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

CLARK McCOY, a well-known and well-to-do farmer of Grass Twonship, was born August 15, 1830, in the adjoining township of Luce, Spencer Co., Ind., and is the oldest but one of seven children born to the marriage of James McCoy and Lucinda Hall. Being left an orphan when yet a small boy, Clark was reared by his step-mother until nineteen years of age. November 30, 1851, he was united in matrimony with Alsey Lockhart, and by her is the father of the following: John R. (married Carrie Craig), Nezbet, Luther (married Hattie Beeler), Laura B., Leonard G. (married Eliza Lenn), Melvin L. and Charley. February 26, 1875, the family was called upon to mourn the death of the wife and mother, an honest Christian and a devoted helpmeet. July 29, 1877, Mr. McCoy married for his second wife Lorinda Lenn, and by her is the fther of one son, Hardy M. He is a Republican in politics, an enterprising and progressive citizen, and a man well known and respected throughout the entire community. He has followed farming throughout life, with the exception of four years while merchandising at Eureka, and he has secured a nicely-improved farm of 147 acres. He belongs to the United Bretheran and his wife to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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

JOHN S. McGEE, born February 1, 1835, in the State of New Jersey, is the third in a family of six boys born to Thomas and Jane (Daniels) McGee. At an early age he was left an orphan, and until fifteen years of age resided with an uncle in this native State. At that age he began a five years’ apprenticeship at the blacksmith’s trade, but owing to illness was compelled to relinquish his plans after serving eighteen months. In company with a brother, in the year 1853, he went to Hamilton County, Ohio, which was his home for nine years, and in 1862 he made settlement on the farm he now owns in this township, and occupied by his son and son-in-law. In September, 1858, he united in marriage with Mary E. Sampson, by whom he is the father of five children, as follows: Catharine J. (Mrs. Jackson Lloyd), William S., David L., John F., and James E. By a life of industry and economy, Mr. McGee has secured an excellent farm of 126 acres, which includes his residence at Midway, and he and wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity. In politics he is a radical Republican, and although retired from active business pursuits by reason of failing health, manifests a live interest in all the public affairs of the day.

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

ROBERT H. MITCHELL, a prominent settler of Grass Township, is a native of Henry County, Ky., born May 6, 1820, the fifth in a family of eight children born to Andrew and Dorcas (Hardwick) Mitchell, who were natives of Virginia. Robert was raised in his native State, where he received a common school education in the subscription schools, and also one term in Shelby County. He remained at home assisting his parents on the farm until sixteen years of age. April 1, 1847, his marriage with Mary A. Procter was solemnized, and to their union the following named children have been born: Dorcas (Mrs. T. Overman), Robert L. (who married Kate Myers), and Mary E. (Mrs. William Atkison). Mr. Mitchell’s occupation has principally been farming, and in addition to this, he practiced law two years, 1839-40. He then joined the Christian Church, entering the ministry, and for six years traveled, being very successful in increasing the membership of that church. Since his marriage he has farmed in connection with preaching, and at present owns 200 acres of land well improved. Mr. Mitchell is a Republican in politics, although a Democrat before the Rebellion.

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

JOHN G. MEYER, born February 10, 1823, in Germany, is the oldest of three children born to Michael and Catharine (Alexander) Meyers, who were also natives of the old country, where our subject was reared and educated. About the year 1838, the father died, and some nine years later the widowed mother, with her children, immigrated to America, all landing at New Orleans in safety. After going to Cincinnati, where they lived a few months, they removed to near Bavaria, Ohio, residing at that place five years. They then came to Spencer County, Ind., which has since been the home of our subject. Mr. Meyers began life’s battle a poor boy, but determined to succeed; he has been industrious, economical, and by his own exertions has become the owner of over 900 acres of good land, and a good general store, which is conducted by a son. He has been a Republican in politics since the organization of that party. Has served one term as commissioner of the county, and is a member of the Encampment in Odd Fellowship. In September, 1847, he wedded Susanna Devine, a native of Germany, and eleven children have been born to them, the following named yet living: Jacob, David M., Henry L., (married Anna Metz), Mary E., Katie S., (wife of Robert L. Mitchell), Carrie F., and Frederick W. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are among the county’s best citizens.

