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

HENRY SCHANK, a native of Prussia, was born April 2, 1817. He attended school the period required by law, and at the age of fifteen years he learned the shoemaker's trade at which he worked until he was obliged to enter the army, where he served the term of three years. In 1841 he came to the United States and located in Perry County, Ind., where he worked as a laborer on a farm for a short time, and later learned the stone and brick-mason's trade. He worked in Kentucky for a number of years, and after his marriage located at Rome, this county, where he remained about five years, when he abandoned his trade and bought the farm of 120 acres where he has since resided. He began as a poor man, but by his honesty, industry and economy he has succeeded in securing quite a competency, and is now the owner of 240 acres of well-improved land. Mr. Schank is a son of Henry Schank, who was a baker, and who died when the former was only a few months old. On February 11, 1846, Mr. Schank was united in marriage with Magdalene Miller, a native of the same country as himself, by whom he is the father of four children, Henry L., a teacher in the St. Louis Mo. High School, Daniel, Margaret (wfie of Henry Northop, of California) and Josephine. Daniel and Josephine still reside at home.

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

CONRAD SIMONS, was born in this county March 5, 1851, the youngest son in a family of two boys and three girls of Hiram W. and Mary (Harris) Simons. The father came to this State from Kentucy at the age of five years. When sixteen years old he was apprenticed to learn the tanner's trade, serving five years, when he came to Polk's Bottom where he engaged in his trade, continuing eight years, then moving three miles north, remaining nearly five years longer. He then began farming. He now owns 310 acres in the Bottom, besides 120 in Missouri. His wife died November 15, 1882. Our subject, upon reaching his maturity, was married August 26, 1872, to Mabel Winchel, and two children were the fruits of this union, one living named May R. After marriage he located on a tract of land owned by his father, and here he yet resides. He has bought a small amount of land. He is an industrious, progressive young man, and is a Democrat in politics.

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

MARTIN SODREL, is a native of England, born May 29, 1835. His father, William Sodrel, was a school teacher and government surveyor. He married Sarah Martin and reared a family of five sons and and equal number of daughters. Martin received a good practical education, and previous to leaving his native country, worked on a farm and at times assisted his father in surveying land. He came to the United States in 1856 and located in Cincinnati, where he worked on a canal boat for about three years. He then came to Perry County and rented land until 1867, when he went to flat-boating, at which occupation he continued until 1873. July 12, 1874, he married Lavina (Hall) Cummings, a daughter of Jefferson Hall, and resumed farming, which he has since followed, with the exception of two years, when he was again on the river. He purchased the farm where he now lives in 1881. Mr. Sodrel is a good farmer, and is fully up with the modern ideas of agriculture. He has a family of three children, Martin, Samuel and Noah.

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

DAVID TATE, the oldest resident of Tobin Township, is a native of Jefferson County, Ky., born August 24, 1799. He is one of several children born to Samuel and Nancy (Johnson) Tate, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. His father was a soldier in the revolutionary war, and for many years drew a pension for his services in that struggle. He died while on a visit to his daughter in Spencer County, Ind., at the age of ninety-one years. David remained at home until his marriage, which occurred December 5, 1819. He then came to this county and located in Polk's Bottom, where he rented land for a number of years, after which he bought 100 acres, where he has since lived. His first wife, Elizabeth Blaine, died May 5, 1831, having borne him six children, George, Nancy (wife of T. Connor), John, James B., Jeremiah and Hezekiah. October 13, 1831, he wedded Lucy Seaton, by whom he is the father of eight children: Emily E. (wife of Henry Groves), William S., Mary J., Letitia A. (wife of Clement Ramsay), Artimissa A. (wife of William White), Lucy (wife of J.H. Marshall), David and Henry. His second wife died September 10, 1846, and July 22 of the next year he was married to Catharine Cart, and to this union were born three children: Mary, Arad and Albert S. Catherine Tate died February 23, 1862, and January 15, 1863, he was united in marriage with his fourth and last wife, Mary A. Stinnett. By this union he is the father of six children: Alfred F., Rowena B. (wife of Francis Lee), Minnie O., Curtis E., Milton A. and Charles R. In addition to his twenty-three children, the eldest of whom is sixty-five and the youngest eight years, he has seventy-six grand-children and forty-six great grand-children. Mr. Tate is a successful farmer, and now owns 540 acres of land. About 1840 he was ordained as a minister in the Universalist Church, and in connection with his business, for many years he served as a local preacher. His career has been a remarkable one, and he will long be remembered for his many good qualities.

