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

WILLIAM H. HARDESTY, editor and proprietor of the Indiana Pocket, is a native of Gallatin County, Ky., born December 29, 1840, the youngest but one of four children born to the marriage of Richard Hardesty and Amelia Rudd. In 1856 the father removed from Kentucky to Missouri, and there engaged in merchandising. When Kansas City was in its infancy Richard Hardesty removed to that point, and erected the first business building back from the levee. He has resided there to the present time, and in the combined pursuits of farming and merchandising has amassed a comfortable fortune. Our subject's mother dying about the year 1843, his father several years afterward married Jane Peak, by whom he became the father of four children, only two of whom are now living. William H. HArdesty passed his youth with his parents in his native county, receiving such education as only the common schools afforded. In 1857 he went to Kansas City, clerking in his father's store a year and in a drug store until 1860, when he went to Denver, Col., with the tide of gold hunters drifting to that place. Shortly thereafter he returned to Kansas City, and until the breaking out of the war traveled through the South. From Memphis, Tenn., he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, as a Southern refugee, and enlisting in Company I, First Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, served his country faithfully three years through hard fought battles and campaigns, being twice slightly wounded, and was then honorably discharged, wearing a sergeant's chevrons. After the war he was engaged in merchandising at Jeffersonville, Ind., a short time, and for a number of years thereafter ran a sleeping car between Louisville and New Orleans, on what was called the "Rip Van Winkle Line." He then merchandised in Kentucky until the spring of 1877, when he came to Rockport, Ind., whcih has since been his home. For the last seven years he has been very closely connected with the business interests of the place, and is at present operating one of the best drug stores of Rockport, in addition to looking after the best interests of the Pocket. In politics he is a Republican, and an active, influential worker in the interests of his party, and a member of the G.A.R. To his marriage with Mollie V. Rush, which was solemnized in 1868, three children have been born: Rudd, James C.R. and William H. The parents are Christian and Baptist respectively.

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

THOMAS R. HARDY, a native of Perry County, Ind., was born pril 15, 1836, the eldest of five children, only two of whom are now living, born to J. and Eliza B. (Royston) Hardy. The father was born and raised in Bracken County, Ky., and in 1830 removed to Rome, Perry Co., Ind., where he engaged in merchandising, and later conducted a siilar business in Stephensport. Ky. He died at that place in 1850. His widow was a native of Maryland, and died at Rockport, Ind., in February, 1883. Our subject ws raised to years of maturity by his parents, receiving his education from the common schools and graduating from a business college at Indianapolis. He clerked in his father's store in boyhood, and later engaged in a like occupation at Henderson, Ky. In 1858 he came to Rockport, Ind., and engaged in the grain trade along the Ohio River for a Louisville firm. In 1860 he embarked in the dry goods trade here, and has been actively engaged in that business and dealing in tobacco, grain and general produce to the present time. In these combined pursuits he has been very successful, and as he began life a poor boy he can justly be considered a self-made man. In 1855 Mr. Hardy married Kate Sumonin, by whom he is the father of one son. In 1858 he was left a widower, and the year following united in marriage with Jennie Ellis, and to their union have been born three children, named Thomas R., Harry E. and Annie P. In politics Mr. Hardy has been a Republican since the war, and is at present president of the Citizen's Bank of Rockport. Mrs. Hardy is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

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

JAY HARDY, one of Rockport's leading dry goods merchants, was born in Henderson County, Ky., Juen 19, 1855. being the only issue to the marriage of T.R. Hardy and Kate Semonin. After his mother's death, when he was yet an infant, Jay lived with his grandmother in Kentucky until the age of eight years, when he came to Rockport to live with his father. He was here educated, and when fifteen years old began clerking in his father's store. On attaining his majority he embarked in the dry goods, clothing and gentleman's furnishing trade in Rockport, continuing the same until 1877, when he began a similar business at Carmi, White Co., Ill. Three years later he returned to Rockport, Ind., and assumed the management of his father's store, in which occupation he has continued to the present time. In 1884 he accepted the position of secretary and treasurer of the Rockport Knitting Factory, and is filling that position in connection with his other duties. Mr. Hardy is a member of the K. of P. of Rockport. October 16, 1877, he married Sophia B. Ayer, of McLean County, Ky., and Ida M. is the name of their only child.

