Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Paoli Township

AARON SPEER, County Commissioner, was born in Orange County, Ind., November 3, 1820, and is the third son of Moses and Anna Speer, whose maiden name was Voris, and is of German-Irish lineage. The father of Mr. Speer was born in North Carolina and his mother was a native of the Old Penn State. The Speer family came to Orange County in its pioneer days and began at once to clear a farm from the then dense and almost Unbroken forest. The father of our subject died in this county in 1841, and his mother, who is now ninety-five years of age, resides with her son. Mr. Speer spent his earlier years in attending the district schools, working on the farm and teaching school, at which he was very successful, and has taught as many as twenty terms in Orange County. By occupation he is a farmer, and now has nearly 200 acres of well-improved land. His marriage occurred in 1852 to Miss Mary M. Frost, who bore him two children, and died in 1857, and in 1858 Mr. Speer was married to Miss Mary M. Fulton, a native of Orange County, Ind. To this union have been born four children, all of whom deceased. Politically Mr. Speer is a staunch Democrat, and for many years has been identified with the interests of that party. Formerly he held the office of School Examiner, and in 1876 was elected County Commissioner, and re-elected to the same office in 1880, and is now President of the Board. For twenty-nine years he has been a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and has been a local minister in that church for twenty years. Mrs. Speer is a member of the same church. For more than a half century Mr. Speer has been a resident of Orange County, and is one of its best citizens.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Paoli Township

A. B. SPEER, one of the county's few remaining old settlers and one of her prominent men, was born in the State of Kentucky June 20, 1808, and is the oldest of eleven children of Moses and Ann (Voris) Speer. His parents were natives of Maryland, and came to this county at the early date of 1820. Ashbury remained with his parents on the farm, securing a limited education, and at the age of nearly twenty began the battle of life for himself. March 2, 1828, he married Margaret Booth, and to this union seven children were born, of whom the following three are now living: Melinda, now the widow of Isaac Fight; Ann J., who became the wife of Abner Powell, and Paulina, who married James Mitchell. Mr. Speer has followed the honorable and independent occupation of farming during his long life, and by honesty, sobriety and industry has a comfortable home and a farm of 200 acres of well improved land (Northwest Township). Mr. Speer is the link which connects the age of flat-boats and sickles with the age of self-binders, telephones and lightning express trains. When he first came here he had to go fifty miles to mill. He is a stanch Democrat and holds a letter of membership in the Baptist Church. He is one of the best citizens.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Northwest Township

YOUNG L. STALCUP was born in this county September 30, 1848, being the oldest of seven children of Charles M. and Mary J. (Wright) Stalcup. The children of these parents were: Young L., Benjamin F., Isom G. (deceased), Ruth A., John W., Clara E., (deceased), and Rebecca (deceased). The parents were native of Indiana, and were married about 1856, and were people of high respectability. In August 1861, the father enlisted in Company D, Sixty-sixth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and after faithfully following the fortunes of war, finally died in Andersonville Prison, December, 1863, a martyr of the slave-holders' rebellion. There his dust lies buried. His wife yet survives, at the age of about sixty-two years, and is a member of the Regular Baptist Church, and the wife of Henry Stalcup. Our subject lived with his mother until thirteen years of age, and then worked in various places in this State and Illinois, securing what educationhe could. At the age of twenty he began to teach, which business he followed until him marriage to Miss Charlotte M., daughter of James and Eleanor (Hollowell) Walker, February 18, 1877. These parents have five children: Cora A., James O., Benjamin F., Arlie O., and an infant deceased. Mr. Stalcup is a Republican, and is now Township Trustee, being elected in the spring of 1884. He owns seventy-two acres of land, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Southeast Township

JOHN H. STEERS, who has been connected with the business interests of Orleans for the past forty years, is a native of the town and county where he now lives and was born March 12, 1822. His father, John Steers, was of Detroit, Mich., and while a young man located at Jeffersonville, Ind., where he secured a good education. On attaining his majority he came to Orleans and established the first store of the place, and afterward became interested in several other enterprises of the town. His wife was Nancy Parson, of Orange County, N.C., whom he married in 1820. His death occurred in March, 1828, his wife surviving until 1865. John H. Steers, their son, has always been a resident of his native county. His early days were passed on a farm, but later in life engaged in the butcher and grocery business in Orleans, which he continued for thirty-five years. For the past five years he has been engaged in keeping hotel. He has served as Justice of the Peace of his township for twenty years, and has held several minor offices to the town. In politics he is a Republican, and generally takes a lively interest in public affairs. Miss Lottie Wheat became his wife in 1847, and to their union six children were born, John H., William H., Thomas J., Lottie L., Samuel P. and Matilda E. His second wife was Parmelia Ferguson, of Lawrence County, whose death occurred December 3, 1879. By this third wife, Lilia Hendrick, of Washington County, he is father of two children: Edwin M. S. and Nancy P. E.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Orleans Township

ROBERT A. STREET, a prominent citizen and native of Orangeville Township, was born November 26, 1846, being the sixth of ten children born to James and Elizabeth (McCracken) Street. His parents were both natives of North Carolina, his father having come to this State about the year 1830. Our subject remained at home until twelve years of age, when he went to live with his brother-in-law, Michael W. Ham, to learn the tanner's trade. Soon after this the Rebellion broke out and Mr. Ham enlisted, leaving our subject to see to the welfare of his family. Mr. Ham died in the service and Robert lived with his sister until he had attained the age of twenty-one years. He received a common school education. October 21, 1869, his marriage with Maria J. Mathers was solemnized, and to their union five children have been born, of whom these four are now living: William M., Pearly A., Bertha M. and Ara, all at home with their parents. His occupation has been principally farming, and he has been quite successful in that pursuit and now owns 140 acres of well-improved land. Mr. and Mrs. Street are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His political views are Republican.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Orangeville Township

ABRAHAM C. STILL, M. D., was born in Washington County, Ind., January 2, 1827, son of George Still, of Shelby County, Ky., and grandson of Murphy D. Still, of England, a soldier in the Continental Army during the Revolution. After the war Murphy located in Kentucky, where he was married, and in 1814 came to Washington County, this State. He and wife were parents of nine children, one being George W., who married Anna Hove. These parents had nine children--Abram C. being one. The father died April 29, 1860, but the mother is yet living. Abram C. was reared upon a farm with limited education, but later attended Asbury University. At the age of twenty-one years, he began the study of medicine, and later attended medical school at Indianapolis. In 1856 he graduated in medicine from the University of Louisville. He began practicing at Palmyra, continuing until 1866, when he moved to Campbellsburg and remained there until 1876, when he came to his present location (Paoli Township). He was married to Mrs. Lucinda (Chatain) Kirk, November 18, 1870. She had been twice married previously: first to John H. Warren, by whom she had four children; and second to Stephen R. Kirk, by whom she had two children. Dr. Still had also been twice married previously: first, to Elizabeth E. Johnson, who bore him three children; and second to Angeline Keithley, who bore him one child. Dr. Still has been successful in his difficult profession. He owns a farm of eighty acres, is a Democrat, a Mason, and a leading citizen.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Paoli Township

LEROY D. STONE is a native of Clark County, Ky., where he was born March 6, 1827, the fifth of seven children of William and Nancy (Oliver) Stone. The parents were natives of Kentucky, and came to Indiana in 1831, locating first in Jennings County, but two years later coming to this county, where they lived well known and highly respected until their deaths. The father's death occurred August 30, 1840, and the mother's, November 15, 1869. While yet a boy, Leroy learned the cabinet trade at Paoli, under Henry Miller, and in 1855 he engaged in that business in Montgomery County, continuing until 1869, then moving to Kansas, where he engaged in farming for about nine years. He then returned to Montgomery County, and soon afterward to this county, where he yet is. January 7, 1856, he married Mahala J. Durham, and eight of their nine children are living: Charles B., Mary, who married Frederick Geiger; Cora L., the wife of William Porter; Kate D., Joseph H., Frank, Albert and Harry. Mr. Stone is a stanch Republican and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Orangeville Township

IRAM STOUT, one of the prominent settlers of Paoli Township, is a native of Orange County, N.C., and was born December 15, 1808. His parents were John and Elizabeth (Moon) Stout, who came to this county about the year 1815, where they ever after lived. John Stout was not an educated man and followed farming all his life. When he came to Indiana he had no property, but succeeded in acquiring a good competence for life. Iram was the oldest of nine children, and his education was limited to the pioneer schools of his day. Most of his life has been spent in farming, and his present farm of 190 acres, indicates abundant success. He engaged in hotel-keeping at Orleans, Ind., for a short time. His first marriage was in the fall of 1831 with Nancy Thomas, who bore him nine children, seven of whom are now living, among them the enterprising business men of Paoli, the Stout Brothers. His second wife was Mrs. Elizabeth J. (Williams) Wolfington, who is a member of the Society of Friends. Mr. Stout was formerly a Whig, but in 1860, with a majority of that party he became a Republican and has remained so ever since.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Paoli Township

GEORGE H. STOUT, son of Abraham and Lena (Anthony) Stout, who were of German descent and who are yet living in the Keystone State, is a native of Northampton County, Penn., his birth occurring January 24, 1856. He remained at home until a young man, assisting his father, learning blacksmithing and working at his trade, but in 1876 started West to build up a home for himself. He located in Paoli, Ind., where he commenced working at his trade, and where by energy and industry he has built up a good business in the manufacture of buggies, spring and farm wagons, and general blacksmithing. Mr. Stout is one of the thorough-going, self-relying men of Paoli; is a Democrat in politics, and both he and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. In 1880 Miss Mary Dickey became Mrs. George H. Stout and two children are the result of this union, named Lena and Henry.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Paoli Township

HON. JAMES F. STUCKER was born in Harrison County, Ind., in 1831; son of Rev. David W. and Ann (Lister) Stucker, and is of German lineage. The father of Mr. Stucker was born in Franklin County, Ky., in 1802, and his grandfather in North Carolina in 1773, and the great-grandfather was a Virginian, and was killed by Indians. In 1806 the father of Mr. Stucker came to the Territory that now composes Indiana, and settled in what is now Washington County, formerly Harrison. At an early age he began to preach, at which he continued until his death, which occurred in 1881 at New Albany, Ind. He was one of the pioneer ministers of the Hoosier State. The early life of the subject of this sketch was spent on the farm and at carpentering. In 1861 he enlisted in the United States Army, in Company K, Sixty-third Indiana Volunteers. He was commissioned Captain of his Company in July, 1865,. Mr. Stucker was at the battles of Shiloh, Forts Henry and Donelson, Champion Hills, Raymond, Vicksburg, Atlanta, Savannah, and many others, and was with Sherman to the sea. Capt. Stucker was honorably discharged in 1865. In 1866 he came to Orange County and settled in Paoli, where he has since resided. The same year he purchased a one-half interest in what has since been known as the King & Stucker Mill, and this interest Mr. Stucker has since retained. In 1870 he was elected Sheriff of Orange County, and served one term. In 1878 he was elected to represent the counties of Orange and Crawford in the General Assembly of Indiana, and was re-elected to the same office in 1882. During the first session he introduced in the House twenty-three bills, and thirteen during the second session. The marriage of Capt. Stucker took place in 1870 to Miss Jane Jordan, of Corydon, Ind., who bore him five children, all of which are deceased and as follows: John, Minnie, Katie, James and an infant that died unnamed. Capt. Stucker is an uncompromising Democrat, a member of the Masonic fraternity, and one of the leading and honorable men of southern Indiana.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Paoli Township

JOHN R. SUTHERLIN is the son of Charles and Frances (Nugent) Sutherlin, and was born in Orange County, Ind., March 11, 1850. His father, Charles, was a native of the "Old North State," where he was born in the year 1795. The Sutherlin family came to Orange County at the very early date of 1811, where they encountered many hardships, not only from the lack of comforts and conveniences, but from danger from the wild animals and Indians. The war of 1812 caused the Indians to take up the hatchet, and the early settlers were forced for safety to take refuge in block-houses and forts until danger was passed. Charles was a farmer but operated a tread-power saw-mill in early times. John R. was reared a farmer. December 2, 1880, he wedded Eugenie, daughter of Dawson L. and Nancy (Davis) Woodard. This lady was born in Washington County, February 1, 1860, and has presented her husband with one child, Ida G., born August 15, 1882. The parents are members of the Christian Church and worthy people.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Orleans Township

CAPT. WILLIAM T. SWIFT, a farmer of Jackson Township, was born in Oldham County, Ky., March 20, 1834. He is the third child and oldest son of thirteen children born to John and Eliza A. (Dawkins) Swift, who were natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Kentucky. They were married in the latter State, where they have ever since lived, Mr. Swift now representing his county in the State Legislature. William T. Swift received a liberal education in the schools of his native State, and taught several terms both before and after marriage. Besides this he worked at house-carpentering for some time. His marriage with Miss Mary E. Black, of his native county, occurred December 28, 1854, and by her he is the father of three children, born and named as follows: William, November 27, 1856; Alice J., February 12, 1859; Annie J., August 18, 1878. His farm of 180 acres is well-improved and cultivated, and he devotes considerable attention to stock-raising. His wife is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. He enlisted in Company H, Ninety-third Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, August 20, 1862, and at its organization was elected its Captain. He served his country as a faithful soldier in the war of the Rebellion until its close, and was honorably discharged at Memphis, Tenn., August 10, 1865. Mr. Swift came to Indiana in the fall of 1860, and located in Jackson Township, Orange County, where he has ever since been one of the foremost citizens.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Jackson Township

HANSON TALBOT, a prominent old settler of this township, was born in Scott County, Ky., August 30, 1809, being the second of ten children of Gassaway and Sarah (Gillums) Talbot, both natives of Maryland. The parents were industrious and exemplary people who came to this county about the year 1825, where they lived honored and respected until their deaths. Hanson remained with his parents on the farm at hard work and with no such educational advantages as exist at present, until he reached the age of twenty-two, when he was married, December 28, 1831, to Mary Allegay, and to their union eleven children have been born, six now living: Thomas, who married Parthena Kirk, since deceased; Shadrach, whose wife was Albertine Zine; Evaline, who became the wife of John Gerkin; Samuel, who married Sarah Pipher; Hannah E., the wife of Edmund Barclay, and Rosa Z., wife of Charles Neidefer. December 9, 1881, Mr. Talbot lost his wife and life-long companion by death. He has been a successful farmer, and now owns about 475 acres of land, probably half of which is in timber. He is a Democrat, and during the war, though far over age, was Captain of a company of Home Guards.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Northwest Township

WILLIAM TEAFORD was born in Floyd County, Ind., August 1, 1839. He is the seventh of nine children born to his parents, who were George and Mary (Palmer) Teaford, and both natives of Augusta County, Va. Their settlement in Orange County dates from the fall of 1839. The father died in 1852, and the mother in 1871. William Teaford enjoyed the usual privileges of the common schools of his early life, but his education was not extended beyond them. He remained on the old homestead with his parents until their death, and was raised to a farmer's life. He was joined in matrimony to Sarah E. Apple, on the 1st of November, 1860, and the result of their union is a family of five children: Mary M. (deceased), Sarah E., George T., Eliza A. (deceased), and Cora E. Mr. Teaford owns a farm of 140 acres, on which he reside in happiness with is family. They are members of the United Brethren Church, and generally do their share to support that and other laudable enterprises of the community. He is a Democrat in politics, and was for a time Township Trustee, but he resigned that office before his term had expired.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Greenfield Township

