Jackson County, Indiana - Biographical sketches (2 of 2 so headed), 1886 (part 3 of 4)

Teatman, of Lawrenceburg, Ind., to whom two children have been born. Mr. Cole commenced life with no means and com¬ paratively little education and has worked his way to the position he now holds by his own energy and close attention to business.

C. G. COLE is a native of Starke, N. H. He is a son of Ziba and Rebecca (Ford) Cole. He remained in New Hampshire until his ninth year, when the family removed to In¬ diana. His early school advantages were the common schools, where he acquired a knowledge of the rudimentary branches. The early years of his life were spent upon a farm. He was bora June 30, 1851. At the age of eighteen he began his career as a railroad man, a vocation he has followed now for sixteen years. He was married, April 3, 1872, to Miss Belle Hillson, an accom¬ plished young lady of English extraction. Two children have been born to this union, both living: Manie and Warren. Mr. Cole is engaged as a conductor on the Ohio & Mississippi Rail¬ road. He has been in the employ of this company for twelve years. By faithful adherence to the line of duty he has made himself invaluable to his road. He is a brother of C. B. Cole, master of transportation of the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad. Mrs. Cole is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

MATTHEW COOLEY, a citizen of Seymour, Ind., is a na¬ tive of Fayette County, Penn., and was bora April 30, 1833, and is the seventh son of Frederick and Jane Cooley, who were also na¬ tives of that State, of Dutch descent When five years of age, he moved with his parents to Allegheny County, Penn. His early days were spent on the farm, and he secured such education as the limited means and circumstances of his times would permit. At the age of nineteen years, he came to Jackson County, where he secured employment as a carpenter with the Ohio & Missis¬ sippi Railroad. After one year he went to Louisville, Ky., and worked about eighteen months. He then returned to Seymour, where he has ever since made* his home. For ten years he was employed by the Jeffersonville, Madison & Indianapolis Railroad. His next engagement was with Travis, Carter & Co., with whom he remained until 1883. Since that time he has been working for the railroad and others. His marriage occurred in July, 1857, when Sarah E. Huffman became his wife. She is a native of

FINLEY S. COLLINS, proprietor of the Seymour Daily and Weekly Democrat , is a native of Ohio, having been born in Cum¬ berland, of said State, on the 24th day of December, 1862. After receiving the preparatory training he was sent to the McIntyre High School, at Zanesville, Ohio, from which institu¬ tion he was graduated. The course was a thorough one and Mr. Collins came from school well prepared for the work in which he has since been engaged. January 1, 1881, he came with the family to Seymour, where he has ever since remained. In 1884 Mr. Collins became proprietor, city editor and business manager of the Democrat, an evening daily, of which his step-father, Mr. Forsythe, is managing editor. The success of this paper is largely due to the business enterprise of the proprietor, and for one so young he deserves special credit. Socially he stands high among both old and young, and for his ever gentlemanly conduct he is beloved by all. Mr. Collins is a member of the K. of P., secret society, and also a Mason, having reached the rank of Sir Knight.

JAMES M. CULVER, grocer, Seymour, was born in Rip¬ ley County, Ind., February 15, 1825, being the third son of Aaron and Cassandra (House) Culver, natives respectively of Maryland and Kentucky. His maternal grandfather, Levi House, lived to be one hundred and ten years of age. Mr. Culver's youth was passed in farm labor, alternated with attendance at schools in the characteristic pioneer log house. About the age of twenty he left home and was engaged on a steamboat on the Ohio and Missis¬ sippi Rivers until 1849. In the fall of 1850 he commenced to conduct a hotel at Napoleon, which he contiuned to do for four years, then becoming a bridge carpenter, then superintendent of bridge building forces, continuing to the year 1862. On leav¬ ing the hotel in October, 1855, he came to Seymour and erected the building known as Seip's Hall. From 1862 to about 1870 he was a railroad conductor for the Ohio & Mississippi Company. Following the carpenter's trade until 1876, he moved to Cincin¬ nati, and was employed in an ice-chest manufactory two years and returning to Seymour he opened the grocery business at the comer of Third Street and Broadway, where he is now flourishing. In his political sympathies he is a Republican, and in religion a Catholic. February 24, 1850, is the date of Mr. Culver's mar¬ riage to Ellen A. Murphy, a native of Carbondale, Penn. Their only child, John A., born in 1854, is a physician in Cincinnati.

MICHAEL F. EYERBACH, editor of the Seymour and Columbus Journal, is a native of Wurtemburg, Germany, where he was born April 11, 1834, one of a family of twelve born to John and Mary (Rich) Everbach, both natives of the same place and agriculturists tiy vocation. Michael was reared in the same calling, and educated in his native land, with one year of Latin in a normal school. In 1852 he left Germany and landed at New York May 1, actuated by a love of liberty and the hatred of a government which continually labored for its suppres¬ sion. After following gardening in New York City one year he removed to Louisville, Ky., continuing in the same vocation until late in 1866. He then came to New Albany, this State, where he engaged in gardening and merchandising until 1873, when he embarked in the agricultural implement trade at Jeffersonville, Ind. After continuing in this business until 1879 or 1880, and becoming meanwhile a master of the English tongue, by news¬ paper correspondence, in which his articles were read by the pub¬ lic with avidity, he decided to engage in journalism, and accord¬ ingly established the Seymour Journal in December, 1882, an independent German paper. He is a Republican, but conserva¬ tive in his sympathies, and devotes his best energies and talent for the upbuilding of his own people, being an ardent and able advocate of social reform, anything that will tend to harmonize capital and labor. The German people in Columbus and vicinity, demanding a newspaper in their own language, but being unable to support one at that point, they induced Mr. Everbach to devote some space to the interests and news of Bartholomew County. The paper was accordingly named the Seymour and Columbus Journal . Being a Republican Mr. Everbach, during the cam¬ paign of 1884, canvassed the county in favor of Blaine and Logan, making fluent and effective speeches in both German and English, as the result of the election ih sundry localities demonitized by strated. He has done much to Americanize his race and to eradi¬ cate all monarchical ideas from their minds. In his religious views Mr. Everbach is very liberal, inclining to the principles of Swedenborg. He is logical in his style, progressive in his views, philosophical in his temperament, and sympathetic in his disposi¬ tion; hence he is ever found on the side of the oppressed. Temperate in all his habits and dignified in his bearing, he en¬ joys the respect of all classes. As a writer, he has also composed several poems of merit. In 1856, in the house of Bishop Smith, of Kentucky, Mr. Everbach was married to Elizabeth Meyer, a native of Wurtemburg, Germany. Four of their six children died in infancy ; the two living are Elizabeth, now Mrs. Cleland, and Annie, both residing in New Albany, this State. Mrs. Ever¬ bach died in March, 1865, and Mr. Everbach subsequently mar¬ ried Mrs. Dora (Frey) Fagle. The three children by this matri¬ monial union are all dead. The second wife dying in May, 1871, Mr. Everbach, for his third wife, married Sarah S. Hahn, daugh¬ ter of Vincent S. Hahn, of New Albany, and the three children by this marriage are Frederick, born July, 1872; George, 1873; and Emma, 1875. The family live at Austin, Scott County.

REUBEN F. EVERHART, mayor of the city of Seymour, is a native of Scott County, Ind., the date of his birth being January 3, 1841. He was the first-born son of George W. and Anna (Frey) Everhart. His education was limited to that of the district schools of his neighborhood, and, although he was crippled by a scythe at the age of thirteen, he continued to do what he could on the farm until he reached the age of twentythree years, when he commenced to learn the shoe trade at Aus¬ tin, in his native county, with R. W. Montgomery. In 1865 he moved to Hardenburgh, Jennings Co., this State, where he worked at his trade until 1877, when he came to Seymour, this county, continuing in the same business until September, 1884. In May of this year he was elected mayor of Seymour, in which official relation he is now serving. Previously he had served nine years as justice of the peace,* four years in Jennings County. In his political views he is a Democrat, and in religious connec¬ tions both himself and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and he is also a Freemason and a Knight of the Golden

Buie. In 1866 occurred the marriage of Mr. Everhart to Miss Catharine Keene, of Hamilton, Ohio. The children bom in their family are Mary (deceased), Bertha, George H. (deceased), Hanford B., Clarence and Clare.

LYNN FAULKCONEB is a native of Washington County, Ind., being the youngest of three children born to Joseph K. and Adaline (Newby) Faulkoner, who were natives of Maryland and Indiana respectively. Joseph B. Faulkconer was in the .secret service department of the Government, with headquarters at Jef¬ fersonville, Ind., during the war, at the close of which he was appointed deputy warden of the Southern Penitentiary at Jeffer¬ sonville, Ind. He served in this capacity four years, then came to Seymour, where he engaged in hotel keeping. Lynn Faulk¬ coner, the subject of this sketch, was born July 13, 1855. He acquired his primary education in the common schools of his native county, later attending school at Salem five years. About the year 1868 he removed with his parents to Jeffersonville, Ind. In 1869 they removed to Seymour, where his father took charge of the Carter House, then standing upon the present site of the Jonas House. Mr. Faulkconer was clerk in the Carter House until 1874, when he entered the office of George A. McCord to learn bookkeeping. He subsequently became bookkeeper and secretary of the hub and spoke factory, which position he now fills, being also largely interested in the stock of the concern. In 1882 Mr. Faulkconer began the erection of a hotel in Seymour, Ind., which was named the Lynn House. It was completed and opened July 1, 1883. In 1879 he was appointed city treasurer of Seymour, which position he still holds. He is a director in the Jackson County Bank, and member of the I. O. O. F. Lynn Faulkconer is sober, steadfast and honorable, and has pursued a business career of unvarying success, that is seldom equaled by one of his age.

