When twenty-three years of age, he began doing for himself. In July, 1866, he married Elizabeth Fate, born in 1851, daughter of William and Mahala Fate. To this union six children were born, three of whom are living : Ellen; William Henry; and Julia. After his marriage Mr. Stalcup worked at the blacksmith trade in Marco, Indiana for two years, and then moved to Daviess County. In July 1878 his wife died and November 1879, he wed Nancy J. Cooke, born February 16, 1861 in Illinois, daughter of Jesse and Priscilla Cooke. They have one child named Frank. In 1878, Mr. Stalcup abandoned his trade and began selling goods on his own responsibility, and has continued that work ever since. In addition to the duties of his store, he looks after his shop and speculates in grain. He has a fine stock of general merchandise, and is the leading businessman of the village [Elnora]. In politics he is a Republican and cast his first vote for U.S. Grant. He held the office of Postmaster for twelve years.

Elnora, a village in Elmore Township, came into existence in 1885 with the completion of the Evansville & Indianapolis Railroad. Originally called Owltown [Owl Prairie Post Office] changed to Elnora on January 1, 1886. Town was laid out September 25, 1885 by William Griffith and Amos R. Stalcup who had a general store there."

Submitted by: Stephen J. Stalcup
Extract from : History of Knox and Daviess Counties-Goodspeed (1886)

WARNER G. SMOOT, farmer, is a native of Daviess County, born August 28, 1833, son of William P. and Elizabeth (Jett) Smoot, and grandson of Clayborn Smoot, who was a Virginian, and immigrated to Kentucky in the pioneer days of that State. The family came to Indiana about 1820. The father of our subject came to Daviess County in 1826, and located in Washington Township. His death took place July 22, 1872. Subject grew to manhood on a farm, and received a common school education, and in addition attended the Indiana State University and Franklin College in Johnson County, Ind. In April, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, Sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry for three months, and re-enlisted the same year in Company A, Fifty-second Indiana Infantry, and served until after the battle of Fort Pillow. He then returned home and assisted in organizing and recruiting a battery. This done he was transferred to the Eightieth Indiana Battery, and served until 1865, when be was honorably discharged. He was at Perryville, Knoxville, with Sherman at Atlanta, and participated in many minor engagements. He was commissioned first lieutenant in July, 1864, and was a true and brave soldier during the war. Returning from the field and scenes of war he began teaching school, continuing this until 1872, when he engaged in farming. He owns 131 acres of fine land. January 24, 1864, he married Lydia E. Robinson, born December 2, 1844. They have these five children: Emma J., Walter G., Richard B., Miry D., and Edwin R. In politics Mr. Smoot is an uncompromising Republican, and is a leader of that party in his township. He has been trustee of Harrison Township, and is a representative man of the county. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and his wife of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

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

C. J. SMOOT was born in Washington Township, Daviess Co., Ind., October 22, 1831, son of William P. aid Elizabeth (Jett) Smoot. He is of Scotch-German descent, and is the second in a family of seven children. His parents were natives of Kentucky, and came to Daviess County about 1820. Subject spent his boyhood days on the farm and in attending the subscription and public schools. When about sixteen years of age he began learning the plasterer's trade, and followed that occupation for twenty years. In 1861 he enlisted in Company A, Fifty-second Indiana Volunteers, for three years. He re-enlisted at Canton, Miss., and was in the battles of Fort Donelson, Nashville, Mobile and many minor engagements. He was honorably discharged in 1865. In 1871 he settled on his present farm of 211 acres of well-improved land, and in 1879 erected one of the finest houses in the township. In October, 1855, he was married to Miss Rachel L., daughter of Job Martin, born in Wayne County, Ky., in 1836. To their union ten children were born, seven of whom are living: John T., Jemima, Elizabeth, Ida M., William P., Harley A. and Laura E. In politics Mr. Smoot was formerly a Republican, but is now a National. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church.

