Submitted by: Michael L Tedrow
History of Daviess County by: Goodspeed Publishing Company 1886

REASON S. CHAPMAN, a pioneer of Daviess County, Ind., a representative farmer and stock raiser of Harrison Township, is a native of Ohio, born near Cincinnati, February 3, 1814, son of Elijah and Elizabeth (Miller) Chapman. The family, who are of English-Dutch origin, came to Indiana in 1818. The father died in New Orleans about 1821. The mother was twice married, and died near Glendale, in 1831, in her eighty-fourth year. Subject grew to manhood in what was then an almost unbroken wilderness. He attended the early subscription schools, and later located on a farm near Glendale, where he continued to reside Until 1880, when he moved to his present place of residence in Harrison Township, where he owns 290 acres of land. He has been married three times, the first time, in 1823, to Polly Baldwin, who bore him nine children, six of whom are living. After fifteen years of wedded life Mrs. Chapman died. Mr. Chapman then married Caroline Lashley, who died in February, 1880, leaving four children. The following April, Mr. Chapman took for his third wife Mrs. Lucy A. (Cook) Wilson, a native of Ohio, born in 1835, daughter of George and Elizabeth Cook. Mr. Chapman is a firm Republican. He is a member of the I. O.O. F., and has been for more than twenty years a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Submitted by: Michael L Tedrow
History of Daviess County by: Goodspeed Publishing Company 1886

Peter O'Brien was born in Maryland, during the Revolutionary War, on April 4, 1776. It is said that Bryantown, Maryland, was named for the family. His wife, who was Elizabeth Moore, also descends from an old Charles County, Maryland family. Peter brought his family from Washington Co, Kentucky, to Daviess Co, Indiana and purchased landon Oct 27, 1827. They remained here the rest of their lives rearing a family consisting of Theresa, who married Thomas Queen; John J., who married Elizabeth Montgomery; Felix who never married; Mary Ann who married Charles Tewell; Susan M. who married twice, first to Thomas Summers and then to Andrew White; Jane who married George Burch; and Elizabeth, who married Lewis Schooley. Peter and Elizabeth Moore O'Brien are buried in the St. Mary's Church cemetery.

Donated by: Shirley Platt

LEONARD C. WARD was born in Holmes County, Ohio, May 21, l835 and is a son of Jesse and Rchael (Shplor) Ward. His boyhood days were spent on the farm and in attending school. When twenty-three years old be began doing for himself, and in March, l859 he married Barbara Shutt, a native of Ohio. Born December 4, 1838, daughter of John and Susan Shutt. Mr. and Mrs. Ward became the parents of these children: Olivia, Mary E., Susan B., Harvey E., Lavina and Maggie. Mr. Ward resided in his native State two years after marriage, and in 1861 came to Daviess County, Ind. He owned 150 acres of land in Green County, Ind., which he traded for eighty-two acres in Daviess County. Two Years later he purchased part of his present farm of 250 acres. In 1864 he was drafted in Company H, Thirty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. He was in the battle of Nashville. He received his discharge at Indianapolis, Ind., in 1865. After his return he resumed his work on the farm. He has a beautiful residence, and a good substantial barn and granaries. In politics he is a Republican, but cast his first vote for James Buchanan. He and wife are members of the United Brethren Church.

Submitted by: Michael L Tedrow
History of Daviess County by: Goodspeed Publishing Company 1886

PHILIP S. WARD was born in Ohio, September 2, 1830, and is one of eight children born to Jesse and Rachael (Shplor) Ward, who were of German descent, born in 1797 and 1802, respectively, in Pennsylvania. The father was a carpenter, but later in life became a farmer. They were married in their native State in l821, and moved to Ohio about 1826. At the time of his death, January 22, 1864., he owned 160 acres of land. He was married three times and was the father of twelve children.  The mother died March 12, 1832. Subject attended the common schools and when twenty-one began working at the carpenter's trade and continued at that occupation about six years. January 22,1855, he married Margaret Fry, daughter of Moses and Catherine (Bash) Fry. Mrs. Ward was born in Ohio September 15, l838. To Mr. and Mrs. Ward these children were born: Jesse F., Henry W.., John A., Cora B., Charles F. and Edwin B. (twins), and Arthur A. In 1852 Mr. Ward came to Daviess County, Ind., and entered 120 acres of land. In 1856 he sold out and bought forty acres where he now resides. In September, 1864, he was drafted in Company H, Thirty-eighth Indiana Infantry, for one year or during the war. He was in the Atlanta carnpaign, and received his discharge at Indianapolis, Ind., in July 1865. He has been an industrious farmer, and now owns 594 acres of excellent and well-improved land, besides giving his boys eighty acres. In politics he is a Republican and cast his first vote for James Buchanan.

