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

JAMES W. GENTRY, a prominent farmer and stock-dealer of Ohio Township, was born in Jackson Township, Spencer County, Ind., May 29, 1848, and is a son of the Hon. James Gentry, Sr., appropriate mention of whom is made elsewhere herein. After receiving a good practical education in youth, James W. taught school one year, and at the age of twenty years began farming for himself on his father's land, where he remained several years. The spring of 1877, he moved upon the farm where he now resides, three miles above Rockport,on the river, and where he owns 306 acres of good land, 200 acres being under cultivation. Like the majority of those who compose the Gentry family, he is a Democrat in politics, firmly believing in the principles and aims of that organization. He takes considerable pride in farming and dealing in stock, outside of the lucrative returns it brings him, and in this respect he is a decided success. Mr. Gentry selected for his wife, Miss Sarah Littlepage, a native of this county, and to their marriage, which occurred March 11, 1875, three children have been born to them as follows: Dell F., Helen and James B.

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

LUMAN S. GILKEY, Rockport's worthy postmaster, was born November 12, 1820, in Hamilton County, Ohio, and is the eldest of a large family born to Ebenezer and Elizabeth (Liggett) Gilkey. A brief biography of Ebenezer Gillkey is as follows: A native of Maine, he emigrated to Ohio in 1816, and was offered employment in the construction of the old court house in Cincinnati, at $1 per day, one-half to be paid in cash and the balance in quarter-acre lots, situated now in the heart of the city, and then valued at $100 per lot. Considering the lots worthless he refused the terms offered and settled on a farm in the county, in addition to the care of which he worked at carpentering. Here he married, and his death occurred in 1854. His widow afterward moved with a married daughter to Gasconade County, Mo., where she died about the year 1875. Luman S. Gilkey was reared to manhood in his native county, and at nineteen years of aged moved to Butler County, there learning the cooper's trade. He afterward worked at carpentering in Cincinnati and vicinity until the fall of 1851, when he came to Rockport, Ind., and began working at his trade of carpentering. About a year later he was assailed with malarial fevers, and for four years suffered considerable with its ravages, which greatly impaired his sight. Recovering, he read law for a time, and in 1856 was elected Justice of the Peace, serving 4 years as such, and one year as Constable. From 1861 to 1866, he was Rockport's postmaster, was deposed by President Johnson and reappointed in 1869, since when he has ever occupied that position, filling the requirements of the office to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. Mr. Gilkey has but one living son - Samuel C., a resident of Hamilton County, Ind. He is a stanch Republican, a Freemason, and one of the county's most worthy citizens.

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

JAMES R. GILLETT, one of Rockport's most enterprising and energetic business men, is a native of Marshall County, Ill., his birth occurring July 31, 1854. Isaac Gillett, his father, was born in Steuben County, N.Y., December 12, 1824, being one in a famil of eleven children born to Michael and Laura (Mix) Gillett, both natives of Connecticut. In 1836, Isaac moved with his parents to Michigan, where he learned brick-making, which was his occupation until 1850. In 1848 he married Lucy Miner who died in 1852, after bearing two children, Jasper and Elmira. In 1850 he engaged in the grocery business at Henry, Ill., but in 1854 came to Rockport, and the spring following again engaged in the grocery business which he has successfully continued to the present time. In 1853 he married for his second wief Mrs. Eliza (Bullock) Shackleford, a lady who has borne him two sons and one daughter: James R., Thomas C. and Anna L. The oldest of these, James R. Gillett, is the immediate subject of this sketch. He was raised and educated in the town of Rockport, and in 1869 became a partner of his father in the grocery business, and thisis one of the strongest and most successful mercantile houses in Rockport. In January, 1877, he married Rosa, daughter of John F. Richardson, and Lillie B. and Carried are the names of his two children. Mr. Gillett is a Republican in politics; a member of the I.O.O.F. and K. of P. fraternities and Mrs. Gillett belongs to the Presbyterian Church.

