Robb Township

Robb Township

Was named after Thomas and William Robb, the first settlers, the boundaries of which, March 24, 1817, embraced its present limits, all of Bethel and the greater portion of Harmony townships. The first election in Robb was held at the house of Langston Drew. This township is one of the foremost, and its superior natural advantages must and will always keep her at the front. Her soil is rich and her people are intelligent and progressive, keenly alive to their immediate interests and at the same time show a disposition to encourage the welfare of the County in general. The number of acres of land cultivated in this township, in 1880, was 9,947, the average yield of wheat being eighteen and that of corn forty bushels per acre.

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; 12,961 words in this source stream.

Robb Township

BENNET ALMON is a native of Posey County, Ind., born February 11, 1824. His parents, Thomas and Euth (Martin) Almon, were natives of Kentucky and Virginia, respectively. The father was of English-Irish descent, born in 1790. He came to Posey County in his youth and followed the occupation of agriculture. His death occurred December 19, 1877, and the mother's in 1870. Our subject remained at home until twenty-two years of age, and received a limited education, owing to the scarcity of schools at that early period. February 12, 1846, he married Maranda Armstrong, born in Illinois, December 25, 1829. To their union were born twelve children: Sarah E., Thomas B., Elsberry, Euth J., Julia A., Nancy C, JohnL., Bailey M., Millie A. (deceased), Mary E., Martha L. (deceased), and Miranda F., all of whom are living at or near home. Mr. Almon has resided on the old homestead since marriage. He owns 156 acres of land, on which is erected a beautiful frame residence. He and his wife are members of the General Baptist Church, and he is a Democrat.

JOHN N. BAEEETT was born March 30, 1843, in Posey County, Ind., and is one of eleven children born to George A. and Minerva (Sanders) Barrett. The father was of English descent, born October 12, 1818. He owned 430 acres of land in Robb Township and was among the first settlers of the county. He died December 5, 1871, after a useful and well spent life. The mother was Irish by birth, born in Kentucky in 1820. Since the death of her husband she has made her home with her children, who are living near each other. Our subject was educated in the common schools and 'made his home with his mother until twentysix years old. September 21, 1869, he took for his companion through life Phoebe A., daughter of Isaiah and Polly Wilkinson. She is a native of Gibson County, Ind., born in 1842. They have three children: Elma, Clara E. and Arthur. After his marriage

Biographical Sketches. , 583

January 5, 1842, in White County, 111. The father was a native of the same place, born January 26, 1816, a wool-carder by occupation. He moved to Posey County, Ind., in 1842 and located near Poseyville. A year later he moved to the town where he remained until his death, April 10, 1872. He was a successful business man and good financier. The mother was of Irish extraction and was born in the same State and county as her husband, November 21, 1819. Since the death of her husband she has lived with our subject. Vigil P. came with his parents to Posey County when an infant. He has a fair business education, completing the common school course and attending the University at Bloomington, Ind., for one year. When eighteen years old he began teaching school, continuing at that work seven years. December 10, 1874, he married Sarah E. Jaquess, born in Posey County, September 5, 1840. Since marriage they have resided in Poseyville, where Mr. Bozeman follows the occupation of brokerage. In 1883 he was elected president of the Posey County Bank at Mount Yemon, which suspended business about eighteen months later. In the winter of 1885 he and George Waters organized a private bank in PoseyviUe, which is at the present time in a prosperous condition. He owns about 700 acres of land besides town property in Poseyville. In politics he is a Eepublican and cast his first vote for A. Lincoln. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and Masonic fraternity. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

E. A. BRENNAN, the leading merchant of Poseyville, was bom June 18, 1848, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is the youngest son of a family of eight children of Michael and Elizabeth Brennan. His parents were .both of Irish birth and were married in the old country when quite young, immigrating to America about 1840. They located in Cincinnati where our subject's father engaged in the business of merchant tailoring, but his health failing he was forced to give this up. He died while his youngest son was yet an infant. Several years after the death of our subject's father his mother to Lexington, Ky., where she now lives, a venerable old lady. Our subject was reared without a father's care or training and received but a limited education, such as the country schools afforded. At the early age of twelve years he was compelled to fight the battle of life alone. He commenced working at odd jobs around the neighborhood, such as picking berries, driving cart, etc. It being about the time the war broke out, our subject determined to take part in the conflict. Being too young to enlist, he joined his brother Edward at Camp Nelson, Ky., in the fall of 1863, and went with the Seventh Ohio Cavalry, participating in several engagements. He was at one time sent by Gen. Fry, the then commandant at Camp Nelson, with dispatches from said camp to Mount Sterling, a distance of over seventy-five miles, which he made safely, going twice through the enemy's lines. For this exploit he received the personal thanks of Gen. Fry. Being discharged in August, 1865, he returned to Lexington, but remained there but a short time. He determined to go West but having a brother and sisterresiding in Evansville, Ind., he made them a visit and while there entered the employ of the wholesale dry goods house of Sweetser, Caldwell & Co. Here he found a business suiting his abilities and soon took the road as a traveling salesman, which position he held for over fifteen years, traveling over most of the Western and Southern States. No man that ever left the city of Evansville was better known than "Col. Bob" as his friends called him. September 4, 1873, he married Cora Alice Messick, daughter of Capt. J. W. and Sarah A. Messick, of Evansville, Ind. She (his present wife), was born July 21, 1854, in Madison, Jefferson Co., Ind. They have two children named Harry A. and Bessie Brennan. Mr. Brennan remained in Evansville until March, 1884, when he came to Poseyville and commenced business for himself by establishing a general merchandise store, at which he has since continued. He has always kept a large stock of goods of all kinds, buying from the largest houses in the Eastern markets, his early training in the wholesale business enabling him to make the best possible purchases. He is the leading merchant of the town and has the quality of push and energy which are essential to success. He is a shrewd business man and is honest and upright in all his dealings and has made many friends although a comparative stranger. Soon after his arrival in Poseyville he organized the Poseyville Building and Loan Association, and was elected one of its directors and secretary, which position he now holds. He has ever worked for the good of the town and was the prime mover for the incorporation of the town, and he with other gentlemen advanced sufficient money to make the survey and have the town platted. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and is now, after the early struggles of life, situated and surrounded with kind friends and neighbors.

JOHN CHEISTIE was born in Virginia, June 21, 1834, son of Henry and Ellen (St. Clair) Christie. The parents were natives of Virginia, born in 1806 and 1811, respectively. The father was a stone-mason, and came to Posey County, Ind., in 1850, where he followed the life of a farmer. His death occurred June 6, 1879. The mother is yet living. Our subject received a limited education, owing to the poor facilities of that day, and when nineteen years old began working for himself. June 13, 1859, he took for his companion through life Rosetta Kirby, born September 13, 1842, in Tennessee. They have this family: Jessie E., Minnie E. (deceased), Mary E. (deceased), Martha A., Nellie G. and Bstella F. Mr. Christie enlisted in Company D., Ninety -first Regular Indiana Infantry, August 20, 1862, and was an active and faithful soldier for three years. In June, 1865, he returned home, and in the fall of the same year, purchased forty-seven acres of land in Robb Township, and began farming. December 8, 1880, he lost his wife, and since that time his daughter Jessie has been his housekeeper. He aftetWard increased his farm to 107 acres, but meeting with an accident which crippled him in 1884, he abandoned farming, and has since lived in Poseyville. He is a Republican in politics and cast his first vote for Fremont.

