were born eight children, namely: Louisa, who married N. H. Dorsey, of Oakland City, Gibson county, Indiana, is deceased ; W. L. is referred to elsewhere in this volume ; J. A. is engaged in the lianking business in Antioch, California; Elzie died in infancy; Mary is the widow of P. A. Bryant and lives in Fort Branch; Isabelle married C. F. Gilbert and lives in Cleveland, Ohio ; Samuel H. ; Susan married W. A. Baldwin and lives at Winona Lake, Indiana.

The subject of this sketch passed his boyhood days on the home place, attending the short terms of the district school and devoting the remainder of his time to helping in the work of the farm. On September 2, 1878, Mr. \Vest was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Martha A. Cooper, daughter of William Cooper, an early settler in Gibson county. To this union were born four children, as follows: Bertram C, who lives in Oakland, California: one died in infanc}-; J. A. died when two years old; Ruth is now living in California. The subject's first wife died in March, 1896, and after her death Mr. West gave up farming and removed to Fort Branch, where, in partnership with his brothers, he organized a private bank. This institution was conducted on the basis of a private bank for about four years, and in 1900 it was merged into a state bank, it continuing as such for eight years, when it was reorganized as a national bank. The original name of the

Farmers and Merchants Rank has licen cnntiiiucd witli tlie addition of "National." A recent .statement shows tlie resources and hal)iiities each to equal two hundred and t\vent\-fne to two hundred and forty lh<iusand dollars. The present officers are: S. 11. West, president; (lerhard Sollnian, vice-president, and H. G. Graper, cashier.

Mr. West has sold the original home and has also done a ^reat deal of trading in real estate. When he left his farm in i8y6 it was considered one of the best equipped farms in the community, it lieing well stocked with tine live stock, short-horn cattle being specialized in, while immense cro])s of corn and wheat were annually harvested.

Fraternally, Mr. West is a member of the Masonic blue lodge, and he has also been through the chairs in the Independent Order of Odd I^^ellows. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Fred D. Luhrixg

There is no one nation that has contributed to the complex composition of our American social fabric an element of more sterling worth or of greater value in fostering and supporting our national institutions than has Germany. The fatherland has given us men of sturdy integrity, indomitable perseverance, high intelligence and much business sagacity - the result being the incorporation of a firm and strength-giving fiber, ramifying through warp and woof. A man who may look well with pride upon his German ancestry is the subject of this review, who is a native of Gibson county, where he has passed practically his entire life, attaining a success worthy the name, with the accompanying and resulting confidence and regard of his fellow men.

Fred D. Luhring was born Octtjber 6, 1849. i" Johnson township, Gibson county. Indiana, the son of Louis and Louisa ( .Stinkle ) Luhring. natives of Hanover, Germany, the former born December 15, 1810. died July 18, 1867: the mother was born January 25, 1816, and died March 24, 1903. The subject's maternal grandfather emigrated to .\merica and located in (Jibson county at an early date. Louis Luhring crossed the broad .Atlantic to the new world when he was a young man, and, having early learned the trade of blacksmithing, he worked at that vocation for a while in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, coming to the Hoosier state and locating in Gibson county some years previous to the subject's birth. The father met an untimelv death at the age of fifty-six years, being kicked by a mule, he following the work of lilacksmithing in addition to his agricultural duties.

Of a family of six children, five of whom are now living, the subject was the fourth in order of birth. His early youth was occupied with his many duties on the home farm, he attending the short terms of the schools of those days. Following his graduation from the common branches, he taught for two terms, and then served an apprenticeship to the carpenter trade, which he fully mastered and followed for a number of years.

On May 17, 1885, Mr. Luhring was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Caroline M. Smith, of Barton township, Gibson county, daughter of Charles and Caroline Smith, natives of Germany. Her father was born September 6, 1824, and died February 7, 1868; the mother born November 24, 1824, died November 25. 1872. This union has been blessed by the birth of three children, namely : Clydia is deceased ; F. C. is a telegraph operator in the employ of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad Company; Curtis E. is at Princeton, where he is agent for the traction company. For a short period after his marriage the subject of this sketch engaged in contracting, building a number of houses, but in 1895 he opened a shop and started in the implement business, which he has continued until the present time, enjoying a large patronage and having established a reputation for integrity and fairness in his business dealings which has not only aided him in material ways, but has gained for him a large and ever-widening circle of admiring friends. The location of his place of business is one of the very best in the town of Haubstadt and his stock of goods is of the best standard lines, he having the agency for the International Harvester Company. Besides his mercantile interests, the subject is interested in the Bank of Haubstadt, of which institution he is a director.

Aside from six years' service in the responsible office of township trustee, Mr. Luhring has refused political honors, content to limit his interest in such things to voting for those best qualified. In all the walks of life the subject has won a reputation for honesty, integrity and public spirit of which any man might well be proud.

An enumeration of the representative citizens of Gibson county would be incomplete without specific mention of the well known and popular gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. A member of one of the old and highly respected families of the community and for many years a publicspirited man of affairs, he has stamped the impress of his individuality upon the township and county in which he resides and added luster to the honor- able name which he bears, having always been scrupulously honest in all his relations with his fellow men and leaving no stone unturned whereby he might benefit his own condition as well as that of his neighbors, consef|uently he has long ago won the favor of the people of the township of which he is the efficient trustee.

S. R. Lockwood was born in Evansville, Indiana, Octolicr i, 1867, the son of John Lockwood and Josephine fEarl) Lockwood, he a native of Gibson county and she of ^'anderburg county. The father of John Lockwood was Edwin Lockwood, a pioneer of Gibson county, who settled in the virgin forest near Fort Branch and hewed a home out of the wilderness. He continued farming all his life, except for a time when he engaged in the saw mill business and another period was keeper of a store in Evansville, Indiana. He died at the age of seventy.

John Lockwood enlisted in the Union army at the outbreak of the Civil war, being mustered into Company A, Forty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He served throughout the war and was in a number of the most important engagements, among others l^eing the memorable struggle at Missionary Ridge. He was Iionorably discharged as ^a corporal at Rome, Georgia, in July, 1865. On his return home from his country's service he married Josephine Earl, who was born in Vanderburg county, Indiana, near Evansville, the daughter of Robert and Sarah Earl, early settlers, the)- having come to Vanderburg county down the Ohio river in a tlatboat. To this union two children were born, the father dying in 1872, and the mother subsequently married James Lockwood, a cousin of her first husband. James Lockwood was a prominent and successful farmer of his community. He died in May, 1S98, and the mother is now residing with the subject, enjoying excellent health and displaying the vigor and appearance of a woman of forty. Her ancestors were of English and Irish stock, the Pearls being English and the McCutcheons, on the maternal side, Irish.

S. R. Lockwood passed his boyhood days on the farm, attending the common schools at Fort Branch, also graduating from the high school. On arriving at mature age he purchased a part of his step-father's farm, on which he lived forty-seven years, continuing the active life of an agriculturist until 1898, when he rented his place and removed to Fort Branch. In 1908 he was elected township trustee, and is now serving the last year of a six-year term.

In September, 1898, S. R. Lockwood was married to Anna Patten, of Gibson county, the daughter of James C. Patten, M. D., one of the leading citizens of the community, highly respected for his successful career as a physician and for his splendid record as a soldier in the dark days of the Civil

Fraternally, the subject is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. His religious affiliation is with the Methodist Episcopal church at Ft. Branch. Politically, he has always been a staunch Republican and served four years as town clerk of Ft. Branch. He built his present fine home in 1911 at the corner of Lincoln and Locust streets.

In the anxious and laborious struggle for an honorable competency and solid career on the part of the average business man fighting the every-day battles of life, there is but little to attract the idle reader in search of a sensational chapter; but for a mind fully awake to the reality and meaning of human existence there are noble and immortal lessons in the life of the man who, without other means than a clear mind, a strong arm and a true heart, conquers fortune and gains not only temporal rewards for his toil, but also that which is greater and higher, the respect and confidence of those with whom his years of active life have placed him in contact.