J. T. FOSTEB, a farmer of Jackson Township, is the sixth son of Hiram and Polly (Trumbo) Foster. His father, also a farmer, was a native of Ohio; was 'born in 1796, removed to Jef¬ ferson County, this State, and died in January, 1875, after hav¬ ing brought up a family of nine children. The subject of this sketch was born October 16, 1829, in Jefferson County, Ind.; passed his boyhood upon his father s farm, and acquired the rudiments of an education at the common schools and subse¬ quently such a practical education from observation and the experiences of life as to render him successful in his vocation. He is fond of reading, especially history, and he has thus acquired a considerable fund of general information. Mr. Fos¬ ter was married August 18, 1853, to Catherine Zener, and they have had one child, named Hiram, who was born on the 3d of June, 1854, is now married and resides on the old homestead, in Jefferson County. Mrs. Foster is a native of this State, of Ger¬ man extraction, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Foster has occupied his present place of abode since 1870, and in his political views is a Republican.

MICHAEL FOX is a native of Germany, and a son of Jacob and Mary Fox, who came to this country in 1847. Landing in New Orleans, thence they went to Madison, from there to Jennings County, where they settled upon a farm. The meager school advantages of his section prevented his obtaining more than the mere rudiments of an education. At the age of seventeen he worked upon the Jeffersonville, Madison & Indianapolis and Ohio & Mississippi Railroads for a short time. In 1803 he went to Vernon; where he became an apprentice to Peter Fox. He con¬ tinued here for nine years, and in 1872 married Miss Ella Gal¬ lagher, of Jennings County. Six children have been born to this union : Rosa, Charley, Alice, Flora, Georgia ^nd Nellie, all of whom are now living. February 12, 1873, he removed with his family to Seymour, where he worked four years and six months with Joseph Giger ; moving thence to Hardenburg, where he remained nine months. He afterward returned to Seymour, where he opened up a shop. In 1884 he established, in connec¬ tion with his shop, a boot and shoe store, where he caters to the tastes of all in the productions of the art of St. Crispin. He has here built up a very substantial trade. He and wife are members of the Catholic Church. In politics he is a Democrat

JOHN J. FRET is a native of Switzerland, and was born April 26, 1821. Being the first son living of Casper and Doro¬ thea (Noetzele) Frey, both natives of Switzerland. At the age of thirteen Mr. Frey came with his parents to America, landing in New Orleans in 1834. In the following year his father bought a farm one and a half miles west of Seymour, where they remained one year, then removed to Louisville, Ky. His mother died while on the farm in Jackson County in 1835. He then engaged in a bakery, continuing in that business about fifteen months. He next accepted a position on a steamboat as pastry cook, following this vocation for ten years. He was married, in 1847, to Miss Anna Dressendorfer; eight children were born to them: Joanna, Henrietta, Agnes, Charlie, Ella, Sarah, Oliver and Eodger S., the last being the only one dead. In 1854 he returned to Jackson County and located in Seymour, where he established a bakery. He has resided here continuously since that time. He has occupied the position of councilman of the city of Sey¬ mour, and is a member of the order of Masons, also the I. O. O. F. He is a stanch Democrat in politics.

MATTHIAS FRIEDMAN, one of the old citizens of Jackson County, was born near the river Rhine in Germany, August 12, 1812. The parents were George and Elizabeth (Miller) Fried¬ man, who followed farming in their native land. Matthias received his education in the schools of the land of his birth, and about the year 1833 came to America. His first settlement was in Cler¬ mont County, Ohio. May 7, 1848, he married Ann Hannah, a native of Brown County, Ohio, born December 27, 1825. In 1852 they moved to Jackson County, Ind., where he pursued the occupation of a farmer until 1874, at which time he moved to Seymour. Mr. and Mrs. Friedman are now spending the evening of life in that quiet which years of industry have secured to them. They are both members of the Christian Church, and in politics he is a Democrat,

HENRY L. GAISER, proprietor of the Seymour Nursery, is a native of Baden, Germany, born July 15, 1830. He is the eldest of four, bom to Andrew and Anna (Linder) Gaiser. His parents died in their native land. Mr. Gaiser received his education in his native country, and at the age of fourteen years he apprenticed himself to learn his present business. He left that country in 1852, and spent two years in France, where he worked at his occupation. In 1854 he immigrated to Amer¬ ica. After spending one year in New York and Pennsylvania, he came to Richmond, Ind., where he remained some time. He then went to Henry County, Ind., where he remained two years, and in February, 1862, he came to Seymour, where he engaged in his present successful and extensive business. He bought sixty acres of unimproved land of M. W. Shields, located on Walnut Street and the south end of Chestnut Street, and by his own industry he has brought it up to its present high state of cultivation. He has on his place a fine greenhouse, where he keeps throughout the year plants and flowers of all varieties. The history of horticulture is in intimate relation with the prog¬ ress of civilization. An acute observer has justly remarked that the esteem in which gardening is held among nations is an un¬ failing index of the advance they have made in other forms of human progress. The first impulse of man, arising from the dark¬ ness of barbarism, is to plant and ameliorate the wild fruits that grow around him, and then flowers by his habitation, appealing to the esthetic impulses of his nature. But it is not until soci¬ ety is improved, commerce extended, and mind itself expanded, that horticulture takes its place among the arts, flourishing wher¬ ever there is wealth to encourage or taste to appreciate its charms or excellencies. Horticulture has advanced with civilization, and been kindred with all that adorns, refines and sustains the struct¬ ure of a solid as well as an elegant society. Mr. Gaiser gives employment to eight or nine men the year around. In 1862 he married an estimable lady, Maria Barnaby, a native of England, By this union there is one child, Annie M. Mr. Gaiser and fam¬ ily are members of the Catholic Church. He is a solid Democrat.

JAMES W. F. GERRISH, deceased, who was a physician and surgeon of Seymour, was born in Monmouth, Me., February 12, 1831. His father, Ansil Gerrish, was a general merchant and speculator. The Gerrish family was among the early settlers of the New England States, having emigrated there from England in 1632, and became identified with the welfare and growth of the East. During the financial troubles of 1836 and 1837, Dr. Gerrish's father, like many others, became deeply involved, and after spending two years in an unsuccessful attempt to retrieve his for¬ tunes, left his family and went to Elizabeth, Allegheny Co., Penn., where he taught school for about two years. He then sent for hie family, which consisted of his wife and two children, the eldest nine years of age, and in the fall of 1840, the family were again united. Dr. Gerrish, the subject of this sketch had a distinct recollection of the long and tedious journey. He obtained the rudiments of his education in the school taught by his father. While teaching, his father completed the study of medicine which he had begun in his youth, and in a few years re¬ moved to Paris, Jennings Co., Ind., where he commenced prac¬ tice. In the early part of 1850, James W. F. Gerrish followed his father to Paris, where, in the same year, they opened a drug store. The son soon after commenced the study of medicine, in which he became so deeply interested that he resolved to become a physician. He graduated in 1855, and immediately upon re¬ turning home he commenced practice with his father in Paris. Their copartnership continued with a large and lucrative practice until the death of Dr. Ansil Gerrish, which occurred August 19, 1859, at Portland, Me., while he was traveling for his health, accompanied by his son. Upon the breaking out of the war, Dr. Gerrish was commisioned assistant surgeon, but soon rose to the rank of surgeon, and was assigned for duty with the Sixty-seventh Regiment of Indiana Volunteers. During his army career he held several important positions, at one time having charge of the general hospitals of the Thirteenth Army Corps, at Vicks¬ burg. In August of 1864, on account of failing health, lie was compelled to resign, and soon after returning north settled in Seymour, Ind. Here by close attention to the wants of the com¬ munity, he steadily arose in the estimation of the people, until he was regarded one of the leading physicians of this part of the State. He became a member of the State Medical Society and a permanent member of the American Medical Association. In 1877 he was also chosen first vice-president of the Tri-State Medical Society of Kentucky, Illinois and Indiana, and was voted an honorary membership in the Southwestern Kentucky Medical Society. Dr. Gerrish was always a lover of ancient his¬ tory, and in early life had his curiosity aroused by the relics found in the mounds of the Mound-builders, near Marietta, Ohio. He was constantly adding to his collections, and at this time very few private citizens of the State have as fine archseo- logical specimens as can be found in his study. Jn Dr. Gerrish Indiana had one of the leading spirits in the temperance movement. In the early part of 1877 he espoused the cause, and was immediately chosen president of the Bed Bibbon Beform Club, of Seymour, which position he held for some time. Jackson County owes more to his energy and liberality for the grand success of the work than bo any other man. He was not a mono¬ maniac on the subject of temperance, but believed in moral suasion and man's ability to govern himself. His courtesy and kindness, and wonderful success in the management of the affairs of the Beform Club, endeared him to the hearts of the members. In 1879 he was elected president of the Grand Temperance Coun¬ cil, of Indiana, by delegates from all the State temperance organi¬ zations, in recognition of his work. He was married to Miss Maria Bobinson, of Elizabeth, Allegheny Co., Penn., in Septem¬ ber, 1849. They have had seven children, four of whom are now living. Dr. Gerrish's mother died January 7, 1877. Both par¬ ents were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

DB. M. F. GEBBISH is ^ native of Paris, Jennings Co., Ind. The family is a very old one, and of Saxon extraction. He was bom February 27, 1856. His father, Dr. J. W. F. Gerrish, was an old and well-known physician of the State, an extended notice of whom is given in another part of this work. Dr. M. F. Gerrish attended the common schools in his boyhood, and sub¬ sequently graduated at the Shields High School, of Seymour, in 1877. He entered his father's office as a student in 1.872. He attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated in 1881. He also secured the degree of Ph. D. at the same insti¬ tution. Upon his return to Seymour he entered the office of his father, and immediately engaged in the practice of medicine. Shortly after his matriculation at the University of Pennsylvania he met Miss Violet Molseed, between whom there immediately grew a very strong attachment Fearing that his father would regard matrimony as an obstruction to the pursuit of his studies, they were married April 3, 1879, but kept the secret from his parents until his graduation. One child has blessed this union. The Doctor is a member of the order of Masons. He is a gen¬ tleman of fine literary tastes. Himself and wife are members of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. The Doctor is resident surgeon of the Ohio & Mississippi and Jeffersonville, Madison & Indianapolis Railroads. The Doctor, though compar¬ atively a young man, is already taking high rank as a physician and surgeon. He and wife are members of the Methodist Epis¬ copal Church. He is courteous and refined in his manners, of good physique , and has a brilliant future before him. The Doc¬ tor is a Republican.

