Black Township (part 1 of 3)

Black Township

Was named after Hugh. William and Thomas Black, three brothers, who were among the very earliest settlers, and who were highly respected by their acquaintances. On March 24, 1817, when the township was organized its territory included what is now known as Point, which, from August 14, 182 1, until May 13, 1822, was called Daniel township, named in honor of John Daniel, the first permanent settler there. The first election held in this township was at the house of Thomas Givens, in Mt. Vernon. It is the wealthiest township in the County, and, in 1880, had under cultivation 43,007 acres of land, the yield of wheat and corn per acre averaging respectively fifteen and thirty-five bushels. Its surface is gently undulating, its soil is very fertile and its inhabitants, as a class, are frugal, industrious and enterprising. It contained, according to the census report of 1880, 7,000 inhabitants. Its educational facilities are superior, its standard of morality is high and its sanitary condition is excellent. Among the earliest settlers of this township were Win. Curtis, father of Thomas, Joshua and Wm. B. (who is the father of George W., the incumbent of the County Clerk's office), and his cousin, Kel Curtis. They came to the County in 181 1. -'Aunt Becky" McFaddin, who died at Mt. Vernon, February 3, 1873, in the eighty-seventh year of her age, and who was the widow of Andrew McFaddin, was a resident of this

Historical Sketches

Was organized in March, 1817, and when Vanderburgh was formed, January 7, 181 8, it became a part of that county and is now known as Perry township. It was named after Wm. Wagnon, a very early settler and one of the first panel Of grand jurors that ever sat in Posey County.

Source changes here: from History of Posey County, Indiana : from the Earliest Times to the Present, with Biographical Sketches, Reminiscences, Notes, Etc. : Together with an Extended History of the Northwest, the Indiana Territory, and the State of Indiana, by Goodspeed Publishing Co, published 1886; 35,077 words in this source stream.

Black Township

This township was not reduced to its present limits with its present name until March 13, 1822. It was named in honor of the Black family who came fi-om North Carolina in 1806 and settled a short distance northwest of Mount Vernon.

The grandfather, Thomas, had four sons: James, William, Thomas and John. The three last named were in the battle of Tippecanoe, the last named having been killed at that battla James Black was represented in the battle in the person of Robert Berger. The family has grown to be quite large, and has always been identified with interests of the township and county. Gen,

William Henry Harrison entered a portion of the land on which the city of Mount Vernon now stands. His claim called for 317 acres of Section 8. This claim he tried to sell to James Black, but he refused to buy because one of the McFaddin's had squatted on the land and refused to yield possession. Harrison afterward sold the land to Aaron "Williams, of Big Prairie, 111., for a horse and some money borrowed of James Black.

Names Of Squatteks

Adam Albright squatted in the county in 1807 in the Albright settlement. The sons of Adam Albright were William, John and Adam. They were from North Carolina. The Aldridge family settled in the township in 1810; they, too, were from North Carolina. Of the older ones were Samuel, Elijah, Eeuben, Henry (who was a gunsmith), William and Aaron. The father of these was John Aldridge, who was something of a blacksmith. The family are now quite numerous. Other early settlers were Joseph Holleman, Thomas Kussell, John and Aaron Burlison, and the Todd family, who came from Charlottesville, N. C. The elder ones were Hugh and William Todd. They both were at Tippecanoe, but the former, like the New York soldier at Bull Kun, being ordered to retreat and not ordered to halt, went on home. William Todd was something of a wheelwright. Of the younger Todds there were Samuel, John, William and Darius. Thomas Jones and sons, Nathan and Milton, are also numbered among the first settlers.

George Harshman settled in what is known as "Prairie Settlement." Thomas and Ealph French came to the township from Kentucky. There were also the two Ashworths - Nathan and Moses, who brought two slaves to this county. Old," Solomon," one of the slaves, lived until a few years ago. Moses Ashworth was a local Methodist preacher. Aaron Bacon was one of the early settlers of Black Township ; he was one of the early sheriffs of the county, having served in that office for two terms, from 1820 to 1824. There were also Edmond Bacon, Samuel and Joseph Bacon. The last named brought two slaves to this county, but as he could not keep them in slavery here they were taken South and sold. Joseph Kennedy and Samuel Kennedy were early settlers ; the former was a son-in-law of Aaron Bacon.

The Netlers also were early settlers, of whom were Solomon and Jonathan, who are said to have been somewhat given to fisticuff. William Curtis and Joshua Curtis came from North Carolina and settled at the old Curtis homestead in 1811. William Curtis was the father of William B. Curtis, who is still living. All of those heretofore mentioned settled on the northwest or west of Mount Vernon, and nearly all are represented by descendants of the same name, living in the same neighborhood.

The McFaddins gave name to the bluff on the river. This family was one of the first to settle in the township, and seemed prolific in nicknames, as there were two Andrews designated by the names " Slim " and " Piddle-de-dum." The former claimed the honor of firing the first gun at Tippecanoe ; the latter lived to a very old age. There were also two Jameses known as " Big " and " Little " Jim. John McFaddin was one of the same family. Other families were the Bowes, Dunns, Jeffreys and Andrews.

Game

The first settlers lived almost entirely on meats from wild animals, such as the county was filled with, consisting of deer, turkey, occasionally a bear, and smaller game. Numerous wild hogs were found in the woods, where they were allowed to run at large until two or three years of age. Wolves were so plentiful that sheep could not be kept without enclosing them at night. They would sometimes attack sheep in daylight. Wolves were caught in steel traps, or in pens, and killed sometimes by the unerring rifle of the backwoodsman. Few bear were ever killed in the county. It is claimed the marks of their claws are still to be seen on beech trees which they had climbed! John Noel once killed a bear in the Wabash bottom.

Pioneer Industries

The first mill in the township, was begun by William Wier, who settled in the county in 1807. The mill was completed by James Black, it is claimed, as early as 1810; this was a horsemill. The marks of the. old mill are still visible. Black built a water-mill on Big Creek, in 1817, and afterward moved his horsemill to the same place, so that if the water should be too low, he could use his horse-mill. Hugh Todd built a horse-miU about eight miles northwest of Mount Vernon, in 1820. The first steam-mill ever built in the township, was built by Darius North, Virgil Soaper and Andrew McFadden, in 1831, at Mount Vernon. This, at first, was a saw-mill, but buhrs were added for grinding corn. It was finally changed to a grist-mill and distillery. In 1838. it was destroyed by fire, but was rebuilt immediately by other parties, and again burned in 1853. The establishment was again rebuilt on an enlarged ^cale a few years later. The buildings were burned for the third and last time in 1873. In 1832 John Wier built a water-mill within the city limits of Mount Vernon ; this mill was soon afterward moved to the river bank and changed to a steam-mill.

Adam Albright built the first tannery in the township, about five miles from Mount Vernon, on the Jordan farm. This was before the quick process of tanning was known, and almost every man was his own shoe-maker. Hides were frequently tanned on the shares.

Eakly Land Enteies Schools And Teachers

Thomas Heady is claimed to have been the first teacher in the township, as well as the county. He taught in a rude log sohoolhouse built at McFaddin's Bluff, now a part of the corporate limits of Mount Vernon, in 1814. Heady taught the three "R's," and was strong on spelling. There are quite a number of the old settlers who can testify to his skill in the use of the birch and his promise to use it. His practice bore evidence that he believed in "no lickin, no larnin." Heady taught in almost every neighborhood in the township. William Hooker taught school as early as 1825, in a schoolhouse built in the city limits of Mount Vernon. He also taught in the various settlements of Black Township. E. Allen, another of the pioneer teachers, taught in a number of places, one of which was at James Black's. Mr. Black had built a new house, a frame, the first in the township, and the old log house was used for a schoolhouse. This is said to have been about 1816. The families of Black, of French, of Templeton and of Kussel, attended at this school. Later, a schoolhouse was built just north of where Milton Black's farm lies, near the Templeton graveyard. Another place of holding school was at, or near, John Wilbern's, in the Aldridge settlement. As the country was sparsely settled, the schoolhouses and school teachers were not numerous, nor were the buildings or furniture gorgeous. The houses were of logs, size f^bout 12x14 feet. Seats were made of split logs, supported upon wooden pegs. The floor was made of puncheons, or the bare earth, the door of boards loosely nailed together and hung on wooden hinges. The writing desk was made of a broad slab or plank fastened at one side of the building, at the proper height und inclined, and' over this was a window made by cutting out a log and pasting greased paper over the aperture. Through this opening, the sun shed his feeble light upon the toiling and mischievous urchins and lordly teacher. The following were among the early teachers: country, and was postmaster at three different times. He was considered a fair teacher in his day. A man named Williams and one named Larkin also taught. John Wetherell taught school about fifty years ago, he is said to have had a weakness for whisky. J. S. Barwick was one of the first to teach in the seminary, Samuel Annoble being the first.