J. C. Kimball was born April i, 1831, at Cynthiana, Posey county, Indiana, the son of Elisha and Mary (Boyle) Kimball. Elisha Kimball was a skilled mechanic and was the inventor of successful improvements on the cotton gin, he, however, dying before he could reap the pecuniary benefits of his work. He was a man of high order of intellect and stood well in the respect and admiration of his fellow men. Besides the subject, there was born to Elisha and Mary Kimball one other child, William, now deceased, who was a soldier in the Civil war.

J. C. Kimball spent his boyhood at home with his parents until he reached the age of twenty )^ears, when he struck out for himself and came to Gibson county by four-horse stage from Evansville, and established himself in the hardware business, which line he was engaged in up to the time of his retirement in 1905, a period of fifty-four years. In connection with general hardware, the subject handled stoves, tinware and agricultural implements, and his clean-cut and above-board business methods and his genial personality won for him not only a large patronage, but gained for hitn a wide circle of friends. He was a tinner during all his active years.

In 1862 Mr. Kimball wa.s commissioned lirst lieutenant in (.(inipan)- A, Eightieth Regiment Indiana Volmiteer Infantry, and his command was a part of the Army of the Cumberland. ^Ir. Kiml)an was under lire in a number of engagements, notably the Ijattle of Perryville. Ill health caused his resignation from the army.

In October, 1855, J. C. Kimball was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Amanda E. Johnson, of Evansville, and this union was blessed by the birth of two children, Newton, who died young, and Ella C, now deceased, who married Dr. VV. H. JNIcGee and was the mother of one child, Edith. Mr. Kimball's wife passed to her reward July 19, 1907.

The Grand Army of the Republic has claimed the membership of Mr. Kimball for many years, and. fraternally, he belongs to the Masonic lodge, having been a charter member of the lodge of that order at Princeton. He is also a member of the Presbyterian church. Although ne\er having been a seeker after public ofifice, Mr. Kimball has ever given his earnest and active support to the Republican party.

-Vt the present time the subject of this re\'ie\v is retired and lives in his comfortable and hospitable home at No. 219 East State street in Princeton, peacefully enjoying the well deserved rest which he has earned by a life well spent in strenuous and honorable pursuits. In the slowly dimming twilight of life's day, Mr. Kimball can rest content and serene, confident that to him the Master will say, "Well, done, thou good and faithful servant."

William T. Lowe

Perseverance and sterling worth are almost always sure to win conspicuous recognition in all localities. William J. Lowe, for three-quarters of a century a resident of Gibson county, affords a line example of a successful, self-made man, wdio is not only eminently deser\-ing 'of the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens, but also possesses the necessary energy and integrity that fit him to discharge the duties of any responsibility with which he may be entrusted. .\ man of vigorous mentality and strong moral fiber, he has achieved a signal success in the battle of life.

\\'illiam J. Lowe was born December 17, 1S44, two and one-half miles west of Fort Branch, Gibson county, Indiana, the son of Littleton and Patience (.Allen) Lowe. Littleton Lowe was born in Kentuckv in 1812 and (39) came with his parents to Mt. A^ernon, Indiana, when he was a boy of twelve, the}^ settling in the woods, where they wrested a home from the wilderness and lived the rest of their days.

Littleton Lowe, on the death of his parents, settled two and one-half miles west of Fort Branch, in Gibson county, where he secured one hundred and sixty acres of land, he clearing forty acres and building a home. Here he continued until 1865, when he removed to Fort Branch, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in his seventy-fourth year, his wife dying at the age of sixty-three. He was a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church. In connection with farming, he also was the owner of a store for a number of years. To Littleton Lowe and wife were born ten children, namely: Melinda married L. T. ]\Iead and lived in Exeter, Nebraska, both now being deceased; Howard, who was in the piano business at Cynthiana, Indiana, died in 1907; Mary, deceased, was the wife of John Wells and lived five miles east of Fort Branch ; Nancy married George W. Stone, of Owensville, Indiana; Lavina, who is deceased, married John Jones and lived at Fort Branch ; Ella, deceased, Avas the wife of B. Ewing and lived in Lincoln,- Nebraska; William J.; Susan, deceased, was the wife of Henry Montgomery and lived near Fort Branch; Martha is the widow of William Sweazy, of Helena, Montana; George W. is in the barber business at Los Angeles, California.

A typical pioneer school house was the one attended by the subject in his youth. The old Robb school Avas two miles through the woods from his home, and it had the puncheon seats and primitive appliances so well remembered by our fathers. Mr. Lowe remained at home assisting in the farm work until the Civil war broke out, when, on January 17, 1865, he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Forty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, at Haubstadt. During his term of service he was activety engaged, at times on provost duty, with the army in eastern Tennessee, and on the cessation of hostilities he returned to Indianapolis with his comrades and was mustered out in October, 1865.

After the close of the Civil war Mr. Lowe engaged in farming two miles from Owensville, in Montgomery township, for four years and then removed to Fort Branch. He bought eighty acres five miles east of Fort Branch in Patoka township and lived there for about eight years, when he secured a tract of ninety-one acres (now a part of Fort Branch) and resided on it for five years. For seven years the subject engaged in the furniture and undertaking business at Fort Branch, and in i8q2 he located in Princeton, entering into partnership witli A. W. Layow, un<lcr the tirm name uf Lagtnv & Lowe, furniture and undertaking being the hue of business. This partnership continued for about a year, when C. A. Scull was admitted to the firm and at the end of another year the business was divided, the subject taking charge of the undertaking department, Init in i<>o8 Mr. Lowe sold his interests. In 1907 Mr. Lowe established a furniture and undertaking business at Huntingburg, Indiana, which he still controls, and he is the owner of the livery stable and morgue on East Broadway in Princeton, as well as his own home.

On March 15, 1866, Mr. Lowe was united in matrimony to Betsy J. Pritchett, who was born two miles east of Owens\ille, the daughter of John and Mary Pritchett, who were pioneers in this count}-. The}- engaged in farming all their lives and are both now deceaseil.

To Mr. and Mrs. Lowe have been born the following children : Alvis, who is a motorman in Evansville, Indiana, married Nellie Schull ; Ezra, an undertaker at Evansville, married Sadie \\'alters; Anna May is the wife of W. E. Stillwell, an attorney at Evansville, Indiana; John E. is the (jwner of a cigar store in Denver, Colorado, and married Marjorie Younger; Ada Catherine is the wife of John W. Brownlee, of Munfordsville, Kentucky.

Mr. Lowe is a member of Archer Post No. 28, Grand Army of the Republic, at Princeton, and is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Fraternally, he belongs to the Masonic fraternity, up to the Knight Tempiar degree, being also affiliated with the Order of the Eastern Star, while he is a charter member of the Tribe of Ben-Hur.

In his special line of effort prolialily no man in southern Indiana has achieved a more pronounced success nor a larger record than William J. Ritterskamp, who is not only a market gardener of large importance, but is also a noted florist. Starting in a modest way, he has so conducted his affairs as to enjoy a steady and healthy growth through the years, until now the interests with which he is identified are numbered among the most important enterprises in Gibson count}-. Because of the eminent success which he has achieved, Mr. Ritterskamp has gained a reputation which extends far beyond the borders of his own locality. His life has been one nf untiring activitv, and has been crowned with the degree of success attained bv those only who devote themselves indefatigably to the work before them. He is of the high class of business men, and none more than he deserves a fitting recognition among the men whose genius and ability have achieved results that are most enviable and commendable, and because of his splendid record and his high personal qualities, he is eminently deserving of representation in the annals of this county.