W. E. GERRISH, D. D. S., was born September 27, 1860, in Paris, Jennings Co., Ind. His . early school ad¬ vantages were the common schools of his native town. He entered the dental office of Dr. Erwood, of Seymour. He re¬ mained here two years. He subsequently attended the dental department of the University of Pennsylvania, where he gradu¬ ated. He returned to Seymour, and engaged in the prac¬ tice of his profession. He was married, October 3, 1882, to Miss Emma B. Sawyer, of Washington, Ind. One child has been bom to this union, J. W. F. Gerrish. The Doctor, in conjunction with his brother, occupies a suite of apartments on Second Street, west of Chestnut, that are the most complete and handsomely appointed offices in Seymour, and are scarcely surpassed in the State. The rooms are handsomely frescoed, containing a large and well-selected library, with elegant book-cases and other fur¬ niture. They display a very cultivated taste for antique curiosities. Their collection of Indian relics is very unique, and is the result of great labor and considerable expense. The Doctor is the leading dentist of the city, and enjoys a large and lucrative prac¬ tice. He has been engaged in practice since 1882. He is a member of the order of K. of P. He is a Democrat in politics.

L. W. GODFREY. The subject of this sketch was born Oc¬ tober 6, 1849, in Jackson County. He is a son of Thomas and Catharine (Winscott) Godfrey. Thomas Godfrey, the father of our subject, is a native of Maryland. He has spent his life upon a farm. He was one of the early pioneers of the county, and assisted in preparing much of the present arable land for agri¬ culture. L. W. Godfrey was reared upon a farm, where he re¬ mained until his majority. He attended the common schools of his section, where he acquired the rudiments of an education.

He was married, February, 1872, to Louisa M. Tinder. Four children have blessed this union, all of whom are now living: Effie, Richard, May and Charles. He is at present engaged in the retail liquor business in Seymour, where he has been estab¬ lished for four years. He is a member of the K. of H. In politics he is a Democrat.

DR. JAMES H. GREEN, of Seymour, is a native of Jef¬ ferson County, Ind., born December 19, 1824. His parents were Abram and Hannah Green, natives of Tennessee and Ohio respectively. Dr. Green's early education was limited; his mother having died while he was yet young he was thrown upon his own resources, and consequently had no advantages for schooling. He left home with but 25 cents, and but one suit of clothes, that being of very cheap material and home-made. He went to Louisville, and without a cent in his pocket, having spent the 25 cents on his way, he set out in quest of work, first applying to James McCrung, a merchant of that city, who was so favorably impressed with the honest face of young Green, that he gave him employment. He commenced blacking boots, but was soon given a clerkship, and after a short time was by his employer sent to college at Bloomington, Ind., where he remained for three years. Leaving the college he entered the office of Hon. David McClure, of Scottburgh, where he read medicine until 1846, at which date he entered the medical college at Louisville, and later attended lectures at the Ohio Medical College, from which institution he graduated in 1856, then located at Dudleytown, in which com¬ munity the greater part of his professional labors have been per¬ formed. In 1864 he was elected county treasurer and re-elected in 1866. In 1870 he came to Seymour, where he has since lived. In 1847 Dr. Green was married to Miss Emily Barnes, and this union has been blessed by eight children: Dr. William, Norman L., Nellie, Ollie, Frank, Ida and Janies.

GEORGE F. HARLOW is a native of the State of Hanover, Germany, and was born October 31, 1833. One year and a half after his birth, his parents immigrated to America, landing in Baltimore. Going thence, partly by land and some di^tanca by canal, they arrived at Wheeling, W. Ya. Here they embarked upon a steamer for Cincinnati, Ohio, where they landed about the year 1837. His father was there employed in a white lead man¬ ufactory in the summer, and a pork house in the winter, until he had saved enough money to push West, which he did in 1840, coming to Jackson County, where he settled near Sauer's Church, on a farm in this vicinity. The subject of our sketch acquired the rudiments of an education in the primitive temple of learning of that day, with its puncheon seats and capacious fire-place. At the age of fourteen he returned to Cincinnati, where he engaged as bell boy at the Gibson House. Remaining there only two years he returned home, and worked upon a farm about one year, then again went to Cincinnati, and apprenticed himself to a black¬ smith and wagon-maker. At the expiration of two years he re¬ turned to Jackson County, following his trade about two years. On March 5, 1854, he was married to Mary E. Turmail, who is a native of Pittsburgh, Penn. Her father is one of the earliest pio¬ neers. His father gave him eighty acres of land, which he sold and bought a farm of Hon. Ezekiel Davison, in Grassy Fork Township. He remained here six years, but, owing to failing health, sold his farm and removed to Jackson Township, where he bought out Jonas Crane, near Seymour. Living here till 1877, he removed to Seymour, where he purchased the flouringmills of William Stinebrink (deceased), engaging in partnership with John Blish & Co. Sold out to Blish & Co., and be¬ came proprietor of the Fifth Ward Mill, in Seymour, which burned. He then retired from business until in October, 1885, when he was elected president of the Jackson County Bank, which position he still holds. The names of his children are H. Har¬ low, Lizetta, William, Mary, Frederick, John, Edward, Dora, Alexander, August and Aaron. He is a member of the Evangel¬ ical Lutheran Church, of Seymour. In politics he is a Demo¬ crat. In the year 1878 his wife died, and he was left to battle with the world as best he could. In the year following he was again married to M. E. Stienbrink, of Seymour. They are now en¬ joying the comforts of life, having accumulated considerable property in the city and country - owning 525 acres of the very best land in the county. He is now at the age of fifty-two years. Four of the above named children are married and living in the county, almost around him, in the same neighborhood where they were born.

JOHN HEINS, a citizen of Seymour, is a native of Germany, born March 3, 1827, and was the third son of John Heins, Sr. In 1852 he came to this country, landing July 8, and coming direct to Cincinnati, he engaged in the cabinet business for two years. In the latter part of the year 1854 he went to Dubuque, Iowa, but at the end of a year he returned to Cincinnati, where he re¬ mained till 1859, when he came to Seymour, this State, engaging in the furniture trade. Selling out his establishment to Charles Hancocks, he worked a year for him, and then he again began to operate for himself, as a cabinet-maker. Mr. Heins was a captain in the military forces during the last war in resisting the noted "Morgan raid," and he has also held the office of captain of the Home Guards, when sixty-seven men were comprised in his com¬ pany. He is the founder of the German Protestant Church of Seymour; in politics he is a Republican. In 1858 Mr. Heins was married to Miss Fredrike Wenner, and they have had nine chil¬ dren, namely: Mary, Charles, Ernestine, Louis, Frederike and four deceased.

JOHN HARTON was born December 20, 1820, four miles remote from Steubenville, Ohio, being the eldest son of Charles Harton, a native of Dublin, Ireland, who immigrated to America about 1790. When he was quite young he removed with his father to Pittsburgh, Penn. ; from there they removed to Green River, Ky. At this time the subject of our sketch was about twelve years old; working in the summer with his father, and attending school in the winter. His primary education was limited. They soon removed to Cincinnati, where, at the age of sixteen, he began to learn the carpenter's trade. He also hauled gravel for the first pavement laid on Central Avenufe, Cincinnati, and later, was ap¬ prenticed to Warren G. Finch, with whom he remained three years. He subsequently engaged with Miles Greenwood as pattern-maker. He remained with him one year, then went to work for himself as contractor and builder. He pursued this avocation for two years, but not being very successful he went to work for John Jeffries, a lumber dealer, till the year 1854, when he began rail¬ roading, this time as telegraph clerk, at Cochran, till 1855, when he came to Seymour, taking charge of the office, shops and everything pertaining to that road at this place till 1858, when he acted as traveling agent for the road. He held various other responsible positions for the company. In 1842 he was married to Miss Kate Vanausdal, of Cincinnati. Two children were bom to them: Orpha and Ella - both are dead. His wife died dur¬ ing the summer of 1852. In July, 1854, he married Miss Millison Sparks, a native of Ohio. Three children have blessed this union: Charles B., Louisa and Joseph C., all of whom are living. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., passing through all of the chairs. In politics he is a Republican. In the evening of his days he looks back upon a busy and well spent life, and finds himself in the present enjoyment of a handsome competence.