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

HON. JOHN W. GRAHAM (deceased) was born March 11, 1791, in Nelson County, Ky., and was a soldier of the war of 1812. July 12, 1817, he wedded Mary Duncan, and two years later he and wife removed to Spencer County, Ind., Mr. Graham joining the Methodist Episcopal Church the year following his settlement here. Of an uncommonly well balanced mind and of excellent judgement, he soon became one of the foremost men of the county, and his views and opinions were often sought far and near. He was elected to the Lower House of the State Legislature from Spencer County, and for about fourteen years was an Associate Judge of this circuit. He was never known to have done a dishonorable act, and his intercourse with neighbors and acquaintances was one of harmony and happiness. On first coming to the county he farmed in Ohio Township, but later removed to Rockport and for a number of years was engaged in mercantile pursuits. An earnest worker in the cause of Christianity, he died in the Methodist Episcopal faith February 20, 1855, honored and respected by all who knew him.

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

JOHN W. GRAHAM, of the firm of Wesseler & Graham, was born in Rockport, Ind., March 24, 1860, the youngest of four children born to Robert and Sophia (Stocking) Graham. He is a grandson of Judge John W. Graham, whose biography precedes this. Robert Graham was born in this county and always made it his home. For about twenty-five years he was in partnership with his brother, Samuel D., in mercantile pursuits in Rockport and he was one of the county's best citizens. He died July 8, 1874, preceded by his widow, October 13, 1872. The subject of this sketch was raised by his parents and educated in the schools of Rockport and Evansville. After his father's death, he lived with his uncle, Samuel D., and for a time sold papers, and later opened a news stand. This, in 1882, he merged into the present business conducted by himself and partner, and together they do a good business.

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

SAMUEL D. GRAHAM, well known as a pioneer merchant of Rockport, was born in Spencer County, Ind., March 10, 1823, and is the fourth in a family of six sons and four daughters, born to the marriage of John W. Graham and Mary Duncan, appropriate remarks of whom is made elsewhere herein. Samuel D. received his youthful education from the subscription schools of that early day and, while a young man, made hunting an occupation, deer, turkey, otter, wolves and other wild animals abounding. At thirty years of age he began dealing in clothing, boots and shoes, etc., in Rockport, which occupation he continued for about a quarter of a century, and since that time has been as much retired fro active business pursuits as is possible for a man of his energy to be. He has made life a decided success, and although by no means rich, he owns 200 acres of valuable land in the county, and a good business house and residence in Rockport. Mr. Graham, in politics, is a firm supporter of the principles of the Republican party, his father before him having been a Whig. He has served in the Town Council several terms, and in public as well as private life, his character has been above reproach. April 14, 1859, he wedded Julia Huncilman, a native of Floyd County, Ind., and to their union two children have been born: Elizabeth, now a young lady, and a son that died in infancy unnamed. Mrs. Graham and daughter are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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

JAMES GRAHAM, one of the well known men of Spencer County, and at present engaged in the livery business at Rockport, is a native of the county in which he now resides, his birth occurring October 6, 1832. He is a son of Hon. John W. Graham (deceased), appropriate mention of whom precedes this. When a small boy James removed with his parents to Rockport, receiving at this place such education as was afforded by the town schools. He farmed and engaged in teaming until about the close of the war, when he engaged in the livery business, which he has ever since continued. Mr. Graham is a stanch Republican in politics, an enterprising and esteemed citizen, an his wife belongs to the Christian Church. August 9, 1876, Eliza C. Hardesty became Mrs. James Graham, and to this marriage one son has been born, named Richard H.

