James L. Keeling, successful merchant and prominent citizen of Oliver, Ind., is a native of Posey county and was born on January 7, 1870, a son of Charles L. and Angeline (Downen) Keeling. The elder Keeling was also a native son of Posey county, having been born in Black township on March 7, 1843. His parents were natives of Virginia, who settled in Posey county during the early years of its development. Charles L. Keeling spent his early life in assisting his father to clear and improve land for farming. His after life was passed in agricultural pursuits. He died in Mt. Vernon on December 29, 1912. Of the family, which consisted of six children, but one is living, a sister, Martha, the widow of W. C. Allen, who was a farmer in Lynn township. He married, when a young man, Angeline Downen, and of this union seven children were born, viz.: James L. Keeling, the subject of this sketch; Timothy, born June 27, 1873, a farmer of Eldorado, Ill.; Gertrude, born August 22, 1875, the wife of Ollie Maize, a railway employee of Poplar Bluff, Mo.; Elizabeth, born December 15, 1878, the wife of Henry Overfield, also of Poplar Bluff; Mary, born December 20, 1881, the wife of Walter Compton of Mt. Vernon, Ind.; Otis, born December 20, 1884, a railway employee of Mt. Carmel, Ill.; and Martha, who died in infancy. James L. Keeling was reared on his father's farm in Black township, acquired his education in the schools of his native county, and learned the carpenter's trade. He was next employed as a clerk and in 1904 established his present business, that of a general merchant, at Oliver. This enterprise has been successful. Its growth has been continuous, it has been profitable, and Mr. Keeling's business methods have been such as to draw trade from a large district. He is a director in his school district and a member of the Masonic order. Mr. Keeling married, on December 29, 1892, Miss Eva Barton, a daughter of Samuel and Rachel (McKinnier) Barton, each a native of Posey county, where their daughter was born on April 29, 1876. Three children have been born of this union, viz.: Rachel, born October 28, 1893, who married on February 10, 1912, Thomas Menikheim, and they have one son, Earl James, born April 20, 1913; Earl Keeling, born January 29, 1895, a salesman in his father's store; and Veral, born April 14, 1906.

History of Posey county, Indiana
John C. Leffel, Editor
Standard Publishing Company
Chicago 1913

James C. Jeffries, a farmer of Black township, Posey county, Indiana, was born in that township November 12, 1842, son of James S. and Rosanna (Curtis) Jeffries, the farmer born in Mecklenberg county, Virginia, and the latter a native of North Carolina. Mr. Curtis, grandfather of James Jeffries, removed from North Carolina to Tennessee, and then to Indiana, at a very early date before much of the country was cleared. James S. Jeffries was born in 1799, and he came to Indiana with his parents in 1811, the year of the earthquake at New Madrid, Mo. The grandfather Jeffries was an early-day teacher and farmer, operated the ferry at McFadden’s Bluff, now Mt. Vernon, and was the first ferryman at that place. He removed to the South later, where he died. Grandfather and Grandmother Curtis and James S. Jeffries and his wife died in Black township. James C. Jeffries received his education in the common schools and in the city schools of Mt. Vernon, and after finishing the course he began teaching in Posey county. Some of the school buildings were of logs with home-made furniture. In his twenty-seven years of teaching Mr. Jeffries only taught ten and one-half months outside of Posey county. A part of these twenty-seven years Mr. Jeffries had been farming in the summer time, and in 1889 he discontinued teaching and engaged in farming and stock raising. He never had to make a second trial for his certificate, his grades always being good. Mr. Jeffries can remember when the country was timbered and log rollings were in vogue in the spring, the feast being ham and eggs. He is an active Democrat. His fraternal affiliations are with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. James C. Jeffries married Miss Martha Templeton, daughter of Gilbert and Martha (Holland) Templeton, who was educated in the schools of Mt. Vernon. The father of Martha Holland was Hezekiah Holland, a doctor and minister in Posey county, where he died. Mrs. Holland died in Kentucky. Mrs. Jeffries was born in Posey county, and attended school near her father's farm. She is the sister of Worth Templeton, former trustee of Black township. Mr. and Mrs. Jeffries became the parents of nine children: George W., William H., Mattie, Ruth and Albert, all deceased; James G., at home with his parents; Julius W., married Nellie Armstrong, daughter of Frank J. and Fannie Armstrong, has one child, Mary, and they live at home on the Jeffries farm; Octavia, married Christian Moritz and lives in Nebraska; and Louis E., lives in. Illinois, married Maggie Trafford, daughter of Edward and Dorcas Trafford, has one child, Norma Fern.

History of Posey county, Indiana
John C. Leffel, Editor
Standard Publishing Company
Chicago 1913

Michael Grabert, a retired farmer and merchant of Mt. Vernon, Ind., was born in Wurtenberg, Germany, December 9, 1841. His father died before the birth of George, and his mother afterward married Frederick Rupp. He attended school in his native land and after finishing his education worked on a farm for a time, after which he engaged in the teaming business, following this occupation eight years, four of which were spent driving a hack. He came to America in 1866, his mother and stepfather coming the next year. He settled in Posey county and worked for a man by the name of Eberhardt Schenk on a farm in Black township, two and a half miles from Mt. Vernon. At that time the section now comprising the northern part of the town was all woods. In the spring of 1867 he began farming for himself on the old Campbell place near Mt. Vernon. He was a renter until 1869 when he bought a farm of forty acres southwest of town. Here he lived about eleven years, in which time he increased his acreage to 200. In 1881 he sold out and removed to Mt. Vernon where he engaged in a grocery and saloon business on Store street. He sold the store in 1897 and retired from active business life. Two years later he bought a home adjoining Mt. Vernon. It contains twelve and one-half acres of land which has on it one of the most beautiful houses in or about town. The lawns are large and well kept, and it has all the modern improvements, including cement walks. While living on the farm Mr. Grabert was road supervisor of Black township. He was the owner of 1,500 acres of land in Black township, Posey county, 160 in Point township and a section in Carson county, Panhandle of Texas. He is a member of the Lutheran church. Mr. Grabert was married the first time in the fall of 1867, to Magdalena Friends, daughter of John Friends and wife, natives of Germany, who came to America and located in Posey county. By this marriage there was one child, Mary, who married Charlie Grabert, and died in October, 1912. Magdalena Grabert died in 1876, and our subject was married again the same year to Margaret Kaufmann, who lived less than a year after her marriage, dying in the fall of 1876. Mr. Grabert was married for the third time in October, 1877, when he took as his wife Louisa Susik, daughter of Frederick Susik and wife, natives of Germany. Her father died in his native country and she came to America with her mother when about six or seven years of age. She was educated in the schools of Posey county. Mr. and Mrs. Grabert had eight children, all boys, one of whom died at birth, and two others, Otto and George, died in childhood. The living are: Andrew G., Charlie, Otto, Fred and William. Charlie and Otto are living in Evansville, the former engaged in the saloon business. Andrew G. is a paperhanger and painter in Mt. Vernon. Fred is working for the Electric Light Company, and William is attending school at Mt. Vernon.

History of Posey county, Indiana
John C. Leffel, Editor
Standard Publishing Company
Chicago 1913

Elliott W. LaDuke, one of the older residents of Posey county, Indiana, whose memory harks back to the days of diamond plows, grubbing stumps and raising wool for clothing, was born in Harrison county, Indiana, October 23, 1858, son of Harrison and Mary (Johnson) LaDuke, natives of the same county where the grandfather of the subject settled upon coming from France. Harrison LaDuke was a farmer and also engaged in brick making, in which he used the old method by hand. Mr. LaDuke, our subject, was raised in Harrison county, attending the country schools of those times. He worked at farming, first as a hired hand, saving money enough to start for himself at the time of his marriage. Oxen were used in hauling timbers in those days, and the old fashioned farm implements were still in vogue. His first farm had to be grubbed of stumps. Fourteen years ago he bought his present farm, which is one of the best in this section of the country. He has always been successful in his farming and stock raising. Percheron horses, Poland China hogs and cattle have been his specialties. Upon one occasion he sold in Mt. Vernon a Short Horn from his herd which weighed 1,960 pounds. His entire farm of 128 acres is under cultivation and he also farms eighty acres near his home. His political affiliations are with the Democratic party, but public office has never appealed to him. He was one of the active factors in the organization of the Farmers' Elevator Company of Mt. Vernon. On November 13, 1883, Mr. LaDuke married Miss Mary Alldredge, daughter of Jefferson and Isabelle Alldredge, natives of Indiana, mother born in Lawrenceburg, Ind. She was born in Posey county, Indiana, February 20, 1865, on the farm where her parents still reside. Here she was raised and attended the country schools. As a girl she carded cotton to make quilts, picking the seeds out by hand. She has helped plant corn by dropping it by hand into the hill, someone following with a hoe to cover the grains. Those were the days when wheat was cut with a cradle, and Mr. LaDuke used to do his harvesting in this manner. Clover was cut with a scythe, and raking was done by hand. Threshing was done in the same way that it was done in Biblical times, by tramping out the grain. Mrs. LaDuke remembers the first threshing machine. It was horse power, and was purchased by her brother. It is well within the memory of both our subject and his wife when their parents raised sheep for wool with which they made clothing, using the old spindle and hand loom. They became the parents of seven children: Elmer, born March 12, 1885 ; Edith, born September 18, 1886, married S. W. Frease, and lives in Black township; Mabel, born February 25, 1889, graduated from the Mt. Vernon High School, and is now teaching school at Stewartsville, Ind.; Vera, born May 13, 1892, married Earl Miller, and lives in Black township; Vivian, born December 17, 1897, graduated from the common schools ; Malcolm, born January I, 1899, and Floyd, born October 7, 1902, are now attending school. The LaDuke family are members of the Methodist church, in which Mr. LaDuke is a trustee.

