Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Northeast Township

GEORGE W. THOMAS was born January 6, 1847, in Harrison County, Ind., as were also his parents, Richard and Elizabeth (Cayden) Thomas. The grandparents of George W. settled in Indiana before it was admitted a State, and were among the first settlers of the Territory. When eight years old the subject of this sketch moved to Washington County with his mother, and was reared and educated near Hardinsburg. In 1865 he came to Orange County, and the same year wedded Miss Elizabeth Cornwell, daughter of William H. and Elton Cornwell, and by her is the father of four children: Flora E., Emma, Anna and Maggie D. The fall of 1865 Mr. Thomas moved to Missouri, but returned shortly thereafter to Indiana, finally settling in Orange County, where he yet resides. He has farmed, been engaged in mercantile pursuits at Chambersburg, the hardware and furniture business at Paoli, is now operating a store at English, Crawford County, and is the owner of over 200 acres of good land, seven acres being within the town corporation of Paoli. Mr. Thomas is an Odd Fellow, a Free Mason, a Democrat, and he and wife are members of the Baptist Church. In 1880 he was elected Treasurer of Orange County, and served one term of two years.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Paoli Township

JONATHAN THOMPSON, familiarly known as "Uncle Jot," is the third of the children of Enoch and Martha (Lindley) Thompson, and was born March 11, 1812, in Orange County, N.C. In 1826, with his parents he located in Paoli Township, this county, where he has ever since lived. Jonathan received only a common school education, and his youth was passed in assisting his parents on the farm. Like most of the family he has always engaged in farming, and he now owns 331 acres of land, the greater part of which is under cultivation. December 20, 1838, he was united in matrimony to Sarah, daughter of Silas and Mary (Lindley) Dixon. To this marriage nine children have been born, as follows: Mary, Nathan D., Martha, William L., Elma, Charles C., and Walter J. The oldest son Nathan was a soldier in Company D, Sixty-sixth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, where he served in the late war until the company was mustered out in June, 1866. He was in the battles of Richmond, Collierville, Dallas, Atlanta, with Sherman to the sea, and thence through the Carolinas to Washington. Mr. Thompson cast his first Presidential vote for Gen. Harrison on the Whig ticket in 1836. Since 1860 he has affiliated with the Republican party. Both he and wife belong to the Society of Friends. They are among Orange County's pioneers, and throughout their long lives have aided in improving the affairs of their community.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Paoli Township

HENRY THOMPSON, a farmer and stock-raiser, of Paoli Township, was born on the farm where he yet lives, and is a son of David and grandson of Enoch Thompson. Enoch was a native of North Carolina, where he married Martha Lindley, and where David was born in 1810. In the fall of 1826, the family settled on Section 7, Paoli Township, Orange Co., Ind. They were induced to come West by their religious antipathy to slavery, belonging to the Society of Friends or Quakers. Of their family of fourteen children, five are now living. David Thompson, like his father before him, chose farming for his avocation through life. His wife was Melinda Wilson, of Washington County, who bore him four children. He was one of the foremost citizens of the county and took an active interest in educational affairs. Of their children, Henry, Deborah, Rachael and Isabel, only the youngest is married, and she to Adophus Braxtan of Paoli. Henry Thompson has never known any home but Orange County. He attended the Quaker meeting-house school near his present home, and afterward took a two years' course in Earlham College at Richmond, Ind. He enlisted as a private, August 11, 1862, and on the 19th of the same month was mustered into the United States service in Company D, Sixty-sixth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was engaged in the battles of Richmond, Ky., Collierville, Tenn., Dallas, Ga., the siege of Atlanta, with Sherman to the sea, up through the Carolinas to Washington, participating in the grand review at that place. He was honorably discharged June 14, 1865. Mr. Thompson owns 518 acres of land in the county, a part of which is the old home farm.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Paoli Township