Submitted by: Michael L Tedrow
History of Daviess County by: Goodspeed Publishing Company 1886

ROBERT D. STOTTS  is a son of John L. and Elizabeth E. (Laughlin) Stotts, born in Daviess County, Ind., August 18, 1851. The father was of Scotch descent, born December 11, 1820, a teacher by profession. Soon after his marriage be came to Daviess County, where he purchased 240 acres of land. During the Rebellion he enlisted in Company G, Twenty-eighth Indiana Infantry, February, 1864, and during his stay in the field was taken sick at Ringgold, Ga., died February 9, 1865, and was buried at that place. The mother was of Irish lineage, born in Lawrence County, Ind., January 26, 1826. They were married in 1843 and came to this county in 1846. Since her husband's death she has lived with her son, Joseph, on the old place. Our subject attended the district schools and the high school at Dover Hill, in Martin County, and attended the Indiana Normal School at Mitchell, Ind., for one term. At the early age of seventeen he began teaching school, and has followed that occupation during the winter months ever since with the exception of one term, and is considered one of the best teachers in the county.  October 19, 1871, be married Eliza J. Phipps, daughter of Benjamin and Mary H. Phipps. She was born in Daviess County March 3, 1851.  They have three children, named Alva E., Zeta M. and John B. After marriage Mr. Stotts located on the old home place, where be yet resides and owns eighty-three acres of land. In politics be is a Republican and cast his first -vote for U. S. Grant. He and wife are church members.

Submitted by: Michael L Tedrow
History of Daviess County by: Goodspeed Publishing Company 1886

DANIEL J. SMITH, M. D., of Odon, Ind., was born in Lawrence County, Ind., May 13, 1829, and is one of nine children born to Peter and Margaret (Ford) Smith, The father was a German by birth, born in Kentucky. He was a farmer and came to Indiana about 1828, and located on a 160 acre farm in Indian Creek Township, Lawrence County. He soon afterward traded this farm for 160 acres near Bedford. He was a successful farmer, and owned at the time of his death 500 acres of land. He died in the spring of 1849. The mother was born in the State of Tennessee. After her husband's death she made her home with her children until her death. Subject remained at home and received his education in the district schools.  At the early age of seventeen, on March 11, 1847, he married Catharine Woody., daughter of Robert and Mourner Woody. She was born February 13,1829. They became the parents of seven children, three of whom are living: Sarah Jane (wife of Capt. Z. V. Garten), Mary E. (wife of John Smiley), and Margaret E. (wife of John Crooke). Mrs. Smith was intelligent and well educated and her husband perceived the advantages of a good education, and accordingly received instruction from his wife and attended school a few terms. He learned very rapidly and at the age of twenty years entered the teacher's profession. About 1850 he commenced working at the carpenter's trade, at which he continued about eight years. In l859 he began the study of medicine under Dr. E. E. Rose. At the end of one year he took a course of lectures at the Eclectic Medical College at Cincinnati, Ohio, and after completing his course commenced practicing, his profession at Fayetteville, Ind., where be remained two years.  August 1, 1861, lie came to Clarksburg, now Odon, where he resumed his practice and has since resided. Dr. Smith lost his wife October 14, 1870, and May 14, 1871, he wedded Sarah J. Clinton, daughter of Henry and Delphia Clinton. Mrs. Smith was born in Daviess County, Ind., in 1839. To their union two children were born, one of whom is living, Arnley. His second wife died March 1, 1881, and October 3 of the same year be married Mrs. Catharine (Stoy) Crater, daughter of Rev. John and Sophronia Stoy, born December 25, 1844, in Ohio. Dr. Smith has been a resident of Odon twenty-four years, where, by his thorough knowledge of his profession, be has built up an extensive and paying practice. He graduated at the Medical College at Cincinnati in 1866. In politics he is independent. He is a member of the Christian Church, but is an Evolutionist in belief. He was for some time justice of the peace in Lawrence County, and was elected in 1880 to the Greenback National Convention at Chicago.

