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DR. W. L. BARKE
For its growth and prosperity Boonville owes as much to Dr. William L. Barker as to any one man. For the last thirty-five years he has been prominently identified in every movement or enterprise tending to the advancement of the interests of the town, and his life is interlinked with the later unwritten history of its progress.

He was born in Charleston, S. C., October 7, 1818. His father moved to Vanderburgh county, Indiana, in 1832, and engaged in farming, but he was more generally known on account of his public services. He was Commissioner of Vanderburgh county for several years. His death occurred in 1837, when he was about sixty-one years old. The family has a war record as far back as it is possible to trace. Both grandparents of the Doctor were soldiers in the Revolutionary war and his father was in the war of 181 2. Dr. Barker himself was surgeon of the 120th Indiana Volunteers in the late civil war, being mustered into the service in Indianapolis. At Atlanta, Ga., his horse fell, causing a rupture, on account of which he was compelled to resign. He returned home and was confined to his bed about four months. The patriotic and benevolent spirit which he manifested during the late war is praiseworthy, and is gratefully remembered by many yet living. No soldier's family or poor person suffered for food, clothing or medical aid, when in his power to alleviate their wants. He has a charitable, sympathetic heart, and in an unobtrusive way gives with liberality to the poor.

Doctor Barker came to Boonville in April, 1846, and commenced the practice of medicine. He is the oldest physician living in the county. If the many enterprises depending upon the support of the citizens, which have aided materially in the upbuilding and improvement of Boonville, were traced to the source of their success, Doctor Barker would be found foremost among the more liberal supporters. He was the largest stockholder in the first newspaper ever published in Boonville. He was one of the first contributors and supporters of the Lake Erie, Evansville and Southwestern Railway, built in 1873. He was also instrumental in the organization of the Boonville National Bank, and was one of the largest stockholders. He is a leading member of the secret fraternities and was a charter member in the organization of the lodges of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Free and Accepted Masons and Knights of Pythias at Boonville.

In 1847 Dr. Barker was married to Mary Williams, of Pennsylvania, and from this union had four children. Two are now dead. The only son, Wm. L. Barker, Jr., is connected with the Boonville National Bank, and the only daughter, Katie, is the wife of John L. Taylor, Esq.

The career of Dr. Barker has been one of prominence in local politics. He was first one of the very few Whigs in this section and afterwards a Republican. He is strong in his likes and dislikes, and a prominent characteristic is the tenacious, uncompromising spirit with which he adheres to his principles. This section of country has always been largely Democratic, and until quite recently it was impossible for a Republican to overcome the majority. Doctor Barker always conducted a vigorous campaign and he possesses ability as an impromptu speaker. He "stumped" Southern Indiana several times and used every honorable means in propagating Republican principles. Although formidable as a politician, he was highly esteemed as a citizen and gentleman of extraordinary intelligence by his political adversaries, and they speak of him in language highly complimentary. The growth of the Republican party in Warrick county is doubtless as much due to the indefatigable efforts of this pioneer champion of the cause as to any other one man. He was several times pressed into candidacy for office by his party. In 1864 he was a candidate for State Senator from the district comprising the counties of Spencer, Perry and Warrick. Benoni S. Fuller was his opponent and were citizens of the same county. They canvassed the district in joint discussion. Dr. Barker was, of course, defeated, but he ran ahead of his ticket between two and three hundred votes, besides receiving a majority in Warrick county.

In 1868 he was again the opponent of Benoni S. Fuller for Representative of Warrick county. He was also nominated by his party as a candidate for Representative against Nathan Pyeatte, the Democratic nominee. Although defeated, Doctor Barker's majority in Boon township alone was near two hundred, while he beat Pyeatte twelve votes in his own township. Although something of a politician Doctor Barker has not been an ambitious office-seeker, but has devoted his energies chiefly to his profession, in which he has enjoyed a large, lucrative practice ever since he located here thirty-five years ago. He is a physician of extraordinary skill and ability, and stands high among the medical practitioners of the State.

WARRICK AND ITS PROMINENT PEOPLE
A History of Warrick County, Indiana, from the time of its organization and settlement, with Biographical Sketches of some of its Prominent People of the past and present
EDITED BY: WILL FORTUNE.
1881

JUDGE J. W. B. MOOR
Judge Moore was born near Waterloo, Seneca county, N. Y., on the 5th day of November, 1801. He was an only child, and early left an orphan, his father having been lost at sea, leaving him and his mother in limited circumstances, but possessed of a small farm near Waterloo. The son worked on the farm in the spring and summer, and attended such schools as the county afforded in the autumn and winter. He early obtained a thorough knowledge of the theory and practice of book-keeping, which was of great advantage to him later in life. When he was about eighteen years old he became very anxious to read law with his uncle, Joel W. Bacon, then a distinguished lawyer of Western New York, but his mother had, from some cause or other, imbibed an unreasonable prejudice against the profession, and she determined that he should not in any event become a lawyer; and, being a woman of more than ordinary firmness, she had her way. She afterwards induced him to apprentice himself, as was then the custom, to Dr. Wells, the leading physician and surgeon of that locality, with whom he remained some two years. His mother meantime marrying a second husband, and the profession of medicine being distasteful to him, he finally concluded to abandon it and come West. He had some difficulty in obtaining his mother's consent, who always had great influence over him, and for whom he always retained the greatest affection and reverence. This was, however, at last obtained, and he started on horseback, with but a scant supply of money, and without any well defined notions where he should stop. His journey must have been inexpressibly tedious and lonesome.

Shortly after he started he took the ague, with which he was afflicted at frequent intervals for some two years and more. The chill would come on frequently when he was in a wilderness, far from any habitation or human beings. At such times he would get down from his horse, unsaddle it and tie it to a limb, using the saddle for a pillow and the blanket for a covering. When sufficiently recovered he would mount and pursue his journey. He traveled until he arrived at Indianapolis, which had been recently laid out, and designed for the capital of the State. Here he found an uncle, Seth. Bacon, who owned a Judge J. W. B. Moore. Ill saw-mill, and who gave him employment in it until something better should offer. His uncle was very kind to him, which the Judge afterwards had ample opportunity of repaying with interest. The uncle, in his old days, lost his property, and became broken in health and energy, with a large family on his hands to support. The Judge, hearing of his condition, visited him, and brought him from the central part of this State, and, after providing him with the necessary supplies, placed him on a good farm, where he remained until his death. Folsomville now stands on a part of the farm.