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

MATTHEW HIRSCH, manufacturer of Rockport, was born July 9, 1840, in Bavaria, Germany, being one of three sons and two daughters born to Jacob Frederick and Mary Ann (Rose) Hirsch, who were also natives of Germany. In 1847, the family immigrated to the United States, landing at New Orleans, and while on their way up the river to Indiana the father died of cholera, near Vicksburg. Matthew received the greater part of his schooling in the city of Evansville and at seventeen years of age began the blacksmith's trade, at which he worked in Evansville until 1863. He then came to Rockport, and opening a blacksmith shop began working at his trade, which has increased and enlarged to such an extent that he now owns a large building where he manufactures wagons, buggies, carriages, harness, etc., and is doing an extensive business. He is a Democrat, has served as town councilman three terms and president of the same one year. He advocates the advancement of all laudable public enterprises and is an enterprising citizen. From his marriage with Martha Limberger, which occurred May 20, 1867, there are five living children, named Joseph, Benjamin, Katie Gertrude, John Hnery, Francis Silas and Matthew Edward.

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

SIMON HONIG, of the firm of Honig, Killian & Co., furniture manufacturers and dealers, is a native of Baden, Germany, born July 28, 1836, a son of Jonas Honig, who was a cabinet-maker in Baden. When six months old, our subject's mother ied, and at eleven years of age he was left fatherless. He made his home with a relative and when thirteen years of age began an apprenticeship at the cabinet trade serving two years and a half. May 1, 1852, he landed in New York after an eventful trip from his native country, and for two years worked at his trade in that city. In July, 1854, he came to Rockport, Ind., and in 1860 embarked in the furniture and undertaking business upon his own responsibility. Ten years later the firm of Honig, Killian & Co. was organized, and although a year later they were burned out they immediately rebuilt and have since conducted a large and remunerative business. Mr. Honig was married September 20, 1857, to Miss Mary Killian, a native of Germany, by whom he is the father of ten children, five sons and three daughters now living. Mr. Honig is a Democrat in politics and himself and family belong to the Catholic Church.

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

DR. OSCAR F. HOWARD, present Circuit Clerk of Spencer County, is a native of Muhlenburgh County, Ky., born February 26, 1849, the youngest but one in a family of ten children born to Nathaniel and Eliza (Fintress) Howard. The father was born and raised in Ohio County, Ky., learned the saddler's trade, and when a young man went to Muhlenburgh County, where he married his wife, being a native of that county, and they both resided until their respective deaths - April, 1865 and March, 1880. Oscar F. was raised in the village of South Carrolton by his parents, receiving a good common school education. He clerked in his native town one year, and in December, 1865, went to Patoka, Ind., where he clerked nearly a year longer. He then took a trip to New Orleans on a flat-boat, returning to his native town in Kentucky in 1867 and beginning the study of medicine. The winter of 1870-71 he attended the Louisville Medical College, than located at Selvin, Ind., where he practiced his profession until April, 1873, when he located in Rockport as a partner of Dr. W.T. Hougland. The spring of 1874, he removed to Selvin but two years later returned to Rockport and engaged with his father-in-law, Wilmer Hyland, in the grocery and hardware trade. In May, 1884, he sold out, and the fall of that year was elected as a Democrat to the clerkship of Spencer County. In 1880, he was an unsuccessful candidate for the same position. Dr. Howard is a genial, intelligent and enterprising gentleman and a member of the K. of P. January 8, 1874, he wedded Miss Mary M. Hyland and by her is the father of five children, four living named - Bessie, Oscar F., Sallie Bruce and Wilmer W. The parents belong to the Presbyterian Church.