Submitted by: Michael L Tedrow
History of Daviess County by: Goodspeed Publishing Company 1886

JOHN V. SMITH, editor of the Prairie Scorcher, of Odon, Ind., was born November 7, 1831, in Lawrence County, Ind., near Bedford. He is one of a family of three sons and six daughters of Peter and Margaret (Ford) Smith. John attended the district schools about three months during the year, and remained at home with his parents as long as he remained single. July 24, 1851, he wedded Susan A. Collins, daughter of Samuel Collins. Mrs. Smith was born in Monroe County, Ind., about 1831. To their union nine children were born, all of whom are deceased. During the war Mr. Smith became one of the "boys in blue," enlisting in Company I, One Hundred and Twentieth Indiana Infantry, in 1864, for three years. or during the war. He participated in the Atlanta campaign, and numerous minor engagements. He remained in the field until hostilities ceased, receiving his discharge in 1866. He then came to Dayiess County, and located in Clarksburg, now Odon, and began life as a merchant. Two years later he was burnt out, and he then began selling drugs, continuing for about the same length of time. In 1873 he combined his drug store with George Barber's dry goods store, the firm being known as J. V. Smith & Co. In connection with his store Mr. Smith established the newspaper called the Clarksburg Spy, and continued its publication until 1877. The same year he disposed of his store and moved his press to Bedford, Ind., where he resolved to devote his entire time to editorial work. He published the Bedford Journal for seven years with good success. In 1884 he sold his entire interest, and soon after purchased the .Mitchell Commercial assuming control as editor and proprietary, which position he now holds. In the fall of 1885 he established the Prairie Scorcher, and is meeting with the best of success. He is a Republican in politics and cast his first vote for Fillmore. He was appointed postmaster of Clarksburg by LT. S. Grant, and served in that capacity for several years. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the G. A. R. He and wife are members of the Christian Church, and he is highly, respected by all classes.

Submitted by: Michael L Tedrow
History of Daviess County by: Goodspeed Publishing Company 1886

ELDER WILLIAM E. RITTER, minister and farmer, was born in Indiana April 7, 1836, son of John L. and Jane (Fate) Ritter, natives of North Carolina and Tennessee. The father followed the millwright's business and also farmed to some extent. About 1820 he came to Indiana, and after residing here a number of years moved to Texas, where he died in 1859. The mother died in 1836, when our subject was only a few days old. He was taken to raise by William Moore, with whom he lived until twenty-five years old, and received his education in the subscription and free schools. September 18, 1856 he married Cecelia A., daughter of John and Rachael (Raney) Hastings. Mrs. Ritter was born January 3, 1836, in Indiana. They have two children: Eliza Ellen (widow of Samuel Guthrie) and John William. After his marriage Mr. Ritter lived with Mr. Moore four years, and then located on an eighty-acre tract, given him by Mr. Moore. By his energy and good management he now owns 240 acres of land on which are erected good buildings. He is a Republican and cast his first vote for Lincoln. He and his wife are members of the Church of Christ. He was ordained elder of said church in 1864, and in 1878 was ordained evangelist, and has since been preaching the doctrines of that church. He is a true Christian, and a gentleman in the truest sense of the word.

Submitted by: Michael L Tedrow
History of Daviess County by: Goodspeed Publishing Company 1886

ELIJAH S. PERSHING, teacher and farmer, of Daviess County, Ind., was born February 2, 1849, in Ohio. He is the eldest of eleven children born to Solomon and Magdaline (Resler) Pershing. The father is of German and Irish decent, born March 9, 1824, in the "Buckeye State." After his marriage, which occurred in 1846, he resided in his native State until 1863, when he sold out and came to Daviess County, Ind., and bought 160 acres of land, and at one time owned 205 acres. He is yet living but has retired from active life, and is now living with his daughter Susan in Odon. The mother was of German-Scotch decent, born in Pennsylvania in 1827. She died November 5, 1882. Subject obtained his education in the district schools of Daviess County, and in addition attended the graded schools of Dover, Ohio, and Raglesville and Liberty, Ind., for one year. When eighteen years old he began teaching school, and has followed that occupation nearly ever since. He is spoken of as one of the ablest and most successful instructors in the township, and is a thorough scholar and gentleman. December 9, 1869, he wedded Sarah, daughter of George C. and Susan Winklepleck. Mrs. Pershing was born August 13, 1849, in Ohio. They are the parents of these eight children: Mary I., Emma J., Jonas E., Charles A., Roland G., John D., Susan E. and Solomon E. After Mr. Pershing's marriage he made several changes of residence, but now owns eighty acres of land in Madison Township. He is a Republican and cast his first vote for U. S. Grant. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his wife of the United Brethren Church.

