R. S. BOYLE, the popular Trustee of Johnson township, and who is engaged in the grain business in Fort Branch, is one of Indiana's native sons, his birth having occurred in Posey County, on the 10th of November, 1856. He is a son of John and Ophelia (Skelton) Boyle, the former having occurred in Posey County, latter of Vanderburgh County. His brother, D. M. Boyle, is now a well known attorney of Pierre, South Dakota. In his parents' home our subject spent the days of his boyhood and youth and in 1864 removed with the family to Vanderburgh County, where he remained until 1886. In that year he went to the west, where he continued until 1889, at which time he returned to Illinois, continuing a resident of that state until 1890. Mr. Boyle then came to Gibson County, and has since made his home in Fort Branch. His time and attention have been devoted to the grain business, and he is a wide-awake, progressive man, whose energy and capable management have been the stepping stones on which he has risen to prosperity. Mr. Boyle was united in marriage to Miss Emma Pruitt, a native of Vanderburgh County, and a daughter of Warner Pruitt. They now have two children - Etta, who was born in Lebanon, Dakota, during their residence in the west; and Walter, who was born in Indiana. Mr. Boyle and his wife hold membership in the Christian Church, and in his social relations he is a member of the Masonic Fraternity. His political support is given the Democracy, and he is well informed on the issues of the day. He was elected Trustee of Johnson township in 1894, and has discharged his duties in that office with fidelity and given universal satisfaction. He is a leading representative citizen and a gentleman of honor and respectability.

Submitted by: Terry Nolcox
History of Gibson County, Indiana. Elia W. Peattie. 1897. Page 97.

WILLIAM D. DANIELS. The ancestry of the Daniels family is of English extraction. They came to America some time prior to the War of Independence. Members of the family took part in that conflict. They settled on the seaboard, where Joseph Daniels, the grandfather of the present family, was born. He was by profession a seafaring man. During the War of 1812 held the position of sailing master on the sloop if war Hornet, and participated in the capture of the English brig Peacock. Cooper in his Naval History says "that a great share of that victory was due to the superior skill and manner in which the Hornet was handled in the engagement by her sailing master." Joseph Daniels was subsequently lost at sea. He married Sally White, and she with her family were residents of New York state, where she had removed prior to Mr. Daniel's ill-fated voyage. There were six sons and one daughter, the offspring of Joseph and Sally Daniels. Of the sons was Stephen, the father of William D. He was born in Ontario County, N.Y., in 1797. He emigrated to Ohio in 1822, and settled in the old town of Marietta, where he was a resident until his death, in 1853. He was a bridge builder and railroad contractor, and in that calling was well known throughout the state of Ohio. He married Sophia Warren, a native of Boston, Mass. She was the daughter of William Warren, a direct descendant of Gen. Warren, the hero of the battle of Bunker Hill, whose tragic death is well known to all students of American history. William Warren, the maternal grandfather, married Hannah Dickerson. Her father was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and subsequently a member of the Continental Congress. As will be seen by the foregoing, the Daniels family are from the old New England stock. In their veins courses the blood of the sturdy patriotic men who made independence possible and secured the inestimable boon of liberty and free government to the people of this country. Mrs. Daniels still survives her husband, although past fore score years of age. She is a resident of Brazil, Ind. William Danforth Daniels is the fourth in the family of seven children. He was born in the old town of Marietta, Ohio, Sept. 11, 1834. In his youth, he enjoyed excellent educational advantages in the schools of Marietta, which were even in that early day, superior to many others in the state. In 1857, while yet a boy, he came West to White River Township, in Gibson County, and settled in the village of Patoka, and there he has remained to the present. He engaged in the lumber business, and extended it into the states of Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois and Indiana. It is needless to day that he has, by the exercise of energy and enterprise, made the business profitable.

He was twice married. His first wife was Miss Sarah Fullerton, a native of this county. She died in 1872. By that marriage there were five children. In 1873 he married his present wife, who was Miss Kate Blanche, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Payen) Hudilston (sic). One child, a daughter, is the offspring of the latter marriage. Politically he is a Republican. James W. Daniels, his brother, was a brave and gallant soldier during the late war. He was a member of the Fourth Ohio Cavalry. He died at Little Rock, Ark., Jan. 30, 1884.