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

JOHN HOWK, a native of Prussia, came to the United States with his parents in 1850, and located in Kentucky, where he worked on the farm at home until the war, when he enlisted in Company D, Fourth Kentucky Cavalry, serving three years and eight months. Since the war he has followed farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of draft horses, of which he has some very fine specimens. He came to this county in 1872. At the age of thirty he married Lavina E. Deckert, a native of Virginia, who has borne him five sons, three of whom - Joseph L., John J., and George W. - are living. Mr. Howk is a Democrat in politics; is a member of the I.O.O.F., and he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. He was born March 9, 1835, being the only child of Benjamin and Hannah (Miller) Howk. His father, who was a miller by trade, died in Kentucky in 1852, and his mother afterward married Casper Gleichman. Mr. Howk is an enterprising citizen, and has done much to improve the stock of this county.

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

JOHN M. HUFFMAN, a prominent farmer of Ohio Township, is a native of Spencer County, born June 16, 1844. He is the youngest of five children in the family of Jacob and Catharine Huffman, natives of Kentucky, from which State they came to this county about 1830. When John M. was an infant two or three weeks old his mother died, and four years later his father married Martha Johnson, who still resides on the home farm. Our subject received only an ordinary education, and remained at home until January, 1864, when he enlisted in Company H, Forty-Second Indiana Volunteer Infantry. With his regiment he was in the Atlanta campaign, participating in many of its battles, and went with Sherman on his famous march to the sea. Since the war he has been engaged in farming in this and Grass Townships. He has been very successful as a farmer, and now owns over 270 acres of good land. He is a Democrat in politics, and a warm advocate of the principles of his party. Mr. Huffman was married January 31, 1869, to Mary Rasor, a daughter of County Commissioner James Rasor. They have two children - Grace E., and John A.

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

WILMER HYLAND, a prominent citizen and early settler of Rockport, was born in Cecil County, Md., November 5, 1820, being the youngest of seven children born to the marriage of Jacob Hyland and Elizabeth Thackery, both of whom were natives of Maryland. The father, a soldier of the war of 1812, always resided in his native State, where he followed farming, fishing and merchandising, in which combined pursuits he was reasonably successful. He died when our subjet was a lad of about five years old, followed by his widow in Burlington, N.J., in 1843, while on a visit to friends in New York. Wilmer Hyland was raised in his native county to years of maturity, receiving a good business education. In 1844, he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, with a Polk delegation, and concluding to remain, embarked in the dry goods trade, at which he continued until 1846. He then took a stock of goods to Mundy's Landing, Mercer County, Ky., after selling which he came to Rockport, Ind. He here engaged in the dry goods business until 1852, and from that time to May 14, 1884, dealt in hardware, groceries, wooden and willow-ware, and seeds. Mr. Hyland has been an enterprising citizen and a successful merchant. In politics Mr. Hyland is a Democrat. He now owns 400 acres of good land in the county, beside valuable property in Rockport. June 29, 1853, he united in matrimony with Mary S. Mears, a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, and by her is the father of four children, three yet living: Mary M., Kate A., and Wilmer.

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

WILLIAM JACOBS, a native of Prussia, was born March 11, 1834, a son of George and Mary (Kramer) Jacobs, who were natives of Germany. The father was a miller by trade, an occupation he followed in the old country unitl his death in 1847. Our subject was raised in Germany, receiving in youth such education as the compulsory attendance at the common schools afforded. After the father's death, he assisted in the care of the family, residing on a small farm, and in 1854, immigrated with them to the United States. They purchased a farm in Grass Township, Spencer County, Ind., where Jacob was engaged in agricultural pursuits some six or seven years. He then embarked in general merchandising at Centerville, in Grass Township, continuing there with considerable success until 1870, when he was honored by an election to the office of Treasurer of Spencer County. So faithfully and efficiently did he administer to the duties of this office that after two years he was re-elected, serving in all four years. Since that time he has officiated as deputy treasurer for almost every treasurer elected and is now serving in that capacity. He owns a good farm in Clay Township, besides other property; is a Democrat in politics and himself and family belong to the German Lutheran Church. He was married February 2, 1862, to Catharine Bender, of German descent, and by her is the father of four children, named Mary, Caroline, Henry and Emilie.

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

JOHN JAMES, one of the prominent old citizens of Spencer County, was born December 28, 1808, in South Wales, being the eldest of seven children born to James and Catharine (Howell) James, who were also natives of Wales where they lived and died. John James was reared in his native country and was liberally educated in Welsh and English. Learning the woolen manufacturer's trade, which was his father's occupation, he continued that in Wales until twenty-three years old, whe he immigrated to the United States, landing at Quebec, and until the Canada rebellion broke out, resided near the city of Detroit. Then moving to New York, he worked as a nachinest at that point, Pittsburgh, Zanesville, and New Albany, and then moved to Harrison County, Ind. In 1852, he went to Cannelton, this State, and about 1869, moved on a farm in Huff Township, this county. In 1868 Mr. James and son, Samuel T., engaged in running a line of packets between Evansville and Cincinnati, at which they were very successful. In 1874 he moved to Rockport, where he has since continued to reside, retired from active labor and at peace with all mankind. Mr. James has met with many reverses in life, but indomitable pluck and energy has always brought him through with a general favorable result. He and his sons at present own 1, 400 acres of land besides other valuable property. Of the ten children born to his marriage with Margaret Jones, a native of North Wales, which occurred August 12, 1835, these six are yet living: John W., Samuel T., Hannah M., Benjamin E., Alice and Hiram Franklin. Mr. James is a man of sterling honesty and integrity, is a Sir Knight in Masonry and he and wife are members of the Old School Presbyterian Church.

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

HON. CALVIN JONES, editor and proprietor of the Rockport Democrat, was born May 25, 1821, in Daviess County, Ky., being the eldest of two surviving members of a family of six sons and five daughters born to the marriage of James Jones and Rebecca Kirk, both of whom were natives of North Carolina, where they were raised and married. Previous to 1820 these parents removed to a farm in Daviess County, Ky., with their family, but in 1827 or 1828 came to Ohio Township, Spencer Co., Ind., locating on a farm two miles south of Rockport, now owned by Sheriff E.M. Payne. The father resided on this place engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, in 1847. He was well and favorably known throughout this region, and was identified with the early prosperity of the county, having served as county commissioner, and in other positions of trust. The mother died in Rockport in 1860. Calvin Jones, the immediate subject ofthis biography, was raised in Spencer County, receiving but a meager education at subscription schools. He was engaged in farming until 1850, then he went South with corn, horses and cattle to New Orleans, which he disposed of to a good advantage. The spring of 1851 he settled at Rockport,and for two years clerked, then opened a family grocery establishment on a small scale. In 1855 he began his journalistic career by assisting R.S. Hicks in establishing the Rockport Democrat, and two years later purchased the paper, although still retaining Mr. Hicks as editor for about five years. Since that time he has conducted the Democrat with ability and success. In 1858 he was elected by his party to the State Legislature, serving in the called sesion of that year and the regular session of 1859. Mr. Jones is at present wholly engrossed in the management of the Democrat, being ably assisted by his three youngest sons who are efficient compositors and newspaper men. He was married July 23, 1850, to Susan Caroline Cavin, a native of the same county as himself, and by her is the father of five living children: Franklin G., McClellan, Royal S., Thomas L and Mattie C., now Mrs. M.N. Cortner, of Terre Haute.

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

JAMES A. JONES, foreman of P. & J.H. Hamilton's tobacco stemmery, of Rockport, was born February 19, 1844, in Spencer County, Ind., being the youngest of two children, born to Atlas and Mary (Hevern) Jones, who were natives of North Carolina and Ohio respectively. The father came to this county when a boy with his parents, was here married, and followed farming until his death in 1846. The mother still survives, and resides with our subject. James A. wa reared to man's estate in his native county, and at seventeen yearas of age began farming in this county, on the old Lincoln farm. In 1862 he enlisted in Company G, Twenty-eighth Regiment, First Indiana Cavalry, and serving through the battles of Helena, Pine Bluff, Little Rock and other engagements, was honorably discharged Jul 5, 1865. Returning to Rockport he followed house painting a number of years, together with working in the stemmery. In 1875 he was made foreman of the factory, which position he has ably and efficiently filled to the present time. Mr. Jones is a Democrat, has served as town councilman two terms, and is a member of the K. of P. Four children have been born to his marriage, with Ary Snyder, which occurred September 19, 1867, and are named Lydia, Belle, Bunnie and Jamie.

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

CONRAD KEHRER, of the firm of Vogel and Kehrer, retail liquor dealers, of Rockport, is a native of Wurtemburg, Germany, born August 7, 1848, being the youngest of a family of four children. When Conrad was about four years old his father died, and his mother married again. A few years later he came with his mother to America, and settled on a farm in Grass Township, this county. From that time, until 1873, he followed various occupations, as working on the farm, clerking in the store, flat-boating on the rivers, etc. In 1873 he engaged in his present business with James Doyle, who the following year sold his interest to Conrad Vogel. Mr. Kehrer has been fairly successful, and is the owner of considerable property in Rockport. He and wife are members of the German Lutheran Church. He was married May 16, 1874, to Caroline Mohr, a native of Warrick County, Ind., who has borne him seven children, six of whom are living, namely: Henry A., Daniel G., John A., Caroline B., Eva M. and Christian F., the last two being twins.

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

HON. ROBERT KERCHEVAL, born in Campbell County, Ky., April 3, 1824, was married January 21, 1847, to Anna M. Silverthorn, a native of Virginia, and in 1853 came to Spencer County, Ind., and for about four years was engaged in school teaching. Previous to coming to Indiana he served a three years' apprenticeship at blacksmithing, and also worked at that trade in his native State. In 1857 he was elected Justice of the Peace for Hammond Township, this county, and in 1861 was appointed route mail agent on the Ohio River, and also United States Secretary for all government goods shipped on the river between Evansville and Cairo . In 1864 and in 1866 he was elected Treasurer of Spencer County, and in 1868 was elected to the Lower House of the State Legislature. In 1869 he helped organize the Rockport Banking Company, and was also identified with other public and private enterprises. Four of the seven children born to his marriage are yet living: Samuel E., Lavenia A., Mary Alice and Maria W. Mr. Kercheval is one of five sons and nine daughters born to James and Ann (Dicken) Kercheveal, both of whom were natives of the Old Dominion.

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

JOHN KERR, a prominent farmer of Ohio Township, was born on the farm where he now resides, May 21, 1843. He is the third of seven children born to George and Jane H. (Johnson) Kerr, both natives of Scotland. The father, born May 11, 1809, was reared in his natives country and learned the carpenter's trade. In 1831 he came to America and worked for a number of years at Cincinnati, and in Butler County, Ohio. He returned to Scotland, was married, and brought his wife to Ohio, thence in 1842 to Spencer County, where he had entered a tract of land three years previous. The remainder of his life was passed upon this farm, which he cleared and improved. He died August 21, 1858. His wife survived him until October 19, 1874. John Kerr was reared at home, receiving an ordinary education for the times. September 17, 1867, he wedded Nancy H. White, a native of Perry County, Penn. After marriage he conducted his father's farm, which came into his possession at the latter's death. He now has one of the best improved farms in the county. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party, is a member of the Encampment of the I.O.O.F., and he and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church of which he is an Elder.

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

WILLIAM Y. KINCAID, an enterprising farmer of Ohio Township, is a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, born October 10, 1837. He came to Spencer County with his parents in 1853, and was brought up to hard work on the farm. After marriage he followed the carpenter's trade in connection to his farm work. Up to 1882 he lived on Section 1. In that year he bought the farm of 200 acres where he now resides. March 8, 1863, he wedded Mary F. Stillwell, a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, by whom he is the father of four living children, Clara A., Charles C., Willis B. and Claude A. Mr. Kincaid is one of a family of ten children born to James and Frances (Yauney) Kincaid, natives of Virginia and Switzerland respectively. The father located in Hamilton County, Ohio, about 1820, where he married his wife, and followed farming until he came to this county. His death occurred November 9, 1862. He was a member of the United Brethern Church, and was known as an honest, upright citizen. His wife preceded him to the grave two years, having died November 11, 1860.

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