William J. Ritterskamp was born in 1867 at Freelandville, Knox county, Indiana, and is the son of William and Louise (Heithecker) Ritterskamp, both of whom were natives of Germany, the father born near Ebberfeldt and the mother at In 1S44 William Ritterskamp came with his parents, John and Louisa ( Kircher) Ritterskamp, from their native country to America, locating at once in Knox county, Indiana. Here the parents first obtained a farm and later v.-ent into the merchandise business, in which they were successful. Both died in that county. They were the parents of eight children, namely: Henrietta, who became the wife of Henry Stahlschodt, of Evansville, Indiana ; Bertha, the wife of Fred Nothing, of Riverside, California; Julia, the wife of Daniel W. Becker, of Evansville, Indiana; Louisa, the wife of Samuel H. Kixmiller, of Freelantlville, Indiana; Alvina, the wife of William S. Pielmeier, of Chelsea, Michigan: IMartha, the wife of H. E. Schroeder, of Ereelandville. Indiana: John E., a retired farmer of Freelandville, and William, father of the subject of this sketch. William Ritterskamp received his education in the common schools, and upon attaining mature years became connected in the mercantile business with William Rahn at Evansville, Indiana. Several years later he joined the firm of McCord & Company at A'incennes, this state, and then engaged in the mercantile business at Freelandville, where he was engaged for thirty-three years. He is now retired from active business pursuits and is living at Princeton. His wife died in 1872, and subsequently he married Wilhimenia Heinz, of Germany. To his first marriage were born the following children: William John, the immediate subject of this sketch; Julius H., who died in Colorado in 1912, was a merchant and saw-mill man in Knox county, but went to Colorado in 1908, and engaged in the shoe business in Colorado Springs. Eventually he sold out and, buying a tract of land at Alamosa, Colorado, engaged in dry farming. He married Christina A^olle, and to them were born six children, namely : Lena, Walter, Oscar, Paul, Helen and Laura. This family now lives at Freelandville, Indiana. Emma Ritterskamp died in infancy. Laura became the wife of H. S. Pielmeier, a merchant at Freelandville, and thev have two children, Helwig and Irene. Louise mar- ried Roscoe Hill, professor in the high school at Colorado Springs, Colorado. They have two children, Max and Louisa. Helen is the wife of Theodore Osborne, of Oaktown, Indiana. Julia is the wife of Albert A. Faller. a merchant at Bicknell, Indiana, and they ha\-e two children, Joseph and Louisa. Godfried, who graduated from the Indiana State University, taught German in the Vincennes high school, and is now connected with the Tribune at Chicago. Gertrude is at home. William Ritterskamp is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, and while a resident of Knox county served as township trustee. Religiously, he is a member of the Evangelical church.

William J. Ritterskamp received a good common school education and later was a student at Elmhurst College. After completing his education he became identified with his father in the mercantile business until 1891, when he took up farming on reclaimed marsh land near Freelandville, which engaged his attention until 1897, when he came to Princeton and there engaged in the business of raising flowers. The story of the inception, rise and development of the business thus started by Mr. Ritterskamp reads more like romance than history. It is the stor\- of a persistent fight against innumerable obstacles, which would have daunted one of less sterling metal, and deserves the splendid success which has crowned his efforts. Upon coming to Princeton, Mr. Ritterskamjj built a greenhouse, which he kept up with the help of one man a part of the time. His first effort was successful, and he added to the original plant from time to time, including the Shannon greenhouses, the glass structures from the Martin Meyer gardens and smaller plants around Princeton, but the period of most rapid growth of the greenhouses dates from about seven years ago, when Mr. Ritterskamp bought several hundred hot-bed sites from discouraged Patoka cantaloupe growers, which he erected into cold houses at his gardens. A year later lie transformed them into hot houses, steam-heated, and from that time on his success was assured. In 1909 the business was incorporated under the name of the Princeton Gardens, all of the stock being owned by Mr. Ritterskamp and members of his family, and today the Princeton Gardens, or, as commonly known, the Ritterskamp Gardens, are one of the most important industries in this locality. During the busy season more than one hundred people are regularlv employed and at other times the average number of em])loyes is about fifty, many of whom are expert and competent horticulturists and floriculturists. Today the plant embraces about forty thousand square feet of glass, thirteen hot houses and six hundred square feet of hot beds, heated mostlv by hot water and steam. Two years ago new. modern structures with concrete walls, steel gutters and steel truss construction were erected for the culture of roses, and to give more room for the better development of carnation growing, and for this plant a modern steam boiler was installed. Three years ago Mr. Ritterskamp bought a tract of muck land and sand land, located about five miles southwest of Princeton and known as the Pittman farm. He at once put ten acres out to celery, which, however, was not a success the first year, though by subsequent efforts and the expenditure of money for drainage, fertilizers and other manipulations, he has proven that celery, onions, potatoes, cabbage and head lettuce can be successfully grown here. At present the trucking area, fruits, vegetables and plants, covers about one hundred and forty acres, much of the land producing two crops, and, in some instances, three crops. Many car-loads of bunch vegetables are sent to the Chicago market, and the gardens are widely known throughout the Middle West for quality of the products.

Mr. Ritterskamp has long been regarded as one of the foremost men of the country in various branches of gardening, and his services are in constant demand for instructive addresses before bodies of this character. In 1907 Mr. Ritterskamp, with eight others, signed a paper asking for a mass convention of vegetable growers and gardeners, for the purpose of forming an association, the result being that in October, of that year, at Cleveland,. Ohio, the Greenhouse Vegetable Growers' and Market Gardeners' Association of America was organized. It has been a very successful association, starting with ' sixty-nine members and growing to the present membership of over four hundred. From the time of its organization, Mr. Ritterskamp was a member of the executive board, and in October, 1913, at the convention of the association held at Toledo, Ohio, he was elected president and is now serving in that capacity. The honor which came to Mr. Ritterskamp was a pleasant surprise, as he was not a candidate and had no intimation that he was to be made the head of this international organization. However, it was the desire of the convention that a man be named who not only knew the theoretical side of gardening, but who knew virtually every phase of it from the standpoint of practical experience From his addresses and statements of practical experiences made at various gatherings over the country, his fellow members of his association decided that he was the man they wanted for the place, and he accepted the honor.

Aside from his floriculture and horticulture, Mr. Ritterskamp has turned his attention to other lines of effort and four years ago purchased the fruit in more than three hundred acres of orchards, in the handling of which he realized a substantial proiit. JMr. Ritterskaiup gciiorously refuses to take more than his share of the credit of the building up of this big business, saying that the credit belongs to all the members of his family, who have been tireless and unceasing in their efforts toward the building up of the enterprise. Among others who have been faithful and efficient assistants of Mr. Ritterskamp mention should be made of James T. Harman, of Perry county, this state, who has been with Mr. Ritterskamp for nine years, A. A. Smith, of Springfield, Illinois, Ed. \Veisgarber. who has special charge of the Lotus Celery Gardens, west of Princeton.

In 1889 William Ritterskamp was married to Louisa A. Pielimeier. of Freelandville, Indiana, the daughter of William and Fredericka Pielimeier, both of whom were natives of Germany, and early settlers at Vincennes, Indiana. Later they took up farming, which they followed for many years, but the father is now retired and is living at Freelandville, Indiana. To Mr. and Mrs. Ritterskamp have been born the following children: Gilbert, who married Charlotte Rosenbaum. of near Peoria, Illinois. After completing his common school education, he entered Purdue University, where he pursued the horticultural course, and also took a business course at Evansville, Indiana. He is closely associated with his father in his business. Edna is at home with her parents.

Fraternally. Mr. Ritterskamp is an appreciative member of the Free and Accepted Masons, belonging to the blue lodge at T'rinceton, while religiously he is a member of the First Presljyterian church. A man of high moral character and impeachable integrity, persistent industry and excellent judgment, he has stood for the best things, and throughout the community he occupies an enviable position in the esteem of his fellow men.

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 is in the power of each to accomplish. Some men belong to no exclusive class in life, apparently insurmountable obstacles have in many instances av.'akened their dormant faculties and served as a stimulus to carry them to ultimate success, if not 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 oliject. The life of David Archer, long a wellknown and successful business man of Princeton and now gone to his reward, is an example in point, for, by his individual efforts and close adherence to duty, he overcame the obstacles' encountered on the highway of life and at the same time won a reputation for right living among his fellow men.

David Archer was born in 1816, the son of Thomas and Mary (Mc- Calla) Archer, on the old Archer place, north of Princeton, Gibson county, Indiana, and died February 20, 1894, in the city of Princeton, that county.

Thomas Archer, the subject's father, a native of South Carolina, early in life located on a farm in Patoka township, two miles north of Princeton, Gibson county. He obtained one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he cleared and made a home, where he spent most of his days, engaged in general farming and stock raising. In later life he sold his farm and bought six acres north of Princeton, but his death occurred on the old home place. The early ancestral history of the Archer family is referred to more fully in another portion of this work in the biography of Samuel Hugh Archer, to which the reader is referred.