E. E. JENKS, of Seymour, is a son of George M. and Sarah (Russel) Jenks, both natives of Massachusetts, where the father followed the trade of a pattern-maker. E. E. was born April 19, 1855, at Columbus, Ohio. His early education was acquired in the common schools of Bloomington, Ohio, and until eighteen years of age most of his time was spent upon the farm. In 1871 he began the trade of machinist and later became connected with the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad and has remained with them ever since, having in the meantime located at Seymour. His marriage with Miss Dora Donaldson, a native of Kentucky, occurred December 25, 1878. She is a member of the Baptist Church. In May, 1884, Mr. Jenks was appointed general fore¬ man at Seymour, and 'in 1885 was made division master mechanic. This indicates the high standing which he enjoys with the com¬ pany, and still higher promotions may be looked for. Politically Mr. Jenks is a Democrat.

WILLIAM JOHNSON, of Seymour, is a native of Bartholo¬ mew County, where he was b#rn February 8, 1831, being the second son born to C. R. and Ellen (Heath) Johnson, natives of Delaware and North Carolina, respectively, They came to Indiana about the year 1824 and located in Columbus, where the father followed the tailor's trade. Mr. Johnson received a com¬ mon school education in his native county, after which he was apprenticed to Reuben Shull, of Cincinnati, Ohio, under whose supervision he learned his trade, which is that of blacksmithing. After his term of apprenticeship expired he went to Yernon, Jen¬ nings County, and entered the shop of Uriah Wagoner, where he remained until 1853, when he came to Seymour and began busi¬ ness for himself, and now in partnership with his brother they are doing an extensive business. July 12, 1854, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage with Miss Huldah Elliott, of Jackson County, and this union has been blessed by three children: Lou, Eva and Nevada, but one of whom is now living. Mr. Johnson is a mem¬ ber of I. O. O. F. and is at present holding the office of Noble Grand. He is an honest, upright citizen, a kind and benevo¬ lent neighbor, a devoted husband and an affectionate father. Jackson County has but few better citizens.

J. W. KENNEDY, of Seymour, was born in Wilmington, Ohio, March 18, 1830; remained on the farm until he was four¬ teen years of age, when he began to learn the carpenter's trade, serving a four-years' apprenticeship under the supervision of William Henson, who afterward came to this State, and settled in Hendricks County. Although he never attended college, his education is very good. He was a student a term or so at the Bloomington (Ohio) Seminary. At the age of nineteen Mr. Kennedy went South, settling at Fort Gibson, Miss., following his trade while there. Leaving there in August, 1855, and going to Louisville he engaged in steamboat cabin building until I860,, when he came to this State and located in HenryviUe, and fol¬ lowed building bridges on the Jeffersonville, Madison & Indian¬ apolis Railroad. From the latter place (in 1864) he moved, with, his family, to Seymour, this county, remaining with that railroad company, in the various departments, until January, 1880, when he became superintendent of the Bedford & Bloomfield Railroad, which position he still holds. He is not a wealthy man, but has been successful in earning a comfortable livelihood and giving all his children a good education. Is a member of the Masonic order, and in politics a Republican. In 1856, while in Louis¬ ville, Mr. Kennedy married Miss Sarah Yryle, a native of Johns¬ town, Penn. Of their thirteen children, since bom, seven are living, namely: Francis, Anthon M., Jennie, Walter, Ralph, Daisy and Forest - all at home, except Anthon, who is a railroad employe in Idaho Territory.

land. He was born January 7, 1832. His education was ac¬ quired in the common schools. His first occupation was that of engineer on the Jeffersonville, Madison & Indianapolis Bailroad. He was married the latter part of January, 1865, to Elizabeth McCarty, who is a native of Ireland. One child has been bom to them - Edward Kidd. Peter Kidd was for three years the engineer of the passenger engine making the fastest time on the Jeffersonville, Madison & Indianapolis Railroad. He ran an engine on the Ohio & Mississippi Railway for seventeen years. He was always regarded as a very prudent and trust¬ worthy man. After severing his connection with the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad he engaged in the retail liquor traffic, which business he has pursued for eleven years. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. He is not a member of any church. His wife is a member of the Catholic Church. He resides in the city of Seymour in a comfortable frame cottage on the corner of Second and Broadway Streets. His place of business is on Indianapolis Avenue, new the railway depot He adheres to the faith of the Democratic party.

CHARLES LEININGER, of Seymour, was born in Balti¬ more, Md., March 7, 1842, the first son of Jacob and Mary Leininger. His mother died when he was only about one and a half years of age. During his boyhood he worked around home and in his father's tailor shop, and received but very limited school¬ ing, on account of the very meager educational advantages of the place and period. In 1852 he accompanied his father to Phila¬ delphia, where he was living during the Mexican war. They then came West and settled at Yernon, Jennings County, this State, and peddled clothing along the line of the Ohio and Mississippi Rail¬ road while the track was in process of construction. Subsequently the subject of this sketch engaged himself to A. Shubbert as a clerk in a general store for about a year and a half. Then he began to learn the barber's trade, under the supervision of John Meech, and remained with him two yearfe. Next he followed his trade at Cincinnati about seven months; returned to Yernon, bought the shop of John Mills, and prosecuted his chosen voca¬ tion until 1861, when the civil war aroused his patriotism, and August 8, that year, he enlisted in the Twenty-second Indiana

Infantry. Being a candidate for second lieutenant, he failed of election (by only three votes), and he was mustered in as a mem¬ ber of the band August 15. He was in the battle of Pea Ridge, where he aided in carrying off the field Col. Hendricks, who had been killed in that engagement. July 20, 1862, he was mustered out While in the army he conducted a barber shop about two months at Otterville, Mo. After the close of his military service he came home to Yernon, and in August, 1862, to Seymour, this county, engaging as an attendant at the bar for Philip Langel for about two months, since which time he has conducted a barber shop at that place. Being successful in business he has accumu¬ lated considerable property. In his politics he is a Democrat. In February, 1862, Mr. Leininger was married to Miss Barbara Kessler, a native of Bavaria, and their children have been John (deceased, at the age of twenty-one), Walter, Catharine, Charles (deceased), Fred, Josie and an infant (deceased). Mr. Leininger is a member of the I. O. O. F. and of the camp, having "passed all the chairs." His wife is a member of the German Protestant Church.

WILLIAM K. MARSHAL is a native of Jefferson County, Ind., and was born on the 12th of October, 1824. His parents, Thomas and Sarah (Kinnear) Marshal, were natives of Kentucky and Virginia, respectively. He attended the common schools of his day, where he acquired a knowledge of the common branches. At the age of twenty he entered Hanover College, where he con¬ tinued for four years. When about half through the junior year he left college, and began the study of law, by himself. He was admitted to the bar at Madison, in March, 1850. He con¬ tinued the practice of his profession there one year, then removed to Lexington, Scott County, where he remained until 1864, when he located at Seymour, where he has built up a large practice* both in the circuit, supreme and federal courts. On the 1st day of November, 1854, he was married to Fidelia Childs, a na¬ tive of Jefferson County, Ind. Seven children have blessed this union - six of whom are living: Alice, William D., Samuel W., Kittie and Grace. William K. Marshal held the position of treasurer of Scott County from 1856 to 1860. He has also been city attorney for Seymour for several terms. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Marshal com¬ bines a profound knowledge of the law with great skill and tact in the management of his cases, that have made him very suc¬ cessful in the circuit, supreme and federal courts. In politics he is a Republican.

JOHN W. MASSMAN was born July 21, 1857, in Seymour. His parents, Henry and Mary (Smersal) Massman, were natives of Germany. They were among the early pioneers of Cincinnati, Ohio. They removed to Jackson County in 1852. Henry Massman was a cooper by trade. He started a cooper shop soon after his arrival, then one of the very few industries of this sparsely settled section. He afterward engaged in the grocery business, having at that time one of the few stores of the kind in Sey¬ mour. There were nine children born to this couple. John W. Massman, the subject of this sketch, acquired his education in the common schools of Seymour. He has followed the vocation of a grocer from his boyhood. He attended commercial college two terms, and is now very proficient in this art, in which he takes considerable pride. He was married, October 7, 1880, to Maggie Langel. One child has been born to them. He is a member of the order of K. of P. He is at present en¬ gaged in the grocery business, on Chestnut Street, in Seymour. He is a member of the St. Paul's Protestant Church. His wife is a member of the same church. In politics he is a Republican.

THOMAS MoCOLLUM is a native of Franklinton, Ohio, being the fourth child of five children born to Thomas and Sarah (Minter) McCollum, who were natives of South Carolina and Virginia respectively. The subject of this sketch was born July 30, 1808, and is of Scotch-Irish extraction. His father died when he was twelve years of age, throwing him upon his own resources, thus hampering his opportunities for the acquisition of an education. He and his mother afterward removed to Cin¬ cinnati, and later to Covington, Ky. He was a member of the first Sunday-school organized in Cincinnati, two ladies coming at that time who were the first to take an interest in the work. There was not a church in the town that would open its doors to them. The Christians at that time maintained that it was sacrilege to hold "school" on Sunday. They held their first meetings in an old dilapidated paint shop, and afterward in a brewery. There were twelve in the first class. He was one of the twelve. Mr. McCollum was married January 2, 1833, to Fanny C. Elsey, at Bethel, situated eight miles east of Indianapolis, born in Scott County, Ky. She has borne him six children: Sarah E., Rebecca J., John M., William M., Thomas A. and an infant deceased. In 1853 Mr. McCollum came to Jackson County and lo¬ cated at Seymour, where he kept the first hotel. Their eldest son is a lawyer in Idaho, and William a passenger con¬ ductor on the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad. He has occupied the office of justice of the peace of Seymour eighteen years. He resigned this office in 1881. He and his wife are members of the Church of Christ After half a century of wedded bliss, they celebrated their golden wedding at the residence of their son-in-law, L. L. Shields, January 2, 1883. Mr. McCollum is a Democrat of the Jacksonian type, having cast his first vote for old Hickory in 1828. He is one of the oldest and most respected citizens in the county. The son, Thomas, has been deputy clerk, and is now candidate for clerk of the court subject to the Demo¬ cratic convention.