History of Posey county, Indiana
John C. Leffel, Editor
Standard Publishing Company
Chicago 1913

Henry Yunker, merchant and farmer of Grafton, is a native of Germany, having been born in the Valley of the Rhine September 3, 1835, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Haas) Yunker, natives of the Rhine valley. He remained on the farm with his parents until seventeen years of age, and in 1852 set sail for America, the trip taking fifty-six days, the ship landing at New Orleans December 22, 1852. The ship was a sailing vessel and while on board news was received of the election of Pierce as a president of the United States. Mr. Yunker came to Indiana from New Orleans, reaching Evansville January 5, 1853. He began life in America by working as a farm hand for one month for $5.00. He then began learning the cooper's trade, working for one year for his board. After finishing apprenticeship he borrowed $7.00 to buy tools and came to Mt. Vernon to work in a shop. Later he walked back to Evansville to pay the $7.00. He has an adz that was bought at that time as a relic. After working at his trade in Mt. Vernon, Uniontown and Vanderburg county five years he went into business for himself at McKeetown, Black township, Posey county, and after remaining there one year he went into business in partnership with Conrad Mutz at Grafton. They had a store and some rented land and during the five years that they were together under the firm name of Mutz and Yunker, Mr. Yunker attended to the store and Mutz farmed the land. In 1864 Mr. Yunker bought out Mutz and the next year he sold the store and removed to Mt. Vernon, where he bought a building at the corner of Main and Water streets and embarked in the grocery and saloon business with his former partner. Mr. Mutz had kept the lands and Mr. Yunker bought an equal share in them. They continued doing business as partners for fifteen years. In the meantime, their building was destroyed by fire and they removed to the middle of the block where the colored barber shop is now located and later to the corner where Brinkman now is. At the end of fifteen years they sold out to Kalbfusz, who had acquired an interest in the firm, and Mr. Yunker returned to Grafton, his share in the division being 208 acres of land at that place beside the corner lot at Mt. Vernon. He at once opened a store and became postmaster. In all he has served as postmaster twenty-one years, including the time he served before going to Mt. Vernon. When the Grafton postoffice was first opened only two people took newspapers. Mr. Yunker had to drive to Mt. Vernon twice a week after the mail. He continued as postmaster until the office was discontinued and the rural delivery installed in its place. Mr. Yunker returned to Grafton in 1881 and since that time has added 200 more acres of land to his holdings of that time. When in Mt. Vernon he served the city three times as councilman from the Third ward, defeating a Republican in a Republican ward. He was on the board of county supervisors for one term and a member of the public highway viewers. Mr. Yunker has also been administrator of several estates and has been bondsman for a number of his friends to the amount of thousands of dollars. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in politics is a Democrat. Mr. Yunker was married September 3, 1858, to Miss Caroline V. Schuck, daughter of Godlif Schuck, her parents natives of Germany. Four children were born to this union: Charles H., who operates the Yunker farm at Grafton; Anna L., married J. J. Boszkirk, and lives in Wichita, Kan.; Emily O., married Charles Walz and lives in Wichita; Clara, also living in Wichita. The first Mrs. Yunker died August 15, 1874. Mr. Yunker remarried December 24, 1874, taking as his wife Miss Caroline Seib, daughter of Frank Seib, native of Germany, who came to this country from Ellsasz and engaged in the butcher business. Caroline Seib was born in Mt. Vernon, Ind., where she attended the common schools. They have four children, all living: Albert R., farmer; Henrietta E., Margaret M., Frank P., farmer. When Mr. Yunker first came to Indiana this section was a wilderness and when he and Mr. Mutz were farming during the Civil war they had to cut wheat with a cradle, and in the summer of 1873 Mr. Yunker cradled seventy-four acres of wheat himself. He was a member of the Home Guards during the Civil war.

History of Posey county, Indiana
John C. Leffel, Editor
Standard Publishing Company
Chicago 1913

Alonzo J. Alldredge, one of the oldest natives of Posey county, was born October 9, 1846, son of Anderson and Sarah Mariah Alldredge, also natives of Indiana. In his boyhood much of the land now under cultivation was forest and there were no railroads in the county. Mt. Vernon was but a small village and where the hominy mill now stands a Mr. Brinkman had a blacksmith shop and there was a saloon on the location of Rosenbaum's store. There were a great many wild turkeys and Mr. Alldredge can remember of one occasion when his dog was chasing a flock of these birds and one of them jumped up on the fence where he caught it with his hands. At that time there was an old grist mill on the creek near Grafton, where the farmers had their grain ground by water power. Alonzo attended the common schools and remained at home with his parents until the age of twenty-one. At the age of seventeen he enlisted in Crown's company of Mt. Vernon. They made a trip to Morgantown, thence to Henderson and back to Mt. Vernon. He was also in Johnson's raid across the Kentucky border. At the age of twenty-one he began farming for himself, taking charge of his father's place of 200 acres. As only fifty acres of this tract were cleared, he had to subdue the forest before he could gain any benefit of the ground. These were the days of split rail fences, some of those made at that time remaining to this day. When he started farming he had to cradle his own wheat, mow clover and other grass with a scythe and use oxen for farm work. One year Mr. Alldredge threshed wheat by tramping it out with four horses under a big shade tree. He was able to tramp out 200 bushels in a week's time. He continued clearing his land and now has 240 acres under cultivation, having added to the original holding. Mr. Alldredge married Victoria Bishop, the marriage occurring in 1867. She was born in Posey county, where she was raised and educated. They had four children: Lemuel, January 20, 1872, now living on the home place; Laura, May 4, 1874; Otis, January 5, 1870, and Minnie, December 3, 1876, now deceased. His first wife died February 7, 1877, and he married Miss Martha S. Pierman, daughter of James Pierman of Indiana. She was born in Posey county, where she was raised, educated and married. They had five children: Marsh, February 23, 1880; Fred, August 13, 1881; Elijah, July 4, 1884; Julius, November 13, 1887, and Eva, November 15, 1890. Eva is deceased and the other four are all living in the county. Mrs. Martha Alldredge died January 26, 1891. He married as his third wife Sarah Pierman, a sister of his second wife.

History of Posey county, Indiana
John C. Leffel, Editor
Standard Publishing Company
Chicago 1913

John S. Alldredge, county commissioner, farmer and former merchant of Mt. Vernon, Ind., was born in Posey county December 9, 1860, son of Samuel S. Alldredge and Louisa (Allbright) Alldredge, natives of Posey county, where the family on both sides was engaged in farming and stock raising. John Alldredge was reared in Black township and after finishing the common schools he worked on the farm with his parents until twenty years of age, when he started out for himself, his father presenting him with a farm to begin on. He still lives on this same farm, but in the meantime he has branched out into other business. For two years Mr. Alldredge had an implement and buggy store in Mt. Vernon, firm style of Alldredge & Son, and previous to this, about 1895, opened a general merchandise store in Upton, and after opening the store in Mt. Vernon he managed the two, besides overseeing his three farms in Black township. He also bought grain for Fuhrer & Co. for two years and then for the hominy mill, and at present is buyer for the American Hominy Co. He has 300 acres of well-improved land, besides a fine home in Mt. Vernon. In 1910 Mr. Alldredge was elected county commissioner on the Democratic ticket. He is active in the Methodist Episcopal church and is a member of the Lion's association. On March 13, 1880. Mr. Alldredge married Miss Sallie Wilborn, daughter of William and Elizabeth Wilborn, natives of Posey county, where subject's wife was born and attended common school. They had three children: Herman, August 3, 1881; William J., November, 1885, and Della, 1883. The first wife died in 1886. On September 18, 1887, Mr. Alldredge married Miss Mary L. Redman, daughter of George and Ann Redrnan, natives of Posey county, where their daughter was born and reared. Three children were born to this union, Elsie, 1888, who married Raymond Bray and lives in Posey county; Ethel, 1890, married Herbert Redman and lives in Mt. Vernon, where he is a barber in the Deitz shop, and Edith, deceased in infancy.

