Thomas D. Shelton, former county commissioner of Posey county, is a native of Indiana, having been born in that State April 1, 1837, one of the ten children of John and Catherine (Finch) Shelton. He made his home with his parents until the death of his father, when Thomas was about twenty years of age. He then made his home with his brother, George. Three years later (February 14, 1860) he married Keziah Murphy, daughter of Aaron and Amelia Murphy, who was born in Posey county, February 2, 1839. At the time of his marriage Mr. Shelton located on the home place in Vanderburg county. A year later he removed to Posey county, purchasing land in Smith township. He sold this holding in 1871 and bought another tract of eighty-five acres, which he farmed until 1906, when he retired. Mr. Shelton was elected county commissioner in 1886 and served six years. He was later elected ditch commissioner, still holding that office. He has settled up numerous estates, was appointed guardian and several different times was appointed by the court land commissioner. For several years Mr. Shelton was a wheat buyer, doing business on commission. He was successful and amassed a comfortable fortune. The Shelton family are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. Our subject is a Prohibitionist in politics and a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Mr. and Mrs. Shelton had four children: George M. (deceased), James A. (deceased), Flora married E. W. Anderson and they live in Poseyville, Ind., and Jesse, whose biography is here given.

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


Valentine Bender, a German farmer of Poseyville, Ind., was born in Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, November 6, 1863, son of August and Catherine (Berg) Bender, natives of the same province in Germany, who came to America in 1865, locating in Vanderburg county. August Bender taught school in Germany and farmed. When he came to America he engaged in farming and stock raising. He died in Vanderburg county in 1874, and his wife died in 1886. Valentine Bender attended the common schools of Vanderburg county, first going to a public school held in a log school house and later attending private school. After finishing his education he worked on the farm. His father having died when he was eleven years old he remained at home until after the death of his mother. In 1888 he removed to Posey county, locating in Smith township, where he bought a farm near the Robb township line. Here he began improving the place and doing general farming, and raising stock for sale. He has sixty-two and one-half acres under cultivation. Mr. Bender was married, June 1, 1886, to Threase Will, daughter of Jasper and Louisa (Sanders) Will, natives of Vanderburg county, Indiana, where they were farmers. Mrs. Bender was born in the same county, in Armstrong township, where she attended school. They have nine children: Louisa, who married George Augermeyer, lives in Vanderburg county on a farm; Henry, Frederick A., Olivia T., Alamanda C., Ida M., Viola T., Oscar Antone, Albert A. Jasper, Ida, Viola and Oscar are attending common school in Posey county and all the children are at home except the married daughter. All the family are members of the Catholic church at Poseyville, and Mr. Bender is a Democrat. Mrs. Bender was born December 26, 1865. Her father died in 1870. Mr. Bender came of a family of musicians, his grandfather, Philip Bender, having been an organist as well as a school teacher and his father also having been an organist of note in Germany. August Bender was born in 1822 and came to America at the age of forty-three. Valentine Bender is one of a family of six brothers and one sister: Philip, Vanderburg county; John, now dead; Fred died at Mt. Carmel, Ill.; Barthel, Vanderburg county; Valentine, subject; and Henry, who also lives in Vanderburg county, and Catherine, who married Henry Will, of Poseyville, Ind. All the brothers are farmers except Henry and Barthel. Mr. Bender is one of the most progressive farmers of Posey county.

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


Jesse J. Shelton, son of Thomas D. and Keziah (Murphy) Shelton, of Robb township, was born in that township May 14, 1873. He was educated in the country schools, in the Poseyville High School, where he graduated, and in the University of Kentucky at Lexington. After leaving the university he came to Cynthiana, where he engaged in the drug business for two or three years. He then farmed and bought grain for a time and later was employed for about a year with the Cumberland Telephone Company. In 1907 he returned again to the farm in Robb township, where he has remained ever since. He is an auctioneer, devotes a part of his time to that business and is making a success of it. He farms ninety acres of land, making a specialty of Hampshire hogs, and has for several years been a promoter of pure-bred stock in Posey county, being an active member of the Breeders' Association. He was a member of the executive committee of the First District Corn School for a number of years. He belongs to the General Baptist church, is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and of the Modern Woodmen of America. In politics he is a Democrat. Mr. Shelton was married, March 26, 1896, to Miss Marvel, daughter of Thomas Marvel (see history of Marvel family). They have two children: Van Thomas, born September 23, 1899, and Imogene, born January 19, 1903. Both children are attending school in Poseyville. Mrs. Shelton is a member of the Christian church at Cynthiana.

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


Samuel M. McReynolds, a member of an old established family and son of Revolutionary ancestry, was born in Smith township, Posey county, Indiana, August 22, 1840. His parents were Joseph and Elizabeth (Compton) McReynolds, the former also a .native of Smith township and the son of Samuel McReynolds, the son of Joseph McReynolds, who enlisted in the Revolutionary war at the age of seventeen years and served seven years. He was a native of Tennessee and of Scotch-Irish ancestry. The first of the family to come to this country from the highlands of Scotland were James and John McReynolds, and this sketch deals with their descendants. Joseph McReynolds, the Revolutionary soldier, came to Posey county, Indiana, before the State was admitted to the Union, and his grandson, Joseph, the father of our subject, was born here in 1816. In coming to the new home from Tennessee the wife of Joseph McReynolds was drowned in crossing Barr's creek in Smith township. Samuel McReynolds attended the common schools of his township in a log building with puncheon seats and desks made of a plank fastened to the sides of the room. There were no blackboards, charts or other facilities for instruction. Later a better school house was built and better equipment installed. After his father's death he worked for his board among the farmers while attending school. After saving a little money he went to school at Owensville, then a graded school of two rooms. After completing this course he began teaching school and continued for four years, at the same time studying penmanship, in which he later completed a course in Indianapolis. After this he taught penmanship at night in addition to his day duties as teacher and saved about $2,030. He then married and went to farming on the Wabash bottoms. The first year the floods destroyed all crops and he went to Kansas in 1869, where he settled on Osage Indian kind, twelve miles south of Eureka in Greenwood county. With the exception of two neighbors, one living one-half mile away and the other four miles, there were no settlers in the vicinity. At that time Indians were numerous and buffalo roamed the plains in thousands. On one occasion Mr. McReynolds went buffalo hunting with his neighbors. While hunting near Medicine Lodge, about 150 miles west of his home, they were warned that the Indians were about to raid that part of the country, and as they were about through hunting they went home at once. Two weeks later they heard news of the terrible Indian raid. There being no railroads the news traveled slowly. He remained in Kansas about three years, when he sold out and brought his family back to Posey county. On their return his wife's father gave her eighty acres of swamp land. He improved this property and lived on it seven or eight years, farming and raising stock. He then bought his present farm of 253 acres of land in Smith township and continued in farming and stock raising until 1891, when he retired from active business, and has since devoted his time to looking after his interests. Mr. McReynolds is an example of a self-made man, having hired out on a farm, clerked in drug and dry goods stores and taught day and night to get his start in life. In his life on the plains he was never afraid of the Indians, although his great-grandfather and great-grandmother Cornpton were killed by the savages in Illinois while hunting bees. In 1864 Mr. McReynolds enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Indiana infantry, and served until the close of the war. In politics he is a Democrat. On June 5, 1868, Samuel McReynolds married Miss Elizabeth J. Young, daughter of Greenberry and Earthenia (Sinclaire) Young, and a native of Smith township, Posey county. Her father was a native of Posey county and his father, Jackson Young, came to this county from Virginia at an early date. Greenberry Young was a farmer in Robb township on the line between Smith and Robb townships, and here the wife of our subject was reared and attended country schools, and later the schools at Owensville. She taught school one term before her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. McReynolds became the parents of three children, one of whom died in infancy. Two daughters are living: Minnie Ettie, who married Dr. George C. Smith, of Poseyville, has one child; Elva Aline married I. E. Wilkinson and they live in Cynthiana, where he is a retired farmer. They have one child.

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


Ellison Cale, one of the prominent farmers of Smith township, Posey county, Indiana, was born December 31, 1866, on the old family homestead where his father was born. He is the son of Joseph and Eliza (Jolly) Cale. His grandfather, who also was named Ellison Cale, was born in Kentucky and came to Posey county at an early date and established the family residence here. Joseph and Eliza (Jolly) Cale had five children, of whom our subject was the fourth. He first attended the country schools and later graduated from the Cynthiana schools. After finishing his education he worked on the farm with his parents until the death of his father, in 1902. His mother then removed to Poseyville, and our subject is now in possession of the old homestead and additional land to the total amount of 270 acres located about the center of Smith township. It is not only one of the largest farms in the township, but is one of the best improved, having a large brick dwelling house, built before the death of the father. It is one of the prettiest and best kept country places in Posey county. Mr. Cale has made a specialty of hogs, raising the Poland China stock, and raises horses and cattle for farm purposes, making no specialty of thoroughbred animals. Ellison Cale was married October 28, 1892, to Miss Manervia E. Fletchall, daughter of Isaiah and Emma (Stevens) Fletchall, of Posey county, of which they are natives, and where Mr. Fletchall engaged in farming and stock raising. Mrs. Cale was born in Posey county and attended the schools of Poseyville until her graduation. She is a member of the Christian Science church of Evansville, Ind.

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


Rev. Francis B. Luebbermann, of Mt. Vernon, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in June, 1857. He attended the Christian Brothers' School of that city and at the age of fourteen began the study of languages, classics, finally philosophy and theology at St. Meinrad's Seminary. He was ordained in 1880, and was located at Evansville, Ind., as assistant in Trinity church, and remained there until 1883. He located in Mt. Vernon in December, 1883, and after a brief respite returned in 1884, under permanent appointment to St. Matthew's church, and has remained ever since. He has a congregation of 250 families, but, when he came, he had seventy-eight families only, an increase of 172 families. Rev. Father Luebbermann has been indefatigable in his labors to advance the prosperity of St. Matthew's parish, and being a gentleman of scholarly attainments and eloquence, and withal possessed of a genial temperment, he has won the sincere affection and esteem of his flock, and these amiable qualities have proven to be no small factors in the successful prosecution of the good work he has set before him. His zeal in church labor is untiring and unflagging. He was appointed to the parish when in his early prime, and no clergyman could well have been found to carry out, with as favorable prospects for the desired results, the commendable, yet arduous duties to the performance of which he was assigned. Besides his parish duties Father Luebbermann has always been engaged in literary work of some kind, writing or translating books of historic interest. From 1858 until 1907 he published two monthly magazines, "The Poor Souls' Advocate," and "Der Armen Sulin Freund"; also started the "Knights of St. John's Journal," and in July, 1913, began the publication of the "Parish Record of St. Matthew's Church." The publication, now in its fifth month, is well edited, handsomely typed, and has a general circulation among the families of the parish.

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


W. O. Tretheway is one of the substantial citizens of New Harmony, who enjoys a well earned reputation for honesty, uprightness and good citizenship. Mr. Tretheway is a native of England, born February 28, 1848, at St. Stephens, forty-one miles from Lands End, in the county of Cornwall. His parents, Thomas and Ann (Columb) Tretheway, lived in the mother country, and are both now deceased. Young Tretheway was educated in the schools of his native land, and in early life was apprenticed to learn the blacksmith and wagon making trades. He served five years and his princely salary was $5.00 and his board and clothes. But pay was not the prime object of his endeavor. He was there to learn his trade, and he learned it thoroughly. When a young man of nineteen, in 1867, he immigrated to America, locating in New Harmony, where he had a brother and sister living at the time. Here he worked at his trade for a time, when he went to Mt. Vernon, where he remained seven years, working at his trade. Then on account of ill health he was advised to go west and accordingly went to Stockton, Cal. He soon gained his health in sunny California, and. remained there working at his trade until the spring of 1878, when he returned to New Harmony and engaged in general blacksmithing and wagon making, which has claimed his attention ever since. He has built up an extensive business and constantly employes two assistants and sometimes more. Mr. Tretheway was married November 17, 1869, to Miss Sarah Baldwin, of Mt. Vernon. To this union have been born six children: Mary Leora, married John Armstrong; William A., blacksmith and wagonmaker, New Harmony; Grace, married Nelson Felch, New Harmony; Clara, married William Ward, New Harmony; Hattie, married Fred E. Cook, New Harmony, and Garfield, died in 1904, at the age of nineteen. Mr. Tretheway has always taken a keen interest in political affairs and is a Republican. He has served with credit in the city council. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Encampment and Rebekahs, and takes a prominent part in the State organization, as well as the local lodge. While Mr. Tretheway takes a deep interest in the welfare of all public institutions, perhaps his devotion to the fire department of New Harmony is paramount. He has served as chief for twenty-seven consecutive terms and has been identified with that organization for thirty-five years. His long experience as a fire fighter, coupled with his ability to handle men, places him in the front ranks of the volunteer fire chiefs of the State. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and has served as superintendent of the Sunday school for twenty-five years.

