ALEXANDER CRUNK in Marrs Township, near the site of the town of Blackford, the first seat of justice of Posey County, on the 7th of October, 1836, the subject of this sketch first opened his eyes and beheld the light of day. John Crunk, his grandfather, was a native of Tennessee, emigrating and locating in Posey County about the year 18o8. He was the father of Timothy D., who was born after his removal to the County and who the father of Alex. Timothy D. Crunk married Miss Ruth Barton in 1832, and by this union four children were born, three boys and one girl. The parents of Alex. died when he was but thirteen years of age, when he was placed under the care of his uncle, Lewis Barton for whom he labored on the farm three years for his board and clothes. He then engaged himself to another uncle, whom he worked one year, receiving $80 and his board as compensation. Being of an independent disposition and wishing to depend upon his own energies for a living, he began life as a woodchopper, receiving fifty cents per day for his work, at which, together with farm work, he was employed three years. Reaching manhood's estate he made a proposal of marriage to Miss Louisa Dixon, who accepted, and the wedding was consummated September 17, 1857, by which union, nine children were born, five of whom are now living. From, that time until 1869 he followed the pursuit of farming with success, and then removed to Mt. Vernon, where he held the position of jailor eighteen months. In the same year he was the nominee of the Democratic party for Sheriff and was elected by a full majority the party, defeating Herman Munchhoff. In 1872, he was again elected to the office of Sheriff, defeating Jonathan H. Burlison, the most popular  candidate on the Republican ticket. He served in this capacity until 1875, when he returned to his farm, which he managed with peculiar ability until 1878, when he again went before the convention as a candidate for Sheriff, receiving the nomination over sixteen aspirants. His opponent at the election was James N. Johnson, the regular nominee of the Republican convention. In 1880 he was again nominated by his party and defeated Braddock McGregor, an independent but very popular candidate. In all his years of public life he has observed the principles which emanate from a spirit of fairness, and by his straightforward,  impartial conduct in the management of his office he has won a confidence of the people that is decidedly praiseworthy. No one, either in public or private life, stands higher in the esteem of the people than Alex. Crunk, and to this fact his offspring of generations far removed to the future can advert with feelings of pride. His career from early boyhood to man's estate and period to the the present is without a blemish. Few men there are living or have lived who have fought the battle of life and encountered as many obstacles as he have succeeded in maintaining such sterling traits of character. Alex. has always been a Democrat of the pronounced type and no one has labored more earnestly and sincerely to perpetuate the institutions of Democracy. If he has been rewarded he has deserved his pay.

Submitted by: Michael L. Tedrow
History and Directory of Posey County 1882 by: W. P. Leonard


EDWARD BROWN was born at Litchfeld, Lincoln County, Me., October 18, 1824. He the second son of James and Lavina Brown, who were of English-French parentage, their grand parents emigrating to America as early 1722 and who served in the war of the Revolution. Until he was 20 years of age Mr. Brown worked on his father's farm, when he went to Boston, where he began life by peddling stamps for marking clothing, a pursuit he soon tired of and then began work at the carpenters trade, at $3.75 per month. He worked four months and then went to sea as a common sailor, aboard a whaling bark. During the voyage the vessel cruised along the coast of Africa, touched at the Azores Islands and went as far South as the 42d parallel of latitude. The master dying of consumption, he was buried at Pernambuco, Brazil, from whence the vessel was ordered home, having been gone nearly nine months. He then worked at the trade of carpenter at Roxbury, Mass., from April to December, 1846, when he again went to sea, shipping as carpenter. This voyage occupied ten months, during which he was at Mobile Bay, Liverpool, Eng., and Newport, Wales, from thence the vessel returned to Portland, Me., with a cargo of railroad iron. He then went to Bath, Me., where he again engaged at the trade of carpenter, and where he remained two years. On December 3oth, 185o, he started West via Baltimore & Ohio R. R., going as far as Cumberland, Md., thence he walked to Brownsville, Pa., where he boarded a steamer and went to Evansville, reaching that city January 15,1851, which he left and went to New Harmony afoot the following day. He remained at New Harmony until April 26th, when he went to Mt. Vernon, where he worked at the trade of carpenter under Messrs. Hancock and Hendricks, the leading contractors then. For many years Mr. Brown has been the most prominent contractor of Mt. Vernon, and he has done more actual work in improving the town than any other man who has lived in it. Among the many buildings constructed by him are the Presbyterian and M. E. Churches, the high school buildings, the residences of Dr. E. V. Spencer, Judge W. P. Edson, General A. P. Hovey and A. C. McCallister, and the business block fronting on Main, between Second and Third Streets. During the war Mr. Brown tendered his services as a private, but on account of disability he was rejected. He was Captain of the first Company organized for the First Indiana Legion. He also served four months on a transport in the year 1864, when he aided Gen. Banks' army out of Red River. Mr. Brown married Miss E. C. Berg, of Bethlehem, Pa., in 1857, who died a few years afterward, by whom he has two children living, Thomas and Mary. In 1868 he married Miss Margaret Brown, a native of Scotland, but a resident of America nearly all her life, by whom he has one child, Fannie. Mr. Brown's father died in 1862 and his mother in 1870, the former being 69 and the latter 72 years of age. Several of his ancestors were centenarians. No one stands higher for integrity,for generosity and for general worth than Edward Brown.

