Scott Township

Scott Township

journey to the interior of the American continent, and then to cast their lots in life in the wildernesses of Indiana, were the qualities which animated these people. In the summer of iSi8, one of the earliest of this class, John Ingle, a native of Huntingdonshire, England, then thirty years of age, came to Evansville, and very soon thereafter settled permanently in Scott township, near the present Inglefield. He was a farmer of sterling character, quiet habits and winning ways. His popularity was such that it may be said that he was without an enemy.

Mr. Ingle was soon followed by his countrymen, Edward and Spencer Maidlow, who settled in the same neighborhood. These were intelligent men, who wielded an influence for good in shaping the events of their day. They were model farmers, neat and thrifty, and in ever}' respect good citizens. Edward Maidlow attained local prominence as a man of affairs and was called by his fellow citizens to serve them in places of trust and profit. The Maidlows became freeholders soon after their arrival, and passed their holdings to their descendants, who, as honorable people and valuable citizens, hold a high place in popular esteem.

About the same time came Saunders Hornbrook, much like the Maidlows in character and worth, and a valuable acquisition to the little settlement in the woods. He had been a woolen manufacturer in Devonshire, England, was an educated gentleman, and did much to advance the development of the new country. His wife was a lady of character and superior mental attainments, and thus well equipped to bring about a betterment in the social conditions of the eariier and rougher pioneers. Their sons, Saunders, John, Thomas and William, each achieved for himself an honorable place in the community, one rising to the bench, and all being prominent citizens. The daughters of the household contracted fortunate marriages with gentlemen of their own station. The famil}' was enterprising and progressive, and from the first was well known. Mr. Hcirnbrook built the first cotton gin in this part of the country, and had in satisfactory operation a carding machine. In a very short time this industrious farmer and mechanic had enough buildings erected in the yard about the gin-house to give it the appearance of a Httle village. Here settlers came with their cotton from all directions within a radius of ten or fifteen miles. He established a countrj' store, to supply the wants of the people, and accumulated much property, at one time owning over two thousand acres of land in Scott township. Soon after his death, in 1839, these early enterprises were abandoned by his sons, who saw and acted on the greater opportunities offered in the neighboring city.

About a mile north of Inglefield on the Princeton road, was the clearing of James Cawson, now the Ritchey homestead. This Princeton road was a public highway established by authority of the state, but at the time these settlers came in it winded its way about through the forest and had only the smaller trees and underbrush cut out. Huge forest trees stood in its centre alon<r its entire course. Ingle's was said to be the first place on the road where a traveler could get a breakfast or a dinner; Cawson 's was the next, and then there was none till Gibson county was reached. Cawson was a man of some means and always of good repute. On his place was the Lockyear blacksmith shop, a few years later, which was about the earliest smithy in the township.

Early Settlement

lived widel}' apart. In the same neighborhood, giving the word its rich, broad meaning, lived Jerry Wyatt, a grand old man, very illiterate, but with sterling qualities of heart that endeared him to all. IVIuch of his life was spent here and he was permitted to fill out four score years and ten before death took him away. There, too, lived Daniel Stinchfield, a good man, honest. God-fearing, and ready in every conversation with apt words from Holy Writ; and William Peck - " Old Father Peck," as he was called - a sturdy character, upright, honorable and much beloved, spending a useful life, and rearing an honorable family, whose descendants are yet in the township, occupying a high position in the esteem of the community, and preserving in honor the ancestral name. A young man, for many years a farm laborer in this settlement, and always a welcome guest at every house, was William Warren, who afterward moved to Evansville and for years served as assessor of Pigeon township. He is remembered b}- a younger generation as a fine old man, with a gruff manner, but of good heart and generous impulses. His descendants have acted a conspicuous part in the later development of the county.

One of the earliest Germans in Scott township was Frederick Staser, who, upon reaching the county, worked among the Sirkles in Union township, in 1819, and soon thereafter moved to what afterward became the well-known Staser homestead. He was an interesting talker, could tell a story well, and soon became popular with the pioneers. Coming here early, he acquainted himself with the congress lands and the English tongue. When the great influx of Germans occurred in later years he was thrifty and sagacious enough to mold their settlement with great pecuniary benefit to himself. His sons, John C. and Conrad, were ver\f hospitable, and were men of more than ordinary business ability. Both grew to be wealthy, the estate of John C. being worth at least $150,000. Each generation of the Staser family has been prominent in its da}'.

Probably the earliest settlement east of the Princeton road was that made by the Wheelers, Mark, Joseph and Richard, which was about two miles northeast of Inglefield. These were English people who became widely known as a worth}', respectable familv. Mark was a prosperous farmer, and his two brothers were best known by their devoted labors in spreading the gospel among tlie pioneers. They labored zealously, accomplished much good, and forever fixed their names in the grateful remembrance of the people. Their descendants have been eminently respectable always; as citizens there are none better. Among the industries engaged in by the farmers of early days with good profit was hog-raising. A well-known and successful farmer who grew wealthy chieflv through ihis means was David Powell. He commenced with little capital, and bv industry, economy and wise management, accumulated a valuable property. He had quite a large family, all of whom were good citizens, but attained no particular prominence. In very early days, probably about 1820, Hiram Nelson settled near the present site of Darmstadt. He was a farmer, and later opened a small store. Afterward he moved to Evansville, and was engaged as an auctioneer. He died in Evansville, leaving a widow, who still survives.

The Hilliards came from Ireland in 1S19, and about two years later formed a settlement in Scott township, which to the present time is known as the Hilliard neighborhood. Afterward the Hornbys, a prominent family, became a part of this neighborhood.

For about twenty years there were no other settlements in the eastern part of the township, and but few additions in numbers were made to those already established. In 1822 Samuel Miller came and stayed but one year. He was chief among the deer hunters; tall, lithe and as active as the animal he pursued. Arnold Henning was known among the pioneers as "a handy man to make a cradle or an ax-handle;" although his trade was that of a shoemaker, he was too fond of drink to accomplish much, and is remembered by the present generation as a good and honest, but unfortunate man.

Emery Cook lived and died near Inglefield. He was a good hunter, but an unskillful farmer. He won the long-continued gratitude of the pioneers for killing a particularly troublesome wolf, that was known to have done great damage to the stock.