After working awhile in the mill, as we have stated, he obtained a school, which he taught until he made the acquaintance of James Linton, of Charlestown, Clarke county, Indiana, where he afterwards moved. This gentleman was a merchant, and employed the Judge to sell goods and keep books. He went with Mr. Linton to Charlestown, where he remained several years. After remaining a while with Mr. Linton, he obtained employment of Mr. Austin, in the capacity of salesman and book-keeper. Soon after going to Charlestown he united himself with the old school Presbyterian church, in which faith he had been reared. Finally, he went into business with Mr. Shockly, as a partner, receiving a port of the profits for his services as manager, salesman and book-keeper.

On the third day of December, 1827, he and Orra M. Shelby were married. She was the eldest daughter of Isaac Shelby, who was then, and who had been for some years, clerk of the Clark Circuit Court. Soon after his marriage he moved his family to Rockport, Spencer county, bringing with him a small stock of goods, but no capital except unlimited credit at Louisville, which was then the emporium of this section. Having remained in business at Rockport about a year, he sold his stock of goods, and bought of John Williams the farm upon which Henry Beeler, Esq., now resides. He immediately moved to his farm, and was, in the course of years, elected Probate Judge of the county, which he held until elected clerk of the Warrick Circuit Court, receiving his certificate of qualifications, which was then required by law before he could be commissioned, from Judge Goodlet, father of N. M. Goodlet, Esq., of Evansville. In 1844 he was re-elected clerk and recorder for seven years, and it was universally conceded that he was the best clerk in Southern Indiana. In 1856 he was elected Judge of the Common Pleas District, composed of this and Vanderburgh counties, and served a term of four years.

In 186 1 when President Lincoln issued his first proclamation for 75,000 men, it created intense excitement in this locality. The President was pronounced as a tyrant and usurper, and the call was characterized as unconstitutional, and an outrage upon the South. Judge Moore took the side of his country, procured posters to be struck and put up, calling meetings all over the county, at which he appeared, justified the action of the President, and urged the young men to enlist, to maintain the integrity of the Union. In 1862 he, notwithstanding his age, enlisted as a private in Capt. Pace's Company, 1st Ind. Cav., Governor Baker commanding, and went with his regiment to the Southwest, and participated in the battle of Frederickstown. He remained with his regiment nearly two years, but a soldier's life proved too much for his constitution, and he was compelled to accept a discharge, much against his wishes.

He was a man of great firmness of will and energy of purpose in what he conceived to be right. When he moved to the farm we have mentioned, it, like almost all others, was incumbered with deadened timber, which had to be removed before it could be cultivated with any success or profit. It was then the universal custom to have whiskey at all log-rollings, barn-raisings, etc. He determined not to have whiskey on his farm, and so expressed himself. His neighbors remonstrated, and assured him that he would not be able to get his logs rolled, barns raised, or harvesting done without it. He persisted in his determination, and to the credit of the neighbors, be it said, not one refused to assist him. The good example he set was soon followed by all, and thus a pernicious, degrading custom was entirely abrogated. When he moved to this county he found no Presbyterian church, nor any Presbyterians; but believing it to be his duty to unite himself with some one of the numerous families of the church of God, he chose the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he remained a consistent and acceptable member from about 1830 until the time of his death. In those early days preachers were few, and church houses still fewer. His house was often used as a preaching place and has ever been a welcome house to the itinerant, those moral heroes who worked out the way for the car of progress, and to whom we are so greatly indebted for our advanced positions, in respect to religion and intelligence.

Thus lived and died an honest man, a sincere Christian, a kind husband and an indulgent father, of whom it may be said that " his last days were his best days."

He left as his widow the wife of his early years, two daughters, Mrs. T. W. Hammond and Mrs. J. B. Ashley; and two sons, Isaac S. , and Robert D. O. Moore; several grandchildren, and a large circle of friends to mourn his loss.�From Boonville Enquirer.

ROBERT PERIGO.
There are very few persons in Warrick county who don't know Robert Perigo. He has been a resident of the county over fifty years, and is one of its most prominent citizens. He was born in Ohio county, Kentucky, September 6th, 1818, and his parents were Jonathan and Isabella Perigo. His father was a farmer in good circumstances. He removed to Warrick county when Robert was six months old settling near Boonville. The first school he ever attended was held in the old court-house at Boonville, three miles distant from where his father lived, which he was compelled to walk daily. The teacher of this school was Thomas Fitzgerald, a man of rare scholastic attainments for the lime and place, who was afterwards Lieutenant-Governor of Michigan, and a prominent politician.

Mr. Perigo was an apt student, and received what was regarded as a very good common school education at that day. When twenty years old he was granted permission to leave home and work at whatever he wanted to. He obtained employment with General Joe Lane, who at that time was proprietor of a wood-yard, situated just below Three Mile Island, in Vanderburgh county. Mr. Perigo's duties consisted of attending to the books and general business of his employer, who was frequently absent from home. He was, of course, very intimately acquainted with the affairs of Lane, who at that time was a very popular and influential man, and he can relate many interesting reminiscences of the illustrious veteran. He remained in Lane's employ about three years, and he remembers him as the most genial and sociable person he ever met.

September 12th, 1838, Mr. Perigo was married to Elizabeth Youngblood, a daughter of the Rev. John W. Youngblood. The results of this marriage were eleven children�nine girls and two boys�all of whom are still living, except two. After his marriage Mr. Perigo engaged in farming, where he now lives. He held the office of trustee of Boon township during the entire time the old congressional township division was in force. In 1864 he was nominated by the Democratic party for representative of Warrick county, and was elected by a majority of 156 over James F. St. Clair, Esq., which was a notable victory at that time. He was an active member of the sessions of the Indiana Legislature in 1865-66. He was re-elected representative in 1876, and was a member of the session of the Legislature of 1877. He has held various minor offices. As a parliamentarian he has few equals in Warrick county. He is a Democrat, and has never sustained a defeat but once for any office for which he was a candidate. His career has been a notable one in local politics.

GEORGE L. MASTERS.
Among those of the present day who, by their own efforts, have attained the position in our county of active and prominent business men none are more worthy of mention than George Lafayette Masters, whose career, in many respects, is interesting and remarkable. He was born on a farm in the " flats" of Cypress creek, in Warrick county, on August 25th, 1845. His father, Joseph Masters, was a quiet, unassuming man, and a farmer by occupation. His mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Hudspeth, and her parents were among the first settlers of Warrick county. The boyhood days of George Masters were spent on his father's farm, and, as a farmer's boy, he was accustomed to the hard work by which farm life is usually attended. Even in those days of limited educational advantages his opportunities for obtaining an education were poorer than those of most boys, and when in the very prime of his boyhood, and when others of his age were in the school-room, he sacrificed his only chance for obtaining an education and responded to the call of his country for soldiers to put down the rebellion.

On September 20th, 1861, when only sixteen years of age, he enlisted in the Forty-Second Indiana Regiment, Company K, which was commanded by his brother, Captain James H. Masters. In the engagement with Bragg's army at Perryville, Kentucky, on the 8th of October, 1862, he was wounded through the abdomen, and was consequently confined to the hospital several weeks. While yet unable for duty he was placed in the headquarters of the medical department at New Albany, Indiana, as chief clerk, which position he filled satisfactorily until he had recovered sufficiently to return to the ranks of his company. In August, 1863, he returned to duty in his regiment. In the battle of Rasacca, Georgia, on the 14th of May, 1864, he was wounded in the shoulder and also through the lower lobe of the right lung by a one and a quarter ounce ball, while making a charge on the enemy. When picked up by his comrades they supposed he was dead. For a long time he laid in the field hospital, and his death was regarded by his friends as inevitable. Finally he was taken to Nashville, and placed in the hospital at that place, where he remained for several weeks. As soon as able to travel he was furloughed, and returned home. He participated in the battles of Perryville, Ky., Lookout Mountain, Chicamauga and Mission Ridge, besides numerous little skirmishes. He held an appointment as postmaster of his regiment at the time he was wounded, but he would never take advantage of it to shirk duty. In May, 1865, he was honorably discharged. In 1866, in partnership with his brother, Thomas N. Masters, he purchased the stuck of clothing, boots, shoes, etc. , owned by Nicholas C. Allen, and, having no capital whatever, but a reputation for honesty and good credit, gave promissory notes to the amount of $1,800 for payment for the goods. July 4th Thomas Masters died, leaving George with the entire business to control, and a debt of $1,200 to pay off. To the inexperienced young business man, upon whose shoulders a burden was now resting to which most men would have succumbed, this was doubtless the gloomiest period of his life; but his cares he kept safely buttoned within his own vest, and even his most intimate friends never suspected the fears which "hovered like a blight over his spirit," and caused him many sleepless nights. Although without experience in business, and compelled to strive against established competitors, he succeeded by shrewd management in making all payments on the promissory notes which he and his brother had given, and paid all outstanding debts. In the fall of 1866 Jasper Hargrave, then a resident of Evansville, visited Boonville, and calling on Mr. Masters, after passing the customary remarks of the day, commenced negotiations for the purchase of an interest in his store. Within ten minutes afterwards the doors of the store were closed and the two were invoicing the stock. A partnership was summarily consummated, which continued until January, 1868, when their store was destroyed by fire. The remnants of the stock were sold to Hudspeth Brothers, with whom Masters accepted a position as clerk, which he held about three months. He then opened a store on the east side of the public square in Boonville, which was known as the "Red Front," his stock consisting of boots and shoes only. Jasper Hargrave, his former partner, again approached him one day, stating that he had purchased the building adjoining the St. Charles hotel, and proposed a partnership in the clothing, boot and shoe business, to which Mr. Masters assented. In a short time the two were in their new quarters and again doing a prosperous trade. This partnership continued until about 1870, when Hargrave retired, and Masters shortly afterward sold the stock of goods to E. W. Bethell and Thomas J. Downs. During the following summer he engaged in farming, but in the fall returned to town and bought Bethell's interest in the clothing store, when the firm became Downs & Masters. This partnership continued until 1871, when Downs retired and the business was for a short time conducted under the firm name of G. L. Masters & Co. In 1872 Colman Miller purchased an interest in the store and the firm became Masters, Miller & Co., which was dissolved in the latter part of 1874, G. L. Masters becoming the sole proprietor of the establishment. In 1867 he held the position of deputy treasurer of Warrick county under his brother, Capt. James H. Masters. April 25th, 1867, he was married to Irene A. Williams. The fruits of this marriage has been four children�two boys and two girls.

In February, 1878, he received the appointment as postmaster of Boonville without seeking the position or having thought of the matter. At the time he took charge of the office it was in a bad state, but under his management it has improved, until to-day no postoffice of like proportions stands higher at the Postoffice Department in Washington. The mail handled and revenue receipts have increased to an amount somewhat remarkable for an interior town, and the system with which the office works is highly satisfactory to our citizens generally.

Mr. Masters never took an active part in politics until the campaign of 1880, when he demonstrated considerable sagacity and influence as a party leader. Politically he is a Republican, and is recognized in his party ranks as an indispensable factor.