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

RICHARD PARTRIDGE, a prominent citizen of Grass Township, is a native of Bedfordshire, England, born May 12, 1820, being the third in a family of nine children born to Richard and Ann (Linnell) Partridge, who were also natives of England. About the year 1830 the family immigrated to New York City, first settling in Cortland County, N.Y., where they resided six years, then removing to Pennsylvania, where our subject received the better part of his education. In 1850 he came to Spencer County, Ind., in company with a brother, two brothers already having preceded them, and here he has since resided, engaged in agricultural pursuits. That he has not made life a failure is proven by the 300 acres of good land he owns and the universal respect with which he is regarded by the surrounding community. June 8, 1848, his marriage with Margaret S. Dean was solemnized, and to their union three children have been born, only two sons now living: Henry D., who married Nancy A. Stites, and Delbert A., who selected Miss Lillie F. Beeler as the sharer of his joys and sorrows through life. Mr. Partridge is a Republican in politics, with a strong temperance sentiment, and he and wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a trustee.

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

J.D. PINKSTON, one of the well-known citizens of Grass Township, was born July 29, 1848, in Spencer County, Ind., being the only child born to the marriage of John A. Pinkston, a native of Kentucky, and Sarah A. Greenway, who was born in Indiana. The father came to this State in the year 1841, and was here married. Our subject received a good practical education from the schools of Spencer County, and at the age of fourteen years was cast upon his own resources for a livelihood. The winter of 1869 he began his career as a public teacher, and since that time has taught a total of fifteen terms, and has become known as one of the ablest educators of Spencer County. During the summer months he turns his time and attention to farming, and in these combined pursuits provides a very comfortable living for himself and family. Mr. Pinkston is a member of the A.O.U.W., is a Democrat in politics, and is liberal in his views on all topics, accepting only that broad and philanthropic course marked out by nature. He was married July 11, 1872, to Rebecca McCoy, and three children have blessed them: Minnie F., Elmer and Mattie. The mother belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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

THOMAS ROSENBAUM, a native of Prussia, was born on the 14th of November, 1821, and is the eldest in a family of five children born to Thomas and Lena Rosenbaum, who were also natives of the old country. Our subject remained at home in his native country until fourteen years of age, and during this time he was enabled to secure a fair education by reason of the compulsory attendance on the public schools. Until the age of thirty-four years he was employed as a farm laborer, but in the year 1855 he bade friends and native land adieu, and, for the purpose of bettering his condition finacially, came to the United States. From New York, the place where he disembarked, he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, then Covington, Ky., then for eight years lived in Lawrence County, Ohio, and from there came to Spencer County, Ind., where he has since lived. Since locating here he has farmed and raised stock, and by industry he has secured a comfortable home and 120 acres of land. He is a Democrat in politics, and he and wife belong to the Lutheran Church. In 1848 Margaret Fiehne became Mrs. Thomas Rosenbaum, and five children resulted from their union, as follows: Richard, who married Alice Morgan; William, whose wife was Lucy Platz; Lizzie, now Mrs. Adam Trinkle; John and Katie.

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

JOSEPH ROTH, a native of Baden, Germany, was born October 28, 1828, being the eldest of six children born to Anton and France Roth, who were also natives of Germany. Our subject was raised by his parents in his native country until twenty-four years of age, during which time he received a limited education. Late in 1851 he immigrated to the United States landing at New Orleans, January 1, 1852, where he remained three years when he came to Spencer County, Ind. Eight years afterward his parents immigrated to this country, and for a number of years resided at Rockport, then removed to Illinois. May 16, 1852 our subject was united in marriage with Christina J. Voechle, and to their union seven children have been born, these three yet living: Mary (the wife of H.L. Katterhenry), Lizzie and William F. Those deceased are, Katrina, Caroline, Christina and Sarah A. The latter was the wife of Aaron Miller, and leaves one daughter named after her. Mr. Roth has followed farming successfully all his life and is the present owner of a good farm of 150 acres. He is a Democrat and he and family belong to the Evangelical Church.