WILLIAM N. McDONALD was the seventh child born to William and Elizabeth (Bedel) McDonald. His father, William McDonald, was a native of Kentucky, and was a farmer- by occu¬ pation. Seeking to improve his condition, he removed to Indiana in 1823, and settled in Vernon Township, Jackson County, where the subject of this sketch was born, February 4, 1840. His early life was spent on a farm, and his early school opportunities were very meager. As he grew older he began to appreciate the advantages of an education, and with that tenacity of purpose and intense application to the matter in hand that has character¬ ized all his later efforts, he soon possessed himself of the rudi¬ ments as taught in the common schools, after which he completed his studies in the high school of Seymour. He was married, June 23, 1861, to Mary E. Williams, of Jennings County, Ind. ; seveft children have blessed this union, six of whom are living: Celia Rosa, Martha, William, Lena, Florence and Franklin; a son was killed by the cars November 24, 1884. Mr. McDonald engaged in the stave manufacturing business in 1866 in a small way, at a sta- tion on the Jeffersonville, Madison & Indianapolis Railroad called Retreat; in 1875 removed to Seymour and formed a co-partner¬ ship with A. H. Gibson, of Madison, Ind. Their business has now assumed very large proportions. Besides the large factory at Seymour, that employs nearly one hundred men at the factory and in the woods, they control a large concern at Birdseye, on the New Albany & Si Louis Airline Railway. The factory at Seymour prepares the staves ready to set up in barrels. They have the latest improved machinery, and the annual product amounts to millions. The plant is located in the southern part of the city of Seymour, near the track of the Jeffersonville, Mad¬ ison & Indianapolis Railway. Upon a side track stands a line of cars constantly receiving and discharging staves. They receive staves from all lines tributary to the Ohio & Mississippi and Jeffersonville, Madison & Indianapolis Railways, and many scores of men are either directly or indirectly dependent upon them. Mr. McDonald is a fine example of a self-made man - refined and courteous in his bearing, esteemed by all who know him. His example is worthy of emulation by every young man whose only "stock-in-trade" is brain and muscle. He is univer¬ sally regarded as the busiest man in Seymour, and by his unre¬ mitting energy he has overcome almost every obstacle. He is a member of the E. & A. M. secret society, and in politics is a Republican.

JOHN McDONALD, is of Scottish extraction. He was born October 14, 1833, in Jackson County, near Seymour. He was almost entirely destitute of early school advantages, having never attended the common schools altogether more than three months, but by a system of self -culture he ultimately acquired a very good common school education. He was raised upon a farm. He was married, September 5, 1858, to Margaret Marling. She was a native of Jackson County. Seven children were bom to this union, four of whom are living: Hiram E., Oliver S., John M. and George C. He varied his occupation upon the farm by teaching school in the winter. He taught fourteen terms of school. He began cutting stave timber sixteen years ago. He abandoned it for a while and tried farming again. About three years ago he embarked in the stave manufacturing business in

Seymour. His business has grown very extensively. He now handles between 3,000,000 and 4,000,000 staves a year. His business is the result of his own prudence and thrift His factory is situated in the southern part of the city, on the Jeffer¬ sonville, Madison <fe Indianapolis Railroad, contiguous to that of McDonald & Gibson. He also does quite an extensive busi¬ ness in heading, handling between 1,000,000 and 2,000.000 heads a year. Mr. McDonald is one of the most enterprising citizens of Seymour, conducting a business that is a very im¬ portant factor in the life and business of the city. His wife is a member of the Baptist Church. In politics he is a Republican.

DEDRICK MILLER, a citizen of Jackson Township, was bom December 12, 1825, in Hanover, Germany, the sixth in a family of eight children bom to Dedrick Miller, Sr., who was also a native of the same State and married a Miss Oelschlaeger. His fathers occupation was that of a common laborer, and his early education was obtained in the common schools of his native land. In the year 1847 he emigrated from the land of oppres¬ sion and poverty, to one of liberty, opportunity and plenty, the New World, coming direct to Jackson County; he has now been a resident of Jackson Township about twenty-five years. Mr. Miller was married, December 4, 1852, to Barbara Shepherd, and by that union three children were born, namely: William, George C. and one who died in infancy. For his second wife, Mr. Miller married Mary Easting, August 7, 1856 ; she is also a native of Hanover, Germany. By this matrimonial union there have been ten children, six of whom are now living: Frederick Lewis, E. Frederick, Caroline E., M. Elizabeth, H. Edward and Catharine. The names of the deceased are Annie K., Louise E., Dedrick W. and John Henry. Mr. Miller is a Republican in his political principles and sympathies, and in religious matters his standing is denoted by his membership in the Methodist Episco¬ pal Church. Mrs. Miller is also a member of the same church.

VICTOR HUGO MONROE, M. D., was bom at old Rock¬ ford, Jackson County, August 8, 1852. His father was engaged in various newspaper enterprises. It was here that the subject of our sketch learned the business of the printer's art. He was engaged in this vocation until about the year 1871, when he began railroading as brakesman, and was promoted to the position of yard master at Seymour on the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad. He began the study of medicine in the office of his father, who was a practicing physician of Seymour, attending lectures at the Louisville Medical College in 1878-79. He subsequently grad¬ uated at Indianapolis, where he took one course of lectures in 1882. He has been engaged on several different papers in Sey¬ mour in an editorial and reportorial capacity, and was also the first editor and proprietor of the Seymour True Republican. He is at present engaged in the practice of his profession in Seymour, Ind. He is a prolific writer and a perfect gentleman.

MISS MART MOONEY is a native of Jackson County. She was born July 1, 1821, upon the present site of Rockford. She was the third born to James and Nancy (Shields) Mooney. They were natives of Kentucky and Tennessee respectively. They im¬ migrated to Indiana upon pack-horses, when the State was one vast wilderness. She was a first cousin of the renowned Gen. Tipton. Miss Mooney removed to Seymour, when there were very few houses in the village, and has resided here ever since. She estab¬ lished the first millinery store in the towii, and has continued in the business ever since. Miss Mooney has been connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church ever since her fifteenth year, and has been a consistent member of the church and faithful Christian, all these years.

DR. A. L. NEWKIRK, of Seymour, Ind., was born in Hamil¬ ton County, Ohio, near the city of Cincinnati, on the 4th day of December, 1826. He is the eldest of seven children, of whom C. S. and Mary E. (Lackey) Newkirk were the parents. The latter were natives of New York and Ireland, the mother having left her native island when but two years old and settled in Pennsylvania, The early life of Dr. Newkirk was spent upon the farm, and at¬ tending the country schools in the winter time. At the age of nineteen years he began a two years' course in an academy at Montgomery, Ohio. At the close of that time he began teaching school and reading medicine. In the spring of 1850 he located at Newry, in Jackson County, and began the practice of his profes¬ sion. After six years he moved to Farmington and under Bu¬ chanan was postmaster at that place. In 1860 he cast his fortune in with that of Seymour, when the place was yet small. In the meantime he had graduated from the Kentucky School of Medicine at Louisville in 1858. In 1848 he married Mary W. Compton, a descendant of Gen. Compton, of New Jersey. To them were born four children: Hamlin R., Olinda, Thomas J. and Martha, the first and last named being now dead. Mrs. Newkirk's death occurred January 29, 1883. Politically Mr. Newkirk is a Democrat, and has held some political positions. He is a leading member of the Masonic fraternity.

JOHN Q. A. NEWSOM is a native of Bartholomew County, Ind. He was born September . 5, 1835. His parents, Nathan and Lydia (Ruddick) Newsom, were natives of North Carolina and Ohio respectively. His education was received in the common schools of his native county and later attending Bloomington University one year. He has devoted the best years of his life to agricultural pursuits. He was united in marriage, December, 30, 1858, to Margaret E. Newby, of Seymour. Five children have blessed their home circle: Nathan Lincoln, Joseph N., Lydia May, Maggie (deceased), and Amy M. He has had great influence for good among men of his calling. When the society of P. of H. was first organized none took a greater interest than John Newsom. He had always thought there was a lack of the proper spirit of progress and intellectual and social culture among farmers as a class, and that this society was the most effectual means at hand for this purpose. He was the first chairman of the executive committee of the Indiana State Grange. Politically Mr. Newsom was formerly a Republican, but became a member of the National party at its first inception. He was a candidate for State treasurer on that ticket in 1876 and made a canvass of the State. He ran considerably ahead of his ticket. John Newsom is a courteous, affable gentleman, a good talker, and is always willing to aid in any enterprise which, in his opinion, is for the good of the public. He has been engaged for the last two or three years in perfecting a steam plow, in which he hopes to be ultimately successful.

