CAPT. ALFRED MYLER, one of the oldest residents and pioneers of Spencer County, came to Indiana at the age of nineteen, and located in Harrison County, where in March, 1829, he married Margaret Taylor. After his marriage he remained in Harrison County one year, after which he came to Spencer County, Ind., and located on Corn Island, where he leased land for four years. He then bought forty acres of land, to which, by energy and close application, he added, until, in 1860, he had over 1,000 acres. At the breaking out of the war he raised Company C, Forty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, of which he was commissioned captain. He, together with his company, participated in the battle of Perryville, and numerous lesser engagements. He gave the best of satisfaction to his regiment as an officer, but owing to ill-health he was compelled to return home, receiving his discharge in June, 1863. January 15, 1864, Mrs. Myler died. To their union had been born eight children, only three of whom, John, Franklin and Mattie (Mrs. W.A. Moody), are now living. November 17, 1869, Mr. Myler was again united in marriage with Ruth Goddard, a native of Switzerland County, Ind. Both himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Myler was born August 4, 1809, in Washington County, Va., being the oldest son in the family of three boys and one girl, born to James and Martha (Bowls) Myler, natives of Virginia and North Carolina. In 1811 they came to Floyd County, Ky. In 1815 he sold his property and was preparing to go to the State of Tennessee, when he was killed by an enemy. His widow kept the family together, and by the advice of friends she made several removals, attempting to better the condition of herself and children. She died in Illinois i 1841.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Hammond Township" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885


CHARLES T. NELSON was born in Licking County, Ohio, April 24, 1827, and was one of a family of three sons and seven daughters, born to James and Hannah (Rose) Nelson, natives of Kentucky and Maryland, respectively. The former followed farming, merchandising and pork dealing, in Ohio, until 1848, when, having met with reverses on account of the financial depression of that year, he moved to DeKalb County, Ind. There he purchased a farm of 600 acres, which he managed until he retired from business. He then gave a farm to each of his daughters, but gave nothing to his sons. He died in 1881, at the age of eighty-five years. His widow died two years later, at the age of ninety years. Charles T. Nelson received but little education in his youth. At the age of fourteen he entered a store as a clerk, and continued at that work until attaining his majority. In the meantime he studied during leisure hours, and prepared himself for teaching, which he followed for a short time. He also ran a peddler's wagon for a time. In 1851 he came to Spencer County, and located at Enterprise, where he was engaged in mercantile pursuits for two years. From 1854 until 1867 he followed the same business at Grandview, since which time he has been engaged in general trading. He has been very successful, and has by industry, economy and integrity accumulated a competency. November 11, 1855, he married Adaline Greathouse, a native of Spencer County. They have had four children, James G., Mary A. (deceased), who was the wife of Capt. John James, Charles L. (deceased) and Joe Hooker. Politically Mr. Nelson is a Democrat. During the war he was a stanch Union man, and was made captain of the Home Guards. He was also Provost-Marshal.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Hammond Township" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885


JAMES H. PICKETT, a native of Switzerland County, Ind., was born January 13, 1819, being one in a family of fourteen children. His parents were Younger and Nancy (Scott) Pickett, natives respectively of Virginia and North Carolina. Soon after their marriage they removed to near Lexington, Ky., where they lived upwards of fifteen years. Then after a brief residence in Brown County, Ohio, they went to Switzerland County, Ind., where they spent the remainder of their days. James H. Pickett, on account of the meager facilities afforded, received little or no education. At the early age of seventeen he married Mary A. Evett, a native of Ireland, to whom ten children were born, five of whom William O., Michael, James H., Mary E. (Mrs. William Fowler), and Marshall are living. After marriage he went to Pope County, Ill., remaining two years. He then returned to his native county, where he rented and leased land for about fifteen years. In 1853 he moved to Crawford County, Ind., where he lived until 1875. Since that year he has occupied his present residence. July 12, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Twenty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Kenesaw Mountain and numerous lesser engagements. July 16, 1864, he was mustered out and returned home.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Hammond Township" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885