Submitted by: Michael L. Tedrow
History and Directory of Posey County 1882 by: W. P. Leonard


EDWARD S HAYES April 21, 1836, in Lancaster County, Penn, of which State his father and mother, John and Catherine Hayes, were natives. His father taught school and worked also at the carpenter's trade for the support of the family. In April, 1844, the family emigrated to West Point, Iowa, where they remained until the latter part of May following, when they removed to Clark County, Ohio where the parents died in a few months after their arrival. In August, 1844, Edward came to Posey County, to live with his uncle, Edward Sweeney, a cooper, under whom he learned that trade and with whom he remained until March 4, 1854. He then went to Dayton, Ohio, where he followed his chosen occupation until March, 1855, when he enlisted as a private in the regular army and was sent into rendezvous at Jefferson barracks, near St. Louis. He was soon assigned to Company "D," First Regiment, U. S. Cavalry. In June, 1855, the regiment went to Ft. Leavenworth, remaining there until September following, when it went in pursuit of the Sioux Indians, under Genl. Harney, returning in three months. In 1856 he was engaged with his regiment in the suppression of the border ruffians during the troubles in Kansas that year. In the Summer of 1857, he was sent on-an expeditioh after the Cheyenne Indians, with whom  engagements were had which resulted in a loss of 17 killed and 25 wounded to the troops. After their return to Ft. Leavenworth, the regiment was ordered into quarters for the winter at Ft. Riley. In the Spring of 1858 they were ordered to Utah to suppress the Mormons, who were committing outrages upon emigrants to the Pacific Slope, but were recalled before they reached their destination, owing to a compromise between those people and, the peace Commissioners. They then went to the Indian Territory to quell the Comanches, with whom they had two engagements, sustaining light losses. The regiment remained at Fort Arbuckle until the Summer of 1859, when they were sent to the foot of the Wichita Mountains to build a post. Mr. Hayes was discharged from the service at Fort Smith, March 4, 1860, when he returned to Posey County, remaining there until July, 1861, when he enlisted in the service of the Rebellion as First Lieutenant of Co. "H," First Ind. Cavalry. He remained in the service until January 4, 1862, when he resigned, at Pilot Knob, Mo. He then went to St. Louis and was engaged in the recruiting service, three months, and then went to Pittsburgh Landing and served in the quarter master's department of Genl. Denver's Brigade, remaining there until August, 1862, when he returned home. On May 28, 1863, he was united in marriage to Miss Annie Musselman, of Clark County, Ohio, by which union nine children were born, six of whom are living. Mr. Hayes re-entered the service of the Rebellion in January, 1865, and was assigned to the 144th Ind. Infantry Volunteers, Hancock's corps. He served as second Lieutenant until August 5th, when he was mustered out of service at Winchester, Va., returning home in September following. On December 26, 1865, he was elected Marshall of Mt. Vernon, a position he has held ever since, with the exception of two terms. Mr. Hayes has proved himself to be an efficent and vigilant officer and he is a man who is fearless in the discharge of his duty. As a soldier, as a citizen and as an officer he has always been worthy of the confidence reposed in him.

Submitted by: Michael L. Tedrow
History and Directory of Posey County 1882 by: W. P. Leonard