Another interesting character of early days was John McCann, who, with his fiddle, traversed the entire country, attending all the old-time frolics, the huskings, the barn-raisings, thfe quilting bees, and every gathering that was likely to end in a dance. He did much to ameliorate the hardships of pioneer life by breaking its monotony, and bv encouratrinfif those indulgences which rest the mind and recuperate the body. McCann was a valuable worker in the stillhouses, and often made whiskey for Samuel Scott and Richard Carlisle.

With the hard times that commenced soon after 1820, immigration was practically suspended. But from the older states and from across the sea occasional acquisitions were made to the settlements here. As "birds of a feather flock together," it was fortunate for Scott township that in her borders there was so early established an intelligent nucleus about which clustered a very desirable class of immigrants. When the state of Indiana brought herself into U prominence by the inauguration of the great internal improvement system of 1835, immigrants over-ran every township in the county, looking for lands and homes. Scott township, to some extent, shared the fate of other townships, and before 1840, the lands were nearly all taken, and the settlement of the township was practically completed.

Prominent among those who came in later, though in the pioneer era, and who became closely identified with the township history were: Richard Browning, John Sansom, George and Alexander McCutchan, Thomas Bower, the Rockett family, the Rustons and many other industrious, honorable and worthy people. The Germans, who came in afterward were, as a class, good citizens, industrious, frugal and improved the country very much.

An O/ti M/7/. - The first mill in the township was erected, by Richard Browning, about 1S32. Prior to this settlers patronized the Anthony or Negley mill on Pigeon creek, erected in 18 14. Mr. John Sansom thus tells of the first work of this mill: "I assisted in getting out the timbers for Browning's mill - a tread-mill at first. I remember very well the day we first attempted to run that mill. All things being ready we thought we would grind our grist. The grain was put in the hopper, the team started, the mill went round, but not the smallest particle of meal made its appearance. We were puzzled. x\fter trying in vain to discover the reason why, we acknowledged ourselves beat, and Mr. Browning concluded to send for George Linxweiler, who was then, or had been, in charge of Negley's water mill, and let him, if possible, unravel the mystery. In a few hours Linxweiler put in an appearance. Imagine our amazement when he looked at the arrangement and quietly informed us, in his German idiom, that we had been trying to grind flour by running the mill backward! A more foolish, stupid-looking lot of lads probably never existed than that set of mill hands for a little while, when convinced of our mistake."

Towns. - On April 26, 1819, John Ingle laid out Sandersville. The plat covered 160 acres of land: and a public square 266 feet each way, was provided. An effort was made to build a town, but the project did not succeed. A number of small houses were put up, a store, a blacksmith shop, and such other conveniences as a farming community might demand were located there, and a postoffice was established. In a few years its projectors abandoned their hopes, and their supporters went to more promising localities. By 1830 the houses had all fallen into decay except the postoffice, which remained as a monument of departed glory. Inglefield, a station on the E. & T. H. R. R., is on the site of the ancient Sandersville. Darmstadt., a small place in the southwest corner of the township, has not been platted or incorporated, though for thirty years it has been in existence. It has a few country stores, a doctor, is the headquarters of the German churches in the neighborhood, and enjoys considerable business as a trading point. EarJe., on the Petersburg road, near the southern township line, is without importance except as a supply depot for a limited agricultural district. Christ Stock is the onty merchant. A small store was established here by John Grant, as early as 1850, which he subsequently sold to John Earle (an English settler who came about 182S), for whom the town was named. Chttrchcs. - The pioneer preachers early pushed their way into the new west and, regardless of all hardships and difficulties, with untiring zeal and devotion, worked in the Master's cause. Often on foot, clad in the plain garments of the huntsman, with rifle or gun on his shoulder, the preacher sought the hospitable roof of some lowly cabin and there with a thrilling description of the ineffable joys that awaited the saved, or a vivid picture of the never-ending torments of a literal hell, which would be the sure portion of the damned, sought to persuade or frighten his few hearers to flee from the wrath to come. All denominations sought for supremacy, and in many cases the war waged between the advocates of different Christian sects over theological dogmas and doctrines, was fiercer and far more bitter than that waged against the common enemy. The Baptists, Presbyterians and Methodists all struggled for a foothold. The house of John Ingle was an early preaching place for all denominations. The doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal church were more generally accepted and became more firmly rooted in the minds of the people of this township than those of any other sect. The eloquent John Schraeder was the first to lift up his voice in behalf of Methodism. The first organized class of Methodists in this township was probably that made in the Milliard neighborhood, under the leadership of John and William Hilliard, and those beloved men, Joseph and Mark Wheeler, in 1824, which flourishes to this day, having now about sixty members. At first the little confrre<ration assembled for the purpose of worship at the humble houses of its members, and at length raising a log cabin, set it apart and consecrated it as a house of God. About fifty years ago this little structure gave wa}' to a commodious frame building, more suitable to the demands of the growing congregation, which remains in use. In early times among the preachers here, were: Revs. Joseph Wheeler, Mark Wheeler, Robert Parrett, Enoch G. Ward, Ravenscroff, Hensler, and Tower. The church is on the

Blue Grass circuit, now in charge of Rev. Samuel McNaughten. The Sunday school, superintended by Mr. Arad McCutchan, is one of the best in the district.

Centenary Methodist Episcopal church, located near Inglefield, was bulk in 1867 at a cost of about $1,800.00, chiefly through the instrumentality of John Ingle, WiUiam Ingle, Joseph Shaw, and George Browning. This church is also on the Blue Grass circuit. The membership is now small, having been reduced by deaths and removals from the neighborhood, but regular services are held.

Noble's chapel, on the Petersburgh road, near the township border, though in Gibson county, which is attended by man}' of the citizens of this township, was built in i860, at a probable cost of $r,ooo, chiefly through the instrumentality of Thomas McCutchan, Thomas Smith and Isaac Murphy. The society was formerU' in a more prosperous condition than at present. It is in the Blue Grass circuit.

In the north part of the township an Episcopal mission was once formed b}' some of the best citizens, which, after flourishing for a period, was abandoned.