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

HEZEKIAH TATE is a son of David Tate, a sketch of whom appears in this work. He was reared at home, though his mother died when he was an infant. After leaving home he followed flat-boating for several seasons, and also worked on a farm. In 1851 he began teaching school, and continued to teach with marked success for eleven terms. After his marriage he bought seventy acres of land in Tobin Township upon which he has since resided, and to which he has added forty acres. In politics he is a Republican, and is one of the leading men in the party in this county. He has held various civil offices, having been assessor, justice of the peace and constable. He now, in connection with farming, practices law in justices courts. Mr. Tate was united in marriage with Elizabeth Polk, a daughter of Charles Polk, on March 20, 1856, and to them have been born seven children, only three of whom - James H., Albert M. and J. Tipton - are living. The last named is farming in Kansas. The other two are residents of Tobin Township. Mr. Tate is a member of the Universalist Church, and his wife is a Baptist.

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

HON. ROBERT TOBIN, an old native resident of Perry County, was born December 7, 1815. His grandfather, George Tobin, was one of the first settlers in the township which now bears his name, where be bought 800 acres of land. The Indians at that time were numerous, and he made a contract with two of the chiefs that he should be allowed to clear his land unmolested. The father of the subject of this sketch, Thomas Tobin, bought 160 acres of government land on Section 21 in 1816. He lived there until 1840, when he sold it, and moved to the old homestead, where he lived until his death in June, 1871. Robert Tobin received his education in the primitive log schoolhouse of the frontier. He remained at home, working on the farm, until reaching his majority, after which, until his marriage, he rented and worked his father's farm, with the exception of one year, when he was engaged in flat-boating. October 8, 1840, he married Jane Blaine, a native of Breckenridge County, Ky. Since that time he has been engaged in farming at various places in the township, having bought his present farm in 1872. In 1850 he bought an interest in a general merchandise store with his father, and managed the business in connection with his farm work for several years. Mr. Tobin has been very successful financially, and has owned as much as 1,000 acres of land at one time. He gave each of his children $7,000 worth of land at their marriage, and now has 500 acres. He has three children now living. They are Sarah S. (wife of Thomas Leaf), Catharine (wfie of Hiram Ackarman) and Nancy (wife of Q.K. Groves), all of whom are living in Tobin Township. In politics Mr. Tobin is very liberal, but is rather inclined to accept the principles of the Republican party. In 1875 he was elected to represent Perry and Spencer Counties in the Senate of the Indiana Legislature. Both he and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. He is a man of great force of character, and has done much to promote the interests of the county.

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

GEORGE and JAMES WEATHERHOLT, natives pioneers of Perry County, are sons of Jacob Weatherholt, who came from Breckenridge County, Ky., to Perry County when a youth. He was a farmer, and after his marriage, he lived upon the same tract of land until his death, which occurred December 6, 1828. His widow continued to live on the homestead farm with her children, until she too passed away July 28, 1854. Of the subjects of this sketch, George was born November 3, 1815 and James October 6, 1819. They remained at home after their father's death, helping to support the family by their work on the farm. For many years after, they were engaged in the wood business, supplying river steamers. In 1846 they bought a general merchandise store at Tobinsport, which they conducted with good success for twenty-five years. They also had charge of the ferry, and carried on a farm. By their energy, industry, and close attention to business, they have accumulated considerable property, and now own 375 acres of the best land in Perry County. About twelve years ago, James became almost totally deaf, caused by poison taken into his system several years before; and in 1877, he received a stroke of paralysis, since which he has been almost entirely helpless. September 9, 1847, James married Deborah A. Hyde, a native of the county, by whom he is the father of seven children. Elizabeth A. (wife of Arad Leaf), Samuel J., George T., Charles, Curtis, Mary (wife of W.S. Leaf) and Katie. Through all the years of close business relationship, the kindly feeling between the two brothers, has never been marred by any misunderstanding. George has never married, but lives with James and his family, and continues to carry on the business for both.