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REV J. W. Y0UNGBL0OD
Rev. J. W. Youngblood was aSouth Carolinian by birth, having been born in the Abbeville District, in 1796, and is now in his seventy-seventh year. His parents were Samuel and Jane Youngblood. The father was an old Revolutionary soldier, and suffered much in that war, often being robbed and plundered by the Tories. There were ten children in the family�seven sons and three daughters�most of them living to be grown, our subject being the eighth one of the family. The mother died when he was about twelve years old, and his father then broke up housekeeping, leaving his children without the kindly influences of a living mother. They had no education, for their father was poor and in a slave country, where the common class had little opportunity to better their condition. Understanding these disadvantages, and hearing of the new territories opened up to emigration, the father concluded to bring our subject and his youngest brother to Tennessee to live among some acquaintances and some kinsfolk. They left South Carolina with only one horse for the three, came through the State of Georgia, where they stopped a short time to recruit, they then turned through the Cherokee country, and had an opportunity of seeing a great number of these Indians every day. They were generally friendly when they were not drinking, but when intoxicated could not be trusted. Rev. Youngblood calls up often to his friends many incidents that happened as the party passed through this nation. His father was quite a hunter, and had got a large bell to put on their horse, so that when camping out they would take a couple of hickory withes and plait them together and make what was called hopples, and fasten the bell upon the horse for the night. Game was plenty in the nation, and the father had brought his rifle with him, and would often give his sons the large bell to rattle along the road, while he would look for a deer through the brush. One day as they were rattling the bell along the road, the father stayed out hunting for so long a time that the boys became uneasy lest something had befallen him, and they concluded to turn back. Being alarmed, they continued to ring the bell, and commenced shouting at the top of their voices. The noise soon gathered a large crowd of Indians, and one of them spoke to the boys very roughly, and wanted to know what they meant by so much fuss. They were quieted, however, as soon as the lads were able to explain their situation. Their journey proceeded, and they entered the State of Tennessee some time in August, 1811, where they remained about one year, and then came to Kentucky, staying there also about a year.

At this time the subject of our sketch came to Indiana Territory, this part of the country at that time being very thinly settled, but the people were very friendly, and dependent much on each other, the rules of good neighbors being observed very generally. The face of the country resembled, however, a wilderness, the Indian moccasin tracks had hardly disappeared. The game, such as bear, deer, elk, wolves and panthers, were in great abundance, and their meat served largely to feed the people.

bout the fall of 1813, our subject came to this section, and was married September 21st, 1815, to Ann Musgrave, the ceremony being probably one of the earliest performed in our immediate vicinity. Eleven children were born to them, one daughter only dying in infancy, the rest growing up to be heads of families, and all but three are still living. It may be interesting to the reader to know how the people managed to live in this country at that early day. Of course they were comparatively poor and moneyless. They did not live so fast nor so extravagant as they do at the present time. There were no mills and every man made his own mill and ground his own meal, and baked his own bread, sometimes in the ashes, and sometimes on a board before the fire, and again in what we called a "dutch oven." And no complaints against fortune went up from their rude tents. For clothing, they exchanged their merchandise, transported by pack horses to the Cotton States, where they purchased the cotton, brought it back with them, and the women would card, spin and weave it by hand. One of these home-made garments would outwear three of the factory work. The men in cold weather dressed in skins of deer and other animals, which they were first compelled to kill. Buckskin pants were considered elegant. The first time our subject ever saw Governor Ratliff Boon he remembers that he was dressed in his buckskin hunting apparel. There was no church or school-house throughout the entire region. The people were rough, and the only way they heard the gospel in their smoky cabins was when some minister who was pioneering in the western wilds would come into their settlement and assemble a congregation. And God often wonderfully blessed the labors of those faithful men. They had much to contend with, for the new country was sorely infested with horse thieves, counterfeiters and housebreakers.

Many amusing incidents can be related by our subject in regard to the rough pioneer life of these early days; and no one can listen to him without feeling a profound reverence for this reverend gentleman himself, who, after a life of noble deeds, calmly awaits the call of his Master. No one is more eloquent and sanguine than he in regard to the progress of our country, the clearing of a wilderness and the cultivation of the soil; the building of churches; the establishing Sabbath-schools for the benefit of the young. The rise and progress in the arts and sciences, even during the last half century; from all the inconveniences of the early days, he has lived to see railroads, steamboats and the electric telegraph.

The life of this worthy gentleman is so intimately connected with the hardships of a by-gone generation, that a description, as given, was necessary, in order that the reader could properly appreciate trials. After his father had settled his boys in Tennessee, he left them to their fate and returned to Carolina, where, while settling up his business, he died. Shortly after his marriage our subject joined the Methodist Episcopal church, and not very long afterwards the church gave him authority to preach; and for some forty years he has labored zealously in the cause of Christ, doing much good throughout this section. He has often labored with his own hands for his support, and never coveted any man's silver and gold, or apparel�preaching the truth, as it is in Jesus.

He is now the last one of the old ministers that is yet living. Almost all of the old settlers who were living when he began his ministerial labors have died or removed to distant lands; but the reputation of Rev. J. W. Youngblood, for kindness to the poor, for generosity to his fellow-men, as well as his fervent piety and devotion to the cause of his Master, will never be forgotten. �From Evansville and its Men of Mark.

T. B. HART
Thompson B. Hart, the fifth of a family of ten children of William and Sallie Hart, was born April 1st, 1836, five miles north of Boonville. His father, who was a soldier in the war of 181 2, was a native of Mercer county, Kentucky, and he came to Warrick county with the grandfather of the subject of this sketch at a very early day. His mother was a native of South Carolina, and was a very pious and consistent lady. She was a member of the Christian church for a number of years. She took great care to instill in the mind of her children lessons of moral and social duty, and she endeavored to "raise them up" in the way she desired they should live. The education of the subject of this sketch was such as could be obtained in the common schools of Warrick county during his boyhood. He was compelled to walk two miles to school, and at that time it was the custom for pupils to recite their lessons in the order in which they arrived. The "simple rule of three" was the limit of education. He attended the school at Boonville one year, and this comprised all his schooling. However, he has read much desultorily, and has thus obtained a general and practical knowledge not commonly met with in those who have had to contend with like disadvantages. When nineteen years of age he commenced the study of medicine; but his father's last request, before dying, was that Thompson should take charge of the farm, and help support the widowed mother and younger children; hence, after his father's death, he relinquished the study of medicine, and did as requested. Faithful to his trust, he remained on the home farm about nine years. Early in life he manifested a marked disposition to trade in stock, and this he has made his principal business, although he manages a very extensive farm.

January 15th, 1867, Mr. Hart was married to Susan K. Stone, a very intelligent lady, and daughter of Jehu Stone, Esq., one of the earliest and most extensive tobacco buyers of Warrick county. The fruits of this union has been seven children. Mr. Hart is a quiet, unassuming man, and is no political aspirant, as his business has been sufficient to require all his attention. However, he was solicited by his friends to be a candidate for State Senator in 1878, and he was the nominee of the Democratic party. He was elected, and has been a member of the State Senate during 1878-80-81. During his official career he has been a slave to the best interests of his constituents, and an honor to the district which he represented.

