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

WESLEY BROWN, one of Dale's extensive tobacco dealers, is a native of Monroe County, Ohio, born July 11, 1839, the youngest but one in a family of five children born to Abel and Sallie (Knowlton) Brown, who were natives of Virginia and Massachusetts. The mother died in Ohio, in September, 1863, the father, after coming to Indiana, died September 6, 1882. Wesley Brown received a good common school education, and remained at home until 1859, when he came to Spencer County, Ind., and began teaching school near Rockport. After teaching five terms, he returned to his native county, and August 29, 1861, married Dorothy L. Powell, who was born April 12, 1842, a daughter of Hiram and Mary Powell. Two children were born to them, Lafayette and Isabella. Being left a widower, Mr. Brown enlisted February 8, 1863, in Company G, Seventh West Virginia Volunteer Infantry, and as a private, participated in the battles of Nashville, Antietam and Cheat Mountain, besides several lesser engagements, and was honorably discharged October 6, 1865, as orderly sargeant. For a time after the war he was employed in the oil region of West Virginia, and also taught the first free school in Wirt County. In 1867 he came to Indiana, and for three years taught school near Centerville, also working at carpentering. He then farmed and dealt in tobacco near Newtonville until the spring of 1882, when he moved to Dale, where he now resides. In 1884 he purchased his warehouse at this point, and is handling tobacco at the rate of 500,000 pounds per annum. He also owns a farm, is a Democrat and a member of the G.A.R. March 28, 1878, he married Nancy Overall, the daughter of Nathaniel and Evaline (McCoy) Overall.

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

ALLEN GENTRY, one of the successful and enterprising young farmers of Carter Township, was born October 16, 1856, in Spencer County, Ind., and is a son of Joseph and Mary Ann (Oskins) Gentry, the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter of Indiana. By occupation his father is a farmer, and is yet living in Carter Township. His mother died about the year 1876. Our subject was raised by his parents, receiving a common school education. He worked on the home farm until reaching his majority, when he embarked in agricultural pursuits for himself. December 2, 1877, he married Mary Bryant, and by her is the father of four children, named Mary Bertha, Joseph Harding, Allen Sidney and James Lafayette. By close application to business, Mr. Gentry has succeeded admirably for so young a man, now owning a good farm of 110 acres. He is a Democrat in politics, and a thorough-going and respected citizen.

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

JOSEPH GENTRY, a pioneer of Indiana, was born October 12, 1812, in Kentucky, and is one of eleven children born to James and Elizabeth (Hornback) Gentry, who were natives of North Carolina. In April 1818, the family removed to Spencer County, Ind., and settled near the present site of Gentryville, which was named in honor of James Gentry, who for many years carried on merchandising at that place in conjunction with farming. He became a large land-owner, and died in June 1840, preceded byhis wife about the year 1824. Joseph Gentry, subject of this sketch obtained his early education in the old-fashioned log-schoolhouse of that day, and for a good many years Abraham Lincoln was his playmate. September 26, 1833, Rebecca Romine became his wife, and by him is the mother of four children, only one, Margaret (now Mrs. Jacob Oskins) yet living. MRs. Gentry was born April 13, 1813, and died October 13, 1839. His second wife, to whom he was married November 25, 1841, was Mary Ann Oskins, who was born March 6, 1824, and by her is the father of nine children, these yet living: JAcob, Lydia, Hannah, Louisa, Mary Ann, Allan, John and Joseph W. The mother died January 27, 1876. Mr. Gentry has been a prosperous farmer and an indulgent father, now owning a farm of 200 acres and having given his children 900 acres. He is well-known and esteemed by many, is a Democrat in politics and an honorable, upright citizen.