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

CAPT. WILLIAM WEATHERHOLT, is the second son of a family of four boys and two girls, his birth occurring in this county February 4, 1834. His parents were William and Sarah (Wagoner) Weatherholt, both natives of Breckenridge County, Ky. The father was an exceptional man, being singularly upright and kind. He came to this county soon after his marriage. At the time of his death July 26, 1849, he owned a fine farm of 210 acres. His age was fifty-nine. The mother died August 26, 1845, aged fifty years. Both were consistent Christian people. Our subject remained at home until the death of his parents. For several years thereafter, he worked at various jobs. In October, 1861, he enlisted in Company G, Third Kentucky Cavalry, as second lieutenant. He served with distinction and was promoted first lieutenant, and finally, July 14, 1865, was brevetted captain by the Governor of Kentucky. He was honorably discharged in August, 1865, having been during his term of service in several engagements. October 29, 1865, he married Amanda Cockrell, daughter of Casper Cockrell, and four children are the fruits of this union: Eli H., Charles H., David H. and Elmer T. He farmed three years on rented land in Kentucky. Then returned and bought 50 acres in 1876, on Section 32. In 1884 he bought 109 acres, and his wife received by inheritance, 78 acres. This provides a comfortable farm and home. He is a Mason, and he and wife are Methodists and excellent people.

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

MILLARD F. WEDDING, M.D., of Rome, was born in Ohio County, Ky., May 13, 1856. His father Mark Wedding, is a native of Virginia, from which State he came to Kentucky, and married Nancy J. Hale, by whom he is the father of four sons and three daughters. He was engaged in dealing in tobacco in Ohio County, Ky., for over thirty years, since which he has been engaged in the retail liquor business at Cloverport, Ky. His wife died in 1878, in her fifty-ninth year. Millard F., was reared at home, and at the early age of seventeen, began studying medicine with Dr. Hale of Owensboro, and later with his brother C.V. Reynolds, of Stevensport. He continued as a student for about four years, and then began practicing his profession at Lyonia, Hancock Co., Ky. December 22, 1875, he married Susan E. Schacklett, by whom he is the father of three children, only one of whom, Ethel, is living. In 1876 he attended a course of lectures at Nashville University, Nashville, Tenn., and graduated from Louisville Medical College, March 3, 1885. After practicing at Lyonia for about three years, and two years at Stevensport, he came to his present location. Dr. Wedding has a good practice, and promises soon to be one of the best practitioners of the county.

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

JOSEPH F. WHEELER, a native pioneer of Perry County, was born February 4, 1828, and is one of a family of six sons and five daughters, born to James and Sarah (Claycomb) Wheeler, natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland, respectively. The father when a small boy removed with his parents to Kentucky, where his father died. With his mother, he then came to this county and located near Rome. He grew to manhood, was married and entered 160 acres of land on Section 22, Tobin Township, where he remained until his death, which occurred March 5, 1864. His widow survived him until March 17, 1872. Joseph F. remained at home until his marriage, which occurred February 4, 1853. He then worked his mother-in-law's farm for two years, after which he went to Breckenridge County, Ky., where he resided five years. In 1864 he bought 105 acres of the old homestead upon which he has since resided. He chose for a wife Amelia A. Hardin, a native of Perry County, born June 27, 1837. They have eight children: Theresa (wife of B.B. Whitmarsh), Stella, Cassius, Lovell, Cicero, Ninnie, Loren, and Leona.

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

WILLIAM C. WHEELER, an early pioneer of Perry County, was born September 25, 1831. His father, James Wheeler, was a native of Breckenridge County, Ky. He came to Indiana and married Sarah Claycomb, a native of Pennsylvania, by whom he was the father of six sons and five daughters. He lived on a farm near Rome, where he died, April 15, 1864. His widow survived him until March 7, 1872, when she died at the age of seventy-three. William C. remained at home working on the farm until attaining his majority, after which he was engaged in flat-boating for a number of years. May 15, 1856, he married Artamissa Robinson, a native of the county, and soon after located on a famr of forty acres, which his wife inherited. He has since added to this 220 acres, and now has one of the best farms in the township. Mr. Wheeler has seen Perry County transformed from a forest into a beautiful farming country, and the log-hut replaced by good substantial dwellings. During the Rebellion, he was a strong Union man, and was Captain of the Home Guards. He is now a Republican, and himself and wife are members of the Universalist Church. They have three children now living, named Clarence, Laranee D., and Elmer.

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

JAMES J. WHEELER, farmer and teacher, of Tobin Township, was born in Perry County, Ind., March 5, 1845, and is one of eight children born to James P. and Rhoda (Harvey) Wheeler, the former a native of Perry County, and the latter of Washington County, Ind. The father followed teaching and flat-boating, in the early part of his life, and later, was engaged in farming. In 1875 he moved to Missouri, where he died March 11, 1876. His widow is still living in Breckenridge County, Ky., at the age of sixty-two years. James J. was reared at home, receiving a good education, having attended the school at Rome, and also the State University at Bloomington, Ind., a short time. In 1862 he began teaching school, always meeting with the best of success. In 1873 he bought the old homestead of 120 acres, where he located after marriage, and where he has since lived. He still continues to teach during the winter months, and is considered a superior teacher, as well as an excellent farmer. October 13, 1875, Lizzie Whitehead, the daughter of Isaac W. Whitehead, became his wife and by him the mother of these children: Reynold W., Plavene, Gerald, Leslie M., Lorentia and Hortense E. Both Mr. Wheeler and wife are members of the Baptist Church.

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

ISRAEL L. WHITEHEAD, county superintendent of schools, was born in Perry County, August 7, 1849, and is one of sixteen children born to Isaac W. and Cassandra (Lamb) Whitehead, who were natives of New Jersey and Perry County, Ind., respectively. The father learned the brick-mason's trade in Newark, N.J., and followed it for upward of forty years, working in various towns and cities. Shortly after his marriage he bought a farm in Tobin Township, Perry County, where in connection with his trade he was engaged in farming until his death, which occurred November 18, 1883. He served two terms as treasurer of Perry County, and was one of the most highly respected and influential men of the county. His widow is still living on the home farm with her children at the age of sixty-five. The subject of this sketch, at the age of sixteen had completed the common school studies, and algebra and rhetoric, although on account of ill health he had been unable to attend school regularly. A year later he began teaching and followed that business for thirteen years with marked success. During the summer vacations he followed flat-boating on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. November 15, 1874, he married Louisa Ryan, a native of Perry County, and soon after was appointed county recorder to serve an unexpired term of eight months. He again taught school until 1879, when he was elected to the office which he has since so ably and efficiently filled. He was elected to a fourth term in June, 1885. May 28, 1884, his wife died leaving three children, Mabel, Maurice and Stanley. Mr. Whitehead is a Democrat in politics, and is a member of the society of A.O.U.W.

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

WILLIAM WHITE, owing to the early death of his father, was cast in his youth upon the world to to for himself. He worked at farming, wood-chopping and rafting for about thirteen years, but in 1858 rented a farm which he managed until 1861, when he enlisted in Company L, Third Kentucky Cavalry. He was in several important skirmishes, and finally met with a severe accident by having his horse fll upon his foot, in consequenceof which he was discharged in 1862. He again began to farm and has thus continued since. December 19, 1865, he married Artamissa, daughter of David and Lucy Tate, who has presented him with two children, David and Sennie. Mr. White has been economical, industrious and prosperous, and now owns 218 acres and a fine dwelling. In politics he is a Republican. He was born in this county March 5, 1831, the second son in a family of four boys and two girls born to William and Elizabeth (Thomas) White. The father was born here, and followed farming until 1838, when he moved to Missouri and died there August 14, 1840. The mother, also a native of this county, soon returned after her husband's death, and lived here until she followed him, August 17, 1869.

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

JOHN A. WHITE was born December 26, 1833, in this county, being the third son of a family of seven, of William and Elizabeth (Thomas) White. The father was a farmer by occupation, and died in Missouri, August 14, 1840, where he had moved about two years before. His widow a year after his death returned to Tobin Township with her children and there died August 17, 1869. John A. was reared by his parents to work on the farm, receiving education sufficient for the ordinary duties of life. Between the ages of fourteen and twenty-one he worked as a day laborer to assist his mother and sisters. Upon reaching his majority he with his brother William rented a farm, and during the winter would chop wood and run flat-boats, and continued thus about ten years. February 12, 1865, he married Lydia A., daughter of Nathaniel and Rebecca Thomas, who bore him six children, four of whom are now living: Elizabeth J., Frances R., Nathaniel and Harvey. After marriage John A. located on the farm of his father-in-law. Two years later he secured an interest in a store-boat, but soon traded for eighty aces of land upon which he lived three years. He then located on 140 acres, his present farm. Mrs. White died June 16, 1882, since which sad event his daughters have kept house for him. He is a Republican and a higly respected citizen.

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

SAMUEL T. WHITMARSH, one of the leading farmers of Tobin Township, is a native of the county, born August 11, 1849. His father, Dr. Ira Whitmarsh was a native of New York, where in his youth he was engaged in teaching and in the study of medicine. About 1825, he married Margaret Lea, a native of the Old Dominion, and shortly after came to this county and located at Derby, where he commenced the practice of his profesion. Owing to the sparsely settled condition of the country he was obliged to combine some other business with his profession, and consequently he began buying hoop poles and flat-boating them to New Orleans. He soon accumulated enough by this means to buy a farm, upon which he lived until his death, February 15, 1868. His widow died May 16, 1877. Samuel T. Whitmarsh was reared at home, receiving a common school education. At the age of seventeen he began teaching school and has followed it to the present time. January 17, 1871, he married Kate Hardin a native of the county, by whom he is the father of two children, Adelle and James H. After marriage he located on a farm of forty acres on Section 6, Tobin Township, where he has since lived. During the summer season he is engaged in farming and also works at the carpenter's trade. In politics he is a Democrat, and is one of the most highly respected teachers of the county.

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

B.B. WHITMARSH, an enterprising farmer of Tobin Township, was born in the county April 4, 1853. He is a son of Ira and Margaret (Lea) Whitmarsh. (See sketch of S.T. Whitmarsh). He was reared at home, receiving a good practical education. January 5, 1873, he was united in marraige with Theresa Wheeler, a daughter of Joseph Wheeler. He then rented land for one year, after which he located on land received an an inheritance from his father's estate, and to which he had added thirty acres by purchase. He is an active, energetic farmer and is highly esteemed by the community in which he lives. Politically he is a Republican, having cast his first vote for R.B. Hayes. He has a family of three children, Ella, Burrel and Adrian.

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

JAMES H.L. WINCHEL, an old native resident of the county was born September 14, 1820, and is the fifth son of a family of nine sons and three daughters born to the marriage of Smith Winchel and Anna Mallory both of whom were natives of Delaware County, New York. In 1810 they anticipated Horace Greeley's advice and came to this county, locating in Polk's Bottom, Tobin Township. A few years later they bought 160 acres of land on Section 33, where the father died November 23, 1845. His widow survives him until the fall of 1863. James received only a limited education in youth on account of the scarcity of schools. At the age of twenty-two he learned the millwright and carpenter's trade, which he followed for about five years. After his marriage, which occurred on September 22, 1846, he located on the old homestead where he has since resided. Mr. Winchel is an industrious, enterprising farmer, and has one of the best farms in the township. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and himself and wife belong to the Baptist Church. He chose for a wife Elizabeth Hughes, a native of Marion County, Ky., and to their union have been born eight children. Those now living are Anna M. (wfie of John D. Cockrell), Harriet F.R. (wfie of Casper Whitehead), and George R., all ofwhom are living in Tobin Township.

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