WILLIAM H. ROBERTSON, an influential citizen of Ohio Township, is a native of Nottoway County, Va., born February 9, 1818. His parents were also natives of the Old Dominion when they were married, and where the father, Jennings Robertson died February 8, 1819. The mother, whose maiden name was Sarah Craddock, removed a year later to Ohio County, Ky., where she died in 1828. The children, of whom William H. was the youngest, then came to this county. In 1839 he married Letitia Miller, and a few months later settled on a tract of land where he now lives. He has added to his first purchase until he now has over 330 acres of good farming land. He for several years also, owned and managed a livery stable at Rockport. He still owns the latter, but rents it to other parties. For the past three years Mr. Robertson has practically retired from active business, and his extensive farm is managed by his son William H. Robertson, Jr., January 17, 1846. His wife died haivng borne him four children, two of whom Nancy J., now Mrs. W.H. Anderson, and Mary E., widow of Ford Wilkinson, are living. June 7, 1846, he married Mary Miller, a sister of his former wife, by whom he is the father of five children living: They are Margaret L., widow of J.W. Skaggs, William H., Sarah A., wife of C.W. Barrows, Henrietta H., wife of George Brown and Harriet N., wife of Robert Mackey. During the war Mr. Robertson was a member of the Home Guards and is now a stanch Republican. Since the above was written, the subject of this sketch died April 30, 1885.

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

HENRY A. ROETZEL, of Rockport, is a native of Prussia, born January 3, 1837, being the second of five children in the family of Franz and Mary (Weller) Roetzel, who were also natives of Prussia. The father, who was a farmer, came to America with his family in 1854, and landed at New Orleans, where they remained a few months. They then came to this county and located on a farm in Grass Township, where the father died a short time after the close of the Rebellion. The mother survived her husband about two years. Henry A. Roetzel received the ordinary compulsory education in his native country, and at the age of fifteen he went to work in a mine, where he continued until coming to this country with his parents. He then worked on his father's farm until 1865, when he engaged in the grocery business at Centerville, which he continued until 1872. Since the latter date he has been engaged in conducting a saloon, restaurant and boarding-house at Rockport. He was married to Magdalena Kehrer in October, 1865, and is the father of eight children - four sons and four daughters. 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

EDMUND JAMES ROGERS, one of the oldest living pioneers of southern Indiana, was born December 7, 1800, in Connecticut, being the only son of three children born to Jonathan and Orphania Rogers. His father was a lieutenant in the war of 1812; came west with his family in 1818, and located at Carlisle, Ind. In 1824 he moved to Posey County, Ind., where both he and wife afterward died. The subject of this sketch received an academic education, and when sixteen years old taught his first term of school. He was engaged in the general merchandise business and tanning in Posey County, this State, with his father, and after the latter's death continued until 1870, when he moved to Rockport. He embarked in the grocery trade at this place, and so continued until 1875, and has since been practically retired from active business pursuits. His life has been one of success in every respect, and has been a busy one as well. Although a member of no church organization, he has contributed liberally from his means in the support of charitable and benevolent organizations of various kinds. For a wife, he selected Celia Guild, a native of Hartford, Conn., who died in Posey County, this State, after bearing two children, only one - Celia, widow of Jesse Laird - now living.

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

BENJAMIN K. SALLEE, a native of Ohio County, Ky., was born February 6, 1824, being the eighth of thirteen children born to the marriage of Oliver P. Sallee and Elizabeth Johnson, both natives of the Old Dominion. They came to this county about 1832, and located on a tract of land in the Barnett neighborhood, where they lived until 1842, when they went to White County, Ill. The father died there in 1872, and the mother two or more years previous. Benjamin K. Sallee came to this county with his parents, but when they went to Illinois he remained and worked on a farm as a laborer until November 11, 146, when his marriage with Elizabeth Hamilton took place. After marriage he worked on rented land until 1850, when he settled on a tract of land in the woods on Section 9, which he cleared and improved, and upon which he has since resided. They have eight living children: William B., Maria (widow of Samuel Knox), Nancy I. (wife of William Pool), James H., Samuel F., Hugh M., Narcissa, and one name not learned.