History of Posey county, Indiana
John C. Leffel, Editor
Standard Publishing Company
Chicago 1913

William D. Erwin, a representative of one of the earliest families of Black township, Posey county, Indiana, was born in that township February 15, 1859, son of Jefferson and Hannah (Howard) Erwin, both natives of Tennessee. Hannah Howard was the daughter of Baldwin and Susan (Racier) Howard, also natives of Tennessee. The mother of our subject came to Posey county from Davis county, Indiana, and the father came here from Tennessee. He was born in 1814 and she on November 16, 1828. Jefferson Erwin was engaged in farming and stock raising and ran a carding machine to which the settlers brought their wool for many miles. This was the "hangout" for the settlers at certain seasons of the year. He also had a store at Farmersville for seven or eight years. He died December 20, 1875, and his wife November 13, 1888. William Erwin attended school for a short time at Crab Orchard school, but received most of his education at Farmersville. After finishing his course he began farming and has continued in this occupation, making a specialty of Jersey cattle and Poland China hogs at one time. He is a Democrat in politics and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Encampment, the Rebekahs and the Ben Hur lodge. On March 14, 1882, Mr. Erwin married Mattie A. Redman, daughter of David and Johanna (Johnson) Redman, the former a native of England and the latter of Ireland, both coming to this country in childhood. Mrs. Erwin was born in Mt. Vernon on April 17, 1859, and attended common school at Farmersville and at Mt. Vernon. They have two children: Carrie, born August 23, 1884, and Dalton, April 15, 1883. Carrie attended the schools of Crab Orchard, Farmersville and graduated from high school, 1902, at Mt. Vernon and taught school for one term of eight months. Dalton received his education in the Crab Orchard and Mt. Vernon schools and is a graduate of the Evansville Commercial College. On January 24, 1906, he married Mary E. Ashworth, daughter of David and Frances Ashworth, of Mt. Vernon, and lives in Mt. Vernon, where he is employed by the Chicago & Eastern Illinois railroad. They have two children, Agnes Ellen, born January 19, 1907, and William D., born February 20, 1909. Agnes E. is attending school in Mt. Vernon.

History of Posey county, Indiana
John C. Leffel, Editor
Standard Publishing Company
Chicago 1913

Henry Uhde, a farmer of Black township, Posey county, Indiana, was born on the place where he now lives February 6, 1873, the only child of William and Margaret (Schnack) Uhde, natives of Germany, the mother from Holtstein and the father from Brunswick. He came to this country about 1855 and the wife in 1864. They settled in Posey county. William Uhde was a soldier in the Civil war, serving in the Sixty-fifth Indiana. They were married September 12, 1869. Henry was reared on the farm and graduated from the Mt. Vernon high school in 1889. The family lived in Nashville, Tenn., for a year and he attended the Catholic school of that place, as well as the public school. After leaving school he began farming and stock raising on the home place. His father died April 18, 1878. On May 15, 1902, Mr. Uhde married Carrie Starken, daughter of August and Margaret (Riecken) Starken, her parents being natives of Holtstein, Germany, where they were reared. They were married in the spring of 1864 and came to this country in 1865. Mr. Starken was a carpenter besides being a farmer and stock raiser. He died April 18, 1888. His wife died November 3, 1904. Carrie Starken was born in Black township May 31, 1878, where she was reared and attended common school at the Gill schoolhouse, also attended the Mt. Vernon schools. Mr. and Mrs. Uhde have three children: Marguerite, Henry and Erwin. All three are attending at the Gill schoolhouse. The family are members of the Lutheran church at Mt. Vernon, and in politics Mr. Uhde is a Republican.

History of Posey county, Indiana
John C. Leffel, Editor
Standard Publishing Company
Chicago 1913

Herman Hellenberg, a farmer of Black township, Indiana, was born in Posey county April 9, 1875, son of Henry and Minnie (Uhde) Hellenberg. Henry Hellenberg was born in Germany August 19, 1845, and came to this country on August 1, 1866, locating in Mt. Vernon, Ind. Henry Hellenberg was a carpenter by trade and worked at his trade in addition to farming and stock raising. He and his wife had seven children, of whom Frank, of Black township, who has three boys, William, Louis and Frederick, and our subject are living. Minnie, who married George Quinzer, William, Annice, August and Henry died in infancy. The subject was the third child. He was reared in the place of his birth, attended the Gill and Upton schools. After finishing the common school course he began farming on the home place with his parents, who retired in 1930 and located in Mt. Vernon. He has been farming the home place ever since, having eighty-seven acres west of Mt. Vernon. On January 28, 1905, Mr. Hellenberg married Emma Schmack, daughter of Fritz aild Lizzie Schmack, natives of Germany, who came to this country in childhood. Mr. and Mrs. Schmack had seven children, Emma being the fourth. She was born in Black township and attended school at Gill schoolhouse. Mr. and Mrs. Hellenberg had three children: Henry, deceased; Herman and Louise. Louise is now attending school in Black township. They are members of the Lutheran church, and Mr. Hellenberg is a Republican. The mother of our subject died July 19, 1911.

History of Posey county, Indiana
John C. Leffel, Editor
Standard Publishing Company
Chicago 1913

Elijah D. Whipple, a prosperous farmer, minister and former merchant and postmaster, was born on the same farm where he now lives near Upton, Ind., September 7, 1856. At that time there were but two or three houses in the neighborhood and Upton did not exist. The parents of our subject were Willard and Mahalah (Jones) Whipple, the former a native of New York and the latter of Livingston county, Kentucky. The elder Whipple settled at Lawrenceburg, Ind., about seventy-five years ago, and from there removed to Posey county when there was as yet only a little of the ground cleared and wild game was abundant, especially turkey and deer. Elijah Whipple was the eldest of three sons, and after finishing the common schools of those times he went to work on the farm with his parents. Later he farmed for two or three years in the bottoms. Upon the death of his father in the spring of 1876 he returned to the home place, and has lived there ever since. His mother died in 1877. In 1884 Mr. Whipple built a pretty home on his farm, which is well improved and contains 106 acres, all under cultivation. Formerly he was a breeder of Poland China hogs, but at present is engaged in general farming and stock raising. He has been a grain buyer for a number of years and is now agent for the Home Grain and Mill Company of Mt. Vernon, for which concern he buys grain at Upton. At one time Mr. Whipple was in the general merchandise business at Upton, and served as postmaster of the town for four years. The Whipple family are members of the Baptist church, in which our subject was ordained as a minister in 1908. He is a forceful speaker and has preached at several places with great success. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Ben Hur Lodge and of the Court of Honor, and in politics is a Prohibitionist. On July 18, 1875, the marriage of Mr. Whipple to Nancy J. Nestler, daughter of Gilson and Permella Nestler, took place. The parents of Mrs. Whipple were born in Black township, Posey county, where her father farmed. She was also born in Black township of that county, and was educated in the public schools. Two children were born of this union: Bessie E., December 25, 1891, who married Harley Crawford, and a resident of Kansas City, Mo., where he is an employee of the Metropolitan Railway Company, and Burton E., Jane 7, 1896, who is at home. The Mrs. Whipple died December 1, 1901. On October 12, 1902, our subject married Mrs. Osie A. Aldredge, nee Welborn, daughter of William and Fredonia Welborn, natives of this county engaged in farming and stock raising. She was born in Black township of this county, where she attended the common schools. They have two children, Bonnie M., born July 5, 1903, and Earle E.. September 3, 1906, both attending school at Upton, where they have made exceptionally good records.

History of Posey county, Indiana
John C. Leffel, Editor
Standard Publishing Company
Chicago 1913

