JESSE W. KINCHELOE, the only living representative in a family of seven children born to the marriage of Allen L. Kincheloe and Susan Marlay, was born March 5, 1841, in Meade County, Ky., his parents also being natives of that State. Allen L. Kincheloe was raised in Breckenridge County, and prepared himself for the teacher's profession, which was his life's occupation. About the year 1835 he came to Spencer County, Ind., and began teaching in the public schools of the county, and later, for years, had charge of the schools of Rockport. He was recognized as one of the ablest educators of the day in southern Indiana, and for many terms occupied the position of superintendent of the public schools of the county. He was an earnest advocate of Christianity, was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and died honored and esteemed by all, in February, 1874, preceded by his wife two years. Jesse W. was raised in the town of Rockport after his twelfth year, and at eighteen years of age began his father's profession. He only continued that about three years, then for the succeeding six years was engaged in clerking, after which he embarked in business on his own responsibility. He sold out after a few years and clerked in the drug store of A.D. Garlinghouse and J.W. Cunningham unti November, 1883, since when he has been the efficient deputy auditor of Spencer County. Mr. Kincheloe was out in the late war as a member of Company G, One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Indiana Infantry, one hundred days' service, and was discharged at its close. He is a stalwart Republican, has been clerk of Rockport several years, is treasurer and a trustee of the town school board and is a member of the I.O.O.F., K. of P. and G.A.R. fraternities. He wedded Henrietta G. Thompson, a native of Ohio, July 16, 1874, and four children have blessed them, these yet living: Wendell J., Allen L. and William. The parents belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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


HON. HENRY KRAMER, bornin Rhine Province, Prussia, on the 23rd day of June, 1847, is a son of John H. Kramer (deceased), appropriate mention of whom is made in the biographical department devoted to Grass Township. At the age of seven years, our subject removed with his parents to this country and county, and was reared on the old home farm in Grass Township, where his mother yet resides. He received a good education in both English and German, attending the Rockport Collegiate Institute, and the Owensboro Academy. In 1870 he was appointed deputy county treasurer, by Treasurer William Jacobs, and for four years so efficiently filled the requirements of that office, that in 1874, he was elected its principal, and two years later re-elected, serving in all four years. In 1878 he was honored by an election to the State Senate, from Spencer and Perry Counties, a position he occupied for four years. In the meantime he ha devoted considerable time to the study of law, and in 1881, associated himself in partnership with H.M. Logsdon, at Rockport, to practice his profession. This partnership has remained unbroken to the present. Mr. Kramer is an active Democrat, a Freemason, and he and wife belong to the Lutheran Evangelical Church. November 16, 1872, Catharine Bretz, a native of Dubois County, Ind., became his wife, and by him the mother of six children: Karl W., Otto, Catharine, Helen, Clara and John H.

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


FREDERICK ALEXANDER KUNATH, confectioner, is a native of Germany, born November 20, 1827, being the third of seven children, born to the marriage of Frederick G. Kunath and Charlotte Madler, both of whom were also natives of the old country, where they lived and died, their respective deaths occurring in 1848 and 1855. The subject of this sketch was raised in Grimma, receiving the education compulsory attendance afforded, and learning the confectioner's trade, followed that occupation in his native town until 1854, when he immigrated to the United States. For two years subsequent to his arrival, he worked at his trade in Cincinnati, Ohio, and for a few years thereafter followed the same business in various cities throughout the country. In 1860 he embarked in business at Louisville, Ky., but in 1863 removed to Georgetown, Ind., where he merchandised until 1882. The spring of that year, he came to Rockport, and opening a restaurant, bakery and confectionary store, has by courteous ways and gentlemanly conduct, won himself a place among the best merchants of the town. Mr. Kunath was married in 1857, to Anna Goettheim, who died about eighteen months later. In 1859 he wedded Mary Wagner, a native of Germany, and by her is the father of seven children, these five yet living: Laura C., Anna M., Bruno H., Ida C. and Emma A. Mr. Kunath is a Republican, a member of the K. of H. and A.O.U.W., fraternities, and he and wife belong to the German Lutheran Church.