THOMAS M. THOMPSON is a native of Chatham County, N.C., born August 24, 1834, being the eldest son of the following six children: Elizabeth, Martha, Mary, Sarah, Thomas M. and John, the family of John B. and Polly (Archey) Thompson. Of these children Martha and Mary are deceased, Elizabeth married Alvin Scott, and Sarah married John Hart. The parents were natives of North Carolina, and immigrated to Orange County about 1845, locating near where subject now lives. About this time the mother died, and the father moved to Canada, where he likewise died. He was a Baptist and she a Methodist, and both were consistent Christian people. Our subject was reared on a farm, receiving fair education. He married Mrs. Sarah (Roberts) Chavis April 10, 1858, and to this union five children have been born: Noah, Elizabeth, wife of Henry Harris; Clara A. P., Mary C., and Homer (deceased). Mr. Thompson is one of the prominent farmers and stock-raisers of the township. He owns eighty-five acres of land; is a Republican, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Church, and are worthy people.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Southeast Township

JOHN TILLERY, deceased, was born in Orange County, Ind., March 10, 1810, the oldest of ten children of Thomas and Parthena (Harper) Tillery. The parents were among the earliest settlers in Orange County, their first home being at the old block-house at French Lick. John Tillery received a good common school education in the schools of his day, and lived with his parents until twenty-three years of age, when he was married, May 30, 1833, to Miss Rebecca Kearby. To their union were born ten children: Julia A., Priscilla, America, Nancy J., Thomas, Richard, Parthena, Alfred, Elizabeth and Martha. He was a member of the Christian Church, as is also his wife, who yet survives him. His death occurred October 22, 1854. Mrs. Tillery is now living with her son Alfred, who was born November 17, 1848. He enlisted in the army September, 1863, in Company A. Sixty-sixth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, and served as a soldier in the Rebellion until its close, receiving his discharge July 1, 1865, at Indianapolis. Soon after his return home he was married, September 28, 1865, to Miss Catherine N. Baxter, who has borne him a family of four children, named Mary P., John T., Charles W. and Eddie. Farming has been the exclusive occupation of Mr. Tillery, and he now owns 160 acres of land in Jackson Township. His wife, is a member of the Christian Church, and he is a Republican in politics, usually taking a lively interest in public affairs.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Jackson Township

TRIMBLE FAMILY. James J. Trimble, deceased, was born in Virginia, November 1, 1814. His parents were Moses and Mary (Berry) Trimble who with their family came to Orange County, Ind., in 1819, and settled near Hogs Defeat, in Greenfield Township. Moses afterward moved to French Lick Township, where he remained until his death, in 1850. He was a soldier of the war of 1812. Was but once married, and was the father of six children, none of whom are now living. James J. was raised on the farm with his parents, and his whole life was spent in agricultural pursuits. He was married to Mrs. Emily (Willyard) Ketner, April 3, 1854. She is a native of North Carolina, where she was born in Stokes County, July 25, 1824. Four children was the result of this union, and Mrs. Trimble is now living among her sons. James J. died August 31, 1876, and was one of the prominent citizens of Orange County. Volney Trimble is a son of James J. and Emily Trimble, and was born in French Lick Township, January 9, 1855. He was raised by his parents on the old homestead farm, where his grandfather first located. His education is very good, such as the common schools of a few years ago afforded. He is engaged in the vocation of his father. Starting in life with nothing, he has succeeded in obtaining a good farm of 140 acres, well cultivated and stocked. Miss Anna Snipes, who was born in Bartholomew County, Ind., November 15, 1857, became his wife on the 15th of February, 1877. He is a Democrat in politics, and belongs to the Christian Church. He and wife are parents of four children, all living. William E. Trimble is another of the sons of James J. and Emily Trimble, his birth occurring September 17, 1856. The whole of his life has been spent in French Lick Township, his place of nativity, and he has been almost exclusively engaged in farming. He received a good common school education, and on March 13, 1881, he was married to Miss Susan Rogers, also a native of Orange County. To them one child has been born. Politically, he is a Democrat, and an active an energetic young farmer. He is the owner of a good farm, which he has acquired by his own industry, and raises considerable stock. He is a member of the Christian Church. Charles S. Trimble, a brother of Volney and William E., was born November 1, 1858. Like his brothers, he was brought up to a farmer's life, and he has not yet deserted his early training. He was educated in the common schools of the county. His home is now on the same farm where his father and grandfather lived and died, and of which he owns 120 acres. He married Miss Mary A. Lashbrook, November 12, 1879, and by her he is the father of two children, both living. He, too, is a Democrat, and a member of the Christian Church, and one of the promising young men of his community.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - French Lick Township