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

CAPT. WILLIAM H. SARGENT, county Auditor, was born January 18, 1844, in Spencer County, Ind., a son of John M. and Eliza (Sharp) Sargent, both natives of Ohio. The father was born July 27, 1812; married September 9, 1835; died in August, 1859. The mother was born February 18, 1816; bore her husband five children, and died in September, 1881. About the year 1839 the family settled in Hammond Township, this county, following farming there until 1846, when they moved to Ohio Township, and farmed south of Rockport. In 1854 they removed to Rockport and kept the Sargent House for many years, where our subject now lives. William H. made his home with his parents during youth and early manhood, receiving such education as the public schools afforded. In 1858 he began the printer's trade in the office of the Rockport Democrat, and there received a practical education which has benefited him greatly in later years. In July, 1861, he enlisted as private in Company K, Twenty-fifth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, serving until April 25, 1862, when he was discharged for disability contracted in the service. In May, 1864, he formed a company for the 100-days' service, was made captain, and merged into the One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Indiana Regiment, serving the full term of enlistment. Since the war he has been engaged in varied pursuits, principally clerking, boating, printing, marshal of Rockport, railroading, and acting as deputy postmaster. In 1882 he was elected auditor of the county, and the year following assumed control of the office and is now the efficient, agreeable and popular principal. Mr. Sargent is an active worker in the ranks of the Republican, and is a member of the I.O.O.F., K. of P., and G.A.R. fraternities. He married Margaret H. Kincheloe September 2, 1866, who died December 26, 1869, leaving one son - John A. September 22, 1873, he married Fannie B. Hawkins, and by her is the father of four children: Lida R., Mary Cecil, William H. and Belle (deceased). Mrs. Sargent belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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

JOSEPH SCAMMAHORN, born June 24, 1829, in Hamilton County, Ohio, is a son of Rev. Jacob Scammahorn, one of the pioneer preachers of the United Brethern Church of Spencer County. Joseph Scammahorn is one of the successful farmers of Ohio Township, and beginning life as a poor boy deserves considerable credit for the energy he has displayed in making life a financial success. In 1850 he united in marriage with Miss Annabel Hearn, and to their union the following-named children have been born: Jesse, Jacob, Clara, Josephine and Viola. During early manhood Mr. Scammahorn began teaching school winters, an occupation he continued for a period of thirty years. In politics he became a Republican at the organization of that party in 1856, and since that time he has always advocated its principles. During the Rebellion he was sergeant-major on Col. Crook's staff of the State militia.

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

JAMES SHOURDS is a native of Tuckerton, N.J.; born August 19, 1807, being one of twelve children born to Solomon and Hannah (Howell) Shourds. He was reared at home with his father, who was a carpenter, but James chose a farmer's life. December 31, 1827, he married Mary A. Adams, a native of New Jersey, by whom he is the father of four living children. They are Samuel, John W., Marion L. and James C. Several years after his marriage he came to Ohio, where he remained a few months, and afterward went to Keokuk, Iowa. About 1840 he came to Spencer County, and located on a farm near the river, five miles below Rockport. This he traded for the farm where he now resides with his son, Marion L. Mr. Shourds has been very successful in his business, and is well and favorably known in the county. In politics he was fornerly a Republican, but now considers himself independent of any party affiliation.

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

WILLIAM STATELAR, one of the oldest and most highly respected residents of Spencer County, was born in the county, March 1, 1820. His parents, George and Elizabeth (Smethers) Statelar, were natives of Pennsylvania and Tennessee respectively. The father, born in 1766, came to Ohio County, Ky., about the beginning of the present century, where he was engaged in farming until 1808. He then went to Daviess County, the same State, was married, and lived there until 1818, when he came to this county. He bought a tract of land in Ohio Township, which he cleared and improved, and upon which he lived until his death, September 19, 1836. The mother died December 9, 1859. William Statelar received his education in the primitive log schoolhouse of the frontier. At the age of eighteen he took charge of his father's farm, which he managed until a year after his marriage. He then farmed in various parts of the township, when he bought the place upon which he resides. January 29, 1843, he married Mary A. McCollum, a native of Ohio, who died May 1, 1864. By this marriage he is the father of four children now living. March 16, 1865, he was united in marriage with Elmira Lashbrook. They have one child, Roy, now living. Mr. Statelar has been a member of teh Methodist Church for nearly half a century. His wife is also a member.