THOMAS RAY, a prominent farmer of Hammond Township, was reared at home, receiving a common school education. He worked on the farm for his father until August, 1862, when he enlisted in Company K, Fourth Indiana Cavalry, for the term of three years. He participated in the battle of Chichamauga, and numerous lesser engagements. He was mustered out July 4, 1865. September 27, 1870, he married Mary Ludwick, a native of Nelson County, Ky., to whom were born three children. Two, Mertie and Perlie, are living. After marriage he rented the old homestead and continued to do so until 1872, when he purchased a farm of eighty acres, to which he has since added sixty acres. In politics he is a Republican. He is a member of the I.O.O.F., and his wife is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Ray was born in Spencer County, Ind., October 18, 1842, being the first son in a family of four sons and seven daughters born to A. and Maria (Hackleman) Ray, natives of Spencer County. The father, who was a farmer and speculator, lived in Hammond Township, where he became the possessor of upward of seven hundred acres of land. He traded principally in corn, hay, pork, potatoes, etc., flat-boating it to the southern States. He died in the autumn of 1865. His widow died in March, 1868.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Hammond Township" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885


JEFFERSON RAY, one of the leading farmers of Hammond Township, was born August 30, 1845, in Spencer County, Ind., being a son of A. and Maria (Hackleman) Ray. (See sketch of Thomas Ray). He remained at home working on the farm until attaining his majority. Not being satisfied with his meager education, he accordingly entered the high school at Rockport, where he remained about one year, when he withdrew and entered Asbury University at Greencastle, Ind. After his return from college he taught school for three winters. April 5, 1865, his marriage with Caroline Emmons was celebrated. After marriage he bought a farm which he conducted, and in connection with which he followed flat-boating for several years. October 20, 1872, his wife died, leaving four children, Leora, George, Leona and Clarence. May 21, 1882, Mr. Ray was again married to Sallie E. Harris, a native of Indiana. Both he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically he is a Republican and is one of the enterprising men of the township.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Hammond Township" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885


JOSEPH M. RICHARD, a prominent citizen of Hammond Township, is a native of Switzerland County, Ind., where he was born May 28, 1826, being the eldest, and the only surviving member of a family of seven children born to John and Mary (Clevenger) Richard, natives of Prussia and Virginia respectively. Joseph with his parents, remained in his native county until 1830, when the family removed to Cincinnati. From there, after two years, they removed to Kentucky and remained four years. They then came to this State and County in 1836, and settled on the farm where our subject now lives. His father died February 6, 1858, and his mother, June 10, 1884. Joseph received such an education as the primitive schools afforded. He has always followed farming, in which pursuit he has been quite successful. In politics he is a Republican, but in local elections does not allow himself to be controlled by party prejudice. Mr. Richard's marriage with Fannie E. Owen was solemnized on February 11, 1862. To their union six children have been born. Five: Mary E., Joseph W., Sallie S., Orpha J. and John are living. Lina L. is deceased.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Hammond Township" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885


JOHN H. ROTHERT, tobacco merchant, of Grandview, is a son of Herman and Frances (Weber) Rothert, both natives of Germany. The former came to the United States with his parents about forty-two years ago when he was thirteen years of age, and located in Huntingburgh. There Herman learned the carpenter's trade with his father. He then clerked in stores in Louisville, Ky., where he was married. He afterward engaged in the hotel business at Huntingburgh. Since 1858 he has been a successful tobacco dealer. He is also president of the bank, and of the Star Milling Co. at Huntingburgh. John H. received a good commercial and scientific education in St. Meinrad and Notre Dame Colleges. At the age of seventeen he engaged in the leaf tobacco business at Chrisney, and later with his father. In September, 1883, he engaged in the same business at Grandview, where he has since continued with remarkably good success. He handles as much as half a million pounds of tobacco annually, and is one of the most enterprising young business men of the county.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Hammond Township" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885


SYLVESTER A. SARVER came to Spencer County, Ind., in 1858. He has taught school in the county for twenty-five years, all but two terms of which have been in Hammond Township. For his first terms he received $25 per month, but in later years received as high as $50. He always gave the best of satisfaction to pupils and patrons. In connection with his teaching he carried on farming. He now has a good farm of 160 acres. November 1, 1860, he was united in marriage with Jane Bays, a native of Switzerland County, Ind., to whom ten children were born, only four of whom, Wilfred G., Millard M., Jenelia and Arnold B. are living. May 13, 1878, Mrs. Sarver died, and he was again married February 22, 1879, to Rachel C. Murray, a native of Tennessee. To this union two children, Cora and Otto C. have been born. He and wife are members of the Baptist church. He is also a member of the I.O.O.F. Mr. Sarver was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, November 8, 1835, being the youngest child in the family of Jacob and Susan (Lovell) Sarver, both natives of Hamilton County, Ohio. At the time of their marriage they lived on a farm in their native county, where they remained until 1856, at which date they came to Spencer County. Jacob Sarver died December 28, 1879. His widow still survives him at the advanced age of seventy-seven years.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Hammond Township" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885