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

P.H.RAGSDALE is a son of John and Elizabeth (Palmer) Ragsdale (elsewhere written), and was born in Daviess County, Ind., near Hudsonville, October 26, 1839. He is the sixth in the family, and was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He remained at home, aiding his parents on the farm, until the breaking out of the war in 1861, when he enlisted in Company G, Forty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry for three years or during the war. He was so severely wounded at the battle of Perryville that be was unable to attend to his duties, and was honorably discharged February 28, 1863. Since that time he has followed agricultural pursuits, and in 1879 located on his present farm of 150 acres, where he has met with good success. September 8, 1864, he was married to Miss Melvina Combs, a native of Illinois, born December 18, 1839. To them were born these five children: Tolman R., Denby H., Arla May, Aden H. and Ira H. Mr. Ragsdale was formerly a Democrat in politics, but is now a radical member of the National Party. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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

DR. MARK H. RAGSDALE is of Scotch-English descent, born in Harrison Township, Daviess Co., Ind., August 26, 1836, son of John and Elizabeth (Palmer) Ragsdale, and is the fourth of their eight children. His parents were born in South Carolina in 1802, the former in November and the latter in August. The family located in what was then the Northwest Territory, but what is now Daviess County, Ind., in 1811. Here the grandparents of our subject died. The Doctor's father died in 1848, and his mother in 1874. The family were among the pioneers of the county. Subject was reared on a farm, where he remained until 1857, when he began the battle of life for himself. In 1864 he enlisted in Company I, Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served one year. He began the study of medicine in 1871, under Jacob W. Clark,M. D., of Glendale, and attended medical lectures at the Indiana Medical College at, Indianapolis, and began the practice of his profession in the spring of 1875 at Algiers, Pike Co., Ind. After a one-year's practice in that place be located in Otwell, the same county, remaining five years. He then came to Glendale, where he has continued to practice his profession ever since. In September, 1885, he engaged in the drug and dry goods business at that place. He has been a very successful pbysician, and is a National in politics. He was married, February 22,1866,to Harriet P. Chappell, who bore him these two children: Francis A., born in 1866, and Arsulla E., born in 1881. Mrs. Ragsdale is a native of Daviess County, born in 1845, and is a daughter of Elliott Chappell, who was a pioneer of the county.

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

REV. MARION PORTER is a son of James W. and Ann (McCoy) Porter (elsewhere written), and was born in Reeve Township, Daviess Co., Ind., January 22, 1850. He is the seventh of the family, and grew to manhood on the farm. At the age of twenty-one he began working for himself. He was educated in the common school, and attended one term of school at Washington, Ind. The greater part of his education has been obtained through self exertion. He began teaching school in Reeve Township, and has taught every winter, with the exception of one, since 1869. He has met with excellent success, and is considered one of the best teachers in the county. In 1875 he purchased his present farm of 160 acres, where he lived until 1885, when he rented his farm and moved to Harrison Township, where he now resides. October 30, 1873, be was married to Laura Jackson, a native of Reeve Township, born December 2, 1851. They have two children: Inez G., born in 1874, and Amy M., born in 1879. Mr. Porter and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and August 9, 1884, be was ordained a minister of that denomination. He is a Republican, and cast his first vote for U. S. Grant.

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

JAMES PORTER Jr., is a son of James W. and Ann (McCoy) Porter, and was born in Daviess County, Ind., May 3,1845, of Scotch-Irish descent. The father was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, in 1814, and his mother in Virginia in 1813. They came to Daviess County in 1838, and located in Reeve Township. Subject lived with his parents until twenty-one years old, when he began life for himself. He tilled his father's farm for three years, and then purchased a farm in the southern part of the county, on White River, remaining there until 1877, when he purchased and located on his present farm. He owns 640 acres of good land, of which 540 acres are in a fine state of cultivation. It 1869 be began buying and selling stock, and raises a great many short-horn cattle. In August, 1863, he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Seventeenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served nine months. He was honorably discharged in 1864. In September, 1874, Mr. Porter married Judith Lemmon, a native of Dubois County, Ind., born March 5, 1851, daughter of Elijah and Elizabeth Lemmon. Two children blessed their union: Artie, born in 1878, and Clara, born in 1880. Mr. Porter is a Republican, and joined the Masons in 1872. He is the largest land owner and heaviest tax payer in Harrison Township, and is one of the most esteemed and respected citizens of the county. His wife is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