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

JAMES S. GREATHOUSE, a descendant of some of the earliest and most prominent pioneers of Spencer County, was bornin the county May 13, 1833. His father, John B. Greathouse was born February 12, 1797, in Kentucky, where he learned the tanner's trade. When about twenty-one years old he came to this county, where he followed his trade in connection with farming the remainder of his life. He died May 2, 1857. Elizabeth Grass, the mother of our subject, was born in Kentucky, December 22, 1803. She was a daughter of Judge Daniel Grass, who came to this county between 1800 and 1805. His parents were murdered and his sisters captured and killed by the Indians in Kentucky. After that occurrence, he lived with William R. Hynes in Nelson County, Ky., and many have come to this section to attend to the possession of that gentleman, who was a large land owner here. Daniel Grass married Jane Smithers, in Daviess County, Ky., and soon after located on land near the present site of Rockport, and later settled on a farm near the line of the township which now bears his name. He was a member of the Indiana Legislature, and Judge of the County Court for a number of years. James S. Greathouse received a limited education in youth, but afterward attended the Rockport school and acquired a good practical education. April 6, 1862, he married Catharine W. Scammahorn, a daughter of Rev. Jacob Scammahorn, a United Brethren preacher, who came to this county in 1850. This union has been blessed with five children: John F., James V., Tina M., Nellie D. and Jacob S. Mr. Greathouse is a stanch Republican, a member of the Royal Arch Degree of the Masonic fraternity, and is one of the most enterprising and highly esteemed citizens of the county.

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

FRANCIS M. HACKLEMAN, M.D., a native of the county in which he now resides, was born May 30, 1844. His grandparents removed to Grass Township, Spencer Co., Ind., in November, 1819, an on the 23rd of December of the same year Absalom Hackleman, our subject's father, was born. Absalom Hackleman was a farmer by occupation, and was one of the foremost men in the county during his day. A man of sound judgement and proper discretion, he was often called upon to officiate in some capacity of honor and trust, and for twelve or fifteen years was a commissioner of the county. He married Lucetta McCarnish, who bore him ten children, and in 1884 he and wife moved to Indian Territory, where they lately resided. The father, who was afflicted with cancer of the face, died in Grass Township at the residence of his son, William R., March 18, 1885, being here on a business trip from his home in Indian Territory. The subject of this sketch received a good common school education, and at twenty years of age began the study of medicine with Dr. R. Peregrine, of Centerville, this county, afterward taking a course of lectures at the E.M. Institute in Cincinnati. He first began practicing at Centerville, remaining there until 1878, and in the meantime, 187, returning to Cincinnati, and graduating from his old alma mater. In 1878 he removed to Rockport, where he ranks among the best physicians. He is a Democrat, a member of the I.O.O.F., is secretary of the County Board of Health, and belongs to the National E.M. Association. He was married December 5, 1866, to Lcuy A.E. Smith, a native of Rockport, who bore him nine children, these five yet living: Clement L., Bertha, Gertrude, Frederick W. and Blanche. The mother died February 12, 1885, leaving a record to her bereaved family of a well-spent Christian life. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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

FREDERICK C. HAHN, jeweler, of the firm of F.C. Hahn & Co., of Rockport, was born in Troy, Perry Co., Ind., November 19, 1859, a son of Frederick C. and Elizabeth (Baum) Hahn, who were both natives of Germany. These parents were married in their native country, and about the year 1852 immigrated to the United States and settled in the town of our subject's birth. Here the father died in 1870, after living an honest, upright life , followed by his widow one year later. Frederick C. Hahn, the immediate subject of this memoir, was raised by his parents in Troy, receiving only such education as the public schools afforded. For a time he was employed as clerk in a dry goods store, but in 1875 came to Rockport and clerked in the hardware and other business until 1878, when he went into the jewelry store Louis J. Heid. August 1, 1882, the store passed into the hands of the present managers, who have since conducted the business with more than ordinary success. Mr. Hahn, at the head of this firm has, by his courteous dealings and strict busines integrity, made his the leading business of the kind in Rockport. He is a Democrat, a member of the German Lutheran Church, and is one of the rising young men of the county. Later. - Since writing the above, Mr. Hahn has died June 17, 1885, of congestion of the brain. He had so won the confidence of the community, and had so endeared himself by noble ties to the young people of the town, that his untimely death cast a gloom over the entire place. He was to have been married in a few weeks to a beautiful girl of Rockport, upon whose young heart in the morning of life is cast the shadow of deep disappointment and sorrow.

