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

JOSEPH D. ARMSTRONG, ex-County Auditor, was born February 27 1837, in Meade County, Ky. At fourteen years of age he began life's battle on his own responsibility, and from 1852 to 1854 was employed in Louisville tobacco warehouse. After farming a year he became book-keeper and salesman in a wholesale grocery house of Louisville, but in 1857 came to Spencer County, Ind., and until 1864 was employed in the store of William Thompson. For the succeeding two years he resided at Grandview as book-keeper and saleman for Parker & Verhoeff, and then became Deputy-Auditor of the county. In 1872 he was appointed County Examiner by the County Commissioners, and in 1873 was elected County Superintendent. In 1875 he again became Deputy-Auditor, and in 1878 was elected principal to that office. Mr. Armstrong is self-educted, and what prosperity has come to him has been entirely due to his own exertions. In October, 1858, he wedded Amanda Heveron, who died in May, 1865. He married Maggie R. Allen in November, 1867, and since 1868 has resided at Rockport. He has always been a Democrat in politics. In 1882 he bought the Spencer County Advance which he merged into the Rockport Sentinel, a periodical of which he was the editor and publisher until December, 1884, when he disposed of it to fill another position.

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

WILLIAM FREDERICK ATKINSON, farmer and stock-raiser, is a son of John Atkinson, a native of Mayview, Parish of Castle Connet, County of Sligo, Ireland, born April 10, 1812. John Atkinson came to the United States in 1837, locating in New York and later in Illinois, where he practiced law and taught school until 1849, when he came to this county. Here he practiced law and for several years was County Surveyor. He was a graduate from a law and literary college of Dublin, Ireland. In 1838 he married Maria Antoinette DeHule, of Albany, N.Y., who died April 16, 1876. His death occurred April 24, 1861. They had five children: Phillip A., William F., Robert, John V. and Maria Theresa (deceased). William F. was born in Bullitt County, Ky., January 19, 1843. He came to this county with his parents in 1849, locating at Rockport, where he received a good education. March 4, 1862, he enlisted in Company F, Twenty-eighth Regiment, First Indiana Cavalry, and served until April 1, 1865. He returned home and has since followed farming in this county. He owns 375 acres of good land, and has one of the best country residences in the county. In addition to his farming from 1868 to 1877 he taught school during the winter months, and from 1876 to 1880 carried the mail from Rockport to Boonville. May 22, 1873, he married Susanna J. Kerr, a native of Hamilton County, Ohio. They have five children: George K., Allen V., Roy S., Theresa J. and Herbert J. Mr. Atkinson is a stanch Republican, a member of the G.A.R., and of the Presbyterian Church of which his wife is also a member.

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

HARMON G. BARKWELL, retired Attorney, Rockport, Ind., is a native of Kentucky, born December 23, 1807. He gres to manhood in his native State, receiving a common school education. On attaining his majority, he engaged in the saddlery business at Troy, Ind., where he remained until about 1836, when he came to this county, and acted as Deputy for Thomas P. Britton, County Clerk, for one year. After studying law for one year at New Harmony, he went to Evansville, where he completed his legal studies, and was admitted to the bar in 1846. He then practiced law at Mount Vernon for a year, after which he returned to Rockport, where he acquired a large practice, and had the reputation of being among the foremost members of that bar. The Judge was originally a Whig in politics, but since the disappearance of that party, has been a Democrat. He was Judge pro tem. by appointment at various times in this circuit, and was elected by his party in 1855, as Prosecuting Attorney. March 19, 1839, Miss Parmelia Alldredge became his wife, by whom he is the father of ten children, five of whom are living. Mrs. Barkwell died April 1, 1858; and he was married April 3, of the following year to Rachel S. Shields, who died September 28, 1876. She was a daughter of Col. Jess Shields, of Harrison County. The Judge's parents were Joseph and Elvira (Freeman) Barkwell, both natives of the "Old Dominion."

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

JAMES M. BARNETT, one of the prominent pioneer citizens fo the county, is a native of Logan County, Ky., born September 29, 1814. He is the fouth of eight children in the family of John McK. and Sallie (McNeely) Barnett. They came to Spencer County in 1816, and located on a tract of land entered on Section 19 of this Township, where they passed the remainder of their lives. The father was called to this last resting place in August, 1854, and his companion in the same month sixteen years later. John McK. Barnett was a man well and favorably known, having been Magistrate, an Associate Judge of the Probate Court, and was a local preacher in the Methodist Church. James M. remained at home until twenty-one years old, receiving such an education as could be obtained by attending a subscription school for a few months each year. He began farming for himself on land deeded to him by his father, and has continued in agricultural pursuits ever since. June 21, 1838, he wedded Hannah Meyers, a native of Adams County, Ohio, and a daughter of Jacob Meyers, a prominent early citizen of the county. By this union he is the father of eight children: John F., William W., Jacob O. (deceased), James W., Sarah E., wife of Louis Snyder; Minerva M., H. Belle, and George W. Mr. Barnett has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for over 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

WILLIAM WESLEY BARNETT, son of the above, was born in this county, July 9, 1842. He remained at home, working on the farm until July, 1861, when he enlisted in Company F, Twenty-eighth Regiment, First Indiana Cavalry, serving his country faithfully unitl September, 1864. He participated in the battles of Fredericktown, Mo.; Helena, Ark.; Little Rock; Pine Bluff, and numerous skirmishes. After the war he attended the Rockport schools for a time, and clerked in his brother's store for a year. In 1866 he engaged in farming, continuing until 1878, when he moved to Rockport and followed teaming until 1882, when he embarked in the livery business, which he still continues. December 19, 1865, he married Mary M. Shackleford of this county, by whom he is the father of five children: Harry C. (deceased), Stella C., Samuel L., Washington S. and Shinkle W. Mr. Barnett is a member of the G.A.R. and K. of P. His wife is a member of the Methodist Church.

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

FRIEND HARRISON BARNETT, one of the oldest native residents of the county, was born November 26, 1818. He is a son of John M. and Sarah (McNeely) Barnett. He was raised on the farm, receiving his education at the primitive log schoolhouse of his times. May 26, 1841, he married Elmira Evans of this county, and settled on the farm where he has since resided. It was then covered with the primeval forest, inhabited by wolves, deer and other wild animals. This he has cleared and improved, undergoing all the hardships and privations of the pioneer's life. His wife died in June, 1855, having born him five children, three of whom Melissa, William O., M.D., and Sarah E., are living. August 25, 1859, he again entered the marriage relation with Eliza E. (Jones) Bell, a native of Nelson County, Ky. They have three children living, namely: John J., Eva E. and Grace G. In politics Mr. Barnett is a warm advocate of the principles of the Republican party. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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

JOHN BASYE, druggist of rockport, was born in Spencer County, Indiana, April 19, 1827, and is the oldest but one and the only living of three children born to Taylor and Adoshea (Duel) Basye. The father was born in Virginia in 1788, from whence he moved with his parents to Kentucky when a boy and from there, about the year 1820, removed to Grass Township, this county, and later to Hammond Township. In 1829, he moved to New York, thence to Kentucky, thence to Tennessee and in 1839 settled at Troy, Indiana, where for many years he conducted merchandising extensively and successfully. He served Perry County as Commissioner two terms and died August 31, 1857, esteemed by a large circle of acquaintances. His widow yet resides at Troy. John Basye was raised by his parents, and secured in his youth a fair education. At twenty-five years of age he embarked in the drug trade at Troy, remaining there three years. Removing to Rockport in 1858, he was engaged in the dry goods trade three years, but since 1862 has conducted a drug trade. Mr. Basye is one of the oldest, best known and most reliable merchants of Rockport, and is one of the substantial men of the place. He is a Republican in politics, a member of the Royal Arch degree in Masonry and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. November 20, 1860, Elizabeth M. Sampson became his wife and to their union four children have been born, the following named three yet living: Taylor C., who is connected with his father in the drug trade, Edith and Blanche.

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

JOHN BAUMGAERTNER, proprietor of the Veranda Hotel, is a native of Canton Graubuenden, Switzerland, his birth occurring May 1, 1843. He is the second of four children born to the marriage of Simon Baumgaertner and Anna Fluetsch, both parents being natives of that country. His youth and early manhood were passed in the vicinity of his birthplace, attending the common schools and also a teachers' seminary of which he is a graduate. He taught school in his native town until 1865, when he immigrated to the United States, and in December of that year settled in Tell City, Perry Co., Ind., where he taught German school a period of seven years. The spring of 1872 he was elected Town Marshal, serving two terms of one year each, and in 1874 engaged in the wharf boat business, continuing until the fall of 1879. The spring of 1880 he removed to Rockport, Ind., and in April of that year assumed control of the Veranda Hotel, which under his judicious management has become one of the traveling public;s favorite hotels of southern Indiana. Mr. Baumgaertner was married in 1867 to Hedwig Knecht, a native of Prussia, by whom he is the father of two children, only one, Alma H., now living. The mother dying November 8, 1870, the father, on the 7th of July, 1871, wedded Phillipena Neuhart, by whom is the father of four children, three yet living, named Otto, Henry and Frederick. Mrs. Baumgaertner is a native of Bavaria. Mr. Baumgaertner is a radical Republican and himself and his family belong to the Evangelical Church.