WILLIAM OLIVER, a favorably known citizen of Jackson Township, was the second son of Henry and Mary (Logan) Oliver. His father, a native of Ireland, was a weaver by trade, and immigrated to America, the land of opportunity, about the year 1805. William's mother was also a native of " Erin's green isle." Mr. Oliver, our subject, was bom in Long Island, N. Y., January 6, 1815, and during his infancy his parents moved with their family to Cincinnati, Ohio. His school education was that which only the limited advantages of pioneer times afforded, and his early occupation was that of a farmer. He became a pioneer farmer in this county in 1853, and, being a hard-working, indus¬ trious man, felled much of the original timber upon his land in preparing the ground for cultivation. He purchased his farm of Leonard Friedman, and, that place has ever since been his home. March 31, 1839, Mr. Oliver was married to Eliza Bonnel, and of their ten children five are living, namely: Mary, Milton, Lewis, Justus and Francis. The deceased were James, William, Abby, Jane and Sarah. Three of the above sons were in the Union Army, and one of them died in the service. Mrs. Oliver, the mother, die'd in May, 1883, a devoted member of the Christian Church, of which denomination Mr. Oliver is also a member. In politics he is a Republican.

DR. GEORGE Q. ORYIS is a native of Franklin County, N. Y. He was the fourteenth in a family of fifteen children born to Simeon Victor and Deroxy (Campbell) Orvis, who were natives of Brattleboro, Vt. The subject of this sketch was reared upon a farm, and at the age of seventeen could scarcely read and write. At the age of fifteen he removed with his brother to Iowa and worked upon a farm for two years. At the expiration of this time he entered the college at Oscaloosa, where he graduated in 1871, taking the degree of Master of Arts. He then began reading medicine with Dr. Huffman, of Oscaloosa, remaining until the fall of 1871, when he entered the Louisville Medical College, where he took the degree of M. D. in June, 1876, carrying off the second prize in a class of over one hun¬ dred members. In the spring of 1876 he obtained the degree of M. D. of the Kentucky School of Medicine, where he gained the first prize in a class of seventy-five. On March 18, 1876, he came to Seymour with 70 cents in his pocket to commence the practice of his profession. Although entering a field already occupied by old and established physicians, he at once took a position in the front rank of his profession. He was married, in 1877, to Miss Lizzie Koons, a native of Clarke County, Ind. One child was born to them, dying in infancy. He is a member of the order of K. of P., and he and wife are also members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics the Doctor is a conservative Democrat.

JACOB PETER was one of the pioneer merchants of Jackson County. He was bom in the Canton of Zurich, Switzerland. He immigrated to America with his stepfather, Henry Bruner. They settled in Indiana, where Jacob Peter engaged by the month to drive oxen for John Fishlay, a large land owner in those days. He then entered 160 acres of land. He attempted to farm this, but gave up farming and removed to Scipio, Jen¬ nings County, where he established a trading post. Becoming disgusted with his business here he removed to Rockford, Jackson County, situated upon White River. Here he bought an interest in the store of Solomon Ruddick, who kept a sort of gen¬ eral supply store at this point Upon the death of Mr. Ruddick the management of the business devolved upon Mr. Peter. He later married the widow of his partner. He added pork packing to an otherwise extensive business, and bought large tracts of land, besides shipping large quantities of produce south by flat-boat. He removed to Jeffersonville in 1860, where he engaged in a general commission business in Louisville, Ky., dealing largely in provisions. He also became identified with many of the leading enterprises of the day. They made exten¬ sive contracts with the Government during the civil war for the supply of provisions. He owned a large share of the stock in the " Mary Houston," a steamer that plied upon the Ohio and Mis¬ sissippi Rivers. He now owns 2,000 acres of land in Jackson County ; about the same quantity at Gosport. He owns consider¬ able of the wharfage at Galveston, Tex., besides large quantities of land in Kansas and Michigan. He was formerly president of the First National Bank, of Louisville, Ky. Mr. Peter is a bril¬ liant example of a self-made man. Beginning as an ox driver he now counts his wealth by the hundreds of thousands.

State. He was married to Ella M. Kester, November 18, 1876. Two children were born to this union: John and Estelle. Mr. Peter is engaged in farming and looking after the landed interests of his father in Jackson County. He is a Republican in politics.

PETER PLATTER, photographer at Seymour, is a native of Ripley County, this State, where he was born July 29, 1825, being a son of Henry and Emily (Redding) Platter, who were natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Ohio. Remaining on the farm until the age of nineteen, he then began to learn the trade of brick-laying and plastering, under the supervision of Seth Platt, remaining with him two years. After following his trade a few years longer, he in 1849 embarked in mercantile bus¬ iness at Aurora, which he carried on for some time with success ; but he is now a photographic artist at Seymour, in partnership with his sons. Although his early schooling was meager, he has succeeded well in business, and done muph to make the city where he resides what it is to-day in respect to its high standing. He is honest, upright, and enjoys the respect and esteem of all who know him. In his politics he is a Republican, and he has been honored with the office of postmaster of Seymour from 1868 to 1876; was deputy United States assessor of this district under Col. Tripp, of Vernon, during the administration of President Johnson; and he is a member of the I. O. O. F. Mr. Platter's marriage to Miss Sarah Jane McCracken, of Dearborn County, this State, occurred October 17, 1847. Their three children are Hartzell H., Herbert T. and Amelia W. The two first named are now engaged in trade in books, stationery, fancy goods, queensware, etc., and, as above mentioned, are in partnership with their father in photography.

THOMAS N. POSTLETH W AITE is a native of Louisville, Ky. He was born on the 23d of June, 1822. He is a son of William and Mary (Neal) Postleth waite, who were both natives of Germany. Thomas N. Postlethwaite's early school advantages were good. He attended St. Joseph's College, at Bardstown, Ky., and graduated from that institution at the age of twentythree years. He then served an apprenticeship to the milling business, under Dye & Alsop, of Louisville, Ky. He continued with this firm for five years, at the expiration of which time he engaged in business on his own account In 1867 he removed to Jackson County, and located at Rockford. He continued here about four years, in the employ of Peter & Pfaffenberg. In 1871 he removed to Seymour, and took charge of the milling depart¬ ment of the Steinbrink Mill. He was subsequently engaged as an employe for a period of six years. In 1877 he built the First Ward Mill, of which he is proprietor. He has built up, by honorable dealing and fair treatment of his customers, a nice trade. In 1844 he married Sarah Sanders, a native of Louis¬ ville, Ky. Seven children have blessed this union, six of whom are living: Kate, Raymond, Willie, Sallie and Addie. His wife died in 1876. He is a member of the order of Masons and the K. of P. In politics he is a Democrat

MILLS S. REEVES is a native of Brown County, Ohio. He was born near the town of Ripley, situated sixty miles east of Cincinnati. He was the first bom to Ila and Franky (Ste¬ venson) Reeves. His mother was a half sister of Col. Mills Stevenson, who built Fort Stevenson, which was so ably defended by Col. Croghan, in 1812, when it was attacked by the Indians, who fought for the British cause. Mr. Reeves' father was a na¬ tive of Kentucky, and his mother of Delaware. They were early pioneers of Ohio. Mills S. Reeves, the subject of this sketch, spent the early years of his life upon a farm, in which neigh¬ borhood he attended the common district school of the times, attending only three months each winter. At the age of four¬ teen he immigrated with his parents to Indiana, where they set¬ tled in Rush County. The recently deserted Indian wigwams were still standing at that time. He remained upon the farm till the age of twenty-one, when he bound himself to a carpen¬ ter named Millbum Coe. He subsequently assisted Mr. Coe in building the first hotel in Marshal County. Returning to Rush County he was married, November 26, 1835, to Rosanna Mc¬ Laughlin, an orphan. Shortly after marriage he and his young bride moved to Missouri, where he farmed for about ten years. He then removed to Iowa, where he worked at his trade for ten years. He then removed to Nebraska, where he held the position of mayor of Kearney City, where now stands Nebraska City. Mr. Reeves was subsequently elected justice of the peace.

and also served three years in the Territorial Legislature, and one year as a member of the Senate after the organization of the State; then three years as treasurer of Otoe County, Neb. In 1870 he returned East, settling at Seymour. Seven children have been born: Minerva Ji, Matilda A., Ursula F., Columbus L., Louisa C., Ada A. and Oliver H. He has held the position of justice of the peace of Seymour for thirteen years. On the 26th of November, 1885, he celebrated his golden wedding, upon which occasion he was made the recipient of many valuable presents by his friends. In politics he is a Democrat, and in religious belief a Universalist.

EMIL E. RETTIG was born March 28, 1854, on the pres¬ ent John R. Hamilton farm, adjoining Brownstown. His grand¬ father, Robert Cunningham, homesteaded said farm, coming from West Virginia, when his daughter, Elizabeth (mother of our subject), was about thirteen years of age. Edward Rettig, the father, was a native of Baden-Baden, Germany, and highly educated for the ministry at Heidelberg University. He came to this country, and had charge of a church near Brownstown at the time he was married, in 1853. He subsequently became a chaplain in the regular army, and died at Albuquerque, N. M., in 1856. Emil E. Rettig was on a farm most of the time until thirteen years of age. He attended school at the Miller Schoolhouse, also at Ewing and Brownstown, all in Brownstown Town¬ ship, and received a good common school education. In 1867 he became an apprentice to Mr. Henry M. Beadle, so well known as a publisher in this county, to learn the printer's trade. He sub¬ sequently worked for William Fry singer, in the Brownstown Ban - tier office, and in 1871 went to New Albany, Ind., where Hon. M. C. Kerr secured him a situation on the Ledger . He next worked one year for Mr. A. A. Davison, on the Seymour Democrat . Still later he was employed in some of the largest and best print¬ ing offices of Cincinnati, Ohio, Indianapolis, Lafayette, St Paul, Minneapolis, and in 1875 on the Burlington, Iowa, Hawkey e. He left the last named office in July, 1875, and with Mr. Henry M. Beadle, purchased the Seymour Weekly Democrat . In 1876 he became sole proprietor, and in 1877 established the Daily Magnet, and later changed its name to Daily Democrat, and then to Local Lever , which name the paper bore when he sold the office to Mr. Edward W. Collins, deceased, in 1881. He next en¬ gaged in the book and stationery trade, in Seymour, until Au¬ gust, 1881. In April, 1882, he, with Mr. L. M. Boland, estab¬ lished the Daily Business in Seymour, as an independent news¬ paper. In December, 1883, he sold his interest in the Business , and it was made a Republican paper. Politically Mr. Rettig has ever been a Democrat, and is now publishing The Latest News , a Democratic paper, at Seymour, the first number of which was issued July 4, 1885. Mr. Rettig built the business house now partly occupied by The News in 1881, and has a centrally located residence. He is a Jackson County product, and proud of the county where he considers himself permanently estab¬ lished. He has always been successful in business undertakings in Seymour. Mr. Rettig was married, August 30, 1876, to Miss Maggie Iddings, at her father's home, three miles east of Lex¬ ington, Scott County. To them have been born four children, two of whom are living. Mr. Rettig's mother, now Mrs. Eliza¬ beth Waddle, resides at Brownstown, and is sixty-eight years of age.