HENRY BRINKMAN manufacturer of Mt. Vernon, was born in the Duchy of Leppe-Detmold, now a part of Prussia, June 16,1825. Until the age of fourteen years he attended school, obtaining a fair education, and then worked for six years in a brickyard, learning the business. He then acquired the trade of wagon-making, at which he was employed for about five years. In 1850 he emigrated to America, and upon landing went directly to Evansville, Indiana, where he remained two months, then he went to Mt. Vernon, being obliged to walk the whole distance, as he had no money to pay his fare. He secured steady employment at wagon-making, and at the end of the year formed a partnership with his employer, Gotlieb Koerner, in the manufacture of wagons. This connection lasted two years, when the partnership was mutually dissolved and for a period of seven or eight years afterwards he engaged in the manufacture of agricultural implements and wagons alone. He then became associated with John H. Barter, in the same business, the firm employing from fifteen to twenty men, the partnership continuing until 1861. In this year he again embarked in business on his own responsibility in a small shop, when he began the manufacture of the "Brinkman Wagon," having but a single apprentice to assist him in the prosecution of his labors. He found a ready sale for his products, and as they gave excellent satisfaction, his trade increased so that he was soon obliged to enlarge his facilities. Gradually his business improved, and he now employs from twelve to fifteen hands during the entire year in the manufacture of wagons and buggies, which have acquired a high reputation for their excellence and durability. He has recently begun the manufacture of a new style of plow, invented by himself called the "Posey Clipper," and is also engaged in the manufacture of draintile, which gives employment to thirty-five men. In 1869 he established a brickyard and was largely engaged as a brick manufacturer until 1875. In 1877 he formed a copartnership with William Burtis, and opened a depot at Mt. Vernon for the sale of all kinds of agricultural implements. This copartnership existed until the Fall of 1881, when Mr. Burtis retired from the firm. Immediately after this occurred, Mr. Brinkman's sons, Henry A. and Charles F. W., were associated with him, and the firm is now known as Henry Brinkman & Sons. The sales of the firm in this department alone aggregate the handsome sum of $40,000 per annum. They contemplate adding a stock of heavy hardware, a feature that must greatly augment their yearly sales. For five years Mr. Brinkman was President of the Manufacturers' Aid Society, of Mt. Vernon, of which he was also a director until its organization ceased. In 1869 he was elected a member of the City Council, holding the office two years, and was elected to the same office in 1878 and was re-elected in 1880 for the same length of time.

He has been a Republican since the first election of Abraham Lincoln. He was married in October, 1852, at Mt. Vernon, to Miss Margaret Hahn. They have had ten children, four sons and six daughters, all of whom are living. They also have five grand children. Mr. Brinkman is emphatically a self-made man. Having begun life with no capital but his hands and brains, he has built up by industry and energy a thriving manufacturing establishment, and has by his upright and honorable dealings won the respect and esteem of the community in which he resides. He is largely endowed with a spirit of public improvement and is untiring in his efforts to promote the interests of the city and County, whose welfare he has at heart. Mr. Brinkman was the nominee of the Republican County Convention for Commissioner of the First District in 1876, but was defeated at the regular election, because of the great difference in strength of the representative parties.

Submitted by: Michael L. Tedrow
History and Directory of Posey County 1882 by: W. P. Leonard