THOMAS B. WALKER, a merchant of Orleans, Ind., was born in Virginia, December 23, 1806, a posthumous son of William Walker, who was by his wife Jane (Burton) the father of four children. Soon after this, his mother with her family moved to Shelby County, Ky., where she died, leaving T. B. an orphan at the age of nine years. Until sixteen years old he was reared upon a farm, but at that age he began the harness-and-saddler's trade, and worked at this in both Shelbyville and Louisville, Ky. Somewhat later he went into that business for himself at Brownsville. In 1827 he changed his place of business to New Albany, Ind., where he remained until he located at Orleans in 1854. From 1845 to 1849 he served as Sheriff of Floyd County. Upon his location in Orleans he began a general merchandising business, as one of the firm of Walker & Richards. This continued until the death of Mr. Richards in 1877, since which time the style of the firm has been Walker & Son, and is among the thriving business houses of Orleans. Mr. Walker has been twice married, the first time in 1832, to Nancy C. Woodruff, of New Albany. By her he is the father of eleven children, seven now living: William S., Thomas W., Mary A., Sarah J., Nancy C., Martha E., and Edward P. Thomas W., a Brevet Major in the late war, and graduate of West Point, is a prominent attorney of Philadelphia. Mrs. Walker died February 15, 1873, and Mr. Walker's second marriage was August 30, 1877, with Mrs. Margaret Parks. He is a Baptist in religion and a Democrat in politics.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Orleans Township

WILLIAM R. WALKER, a descendant of two pioneer families of Orange County, and a well-to-do farmer of Northeast Township, was born in the year 1830, the eldest child born to Alexander and Elizabeth (Standerford) Walker. Alexander Walker was a native Kentuckian, a Captain of the war of 1812, and a pioneer of southern Indiana and this county. William Standerford, father of Elizabeth Walker, was also an old soldier, serving in the battle of Orleans, and becoming one of the first settlers of this county. William R. Walker has never known any home but his native county, and here, by an upright life he has gained the respect of all his follow men. In 1853 Elizabeth, daughter of Jefferson and Miriam (Brooks) Finley, became his wife, and two children blessed their union, named: William H., and Mary, now Mrs. J. R. Fields. The mother was born April 10, 1830, and died March23,1882. For his second and present wife Mr. Walker married Sallie E., daughter of William and Harriet Baker. He and wife are members of the Methodist and Baptist Churches respectively.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Northeast Township

JOHN A. WALLACE is the son of William and Louisa (Bridgewater) Wallace, the parents being natives of Fayette County, Ky., the fathers's birth occurring in 1808, and the mother's in 1812. They came to this county at an early day, where they settled. The paternal grandfather, Alexander, was also a prominent early settler and served in the Legislature. He was a man of more than ordinary brain and character. The same is true of his son William and his grandson John A. Both William and his wife died well respected and honored, in 1874, after a useful life. John A. has been all his life a farmer and now has a pleasant home. In 1862 he enlisted in Company E, Sixty-sixth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. At the disastrous battle of Richmond, Ky., he was captured and held a prisoner of war eight days. He was afterward at Collierville, Atlanta, Dallas, Jonesboro and other engagements of less note, serving bravely through them all. His first wife was Susan, daughter of William and Elizabeth Irwin, who bore him one child--Louella. His second wife, Sarah A. Sappenfield, bore him two children: Estella and John A. Mr. Wallace is one of the county's best farmers. He is a Republican and a member of the Christian Church.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Orleans Township