Submitted by: Lana Taylor
History of Gibson County, Indiana, with Illustrations Descriptive of its Scenery, and Biographical Sketches of Some of its Prominent Men and Pioneers. Jas. T. Tartt & Co. 1884. Page 190.


JAS. T. EMBREE was one of the most learned and profound lawyers who have ever practiced before the courts of Gibson county. He was a native of the county. His birth occurred at Princeton on the 2nd of January, 1829, and here he died in the year 1867, at the age of thirty-eight years. He was educated at the Asbury University, read law with his father, Elisha Embree, and graduated from the law department of the University of Indiana in 1852, and at once became associated with his father in the practice of his well chosen profession. His predilections led him to the profession in which he rose to prominence and gained him an enviable reputation. He was Lieutenant-Colonel of the Fifty-eighth Regiment, Indiana Volunteers. In 1852 he married Mary Magdeline Landes, who bore him the following children and passed to her final rest in the year 1863. The children were: Lucius C., Samuel L., and Eleanor.

Submitted by: Terry Nolcox
History of Gibson County, Indiana. Elia W. Peattie. 1897. Page 22.

THOMAS H. EMMERSON, county commissioner of Gibson County, and one of its native sons, was born January 18, 1851, his parents being James L. and Nancy (Mounts) Emmerson. Their family numbered eleven children, nine of whom are yet living. The common schools afforded him his early educational privileges, and reading and study in later years have made him a well informed man, while in the school of experience he has also learned many practical and valuable lessons. In his early manhood he worked as a farm hand and also followed school teaching for a year. In November, 1892, Mr. Emmerson was elected a member of the board of county commissioners, and his service if that capacity was most satisfactory to the public and creditable to himself. He labored to advance the best interests of the community and his ability and fidelity made him a valued official. In 1895 he embarked in the general hardware business in Owensville, forming a partnership with Frank Emmerson. They carry a stock valued at two thousand dollars and have a good store, which supplies the demands of the public in this section of the county. By study of the public taste and by straightforward business methods they have secured a liberal patronage, which is constantly increasing. On the 1st of January, 1880, Mr. Emmerson was united in marriage to Miss Ella Montgomery, who died on the 27th of January, 1896, leaving two children - Vivian H. and Verry. One child of that marriage is also deceased. Mr. Emmerson gives his political support to the Republican party, and is a warm advocate of its principles. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and to the Tribe of Ben Hur, and is also a member of the Christian Church.

Submitted by: Terry Nolcox
History of Gibson County, Indiana. Elia W. Peattie. 1897. Page 77-78.

ROBERT A. FIELD. The stability or substantial progress of a county or state is due largely to its agriculturists and of this class our subject is a worthy representative. He was born in Gibson county, March 7, 1855, and is a representative of one of the oldest families of the state. His grandfather, Abraham Field, was born in Indiana, in a little pioneer home which his parents had established on this then wild western frontier among the Indians. Joseph J. Field, father of our subject, was born in 1831, and made farming his life work. He married Nancy Phillips, daughter of Robert Phillips, a pioneer blacksmith of Gibson County. Mr. Field died at the early age of thirty-two. His children were Cynthia, wife of Wilson Kinney, of Kingston, California; Robert A.; Grace, wife of Joe Fawcett, of Shelbyville, Illinois. Mr. Field was twice married, his second union being with Rachel Morrison, by whom he had a daughter, Nancy J., now the wife of Henry Polley. From the early age of nine years Robert Field has depended on his own exertions for a livelihood. He was industrious, energetic and ambitious, and at the time of his marriage had accumulated sufficient capital to establish a pleasant little home. After two years spent in Patoka he rented the Welborn farm and later purchased one hundred and sixty acres. This he placed under a high state of cultivation and the commodious residence, substantial barns and well tilled fields all indicate the thrift and enterprise of the owner. Mr. Field was married September 12, 1881, to Miss Fannie Newsum, daughter of James I. Newsum, deceased. Their children are Tobe, Elmer, Eldren, Lete and Walter. Mr. Field is a Democrat, and a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. A self-made man, he deserves great credit for his success in life, for all that he possesses is the reward of his labors.

Submitted by: Terry Nolcox
History of Gibson County, Indiana. Elia W. Peattie. 1897. Page 139.

FRANCIS M. GRIGSBY. This honored veteran of the Civil war is to be designated one of the progressive and influential citizens of Gibson county, where for nearly three-quarters of a century he has maintained his home, figuring as one of the builders of the community and especially worthy of consideration in this work. He has, by his industry and sound judgment, not only gained a competency for his old age, but he has materially assisted in the general welfare of the community, in many ways lending his time and influence to the promulgation of various uplifting movements.

Francis M. Grigsby was born in Gibson county, Indiana, August 18, 1842, the son of George and Eliza Lamasters. The father was a plasterer by trade and spent his entire life in Posey county, Indiana, as did his wife. He died in 1846, and his wife, who was born in Newburg, Indiana, passed away in 1844. To the subject's parents were born three children, namely: Robert, who was a farmer in White county, Illinois, is deceased; Elizabeth, deceased, was the wife of Joseph Reed; Francis M. The paternal (sic) grandfather of the subject, Simeon Lamasters, was a soldier in the Mexian war.

Until he reached the age of nineteen, Mr. Grigsby lived with an uncle and aunt, Joseph and Mary Makemson, who resided in Patoka township, six miles northeast of Princeton. The education of the subject was very meager and acquired in a short term in the old subscription school, which is still standing and is now part of a barn on the Adamon (sic) Makemson place. At the outbreak of the Civil war Mr. Grigsby was among those valiant sons of the North who went forth to preserve the Union. He enlisted at Princeton, Gibson county, September 16, 1861, in Company F, Thirty-third Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and after being mustered in and equipped at Indianapolis, the company was dispatched to Louisville, Kentucky, where they were for a brief period at Camp Dick Robinson, and were then sent on toward the front, taking part in battles and skirmished at Wild Cat, London and Crab Orchard, Kentucky, and at Cumberland Gap. They were engaged in the fighting at Nashville and Franklin, Tennessee, at Thompson's Station (or Spring Hill) and many minor engagements. In the battle at Thompson's Station Mr. Grigsy, along with eleven hundred and fifty others, was captured and sent to Libby prison, where he was confined for thirty days, subsequently being paroled and returned to Indianapolis. After ten days' furlough, the subject rejoined the same company and regiment, and, after another leave of thirty days, was with his command in the Atlanta campaign and "marched to the sea" with Sherman. After taking part in the Grand Review at the capital, Mr. Grigsby and his comrades were honorably discharged in Louisville, Kentucky, July 21, 1865.

In the fall of 1867 the subject was married to Lucy Finney, daughter of James and Sarah Finney, who were pioneer settlers in Gibson county.

After their marriage the subject and his wife took up their residence on the McCullough farm, two miles west of Oakland City, Indiana, where they remained for one year and then removed to Patoka township, Gibson county, and there for eighteen years carried on agriculture. In 1887 they moved to Princeton, and Mr. Grigsby followed the trade of a carpenter for six years. At the present time the subject is holding the position of custodian of the public library and of the Methodist Episcopal church, which he has efficiently filled for the last eight years. To him and his wife have been born eight children, as follows: Sadie is the wife of W. P. Hill, of Los Angeles, California, and she is a trained nurse; John lives in Princeton and is a carpenter; Ed is deceased; Lena is the wife of John Finney, of Princeton; Ben is deceased; Fern and Elizabeth are at home.

Mr. Grigsby is a member of the Archer Post, Grand Army of the Republic, at Princeton, and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a well known man in his community, is well preserved and keeps thoroughly posted on current topics of the day.

Submitted by: Terry Nolcox
History of Gibson County, Indiana Her People, Industries and Institutions. Gil R. Stormont. 1914. Page 541-543.


WILLIAM B. KIMBALL, a retired farmer living in Owensville, was born in Posey County, Indiana, on the 12th of June, 1826, and is a son of E. and Mary (Boyle) Kimball, both of whom were natives of Kentucky and are now deceased. He was reared on the family homestead and during the civil war entered the Union army as a member of Company F, Thirty-third Indiana Infantry, under command of Captain Polk. He participated in the battle of Wild Cat and Cumberland Gap, and at the latter place received a medal in recognition of his valiant service. For two years he remained at the front as a faithful defender of the old flag and then returned home, but after one year was re-enlisted and served for three months in Company C, One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Indiana Infantry. When Mr. Kimball finally laid aside his coat of blue to don the civilian's garb, he established a home in Princeton, where he engaged in the tin and sheet iron business, which he profitably conducted until 1890. He is now living a retired life in Owensville, resting in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former labors. The essential elements in his success were an industry that overcame all obstacles and an unwavering adherence to honorable business principles. On the 7th of June, 1849, Mr. Kimball was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Meadows. After the death of his first wife he wedded Irene P. Pollard, the marriage being celebrated in July, 1882. He is a member of the Christian Church, his wife of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Socially he is connected with the Masonic fraternity and the Grand Army of the Republic. Throughout life he has discharged his duties with the same loyalty which marked his career when on southern battle fields he followed the stars and stripes. He has the genuine regard of all who know him and well deserves mention in the history of his adopted county.