David Archer received his early educatioa in the common schools of the district and as a young man was engaged in business with his brother, Samuel M., of Princeton, later being associated in the clothing business for several years with A, E. Crow and having a number of other commercial interests. In 1847 he purchased the property at the corner of Broadway and South Gibson street in Princeton and erected a residence, later acquiring the property at No. 317 East Broadway, where he and his sister lived.

Mr. Archer married Martha McCalla, who was born in 1823 and died February 20, 1894, Mr. Archer passing to his reward June 2, 1883. Martha McCalla was born in the Chester district of South Carolina, the daughter of Thomas and Sarah Wayne (Gardner) McCalla. David McCalla, a brother of the subject's wife, married Elizabeth Harbison.

Thomas McCalla, the grandfather of Mrs. z\rcher, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, being a member of the Pennsylvania troops in that struggle, he afterward being pensioned by the government for his services.

To the subject and wife were born three children, namely: Beza was born in Princeton, Gibson county, Indiana, January 26, 1849, where he now resides and has business interests ; Mary Elizabeth was born in Gibson county and has always lived at home, now residing with her brother Beza; Isabella died in 1863. All of the subject's children received a good education in the schools of Princeton. Beza is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Robert Miltox Munford

It will always be a mark of distinction to have served in the Federal army during the great Civil war between the states. The old soldier will receive attention no matter where he goes if he will but make himself known, particularly if he puts on his old faded uniform. And when he passes away, which the last of them must do within a few years, most of them having already lived out their allotted three score and ten. according to the Psalmist, friends will pay him suitable eulogy for the sacrifices he made fifty years ago on the field or in the no^less-dreaded prison or hospital. And ever afterward his descendants will revere his memor}^ and take pride in recounting his services for his country in its hour of peril.

Robert Milton Munford was burn two miles northwest of Princeton, Gibson county, Indiana, on September 21, 183 J. the son of John and Mary Nixon (Archer) Munford, the former born in 1796, and the latter in 1800. They were natives of the Chester district, in South Carolina. John Munford was a son of James Munford, also of Chester district, who was descended from good old Scotch-Irish stock. John Munford came to Gibson county, Indiana, about 1815, a single man, and here obtained, first, a sixty-acre tract of government land, and later another tract of one hundred acres, two miles northwest of Princeton. It was all wild land, covered with a dense growth of timber, and to the clearing of this land and the creation of a farm he gave his remaining years, being successful in his enterprise and gaining the esteem and confidence of the community. His death occurred there on October 26, 1862. He was survived many years by his widow, who died in 1884. In addition to farming Mr. Munford was also an expert carpenter and was frequently called upon to do work of this kind for his neighbors. He was a Whig in his political views, but upon the organization of the Republican party he became. allied with that organization. He was at one time a member 0I the Reform Presbyterian church, and later became a member of the United Presbyterian church. He and his wife were'the parents of nine children, namely : James Riley, a farmer, married Ella Little, and both are deceased Thomas Harvey, deceased, married Louise Embree, William Archer, now deceased, who was a farmer and trustee of Patoka township, and lived his later years in I'rinceton. Jane was the wife of John Mauck, and both are now deceased. Mary, who never married, died in 1905. Robert Milton is the immediate subject of this sketch. Samuel E,, who was educated in the home schools, studied medicine, graduated from the Medical College of

"Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1861, came to Gibson county and here enlisted for three months' service, but did not go to the field. He then enlisted as a private in Company H, Seventeenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, but w^as appointed hospital steward, and later assistant surgeon and still later surgeon of the regiment. Eventually he became medical director of the division of which his regiment was a part, and served in this capacity until the close of the war. After the war he returned to Princeton and took up the active practice of medicine, in which he was eminently successful. He died in 1893. He married Mima Stoncberger, who still resides in Princeton. Doctor Munford was prominent in many ways in his community and he was loved by all who knew him. Alexander McLeod, th'e youngest child born to John and Mary Munford. v/as a member of Company A, Eightieth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was wounded in 1864 at the battle of Resaca, dying in Louisville.

Robert M. Munford had but little opportunity to attend school, such education as he had being obtained in the old log school, near his home. He remained with his parents until his marriage in 1856, when he took up farming operations on his own account, following this line of effort until 1861, when he enlisted as a private in Company D, Fifty-eighth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in Princeton, this regiment being assigned to the Army of the Cumberland. However, on account of his father's death and the fact that four of the sons were in the army, he came home in February, 1863, to take care of the home. Enlisting as private, he had been promoted to the position of hospital steward, in which he rendered efficient service. After his return from the war he located on the old homestead, where he resided continuously until the winter of 1899, when he relinquished active labor and removed to Princeton, where he has since resided. He still owns eighty acres of the old homestead, in the operation of which he has been very successful during his active years.

In 1856 Mr. Munford married Nancy J- Finney, a native of Gibson county, Indiana, the daughter of John K. and Lourena Finney. Their parents were natives of South Carolina, coming to Gibson county in the early days, locating in Patoka township. Mr. Finney was a railroad contractor and farmer, and was very successful in his affairs. He and his wife both died in this county. Mrs. Munford died on February 2, 1902, without issue.

Politically, Mr. Munford has always given ardent support to the Republican party, and has taken an intelligent interest in all local affairs, especially such as promise to be of material benefit to the community and his fellow citizens. Fraternally, he has been a member of Archer Post No. 28, Grand Army of the Republic, at Princeton, Indiana, for many years, and from the age of eighteen years has been an earnest and active member of the United Presbyterian church. He is a man of sterling qualities of character, even tempered, and scrupulously honest in all the relations of life, hospitable and charitable, and thus he has gained the approval and high esteem of all his fellow citizens because of his upright life.

Caia'In R. Howe

The man whose life now comes before the reader fur re\iew is too well and widely known and universally loved and respected for the biographer to attempt to add anything to the well-known story of his long and interesting life. Calvin R. Howe enjoys the uni(|ue distinction of being the oldest male white child bom in Gib.son county, Indiana, having first seen the light of day October 25, 1827, at a time when the broad acres of this fertile county were for the most part virgin timber and soil, the settlements small and far between and the beautiful homes, cities and well cultivated farms of today not even a wild dream in the minds of its earliest pioneers. The father of Calvin R. Howe was Willis Howe, born in Boone county, near Pinhook, Covington, Kentucky, and he in turn was the son of Robert and Elizabeth CMCCombs') Howe. Robert Howe, with his wife, eight sons and two daughters, came to Gibson county, Indiana, in 1819 and settled in White River township. He obtained a tract of wild land, which he cleared and there they made their home for a numlicr of years. He was always engaged in farming. In later life he moved to Lawrence county, Illinois, and there he died. His wife died in Knox county. The names of their children follow : James, William, John, Willis (subject's father), Benjamin, Sanford. Samuel. Jackson, Lucinda, Jane and Mary.

The opportunities for the education of the young were very meager during the youth of Willis Howe and he received only a very limited education. He early was apprenticed to the blacksmith trade in Princeton and later bought the business of William RalstOn and continued to operate that shop until his death in 1886, at the age of eighty-three years. He was quite skilled in his trade and an expert workman on edged tools. His reputation brought him business from Posey, Pike and Gibson counties and he prospered financially. He was one of the few men in this locality in his day who had money to loan and was well known and highly respected all over the county. He took an active interest m politics and was elected county treasurer about the year 1834: he was also justice of the peace for many years. He was a member of the old Whig party and when the Republican party came into existence he gave it his support. Two of his brothers, Benjamin and Samuel, were tanners by trade, Sanford and Jackson were blacksmiths and the rest of the boys were farmers. Willis Howe took as his wife Mary Minnis, who was born in South Carolina, a daughter of Calvin and Mary Minnis. Her parents were born in Ireland, emigrated to America and settled in South Carolina, coming to Indiana in 181 1. They reached their destination the da}' of the battle of Tippecanoe and in three weeks he was compelled to join the militia to go to the relief of Fort Harrison, but he only got as far as Vincennes, where he remained three weeks. His family, alone and doubtless suffering greatly through his absence, lived in their wagon until his return. During his absence they saw only one white man. Mr. Minnis settled in Gibson county near Stormont Hill and later lived one and one-half miles northwest of Princeton, where he continued fanning. He and his wife died in Princeton between the years 1850 and i860. They had only twin daughters, INlary, the subject's mother, and Jane, who became the wife of John \A'. Wood, and both are deceased. Willis Howe was a faithful member of the Methodist church and his wife of the Reformed Presbyterian. She died in 1879, at the age of seventy-three years.