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

JOHN BEELER, an old resident of Spencer County, was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, November 13, 1826, being the youngest and only living member of the family of Daniel and Sarah A. (Meyers) Beeler, also natives of Hamilton County, Ohio. The father married in that county, and followed flat-boating on the Ohio and Mississippi Riers. His death occurred when John was eighteen months old, and a few years later his mother married Robert Woods, a minister. At the age of thirteen he came with his mother and step-father to this county, where they lived on a farm northwest of Rockport. When he was in his twenty-first year he attended school one year in his native county, the educational facilities here being very meager. He then returned to this county, and began farming for himself in Grass Township, but soon after bought a tract of land near the homestead farm, which he cleared and improved. He lived there until 1876, when he met with some reverses and sold that farm, purchasing a smaller one upon which he lives. Mr. Beeler is a Mason, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church. He was married November 30, 1848, to Nancy Richards, a daughter of John Richards, an early pioneer of this county. They have seven children: William R., Arvilla (now Mrs. William T. Boyd), Viola (now Mrs. James Mattingly), Claude D., Netter, Frank and John H.

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

JONATHAN BEELER, a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, was born August 28, 1828, being one of ten children in the family of Samuel and Anna (Myers) Beeler. (See sketch of Henry Beeler of Warwick County.) The subject of this memoir was reared on a farm in his native county, receiving a common school education. At the age of twenty-two he engaged in farming for himself in that county, and a year later came to Spencer County, where he located on a farm in Grass Township. In 1855 he sold his farm, and bought the Lake Mills, which he operated with fair success until 1868, since which time he has given his attention to farming. In 1850 he wedded Mary A. Gaston, of his native county, who died October 8, 1865, leaving six children: Newton M., Lizzie, Susanna, Daniel, Samuel and John E. April 1, 1866, he was united in marriage with Catharine Day, a native of Spencer County, by whom he is the father of nine children. Those living are Artur W., Sarah B., Worden L., Joseph E., Frederick W., and James B. In politics Mr. Beeler is a stanch Republican. Both he and wife are members of the Baptist Church.

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

HENRY W. BIEDENKOPF (deceased) was born near Hagerstown, Md., February 10, 1834, being one of seven children born to William and Eva Biedenkopf, natives of Germany. He came to Cincinnati when he was two years old, and received both an English and German education in the schools of that city. He learned the cigar-makers' trade when a youth, and followed it until he came with his parents to this county., They bought a farm in Grass Township, where his father died March 6, 1857, and the mother July 20, 1860. In 1861 Mr. Biedenkopf moved to Rockport, where he engaged successfully in conducting a bakery, grocery, restaurant, a confectionery store and saloon until 1870, when he erected a hotel, which he managed with good success until his death, which occurred May 11, 1880. He was united in marriage March 3, 1861, to Catharine Scherer, a native of Germany, by whom he was the father of four children: Eva C. (wife of George Hibbs), William T. (deceased), Catharine R. (wfie of J. Morris), and Henry P. Since Mr. Biedenkopf's death, his widow, assisted by her son, has conducted the hotel, it being known as the Occidental House.

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

REV. JOHN W. BOOK, rector of St. Bernard's Church of Rockport, is a native of Clark County, Ind., born October 21, 1850, a son of William and Mary (Engel) Book, who were natives of Hanover and Prussia, respectively. The father came to America in 1846, and followed agricultural pursuits in Clark County, until his death in 1869. The mother still resides on the old homestead. Father Book, subject of this brief notice, remained with his parents, on the home farm until fifteen years old, when he entered St. Meinrad's Seminary, where he remained four years. For two years thereafter, he was a student at St. Joseph's College of Bardstown, Ky., then returning to St. Meinrad, completed his education, and November 2, 1873, was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop de St. Palais. January 15, 1874, he took charge of St. Martin's Church of Centerville, and St. Rupert's Churchof Yankeetown. Father Book has been an indefatigable worker in the cause of Christianity, and is regarded by Protestants and Catholics alike with veneration and love.

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

HENRY BRAND, is a native of Jackson Township, in the county where he now resides, his birth occurring January 22, 1842. He is the oldest but one in a family of eight children born to the marriage of Abraham J. Brand and Margaret Hesson, who were both natives of Kentucky. The Hessons are among the pioneers of this county, the mother of Henry immigrating hither with her parents in 1828. Abraham Brand went to Evansville, Ind., at an early day, but in 1836 removed with his widowed mother to this county, folloing farming until his death in May, 1861. Henry Brand, subject of this memoir, was raised on a farm in his native township, receiving the limited education afforded by the schools of his boyhood days, which has been developed into a good practical knowledge by private study. He was a brave and efficient soldier of the late war, serving in Company D, Sixty-fifth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, through the battles of Resaca, Buzzard Roost, all through the Atlanta campaign, including many other hard fought engagements. At the close of the war he returned home, and February 25, 1866, wedded Hannah E. Bridges, by whom he is the father of eight living children, named Mary J., Elizabeth, William Everett, John Franklin, George W., Katie, and Nora and Cora, twins. Mr. Brand has followed farming in his native township until November, 1884, when he was elected Recorder of the county, and is now satisfactorily serving in that capacity. He is a prominent and active Democrat in politics, and is an enterprising and energetic citizen.