JUDGE WM. P. EDSON is a native of Posey County, having been born in Mt. Vernon, May 14, 1834. His father, Eben D. Edson. in 1828, emigrated from Otsego County, New York, locating at Mt. Vernon in the same year, where he began the practice of law, in which he soon distinguished himself and earned the reputation of being one of the most accomplished practitioners at the bar. In the year 1829 he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah L. Phelps, who came from Litchfield, Connecticut, where she was born. Eben D. Edson died March 4, 1846, and during a residence of eighteen years in Posey County he held the position of Prosecuting Attorney two terms, was elected Treasurer of the County one term, was a Representative in the Legislature and occupied the position of Judge of the Circuit Court by appointment on several occasions. The mother of Judge Edson survived her husband until Sept. 2, 1868, when she died, having lived to see her son attain a high position amongst his fellow men, whose greatest confidence and esteem he had won by the uniform kindness and genial disposition which he inherited from her. Judge Edson entered the common schools of Mr. Vernon when quite young, and when he was but twelve years of age his father became his preceptor in the study of Latin, at which be showed a proficiency rarely exhibited by children of that age. He finished his education under the tutorage of Joseph S. Barwick, who was considered a finished Greek and Latin scholar and who won the affection of his pupils by his courteous demeanor and kind treatment. Immediately after bidding adieu to the school room as a student Judge Edson sought and obtained a position as the teacher of a school in the country, a few miles distant from Mt. Vernon, where he remained one term, when he accepted a similar position in town, where he taught two terms. Upon the advice of his friends, Judge Edson, when entering upon man's estate, read every volume in the library of the township that was calculated to enrich his mind. He has always been a close and industrious student, and in consequence of this fact he has obtained a fund of information, which at once marks him as a man of intelligence and thorough mental training. When he was nineteen years of age he entered the law office of Judge John Pitcher, with whom he studied law two years, when he was admitted to practice. That was in May, 1855. In October, 1856, he was elected Representative in the Legislature, being the youngest member. of that body. During his term of office as a Legislator he was placed upon several very important Committees, and was made Chairman of the Committee on the State Library. He introduced a bill authorizing a geological survey of the State, making several speeches advocating its passage, on which he was highly complimented by the leading papers of the State. The bill became a law at the session of the Legislature which convened the year following. In 1858 Judge Edson was elected Prosecting Attorney for Posey and Gibson Counties, holding the position one term. In 1860 he was elected Clerk of the Posey Circuit Court, succeeding Turner Nelson, an office he held four years. At the expiration of his term of office he resumed the practice of law, which he continued until November 25, 1871, when he was appointed Judge of the Common Pleas for Posey, Gibson, Vanderburgh and Warrick Counties, by Governor Conrad Baker. He presided over this Court one year,when he resigned, the salary being deemed insufficient. During his incumbency of the Judgeship, Judge Edson, by his impartial and able rulings, acquired the reputation as a lawyer of great merit. Since then, he has followed his profession with a degree of success which must be complimentary to him indeed. Judge Edson was married to Miss Ruphene Lockwood, of Mt. Vernon, on January 1, 1862, by which union they have had five children, three of whom are living. Previous to the beginning of the late civil war, Judge Edson was a Democrat, but ever since that event he has labored zealously for the success of the Republicans. He was nominated Judge of the Supreme Court at the Republican State Convention held at Indianapolis in 1876, but he, with the whole Republican ticket, was defeated. At that election Judge W. E. Niblack was the opponent of Judge Edson. In 1866 he was Chairman of the Republican County Central Committee, and it was largely owing to his ability in the management of affairs that the party was successful in Posey County that year, the first time in its history. He not only devoted all his energies and time to the end that the Republican party might be successful, but he was very liberal in the expenditure of his individual means as well. He has been identified very prominently with the growth of the County, never failing to respond to such demands as were calculated to promote its best interests. He was the chief participant in the movement hich resulted in the organization of the Mt. Vernon & Grayville Railroad Co., of which he was a Director and the Secretary. Such men as Judge Epson are not numerous, possessing as he does the mental attributes of a high and noble manhood. Such men as he should be placed in positions of honor and trust, and we know of none just at this time which he could fill with greater credit to his State than that of Supreme Judge. Posey County should and does feel proud of such men as he.

Submitted by: Michael L. Tedrow
History and Directory of Posey County 1882 by: W. P. Leonard


MRS. M. ALEXANDER was born in Posey County, June 14,1842. Her parents, George and Martha Greathouse, were of German descent, her father being a native of Kentucky, while her mother was a Virgininn by birth. Her father died when Mrs. Alexander had but reached the tender age of seven months. After a few years her mother was again married, an event that was unfortunate for the children of the widow, as the step-father proved to be a man of an exacting and domineering disposition and bitterly opposed to the education of the children at the district school. Although the parents were in moderate circumstances and able to give the children the advantages of a common school education, they were denied them by the father and compelled to remain at home. Fortunately, the mother was a woman of culture and desired to instruct and prepare the children for positions in the affairs of the world by which they could attain distinction in social and business relations above the common level of mankind. It was while she was under the care and tutorage of her mother that Mrs. Alexander acquired a taste for study, and it was at that time when her ambition to excel in intellectual attainments received its first nourishment; and from that time onward she has assiduously cultivated her intellect, and has been frequently encouraged by seeing the fruits of her labors in the columns papers of high reputation. Her advantages at school have been limited, one year at the Catholic academy of St. Vincent, near Morganfield,Ky., comprising the whole of her school training. This was in 1860. When she returned home she opened and taught a country school six months, assisting in the work of the household at the same time. When the Civil War began, her brother, F. M. Greathouse, enlisted as a Soldier in the First Cavalry, Indiana Volunteers, and his absence made it necessary for Mrs. Alexander to devote her whole time to the work of the farm for the support of the family. In 1863 she was married to Andrew Lynne Alexander, a man of sterling worth and intellectual ability, by which union, in 1864, her only daughter, Rosemonde, was born. In 1866 her husband died, leaving her with the cares and responsibility of a mother and the manager of the estate. For six years after the demise of her husband she attended the farm and conducted the business with eminent successs and ability, devoting all her leisure time to literary work, reading books of standard authors and occasionally contributing to the local press. That she might give her daughter the advantages of the schools, she removed, in 1872, to Mt Vernon, where she pursued her literary work with renewed energy. During the period that has intervened, Mrs. Alexander has published two books, "Here and Hereafter" and "Going West"; has contributed to several papers, and now has several books ready for the press, among which is "Worth Wins", a novel possessing merit; also a number of poems unpublished, a drama in five acts, the scenes representing the life and assassination of President Lincoln, entitled "From the Hovel to the Hall". Mrs. Alexander is special correspondent of the Indianapolis Times. She is a zealous advocate of temperance and Christianity, is opposed to woman's suffrage and is a self-made woman in all that the term implies.