German Lutheran. - The followers of Martin Luther organized a church, more than a <|uarter of a century ago, at the village of Darmstadt, and erected a frame house of worship. It was chiefly through the zealous work of Rev. Wile, who served the congregation as pastor for many years, that this church was founded and built up. The church now has regular preaching and a good membership. In late years when the congregation had become too large for the old church, a new edifice, handsome and commodious, was erected.

Biographical

George C. Beierlein, a native of Bava - ria, was born July 15, 1813. He emigrated to America in 1846, and in the same year came to Vanderburgh county, where he afterward resided during life. He was a farmer by occupation. In July, 1856, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Klousemeier, nee Elizabeth Weihe. She was born in Germany, April 24, 1822, and is the daughter of Herman and Fredericka Weihe. She came to America in 1854, with her first husband, Charles Klousemeier, a native of Germany, who wedded her in that country in 1847. He was born in 1823, and died in 1855, in Newburgh, Ind., where he settled on coming to America. By the first marriage she had the following children: Louisa, born March 6, 1849; Frederick, November 27, 1S50; Caroline, December 12, 1852, and Henry, November 26, 1854. The marriage of George C. Beierlein and Elizabeth Klousemeier resulted in the birth of five children: Anna K., born September 12, 1857 (deceased); Herman, born January 27, 1858; John, born January 2, 1861; Mar}^ born November 21, 1862, and Phillipine, born December 13, 1S64. The fathei of these children died June 7, 1882. The mother survives and is now beyond sixty-si.x years of age. Her home is Scott township, this count}-, where she and her children own a farm of sixty acres. Herm.vn Beierlein, the second of these children, was born and grew to manhood in the county, and is now one of the prosperous farmers of Scott township, residing on section 18. He is an influential member of the German Lutheran church, and politically

William S. Boha^non was born in Virginia, January 21, 1828, and is the son of Booten and Nancy (Claten) Bohannon. Both parents were natives of the Old Dominion, where they were married. This union resulted in the birth of the following children: Martha Jane (deceased), Sarah, Eliza (deceased), Nanc}', William S., Henry, Susan, James (deceased), George W. and Daniel. The first five were born in Virginia, and the last five in Kentucky, to which state the parents emigrated in the fall of 1828, settling in Cumberland county. There they lived for a great many years, later moving to Illinois, and still later going back to Caldwell county, Ky., where the father's death occurred. Still later the widowed mother returned to Cumberland county, and subsequently came to Warrick county, this state, where her death occurred. WiUiam S. Bohannon was about ten months old when his parents settled in Cumberland county. In 1851 he was united in marriage with Mary Ann Cooksey, daughter of Samuel and Nancy Cooksey, both natives of Virginia, and in an early day removed to Kentucky ; later they came to Warrick county, this state, and here their deaths occurred. Mrs. Bohannon was born in Cumberland count}-, Ky., November 18, 1834. The following children have been born unto their marriage : Laura J., Agnes, John H., James L. and five others that are deceased, of whom three died in infancy and two - Susan and Nancy - reached womanhood. Mr. Bohannon and wife settled in Warrick county, in 1852, and lived in that county for a period of thirteen years. In March, 1S65, they came to this county, and have since resided in Scott township. They belong to the Methodist

Episcopal church, and enjoy the esteem of their neighbors. In politics Mr. Bohannon is a republican. During the civil war he served as one of the active home guards, of southern Indiana. He started out in life a poor man and has become prosperous, owning 265 acres of well-improved land.

William Bower, ex-president of the board of count)' commissioners of Vanderburgh county, is a prominent farmer of Scott township. He was born near where he now resides, Februar^^ 5, 1836, the son of Thomas and Lucinda (Lee) Bower. The parents were born respectively in England and Ireland, the father June 15, 1811, and the mother June 27, 180S. Emigrating to America when quite young, the parents were married in New York state, and at an early date in the history of Indiana came west, and located in what is now Scott township, Vanderburgh county, where the father followed farming. He was quite prominent and served as county commissioner for two terms, and during the late rebellion performed enrolling and enlisting service for the government. His death occurred October 5, 1877, 'incl that of his wife September 23, 1873. To these parents four children were born, three of whom survive. William Bower was reared on the farm, and throughout his manhood has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He owns a fine farm of 250 acres, twelve miles north of Evansville, within one mile of the E. & T. H. railroad, on which he raises stock principally. Mr. Bower entered public life about 1868, when he was elected township assessor, and served in that capacity for a period of six years. In 1884 he was elected as a democrat to the office of commissioner of Vanderburgh county, assuming the duties of the office in the following year, and in December, 18S7, was chosen president of the board. Fidelity to trust and an undeviating rectitude characterized his official career. During his term of office much important public work was done. The foundations of the new court-house were laid when he was a commissioner. His good judgment and sagacity as a man of affairs made his conduct in this matter a valuable contribution to the public, and an hoiiorable page in his own record. In the construction of bridges, the improvement of the public roads throughout the county, and the dispatch of general business, Mr. Bower always acted wisely and with a broad, liberal spirit, such as the wealth and condition of the count}' justified. Mr. Bower has been thrice married. His first wife was Martha J. Staser, who was born July ii, 1838, and died May 20, 1865. The issue of this marriage was three children, as follows : Maggie L., born February 13, 1861, and now Mrs. Charles W. Vogel: Clara B., born November 8, 1862, now Mrs. E. D. Mc- Avoy, and Frederick J., born November 27, 1864, and died May 3, 1866. His second wife was Charlena Morrison, who was born April 14, 1S39, and died April 7, 1871. The issue of this union was Annie J., born September 12, 1867, now Mrs. William Blankenship, and Thomas S., born December 21, 1S68, and died June 26, 1888. His third wife, to whom he was married November 8, 1871, is Annie Dennison, who was born June 5, 1844', and to this union the following children have been born: D. W., born December 17, 1874; Martha E., born September 11, 1877; Kate M., born May 7, 1880; John H., born March 5, 18S2, and James C, born August 17, 1885.