Calvin R. Howe received his early instruction in the subscription schools of the day. .-\.t the age of twelve years he was studying Latin and was receiving instruction in Greek at the age of seventeen. He entered his father's blacksmith shop with the intention of mastering the trade and remained with him until his twenty-first year. At the age of twenty-two he went to Owensville, Indiana, where, in partnership with Timothy Techinor, he opened up a blacksmith shop. This partnership continued for two years, at which time they sold out and the subject and his father handled dry goods for two years. In 1856 Mr. Howe decided to settle down to farming and located one and one-half miles south of Princeton, where he continued for ten years, when he went to Salina county, Kansas, in 1866. However, he remained there only a few months and returned to Gibson county, locating one mile west of Princeton, where he remained for twenty-seven years, and for the past twenty years he has made his home in Princeton, practically retired from active life. He still owns ninety-seven acres of valuable land in section 12, Patoka township.

On November i8, 1S52, Mr. Howe was united in marriage with l^lizabeth J. Yerkes, who was born in 1S33 J^^lomesdale, Pennsylvania, a (laughter of Jacob Paul and Huldah (Skinner) Yerkes, he of Pennsylvania and she of New York state. In 1836 the Yerkes family came to Evansville, where the father died the same y-ar. The wife moved to Owensville. Indiana, where she reared her family and lived for a number of years, and died in \"anderburg county, Indiana, at the home of her oldest daughter, Mrs. G. B. McCutcheon. J\Ir. Yerkes was a carpenter by trade and the family were members of the Presb}-terian church. There were ten children in the family, as follows : Amelia, Jonathan, Reuben, Harriet, Margaret. Charlotte, Anna, Culparina, Elizabeth and Honcra. The last three named are living; Culpurina is the wife of Dr. David Malone, of Arnsville, Illinois; Honora is the wife of L. H. Hawes and lives at Mt. Vernon, Illinois, and Elizabeth is the wife of the immediate subject of this sketch. To Calvin R. Howe and wife were born seven children, two of whom died in infancy. The ones which grew to maturity are: Mary H., deceased wife of J. P. Brown, of Patoka township. At her death, which occurred in iqio, .she left two children, Charles Y., now attending dental college at Indiana]X)lis, and Lewis, who has been attending Moores Hill College for the past two \ears. The second child of Calvin R. Howe and wife was Anna, who died single at the age of thirty-three years; Charles J., who was a teacher and was drowned in the Colorado river in 1880; Willis Paul studied law, was admitted to the bar, practiced three years and died in 1890, and the fifth child is Nellie, wife of Andrew P. Carey, a dairy farmer in Patoka township. They are the parents of four children. Laura, Grace, deceased, Paul and Mabel.

Mr. and Mrs. Howe have a family heirloom much prized, in the form of a Masonic apron originally owned by Mrs. Howe's father, who was a prominent Mason. The apron is of white satin, hand-painted with the various eml:)lems of the order, and is o\-er one hundred years old. It is carefully framed in order to best preser\'e it intact.

At the age of twenty years Mr. Howe joined the Sons of Temi)erance, and attributes his health and longevity, at least in part, to his abstaining from alcoholic beverages. Considering Mr. Howe's years, he is a man of remarkable activity and general vitality and gets about as well as a man very many years younger. His eyesight and hearing are unimjjaired and he retains an excellent memory. I\Ir. and Mrs. Howe have been members of the Methodist Episcopal church for the last sixty-one years and have always taken an active interest in the affairs of the church. Mr. Howe's political sympathies are with the RepubHcan party and. although he has never aspired for office, he has always taken an active interest in the affairs of his party.

How futile to attempt to add anything to the salient and simple facts of this long and wholesome life. Surely it should be an inspiration to those on the threshold of life to see this demonstration of the fact that right principles of life and right habits of living conduce to that enviable state wherein "thy days may be long upon the land." Mr. Howe is well known from one end of Gibson county to the other and no citizen of that county is held in higher esteem.

It is not always easy to discover and define the hidden forces that move a life of ceaseless activity and large professional success; little more can be done than to note their manifestation in the career of the individual under consideration. In view of this fact, the life of the distinguished i^hysician and public-spirited man of affairs whose name appears above affords a striking example of well defined purpose, with the ability to make that purpose subserve not only his own ends but the good of his fellow men as well. He has long held distinctive prestige in a calling which requires for its basis sound mentality and intelligent discipline of a high order, supplemented by the rigid professional training and thorough mastery of technical knowledge, with the skill to appty the same, without which one cannot hope to rise above mediocrity in administering to human ills. In his chosen field of endeavor Dr. A. R. Burton has achieved success such as few attain and his present eminent standing among the medical men of his community is duly recognized and appreciated.

A. R. Burton was born in Gibson county, Indiana, April 26, 1859, the son of Bazil and Lucinda (Kilpatrick) Burton, the father born November 10, 1835, in Winchester, Virginia, and the mother in Gibson county, Indiana, in 1836. Bazil Burton was a farmer and he removed to Indiana in pioneer times, where he made a success of agriculture. When the Straight Line railroad was being built through the county he contracted to build five miles of roadbed, but the enterprise ruined him financially. The greater part of his life was spent at or near Francisco, his declining years being passed in the home of the subject, dying in 1901 at the home of his nephew. Dr. Hiram Burton, near Somerville. Indiana, his wife having preceded him to her reward in 1881 in Princeton.

To Bazil and Lucinda Burton were born four cliildren, namely: George S. died in Montana; Bell married Dr. R. L. Broadwell, of Petersburg; Louis H., who lives in southern Illinois, is a contractor of tiling and ditching; A. R.

Mr. Burton attended the common schools of the district and Fort Branch and on the completion of this rudimentary education began reading medicine under the tutelage of V. T. West, of Princeton, in whose office he studied until the fall of 1879. at which time he entered the Medical College of Ohio, now the University of Cincinnati, where he spent three years preparing himself for the exacting duties of the medical profession. Graduating March 4, 1882, the Doctor located at Princeton, where he has since remained, his superior skill in his practice having obtained for him a wide reputation and established for him a most desirable and remunerative practice. For fifteen years Doctor Burton has been a member of the pension board, his term of service never having been interrupted by the changing administration of political parties.

A close student of the art of medicine, the subject keeps posted on all the latest discoveries in his profession. He belongs to the American Medical Association, served as secretary of the Gibson County Medical Association for ten years, and also was a member of the State Medical Association and for ten years served as secretary of the city and county board of health.

On August 10, 1883, the Doctor was united in matrimony to Margaret J. Fentriss, of Princeton, daughter of James H. and Johanna (Skinner J Fentriss, old residents of that city. The mother of the subject's wife was a native of Scotland, while the father was born in Gibson county. James H. Fentriss was a harness-maker by trade and served for years as a justice of the peace, also for four years holding the office of county recorder. Both parents of Mrs. Burton are now deceased.

To the subject and wife has been born one child, Blanche, who is living at home w-ith her parents. She has gained fa\'orable notice as a musician of high order and her services have been engaged at a numl)er of the leading musical functions throughout the state, she rendering vocal and instrumental selections in a manner that has attracted wide notice among the critics and promises much for the future.

Doctor Burton is Democratic in his political belief, while, fraternally, he belongs to the Improved Order of Red Men, Knights of the Maccabees. Court of Honor, Tribe of Ben-Hur, Royal Arcanum and the Loyal Order of Moose, and he was formerly affiliated with the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He takes an active interest in the Presbyterian church, of which he is an earnest member.

The unostentatious routine of private life, although of vast importance to the \velfare of the community, has not figured to any extent in history. But the names of men who have distinguished themselves by the possession of those qualities which mainly contribute to the success of private life and to the public stability, and who have enjoyed the respect and conlidence of those around them, should not be permitted to perish. Their examples are most valuable and their lives well worthy of consideration. Such are the thoughts that involuntarily come to mind when we take under review the career of such an honored individual as the gentleman whose name initiates this paragraph, who is numbered among the leading practitioners of the art of healing in Gibson county.