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

ELIJAH C. STUTEVILLE, a member of one of the prominent pioneer families of Spencer County, was born March 8, 1832. He is the third of seven children born to John A. and Mary (Clarkston) Stuteville, both natives of Kentucky. The father, when a young man came to this county, and entered a tract of land on Section 4, Ohio Township, upon which a few years after his marriage he located. He was a very successful farmer, and at the time of his death owned several hundred acres of land. He was magistrate of th county and associate judge of the Probate Court for a number of years, also held the office of county treasurer. He died January 13, 1872. His wife preceded him about fifteen years. Elijah was reared at home, receiving but little schooling. On reaching his majority, he began farming for himself on his father's land, where he continued until 1869, when he built his present residence. He and three brothers own a large tract of land adjoining each other, and up to within a few years have worked their land together. He nowowns 250 acres, and makes a specialty of raising fine stock, especially short-horn cattle. March 5, 1854, he married Nancy Tramel, a native of Green County, Ind., who bore him three children, all deceased. She died in the spring of 1861, and June 5, 1864, he was united in marriage with Amanda E. Brady. They have four children now living, Katie M., Caroline B., William O. and Grace D.

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

MARTIN STUTEVILLE (deceased), youngest son of John A. Susteville, was born March 6, 1840. (See Sketch of E.C. Stuteville.) He was reared on the farm, and for a number of years was engaged in farming, and running farm machinery as threshers, corn shellers, hay bales, etc. In July, 1862, he enlisted in the Fourth Indiana Cavalry. He had served only a few months, however, when he was taken sick, and lay in the hospital, until he was discharged on account of disability. He died August 17, 1883. His death was a great loss, not only to the bereaved wife and family, but to the entire community, where he was known as an enterprising farmer, and an honest, upright citizen. He was married December 6, 1861, to Ann E. Hamilton, a daughter of Hugh Hamilton, whose sketch appears in this work. The children born to this union now living are Martin J., Nancy E., Susan B., Fannie C., Hugh H., Zona, Elijah C. and Ann E. Mrs. Stuteville still lives on the farm, which is the old homestead of her husband's father.

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

ELBERT M. SWAN, attorney and counselor-at-law, was born in Peoria, Ill., May 30, 1848, the younger of two children born to Thomas J. and Laura A. (Wyman) Swan. The father was a native of the capitol of West Virginia, and there began the study of medicine. He went to Europe, and attended lectures in one of the most renowned medical colleges of France, then returned to this country, and located at Kalamazoo, where he married, his wife being a native of Oswego, N.Y. In 1847 he moved to Peoria, Ill., and about ten years later removed to Wolfe Creek, Ky. From the beginning to the close of the war he was stationed at Louisville, as surgeon of the Twelfth Kentucky Cavalry, and about 1866 came to Spencer County, Ind., making his home here until his death, May 29, 1881. He was an honest, industrious and esteemed citizen, a moral, upright man, and during his latter years followed the ministry of the Baptist Church. His widow yet survives him, and resides in Rockport. Elbert M. Swan, the immediate subject of this sketch, at sixteen years of age accepted a position in the Quartermaster's Department at Louisville, where he remained until the close of the war. He clerked in Louisville until 1867, when he came to Rockport and attended the Collegiate Institute about two years, afterwards teaching subscription school three years. Druing this time he completed the Sophomore year of the Indiana State University, also reading law, and in 1874 graduated from the law department of the Cincinnati College. Returning to Rockport he began the practice of his profession, and although now alone in his practice, he has been associated with G.L. Reinhard adn C.L. Wedding. June 13, 1877, he married Miss Helen Richardson, daughter of William D. Richardson, a prominent citizen of this county. He is a Democrat, and a member of the Masonic and K. of P. fraternities.

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

T.J. TAYLOR & Co., founded in 1858 by T.J. Taylor, has at present three partners - T.J. Taylor, B.M. Taylor and Charles W. Halbruge. The senior member of this firm was born September 1, 1811, in Hamilton County, Ohio, and was raised in the city of Cincinnati, where for a number of years he followed mercantile pursuits. He removed to Dearborn County, Ind., when a young man, married Mary E. Moore, and for years was a merchant at Aurora, Ind. In 1858 he moved to Rockport and engaged in the dry goods business, returning to Aurora in 1862, but has ever since retained an interest in the business at this place. B.M. Taylor is a son of T.J. Taylor. He was born at Aurora, Ind., December 1, 1837, and is the eldest of four children. When twenty-one years of age he came to Rockport with his father, and since that time has contributed largely to the success of the firm. May 1, 1861, he united in marriage with Annie E. Bliss, a native of Portsmouth, Ohio, and the result of their union is a family of three sons and two daughters - all living. (For sketch of Mr. Halbruge see elsewhere in this volume.) The firm is one of the most reliable, enterprising and energetic in Rockport, and justly enjoys a large and lucrative trade.

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

WILLIAM H. THOMAS, born in Spencer County, Ind., July 25, 1851, is one of three children born to John F. and Mary Ann (Howell) Thomas. The father was born November 17, 1822, in Kentucky, and when quite a small child came with his parents to this county. He was raised on a farm in this county, married his wife here, and subsequently resided in Grass Township ten years, and the remainder of his life in Luce Township, his death occurring September 6, 1865. His father (and grandfather of our subject), William G. Thomas, was a prominent citizen of the county, serving as a Sheriff and Deputy Clerk many years. Mary Ann (Howell) Thomas was born July 28, 1827, a daughter of Mason J. Howell, one of the county's honored pioneers. She died May 10, 1854, he afterward marrying Martha J. Everton, who bore him four children. William H. Thomas was raised on the home farm in Luce Township, received an excellent practical education and taught school to some extent, a part of the time in Rockport. About the year 1875 he was admitted to the bar of the county, having previously read with with Judge DeBruler, and the same year entered into partnership with two prominent attorneys at Evansville, conducting business for the firm at Rockport about two years. For a time he was associated with George L. Rinehard in the practice of his profession, but since the latter's election to the bench has been alone. He is a Republican, a member of the F.& A.M., I.O.O.F., and K. of P. fraternities, and was married May 15, 1878, to Annie L. Asbury, by whom he is the father of two children: Curran A. and John Mason (deceased). Himself 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

DR. JAMES TURPIN, a native of Wayne County, Ky., was born July 17, 1828, the eldest and only surviving of four children born to George K. and Jennie (McDonald) Turpin, both natives of Kentucky. The father was a millwright by trade, his death occurring in Wayne County, in 1850, where also the mother died about the year 1838. The subject of this biography was raised in his native State on a farm, and when eighteen years old went to Evansville, Ind., where he read medicine about two years with Dr. Trafton. He then lived in Alabama one year with an uncle, and in 1850 came to Rockport, Ind., and embarked in mercantile pursuits, continuing about ten years. He helped raise the first company from Spencer County in the war, but owing to the quota then being full the company was not immediately sent into active service. Returning from Indianapolis to Rockport he enlisted in Company A, of the Twenty-eighth Regiment, and participated in the battles of Pine Bluff, Helena, Little Rock and other engagements, was honorably discharged in July, 1865, wearing a sergeant's shevrons. From the close of the war until 1876 he following contracting and building, also practicing medicine to some extent. In 1878 he entered the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, which graduated him in 1880. Since then he has been engaged in medical pursuits. Dr. Turpin is a Republican and a Mason, and himself and wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church. February 3, 1851, he married Harriet N. Woodward, a native of Ohio, and the following named of the three children born to them are yet living: William K. and Mary Alice.

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

GEN. JAMES C. VEATCH, born in Harrison County, Ind., December 19, 1819, is the youngest of seven children reared by Isaac and Lucinda (Ramsey) Veatch. The father was born and raised on a farm in Tennessee, and there married his iwfe who was also a native of that State. About the year 1811 he came to what is now Harrison County, Ind., with his parents, three brothers, and his family, there farming and preaching the Baptist faith until 1823, when he moved to Meade County, Ky., and from there, two years later, to Spencer County, Ind., settling in Luce Township. In 1831 he removed to New Albany, and a year later to Clark County, Ind., which was his home until death. He died of cholera at New Albany July 31, 1833, his wife having previously departed this life in Harrison County, September 29, 1822. James C. Veatch resided with his father until the latter's death, securing a fair education from the common schools of that early day. About the year 1833 he returned to the county of his birth, but in March 1835, came to Spencer County where he farmed two years, then resumed educational pursuits, attending the country and Rockport schools and preparing for the teacher's profession. In 1838 he taught his first term of school in Luce Township, and in 1839 was elected principal of the County Seminary at Rockport. In 1841 he was elected Constable of the Ohio Township, but the same year was elected County Auditor in which capacity he served three successive terms. In 1855 he embarked in the practice of law, having for years previously studied privately, and until 1860 continued legal pursuits. In 1856 he was defeated for Congress on the Republican ticket, but in 1860 was elected State Representative. On the breaking out of the Rebellion he was appointed mustering officer and, returning from legislative halls, organized twelve companies of militia in Spencer County, securing for them 250 muskets and a six-pound field piece, giving his individual security to the State for the same. Having been lieutenant-colonel of militia before the war, he was commissioned colonel of the Twenty-fifth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry in August, 1861, and repaired at once to the scene of conflict. After the battle of Shiloh he was promoted brigadier-general, and after the battle of Mobile was brevated major-general. He was seriously wounded at Hatchie River, but with that exception was in active service during the entire war, without being disabled. Having contracted rheumatism in the war, it was a number of years afterward before he was able to do active work. He resumed legal pursuits however, and in 1868 was again defeated for Congress. In 1869 he was appointed adjutant-general of Indiana by Gov. Baker, serving as such until 1870, when he was appointed Collector of Internal Revenue for the First District. In 1876 the Second district was added to his territory, but in 1883 it was done away with. Gen. Veatch has been an earnest worker in the ranks of the Republican party; was a member of the Chicago convention in 1860 that nominated Lincoln for the Presidency, and again in 1884 when Blaine was nominated. He was also Presidential Elector on the Republican ticket in 1884. He is a Free Mason, a member of the G.A.R. and a gentleman well known and respected at home and abroad. June 2, 1839, he wedded Eliza J. Anderson, by whom he became the father of nine children, three sons and three daughters now living.

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

CONRAD VOGEL, of the firm of Vogel & kehrer, retail liquor dealers, of Rockport, Ind., was born in this county January 16, 1844, and is the youngest child of George Vogel, a native of Germany. George Vogel came to America in 1842, and located on a farm in Huff Township, Spencer County, where he soon after died. His widow married a brother of her first husband, by whom she bore six children. She died July 14, 1864. Our subject received his education in the old log school house of those times. He followed farming until 1872, when he came to Rockport and engaged in the saloon business with his half brother for one year. For a short time afterward he was in the grocery business, and in 1874 he entered into partnership with Conrad Kehrer, with whom he still continues. He began business with a small capital, but by economy and application he has succeeded in securing a good trade and considerable property. In March, 1874, he married Mary Kohler, a native of this county, by whom he is the father of five children. Those now living are Anna M., Maggie K. and Wilhelm C.

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

RICHARD A. WALKER, one of the oldest and best know merchants of Rockport, was born September 9, 1823, in Yorkshire, England, and when eight years old immigrated with his father to the United States, and found employment as clerk in Evansville, Ind. In 1845 he came to Rockport, where he embarked in merchandising and flat-boating, also operating a wharf-boat many years. In April, 1851, he wedded Amanda M. Smith, and to their union six sons and two daughters were born, two of the former being prominent merchants of Rockport. When Mr. Walker first located here, Rockport was but a small village, and he assisted in graveling and grading the streets the first time, and has seen it increase in size and importance to the present time. He was fairly successful in business pursuits until 1868, when he met with reverses from which he is not yet fully recovered. Mr. Walker has seen considerable of the world, having made 103 trips to New Orleans, sixty-three times of which were by flat-boats. He also, while in England, rode on the Manchester & Liverpool Railroad, the first in the world. Since 1875 he has been engaged in the grocery trade with his son, John H. He bears the high esteem of all who know him.

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

JOHN H. WALKER, the oldest son of Richard A. Walker, of whom proper mention is previously made, was born February 3, 1853, and after attending the public schools in youth, completed a good business education at the Rockport Collegiate Institute. He clerked in his father's store and that of E.J. Rogers, a prominent early pioneer of the county, until 1875, when he embarked in the grocery business for himself with a limited capital. Energy, economy and judicious management has increased his financial resources, his trade and his stock, which consists of a full and complete line of groceries, queensware, and in fact everything found in a first-class grocery store. Mr. Walker was married January 31, 1875, to Miss Ida Bodenhamer, a native of Ohio, and by her is the father of one son, named Guy H. He is a stalwart Republican in politics, and has served two years as town clerk and one year as town treasurer. He belongs to the I.O.O.F. and K. of P. fraternities, and although a member of no religious denomination, was raised in the Methodist Episcopal faith, his parents having been members of that church for a number of years.

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

Deb Murray