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

JOHN HERR, Trustee of Carter Township and dealer in boots and shoes, was born February 2, 1849, in Germany, and is one of five children born to the marriage of John Herr and Agnes Lohr. The father dying in the old country in 1855, the mother, together with her children, immigrated to the United States in 1859, locating first at Newburgh, Ind., where the mother died in May, 1881. John Herr, Jr., the subject of this sketch, remained with his mother until fourteen years old, and during this time received his youthful education. In 1863 he began the shoe-maker's trade serving his first two and a half years with J. Moog at Newburgh. He then went to Huntingburgh, but in 1871 removed to Dale, where he has since resided, busily engaged in working at his trade and dealing generally in boots and shoes. June 30, 1872, he married Elizabeth, daughter of Peter and Margaret (Klein) Poth, and seven children have been born to them as follows: William, John, Jacob, Ida, Nora, Eddie and Peter Theodore. The mother was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, February 17, 1850, and is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Herr is a Catholic, has served as a constable four years, deputy tax collector of the county two years, and is now serving his second term as township Trustee.

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

NATHAN HILDEBRANT, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of New Jersey, his birth occurring February 15, 1806. His father and mother, John and Rachel (Potter) Hildebrant, were also born in New Jersey, and were the parents of nine children. In 18189 the family removed to Highland County, Ohio, where the father died about the year 1823. Nathan came with his mother to this State in 1837, locating in Spencer County, near Richland, and there first purchased 80 acres of Government land to which he afterward added 40 acres of canal land. He also operated a pioneer saw-mill in Grass Township, but traded it for an interest in a flouring-mill at Rockport. In 1858 he began merchandising at the Lank Mills Cross Roads, but later, engaged in similar business at Rockport. He then teamed extensively for a time, but in September, 1865, removed to his present place, which consists of 180 acres of well-improved land, and where he has since resided, excepting from 1878 to 1882, when he kept the Dale House, in Dale. He was married March 8, 1827, to Katherine Karnes, and of the nine children born to them only two sons and three daughters are yet living. In 1846 the mother died, and for his second wife he wedded Eleanor Ervin. Two children have been born to them, one yet living. The parents belong to the Christian Church. Mr. Hildebrant is a Republican, and an honored upright citizen. For twenty years he has worked at shoe-making in conjunction with farming, and is also a cooper by trade.

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

HON. SAMUEL F. JOHNSON, a prominent tobacco dealer at Dale, is a native of Gibson County, Ind., born April 3, 1831, one of nine children of Thomas F. and Rebecca (Simpson) Johnson, who were natives of Kentucky and Tennesse respectively. The father settled in the county where our subject was born before Indiana was a State, and was one of the earliest, if not the first, merchants at Princeton. In 1837 he purchased the Ratliff Boon farm, in Warrick County, and there his children were born and raised. His wife died in 1863, and he followed her in 1864. Samuel F. completed his schooling by a year's study at the State University, and from 1852 to 1856 "prospected" in California. Returning to Indiana, he remained in Warrick County until 1861, during which time he read medicine, taught school and attended medical lectures at Keokuk, Iowa. He practiced his profession one year in Spencer County, but August 18, 1862, was mustered into the Government's service as captain of Company D, Sixty-fifth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers. He retained the captaincy two years, was then appointed surgeon, and July 9, 1865, was mustered out of service. He resumed the practice of medicine, and for nearly two years was located at Rockport. In 1866 he was elected to the State Senate, and served through three sessions for four eyars, and bears the honor of being the only Republican ever elected from this senatorial district. In 1867 he moved to Dale, and has since made it his home. He here has merchandised and bought tobacco extensively, and is recognized as one of the heaviest dealers at this point. Mr. Johnson was married, April 18, 1867, to Miss Sarah J. Hammond, who was born November 3, 1840, daughter of that old and honored pioneer, James Hammond, who died in February, 1885. Four children have blessed their union, named S. Grant, James H., Thomas F. and Maggie M. Mr. Johnson is a large land owner and stock-raiser, is a Republican and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Johnson belongs to the United Bretheran Church.