JAMES WARREN, a resident of Orange County for the past fifty years, was born in Wayne County, Ky., May 29, 1828. Reuben Warren, his grandfather, was a Virginian by birth, but moved to Crab Orchard Springs, Ky., when it was a wilderness filled with wild Indians. He there lived in a fort and distinguished himself as an Indian fighter, and finally became owner of what is now the Crab Orchard Springs, a celebrated summer resort. He died at Fulton, Miss., at the ripe old age of ninety years. In 1834 Nathan Warren, father of James, together with his family, moved to Orange County, Ind., where he followed farming until his death, April 20, 1873. James Warren was raised on the farm, secured a fair education from the common schools of his day, and, like his father, has made farming his vocation through life. In 1851, he married Ruth A. Van Cleave, a native of Orange County, who died in 1867, leaving five children, named: Benjamin N., Jasper A., Hiram E., James A. and Mary E. December 24, 1869, he married his second wife, then Martha J., daughter of John and Polly (Walker) Elliott, who were among Orange County's pioneers from Kentucky. Mrs. Warren was here born September 24,1845, and her four children are: John T., Lettie M., Sarah A. and Harley F. Mr. Warren is a Republican, a member of the Baptist Church, and Mrs. Warren belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Northeast Township

JOSEPH WEEKS was born in Paoli Township, Orange County, Ind., January 22, 1828, the youngest of eight children of Joseph and Lydia (Montgomery) Weeks. Joseph Weeks, Sr., came to Indiana in June, 1811, at that time a single man, but was soon after married and became one of the substantial men of his neighborhood. His son Joseph was educated in the common schools of his day, and during all his life has engaged in farming. Excepting the first year of his life he has always lived on the same farm where he now resides, and which consists of 240 acres. In June, 1852, his marriage with Eunice Trueblood was solemnized, and to them nine children have been born, these six now living: Anderson, Sarah, Perry, Nathan L., Ollie and Addie. Mrs. Weeks is a member of the Quaker Church at the Beech Grove Society near where they live. Mr. Weeks was formerly a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, and is now a Republican in politics, having left the Whig party for that in 1860. He usually takes a good healthy interest in public affairs of his county.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Paoli Township

WILLIAM WEEKS, of Greenfield Township, is one of the oldest native-born residents of Orange County, Ind. His birth occurred May 31, 1813, and he is the oldest of eight children born to Joseph and Lydia (Herald) Weeks. The parents were natives of North Carolina, whence they came to Indiana in 1811, with other emigrants, and were soon after married. William Weeks acquired such education as the early subscription schools of his boyhood afforded. His home was with his parents until his marriage, which occurred September 16, 1836. His wife was Miss Dinah William, who bore him but one child, named Willis S. She was a member of the Society of Friends. About ten years after her death Mr. Weeks was married to Miss Martha Collins, by whom he was the father of three children: Joseph, Lydia E. and Henry H. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and died August 17, 1855. On February 14 of the following year he took for his third wife Mrs. Sarah (Giles) Leonard, and to them have been born one son--John H. During his whole life Mr. Weeks has paid his attention to farming, and he now owns a farm of 132 acres, very well improved and cultivated. Both he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In early life he was a Whig in politics, but when that party went down he allied himself with the Republican party, and has so remained ever since. He is one of the substantial and highly respected men in his community, and a worthy citizen of the county.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Greenfield Township

WILLIAM T. WELLS, a farmer of Stampers Creek Township, was born in Orleans Township, Orange County, Ind., February 1, 1831. His parents, Abraham and Lucy (True) Wells, were natives of Jessamine County, Ky., whence they came to Indiana in 1829. William T. was one of a family of nine children, and when very young was compelled to work hard. His education was consequently limited, being acquired in primitive schools of his day. At the age of nine years he plowed ten acres in four and a half days, which was a full man's work. Farming has been his life's vocation, and he has made a success of it. He now owns 200 acres of land, and devotes most of his attention to stock-raising. His marriage with Sarah E. True was solemnized, and to this union four children have been born: William A., George B., McC. and John A., now living. Mr. Wells and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and he is a member of the Subordinate Lodge of Odd Fellows at Hardinsburg. He is a zealous Democrat in politics, and usually takes a lively interest in the public affairs of his community, and at one time was prominently talked of as Township Trustee.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Stampers Creek Township