Richard Bkowning was a native of London, England, born February 8, 1791. He was reared in the city and learned the optician's trade, which he followed till he emigrated to America. He came to America soon after 1820, and after residing in Massachusetts and New York for a short time, he came to Indiana and located in Scott township about 1827. The lands he purchased of the government, and the deed to one tract has the signature of Pres. Jackson, in 1831, and another the signature of Martin Van Buren. He married in' his native country, December 30, 1817, wedding Lucy Wiles, a native of Bedford county, England, born October 2, 1797. To them, in England, wore born Richard S., January 22, 1819, and Lucy C, May 16, 182 1, and in America, were born Mary, February 10, 1824; William J., June II, 1826; Anthony S., March 25, 1829; Thomas Wiles, Jul}- 3, 1831; George B., July 7, 1833; Annie E., February 5, 1835; Ebenezer E., August 9, 1836. Of these, Richard, Mary, Annie and Ebenezer are deceased. Richard died in California, Mary and Annie in this country, and Ebenezer at Nashville, Tenn., while in the federal service during the rebellion. Soon after coming to this country Richard Browning erected the first gristmill in Scott township. This was a tread- mill, and with some changes has been in operation up to date. It is now the oldest mill in the county, and has been run by steam since about 1833. It is now owned and controlled by Geo. B. Browning, the son of the founder. Richard Browning continued in the county till his death, dying on the same tract of land he settled upon June 26, 1874; ^^^ ^'\i^ died in this county, August 26, 1872. George B. Browning was born and reared in this country, and has followed farming and milling for his occupation, his vocation being milling. He has made his home in the county during life, excepting a period of short duration spent in California. On October 2, 1856, he married Margaret, the daughter of George and Ellen Trimble. She was born in County Longford, Ireland, January 19, 1839. The following are their children: Mary E., William A., John T.,

Henry Burggrabe was born in the kingdom of Prussia, German}-, November 30, 1829, and is the son of Henry and Charlotte (Kramer) Burggrabe, both natives of Germany. They reared five children, of whom Henry is the second. He was reared in Germany, and received a tliorough German education. - On reaching his majority he determined to emigrate to America, and in 1850, he came to this county and located June 27, at Evansville, where he. continued to live for about thirt}- years. He came to the city when it was but a small place, and the thirty years of his life which are identified with the growth of the city entitles him to more than a passing mention in the history of the county. He came here a poor man, and on fixing the place as his future home, he set to work as a laborer, and by honest industry in the various occupations he has followed, as gardening, lumbering and railroading, he has become a prosperous and well respected citizen. In 1880 he removed from the city, and located on a farm near Inglefield, and for the last eight years he has been engaged in agriculture. He owns and cultivates a farm of 120 acres which he has all paid for and well improved, with good buildings, fences, fruit trees, etc. July 13, 1854, he was united in marriage with Mary Sagar, born in the kingdom of Hanover, Germany, December 24, 1833. They have had eleven children, of whom ten are living: Henry, Ferdinand, William, John, Charles, Mollie, Fred, Christian, Augusta and George. Mr. and Mrs. Burggrabe and children belong to the Lutheran church, and have a wide circle of friends. During the rebellion Mr. Burggrabe did service as a home guard.

William Crisp was a native of England born October 12, 181 2. He died in Vanderburgh county, April 20, 187S. He was the son of James and Sarah (Cranfield) Crisp. Both parents were natives of England, and to them were born the following children : William, Elizabeth, Mary Ann and Sarah. In 1S33, James and Sarah Crisp and family emigrated to America, and in the same 3-ear settled in Vanderburgh county, on section 10 of Scott township, where the father and mother both lived until their deaths. The father died December 9, 1863, aged seventy-six. The mother died April 27, 1.863, aged seventy-two. William Crisp was twenty-one years old when his parents came to America, and up to that time his work was that of a shepherd's son. His life in this county was devoted to the cultivation of a nursery. On September 14, 1837, he was united in marriage with Avis Earl, daughter of John and Mar\' (Cranfield) Earl, both natives of England, who emigrated to America in 1820, and in 1822, came to the city of Evansville, and in 1828, settled in Scott township. Earl was named in honor of John Earl. He was an early settler of the township, and was identified with the history of the county for a number of years. Avis (Earl) Crisp was born in England, January 8, 1S19, and died in this county, April 2, 1886- There were born to William and Avis Crisp, the following children: John (deceased), James B. (deceased), Mary Ellen (deceased), R. Fletcher, E. Wesley, Daniel N., Sarah E. and Mary A. (deceased). The surviving sons are farmers by occupation, and reside in Scott township. The surviving daughter is the wife of Isaac Wood, of Evansville. R. F. Crisp, the eldest surviving son, was born in Scott township, August 6, 1845. February 27, 1878, he was married to Margaret Henr}^, daughter of Robert and Mary (Laheed)

Henry. She was born in this county, Jul}' 19, 1850. The children born to this marriage are: Mary Avis and Edith. Mrs. Crisp's iirst husband was Robert Stinson, by whom she became the mother of one child, Annie Leona, by name. Daniel N. Crisp, the youngest son of William, was born in Scott township, March 15, 1850, and was reared on the farm, and completed his education at the Asbury University. He was married March 24, 1880, to Sarah Ruston, daugliter of Richard and Jane (Law) Ruston, born January 29, 1855. Two children, John Wesley and Ada Belle, have been born of their marriage.

Thomas Elliott was born in County Longford, Ireland, in the j'ear 1809, and was the son of Edward Elliott, of Irish lineage. Thomas was reared on the farm, and throughout his life made farming his occupation. He was united in marriage in the year 1837, with Jane Foster, daughter of John Foster, of Irish descent. Jane was born in County Cavin, Ireland., in 1820. Unto the marriage two sons were born in Ireland, William and John. In 1842 Thomas and Jane Elliott and their son William emigrated to America, and in the same year settled in Scott township, Vanderburgh count}'. Here the father purchased a tract of 120 acres of land and began to till the soil in America. He was a practical and successful farmer, and though he never aspired to public life or took to politics except as a faithful adherent of the republican party, he was a man well known. He was faithful as a friend, kind as a father, and progressive as a citizen. During the time of his residence in this county, he was engaged in auctioneering a great deal in this and Warrick counties, and thus formed a wide acquaintance, by which he was highl}' respected. His death occurred in Vanderburgh county in 1876.

