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

WILLIAM D. SUMNER is a native of Dubois County, where he was born September 11, 1840, being the only child born to William and Susan (Comstock) Sumner, natives of Indiana. They were married in Dubois County, where the father died when our subject was but three years old. The mother was married again to William Mackey. She is now a widow, and resides in Troy Township, Perry County. The parents belonged to the early families who settled Dubois County. Our subject was reared from the age of six by his uncle, Thomas Taylor, of Clark Township, and continued with him until his enlistment in the army. Having received a good common school education, he enlisted July 3, 1861, in Company E, Twenty-fifth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged at Evansville, November 21, 1862, by reason of the loss of his left forearm in the battle of Shiloh. Returning home he entered school, going some six months, and receiving a high grade of license. He followed teaching in winter for thirteen years, since which he has given his entire attention to farming and stock-raising. He owns ninety-three and one-half acres of fertile land well improved. He was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth J., daughter of William and Susan (Hills) Goble, February 9, 1865, and to these parents four children were born, all dying in infancy. The mother died October 30, 1870, and was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Sumner was married again to Miss Elizabeth J., daughter of Richard C. and Susan (McFall) Minor, of Perry County, March 19, 1872, and to this union three children have been born: Ruel R., Henderson H. and Louis L. Mrs. Elizabeth J. Sumner was born September 18, 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Sumner are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. He is a Republican in politics.

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

ROBERT C. THOM, a prominent citizen of Clark Township, and native of Decatur County, Ind., was born February 22, 1824, being the third son in a family of twelve, viz.: Joseph, John, Margaret (deceased) who married Samuel Travis, Elizabeth (now Mrs. Thomas Scott), Robert C., Thomas H. (deceased), Mary (deceased), who married Nicholas Luke, Nancy (deceased), Alexander C. (who was killed at Fredricksburg, in the later war), Wm. W. (deceased), Sarah J. and Samuel (deceased); born to Robert and Lydia (Morehead) Thom, natives of Pennsylvania, where they were married. They came to Indiana in 1822, and settled in Decatur County, and six years later returned to Pennsylvania, where they reared their family and remained until their deaths. They were Presbyterians and Methodists. The father was a prominent farmer and citizen. Our subject remained at home until the age of seventeen, having received a good common education. At this age he commenced to learn the carpenter and millwright trade, which he made a special business until he came to Indiana in 1865. Since coming here he has only made it a secondary business, but has built several mills in Indiana. He now makes farming and stock-raising his business. He owns 227 acres of good land. On September 7, 1861 he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Third Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was under Gen. McClellan in his peninsular campaign, and acted as mail and express agent for his regiment until taken prisoner at Pittsburgh, Penn., April 12, 1865. He was united in marriage to Miss Matilda, daughter of Samuel and Jane (Miller) Callen, of Westmoreland County, Penn., July 11, 1850, and to this union eight children have been born: Samuel C. (deceased), Robert W., Albert H., Arthur L. (deceased), Mary E. (deceased), Theophilus M., Winfield R. and Oscar T. Mrs. Matilda Thom was born January 15, 1826. Mr. Thom and wife belong to the Presbyterian Church. He is a Republican in politics, and served the people as justice eight years.

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

MARTIN V. TURNER was born in Morgan County, Ill., March 15, 1834, being the fourth of ten, eight now living, viz.: William W., John W., Benjamin F., Martin V., Felix H., James H., Hardin H., Mary M. (who married David B. Phelps), Anna (who became Mrs. James Carlton), and one whose name was not learned, born to William and Lydia A. (Askins) Turner, natives of Virginia and Kentucky. They were married in Kentucky, and located in Morgan County, Ill., in 1880, where the father died in 1863. The mother is still living on the home place in Illinois. The parents were members of the Christian Church, and people of much worth. Our subject was reared by his parents, and remained at home until the age of twenty-two, receiving a good education. At this time he commenced to read medicine with Dr. C.W. Houghton, of Havana, Ill., continuing two years. He then entered Pope’s Medical Institute, of St. Louis, attending one term. He located first in the practice at Kansas City, Mo., and at the breaking out of the Rebellion entered the service as assistant hospital steward, in the Eighty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He served about three years and was assistant surgeon at the close of the war. He enlisted August 27, 1862. Returning home, he and his brother, opened a livery and sale stable at Winchester, Ill., continuing in this business four years. He then located at Peoria, Ill., with Dr. C.W. Goeth as partner in the practice of medicine, where he continued until 1873. He was united in marriage to Miss Juliet F., daughter of Louis and Florence (Roddy) Guyer, of Vincennes, Ind., March 28, 1874, and to this union four children have been born: Lydia E., Harriet S., Thomas L. and John J. Mrs. Juliet F. Turner was born on November 6, 1844. Soon after marriage the Doctor located in Vincennes, where he practiced about eight years, and in 1882 moved his practice to Birds-Eye, in Dubois County, where he remained a short time. April 14, 1884, he located permanently in Adyeville, in Perry County, where he enjoys a growing practice. The Doctor is a Democrat in politics. His wife belongs to the Roman Church.

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

GEORGE WEEDMAN is a native of Greyson County, Ky., where he was born April 29, 1822, being the second son in a family of fourteen children born to Daniel and Nancy (Spurger) Weedman, natives of Kentucky, where they were married. They moved to Clark Township, Perry Co., in 1824, where they remained until their deaths. They were among the prominent farmers and citizens of the county. George was reared and educated by his parents, and remained at home until his marriage to Miss Margaret A., daughter of John and Susan (Barnes) Basinger, of Anderson Township, in April, 1853, and to this union ten children have been born: John D., William T., Felix E. (deceased), Nancy S. (now Mrs. James Huff), Henry M. (deceased), Margaret (deceased), David J. (deceased), Samuel E., Andrew E. and Joseph (deceased). Mr. Weedman is a farmer by occupation and owns 440 acres of fertile land, well improved. He is a Republican in politics. His wife belongs to the Catholic Church. Mr. Weedman’s father was among the first settlers of Clark Township.

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

WILLIAM R. WHEELER, of Clark Township, was born in Perry Co., Ind., April 15, 1826. He is the third son in a family of seven; George T., James, William R., Foster A., Harriet (who married William A. Robinson), Charlotte (who married Stephen Shoemaker), Martha A. (who married Arad Criss), born to Thomas and Sarah (Stapleton) Wheeler, both natives of Kentucky. They were among the first settlers of Perry County and remained here until their deaths, and were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The father was a cooper by trade, and an honest man. Our subject was reared by his oldest sister, and remained with her until of age, receiving a limited education, his mother having died when he was but three years old. He was united in marriage to Miss Mary J., daughter of James and Sarah (Taylor) Hull, December 4, 1851, and to this union seven children have been born, five now living: James T., Maggie A. (who married Samson Cox), Alice E. (who married Louis Sumner), John T. and Homer B. Mr. Wheeler is a prosperous farmer and stock-raiser, and owns 280 acres of good land well improved. He is a Republican in politics, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church. He is well known throughout the county and esteemed by his neighbors. Mr. Wheeler was a tanner by trade, which he followed for over twenty years in Perry County.

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

ROBERT ASH, merchant at Mount Pleasant, is a native of Kentucky, born January 25, 1829, and is one of a family of eleven children born to Benjamin and Hannah (Fig) Ash, also natives of Kentucky. The father was a cabinet-maker in the early part of his life, but later was engaged in farming. In 1861 he came to Indiana and located in Orange County, where he remained for about fifteen years, when he removed to Crawford County. He died in the latter county about 1870 at the age of seventy-five, and his wife followed about six months later at the age of sixty-nine. Robert was reared at home, receiving a common school education. After attaining his majority he worked at various kinds of work until July 31, 1852, when he married Mary Jarboe, a native of Perry County. He then bought a farm in Leopold Township, and began his career as a farmer. He has owned and worked various farms, in that township, having at one time 200 acres. He now owns only eighty acres. In 1885 he opened the store at Mount Pleasant, which he still conducts. He is the father of eight children, of whom five are living, named James, Mary Josephine (wife of George Basinger), William, Elizabeth (wife of Hiram Morgan) and George.

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

S.N. BADGER, a well-to-do farmer of Union Township, was born in Knox County, Ind., January 20, 1837, and is one of six children born to the marriage of William Badger and Nancy Biddle. The father came from one of the Eastern States of Knox County, Ind., where he married, and lived in Vincennes until his death in 1837. His widow, after a few years, moved to Warrick County, and later came to this county, where she died in May, 1877. The subject of this memoir was deprived of a father’s care when an infant, and at the age of eleven years he hired to a farmer for 10 cents per day, his wages helping to support his mother and the other members of the family. He continued to work as a day laborer for several years. He made his home with his mother as long as he remained single, and after his marriage she lived with him. February 25, 1855, he wedded Roxanna Ramsey, and located on land in Union Township, which he entered. Mr. Badger is a successful farmer, and a shrewd financial manager; is now the owner of 783 acres of land, after having given eighty acres to each of three sons. He is a Republican in politics, and is a member of the Knights of Honor. He is the father of ten children: Solomon A., William C., W. Grant, Thomas E., Sanford, Roxanna, Elijah, Julia A., Lincoln and Nancy B.

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

J.B. BENNETT, M.D., Derby, is the son of James M. Bennett, a well known Baptist minister, now retired and living at Louisville, Ky. The elder Bennett was born in Jamestown, Va., and removed to Kentucky when a youth. He married Rebecca Iglehart, of Baltimore, Md., and by her is the father of five children. He labored in Kentucky for over twenty years, and was in Illinois for about sixteen years. He was retired from active work in 1884. Dr. J.B. Bennett received a good general education, and at the age of seventeen began the study of medicine under Dr. Shackleford. He attended the Kentucky school of medicine at Louisville, during the session of 1865-66, and afterward taught schooled for two winters in this county. May 17, 1868 he married Belle Anson, a daughter of Jerome Anson, and located soon after at Derby. Dr. Bennett, by his professional skill and gentlemanly qualities, has become a general favorite in the community in which he resides. March 10, 1872, Mrs. Bennett died, and April 30, 1873, he was united in marriage with Susan O’Neal, by whom he is the father of three children: Wallace, Mollie, Nellie. He is also the father of one child, Charles, by his former marriage. Dr. Bennett was born in Ohio County, Ky., September 8, 1844.

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

SCOTT CUNNINGHAM, retail liquor dealer at Derby, was born April 6, 1848, in Breckinridge County, Ky., and is one of three children born to Joel D. and Jane (Barr) Cunningham. His parents were both natives of the Blue Grass State, and were among its most worthy people. The father followed farming and flat-boating until his death, January 30, 1872. The mother is yet living on the old homestead, aged fifty-seven years. The subject of this biography was reared in his native county, where he was educated in the common schools. December 5, 1867, he wedded Anna O’Neal, a native of Patterson, N.J., and after this farmed the old place in partnership with his father until the latter’s death. He then managed the farm until March, 1881, when he came to Derby, Ind., and for thirteen months and a half clerked in the store of H.C. Hargis. Since that time he has been engaged in the retail liquor trade. In politics he is a Democrat, having cast his first presidential ballot for Horace Greeley, and is a member of the K. of H. To him and wife three children have been born, named Charles E., George H. and Annie Bessie.

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

SYLVESTER ELDER is a son of Joseph Elder, a native of Kentucky, who, when a youth came to Perry County, where he married Mary Miller, and lived upon a farm until his death, which occurred in April, 1863. He reared a family of nine children, the mother of whom is yet living, in her sixty-sixth year. Sylvester was reared at home and received only a limited education. At the age of eighteen he enlisted in Company K, Eighty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry for three years, or during the war. He took part in the battles of Chickamauga, Franklin and Jonesboro, and was with Sherman on his “March to the Sea.” He remained in the field until hostilities ceased, receiving his discharge June 13, 1865. April 30, 1867 he wedded Sarah J. Jarboe, and rented a farm for one year. In the spring of 1868 he bought a farm, where he remained about six years. He then removed to the farm where he has since resided. He has added to his first purchase until he now owns 320 acres. Both Mr. Elder and his wife were reared in the Catholic faith. They have a family of seven children, Mary M., Alta A., Emma, James A., Elizabeth, Susan L. and Joseph S.

