Greene County Biography Ref. Page

AMOS D. NEIDIGH, a native of the "Buckeye State," was born in 1850, and came with his parents, Peter and Rebecca (Deven) Neidigh, to Greene County, Ind., in 1852. He was here raised to manhood, received but an ordinary education, and when fifteen years old embarked on life's voyage for himself. For a time he was engaged in stockdriving, but having a strong inclination for mechanical pursuits he learned blacksmithing, and has principally been engaged in engineering, blacksmithing and farming. He is one of the stirring men of his township, is a member of the I. O. O. F. and F. & A. M., owns 160 acres of land in Richland Township. In politics, he advocates Republican measures; and was married to Miss Laura Simpson in 1877, by whom he is the father of three children--Oscar D., Freeling H. and Clausius S. Mr. Neidigh's mother died in 1865, and his father in about 1879.

"HISTORY OF GREENE AND SULLIVAN COUNTIES, STATE OF INDIANA, FROM THE EARLIEST TIME TO THE PRESENT; TOGETHER WITH INTERESTING BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, REMINISCENCES, NOTES, ETC." CHICAGO: GOODSPEED BROS. & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1884.
RICHLAND TWP.
PAGE 349
Data Entry Volunteer: Diana Flynn

DR. HORACE V. NORVELL was born in Lawrence County, Ind., July 20, 1839, and is a son of Dr. R. G. and Amanda H. Norvell. Receiving a common school education in his youth, he became a resident of Bloomfield when eighteen years old, and this has been his place of residence, largely, ever since. In 1861, he served as Deputy County Treasurer, afterward engaging in merchandising for some time. He read medicine and attended lectures at the Ohio Medical College, after which he practiced his profession in Bloomfield for a number of years. In 1869, he received the appointment of United States Examining Surgeon for Greene County, but previous to this was elected Chairman of the Democratic County Central Committee. In the latter position, he has served various times, and in 1878 was elected a member of the Democratic State Central Committee. Dr. Norvell has taken an active part in all matters of public interest, especially in political matters. In 1874, he was elected by a good majority Treasurer of the county, and two years later he was re-elected with a majority of 698 votes, which, in a Republican county, reflects much on Dr. Norvell's personal popularity. During the session of the State Legislature of 1882-83, he was made a Director of the Southern Prison of the State, and is yet serving as such. In politics, he is a stanch Democrat, is a member of several leading secret orders; and October 25, 1871, he was married to Miss Emma, daughter of Dr. W. C. Smydth, of Worthington, to which union three sons have been born--Ralph N., Max W. and Horace R.

GEORGE W. OSBON, a son of Asa and Parmelia (Lockwood) Osbon and one of three living children in a family of eight, was born on the present site of Mineral City, Ind., August 15, 1830. The family settled in Greene County in about 1825, but later removed to Tippecanoe County, and while making that their residence the father and four daughters died. The mother, with the remainder of the family, then returned to Greene County, married Adam Stripes, and died in about 1873. George W. Osbon began learning the carpenter's trade when eighteen years old, serving a three years' apprenticeship. In July, 1850, Mary, daughter of Thomas Patterson, became his wife, and to them eight children have been born, only Thomas P., Virginia B., Emmett L., Mary, John A. and Frank, yet living. November 20,1861, Mr.Osbon became a private in Compnay E, Fifty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, but shortly afterward was made Fifth Duty Sergeant, and at New Madrid was advanced to First Sergeant; November 2, 1862, he was discharged by reason of promoting to Second Lieutenant, but not receiving his commission until February 5, 1863, his name was not on the pay-roll, and for three months he not only served without pay, but furnished his own rations. He was promoted to the Captaincy of his company in August, 1863, serving as such until July, 1864, when, owing to illness in his family, resigned and returned home. Capt. Osbon saw much hard service in the late war, being a participant in the engagements of New Madrid, Island No. 10, siege and battle of Corinth, Port Gibson, Magnolia, Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hills, reduction of Vicksburg and Mission Ridge. In February, he returned home on veteran furlough, but rejoined his command at Huntsville the succeeding April, and was employed doing gruard duty until his return home. Since the war, he has farmed, worked at his trade, conducted a provision store, and since 1874 has served in the capacity of Justice of the Peace. Besides administering to the duties of his office, Capt. Osbon is actively engaged in a general loan and insurance business, representing nine of the leading insurance companies known. In January, 1883, his partnership with S. B. Graham was formed, which has since continued successfully under the firm name of Osbon & Graham. Capt. Osbon is a Mason, an Odd Fellow, a Republican in politics, and in 1878 was admitted a member of the Greene County bar.

W. D. RITTER, son of Moses and grandson of James Ritter, was born at Newberry, in Cass Townshp, Greene County, Ind., April 7, 1827. Moses Ritter was a native of North Carolina, and through his antipathy of slavery migrated to Indiana in 1817, and for five years lived in Washington County. For the same reason, the family of John O'Neal left South Carolina, and coming to Indiana settled in Washington County, where first Moses Ritter met Achsah O'Neal, who became his wife in 1819. In about 1822, these two families came to the vicinity of where Newberry now is, Mr. O'Neal entering the land on which the village now stands, and which he laid out and named in honor of Newberry District, from whence he came in South Carolina. Mr. Ritter located in Daviess County, some four miles south of the Greene County line, afterward moving to Newberry, and from there to Bloomfield. Violet Ritter, the widowed mother of Moses, together with the remainder of the Ritter family, came to Greene County in 1822, and made this her home the remainder of her days. Theese two families became intimately connected with the ealy history of Greene County, which could not properly be written without saying much concerning them. John O'Neal was an old-fashined Quaker preacher, and Baber's history of the county says this concerning him: "His house was the home for all the Indians and preachers, and was made the stopping place for the olden time Judges, lawyers, preachers, prophets, disciples, Jews and Gentiles." Baber also says this of Moses Ritter: "He lived in Greene County many years, and filled numerous offices of trust. It is said that 'an honest man is the noblest work of God;' he entirely filled that measure." W. D. Ritter has never known any home other than in Greene County. His early life and advantages were similar to that of the average boy of that early period. Since the organization of the Republican party, he has been identified with it, but previous to 1856 was a Whig, as was also his father. He has served Richland township eleven years as Trustee, and is universally acknowledged as one of the best read men in the county, In 1859, he married Mrs. Caroline (Sanford) Tebbutt, who was born in Middlesex, England, December 26, 1831. They own 200 acres of land near Bloomfield, and are the parents of this family: Levi, Grant, Helen, Emma, Anna and William.

E. E. ROSE was born in Washington County, Tenn., May 25, 1825. John and Mary Rose, his parents, were natives of South Carolina, and Tennessee respectively, and of Scotch lineage. In 1832, the family removed to Indiana, and engaged in farming in Clay County. E. E. Rose was raised on this farm, and in conjunction with the duties of a farmer boy, attended the district schools, afterward taking an academic course at Bowling Green. When twenty years old, he became a disciple of Blackstone in the office of his brother, Allan T. Rose, but after a few months gave this up for the time. He enlisted as a private for the Mexican war in May, 1846, in Company C, Second Indiana Volunteers, his brigade commander being Gen. Lane, and his corps commander Gen. Taylor. He was a participant in the battle of Buena Vista, and was discharged with a Sergeant's chevrons in July, 1847. He began the study of medicine, but in 1848 was admitted to practice law, and the same year joined the Methodist Episcopal Church and immediately began preparing for the ministry. In 1850, he was ordained, and subsequently followed the dictates of his conscience by preaching the Gospel at various places for a number of years. In 1860, he located in Bloomfield, and for the second time embarked in the practice of law, at the same time editing and publishing the Greene County Times. In June, 1861, he became Captain of Battery C, First Indiana Heavy Artillery, and serving as such was in the engagements of Teche, Donaldsonville and Port Hudson. In 1868, he was a Presidential elector, and also a member of the Electoral College, where he cast his vote for Gen. Grant. Capt. Rose is a member of the National party, and the Masonic and Odd Fellow fraternities. He was married to Ellen Elliot August 19, 1847, and five of their seven children are yet living. As an attorney, Capt. Rose ranks among the first, and is in partnership with his son-in-law, Emerson Short.

M. H. SHRYER, a pioneer of Greene County, is a native of Maryland, born in 1816. He is a son of John Shryer, and his grandfather was a native of Germany, and the progenitor of that name in America. When thirteen years old, M. H. left home, and for several years resided in West Virginia. In 1832, he came to Jeffersonville, Ind., from thence going South, and in 1836 returning to Indiana, locating in Bloomfield and opening a general store. Owing to the financial failures and hard times of 1837, Mr. Shryer failed in business, but through the timely aid of Mr. Taylor and Andrew Downing, he was enabled in time to pay all his debts. He was employed at various occupations for some time, and a noticeable feature in his life was in 1837, when he hauled dirt on the streets of Bloomfield for 37 1/2 cents per day. In 1848, in partnership with Mr. Downing, he built the old Richland furnace, and their product was first conveyed abroad from New Albany on flat-boats. They aftewrward built a steamboat, and in the management of this Mr. Shryer obtained the title of "Captain," by which he is generally known. In 1853, he severed his connection with his benefactor, Mr. Downing, and embarked in merchandising at Worthington, continuing five years, and in 1858 selling out and removing to Bloomfield, where he has since resided. Mr. Shryer is one of the progressive men of Greene County, and has done as much to advance the interests of Bloomfield as any other one man. He was one of the charter members of the bank of which he now has a contrilling interest, and besides this is largely interested in other town and country property. He is a representative type of what a poor boy becomes through difficulties, and with no aid to rely upon but his willing hands and an unblemished reputation. He is a Republican, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and has been four times. married. First, in 1836, to Elizabeth M. Hoffman, who died in 1838. To his second marriage, with Mary Ann Eveleigh, which was solemnized the winter of 1838, six children were born, four of whom are yet alive. In 1851, he married Martha M. Cressy, and two of their four children are yet living. This lady died in 1879, and in 1881 he was married to Mary E. Maxwell, his present wife.

OSCAR W. SHRYER, a native of the county of which he is yet a resident, and a son of Marcus H. and Mary A. (Eveleigh) Shryer, appropriate mention of whom is made elsewhere herein, was born April 15,1847. His early education was obtained in the best schools of Greene County, but subsequently, beginning in 1863, he attended Hanover College for three years. In 1868, he entered the Law Department of the State University at Bloomington, graduating with the degree of L.L. B. in 1869. For about two years after this, Mr. Shryer was associated in the practice of his profession with Col. Aden G. Cavins, at Bloomfield, but on the expiration of this time he took a trip to the pacific Coast, and for a time was employed in the capacity of reporter at Stockton on the Independent, subsequently editing the Evening Herald, both daily journals. In 1873, he returned to Bloomfield, Ind., and immediately began serving as cashier of the the Bloomfield Bank. In 1876, he began the publication of the Bloomfield News, which he continued two years, but in 1878, became an equal owner of the re-organized Bloomfield Bank, and has ever since been engaged in banking with marked success. Arabelle M. Cressy became his wife on th 28th of October, 1873, and their union has been blessed with two children--Frank W., born February 19, 1877, and George C., born March 26, 1880. The parents are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Shryer is a member of the Blue Lodge in Masonry, in which order he has served as W. M. several times, and has also represented his lodge in the Grand Lodge. He is a Republican in politics, and is connected with all public improvements of the day.

HENRY S. SLINKARD, grocer, was born near Newberry, in this county, August 11, 1828, and is one of the three surviving children in a family of seven born to Moses and Mary (Shomp--sometimes spelled Scomp) Slinkard. he is a grandson of John Slinkard, the pioneer, and for further family history relating to his father and grandfather see the biographical department of Cass Township. Henry S. Slinkard first began going to school at ten years old, in the same log cabin where he was born. After his father's death, he began for himself, and June 5, 1849, he and Margaret E. Wesner were married. Eight children blessed their union, but all were called to their final home except one son--Samuel E. Mr. Slinkard's business life has been somewhat diversified, and consists principally in farming, keeping hotel in Bloomfield, serving two years as Sheriff of the county, aiding in the construction of the B. & B. Railroad and merchandising. He enlisted February 7, 1864, in Company B, Fortieth Regiment, served through the engagements of Hatcher' Run, Welden Railroad, Petersburg, High Bridge, Farmville and at the surrender of Gen. Lee. At Petersburg, he received a slight wound in the head. Mr. Slinkard affiliated with the Democratic party until 1874, since when his influence and support has gone with the Nationals. In Masonry, he has ascended to the Royal Arch degree. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F., K. of P. and other benevolent organizations. Mrs. Slinkard is a member of the Lutheran Church, as is also her husband, and is a daughter of Jacob and Elizabet (Killion) Wesner. Mr. Slinkard, at present, is the proprietor of the "Old Wrinkle Grocer,", where he conducts a good trade.

S. STALCUP, Trustee of Richland Township, and a prosperous merchant of Bloomfield, first began in business for himself in Bloomfield in April, 1869, with an invoiced stock of drugs of about $500 value. He has ever since conducted this business in the same room where he first began, but from a diminutive stock of goods, his increasing trade has enabled him to add a full line of clocks, watches and jewelry in 1877, which amounts to $1,500, while he carries a $3,500 stock of drugs. In both branches, his annual trade reaches $13,000. In every sense of the word, Mr. Stalcup is self-made, as the following sketch indicates: He was born in Highland Township January 24,1843, and is a son of Bennett Stalcup. Being raised in the country, he only received limited educational advantages, and July 4, 1861, ran away from home and enlisted as a private in Company C, First Indiana Heavy Artillery. After leaving camp at Baltimore, he, with the company, rendezvoused on Ship Island, afterward moving under Gen. Butler against Forts Jackson and Philippi, and from thence to New Orleans. He was next engaged in the battle of Baton Rouge, seige of Port Hudson and then back to New Orleans, via Baton Rouge. During the remainder of the war, Mr. Stalcup was engaged in guard and fort duty, the only deviation from this being the time he was a participant in the siege of Mobile. From Third Sergeant he was promoted to Quartermaster Sergeant, and the spring of 1865 was commissioned Second Lieutenant. From the close of the war until he embarked in business for himself, he was principally engaged in clerking. Mr.Stalcup is a Republican, and a dimitted member of the I. O. O. F., F. & A. M., K. of P. fraternities. In 1869, he was married to Maggie Stropes, who died in1872, leaving one son--John B. In 1875, he was united in wedlock to his present wife, Alice Henderson, by whom he is the father of two childrn--Claudius and Ethel.

L. H. STALCUP, a leading merchant of Bloomfield, and son of Bennett and Lydia (Pagett) Stalcup, of Highland Township, was born in Greene County, Ind., January 31,1847. He was raised on his parents' farm, receiving only an ordinary education, and in 1869 came to Bloomfield a poor boy. For three years, he was employed as clerk in the dry goods store of W. W. Gainey, but in 1873, with what little means he had and with a good credit, he purchased the Horner dry goods store for $3,300. Possessing all the requirements of a successful merchant, Mr. Stalcup has made his business a success in every particular. He now carries an average stock of about $9,000, and his average annual sales will reach $27,000. His success in business is due to a courteous treatment and honorable dealings with all people, regardless of age and socail position. Mr. Stalcup was married to Miss Blanche Osborn in 1874, and they have two children--Minnie and Pearl.

W. P. STROPES, deceased, and one of the prominent men of his day, was born in Parke County, Ind., March 21,1832, and was a son of Adam and Penlope Stropes. In his fifteenth year, he entered the United States service as water-boy to his father, who was First Lieutenant in Company E, Second Indiana Volunteers. In 1856, he embarked in merchandising in Bloomfield on his own responsibility, and for thirteen years continued this without interruption. In 1867, he was the Democratic candidate for County Auditor, but was defeated by fory-two votes. In 1873, he became editor and proprietor of the Bloomfield Democrat, and for a number of years conducted this peridical with entire success. In 1874, he was again the Democratic nominee for Auditor, and after a hotly contested canvass was elected by a majority of 115 votes. He was a candidate for re-election in 1878, but suffered defeat by a small majority. Mr. Sropes was an honorable and upright offficial and citizen, an able editor and a man who enjoyed the respect of his fellow- man, regardless of religious or political faith. He was a stanch Democrat, and a member of the Masonic fraternity. To his marriage with Miss Sarah E. Talbott in 1856, a family of eight chldren were born. Mr. Stropes departed this life June 9,1883.

E. R. STROPES, a member of one of the oldest and most honored families of Greene County, and the present County Treasurer, was born in Richland Township May 22,1836. He is the youngest of four sons and one daughter of Adam and Penlope (Lockwood) Stropes, and has always made his home in Greene County. When eighteen years old, he began teaming from the old Richland Furnace, which he continued two years; then began clerking in the dry goods store of his two brothers at Bloomfield. On the election of J. B. Stropes as an official of the county, E. R. assumed the partnership vacated by his brother, and has since been almost constatntly identified with the business interests of Bloomfield. November 5, 1863, he was married to Miss Maggie, daughter of Henry Van Slyke, one of the pioneers of Greene County, to which marriage four children have been born--Henry V., Mary, Frankie, and one that died in infancy unnamed. Mr. Stropes is one of the liberal public men of Bloomfield, and is a member of the Masonic brotherhood, in which he has advanced to the Royal Arch degree. In political matters, the Stropes family have differed considerably. Adam Stropes, the father of the subject of this memoir, was a Whig, and one of the early County Commissioners; J. B. was a Democrat, and for four years was Treasurer of the county; J. L. is a Republican, and was the nominee of his party at one time for County Sheriff; W. P. served for four years as a Democratic Auditor, and E. R. was elected County Treasurer in 1882 on the Democratic ticket, taking charge of the office in the fall of 1883. The family throughout has been very popular, and be it recorded to their credit that the name has never been tainted with a dishonorable act.

GEORGE P. STONE was born in Barren County, Ky., March 8, 1842, a son of Stanford and Margaret (Smith) Stone, who were natives of Maine where they were reared, married and resided until 1841, when they moved to Kentucky, making that State their home until their respective deaths. Stanford Stone was a Methodist minister and a man of education, refinement and purity of life and character. He was a zealous worker in the cause of Christianity, and at the time of his death in 1858 was a Presiding Elder in the Methodist Episcopal Church. His wife died in 1862. They were the parents of three children, one of whom -- Jasper -- served his country in the late war; was Second Lieutenant in Company C, Thirty-seventh Kentucky Mounted Infantry, and was killed near Tompkinsville, Ky., in 1864. A daughter named Lucretia is the wife of J. T. Hartley, and resides in Liverpool, Eng. The only surviving son is the subject of this memoir. He was raised as are most itinerant preachers' sons, and was a student at Transylvania College when the war broke out. Like his brother, he espoused the Union cause, and in 1861 became a member of the Ninth Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, participating in the battles of Shiloh, Perryville, Murfreesboro, Nashville and a number of lesser engagements. He was slightly wounded several times, and was almost constantly in active service until his retirement from the army. By reason of meritorious conduct, he was given a Captain's commission of Company C, Thirty-seventh Kentucky Volunteers about a year after his enlistment, and his official conduct as an officer of the Union army was such as to reflect credit and honor upon himself and company. After the war, he read law in his native State, was admitted to practice, and in 1867 located in Brazil, Ind., practicing his profession in the courts of Clay and adjoining counties. In 1879, he located at Worthington, but the winter of 1883 moved to Bloomfield, which has since been his home. As a counselor and advocate, Mr. Stone is among the first in Greene County and is eminently successful in his profession. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Masonic, K. of P. and K. of H. fraternities. His marriage with Miss Lucy J. Larr was solemnized October 15,1868, and William B., Lillian and Edwin H., are their children. Mrs. Stone was born at Dresden, Ohio, in June, 1844.

Deb Murray