JUDGE SAMUEL WIBLE, who is probably the oldest man now living in Orange County, and who is usually known by the title of Judge, was born in Nelson County, Ky., June 14, 1792. In the fall of 1814 he located on the same farm where he now lives, in the eastern part of Stampers Creek Township. He was one of the foremost citizens of the county, and filled the office of Justice of the Peace for eight years. In 1840 he was elected to the office of Probate Judge, and he held this position one term of four years. Polly Rigney, a native of North Carolina, became his wife May 25, 1815. In religion he was always an ardent member of the Baptist Church and belongs to the Sinking Spring Society, which he joined in 1827, and was for over forty years one of the Deacons. His wife, who was a member of the same church, died August 21, 1876. William R. Wible was one of their eight children, and was born January 22, 1821, near where he now lives. In boyhood he attended the "loud" schools of his time, where he received a common school education. Although farming has been his principal occupation, he spent some years in the blacksmith-shop with his father. Besides this he followed threshing about twenty-five years. He married Sarah E. Mitchell, of Washington County, February 3, 1842, and by her is father of ten children, these five now living: Benjamin F., Polly A., Samuel J., John M. and Melvina. Mr. Wible enlisted in Company G, Forty-ninth Regiment of Indiana Volunteer Infantry, where he served in the Rebellion from November, 1861, to December, 1864, and was honorably discharged. He participated in these battles: Siege of Vicksburg, Champion Hills, Big Black, Alexandria, Cumberland Gap and a number of minor engagements. On his return home he continued farming on his 120 acres of good land, where he now lives. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wible are members of the Livonia Baptist church, near where they live. He has been a stanch Democrat all his life, and says he can see no reason to change. He was Justice of the Peace for eight years.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Stampers Creek Township

JOHN WILLYARD, a farmer of Greenfield Township, Orange Co., Ind., was born in Forsyth County, N.C., August 29, 1828. His parents were Joseph and Mary (Apple) Willyard, who came to Indiana in 1839, and located in Orange County, where they ever after lived, and were among the prominent citizens. Of their eight children John was the oldest. His education was limited to the primitive schools of early years, and his home was with his parents until his father's death, in 1852. For two years after that he remained on the farm with his mother, and October 27, 1852, he married Miss Elveree Radcliff. Nine children are the fruits of this union, and their names are: George H., Walter W., Mary A., Elizabeth J., Ruhama L., Rufus G., Columbus G., William J. and John E. Mr. Willyard was grieved by the death of his wife May 14, 1879. His second marriage occurred December 2, 1882, with Mrs. Ann E. (Taylor) Critchfield. As a farmer he has been successful, and he owns 188 acres of good Orange County land, and with his wife is a member of the Christian Church. His politics are Democratic. In 1864, he enlisted in the service of his county, in Company F, Ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the Rebellion.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Greenfield Township

LOUIS B. WILSON was born at Paoli, Orange County, April 28, 1822, the second child of Nathaniel and Annie (Baker) Wilson, who were natives of Virginia, the former born 1794, and his wife 1796. The father served in the war of 1812 and came to Orange County with his parents in 1817, and was a farmer by occupation. In 1834 his wife died. She was a devoted Christian, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, an amiable lady and mother of six children. Mr. Wilson took for his second wife in 1835 Jane Kenley, who bore him seven children, and upon the death of this lady Mr. Wilson took as his third wife Mary Hamilton, who still survives him. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for over sixty years and died in 1874. The paternal grandfather of our subject was a Welshman and came to America as a British soldier. Here he met and married Mary Britton, and English lady. They also came to Orange County in 1817 and resided here until their deaths. Louis B. passed his early life on a farm and has been resident of his native county all his life. In 1846 he married Hannah, daughter of William and Mary (Collins) Magner, who was born in Bourbon County, Ky., in 1823, and came to Orange County with her parents when ten years of age. She died in 1864, and was the mother of five children, one of whom is living, James A. In 1865 Mr. Wilson married Lydia M., daughter of Henry and Mary (Elrod) Stultz. Mrs. Wilson is a native of this county, born September 3, 1834. Five children were born of this marriage, three living: Maggie, Frederick and Louisa. Mr. Wilson is a member of the Methodist Church, also member of the A. F. & A. M., and a stanch Republican.

Submitted by: Diana Flynn
"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana", Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884. Orange County, Indiana - Orleans Township