Robert S. Anderson, M. D., was born in Princeton, Gibson county, Indiana, July 24, 1 861, the son of William Anderson, Jr., and Nancy Louisa (Garrett _) Anderson, he a native of Ireland and she of this county, the mother being a descendant of the Stormont family. The paternal grandfather, William Anderson, Sr., came from county Donegal, Ireland, to Gibson county in 1854 and located on land one mile south of Princeton, afterward purchasing a farm four miles south of the town. He reared a large family, and resided here until his death in the late seventies. His son, William, Jr., learned the trade of blacksmith, which he followed until 1875, when he took up agriculture, following it until his death, April 9, 1880. ITis wife died in 1900. To the subject's parents were born four children, namely: Lizzie A. is the widow of John A. Pfohl; Martha M. is the wife of David Birchfield, of Princeton; Fanny J. is the wife of John O. Hamilton, of Manhattan, Kansas, who is professor of physics in the State Agricultural College at that place; R. S.

R. S. Anderson secured his elementar}' education in the common schools. In preparation for the practice of the medical profession, he attended the University of Louisville (the old Kentucky College of Medicine), from which he graduated in 1884. In later years he took a course in the Polyclinic Institute at Chicago. On his graduation from the Louisville Medical College the subject engaged in the practice of his profession at Grove City, Christian county, Illinois, and continued there for eight years, at the expiration of which period he removed to Princeton, Gibson county, Indiana, where he has since remained in the general practice of medicine and surgery.

R. S. Anderson. Ii. D.

In addition to a long and successful career as a general ])racuiic)ner, the subject has served as city and county health officer for a number of years and for eighteen years has been local surgeon for the Southern and the Chicago & Eastern Illinois railroads. He is a member of the Gibson county, the state and the .\merican medical associations, and also holds membership in the Association of American Railway Surgeons.

In his fraternal relations. Doctor Anderson is an entliusiastic believer in the tenets of the Masonic order, having attained to the thirty-second degree, belonging" to the Scottish Rite consistory at Indianapolis and being a Knight Templar at Princeton. He has filled all the chairs in the local lodge and was chairman of the building committee and one of the trustees who had charge of the erection of the handsome new Masonic Temple at Princeton. He is a memljer of the AbithofHst Ei)iscopal church.

The subject has ever displayed an acti\-e and intelligent interest in political affairs, formerly serving as treasurer of the Republican county committee, but during the last campaign he se\ered his connection with tliat body and joined the Progressives.

James M. Scantlin

Clearly defined purpose and consecutive efl:'ort in the affairs of life will inevitably result in the attaining of a due measure of success, but in following out the career of one who has attained success by his own efforts there comes into view the intrinsic individuality which made such accomplishment possible, and thus there is granted an objective incentive and inspiration, while at the same time there is enkindled a feeling of respect and admiration. The qualities which have made Mr. Scantlin one of the prominent and successful men of Princeton, Gibson county, Indiana, have also brought him the esteem of his fellow townsmen, for his career has been one of well-directed energy, strong determination and honorable methods.

Kentucky, and was engaged in the stove and tinware business at Evansville, Indiana, starting there in 1836 and continuing until his retirement in 1908. Thomas Scanthn, who was a prominent man and was highly esteemed in his community, died January 19, 1912, at the extreme age of ninety-eight, and his wife died four years previous to his demise. To the subject's parents were born nine children, of whom six are living, namely : Lavinia E. and Ethel are unmarried and reside in Evansville; Mrs. Julius Stewart, of Evansville; Mrs. Carrie Overman, of New York City; Thomas E., of Medford, Oregon; James M.

Thomas Scantlin, the subject's father, removed to Princeton about 1819, with his father, James Scantlin, who was a charter member of the First Methodist church of that city. The subject's grandfather settled on a farm south of Princeton and conducted a tin shop on his place, which is now the William Spore farm. The subject's father learned the trade of tinner there and started in business for himself in Evansville in 1836. In 1852 he came back to Princeton, however returning to Evansville in 1853.

James M. Scantlin, the immediate subject of this review, was educated in the schools of Evansville and Princeton and attended the old college on Seminary Hill. He graduated from the Evansville high school about 1858, but did not receive his diploma for nearly forty years. He was subsequently a student at the Indiana State University at Bloomington, and while there was made a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. He began helping in his father's business when he was but fourteen years of age, and continued in this work, with only such interruptions as were caused by his school work, until the Civil war, when he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, serving until 1864 and attaining the rank of corporal. On returning from the service of his country, he again resumed his connection with his father's business, and continued thus until 1894, when he removed to Princeton and establislied his present prosperous hardware store.

On June 7, 1869, Mr. Scantlin was married to Helen E. Wallace, born in the city of Princeton, a granddaughter of Alexander Devin. To this union has been born one daughter, Nora, who married Herbert R. Clarke, a railroad man of Aurora, Illinois. Herbert and Nora Clarke have two children, Helen R. and Gertrude E.

Mr. Scantlin is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and in politics gives his support to the Repul)lican party, while in religious affairs he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he serves as a steward.

The record of the gentleman whose name introduces this article contains no exciting chapter of tragic events, but is replete with well-defined purpose which, carried to successful issue, have won for him an influential place in the ranks of his profession and high personal standing among his fellow citizens. His life work has been one of unceasing industry and perseverance, and the systematic and honorable methods which he has ever followed have resulted not only in gaining the confidence of those with whom he has had dealings, but also in the building up of a large and remunerative legal practice. Well grounded in the principles of jurisprudence, and by instinct and habit a constant reader and student, Mr. Trippet commands the respect of his professional colleagues, and his career has reflected honor upon himself and dignity upon the vocation to which he has devoted his efforts.

San ford Trippet was born November 13, 1875, in Gibson county, Indiana, the son of Aaron and Susan (Robb) Trippet, natives of this county. The mother was the oldest daughter of David Robb, one of the pioneers of the community and a nephew of Major David Robb, who fought at the battle of Tippecanoe. The father has passed his life in White River township, being a successful and progressive farmer, his wife still living. Tn Aaron and Susan Trippet have been born eleven children, all of whom yet survive. Aaron Trippet is at present a county councilman and is jjresitlent of the board.

The subject of this review, after completing his preliminary studies in the common schools, attended the Princeton Normal School and then entered the Indiana State University at Bloomington, graduating with the literary class in 1901. Deciding on the legal profession as his life work, Mr. Trippet then matriculated in the law school at Ann Arbor, Michigan, from which he was subsequently graduated. Returning to Princeton, he entered into a partnership with Thomas Duncan for the practice of law, the firm name being Duncan & Trippet, this partnership existing for about a year, when, in 1905, the firm of Ballard & Trippet came into existence.

That same year, 1905, the subject was married to Edith M. Rightly, daughter of Charles and Eva (Gardner) Rightly, the father being a druggist in Oakland City, Indiana, until his death in 1913. To the subject and wife have been born three children, Blanche, Byron and Charles R.

ber of years ranked high as an educator, he having taught school in Hazleton for five years and been principal of the schools there for three years, during which time his services were highly appreciated by the patrons, his progressive and intelligent pedagogical methods being a distinct boon to the educational institutions there.

The home of the subject is located at No. 331 West Walnut street, in the city of Princeton, and it is the hospitable center of a wide circle of friends.

It is not always easy to discover and define the hidden forces that move a life of ceaseless activity and large professional success; little more can be done than to note their n:anifestation in the career of the individual under consideration. In view of this fact, the life of the successful physician and public-spirited man of affairs whose name appears above affords a striking example of well-defined purpose, with the ability to make that purpose subserve not only his own ends but the good of his fellow men as well. Doctor Maxam, who has had exceptional training in his chosen profession, holds distinctive prestige in a calling which requires for its basis sound mentality and intellectual discipline of a high order, supplemented by rigid professional training and thorough mastery of technical knowledge, with the skill to apply the same, without which one cannot hope to rise above mediocrity in ministering to human ills. There is, therefore, a due measure of satisfaction in presenting, even in brief resume, the life and achievements of such a man, and in preparing the following history of the scholarly physician whose name appears above it is with the hope that it may prove not only interesting and instructive, but also serve as an incentive to those who contemplate making the medical profession their life work.