Submitted by: Michael L Tedrow
History of Daviess County by: Goodspeed Publishing Company 1886

REZIA OVERTON was born in Daviess County, Ind., January 25, 1850, son ofMoses and Susan (Fletcher) Overton. The father was born in North Carolina in 1808. He moved to Tennessee in his youth and there married about 1830. His wife died five years later, and in 1836 he married our subject's mother. In 1889 they moved to Lawrence County, Ind., and lived one year, and then came to Daviess County in 1840, where he became the possessor of 660 acres of land, being one of the largest landholders in Madison Township. He died May 20, 1883. The mother was born in Tennessee in 1811, and died in August, 1877. Our subject, Rezia Overton, attended the district schools in boyhood, and made his home with his people until he attained his majority. February 2, 1871, he wedded Phoebe Ann Chesnut, born in Dayiess County, Ind., January 4, 1854, daughter of Julius and Rosa Ann Chesnut. To their marriage seven children were born, six of whom are living, named John A., William J., Rosa M., James M.,Rezia E., and Frederick B. Mr. Overton began his married life as a farmer on 100 acres of land given him by his father, and where be has since resided. He now owns 120 acres of land. He is a Republican and cast his first vote for U. S. Grant. He is a Mason, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Submitted by: Michael L Tedrow
History of Daviess County by: Goodspeed Publishing Company 1886

Charles W. Padgett, Sr., son of George Padgett, was born in Maryland near the Potomac River, Oct 22, 1799. He moved to Nelson Co, Kentucky (now Marion Co.) with his parents in 1804, and settled near Holy Cross Church. he was married at Holy Cross to Mary Strange, a daughter of Ignatius and Malinda Strange. Charles W. moved to Martin Co, Indiana in 1830 settling in the vicinity of St. Mary's Church, Barr Twp. On his 87th birthday, he was presented with a silver-headed cane by Judge William Niblack, along with a note stating, "I present to you a hickory cane which I hope will be a support to you in your declining years, and it will neither bend nor break." This certainly was a supportive cane, as Charles Padgett lived to the age of ninety-seven, dying in March 1893. Charles and Mary Strange Padgett were the parents of ten children, only four of whom survived them. These were William B. Padgett who married Minerva Jane Seal; John A. Padgett, who married Elizabeth Brewer; Simpson, who married Elizabeth Gootee; and Ellen who married John H. Brown. They also left as survivors eighty-six grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren. They died in Washington, Indiana, where they had moved in their declining years, and were buried in the Old Catholic Cemetery there.

Donated by: Shirley Platt

ALEXANDER O'DELL is a son of Emsley and Sarah (Scott) Odell, who were natives of North Carolina and Kentucky, born in 1806 and 1813, respectively. The father went to Kentucky in his youth, and about 1828 went to Lawrence County, Ind. He was married in 1830, and kept hotel in Springville for about three years. In 1840 he came to Daviess County, Ind., where be owned at one time 120 acres of land. He died February 12, 1868. The mother is now residing with her children. Subject was born September 22, 1848, in Daviess County, and made his home with his parents until twenty-six years of age. He attended the district schools, and in addition attended the Indiana State Normal School at Terre Haute for one term. When twenty years of age he began teaching and followed that occupation very successfully for six years. December 10, 1874, he married Mary F., daughter of William and Julia Ballou. She is a native of Daviess County, Ind., born June 22, 1858. To their union five children were born, three of whom surive: Edgar, Famie and Harry. After marriage Mr. Odell farmed the old homestead one year, then moved to Odon and began keeping a general merchandise store, with his brother Caleb as partner. They worked together eight years and then disposed of their stock in the spring of 1885. Since that time subject has clerked in C. L. Pierson's merchandise store. Mr. Odell is a very energetic young man, and in politics is a Republican, and was commissioned postmaster of Odon in 1877 and held the position five years, and was re-commissioned in 1884 and held the office until October, 1885. He is a Mason, and is tolerably well to do financially.

Submitted by: Michael L Tedrow
History of Daviess County by: Goodspeed Publishing Company 1886

CALEB E. ODELL, brick-maker and contractor, of Odon, Ind., was born September 22, 1848, in Daviess County, Ind., son of Emsley and Sarah A. (Scott) Odell (mention of whom is made elsewhere). Caleb attended the district school near home, and in 1873 entered the Indiana State Normal School at Terre Haute, and remained until he nearly finished the full course, attending about six terms. At the age of twenty he began teaching school, and continued that work for eight years. He was highly successful, and was for three years principal of the high school at Odon, Ind. October 7, 1876, he wedded Mary M. Blough, daughter of Joseph and Mary A. Blough. Mrs. Odell was born in Ohio in 1855. To their union three children were born, two of whom are living: Letha, Grace and Raymond Clyde. In the spring of 1876 Mr. Odell entered into partnership with his brother Alexander In the general merchandise store in Odon. During the first two years of their partnership he also taught school. They continued together until 1884, when they disposed of their goods. In the fall of that year subject began manufacturing brick and taking contracts for building houses. In 1884 Mr. Odell manufactured 250,000 brick, and 175,000 in the summer of 1885. He is one of the wide-awake businessmen of the village, and is doing well financially. In politics he is a Republican, and cast his first vote for U. S. Grant . In 1878 he was elected trustee of Madison Township, and served four years. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His wife is a member of the United Brethren Church.