His wife survives and resides with a son in Scott township. After coming to this country the following children were born to them: Edward, Margaret, James, Mary (deceased), Sarah, Jane and Thomas. It has been noted that two sons, William and John, were born in Ireland. John was left with an uncle in Ireland, by whom he was made a foster-son, and now he is a citizen of Wales. The various homes of all the other children, now living, are in Vanderburgh count}'. William Elliott was born in County Longford, Ireland, February 2, 1838, and was four years old when he came with his parents to America. His youth was spent on a farm, and he gained a common school education in the country schools of Vanderburgh county, where his home has continuously been. He followed farming in this country up to the outbreak of the civil war, and then enlisted October 8, 1861, in Company A, Forty-second Indiana Volunteer infantry as a private, with William Atchison as captain. The first regular engagement in which he took part, was at Perryville, Ky., where with others of his company he was taken prisoner by the enemy, and later was exchanged. Among some of the important engagements in which Mr. Elliott took part were: Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, and the battles of the campaign to Atlanta. About this time the three years' term of service for which Mr. Elliott enlisted, expired, and at Rome, Ga., he was, October 8, 1864, discharged by reason of the expiration of term of service. He returned to his home in Vanderburgh county, and has since lived in the county. He purchased from his father the farm he now owns, and subsequently leased it for three years, during which time he went to Evansville and followed the carpenter trade. May 10, 1868, he was united in marriage with Annie M. McCutchan, daughter of Thomas and Sarah Mc-

Cutchan, old settlers of the county. Mrs. Elliott was born in Scott township, this county, March 25, 1838. By their marriage have been born: Morris Leslie, deceased, Minnie B. and James E. In 1869 Mr. Elliott removed to the above mentioned farm, and has since been doing well at farming. Since the construction of the Straight Line railway, he has been ticket and freight agent at Elliott station. In politics he is a republican. He is not a member of any church, but has given his aid to churches, especially to the Methodist.

Robert Gray is a native of England, born in Cambridgeshire, November 24, 1822, the son of Owen and Elizabeth (Beard) Gray. Both of the parents were natives of England; the father was born in Cambridgeshire, and the mother in Huntingdonshire, and both died in their native country. Their mairiagc resulted in the birth of the following children : Mary Ann, Betsy, Robert, Jane, William. Of these children Betsy, Robert, and William emigrated to America. In 1838 Betsy and Robert set sail for this country, and in January of the following year landed and settled in Vanderburgh count}-, where they have since continued to make their homes. In 1844 Robert returned to his native country, but remained there only a few months. Subsequently his brother William came out to this country, and is now a citizen of this count}-. At the time Robert made his visit to his native country, he was united in marriage, in 1844, with Lydia Low, a native of Cambridgeshire, England, born in 1823. Her death occurred in this country in the fall of 1886. This marriage has been favored with the birth of the following children: Owen, George, Sarah Jane, Joseph, Mattie, and Lewis. In the same year that Robert Gray came to Vanderburgh county, he settled on section

10, Scott township, and since his marriage in England, and his return to America, he has continued to Hve there, excepting a period of five months spent in a second visit to England, in 1868. He has followed agriculture for an occupation, and having been practical, has been successful. In politics he is decidedly a republican. He is a friend to schools, churches and public improvement, and is a progressive and much respected citizen.

James G. Grimwood was born in Cambridgeshire, England, February 29, 1812, the son of Thomas Grimwood. He was reared in England, where he learned the blacksmith's trade. On reaching his majority he came to America, landing in 1833, and repaired to Columbus, Ohio. Here he followed his trade for four years, and in 1837 came to this county and settled in section 3, Scott township, where he purchased land of the government. The year 1837 was an early, though not the earliest year in the settlement of Scott township, and as James G. Grimwood, after his settlement, continued in the township till his death, which occurred April 23, 1882, he was identified with the history of the county for over forty-five years. He was a farmer all his days, and was successful in the calling. Though beginning without capital he became one of the most extensive land-holders of the county, and at one time owned over 500 acres of land lying in this and Warrick counties, a portion of which he sold before his death. He also owned valuable real estate in the city of Evansville. He was reserved in nature, faithful as a neighbor, kind as a father and husband, and enterprising as a citizen. In 1838 he was united in marriage with Hannah Grant, born in Cambridgeshire, England, 1814. She died in this county in 1865. She gave birth to the following children, who survive her: Har-

Samuel N. Grimwood was born June 15, 1846, in this county, and remained under the parental roof until he reached the age of twenty, and then set out for himself. Fourteen years of his life were spent in Evansxilie, where he was engaged in draying. Since then he has been farming. In 1S67 he married Hattie Clark, who was born in England, August 20, 1843. They have had the following children : Adrian E., William Henry and Carl Mark.

John F. Grimwood was born in this county February 3, 1852; was reared on a farm, and has devoted his life to agriculture. In 1872 he married Laura J. Bohannon, born in Warrick count}-, June 15, 1854, and they have had these children: William, James, Hattie, Mary and Herbert F.

Henry H. Hooker, M. D., was born in Center township, Vanderburgh county, Ind., in the year 1836. He is the son of Thomas Hooker, jr., a native of Tennessee, he the son of Thomas Hooker, sr., a native of Virginia. He was a son of William Hooker, a native of England. William Hooker was a son of an earh- immigrant to America, who came over some time prior to the French and Indian wars, in which he was a soldier. William Hooker was a revolutionary soldier, and his son, Thomas Hooker, sr., was a soldier of the war of 181 2. Thomas Hooker, sr., was an early settler of middle Tennessee, and there reared most of his children, of whom there were seven. He and famil}' came to Indiana in 18 1 5, and settled in what is now Center township. Thomas Hooker, jr., was but a small bov when this settlement was made. He was raised to farming as an occupation. He was married in this county to Miss Mariette Eaton, and five children were born to them, one of whom died in infancy, and four still live, by names: Ophelia, Henry H.' Madison and Monroe. Henry H. Hooker was but a small boy when his parents were called away in death, and since early life he has been left to fight his own battle. He was homeless and drifted from place to place, working at whatever farm work he could secure. Meanwhile he attended the country schools, supporting himself with the earnintrs srained in the summer seasons. By close application to his studies, he gained a fair common school education, and at the age of nineteen years began the profession of school teaching, and for six years continued to teach in the schools of Vanderburgh and Warrick counties. Subsequently he took up the study of medicine, reading with Thomas Runcie, M. D., once a prominent physician of Vanderburgh county. Later he entered the Rush Medical College at Chicago, and attended two full courses. In 1864 he located at Pleasantville, Ind., and began the practice of the profession. Here he continued to practice for about three years, and then removed to Elberfield, Ind., and had there an active practice for a period of about sixteen years, afterward locating where he now resides, in Scott township. He has throughout life had a large practice and has been remarkably successful. In 1864 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary H. Headen, born in Ireland in 1843. The marriage occurred in Vanderburgh county whither Mrs. Hooker and parents came in 1846. Their children are : Brainard, Sherry, Maggie, Mabel, Kittie, DeKress, Ross and Annie. Mr. Hooker is in the best sense self-made, and is regarded as a representative citizen. He is a master Mason of Evansville lodge, Xo. 64. In politics he is a republican.