Franklin H. Maxam was born February 14, 1850, in Gibson county, Indiana, about four miles east of Princeton. He is the son of Napoleon B. and Mary S. f Slack) Maxam, who were the parents of eight children. Two of the children and the parents are now dead. Napoleon B. Maxam was born and reared on a farm near Maxam Center, east of Princeton, Gibson county, Indiana, the locality in which Sylvester Maxam, grandfather of the subject, settled when he came in the early days of Gibson county from his old home in New York. Dating from those early days, the family has always been foremost in all things pertaining to the best good and welfare of the community at large. Mary S. Slack, mother of the suliject, was a native of New Jersey, where her family had resided for many years. She was a granddaughter of Aaron Slack, a hero of the war of 1812.

Doctor Maxam received his elementary education in the common schools of Gibson county, later attendnig the Princeton high school and also the high school at Owensville, Indiana. He later attentled the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, for one year. Upon his return to Princeton he took up the reading of medicine with Doctor Munford and Doctor West. He later on entered into a partnership with Doctor Munford, which partnership was in force for one year onh". Wishing for more thorough training in his profession than could be obtained in his locality, he went t(5 New York City, where he entered the Long Island College Hospital at Brooklyn, New York, where he remained for one year. Later he entered the Bellevue Hospital in New York City, from which he was graduated in 1877. He then returned to Princeton, where he took up the practice of his profession. This he continued for some time, when, desiring still greater advantages, he spent one year in Europe in the various famous hospitals of the continent. Most of his time was spent in \'ienna. from the hospitals and laboratories of which have come forth so many things of benefit to suffering humanity. The fame of its surgeons, physicians and chemists has gone abroad through the world, so that postgraduate study in that city is a thing coveted by all who take up the profession of medicine as their life work. Upon his return from Europe. Doctor Alaxam returned to his native Princeton, where he has since made his home, gaining an enviable reputation for himself and a warm place in the regard of his fellow townsmen. With a desire to still further equip hini.self in his profession. Doctor Maxam has, since entering upon the active practice, taken several post-graduate courses in New York City, embracing a combined period of several months.

In 1884 Doctor Maxam was united in marriage to Jane Howe, a resident of Princeton, daughter of San ford Howe. She came from a family prominent in the affairs of the county. To this union were born two daughters, Ruth and Charlotte. Mrs. Maxam was a charming woman, of exceptional qalities of heart and mind and her beautiful influence traveled far l)eyond her home circle. She died July 16, 1913.

Doctor Maxam's religious affiliation is with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a consistent member. He is a Repuljlican of the old school, interested in the workings of his party. He is an active member of the Gibson County Medical Society, the Indiana State Medical Society and the American Medical Association, in the proceedings of all of which he takes an interested part. Doctor Maxam has had remarkable success in his profession, and is often called into consultation by his professional brethren because of his ability as a diagnostician and his uniform success in the handling of diseases. In addition to splendid technical skill, he possesses broad sympathies which enable him to at once gain the confidence of his patients.

Doctor Maxam has not only always kept in close touch with the trend of medical thought, but is also a close student of social, political and scientific subjects, being broad-minded and keenly interested in all that makes for the betterment of his fellow men. In every sphere of endeavor in which he has taken a part, his ability and strict integrity have elevated him in the confidence of his fellow citizens and his influence is always powerful and salutary in the conmiunity.

Rollin Maxam

The history of a county or state, as well as that of a nation, is chiefly a chronicle of the lives and deeds of those who have conferred honor and dignity upon society. The world judges the character of a community by those of its representative citizens and yields its tributes of admiration and respect to those whose words and actions constitute the record of a state's prosperity and pride. Among the prominent citizens of Gibson county who are well known because of the part they have taken in public affairs, as well as the fact that they come from an old honored family, is Rollin Maxam, the subject of this sketch.

In his present capacity as clerk of the Gibson circuit court, Mr. Maxam doubtless has as wide an acquaintance as any man of his community, due not only to his years of public service, but also to his genial and friendly spirit, his undoubted honesty and integrity. Mr. Maxam was born August 29, 1870, on the same spot on which he now resides, in Princeton, Gibson county Indiana. He is the son of Sylvester R. and Mary L. (Herman) Maxam The father was a native of Gibson county, born in 1822 and died in 1895 The mother was born in Pennsylvania in 1827 and died in 1907. They made their home in the same location where the subject of this sketch resides, on what is now known as West State street, for fifty-five or sixty years. This certainly is an enviable experience, which falls to the lot of very few indeed.

The grandfather of the subject, also Sylvester Maxam, came at an early date in the history of Gibson county, and located east of Princeton, near what is now known as Maxam Station, the name serving as a record of the family's early activities. Grandfather and Grandmother Maxam stood high in the esteem of the community by reason of the deeply religious lives they led, their hrm convictions leaving their imprint on all the various activities of life.

Sylvester Maxam (father of the subject) and wife first made their home at Maxam Station for a short time, before removing to Princeton. To them were born seven children: Mrs. Sylvester A. Rollin, of Princeton; Andrew L., of Bisbee, Arizona; Mrs. James Conzett, of Princeton, who passed away November 24, 1913; Emma Maxam, of Princeton; Olive M. Maxam, of Washington, D. C. ; Robert, deceased, and Rollin, subject of this sketch, who was born after his oldest sister was married, and was given her husband's name. The father and mother were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he was engaged in the flouring mill and grain business in Princeton for many years.

Rollin Maxam received his earliest education in the local schools, later attending the Indiana Normal University, at that time in Princeton. He served as deputy postmaster for one year, and in 1895 entered the office of the clerk of the Gibson circuit court as deputy to Samuel A. Stewart, for whom he served eight years and then served another eight years in the same capacity to Mr. Stewart's successor, Thomas J. Mason. From his years of faithful service in the office of county clerk and his intimate knowledge of the duties pertaining thereto, his friends induced him to permit his name to appear on the Republican ticket in 19 10 as candidate himself for the office of county clerk, and, in spite of the widespread victory of the opposition, Mr. Maxam won his office. One other Republican only was successful. His election was for four years.

On March 3, 1898, Mr. Maxam was united in marriage to Anna Baner, daughter of Anthony and Amelia Baner. Anna Baner was born at New Albany, Indiana, although her parents resided in Evansville, Indiana, at the time of her marriage to Mr. Maxam. To them have been born one child, Robert Anthony, who is now seven years old.

Fraternally, Mr. Maxam has a number of affiliations. He is a member of the Elks Lodge No. 634 of Princeton, of which body he has been secretary for the past seven years. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge No. 64, of Princeton, and member of the tribes of Red

Men and Beii-Hur. Mr. Maxam, at an early age, manifested an interest in politics, identifying himself with the Republican party and has always been active in its affairs. His years of service in the county office to which he has been elected speak well for the trust and esteem in which he is held in the community. In every phase of life's activities in which he has engaged, Mr. Maxam has been true to every trust and because of the genuine worth of his character he has earned and retains the sincere regard of all who know him.

Abram T. Moore

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

Abram T. Moore, retired mill operator and grain dealer of Princeton, Gibson county, Indiana, was born March 4, 1828, in Stafford county, New Hampshire, the son of Gideon and Nancy (Tilton) Moore of the same county. The father was a cabinet maker by trade and later in life moved to Belknap county, the same state, where he died in his seventy-fifth year. They were of English extraction and the mother was a member of the Congregational church. To them were born five children : Mary, Adeline and Martha are deceased ; Abram T. ; Selesta is living in Rhode Island.