Philo Dibble, a pioneer teacher, was an intelligent man, and had a faculty of making everybody in his presence laugh, and was well liked by his pupils, while "Vince" Jones was morose and cold. Edward Clark, an old Black Township teacher, moved to Grayville, 111., and founded the Grayville Independent, a very able paper which he edited until his death a few years ago. Two other teachers were Kobert Jeffreys and a man named Bostick. In addition to those already mentioned were Isaac Knapp and Greorge Knapp, (who is said to have been a good teacher), Cyrus Collins, H. A. Marston and Robert McCann. It hds not been possible to follow these names in order, nor to give dates, as no record of their work has ever been kept. There are four other teachers whose names should not be forgotten: Charles Weaver, Thomas Smith and two of the Gages who were from New England. While one of them, whose Christian name cannot be recalled, was teaching in the Aldridge settlement, the boys undertook to enforce an old practice, not entirely fallen into disuse yet, that of making the teacher treat. He came into the school-room with an unusual look upon his countenance, and on his refusal to treat was promptly set upon by the boys, who carried him to the nearest pond of water. The ice was broken and he was unceremoniously immersed, and pieces of ice were placed on his bare bosom, still he remained inexorable, and but for the arrival of some of the neighbors, something serious might have resulted from it. Since the adoption of the free school system in 1853, there has been a constant, steady growth in the public schools. The township trustee, Mr. Templeton, employs twenty-one teachers at an average of $2.45 per day, about the highest, if not the highest salaries in the State.

passed a law that certain fines, forfeitures, penalties, etc., before justices, circuit court, etc., should be applied for the maintenance of a county seminary of learning. The fines were to revert to the seminary fund varied from 1 cent to many dollars. Lots 107, 108, and 109 of Springfield were set apart April 20, 1822, for seminary purposes.- The first trustees of the seminary of the county were Samuel Jones, Joseph Price and William Hunter. They were appointed in 1822. Their first report was made November 8, 1825, which showed a balance of about $300 on hand. Jones resigned November, 1830, and Anson S. Andrews was appointed in his place ; John Carson and Ezekiel HoUand were the other trustees. In 1840, George S. Green, Asbury Jagneer and Thomas Brown were trustees. The law provided that when there was a surplus of the seminary fund to the amount of $500, the trustees might, at their optian, erect a seminary building. As the amount of money had accumulated sufficiently for the beginning of the erection of the building, the General Assembly February 18, 1833, appointed Gen. W. Johnson of Knox County, Daniel Grass of Spencer, and the Hon. George H. Proffit of Pike County, as commissioners, to locate said building. Efforts were made in several places to secure its location. Hon. R. D. Owen tendered ninety-two square rods of land at New Harmony, and about eighty acres of land on the Springfield road for its benefit, and the free use of his library. McClure, by his agent, offered the McClure Library and Musexim. A petition of 114 names with the property mentioned and money to the amount of $1,399.50, came from New Harmony. Elisha Phillips of the "Yankee settlement" tendered four and a half acres of land to have it located there. Lynn Township petitioned with a list of 121 names; Robb, with 106 names; Smith with 85, and Robinson with 68 names. Mount Vernon sent a long list of petitioners, and made a tender of $500 and about four acres of ground. The commissioners, in September, decided on Mount Vernon. The report of the treasurer, Elijah Goodwin, showed available means on hand to the amount of $1,564.78 in 1841. The trustees at once began the erection of the building near the L. & N. depot. The same building is now used for the colored schools. The building was finished in 1843, on the completion of which there was a deficiency of $194. 27. The first school was taught by Samuel Annable ; of his school there is no report. In 1844 Isaac Knapp was teacher; he reported a number studying the higher mathematics, six Latin, and one Greek.

Isaac Knapp was compelled to resign on account of ill health, and for a short period, there was no school in the seminary. The report of 1845 states that Thomas Collins and wife "had a good school" of thirty scholars, of whom six were studying Latin and one Greek. In 1847 Mr. Collins left the school and again there was no teacher. George Knapp taught for a time but the year can not be ascertained. The trustees report their inability to get a foreign teacher. Rev. E. K. Dibble reported on the last day of May, 1847, that the school averaged twenty -eight scholars for the term. In September, 1850, the trustees of the institution were out of debt and«had a surplus of |277.66.

Mr. Dibble, the principal, reported an average of sixty-five with classes in Greek, Latin, geometry, algebra, and the common branches, and that the average cost of tuition per scholar was $4.00. As an encouragement to patronage, and to give all parts of the county some benefit of the school, the trustees recommended that free scholarships should be given to one or two in each township. They thought further that this would tend to "allay prejudice." The later principals were the Eev. J. S. Barwick and Rob B. McCann; This brought the school up to 1860. The adoption of the constitutional amendment, in 1853, providing for the free school system and the putting of the same into operation a few years later, rendered the seminary as a seperate institution unnecessary, and it was accordingly sold and the proceeds transferred to the common school fund.

Public Schools Of Mount Veenon

The schools of Mount Vernon were properly brought to a system under Prof. A. J. Snoke, who was the first superintendent. He began his work in 1870. The school buildings are named respectively: High School, East Ward, West Ward and Seminary (colored school). The high school building was erected in 1868 at a <!ostof about $17,000. The east and the west building were erected 1869 at a cost of $5,500 each. The other superintendents have been N. E. Clark and Davis. In 1882 Prof. P. P. Stultz took charge of the schools, under whose management they have been very successful. The h^h school course requires three years to complete. The teachers for the school year of 1885-86 are P. P. Stultz, superintendent; Chris Menmann, assistant superintendent and teacher of German ; O. S. Levell, principal of high school ; E. O. Oavanah, principal of West Ward; P. D. Alexander of the East Ward and Ollie Cooper, principal of colored school, with Gertrude Bland assistant and teacher; intermediate teachers are Mary Brown and Alice Howard ; primary teachers are Emma Khine, Sallie Whitworth, Mary P. Jaquees, Etta Larkin, Jennie Lichtenberger, Julia Abbott, and Nannie Foshee. The following graduated in 1883 : Jennie Lichtenberger, Miss Loveland, Julia Schisley. Rose Armhuster, Jessie Spencer, Mabel Thomas, Belle Fuhrer, ZeUa Harris, Emma Rhine, Sherman Carr, Minnie Sullivan, and Nora Woody. There were no graduates for 1884; for 1885 there are Mamie Dunn and Cora Duckworth.

Chueches, Camp Meetings, Ministers, Etc

rt is thought that the Rev. Samuel Jones, a Baptist minister, was the first minister to preach in the county. Preaching at first was either in private houses or in the grove, as churches had not yet been built. Private houses though small would accommodate the people reasonably well as there were comparatively few people to attend church. Certain private houses became fixed places of worship as church houses now are; besides denominational lines were hardly so clearly drawn as now. The first Methodists who rode the circuit in this county were Revs. Thomas King and Thomas Davis, who came in 1815, and about the same time came Rev. John Schrader who died in 1880 at the advanced age of ninety years. It would be an unpardonable injustice to the memory of this remarkable man to pass him in silence. He stood as it were "between the living and the dead" for nearly three-quarters of a century, preaching the gospel in all its simplicity and purity, and was himself a monument of Christian character. The Rev. Jones above mentioned performed the marriage ceremony in 1815, joining "William C. Carson and Caty Jane Donaldson," and "William Givens and Polly Bird." The Cumberland Presbyterians had preaching as early as 1820. The ministers of this denomination were originally from Kentucky or Tennessee. Among the most distinguished were two of the Denneys, Carsins, John and William Barnett, David Lowry, William Lynn commonly called uncle "Billy," and Hiram A. Hunter who recently died at Ms home in Louisville at a very advanced age. The Christian body or New Lights had preaching in the county as early as 1816 by Rev. James Multry and Joseph Wasson ; the latter is usually considered the founder of that denomination in the southern part of the State.

Other denominations came in later. In 1823 the entire southwest corner of the State was called by the Methodists, the " Patoka Circuit." December 27, 1828, this county belonged to the "Princeton Circuit;" November 21, 1835, it was changed to the " Evansville Circuit;" and December 24, 1836, it was made the " Mount Vernon Circuit." The following is a list of presiding elders between 1828 and 1850: William Beauchamp, James Armstrong, C. HoUiday, George Locke, Enos G. Woods, Aaron Woods, John Miller, H. S. Talbot, John Kern, John Kerger and E. Whitten. Black's chapel was erected in 1849 on land then belonging to Ezekiel Black. The consideration of the deed was $1. The first trustees were Thomas Harrison, Thomas Todd, Samuel Templeton, Ezekiel Black and Jacob Turner. The present membership is between twenty and thirty. Prairie Chapel has a membershi'^ of about thirty, and was organized about the same time. Welborn's Chapel was built in 1857, on the land owned by Eli Aldridge; the trustees of the church were Samuel Aldridge, James Welborn, A. Piatt, Moses Bacon and R. Harrison. Preaching had been at Welborn as early as 1824. Regular conferences were begun there in 1825. Regular camp grounds were established near John Welborn's about 1830. Nathan Ashworth and Joseph. Price were made class leaders in 1823. Joseph Whitworth and Nathan Ashworth were licensed to exhort in 1825 ; William Pool, Andrew Joel, William Bonner, Absolom Duckworth in 1836. Duckworth's license was revoked in 1839. Joseph Shasers became a licensed exhorter in 1844. Prominent Methodist families at the first organization of the church were the Welborns, Aldridges, Ashworths and Blacks. The Mount Pleasant Church of General Baptists is located about three miles northeast of Mount Vernon on the Blackford road ; it was organized in 1825. The members met in private houses for a time. A Union Church was built by the General and Eegular Baptists. This was a small log house, but it was soon replaced by a larger house. The last named house burned down. The present house was erected in 1853 and has a seating capacity of 300. The church at first numbered seven members, Eev. Benoni Stinson was the first pastor. For fifteen years previous to 1883, Nelson Blackburn was pastor most of the time. Eev. William Clark took charge of the church in 1883. In 1866 the membership was 240, now it is about 160. The church has maintained a successful Sabbath-school. The land on which the church stands was obtained for $1, and ^'good will." The trustees in 1874 were E. "W. Case, Eomelie F. Mills and Perry Utley.