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

JOSHUA SHRODE, the oldest citizen now living in Grass Township, is a native of Butler County, Ky., born September 16, 1811, the youngest in a family of five children born to William and M. (Osborne) Shrode. The father was born on the ocean while his parents were en route to this country and the mother was a native of Kentucky. In 1814 they came to this State while it was yet a Territory, and first settled on the Ohio River in Spencer County three miles above Rockport. They always remained residents of this county until their respective deaths. Joshua remained at home assisting his parents on the farm until his majority, receiving a limited education, and September 9, 1834 wedded Susan Ellsworth by whom he is the father of eight children, these six yet living: Sarah A. (Mrs. Thomas Bradley), Rebecca (Mrs. Alfred Hammond), Josiah (who married Laura Hall), Augusta, Massa L. (Mrs. Adam Haaff) and Emma A. (Mrs. G. Jones). Mr. Shrode is a farmer by occupation, owning 160 acres of well improved land. He had two sons in the late war, one who lost his life in his country’s cause and one very severely wounded. Mr. Shrode is a Republican in politics and has been since the existence of that party, and is one of the pioneers of Spencer County, respected and esteemed by all who know him.

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

JONATHAN SHUFF, one of the prosperous and enterprising farmers of Grass Township, was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, June 14, 1812, and is one in a family of five children born to John and Mary (Myers) Huff who were natives of Maryland. He was raised and educated in his native county and remained at home assisting his parents on the farm until forty years of age. In 1853 he came to Spencer County, Ind., and first engaged in the milling business at the Lake Mill in partnership with John Myers. Two years afterward he exchanged his interest for a portion of the farm on which he now lives, and November 27, 1859, was united in marriage with Sabina Crosley, by whom he was the father of six children, the following four yet living: John (who married Maria B. Goodman), Ira (whose wife was Miss Mattie Goodman), Anna (now Mrs. James Litton) and Frank. Mr. Shuff has followed agricultural pursuits mostly through life, and by good management and industry he ha sbecome the possessor of 464 acres of fairly improved land and a portable saw-mill which is situated on the same. In politics he has always advocated the cause of the Democratic party and he is one of the county’s substantial and reliable citizens.

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

DR. JOHN R. SMITH, of Chrisney, is a native of the county in which he now resides, born January 18, 1851, being the eldest of six children born to William B. and Louisa J. (Masterson) Smith. These parents were natives of Kentucky, their respective births occurring November 16, 1822, and March 22, 1833, both of German descent. Both came to Indiana when young and were married in this State. The subject of our sketch was raised on a farm, his youth being passed in such pursuits as was common to farmer boys. He received a good academical education in Marengo Academy, after which, for a period of seven years, he followed the school teacher’s profession. In 1875 he began, and for two years continued to read medicine under the direction of Dr. E.F. Camp, then took a course of lectures at the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, Ohio. Beginning the practice of medicine at Chrisney, he has ever since continued at this place with more than ordinary success, and in 1880 returned and graduated at medicine from his former place of learning in Cincinnati. Dr. Smith is one of the county’s progressive and enterprising citizens, is a Democrat in politics, and in 1884 was elected Coroner of the county.