Knowles. The father was born in Kent county, Encrland, December 14, 1802, and died in Vanderburgh county, Januar}' 27, 1873. The mother was born in Hampshire, England, on November 16, 1794, and died in Vanderburgh county, October 6, 1868. Her marriage with Charles Knowles occurred about 1825. She was at the time the widow of George Potts, with whom she had been united in marriage some six years previous, and whose death occurred in 1824. The father of our subject came to Vanderburgh county, in 1822, and thereafter continued in the county, residing in Scott township, following farming for an occupation. His marriage resulted in the birth of Charles, Eliza, Jame; Edward, Joseph W., Ellen J. and Edmond M. All are living except the youngest, who lost his life in the late rebellion, in which he was serving as a captain in the Union army. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and educated in the country schools. He has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits, in which he has been successful. January r, 1857, he wedded : Mary Ann Peck, daughter of John and Esther Peck. Mrs. Knowles was born in Scott township, July 31, 1835. This marriage has been blessed by five children, of whom four are living: Clara, born November 18, 1857: Charles A., born August 18, 1859; John R., August 12, 1861; Gertrude, October 20, 1863. Mr. Knowles is in politics a warm republican. During the civil war he served as a home guard.

James and Mary (Lockyear) Maidlow were both natives of England, and came to America and located in Scott township in 181S. Unto their marriage were born the following offspring: James, Henry, George, Mar}' Ann, William, Salina, Edmond, John Spencer and Emma. The father was called away in 1S51, aged eightyseven 3'ears, and the mother died in 1822, aged sixty-two years. John Spencer Maidlow was born in Hampshire, England, April 7, 1803, and died in this count}' April 7, 1852. He came with his parents to this county in 1818, and in 1824 was united in marriage with Barbara Hornbrook, born in Devonshire, England, June 6, 1803, and died in this county August 26, 1865. Their marriage gave to them the foUowmg children: Mary, Henry, Sarah Ann, Phillip, Edward, Elizabeth, James, Emma Salina, Anne, Alice, Edmond, Alfred Spencer and Charles W. Henry Maidlow was born in Scott township, January 28, 1827, and is the oldest son among the above named children. He was reared on a farm, and received a fair education for his day. His life has been devoted to farming, in which he has achieved success.' January 11, 1849, '^'^ wedded Elizabeth Earl, daughter of John and Mary (Cranfiekl) Earl, born in this county September 10, 1830. They have had the following children: John Earl (deceased); Leslie James, born January 15, 1852; Eliza Alice, born December 9, 1853; William Earl, born December 16, 1855; Sarah Mariah, born January 31, 1858; Emma Salina, born March 16, i860; Mary Ann, born April 24, 1863; Kate Ellen, born June 8, 1866; Fannie Avis, born April 6, 1869; Richard Henry, born October 26, 1872, and Elizabeth Susan, born January 18, 1S75; Edward Maidlow, the third son of John Spencer and Barbara Maidlow, was born in Scott township, November 12, 1S31, and was reared and educated on the farm, and his entire life has been devoted to agriculture. In 1870, June 12, he was united in marriage with Matilda Jane Ruston, daughter of Edwin Ruston, a native of England. She was born in this count\-, January 21, 1851. The fruit of their marriage has been the following: Sarah Ellen, born May 14, 1871;

Thomas Edward, born January 22, 1875; Florence, born March 27, 1877, and Irene Bertha, born December 23, 1879. Charles W. Maidlow, the ^-oungest son of John Spencer Maidlow, was born in this county November 10, 1851, and was also reared on the farm. His early schooling was received in the country schools, and at Racine College, Wisconsin, he completed a practical education. Farming has been his chosen occupation. November 25, 1873, he wedded Eugenia Jarred, born in this county, July 7) 1853. B}^ her he had two children: Charles E., born October 31, 1S74, and Dora E., born October 13, 1876. Their mother died Maj- 6, 1879, and on November 21, 1880, their father married Martha E. Short, daughter of Lewis W. and Lucinda (Kirkpatrick) Short. Martha E. was born in Illinois, February 27, 1859. This second marriage has resulted in the birth of three children; Wilbern, born September 6, 1881; Clarence, born March 23, 1884, and Lucinda, born October 6, 1885.

William D. Miller was born in Gibson county, Ind., May 5, i860, the son of Jacob and Margaret (Winkleman) Miller. The parents were born in Germany, the father in 1813 and the mother in 1826; both died in Gibson county, Ind., he in 1867, she in 1873. The father came to America about 1830, the mother in 1847. Shorth- after their coming to America, they settled in Vanderburgh count}-, where their marriage took place. This was blessed by the birth of the following children: Mar}-, Carrie (deceased), Annie, Lizzie and William D. (twins). The subject of this sketch is the youngest of these children, and when he was but seven years old his father was called away in death. His father was a tailor by trade, and up to one yciw prior to his death lived in town; thus the childhood of William was spent in town. When his father left town he removed to a farm in Gibson county, and thereafter his home was on a farm up to the age of twenty years. He received a common school education in the country schools. When he was thirteen years old his mother died and he was left to the mercies of the world; his home was here and there, and up to the age of twenty years he worked by the day at farm work. On reaching the above age, he obtained emplo3ment in the railroad office at Patoka, Ind.; and here he assisted eighteen months, becoming actjuainted with the office work, and learning telegraph}'. In July, 1882, he was made depot agent and telegraph operator at Inglefield for the E. & T. H. R. R. Co., which position he has since held. He is also the agent for the Adams express company at that point. In 1884 he formed a partnership with Joseph Ruston, and began merchandising at Inglefield. Subsequently he purchased Ruston's interest, and is now the only merchant at Inglefield. He is also engaged in the buying of grain. In March, 1884, he was appointed postmaster at Inglefield, and holds the position now. He is a practical business man, shrewd, energetic and prosperous. In October, 1886, he was united in marriage with Mattie Rowland, born July 27, 1866, daughter of Thomas J. and Laura Rowland. Her father was born in Cumberland county, Ky., May 4, 1833, the son of Wade and Winnie (Murphy) Rowland. Mr. Rowland was reared in Kentucky. Soon after reaching his majority he removed to Warrick county, and there married Laura Bush, March 12, 1856. She was born in Illinois, November 14, 1839, the daughter of William and Sally (Simmerman) Bush. Mr. Rowland and wife have had the following children: Dora, Wade, William, Grant and Mattie. Mr. and Mrs. Rowland came to