JOSEPH DAVIS, one of the early settlers of Posey County, Ind., was born November 9, 1816, and is a son of John and Ellen (Journey) Davis. The father was of Irish extraction, born in Kentucky in 1790. He came to Indiana in 1816, and located on a 160 acre farm given him by his father. In 1818, while he and his brother-in-law, Ralph Martin, were attending a Methodist camp meeting, in Gibson County, a violent storm arose, and while they were standing under a tree, waiting for the storm to pass, they were struck by lightning and instantly killed, together with their two horses. Our subject's mother was born in the State of New Jersey, and after the death of her husband, married James Downey, with whom she lived until her death in 1858. Joseph made good use of his time while in school, and was es- pecially skillful in the science of mathematics. At the age of twenty-one he began teaching school, and taught in all five terms, receiving from $16 to $25 per month. November 7, 1839 he married Mary Endicott, born January- 24, 1823, in Posey County. Nine children were born to them, seven of whom are living: Ellen, Martha E., John B., William, Joseph James, Preston and Mary E. Mr. Davis began life as a farmer, with eighty acres of land, which he has since increased to 150 acres. He and J. W. Robb are the only two men now living who' were born in the township when the State was a Territory. He is a Eepublican, and cast his first vote for William Henry Harrison. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

LEANDEK DEFUE was born in Posey County, Ind., February 15, 1831, son of Eoswell and Bedy (Eoberts) Defur. The father was of French descent, born in 1803, in South Carolina, and came to Indiana in his youth. He was married in 1821, and resided in Posey County until his death in 1858. Our subject's grandfather took an active part in the battle of Tippecanoe. At that time the country was full of hostile Indians, and many atrocious crimes were committed. Some interesting stories related by Mr. Defur will be found in another part of this work. The mother was born in South Carolina October 20,. 1804. She is at present living with our subject, and is quite bright and active for so old a lady. Leander was educated in the district schools, and in 1854 took a trip to the Pacific coast, going via the Gulf of Mexico, Isthmus of Panama, and up the Pacific coast to the Golden Gate. He became a miner, and only a few days after his arrival found a piece of quartz rock which contained over $60 worth of gold. He remained there four years and then returned to "Hoosierdom" with upward of $1,000, which he had earned. He located on the old place, where he has ever since lived, owning 101 acres of land. In 1874 the house caught fire and was consumed. Since that time he has rebuilt, and is doing well as a farmer. He is a Democrat in politics, and is a member of the Eegular Baptist Church.

JAMES H. DEFUE is a native of Posey County, Ind., born December 9, 1841, son of Louis and Julia (Bonner) Defur. The father was of French lineage, born in 1811 in Posey County. At the time of his marriage, in 1888, he lived in the last named county, where he owned eighty acres of land. He was one of the old settlers of the county, and died January 24, 1851. The mother was of Irish descent, born November 17, 1809, in Pennsylvania. Since the death of her husband she has lived with our subject. James was reared on a farm, and attended the district schools in boyhood. March 13, 1863, he married Ella, daughter of Hosea and Margaret Lee. She was born September 5, 1847, in Posey County. They have six children: William L. (deceased), Oscar L., Arthur C, Edgar O., Louis L. and Margaret C. After marriage he operated a shingle factory in OwensvUle, Ind., for two years. He then lived for some time in the "Hawkeye" and "Sucker" States, and then returned to Indiana, where he has since resided on the old homestead. He built a fine dwelling house in 1884, which is furnished with all the modern conveniences. He is a Democrat and cast his first vote for George B. McClellan.

JAMES T. DEMAEEE was born in Kentucky August 1, 1834. His parents, Samuel and Frances (Cropper) Demaree, were born in Kentucky in 1803 and 1808 respectively. The father was a farmer, and lived successively in Kentucky, Illinois and lastly Missouri, where he died, December. 1884. The mother died in the same place in 1883, after a well spent life. James T. remained with his parents until twenty-four years old. November 18, 1857 he married Artemisia Ward, born in Tennessee in 1841. They became the parents of nine children, seven of whom are living: John, Ida, Mary and Martha (twins), Luella, Walter and Edna. Our subject was living in Missouri at the time of his marriage, and remained in that State until the breaking out of the war, when he moved to Posey County, Ind. September 17, 1861, he enlisted in Company I, Twenty-eighth Kegiment Illinois Infantry for three years and was in many of the bloodiest battles of the war. At the battle of Shiloh he received a wound which disabled him so badly that he was compelled to quit the service. In 1874 he was chosen county commissioner to superintend the county poor for two years, and in 1879 was re-elected. Mr. Demaree began life for himself with but a few dollars, but by industry and the aid of his wife now owns 196 acres of good land. He is a Republican, and a member of the I. O. O. F.

HENEY DEMBERGEE was born in Bavaria, Germany, November 6, 1849, and is the only child born to Martin and Henrietta (Faul) Demberger, natives of the same country as our subject. The father, who was born in 1824, was a cabinet-maker by trade, but at present is a farmer. In 1852 he and family came to the United States, locating in Stewartsville, Ind. The mother was born in 1824. Henry obtained a fair English education, and made his home with his people until he was twenty-two years old. January 8, 1877, he married Margaret Doll, daughter of Jacob and Catharine Doll. She is a native of Posey County, born in 1855. They have four children: William A. (deceased), John A., Henrietta and Lewis Jacob. Mr. Demberger entered into partnership with George Faul in the mercantile business in Stewartsville. They keep a fine stock of goods, and are doing a very fair trade. In politics our subject is a Democrat, and he and wife are members of the German Evangelical Church. In 1875 ha was appointed postmaster, and held the office until 1882.

WILLIAM A. DEAKE, miller, is a native of Kentucky, born August 23, 1854, son of Eev. James and Sarah Jane (Gish) Drake. The parents were natives of Keiitucky, born in 1815 and 1821, respectively. The father was a farmer and miller by occupation, and also became minister of the gospel while in his native State, and preached for upward of forty years. He came to Posey County, Ind., where he remained until 1880, when he moved to Kentiicky and remained until his death in 1883. The mother's death occurred in 1872. Our subject was educated in the common schools, and aided his parents on the farm until nearly twenty-one years old. In 1879 he entered into partnership with his brother, John, in the saw-mill business. In 1884 they became partners of James Hall in grist-milling, and are doing a paying business. In politics Mr. Drake is a Eepublican. In 1884 he was married to Miss Mattie A. Sandefur, daughter of J. T. and Julia B. Sandefur. She was born April 28, 1866, and has borne her husband one child, George Humphrey. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

SOLOMON C. DUNLAP, superintendent of the county poor, is a son of William and Sarah (Green) Dunlap, who were natives of North Carolina and Indiana, respectively. The father was bom in 1801, and followed the calling of a farmer. He lived for some time in White County, 111., and then moved to Stoddard County, Mo., where he died November 4, 1880. The mother also died at that place, in August, 1882. Our subject was born in Illinois, April 17, 1830. He worked on the home farm until twenty-two years of age. January 27, 1854, he married Mahala Ann Wells, daughter of James and Elizabeth Wells. She is a native of Posey County, Ind., born May 22, 1832. They have four children living: James William, Sarah Elizabeth, John Martin and Burl Crawford. After his marriage he lived for some time in the " Sucker State," and in 1866 came to Posey County, Ind., where he rented property for some time. In 1879 he was chosen superintendent of the poor, and has held the position by re-election ever since, thus showing how he is appreciated by the people. In politics Mr. Dunlap is a Democrat, and cast his first vote for AVinfield Scott. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.

WILLIAM B. ENDICOTT. Moses Endicott was born in Mount Vernon, Ky., September 2, 1808. He left his native State when but six years old, and came to Posey County, Ind., with his parents. He married his wife, Elizabeth Calvert, of Irish descent, born in Vanderburg County, Ind., and made his home in Posey County, where he at one time owned upward of 300 acres of land. They became the parents of eleven children. His death occurred July 18, 1882, and the mother's in 1854. Our subject was born in Posey County, Ind., September 3, 1848. He obtained a fair education, and remained with his parents until twenty-seven years of age. He began doing for himself on eighty-seven acres of land given him by his father and where he has since resided. He is a Democrat and his first vote was cast for Horace Greeley. June 30, 1877, he was married to Kate Eister, born in 1849 in Indiana, and daughter of Christopher and Margaret Bister. She has proved a helpmate to her husband, and is a member of the Regular Baptist Church.

WILLIAM W. FAIECHILD was born December 19, 1825, in Vanderburg County, Ind., son of Sherman and Dyantha (Cody) Fairchild, who were natives of New York. The father was born in 1800, and was a farmer by occupation, and lived in the Hoosier State the greater part of his life. He died in 1860.

The mother was of English lineage. Her death occurred in Kirkland, Ohio, in 1832. Our subject obtained his education in the pioneer log schoolhouse, and remained with his father until twenty-three years old. December 10, 1848, he married Lucinda Young, born in Posey County in 1831. To their union eight children were born, seven of whom are living: Mary, Martha L., Edward, Frederick, Laura A., Delilah and Minor M. Mary and Frederick are living in Kansas. Edward is engaged in making brick and drain tile in Posejrville, and Minor is engaged in the same business on his father's farm. Mr. Fairchild owns 120 acres of land in Eobb Township. In 1871 he commenced making drain tile in connection with farming, and was the first man to manufacture and introduce tiling in Posey County. Its demand was very slow at first, but is now a great industry. He continued the business for nine years, when his son Frederick took control. Mr. Fairchild is a Bepublican, and cast his firstvote for Zachary Taylor. He belongs to the I. O. O. F., and he and wife are members of the General Baptist Church.