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

ANTHONY STEVENSON, a native of Dubois County, Ind., was born January 17, 1843, the sixth in a family of twelve children born to John and Elizabeth (Madison) Stevenson, who were natives of Scotland and England respectively. They were married in Nova Scotia and came to Indiana in about 1839, and first settled in Dubois County, where they lived seven years, when they removed to Daviess County, Ky., but in 1854 returned to this State and located in Spencer County, where they remained until theie respective deaths, Apri l12, 1881, and April 9, 1883. The father was a coal miner by occupation and opened and operated the Rockport coal mines, also opened the first mines below the falls on the Ohio River at Hawesville, Ky. Anthony was reared on his father’s farm and assisted with the work until nineteen years of age, receiving a common education, when he took charge of the coal business and lcoated at Rockport. He continued that business with his father and with Robert Fisher until 1867, when he engaged in buying and shipping produce, under the firm name of Woolen, Bailey & Stevenson, for one year, when he returned to the old homestead and farmed for five years. December 16, 1863, Mr. Stevenson married Fannie D. Bullock, and to them eleven children have been born, eight now living: Emma, Lizzie, Annie, Archie, George B., Robert, Jennie and William. His principal occupation has been farming, at which he has been very successful, now owning 540 acres of well improved land. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Rockport Lodge, No. 112; is a Democrat in politics, and has been elected Sheriff of Spencer County two terms, also held the position of chairman of the Democratic Central Committee of the county for several years. Since 1874 he has been engaged in flat-boating on the river, shipping yearly from 24,000 to 48,000 bushels of corn.

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

JACOB TRINKEL (deceased), was a prominent German settler of Grass Township, and a man honored and respected for his probity of character inherited from his ancestors, and for his private worth and excellence. Born at Bremen, Germany, September 16, 1816, he was the elder of two children born to the marriage of Philip Jacob Trinkel and Mary Baker. He was reared in his native country, where he reamined until the age of thirty years, securing a common school education. Immigrating to the United States he worked for an uncle three years in Spencer County, Ind. He then purchased the farm now occupied by his widow, and made that his home until his death. He selected for his helpmeet through life Anna Croedel, and their union was blessed in the birth of eleven children, of which these eight are yet living: Lizzie (Mrs. Henry Selzer), Adam (married Lizzie Rosenbaum), Vetus William, Jacob, Mary, John, Henry and Frederick. As a farmer Mr. Trinkel was very successful, owning at one time about 200 acres. A member of the Presbyterian Church, he died in that faith January 27, 1875. He died respected and beloved by all who knew him, and especially by those who knew him best.

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

WILLIAM ALLEN, a retired merchant and farmer of Enterprise, Ind., is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, born November 11, 1829, being the eldest son in a family of five children born to William and Lettie (Trumper) Allen, natives of Ohio and New York respectively. They were married in the former State January 2, 1825, and resided at New Richmond and Cincinnati, Ohio, until they came to Spencer County. The former erected the first saw and grist-mill in Luce Township. He was at one time one of the leading architects and builders of Cincinnati. He died about three years after coming to Spencer County, January 25, 1842. His widow married again and died at the age of seventy-one years, August 25, 1876. William Allen, the subject of this sketch, was reared at home. His father died when he was twelve years of age, and four years later he began to serve an apprenticeship to a carpenter, which lasted three years. He then gave most of his attention for the next eight years to boat-building and dealing in wood. He was afterward engaged in merchandising until 1883, when he retired from business. He is a Republican in politics, and in 1884 was a candidate for the office of County Commissioner. he was defeated by a small majority in a county overwhelmingly Democratic. August 23, 1854, he was united in marriage with Mary C. Boyd. To this union no children have been born. James H. Allen, a brother of the preceding, was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, September 29, 1835. Left an orphan at an early age, he when fourteen years old, began life as a cook on a flat-boat. He was afterward engaged for some time in milling and logging. He is now following the business of farming, having a good farm of 180 acres. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is well and favorably known throughout the county. November 8, 1862, his marriage with Rhoda Boyd was celebrated. To them five children have been born. They are Jennie, Annie, William C., Claude N., and Mollie M.

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

ROBERT J. AXTON was born in Ohio County, Ky., May 12, 1824, being the fourth son of Bayless E. and Elizabeth (Terry) Axton. He received only a limited education in youth, but after attaining his majority he attended school and acquired a fair knowledge of the common branches. He remained at home until December 2, 1850, at which date his marriage with Sarah A. Pattie occurred. This union was blessed with six children. Mrs. Axton died April 20, 1863, and he was again united in marriage with Evaline B. Bayless, a daughter of Almira (Barney) and I.L. Bayless, by whom he was the father of ten children, eight of whom are living. Mr. Axton is engaged in farming and stock raising, and is the owner of 360 acres of land, 260 of which lie near Richland City. In politics he is a Democrat. He has served the people as justice of peace, and is well and favorably known in Spencer County.