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

WILLIS HAINES, oneof the foremost citizens of Ohio Township, and a leading farmer of the county, was born March 7, 1828, in Carroll County, Ky. He is the second of nine children born to this parents, who were Garrett and Nancy (Chadwell) Haines, natives respectively of Kentucky and Virginia. The father was born in the same county as the son in the year 1800, on the 13th of September. In 1847 with his family he came to Spencer County, and located on the farm now owned by John G. Haines. From 1824 to 1844 he followed flat-boating. In his business engagements he was nearly always successful, and at the date of his death, May 12, 1852, he owned considerable property and was esteemed as an upright man. The mother's birth was in Culpepper County, Va., in 1803, and her death occurred February 24, 1863, at the homestead in this county. Willis Haines was raised with his father's family in his native State, receiving but a limited education, although he much improved in later years by industrious study and reading. He followed farming and flat-boating with his father until he was of age. In the spring before his father's death he bought a small farm, upon which he moved and has ever since resided. He has engaged in farming and boating on the river with good success, but since 1873 has not followed the latter occupation. He owns 215 acres of good land inthe county, and has besides this given each of his married children a good start in life. Ever since the organization of the Republican party he has been identified with it, and one of the warmest advocates of its principles. During the Rebellion he held strong sympathies with the Union, and was an ardent supporter of its cause. Official honors he has never courted, but in 1878 he consented to be a candidate for County Commissioner, and at the election ran ahead of his ticket, being defeated by only forty-four votes. Mary E. Gentry became his wife January 27, 1853. She is a daughter of Allen Gentry, who name appears elsewhere in this volume. Of their eight children these six are now living: James A., Addie (Brown), Josiah, Ella, John and Livingston. Both father and mother are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are highly respected by all who know them.

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

JOHN G. HAINES, a native of Carroll County, Ky., was born May 9, 1830. At the age of seventeen he came to Spencer County with his parents, and worked on his father's farm until the latter's death. He then worked the farm with his brother, and followed flat-boating for a number of years. In the summer of 1877 he built a handsome dwelling in the suburbs of Rockport, where he has since lived, but still retains possession of his farm. Mr. Haines has been quite successful in financial matters, and is one of the substantial men of the town. He takes an active interest in politics and belongs to the Republican party. His parents, Garrett and Nancy (Chadwell) Haines were natives of Kentucky. (See sketch of Willis Haines.) In October, 1865, he was united in marriage with Louisa Gentry, who died fourteen months later. March 20, 1866, he married Margaret R. Payne, a daughter of Benjamin Payne, by whom he is the father of two children - Pearl and Theresa. Mr. Haines and daughters are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His wife is a Presbyterian.

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

CHARLES W. HALBRUGE, of the firm of T.J. Taylor & Co., is a native of Baltimore, Md., his birth occurring May 30, 1853. He is the eldest of four living children born to the marriage of Charles H. Halbruge and Ursula B. Reichel, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father immigrated to America in 1845, locating in the city of Baltimore, where he learned the shoe-maker's trade, and where he continued to reside until 1864, when he came to Rockport, Ind., where he has since resided engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes. The subject of this sketch lived in Baltimore with his parents and with them removed to Rockport. He received a fair education, and at thirteen years of age began his career in the dry goods business as a clerk. In 1874 he became a partner in the firm of T.J. Taylor & Co., but in 1879 the partnership was dissolved by limitation, Mr. Halbruge, however, continuing as clerk until 1882, which when he again became a member of the firm of T.J. Taylor & Co., which has continued to the present time. He is a Democrat in politics, a charter member of the K. of P. and is one of Rockport's most enterprising and energetic young men.

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

BAILEY W. HAMILTON, Trustee of Ohio Township, was born December 10, 1837, in Spencer County, Ind., and is the fourth of eight children born to Barney and Margaret (Frank) Hamilton. He was reared to manhood in his native country, and in early years received the common district schooling. At twenty years of age he left home and for two or three years he worked as a farm hand in the neighborhood. He then took possession of his share of the estate bequeathed him by his father and has since resided thereon actively engaged in agricultural pursuits at which he has been fairly successful. October 8, 1862, when rebellion was threatening the overthrow of our country, he enlisted in Company A, Twenty-eighth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served faithfully until June 22, 1865, when he was honorably mustered out of the service. He participated in the engagements at Helena, Ark., Little Rock, and Oakland, Miss., and various other battles. As a Republican in politics he was elected Trustee of his township in 1884, and is now the efficient and obliging principal of that office. Mr. Hamilton is a member of the I.O.O.F., K. of P. and G.A.R. fraternities, and himself and wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. In January, 1860, he married Susan H. Iglehart and by her is the father of eleven children, nine of whom are yet living, named: F. Wallace, James A., Mary L., Louis Frank, Calvin, Eula, Grant, Katie and Ida.