Submitted by: Terry Nolcox
History of Gibson County, Indiana. Elia W. Peattie. 1897. Page 76.

LEWIS KOLB was born in Princeton some fifty years ago, and for many years was one of the prominent citizens of the place. He was a son of Ludwig Kolb, the pioneer of the family in Gibson County. This pioneer came to Princeton in an early day, and was proprietor of one of the early taverns of the town. He died in Princeton, aged about sixty-five years. He was a native of Germany, and the father of the following children: Lewis, Jacob, John, Sophie, Caroline and Elizabeth. His son Lewis, the immediate subject of this review, was for many years a successful business man, and at the time of his recent death left a valuable. His wife, Mary A., was a daughter of Robert Nightingale, of English nativity. He bore him the following children: O. M., present postmaster of Princeton; Christine, wife of W. A. Proome, of Columbia, Tenn.; Robert F., Effie M., Mamie O., Lewis E., and Lucy O.

Submitted by: Terry Nolcox
History of Gibson County, Indiana. Elia W. Peattie. 1897. Page 34.

O. M. KOLB was born in Princeton, Indiana, April 2, 1866. Mention of his father, Lewis Kolb, is made elsewhere in this volume. To the public schools of Princeton, Mr. Kolb is indebted for his educational privileges. He began his business career as a clerk in his father's grocery store, the management of which he assumed upon the death of his father. He was appointed postmaster of Princeton by President Cleveland, on the 7th of October, 1893, and is the present incumbent of that office. Mr. Kolb was united in marriage October 29, 1889, to Miss Harriet E. Carter. The issue of the marriage consists of two interesting children, namely: Carter M. and Raymond L.

Submitted by: Terry Nolcox
History of Gibson County, Indiana. Elia W. Peattie. 1897. Page 34-35.

J. E. LYNN, the efficient and popular telegraph operator and station agent of Fort Branch, was born on the 25th of May, 1873, and is a son of Jacob and Maggie (Arnold) Lynn, both of whom were natives of this country, and resided for some years in Evansville, Indiana. J. E. Lynn has spent his entire life in this state, and was reared under the parental roof, while in the common schools he acquired his education. When only thirteen years of age he started out in life for himself, and has since been dependent upon his own efforts, so that whatever success he has achieved has come as the reward of his diligence and perseverance. He began work with the Evansville & Terre Haute Railroad; was then made agent at Haubstadt, where he remained one year, or until December, 1894, when he was transferred to Fort Branch, where he has since continued. On the 17th of January, 1893, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Lynn and Miss Anna Denner, a daughter of Lawrence Denner, of Evansville. Both Mr. And Mrs. Lynn are members of the Catholic Church. He is a self-made man, whose advancement has come through his own efforts, and who by industry and honest toil has won a place among the representative citizens. In manner he is genial and affable, and has the esteem of many friends and acquaintances. He has made a competent official for the railroad company, and has merited the confidence reposed in him.

Submitted by: Terry Nolcox
History of Gibson County, Indiana. Elia W. Peattie. 1897. Page 96.

MILTON McROBERTS has been prominently identified with the public interests of Washington township, and is one of its leading and influential farmers. He was born near his present home, November 24, 1850. His grandfather, David McRoberts, died near Cincinnati, Ohio, many years ago. His father, Artemus B. McRoberts, was a native of Kentucky, was reared in the Buckeye State, and when a young man came to Gibson County. Here he married Indiana Lewis, a daughter of Stephen Lewis, and they became parents of the following children, namely: Milton, Narcissa J., wife of Henry Phillips; Artemus B.; Francis M.; Willard S. and Jerome, both deceased; and David C. Milton McRoberts, the immediate subject of this sketch received such educational advantages as were afforded by the common schools of the neighborhood, and from his early youth was trained to habits of industry on the home farm. At the time of his marriage he purchased a part of the old homestead, and as his financial resources have increased has added to his property until he now owns a valuable tract of land of one hundred and one acres, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation. The well tilled fields surround substantial buildings, which stand as monuments to the thrift and enterprise of the owner, and the neat appearance of the place indicates his careful supervision. He is progressive in his methods, systematic in his work and honorable in all his relations with his fellow men. The lady who bears the name of Mrs. McRoberts was in her maidenhood Elizabeth Phillips, a daughter of John and Mary (Foster) Phillips. Their children are Clarence, born July 20, 1875; James L., born September 14, 1877; John R., born October 30, 1879; Edith M., born April 12, 1884; Sallie G., deceased, born April 21, 1887; Ethel, deceased, born June 19, 1890; Cornelia, born December 31, 1891; and Lewis Milton, born January 19, 1894. Mr. McRoberts is a firm believer in the tenets of modern Democracy, and is a staunch supporter of the cause of his party. He was elected Trustee of Washington township in November, 1894, and since the 5th of August, 1895, has faithfully and acceptably discharged the duties of that position. He belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

Submitted by: Terry Nolcox
History of Gibson County, Indiana. Elia W. Peattie. 1897. Page 146-147.

W. L. McROBERTS, of Washington township, ex-County Commissioner of Gibson County, and a gentleman whose social and business ties bind him to his neighbors and friends closer than a brother, is a successful farmer, a useful citizen and a Christian man. He was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, August 8, 1837. In the year 1840 his father, the late David McRoberts, left the old Ohio home and turned his head toward the Hoosier state and stopped only when he had set foot upon the soil of this county. In his young days he was employed upon a canal in Ohio, and while so engaged his "boss" proposed to sell him a ninety-acre tract of land which he owned in Indiana, and this proposition led to its purchase and to the removal of the family to Gibson County. He lived and labored on this farm till 1870, when he died. He was born in New York in 1805. His wife, nee Rebecca Abbott, died in 1873. She was the mother of thirteen children, of whom the following are living: Lucy, widow of Jerry Hillman; A. D.; Barnard; William L.; and Marinda, wife of Calvin Minnier. The paternal grandfather of these children was David McRoberts, a soldier of the war of 1812. Their mother's people, the Abbotts, were from the State of Maryland. Our subject was educated in the common schools. He began life for himself at twenty-two as a farmer. He was married in 1861 to Mrs. Mary France, daughter of James Kirk. They have reared their family on their present beautiful homestead, made so by their own efforts. Their children are: William A., who married Cynthia Hoover; Ambrose U., whose wife was Ella Finney; Ethel D. O. Mr. McRoberts is a staunch Republican, and was elected Commissioner in 1888 and served six years, succeeding Josiah Kightly. The board of which he was a member finished paying off the indebtedness contracted by the building of the court house, bought the county farm of 208 acres and improved it. All his public acts were such as to meet the just approval of the public and he retired from the office with the best wishes of a grateful populace. Mr. McRoberts has been for many years engaged in ministerial work on behalf of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His work has been largely that of a supply in this and the adjoining counties, and his sermons and work have been of such character as to mark him as a sincere and earnest Christian worker.

Submitted by: Terry Nolcox
History of Gibson County, Indiana. Elia W. Peattie. 1897. Page 147-148.

A. G. MAKEMSON. For almost three-quarters of a century the Makemson family, of which our subject is a representative, has been connected with Gibson County. His father, Andrew Makemson, was born in Virginia, of Irish parentage, and received a very limited education. He remained under the parental roof until his marriage, and then his parents made their home with him. He wedded Margaret Shaver, who was born in Henderson County, Kentucky, June 11, 1792, and was of German lineage. Their union, which was celebrated July 30, 1811, was blessed with eleven children, namely: Joseph, Nancy Allen, Sarah M., James, William and Benjamin S., all now deceased; John L.; Mary Jane; Anderson G.; Thomas B., deceased; and Margaret Ann. For a few years after their marriage the parents resided in Kentucky, and then removed to Perry County, Indiana, where they remained two years. In 1824 they came to Gibson County, where the mother died April 6, 1841, and the father departed this life December 9, 1860. He was a farmer by occupation and by his industry and perseverance added to his possessions until he became the owner of one hundred and eighty acres of good land. He and his wife were members of the United Presbyterian Church. Until thirteen years of age Anderson G. Makemson never attended school and after that time his educational privileges amounted to only about one month's schooling each year. His training at farm labor, however, was not meagre (sic), and he continued to assist in the cultivation of the old homestead until twenty-two years of age, when he was married on the 12th of December, 1851, to Emeline Murphy. Eight children were born to them, as follows: Charles H., John and Monroe, all deceased; Belle; Hattie; Mamie; Dollie; and Geneva, deceased. The mother of this family was called to the home beyond May 11, 1896, and died in the faith of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, of which she was consistent member. At the time of his marriage Mr. Makemson had no capital, but soon after he purchased forty acres of land and as his financial resources have increased he has added to his property until he now owns a valuable tract of one hundred and fifty-three acres, which is highly cultivated and well improved with substantial buildings. He is now sixty-seven years of age, and is living retired, enjoying the fruit of his former war (sic) he manifested his loyalty to the government by enlisting December 12, 1864, and serving with the One Hundred and Forty-third Indiana Infantry, until September, 1865, when hostilities having ended he was honorably discharged. Such is the record of one who owes his success alone to his own efforts, and whose life has been honorable and straightforward.

Submitted by: Terry Nolcox
History of Gibson County, Indiana. Elia W. Peattie. 1897. Page 108-109.

JOSEPH MOORE, County Commissioner-elect, from Washington township, is one of the successful farmers of Gibson County and is held in high esteem among his neighbors and acquaintances generally for the many commendable traits of character he possesses. He was born near where he now resides, in the Patoka bottoms, September 6, 1844. He grew to maturity in that locality, and although he made the acquaintance with hard work early in life, he managed to get, from the "old log school house," what was then called a common school education. When he arrived at an age when young men feel that they ought to make a start for themselves, Mr. Moore set to work raising corn and hogs. The war then came on and he felt himself impelled from motives of patriotism to do what he could, as a private soldier, to aid in putting down the trouble. He accordingly enlisted in January, 1865, in Company H, One Hundred and Forty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Colonel John F. Grille. He was detailed at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, as orderly for Medical Director George F. Seat, of Ohio, and served in this capacity till the day he was mustered out in October, 1865. On his return from the army Mr. Moore took up farming, which he has continued uninterruptedly to this day. He owns one hundred and fifteen acres of fine soil and is situated to make farming pay even in hard times. December 13, 1866, Mr. Moore married Harriet, a daughter of Jefferson Turpin. She died in 1880. For his second wife Mr. Moore married Mary J. Phillips, whose father, John Phillips, together with his father, Robert Phillips, were pioneers. Here Mr. Moore's children (sic), R. Allen, who married Kate Carter; Clarence, who married Stella Phillips; Charley, whose wife was Lillie Utley. And by the second wife there are: Linnie, Josie, deceased, and Earl. Mr. Moore is a son of John C. Moore, who came to Gibson County in 1813. He was then a small lad and in care of his father, David J. Moore, who settled on the Patoka bottom and died there in 1847, at about sixty-two years of age. He was a Mexican soldier and also served in the Indian wars of the Northwest. Out subject's mother was Elizabeth Dawson, a daughter of John Dawson, a Virginia settler. Her children were: Mary, wife of David McMillan; Elizabeth, deceased wife of B. R. Fields; Rebecca, deceased wife of L. H. Van Campen; Eliza, wife of Frank Turpin; John Moore; Joseph Moore; Edward Moore; David Moore; and Ellen, deceased. Mr. Moore is a Democrat and was elected Commissioner in November, 1896, by a majority of 144 votes and will succeed J. W. Phillips in August, 1897.

Submitted by: Terry Nolcox
History of Gibson County, Indiana. Elia W. Peattie. 1897. Page 148-149.

JOHN W. RITCHIE. One of the influential citizens of Princeton, Indiana, is the gentleman to whose career the attention of the reader is now directed who is ranked with the city's leading merchants and representative citizens. A man of excellent endowments and upright character, he has been a valued factor in local affairs and has ever commanded unequivecal (sic) confidence and esteem, being loyal to the upbuilding of his community and ever vigilant in his efforts to further the interests of his city along material, moral and civic lines.

John W. Ritchie was born in Gibson county, Indiana, on January 25, 1879, and is a son of William and Vitula (Benton) Ritchie, the father a native of Crawford county, Indiana, and the mother of Gibson county. On the paternal side the subject is descended from Alexander Ritchie, a native of Glasgow, Scotland, who, after emigrating to this country, came to Leavenworth, Indiana, where he established a blacksmith shop. Eventually he moved to Crawford county, this state, where he continued his business and there spent the remainder of his days. The subject's father, who has been a life-long farmer in Gibson county, is still living, as is his wife, their residence being at King's Station, this county. To them were born twelve children, all of whom are living, namely; John W., the immediate subject of this sketch; Alexander, Katherine, William, Melvin, Myrtle, Charles, Clifford, Levi, Flora, Mary and May.

John W. Ritchie was reared under the parental roof, securing his education in the common schools of his home locality and completing his studies at Oakland City College. During the following six years he engaged in teaching school and then took a business course in the Indianapolis Business College. Upon the completion of his technical studies he entered the employ of the R. P. Moore Milling Company as bookkeeper and has remained with this concern continuously since, having for the past six years served as secretary and treasurer of the company. He has been an important factor in the splendid success which has accompanied this business and is one of the most trusted and valued employees of the concern.

On May 24, 1908, Mr. Ritchie was united in marriage with Eva A. Williams, the daughter of Thomas P. and Tilitha (Wallace) Williams, both natives of Gibson county and representatives of early pioneer families.

Politically, Mr. Ritchie is a stanch Democrat, and fraternally he is an active member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Princeton. His religious connections are with the General Baptist church, to the support of which he gives liberally of his time and means. He has strongly supported every measure or movement which has promised to be of benefit to his community, and, because of his upright life, marked business ability and progressive tendencies, he has earned and enjoys the respect and confidence of the entire community.

Submitted by: Terry Nolcox
History of Gibson County, Indiana Her People, Industries and Institutions. Gil R. Stormont. 1914. Page 660-661.

G M SEARS, M.D. Was born in Monroe County, Ind., Feb. 18, 1851. He received a good education in the common and graded schools of the state. At the age of twenty, he commenced the study of medicine in the office and under the direction of Dr. J. W. Runcie, and after reading the standard text books he entered the Evansville Medical College at Evansville, Ind., and took the regular course and graduated from that institution, Feb. 27, 1876, with the degree of M.D. He commenced the practice of his profession the same year, and six months later came to the village of Patoka, where he has continued it with success up to the present. He is a member of the Gibson County Medical Society, and was its vice-president in 1883. By close attention to the practice and always faithfully trying to excel in his chosen profession, he has built up a large and lucrative business. He was one year in partnership with Dr. Howard, a well-known physician of Gibson County. In December, 1878, he opened a drug store in Patoka in connection with his brother, W. S. Sears, which business is still continued by the firm. They have a large and well-selected stock of pure drugs, chemicals and everything kept in a first-class drug store. In 1878 he was united in marriage to Miss Teresa, daughter of James G. and Nancy A. Higginbotton, an estimable young lady and matron of Gibson County. In politics Dr. Sears is Republican.

Submitted by: Lana Taylor
History of Gibson County, Indiana, with Illustrations Descriptive of its Scenery, and Biographical Sketches of Some of its Prominent Men and Pioneers. Jas. T. Tartt & Co. 1884. Page 190.

WARRICK SMITH, who for many years was identified with the agricultural interests of Gibson County, but is now retired, was born on the 23d of September, 1821, and is a son of Dr. Willis J. and Martha C. (Warrick) Smith. The mother was a daughter of Captain J. Warrick. The father, a graduate of the medical college of Danville, Kentucky, practiced medicine for many years, and died in 1845. Mr. Smith of this review obtained his education in the common schools near his home and was reared in farm life. At the age of twenty-one he began farming on his own account and had made it his life work, prosecuting his labors with diligence and perseverance. He owns a valuable farm of one hundred acres, and in connection with his sons owns eight hundred acres additional. He started out in life for himself empty-handed, but has steadily worked his way upward, winning the success that comes through persistent effort and unflagging industry. Mr. Smith has been twice married. On the 19th of February, 1856, he wedded Margaret M. Simpson, by whom he had five children, namely: John W., George W., Lillie and two now deceased. The mother of this family was called to her final rest, and on the 28th of July, 1865, he married Seralda J. Brothers, a daughter of Hudson B. Brothers. They hold membership in the Baptist Church and are people of sterling worth, who have many warm friends in the community. Mr. Smith also belongs to the Masonic fraternity, and is an advocate of free silver. His long identification with the interests of Gibson County and his upright life have made him widely and favorably known, and it is with pleasure that we present the record of his career to our readers.