JOHN H. SELBY is a native of Clermont County, Ohio, where he was born December 13, 1835. He is the seventh of eleven children in the family of James W. and Gertrude (Sturgis) Selby, natives of Maryland, and of English and Welsh descent, respectively. In 1857, John H., induced by his sister who had preceded him, started for Indiana, where he has since been chiefly engaged in farming. In September, 1859, he was married to Genevra Hancock, a native of Ohio, and to their union have been born eight children: Benjamin, Alverdia, Lotta, Ada, John, Carrie, Adye, and Essie. January 9, 1862, Mr. Selby enlisted in Company C, Fifty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until August 7, 1865, when he was honorably discharged. He was promoted to the position of First Sergeant. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, siege of Vicksburg, Jackson, Miss., Atlanta, Ga., and Bentonville, N.C., besides lesser engagements. Mr. and Mrs. Selby and five children are members of the Baptist church, of which he is a deacon. He is also a member of the G.A.R. Politically he is a Republican. He has held the office of Township Assessor.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Hammond Township" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885


A.M. SIDWELL, a native of Spencer County, Ind., was born August 24, 1851. He is the youngest son in a family of five sons and five daughters born to Joseph and Julia (Masterson) Sidwell, both natives of Kentucky. About 1836, they came to Spencer County, Ind., and located on a farm in Grass Township, where they remained until 1853. In that year they removed to Northfield, Minn., remaining seven years. They then returned to Spencer County, where they lived in Grandview and Hammond Townships, until their deaths - the former in March, 1882, and the latter in 1863. Andes M. Sidwell remained at home working on the farm for his father until attaining his majority. In 1872 he began his career as a farmer, in which business he continued until 1879, when he went to Kansas and learned the jeweler's trade of his brother. After serving an apprenticeship of two years, he returned and established his present business, in which he is very successful. December 31, 1873, he married Evaline Sargent, a native of Spencer County, Ind. They have had four children, three of whom, Thomas C., Joseph E., and Elva E., are living.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Hammond Township" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885


JOHN N. SHARP, a native of Monroe County, Ind., was born November 9, 1827, and is the next to the eldest child born to James S. and Celia (Coffee) Sharp, both natives of Tennessee. He was reared in his native county and remained at home until the death of his mother which occurred when he was nineteen years old. He then came to Spencer County, where he has since resided. He received such an education as the schools of those primitive times afforded. September 28, 1854 his marriage with Mary Limber, daughter of Thomas J. Limber was celebrated, and to their union twelve children have been born, of whom there are now living, Albert N., Maria, John W., Sarah V., Nancy A., Hester, Susan, Hattie, Cora L. and Myrtle M., the last two of whom are unmarried. Mr. Sharp's occupation has been chiefly farming, though he learned the carpenter and joiner's trade under his father, and worked at it until 1854. He now owns a farm of two hundred acres. In politics he has for the past eight years been identified with the National party.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Hammond Township" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885


A.W. SHARP, a native of Spencer County, Ind., was born January 7, 1852. He is the second child in the family of twelve children born to John and Mary (Limber) Sharp, natives of Monroe County, Ind., and Hamilton County, Ohio. They came to Spencer County, at a very early day. A.W. remained at home working on the farm until reaching the age of eighteen. March 30, 1876, he was united in marraige with Louisa Hill. One child, Edith, was born to them. April 11, 1882, Mrs. Sharp died, and he was again married May 6, 1884, to Velvia Hancock. Both he and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. In politics he is a Democrat. He takes an active part in political affairs. He has been twice elected to the office of Twonship Trustee. Mr. Sharp is senior member of the firm A.W. Sharp & Co., which was established in 1872 under the firm name of John Sharp & Son. They began on a small capital, carrying groceries exclusively. In 1875 the son purchased the interest of his father, and assumed sole control of the store until 1880, when he took A.M. Bean into partnership. They carry a stock worth $3,500 of general merchandise, and do an annual business of about $15,000.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Hammond Township" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885


JAMES F. STEPHENS, one of the early pioneers of Spencer County, was born May 21, 1832, in Kentucky. When an infant he came with his parents to Perry County, Ind., and at the age of sixteen began life for himself as a day laborer. His health becoming impaired he was compelled to work for his board and clothes for a few years. Upon his recovery he came to Spencer County and engaged in farming. He rented land until 1870, when he bought a farm of 100 acres upon which he still resides. He also has twenty-seven acres on section 25. January 23, 1858, his marriage with Mary C. Reed was solemnized. Then children were born to this union, six of whom, Belle, Fannie, Mollie, James, Dellie and Ruth are living. Mrs. Stpehens died November 23, 1884. Politically Mr. Stephens is a Republican. He is a member of the United Brethern church. His parents were Edward and Catharine (Peak) Stephens, both natives of Kentucky. At the time of their marriage they lived upon a farm in their native State. About 1833 they removed to Perry County, Ind., where they passed the remainder of their lives. He died about 1850 and his wife three years earlier.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Hammond Township" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885


FLOYD THURMAN, a prominent farmer and native of Spencer County, Ind., was born March 10, 1837. He was reared at home, and received such an education as the schools of those primitive times afforded. In the winter of 1859 he taught his first school. Two years later, July 22, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, First Indiana Cavalry, with which regiment he served until receiving his discharge in September, 1864. He participated in the battles of Fredericktown, Helena, Pine Bluff and numerous lesser engagements. After his return home he farmed for one year, after which he delivered coal to customers along the river from Rockport to Cannelton for three years. He then resumed farming, at which business he has since continued. March 23, 1875, he married Ellen Gilson to whom six children were born, four of whom, Oliver P., William G., George S. and Olive Dousie are living. Mr. Thurman is a son of William R. and Anna (Shrode) Thurman, natives of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively. His father came to Spencer County in 1818, and bought property in Ohio Township, where he remained until his death which occurred February 21, 1877. His mother died December 11, 1854.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Hammond Township" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885


AUGUST TONINI, a native of Switzerland, was born June 11, 1844. He was one of five children in the family of Jacob F. and Anna M. (Manhart) Tonini, both natives of Switzerland, where they lived and died, the former July 11, 1866, and the latter in January, 1851. August learned the coppersmith's trade of his father. In 1867 he came to America and located at Henderson, Ky., where he learned the tinner's trade, and followed it until 1869. In that year after a brief stay at Rockport he came to Grandview, and engaged in business on his own account with a capital of $45. He has continued in the tinner's business ever since, but has added a large line of stoves, hardware, furniture, agricultural implements and building material. By economy, energy and strict integrity he has succeeded in establishing the leading trade in this line in this town. April 28, 1870, he married Bertha Raush, a native of Spencer County, by whom he is the father of six children. Thos living are Mary E., William A., Anna M., Emily and Alice P. Politically Mr. Tonini is a Democrat. He was born in the Catholic faith, but his wife and children are members of the Lutheran Church. He is a member of the I.O.O.F.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Hammond Township" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885


JOHN T. WHITE, M.D., was born in Warrick County, Ind., February 3, 1845, being the third in a family of six children. His parents, Samuel A. and Martha A. (Lawrence) White, were natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. The former came to Warrick County as early as 1836 and entered a tract of land in Skelton Township, where he lived a farmer's life until 1850, when he went to California as a gold seeker. There he remained until 1856, when upon his homeward journey he was taken sick on the ocean, died and was buried in the waters. His widow afterward married T.S. Adams, a prominent pioneer of Warrick County. John T. White received a fair literary education in youth. He lived at home on the farm until 1862, when he enlisted in Company I, Fifty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which regiment he served until mustered August, 1865. At the siege of Atlanta he was promoted to first lieutenant, and at the close of the campaign he was made captain of his company. After the war he returned to Warrick County and settled on a farm in Skelton Township. Having previously read medicine during his leisure hours, in 1875 he began its study with a view to making it his profession. He studied with Drs. Scales, Tyner and Hargan at Boonville, and attended two courses of lectures at the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati. In 1879 he came to Grandview, where he has since practiced his profession. He is recognized as one among the first and most successful practitioners in the county. He was married December 28, 1863, to Sarah A. Finney, a antive of Gibson County, Ind. They have two sons, John T. and Herbert Q. Mr. White and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is also a member of the I.O.O.F. and the G.A.R.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Hammond Township" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885