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


Joel W. Hiatt, one of the most highly respected citizens of New Harmony, is a native of Indiana, and has been a resident of Posey county for nearly forty years. Joel Hiatt was born June 10, 1850, in Hamilton county, Indiana. His parents were Harmon and Mary (Harris) Hiatt, both natives of North Carolina, and early settlers in Randolph county, Indiana. They later removed to Hamilton county. The father was a physician and practiced his profession many years in the State. The Hiatts came from Quaker stock, and the maternal side of our subject's ancestors were Virginians of English descent. Both parents are now deceased, and their mortal remains rest in the cemetery at Crawfordsville, Ind. Joel Hiatt's early life was mostly spent in Crawfordsville, where he attended the public schools and later entered Wabash College, where he graduated in the class of 1873, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and in 1888 the college conferred upon him the degree of Master of Arts. After graduating from Wabash College, Mr. Hiatt entered Harvard University as a Divinity student, pursuing the study of philosophy for a time, but upon due reflection decided that an ecclesiastical function in life was not to his liking. He then abandoned that course and turned to teaching and accepted the position of principal of the Mt. Vernon High School, a position which he held two years. In 1876 he came to New Harmony as superintendent of schools there, a position which he filled with entire satisfaction two years. In 1885 he was appointed document clerk of the House of Representative, Washington, D. C. He served in this capacity until 1895, except an interval of two years. Mr. Hiatt was united in marriage in 1878 to Francis Owen Fitten, an estimable lady of culture and refinement. She is a daughter of William Owen. Politically, Mr. Hiatt has never wavered in his allegiance to the Democratic party. He is a man of deep convictions, and a lover of justice and fair play. He has ever been a student of men and affairs, as well as of books, and is a profound scholar. His duties while at, Washington, D. C., brought him into close and intimate relation with many of the leading men of the Nation, whose acquaintance in many instances ripened into lasting friendships, which have afforded him much pleasure. He is an ardent supporter of every institution which tends for the uplifting of humanity and the betterment of his fellow men. Mr. Hiatt is a member of the Working Man's Institute, and has taken an active interest in its welfare. A few years ago he led and won in the movement for cataloguing the books of that institution by the card index system. He also secured the services of a public accountant and devised a system which was introduced. He is a member of the park commission, and for eight years has been superintendent of the parks of New Harmony. Mr. Hiatt is a great lover of nature and his work in connection with the parks is an agreeable task, and the beauty and well kept appearance of the city parks certainly bear mute testimony of the magic touch of a master hand. The writer of this sketch has known Mr. Hiatt intimately and well can testify to his many manly excellencies.

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


Horace Pestalozzi Owen, president of the New Harmony Banking Company, and one of the active financiers of Posey county, is the only male representative of the Owen family now living in New Harmony. He is a son of Col. Richard Owen, esteemed mention of whom is made elsewhere in this volume. Horace Owen was born in New Harmony, November 2, 1842, received his education in private schools and the Western Military Institute at Blue Lick Springs, Ky., an institution owned by his father and Gen. Bushnell Johnson, which later became the University of Nashville. About this time the sectional feeling that preceded the Civil war was growing more and more bitter, and on this account his father came north. Colonel Owen was State geologist at the time and Horace accompanied him in his work in that connection, and assisted him for the next two years. Then the great Civil war came on and in the fall of 1861 he enlisted in Company F, Sixteen Indiana infantry, and was commissioned first lieutenant. Afterwards he was adjutant of the regiment and later served as adjutant of the First brigade, Tenth division, Thirteenth army corps, Army of the Mississippi. He was at Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Jackson and the siege of Vicksburg. Mr. Owen saw much hard fighting and fortunately escaped serious injury. His narrowest escape was at Arkansas Post, where he was rendered unconscious by the explosion of a shell. In 1863 Mr. Owen resigned his commission to return home and care for his mother, while his father remained in the army. After he returned to New Harmony he turned his attention to the business world, and in a short time engaged in the hardware and implement business with Victor C. Duclos as a partner. He continued in this business two or three years, when he engaged in the dry goods business until 1872, when he went to Terre Haute, where he engaged in the grain business for two years. In 1874 he returned to New Harmony and again entered the hardware and implement business with his brother, E. F. Owen. They sold the first binder south of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad in Indiana. He became cashier of the New Harmony Banking Company at the organization of that institution, and in 1879 became its president, in which position he still serves. Mr. Owen is of the banker's temperment, safe, sane and conservative, always bearing in mind how he can give the best service to his patrons, and at the same time serve the best interests of his institution. Horace Owen is a man of genial disposition, who makes friends and keeps them. He is naturally of a generous nature and kind hearted. He takes a deep interest in the progress and welfare of his town and county. For twenty-five years he has been president of the school board, and has served as president of the Working Man's Institute for ten years. He is also president of the New Harmony 1914 Centennial Commission. He has always been an active Republican, but has never aspired to hold office. Mr. Owen was united in marriage May 8, 1867, to Miss Natalie Burroughs Mann, who is also a native of New Harmony. She belongs to a highly respected family, being the daughter of Dr. Josiah Stockton Mann, who came west from the Genesee Valley, New York, at an early day. Mrs. Owen is prominent in the social world and possesses the true nobility of American womanhood. To Mr. and Mrs. Owen have been born three children: Nora Edgeworth, married Arthur DeBois Armstrong, Memphis, Tenn.; Aline Dale, married Dr. Benjamin F. Neal, New Harmony, and Richard Dale, a successful real estate dealer of Los Angeles, Cal. Mr. Owen is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, and the Grand Army of the Republic, of which he is past commander. The family are communicants of the Episcopal church, of which he has been senior warden twenty-five years.

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


Henry Brown, clothier and general outfitter, New Harmony, Ind., whose name introduces this sketch, is a striking example of what industry and honest business methods will do for a poor boy who starts life in a strange land, empty handed and alone, with a determination to win by right methods. Henry Brown is a native of Germany, and was born April 12, 1853. He came to America when a lad of fourteen. After remaining in the East about a year, he journeyed westward, coming to Evansville, Ind., in 1869. Here he spent ten years in mercantile business, and in 1879 came to New Harmony and engaged in the clothing and gents' furnishing business. He has conducted this business up to the present time, and is today one of the leading merchants of Posey county, and the only complete men's outfitter in New Harmony. For thirty-four years Henry Brown has done business with the people of New Harmony and from every part of Posey county, and his customers who regard his word as good as his bond, are legion. He has built up a business and a reputation of which he may be justly proud. While Mr. Brown has been successful in business, he has also cheerfully given his time to public affairs, in which he has taken a keen interest and an active part. He has served as president of the town board about ten years, and acted as clerk of that body about the same length of time. He was united in marriage October 14, 1879, to Miss Katie A. Adler, of Evansville. To this union have been born two children: H. L. and L. A., both prosperous manufacturers in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are owners and proprietors of the H. L. Brown Fence Manufacturing Company, who are extensive manufacturers of heavy wire goods. Henry Brown is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Knights of Pythias. For several years he took an active and prominent part in lodge affairs, and his political affiliations have been with the Democratic party.

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


Eugene W. Nash, one of New Harmony's representative business men, and descendant of a pioneer family of Posey county, was born five miles east of New Harmony, May 12, 1862. He is a son of Andrew and Julia (Smith) Nash, the former a native of Butler county, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Kentucky. Andrew Nash was a son of Jesse and Sarah (Cavett) Kash, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of Ireland. Jesse Nash came to New Harmony with his family from Butler county, Pennsylvania, in 1815. They came down the Ohio river on a flat boat. He and George Rapp were close friends back in Pennsylvania, and he was induced by Rapp's glowing accounts of the possibilities in Posey county to emigrate here with his family. He bought his first land from George Rapp and this same farm is still owned by his descendants. Jesse Nash was a cabinet maker, but devoted the latter part of his life to farming. He was a conscientious, hard working man, and took a live interest in the affairs of his time. He was an old-time Whig. He died in 1844, aged eighty-two years, and was survived by his wife two years, who was also eighty-two at the time of her death. Andrew Nash, father of Eugene, came to Posey county with his parents in 1815. In early life he was a shoe maker, but later a farmer, and spent his life in Harmony township. He was one of a family of seven children, all of whom are now deceased. They all lived to ripe old ages. Three of the sisters passed the ninety-third milestone. Andrew Nash died April 24, 1900, aged ninety-one. His wife departed this life October 8, 1899, aged eighty-two. They were the parents of ten children: George, deceased; William, deceased; Mary, married James H. Cox, Stewartsville; John, resides on the old homestead; Edward, deceased; Martha, deceased; Nancy, married Williarn J. Johnson, Harmony township; James, Harmony township; Andrew, Harmony township, and Eugene W., the subject of this review. Eugene Nash was reared on the old homestead in Harmony township, educated in the district schools and the Poseyville High School. He remained on the farm until he was twenty-eight years old, when he came to New Harmony and engaged in the furniture and undertaking business, from 1890 to 1900. At this time he sold his furniture business, but continued in the undertaking business, and is still engaged in that occupation. He is also interested in the general insurance business. Mr. Nash has been twice married. On October 30, 1889, he was married to Aquilla, daughter of Dr. John J. Grigsby, of Petersburg, Ind. Two children were born to this union: Hercia and Kenneth. Mrs. Nash died May 25, 1900. September 15, 1909, Mr. Nash married Miss Emma, a daughter of Col. Charles C. Screeder, of Evansville, Ind. Politically Mr. Nash has always been identified with the Republican party and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, and holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. He is one of the substantial business men of Posey county.