ELAM W. FAIECHILD is a son of Sherman and Dyantha (Cody) Fairchild, and was born March 17, 1828, in Ohio. He was reared at home, and received his education in the district schools. April 14, 1850, he wedded Martha Linxwiler, daughter of Christopher and Mary Ann Linxwiler. She was born in Vanderburg County, Ind., September 28, 1828. To their marriage two children were born, named Eliza (wife of Franklin Knowles) and John. Eliza is living in Gibson County, and John is engaged in farming near the old homestead. After his marriage Mr. Fairchild rented land in Vanderburg County for upward of two years, and at the end of that time moved to Posey County, where he purchased sixty-five acres of land in Eobb Township. Here he located and has since lived. By energy and industry he has accumulated property year by year until he at present owns 105 acres of good land. His political views are Eepublican. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and his wife is a member of the General Baptist Church. Her grandfather, Thomas Eose, was the father of twenty-nine children. He was married twice, his first wife bearing him eleven children and his second wife eighteen.

Biographical Sketches

E. EDWARD FAIECHILD, manufacturer of brick and tile, is a son of William and Luoinda (Young) Fairchild, and was born in Posey County, Ind., August 29, 1853. The parents were natives of Indiana, the father born in 1825 and the mother in 1831. The father was a carpenter and farmer in early life, but for the last sixteen years has been engaged in making brick and tile. Our subject received his education in the district schools, and remained at home working on the farm until twenty-three years of age. October 29, 1876, he married Sarah A. Wallace (born in 1859), who bore him four children: Claudie C, Bthna P., EarlE. and Lola D. (deceased). Soon after marriage Mr. Fairchild purchased forty acres of land in Posey County and commenced farming. Two years later he sold out and purchased a 120 acre farm near Poseyville, operating it about eighteen months, when he disposed of it. Since the spring of 1881 he has been manufacturing brick and tile. He makes about 250,000 bricks and 8,000 rods of drain tile per season, and employs about six men. In politics he is a Republican, and cast his first vote for E. B. Hayes. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and General Baptist Church.

JACOB FAUL is a son of Louis and Lena (Gorlich) Faul who were natives of Rhein-Bavaria, Germany, born in 1808 and 1814 respectively. The father was a brewer and cooper by occupation. He has since been to the United States three different times and is yet living in his seventy-eighth year. The mother died in 1868. Our subject was born in Germany, July 25, 1833., and attended school until fourteen years old, living part of the time in Germany and part of the time in France. He learned the cooper's and brewer's trades of his father, and at the age of eighteen came to the United States locating first in New York, next in Philadelphia, and in 1853 reached Stewartsville where he located and commenced working at the cooper's trade, and afterward at the carpenter's trade. In 1865 he purchased eighty acres of land which he has since increased to 160 acres in Robb Township where he located and has since lived. He is a Democrat in politics. October 11, 1859 he married Carrie Mann, born April 13, 1841, in Posey County. They became the parents of nine children, six of whom are living: Margaret, Harriet, Susan, Henry, Carrie and Lena. Mrs. Faul is a member of the Evan-

GEOEGE W. FAUL, merchant of Stewartsville, Ind., was born May 24, 1851, in the place where he now lives. He attended the district schools and remained at home until twentyeight years old. When fifteen years old he began learning the saddler's trade with his father, continuing four years ; he then entered into partnership with Henry Demberger in the mercantile business, and as they keep a fine stock of goods, they are correspondingly prosperous. May 18, 1879, he wedded Mary J.Waller, born June 27, 1855, and daughter of David and Lucy Waller. They have two children: Frank and Nora. They have a fine house and lot in the village and are very comfortably situated. Our subject is a Democrat and cast his first vote for Samuel J. Tilden. His parents were Frederick and Elizabeth (Dickmeier) Faul, natives of Germany, the father born in 1819 and the mother in 1831. Frederick was a harness-maker by trade and came to the United States when only sixteen years old. He served in the Mexican war and was in many of its principal battles ; he located in Stewartsville, after coming from the war, where he owns considerable land ; he held the office of township trustee for nearly fifteen years.

JOHN S. FITZGEEEELL, the oldest citizen of Eobb Township, Posey Co., Ind., was born March 17, 1819, in Gibson County, Ind., son of James and Elizabeth (Eay) Fitzgerrell, natives of Virginia and Kentucky, and born in 1777 and 1789, and died in 1865 and 1874, respectively. The father lived in different parts of Kentucky and Indiana, and finally came to Posey County, where he purchased 160 acres of land and remained until his death. He was quite wealthy and owned, at one time, 800 acres of land. In boyhood John S. went three miles to receive instruction. March 15, 1845, he married Nancy (Clism) Graham, born December 22, 1818. . They have six children: .Mary L., Elizabeth A., Jane E., James and Patsey Ann, twins (deceased), and Louis E. Mr. Fitzgerrell purchased 165 acres of land soon after marriage, which he has since increased to 230 acres, besides giving three of his children sixty-six acres of land apiece. As a farmer he has been very successful. He is a stanch Democrat and cast his first vote for Martin Van Buren. He was trustee of

Biogeaphical Sketches

JAMES FREEMAN, hotel proprietor, Posey ville, Ind., was born September 10, 1823, in Pennsylvania. His parents, James and Jane (Dngan) Freeman, were of Irish extraction. His father came to this country in his youth, and married his wife in Philadelphia. He was a shoe-maker by trade, and at times engaged in hotel keeping. He died of cholera at Massillon, Ohio. The mother died in Indiana about 1867. Our subject learned the saddler's trade in youth, and in time became a skillful workman. About 1845 he married Purlina Anderson, who died in 1847, leaving one son, William. March, 1853, he wedded Louise Anna Durnal, born in Bowling Green, Ky., in 1837. They have five children, named Belle, Emery, Lizzie, Eva and Alva. Mr. Freeman located in Vincennes, where he lived about one year. He then resided in Illinois and in different parts of Indiana until 1853, when he moved to Poseyville. He was a strong Union man, and during the war fought bravely in Company D, Ninety-first Indiana Infantry for three years. He plied his trade in Poseyville for twenty years, when he abandoned it and began keeping a hotel and livery stable. In politics he is a Republican, and cast his first vote for Zachary Taylor.

JOHN GRIN, shoe-maker, Poseyville, Ind., is one of two children born to John and Emma (Hoffman) Grin, his birth occurring August 11, 1848, in Bavaria, Germany. His father was a carpenter, of German birth, born in 1812. His death occurred February 6, 1866. The mother was born in 1811, and is yet living. Subject received the compulsory education of his country, and when thirteen years old began learning the shoe-maker's trade, at which he worked in the principal cities of Germany for over four years. "When twenty years old he entered the army, remaining in the service two years. In 1872 he came to America, locating in Evansville, Ind. August 24, 1874, he married Eliza Hoce, born in Evansville in 1848. She died January 31, 1876, leaving one child, named Henry. November 28, of the same year, he married Anna Helmann, who was born in 1848. They have one child, named Frederick. John Grin located in Poseyville in 1877. He was the first German settler of the town, and has made a success of life among the American people. He is a good workman, and has a good home in Posey ville. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and his wife is a member of the German Lutheran Church.

JAMES S. HALL, miller of Poseyville, Ind., was bom January 20, 1843, in England, and is a son of William and Jane (Woods) Hall. The father was a native of England, bom in 1780, and followed the life of a farmer. His death occurred in the mother country in January, 1851. The mother is a native of the same place, born in 1795, and is still living. Our subject at the age of fourteen commenced as an apprentice, learning the miller'ft and baker's trades, and worked for the same firm for fourteen years. May 12, 1807, he married Hannah Abdrew, born February 28, 1843, in England. They have seven children: John H., Annie, Albert E., Victor (deceased), Stella, Frank and Kalph. Our subject left his native land in 1871, and came to the United States, locating in Jacksonville, IlL, where he continued plying his trade. He lived in that city until 1876, when he moved to Evansville. Ind., and worked one year; thence to Englefield, Ind., where he remained four years. In June, 1884, he came to Poseyville, and purchased a one-third interest in the grist-mill, the firm being known as Drake Bros. & Hall. Mr. Hall is a skillful mechanic, and an excellent miller. In politics he is very conservative, voting rather for principle than part)'. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.