Abram T. Moore received a common school education and lived on the home farm until he reached his seventeenth year, when he was apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade and served three years. After perfecting himself in this craft he spent a short time in New York state, subsequently being employed selling goods in Coleville for four years, and then removed to Champaign county, Illinois, in 1856, remaining there until 1875. In Illinois he was one of the pioneer settlers, securing a prairie farm, which he cultivated with success. He later, in 1866, engaged in the grain and milling business at

Abram T. Moork Gibson Couxtv, Indiana

Toulon, Illinois, until 1875. when for ek\en \ears he was in the same business in Indianapolis. Eventually, he i"enK)\eil iu Ciibson county and located at Princeton, where he established an extensive elevator and grain business, buiUling elevators at Princeton, King's Station, Hazleton and Patoka. He was also one of the firm of R. P. Moore Milling Company at Princeton, but is now retired from active business.

Mr. Moore was married to ^lary Jane Wiggins, uf Xew Hampshire, who died November 30, 1903. Tu the sul)iect and wife were born the following children: ( i) Elw\n P. li\es at St. Cloud. Minnesnta, where he is president of the Pirst National Bank, is a land owner and lias man\- other interests. He married Ida H. Tooksbery and to them have been born four children: Carl is a real estate dealer in Cleveland. Ohio; Olive H. married A. S. White, of New York City; George B. is located in Texas, looking after his father's interests; Elwyn P., Jr.. is at home. (2) Rodger P. married Virginia Richards. He died in 1908 and she in 1912. He was in the milling business at Princeton, Indiana, from 1883 until his death, was a Mason and a prominent citizen. Pie was the father of one child. Maude, who is the wife of C. C. Coffee, of San Antonio. Texas. (3 ) George B.. who (bed in 1902, was also in the grain and milling business at Princeton. He married Minnie Knight, who now lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. They had one daughter, Marjorie. who married PI. H. Benedict, of New Haven, Connecticut. (4) Minnie, who lives in Princeton, is the widow of Samuel H. Kidd, who was a leading attorney of that city. She is the mother of three children : Elwyn H. is deceased; Mary E. is a teacher; Grace is attending Indiana University.

In early life the subject was a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a member of the Baptist church at Princeton. Politically, for years he was allied with the Democratic party, but for the last twenty-five years has been a Prohibitionist.

Charles A. Miller was born in Princeton, (iibson county, Indiana, on March 8, 1873, the son of G. C. and Lucilla C. (Archer) Miller. Mr. Miller attended the common and high schools of Princeton, and then took a scientific course in the State University at Bloomington, graduating in 1896. He then engaged in teaching school, being employed in the high school at Princeton for three years, and then entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Chicago, where he pursued the regular course in medicine, graduating in 1905, receiving the degree of Doctor of Medicine. The following two years were spent as an interne in the West Side Hospital, and in 1907 he came to Princeton and entered upon the active practice of his profession, in which he has been engaged continuously. He is a general practitioner, having qualifications for both surgery and materia medica, and is numbered among the foremost of his profession in Gibson county. Doctor Miller is a member of the Gibson County Medical Society, the Indiana State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.

In 191 1 Doctor Miller was united in marriage with Lenora M. Paxton, the daughter of T. R. and Amelia J. (Jerauld) Paxton. Fraternally, Doctor Miller is a member of the Masonic order.

Michael M. Kennedy

To attain a worthy citizenship by a life that is always honored and respected even from childhood, deserves more than mere mention. One may take his place in public life through some vigorous stroke of public policy, and even remain in the hearts of friends and neighbors, but to gradually rise to the same position, winning through sterling worth and faithfulness to trusts, rather than by a craving for exaltation and popularity, is worthy of the highest praise and commendation. As such does the biographer of this volume view the career of the subject of this sketch, present county recorder of Gibson county and for many years one of its best known agriculturists.

Michael M. Kennedy was born in Columbia township, Gibson county, Indiana, on July 7, 1857, the son of James and Jane (Martin) Kennedy. The mother was a native of Gibson county, born in Barton township, and the father was born in Ireland. When quite a young man, James Kennedy emigrated to the United States, landing at New Orleans, but coming directly to Gibson county, Indiana, where he passed the remaining years of his life. He lived a life of activity, and died at the age of seventy-one. His wife survived him a number of years, passing away in 1897. James and Jane Kennedy were the parents of six children, the oldest of whom is the immediate subject of this sketch; David, who lives in Columbia township, Gibson county; Daniel O., who lived all his life in the same township and died there March 26, 1913; Margaret, wife of John F. Gudgel of Cudgel's Station in Columbia township; Robert Emniett, who died January 7, 1911, at Farmersburg, SulHvan county, Indiana; and Mary E.. wife of Doctor R. S. Mason, of Oakland City, Indiana. Immediately upon his arrival in Gibson county, James Kennedy began work as a contractor during the construction of the old Straight Line railroad, known now as the Evansville & Indianapolis. When the shadow of the Civil war brooded over the land, quick to show love for his adopted country, he enlisted in Company A. Forty-second Regiment Indiana \'olunteer Infantry, and saw much active service. During his service he was badly wounded, from which he never recovered and was compelled to go about on crutches the rest of his life. Too much cannot be said in praise of these adopted sons of our cnuntry who so nobly responded to her call in time of distress, and may their memory ever be cherished 1)\- the later generations who reap the benefits of their sacrifices.

Michael M. Kennedy received his education at Harper's school house in his native township, and was early trained in the work about a farm. This pursuit was both pleasing and profitable to him and he soon possessed a farm of his own. This, however, he has since disposed of, although his children still own the old homestead. While residing in Columbia townshfji, for six years he served as township assessor, and in the fall of 1910 was elected county recorder for a term of four years. In the discharge of the iluties of his office, he is thoroughly competent and holds the honor and respect of the entire community.

In 1879 Mr. Kennedy was united in marriage to Sallie Bell, daughter of J. W. Bell, of Warrick county, who lived near Barton township. Mr. and Airs. Kennedy have a charming family of six children, though the majority of them have left the parental roof. Emery and Charles are located at Roosevelt, Louisiana; Donald, in Iowa City, Montana; Maud, wife of George Baltazor of Great Falls. Montana, and Earl and Helen, who remain in Princeton.

Mr. Kennedy has been a life-long advocate of the principles of the Democratic party and his election to the office he now fills was well deserved through the services he has rendered his party. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 64, at Princeton.

Mr. Kennedy is an unassuming man and it is needless to add that he is highly respected by all who know him thnjughout the county where he has always lived and in all the relations of life he has been found faithful to everv trust. Because of his sterling worth, uncompromising integrity and pleasant disposition, he has won and retains the high regard of all with whom he associates.

Pressley R. Baldridge

The gentleman to whom the reader's attention is now directed was not favored by inherited wealth or the assistance of influential friends, but in spite of these, b}^ perseverance, industry and a wise economy, he has attained a comfortable station in life, and is well and favorably known throughout Gibson county as a result of the industrious life he has lived here for many years, being regarded by all who know him as a man of the best type of American citizenship, straightforward, unassuming, genial and obliging, who while advancing his individual interests does not neglect his general duties as a citizen.

Pressley R. Baldridge was born in Randolph county, Illinois, near Sparta, April 17, 1831, the son. of Samuel C. and Hannah (Reed) Baldridge. the father, who died in 1866. having followed the ministry his entire life, first laboring in the Social Reformed church and later in the United Presbyterian.

Such schooling as could be gained in the pioneer schools was the lot of the subject and after acquiring this meager education he engaged in farm labor for some years and then turned his attention to the trade of cabinetmaking, which he followed actively until he reached his seventy-seventh )-ear, being well and widely known as an expert workman. It is a well known fact that the work of this character turned out in our fathers' times by hand was of a much better brand of workmanship than that we have today.

On October 15, 1861, Mr. Baldridge enlisted in the Union army as a musician, he having previously been a member of the Princeton band, but his term of service was less than a year on account of all bands being mustered out at Nashville in 1862. The subject had one brother, James, who died many }'ears ago in Rush county, Indiana.

Mr. Baldridge was married on December 31, 1857, to Jane Lockert, and to this union have been born ten children, namely: Margaret is the wife of Crawford Stormont, a carpenter; Ida M. died in her twentv-eighth year; Samuel C. lives in Evansville, Indiana; William .A., is a traveling man and makes St. Louis his home ; Martha M. lives at home ; James P. is a dentist at Vincennes, Indiana; Hester, who lives at home; Rebecca A. is the wife of Harry E. Hager, of Jersey City, New Jersey; Mary A. died young; Fannie L., deceased.