Churches Of Mount Vebnon

Services of all denominations were held at first in private houses. In 1828 a small brick house was erected on the corner of Main and Sixth Streets. . This was a Union Church house and was used by the various denominations. The increasing' population rendered this too small, and in 1840 the Christians erected a new church on Fifth Street between Main and Walnut. The lot was deeded by Aaron Baker and William Hendricks. Elijah Goodwin and James Moore were trustees.

The church was organized in 1833. Early members were Aaron and John Baker, William Hendricks, James Moore, Noble Craig, William H. Larkin, Mrs. Larkin, William Daniel and the Donsonchett family. The first minister was Elijah Goodwin; later ones were Philo Dibble, Flower, Mason and McEeynolds. Methodist preaching was first held at the house of Jesse Y. Welborn, They had preaching at private houses and in the brick church above mentioned till 1840, when they erected the church now owned by the German Methodists on Fourth Street between Walnut and Mulberry. This was used till 1852, when on April 1, it was sold to the German Methodists. The trustees of sale were W. J. Lowry, Eichard Barter, William Nettleton, E. T. Sullivan, Milton Black, John A. Mann and Isaac W. White. The trustees of purchase were G. M. Bush, Phillip Sfciehl, Frederick Sherbaum, Frederick Schultz and Adam Pfeiffer. The consideration was $400. The present church on Walnut between Fourth and Fifth was built in 1853. The membership of this church now is 230.

Catholic Church. - Old Father Diirbin, as he is popularly called, the pioneer priest of Kentucky, visited the Catholics of Mount Vernon until the year 1851. The first Catholic settlers were E. P. Schenck, Francis Schenck, Michael Scheidel, August Keifer and John Schaler. Eev. Eoman Weinzoeffel paid regular visits to Mount Vernon from 1851, and held services in the parlors of the brothers Schenck. Through the efforts of Eev. Weinzoeffel, in 1857 a lot was purchased for $660 and upon it was built the first church, a brick 40x42 feet. By liberal subscriptions the cost, $2,000, was soon covered, and the church, St. Matthew's, was dedicated in October, 1857, with great solemnity by Kev. E. J. Durbin. By the rapid increase in the congregation the accommodations were found insufficient, and in 1877 it was concluded to build a new church, which was begun in 1879 and completed and solemnized 1880 by the Et. Eev. Bishop Chatard, of Indianapolis. The building is of Eoman style of architecture, 50x112 feet, with spire 146 feet high, and built at a cost of $10,000, and furnished inside for $1,700. The strength of the congregation is over 700, and still growing. The Catholics have endeavored to keep a good parochial school from the first. A number of good teachers were employed until the arrival of Jacob Weiss, who conducted a school successfully for thirteen years. In 1862 an excellent schoolhouse was erected on the church lot, before which school was kept in rented rooms. On the death of Mr. Weiss the Sisters of St. Francis took charge of the school, and have maintained its high character since. They now contemplate building an academy. The Catholics have a burial ground of their own about two and onehalf miles from Mount Vernon, in which are buried about 200 persons.

Lutheran Church. - In 1853 about twelve German citizens resolved to start a German Evangelical congregation. Services were, held in private houses for several years with gratifying success. In 1857 the congregation built a new frame church, at a cost of $800, and it was consecrated June 28, of the same year. The first regular minister was F. H. H. Schmitz, and the church was called "Evangelical Trinity." The ministers from 1857 to 1880 have been Grasson, Haefer, Luesher, Doermer, Baur, Burkart, Koes, Schneider, and C. C. Gebauer, the present pastor, who was chosen in 1880. In 1883 the congregation resolved to build a new church, which was completed and consecrated March 17, 1884. The cost of the building, including the finish and furniture, was over $10,000. The church is 40x70 feet with a spire 143 feet. The congregation now numbers sixty-five families, embracing some of the most prominent of Mount Vernon.

Presbyterian Church. - The Presbyterian Church of Mount Vernon was organized in 1839 with ten members, of whom Mrs. Mary P. Stewart is the only one now living. The first minister was Rev. Bankin, who came as missionary and held monthly services ; he supplied the church about one year. The next were the Kevs. Kimball and Tiffany, each served about three years in the order named, and both were farmers and depended mainly on their physical labor for the support of their families. In addition to doing farm work Mr. Tiffany was a carpenter, and it was through his efforts at manual labor that the first church house, a frame, was built. This was done in 1851. All the beforementioned men were New School men. Rev. Charles Fitch was the next minister ; he also did farm work, and had charge of the church several years. N. T. Tuck succeeded Fitch ; both preached and taught school. He is the only one living, so far mentioned. Rev. T. W. Mitchell was pastor of the church two years, and was principal of the public schools one year. Rev. Fisher next served the church, he preached for a time at the seminary. Rev. A. Taylor preached for the church about two and one-half years, and John L. Yomley about five years. The three last named are stUl living. Rev. B. Mills was pastor of the church about three months, he was a lawyer by profession. Rev. John Montgomery served the church about two and one-half years, he is now president of Caldwell Female College at Danville, Ky. Rev. H. A. Dodge was pastor one year ; Rev. Bailey, two months ; Rev. L. C. Littell, one year, and Rev. A. E. Chase is the present pastor. The membership of the church now is about seventy-three.

German Methodist Episcopal Church. - The German Methodist Societies are identical with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Its first missionary was William Nash, and its first society was organized in Cincinnati in 1836. The society at Mount Vernon was organized in 1843, with about twelve members, it was then conducted with the Evansville Mission which embraced the classes at Bvansville, Mount Vernon and Marrs. The first missionary was

Peter Schmucker. Philip Stiehe and wife, Carl Schneider and wife and Carl Hens and wife were prominent members at the time of the organization. The church owned by the German Methodists was bought the English speaking Methodists in 1832. In 1883 this society was constituted a self-supporting station, and during this year the parsonage was bought. The following ministers have been appointed to the society since its organization: P. Schmucker, H. Koeneke, C. Heistmeyer, F. Backer, H. Koch, L. Miller, M. Schnurle, Ph. Doerr, J. H. Barth, J. Haus, A. Gerlach, F. A. Hoff, H. Wulzen, J. Eeiber, F. Euff, F. Pfeiffer, H. Wulzen and F. Euff, the present pastor. The following amount of moneys has been raised for the conference year (1884-85): for missionary cause, $110; conference claims, $30 ; orphans, $23 ; Bible, Sunday-school, education freedmen, tract and other causes, $180. Present membership is 175. Pastor's salary, $600.

ELIJAH ALLDEEDGE, a native of the county in which he now resides, was born June 17, 1820, and is one in a family of six children born to Henry and Marian (Self) AUdredge. His early days were passed on his father's farm, in Black Township, and in going to school, and after attaining his majority he began the battle of life for himself. In June, 1840, the nuptials of his marriage with Rebecca Duckworth were celebrated. She is a daughter of Thomas and Catharine Duckworth, and was born in Posey County April 7, 1821. To their marriage these children were born: Marshal, Sarah, Sylvester, Alphonso and Winfield, deceased; and Mary, Victoria, Delia, Sally and Elijah, living. In 1845 or 1846 Mr. AUdredge purchased 120 acres of heavy timber land. He cleared it all but about five acres. His political views are Democratic, and he and wife are members of the General Baptist Church.

AL ANSON ALLYN ' is the son of Abijah and Catharine (Hooper) AUyn, who were the parents of fourteen children. They were born in New York, the father in 1794, and the mother in 1799. They came to Posey County at a very early period, and settled near Farmersville, where they followed the life of farmers. The father died in 1874, and the mother in 1853. Of this parentage was born our subject February 22, 1829. He remained at home aiding his father on the farm until he was twenty-one years old, when he went to California, where he operated a gold mine of his own for some time and succeeded fairly well. He then returned home, married, and bagan his career as a tiller of the soil, and now owns 220 acres of fine land, well im- proved. April 17, 1856, he took for his helpmate through life Mary E. Chalier, to whom were born eleven children, nine now living: Josephine, Matilda, Anson, Taphenas, Emanuel, Cora. Bertha, Stella and Ezbon. Mrs. AUyn's father was a native of France, and her mother of England. .They came to Posey County about 1839. Mr. Allyn is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and politically has always been a Republican. He is quite a prominent man of the county, and is considered an enterprising and successful farmer.

DANIEL O. BAEKER, attorney at law. Mount Vernon, Ind., and native of Posey County, was born July 31, 1853. His parents were Hiram and Elizabeth A. (Fitzgerald) Barker, who were natives respectively of Gibson and Posey Counties. The father, who is a practical farmer and stock raiser of Gibson County, resided in Posey County during 1851-58, and then returned to Gibson, where he has since made his home. Our subject secured a collegiate education, attending the State University at Bloomington, and graduated from the law department in June, 1875. He then practiced his profession about one year in Princeton, with Judge William M. Land. In 1877 he removed to McPherson County, Kas., where he remained practicing his profession until March, 1885, when, against the solicitation of his many friends at the bar and in the county, he relinquished his large and remunerative practice, and returned to his native State, where he is now engaged in practicing before the courts. In 1876 he was united in matrimony to Alice B. Doss. They have three children: Mabel D., Eoscoe U. and Loyett. Mr. Barker is a warm Democrat in politics, but has never aspired to office, having refused to run for various offices of note while in Kansas, such as State senator and congressman. He is a Mason of the Royal Arch degree.

RICHARD BARTER, Sr. Of those early settlers of Posey County, Ind., whose subsequent career was, in a high degree, crowned with financial and social success, was, Richard Barter, Sr. He was born on May 14, 1797, at a village named Houl, in Devonshire, England, where his parents resided and where his father, John Barter, was the village blacksmith. His mother's maiden name was Mary Foote. She was the daughter of an English surgeon and, in that land of titles and snobbery, where society was so cut up and divided by shades and shadows, this unequal union can be accounted for only on the theory that John Barter was the only available young man in all the country around and about, who had sufficient nerve to tackle the fiery and untamed Mary Foote. What the exact character of this lady was as a young wife is not now known, but, as the mother of a grownup family, she is known to have been extremely dressy, handsome, proud and exacting, frequently carrying this latter characteristic to the extent of boxing her son Richard's ears long after he was a husband and father, and it is said to have been a touching exhibition of filial obedience to see the great six-footer, who feared no man, stand up and submissively receive the punishment inflicted by his mother, while tears coursed down his stern cheeks.

Of this family there were six brothers: John, Eichard, Edward, William, George and James, and three sisters: Jane, Mary and Phillippa. Edward was the only one of the brothers who died in Europe ; he died in Bristol, England. George died in Pennsylvania, unmarried; he is said to have been endowed with " second sight," and could foretel certain events hid from others by the curtain which separates the present from the future. The three sisters each married and, in all probability, died in England. The father, John Barter, and the mother, Mary Barter, and their other four sons, John, Eichard, William and James, died in, or near. Mount Vernon, Ind., and were buried here. Of the wives of these four brothers only one, John's, was English, the others being natives of the United States.

The children of John Barter, who lived to man's and woman's estate, were Catharine, who married Harrison O'Bannon, the union being a barren one; John H., the manufacturer of buggies, wagons, etc., of Mount Vernon, who twice married and now, 1885, has five boys and two girls, and Mary, who married Joseph Shepard and died leaving three boys and three girls.

The children of Edward Barter, who lived to man's and woman's estate, were John Beadle, George, Jane (who is the widow of the late John Johns). These live near Cardiff, in (Wales) England. Edward, another son, died in Wales, and Mary, Mrs. William Nott, who has but one child, a married daughter, Mrs. William Dixon, lives in Mount Vernon, Ind.

The children of "William Barter, who lived to man's and woman's estate, were William, who now, 1885, owns and manages a fruit and dairy ranch near Pennoyn, Cal. ; Mary, who married Ebenezer Cooper and died on her farm, leaving one child, a girl ; Eebecca, who married William Dixon and died on her farm without issue ; Job, who married and died on his farm leaving issue ; Eichard Foote, who married, lives on his farm and has two boys, and Jane, who married French Dixon and lives on her farm. Eichard was a Union soldier. The children of James Barter (he was married three times), who lived to man's and woman's estate, were: John, Eichard, Edward, George (who died in the Union Army during the war of the Eebellion), Henry Clay, Mary, Jeannette and Cornelia. Eichard, George and Henry Clay were Union Soldiers.

"Eichard Barter," a fly-leaf of the old family Bible informs us, "left Old England on Good a Friday, in the yeare of Our Lorde, 1819." He crossed the Atlantic Ocean in a sailing vessel, and, after a long and tempestuous voyage, landed at Philadelphia. From there he went to Chambersburg, Penn., where he worked at the family trade, blacksnjithing, for several months and from thence he made his way to Pittsburgh, and in the spring of the year 1820 embarked on a flat-boat and floated down the Ohio Elver to the straggling village of Mount Vernon, Ind., then just four years old. Here he was prostrated with ague and for several months was unable to do any manual labor; he had expended all of his money and his wardrobe was bordering on the ragged state. At this time there was a public sale of the personal effects of a mdTn who had died in the neighborhood, and among these effects was a suit of "butternut-jeans " clothing. Eichard Barter was the purchaser, with Wilson Jones as security. From this time onward his health improved and soon a log smithy was erected on Lot 11, Williams' part of Mount Vernon; iron was purchased of the keel-boat men from Pittsburgh, stove coal was boated down in pirogues, from "The Yellow Banks," now Owensboro, Ky., and soon the cheerful tones of the blacksmith's anvil awakened the echoes in the village. Speaking of this period of his life in after years, he said: "Many and many's the time that I worked nineteen out of the twenty-four hours, and I was much happier then, in anticipation, than I have ever since been in the possession of riches."

Biographical Sketches

The smitliy was a financial success, but it was merely the central point from which other enterprises were to be inaugurated ; soon a barrel of Monongahela whisky was added. In those early days the use of spirituous liquors was very common throughout the West, and the sale of it was regarded as being as honorable as the sale of any other class of merchandise, but the subject of this sketch lived to see the day when he looked upon it in a far different light.

December 10, 1825, Richard Barter was married, by Rev. Erza Lee, to Martha Ann Aldridge, of Posey County, Ind. The young bride was of Southern nativity and possessed of unusual physical beauty, rare purity of language and, added to these, were a sweet temper, great native force of mind and untiring industry. After this important event the smithy and barrel of whisky began to spread out; Pittsburgh ale, foreign wines and a general stock of groceries from New Orleans were added and, within a year or two, dry goods, hardware, stationery, medicines, jews-harps, fishhooks, ribbons, nutmegs, laces and all of the other appurtenances belonging to a successful early times country store, followed. Along sometime during the year 1828 or 1829, a large, two-story frame building (still standing, 1885,) was erected on Lot 10, Williams' part of Mount Vernon, just across Main Street from the smithy; the business was removed to this building, the east rooms of which were used for store and counting-houses, and the south and second-story rooms served as a residence - in this house were born most of the children of Richard and Martha A. Barter.

By the year 1830 the blacksmithing department was given up and the capital of the now firmly established business had become sufiiciently strong to admit of using a portion of it in speculations and in permanent landed investments, and now the young merchant launched forth into new channels. Some lands were entered from the Government and others were purchased at a low price from persons who did not appreciate the ultimate value of that which they owned. He was now able to sell goods in large quantities and on long time, the profits being enormous, and during the fall and winter seasons, after the farmers had killed their hogs and gathered in their crops of corn, the collections were made for the year's business. This necessitated the erection of a pork house, which was built (of brick) on the southeast corner of Lot 10, and here every winter the dressed hogs from the country were received, cut up, packed, the lard rendered and much of the proceeds made into bacon. The corn crop, which was already becoming an important interest all along the borders of the Ohio and Wabash E,i»vers, was received into flat-boats and, with the pork and bacon added to the load, floated down the Ohio and Mississippi Eivers and disposed of at remunerative prices, and heavy groceries, wines and liquors, were brought up on the return trip from New Orleans. In addition to corn and pork the pecan crop (the Wabash Kiver bottom lands were alive with pecan trees) was not an unimportant one, there being during the season, in those days, hundreds upon hundreds of bushels of them disposed of in this market, and venison hams, at 37-| to 62^ cents a pair, were quite a common article of commerce, being on the market in fresh, dried and smoked states ; much of this article was also sent South to sell in the Southern cities.

It is a somewhat remarkable fact that, during the many years of this branch of his business, of the hundreds of flat-boats run South by Richard Barter not one of them was ever sunk, and of the scores of houses owned by him, first and last, only one, an imimportant structure, was ever burned, and yet he scouted at there being such a thing as "luck." Well, in all probability, there is no such thing, but those who have lived long and scrutinized closely cannot gainsay the certainty of terrestrial rewards and punishments, for the "Book of Books" says: "Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land," and, while the stern man of business was uncomplainingly receiving unmerited chastisement at the hands of his fiery tempered mother, is any one prepared to say that he was not planting the seeds of a long, useful and prosperous career?

December 17, 1846, Martha Ann Barter, his wife, died in the same hospitable house which she had gladdened for over twentyone years. At the time of her death she was the mother of six sons, one of them being absent at college, and one daughter, all of whom are still living, 1885. Regarded in the light of wife, mother, friend or neighbor, she was a very superior lady ; she attended strictly to her ovm home affairs and never had an enemy.

Mary H. Walker, of Evansville, Ind. She was the daughter of Capt. William Walker, of Evansyille, who was killed at the battle of Buena Yista during the early part of the war with Mexico, and sister to the late William H. Walker, at one time mayor of Evansville, and of Drs. George B. and John T. Walker, once professors in the Evansville Medical College. She was a well educated and highly intelligent lady, possessing a remarkable memory and capacity, in a marked degree, of communicating her knowledge to others. Her greatest enjoyment was with books.

About the year 1856 he removed his family to his favorite farm, on the Mount Vernon and New Harmony Road (going north on the east side), not a mile from the city, and here he spent the most of his time until, April 15, 1864, he ended his days on earth and was buried by the Masonic order, of which he was an honored member, in the Barter private graveyard on the hillside to the east of the residence. During the month of November (Thanksgiving day), 1876, Mary H., his second wife and widow, died and was buried beside him to his left, his first wife, Martha Ann, having been buried beside him to his right. Further on to his right, their graves marked by a heavy marble slab, rest the remains of John and Mary Barter, the father whom he honored and the mother whom he so much loved.

Richard Barter was a born business character. It was his boast that at the age of thirteen years he had a plentiful supply of nice clothing, carried a good silver watch and chain and had a sufficiency of money, all earned by the sweat of his own brow. He was liberal toward his relatives, indulgent with his children, moderately charitable toward the poor, never forgot a friend or an enemy, and they never forgot him. He was eminently energetic and enterprising, made things happen, paid all fhis debts and died honored by many and respected by all who knew him.

The children of Richard and Martha Ann Barter, who attained to man's and woman's estate, were John M. Barter, who was from his boyhood up to the last, his father's trusted secretary, confidential business manager and, later on, partner. If there is "a black sheep" in every flock, commonly, there is one in most flocks that is whiter than the other members. John was always regarded, by the community in which he resided and did business as the "white sheep" of his family. He is now (1885) the head of the firm of Barter, Neal & Fuehling, hardware, stoves and furniture merchants, Mount Vernon, Ind. He married Miss Sarah Catherine Lichtenberger, of Mount Vernon, Ind.

Jane Barter, who has been twice married, the first time to John W. Baker, formerly a merchant of Mount Vernon, Ind., and the second time to Capt, John Martin, a merchant of Uniontown, Ky. She had one son who attained to man's estate and was a merchant in the State of Kansas, but he died young and unmarried.

James M. Barter, who was attending college at Greencastle, Ind., when the war with Mexico broke out, and in January, 1847, took French leave of absence and joined the Fifth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, commanded by Col. James H. Lane, with which he served as color-guard on the line from Vera Cruz to the City of Mexico and five miles beyond, under Gen. Scott, until the close of the war. During the war of the Rebellion he was a captain in the First Indiana Cavalry, commanded by Col. Conrad Baker (subsequently governor of Indiana) and in 1879 he established the Weekly Sun, of Mount Vernon, Ind., a Republican newspaper of which he is now (1885) editor and manager. October 9, 1858, at Elizabethtown, 111., he was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Kate Lee Leflar (died March 15, 1885), by whom he has five sons now living.

George Barter, who, before the war of the Rebellion, was a steam-boat captain and owner, and during that war was a gunboat pilot. He married a Miss , somebody, by whom he had

Richard Fulton Barter when a lad attended the military academy at Drennon Springs, Ky., of which Hon. James G. Blaine was then a professor. He started into the war of the Rebellion as adjutant of the Twenty-fourth Indiana Infantry, commanded by Col. (afterward Major-General) Alvin P. Hovey. He was with his regiment in the battle of Shiloh, was soon afterward promoted, for bravery, to be major and subsequently was advanced to the lieutenant-colonelcy of his regiment. As lieutenant-colonel he was at the siege of Vicksbnrg, under Gen. Grant, and as such commanded his regiment at the battle of Champion Hills, back of Vicksburg, the colonel, Spicely, having been in command of a brigade. This was one of the bloodiest battles fought during that bloodiest of wars. The Twenty -fourth

Indiana Infantry went into it 450 strong, and came out of it with over one-half of its officers and men either killed or wounded. During the most destructive part of the fight, when the air was all filled with leaden hail and the men were falling like leaves in wintry weather, Col. Barter was among his command encouraging his officers and soldiers by his near presence and cheering them by his fearless bearing. Near the close of the combat when, if possible, the firing was heavier than it had before been, the colorbearer fell and the regimental colors went down with him. Quick as thought the Colonel sprang down, raised the colors with a cheer of defiance, and quickly afterward an explosive rifle ball from the enemy crashed through and shattered his hand, at the same time cutting in two the flagstaff which he was holding. After this he was promoted, "for bravery in the face of the enemy," to a full colonelcy and commanded a brigade under Gen. Hovey, in Sherman's march to the sea. He was never married and is now (1885) in the war office at Washington City, where he has been for severaV years.

Henry Clay Barter, long before he had arrived at man's estate, about the year 1856, entered into copartnership with his brother James M., in the hardware, stoves and tinware line in Mount Vernon, Ind., and in this line he has continued, -with occasional intermissions, ever since. During the war of the Rebellion he was first lieutenant of a home guard company and drew his pay and spent it like a veteran. He is now (1885) the head of the firm of Barter, Burtis & Templeton, hardware, tinware, stoves and furniture dealers. Mount Vernon, Ind.

Theodore Frelinghuysen Barter is the youngest member of this family. He never entered into any regular pursuit. He married Miss Laura Larkin, of Mount Vernon, Ind., and after they, together, had frittered away his fortune she deserted him, procured a divorce and married a fellow named Bill Nelson. She left him with two small boys, all the living offspring they had, to rear and educate.

Of the family of Richard and Mary H. Barter, who grew to man and womanhood, were: Victoria Barter, who married Edward T. Green, a farmer and fine cattle breeder, near Mount Vernon, Ind. They have six children. Elizabeth Barter, who married Charles H. Foshee, the brick manufacturer and building con- tractor, of Mount Vernon, Ind. They have two girls. Benjamin Barter, who married Miss Vina Kettles, of Farmersville, Posey Co., Ind. Benjamin died within a year after his marriage and left one boy.

JOHN H. BAKTEE was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., September 30, 1825, and is the youngest of two children of John F. and Ann (Arthur) Barter, natives of England. They were married about the close of the war of 1812, and came to the United States shortly after, locating first in Pennsylvania and later in New York State. About 1830 they came to Indiana and settled in New Harmony, where the father followed the blacksmith's trade a few years and then moved to Mount Vernon, where he afterward resided. He died about the close of the war of the Rebellion, and the mother about seven years before. Our subject was raised in Mount Vernon and at the age of ten years began learning the blacksmith's trade in his father's shop. In 1847 he began doing business for himself in a shop eighteen feet square. Later he added a wood- work shop, next a carriage trimming and paint shop, and in 1875 introduced steam-power in his building and is now engaged in the manufacture of wagons, buggies and plows, which gives employment to ten or twelve men. In 1846 he was married to Mary Ashworth, a native of Posey County, who died in 1867, leaving three children: Charles H., William and Emma F. In 1868 he married his present wife, Elizabeth J. Depriest. They have five children: Arthur, Ella S., John A., Freddie and Festus. Mr. Barter is a Republican and has been a member of the city council and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Chui-ch.

JULIUS BARTER is one of Posey County's wide-awake young citizens and farmers. He was born December 3, 1856, in Black Township, and is one of four children born to the marriage of John and Jane C. (Templeton) Barter. The father was a native of Posey County, Ind., and was born in 1830, and followed merchandising as an occupation. The mother is also a native of this county, born in 1835. The subject of our sketch was reared on a farm and received the education of the average farmer's boy. He is unmarried and is living with his mother on the old homestead. In 1879 he purchased forty acres of land and farms enough of the old home place to make about 130 acres of land. He

EOMELIA BENNEE was born in Posey County, Ind., November 4, 1839. His parents, John L. and Mary (Mills) Benner were the parents of fourteen children, our subject being the fifth of the family. The father came from his native land (Germany) to America when but ten years old. He followed the occupation of farming and died in 1861. The mother is a native of the county and still lives in Marrs Township. Our subject was raised on a farm and obtained a somewhat limited education. He remained with his parents until he attained his majority, when he enlisted in the Twenty-fifth Indiana Volunteers and served over three years. He participated in the battles of Donelson, Shiloh and Atlanta. Coming from the war he began farming where he now lives. He has been fairly successful and owns eighty acres of very fertile land. December 21, 1865, he was married to Jane Oliver, daughter of Josiah and Ruth (Downen) Oliver. To their union twelve childred were born, seven of whom are living: John L., Ruth E., Nancy J., James 0., Mary, Victoria and Thompson P. Mr. Benner is a member of the I. O. O. F., and has always been a Democrat politically. He and wife are members of the General Baptist Church.

SAMUEL BENTHALL is one of nine children born to Cornelius and Rachael (Rowe) Benthall, who were natives respectively of North Carolina and Kentucky. The father came to Posey County, Ind., when a young man. Here he married and followed the life of a farmer. Our subject was born December 9, 1841, on the farm where he now lives. He was left an orphan when only eleven or twelve years of age, when he worked as a farm hand until becoming grown. July 9, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Twenty-fifth Indiana Volunteers and served his country faithfully and well for three years. By exposure and army hardships he received injuries for which he now receives a pension. He was at Fort Henry, Shiloh and participated in numerous other engagements. Whilst at home on furlough he was married to Elizabeth Downen, July 12, 1863. They became the parents of six children: John D., William D., Rachel J., Cornelius C, Otis and Samuel. After his return from the war Mr. Benthall located on his present farm where he has met with good success. He owns 205 acres of good land, all under cultivation but about thirty-five acres. He is a Democrat and he and wife are members of the Eegular Baptist Church.

MILTON BLACK, probably the oldest living native pioneer of Posey County, Ind., was born near the present city of Mount Vernon January 2, 1809. He was the third in a family of seven sons and one daughter, born to James and Margaret (Todd) Black, who were natives of North Carolina, where they were raised and married, immigrating soon after to Kentucky. In 1806 they came to Indiana, where the father entered a tract of land. Later he removed to what is now Lynn Township, where he built a mill on Big Creek. There he lived and engaged in farming and grist and saw-milling until his death in 1838. The mother died about ten years previously. Our subject, in boyhood, worked on the farm and in the mill, and on one occasion went to the Southern States by flat-boat on the river. He received such education as could be obtained by attending school three months during the year, and also by applying himself to his books at home. When twenty-five years old he worked for a Yankee clock firm and traveled over southern Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee, remaining with them about two years. In 1836 he began working in the first large steam-mill erected in Mount Vernon, and assumed considerable control of the business until the mill caught fire and was consumed in 1837. He then worked on the river, and in 1839 was engaged in a geological survey of Iowa and Wisconsin under David Dale Owen. He returned in 1840 and purchased an interest in a saw-mill at Mount Vernon, which he operated two years. In 1842 he married Mary Jane Jones and located on a farm which he owned west of Mount Vernon, where he remained until the spring of 1849. He then went to California in search of gold, with a party of six from this county. They made the journey with ox teams and remained in the gold region over a year, meeting with good success, financially. In the latter part of 1850 he returned home and resided on the farm, until his wife's death in 1858. He then came with his four children (three of whom are living) to his mother-in-law's near Mount Vernon where he has resided ever since. His daughters, whose names are Margaret E., Anna M., and Virginia B., fell heir to the place at their grandmother's death and-stiU reside with their father on the farm. Mr. Black has been engaged in buying and trading real estate for a number of years and has met with good success. He owns 500 acres of good farming laud. In 1862 he helped start the First National Bank of Mount Vernon, and has been one of the stockholders ever since. He is now vice-president of the institution. He has always been a Whig and Eepublican, and he is a Mason and member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is one of Posey County's leading and respected citizens. Mr. Black had three uncles on his father's side and two on his mother's side who participated in the battle of Tippecanoe. John Black was killed in the battle. His mother preserved his hat which bears the mark of the fatal bullet.