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

FENWICK McCAFFERTY is a native of Harrison Township, Daviess Co., Ind., born May 12, 1829, son of Thomas and Catherine (Palmer) McCafferty, who were born in South Carolina, the father being of Irish lineage. They came to Daviess County, Ind., about 1809, and settled in what is now Harrison Township. The father was a soldier in the war of 1812. Both parents died in this county. Subject spent his boyhood days on a farm, and when twenty-one years old began working for himself. About twenty-four years ago he located on his present farm, which is moderately well unproved, and is about two miles west of Glendale. At intervals for the last twelve years he has clerked in the store of A. T. Conley, at Glendale. He is in every sense of the word a self-made man and has battled his own way through life. He received a common school education, and takes interest in the education and welfare of his children. He is a Democrat, and cast his first vote for Pierce. He has held the office of assessor of Harrison Township, and was justice of the peace for three years. He is a member of the I 0. 0. F., and in 1855 was married to Miss Anis Gilley, a native of Daviess County. To them were born these four children: Mary C., Franklin L., Elizabeth J. and Tillman R.

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

JAMES LAMB, farmer and stock raiser, is a native of Daviess County, Ind., born September 3, l838, son of Edward and Catherine (Bradley) Lamb, who were born in the "Emerald Isle" in 1811 and 1822, respectively. The paternal grandfather, James Lamb, was also Irish, and lived and died in his native land. The family came to America about 1832, and resided two years in New York and then came to Indiana, locating in Daviess County, where they still reside. Subject attended the subscription schools of early days, and when twenty-three years old began working for himself. For some years he worked at the cooper's trade, but settled on a farm in 1863. He owns 400 acres of good land, and is one of the leading farmers of Harrison Township. February 3, 1863, he led to the hymeneal altar Miss Ellen Cussack, born in Indiana in 1839, daughter of Nicholas Cussack. To their union these two children were born: Edward, born in June, 1869, and Thomas F., born in 1873. Mr. Lamb is a Democrat, and an enterprising and pubic-spirited man, and an honorable citizen. The family are members of the St. Patrick's Catholic Church.

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

BAZIL CLEMENTS who is buried in St. Mary's Cemetery in Barr Twp, Daviess Co, IN was born in Kentucky in 1819, a son of Bazil and Mary Morgan Clements. His father, Bazil, Sr., was a great-grandson of William and Mary Hanson Clements of early Charles Co, MD Mary Hanson Clements was a cousin of John Hanson, patriot, soldier and first President of the Continental Congress of the United States. Bennett Hanson Clements II, grandfather of Bazil, Jr. signed the Oath of Fidelity and Support to Charles Co, MD pledging his faith to our new country. Bazil's father donated the land for the old St. Joseph Church and Cemetery. Bazil, Jr. was a veteran of the Civil War, having served as a First Lieutenant of Company B, 80th Regiment, Indiana Volunteers. His second wife was Cealia Ann Kidwell, and his third, Mary A. Mattingly. He was the father of nine children. Both Bazil and Cealia are buried at St. Mary's.

Donated by: Shirley H. Platt

WILLIAM W. JONES was born in Daviess County, Ind., August 4, 1832, son of Joseph and Hannah (Johnson) Jones. The family are of Welsh descent. The father was born near Charleston, S. C., in 1801, and the mother in Kentucky, in 1798. They both died in this County, the father in 1866, and the mother in 1862. Joseph Jones came to what is now Daviess County in 1816 with his father, who was also a native Carolinian and a slave-holder in that State. He died in Daviess County in 1840. William W., our subject, attended the common schools and farmed until 1864, when he enlisted in Company E., Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served about one year, when he was honorably discharged. He had a brother in the late war who was shot at the battle of Cedar Mountain, and died there. After his return from the army Mr. Jones resumed farming, and now owns 300 acres of good land. In l852 he was married to Eliza Collins, a native of Knox County, Ind., born in 1832. They became the parents of thirteen children, five of whom are living: Franklin S., Lydia O., Hannah M., Milton C. and Mason R. Two sons were accidentally drowned in the White River while bathing July 9, 1884. Mr. Jones is a Republican, and he and wife are members of the Baptist Church.

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

A. M. JOHNSON was born near where he now lives March 28, 1829, and is a son of Hiram M. and Maria (Martin) Johnson, who were born in Kentucky, the former in 1802, and the latter in 1805. The Johnson family came to Daviess County, Ind., about 1822, and located in Harrison Township. Our subject's father died in Daviess County in 1872. The mother yet lives, and resides with our subject. Subject attended the common schools and resided with and aided his father until twenty-four years of age, when be began doing for himself. In 1853 he located on a farm near his present place of abode, where he remained until 1864, when he moved to his present place of residence. He owns 299 acres of the best improved land in the county. He was married, in 1852, to Lydia Ann Davis, daughter of Abner M. Davis, who was a native Kentuckian, and for a number of years represented Daviess County in the General Assembly. Mrs. Johnson was born in Indiana in 1835, and bore her husband these two children: Henry S., born November 27, 1854, and died July 18, 1879, and Priscilla A., born January 1, 1858. They have two grandchildren, viz.: Henry P. Johnson and Harvey A. Caylor. Formerly Mr. Johnson was a Democrat, but later became a Republican and an uncompromising Abolitionist. After the election of R. B. Hayes to the presidency he became a National, and has since been identified with that party. He is president of the County Central Committee, and is considered one of the first men of the county. Mrs. Johnson is a member of the Christian Church. Her mother's maiden name was Priscilla Kirk.

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

WILLIAM DONNOLLY, farmer and stock raiser, is a native of Ireland, born January 6, 1805, son of Thomas and Catherine (Redman) Donnolly, who were also born in the "Emerald Isle." When our subject was about fifteen years old be left his native land and went to Canada, where he remained two years. He then came to the United States, and after living an unsettled life for some time finally came to Daviess County, Ind., in 1836, and located where he now resides. He owns 190 acres of well-improved land, and is one of the principal farmers of Harrison Township. In 1834 be was married to Mary Molloy, by whom he bad eleven children, four of whom survive their mother, who died in 1859, viz.: John, Dennis, Kate, and Peter. Mr. Donnolly married, in 1874, Mrs. Mary (Treanor) Crosby, born October 5, 1829, daughter of James and Catherine Treanor. Mrs. Donnolly came to Daviess County, Ind., in 1840. The family are all members of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, of which Mr. Donnolly was one of the principal founders. He is a prominent and worthy citizen, and the family are highly respected.

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

CLARINGTON G. CROSS, farmer, was born in Fleming County, Ky., April 30, 1823, son of John and Mary (Johnson) Cross, and is of German descent, the fifth in a family of eleven children. His father was born in Tennessee and his mother in Virginia. In 1826 the family came to Daviess County, Ind. The father died in Pike County, Ind., at about thirty years of age, The mother died in Daviess County. Subject was reared on a farm and attended the subscription schools. When about eighteen years of age he began working for himself by the month; this he continued until twenty-seven years old, when he began farming for himself. He settled on his present farm in 1852, and now owns 250 acres of well-improved land. He was married, in 1849, to Miss Eliza E. Small, a native of Kentucky. To their marriage three children were born, two of whom are yet living, viz.: Frank, born in November, 1850, and Theodore, born in September, 1855. Mrs. Cross died in 1881. Mr. Cross is a Republican and is a charter member of the I.O.O.F. Lodge of Glendale. He is a successful farmer and is one of the prominent men of the county.

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

WASHINGTON COSBY is a representative of one of the pioneer families of Daviess County, Ind. He is commonly known as "Doc" Cosby , so called on account of being the seventh son of the family. He is of Scotch-German origin and was born February 24, 1825, son of Overton and Susannah (Hyser) Cosby. The father was born near Richmond, Va., in 1785, and the mother in what is now West Virginia in 1887. They were married in 1806 and came to Indiana about 1817, and located in Daviess County. Overton Cosby erected the first brick house in the township. It was built about one-half century ago and was only torn down in 1884. He and wife died in I859. Our subject was reared on a farm and attended the early schools. He remained at home assisting his father on the farm until twenty-one years of age, when he began farming for himself. He owns 130 acres of land and since 1850 has resided where he now lives. For some years he has given considerable attention to bee culture and owns about thirty stands. He was married in 1850, to Martha J. Thomas, a native of Daviess County, born in 1830. Of five children born to them only two survive: Ziba and Grandison T. In politics Mr. Cosby was formerly a Whig, now a stanch Republican. He became a Mason in 1859. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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