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W. J. HARGRAVE
William Jasper Hargrave was born in Warrick county, two miles north of Boonville, on February 10th, 1833. He is a grandson of Rev. William Webb, one of the pioneer preachers, who came to Warrick county as early as 1816, and the nearest neighbor north of where he lived at that time was ten miles distant. The educational advantages of Jasper, as he is familiarly called, were limited to the common schools of Warrick county at that time, and his boyhood was spent on the farm. He was married to Lou Ann Day, daughter of the venerable William Day, on June 8th, 1854. She died in January, 1877. The fruits of this union were six children, four of whom are now living.

In 1858 Mr. Hargrave engaged in the hardware, grocery and furniture business in Boonville with his father-in-law and Grant T. Dunnigan. He was also a member of the dry goods firm of Hudspeth, Adams & Co., (now Hudspeth, Curtis & Co.,) of Evansville, from January, 1866, until July, 1868, when he returned to Warrick county and engaged in business with G. L. Masters. He was also interested in the dry goods firm of I. W. Adams & Co. for some time. His public career, which has been a notable one in Warrick politics, began in 1859, when he was elected county clerk. On account of ill-health he refused to be a candidate for re-election. In 1872 he was the Republican candidate for county treasurer. Although the Democratic majority in the county at that time was about 350, he was elected by a majority of 75. He was re-elected by the overwhelming majority of 358. For several years he was the only Republican in Warrick county who could be elected to office. Since he retired from office in 1876 he has lived on his farm, but in July, 1881, he purchased the one-half interest of Thos. J. Downs in the Elk Horn flouring mill.

February 3, 1878, he was married to Elvira E. Chapman. He is esteemed for his strict integrity, and has attained a popularity and reputation among his fellow-citizens which will live after him.

THOS. J. DOWNS
In great and free America, where the power of wealth and glory of political and social distinction is open to all who have the talent and industry to attain them, the greatest pride of the people are self-made men�the fruits of a Republican form of government. Their rise from humble youth to the position of power and influence must stimulate the efforts of all who desire to better their condition. There are few whose histories better illustrate what can be accomplished by energy and integrity than the subject of this sketch. Thomas J. Downs is a true type of the self-made man.

He was born April 13, 1834, in Ohio county, Kentucky, where his grandfather, Thomas Downs, was an early settler. He was a minister in the Missionary Baptist church, and in his rounds had travelled over large portions of Indiana and Kentucky. He was generally considered a man of more than ordinary ability. He was one of two brothers of English descent, from which sprang all those bearing that name in this country. He died in 1850, in the seventy-sixth year of his age. His son William, the father of Thomas J., died two years previous. He was a farmer in comfortable circumstances, an honest, upright citizen, plain and simple in his manner, a man of few words, but tenacious of his opinions when he believed himself in the right. By the death of his father, which occurred when Thomas J. Downs, the immediate subject of this sketch, was but fourteen years of age, he was withdrawn from school, and cheerfully assumed, until he attained his majority, almost the sole responsibility of providing for the family. In 1855 he removed to Warrick county and worked at his trade as a carpenter. In 1861, at the breaking out of the war, he joined the 42nd Indiana Volunteer Infantry as a musician, but by general orders was mustered out of the service six months afterwards. In the fall of 1863 he enlisted a number of men for the 120th Indiana regiment (see history Company E, 120th regiment) and was unanimously elected captain. This body participated in the Atlantic campaign and in the hard-fought battles at Nashville and Franklin. They were then transferred to North Carolina, where, at the battle of Wise Fork he was wounded in the back of the head, and was mustered out of the service at Newbern in May, 1865.

In the fall of 1865 he was elected auditor of Warrick county on the Republican ticket by a majority of twelve votes over Adolph Miehle, the Democratic candidate, the majority of the latter party having been from 150 to 200 prior to that time. At the expiration of his term of office he engaged in the mercantile business and farming for the next five years. In 1875 he purchased a half interest in the Elk Horn flouring mill of Boonville and continued in that business until July, 1881, when he purchased a large farm two miles north of Boonville, and now lives in the soletude of farm life. He was married January 1, 1857, to Lydia M. Williams. They have six children, five boys and one girl. His mother, who was a King, is still living, and now in her old age retains all her mental faculties to a wonderful degree. She possesses a master mind and has lived a consistent Christian life, leaving to others a worthy example for emulation. She is a member of many years standing in the Predestinarian Baptist church.

From this brief outline of a busy life, furnished with commendable modesty by Mr. Downs, a useful lesson may be drawn. Commencing the battle of life friendless and poor, at an age when most children are still in the nursery, he has lived to see himself a power for good in the community where he dwells. Believing at the outset that a good name is better than riches, with no ambition for public office, he has been governed since youth by those fixed principles of honor and rectitude which stamp him to-day as an honest man, an exemplary citizen and a kind husband. He is of a jovial, complaisant disposition, and to be liked needs only to be known. He is quick of thought and has a sound and original opinion upon every topic, and expresses himself in language that is marked by its simplicity and correctness. In a brief sketch of this kind the most that can be said of him is that he is pre-eminently one of the men of mark of Warrick county.

As a Republican Mr. Downs has rendered his party valuable service, and during the political campaigns in the years 1872, 1874 and 1878 was chairman of the Republican Central Committee of Warrick county.�From American Biographical History of Eminent and Self-made Men ofIndiana.