Submitted by: Terry Nolcox
History of Gibson County, Indiana. Elia W. Peattie. 1897. Page 77.

W. H. TICHENOR, a son of Timothy N. Tichenor, was born in Owensville, October 8, 1850, and was reared to manhood in his parent's home. He acquired his education in the public schools, and in his father's shop learned the blacksmith's trade, which he has since followed. He embarked in business on his own account in 1873, and has successfully conducted his smithy, winning from the public a liberal patronage, which he well merits. His work is always done in the most thorough and efficient manner, and his business methods are above question. In politics his support is given the Republican party, and socially he is connected with the Masonic Fraternity and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In 1874 Mr. Tichenor was united in marriage to Louisa Lucas, who died in 1884, leaving three children - Belle, Nellie and Ethel. In 1886, Mr. Tichenor was joined in wedlock with Elizabeth Barker, and they had four children, of whom two are living, Wallace and Erma. Mr. Tichenor belongs to the Baptist Church.

Submitted by: Terry Nolcox
History of Gibson County, Indiana. Elia W. Peattie. 1897. Page 88.

JEFFERSON TURPIN, a self-made man whose energy and well directed efforts have brought to him a comfortable competence, and whose sterling worth has won him the high regard of many friends, was born in Henderson County, Kentucky, November 27, 1819. His grandfather, William Turpin, was born in Virginia, in 1727, and was a patriot of the Revolutionary war. He died in Henderson County, Kentucky, at the very advanced age of one hundred and three, and his wife at the age of one hundred and two. The father of our subject, William Turpin, Jr., was born in the Old Dominion in 1784, and was a soldier of the war of 1812. He married Annie Slavin, who died in Washington township, Gibson County, in 1838, while his death occurred in 1844, their remains being interred on White River. Their children were Alfred, deceased; Jefferson; Isaac, deceased; Betsy, deceased wife of Shep Dawson; Michael, deceased; Sallie, who also married Mr. Dawson, and has now passed away; and Calvin. Jefferson Turpin spent his youth in his native county, and was early trained to habits of industry, for his parents were in limited circumstances, and he was forced to assist in the work of the farm and to provide for his own maintenance. In 1833 he came to Gibson County, and for twenty-five years resided in Patoka township. At the age of twenty-five he married Caroline, daughter of Asa Decker, and located on a farm of one hundred acres, which he still owns. In 1866 his wife died and for his second wife he chose Samantha Decker, daughter of David Evans. His children, born of the first marriage, are Clark, Harriet, deceased wife of Joe Moore; Asa; James; Margaret, wife of Monroe McDaniel; Riley; John; Alice, wife of Ed Richey; and Sherman. Mr. Turpin has been a most energetic and progressive man. The obstacles and difficulties in his youth he has overcome by determined effort, and has worked his way steadily upward. He is now the possessor of three hundred acres of valuable land and his farm is one of the best in the township. In politics he is a Democrat, socially is a Mason, and in religious belief is a Cumberland Presbyterian.

Submitted by: Terry Nolcox
History of Gibson County, Indiana. Elia W. Peattie. 1897. Page 139-140.

SAMUEL P. WELBORN was one of Gibson's County honored pioneers and most prominent and respected citizens. He was born in North Carolina in 1813, and died in this county in 1875. His father, Moses Welborn, was a native of England, and with his father, emigrated to America in 1765, locating in Maryland. His wife bore the maiden name of Deborah Chipman.

When a young man of twenty years, Samuel Welborn came to Gibson County, and aided in opening up this region to civilization. He went through the usual experiences of frontier life and the hardships which he and other pioneers endured made possible the prosperity and advancement of the county to-day. His life-work was farming, and though his career was uneventful as marked by public service, it was honorable and upright, furnishing an example well worthy of emulation. He was joined in wedlock in this county with Mary, daughter of James R. and Nancy (Armstrong) Waters, the latter a native of Ireland, and the former of Kentucky, whence they came to Gibson County in 1808, spending their remaining days near Owensville. The father was a soldier in the war of 1812. Mrs. Welborn was born in Gibson County, in 1815, and died in 1887. In their family were six sons and five daughters, whose identification with business and professional life in the county has prominently linked the name with its history.

Submitted by: Terry Nolcox
History of Gibson County, Indiana. Elia W. Peattie. 1897. Page 66.

Deb Murray