JOHN ROEGER, deceased, was born November 27, 1813, at the city of Engelfinger, State of Wurtemberg, Germany. His mother died when he was two years old, and his father when he was thirteen, and, being left penniless, he was bound to a shoe¬ maker to learn that trade. He left Germany for the United States in May, 1831), and arrived in New York the next July, in debt $12 for money borrowed to bring him over. He worked his way from New York to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he commenced work at his trade, and in 1842 he had $300 laid up in a savings bank, which afterward broke, paying only 50 cents on the dol¬ lar. He married Margaret Dresseldorfer January 4, 1843, in Cincinnati. Eight children were born to this union, six of whom are living: Julia, now Mrs. John Vogel; Carrie, now Mrs. W. A. Carter; Maria, now Mrs. H. Schwing; Charles and Harry. Eliza, a daughter, died some years ago. He moved to Jackson County the next year after his marriage, where he afterward lived. Shoe-making not agreeing with him, he bought ninety acres of land paying at the time $5.25 per acre. He paid $200 down, and the remainder in a short time. As fast as he made the money and could spare it, he kept adding to his land until he had 900 acres. In the meantime he was ever ready to help his neighbors, and he also aided all he could in building up Sey¬ mour. He took stock in the Jackson County Agricultural Soci¬ ety at this place, as well as in the Bell Ford Bridge Company. He also purchased bond3 of the city, issued to obtain money for the erection of the Shields High School building and the city buildings. He also helped to build all the churches in Seymour. He was a member of the German Lutheran Church, and of Sey¬ mour Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 204, and was a life-long Democrat, and as honest a man as God ever made. He has one sister living in Germany. He died December 21, 1874. In every relation of v life he was a true Christian gentleman. The lesson taught by his busy life should be remembered by all. His career was hon¬ orable to himself and useful to his country.

J. A. BOSS, a son of Amos and Martha (Ruffner) Ross, was bora December 27, 1837. His parents were natives of Virginia. His primary education was received in the primitive log schoolhouse of the time. Leaving Washington County at the age of fourteen, he came direct to Seymour, where he engaged at the McCollum House as a hostler. Th's was the only hotel in Sey¬ mour at this time. He continued his employment at the hotel, attending school in the winter, until 1850, when he began break¬ ing on the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad. He continued at this employment only a month, owing to an accident in which he was injured, afterward entering the blacksmith shops of the Ohio.& Mississippi Railroad in September, 1857, as helper, till 1864, when he was promoted to blacksmith. He occupied this position until December, 1871, when he was given charge of the Seymour round house. With but trifling intermission he has held this po¬ sition for tell years. November 22, 1865, he was married to Mar¬ garet Newby, of Washington County. Seven children have been the issue of this marriage, six of whom are living: Harry O., Mary C., Walter I., Thomas E., Andrew J. and Martha A. Mrs. Ross died March 4, 1880. January 17 he was married to Mary Weyer, of Madison. Two children were born to them: Virgie and Stella L. He is a Mason and a Republican.

K A SPER SCHAFER is a native of Germany. He was born April 20, 1828. He began life as a baker, having apprenticed himself to that trade at the age of fourteen. He continued at this employment until the age of twenty-four. In 1852 he em¬ barked for America, landing at New York. Going thence to Louisville, he came from there direct to Seymour. In 1853 he located upon a farm in the suburbs of Seymour, where he still resides. His principal business has been that of supplying the city of Seymour with ice and fish. He has a large pond of pure water upon his premises adjoining which is a strong and com¬ modious ice-house for the storage of ice. He has been very successful in his enterprises and now enjoys a large and lucrative patronage. June 26, 1854, he was married to Josephine Rheahart, who was a native of Jennings County, Ind. To them seven children have been born, six of whom are livings Lewis, Mary, George, Anna, Lizzie and Nicholas. Mrs. Schafer died May 14, 1872. He next married Catharine McCaffrey, a native of Jen¬ nings County, November 6, 1873. He and his wife are members of the Catholic Church. In politics Mr. Schafer is a Democrat.

REV. ANTHONY A. SCHENK, whose portrait appears elsewhere, is the pastor of St. Ambrose Catholic Church, at Seymour. He was born in Posey County, this State, February 12, 1849, being one of nine children born to Theodore and Frances (Schenk) Schenk, who were natives of Westphalia, Germany, and came to America when quite young. Being farmers, their son Anthony was brought up in agricultural pur¬ suits until sixteen years of age, when he began a course of study at St. Meinrad's College, where he completed the classics in three years, and then for two years he studied philosophy at St. Joseph's College, at Bardstown, Ky. ; following this with a three years* course in theology, at St. Meinrad's, he was ordained a priest at that place November 2, 1873, by Bishop Maurice He St Palais. December 6, following, he took charge of St Ambrose Church, at Seymour, where he has ever since continued; and during his pastorate here the membership of his church has increased to 115 families. In the meantime he has built St Ambrose Academy and Day School at a cost of $10,000; also a parsonage has been purchased at a cost of $1,000, and a $3,000 addition made to the church edifice. Total expenditures for buildings, etc., about $16,000. The remaining indebtedness is only $1,500. These works are a standing monument of Father Schenk's faith¬ fulness, industry and ability ; and his standing is such as to command the highest respect both of Catholics and Protestants. The schools are in charge of five Sisters of Providence, and have an attendance of about 175 pupils.

FREEMAN E. SCOTT, a native of Vermont, was born November 12, 1844. His parents Oshea and Susan E. (Corse) Scott were natives of the same State. At the age of eight years he removed with his parents to the State of Massachusetts. It was here the subject of our sketch acquired the rudiments of an education in the common schools. At the age of seventeen he apprenticed himself to a machinist where he learned the trade. He removed to Indiana in 1806, and was variously employed until 1873, when he engaged in the saw-mill business in which he continued for three years. Leaving this he was next employed at his trade in the car shops of the Jeffersonville, Madison & Indianapolis Railrdad, at Jeffersonville, where he remained four months, taking, at the expiration of this time, an engine on the road, which he ran for four years. In the spring of 1871 he took charge of the car shops on the Jeffersonville, Madison & Indianapolis Railroad, at Indianapolis, which position he held for two years. It was in the year 1877 that he began the erection o^ a stave manufactory and saw-mill at Chestnut Ridge, located on the Jeffersonville, Madison <fe Indianapolis Railroad, in Jack¬ son County. His brother, F. M. Scott, is associated with him in this enterprise. They now manufacture about 2,000,000 staves a year. They also saw about 400,000 feet of lumber a year. They give employment to about twenty men and boys. In De¬ cember, 1883, he was married to Miss Gerrish, the daughter of Dr. J. W. F. Gerrish. He has one child by a former marriage. He is a member of the orders of K. of H. and K. of P. In religion he is a Presbyterian, in politics a Republican.

MEEDY WHITE SHIELDS, late of Seymour, was born in Sevierville, Sevier Co., Tenn., July 8, 1805. He was the son of James and Penelope (Whited Shields, and a grandson of Stockton Shields, of Virginia, a captain in the Revolutionary war.

