HARRISON CORNWELL
A native of Virginia, was born March 10, 1802. He came to this State from Kentucky about the year 1823, and settled in Orange County, where his marriage to Nancy Cornwell took place December 22, 1826, by which union nine children were born, of which these four are now living: William T., Norban A., John L. and Harrison Franklin. In the year 1848 they moved to this county and settled on the farm now occupied by his widow. He died October 22, 1873. Norban also lives at the old homestead, looking after the estate and taking care of his aged mother. His marriage with Ellen V. Liston, of Illinois, was solemnized August 17, 1862, and to their union twelve children have been born, of which these ten are now living: Charles A., Florence E., Adolphus J., Norban H., Simon P., Theron E., Lawrence E., Estella E., Arterburn B. and Mary E.; all with the exception of Charles at home with their parents. His occupation has been principally farming in connection with which he has taught school, and was engaged in the mercantile business at Mount Carmel, and he has been quite successful in those pursuits. In politics he is a Democrat.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn


MANUEL B. DRISKELL
A native of Brown Township, where he now lives, was born March 16, 1840, the seventh child in a family of eleven children born to Robert and Catherine (Beck) Driskell, who were natives respectively of Kentucky and Tennessee. The father came to this State in company with his parents in the year 1810, and they were the first persons to erect a log-cabin in what is now Brown Township. He was twice robbed by the Indians, they taking six horses. His birth occurred December 21, 1803, and his wife's, mother of Manuel, October 17, 1807. Manuel remained at home with his parents on the farm until he attained the age of twenty-three, having in that time received a good education in the Salem High School. April 16, 1863, his marriage with Nancy J. Hopper was solemnized, and to their union seven children have been born, these six now living: Silven M., Franklin L., Elmer W., Laura E., Leora M. and Lawrence C. all at home with their parents. Mr. Driskell's occupation has been farming and teaching in the public schools, at both of which he has been a success. He now owns 100 acres of well improved and cultivated land. Both he and his wife are members of the Christian Church, and are liberal supporters of that institution. He is a member of the Blue Lodge in Masonry, and a Democrat in politics.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn


HUGH MCFLEMING
A prominent old citizen of Brown Township, is a native of Ontario County, N.Y., where he was born July 8, 1807, being the fifth child of a family of nine children born to James and Jane (McNeall) Fleming, who were natives respectively of Ireland and Pennsylvania, and came to this State about the year 1817, and settled in this county on the farm now owned and occupied by our subject. Hugh always lived at the old homestead, and received a limited education in the primitive log schoolhouses of his day. October 10, 1860, his marriage with Ageline Jean was solemnized, and to their union the following four children have been born: Jane, Mary E. (who was united in marriage to Millard Jean), Phoebe E. and Bellona. Previous to the date of his marriage he followed wagon-making and distilling in connection with his farming, since which time he has quit distilling. He has been quite successful in these various pursuits, and now owns over 600 acres, about half of which are yet in timber. Mrs. Fleming and children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican, having been connected with the party since its organization.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn


FRANCIS HORNER
Present Trustee of Brown Township, and one of its prominent citizens, is a native of Jefferson County, this State, where he was born January 29, 1833, being the oldest child of a family of nine children born to Jacob and Mary (Montgomery) Horner, who were respectively natives of Ohio and Indiana, the former of German and the latter of Irish descent, and came to this county in March, 1840, settling on the farm now owned and occupied by our subject. Francis remained at home and assisted his parents on the farm until he attained his majority. He received a common education, and his occupation has been principally farming, in connection with which he has taught school during the winter months in the vicinity of his residence. He has been quite successful in those pursuits, and now owns 470 acres of mostly well improved land. In politics he is a stanch Democrat, and he manifests a good interest in the political affairs of the community in which he lives, and was the choice of the people for Justice of the Peace, and was elected by them to the office of Township Trustee in April, 1884.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn


NATHANIEL P. MATHER
A native of Brown Township, was born March 20, 1820, the fourth of seven children born to Abner and Betsy (Kennedy) Mather, who were natives, respectively, of Connecticut and Massachusetts, and of English and Irish descent. Abner Mather was born January 11, 1783; when quite young his mother died, and his father married the second time; this marriage not proving agreeable to Abner he left home when but a boy, having previously acquired some knowledge of the blacksmith's trade. He came to this State in 1818, in a colony who were six weeks on a flat-boat en route to this place, having started from a point on the Allegheny River. Nathaniel received what was for his day a common school education, remaining with his parents until he attained his majority, learning the blacksmith's trade. December 2, 1841, he married Dorinda Pollard, who died January 21, 1843; and May 25, 1845, Burnettie Pollard became his second wife, to which marriage six children have been born, of whom these five are now living: Albert, who married Elizabeth Beagley; Rufus P., married Ellen Hoffman; Cyrus H., married Ellen Cornwell; Laura E. (Mrs. Charles M. Taylor) and Lewis C. Mr. Mather is a farmer and blacksmith, owning a well improved farm of 135 acres. His wife is a member of the Baptist Church, and he belongs to the Masonic fraternity; in politics a Democrat, having served the people twenty-five years as Justice of the Peace, seventeen of which were successive.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn


HON. CHRISTIAN PROW
A native of the county where he now resides, and a descendant of one of its pioneer families, was born November 15, 1819. He is the sixth in a family of nine children born to Christian and Martha (Downs) Prow, who were natives, respectively, of North Carolina and Maryland, and of German and Welsh-Irish descent. The family removed from North Carolina to Washington County, Ind., in 1816, where the parents afterwards died, and where Christian, Jr., was reared and has always resided. Until twenty-two years of age he remained with his parents on the home farm; in youth receiving such education as the common schools of that early day afforded; by private study he was enabled to fit himself for the teacher's profession. March 18, 1841, Louisa Gould became his wife, and two children were born to them, one dying in infancy, the other losing his life in his country's cause at Dallas, May 17, 1864. November 17, 1845, Mrs. Prow died, and February 18, 1847, Polly A. Driskell became Mr. Prow's second wife, seven children being the result of their union: William J., who married Alice Pollard; Mary A. (Mrs. John S. Denny); James W., married Ida C. Barnett; Franklin L. whose wife was Ona Gwinn; and Laura M. (Mrs. Willis Duncan). Those deceased are: George B. and Eliza E. Mr. Prow is one of Washington County's well known and best citizens, and for years a prosperous merchant at Campbellsburg. In politics he is a stalwart temperance Democrat, serving his party one term in the Lower House of the State Legislature, twenty-four years as Justice of the Peace, five years as Constable and four years as Deputy Sheriff. He belongs to both Masonic and Odd Fellow fraternities, and he and his wife are members of the Christian Church.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn


LEWIS R. SHROYER
A prominent citizen of Brown Township, is a native of Iroquois County, Ill., where he was born August 25, 1841, being the oldest of three children born to John D. and Matilda (Roberts) Shroyer. His parents were both natives of this county and township. After their marriage they removed to Illinois, where the former died, and his mother returned to this State, where she lived with her parents. Lewis received a common school education such as the schools of his day afforded. August 2, 1862, he realized the necessity of the preservation of our Union, and enlisted as a volunteer private in Company A, Sixty-sixth Regiment Volunteer Infantry, where he served for a period of three years, and was discharged in June, 1865, on account of cessation of hostilities. He was present at the following important engagements: Richmond, where he received a gun-shot wound which prevented him from serving for about three months, Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, Bentonville, N.C. December 21, 1865, his marriage with Lovisa Hammersly was solemnized, and to their union four children were born: Mary E., Sarah, Emma and Nora, all at home. October 17, 1877, Mr. Shroyer suffered the bereavement of losing his beloved wife. September 21, 1880, his nuptials with Martha Davison were celebrated, and their union has been blessed with three children: Edith, John D. and Zellah. His occupation has always been farming, and he has been quite successful; he now owns 200 acres of improved land. When a baby, Mr. Shroyer was christened in the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and he takes an active interest in the political affairs of the community in which he lives.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn


RICHARD WHEELER
One of the foremost citizens and a native of Brown Township, was born March 24, 1820, the third in a family of ten children born to Jesse and Polly (Little) Wheeler, who were both natives of Kentucky, and were of the first settlers of this county. Richard remained at home and assisted on the farm until the death of his parents, receiving a very limited education. In July, 1841, his marriage with Hannah May was solemnized, and to their union eight children have been born, of which these seven are now living: Miranda, who is the present wife of James Reynolds; Benjamin, who married Rachel Helton; William B., Richard, Manda, who is the wife of George McClintock; Cynthia, consort of William T. Troutman; Polly, who was united in marriage to James Hughes. Our subject's occupation has always been farming, and he has been quite successful in that pursuit; he now owns over 300 acres, about one-half of which are improved. He also raises some stock. Mr. Wheeler is a member of the Christian Church, and in politics he is a Democrat, although he does not take any active part in political affairs.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn


ALONZO S. WILCOX
A prominent citizen and native of Brown Township, was born February 14, 1839, being the fifth child of a family of seventeen children born to Hiram and Julia (Clarke) Wilcox, who were natives of the State of Vermont, the former of English-Irish, and the latter French-Scotch descent. Alonzo remained at home and assisted this parents on the farm until he attained the age of thirty-five years. He received a common education such as the facilities of his day afforded. June 16, 1879, his marriage with Elizabeth O'Harrow was solemnized, and to their union the following three children have been born: Mary L., Maud and Otis Otho. His occupation has been principally farming, in connection with which he did some distilling, and operated a saw and grist-mill. He also raised considerable stock, and he has been quite successful in those pursuits. He now owns 1,400 acres of land, of which the greater part is improved. In politics he is very liberal in his ideas, preferring to vote with that party which in his judgment will best contribute to the country's good.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn


JOHN T. C. WILKINS
The second in a family of five children born to Daniel and Ann (Bridge) Wilkins, was born December 23, 1829, in England, where in early life he received a very good education. His father died when he was very young, and his mother's death took place when he was but fourteen years of age, and at the age of sixteen he embarked for America, of which he has since been a resident. Upon attaining his majority he returned to England to secure the estate devised to him by his father. January 8, 1852, Mary F. Kelso, daughter of Dr. James Kelso, became his wife, and their union resulted in the birth of eight children, of whom five are now living: James D., William C., who married Sarah Gibson, Cossie (Mrs. Dr. Isaac Ferree), Thomas and John. Mr. Wilkins is one of Washington County's largest land-owners, owning in all about 800 acres. In addition to his agricultural interests himself and sons are carrying on a large store of general merchandise at Campbellsburg, having a stock of from $7,000 to $10,000, and doing an annual business of from $20,00 to $30,000, in connection with which they do a broker's business of dealing in and shaving commercial paper. He also is owner of the grist-mill at Campbellsburg. In politics a Democrat, and belongs to the Masonic fraternity, and he and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn


JAMES W. ARMSTRONG
Is a native of the township and county of which he is now a resident. He is the fourth of five children born to John and Elizabeth (Eslinger) Armstrong, who were natives respectively of Kentucky and Virginia, the former of Irish, the latter of German descent. He was born September 5, 1846, and has always resided on the old homestead. His father died in 1851, and his mother March 21, 1877. December 16, 1874, his marriage with Josephine Cromer was solemnized, and to their union two children have been born: Walter L. and Alonzo W. Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican. He is a prominent and enterprising young farmer, and in that occupation has been very successful. He now owns 240 acres of land, most of which are well improved. He also raises stock quite extensively.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn


WILLIAM R. AVERY, M.D.
Was born in Washington County, Ind., March 19, 1838, the fourth in the family of seven children born to John and Tabitha L. (Ellis) Avery, who were natives respectively of North Carolina and Virginia, the former having been brought to this State in 1810. William R. assisted his parents at home until attaining his majority, during which time he received a fair education. In 1860 he began reading medicine with Dr. Still, of Palmyra, and in the fall and winter of 1861-62 attended a course of lectures at Rush Medical College, at Chicago. He remained with his preceptor until the following August 4, when he became a private in Company C, Sixty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, serving as such until March, 1863, when he was transferred to the medical department, where he remained until he was discharged at Washington, D.C., June 23, 1865. He became a partner of his former preceptor at Palmyra, and subsequently assumed entire charge of their extensive practice, remaining there five years, when he came to Fredericksburg which has since been his home and where he has a select and extensive practice. In 1876-77 he graduated at Miami Medical College, Cincinnati, and in addition to his practice is engaged in the drug trade. Dr. Avery is a liberal Democrat in politics, and a member of the Masonic brotherhood. October 24, 1867, he married Hannah M. Crotts, and six children have crowned this union, named Otto R., Charley E., Minnie M., Nellie B., Asa M. and A. N.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn


RICHARD DEVENISH
Is a native of the adjoining county of Floyd, his birth occurring March 6, 1836. He is the tenth in the family of twelve children born to James and Mary (Guest) Devenish, who are natives of Maryland and England respectively, and who immigrated to Indiana in the year 1818, settling first in Harrison County, and ten years later in Floyd County. Richard assisted his parents until the age of seventeen years when he took a trip East, remaining in Ohio and Pennsylvania about three years. The spring of 1858 he immigrated to California, but returned to his native State in three years later, and in 1862 joined the supply and transportation department in the late war. April 3, 1868, Mary E. Senseney became his wife, and by her he is the father of four children, named Oscar G., Cora Z., Homer S. and Carl E. Mr. Devenish is an advocate of the principles of the Greenback party, and is a member of the I. O. O. F., Masonic and K. of H. fraternities. He is one of the county's well-to-do farmers, owning 290 acres of valuable farming and grazing land. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are well known and highly esteemed citizens of Posey Township.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn


DR. GEORGE W. DEWEES
Of Fredericksburg, is a native of Harrison County, Ind., where he was born July 11, 1838, the eldest in a family of four children born to Joseph and Susanna Dewees, who were natives respectively of North Carolina and Harrison County, this State. In youth he received a good, common school education, and when about the age of twenty years began teaching school, continuing this for seven years, the last two years also reading medicine. He subsequently devoted his entire attention to pathological studies, and in 1865 and 1866 attended medical lectures in Cincinnati and Louisville, and June 7, 1867, located in Fredericksburg, where he has ever since continued. Dr. Dewees is a hard student, an able and skillful physician, and one who has the confidence and esteem of the entire neighborhood. He is identified with all the public improvements of the day, is a Democrat and a member of the Masonic, Odd Fellow and Knights of Honor fraternities. He has served in several positions of local honor and trust, in all of which he has officiated with zeal and fidelity. May 26, 1859, his marriage with Barbara Henninger was solemnized, and the following named of their family of children are now living: Charles B., Frank M., both at Indianapolis, George B., Elizabeth, Edwin N. and Laura.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn


SAMUEL G. ELLIS
A prominent citizen and native of Hardinsburg, was born October 12, 1855, being the youngest of three children of Charles R. and Sarah E. (Hardin) Ellis, who were natives respectively of Kentucky and Indiana. The former died January 24, 1860, and the latter in 1861. Their marriage took place January 17, 1850. William A., a brother, and Sarah M., a sister of Samuel G. Ellis, died respectively June 17, 1876, and September 13, 1853. After the death of his parents the subject of our sketch went to live with Aaron L. Hardin. He received an excellent education, and February 19, 1879, his marriage with Sallie V. Cook was solemnized and one child has been born to their union--William E. The present occupation of Mr. Ellis is farming, now owning over 500 acres of well improved land. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a stanch Democrat, taking a live interest in the political affairs of his native locality. He is the only living representative of his father's family, and he and family are among the best known citizens of the county.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn


B. H. HANCOCK
An old and influential citizen of Fredericksburg, was born in Harrison County, Ind., January 12, 1820, the eldest of eight children born to Matthew and Elizabeth (Hooker) Hancock, who were natives respectively of North Carolina and Virginia, and came to Indiana in 1819. B. H. Hancock passed his youth and early manhood amidst the pioneer scenes of that early day, and in September, 1843, wedded Mary Whitehead, who died in July, 1844. June 5, 1845, Margaret A. Senseney became his second wife, and the following named of their eight children are yet living: Mary A. (Mrs. W. L. Swartz), Harriet A. (Mrs. Joseph Evart), Matthew T., Allen R., Jacob H., Thomas E. and Margaret A., the wife of J. N. Hickman. Mr. Hancock's principal occupation through life has been farming and stock-dealing, although when a small boy he assisted his father in operating a small hand-grist mill, there being no other kind in the neighborhood. For the past six years he has retired from active out-door life and now turns his attention largely to a general brokerage business. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Hancock having united with that denomination when only twelve years old. In politics he is a Democrat, serving as Commissioner in Harrison County, and has also served six years as a member of the State Board of Agriculture.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn


KAY BROTHERS
This well-known business firm of Fredericksburg, was first started February 14, 1874, and is individually composed of James W., John W. and George T. Kay, all natives of this township, their respective births occurring November 11, 1842, November 17, 1844 and September 4, 1849. They began in business with a small stock of goods valued at about $650, and since that time have gradually increased the amount of stock in proportion to their trade until at present their goods invoice $5,000, and they annually transact $10,000 worth of business. The firm is enterprising and obliging and have justly won their present position, but not without hard work and self-sacrifice. James W. married Martha A. McLean, February 26, 1865, and seven children have been born to them. In February, 1878, the nuptials of John W.'s marriage with Mary Kelso were celebrated, and one child was the result of their union, Mrs Kay dying November 12, 1883. George T. Kay's marriage with Jennie E. Senseney was solemnized, July 23, 1879, and they have one child. Kay Brothers are the sons of John and Lucinda (Austin) Kay, who were among the early setters of Washington County.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn