Riley Township
View a history of Riley Township.

WILLIAM COLLISTER, farmer, Riley, was born in Riley township, Vigo county, Indiana, December 8, 1832. His father, James, was a native of the Isle of Man, and came to the United States in about 1827, and soon after settled in Vigo county. He was married to Mary WILSON, a native of West Virginia, born March 10, 1798. James, the father of William COLLISTER, died in this county in 1848, and his mother in 1836. William was married in 1864 to Rudella GORDON, who was born in Riley township, Vigo county, 1847, and by their union they have two children, Mellie and Grace. Mr. COLLISTER is an energetic and hardworking man and has one of the finest improved farms in Riley township, containing 150 acres, and located within one mile of Lockport. Mr. COLLISTER has been assessor of his township, and is always ready to take part in all local enterprises. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Riley Lodge, No. 390, and he and his wife are members of the Christian church, and in politics he is in favor of the democracy.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Riley Twp. - p. 414

W.A. CONNELY, Riley, was born in Boone county, Kentucky, in 1821, and went with his parents to Montgomery county, Kentucky, thence to Putnam county, Indiana, where his father, Gilmore CONNELY, died in 1864. He came to Vigo county thirteen years ago, and in 1856 he married Elizabeth LEAVITT, a daughter of William LEAVITT, one of the early pioneers of this county. She was born in Vigo county in 1829, and died there in September, 1876, leaving a family of three children: Rhoda R., Annie R., and Francis M. Mr. CONNELY owns 800 acres in Clay county. In politics he is a democrat, and has served one term in the legislature, having been elected in 1877. He is also a prominent and energetic member of the Masonic fraternity.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Riley Twp. - p. 422

D.W. CROSLEY, farmer, Terre Haute, was born in Clermont county, Ohio, June 28, 1815, and in 1827 he came with his parents to Clay county, Indiana, where his father John died about 1836. Mr. CROSLEY remained at home until he was old enough something for himself, after which he worked on the Wabash and Erie Canal. He helped to fell the first tree that was cut down in this county on the canal. While working on the canal he gained some knowledge of cutting and working stone, and in 1837 and 1840 he came to Terre Haute and worked four years at the stone business, helping to build the first stone front that was built in the city of Terre Haute. About 1860 he came to his farm, where he now lives. September 4, 1845, he married Hannah MULLEN, daughter of William and Annie MULLEN. She was born in Delaware, August 27, 1809. Her father came to Vigo county in 1833, where he died in his eighty-third year, and her mother in her sixty-sixth year. Mr. CROSLEY is the father of three children, two daughters and one son: William M., Mary A., wife of T.C. WILSON, and Eliza.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Riley Twp. - pp. 418-419

W.S. CURRY, farmer, Cory, Clay county, Indiana, was born in Sullivan county, Indiana, in 1818. His father, E. CURRY, came from Hamilton county, Ohio, to Vigo county, in 1824, and lived on Honey Creek prairie fifteen years. Afterward he moved to Clay county, where he died about 1860. In 1845 Mr. CURRY married Eliza FERREL, and they have three children: Daniel B., Hiram L. and Lucy.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Riley Twp. - p. 413

J.W. DICKS, manager of coal mine, Riley, was born in Kentucky, March 6, 1846. He served four years in the rebellion, in Co. F, 51st Ind. Vols., and was in the battle of Shiloh, Stone River, Day's Gap, Blount's Farm, and was captured in Georgia and held prisoner thirteen days. In 1874 he came to Vigo county, and was in the employment of the Sullivan Mining Company for some time as general agent. In April, 1880, he took charge of the Summerset mines at Lockport, and being a competent man is making a success of the heretofore unprofitable investment.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Riley Twp. - pp. 424-425

GEORGE W. FERREL, farmer, Youngstown, was born in Vigo county, Indiana, in 1831. His father, Thomas, was a native of Ohio, and came to Vigo county in an early day. His family consisted of Samuel, Marshall, Cynthia, and the subject of this sketch (George), who took an active part in the late rebellion, enlisting in 1862 in Co. E, 85th reg. Ind. Vols. He served his country faithfully until the close of the war. He participated in the battle of Resaca, Peachtree Creek, and Christian Station. He was taken prisoner, but was soon paroled, and he regained his regiment and was with it most of the time until the close of the war.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Riley Twp. - p. 416

J.P. FOWLER, druggist, Riley, was born in Canada November 27, 1850, and came with his parents to De Kalb county, Illinois, and at the age of sixteen years he served an apprenticeship at the wagon-maker's trade. In 1872 he came to Lockport, where he followed wagon-making for a short time, and then clerked in the drug store for Brill & Keaton for one year. Afterward he engaged in his former business, which he followed until he engaged in his present business, in 1876. He received the appointment of postmaster of Riley in 1877. In 1873 he married Miss C. GRAHAM, of Vigo county. Mr. FOWLER is a member of Riley Lodge, I.O.O.F.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Riley Twp. - p. 424

JOHN FOX, dealer in general merchandise and lumber, came to Lockport when quite a young man with his parents. He is the son of John FOX, a native of Germany, who came to Vigo county in 1860. Mr. FOX was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, September 7, 1847, and commenced business in Lockport in partnership with a Mr. SMITH, at which time the name of the firm was Fox & Smith. Mr. SMITH died some time ago, and Mr. FOX now carried on the business under his own name. November 25, 1869, he married Miss HERSELMAN, and they have three children: Lucy, Mary and William. Mrs. FOX's parents were of German descent; her father died in 1856, and her mother still lives in Lockport. In addition to his general merchandising business Mr. FOX does a large undertaking business. In politics he is a democrat.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Riley Twp. - p. 422

THOMAS GREEN, farmer, Riley, was born in Vigo county, Indiana, in 1841. Mr. GREEN took an active part in the rebellion and at the breaking out of the war in 1861 he was among the first to enlist. He joined the 31st Ind. Vol. Inf., and was in company C, and was soon sent forward to the field of action. He was in many a hard-fought battle, which almost terminated with the loss of his life. He was at the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, where he was wounded quite severely; Perryville, Stone River and Chickamauga, where he had his left eye shot out, which disabled him for duty for a time. As soon, however, as he was able he returned to his regiment, and went all through the Atlanta campaign, and took part in a great many skirmishes that are not mentioned in this sketch. After the close of the war he returned home, and in 1867 married Miss Elizabeth VaCLEVE, a native of Ohio. Since then he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Riley Twp. - p. 420

WILLIAM GROSE, deceased, was born in Riley township, Vigo county, March 15, 1830. The maiden name of his wife was Mary A. HARKNESS, daughter of John and Mary HARKNESS, who were pioneers of Vigo county, coming here as early as 1818. Mr. GROSE was one of the old and respected citizens of the county; always taking an active part in all its improvements, and during his life was a devoted husband and kind father. November 5, 1879, he departed this life, leaving a widow and three children to mourn his loss, one son and two daughters: Martha, Charlotta and George. Mr. HARKNESS (sic) was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, also a member of Riley Masonic Lodge, No. 390.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Riley Twp. - pp. 415-416

MEGGINSON HALL, farmer, Terre Haute, was born in England, December 14, 1842. His parents came to America in 1843, and located in Vigo county. His father, William HALL, is now a resident of the county. He first settled in Otter Creek township, and afterward moved to Lost Creek township. Mr. HALL took an active part in the late rebellion, enlisting in the 54th Ind. Vol. Inf., Co. B. Mr. HALL has been a resident of this county ever since he first came to it, with the exception of a few years spent in Illinois. He came to Riley township in 1877. He was married in 1868 to Nancy HUFFMAN, daughter of William HUFFMAN. She was born in Vigo county, November 25, 1844. Her parents came to the county in an early day. Mr. HALL is the owner of a fine improved farm containing 112 acres.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Riley Twp. - p. 420

MARY HARKNESS, Riley, was born in Butler county, Ohio, September 19, 1800, and came to Vigo county in 1818. She settled in Riley township, and has always resided within ten miles of the place where she now lives. When she came to the county she was the wife of John McCAW. He died in 1819, and in 1821 she married John HARKNESS, who died November 21, 1844. Since that time she has remained a widow, living on the farm where she first settled when she came to the county. Mrs. HARKNESS can remember seeing plenty of Indians when they first came. She is now in her eightieth year, and has been a member of the Methodist church seventy years. Mr. HARKNESS served in the war of 1812. Mrs. HARKNESS has one child, William McCAW, now a resident of Oregon, and the HARKNESS family consists of John, and Mary A., wife of the late John GROSE. Seven of their children are deceased: Mary, George, Jessie, Rebecca, Elizabeth, Matilda and Cynthia A. M.A. HARKNESS, the wife of George HARKNESS, was born in Clermont county, Ohio January 4, 1838. She has three children: George B., John W. and William M.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Riley Twp. - p. 411

WILLIAM H. HASSINGER, druggist and grocer, Riley, is a native of Richland county, Ohio, and was born there March 7, 1834. During early life he was employed as cattle drover, and when the war broke out he enlisted in 1862 in Co. E, 79th Ohio Inf., and closed until the close of the war. He was engaged with his regiment at Chattanooga, and was with SHERMAN in his march to the sea, and assisted in taking Atlanta and Milledgeville. He marched with his regiment through Savannah to Washington, and participated in the review there. At the close of the war he returned to Ohio, where he remained until 1868, when he moved to Douglas county, Illinois. Leaving the latter place in 1871, he located in Vigo county, since which time he has engaged in the drug and grocery business. March 3, 1859, he married Miss Rebecca J. CASE, a native of Vigo county, born March 20, 1842. They have ten children, four sons and six daughters: Flora, Maggie, William S., Eugenis J. Edgar A., Nettie R., James H., Sadie, Samuel B., and one unnamed. He is well patronized in his business, and is building up a constantly increasing trade. He is national in politics.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Riley Twp. - p. 424

JOHN HESS, farmer, Riley, was born in Warren county, Kentucky, January 10, 1816. His parents came to Vigo county in 1829 and settled on Honey Creek prairie, where they remained until their deaths. His father, Jacob HESS, served a number of years as county commissioner. In 1845 Mr. HESS came to Riley township, and located on the farm where he now lives. His farm contains 189 acres, which he has improved by hard work. Where he had only a small log cabin he now has good substantial buildings. July 28, 1840, he took as a life partner Sarah ALLIAN, daughter of Richard ALLIAN, who came to Vigo county in 1835. Mrs. HESS is a native of Sussex county, New Jersey, born October 7, 1813. They had six children: Martha, wife of Henry BERCAW, and Andrew; four died in infancy.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Riley Twp. - pp. 420-421

G.W. HICKSON, physician, Riley, was born in Clermont county, Ohio, in 1820. His parents came to Clay county, Indiana, in 1836. He remained at home working on the farm until June 6, 1847, when he enlisted in the 4th Ind. reg., under Capt. COCHRAN, serving all through the Mexican war. After this he returned to Madison, Indiana, and in 1849 he began the study of medicine under S.M. WRIGHT, of Lockport, Indiana. After studying three years he attended Miami Medical College, at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he graduated in 1855. After receiving his diploma he returned to Lockport, where he has been foremost in his profession. The doctor has served the people of Riley township as trustee. In 1856 he married Lizzie MANNING, a native of Washington county, Indiana. Her parents came to Vigo county, Indiana, when she was one year of age. The doctor's family consists of six children now living: Katie, William M., Charlie, John, George G., and Edward. The doctor is one of the charter members of Riley Lodge, A.F. and A.M., and his political views are in favor of democracy.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Riley Twp. - pp. 421-422

C. JACKSON, farmer, Riley, is the son of Enoch and Betsey JACKSON, and was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, where at the age of one year he had the misfortune to lose his father. His widowed mother then moved to Clay county, Indiana, where she died in 1879. In 1848 Mr. JACKSON came to Vigo county and settled in Riley township, where he now owns a well improved farm of 120 acres, the result of his own industry. In 1860 he married Livinia HICKSON, whose father was one of the earliest settlers in Clay county, and they have five children: Annie, William, Mary, Gertrude and Roscoe. He is a prominent member of the A.F. and A.M., and belongs to Riley Lodge, No. 390, and in politics is strongly republican.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Riley Twp. - p. 420

ROBERT JACKSON, diaryman, Terre Haute, is a native of Vigo county, and was born in Riley township in 1828, and is the son of John JACKSON, who was a native of York state, but moved west, locating in Vigo county in 1820, in Riley township, where he resided until his death, which occurred in 1835. For the last seven years Mr. JACKSON has engaged largely in the dairy business, which he has prosecuted successfully, keeping fifty cows, and has constant demand for all the milk. His mother, who was born in 1797, resides with him, and is quite a hale old woman for her age, and his grandfather served one term in the legislature. Mr. JACKSON married Miss Sarah A. McCOSKEY, whose parents were early settlers of the county. She was born in Vigo county, November 25, 1829, and died August 26, 1878. They had a family of eight children, four of whom are now alive - Harvey M., Chloe A., Robert E. and Theron M. Mrs. JACKSON has been a consistent member of the Methodist church since her fourteenth year, and he since his eighteenth. In politics he is strongly republican.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Riley Twp. - p. 415

DAVID A. JOSLIN, farmer, Riley, was born in Warren county, Ohio, February 10, 1812. His father, Joseph, was a native of New Jersey, born December 16, 1777, and married Sarah AUSTIN, a native of New Jersey, born March 8, 1775. They came to Ohio in 1809, and came to Vigo county in 1827. They resided in this county until their deaths; he died March 12, 1843, and she November 17, 1845. Mr. JOSLIN's father was an official member of the Methodist Episcopal church for fifty years, and Mr. JOSLIN has followed his father's example by being a faithful member of the same denomination. In 1842 Mr. JOSLIN was joined in marriage to Miss M. COOPER, daughter of James and Mary COOPER, who were early settlers of Vigo county. Mrs. JOSLIN is a native of Blount county, Tennessee, born July 26, 1818. Mr. JOSLIN is the only one now living, of the JOSLIN family, that came to the county in 1827. Mr. JOSLIN is the father of three children, of whom there is but one living, Ramon. He has also raised one who is now a young man of promise, O.B. STREETER. Mr. JOSLIN has been a life-long temperance man and has done all in his power to advocate the temperance cause. He was formerly an old line whig until the organization of the republican party for which he has since cast his vote.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Riley Twp. - pp. 414-415

NATHANIEL LEE, retired, Riley, was born in Warren county, Ohio, January 9, 1807. His father came to Vigo county in 1831, and settled on Sec. 22, in Riley township, where he resided until his death, in 1836. Mr. Nathaniel LEE served as justice of the peace in 1835, and was appointed probate judge, and afterward was elected probate judge, which office he filled until 1852. In 1860 he was elected to the legislature, serving one term and a call session. In 1834 he married Eliza HAWLEY, a native of York state, born November 1, 1810. They are the parents of six children, of whom two are living: Jasper N. and Mary E., wife of M. FOX.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Riley Twp. - p. 416

BENJAMIN McWHINNEY, farmer, Riley, is the son of John and Margaret (BARNES) McWHINNEY, natives of Ireland, and was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, in November, 1809. He remained at home working on the farm until he was nineteen years old, when he served an apprenticeship to the cooper trade, which he has followed more or less since. On completing his apprenticeship he moved to Franklin county, Indiana, and in 1833 came to Vigo county, settling where he now lives. His farm of 146 acres is well improved, fenced, and in a high state of cultivation. In 1830 he married Emily WYETHE, daughter of Joshua WYETHE. She was born in Franklin county, Indiana, and died in Vigo county in 1876, leaving a family of four children. Mr. McWHINNEY is a prominent and popular man in the county filled the office of county commissioner for three years, and later township trustee for three years.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Riley Twp. - p. 416

FRANCES E. [CARTER] McWHINNEY, Terre Haute, is the wife of the deceased JEREMIAH McWHINNEY. Mr. McWHINNEY was born in Ohio, April 8, 1825. He came to Vigo county in quite an early day, where he made his home until the breaking out of the late rebellion, in which he took an active part, resulting in his death. He went out as captain of Co. C, 31st reg. Ind. Vol. Inf., and at the battle of Pittsburgh Landing received a wound which caused his death. April 15, 1849, he married Frances E. CARTER, daughter of Thomas CARTER, who came to Vigo county in 1829. Mrs. McWHINNEY has three children, one son and two daughters, James H., Hannah R. and Lucinda C.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Riley Twp. - pp. 419-420

LINUS MOYER, farmer, Riley, is the son of David and Susan (LUTZ) MOYER, and was born in Otter Creek township, Vigo county, August 3, 1823. His father is a native of Canada, and came to the state in the fall of 1818, locating in Vigo county, Indiana, on the Henry REDFORD place, where he lived for a number of years, and then moved to Markle's Mill, in Otter Creek township. His mother was a native of Ohio, and died in Vigo county, in June, 1848. Mr. MOYER only received a limited education at the common school, and he has had to provide for himself since he was twelve years of age, working part of the time at the carpenter's trade. In 1837 he came to Riley township, where he has since resided, and has worked hard for all the property he owns. His farm of 146� acres is well improved and in good cultivation. On November 27, 1843, he married Nancy MALLERY, a native of Ohio, who was born there May 23, 1821, and died November 1, 1877. By this marriage they had four children, two living: John C. and Ira A. The dead are Mary J. and Annie. Mr. MOYER married again February 27, 1879, to Miss Maria MATTOX. He is a well known man in the township, and has been justice of the peace for a number of years.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Riley Twp. - p. 413

LOUIS NATTKAMPER, proprietor of Riley Mills, Riley, was born in Prussia June 11, 1826. He served an apprenticeship at the tanner's trade in his native country, and in 1852 emigrated to America, locating in Detroit, Michigan, where he worked four years at his trade. In 1856 he went to St. Louis, where he remained until 1858, when he came to Lockport and worked for Karcoff & Company for some time. After accumulating some means he purchased the tannery owned by them, which business he has carried on in connection with milling. