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

CYRUS CLARK, merchant of Cannelton, was born in Geauga County, Ohio, March 10, 1834. He is the only son of five children born to Jared and Sophia (Bracket) Clark. In 1844, with his parents he moved to Wisconsin, near Milwaukee, where he remained until 1852. At that time he located at Cannelton, which he has made his home ever since. His education was obtained in the common schools of Wisconsin. The father was a lumber dealer and saw-mill man, and in this occupation the son was employed until eighteen years of age. He then began clerking for his uncle, Dr. H.S. Clark, in Cannelton, with whom he remained until his death in 1863. After that he went into the grocery business for himself, and has continued it ever since. For a few years he was with E.C. Clark, and also with James A. Burkett. His marriage with Martha A. Clark was solemnized November 1, 1865, and they are the parents of one child named Olive, born March 28, 1868. Mrs. Clark and daughter are members of the Episcopal Church, and he belongs to the A.O.U.W. In politics he is a Republican, his first vote having been cast for John C. Fremont in 1856.

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

PETER CLEMENS, a merchant of Cannelton, is one of nine children of whom Henry and Anna Maria (Ochel) Clemens were the parents. He was born in Prussia, May 8, 1829, where he was educated and where he lived until the year 1852. He learned the trade of roller and hammerer in a rolling-mill. Upon coming to America he landed in New York City and proceeded to Pittsburgh, where he obtained employment at his trade for six months. On account of failing health he was compelled to change his occupation, and he learned the shoemaker's trade. This he followed for ten years. In 1855 he came to Cannelton, and has made it his home ever since. For the first nine years he was engaged in the shoe business and since then has been doing a general merchandise trade. On May 19, 1856, Anna Maria Snyder became his wife, and she has borne him these nine children: Joseph P., Mary (deceased), Anthony P., Peter J., John J. (deceased), Henry M., Francis H., John J. and Charles J. The family are members of the Roman Catholic Church. In politics he has always been a stanch Democrat, and for several years was an officer in town affairs and was connected with the public schools.

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

JAMES M. COMBS, treasurer of Perry County, was born October 22, 1835. John and Susan (Kleghorn) Combs, his parents raised a family of nine children. His grandfather, Jonathan Kleghorn, was the original setttler at the town of Clarksville. Mr. Combs' parents were among the early settlers of his native county, coming from Pennsylvania. In early life he received a good common school education, and was raised on the farm. At the age of eighteen years he began clerking in a store at Corydon and remained about six months. From there he went to Jeffersonville, and continued clerking until twenty-one years old. He then leased fifty State convicts and began the manufacture of chairs. At the outbreak of the war chairs were given place to camp equipage until 1863. At that time he moved to Louisville and engaged in the retail furniture business. In May, 1864, he moved to Tell City, and in company with P. Ludwig began making chairs. In December, 1869, the firm became Combs & Hartman, and has remained such ever since. On October 29, 1860, he was united in marriage to Mary E. Briner, who has born him ten children, these seven now living: Florence, Blanche, Ada, John B., Clarence, Stanley and Walter. Mr. Combs belongs to the Blue Lodge in Masonry, and has always been a Democrat. In 1870 he was elected county commissioner, and in 1880 and 1882 elected treasurer. He has for several years been president of the Perry County Fair Association.

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

CAPT. TITUS CUMMINGS, a merchant of Cannelton, was born in Tobin Township, Perry Co., Ind., September 19, 1830. He is one of eight children born to Josiah and Sophia (Thrasher) Cummings, who were among the earliest settlers in the county. Titus received but a limited education such as the primitive schools of his day afforded. He was raised on the farm until seventeen years of age. At that age he began flat-boating on the river, and followed it for twelve years. At the end of that time he began clerking for Samuel Hargis, at Derby, where he remained four years. Succeeding this for four years he followed trading on the river in company with George Elder. In 1853 he located at Cannelton in the merchandise trade with Dennis Grissom. At the end of twelve months, upon his father's death, he returned to Derby. From that date he followed trading and boating until the outbreak of the war. A militia company called the Union Greys was organized. Soon afterward most of the members volunteered in the United States service, and he was first lieutenant. That place he held until after the battle of Chickamauga, where he was wounded and there promoted to the captaincy. He was compelled to resign on account of his wound, and he was appointed military conductor on the Louisville & Nashville Railroad. Upon resigning his captain's commission he returned home. That was in 1864, and he formed a partnership with M.B. Burnett which lasted until 1868, when he was elected county treasurer. For five years he sold goods at Hancock Mines in Kentucky, and then returned to Cannelton, where he has ever since been in trade. Catherine M. Adkins became his wife September, 1856, by whom he is the father of six children, only four now living. He is a member of the Masonic, A.O.U.W. and G.A.R. societies.

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

FREDERICK DIENER, a prominent citizen of Cannelton, is a native of Prussia, born October 7, 1835. He is the eldest of nine children in the family of Christopher and Abalonia (Walder) Diener. He remained in his native country until 1862 when he came to the United States and located at Cannelton, where he has since been a resident. July 5, 1864, he was united in marriage with Christina Scheerle and to their union have been born eight children, Lizzie, Minnie, Mary, Carrie, Anna, Katie, Frederick and Charles. When he arrived in Cannelton, he established a meat-market which he conducted, in connection with farming and stock-dealing, unti 1883, when he retired from the business. He is also one of the original stockholders in the Cannelton Paper-Mill Company. Mr. Diener and family are members of the Lutheran Church, and he belongs to the German Benevolent Society. He has his family well provided for in case of his death as he carries a policy of $6,000 in the Germania Life Insurance Company of New York.

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

ELISHA DRUMB, attorney of Cannelton, is a native of Perry County, born May 20, 1841. He is one of seven children born to Dr. William P. and Sarah A. Stevens Drumb. In early life he received a common school education in the schools of the county, and at the age of sixteen years he went as a cadet to West Point Military Academy. He attended that institution for more that three years and left it for the purpose of volunteering in the civil war, but on account of a disagreement with his officers he returned home and that intention was abandoned. He then began reading law in the office of Ballard Smith. Later he attended law school at Chicago. While in that city, November 4, 1862, Hattie J. Portsmouth bacame his wife, and their three children are named May E., William P. and Aggie C., all living. They belong to the Episcopal Church, and he to the Odd Fellows and Masonic fraternities. In politics he is a Democrat and in 1876 was a candidate for State senator. In 1870 he started the Enquirer, which he edited four years with success. He was admitted to the bar, May 19, 1862.

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

JOHN P. DUNN, deceased, was one of the early and prominent citizens of Perry County, and a native of Dearborn County, Ind. He located at Troy in 1846 and engaged in merchandising. He remained there until his election as auditor of State in 1852. He was elected a member of the constitutional convention in 1850. In politics he was a Democrat and with his party ticket was defeated for a second term of the State auditorship. He was three time married and father of eighteen children. His third wife was Margaret Quarrels who became such on January 6, 1853. To their union four children were born of whom only Isaac is now living. Until 1860 he resided in Indianapolis. At that time he was appointed one of the original directors of the Northern State's Prison, in which capacity he served for two years. In June, 1876, he returned to his old home at Troy, where his death occurred December 19, 1868. Isaac Dunn was born December 23, 1853, at Indianapolis, in the old capitol building. He received a common school education in the schools of Michigan City and Troy. In September, 1871, he began attending the Military College of Kentucky, which he continued for three years. After this he attended and graduated at a commercial college in Indianapolis. He then engaged in the hotel business in that city until 1876. For a short time he was in the commission business at Louisville, and then returned to Troy. In 1878 he was candidate for State Legislature, and in 1880 he secured the nomination for county auditor. On account of the constitutional amendments being declared nul, he was not elected until 1882. On April 9, 1877, he was united in matrimony to Frances C. Gerth of Troy, and by her is father of two children: Maggie T. and Isaac P. Mrs. Dunn is a member of the Catholic Church.

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

LOUIS DWYER, county clerk, was born near Taunton, Mass., March 25, 1848, one of ten children of Michael and Sarah (Stonebridge) Dwyer. While yet young he came with his parents to Perry County and located at Cannelton where he attended the public schools during his early years. In 1866-67 he attended St. Meinrad's College, this was the extent of his education. At fourteen he began distilling and working coal mines. In 1868 he operated a mine in Daviess County but the year following sold out and returned to Cannelton where he continued the mining business until 1876. In 1874 he had been elected county recorder and assumed the duties in 1876. He was re-elected in 1880, and in 1884 was elected county clerk in which capacity he is now serving. On November 22, 1875, his nuptials with Catherine V. Hufnagel were celebrated and to their union three children have been born: Sarah, Clara and William M. They were all members of the Roman Catholic Church, and he is politically a Democrat. He resides upon a farm about one mile from town and is engaged in the coal, lumber and stave busines.

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

WILLIAM HECK, Sr., one of the leading citizens of Cannelton is a native of Nassau, Germany and was born October 19, 1835. He is one of eight children born to John and Christina (Lawrence) Heck. His education was acquired in this native land and in October, 1850, he started for America where he landedin due time at New Orleans. After this he was engaged for short time in Smithland and Caseyville, Ky. In June 1850 he settle at Cannelton where his home has ever since been. Until 1858 he was employed in the coal mines. In that year and in company with his brother he began keeping a general store. In 1865 he sold out to his brother. Until 1872 he then conducted a brewery and from that time on was operating a coal mine on his farm near town. In 1876 he was elected justice of the peace and he has held that office ever since. Sophia M. Arnolds became his wife February 2, 1858; to them have been born eleven children these eight now living, John J., Fred W., Elizabeth K., Katie, Henry J., Charles L., Whilleamen and Edward C. The family belongs to the Protestant Lutheran Church. He belongs to the I.O.O.F., German Benevolent Society and is captain of the German Fire Company. His politics are Democratic.

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

JACOB HECK is one of the children born to John and Christina (Lawrence) Heck. He was born in Nassau, Germany, September 18, 1829 and was educated in his native land where he followed the occupation of a miner. In July 1851 he landed in America, and remained one year in New York working a mill. At the end of that time he came to Cannelton and has made it his home ever since. For eight years he was engaged in prospecting and digging for coal. Since 1861 he had been engaged in the retail merchandise business. Beside this he was three years "boss" at the mines of the American Coal Company and two years manager of the paper-mill of which he is one of the stockholders. He also owns a fertilizer. On July 11, 1853, he was joined in wedlock to Catherine Yeagel, and they are the parents of nine children, named Fred, William, Sophia, Henry, George, Louise, Phillip, Elizabeth and Jacob, all living. They are members of the Evangelical Church, and he belongs to the Odd Fellows fraternity. Politically he is a Democrat and always has been. Mrs. Heck was born in Wheeling, W. Va., and her parents are natives of Germany, whence they came to America in 1832.

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

WILLIAM HENNING, attorney at Cannelton, was born December 17, 1829, in Pennsylvania. He is one of three children born to John and Dorothea (Hildebrand) Henning. When six months old he went with his parents to Germany where he lived until twenty years of age and was educated. In 1850 he returned to America and resided for a short time at Johnstown, Penn., Wheeling, W.Va., Barnesville, Ohio, and in 1855 located at Calais, Ohio. Here he remained until 1862, when he went to Johnstown again, and was instrumental in forming an artillery company for the war. While in Ohio he studied law, and was admitted to practice at the December term 1858 of the Supremem Court at Columbus. He has continued the practice of his profession ever since. In April, 1866, he came to Cannelton, where he has been actively engaged in practice. His first marriage was at Johnstown, Penn., June 2, 1850, to Elizabeth Helfenbein, who bore him one child, named Mary. Her death occurred January 3, 1854, and at Miltonsburg, Ohio, in April following Lena Howiler became his second iwfe. She was the mother of two of his children, named John W. and Margaret. September 3, 1858, Mrs. Henning died. His third and last marriage was September 9, 1860, with Sarah E. Cleveland. Their union has been blessed with eight children, named Emma, Ella, William C., Pety, Edwin, Bertha, Lillian and Mamie. Mrs. Henning is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he belongs to the I.O.O.F. In 1867 he was elected prosecuting attorney for the Fifteenth Judical Circuit. He is a Democrat and has for several years been attorney for the town of Cannelton.

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

MAJ. THOMAS J. DE LA HUNT (deceased) was one of the best know of Cannelton's citizen's. He was of French descent and was born November 15, 1835, at Rathcool, Tipperary County, Ireland. At the age of ten years he came to America with his parents, and resided for a few years in Quebec and Toronto, Canada. From there he moved to New York, and in 1859 graduated with honor at Genesee College. In elocution he received the highest prize of the college. The same yar he came to Cannelton, and was for a time engaged in what was known as Franklin Institute. In 1860 he travelled through the South in the interest of the school book publishing house of Morton & Griswold, Louisville, Ky. In 1861 he joined Company F of the Twenty-sixth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, and was commissioned its second lieutenant. He was soon made adjutant of the regiment, and while serving at such was severely wounded at the battle of Prairie Grove, Ark., in December 7, 1862. He partially recovered and was ordered to Indianapolis as inspector of recruits, and later became post commander at Evansville for about one year, and until he went upon the staff of Gen. A.P. Hovey. He was again wounded at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain. His wounds and exposure so impaired his health as to compel his resignation in May, 1864. In October, 1865 he was elected count auditor and served for four years. In January, 1866, he was married to Miss Isabelle Huckaby, of Cannelton, by whom he is the father of one son named Thomas J. By Gov. Baker he was placed on the committee to invesitgate the Indiana Sinking Fund at New York. Soon after his return from the army he purchased the Cannelton Reporter, and continued to edit it until his death, which occurred March 26, 1872.

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

THOMAS HURST, retail liquor dealer of Cannelton was born in Jacksonville, Ill., October 11, 1843. He is one of eleven children born to the marriage of James S. Hurst and Mary A. Payne, both natives of Kentucky and of Irish descent. He remained in his native town until he was fourteen years old, when he went to Hannibal, Mo., with the intention of becoming a veterinary surgeon. He remained there only a few months, and after visiting several other towns returned home and clerked in his cousin's shoe store for two years. At his country's first call for troops he enlisted in Company G, Tenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry for three months, and at the expiration of that time re-enlisted in Company K, Second Illinois Artillery. July 6, 1863, he was placed in the secret service department, in which he served until receiving his discharge January 14, 1865. After the war he lived at Natchez for two years, and then came to this county where he has resided ever since, with the exception of three years spent in Louisville. In 1878 he engaged in the retail liquor business at Leopold where he remained until 1883, when he came to Cannelton and established himself in the same business. He has been very successful, and during the seven years in which he has been in the business, he has never taken a glass of intoxicating liquor. December 21, 1863, he married Margaret (Lambert) Murray.

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

CHARLES W. LADD, M.D., of Cannelton, is a native of Louisville, Ky., and was born October 8, 1856. He is one of nine children born to W.W. and Mary E. (Steele) Ladd. Dr. Ladd was raised and educated in his native city. In MArch, 1882, he graduated from the Louisville Medical College, and soon after that he located in Cannelton in the practice of his profession. On July 31, 1882, he married Kittie L. Reardon, of Louisville. By her he is father of one child named Anita, and born September 3, 1883. In his profession the Doctor has been very successful, and he makes surgery a specialty. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ladd are members of the Roman Catholic Church, of Cannelton. In politics he is a Democrat, andin 1884 was elected coroner of the county.

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

JAMES LEES, one of the leading citizens of Cannelton, was born in Ireland, July 15, 1824. His parents were English and his father was at the time in the British Army. At the age of four years he went with his parents to British America, where he remained until 1836. He then went to England and resided there until 1849, receiving his education in that country. In the year 1842, at the town of Duckinfield, he began the trade of a machinist and ever since then he has followed that occupation. In 1849 he came to America and for one year remained in the Eastern States. In the fall of 1850 he came to Cannelton, and was given charge of the repair shop, in the cotton-mill. This he held until August, 1860, at which time he became engineer, a position he has filled ever since. His nuptials with Mary Shaples were celebrated in England, April 18, 1849. Of their family of seven children, these five are now living: John E., William F., Sarah J., James and Jessie A. Mr. Lees is owner of the foundry and machine shops, at Cannelton, which are conducted by two of his sons. He and wife are members of the Episcopal Church, and he belongs to the Blue Lodge in Masonry. In politics he is a Republican. He was major of the Fifth Regiment of the Indiana Legion during the war.

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

HON. HEBER J. MAY, was born in Pike County, Ind., November 28, 1846. At the age of six or seven years he moved with his parents to Perry County, and with the exception of two years' residence in Evansville, has made Cannelton his home ever since. He was educated in the common schools of the county and took private instructions from Rev. W.L. Githens. After a due course of reading he was admitted to practice law, and has been an active and successful practitioner ever since. He has been an active Democrat all his life, and from 1868 to 1871 filled the office of school examiner. In 1882 he was nominated by his party for joint-senator from Perry and Spencer Counties, without opposition. He was elected by a decisive majority, and his record in the Senate has been entirely satisfactory. He married Miss Gertrude Huntington, a daughter of Judge Huntington, late of the United States District Court for Indiana.

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

PHILLIP R. and LEONARD MAY were both born in Prussia, the former on December 1, 1840, and the latter on the 23rd day of May, 1842. While yet young they came to America with their parents, who were Charles and Elizabeth (Jacoby) May. They settled near Rome, in Perry County, where their education was obtained in the country schools. Their home was with their parents on the farm until they enlisted in the army. That was in October, 1861, when they joined Company B, of the Third Kentucky Cavalry, for three years. At the end of that time Leonard again volunteered for a longer time, and returned home at the close of the war. Phillip came home immediately after the expiration of his term of service, and on November 12, 1871, Dinah B. Platt became his wife. To them have been born four children: Samuel L., Walter T., Charles F. and Phillip E., all living. After the close of the war they worked an oil well for a time, and in the early part of 1866 began in the shingle and grist-mill business at Cannelton on a small scale. This they continued until 1880, when they bought their present large flouring-mill, which they conduct under the firm name of P.R. May & Bro. They do a large business and are among the enterprising men of the town. They are Republicans and members of the Odd Fellows fraternity. Leonard was married on the 12th of August, 1866, to Mrs. Elizabeth (Brandenstien) Wagner. Together they have nine children: Lilly, Albert C., Edward L., Mattie B., Jennie S., Russell (deceased), Harry G., Raymond and Florence. Mrs. May was mother of one child by her former husband, name Joseph G. The brothers were engaged in the battles of Stone River, Atlanta, Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, Resaca, Goldsboro, Dalton, Ringgold, Marietta, and went to the sea with Sherman. The father has long been a prominent citizen of the county and was at one time county sheriff.

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

PETER MEYER, one of the business men of Cannelton, was born in the city of St. Wendel, Prussia, October 28, 1825. His education was obtained in his native country and he learned the trade of a shoemaker. On the last day of June, 1855, he landed at New York, and in December following, came to Cannelton, which has been his home ever since. For six years he was employed in the coal mines, and with his earnings he started a shoe and leather store. In this he conducted a successful business until 1880, when he sold it out. He was one of the original stockholders of the paper-mill in Cannelton in 1872. He has been treasurer and general business manager of that concern most of the time since. On June 30, 1856, his marriage with Margaret (Schupmehl) was solemnized, and by her he is the father of three children. The entire family are members of the Catholic Church. In politics he is a Democrat, and in 1867 was elected town treasurer. In 1873 he was chosen a member of the school board and with the exception of two years has held that office ever since.

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