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

DAVID J. AXTON, a leading farmer of Luce Township, Spencer Co., Ind., was born in Ohio County, Ky., April 20, 1832. His parents were Bayliss E. and Elizabeth (Terry) Axton, natives of North Carolina, whence they went to Kentucky. Until the time of his marriage he lived with his parents in his native State, where he received his education. He was raised a farmer, and that has continued to be his occupation. Miss Margaret A. Allen became his wife October 9, 1856. She is also a native of the same county as her husband. Their union has been blessed with ten children. Mr. Axton is one of the most successful farmers and stock-raisers in the county. He owns 1,600 acres of good land well improved, which he has acquired by honesty and industry, having started in life a poor boy. He belongs to the Masons, and is a Democrat in politics. He has served his county twelve years as county commissioner, retiring in 1883 with an unblemished reputation.

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

GEORGE A. BAUMAN, one of the foremost farmers of Luce Township, is a native of Germany, and was born July 17, 1835. He is the eldest of eight children, of whom George and Sophia (Beyer) Bauman were the parents. In 1836 the family came to America, and settled in Hamilton County, where their home continued to be until 1852 - the year they came to Spencer County. The father’s death occurred in 1871, and the mother’s in 1881. George A. continued to reside with his parents until his marriage, and received a good common school education. On February 22, 1857, he married Anna Mary Elzer, also a native of Germany. She has borne him nine children. Her birth occurred February 1, 1839. Farming and stock-raising has been his principal occupation, as it is at present. He and wife belong to the United Brethern Church. He is a Republican in politics, and in the late war served in the Eureka Home Guards.

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

HENRY CROWDER, of Luce Township, is a farmer, and was born January 31, 1839, being the second in a family of five children. His parents were Nathaniel and Mary (McClary) Crowder, who were natives of Kentucky and Ireland. They were married in Spencer County, where the balance of their lives was spent, and where our subject was born. The early schools of his time afforded all the education that Henry obtained. He was raised on the farm and accustomed to the hard work incident to a farmer’s life. On February 14, 1865, he joined Company F, Fifty-eighth Regiment of Indiana Infantry, but was discharged at the close of the war in July following. Upon his return home he again engaged in agricultural pursuits at the old homestead. His marriage wit Drusilla Cunningham was celebrated, and to them seven children have been born, named George B., Robert S., Franklin W., Hays C., Eugene, Nathaniel and an infant, deceased. Mr. Crowder owns 420 acres of fertile and well improved land. Politically he is a Republican, and belongs to the Masonic fraternity.

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

FORD W. DODD, a merchant and citizen of Richland City, is a native of Spencer County, Ind., and was born August 25, 1856. He is the second of two children, of whom Charles P. and Mary A. (Hall) Dodd were the parents. Ford was raised in his father’s family and is yet making that his home. His mother died in 1860 and his father in 1878, and he still lives with his step-mother. His education was obtained in the common schools of the country and he now owns one half interest in the hardware, harness and undertaking business, conducted under the firm name of McKenney & Dodd. Politically he is a Democrat and religiously is independent and liberal. He belongs to the Odd Fellows fraternity and is one of the well and favorably known men of his town.

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

WILLIAM T. FERGUSON is a son of Josiah W. and Martha J. (Riddle) Ferguson, who raised a family of nine children. His birth occurred February 29, 1848, in Spencer County, Ind., where his whole life has been spent and his education received in the common schools. He assisted his father on the farm until his marriage, which took place May 12, 1874. His wife was Eliza B. Axton, who has borne him a family of five children. Mrs. Ferguson was born December 25, 1854. They are residents of Richland City, where Mr. Ferguson is engaged in the retail merchandise business and doing a lucrative trade. In religion both he and wife are independent in their views. His politics are Democratic and he is one of the young and enterprising men of his place.

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