Submitted by: Michael L. Tedrow
History and Directory of Posey County 1882 by: W. P. Leonard


PHILO A. HUTCHESON was born October 25, 1835, on the farm adjoining that section on which the town of Blackford, the first seat of justice of Posey County, was situated. His father, Wm. Hutcheson, was a native of Ireland, and was one of the earliest settlers in Marrs Township, at whose house the first session of the Commissioner's Court was held. His mother's maiden name was Martha Haycock, who was a native of Georgia. Their marriage occured in Posey County, about the year 1815, by which union they were blessed with nine children, Philo being the youngest. Wm. Hutcheson was a weaver by trade, but depended more on farming for his support after his arrival in this country. When Philo was quite young his father died, and at the age of fourteen years, the care of his mother and sister fell largely upon him. He followed the pursuit of a farmer, attending the district school during the Winter seasons, where he acquired a knowledge of the ordinary branches of education taught in the schools at that time. On March 23, 1856, he was married to Miss Harriett Higgins, with whom he lived happily until January 28, 1879, when she died. By this union they had ten children, four daughters and six sons, nine of whom are now living. He wasagain married on November 6, 1879, to Mrs. Martha Blount. In August 1879, while oiling a threshing machine he met with an accident by which he was deprived of four fingers. In April, 1872, he removed to Mt. Vernon, where in June following he was appointed Constable by the Board of Commissioners, and at the October election following, was elected Constable of Black Township, defeating a popular opponent. During his term of office he showed great efficiency, and by his courteous treatment and his faithful performance of duty he won many friends, who solicited him in the Summer of 1874, to become a candidate before the Democratic County Convention for Recorder. He was nominated over four candidates and at the election which ensued in October of the same year, he received a majority of 1,131, the largest majority ever received by any candidate in the County. He gave universal satisfaction in the management of his office, and as a tribute to his capacity and his integrity, he was renominated in 1878, when his election  was unanimous, he having no opposition. Mr. Hutcheson has always been a consistent Democrat, yet this fact has never been considered when he offered himself to the suffrage of the people for office. Republican votes were cheerfully cast for him,even when he could least expect them; a compliment to his character which speaks in tones of greatest praise. Whatever may be his aspirations, whether of a political nature or what not, they will be treated with a regard that must redound to his high standing and his merited rewards.

Submitted by: Michael L. Tedrow
History and Directory of Posey County 1882 by: W. P. Leonard


MAJOR SYLVANUS MILNER was born at Minerva, Stark County, Ohio, August 24, 1833, where he remained until he was eight years of age, when be removed with his parents to Wayne County, Ill., who resided there until 1844, when they located at Mt. Vernon. He acquired an education at the common schools and at the State University of Indiana, and when he was eighteen years of age, was appointed Deputy Postmaster under John Wilson, holding the position two years. He worked at and learned the wagon-making trade, but never followed it as an occupa-tion after serving an apprenticeship. He followed the occupation of merchant's clerk from 1854 to 1862, when he was appointed Surveyor of the port of Mt. Vernon. This position he held until 1863, when he became fired with the spirit of patriotism, and his desire to serve his country led to his enlistment in the service of the Rebellion. He organized Companies "A" and "K" of the Tenth Cavalry, Indiana Volunteers, and was mustered as Captain of the former Company. He served with the Company one year, when he was promoted Major of the regiment, remaining in that position until the close of the war. Previous to his enlistment in the regular service, he commanded a Company of Artillery in the First Indiana Legion. On his return from the service he engaged in mercantile pursuits a short time, when he began the extensive manufacture of brick. This enterprise led to the erection of the Masonic Temple at Mt. Vernon, with which he was prominently identified. He was appointed  Postmaster by President Grant in 1869, and held the position with honor to himself and credit to the community, showing great efficiency in the management of the office. He resigned in February, 1882.  For sixteen years he has been a prominent Mason, is a staunch Republican, has considerable knowledge of astronomy, and has views of religion peculiar to him-self. He is a bachelor, is a man of genial nature and is emphatically a man of public spirit.

Submitted by: Michael L. Tedrow
History and Directory of Posey County 1882 by: W. P. Leonard