ALEXANDER THOMPSON CONLEY, trustee of Harrison Township, dealer in general merchandise and farmer, is a native of Owen County, Ind., son of John and Elizabeth Conley, and was born January 7, 1835. The family are of Scotch-English descent. The father was born in North Carolina in 1798. His grandfather, William Conley, came to Lawrence County, Ind., in Pioneer times, or about 1820. He was probate judge of Lawrence County for several years. He died in 1845. John Conley, our subject's father, came to Daviess County in 1856 and died in 1861. Alexander Conley came to Daviess County in 1855, and, for four years worked for Elisha Hyatt. He owns a well-improved farm on which he located in 1860. In 1871 he engaged in the general merchandise business in Glendale, where he has since continued with good success. He is a Republican in politics and has held a number of positions of honor and trust in the township, but not undeservedly. He was elected trustee of Harrison Township in 1882, and was re-elected in 1884. He was elected over two men each time. His first majority was fifteen and the second seventeen. He made a very trustworthy and efficient official and was the means of wholly clearing the township from debt, and filled the position with honor to himself and to the entire satisfaction of the people. He joined the I. 0. 0. F. in 1865 and the Masons in 1870. He was married in 1856 to Rosanna C.Greenwood, a native of Greene County, Ind., born in 1840, daughter of William and Sarah Greenwood. To Mr. and Mrs. Conley these children were born: Nancy A., Addie, Sarah E., John W., William, Clementine, Rolla J., Adah M. and Nellie R.

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

JESSE B. COLBERT, a pioneer farmer of Daviess County, Ind., was born May 30, 1822, son of Tolliver and Sarah (Miller) Colbert, and is of English extraction. His father was born in Virginia and his mother in Ohio. The Colberts came to what is now Daviess County, Ind., in 1816. Tolliver Colbert was one of the first men in the county. He killed a bear on the tract of land now owned by our subject, and the old rifle he used is in the possession of the family and is kept as a relic of the primitive days of the county. Subject grew to manhood in Daviess County and attended the subscription schools in boyhood. When twenty years old he began farming for himself and has continued that occupation ever since. He was engaged in the general merchandise business in Epsom, Ind. for about three years. He owns a farm of eighty acres. In 1841 he took for his life companion Phoebe Brown, who died in 1843. In 1845 he wedded Winnie Gilley, who bore him twelve children, five of whom are living: Tolliver P., Viola J., Bettie G., Laura M. and George W. Mr. Colbert is a Republican, and has been justice of the peace and was trustee of the township under the old law. He is a member of the I.0.0.F., and is one of the oldest native residents of the county.

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

HENRY C. CLARK, farmer, was born in Daviess County, Ind., June 6, 1845, son of John W. and Catharine Clark, and is of Irish lineage. (Mention is made of the parents’ history elsewhere.) Subject remained at home until eighteen years old. He received a common school education, and enlisted in his country’s cause, in 1864, in Company K, One Hundred and Forty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war, when be was honorably discharged. Returning from the service he engaged in farming, and now owns 100 acres of good land and is a successful farmer. He was married November 22, 1868, to Miss Mary A. Robinson, a native of Daviess County, born in 1850. To their marriage two children were born, named Arthur B., born April 6, 1873, and Effie E., born February 23, 1880. Mrs. Clark died October 17, 1883, and March 5, 1884, Mr. Clark married Miss Nancy, daughter of John and Sallie Nash. She is a native of Benton County, Ky., born in August 1855. In politics our subject is a Republican. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and his wife of the Presbyterian.

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

JACOB W. CLARK, M.D. was born in the township where he now resides February 12, 1842, son of John and Catherine Clark, and is of German-Irish origin. He is the sixth of a family of ten children, and spent his boyhood days on a farm and in attending the common schools in his neighborhood. He began the study of medicine at Glendale under Dr. John S. Mitchell, a graduate of the Louisville Medical College. He attended lectures at the University of Louisville during the winters of 1868 - 69, and graduated in the winter of 1870. He then located at Glendale, where he has since resided. In July, 1877, he began the drug and dry goods business, continuing at that occupation until 1885, when he sold out to Dr. Ragsdale. Dr. Clark owns ninety-two acres of well-improved land. In 1874 he was married to Miss Lucinda J. Gillespie, a native of Benton County, Ind., born in 1852. They have two children, viz.: Ethel B. and Larry L. Politically the Doctor is a member of the National party, and has taken an active part in the political affairs of the county. He was formerly a Republican, and cast his first vote for Lincoln. He joined the Masons in 1866, and the I.0.0.F. in 1874. He is a representative of one of the old families of Daviess County, and is one of its most prominent men.

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