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

WILLIAM W. HAMILTON, one of the oldest native residents of the county was born June 29, 1829. The family of Hugh and Maria A. (Wright) Hamilton, of which he is a member consisted of fifteen children, seven of whom are now living. The father came to this county from Kentucky in 1809, and worked on the home farm until his marriage. He then farmed on the river below the homestead until 1840, when he settled on land near the present site of Oak Grove Church. Here he raised his large family, undergoing all the hardships of those early times. He was known as a successful farmer, a Christian gentleman and a leading member of the Methodist Church. He was called to his last resting place April 7, 1881, at the advanced age of eighty years. His wife followed him March 2, 1881, at the age of seventy-seven. William W. Hamilton remained at home until he was twenty-five years old, when he bought the land where he has since resided. He has been fairly successful in business, and now owns 160 acres of land. March 20, 1855, he married Margaret M. Murphy, who died February 7, 1867. Four of the six children born to this union are living. They are Samuel F., Hugh G., Ada A. and William H. April 6, 1869, he was married to Sarah E. Woodruff, by whom he is the father of four children, three of whom, Christopher G., Fred C. and Ura are living. During the Rebellion Mr. Hamilton served in Company F, One Hundred and Twentieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry from December, 1862 to January, 1865, being engaged in the battles of Kingston, N.C., Franklin, Tenn., and numerous lesser engagements.

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

CHARLES HAMMOND, a pioneer farmer of Spencer County, is a native of the township which bears his name; born July 19, 1819, being the second of six children in the family of Samuel D. and Sythia (Springston) Hammond. Samuel Hammond came from Maryland with his father and stepmother to this county in 1811, and settled near the present site of Grandview, where the elder Hammond and wife died. Samuel had learned the tanner's trade in his native State, and on arriving here in company with his brother, he opened a tanyard, which he continued in connection with farming until 1847, when he retired from business. He was twice married, his second wife being Elizabeth Wood, who bore him nine children, and who is still living on the farm where her husband died. Charles Hammond received a fair education, and taught school for two or three winters. February 8, 1842, he was joined in marriage with Ann E. Sharp, a daughter of Mathias Sharp, a prominent citizen of the county. After marriage, Mr. Hammond followed farming in Hammond Township until 187, when he located on the farm where he now resides. He is the father of ten children, only three of whom, Eunice E. (the widow of William Sidwell), Margaret A. (now Mrs. James A. Haines), and James W., are living.

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

EDWARD P. HARRISON, M.D., of Patronville, is a native of Lewiston, Del.; born January 1, 1845. He is the eldest of nine children in the family of William H. and Catharine L. (Long) Harrison, natives of New Jersey and Delaware respectively. They now reside at Paoli, Orange Co., Ind. Edward P. received his education in the schools of Philadelphia and New Albany, Ind. At the age of thirteen he removed with his parents to Washington County, Ind., where he lived until the war broke out, when he enlisted in Company C, Twenty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, serving his country faithfully until August 27, 1864, when he was honorably discharged. At the close of the war he went to Paoli, Ind., where his parents then lived, and began the study of medicine with Solomon Dill, a leading physician of the place. In 1866 he began practicing his profession at Hayesville, Dubois Co., Ind., and aferward was located successively in Pike, Gibson and Spencer Counties, coming to the latter county in 1873. He practiced two years at Enterprise, since which he has been at Patronville, where he is postmaster. January 18, 1876, he married Isabel Mackey, a daughter of Mathias Mackey, by whom he is the father of three living children, Ernest C., Virgie L. and Eva M. He also has a son, Harry E., by a former marriage. Dr. Harrison is a member of the A.F. & A.M., I.O.O.F., K. of P. and G.A.R. and himself and wife are members of the Methodist Church.

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