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


Levi J. Wilkinson. To have accomplished so notable work as has Levi J. Wilkinson in connection with the Christian church would prove sufficient to give precedence and reputation to any man, were it to represent the sum total of his efforts; but Mr. Wilkinson is a man of broad mental ken, strong initiative and distinct individuality, who will not only leave a lasting impression in the denomination in which he has been a lifelong member, but has been a potent, though unostentatious factor in the commercial life of Posey county, where for fifty years he conducted a successful retail enterprise, devoted to a general line of merchandise. To him the city of Cynthiana is indebted for one of the most beautiful, from an architectural standpoint, and substantially built church edifices in southern Indiana, together with a substantial endowment, which places it upon a self-sustaining basis. Other institutions also have received generous donations and endowments, his philanthropies to date exceeding those of any citizen who has resided within the county, and other substantial gifts to his church are contemplated. Levi J. Wilkinson was born on his father's farm in Gibson county, Indiana, February 22, 1825, the son of William and Mary (Miller) Wilkinson. The Wilkinson family is of English origin and dates its founding in America during the early Colonial period when members of the family came from England and settled in the Colony of North Carolina. Numbered among them are men who achieved distinction in the frontier life of those early days, in the commercial era which followed and later in the War of the Revolution. The family was founded in Indiana by Cary Wilkinson, a native of North Carolina, who came to the State from Barren county, Kentucky, in 1808. He made the journey in one of the old style Conestoga wagons and crossed the Ohio at Red Banks, now Henderson, on a ferry. He located on land near what is now Fort Branch, and the old log fort of that name, erected for protection from the Indians, was built with the assistance of him and his sons. The country was a wilderness and the settlers few when he erected his first house. It was constructed of logs, without nails, and without windows, light being admitted through the door and chimney. The floor was of puncheon and the beds were made by boring holes in the logs of the walls about three feet from the floor and driving in poles, making a scaffolding on which the bed clothing was placed. While they were short on luxuries they were long on hospitality - the latchstring was always out to all comers. Added to the hardships incident to the clearing of the wilderness were the Indians, then plentiful, and the wild animals, panthers, bob-cats, bear and wolves being in abundance. Cary Wilkinson did not live to see the territory which he had helped to wrest from the savages become a State. He passed away in 1815. He married Sarah Mangrum, a daughter of William Mangrum. They became the parents of eleven children, four of whom died in childhood. William Wilkinson, the fourth of these children to reach man's estate, was born in North Carolina, on December 18, 1800, and came to, Indiana with his parents in 1808. His education was acquired in the schools of that period. The school house was built of blocks, greased paper was used for window lights, quill pens for writing, and the ink at that time was made by boiling maple bark and adding a little copperas. He was forced to take up a man's work at the age of fifteen, through the death of his father, and the making of tillable land from the forest fell upon his shoulders. He married Mary Miller, a daughter of the Rev. John Miller, a minister of the Christian church. In 1830 he became a member of this denomination and lived a devout Christian life. He was a successful farmer, an influential citizen and one of the most active factors in the development of his township. He became a resident of Cynthiana on his retirement from active labor and passed away in 1887. His political affiliations were first with the Whigs, but upon the organization of the Republican party he became an active supporter of its principles. He was an ardent admirer of Abraham Lincoln, once journeying to Illinois to hear him speak. William and Mary (Miller) Wilkinson were the parents of eleven children, all of whom, except Levi J., the subject of this review, have passed to their reward. They were in order of birth as follows: Isaiah, John, Deliah, Sarah, Narcissa, Emily, Balaam, Aaron B., Levi J., Silas N. and Amos C. Levi J. Wilkinson, farmer, merchant and philanthropist, was reared on his father's farm in Gibson county, received his education in the district schools and engaged in farming, an occupation he followed until 1855 in Gibson county until 1851 and in Posey county until 1855. In the last named year he engaged in the general merchandise business in Cynthiana under the firm style of Wilkinson & Putnam, having as an associate James Putnam. The latter's interest was purchased by Mr. Wilkinson shortly afterward and J. H. C. Lowe became his partner. Two others were admitted to the firm and its style became Wilkinson, Lowe & Co, Mr. Wilkinson retired from the firm within a few months, however, and engaged in the business without associates. As a merchant he was successful. His business was the leading one in Cynthiana, his stock the largest, offering the most in the way of selection, and was as well the best kept and arranged of any in the city. Posey county has never had a merchant who in his dealings with all has been more fair, more honest or more charitable than was Mr. Wilkinson during an active commercial life of fifty years, and which in respect to length has seldom been equaled in the State. During his active commercial life he was a purchaser of choice farm lands and became the owner of several hundred acres in Posey county. As a citizen he has always taken an active interest in those enterprises which have had for their object the development and betterment of the community. He made a donation of one thousand dollars toward the building of the Evansville & Terre Haute railroad, in addition to paying his proportion of the bonds. In 1901 the Christian church and parsonage at Cynthiana were erected at a cost of twenty-five thousand dollars, the fund for this undertaking being the gift of Mr. Wilkinson to the congregation. He also deeded to the congregation one hundred and fifty-eight acres of land as an endowment for maintenance. His gifts to the Christian College at Merorn to date are two hundred and seventy acres of land and seven thousand dollars in money. To Jireh College, at Jireh, Wyo., he has given sixty-two acres of land and five thousand two hundred dollars in money. It is the intention of him and his wife to leave to the mission board of the Christian church that part of their fortune which remains upon their departure from this life. Mr. Wilkinson married, in 1845, Miss Elizabeth Smith, a daughter of Daniel and Nancy (Spain) Smith, who died in 1870. Of this union two children were born, both of whom died in infancy. On March 16, 1871, Mr. Wilkinson married Miss Julia E. Wilkinson, a daughter of Isaiah and Mary (Pruett) Wilkinson. She was born in Johnson township, Gibson county, Indiana, on December 4, 1840. They have been members of the Christian church since childhood and have always been leaders in the work of building up their denomination. The sunset years of their lives have been given over to the work of the Master, while the fruits of their labor are being expended in furthering the work of their church. Mr. Wilkinson, now in his eighty-ninth year, is remarkably vigorous, his health remarkably good for one of his age, while his mental powers are practically unimpaired. Mrs. Wilkinson, who has been a willing helpmeet for over forty years, is now in her seventy-third year. She is a woman of fine intellectuality and her influence has been of potent value in the community. Their home life has been ideal. What may be termed their life work is nearly finished. It has met to a great extent the fullness of their ambition, but, infinitely more precious to them is the fact that they are rich in the possession of the affection which slowly develops only from unselfish works and the esteem which comes from honorable living.

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


James N. Whitehead, one of the prominent and influential men of affairs of Posey county, was born in Harmony township December 2, 1868, of pioneer ancestors. Mr. Whitehead was reared on a farm and received his education in the public schools. He began life as a farmer and has followed this vocation all his life, and has been successful to a marked degree. Today he is one of the large land owners of Posey county. Seven years ago he moved to New Harmony, where he has a beautiful residence. He conducts his large agricultural operations throughout the county, while he maintains his residence in town. Judging from the success which Mr. Whitehead has met in farming, one would naturally think that this line of endeavor had received his undivided attention, but such is not the case. He has found time for other business enterprises in which he has been equally successful. He has been interested in the First National Bank of New Harmony for several years, and for the last four years has been president of this substantial institution, a position he now holds. He served as its vice-president for two years before he succeeded to the presidency of the institution. He is also extensively interested in the Corbin Milling Company, of New Harmony, and the Fuhrer-Ford Milling Company of Mt. Vernon. Mr. Whitehead was united in marriage January 1, 1892, to Miss Iva E. Williams, also a native of Posey county. To Mr. and Mrs. Whitehead have been born four children: Lela, Earl (deceased), Martha E. and Jennie Louise. Mr. Whitehead is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He is the progressive kind of citizen that counts in any community. He is public-spirited and ever ready to support any worthy enterprise for the upbuilding of his county and her institutions.

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


Frank R. Lawless, president of the town board of New Harmony, is a native of Ireland. He was born in the city of Dublin in 1870, and when a child came to America with his parents, who settled in Richland county, Illinois. Here young Lawless spent his boyhood days, and attended the public schools until about fifteen years of age, when his mother died. He then went to Cleveland, Ohio, where he learned the trade of sheet metal worker and plumbing, heating, and ventilating. After mastering his trade, Mr. Lawless worked as a journeyman in Cincinnati, Detroit and St. Louis for a time, and in 1894 came to New Harmony and engaged in business for himself. His business embraces plumbing, sheet metal working, heating, and ventilating. He has completed several of the most extensive contracts in his line in Posey county, and from a business standpoint, has met with well earned success. As a mechanic, he is master of his art, and as a manager of men, he is equally competent. While Mr. Lawless has been successful in a business way, he has also devoted much time and study to local municipal affairs. He was first elected a member of the city council in 1906, and since that time, has been untiring in his efforts for civic betterment of New Harmony. He is now serving his fourth term as president of the town board, and every term of his administrations has been characterized by improvement and betterment of conditions. Under his careful and far-sighted business methods as applied to municipal affairs, New Harmony's municipal lighting plant is an institution of which any citizen of New Harmony may be proud. Other improvements at which he has aimed and fought for have been equally successful. He has endeavored to administer the affairs of the town with fairness to all and special privilege to none and has succeeded as nearly as is possible. If he has made mistakes, they have been "mistakes of the head and not of the heart." He has studied the problems which confronted him and has used his best judgment, and the result is that New Harmony has as good city government as any other municipality in the State. Mr. Lawless was married November 6, 1894, to Miss Carrie A. Smith, of Olney, Richland county, Illinois. To this union have been born four children: Robert, Richard, Charles and Paulinus, all students in the New Harmony schools. Mr. Lawless is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and chairman of the centennial executive committee of that order. His political affiliations are with the Democratic party, and he is a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church of New Harmony, of which he is a trustee.

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


William O. Boren, banker, merchant and educator of Cynthiana, and trustee of Smith township, Posey county, Indiana, was born on his father's farm near Fort Branch, Gibson county, September 14, 1569, the son of Absalom and Mary (Redman) Boren. Both of his parents were born in Gibson county and were members of pioneer families who were actively concerned in the early development of that section of Indiana. Absalom Boren spent the active years of his life in his native county, where he was engaged in farming and stock raising. Upon his retirement he removed to Cynthiana, where he has since resided. William O. Boren received his early educational discipline in the district schools of Gibson county. This was supplemented by a high school course and further study in the Indiana State Normal College at Danville. Upon completion of his school work he engaged in teaching and was principal of the Howell, Ind., schools. In 1904 he formed, with Perry Pritchett, the firm of Pritchett & Boren and engaged in the retail hardware business in Cynthiana. This enterprise was a success. In 1912 Mr. Boren disposed of his interest and accepted the position of cashier of the Cynthiana Banking Company, of which he is a director, and in this capacity has made good. Detailed information of this institution is to be found in the chapter on "Banks and Banking." Since becoming a resident of Posey county he has taken an active part in the political life of Cynthiana and Smith township. He is a Democrat and was honored by his party through election to the office of trustee of Smith township, in 1908, and is still serving in that capacity. His administration of the affairs of this office has been marked by the same close attention to detail, progressiveness and sound financial sense that has characterized his commercial career. The schools of his township have received the benefit of his past experience as a teacher, which has resulted in the Cynthiana school becoming a commission institution; its equipment is equal to that of any in the county, while the district schools have been greatly improved as regards those essentials which permit of successful operation. Mr. Boren is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen of America. He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Cynthiana, has served as treasurer for several years and is one of the most influential and active men in the congregation. Mr. Boren married, in 1891, Miss Stella Pritchett, a daughter of Henderson and Martha (Gudgel) Pritchett, of Montgomery township, Gibson county, in which county each was born. Mr. Pritchett is a successful farmer and stock raiser. Of this union one child has been born, viz.: Martha Marie Boren, born July 7, 1907.

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


Arthy M. Cleveland, a prominent farmer of Cynthiana. Ind., was born in Gibson county, same State, May 18, 1863, son of L. W. Cleveland (see sketch for ancestry). When he was about fifteen years of age his parents removed from Gibson county to Posey county, locating in Smith township. Arthy attended school in these two counties and at the age of eighteen years began farming, working on shares with his grandfather for two years, after which he hired out by the day at various jobs. At the age of twenty-three he rented a farm and began farming for himself. After living on various farms he rented a place from C. Reister in 1891. This farm then consisted of sixty acres, but he now has 145 acres. Mr. Cleveland cleared about twenty-five acres on this farm, and in all has cleared fifty-five acres of ground. Our subject became township trustee in 1904 and served for one term of four years. He has also served as deputy sheriff, constable, and two terms as road supervisor. In politics he is a Democrat. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Royal Neighbors. On October 19, 1886, Mr. Cleveland was married to Mary L. Craig, daughter of David E. Craig, a farmer of Smith township, where she was born and raised and where she received her education. She died August 31, 1896. Mr. Cleveland took as his second wife Miss Hannah Stevens, daughter of Daniel and Elzina Stevens, of Smith township, natives of Posey county, where they were raised and where they raised their daughter. The wedding occurred June 22, 1899. Mrs. Cleveland attended the common schools of her county, and graduated from the Cynthiana High School in 1887.

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


Lewis W. Cleveland, farmer and justice of the peace of Smith township, Posey county, Indiana, was born in Gibson county, same State, June 16, 1842, son of Charles and Phoebe (Lundford) Cleveland. Charles Cleveland was born May 10, 1800, in Harrison county, Kentucky, and his wife was born in September, 1806, a native of Virginia. The father of Charles Cleveland was Micajah Cleveland, who was born in Virginia and served with his two sons in the War of 1812. In 1834 Charles Cleveland came from near Cynthiana, Ky., and with his wife and five children settled in Gibson county, Indiana, then a wilderness with plenty of game roaming the woods. He and his wife, whom he married in Harrison county, Kentucky, became the parents of thirteen children, ten of whom lived to be men and women. Lewis W. Cleveland was the tenth child in the family. He was reared in Gibson county, where he attended common schools in a rude log building (for full description see sketch of Thomas Marvel in this book). After leaving school he taught for one year and then farmed on the home place, where he was born. He was married May 25, 1862, to Elizabeth Meadows, daughter of George H. and Matilda (Allen) Meadows, after his marriage continued for five years to live on the home farm with his parents, removing from there to Posey county in 1869. For one year he farmed in Robb township, after which he traded his farm for a grocery business in Cynthiana. He closed out this business in 1874, since which he has farmed. In 1884 he was elected justice of the peace of Smith township and has held the office continuously ever since. He and his wife had nine children: Arthur M., George W., Lucian N. (deceased), Laura E., Mandaily, Effie G. (deceased), Dexter Lee, in St. Louis, Mo., Grover and Guy. Laura E. married Newton Finley and they live in Cynthiana. Mandaily married Ed. Harper and they now live near Mt. Carmel, Ill. Mr. Cleveland has been a member of the Regular Baptist church for fifty years. He is a Democrat and his first vote was cast for Stephen A. Douglas for President.

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


John H. Williams, farmer and stock raiser, of Cynthiana. Ind., was born November 6, 1856, son of William H. and Mary (Meadows) Williams. William H. was the son of Enoch Williams, who married Miss Lowe and was the first of the family to come to Posey county, having removed to this section from South Carolina. The country was in a wild condition at that time and the woods were still full of Indians and wild animals. They located in Smith township, and here William H. was born in 1820, and was reared in the woods, where he helped clear the ground. He attended the schools of those times and later engaged in farming and stock raising, continuing in this business until his death in 1886. His wife preceded him in death, passing away in 1861. John H. Williams was born in Smith township, where he attended the country schools, which were still furnished with log benches. He afterward attended the graded schools of Cynthiana and went one year to high school at Poseyville, Ind. Upon leaving school he worked at home with his parents until his marriage, which occurred December 10, 1881, to Martha E. Marvel, daughter of John and Mary (Young) Marvel. This Marvel family is descended from the Marvels of Sussex county, Delaware, and the Youngs were early settlers in Posey county. John Marvel was a soldier in the Civil war. He was a farmer and stock raiser, and, following the family tradition, was a breeder of fine horses. Some of the best colts in this section were raised from his stallions. Mr. and Mrs. Marvel are both dead, the latter passing away about two years ago. Mrs. Williams was born and raised in Smith township, where she attended common schools. Mr. and Mrs. Williams had four children: Harvey T., James W. (deceased), Ethel, and one who died in infancy. Harvey T., a farmer and former teacher, married Ivy L. Yates and now lives in Knox county, Indiana. Ethel married Dr. D. W. Montgomery and lives in Princeton, Ind. The first wife died October 12, 1889, and Mr. Williams married again, on June 2, 1891, to Mrs. Elzina Witherspoon, widow of James N. Witherspoon, daughter of Dean and Elizabeth Martin, natives of Vanderburg county, where she was born and raised. She received a common school education. They have no children. The family are members of the Big Creek Regular Baptist Church, in which Mr. Williams is one of the deacons. He is a Democrat. Mr. Williams is one of the two men who are raising alfalfa in Smith township. He was the first in Posey county to begin raising pure-bred White Leghorn poultry and now there is hardly a farm that does not have them. He has won many blue ribbons at the poultry shows of Evansville, Princeton and elsewhere. Mr. Williams served as president of the Wabash Valley Poultry Association from 1904 to 1909. He ships his chickens all over the United States. The Williams farm has the largest apple orchard in Posey county, having seven acres exclusively in apple trees. Its yield has been 2,000 bushels of apples besides fruit enough to make 2,000 gallons of cider.

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


John C. Scherer, undertaker, of St. Wendel, Ind., was born October 30, 1864, a son of Jacob and Margaret (Knapp) Scherer, the former a native of Niederzengheim, Germany, a cabinet maker, who traveled extensively in his native land before coming to America. Jacob Scherer was born in 1816, learned his trade by the time he was nineteen years of age and came to America in 1842, locating first in Canada, and later in Evansville, Ind., where he lived until the war broke out. He was engaged in the furniture business, but the war drove him out and he came to St. Wendel, where he opened a general merchandise store. After living here for some time he removed to Fort Branch, but returned seven years later and engaged in cabinet making and in the undertaking business, in which he continued until his death, June 10, 1891. Mrs. Margaret Scherer was also born in Germany, coming to this country at the age of eight years with her parents, who settled in Pennsylvania and afterward removed to Posey county, Indiana. John Scherer graduated from the public schools of St. Wendel, after which he went to work with his father and learned the cabinet making and undertaking business, and after the death of the father he succeeded to the business. In May, 1897, Mr. Scherer graduated from Clark's Embalming School, Evansville, Ind., and the next year graduated from Clark's Embalming College, of Indianapolis. In 1902 he was admitted by the State Board of Embalmers to practice his profession in the State of Indiana. Until the year 1906 he was engaged in the implement business under the firm name of Coudret & Scherer, but sold out to devote his entire time to undertaking. He is a Democrat in politics and a member of the Catholic church. On October 10, 1893, Mr. Scherer married Miss Benie Hofmann, daughter of William and Catherine (Wolf) Hofmann. Her father, a native of Rheinphalz, Germany, came to America at the age of nineteen and first located in Pennsylvania, three years later coming to Posey county and locating in Parker's Settlement, where he engaged in the general merchandise business and later, with Philip Speck, ran a brewery at the same place. He was trustee of Robinson township several terms and was also postmaster for many years. He died January 20, 1876. Mrs. Hofmann was born in Evansville, Ind., August 20, 1838, and raised in Parker's Settlement, where she received her education and married. Her death occurred October 15, 1889. Mrs. Scherer was born in Parker's Settlement September 5, 1564. She received her education in the town of her birth and later graduated from Eurmick's Commercial College at Evansville, of which her sister was principal of typewriting, bookkeeping and shorthand. Mr. and Mrs. Scherer have three children: Clarence, born August 13, 1894; Irma, November 13, 1896; Elsie, April 4, 1899. Clarence attended commercial college at Evansville, was for one year in the office of the auditor of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois, Evansville, Ind., and is now telegraph operator at Petersburg, Ind., with the same company. Irma is attending high school at Tell City, Ind. Elsie is now attending public school in Smith township. Mr. Scherer and children are communicants of the Catholic church. Mrs. Scherer is a member of the German Evangelical church.

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


George Franklin Trainor, station agent of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois railroad at Wadesville, Ind., was born March 7, 1868, on a farm in Robb township, Posey county, son of George King and Susan (Schrader) Trainor. George K. Trainor was born about 1813 at Williamsport, Pa., and came to Posey county at the age of twenty years, where he was a farmer until his death, in 1897. He married Miss Susan Schrader, daughter of John and Pamelia (Jaques) Schrader, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Posey county, where she was born in 1826. She died at Poseyville in 1901. They both belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. and Mrs. George K. Trainor had eight children: John Schrader Trainor, now a merchant at Hayti, Mo.; Charles Edward Trainor, grain merchant, Griffin, Ind.; Clara, wife of Joseph W. Stevens, wagon maker and justice of the peace, Poseyville, Ind.; Algernon (deceased), William A., formerly agent of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois at Poseyville, who was killed by hold-up men in 1892, and leaving a wife and three children; Carrie, wife of James Kilroy, a lawyer at Poseyville; George F., of this record; Chauncy, graduate of the medical department of Louisville University, now an employe of the patent office at Washington, D. C., and also a magazine writer. George F. Trainor was educated in the public schools of Poseyville, graduating from the high school in the class of 1889. He then took a business course in Lexington, Ky., after which he taught school one year in Bethel township, Posey county. He then began the study of telegraphy in the depot of Illinois Central at Poseyville, and after eight months became operator at Stewartsville, where he remained five years, when he was appointed cashier at Mattoon, Ill., for the same road. After one year at Mattoon he became station agent at Stewartsville, and has since filled that position successively at Hartsburg, Latham, Mt. Zion, Sullivan, Newton, West Liberty, Parkersburg, Grayville, Griffin and New Harmony, all on the Illinois Central. In 1910 he became station agent at Wadesville, his present location. For a town of its size Wadesville is an unusually good shipping point, the freight business averaging about 400 cars per annum, while it does a good local passenger business. Mr. Trainor is a member of the Order of Ben Hur at Parkersburg, Ill., of the Mystic Workers at West Liberty, Ill., and also of the Order of Railway Telegraphers. On March 10, 1897, Mr. Trainor married Miss Lottie Bare, daughter of Alexander and Margaret (Dawson) Bare, of West Salem, Ill., the former a hardware merchant. She was born June 7, 1879, at Belmont, Ill. Her father is a native of Germany and her mother of Illinois. They have four children: Murtel Kenneth, born May 23, 1899; Margaret, born September 8, 1903; Fred, born March 8, 1905, and Katherine, born December 6, 1911. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church.

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


William H. Webb, a farmer of Smith township. Posey county, was born in Franklin county, Illinois, September 30, 1869, son of S. M. and Louisa (Britton) Webb. S. M. Webb was a son of Louis and Harriet Webb, and Louisa Britton Webb was the daughter of William Britton. The whole family are natives of Illinois, where S. M. Webb was a farmer and stock raiser, and where the subject of this sketch was raised and attended the country schools. He was a student one term at Ewing College, Ewing, Ill., after which he farmed at home with his parents until the age of twenty-three years, at which time the family removed to Posey county, Indiana. This was in 1892, and Mr. Webb lived and farmed in Robb township until 1905, when he bought a farm in Smith township, where he now lives. His entire farm of eighty-six acres is under cultivation and he has some very fine stock, although he has never made a specialty of any breed. In politics Mr. Webb is a Democrat. He has served the township as election judge and road supervisor, and is now employed by the township trustee to haul the children in a bus to and from school. On March 5, 1893, occurred the marriage of William H. Webb to Miss Alice Dunn, daughter of William and Susan (Gill) Dunn, natives of Tennessee, where they were engaged in farming and stock raising. They later lived in Duquoin, Ill., where their daughter, Alice, was born and where she was educated, first attending common school, and later a private high school, in which she completed the course. Mr. and Mrs. Webb have three children: Estella, born February 27, 1895, is a graduate of the common school and has attended the Cynthiana High School; Normalee, born in September, 1897, is now attending high school in Cynthiana, and Donald, born September 13, 1900, is attending the common schools of Cynthiana. Mrs. Webb is a member of the Baptist church.

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


John C. Smith, a prosperous farmer of Cynthiana, Ind., was born in Patoka township, Gibson county, that State, June 18, 1831, son of Daniel and Nancy (Spain) Smith, natives of North Carolina, where the former was born in 1788, and the latter about 1800, and they came to Indiana in 1818, locating in Gibson county. In coming to this State he crossed the river at West Franklin and moved northward, stopping at old Fort Branch, which had been built shortly before for the protection of the settlers. He camped at the fort for the night and the next day moved north into what is now called Pike county, where they entered land. On the way they often had to cut their own road through the forest. After coming to the State they moved around from place to place trying to find a suitable location and finally settled in Johnson township, Gibson county. John C. Smith was born before his parents moved to Johnson township. He began attending school at the age of four. His first teacher was Joshua Kitchen and school was held in a log building with split log seats and it was heated by a big fire-place. The window was made by leaving out a log. The school was moved to the public road later and, as there were no bridges, they put logs across the streams so the children could cross. The teacher was Dr. Ralston, now of Evansville, who is ninety-six years old. The school was maintained by subscription, as there were no public schools. After leaving school he continued to work on the farm with his parents. They removed to Posey county about 1848, but as John C. was working as a hired hand he did not come till 1852, when he was twenty-one years of age. In that year he married Lavina Robb, daughter of Peyton and Susan (Finch) Robb, in whose honor Robb township was named. The Robb family were among the earliest settlers of the county and Lavina Robb was born in Robb township, where she lived until her marriage. After his marriage Mr. Smith bought a farm in Smith township, just east of Poseyville, where he lived for some time, when he sold out and bought the property he now owns, two and one-half miles southeast of Cynthiana. He has been assessor for his township for six years and later was elected county commissioner, serving three terms. He was State representative twice, 1889 and 1891. He has been a lifelong Democrat and is prominent in the councils of the party. In 1860 he was a delegate to the Democratic State convention. The feeling was so strong that it was said that the convention could not be held, but with the aid of guards the meetings went on. While in the legislature he helped elect two United States senators - Dan Voorhees and Senator Turpie. He was also a member of the county and township committees in the house. Since serving in the legislature he has not sought any further political honors and has limited his political activities to looking after his party in Posey county. His first vote for the President was in 1852, for James K. Polk. Mr. and Mrs. John Smith became the parents of ten children: Peyton, Mary, Annie (deceased), Walter, Nora, Flora, Alice, and two who died in infancy. Mary married Walter Endicott, of Poseyville. Nora is the widow of Osbourne Endicott, of Cynthiana. Flora married Newton Martin and after his death married Treat Saulmon and lives on a farm. Alice married Hugh McNair, a druggist, and they live in Sullivan, Ind. Mrs. Smith died August 13, 1888. Mr. Smith remarried in February, 1891, Catherine Robb, daughter of William Robb, and a cousin of his first wife. She died June 13, 1902.

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