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HANSEL M. SCALES
As a self-made man and exemplary citizen, Hansel Marion Scales, treasurer of Warrick county, deserves mention among the men of the present. He was born in Lane township, Warrick county, November 30th, 1841. His father, John Scales, was a son of William Scales (see sketch), and was born in Gibson county, Indiana, in 1809. He was a farmer, and lived just within the county line (adjoining Warrick), in Lockhart township. He was married to Louisa Bogan, whose parents were among the early settlers of the county, and they reared a large family of children�eleven in all. He was two or three times elected assessor of Lockhart township. He died in 1860. While a boy, Hansel worked on his father's farm, and was not even given the full benefit of the very poor school advantages at that time. When seventeen years old he was given a position as clerk in the store of Abraham Chambers, at Lynnville. In 1860 he taught school in Lane township, and after that engaged in farming. December 17, 1863, he was married to Lorenna Robinson, of this county. The result of this union has been four children. In 1867 he was elected justice of the peace of Lane township, but shortly afterwards resigned. In 1870 he was elected assessor of Lane township on the Democratic ticket, and at the expiration of his term of office was re-elected. He was elected trustee of the same township in 1873, and held the office two terms. In 1880 he received the Democratic nomination for treasurer of Warrick county, and was elected. It is to his own efforts that Mr. Scales is indebted for his present good standing. He is a man that at once favorably impresses one by his plain, unaffected, honest manners, and sincere cordiality. He is well known throughout the county, especially in the interior part, and is highly esteemed. While he is not a politician, he has always been a staunch Democrat, and wields considerable influence in his party.

S. L. TYNER, M. D.
Chance not only has much to do at times with furthering men's progress in life, but has frequently been the cause of their adopting those very callings in which they afterwards attain a high degree of excellence, and, in some cases, become famous. Sir Robert Wilson, a general of distinction, would, in all likelihood, have adopted the law as his profession had it not been for a chance introduction to the Duke of York, which changed what might have been an indifferent lawyer into an able general. Gen. U. S. Grant's entrance upon a military career is said to be due to a circumstance of chance when a boy by borrowing butter from a neighbor one morning. Dr. Tyner's adoption of the medical profession is due to a fortunate and somewhat amusing circumstance. At the close of the war, in 1865, he returned home with the intention of engaging in farming. He began plowing the ground, and had doubtless been at work an hour or two when the horses, getting into a hornet's nest, ran away, tearing the plow and harness into flinders. Thoroughly disgusted, he went to the house, determined to engage in a more congenial business. After a conversation with his wife as to the stock of money on hand he decided to study medicine. Accordingly he entered Rush Medical College of Chicago, September 28, 1865, and after attending the first course of lectures, commenced practicing at Somerville, Gibson county. In 1869 he again entered college, and graduated the same year. He returned home and engaged in practice at Lynnville until 1876, when he removed to Boonville, forming a partnership with Dr. Scales. However, he returned to Lynnville in 1878, where he has since remained in the enjoyment of a wide practice.

Dr. Tyner was born in Cynthiana, Posey county, Ind., July 30th, 1838. His education was limited to fifteen months in the common schools of that time, and from his sixteenth to his twenty-second year he was engaged in blacksmithing. September 20th, 1861, he enlisted in company K, 42d regiment Indiana volunteers, and participated in all the battles and skirmishes in which his company was engaged. At Goldsboro, N. C, he passed examination, and was commissioned as a surgeon in the army. He was mustered out of the service on July 28th, 1865. He is spoken of by his comrades as a brave and noble-hearted soldier, whose duty to his country as a patriotic citizen was ever uppermost in his mind.

Dr. Tyner was married to Mary J. Zimmerman, of Warrick county, April 13, 1858. She died January 21, 1859, less than one year after their marriage. On the 30th of July, 1861, he was married to Jane Morrison, and by this union has had five children�four boys and one girl. Dr. Tyner is devoted to his profession, and he is esteemed for his ability and admirable personal qualities by his fellow physicians. He has attained considerable success as a medical practitioner, and in county affairs generally he is one of the foremost citizens.

CHARLES GORDNER, Sr
A large percent of the business men of Warrick county are natives of Germany. They are nearly all men who came here with almost nothing, and have acquired means by frugality and .careful management. They are now the back-bone of the county. Charles Gordner, Sr., is a worthy representative of this class. He is the son of Phillip and Louisa Gordner, and was born at Abendtheier, Birkenfeld, in Germany, January 17th, 1830. His father was a miller and in good circumstances. He received an ordinary school education, and at sixteen years of age was apprenticed for two years to learn blacksmithing. He travelled four years following his trade.

He was married to Julia Eppinghouse, August 27th, 1852. The next three years he was engaged in business for himself. July 27th, 1855, he sailed for America, and landed at New York on August 27th. He came direct to Evansville, and when he arrived there he had only forty cents left, which he gave to a drayman for taking his baggage from the wharf-boat. The first man whose acquaintance he formed was William Heilman, who at once became his friend and gave him employment in the foundry. However, after working here several weeks he fell sick and lost his position. When he recovered he worked at whatever he could get to do until March, 1856, when he came to Boonville, and here formed a partnership with Phillip Schneider in the blacksmithing business, but it was dissolved a short time afterwards, leaving Mr. Gordner in debt. He then entered into partnership with McCoy Casey in the same business, but it, too, was soon dissolved on account of Casey's ill-health. Being now considerably in debt and much discouraged, Mr. Gordner went to Samuel Orr, of Evansville, who had been supplying him with iron, related his misfortunes and stated that with the little money on hand he wanted to pay off his indebtedness and relinquish the business. Orr told him to return to Boonville and go to work; that he (Orr) would supply him with iron, which he might pay for whenever able. Mr. Gordner did as he was advised and in this manner was enabled to continue business, owing Samuel Orr as high as two and three hundred dollars up to 1863. Mr. Gordner is now in easy circumstances, but he still feels grateful to William Heilman and Samuel Orr, who were his steadfast friends when in need. Physically, Mr. Gordner is of low stature, but corpulent and robust, and his physiognomy bears a close resemblance to that of William Heilman. Mr. Gordner has never sought office himself, Out he is a strong Republican, and a very influential member of his party, as well as a leading citizen.

WILLIAM B. SCALES, M. D.
William B. Scales, a leading practitioner of medicine of Boonville, was born in Pigeon township, Warrick county, on October 9th, 1841. His father, Thomas Scales, was recorder of Warrick county from 1867 to 1875, and was an old resident of the county, having settled in this section with his father in 1807 (see sketch of William Scales). He was married to Sarah Bogan, a native of Kentucky, in June, 1826, and they had five children�three girls and two boys�of whom the subject of this sketch is the youngest. Mr. Scales was a quiet unpretentious citizen, and a member of the Baptist church. He was born September 2, 1805, and died in October, 1876.

At the age of seventeen years William B. Scales, like many other young men of the present, commenced teaching school for the purpose of earning money with which to qualify himself for his chosen pursuit in life, and taught several terms. He attended the academy at Dale, Spencer county, which was one of the best educational institutions in Southern Indiana, during 1859 and 1860. His parents wanted him to become a lawyer, but he preferred the study of medicine, and he became a student in the office of Dr. Wm. T. Houghland, of Taylorsville, from 1864 to 1867, when he entered the Medical College of Ohio, at Cincinnati. After completing his first course in college he commenced practicing at West Buena Vista, Gibson county, where he remained five years, and then moved to Boonville. In 1876 he formed a partnership with Dr. S. L. Tyner, and during the winters of 1877-8 he again attended the medical college, completing his course.

The partnership with Dr. Tyner was dissolved in 1878, and in January, 1879, another was formed with Dr. T. J. Hargan. In 1863 Dr. Scales enlisted in the 91st Indiana regiment, company B, under Captain Bogan ; but on account of ill health was discharged, after being in the field three months. He was married to Emma Badger, on April 2, 1868. Dr. Scales has been remarkably successful in his profession. He has established an enviable reputation in this county as a skillful physician, and enjoys an extensive practice.

GUSTAVUS SCHREIBER
Gustavus Schreiber was born at Herford, Prussia, October 2, 1839. His parents, August and Albertine Schreiber, were in good circumstances, and his father was an officer of the probate court in his native city. Gustavus attended the high school at Herford, which was superior to many of our American colleges, where thoroughness is compulsory, and he obtained a good school education. At fifteen years of age he obtained a position as a clerk in the Transportation and Banking House at Minden, Prussia, where he remained four years, and it was here he acquired much of the excellent business knowledge, which has been of great service to him in after years. He was afterwards a travelling salesman for wholesale hardware dealers in Prussia. In 1865 he emigrated to this country, arriving at New York on the first day of May in that year. He came direct to Evansville, Indiana, where he obtained employment with Topf & Long, wholesale saddle and harness dealers, as book-keeper for the firm, and he remained with them a little over a year. In the fall of 1866 he became acquainted with Victor Bisch, auditor of Vanderburgh county at that time, who offered him a position as clerk in the auditor's office, which he accepted in order that he might become more familiar with the English language. He relinquished this place after holding it one year, and in 1867 accepted a position with Major Blythe Hynes, at that time clerk of Vanderburgh county, which, however, he also relinquished at the end of five months, having been appointed by Victor Bisch as deputy assessor of Vanderburgh county. On account of the sickness of the assessor Mr. Schreiber was employed until May, 1868, in making the assessment. In 1868 he was married to Babetta Kuechler, of Evansville, a native of Hesse Darmstadt, Germany. In July of the same year he moved to Inglefield, Vanderburgh county, where he engaged in the grocery business. He removed to Buckskin, Gibson county, Indiana, in February 1869, and in partnership with his brother-in-law kept a grocery store. In January, 1871, Mr. Schreiber came to Boonville, and engaged in the hardware and grocery trade with Wm. Kinderman, but in 1875 this partnership was dissolved, since when he has continued in the business himself, conducting it on a larger scale and enjoying an extensive patronage. Mr. Schreiber is an excellent accountant and possesses extraordinary business qualifications. In 1878 he was chosen at the Democratic primary election as the candidate of that party for auditor of Warrick county, but was defeated by a very small majority. However, this defeat was not caused by personal unpopularity, but by odious issues sprung by the opposition at that time which had no individual relation whatever to him, and no such charge was even made during the campaign. He was renominated for the office by the Democratic convention in 1880, but owing to the annullment by the Supreme Court of the constitutional amendments, making the election of auditor unnecessary that year, the candidacy was of course abandoned. He has served four terms as councilman of Boonville, besides holding various minor offices of trust and honor, and some of the most important offices in the several secret societies of which he is a leading member.

Mr. Schreiber is one of the best business men in Southern Indiana, and he has earned an excellent reputation for integrity. In political matters he has always taken an active part with the Democratic party. Mr. Schreiber's true worth is known only by those who have enjoyed his intimate acquaintance. He never talks to the public and hence the public knows nothing of the man. The freedom of thought and action is sacred to him, and honor and honesty guides him in his intercourse with men.

C. J. KEEGAN, M. D.
Dr. Charles J. Keegan, who has been a practicing physician at Millersburg for twenty-three years, was born in Vanderburgh county, January 15th, 1832. His parents, Patrick and Eliza M. Keegan, were natives of Longford county, Ireland, and came to this country in their youth. Dr. Keegan obtained a common school education, and commenced the study of medicine under Dr. M. J. Bray, of Evansville. In 1856 he entered the Rush Medical College at Chicago, where he graduated in 1858. However, during a part of 1857 he practiced at Millersburg with Dr. Runcie, and after his graduation he located there. March 16, 1858, he was married to Lucy H. Miller, a native of Cumberland county, Kentucky.

Dr. Keegan is a Republican politically, and is an active worker in his party. Religiously he is a Methodist Episcopalian. He has no aspirations outside of his profession, to which he devotes all his energies. He was one of the charter members of the Warrick County Medical Society, of which he was President. He is a member of the State Medical Society, and also of the Tri-State Medical Society. He stands high in his profession as a practicing physician of extraordinary skill and ability. He is a gentleman of fine personal appearance and pleasing address, and is highly esteemed by his fellow citizens and professional brethren.