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

BENJAMIN BRIDGES, a native of the county, was born February 7, 1844. He lived with his parents until his mother's death, which occurred when he was six or seven years old. He then went to live with his grandparents in Hamilton County, Ohio, with whom he remained in that, and in Clermont County, for about six years. He returned to this county with then, but lived with his father on the farm until in July, 1861, when he enlisted as a private in Company E, Twenty-fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which regiment he served one year and eight months. He lost a limb at the battle of Hatchie River, and was discharged. After recovering from the wound, he attended school and prepared himself for teaching, which occupation he followed for four terms. In 1867, he was elected Auditor of Spencer County, and served one term of four years. He was a candidate for re-election, but was defeated. Four years later, he was again elected to the office, and held it until 1879, since which time he has been engaged in managing hi farm where he lives. March 24, 1868, his marriage with Elizabeth Cooper was solemnized. Four children have been born to then, only two of whom are now living. They are Gertie E. and Frank Carroll. Mrs. Bridges is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Bridges is a son of Silas and Eliza J. (Tuley) Bridges, natives of Ohio and this county respectively. The father came to this county with his parents about 1840. He followed the business of farming all his life, and died in January, 1869. He was twice married.

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

AUGUST BRIZIUS, a native of Birkenfeld, Prussia, born April 28, 1855, is the fifth of seven children brn to Charles and Louisa (Kunz) Brizius, both natives of Prussia, where the father, who was a butcher by trade, died lamented by all, and where the mother still resides. August was raised by his parents in his native country, receiving the ordinary compulsory education the laws of that land confer. He learned of his father the butcher's trade, and the fall of 1878 immigrated to the United States, living a short time at Evansville, Ind., and then going to Newburgh, this State, where he was employed in a brewery a few months. He then returned to Evansville where he worked at the tinner's trade four years. In 1877 he again went to Newburgh, and for over three years worked for a brother at the butcher's trade. In 1881, he came to Rockport, and, opening a meat-market has, by keeping the best of meats and selling them at reasonable prices, built up a good trade. He also owns his own slaughter house and a steam sausage chopper. He is a Democrat, a member of the I.O.O.F., and an enterprising citizen.

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

CADMUS VINCENT BROWN, onw of the oldest living pioneers of the county, was born December 20, 1807 in Nelson County, Ky. His father, Richard Brown, a native of Pennsylvania, moved with his parents to Kentucky, where he married Nancy Hughes, and in 1818 came with his family to this county. He entered 160 acres of land, and made the first payment of $80, but on account of hard times for the ensuing ten years was unable to pay the remainder. About 1827 he became disabled from paralysis, and the whole support of the family devolved upon our subject, who, at the age of twenty-one, flat-loated on the river long enough to pay for eighty acres of the land his father had entered. His father then lived on the place and was supported by him the remainder of his life. November 27, 1832, Mr. Brown married Sarah Dodgeman, a native of Kentucky, by whom he is the father of eleven children. He now owns 212 acres of improved land of which 150 is under cultivation. In the spring he removed to Rockport, where he intends to live a retired life the remainder of his days. In politics Mr. Brown was formerly a Whig, but now holds himself entirely independent of party affiliations. Since the above was written, the subject of this sketch died April 22, 1885.

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

WILLIAM T. BULLOCK, a native of Rockport, was born October 16, 1842, being the eldest of five children born to the marriage of George B. Bullock and Emiline Drury, natives of Virginia and Maryland. The father who was a tailor came to Rockport about 1838, was married and followed his trade for a number of years. He also followed flat-boating on the river before the war. During the war he was Provost-Marshal at this point, and since that time has been Trustee of Ohio Township several terms. He is now living a retired life at Rockport. Willia T. Bullock received his education in the town schools. He followed clerking in a dry goods store for some years, and was engaged in this occupation when the war broke out. In June, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, Sixty-fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, serving for three years. He was on the Atlanta campaign, and Burnside's campaign in East Tennessee, and after the battle of Nashville, was taken to Washington, thence to Fort Fisher. He was also present at the capture of Wilmington, and Fort Anderson. After the war he returned to Rockport and resumed his work as a clerk. In 1870 he was appointed mail clerk on the Ohio River between Louisville and Evansville, which position he held until 1875. Since that time he has been engaged in farming. October 6, 1874, he wedded Eliza A. Gentry, a daughter of James Gentry, whose sketch appears in this work. By this union he is the father of three children, Lizzie, Emma and George Bradford.

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