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

SAMUEL J. GROOM, merchant at Dexter, was born May 23, 1852, in Jefferson County, Ky., and is one of nine sons born to William H. and Louisa (Stowers) Groom, who were parents of ten children. The father was a native of the Old Dominion, and when thirteen years old was bound out to the blacksmith trade. Not liking it he ran away and followed farming and merchandising through life. He is yet living, being a successful farmer, but his wife died in the summer of 1864. Samuel J. Groom was reared and educated in his native county, making his home with his parents until he attained majority. February 5, 1879, Miss Jennie J. Sanders, a native of Jefferson County, Ky., became his wife, and to their union tow children have been born - Luella and Carrie Edith. Our subject farmed and merchandised in Hardin County, Ky., after marriage for nearly three years, and the year following resided in his native county. In 1883 he purchased eighty acres of land in Section 23, Union Township, this county, where he has since resided, engaged in farming and merchandising. In 1883 he was appointed postmaster at Dexter. He is a Democrat and an enterprising and progressive young man of Perry County.

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

HENRY C. HARGIS, merchant at Derby, was born in Perry County, Ind., September 30, 1844, and is one in a family of three sons and one daughter, born to Thomas and Sarah Letitia (Webb) Hargis, both of whom were also natives of this county. The father followed farming, flat-boating and merchandising mostly through life, and died at Derby, Ind., February 4, 1853, followed by his widow May 24, 1854. Henry C. Hargis was thus left an orphan at the age of ten years, and without the care and affection of a parent, and with only himself to rely upon, he grew to manhood. He was raised by his uncle, John Hargis, receiving but a common education, and in September, 1861, while yet a boy, enlisted for the suppression of the Rebellion, in Company D, Thirty-fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He served his country faithfully through the battle of Stone River, and numerous other engagements, was five times wounded - once through the lower lobe of the left lung, twice in the muscles of the left leg, once in the right knee cap, and once in the right hip - and in March, 1863, was honorably discharged by reason of disability. After returning from the service he was engaged in the retail liquor trade three years, and since then has been engaged in general merchandising. He began with but limited stock and capital, but energy and a good knowledge of business have brought him both of these requisites. Since about 1870 he has also been Derby’s postmaster. He is a Republican and a Knight of Honor. He was married February 25, 1865, to Mary E., daughter of John and Susan O’Neal, by whom he is father of six children, those now living: Mary Eliza, James H., Winfield, Scott, Martha and Thomas C.

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

JOHN T. HARLAN, a native of Breckinridge County, Ky., was born December 21, 1832, and is one of thirteen children in the family of John and Mary (Farmer) Harlan. The father came to this county, where he married an lived a few years, after which he returned to this native State. In 1846 to 1847 he again came to the county and bought a farm, where he remained until his death, January 30, 1853. His wife had died in June, ten years previous to that time. John T. received but little instruction in school. He remained at home until after the death of his parents, and after that took care of one sister and three brothers until they were able to support themselves. About 1853 he bought the homestead farm, where he has since resided. He now has 305 acres of land, with fair improvements. May 24, 1853, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Wheatley, a daughter of Martin and Ellen Wheatley, born December 4, 1835. They have six children: Mary Ellen (wife of John Ray), Emma, Susan (wife of Alfred Kincaid), Letitia, Cordelia and William M.

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

JOHN E. HARP, a successful and enterprising farmer, now owning 295 acres of good land, was born in Perry County, Ind., November 25, 1828, and is one of four children of John and Tracy (Capp) Harp, the former being a native of Virginia and the latter of Kentucky. His parents were married in the latter State, and were among the old pioneers of this locality. The father was four times married, and was the father of sixteen children. He died in 1858, preceded by our subject’s mother about 1830. John E. Harp, at eleven years of age, began making his home with Jesse Martin, remaining five years. Since that age he has been battling with the realities of life entirely on his own responsibility. November 27, 1848, he wedded Maria Masterson, whose parents were William and Celia Masterson, and to them were born twelve children, these now living: Aaron, born January 9, 1851; Abner, May 10, 1853; John, May 11, 1855; Lyda, September 1, 1863; Edward, February 7, 1867, and Samuel, December 7, 1872. After marriage Mr. Harp rented land in this township, buying his first forty acres in 1852. Since then, by frugality and industry, he has accumulated property, until he now owns his present valuable property. In politics he is a Democrat, and from 1870 to 1882 was the efficient justice of the peace for Union Township.