William Peck was a native of England, and emigrated to America in 1820, and settled at Evansville. He was the father of the following children : Elizabeth, Sarah, Martha and John. John Peck was born in England in 1800, and died in this county in 1845. He was a farmer by occupation. In 1832 he was united in marriage with Esther Marshall, and the marriage was blessed by the birth of Mary Ann, John W. and Nancy C. (deceased). John W. Peck was born in this county September 7, 1837. He was reared on a farm and educated in the district schools. He began farming at an early age and devoted his life to the calling, excepting a period of three years' service in the United States army. In August, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company F, Fourth Indiana cavalry, and was mustered out of the service in July, 1865. After the close of the war he returned to his native county, where he has since resided. In 1870 he was united in marriage with Ann Bower, daughter of Thomas and Lucinda Bower. Mrs. Peck was born in Scott township in 1842. Her marriage has been blessed by the birth of the following: Thomas William, Gertrude, John F., Robert and Albert (deceased). In politics Mr. Peck is a decided republican. In the spring of 1872 he was elected as trustee of Scott township, and afterward served four terms of two years each. He is not a member of any church, but is of Methodist inclination. He is a member of the G. A. R., and is a representative citizen.

John G. Potts, one of the best known farmers and citizens of V^anderburgh county, was born in Scott township, October 14, 1824, the son of George and Mary Ann (Maidlow) Potts. The father was born in Lancashire, England, came to America in

181 7, and located in this county, purchasing the homestead on which the son resides. He was married in this county in 1820, to Mary Ann Maidlow, born in Hampshire, England. She came to this county in 1819. She had by this marriage three children; Ellen (deceased), Emma (deceased), and John G. Mr. Potts was born shortly after the death of his father, but the widowed mother continued on the old homestead where the son was reared. The mother was wedded later by Charles Knowles. Subsequently and after John G. had reached his majorit}', he took possession of the homestead in the main, and here has since engaged in farming. In this he has been successful, due to his untiring energy and perseverance. In the fall of 185 1, he was united in marriage with Susan Stephens, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Stephens. She was born in Dartmouth, England, March 22, 1S22. She and a brother emigrated to America in 1849, and located in this county, where their uncle and aunt, James and Esther (Weeks) Cawson, had settled in 1818. The latter emigrated to America the year previous, and were detained in Pennsylvania during the winter of 1817-18 by being ice-bound. In the spring the ice broke up, and an ice gorge destroyed their boat, and, in consequence, much of their effects were lost. A second boat was constructed and then set afloat. In the same year they landed at Evansville, and made their settlement in Scott township, where they continued for a number of years, dying in this county- eventually. Yet they made several removals, visiting their native country (England) in later life. A short time after Miss Stephens and her brother came to this countr}-, she was married to Mr. Potts. To them have been born four children: Esther, Edith, John and Cawson. Only the first and last are livmg. In politics

Simpson Ritchey was born in North Carolina, the son of James and Elizabeth (Simpson) Ritchey, natives of Ireland, who emiiirated to America some time prior to the American revolution, in which struggle James Ritchey was a soldier from the beginning to the end. To James and Elizabeth Ritchey were born the following: Adam, James, Simpson, John, William, and Mary and Isabella. On coming to America these parents made their first settlement in North Carolina, but after peace had been declared, the family removed to east Tennessee and settled at Knoxville, where they remained a short time; later, they went into Kentucky, and finally the parents removed to Arkansas, where thej' died. The third son, Simpson Ritchey, was married in Livingston county, Ky., to Mary Bowling, a native of Maryland. She was the daughter of Alexander and Patsie (Williams) Bowling, he a native of Scotland and she of Wales. They emigrated to America a short time pre\'ious to the revolution and settled on the frontier of Maryland, where their daughter Mary was born. Later this family came to Kentuck}-, and here Simpson Ritchey and Mary were married. This union gave them the following children: Simpson, William, Wesley, Orilla, Franklin and James, all of whom are dead but William. Simpson Ritchey and wife, and the first two children, removed, from Kentucky to Indiana, October 14, 1812. The family joined the Mc- Callister settlement, above the present site of Evansville. Subsequently removals were made, and eventually the father and mother became citizens of Gibson count}-, where their deaths occurred. William Ritchey was born in Livingston county, Ky., in 1810, July 3, and was but a little over two

3'ears old when his parents brought him to this county. April 18, 1840, he was united in marriage with Nancy Rodgers, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Marquess) Rodgers; he was of Irish descent and she of French. Mrs. Ritchey was born in this county March 18, 1820, and died in the count}^ March 17, 1SS3. She gave birth to the following children: Orilla, James S., Elizabeth (deceased), Mary (deceased), Newton, Lucian, Matilda, Martha, Nancy, Alice, William, Robert, Anne, Thomas, Julia Ann (deceased), and two others who died early. William Ritchey has followed farming for an occupation, and his life has been one of industry and honesty. He is one of the oldest and best respected citizens of Vanderburgh county. He has always been active in politics, first as a whig, then as a republican. Jame.s S. Ritchey, a son of William R., was born in Armstrong township, April 4, 1841. March 19, 1863, he was united in marriage with Mary Dale}', daughter of Thomas and Phoebe Dale}-, both of Kentucky origin. Mrs. Ritchey was born in Daviess county, Ind., January i, 1844. To tJiem has been born one child, Charles Lincoln, born February 6, 1864. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Ritchey settled on his present homestead, in section 4, of Scott township, and here has been a successful farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Ritchie are members of the Free Methodist church. In politics he is a republican.