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

JOHN F. MARTIN, an enterprising and progressive farmer, is of German nativity, his birth occurring January 14, 1832. He is the only issue to the marriage of John Martin and Margaret Sharp, who were also natives of Germany, where the father died. The widow and son, in 1842, left kindred and friends behind, and crossing the ocean immigrated to New York, from whence they went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where they resided a few months. They then moved to Ripley County, Ind., making their home there until 1852, when they moved to Carter Township, Spencer County. Joh F. Martin has been very fortunate in securing a fair education in both English and German. In 1857 he moved on to his present place, it being them almost totally devoid of improvement. He now owns 250 acres of Carter Township's best land, which he has nicely improved, and on which he has one of the nicest two-story brick dwellings in the county. His first house was a small, 10x12 foot dwelling, made of round poles, which is quite a contrast to his present surroundings. He was married, January 15,, 1859, to Millie Brooner, who was born in Dubois County, Indiana, March 24, 1840, daughter of Henry Brooner, and by her is the father of fourteen children, the following named being yet alive: Margaret, Frank, Lizzie, Lottie, Abraham L., Emma, Henry, Mattina, Willie, Alice, Victoria, John and Fannie. The parents are members of the United Brethren Church.

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

DR. ADAM F. MEDCALF, druggist and practicing physician at Dale, is a native of teh "Old Commonwealth" of Kentucky, his birth occurring in Hancock County, October 3, 1815. His parents, Allan and Frances (Winkler) Medcalf, removed to Indiana in 1828, settling in Ohio Township, Spencer County, and remaining there two years; them residing two years in Grass Township, and finally removing to Carter Township where the father died in 1876, preceded b;y his wife in 1858. Adam F. assisted his father on the farm until he attained his majority, and during this time secured a limited schooling. February 14, 1837, he married Elizabeth Wood, who was born November 30, 1820, and died January 6, 1860. This lady bore him ten children, only these named yet living: George, James and John. For his second wife, Dr. Medcalf selected Nancy Ann Knott, and to their marriage six children have been born, four yet living: William, Oliver, Alice and Emma. In 1847, he began reading medicine at Gentryville, under the direction of Dr. Stewart, continuing three years. In 1850 he began practicing his profession in Carter Township, and for thirty-five years has steadily followed that vocation. In 1853 he located in Dale, and in 1878 began the drug trade in connection with his practice of medicine. Both he and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and are recognized as among the best citizens of the county. Dr. Medcalf, among other positions of trust, has served as township trustee ten years, and assessor two years.

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

GABRIEL MEDCALF, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Daviess County, Kentucky, December 18, 1820, the eldest of eleven children born to George and Elizabeth (Winkler) Medcalf, who were natives of Pennsylvania and North Carolina. In 1837, the family removed to Spencer County, Ind., locating in Carter Township, near Dale, where the mother died May 27, 1859, and the father in 1875. Gabriel Medcalf, subject of this sketch, was raised to manhood on a farm, marrying Miss B. Medcalf, October 12, 1843. This lady was born April 14, 1820, a daughter of Allan and Frances Medcalf, who moved from Daviess County, Ky., to this county in 1828. Six children were born to their union, only two, Amanda Jane and Henry, yet living. The winter of 1843, Mr. Medcalf purchased eighty acres of heavy timber land, which with the help of his wife, he cleared and improved, and where they lived five years. They resided on a farm a short distance east of this the succeeding four years, and then moved to Dale, where they remained eight years longer. He then purchased property where he now lives, and owns 125 acres of good land. He served in the late war as a member of Company B, Forty-second Indiana Volunteers, and later Company D, Forty-fourth Indiana Infantry. Mr. Medcalf is a good citizen. Politically he is a Republican. He is a member of the G.A.R., and he and wife belong to the United Brethren Church.

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

JACOB PROPHETER, an old and well respected citizen of Carter Township, was born in Germany, October 10, 1809, and was there raised by his parents to man's estate securing a good education in his native language. In 1846 he concluded to leave home and fatherland, and seek a home in the freedom of the United States, and accordingly sailed for New Orleans, where he duly arrived without any serious mishap. In 1847 he came to Spencer County, Ind., locating on the farm where he now lives, which he purchased from the Government. Mr. Propheter has been twice married; first to Barbara Sycot, in the old country, in 1837, who bore him two daughters, Barbara and Catharine; and his second wife, formerly Catharine Hipps, to whom he was married in 1855, and has presented him with five children, all yet living. Mr. Propheter owns a fine tract of land comprising 140 acres, and he and wife belong to the Lutheran Church at Huntingburgh.

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

J.P. RICE, a substantial and enterprising farmer, is a native Hoosier, born February 7, 1822, in Dubois County, and is the eleventh in a family of thirteen children born to Nathaniel and Mary (Jones) Rice, who were natives of Virginia. In 1820 the family immigrated to Indiana, and ten years later settled in Spencer County, where the father died in 1844, and the mother in 1856. They were farmers by occupation, and were esteemed by all who knew them. Joseph P. received only a common education in youth, and during minority made his home with his parents. April 13, 1854, Elizabet Kelley became his wife, and shortly thereafter he and wife moved to the farm where they now reside, a part of which was entered from the Government. Mrs. Rice was born January 30, 1829, in Daviess County, Ky., and died September 21, 1875. She was one of the true women of her day, a loving wife and helpmate, and a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Rice, for his second wife, happily selected Miss Mary V. Stone, a lady in whom is embodied many of the virtues of his former wife, and one daughter, Florence, born January 1, 1880, has blessed them. Mr. Rice is a self-made man; owns 250 acres of land; is a Republican and a first-class citizen.

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

MICHAEL SPAYD, one of Carter Township's best farmers and citizens, was born, April 26, 1825, in France, and is one of seven children born to the marriage JAcob Spayd and Mary Ehrhold, who were also of French birth. In 1827 the family immigarted to the United States and settled at Oil City, Penn., when it was a village. They resided in different portions of the Keystone State until April, 1846, then removed to Spencer County, Ind., locating in Carter Township, and engaged in agricultural pursuits. Jacob Spayd was an energetic, economical farmer, and by industry amassed a comforable fortune. He died July 20, 1857, and his widow January 15, 1877. Michael Spayd inherited much of his parents' thrift and enterprise, which accounts for the 400 acres of valuable land and other property he owns. For four years he operated a horse-mill in Dubois County, but the greater part of his life has been passed in farming. He has served as township assessor and real-estate appraiser a good many years, and his record as a Democratic official is without blemish. To his marriage with Miss Mary Hipp, which occurred December 30, 1848, a family of ten children have been born, the following named yet living: Leo, Henry, Jacob, Amelia (who married Simon Basler), Ann and Tillie. Both parents belong to the German Catholic Church at Maria Hill, Mr. Spayd having contributed from his means most liberally in the erection of that structure. For nearly a quarter century Mr. Spayd has cried sales in the surrounding country.

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

JOHN J. TURNHAM, merchant at Dale, is a native of the township and county in which he now lives, his birth occurring December 3, 1837. Of the eight children born to this parents, David and Nancy (Jones) Turnham, he was the second. David Turnham was born August 2, 1803, near Lebanon, Tenn., and about the year 1818 removed to Spencer County, Ind., settling near Grandview, and becoming one of the foremost men of the county, and also a public official. He was a Whig first in politics, then a Republican, and a strong Union man. He died, honored and respected, August 23, 1884. Mrs. Turnham was a native of Daviess County, Ky., an estimable lady, and an early settler of this county. John J., like the average boy of his day, was raised to hard work on the farm, and received only ordinary advantages in the way of work on the farm, and received only ordinary advantages in the way of an education in youth. In later years he graduated from a commercial college at Evansville. In 1859 he began his career as a merchant, and until 1880 was in partnership. Since then he has been alone in business, and in both cases made a success financially. February 26, 1868, he wedded Melissa J. Baker, who was born November 21, 1845, daughter of William J. Baker, a prominent farmer of Warrick County. Three children have been born to them, two yet living. The parents belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which Mr. Turnham has been trustee fifteen years. He has been postmaster at Dale a similar length of time, and as seved in other positions of honor and trust. It was through his influence, and for just cause, that the name of the town was changed from Elizabeth to Dale. For twelve years he has been a notary public, and is recognized as one of the leading men of northern Spencer County.