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

WILLIAM H. JONES, a successful farmer now owning 155 acres of nicely improved land in Section 27 of this township, was born in Barren County, Ky., April 24, 1830. He is one of two sons and two daughters born to Thompson and Margaret (Gilliland) Jones, both natives of the same county as himself. Thompson Jones was a wheelwright by trade, having followed that occupation nine years in Hendricks County, Ind., two years in Clark County, and then farmed in the last named county two years. From that time until his death, which occurred the spring of 1866, he was employed as a ship carpenter at New Albany. Our subject’s mother resides with her son Charles C., in Floyd County, and is seventy-seven years old. William H. Jones received but a limited education, and until twenty-seven years old made his home with his parents. He learned ship carpentering, and from 1852 to 1857 followed that trade on the river. November 1 of the latter year he wedded Adaline McConnel, a native of Allegheny City, Penn., and in 1859 moved to Perry County, Ind., and rented his present place. Two years later he purchased the farm and is now pleasantly situated thereon. He began his political career by voting for Franklin Pierce, and since then has always adhered to the Democratic party. He belongs to the K. of H., and he and wife are the parents of six children, of which these three are the only ones now living: Mollie M., A.V. and Eliza.

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

SAMUEL KING, a prosperous and prominent farmer, was born October 16, 1821, in Allegheny County, Penn., and is one of five sons and an equal number of daughters born to the marriage of John W. King and Nancy Shaw, both natives of New England. John W. King was captain of a sea vessel, trading between eastern ports and the West India Islands. He was married in New York State and in about 1810 moved to the birth-place of our subject, where he farmed until his death, which occurred about the year 1844. His widow died in 1871. Samuel King began working in a brick-yard when only fourteen years old, continuing the same four years, and in 1839 began the ship and boat-builder’s trade. He made that his occupation for about twenty-five years with fair success. In 1863 he bought a saw-mill at Cannelton, Ind., and there built two boats by contract, afterward completing two more. In 1884 he moved from Cannelton to his present place in Section 26, Union Township, where he now resides. He is conservative in his political views, is an Ancient Odd Fellow and is one of the county’s best citizens and an enterprising farmer. October 16, 1867 Rachel, daughter of Nicholas and Ann Vaughan, became his wife, and to them two children were born - Sherley and Rachel - the latter dying in infancy. The mother died March 12 1871.

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

GEORGE KOOHNS, a native of Prussia, was born in January, 1839. He came to the United States with his father, John G. Koohns, in 1845, and located near Buffalo, N.Y. His mother died when he was an infant and he remained with his father until the latter’s death, which occurred in March, 1858. In September, 1863, he married Delphin Domos, a native of France, and the following November he enlisted in Company M, Eighth New York Heavy Artillery. He took part in the battle of the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Malvern Hill and other engagements of less note. While on a march from Petersburg to Malvern Hill, he received sun stroke from which he has never recovered. In 1866 he came to this county and with his brother-in-law bought a farm near Cannelton, where he remained several years. In December, 1874, he married Barbara (Shaffer) Schaad, by whom he is the father of three children, Lissie, Mary and John G. Since his marriage he has been engaged in farming in Union Twonship, and now has a farm of 240 acres. Both he and wife are members of the Catholic Church. In politics he is a Democrat.

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

SOLOMON A. MITCHELL, one of the leading merchants of Derby, was born in the county of which he is now a resident February 7, 1847, being one in a family of four sons and four daughters of Solomon and Cassandra (Biddle) Mitchell, who were natives of Breckinridge County, Ky. Solomon Mitchell, Sr., was brought to this county when an infant, consequently he was among the first pioneers of this locality. He farmed in youth, but after marriage erected the first house in Derby and worked at the cooper’s trade in conjunction with farming. He died September 27, 1882, preceded by his wife March 12, 1873. The subject of this sketch received a common education, and until nineteen years old remained with his parents on the home place. He began teaching school at the above age, continuing the same eleven successive winters, including, also, a few summer terms. April 30, 1873, Susan, daughter of Harrison and Angelina Wilcoxson, became his wife and by him the mother of three children: J.A., Paul C. and I.M. In May, 1878, Mr. Mitchell began merchandising in Derby, and beginning with but limited means, has succeded in building up a good trade and increasing his stock and improving his surroundings in various ways. Although a Republican in politics he is not radically so preferring to vote for man and measure instead of adhering to party prejudices. He is of the Catholic faith and his wife is a Protestant.

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