Submitted by: Michael L Tedrow
History of Daviess County by: Goodspeed Publishing Company 1886

WILLIAM R. NEERIEMER, blacksmith, of Odon, Ind., is a native of Ohio, born June 10, 1854, son of David P. and Martha (McCoy) Neeriemer. The father was of German descent, born in Ohio in 1819, a tailor by trade. His marriage occurred in 1845, and he lived in different parts of the 11 Buckeye State" until 1867, when he came to Daviess County, Ind., and located near Odon, where he now resides. The mother was of Scotch-Irish descent, born in Ohio August 1, 1828. At the early age of eleven years our subject began working for himself as a farm laborer, receiving $2.50 per month for his services. After coming to Daviess County he did farm work until 1872, when be began working at the blacksmith's trade with Dunlap & McCoy in Odon. He worked for them two years, and then worked in Illinois and in Odon for other parties for about two years longer. In 1876 he established himself in business in Odon on his own responsibility. He is a very skillful workman, and, owing to the large amount of work be is called upon to execute, he employs a blacksmith all wagon-maker to assist him. In politics he is a Republican, and cast his first vote for Rutherford B. Hayes. October 18, 1875, be married Sarah, daughter of Reuben and Julia Ann Harman. Mrs. Neeriemer was born in Ohio September 29, 1855. They have five children: Hugh, Frank, Almeda, Ismay and Martin.

Submitted by: Michael L Tedrow
History of Daviess County by: Goodspeed Publishing Company 1886

WILLIAM H. McCARTER is a son of Moses and Sarah (Ketcham) McCarter, and was born in Daviess County, Ind., April 4, 1847. His father was born in Tennessee September 24, 1813, and was of Irish descent and a farmer by occupation. He was married in Monroe County, Ind., in 1834, and a few years later came to Daviess County, Ind., where he became the owner of 505 acres of land. He died of consumption December 27, 1856. The mother was a German by birth, born June 21, 1812, in Kentucky, and died in the fall of 1863. Subject attended the common schools, and after the death of his parents still resided on the home farm until his marriage to Miranda C. Laughlin March 29, 1866. Mrs. McCarter was born in Martin County, Ind., August 1, 1846, and is a daughter of John 0. M. and Elizabeth Laughlin. To their union on eight children were born, six of whom are living: Minerva E., Daniel R., Mary I., John K., William O., and Opha E. Mr. McCarter began farming on 100 acres of land given him by his father, which he has since increased to 190 acres, 150 acres of which are under cultivation. In politics he is a Republican, and cast his first vote for U. S. Grant. His wife is a member of the Church of God.  Minerva, their eldest daughter, was married November 5, 1885, to Frank Miller.

Submitted by: Michael L Tedrow
History of Daviess County by: Goodspeed Publishing Company 1886

DANIEL L. McCARTER was born in Daviess County, Ind., February 16, 1840, son of Moses and Sarah (Ketcham) McCarter. Daniel attended the common school and remained with his people until after he was twenty-one years of age. He was a strong Union man. and September 10. 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-seventh Regiment Indiana Infantry, .for three years. He took an active part in the battles of Resaca, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Winchester, and a number of lesser engagements. At the battle of Winchester he received a flesh wound, but was in the hospital only a short time. He was also slightly wounded at Gettysburg. At the expiration of his term he returned home, and September 17, 1867, married Amanda Ledger-wood, daughter of Charles and Amanda (Chambers) Ledgerwood. Mrs. McCarter was born in Daviess County, Ind., May 9, 1847. They have these six Children: William H., Charles M., Moses A., John W., Daniel E. and Mind. Mr. McCarter located on the old home place after marriage, where he has since resided. He owns 265 acres of land, and is well to do financially. He was a brave and faithful soldier during the war, and is a useful and honest citizen. He is a Republican, and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Submitted by: Michael L Tedrow
History of Daviess County by: Goodspeed Publishing Company 1886