I. NEWTON BLACK, a well to do farmer, is a native of Posey County, Ind., where he was born March 14, 1857. He is one of a large family of children born to the marriage of Ezekiel Black and Mary Ann McClary. The father, a native of Virginia, was born in 1808 and followed the life of a farmer. His death occurred July 31, 1875. The mother was born in New Jersey in 1833. Our subject was reared on a farm and remained with his parents until twenty-one years old. October 22, 1882, he was married to Matilda Broadhead, daughter of James and Sarah Broadhead. She was born in Posey County, October 22, 1858. They have one child, Sarah K. Mr. Black's political views are Democratic. He cast his first vote for Winfield S. Hancock. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

HON. EUSSEL BLACKLEY is a native of Fairfax County, Va., bom December 30, 1817. He is one of eight children born to N. and Nancy (Cornwall) Blackley. The father was a native of Scotland and came to the United States when quite a small boy. He was a merchant tailor by trade. Kussel received a common school education and remained at home aiding his mother until he attained his majority. March 30, 1837, he took for his life companion, Julia Haskinson, daughter of Ezekiel and Mary Haskinson. She is a native of Pennsylvania, born February 13, 1820. She and her husband became the parents of these ten children: William (deceased), George (deceased), George (deceased), Mary, Charlotte, Thomas, Franklin, Martha, Harriett and John. In 1837 Mr. Blackley purchased forty acres of land in Ohio and lived there ten years when he sold out and came to Posey County, Ind., where he has lived ever since. His political views are Democratic and he cast his first vote for Martin Van Btiren. He was a member of the State Legislature during 1878-79.

FEANK P. BLACKLEY, an enterprising young farmer of Posey County, Ind., was born in the county, October 14, 1853, and is a son of Eussel and Julia Blackley (elsewhere written). He was reared at home receiving a common school education. He resided under the parental roof until he attained his majority. He took for his life companion Geneva W. Curtis and their marriage was celebrated March 12, 1878. She is a daughter of John S. and Margaret Curtis, and was born December 17, 1856, in Posey County. To their marriage were born these children: Hallie, Homer and Boyd C. Mr. Blackley is a moderately successful young farmer and owns forty acres of land in Black Township. He is politically a Democrat and cast his first vote for Samuel J. TUden. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

"WILLIAM L. BOYCE, secretary and treasurer of the Mount Vernon Mill & Elevator Company and a native of Posey County, was born October 8, 1848. He is the elder of two children born to the marriage of Washington Boyce and Martha Kivett, natives respectively, of Dearborn and Posey Counties, Ind. The father came to this county in 1835 and located on the river above town. In 1853 he moved to a farm near Farmersville and resided in that vicinity until 1868 when he moved to his farm near Mount Vernon and followed farming, stock raising, and also engaged in the milling business in town. His death occurred March 24, 1885, the result of an accident at the mill. Our subject received s, good education and completed his freshman year in Wabash College at Crawfordsville. At the age of twenty-three he engaged in the grain business here and in 1874, he went to Colorado and sold drugs there until 1877, when he returned and re-engaged in buying and selling grain and became a member of the firm of Fuhrer, Boyce & Co. In 1882, when the new firm was organized, he accepted the position of superintendent and two years later assumed his present office. April 11, 1880, he married Martha W. daughter of John B. Gardiner. They have one

DAVID BEEEOE may be mentioned as one of the prominent farmers of the county. His parents, James and Lucretia ( Oulley) Breece, were born and raised near the sea-coast in North Carolina. They moved first to Sumner County, Tenn., and after remaining there three years, came to Posey County, Ind., and located on a farm near Mount Vernon. The father's death occurred in 1846 and the mother's in 1844. Our subject was born in North Carolina, January 27, 1812, but was raised in the woods of Posey County. When twenty-two years old he began working for himself, receiving $10 per month for his services. A year later he purchased a small tract of land and worked on this and his father's for some time. He has been very prosperous and owns over 500 acres of good land, lying in three different farms. He is a member of the Regular Baptist Church and a Democrat in politics. December 31, 1840, he was married to Jane Rogers who was born October 7, 1817, and died December 2, 1868, leaving five children: James A., Jeremiah C, Maria, David R. and Silas. Mr. Breece makes his home vnth his son James, who farms the home place.

LOUIS BRETTNER, proprietor of the Brettner Hotel at Mount Vernon, Ijad., was born in Bavaria, April 25, 1849, son of Simon and Elizabeth Brettner, natives of the same country, where the mother died and the father still resides. Louis secured the ordinary German education and at the age of thirteen began learning the hatter's trade, after completely mastering it, he worked in the land of his birth until 1870, when he came to the United States and worked six months at his trade in Newark, N. J. He then came to Evansville, Ind., and remained until 1877, working at his trade and retailing liquors. He then located in Mount Vernon and engaged in the same business until 1881 when he began keeping hotel at the corner of Third and Store Streets, but discontinued there in March, 1884, and took charge of his present hotel. He keeps a first class house in every respect and commands the leading trade in the city. In February, 1878, he married Emma Schoellkopf. They have one child named Otto L. Mr. Brettner is a member of the A. O. U. W. and was born in the Catholic faith, but is not a member of any church. He is

HENKT BEINKMANN was born in the Duchy of Lippe- Detmold, June 16, 1825. He attended school until fourteen 3'ears old, and obtained a very fair education; he worked for about six years in a brickyard, and then for about five years at learning the wagon-making trade. In 1850 he embarked for the United States and came almost directly to Evansville, Ind., where he remained for about two months, and then came to Posey County, settling in Mount Vernon, where he obtained steady employment at wagon-making, and at the end of the year formed a partnership with his employer, Gotlieb Koerner. They remained in this connection two years, when they dissolved partnership, and for about eight years afterward, he was engaged in manufacturing agricultural implements and wagons on his own responsibility. He and John H. Barter then became partners in the same business, continuing together until 1861, when he again began business for himself in a shop of his own. About this time he began manufacturing the "Brinkmann wagon," having but one apprentice to assist him in his labors. He found ready sale for his products, and business has gradually increased so that he now employs from twelve to fifteen hands during the year in the manufacture of wagons and buggies, which are noted for their excellence and durability. He invented the plow called the "Posey Clipper," and is also engaged in the manufacture of drain-tile, and employs about thirty-five men. From 1869 to 1875, he was engaged in making brick, and two years later, he with "William Burtis as partner, began selling all kinds of agricultural implements in Mount Vernon. In 1881 Mr. Burtis retired from the business, and Mr. Brinkmann then took his sons, Henry and Charles, into partnership with him. The sales of the firm in this department reach the handsome sum of $40,000 per annum. They now have added a stock of hardware, which greatly augments their yearly sales. He has been president of the Manufacturers' Aid Society of Mount Vernon, a number of years, and he was elected member of the city council in 1869, re-elected in 1878 and 1880, and is now holding the same office; he has been a Republican since the first election of Abraham Lincoln. He was married, in October, 1852, to Margaret Hahn ; they have ten children - four sons and six daughters, all of whom are living. Mr. Brinkmann is essentially a self-made man, he started in life a poor boy but by diligence and economy built up an excellent trade, aud is now endowed with his share of worldly goods. By his upright and honest dealings he has won the respect and esteem of all. He was the Republican nominee for commissioner of the First District in 1876, but was defeated owing to the great difference in strength of the two parties. He and wife are members of the Evangelical Association, and he is a Mason.

EUGENE BEYAN is a son of Gabriel and Susan M. (Hayden) Bryan, and was born in Daviess County, Ky., July 29, 1855. Both parents were born in Kentucky, and the father died in our subject's native county, February 8, 1873. The mother still makes that place her residence. Eugene was raised in his native county, securing the ordinary common school education; he worked in a tobacco factory in- Owensboro, from 1868 to 1873, and then worked on a farm until 1875. He was then employed on the Loilisville & Nashville Railroad for four years, and in 1876, removed to Mount Vernon, where, three years later he began tending bar in that place, continuing until November, 1884, when he began keeping his present saloon and restaurant. He has the finest bar and restaurant in the city, and controls the leading trade in his line of business. March 12, 1882, he was married to Nettie Williams, a native of Posey County. They have one child named Eda. Mr. Bryan is a Democrat and Mason, and a member of the A. O. U. W.- He is recognized as one of the enterprising young business men of the city.

CHARLES CARPENTER, cashier of the International Bank, of Mount Vernon, Ind., was born near Glasgow, Scotland, in 1845. In 1850 he came with his father to the United States, the mother dying in her native land just before starting on the voyage. The father's demise occurred just after arriving in this country. Charles spent his boyhood days in the city of Buffalo, N. Y., where he secured a fair education in the city schools. At the age of sixteen he began working as mail clerk for the Buffalo Express, a leading newspaper of that city, continuing there two years. He came to Evansville, Ind., in 1863, and clerked for John E. Martin, secretary and treasurer of the Evansville & Terre Haute Railroad, and then worked in the employ of the

Government as paymaster's clerk on the United States steamer "Fair Play." At tlie close of the war he returned to Buffalo, and was employed on the Express one year. He then removed to Dunkirk, N. T., where he married Frances Z. Lord, in March, 1867. The following year he returned to Evansville, and was employed as book-keeper for the Evansville National Bank until February, 1873, when he came to Mount Vernon, and was cashier for the Mount Vernon Banking Company. In March, 1882, he. returned to Evansville, and was treasurer for the Armstrong Furniture Company until September of that same year, when he returned to Mount Vernon, and accepted his present position. He is a Republican in politics, and a warm advocate for the principles of his party. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., A. O. U. W. and K. of P. fraternities, and is the father of four living children: Clyde L., Wealthy S., Lottie B. and Earl L. Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter are members of the Presbyterian Church, and he is one of the wide-awake business men of the town.

EDWIN W. CAER was the third in a family of sis children born to Amasa and Louisa (Foote) Carr, who were natives of New York. Edwin was born in Thompkins County, N. T., May 1, 1828, and came to Posey County, Ind., in 1837 with his parents, with whom he remained until about twenty-one years of age. March 31, 1852, he was married to Emily Bobb, who died January 8, 1872, leaving six living children: William F., James C, David K, Betheny, Mary Z. and Emma. July 80, 1873, he married Elizabeth (Ridenour) Duckworth, who bore him one son, who died in infancy. This wife died in 1874, and he took for his third wife America M. Robb, May 9, 1875. To their union six children were born, four now living: Edwin W., Ida, John W. and Clarence F. Mr. Carr has been quite prosperous, and owns 124 acres of very fine land, well improved. He is a member of the General Baptist Church, and politically he has always been a warm Republican. His wife is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

VINCENT M. CARTWRIGHT, recorder of Posey County, Ind., was born in Harmony Township, January 17, 1843, being one of ten children born to Presley and Sidda M. (Moye) Cartwright, natives respectively of this county and North Carolina (see father's sketch in Harmony Township). Vincent M. was raised on a farm in his native township, securing the ordinary education of his day in the county schools. He improved this, however, in later years by attendance at school, and also much desultory study, in order to prepare himself for a higher sphere in life than the ordinary laborer attains. When nineteen years old (in 1862) he enlisted as a private in Company 0, Sixty-fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served in this capacity in the Rebellion until its close. He was seriously wounded in the left leg at Blountsville, Tenn., and also received a flesh wound in the same leg in a skirmish with guerrillas in Kentucky. After his return home, in 1865, he went to Missouri and taught school a few months, and then went to Kansas and engaged in the timber business. Here he lost his left hand, in 1866, at Salina, Kas. He returned home the following November, and improved his education, as above stated. He then taught school and farmed in Harmony Township until 1871, when he moved to Lynn Township, where he continued at the same work until November, 1883. Daring his residence there he held various local offices of trust, and was trustee of the township two terms. In November, 1882, he was elected to his present office, taking his seat in November the following year. He has filled the office ably and efficiently ever since. March 25, 1869, he married Elizabeth Wilson, a native of the county. They became the parents of five children: Cynthia M., William P. (deceased), Emma Ethel, Fannie O. and a daughter who died, unnamed, in infancy. Mr. Cartwright has always been a Democrat, and has taken an active part in the political affairs of the county. He was chairman of the Democratic Central Committee during the campaign' of 1884, and his constituents presented him with a beautifully engraved gold headed ebony cane after the close of the campaign, as a token of their appreciation of his faithful services during that trying time. He is a member of the K. of P. lodge. Past Chancellor, and he and wife are members of the Regular Baptist Church. Mr. , Cartwright is a successful and enterprising citizen, and is justly popular as a politician and official of the county.

ANDREW J. CLARK, jeweler and watch-maker, of Mount Vernon, Ind., was born in Columbus, Ohio, December 29, 1844, and is one of eight children born to Sarsfield and Elizabeth (Diemor) Clark, who were natives respectively of Ireland and

Columbus, Ohio. The father came with his parents to the United States when quite a small lad, and located at Columbus. Here he married and brought up his family. He was engaged in several occupations, the theatre show business being the chief. He built the Athenseum Theater, of that city, and was one of the inventors of the hot air balloon. In 1860 he removed to Xenia, 111., where he died in 1872. Andrew J. was raised in Columbus, and began working at the jeweler's trade when fourteen years of age. After 1860 he resided in the following places: Cincinnati, Ohio; Little Eock, Ark., and later at Xenia, III, where he engaged in the mercantile business. He went to Cincinnati in 1867, and worked at his trade about three years, when he returned to Xenia, 111. Here, in 1871, he wedded Nannie Oliver. He was engaged in the jewelry business in that place until 1876, when he came to Mount Vernon, Ind., and engaged in his present business, and has met with pronounced success. He manufactures watches, clocks and jewelry of all kinds, and carries an excellent and complete line of silverware. He gives especial attention to repairing, and controls the leading trade in the county. Mr. Clark's political views are Democratic. He is a Mason, and is one of the reliable business men of Mount Vernon.

NOBLE CRAIG, a prominent citizen of Posey County, Ind., was born in Leesburg, Va., October 2, 1809, and is one of a family of four sons and three daughters of Samuel and Elizabeth (Hughes) Craig. The parents moved from their native State (Virginia) to Kentucky, where they passed the remainder of their lives on a farm. About this time, when Noble was eighteen years of age, he and his brother Hector came to Mount Vernon, Ind., and engaged in the merchandise business, continuing together until the latter's death, in 1835. About 1837 or 1838, Mr. A. C. McCallister became a partner in the business with him, and remained as such until 1858. Since that time Mr. Craig has lived a somewhat retired life, trading to some extent in land notes, etc. He has been very successful fi-om a financial standpoint and now has quite a comfortable competency to sustain him in his declining years. In 1837 he took for his life companion Elizabeth Baker, a native of Kentucky. They have had five children, all of whom are now dead. Mr. Craig has been a Republican ever since the existence of the party, and was a Whig before that time.

He was a warm advocate for the Union cause during the Eebellion and contributed funds and assistance liberally during that time. He and wife are leading members of the Christian Church. He is an esteemed and respected citizen of the county and a supporter of all laudable enterprises.

JOSEPH K CEALLEY, blacksmith, manufacturer and dealer in wagons, buggies, plows, etc., was born in Evansville, Ind., April 28, 1848, and is a son of Vinson and Eosanna (Brandis) Cralley, natives of the United States and England, respectively. The father, who is a carpenter by trade, removed to Mount Vernon in 1851, where he has since resided. Joseph K. obtained a common education and remained with his parents until eighteen years of age, when he began learning the blacksmith's trade, and worked at it here and in various towns in Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois ever since. In 1875 he engaged in his present business here and has met with the best of success. He has the agency of the Columbus (Ohio) Buggy Company, and is doing an extensive business. In 1871 he took for his helpmate through life Laura Greenfield, a native of Kentucky. They have three children: Walter, Edward and Florence. Mr. Cralley is a stanch Republican and was a member of the city council during 1883 and 1884. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and is an excellent citizen. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

ALEXANDER CRUNK was born in Marrs Township, Posey Co., Ind., October 7, 1836. His grandfather, John Crunk, was a native of Tennessee and immigrated to this State and county about 1808. His son, Timothy D., father of our subject, was bom in this county and was married to Euth Barton in 1832, and to their union four children were born - three sons and one daughter. Alexander's parents died when he was but thirteen years old, and he then made his home with his uncle, Lewis Bar-' ton, for whom he worked three years for his board and clothes. He then worked one year for another uncle and received $80 and his board as compensation. As he was of an independent disposition he began chopping wood, for which he received 50 cents per day. He was engaged at this and farm work for about three years. September 17, 1857, he led to Hymen's altar Miss Louisa Dixon. To their union nine children were born, five of whom are now living. After marriage he followed the life of a farmer, meeting with the best of siiccess. He then removed to Mount Vernon, where he held the position of jailer about eighteen months. The same year he was nominated on the Democratic ticket for sheriff and was elected by a full majority, and defeating Herman Munchoff. He was re-elected in 1872, defeating Jonathan Burlison, the most popular candidate on the Eepublican ticket. He served in this capacity until 1875, when he returned to his farm, remaining there till 1878, when he again received the nomination of sheriff. He was renominated in 1880 and defeated Braddock McGregor, a very popular candidate. In all his years of public life he maintained his principles of honesty and uprightness, and by his impartial conduct in the management of business affairs he has won the respect and confidence of the community. He has always been a warm and outspoken Democrat and has labored faithfully and well to maintain and perpetuate the institutions of Democracy. Since the expiration of his office he has given the most of his time and attention to farming, being the possessor of 800 acres of valuable land, 650 acres of which are under cultivation. He is a Mason and a member of the I. O. O. F. His children's names are Jennie, William D., Edward, Eva and Celia.

JOHN M. CEUNK was born in Posey County, Ind., February 25, 1828. He is the youngest in a family of nine children born to John and Patsy (Downen) Crunk. The father was born in Tennessee, and came to Posey County, Ind., during its very early settlement, and followed the occupation of farming. Our subject was born and raised on a farm in Posey County. He obtained but little schooling, and that under many difficulties. He remained with his mother until attaining his majority, when she died, his father having passed away at a much earlier period. Our subject then assumed control of the home farm for several years, when he purchased a farm about four miles from Mount Vernon, and has followed that occupation exclusively and with good success ever since. He owns 318 acres of exceptionally fine farming land, but is a resident of Mount Vernon where he owns town property. His marriage with Nancy Lewis was solemnized in 1853. Their union resulted in eight children, five of whom died in infancy, and one after becoming grown. The living ones are Eobert J. and Martha V. Mr. and Mrs. Crunk are members of tlie Regular Baptist Cliurch, and politically he is and always has been a Democrat.