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

WILLIAM WAGNER (deceased), was a native of Langenkandel, Bavaria, his birth occurring March 16, 1820, but his father, Peter Wagner, was born in Niederlanter, France, and died October 20, 1840, aged fifty-eight years. Barbara Hoster, a native of Langenkandel, Bavaria, was the wife of Peter Wagner, and to this union seven children were born. The mother died April 19, 1847, aged sixty-two years. William Wagner (deceased), subject of this sketch, immigrated to the United States, in company with a brother, in November, 1850. In 1856 he began merchandising at Ferdinand, Ind., remaining there a period of thirteen years, and winning the confidence and respect of all who knew him. He then moved to Eminence, Ky., but had been there only a short time, when his property caught fire, and was consumed by the flames. In 1869 he removed to Maria Hill, this county, and embarked in the mercantile pursuits, which he continued until his death, October 18, 172. The business has since been conducted extensively by his widow and son, Fred W., who is also Postmaster. Mr. Wagner was married August 11, 1856, to Barbara Wigger, who was born October 1, 1837, in Canton Luzerne, Switzerland, and to their union eight children have been born, these named yet living: Fred W., John A., Charles J., Mary A. and Anna M. Mrs. Wagner is the daughter of Nicholas and Elizabeth (Schumacker) Wigger, who immigrated to the United States in 1847, locating in Harrison Township, Spencer Co., Ind., where they both died. Mr. Wagner was a devout and devoted member of the Roman Catholic Church, as is also his entire family.

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

JOHN WAHL, merchant and proprietor of the Veranda Hotel, at Dale, was born in Carter Township, Spencer Co., Ind., March 17, 1844, and is the fifth of ten children born to Peter and Catharine (Volman) Wahl. The father immigrated to the United States in 836, resididng first in New York, then in Pittsburgh, marrying in the latter city, and in 1842, remvoing to this county. John Wahl remained with his parents until of age, receiving a limited education in the old fashioned log-schoolhouse of that day. From 1866 to 1869, he drifte about from place to place, farming for a time in his native township, chopping wood, mining coal at Cannelton, working as "roust-a-bout" on boats of the Ohio River, etc. JAnuary 11, 1869, he married Mary A. Basler, who was born in this township August 11, 1851, daughter of Simon and Barbara (Hartel) Basler, natives of Germany. Seven children have been born to this union, these yet living: Louis, Emma, John J., Simon B., Peter F., and Mary Magdalina. Mr. Wahl and family, are of the Roman Catholic faith. Since marriage, Mr. Wahl has farmed, bought tobacco,retailed liquor, been engaged in hotel keeping and merchandising, and in all has met with good success financially. He runs a hack to and from all trains for his hotel, which is the best in the place, and is also doing a good business in handling groceries, provision, etc. As a Democrat in politics, he has been elected to several local positions, and has served four years as township constable. Mr. Wahl is a clever gentleman and a good citizen.

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

WILLIAM WOOD, an enterprising farmer of Carter Township, is a native of Spencer County, Ind.; his father, James Wood, and grandfather, removing to this county at a very early day. James Wood selected for his helpmate through life, Catharine Brown, who bore him fifteen children. He is now a resident of Dale. William L. Wood waas born November 7, 1836, and until the attainment of his majority, remained at home assisting his parents and attending the district schools. He afterwards attended college at Hartsville, this State, where he secured an excellent practical education. July 9, 1861, he became a private in Company E, Twenty-fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and going immediately into active service, participated in the noted battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, siege of Atlanta, Corinth, Jonesboro, Savannah and other important engagements. July 24, 1865, he was honorably discharged as first lieutenant, andin November of the same year, began merchandising at Westfield, Ill. In 1868 he returned to his native county, taught school, worked at saw-milling for a few years, then again returned to Illinois, and kept boarding-house. Two years later, he settled permanently where he now resides, and where he owns 160 acres of good land. He is a Republican in politics, and a first clas citizen. February 14, 1866, he married Mary E. Richardson, who was born February 8, 1842, a daughter of Silas and Sarah Ann (Jones) Richardson, and both he and wife are emembers of the United Brethren Church.

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