Richard Ruston was born in Cambridgeshire, England, in 1820, where in 1840, he wedded Jane Laws, also a native of that shire, born in 1820. While they remained in England, they had ^w^ children: George, Emma, Ann, Jane and Elizabeth. In 1852 the family emigrated to the United States, and on January 7 of the next year landed at Evansville. They went into Scott township in the same year and made a settlement. After remaining one year, they moved to Warrick county, where they stayed four years, and then returned to Scott township, since when the homes of the family have been in this county. Five other children were born to them in this country: Susan, Sarah, Thomas, Joseph (deceased), and Hannah. The mother lived to see all her children grown, and was laid to rest, her death occurring in the fall of 1878. The father survives, a respected resident of Evansville. His active da3's were spent so wisely and prudently, that although unaided by anything but his own industrious habits, he is able to spend old age in comfort, congratulating himself on having raised to manhood and womanhood a family worthy of and holding the esteem and neighborly affection of a wide circle of friends. George RusTiN, who was born in Cambridgeshire, England, October 17, 1843, was but nine years old when his parents set sail for America. Consequently much of his childhood was spent in this state, and much of his education received in our common schools. He chose agriculture as his occupation and has followed it very successfully. In 1875 he was married to Caroline Emma Peck, daughter of Richard and Mary Ann Peck, born in this count}' February 3, 1847. The}' have three children, Percival Edgerton, and Albert Leroy and Alfred Lambert, the latter twins.

John Ruston, one of the best-known farmers of this township, is a son of John Ruston, who was born in Cambridgeshire, England, March 5, 1814. The latter. was the son of Richard and Mary (Farmer) Ruston, who came to this country in 1853, and afterward passed their lives in Scott township. The husband died April i, 1857, and the wife April 21st of the same year, and both lie at rest in the Hornby graveyard. Their children's names were Robert, John, Elizabeth, Edward, Richard, Daniel, Farmer, and Mary C. The senior John Ruston was raised on the farm in England and followed the occupation to which he was bred. In 1838 he was married in England to Mary Svvanson, also a native of Cambridgeshire, born September, 181 4. In 1840 they emigrated to America with the child they then had, Emma, and arrived at Evansville January i, 1841. In the same year they settled in Scott township. In this country the following children were born to them: John, Cliarles, Harriet, Ann, and James. All the children are deceased but John, Emma, and Harriet. The daughters live in Kansas. The mother died September 29, 1877, and the father February 17, 1886, and both are buried in Oak cemetery. John Ruston, the eldest son, was born July 7, 1841. He was married January 17, 1866, to Ann, daughter of Matthew and Catherine Park, born December 10, 1844. They have two children, Charles Alfred, born January 28, 1867, and Maggie, born February 10, 1869.

John Sansom was born in Huntingdonshire, England, March 4, i8io, and is the son of William and Elinor (Saunders) Sansom. Mr. Sansom was reared in his native country, where he received a limited education by attending night school. At the age of twenty years he determined on emigrating to America, and accordingly came to the United States in the year 1830, locating in the same year in Vanderburgh county. Subsequently he purchased at different times, two tracts of government land which he still owns. He has become an extensive landholder and is one of the most prosperous men of the county. May 4, 1832, he was united in marriage with Eliza Elliott, a native of England, born in 181 1. This marriage resulted in the birth of fourteen children, and the mother was called away in death. In 1853 Mr. Sansom paid his native land a visit of some si.\ months' duration and then returned to this country and since has continued on his farm in Scott township. In 1874 Mr. Sansom married for a second wife Sarah Pickett, a native of England, born in 1821. Mr. Sansom throughout life has been a democrat. In the early history of Scott township he served as a school trustee for several 3'ears. He is not a member of an\- church, yet is of the " Hard- Shell" Baptist persuasion. He has ever taken a deep interest in the preservation of the history of his community, and relates some interesting reminiscences. He has a bureau made of lumber from walnut trees which grew from nuts he planted himself. Mr. Sansom is one of the oldest and best known citizens of Scott township.

Samuel Scott was a native of Virginia, and was married in that state. In an earhday he came west and settled in Kentucky, and as early as 1817, came to Vanderburgh county and settled in section 17, of what is now called Scott township, which township was so named in his honor. He was the father of the following children: Mary, Eliza, Lizzie, Grandville, Maria, Jane and Washington, all of whom are deceased. Samuel Scott was the builder of the first house in Scott township. He lived to be quite aged, and lost his life while making a "fiat-boat trip" to New Orleans. Grand- \TLLE Scott, the elder of his sons, was born in Kentucky, October 20, 1813, and was but a boy when his parents came to this county. He was reared on a farm and followed farming for an occupation. He was united in marriage with Ann Farr, Mav 14, 1836. She was a native of Pennsjlvania, born September 5, 181 4, the daughter of George Farr, an early settler of Vanderburgh county. Her marriage with Grandville Scott was blessed by the birth of the following children: Lavina, Lizzie, Edward (deceased), Washington (deceased), Samuel (deceased), Richard, Winfield, Abbie, Cornelia (deceased). The only children now living in the countv arc Richard and Abbie. Their mother was called away in death, September 3, 1861, and their father July 11, 1867. Richard Scott, who occupies, with his sister Abbie, the old homestead, is one of the representative farmers of the township. He was born in the township September 26, 1848. He owns over 200 acres of land, of which about 100 are under cultivation. In politics he is a democrat. Washington Jackson Scott was born in this county, February 12, 1820, the younger of the sons of Samuel Scott. He died May 19, 1886, in Scott township, his birth place. He was raised on a farm, and that was his vocation during life. He was married February 15, 1848, to Delia Ann Jarred, born August 21, 1829, died November 21, 1854, daughter of Samuel Jarred, an early settler of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Scott had the following children: James Washington (died), Mary Ann, Eliza Jane, Delia Ann, and Sarah Elizabeth.