J.W. WILBERN & CO., the well known dealers in general merchandise at Newtonville, carry a stock of goods valued at $3,500, and do an extensive business. The business was established under the present firm name January 1, 1884. Of its proprietors, Jerry W. Wilbern, a native of Kentucky, was born May 10, 1855. He is the third of six children born to Andrew J. and Sarah (Walker) Wilbern, natives of Tennessee and Virginia, respectively. He located in Newtonville in 1884, although he had formerly made a visit to the village. March 18, 1885, his marriage with Mary F. Jones ws celebrated. Mr. Wilbern is a member of the Baptist Church. John G. Rumpel, the other member of the firm, is a native of Germany. The fourth in a family of eight children. He was born January 3, 1834. His parents were John J. and Barbara (Henuser) Rumpel. John G. remained in his native country until reaching the age of twenty years, receiving a common school education. In July, 1860, he married Anna Raaf, and to their union nine children have been born, seven of whom are now living. Mr. Rumpel and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is also a member of the I.O.O.F.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Hammond Township" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885


PURL G. WOODRUFF, a farmer of Hammond Township, was born August 4, 1855, in Hamilton County, Ohio, and is the second son in the family of Andrew J. and Anna F. (Niblack) Woodruff, natives of Ohio and Indiana respectively. The former in the early part of his life was a physician and surgeon, but afterward became a contractor and farmer. He built the levee west of Grandview, the stone bridge north of Grandview, and many others throughout the county. He owned upwards of 400 acres of land, and was one of the leading business men of his day. He died September 18, 1879. His widow still survives him. Purl G. Woodruff received a common school education, and at the early age of seventeen entered the teacher's profession, in which he continued for six consecutive years. Not being satisfied with his acquirement, he in 1878 entered the State University of Michigan, and took the literary and law courses, from which he graduated with the class of 1881. After returning from school he practiced law at Rockport until 1883. He then traveled in the West for one year as general agent for a patent medicine company. He is a present living on his farm in Hammond Township. December 7, 1879, he was united in marriage with Lizzie Butler, a native of Indiana. Both Mr. Woodruff and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is also a member of the I.O.O.F.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Hammond Township" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885


BOHN F. WOODRUFF, one of the enterprising young farmers of Hammond Township, was born February 27, 1859, in Spencer County, Ind., and is the youngest son of Andrew J. Woodruff. (See sketch of Purl G. Woodruff.) He received but a limited education in youth. He remained at home working on the farm for his father until attaining his majority. March 14, 1880, he was united in marriage with Transylvania Butler, a native of Spencer County, Ind., to whom two children, Vernon and Florence, have been born. After his marriage he bought sixty-three acres of land where he now lives. Mr. Woodruff has an excellent prospect for the future, and will undoubtedly become one of the leading farmers of the county. He is a member of the United Brethern, and his wife of the Regular Baptist Church.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Hammond Township" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885


THOMAS H. WOOLFOLK, a prominent farmer of Hammond Township, was born January 16, 1840, in Meade County, Ky. He is the youngest son in the family of John F. and Mahala (Harris) Woolfolk. They passed their lives in Meade County on a farm. The death of the former occurred in October, 1843, and that of his widow in Many, 1883. Thomas H. received a common school education. He remained at home working on the farm until he reached his majority. He began his career as a farmer, cultivating the land inherited from his father's estate. January 14, 1864, he married Susan M. Lewis, a native of Jefferson County, Ky. After marriage he lived in Jefferson County, where he was the owner of 100 acres of land. He remained there about ten years. Not being satisfied with his location, he came to Spencer County, Ind., and bought 135 acres of land where he now lives. He has five children: Glovie, Mary, Lewis, Any and Thomas.

"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana - Hammond Township" by Goodspeed Bros. & Co. - published in 1885


Deb Murray