JACOB HERMANN was bom in Bavaria, Germany, December 22. 188(5, and is one of two children bom to Peter and Elizabeth f Capis) Hekmann, who were bom in the same country as our subject. The father's birth occurred in 1807. He followed weaving as an occupation. The mother's death occurred in 1837. The father then married again. Our subject received a very good German education in his native country, attending school until he was fourteen years old. As he was enterprising and ambitious, he came to the United States when seventeen years old, and located in Posey County, Ind. He hired out to Aaron Eobb as a day laborer and worked for him six years. November V-K 1850, he married Mary Ann Huebner, daughter of Lawrence and Elizabeth Huebner. She was bom in Posey County, April 20, 1842. They became the parents of eight children, six of whom are living: Louisa E., Margaret, Emma, John, Anna and

MICHAEL J. HOFilAXX is a native of Bayaria, Germany, ' lie was born Jannarr '24. IS-tS. He is a son of Michael and Eva ^Meder) Hofmann^ who were bom in Germany in iSOo and 1>11'. and died in 1S50 and 1S74. respectively. TThen onr subject was but two years old his father died. He attended school until fourteen years of age and afterward attended a normal school at Kissinger four hours per week for live years, acquiring a thorough knowledge of the higher branches. He began learnirg tJie carpenters trade at the age of fourteen, and worked at it until 1ST2. with the exception of three years spent in the army. At the latter date he came to the United States and located in Gibson County. Ind.. where he worked at his calling. February 1?. 1ST3, he was married to Mary A. Meyer, bom January, 1S56. in Indiana. They have five cluldren: Celie, Bosa, Johnnie, Willie and Laura. In ISSI Mr. Hofmann moved to Poseyville, Ind- He entered into partnership with Joseph Joest and Dr. Toimg in the saw and pLaning-mill and stave factory business. Sis months later Mr. Young withdrew, and the business has since Iveu suceessfrdly carried on by the other two men. Mr. Hofmann is an excellent carpenter and has erected most of the business houses in the town. He is a Democrat and he and wife are members of the Catholic Church.

GEOBGE HUEBXEB, farmer, was bom in Posey County. hid.. February 1, ISil. son of Lawrence and lilizabeth (Hein) Hnebner. who were natives of Bavaria. Germany. The father was bom in 1S15, and when twenty-one years old entered the regular army, being in the Crown Prince's regiment. Later his father purchased his discharge and sent him to America. He kvated in Posey County on eighty acres of land, where he resided until his death. A few days after reaching this county he hired out as a day laborer to Henry Casey, an old bachelor who Uved near where Stewartsville now is. The next day he and two other men went to see Casey, and on arriving found him dead, with three u^ly flesh wounds in his breast. On looking around they saw a man by the name of Joel Ferguson, an outlaw and the" terror of the OMumunity. coming rapidly toward them, brandishing a large knife and threatening to kill them. Lawi-ence's companions fled, but he stood his ground, and after a short contest Ferguson was overpowered and made prisoner, but before his trial was called he contrived to make his escape and was last heard of in Oregon. Lawrence was a well to do farmer and died in 1877. The mother is yet living. Our subject attended the district schools in boyhood, and March 8, 1866, married Mary L. Fitzgerald, born December 23, 1848. To them were born five children: Louisa E., John H. and "William L., Nancy L. and George E. His wife died February 1, 1880, and August 15, 1882, he married Cassandra Clark, born July 10, 1856, and died June 29, 1885. Mr. Huebner was one of the boys in blue, and served in Company F, Thirty-eighth Indiana Lifantry. He is a Democrat and a member of the I. O. O. F., also of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

WILLIAM W. HUNTEE, one of the enterprising farmers of Posey County, Ind., was born January 1, 1851, and is a son of John and Lucinda (Wade) Hunter, who were natives of Posey County, Ind. The father was a farmer by occupation and at the time of his marriage, which occurred in 1850, he lived in Posey County on his present farm. He is the owner of 420 acres of land and is one of the leading farmers of the county. William W. was educated in the district schools and resided with his people until he was nearly twenty-one years of age. September 3, 1871, he took for his life companion Serilda Ackman, daughter of William and Lucretia Ackman. She was born in the State of Kentucky October 13, 1849. To their union one child has been born named Ida, born February 5, 1872. Mr. Hunter is a Republican and cast his first vote for U. S. Grant.

THOMAS J. HYNE, farmer, was born in Posey County, Ind., February 19, 1849, and is one of eight children of George and Matilda (Stallings) Hyne. The father was of German birth, born in 1822, and came to the United States about 1840 and began tilling the soil in Posey County. He resided in different parts of the county and finally settled on his 160 acre farm, where he now resides. He has been industrious and owns one of the finest houses and best farms in the county. His wife was born December 25, 1818, in Posey County. Thomas received a common school education and in addition attended the Commercial

College at Evansville, receiving his diploma May 7, of the same year. February 4, 1872, he married Lizzie Boyle, daughter of Hugh and Augusta Boyle. She was born May 9, 1846, in Posey County. They have two childi'en living, named Alfred and Grace. After his marriage Mr. Hyne purchased 100 acres of land in Eobb Township, where he has since made his home. His political views are Democratic. He cast his first vote for Horace Greeley.

J. BENJAMIN HYNE is a son of John and Caroline Hyne. The father was born in Bavaria, Germany, May 27, 1819, and followed the life of an agriculturist. At the age of nineteen he left his fatherland and came to the United States with his brother and sister. He married RachaelM. Overton in 1843. She died in September, 1844, and January 6, 1849, he wedded Caroline Carbie, born in Brunswick, Germany, in 1826. To them were born three children: James M., Margaret and our subject. Benjamin attended the common schools and made his home with his people until he was twenty-two years old. April 10, 1880, he married Mary Eobb, daughter of John and Mary (Montgomery) Robb. She is a native of the county, born March 9, 1859. They have one child named Carl. Mr. Hyne is a Democrat and cast his first vote for Grover Cleveland.

LEWIS HYNE, one of the promising young farmers of Robb Township, was born April 2, 1852, in Posey County, Ind., son of George and Matilda (Stallings) Hyne. Lewis attended the common schools, and also the Asbury University, now De Pauw College, in the winter of 1870. He made his home with his parents until 1882. He gave considerable attention to stock buying, meeting with fair success. In 1875 he purchased eighty acres of land in Eobb Township. He is now cultivating his farm and also 310 acres in Gibson County. He employs, on an average, eight men during the summer season. He is very energetic and enterprising, and will undoubtedly be one of the first farmers in the county. In politics he is a Democrat, and cast his first vote for Horace Greeley.

HON. THOMAS C. JAQUESS was born in Posey County, Ind., December 10, 1821, and is one of eight children born to Jonathan G. and Mary (Smith) Jaquess. The father was of French birth, born in Cynthiana, Ky., in 1793. Coming to Indiana in

1815, he followed the life of a farmer, receiving 160 acres of land from his father. He was married in 1817, and was one of the few men who have made the county what it is. His death occurred in 1842, and on the same day of the month as his birth. The mother was also a native of Kentucky, born September 11, 1796, and died September 20, 1862. Thomas C. received his education in the district schools near his home, and after the death of his father assumed control of the farm. February 11, 1852, he was married to Elizabeth "Whittlesey, born in New York in 1827. They became the parents of six children, five of whom are living, named Mary P., Horace G., Thomas J., Harry E. and James S. Mary is a teacher in Mount Vernon; Horace and Harry are in the West, and Thomas and James are farming near home. The same year of his marriage Mr. Jaquess moved to Owensville, where he remained eighteen months merchandising. He then came to Poseyville, where he followed the same calling, and also kept a shoe store, tanyard and saddle shop, and from 1856 to 1874 operated a steam grist-mill. At the latter date he abandoned all his former occupations and resumed farming. In 1879 he again began merchandising, continuing until 1883. Since that time he has speculated in grain. In politics he is a Republican, and cast his first vote for Henry Clay. In 1866 he was elected by the Republican party to the State Senate, representing Vanderburgh and Posey Counties, it being the first and only time Posey County ever went Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Jaquess are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

FRANCIS H. KELLET, M. D., of StewartsviUe, Ind., was born October 1, 1835, in Kentucky. His parents were Robert and Charlotte (Walton) Kelley. The father, who was a farmer, was born in Virginia in 1797. At the time of his death in 1864 he was a resident of Missouri. The mother's birth occurred in 1863, and her death in Missouri in 1877. Our subject remained with his parents until 1859. He attended the disteict schools, but his mother was his principal instructor until he was sixteen years of age. He attended a high school for two years, and then entered the Georgetown, Ky., College, where he spent about two years. He then began studying medicine under Dr. Suddarth, and was also a pupil of Dr. OrndofE. In 1858-59 he studied at home and did some farming, and at the latter date entered the

University at Charlottsville, Va. "When the war broke out, he was attending medical lectures at Nashville, Tenn. He joined the Southern Confederacy and was commissioned captain, and at a later period was promoted to the rank of major. He was in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Vicksburg, Corinth, Murfreesboro and Chickamauga. While in a skirmish at Danville, Ala., in 1864, he was taken prisoner and sent to Indianapolis, Ind., where he was released in 1865. He was without money or friends. He went to Orange County, Ind., and began working in a saw-mill. He had been there but a short time when it was learned that he had a knowledge of medicine, and he was called to prescribe for a sick man. His treatment was successful, and he was soon brought into notice by the citizens, and has since practiced his profession very successfully. In 1867 he married Ehoda E. Stone, who bore him one child - Albert Lee. His wife died in June, 1870, and Match of the same year he graduated as an M. D. from the Louisville Medical College. He then came to Stewartsville and married Mary Alice Eobb in 1873. She was born in 1853, and is a daughter of John W. and Mary (Montgomery) Eobb. Five children were born to them, two of whom are living: Mary A. and Elenora. The Doctor is a Democrat,, and a member of the I. O. O. F. and Masonic fraternities.

JESSE KIGHT, one of the prominent farmers and old settlers of Posey County, Ind., was born in the county where he now resides, May 11, 1822, son of Ezekiel and Eebecca (Murphy) Kight, who were born in North Carolina in 1787 and 1788, respectively. The father moved from his native State to Kentucky, and in 1810, came to Indiana and entered 160 acres of land in Posey County. He took an active part in defending his home from the Indians, and participated in the famous battle of Tippecanoe. At the time of his death, in 1841, he owned 440 acres of land. The mother died in 1870. Jesse obtained his education in the district schools near home, and when twentythree years old, married Polly Ann Murphy, who died February 19th, of the same year. October 17, 1850, he wedded Malinda Boyle, born January 9, 1831, daughter of Eobert and Nancy Boyle. To their union nine children were born, named Eobert F., Silas C, Minerva Jane, Sarah E. (deceased), James S., Olive L., William' B., Eosa L. and Anna M. Mr. Kight, by his energy and close attention to business, increased his farm until lie now owns 260 acres of good land, furnished with a large frame house and substantial barns. He is a prosperous farmer, and is upright in all his business dealings. His wife is a member of the Christian Church, and he is a Republican.

CHAELES KIGHTLY, postmaster and druggist, of Poseyville, Ind., is a son of John P. and Mary (Goodliff) Kightly, who were natives of England, the former born in 1816, and the latter in 1817. The father was a farmer, and came to the United States in 1852, and settled at Evansville, where he died June 29, 1856. The mother is yet living in Evansville. Charles, who was born in England, May 9, 1850, wa,s but six years old when his father died. He obtained a very good education and attended the Evansville High School one year. At the age of thirteen he was compelled to fight the battle of life for himself, and worked in an art gallery and clerked in a book store two years. At the age of eighteen, he took a full business course at the Commercial College in EvansviUe, and then kept books for one year, and followed clerking again for five years. He then went to Gibson County and commenced the study of medicine, and in connection clerked in a general store for about five more years. May 15, 1878, he married Eva M. Gardner, who was born in Indiana, April 17, 1850. They have two children: Blanche G. and Edith May. In 1881 he moved to Poseyville and commenced in his present business. May 4, 1885, his store caught fire, and was consumed, together with most of its contents. He immediately rebuilt, and now has a very fine store-room. He is a warm Democrat, and August 8, was appointed postmaster of Poseyville, under the new administration. He is a member of the Episcopal Church, and his wife is a Methodist.

JOSEPH A. LEONARD, editor and proprietor of the Poseyville News, was born April 8, 1836, in Alabama, and is a son of Patrick and Frances A. (Brownley) "Leonard. The father was a farmer by occupation, and at the time of his marriage lived in his native State. His death occurred about 1843. The mother was born in Virginia, about 1819, and was married at the age of fifteen. After her husband's death, she married one Charles Bishop, with whom she lived until her death. May 14, 1859. Joseph A. was reared at home, but without a father's care or guidance. He received a common school education, and obtained a rudimentary knowledge of Latin, in the Mount Vernon High School. He came to Posey County when about sixteen years old, and began working as an apprentice in a carriage shop. He became quite skiUful as a carriage painter, and continued that occupation the greater part of twenty-five years. In 1859 he located in Poseyville, and in the fall of 1860 began teaching school. He was a strong Union man, and June 12, 1861, enlisted in the Seventeenth Regiment Indiana Volunteers. His regiment was sent to Virginia, where they remained about seven months, and then went to Kentucky, where the regiment was discharged, and he returned home. August 10, of the same year, he re-enlisted in Company A, Ninety-first Indiana Infantry, which was organized at Evansville, and he was appointed corporal, and a few days later, was given the position as sergeant. Before entering the field, he was appointed sergeant-major of the regiment. He participated in following Morgan on his famous raid, and crossed the Cumberland Mountains during the cold winter of 1864, He joined Sherman in May, and remained with him until the fall of Atlanta. He was afterward in the battles of Franklin, Nashville and numerous minor engagements. In September, 1864, he was commissioned -first lieutenant and adjutant of his regiment, and . later, was transferred to the One Hundred and Twenty -fourth Indiana Infantry. He remained on duty until hostilities ceased. After his return home he resumed teaching, and two years later went to Gribson County where he followed the same vocation. December 13, 1869, he married Amanda M. Bucklin, born January 19, 1844. They have one son, Horace Patrick. He located in Poseyville after marriage, and in 1882, launched upon the journalistic sea. December 7, of that year, he issued the first copy known as the Poseyville News. It is a newsy and spicy paper, and is independent in politics. Mr. Leonard has built up his paper until it now has a circulation of about 450 copies weekly. Our subject is a member of the I. O. O. F., and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

SAMUEL D. McREYNOLDS, attorney at law, of Poseyville, Ind., was born October 1, 1848, in Posey County. Until seventeen years, he remained on the farm -wilh his parents and manifested much interest in agricultural pursuits. At the age of eighteen he entered the teacher's profession, thinking to use it as a stepping stone to something more remunerative and congenial. In this calling he remained several years, reading law and theology during vacations. In 1869 he entered the law college at Lexington, Ky., and in 1871 was admitted to the bar, at Evansville, Ind. He was dependent upon his own exertions, and being in need of funds, published an arithmetic entitled the " Lightning Arithmetic," and traveled in several States selling his work, which he disposed of at $2 each. Unlooked for contingencies arose, such as the loss of health and the entire care and support of his mother and sisters, which prevented the purchase of the necessary law library. In 1877 he became editor of the Poseyville Sun, and later accepted a similar position on the Western Star, published at Mount Vernon, by John C. Lefifel. After seeing the paper established on a solid foundation, he severed his connection therewith, and in 1878 embarked in the mercantile trade in Poseyville, and remained in that business until the building of the Peoria, Decatur & Evansville Kailroad, in 1880. He then formed a partnership with V. P. Bozeman, to furnish 40,000 cross ties for the road, and afterward occupied the positions of superintendent of construction, contractor, paymaster and bookkeeper on the Nickel Plate, the Indianapolis & Evansville, the Louisville & St. Louis Air Line and the Evansville & Terre Haute Railroads. He then settled down to the practice of law in 1883, and has met with good success, and is fast becoming one of the leading lawyers of the county. He is a Democrat in politics, but liberal in his views. He has devoted much time to the study of theology, and in belief is a Free Thinker or Liberal.

AARON T. MURPHY is a native of Posey County, Ind., where he was born June 21, 1848. He is one of five sons and five daughters born to Aaron and Amelia (Williams) Murphy. He is of Irish extraction and was born in Kentucky, in 1810. He came to Posey County when only three years old. After his marriage, in 1828, he began farming on an eighty-acre tract given him by his father. He lived for some time in Gibson County, Ind., when he returned and located on a 160 acre farm where he resided the remainder of his days. He owned at one time 742 acres of land. He was the father of seven children: Joseph, Sarah, James B., John C, Keziah, Aaron T. and Lizzie.

The father died m 1868. The mother was born in 1810, and is at present living with her son, Aaron, on the old homestead. Aaron T., our subject, received a common school education, and October 20, 1870, he was married to Amanda Bennett, born May 21, 1847, in Posey County, Ind. They have three children: Le- Eioy F., Clarence and Ivy May. Mr. Murphy owns 134 acres of land and in politics is a Democrat, casting his first vote for Horace Greeley. Both father and mother were members of the Eegular Baptist Church.

ISAAC MURPHY was born in the county where he now resides, September 24, 1850, and is one of the nine children born to Noah and Elizabeth (Vandaveer) Murphy, natives of Indiana and Kentucky, respectively; the former born in 1814 and the latter in 1812. They were married in 1834 and resided in Posey County, where the father owned 160 acres of land. His death occurred June 30, 1869. Isaac, our subject, remained at home until twenty-one years of age. November 9, 1871, he married Martha Jane Smith, born June 15, 1851, daughter of James and Sarah Smith. They have three children: Charles Franklin, William Albert, and Noah Welzy. After marriage Mr. Murphy erected a log house on the east part of the old homestead, he owning eighty acres of land there. By industry and good management, he was able, in 1880, to erect him a fine frame dwelling house, in which he is living at the present time. He is a Democrat and cast his first vote for Horace Greeley. His wife is a member of the Regular Baptist Church.

GEORGE W. MURPHY, an enterprising young farmer of Posey County, Ind., was born July 80, 1855, son of Noah and Elizabeth (Vandaveer) Murphy (elsewhere written). George received his education in the district schools near home. November 28, 1878, he married Cornelia Ellen Wilson, who was born December 23, 1856, daughter of John and Sarah Wilson. To their marriage two children were born, named Ina May and Ora Wilson. Mr. and Mrs. Murphy located on the old homestead after marriage, eighty acres of the farm being willed to our subject by his father. He is an enterprising and intelligent young farmer, and bids fair to be one of the first farmers of the county. He is a Democrat, and cast his first vote for S. J. Tilden. His wife is a member of the General Baptist Church.

JESSE M. NEAL may be mentioned as one of the prominent farmers of Eobb Township, Posey Co., Ind. He is one of thirteen children born to the marriage of Meeks Neal and Anna Williams, born in South Carolina in 1790 and 1792, and died in 1845 and 1846 respectively. Soon after his marriage, which occurred in his native State, he came to Indiana and purchased 160 acres of land in Posey County, where he located and lived only a few years, when he moved to New Harmony in order to educate his children. He was a carpenter by trade. Owing to the many disadvantages which existed in our subject's boyhood he received a somewhat limited education : He was born December 24. 1825. February 25, 1848, he wedded Martha Ann Stillwell, born in Gibson County, Ind., November 8, 1828, daughter of William and Patsey Stillwell. Mr. and Mrs. Neal have four children, named Thomas I., John Q., Mary and Emma. Mr. Neal rented property in Harmony Township for four years after his marriage, at the expiration of which he purchased his present farm of 135 acres. By business ability and industry he now owns 320 acres of good land. He is a Democrat, and cast his first vote for Lewis Cass. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.

JOSHUA NOEEIS is a native of Posey County, Ind., his birth occurring January 3, 1828. His father, Edward Norris, was of German descent, born in 1790. He was married to Elizabeth Wilkins, and about 1810 came to Posey County, where he followed the life of a farmer. He took an active part in defending the white settlers from Indian attacks, and was in the battle of Tippecanoe, leaving his family in the block-house which stood near where Stewartsville now is. His death occurred in 1830, and the mother's two years later. Our subject was very young when his parents died. He was bound out to Josiah Colvin, and remained with him until attaining his majority, receiving for his services a horse, saddle and bridle, and a suit of clothes. He received no education, and on leaving Mr. Colvin' s services could not write his own name. This deficiency he has overcome, however, and is now able to write very well. October 19, 1851, he married Elizabeth Gwaltney, born in 1832, who died October '-), 1862, leaving four children: Sylvester (deceased), William E., Sarah E. and Joshua M. July 12, 1863, Mr. Norris married Fanny Gwaltney, sister of his first wife. She was born in 1838, and has borne her husband five children: Morton (deceased), Mary E., Cora M., Ida T. (deceased) and Eosa A. Mr. Norris owns 320 acres of land, and is well fixed financially. He is a Eepublican, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church.

JOHN EAMSEY is a son of Annias and Mary (Cole) Eam- -sey, and was born March 27, 1840. The father was of Irish descent and was born in Kentucky May 3, 1811. He came with his parents to Posey County when only six years old. Here he lived about fifteen years and then moved to Missouri, 'but remained there only three months, when he returned to "Hoosierdom " and spent the remainder of his days on his farm in Eobb Township, Posey County. He died July 14, 1883. The mother was born in 1821, and is now residing with her children. Our subject attended the district schools where he obtained a fair education. June 13, 1875, he married Caroline Huebner, daughter of Lawrence and Elizabeth (Hien) Huebner, born May 3, 184U. They have two children, named Ada Elizabeth and Philip Martin. After marriage Mr. Eamsey purchased 160 acres of land where he settled and has since lived. He began his career as a fartaer with no property save two horses and a wagon, but by energy and business ability now owns a fine farm. He is a Democrat and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

FEANCIS M. EEBVES, an enterprising farmer of Eobb Township, Posey Co., Ind., was born in the county where he now resides April 18, 1833, and is one of eleven children born to the marriage of Eichard H. Eeeves and Jane Owens. The father was of Scotch birth and was born in the State of Kentucky August 4, 1806, and followed the occupation of farming. He was married in Posey County December 13, 1827. His death occurred April 4, 1863. The mother was of Irish descent,' born in Posey County and died April 12, 1860. Our subject remained at home, working on the farm until he was twenty -two years of age. In September, 1854, he married Martha A. Overton, daughter of Cornelius and Nancy Overton. She was born in November, 1832, and became the mother of four children: Sophronia, Felix M., Laura M. and Serilla P. After our subject's marriage he lived on rented farms until 1876, when he purchased eighty acres of land in Eobb Township, where he located and has since lived. He is industrious and is well spoken of by all who know him. He is a Republican in polities and is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

JOHN W. ROBB, merchant of Stewartsville, Ind., may be mentioned as one of the leading citizens of the county. He was born in the county where he now resides October 23, 1816, and is the youngest son of a family of ten sons and three daughters born to Thomas and Lyda (Waller) Eobb. The father, who was born in the "Emerald Isle" August 10, 1769, came with his parents to the United States when an infant, and located in Washington County, Ky., where he began his career as a tiller of the soil. April 23, 1795, he married Lydia Waller, who was of Scotch lineage, born in Kentucky February 21, 1777. In 1808 they came to Indiana, which was then a Territory, and located in what is now Posey County. He purchased 160 acres of land in Robb Township, said township being named in his honor. The deed was given and signed by Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States, and James Madison, Secretary of State, and is now in the possession of our subject. Thomas was one of the fLrst settlers of the county, and was ready and willing to ride ten or twelve miles to assist his neighbors in any way. He met a violent death June 24, 1818, being thrown from his horse and unable to extricate his foot was dragged to death. The mother's death occurred February 13, 1867, at the age of ninety years. When our subject was but two years old his father died. He i-eceived the greater part of his education in the pioneer sohoolhouse. July 24, 1844, he married Mary Montgomery, born August 24, 1819, in Indiana. She is a daughter of James and Nancy Montgomery, and became the mother of eleven children: Lenora A., wife of F. M. Welborn; America M., wife of Edward Carr; Eliza J., deceased; Laura E., deceased; Minerva A., deceased; Mary Alice, wife of Dr. F. H. Kelly; Ida P., wife of John Hyne; John E., deceased; Leroy T. ; James F. A., and William P. Our subject resided on the home place for eight years after marriage and then moved to Stewartsville, where he has since lived. In 1847 he began merchandising in the village and has met with marked success. He is one of the most enterprising business men of the county, and is identified with it in its prosperity. He is one of its largest land holders and owns over 3,000 acres of land, 1,155 acres being in Posey County and tlie rest in Gibson County. He and two other men are the only ones now living who were born in the township before Indiana was organized as a State. He expects to soon close out his store and retire from active business life. November 8, 1863, his wife died and since that time he has lived with his children. He is a Democrat in politics, and was postmaster of Stewartsville for twenty-three years. He is a member of the I. 0. O. F., and his wife was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

J. F. A. EOBB, a wide-awake young farmer residing near StewartsArille, Ind., was born August 4, 1860. He is a son of John W. and Mary (Montgomery) Kobb, whose sketch is given in this work. He was reared without a mother's care, she having died when he was but three years of age. He attended the graded school at Stewartsville, and made his home with his father until attaining his majority. April 30, 1881, he was united in matrimony to Lucretia, daughter of Theophilus and Lucretia Defur. Her birth occurred February 23, 1863, in Posey County. They have two children: Mary, born July 27, 1883, and Eoyal born November 15, 1884. Mr. Robb is an industrious young farmer, and owns 150 acres of land. He is a Democrat, and cast his first vote for Grover Cleveland.

WILLIAM P. KOBB, was born in Stewartsville, Ind., July 15, 1862, son of John W. and Mary (Montgomery) Robb. His mother died when he was but sixteen months old, but he remained with his father until twenty years of age. He acquired his early education in the Stewartsville schools, and attended the Evansville Commercial College, and completed his course in two months and eighteen days, making an average of 99.8. September 13, 1883, he married Emma Eutledge, daughter of Dr. John C. and Elizabeth (Stewart) Rutledge. Mrs. Eobb was born December 31, 1859, in Poseyville, Ind. They have one child, named Ealph. William P. remained with his father in the store until September, 1885, when he moved to a farm two miles north of Stewartsville where he has since resided. He is doing well as a farmer, and bids fair to rank among the first farmers of the county. He is a Democrat, and cast his first vote for Cleveland in 1884.

Township, and is a son of Jolin and Nancy (Cox) Eoberts. He is of Scotch and English extraction. His father was born in Halifax County, Va., August 3, 1780, and his mother in South Carolina, November 25, 1782. The father of Mr. Eoberts, when a young man, immigrated to Todd County, Ky., and there remained until 1808, when he came to what is now Posey County, settled within the present limits of Robb Township, and there died October 11, 1874. The mother of our subject died in 1856. Mr. Roberts was raised on the farm upon which he now resides in Robb Township. He helped to clear from the green more than 100 acres of land, and lived at home with his parents until he was about fifty years of age. He now owns the old Roberts homestead, and has in the aggregate over 300 acres of fine farming land well improved, showing him to be an enterprising and successful farmer. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Sixtieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was at Vicksburg, Yazoo and Port Mumfordsville, where he was taken prisoner, and held five months. He was honorably discharged from the service in July, 1865. After the war he returned to the farm, and has since been one of the leading farmers of Robb Township. He was married, April 22, 1875, to Miss Sarah H. Norton, a native of Vanderburg County, Ind. Mrs. Roberts died November 16, 1877, and Mr. Roberts was married the second time to Mrs. Anna E. Schnee, formerly Miss Schnee, also a native of Vanderburg County, Ind. Mr. Roberts is a Democrat in politics, and Mrs. Roberts is a member of the Regular Baptist Church.

JOHN E: SHELTON is a. native of Mason County, Ky., born November 20, 1823. His father, John Shelton, was of Dutch- French descent, born in Virginia, May, 5, 1797, and when fourteen years old went to Mason County, Ky., where he lived at the time of his marriage. In 1824 he moved to Eort Branch, Ind., where he remained one year, and then moved to Vanderburg County, where he purchased 240 acres of land, and lived until his death November 8, 1857. He was among the first settlers of southern Indiana, and was of a very benevolent disposition. The mother was of English lineage, born August 11, 1798, in Kentucky, and died March 11, 1847. Our subject received his education in the log schoolhouse of primitive days and was compelled to submit to many hardships. He attended school only about three months during the year, and owing to the scarcity of the "almighty dollar," went barefooted until the snow fell. At the age of eighteen years he assumed control of the farm, but received no remuneration for his services. July 25, 1850, he married Sophronia B. Merritt, born July 29, 1832, in Indiana. They have three children: LeRoy C. (deceased), Sophronia B. (deceased) and Wilmina. Mr. Shelton started in life with 80 acres of land, but soon after traded it for 72 acres in Robb Township, which he afterward increased to 190 acres. His wife died September 3, 1858, and September 15, 1859, he married Mary Cavett, born November 3, 1830. They have three children: James A., Penelope A. and Ella Gertrude. Mr. Shelton is a Republican and a member of the I. 0. O. F., and has been a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for forty years.

THOMAS D. SHELTON is a native of Indiana born April 1, 1837. He is one of ten children born to John and Catharine (Finch) Shelton. Thomas attended the common schools in his boyhood days and made his home with his parents until he was twenty years old. At that time his father died, and he made his home with his brother George W. for three years. February 14, 1860, he led to Hymen's altar Keziah Murphy, who was born February 2, 1839, in Posey County. She is a daughter of Aaron and Amelia Murphy and became the mother of four children: named George M. (deceased), James A. (deceased), Flora and Jesse. After his marriage Mr. Shelton located on the old homestead in Vanderburg County where he remained one year. He then moved to Posey County and purchased land in Smith Township, but sold out in 1871 and purchased his present farm of about eighty-five acres. His land is very fertile, and by his energy he has cleared it of timber and has erected good buildings, and added many other improvements. He is a Democrat and member of the A. O. U. W. and of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

FRANK M. SMITH is a son of Thomas and Hannah (Murfitt) Smith, and was born in Warrick County, Ind., February 22, 1853. He received a common school education and remained with his people until reaching his majority. He then went to St Paul, Minn., and worked at the carpenter trade for nearly two years, when he returned to "Hoosierdom," and in 1881 came to Poseyville and entered into partnership with George W. Stallings in a livery and feed stable, also dealing in agricultural implements. At the end of one year Mr. Smith purchased Mr. Stallings' interest and about the same time took Thomas Davis as equal partner. They soon after sold out and established an undertaking and furniture store. In 1883 our subject bought Davis' interest and has since carried on the business with marked success. In politics he is a Eepublican, casting his first vote for E. B. Hayes. His parents were born in England in 1809 and 1820 respectively. His father came to the United States and located in Warrick County, Ind. He is a prominent farmer and at one time owned 400 acres of land, but has given much of his property to his children.

GEOEGB TEETHEWAY was born June 15, 1843, in Cornwall, England, and is one of fifteen children of Thomas and Ann (Culum) Tretheway. George, together. with a brother and sister, came to America in 1854, under the guardianship of a friend of their father, and came directly to New Harmony, Ind. Our subject worked on the farm until the war broke out, when he enlisted, at the age of seventeen, in Company A, Twenty-fifth Indiana Infantry, and served three years. He was in the battles of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson and Shiloh, and many minor engagements. He received his discharge at Louisville, Ky., in 1864, and in February, 1865, re-enlisted in Company A, Fourth United States Volunteers, and served for one year. After his return home in 1866 he resumed farming, but owing to a wound received in the battle of Shiloh was forced to abandon agricultural pursuits, and accordingly moved to New Harmony and began working at the wagon-maker's trade. In 1869 he moved to Stewartsville, where he has since lived. In politics he is a Eepublican and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. He is a member of the I. O. 0. F., and was married, July 26, 1868, to Alice Baldwin, daughter of George and Maria Baldwin, born July 26, 1848. They have six children: Bertha, Alice, Nora, Maria, Georgiana and George Edgar.

GEOEGE J. WATEES, banker, of Poseyville, Ind., was born in the place where he now resides February 20, 1863, and is the only sou in a family of four children born to John L. and Caroline S. (Jaquess) "Waters. The father was of Irish lineage and was born in 1825 in Gibson County, Ind. He followed the mer- cantile business in Poseyville and also carried on farming near the village. He died February 7, 1874. The mother is of French and Scotch extraction and was born April 3, 1827. Subject was reared at home. He finished the common school branches at Poseyville and then took the complete high school course at Evansville, and later attended the Valparaiso Business College one term. He then worked for his uncle, V. P. Bozeman, two years in buying grain ; at the end of which he entered into partnership with the same party in the banking business, he being cashier. They are doing a good business, and the bank bids fair to become one of the leading ones in the county. George W. is a Republican and cast his first vote for James G. Blaine.

GEOEGE W. WELBOEN, M. D. of Stewartsville, Ind. was born March 17, 1844, in Evansville, Ind., where he was reared and received his early education. In 1859 he entered the Asbury University, now DePauw College, at Greencastle, Ind., where he -remained until the Rebellion broke out. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Sixtieth Indiana Infantry, and served three years, participating in many hot skirmishes. He received his discharge June 30, 1865. After returning from the war he began clerking in a drug store in Evansville, but at the end of six months entered into partnership with an uncle in the boot and shoe business. Two years later he sold his interest and came to Stewartsville and began farming. October 27, 1867, he married Martha Stinnett, born July 29, 1845, in Kentucky. They have four children: William W., Annie A., James Y. and Helen A. George W. began his medical studies while in the army and in 1875 quit farming and gave his entire attention to medicine. He took a two years' course in the Evansville Medical College graduating in 1877. He has since practiced his profession in Stewartsville and has met with flattering success. He owns considerable property in the village. He is a Democrat and a member of the I. O. O. F. The parents of our subject were Dr. William W. and Hannah (Walker) Welborn, natives of Indiana and Ohio respectively. The father was a physician and surgeon and obtained his medical , education in Evansville. His death occurred in that city in 1871.

Posey County, Ind., where he became the possessor of 460 acres of land. The mother was of Scotch descent and was born near Bowling Green, Ky. Her husband died in Vanderburg County and about 1857, and she married Charles Whiting of Posey County, and since that time has been a resident of Cynthiana. Our subject was born in Vanderburg County, February 22, 1844, and came with his mother to Posey County and obtained his early education in the high schools of Cynthiana and Owensville. August 12, 1862, he enlisted in Company F, Eightieth Indiana Infantry, and served three years. He took an active part in the battles of Perryville, Fort Anderson, Wilmington and numerous minor engagements. After his return from the war he attended the State University at Bloomington, Ind., for two years, and in 1868 commenced the study of law at Evansville, and was admitted to the bar in 1869. November 16, 1871, he married Eliza E. Fletchall, who was born July 16, 1849, in Posey County. They have two children : Numa N. and Curran A. Mr. Williams has ' resided in Poseyville since his marriage and is engaged in tilling the soil. He is a stanch Democrat in politics and in 1883 was elected to the Legislature, serving two years. He is a member of the Christian Church and his wife is a Baptist.

G. B. YOUNG is one of thirteen children born to John and Elizabeth (O'Neal) Young, and was born August 2, 1826, in Posey County, Ind. Our subject made his home with his parents until his marriage, which occurred August 31, 1849, to Berthenia St. Clair, who was born in Sullivan County, Ind., in 1825. Their marriage was blessed with six children, named Hester Ann (deceased), Elizabeth Jane, who lives in Smith Township; William Walker (deceased), Joseph Lane (deceased), Thomas Benton, who is a physician in Poseyville, and John Bailey. About a year after marriage Mr. Young and wife located on an eighty acre farm near the old homestead and where he now lives. He now owns 180 acres. He has a fine dwelling-house and is very comfortably situated. He moved to Poseyville in 1881, but three years later returned to the farm. He is a Democrat and he and wife are members of the General Baptist Church. His parents were born in Virginia and North Carolina, in 1803 and 1800, and died in 1870 and 1874, respectively. The father was a farmer

THOMAS B. YOUNG, M. D. was born in Posey County, Ind., April 14, 1858, son of Grenberry and Barthenia (St. Clair) Young. He completed his common school education and also took a rudimentary course in the higher branches in the Cynthiana' High School. He began studying medicine with Dr. Cosby, of Cynthiana in 1874 and continued with him one year, when he entered the School of Medicine, at Louisville, Ky., remaining five months. In September of the same year he entered the Louisville Medical College, graduating in February, 1876. He then attended the Vanderbilt University, at Nashville, Tenn., for four months. In the fall of 1876 he entered the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating January 26, 1877. He then returned home and began practicing his profession. November 26, 1878, he married Delia Cale, born August 7, 1859. To them have been born one child, Morris C. His wife died August 31, 1881. Dr. Young has a thorough knowledge of .his profession and has succeeded in building up an excellent practice. He is a leading business man of the town, and is quite well to do in worldly goods, owning eleven houses and lots and twenty-two vacant lots in the town, besides property in Stewartsville. He is a Democrat, and October 11, 1884, was appointed trustee of Eobb Township to fill an unexpired term.

Source changes here: from History of Posey County, Indiana, by Leffel, John C., B, published 1913; 1,144 words in this source stream.

Robb Township

Was organized March 24, 1817, by the board of county commissioners, but embraced, in addition to its present area, all of Bethel and the greater part of Harmony townships.

The first election in the township was held at the house of Langston Drew, April 12, 1817, for the purpose of electing one justice of the peace. Peter Jones was elected.

The first township officers were: Gillison Price, Nathan Britton, Joshua Wade, John Gale, constables ; Thomas Robb, Peter Jones, Langston Drew, James Robb, William Casey, election inspectors; Robert Allen, Jonathan Jaquess, William Casey, John Waller, James Murphy, Job Calvin, Peter Jones and James Calvin, overseers of the poor; Joshua Overton, Thomas Owens, Leander DeFer, Ezekiel Kight, James Calvin and John Allman, supervisors.

The first settlers were: Joshua Overton and Joseph Montgomery, who came with their families in 1808. Though there were no records of the fact, it is quite probable that there were settlers in the township as trappers and hunters at the beginning of the last century.

In 1817 James Rankin built the first saw mill in the township. It was built on Black river, and was swept away by the high water shortly after it was finished. Another saw mill known as Grammis' saw mill was located on Cox creek.

James Murphy and Joshua Overton owned mills near Poseyville and Stewartsville. The Murphy mill had a still house in connection that was famous for distilling liquors of excellent quality. The price was twenty-five cents per gallon. These mills were known as horse mills, as the motive power was that of horses hitched at each end of a long sweep.

James Robb was the proprietor of a still house on Cox's creek. Turner Nelson established a still house near Stewartsville. Later Mr. Nelson became very prominent in county politics.

In 1820 Robert Downey established a cotton gin aliout a mile south of Poseyville. In those days a cotton gin was about as important as a distillery. Every farmer raised enough cotton for his own use. The cotton cloth was woven by the women on hand looms. Tanyards were also important. Allen Westfall owned a tanyard near Stewartsville in the '40s, and tanned hides on the shares. In most cases some member of a family made shoes for the whole family, but there were cobblers who made shoes to sell while others cobbled on the shares.

Farming was carried on in a very primitive manner. As late as 1850 plows with wooden mould-boards were in use. Oxen were used for plowing and about all other farm work. Wheat was sown by hand and brushed in by a pile of brush drawn over the field by oxen. Later harrows with wooden teeth were used.

The price of land, known as Congress land, was two dollars per acre, but it was afterward reduced to one dollar and twenty-five cents, and swamp lands sold for twelve and one-half cents.

An immense lot of timber was destroyed in those days in order to get the land ready for cultivation. Timber in those days was not considered as having any value except for making rails and such other purposes as the farmer could make of it in its raw state. Anything that would split was good rail timber and no tree was considered too valuable for rails. Many a fine walnut tree was made into rails to fence the "clearing."

As a protection against the Indians the settlers built forts or block houses, a common place of refuge when the Indians went on the war path. A block house was located about a mile south of Stewartsville, on the farm then owned by John Cox. It was a two-story building and was built of heavy, round logs. The lower story was 30x30 feet and the upper story a foot larger each way, projecting over the first story a foot all around and had V-shaped loop-holes sawed into the logs, some with points downward and others outward to afford a view of an enemy approaching. The blocks sawed out were kept to plug up the holes after firing at the enemy.

There were two doors to the building and no windows, one door for an entrance to the first story, and one at the head of the stairway leading to the second story. However, no account of any engagement at the fort seems to be available, although it was frequently made use of as a refuge when the behavior of their Indian neighbors became suspicious.

At a meeting of the board of county commissioners held at Blackford, March 24, 181 7, ]\Iarrs township was organized with its present boundaries. It was named after Samuel R. Marrs, who was one of the pioneers of the township, having come here from Warrick county. He was the first sheriff of Warrick county.

The following are the names of some of the early settlers of the township : Alexander Barton, Moses Calvin, George Daws, John Caborn. William Hutcheson, James Benbrook, Gabriel David, Hamilton Corson, James B. Campbell, Bedford Lynn, Judge Marrs, Lewis Benner, Michael Schreiber, John Vanwey, Wilson Jones, the Forris family, John Usery, the Weinmillers, and some others.

The following land entries were made prior to 1820: Thomas E. Casselberry, 1807; John and Alexander Barton, 181 1; William Downen, 181 1 ; William Sample, 1812; Paul Casselberry, 1813; Elsberry Armstrong, 1813; Samuel R. Marrs, 1813; Adam Young, 1814; William Borton, 1814; Jacob and James Weinmiller, 1814; Robert Dery, 1814; John Moon, 1814; Elkanah Williams, 1814; William Hutcheson, 1815; Benjamin Worthington, 1815; Needham Blount, 1815 ; Lawrence Stull, 1816; Jeffrey Sanders, 1817; John William, 1817; Charles Smith, 1817; Elias McNamee, 1818.

man named Vauble, who came to the township in the same year. About that time, also, James Benbrook built a small distillery and "swopped" whiskey for corn, giving a gallon of whiskey for a bushel of corn. He became widely known as the "whiskey swopper."

Cornelius Foster was known as Rifle Foster. He was a gunsmith and pioneer preacher, and, being a first class mechanic, he manufactured nearly all the early rifles used by the pioneers of this township and the surrounding country. He died in this township many years ago, but now and then a Foster rifle can be found to tell the story.

The principal mill in the township was known as Black Hawk's Mill. It finally came into the possession of and was operated by Joseph Deig, and was known from that time on as Deig's mill.

The first post office in the township was at West Franklin, there being a great many settlers in that vicinity as early as 1815. In 1858 the office was removed to Black Hawk's Mill, where it remained until the first railway through the county was completed, passing through Caborn, it was removed to that place and the office at West Franklin was re-established.