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


CAPT. SAMUEL LAIRD, a native of Giles County, Tenn., was born August 26, 1828, being the youngest of seven children born to the marriage of Matthew Laird and Mary Leaper, both of whom were natives of Ireland, where they were also wedded. After two children had been born to these parents, they removed from their native country to Scotland, and from the latter place, about the year 1827 immigrated to America. After a short residence in Canada, they removed to the United States, and settled in Tennessee, where the subject of our sketch was born. In 1834 the family moved to Clark County, Ohio, and at this place the father was called to his final resting place about a year later. The mother survived the death of her husband until 1873, when she died in Hamilton County, Ohio. Samuel Laird was raised on a farm to manhood, and in youth secured a fair education. In 1852 when the gold excitement of the Pacific Slope was yet raging, he contracted the fever, and crossing the plains to California, worked in the mines for a time, and later was engaged in blacksmithing and wagon-making at Sacramento. In 1856 he returned to the States, and the same year began "store boating" down the Ohio River. At Rockport, Ind., his boat became frozen in the ice and sank, but not before he transferred his goods to the town where he began merchandising. This he continued two years, then engaged in brick-making, farming and flat-boating on the river. He was at Vicksburg when the war broke out, but returning to Spencer County, he helped recruit Company K, of the Twenty-fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, of which he was elected first lieutenant. In September, 1861, he was promoted to the captaincy of his company, in which capacity he served until October, 1862, when he resigned on account of disability, caused by a severe wound received at Fort Donelson. In 1863 he was elected Auditor of Spencer County, by the Republican party, serving as such four years. He subsequently was engaged in the grocery trade two years, and since has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1874 he was elected trustee of Ohio Township, by his party, being afterward re-elected serving until 1880. Capt. Laird has been fairly successful in the acquisition of this world's goods, having secured by good management and industry 330 acres of good farming land in Ohio Township, besides valuable property in Rockport. He has added to the advancement of all laudable public enterprises with a liberal hand, and is one of the county's best citizens. December 25, 1862, Irena Snyder became his wife, and by him the mother of three sons and three daughters. He is a member of the Blue Lodge in Masonry, the G.A.R., and is a stanch Republican in politics.

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


WILLIAM S. LAMAR, merchant, of Rockport, was born November 16, 1856, in Spencer County, Ind., being the sixth of ten children born to the marriage of John W. Lamar (see sketch in Biographical Department of Clay Township) and Millie Barker. Our subject was raised on his parents' farm, receiving a good education in the public schools of the county, Holbrook Normal School, at Lebanon, Ohio, and also the State Normal School, at Terre Haute. Preparing himself for the teacher's profession, he followed that occupation in this county from 1877 to 1881, and from the latter year to 1884 served a deputy sheriff under John R. Huffman. Embarking then in the hardware trade at Rockport, he continued until he was burned out, January 13, 1885, and after that disaster again embarked in the same business, at which he has ever since continued. December 31, 1883, he married Maria W., daughter of Hon. Robert Kercheval, who has borne him one son, Robert W. Mr. Lamar is a Republican, a member of the I.O.O.F. and K. of P. fraternities, and he and wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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


P.S. LASHBROOK, one of the well-to-do men of Rockport, was born January 25, 1852, in Daviess County, Ky., being the seventh of eleven children born to Grayson and Emily (Fearman) Lashbrook, both of whom were natives of the Blue Grass State. In 1865 the family came to Rockport, Mr. Lashbrook making his home in the county from that time until his death, which occurred about 1870. Our subject was raised by his father, receiving only a common education. On attaining his twenty-first year, he began farming in Ohio Township, continuing that occupation utnil the fall of 1884, when he moved to Rockport and opened a meat market. In this he has since continued, and by strict business integrity is winning a good trade. March 9, 1882, he united in marriage with Mattie J. Shrode, a native of Ohio Township, and by her he is the father of one son, named Joseph Allen. Mr. Lashbrook is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a first-class citizen. Mrs. Lashbrook belongs to the Presbyterian Church.

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


H.M. LOGSDON. November 19, 1820, Samuel Logsdon, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Hart County, Ky., came to Spencer County, Ind., when thirteen years old, settled in Luce Township, and there, May 15, 1851, married Cyrena Osborn, who was born in the same township an county, October 27, 1830. He followed merchandising at Taylorsport and other places many years, and was known as an honest, industrious citizen. He died January 30, 1877, and his widow is yet living on the old homestead. H.M. Logsdon, the immediate subject of this sketch, was born June 28, 1852, and is the oldest living of eight children. He passed his youth and early manhood on his father's farm and assisting in the store, attending the district schools and the Rockport Collegiate Institute. The fall of 1871 he entered the literary and law department of the State University, at Bloomington, graduating from each of these departments in June, 1875. Being somewhat broken down in health, he traveled for a time throughout the Southern and Western States, but in 1877 returning to Rockport, where he embarked in the practice of his profession. He is a present associated with Henry Kramer in legal pursuits, and this is one of the ablest law firms in the Second District. Mr. Logsdon is a Freemason, a member of the K. of P., and is one of the leading Democrats of th county, having officiated four years as chairman of the Democratic Central Committee of the county.

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


HENRY MAAS, blacksmith and wagon-maker, was born April 21, 1840, in Baden, Germany. To his parents, Jacob and Eva Catharine (Shoemaker) Maas, there were three children born, the second one being our subject. The father was a boot and shoe-maker by trade, following that occupation in the old country until his death about the year 1844, In 1848 the mother and family immigrated to the United States and settled at Rockport, Ind., where Henry was raised and educated. When eighteen years old he went to Newburgh and worked two years at the blacksmith trade, and one year at the same occupation in Evansville. He then worked at this trade in the country of this county until he enlisted for the war in Company K, One Hundred and Forty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was honorably discharged in September, 1865. He embarked in business in Rockport at the close of the war and has continued to the present time. Mr. Maas has made his business a success and is in all respects a self-made man. Beginning with but $500 capital at the close of the war, he has by untiring energy, economy and enterprise, succeeded in acquiring valuable property and in establishing a wide trade for the buggies, wagons, plows, etc., which he manufactures. In politics he is a Republican, having served two terms as town councilman, and is a member of the Evangelical Association and the Albright Church. April 15, 1866, he married Catharine Fundes, a native of Germany, by whom he is the father of six children, these four yet living: Henry, Annie, John and Catharine.

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


GEORGE W. MARSH, a native of Gallatin County, Ky., was born July 17, 1830, being the youngest child born to William and Abi (North) Marsh. The father, who was a blacksmith by trade, lived in Kentucky until 1847, when he moved to Polk County, Iowa, and three or four years later to Chillicothe, Mo., where he died seven or eight years ago. The mother who was a native of Indiana died in Kentucky about 1847. At the age of seventeen, the subject of this sketch, came from Kentucky to Switzerland County, Ind., where he worked as a farm hand three years. He then came to this county and bought land on Section 24, Ohio Township. This he cleared and improved, and bought adjoining land until he now has a farm of 312 acres. Both he and wife are members of the Methodist Church. He is a stanch Republican and a warm advocate of the principles of his party. He was married December 24, 1851, to Sarah Ishum, a native of Boone County, Ky., who has borne him eight children. Those living are Alonzo, Emma (now Mrs. Proctor Wright), Olive (now Mrs. John S. Barnett), John, George W. and Cora.