The subject of this sketch attended school only three months in his life, but by his own energy attained a thorough English edu¬ cation. He removed to Cory don, Harrison County, in 1811, using pack-horses in making the journey. In 1816 the family went to Jackson County and settled on a farm that is now part of the city of Seymour. At this time there were only six white families in the county. From 1820 to 1832 Mr. Shields was en¬ gaged in running a flat-boat from the White River to New Orleans, and in managing his farm. In the early part of 1832, he enlisted in the army, was made first lieutenant, and in the fall of that year was promoted to a captaincy. At' the close of the Blackhawk war, in 1833, he returned to Jackson County, where he married Eliza P. Ewing, the daughter of a wealthy farmer of Brownstown, of the same county. He then engaged in farming on the old homestead. In the fall of 1846 he was elected a mem¬ ber of the Legislature, and was re-elected in 1848. In October, 1852, he was elected State senator from the counties of Jackson and Scott. In November of that year he laid out the town (now the city) of Seymour, and in 1853 opened a general store and also constructed eleven miles of the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad. He was a lover of fine stock, and manifested a great interest in the improvement of the cattle of the county, making the first importation of fine stock in the neighborhood. It was mainly through his efforts that the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad passed through the town of Seymour, as the road had been located two miles north, through the town of Rockford. In the fall of 1856 he was again elected to the State senate from Jackson, and Jen¬ nings Counties, and there introduced the bill compelling railroad companies to bring all trains to a stop at crossings of other rail¬ roads. In 1860 he was a delegate to the Democratic Convention at Charlestown which nominated Douglas for President. He was the father of eight children, two of whom,, Ewing and Tipton, are deceased; Bruce T. and William H. are now farming; Sarah 8. married John H. Blish in 1854, and Eliza S. married A. W. Dickinson in 1864. Mr. Shields was not a member of any relig¬ ious denomination, but gave liberally to several churches in their infancy, donating a lot to every church. His wife was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and not only was a liberal con- tributor to the church at Seymour, but gave largely of her means to the support of Presbyterian Churches all over the State. The city of Seymour, in its rapid growth, its numerous railroad shops, its extensive manufactories, and its high school, which bears Mr. Shields' name, is greatly indebted to the energy, in¬ dustry, perseverance and influence of its founder. He died Feb¬ ruary 6, 1866, of inflammation of the stomach, and in his death the city suffered an irreparable loss. His wife departed this life November 14, of the same year. Mr. Shields left an estate worth $375,000, accumulated by his own energy, sagacity and industry. His brother, William Shields, in the year 1840 was a member of the Indiana legislature, and died during his term of office. He was dearly beloved by the people, and was followed to the grave by an immense concourse of citizens. Appropriate resolutions in regard to his sterling worth were adopted by the house.

DR. JOHN TIPTON SHIELDS, a most prominent citizen of this county, residing at Seymour, was born in Jennings County, Ind., September 22, 1822, on Sand Creek, neai; where the first water-mill in that section was built. He was the son of James and Martha (McCasland) Shields, who were natives respectively of Counties Kerry and Dublin, Ireland. Both were represented in the Scottish war. They settled in Jennings County, this State, where they followed farming and merchandising at Vernon, in both of which pursuits the Doctor in his youth was reared. Receiving such training as the schools of his native town afforded, he commenced the study of medicine in the office of Dr. W. C. Thompson, now of Indianapolis. A year afterward, in 18 J8, he went to St. Charles, Mo., and continued his studies in a private office there until the winter of 1840-41; next he attended a course of lectures at the McDowell Medical College at St. Louis; and, returning to Vernon, after residing there a year, he opened an office at Dupont, Jefferson County, this State. During the winter of 1846-47 he attended a course of lectures at the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, and graduated with the degree of M. D. ; then, after traveling over the greater portion of the United States, he finally located, in 1865, in Seymour, where he has since successfully followed the practice of his profession. The Doctor has taken an active part in public affairs, and, being a deep thinker, a fluent speaker and a man of well defined and honest principles, he has been elected by his party, the Democ¬ racy, to many important positions of trust. Accordingly, he represented Jennings County in the Legislature at its extra ses¬ sion of 1858, and regular session of 1859; also Jackson County in 1878-80, and has been ten years a member of the city council of Seymour. He is an active member also of the Masonic, Odd Fellow and Knights of Pythias orders; is benevolent, sympa¬ thetic, and never above assisting the needy. In August, 1843, Dr. Shields married Miss Eliza J., daughter of Huffman Barton, of New York, a well educated and talented lady, being a grad¬ uate of an Eastern college. The children of Dr. and Mrs. Shields, now living, are two in number, namely: Scott and Mrs. Elizabeth Boss. The latter is a graduate of Glendale, Ohio, and of the Cincinnati Music School, and is the possessor of a violin valued at several thousands of dollars.

DR. JAMES M. SHIELDS was the second born to James S. and Mary E. (Martin) Shields. His father, James S., was a na¬ tive of Jennings County, Ind. He was a physician by profession. Dr. James M. Shields, the subject of this sketch, was born April 10, 1859, at Mitchell, Lawrence County. He attended the com¬ mon schools of his section, and then graduated at the high school. In 1878 he entered the office of his father and Dr. J. T. Shields. He afterward attended the Kentucky School of Medicine, where he graduated two years later, in 1880. He was married, in Oc¬ tober, 1883, to Miss Emma Brown. One child has been born to this union - Frank B. He was appointed pension examiner of the board of examining surgeons of the Third Congressional District at North Yernon. He has also held the office of clerk of the board of health of the city of Seymour. He is at present presi¬ dent of the board of health of J ackson County. He is a member of the order of K. of P., holding the position of chancellor com¬ mander. The Doctor is rather retiring in disposition, affable and courteous in demeanor, and has a bright future before him. His wife is a member of the Baptist Church. In politics he is a Democrat.

Shields. After attending the public school of his neighborhood and the private school of John I. Morrison, at Salem, Ind., a year, he was at the State University, at Bloomington, Ind., two years. At the age of twenty-six he married Miss R. J. McCollum, and moved (in 1852), with her parents, to Seymour, when there were but two houses in the place. Of the ten children born to them six are living, namely: Ewing, Fannie, Nellie, Lycurgus, Dickinson and Meedy. The deceased are Eliza P. , Swope, Meedy, Sarah and Lome. Mr. Shields is a farmer and stock raiser. In politics he is a Democrat, and he is regarded as one of the influ¬ ential men of the county.

DR. NORBONNE N. SHIPMAN, a physician of Seymour, was born in New Orleans, La., September 21, 1829, being the fourth son of Louis and Sarah J. (King) Shipman, the father a native of Virginia. When he was two years of age his mother died, and when four years old his father emigrated with his chil¬ dren to New Albany, this State, where they were to be reared by his sister, Mrs. Sarah Mathews. WThen about seventeen years of age he engaged as clerk in the drug business for B. F. Scribner, and afterward, in the same capacity, for Winstandley & Newkirk. This relation terminated in 1857, when, December 28, of that year, he married Miss M. Ella Lawrence, a native of New Washing¬ ton, Clarke Co., Ind. At this time Dr. Shipman went into the drug business for himself at New Albany. A year afterward he went to New Washington, where he had an interest with his father-in-law in the tannery business, and began reading medi¬ cine. In 1803 he commenced attendance at the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati, but at the close of one term he went to St. Paul, Decatur Co., this State, and practiced medicine there until 1870, in the meantime returning to Cincinnati and receiving his diploma. Previous to his entrance at college, however, he had a year's experience in the United States Hospital, at New Albany. In the year named he came to Seymour, where he has since suc¬ cessfully practiced his chosen profession. At present he is also United States examining surgeon for pensions. In his political views he is a Republican, and he is a member of the order of the K. of the G. R. He is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The Doctor's children are Harry L. and William L. George E. died in infancy.

HENRY J. SMITH, of Seymour, is a native of Clarke County, IncL, and was born June 6, 1842. His parents were William T. and Sarah (Wiseman) Smith, both natives of Kentucky. Henry's education is only such as the common schools of his time afforded. At the age of fifteen he began the saw-mill business, an occupation that he has followed most of his life. In 1858 he went to Louisville and remained for two years. He enlisted early in the war in the Forty-ninth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until September, 1865, when he was honorably discharged. During his term of service he was engaged in the battles of Vicksburg, Champion Hills, Port Gibson, besides a number of skirmishes. At the close of the war he returned to Louisville and remained until 1867. He then moved to Austin, in Scott Co., Ind., still pursuing the saw¬ mill business. Four years later he moved to J ackson County and located at Chestnut Ridge. From there in 1880 he came to Seymour, where he owns a mill. In addition to this he controls a mill at Austin and one in Kentucky. June 3, 1866, Martha E. Louis became his wife.

JOHN STAUDT is a native ot Prussia. He is a son of M. and Katrina (Mersche) Staudt. His father was a farmer and slate miner. Mathias Staudt and Katrina Mersche were married May 20, 1821. Nine children were born to this union - seven boys and two girls. This happy couple, after half a century of wedded bliss, celebrated their golden wedding in Seymour, May 20, 1871. However, most of their lives were spent in the dear old fatherland. They immigrated to America in 1864, to meet their son, who had preceded them eleven years. John Staudt was born April 5, 1828, in Prussia. His early occupation was that of a fanner and slate miner. His education was obtained in the vil¬ lage school of his neighborhood. Becoming dissatisfied with the meager advantages offered a poor man for advancement in his native land, he immigrated to America in 1852. He settled in Jackson County in the latter part of 1853, his occupation at this time being that of a common laborer. He was married in 1856, to Ursula Zimmer. Three children blessed this union, only one of whom is living, G. M. Staudt, who is now a machinist and engineer of the new fire engine of Seymour. John Staudt, the subject of this sketch, served three years in the German Army, in the body-guard of the First Uhlan Regiment of Potsdam. He has been a member of the I. O. O. F., for twenty years, and has occupied the position of councilman of Seymour two years. He was chief of the fire department of the city of Seymour for years, which position he resigned in April, 1875, owing to a contemplated trip to Europe,, which country he visited, departing with his wife and son, April 27, 1875. The trip was taken for the benefit of his wife's failing health. He paid an* extended visit to his native town of Bruchied Rhine, Province of Prussia. John Staudt celebrated his silver wedding May 28, 1881, in Seymour. He was in the employ of the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad, dating from 1853. He has been presi¬ dent of the Building and Loan Association of Seymour for two years. He is in the retail liquor trade near the junction of the Ohio & Mississippi, and Jeffersonville, Madison & Indianapolis Railroads. His father died in 1872, after a residence in Seymour of seven years and four months. His mother died one year later. They belonged to the Catholic Church. Mr. Staudt is also a member of the same church. In politics he is 4 Democrat.