MEERIT CUETIS is a son of Joshua and Sarah (Aldridge) Curtis, and was born in Posey County, Ind., October 11, 1821. The father was born in North Carolina about 1795, and followed the occupation of farming. At an early day he came to Indiana, and located in Posey County, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1845. The mother was a native of the same State as her husband. She died in 1877. Merrit spent his boyhood days on a farm, and obtained a very good education in the common branches. He was married to Jane Harrison, July 2, 1842. She is a daughter of John and Alice Harrison, and was born in England in 1822. They became the parents of eight children: Mary (deceased), Sarah, Alice, Nancy (deceased). Prances M., John, James and Ellen. Mr. Curtis has been quite prosperous and owns 100 acres of very good land. He is a Republican and cast his first vote for James K. Polk. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

GEORGE W. CURTIS, Jk., was born in Posey County, Ind., June 28, 1860, and is one of a family of three sons and two daughters born to Thomas C. and Emily E. (McDaniel) Curtis. He was reared on a farm, and obtain'fed a very fair common school education. When twenty-one years of age he began working for himseK, and March 4, 1885, he wedded Miss Carrie Brasel daughter of Francis M. and Elizabeth Brasel. She was born in Morrison County, 111., March 14, 1866. George W. is a warm Democrat in politics, and cast his first vote for Grover Cleveland. In 1881 he commenced teaching, and taught one term, meeting with good success. He has abandoned this however, and is now an energetic tiller of the soil. He and wife are church members.

JOHN D. DIBTERLE was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, November 11, 1827, son of Michael and Katharine (Hurler) Dieterle, who were natives of the same country, where the father died when John was six months old, and the mother when he was fourteen years of age. John D. obtained a very good education and at the death of his mother began learning the butcher's trade, and followed that occupation in the old country until 1851 when he came to the United States and followed his trade in Buffalo, N. T., and Louisville, Ky., until 1855. He then came to Mount Vernon, and engaged in the butchering business with John Pfeffer, Sr., and John Scheisler. He and Mr. Pfeffer continued in this business and also in grist-milling until 1878, when our subject leased a farm in Black Township and worked it -five years. He then re-engaged in butchering in Mount Vernon, and in 1885 opened his restaurant and saloon. In 1855 Anna M. Larch, a native of Baden, Germany, became his wife. They became the parents of thirteen children, seven of whom are living : Carrie, Charles, Mary, Catherine, Lena, Louisa and William. Mr. Dieterle was a Republican during the war, and served in Company H, One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in the 100 days' service. He is now a Democrat. He has been a successful business man, and owns 160 acres of land in Point Township, besides considerable property in Mount Vernon. He is a Mason, and a member of the I. O. O. P., and Harugari and German Aid Societies. He and his family are German Lutherans.

JUDGE WILLIAM P. ED80N was born in Mount Vernon, Posey Co., Ind., May 14, 1834. Here he has always resided. His father, the Hon. Eben D. Edson, was an early settler and talented lawyer of southwestefn Indiana. He immigrated from Otsego County, N. Y., in 1828, and located in Mount Vernon, where he resided until his death, March 4, 1846. He held several oii&ces of trust, and was a representative in the Legislature, and held the position of prosecuting attorney at the time of his death. Sarah L. Phelps, Judge Edson' s mother, was a native of Litchfield, Conn., and removed to Leavenworth, Ind., where she married. She lived to see her son attain a high position among his fellow men, who reposed unlimited confidence in his ability and worth. Her death occurred September 2, 1868. Judge Edson entered the schools of Mount Vernon when quite young, and later obtained an excellent education in the seminary at that place. Before reaching manhood he had read every volume in the Posey County Library that was calculated to be of benefit to him in later years. He has always been a close student, consequently his mind has been a store-house for the many valuable works he has read. After finishing his education he obtained a position as teacher in a country school. Finishing one term there, he taught two terms in his native town. When nineteen years old he began studying law under Judge John Pitcher, with whom he remained two years, when he was admitted to practice. In October, 1856, he was elected representative in the Legislature, being the youngest member of that body. He was placed on some very important committees, among which was the joint (Senate and House) committee on the State Library, of which he was chairman. He introduced a bill providing for the geological survey of the State to aid in its mineral development, and made several powerful speeches advocating its passage, on which he was highly complimented by the leading newspapers of the State. It was adopted at the next session of the Legislature. In 1858 he was elected prosecuting attorney for Posey and Gibson Counties, and held the position one term. In November, 1871, he was appointed judge of the Court of Common Pleas for Posey, Gibson, Vanderburg and Warrick Counties, in which capacity he distinguished himself by his knowledge of law and business dispatch. January 1, 1862, he was married to Miss Ruphene Lockwood, of Mount Vernon. To their union five children have been born, three of whom are living. Previous to the late civil war Judge Edson was a Democrat, but since that time he has been a zealous Republican. - He was nominated judge of the supreme court at the Republican State Convention, held at Indianapolis, and with the entire ticket was defeated. In all matters of a public character he has taken an active part, and is one of the best known and respected men of the county.

HOLMAN FREEMAN, a prominent citizen of Mount Vernon, Ind., was born in Indiana, October 28, 1838, son of James M. and Farbia (Johnson) Freeman, natives respectively of Alabama and South Carolina. The father came to Indiana in 1856, locating in Lawrence County where he remained two years and then came to Posey, taking up his residence in Mount Vernon, where he began butchering. He soon after began farming and in 1865 returned to his native State where he died in 1874. Subject received a good education in the city schools, and at the age of seventeen came to Indiana with his parents, and became a resident of Mount Vernon, where, in 1860, he engaged in the butcher business, meeting with more than ordinary success. He is also engaged in buying and shipping stock and trades in farmino- lands. Since 1883 he has given his entire attention to farming and owns about 400 acres of good land on the Wabash Eiver. He is an excellent judge of cattle and was selected, in 1882, as judge from Indiana at the Fat Stock Show at Chicago, 111. November 24, 1864, he married Sarah A. Jackson of English extraction, but a native of Posey County. They have two children: Delia and Margaret. Mr. Freeman is a Democrat and a member of the I. O. O. F.

HON. JAMES W. FEENCH, a native of Posey County, Ind., was born September 17, 1852, being the eldest of a family of thirteen children (eleven now living) born to Lardner C. and Elizabeth (Wilson) French, who are natives of the county. (See sketch of Lardner C. French in Lynn Township. ) Our subject was reared on a farm, by his parents, until he was eighteen years old when he entered the State Normal School of Terre Haute, Indiana, attending that institution until June, 1874, when he graduated, and soon after began teaching the " young idea " in Muncie, Ind., remaining there one year when he returned home and taught one year in the Mount Vernon public schools. The following year he taught in the public schools of the county. He was a very successful teacher, and in June, 1877, the people showed their appreciation of his efforts by electing him superintendent of public schools for Posey County. He served two terms of two years each. In the meantime he had begun the study of law with the intention of making it a profession. In September, 1881, he entered the Union College of Law at Chicago, 111,, and graduated from that institution in June, 1883. He then returned to Mount Vernon and established a law office, and the following October was appointed deputy attorney under Philip W. Frey, serving until January 1, 1885. His political views are Democratic, and he has taken an active and important part in the political affairs of the county. In August, 1884, he was nominated by his party to represent them in the State Legislature, and was elected to the office at the fall election and served with honor and success in the regular and special sessions of 1885. Since then he has devoted his entire time to his fairly large and remunerative law practice.

OLIVER N. FEETAQEOT, clerk of Posey County Circuit Court was born in New Harmony, February 16, 1850, son of Achilles E. and Cecelia (Noel) Fretageot. The father, who was born in Paris, France, October 24, 1813, came to the United States with his mother and located in New Harmony. Oliver N. was raised in and around New Harmony. His mother died when he was but three years of age. He secured a common school education in the then limited town schools. From the age of sixteen to twenty-three he followed a farmer's life near town and then engaged in mercantile pursuits, with his brother in New Harmony, they having succeeded the father in the business. He continued in the business until November, 1882, when he was elected on the Democratic ticket to his present office, and in 1883 disposed of his interest in the mercantile business, and began his present duties, which he has discharged faithfully and efficiently ever since. September 18, 1870,. he married Mary E. Highman, a native of the county and daughter of Capt. John K. Highman, notice of whom appears in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Fretageot became the parents of three children: Alexander E. (deceased) Eugenia (deceased), and Katie 8. In politics Mr. Fretageot has always been an ardent Democrat. He has been very successful in his business enterprises and is a popular and courteous official.

COLUMBUS FUHRER is a native of Pittsburg, Penn., born March 26, 1850, and is one of a family of twelve children born to Gregory and Elizabeth (Johns) Fuhrer. The father, who was a gardener by occupation, was born, October 13, 1807, in France. He came to the United States and located first in Pittsburg, where he remained for some time, and in 1857 moved to Posey County, Ind., and located on a farm of forty acres in Black Township. Here he remained until his death, which occurred January 16, 1883. The mother was born the 29th of July, 1820, and is yet living near Mount Vernon, with her daughter, Josephine. Our subject obtained a common school education. He made his home with his parents until he was twenty-one years old; August 2, 1881, he married Rachel Philips, born in Posey County, Ind., in 1862. She is a daughter of Barney and Rebecca Philips, and became the mother of two children named Archie G. and Edward B. Mr. Fuhrer is a Democrat in politics and cast his first vote for Samuel J. Tilden.