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


CHRISTOPHER JACKSON MASON, a prominent pioneer of Spencer County, Ind., is a native of Ohio County, Ky., born May 5, 1813, the third of eleven children born to John H. and Elizabeth (Jackson) Mason. The father moved from Virginia, his native State, to Breckenridge County, Ky., when a youth and was there married. He afterward moved to Ohio County, that State, farming many years, and finally died September 22, 1862, in Hancock County, aged eighty years. His widow died in Union County in December, 1865. C.J. Mason received a limited youthful education in subscription schools, but in later years, by desultory study, has acquired a fair knowledge of the lower branches of education. At twenty years of age he began farming for himself in his native county, following that occupation summers and flat-boating on the river winters for twenty years. In March, 1837, he removed to Spencer County, Ind., locating on a farm in Grass Township. He resided there ten years, when he moved to Luce Township, where in addition to farming he dealt largely in produce, pork and tobacco, shipping these products on flat-boat to New Orleans, where he found ready markets for his goods. Having secured a competency in this way he moved to Rockport in 1877, where he has since resided retired from active business pursuits. Besides valuable property in town Mr. Mason owns about 1,200 acres of good farming land in the county. He is a stanch Republican in politics, serving as county commissioner from 1860 to 1863; is a member of the Masonic Episocal Church. He was married April 16, 1835, to Ellen Morgan, of Daviess County, Ky., and five children have been born to their union, only the following named now living: Lycurgus C., Cordelia J. (widow of John Hougland), William T. and John H. The mother dying in July, 1848, Mr. Mason was again married in February, 1849, to Martha Thomas, of Mercer County, Ky., by whom he was the father of five children - all dying in infancy. He settled in the wilderness, and cleared and improved his land, undergoing all hardships incident to pioneer life, there being only about a dozen wagons in the county, people using sleds and trucks for hauling.

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


JUDGE CHARLES H. MASON, born at Walpole, Cheshire Co., N.H., August 9, 1827, is the third of nine children born to the marriage of Joseph Mason and Harriet Ormsby, who were natives respectively of Massachusetts and Connecticut, and of English descent, the Masons being of old Puritan stock. The subject of our sketch was raised on his father's farm in his native State, receiving a good academical education, attending Hancock Literary and Scientific Institute of Hancock, N.H. At twenty-one years of age he emigrated West, locating first at Louisville, Ky., where he was employed as tutor in a private family, studying law between school hours with Hamilton Smith. When twenty-two years old he was admitted to the bar at Louisville, and removing to Perry County, Ind., embarked in the practice of his profession, also acting as agent for the American Cannel Coal Company. In 1849 he established the Cannelton Economist, the first newspaper in the county which he conducted two years and a half. He was also connected with various other enterprises and industries, but never relinquished legal pursuits. On the breaking out of the Rebellion, he was appointed Colonel of the Fifth Regiment (Legion), which he resigned in 1861, to accept the judgeship of the Court of Common Pleas for the district composed of Spencer, Perry, Crawford, Dubois and Orange Counties, a position he retained two years. In 1865 he was appointed collector of revenue for Perry County, serving as such ten years, and was also appointed a member of the Ohio River Commission by Gov. Baker. He has always retained his law practice however, and since 1880 has made his home at Rockport, and is recognized the peer of any attorney in the Second District. A stanch Republican in politics, he has been a faithful worker for his party, and by it has been honored at various times. He has actively worked for his county and town's advancement, and in every way is a worthy and highly esteemed citizen. March 21, 1852, Rachel D., daughter of J.B. Huckaby, became his wife, and after a happily wedded life of over thirty years, Mrs. Mason deid February 26, 1883, a member of the Episcopal Church.

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


SAMUEL H. MILLER, an influential farmer of Ohio Township, is a native of the county, born December 21 1835, being one of two living children of Nicholas and Catharine (Frank) Miller, both natives of Kentucky. The father, who was a successful farmer, came to Spencer County after his marriage. He owned a large amount of land in the county, and was known as an honest and industrious citizen. When our subject was two years old his father died, and the death of his mother followed a year later. He was reared with Barney Hamilton, receiving such an education as could be obtained by a three months' attendance at a subscription school each year. He lived with the Hamiltons until attaining his majority, when he farmed for himself until the war. He then for a short time followed flat-boating, but in 1862 he enlisted in Company F, Twenty-eighth Regiment First Indiana Cavalry, serving his country faithfully until July, 1865. After his return he farmed in various parts of the county until March 21, 1875 when he married Belle Iglehart, by whom he is the father of one child - Eula. After marriage he settled on the farm where he now lives. He 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


ISAAC L. MILNER, M.D., an early settler of Rockport, was born in Breckenridge County, Ky., February 17, 1828, and is one of five children born to Patrick D. and Mary Ann (Wilkerson) Milner. The father, with his parents, settled in this county where our subject was born about the beginning of the present century, and there died, August 7, 1859, aged fifty-eight years. The mother still resides in Breckenridge County, at an advanced age. Dr. I.L. Milner was raised to manhood on his parents' farm, receiving the education afforded by the schools of that day. At twenty-two years of age he began life's battle upon his own responsibility, and about a year thereafter began the study of medicine in Hardin County with Dr. H.H. Wale, remaining with him nearly two years. He then took a course of instruction at the Medical University of Louisville, and in March, 1855, came to Spencer County, Ind., and began practicing at Centerville, where he remained over eight years. During this time he again attended lectures at his old alma mater, which granted him a diploma in March, 1859. The fall of 1862 he moved to Boonville, but in February, 1863, removed to Rockport, which has since been his home. Dr. Milner has made his chosen profession an emphatic success, not only in the acquisition of this world's goods, but in the skillful treatment of the various diseases incident to humanity. He is a Mason of the Royal Arch Degree, a stanch Republican, and is non-sctarian in religion, being what might be termed a "free thinker" and a firm believer in one Supreme Being. February 2, 1860, Martha M. King became his wife, and by him the mother of two children: Kate and an infant that died unnamed.

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


GEORGE L. MOTTELER, manufacturer and dealer in boots and shoes at Rockport, is a native of the town, born April 29, 1857. He is the second of ten children in the family of John G. and Sophia (Easley) Motteler, both natives of Germany. The father when a young man came to America and followed blacksmithing near Philadelphia for a short time, after which he came to this county and learned the stone-cutter's trade which he still follows. George was reared at home and received a good business education in the schools of Rockport. At the age of eighteen he began a three year's apprenticeship to the shoe-maker's trade, after completing which he worked one year in Evansville. He then returned to Rockport and opened a shop, which he conducted with such good success, that in 1883 he added a stock of ready-made boots and shoes. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity and of the Lutheran Church. June 13, 1879, he was united in marriage with Delia Rodgers, a native of the county. They have three children, John A., Pansy K. and Owen S.

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


CHRISIAN HENRY MOTTELER, is a native of Wurtemburg, Germany, born September 15, 1825. His parents George and Margaret (Schneider) Motteler, never left the "Fatherland." He came to the United States in 1852 and worked as a farm hand in Pennsylvania a few months, then came to Rockport. The next spring he went to California as a gold seeker. He remained there and on Vancouver's Island until 1860, when he returned to his native country on a visit. He soon after came to this country again, and bought a coal mine at the Knobs, which he operated about a year. He afterward was engaged in mercantile pursuits at Rockport until 1873, when he moved to the farm where he still resides. It consists of 240 acres, and has on it one of the best orchards in the county, from which he manufactures peach and apple brandy, cider and vinegar. March 12, 1863, he married Katharine Easley, by whom he has four living children: Mary A., Kathrina, William H. and Frederick M. Mrs. Motteler died March 27, 1883, and May 30 of the same year, he was married to Mary Easley. They have one child, Henry J. He and wife are members of the German Lutheran Church.

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


JACOB T. NANEY, a pioneer native of the county, was born December 10, 1827, being the sixth of nine children born to the marriage of John Naney and Eleanor Williams. The father came to Spencer County from Kentucky about 1820, and located southwest of Rockport. Soon after, he entered 236 acres of land where he lived until his death, which occurred when Jacob T. was about ten years of age. He was a prominent Whig in politics, and held various township and county offices. He wife died in the county about ten years ago. The subject of this memoir received only a limited education in youth. In 1847 he enlisted as a private in Company E, Fourth Indiana Infantry, and served in the Mexican war until July 1848. January 5, 1851, he was joined in marriage with Lucy Burdick, a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, by whom he is the father of eight children, now living as follows: Americus I., Isaac W., Mary A. (wife of Robert Hartley), Laura A. (wife of B.M. Craig), Emma L., Nellie E., Jesse C. and Lucy M. Mr. Naney has lived upon the home farm all his life with the exception of two years when he was keeper of the county poor. He was not a soldier during the late war, but was a Union man and an active member of the Home Guards. He is a Republican; a successful farmer and an upright and highly respected citizen.

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


Deb Murray