CHARLES SCHNEIDER, Sr.
The subject of this sketch is one of the oldest and most prominent German citizens of Boonville. He is the son of John C. and Louisa Schneider, and was born June 17th, 1820, in Idar, Fuerstenthum, Province of Birkenfeld, in Germany. His parents were in comfortable circumstances, and he received a good common school education. At thirteen years of age he was apprenticed to learn the silversmith trade, and he travelled through Germany eight years following that business. In 1848 he emigrated to America, arriving at New Orleans. He came direct to Evansville, and after spending a week there came to Boonville, where he remained with his uncle during the winter. He then returned to Evansville, and learned the gunsmith trade with Chas. Kellar, with whom he remained five years. August 25th, 1853, he was married to Phillipina Hepp. In June, 1854, he removed to Boonville, and engaged in gunsmithing in a log cabin on the west side of the public square, where a row of brick business houses now stand. He has been a witness to and a participant in the business progress of the town for now almost thirty years. Last year he opened a large and well selected grocery store in Boonville, which he has intrusted to his son William. He has six children. The eldest, Charles Schneider, jr., is of the firm of Baker & Schneider, druggists, of Boonville.

Mr. Schneider has lived a quiet, unpretentious life, and was never a candidate for political office. He is a leading member of the German M. E. Church of Boonville, and is a highly esteemed citizen.

JOHN L. TAYLOR
Among the very young men of Warrick county who have received honorable recognition at the hands of the people none of the present day are more prominent than John Lewis Taylor. He was born August 30th, 1850, in Anderson township, Warrick county, and is the eldest son of Peter and Jane Taylor. Until twenty-three years of age he worked on his father's farm, and his school advantages were very poor, but in 1869 his father moved to Boonville, and he attended the graded school at this place two years. In 1871 he taught school in Anderson township, and the following spring attended the Normal school at Oakland City, Indiana. In the fall of 1871 he entered the freshman class for a scientific course in the State University at Bloomington, Indiana, and attended regularly three years, completing the junior course. He then returned home and during the winter of 1875-6 taught the graded school at Lynnville, this county. During the intervals of school hours he read law, and at the close of his school in the spring of 1876 he entered the office of Judge John B. Handy and pursued his law studies with avidity.

It was during this year that he first took an active part in politics, canvassing the county in company with Hon. Benoni S. Fuller, then a candidate for re-election to Congress, and speaking in the interest of Tilden and the Democratic party. During the winter of 1876-7 he was teacher of the grammar grade in the Boonville schools. At the close of his school he was admitted to the bar and formed a partnership with John T. Thompson, with whom he had studied law in Judge Handy's office. After practicing about one year this partnership was dissolved, and in October, 1877, Mr. Taylor entered the Cincinnati Law School, which he attended regularly until his graduation on the 20th of May, 1878. He returned home and two weeks afterwards was nominated by the Democratic party for representative of Warrick county. He was elected by an overwhelming majority, being by far the largest received by any candidate on either ticket, which is an auspicious beginning of political life for one so young as the subject.

January 5th, 1879, he was married to Katie E., daughter of Dr. W. L. Barker, a lady of extraordinary social qualities. Mr. Taylor's career in the Legislature is worthy of passing notice. While he was watchful of the interests of his constituents, he made no attempt to display statesmanship or take rank as a leader, as is too often the fault with ambitious young men just entering public life, but by "allowing his light to shine with becoming modesty," and being faithful to his trust, he won the esteem of both opponent and constituent. He was a creditable representative of the county and his official record in the State Legislature is one that will bear the closest scrutiny.

At the close of the session of the Legislature Mr. Taylor returned home and in partnership with W. H. Patterson again commenced the practice of law. He has held the office of clerk of Boonville for two terms. In 1876 he was appointed deputy prosecutor for Warrick county by G. L. Rheinhard, but on entering law school in 1877 resigned. On his return home from the Legislature in 1879 he was re-appointed to the position, which he held until the expiration of the term in 1880. He was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court in 1879. In 1880 he was appointed contingent Presidential elector for the First Congressional District by the Democratic State convention. In the Presidential campaign of 1880 he took a very active part and was chosen as chairman of the Democratic central committee of Warrick county to succeed John Nester. He is recognized in his party as a leader and is very popular.

Socially, Mr. Taylor is an affable gentleman, and those most intimately acquainted with him like him best. He is a lover of literature and reads much desultorily. A prominent characteristic is his fearless manner of expressing his convictions and the zeal with which he supports his cause.

CHARLES PARKE, M. D
Dr. Charles Parke, of Millersburgh, was born in Westneath county, Ireland, the boyhood home of Oliver Goldsmith, on June 3rd, 1836. His parents, Robert and Catherine Parke, came to America when he was five years old, and settled in Vanderburgh county, where he was raised. His grandfather, George Simpson, was wounded at the battle of Waterloo, and was a pensioned soldier of the British government. The subject of this sketch received such an education as was afforded by the common schools, and he then taught school several terms to save money with which to attend college. He entered the State University at Bloomington, Ind., in 1853, and was in the junior class at the time of beginning of the war. He enlisted in company C of the 6th Kentucky cavalry, under Col. Halisey, and was in the United States service three years, and the State service two months. He participated in the battles of Richmond, Ky., Chicamauga, and nearly all the battles of the army of the Cumberland, besides having an almost daily skirmish with the enemy. He was one of the seventy-five soldiers that defended themselves for over eight hours in the Rasacca court-house against an army of three thousand, which was one of the most heroic achievements of the late war. He was also one of the three that captured Col. Orton Williams, chief of artillery on Bragg's staff, who was a spy in the union camp at Franklin, Tenn. His war career was one of unusual exposure and active service, and he can recount hour after hour incidents of personal experience of thrilling interest. He enlisted November 20th, 1861, and was discharged December 22d, 1864.

After the close of the war he commenced the study of medicine with Drs. Runcie and Hilliard, of Millersburgh. He graduated at the Miami Medical College, of Cincinnati, March 1, 1867, and at once commenced practicing in Millersburgh, where he has since resided. He was married June 24, 1869, to Mary A. Jarrett, of Warrick county, and they have three children, viz: J. F., Clara B., and Chas. A. Parke.

Dr. Parke has always been a Republican, having cast his first vote for Oliver P. Morton and Abraham Lincoln. He is a member of the Episcopal church, and it is to his support that the building of Union church, of Millersburgh, is largely due. He is also a member of the Masonic order. He is strongly opposed to the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors, and the zealousness with which he has advocated these principles has stamped him as the champion of the temperance cause in this section. He enjoys a large, lucrative practice, is interested in various enterprises, and is a gentleman that generally leads and succeeds in whatever he undertakes.

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Deb Murray