Elisha H. Phillips, a representative of one of the old established families of Posey county, was born in Black township (same county) July 8, 1852. His grandfather and grandmother, Irad and Eunice (Bennett) Phillips came here from New York, where they were both born, the former in January, 1773, and the latter in 1772. They located in Posey county, Indiana, in 1820, when their son Elisha Phillips, Sr., was a young man. Irad Phillips died in August, 1822, and his wife died in August, 1837. Elisha Phillips, Sr., was born in New York November 19, 1802, and died in Posey county, Indiana, April 16, 1875. His wife, Volley (Burleson), daughter of Aaron and Mary (Hampton) Burleson, was born November 15, 1808, and died January 1, 1871. They are both buried in Burleson cemetery at Farmersville, Ind. When the Phillips family first came to Indiana this county was a wilderness, and Elisha, Sr., built his first home of logs in the woods, and was married in 1825. He and his wife became the parents of ten children: Ninvey, born April 17, 1827; Andrew H., born June 8, 1829; Elizabeth, born January 17, 1831; Volley A., deceased, born December 14, 1834; Eunice M.; born February 10, 1836; Aaron H., born July 15, 1839; Jonathan H., born February 27, 1845; Elisha H., born July 8, 1852; John T., born January 14, 1841, and Fidelia T., born February 21, 1843. Elisha H. Phillips, the youngest child of Elisha and Volley Phillips, was born on the same farm where he now lives, and attended common school at Farmersville. After graduating from the common school course he began farming and raising stock. He remained at home with his parents until their deaths, after which the home place became his property. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator and Grain Company of Mt. Vernon. He is a member of the Regular Baptist church, and has several times been elected delegate to the General Association of that denomination. He is a director in the organization at Farmersville. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of the Ben Hur lodge, and of the Democratic party. On the first of June, 1876, Mr. Phillips married Annie Dunn, daughter of Robert and Mary Dunn, natives of Butler county, Ohio, who came to Posey county before their marriage. They engaged in farming and stock raising. Robert Dunn was the son of James and Mary (McCluskey) Dunn, natives of Butler county, Ohio, where they were married. They are of Irish extraction. They came to Posey county when their son Robert was nine years of age, and engaged in farming. (See tombstone in Dunn cemetery.) Robert and Mary (Jones) Dunn had six children: Malinda, deceased, Annie, now Mrs. Phillips, Elizabeth, deceased, Angeline, deceased, John T., deceased, and William H. Malinda married Caleb Erwin and had five children, Mary, Versie, Hannah, Elsie, and one who died in infancy. Elizabeth married Walter Hinkley and had one child, Owen. William H. married Elizabeth Buchannan and had two children, Robert and Margaret. Annie, the wife of ocr subject, was raised in Black township and educated at the Gill schoolhouse, where she graduated. Her parents are both dead, the father dying in February, 1879, and the mother in August, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips had seven children, Albert, William and Eugene, deceased, and Lemuel R., Elisha D., Grace and Zillie, living. Lemuel R. is a farmer of Black township. He married Lulie Dunn, and they have two children, Clyde and Marie. Elisha D. resides in Louisville, Ky. Grace married Henry Kiltz, farmer and rural mail carrier of Black township. They had two children, Horace, deceased, and Helen. Zillie married Herbert Hogan, retail liquor dealer of Mt. Vernon. They have two children, Starlus and Hazel. Mrs. Elisha Phillips is a member of the Regular Baptist church and active in her congregation at Farmersville. The Phillips farm of 132 acres is one of the best in Black township, and has been in the Phillips family for three generations.

History of Posey county, Indiana
John C. Leffel, Editor
Standard Publishing Company
Chicago 1913

Lorenz C. Miller (deceased) was born in Marrs township, Posey county, Indiana, July 9, 1851, and was reared on his father's farm near St. Phillips and later became a farmer on his own account near Caborns. For many years he was a road supervisor. In politics he was a Republican, but was never active, being a quiet industrious man. He was killed by a traction car at St. Philip's Station October 29, 1911. Mr. Miller was married February 8, 1877, to Miss Margaret Wimpelberg, daughter of John and Margaret Wimpelberg, born December 14, 1858, in Vanderburg county, Indiana, of parents who were natives of Germany, and who came to the United States about 1840. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have one son and five daughters living, and two daughters dead, Katie and Amelia. Elizabeth, born September 21, 1878, was married to Henry Battieger and is the mother of three children, Henry, Carl and Odelia. John L., born March 27, 1881, married Miss Maggie Debes May 10, 1905, by whom he has three daughters and one son, Thelma, Leona, Mildred and John Eugene, is now in the general merchandise business at Caborns Station; Magdalena, born August 22, 1883, was married to Henry Layer and is the mother of four children, Jessemay, Herdis, Clorous and Dorothy. Lillie, born February 17, 1893, married to Ramond Culley. Odelia, born May 26, 1892, and Emma O., born May 6, 1895. Odelia and Emma are still at home with their mother.

History of Posey county, Indiana
John C. Leffel, Editor
Standard Publishing Company
Chicago 1913

Pitts Johnson, a farmer of Black township, Posey county, Indiana, was born on the same farm where he now lives, December 23, 1849. He traces his ancestry back to Capt. Edward Johnson, who came from England with Governor Winthrop in 1630, and the genealogy of the family from this ancestor to our subject has been published and is very highly prized by him. His parents were D. F. and Dorcus (Duckworth) Johnson. D. F. Johnson was a native of New York State, having been born in Cayuga county June 16, 1804, was married June 16, 1825, to Dorcus Duckworth, who was born May 8, 1810, and who died January 23, 1879. He died in 1884. The founder of the family in Posey county was Rufus Johnson, grandfather of Pitts, who brought his family here in 1822. The father of our subject, with Dr. Phillips, went to Vincennes to enter land, making the trip by "riding and tying." Later D. F. Johnson became so homesick that he and Frank Allyn walked back to New York State. When the Johnsons first came here all the land was wild and very little of it had been taken by settlers. Farming was done in the old fashioned way, the wheat being threshed by treading it out. D. C. Johnson, Mr. Allyn and another man were the first to bring a farm machine of any kind to this section of the country. It was a reaper and a man had to stand on it and rake the grain with a pitchfork. When the first frame house was built at Mt. Vernon people came for miles to see it. The building caused as much excitement as did the battleship which later came up the river. Mr. Johnson was married in 1869 and began farming for himself on the home place, where he had been working with his parents since finishing school. He has always been on the home place with the exception of three years, when he went to the bottoms to farm. Mr. Johnson's wife was Miss Louisa Combs, daughter of John and Elizabeth Combs, natives of Posey county, Indiana, where Louisa was born June 28, 1853. She was reared in Black township and attended the common schools. They had two children: Sylvanus, born January 29, 1870, and Victor, born October 3, 1871, and died October 9, 1873. Sylvanus is a teacher in the Farmersville school, and has taught all over the country. He married Miss Emma Smith, daughter of James and Alice Smith, the wedding occurring August 31, 1892. She was born in Union county, Kentucky, and was raised in Posey county, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Sylvanus Johnson have five children: William, Harold, Dorothy, Virginia and Keith.

History of Posey county, Indiana
John C. Leffel, Editor
Standard Publishing Company
Chicago 1913

Fred Schenk, a wealthy farmer of Robinson township, Posey county, Indiana, was born on the same farm where he still lives, on July 20, 1864, son of Theodore and Francisco (Schenk) Schenk. Theodore Schenk was born in Aslargen, Westfallen, Germany, and came to America in 1844. He was a tailor, having learned the trade in the old country, but after working at the business awhile in this country he went to farming on account of his health. He bought sixty acres of land from Frank Schenk, his father-in-law, and began with practically nothing, but made a large fortune before his death, which occurred in 1902, at the home of his son Fred. The father of Theodore Schenk fought in the French and German war, and had two bullets in his body as long as he lived. Francisco Schenk was the daughter of Frank Schenk, who came to America in 1824, locating in Robinson township, Posey county, Indiana. At that time there were but twenty houses in Evansville and they had to cut a road through the woods to reach that point. They built a log house, and the first plow had a wooden mould board. However, a little land was cleared and planted to corn for bread, and they continually improved their condition. Francisco used to carry eggs to Evansville, sometimes taking a basket full which was so heavy that it took two men to put it on her head. One of the members of the Schenk family, on the mother's side, was considered one of the best singers in the world. She sang before the Emperor and became famous the world over. She is a second cousin of our subject. Fred Schenk was born in a long house on the site of which now stands a palatial residence, modern in every way, with inlaid hardwood floors, tile roofing, furnace heat, and hot and cold water. In the yard is a fountain, flower gardens and cement walks. It is one of the most beautiful homes in the county, unsurpassed by any in the city. Fred attended school in St. Philip, walking three miles to school every morning. After completing his education he began farming on the home place, his parents remaining with him until they passed away, the father in 1902 and the mother six years earlier. The brother of our subject was a Roman Catholic priest, and for several years was rector of the church at St. Joseph, Vanderburg county. He died in March, 1909. Mr. Schenk has seen the evolution of farm traffic from oxen to buggies and from buggies to automobiles, and drives one of the latter. He is agent for the Monitor Iron Company of Big Prairie, Ohio, which produces a self-heating flatiron. He employes fifteen men in selling this article and makes his deliveries with an auto truck. All his farm produce is hauled to Evansville. In his memory wheat reaping was done with the cradle. He has tied many sheaves of wheat, and was considered very rapid in this line of work. The Schenk farm consists of 135 acres. Mr. Schenk was elected justice of the peace on the Democratic ticket in 1910, and is now holding that office. Mr. Schenk was married in St. Philip's church to Julia Fisher, daughter of Valentine Fisher (see sketch of Henry Fisher). She was born in Posey county, attended school at St. Philip, and at the St. Joseph Academy of Evansville, from which she was graduated. They have two children, John and Lillie, both of whom attended school at St. Philip, and both are now helping their parents. The family are members of the Catholic church at St. Philip, and Mr. Schenk served the organization as trustee from 1908 to 1912.

History of Posey county, Indiana
John C. Leffel, Editor
Standard Publishing Company
Chicago 1913

Enoch W. McFaddin. To the resident of Posey county the name of McFaddin is as familiar as that of Washington to the school boy. Members of the family had examined the site of the present city of Mt. Vernon, while on hunting expeditions, previous to its cession by the Indians. Andrew McFaddin, known as "Piddle-de-dum," squatted on land now a part of the city about 1905. He was soon followed by "Slim" Andrew and William, and the locality became known as McFaddin's Bluff. In the development of the county, members of this family have borne an important part, have been honored with public office, in which they have served with credit, and numbered among them have been men of substantial property and influence. Enoch W. McFaddin was born on his father's farm in Lynn township, August 1, 1867, a son of Philocles P. and Malinda (Bundy) McFaddin. The father was a son of Noah and Sarah (Albright) McFaddin, and was also born on the McFaddin farm in Lynn township, November 4, 1844 Noah McFaddin was the first of the family to settle in Lynn township, and the original homestead is now owned by his grandson, Noah McFaddin. Philocles P. McFaddin attended the country schools of his home district, three terms at Mt. Vernon, and completed a course at Owensville (Indiana) Academy. He married when nineteen years of age. He was throughout his lifetime engaged in agriculture and in this occupation he was successful; he accumulated a comfortable fortune, became a man of influence in his section, where he was highly respected for his honesty and clean living. He was a Democrat, took an active part in the work of his party, and was always ready to assist both with time and money any movement that had for its object the improvement of the commercial, civic or religious life of the community. He married, on May 15, 1864, Malinda Bundy, daughter of James and Louisa (Weir) Bundy. She was born January 8, 1845, in Posey county. Mr. and Mrs. McFaddin became the parents of six children: James F.; Enoch W., Noah, sketches of whom follow; Benoni, Idellia, Hannie B. and Lemuel P., who died when quite young. Mr. McFaddin was a member of Artic Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of New Harmony, and both he and his wife were members of the General Baptist church. His death occurred in 1891, and that of his wife on January 20, 1893. Enoch W. McFaddin was reared in Lynn township, attended the public schools and assisted in the work incident to carrying on his father's farm. He engaged in farming on his own account in 1891, and is accounted one of the most successful agriculturists of his township. The improvements on his property are second to none in Posey county. He is widely known in southern Indiana and Illinois as a breeder of light harness horses. He is the owner of Argot W. Wilkes, one of the noted pacing stallions of this section of the State. Daisy Lee, 2:23 1/2, was reared and trained by him, as well as several other valuable animals. He is quite an extensive breeder of Poland-China hogs, and in this line of endeavor has met with success. He is also the owner of a saw mill on Big Creek, which has proven a profitable investment. Mr. McFaddin has been a lifelong Democrat, and has been an active worker in the interests of that organization. He was elected trustee of Lynn township in 1908. His administration of the business of this office was highly creditable. Extensive improvements were made to the township roads, school buildings remodeled and repaired, and several bridges replaced by new ones. Through his handling of the township's finances he was able to reduce the tax levy each year, while accomplishing more in the way of improvements than had any of his predecessors in office. He was a candidate for the office of sheriff in 1912, but failed to secure the majority necessary for election. He is a member of Artic Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, No. 396, of New Harmony, Mt. Vernon Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, Mt. Vernon Lodge, No. 277, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and Posey Aerie, Fraternal Order of Eagles. Mr. McFaddin married, on March 28, 1897, Miss Flora Alexander, daughter of David and Phoebe Alexander. She was born in Posey county on July 6, 1870. The McFaddin home is known for its hospitality, its hostess for her qualities of heart and mind; as is her husband for his good fellowship, broadmindedness and charity toward his fellow man. He is one of the county's best known sportsmen, a splendid shot, and his hours of recreation are given to the woods, field and stream.

History of Posey county, Indiana
John C. Leffel, Editor
Standard Publishing Company
Chicago 1913

Noah McFaddin is a prominent farmer of Lynn township, and a representative of one of Posey county's honored pioneer families. He was born in Lynn township January 5, 1871, and is a son of Philocles P. and Malinda ( Bundy) McFaddin, both natives of Posey county. Malinda Bundy was born January 8, 1845, and was a daughter of James and Louisa (Weir) Bundy, both pioneers of Posey county. Philocles McFaddin spent his entire life in Lynn township, where he was a prosperous farmer. His parents were Noah and Sarah (Albright) McFaddin, both natives of Kentucky, where the former was born in 1802, the latter in 1804. Noah McFaddin, grandfather of the subject of this review, was a native of Kentucky and of Irish descent. Noah McFadden, whose name introduces this sketch, was reared on his father's farm in Lynn township and educated in the public schools. He is one of the progressive farmers and grain dealers of Lynn township, to which his fine, well kept acres bear witness. Mr. McFaddin was united in marriage January 8, 1902, to Miss Florence Gano, a native of Posey county. To this union have been born five children: Merle, Hazel, Charles, Hanie and Myron (deceased). Mr. McFaddin is a staunch Democrat and always takes an active interest in the party organization. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a genial gentleman and one of the substantial citizens of Posey county.

History of Posey county, Indiana
John C. Leffel, Editor
Standard Publishing Company
Chicago 1913

James F. McFaddin, former sheriff and influential citizen of Posey county, was born on his father's farm in Lynn township on April 13, 1865, and is the eldest son of Philocles P. and Malinda (Bundy) McFaddin (see sketch of Enoch W. McFaddin). He was reared on his father's farm in Lynn township and educated in the schools of that township and New Harmony. Since boyhood, he has been actively identified with the agricultural interests of Lynn township, is an extensive owner of farm properties, and has operated them profitably. He is best known to the citizens of his home county through his service in public office. In 1891 he was elected trustee of Lynn township and occupied the office of sheriff of Posey county from January 1, 1902, until January 1, 1906. His administrations of the affairs of these offices were highly creditable to himself and profitable to his township and county. He is a Democrat and prominent in the councils of his party. On entering the sheriff's office he became a resident of Mt. Vernon, and on conclusion of his service engaged In the grain business. Mr. McFaddin is also well and favorably known as a breeder of pedigreed horses. A number of the best animals produced in the county having been bred, trained and raced by him. He is a member of Mt. Vernon Lodge, No. 277, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and of the Baptist church. In 1885 he married Miss Ida B. Aldrich, daughter of Thomas L. and Isabella Aldrich, of Lynn township, and a member of one of Posey county's most prominent pioneer families.

History of Posey county, Indiana
John C. Leffel, Editor
Standard Publishing Company
Chicago 1913

George C. Taylor, New Harmony, a leading member of the Posey county bar, and a descendant of pioneer ancestry, is a native of New Harmony. He was born October 8, 1867, and is a son of Canada and Jane (Williams) Taylor. Canada Taylor was also born in New Harmony in 1831. He was a river pilot by occupation, which he followed principally throughout his life. However, he served as city marshal of New Harmony for a time. He died March 31, 1875. He was a son of Tarpey Taylor, a native of North Carolina, who settled in New Harmony not far from 1820. He was a man of remarkable physical strength, a veritable giant, and his marvelous feats of strength would seem almost incredible. After coming to Posey county he made New Harmony his home until the time of his death. Jane Williams, our subject's mother, was also born in New Harmony, and spent her life there. She died April 7, 1878. She was the daughter of John Williams, who was a native of Tennessee, and settled in the vicinity of New Harmony at an early day. George C. Taylor was one of a family of three children: Frances, married Joseph W. Camp, Terre Haute; Delia, married Warren Roberts, Fort Branch; and George C. George was reared in Stewartsville to the age of fifteen. He attended the public schools, and when seventeen years old began teaching in the district schools to get money to obtain a higher education. It was not long until he was elected principal of the Wadesville schools, where he remained one year. In the meantime he had attended the State normal school at Terre Haute, and in 1891 became principal of the New Harmony schools, a position he held for four years. He then entered a law office to pursue the study of law. Having devoted much time to the study of law prior to this time, he was prepared for examination a year later, or in 1896, when he was duly admitted to practice. Since that time Mr. Taylor has been engaged in the practice of his profession in New Harmony, where he has built up a large practice, and won the confidence and esteem of a host of acquaintances throughout Posey and adjoining counties. Mr. Taylor is an able lawyer and has ever been loyal to the interests of his clients, and although aggressive where the occasion demands, he is not, however, unfair to an adversary. He served as assistant prosecutor of Posey county from 1896 to 1906, and for fifteen years has been city attorney for New Harmony, and for an equal length of time has been attorney for the Illinois Central Railroad Company. On October 1, 1904, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Foshee, of Mt. Vernon, Ind. Mrs. Taylor is an estimable woman, whose genial manner and noble character have won many friends. She comes from a highly respected pioneer family of Posey county. Mr. Taylor is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of Pythias. Politically, he is a Democrat, and has taken keen interest in the councils of his party. He is always interested in any movement which tends to the betterment of his town or county. He has been secretary of the Posey County Agriculture Society for eight years, and is secretary of the New Harmony 1914 Centennial.

History of Posey county, Indiana
John C. Leffel, Editor
Standard Publishing Company
Chicago 1913

Thomas Jones, a successful farmer of Black township, Posey county, Indiana, was born in Lynn township, of the same county, October 25, 1843, son of Samuel and Malinda (Nelson) Jones, the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter a native of Tennessee. These parents had fourteen children, of whom Thomas was the fourth. Samuel Jones was engaged in farming and stock raising, and our subject was reared on the farm, where he attended the country schools. In August, 1863, although yet under twenty years of age, he enlisted in Company H, Ninety-first Indiana regiment. After the war he returned to Black township, to which the family had removed in 1853, and began farming and raising stock for himself. He has continued in that occupation ever since, and has met with a large degree of success. He is a member of the Primitive Baptist church, and in politics is a Democrat. In January, 1866, Mr. Jones married Miss Edith C. Hinkley, daughter of William C. and Nancy Hinkley, natives of Posey county, where they were engaged in farming and stock raising. Mrs. Jones was born in Black township and attended the common schools. They have had five children: Charles, deceased; Mary, married to Jewel1 Jukam, and living in Denver, Colo.; Sarah, married Wallace Wilson, they live in Seattle, Wash., and have one child, Walter; Ida, lives in Denver with her sister Mary; George, at home with his parents. The family are members of the Regular Baptist church.

History of Posey county, Indiana
John C. Leffel, Editor
Standard Publishing Company
Chicago 1913

Dr. Samuel C. Henderson, a successful practicing physician of Howell, Ind., was born at Surgeonville, Hawkins county, Tennessee, January 16, 1848, son of S. L. and Annie (Williams) Henderson. The grandfather of our subject was killed and robbed by Indians near Chattanooga, Tenn. He had been making a campaign speech at Manchester, a short distance from the city, in the interests of a man by the name of Young, who was running for governor. The next day he started for Chattanooga and the tragedy occurred. Annie Williams was the daughter of Silas and Mary (Gibson) Williams, the former a soldier in the War of 1812, was wounded at Tohopeka (Horse Shoe Bend), March 27, 1814. Samuel Henderson was reared on a farm in Tennessee, attended the common schools of that day, and at the age of fifteen he enlisted in Company E, First Tennessee Federal cavalry, but on account of his youth was not permitted to serve, and was discharged June 11, 1865. Two of his brothers were in the Federal army, and one was in the rebel army. After his discharge he again attended school and on March 20, 1866, came to Indiana, locating first at Francisco, in Gibson county. He attended school in Owensville and later taught school in Columbia township, now Center township. He also taught one year at Cox school house, in Posey county. He paid for his education by teaching and by working in the harvest fields in the summer, receiving $3.50 per day for tying wheat. He secured a first grade certificate, and in 1873 began reading medicine, continuing the study three years while teaching school. He then attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Cincinnati. He was graduated from the Evansville Medical College in 1879. After his graduation he established himself in practice in St. Philip, where he has since remained and has met with great success, accumulating a comfortable fortune meanwhile. He has retired from the most arduous duties of a physician, but still attends to some office practice. Dr. Henderson has a farm, and is a raiser of fine cattle and hogs. He has been township physician three years, and back in 1875 he was assessor for Center township, Gibson county. He is the only Democrat in the family, even his brother who served in the rebel army being a Republican. In faith he is a Methodist, but is not a member of any church. On August 7, 1873, Dr. Henderson married Barbara Pelt, daughter of James and Nancy Pelt. She was born in Wadesville, Ind., where she was reared and received her education. They are the parents of eight children: Annie (deceased), Ina, Estella, Ethel, Myrtle, Charlie, Irma and Versia. Charlie lives in Mt. Vernon and is engaged in farming and stock raising. Irma and Versia are at home with their parents.

History of Posey county, Indiana
John C. Leffel, Editor
Standard Publishing Company
Chicago 1913

Henry Herschelman, a prosperous farmer of Howell, Ind., was born in German township, Vanderburg county, Indiana, February 23, 1853, son of Andrew and Sophia (Leipold) Herschelman, the former a native of Bavaria, and the latter from Wittenberg, Germany. Andrew Herschelman came to this country at the age of twenty. He was a carpenter, and had tools to do the very finest wood work. After several years in America he took up farming in Vanderburg county and continued this occupation until his death in 1897. Henry Herschelman was reared and attended the schools of his native county, and later went to work on the home place with his parents, where he remained until he was twenty-seven years of age. He then began in life for himself. His father gave him seventy-three acres of land in Posey county, and he came here in 1880, and has remained ever since. Even at that date the land was wild and he began clearing it up year by year and improving it with buildings. He now has 120 acres of land, 100 acres of which are under cultivation. He has always engaged in general farming and stock raising. Mr. Herschelman has been a notary public for the past sixteen years. In politics he is a Republican. On May 6, 1880, Mr. Herschelman married Louisa Baumann, daughter of George and Sophia Baumann, natives of Wittenberg, Germany, who came to Posey county in early times and settled in Robinson township, where the wife of our subject was born and reared, and where she received her education in the public schools. Mr. and Mrs. Herschelman have had four children: Amelia (deceased); Wesley, who married Cora Luker, and lives with her father on the farm in Robinson township; Mary, who married George Maier, lives on the Herschelman farm, and is the mother of two children, Edgar and Gilbert; Carry, who is living with her parents. The family are members of the German Methodist church.

History of Posey county, Indiana
John C. Leffel, Editor
Standard Publishing Company
Chicago 1913

George Seib, a farmer of Cynthiana, Ind., was born January 20, 1840, in Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, son of John and Elizabeth Seib. His parents came to America in 1846 and settled in Posey county, where he now lives. When John Seib bought the land there were only about three acres cleared, in fact there was very little cleared ground in the vicinity, and our subject helped clear a great deal of ground. When the house was built he helped clear the ground from around the home. Some of the logs of this first house are in a granary now in use on the place. After finishing the common schools Mr. Seib farmed on the home place and has lived there all his life with the exception of two years, when he was in Illinois. He has added to the original holding and now has 107 acres under cultivation. He is a Democrat in politics, and is a member of the Catholic church. On June 13, 1865, Mr. Seib married Miss Weida Knapps, daughter of Philip Knapps. She was born in Posey county and attended the common schools of St. Wendel. They have ten children: Peter J., Emil, Mary, John, Annie, George H., Catherine, Nicholas, Barbara and Elizabeth. Eight of the children are married and have families, and the other two are at home with their parents. Six live in Posey county and four in Vanderburg county. They are all members of the Catholic church, the family church home being St. Wendel.

History of Posey county, Indiana
John C. Leffel, Editor
Standard Publishing Company
Chicago 1913

Walter G. Carson, a successful farmer of Black township, Posey county, Indiana, was born January 9, 1862, son of James M. and Jane (Barton) Carson, natives of this county, where the father was a farmer. James M. Carson was captain of the Ninety-first Indiana Volunteers, and before the war was over he was made major, holding that office unti1 1865. He farmed from that time till his death in 1867. Walter G. Carson was born and raised in Marrs township, and in his boyhood there was a great deal of timber land and he did his share of the clearing. The school house in which he received his education was built of logs, seats made of planks with holes bored in them and pegs driven in for legs, and the desks consisted of pegs driven into the walls with boards laid over the pegs. After leaving school he went to work on the farm, first at home for a time, and later hiring out to farmers for several years. The first work he did in the harvest field was to follow with a hand rake the man who was cradling wheat. About August, 1881, Mr. Carson started farming for himself, first in Marrs township and later removed to Black township, where he has now bought a farm of sixty acres. He rents eighty acres adjoining his place, thus farming 140 acres in all. His principal crops are wheat, corn and clover. In his early farming experiences Mr. Carson used cattle, and at that time the outfit of a well prepared farmer would be a plow, harrow, wagon and team. The hay was cut with a scythe and hand raked, and they made their own pitchforks out of dog wood. The schools had terms of about three months out of each year, and one teacher had sixty to seventy pupils in one small room. There were no railroads, and few people had buggies. Mr. Carson was married April 7, 1889, to Parkina Shaw, daughter of Allen and Katherine (Weimiller) Shaw. Her father was a native of England, who came to this country at the age of twelve. Her mother's people were natives of this country and were farmers. Mrs. Carson was born in Posey county January 6, 1868, and was educated in the common schools. Mr. and Mrs. Carson had two children, one of whom died in infancy. Lela, the one remaining child, is a graduate of the common schools. She is an active church worker and takes great interest in Sunday school matters. The family are all members of the General Baptist church, and take an active part in church affairs. Mr. Carson is a Republican.

History of Posey county, Indiana
John C. Leffel, Editor
Standard Publishing Company
Chicago 1913

Fred H. Hagerman, a retired farmer and well-to-do influential citizen of Mt. Vernon, Ind., was born in Schnathoist, Germany, October 3, 1839, son of Henry and Mary Hagerman, natives of the Fatherland, where they were engaged in farming and stock raising. Fred H. was educated in the schools of his own country and at the age of nineteen years he came to America, locating in Vanderburg county. He worked in a brick yard and in 1862 hired out as a farm hand. He then came to Evansville, where he was married in 1867. He had only $1.25 in his pocket when he first came to Evansville, and was an entire stranger to everyone. In 1870 Mr. Hagerman moved his family to Henderson county, Kentucky, where they lived on a farm until 1874, when they bought a farm in Walnut Grove, Ky., just across the river from Posey county, and lived there for six years. This farm was the first one bought by Mr. Hagerman, and contained 200 acres. In 1880 they removed to Posey county, buying the sixty acres of land which was known as McFaddins Bluffs, and began farming. Sixteen years later Mr. Hagerman built a substantial and beautiful farm house of brick and stone, surrounded with wide lawns and beautiful trees. Gradually he added to his savings and bought land until he now owns 650 acres in Henderson county, Kentucky, and 400 in Posey county. His secret of success is hard work and economy, and by means of these two he has become not only one of the most wealthy, but one of the most influential of the old settlers of the county. Mr. Hagerman married Augusta Dusner on March 14, 1867. She is the daughter of Philip and Williamania Dusner, the former engaged in shoemaking in Evansville, where he had a shoe store. Mrs. Hagerman was born and educated in Evansville, and it was here she met and married her husband. Nine children were born to them: Katie, deceased, Philip H., Mollie, deceased, Frederick O., Sophie V., Elizabeth R., Charles E., William L., and Bertha P. Sophia V. married F. J. Wittmer, and they live in Evansville. Elizabeth R. married August Blosfeld, who is now deceased. Bertha P. married John H. Moore, deceased, and is now at home with her parents. The family are members of the German Trinity church. While living in Henderson county, Kentucky, Mr. Hagerman was school trustee for two or three terms. In his early manhood, while in Vanderburg county he belonged to the Home Guard, joining in 1864 and remaining till the close of the war.

History of Posey county, Indiana
John C. Leffel, Editor
Standard Publishing Company
Chicago 1913

Fred O. Hagerman, a farmer, stockman and grain dealer of Mt. Vernon, Ind., was born in Henderson county, Kentucky, January 12, 1874, son of F. H. Hagerman and Augusta (Dusner) Hagerman, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Evansville (see sketch of F. H. Hagerman). When he was about five years of age his parents removed to Posey county, Indiana, locating in Black township, and now live adjoining Mt. Vernon. Fred Hagerman was educated in the public schools of Mt. Vernon and in a business college at Evansville. After finishing school he was employed in McCarthy's drug store at Mt. Vernon, later sold to Charles Dawson. After working in the drug business two years he engaged in farming in Kentucky. The first year he farmed about 120 acres, and the next year increased it to more than 200 acres. He then rented some of his father's land and for five years farmed 500 acres. During this time he was making a specialty of Poland China hogs and raising corn, and in the winter bought and fattened cattle for the market. In 1900 Mr. Hagerman removed to Posey county, where he bought his present farm of 324 acres, three miles west of Mt. Vernon. He continued to farm his land in Kentucky, handling in all over 700 acres. In the last three years Mr. Hagerman has devoted his time almost entirely to stock raising. In the past years he raised registered Short Horns, but has now changed to registered Herefords, and his herd is one of the finest in the State. He buys and ships large numbers of cattle, his farm in Posey county being especially equipped for the business. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator Company of Mt. Vernon. In politics he is a Republican. He belongs to the German Lutheran church, to the Modern Woodmen of America, and to the Eagles. On February 20, 1894, Mr. Hagerman married Katherine Loerch, daughter of Godford and Mary (Moll) Loerch. Her father is a native of Germany, and her mother of Posey county. Godford Loerch lived at Evansville, where his daughter Katherine was born, but when she was a small child the family removed to Mt. Vernon, where her father engaged in the stone business, and where she attended the common schools. Mr. and Mrs. Hagerman have two children, Mary Augusta and Ralph Gilbert, both students at the Gill school house in Black township. The family are members of the Lutheran church.

History of Posey county, Indiana
John C. Leffel, Editor
Standard Publishing Company
Chicago 1913

Alfred E. Smith, a specialist in the culture of fruit and berries, and of bees, living near Mt. Vernon, Ind., was born in Richmond, Va., June 15, 1847, son of John A. and Mary Ann (Clark) Smith, both natives of Virginia. When Alfred was eight years of age the family removed from Richmond to Kentucky, where John Smith engaged in the manufacture of tobacco. He also conducted a hotel at Columbus, Ky. Alfred went to school in a log school house. At the close of the Civil war the family removed to Mt. Vernon, where the father resumed the manufacture of plug tobacco and cigars. Our subject started out in life by helping his father in the tobacco business. When they discontinued the manufacture of cigars, Alfred became a carpenter and helped build the first Louisville & Nashville depot in Mt. Vernon. After working as a carpenter for a few years he began draying in 1878, and still continues this business. Mr. Smith also manufactures bee hives and fixtures, and has also developed a large bee industry, having at present 140 colonies of bees, making a comfortable income from this source alone. Some years ago he removed to a farm overlooking the city of Mt. Vernon for the accommodation of his bee interests, and since that time has developed a large fruit and produce business, raising peaches, pears, apples and 3 cherries. Mr. Smith is scientific and carries on experiments for the betterment of his methods. He has succeeded in raising on one tree twelve different varieties of plums, three of cherries and one of peaches. Another line to which he pays a great deal of attention is berries, of which he has several varieties. His garden is one of the largest in this section of the State. The Smith home is one of the most beautiful spots in or about Mt. Vernon. It is located on a high hill just outside of town. Our subject is making a close study of fruit and produce culture, and is meeting with marked success. In politics he is a Democrat. On November 20, 1870, Mr. Smith eloped with Nannie Daniels and they went to Shawneetown, where they were married. She was born in Mt. Vernon, Ind., May 6, 1854, daughter of William P. and Eliza (Wilson) Daniels, the father a native of Indiana and the mother of Kentucky. The Daniels home stood where the Methodist Episcopal church is now located. Mr. and Mrs. Smith had eleven children: Nelia, Nellie, Alfred E. deceased, William Archibald, Nannie, Charles, Floyd, Percy, Nora, Thomas, and Cornelius, deceased. Nelia married Samp Jeffries, and they live in Black township. Nellie married William Brissell, a merchant of Mt. Vernon. William Archibald married Ethel Wilson, and is farming on Greathouse Island. Nannie married Ed Mischke, agent for the Louisville & Nashville railroad at Hartford, Ky. Charles married Myrtle Mischke, and is now agent of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois at Farmersburg. Ind. Floyd married Miss Margaret Winn, and is in the automobile business at Nashville, Tenn. Percy married Eugenia Pembroke, and is ticket agent at Guthrie, Ky. Nora married Ralph Curtis, and they live on a farm in Black township. Thomas is at home with his parents. The family are members of the Methodist church.

History of Posey county, Indiana
John C. Leffel, Editor
Standard Publishing Company
Chicago 1913

S. Benthal, farmer, stock raiser and cattle feeder of Farmersville, Ind., was born in Black township, Posey county, same State, December 9, 1841, son of Cornelius and Rachael (Rowe) Benthal, the former a native of North Carolina, and the latter of Kentucky. They were married about 1836. Rachael Rowe was first married to David Culley and to them were born two children. Through her marriage to Cornelius Benthal she has eight children, of whom our subject was the fourth. Only one of the others is living: William, who lives in Jefferson county, Illinois. Those deceased are: Mary, Thomas, Rebecca, Jacob, Jowell, Sarah and Elijah. The father and mother died within a few weeks of each other in 1852, leaving this large family of children, the youngest only six months old. Our subject was then about eleven years of age and had to begin taking care of himself, and has continued to do so the rest of his life. What little schooling he received was at the country school house, with slab benches, and one long desk fixed to the wall. He worked on the farm with his uncle, Perry Allen, until July 9, 1861, when he enlisted in Company A, Twenty-fifth Indiana infantry. He left Evansville for St. Louis in the fall of 1861, then to Georgetown, Mo., and from there marched to Springfield, Mo., thence back to the Laurine river. They went to Cold Harbor where they captured some prisoners and took them to St. Louis. They next camped in Jefferson Branch for a few weeks, after which they came by boat to Cairo and joined the fleet going to Fort Henry. The regiment went to Fort Donelson and after the battle there was ordered to Shiloh, where they participated for two days in the battle of that name.

History of Posey county, Indiana
John C. Leffel, Editor
Standard Publishing Company
Chicago 1913

Thomas Marvel, retired farmer and former school teacher, is the great-grandson of Thomas Marvel, of Sussex county, Delaware. The following historical record is quoted: "Andrew Marvel was a member of the English Parliament about the middle of the Seventeenth century and did his whole duty. There was not gold enough in the King's exchequer to make him swerve from the right. He was an author and poet of considerable note." It is a well known fact that the Marvels constituted a part of the colony of Sussex county, Delaware. The Marvels turned their attention to the raising of peaches and fine horses. From the first they made their brandy, which became an indispensable article for family use and public gatherings. They were fond of well trained saddle horses and in their estimation speed was an addition to his other good qualities. No young man in all that country rode a finer horse or possessed a more richly mounted saddle than did David Marvel, who was himself dressed in the finest blue broadcloth. There was living in the same country a wealthy French family by the name of Prettyman, whose daughter was the prettiest girl in all the land. To her, after obtaining the consent of her parents, young David made suit and Miss Comfort Prettyman became his wife. Their family occupied a leading place in society, being composed of daughters, with only one son, born in 1760, whom they named Prettyman. This boy when he grew up was very small, and was an expert rider of horses, which he made profitable as a business. When he wished a wife he sought and obtained the hand of Miss Lavina Rogers, whose near relative was governor of Delaware. His cousin, Elisha Marvel, married her sister Orpha. Thomas Marvel, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born about 1750. Elisha Marvel, the son of Thomas and Susannah Marvel, was born October 28, 1771, and married Orpha Rogers, who was born December 22, 1775, daughter of John and Comfort Rogers. They had twelve children, as follows: Painter, born October 20, 1793; Comfort, born October 8, 1795 ; Levina, born February 18, 1798; Elisha, born April 6, 1801; George, born October 28, 1803; Polly, born April 6, 1806; William, born October 22, 1808; Orpha, born May 13, 1811; Thomas, born March 20, 1814; Cenie, born December 31, 1816; John Rogers, born July 8,1819; Unice, born March 2, 1823. All grew to manhood and womanhood except William, who died when quite young. Painter Marvel, the eldest child of Elisha and Orpha Marvel, was born in Delaware and went with his parents to Georgia at the age of five years. The family came to Kentucky from Georgia about the year 1800, or a little later. In 1811 they crossed the Ohio into Indiana, locating in Gibson county, five years before Indiana became a State. Painter Marvel, then eighteen years of age, entered the land on which the family lived. This was in the midst of the forest and he, with his father and brothers, cleared a part of the ground and began farming. He was commissioned by the first governor of the State as lieutenant of a home guard company organized for the protection of the settlers. Painted Marvel farmed all of his life and amassed a comfortable fortune. His death occurred January 18, 1864, at the age of seventy-one, and that of his wife October 16, 1857. They had seven children: Martitia, born September 13, 1823; Serelda, born January 20, 1825; James, born June 15, 1826; Eliza Jay born February 24, 1828; William L., born November 2, 1829; Amanda, born February 1, 1832, and Thomas, born May 11, 1834. All are deceased except Thomas, our subject, and Amanda, who married Nicholas W. Robinson, now deceased, and is living in Ardmore, Okla. Thomas Marvel was reared on a farm in Gibson county, Indiana, where he was born. He attended the country schools, built of logs, with puncheon floors and home-made benches of split logs. There were no blackboards. The writing was done with quill pens, and the ink made of pokeberry juice. After leaving school he entered the Indiana Asbury University at Greencastle, now the DePauw University, where he was a student from 1851 to 1854. Prof. Larribee, one of his teachers, was the first State Superintendent of Public Instruction. As there were no railroads, he had to drive to Greencastle in a hack. He began teaching September 4, 1854, in the same schoolhouse he first went to as a boy. He introduced the use of blackboards. Mr. Marvel taught school at different times, and in seven different rural schools,, and between times he farmed and was very successful. In August, 1904, he retired and removed to Cynthiana, and since that time has been councilman one term. Mr. Marvel has seen many changes in his lifetime. He remembers driving oxen, then horses, and his father bought the first buggy in their neighborhood. Now he drives an automobile. He also remembers when there were no carpets or cook stoves. Mr. Marvel was raised a Whig, but from the organization of the Republican party voted that ticket until 1887, and has voted the Prohibitionist ticket ever since. He is a member of the First Christian church, in which he is deacon and moderator. On September 14, 1854, Mr. Marvel married Miss Betsie Serina Rosborough, daughter of Alexander and Lucile (Emerson) Rosborough, natives of Gibson county, where she was born and raised. They had six children: William L., born August 11, 1855; Eliza J., born September 26, 1858; Lillie B., born January 24, 1860; Alexander L., born November 7, 1864; Lemuel E., born November 8, 1870; Roberta Imo, born April 16, 1877. All are living except William L. Eliza J. married Leroy C. Wilson, and they live at Poseyville; Lillie B. married James C. Calvert, and lives at Cynthiana; Roberta Imo married Jesse J. Shelton, and they live in Posey county (see sketch of Thomas and Jesse J. Shelton); William L. married Luella Calvert, both now deceased; Alexander married Laura Stone, and they live in Owensville (see Dr. Alexander L. Marvel); Lemuel E. married Katie Fitzgerald, and they live at Clinton, Ind. The wife and mother died September 2, 1892. The second wife was Hattie Berridge, nee Cross, daughter of William and Mahala (Davis) Cross, natives of Cambridge, England, where she was born. She came to America with her parents when quite small. Both parents of Mrs. Marvel are now deceased.

History of Posey county, Indiana
John C. Leffel, Editor
Standard Publishing Company
Chicago 1913

Dr. Alexander L. Marvel, a veterinary surgeon of Owensville, Ind., was born November 7, 1864, and is a son of Thomas Marvel, a sketch of whom precedes this article. Dr. Marvel graduated from the Indiana Veterinary College at Indianapolis in 1904. Previous to that he attended the Chicago Veterinary College and practiced in Owensville in 1903. Dr. Marvel is married and has two children, Naomi and Adrian L. Adrian L. Marvel was born April 5, 1888, and married Nellie M. Wilson, daughter of Columbus and Nancy Wilson. Mrs. Marvel was born in Gibson county, Indiana, where she attended public schools. Her high school education was received at Owensville. Adrian L. Marvel and wife are the parents of two children, Adrian Wilson, born August 18, 1908, and Mirabel, born October 3, 1910.

History of Posey county, Indiana
John C. Leffel, Editor
Standard Publishing Company
Chicago 1913

Clarence P. Wolfe, of New Harmony, is one of the live newspaper men of Posey county. Mr. Wolfe is a native of Indiana and was born in Harrison county, January 20, 1870. He received his education in the public schools and Borden Institute. In early life he began his journalistic career as a reporter on the Evansville "Courier." In 1892 he severed his connection with that paper and on June 20 of that year founded the New Harmony "Times," further mention of which is made in the chapter, "Newspapers," of this volume. Clarence Wolfe was elected trustee of Harmony township in 1908 without opposition, and is now serving in that capacity. He is capable, conscientious, and a hard worker, and justly merits the confidence of the public in the business and political world. He is a Democrat.

History of Posey county, Indiana
John C. Leffel, Editor
Standard Publishing Company
Chicago 1913

Elisha E. Ellis, a successful and popular educator of Posey county, was born on his father's farm on January 13, 1862, a son of John D. and Harriett (Russell) Ellis, both of whom were natives of Posey county. Prof. Ellis received his preliminary educational discipline in the Farmersville schools, later in Mt. Vernon, and completed a two-years course in Purdue University. On completion of his education, he engaged in teaching, and at the time of his death, which occurred February 24, 1910, he was principal of the Griffin schools. As a teacher he was recognized as one of the most able in the county, and his death cut short a career which promised rapid advancement in the educational field. He was a member of the Masonic order, the Red Men, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Ellis married, on September 2, 1891, Mrs. Vina K. Barter, nee Kittle, a daughter of William and Gilliah (Kivett) Kittle.

History of Posey county, Indiana
John C. Leffel, Editor
Standard Publishing Company
Chicago 1913

William Edward Hastings, M. D., a leading physician of Mt. Vernon, was born in Point township, Posey county, Indiana, August 10, 1867, son of William Thomas and Jane (Booth) Hastings, the former born in Delaware and the latter in Posey county. William T. Hastings came to Posey county with his parents when he was a small boy, and they settled in Point township somewhere between the years 1830 and 1835. Grandfather Hastings was of English descent, and was born in Delaware. Grandfather Thomas Booth was born in Posey county, and made his home in Point township, where he died early in life. His father was a pioneer settler in the county. The father of Dr. William E. was a farmer in Point township and died at the age of fifty-five. His wife died at the age of seventy. They had four children who lived to maturity: Thomas, died in 1886, at the age of twenty-eight; David died in 1887, aged twenty-two; William and Ida are still living. Ida married Charles F. Engler, of Mt. Vernon. William E. Hastings was reared on his father's farm and acquired his early education in the country schools. Later he was a student in DePauw University, at Greencastle, Ind., and entered the medical department of Washington University at St. Louis in 1893, graduating with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1897. He spent three years as interne and superintendent of a hospital and came to Mt. Vernon in 1900. Dr. Hastings is interested in farming and has 1,000 acres of land in Point township. He is a breeder of and dealer in cattle and mules, of which he raises a large number. In 1895 he married Anna Bell, a native of Ireland, and she died November 6, 1910, leaving two children, David and Anna.

History of Posey county, Indiana
John C. Leffel, Editor
Standard Publishing Company
Chicago 1913