JOSEPH TEGARDEN, a representative of one of the oldest and best families of Orange County, Ind., was here born July 13, 1833. Andrew Tegarden, his father, was born March 15, 1802, in Shelby County, Ky., a son of Basil and Annie (Todd) Tegarden, and selected for a wife Mrs. Miranda (Brooks) Finley. Both he and parents settled in Orange County, Ind., when it was yet fresh from the fashioning hand of the Creator, and experienced all the hardships incident to pioneer life. Joseph Tegarden has always considered his native county his home. After receiving a common school education in youth hee nlisted for the late war in Company A, Thirty-eighth Regiment Indiana Infantry, and served until just before Atlanta, when he was honorably discharged by reason of expiration of term of service. At the battle of Perryville he was captured and held prisoner until exchanged, then rejoined his regiment at Murfreesboro and participated in that engagement and Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge and Peach Tree Creek. Mr.Tegarden was a brave soldier and rendered efficient services in his country's cause. He is a Republican in politics, and is a member of the G.A.R. and Methodist Episcopal Church. He was married, September 20, 1866,to Millie, the daughter of William Wallace, who bore him two children--Rosa E. and Margaret A. The mother was born April 2, 1842, and died August 5,1870. Amanda, daughter of David and Priscilla (Haines) Worrell, became his second wife in 1871, and died in 1882, after bearing these children: Amelia B., Clara E., Mary D., Nora M., Priscilla P., Eliza L. and Maud.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Northeast Township

GEORGE W. TEGARDEN was born in Orange County, Ind., March 5, 1846, son of Columbus and Hannah (Mahan) Tegarden; the former born in Shelby County, Ky., April 13, 1813, and his wife in Orange County, April 15, 1822. The paternal and maternal grandparents of our subject, were among the early settlers of Orange County. The father of our subject was one of the successful men of the county, having started in life with but little property. He was a good example of what is called a "self-made man," having by hard work acquired at his death, October 6, 1874, over 1,000 acres of land in Orange County, and other land in Iowa. George W. has been a resident of the county all his life with the exception of three years in the last war. In 1862 he enlisted in the Sixty-sixth Indiana Regiment; was in a number of the hard-fought battles, among which were Richmond, Ky., where he was taken prisoner; was paroled and in three months exchanged and joined his regiment; took part in the Battles of Dallas, Jonesboro, siege of Atlanta and many skirmishes; was with Sherman in his "march to the sea." October 6, 1870, he married Sarah E., daughter of Aaron Wright, a prominent old settler of Lawrence County, Ind., where Mrs. Tegarden was born, February 6, 1849. Three children have been born to them: Minnie M., Annie J. and one who died in infancy. Mr. Tegarden owns a fine farm of 160 acres. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church, and he is a stanch Republican.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Orleans Township

ROBERT TEGARDEN, deceased, was a native of Fayette County, Ky., and was born November 22, 1811. His parents were Basil and Nancy (Todd) Tegarden, who located in Orange County, Ind., in 1813, in that portion now known as Northeast Township. Robert was a farmer by occupation, and by industry and economy succeeded in acquiring a considerable portion of this world's goods, owning 800 acres of land. August 8, 1838, Susan Reed became his wife. She was a daughter of William Reed, and was born November 27, 1813. To Mr. and Mrs. Tegarden six children have been born, only John A., yet living. They were for many years prominent members of the Christian Church; her death occurred February 20, 1880, and his February 22, 1880. Both after a long and active life were laid to rest in the same grave. John A., like his father before him, has chosen farming as his avocation, and is now living on a part.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Orleans Township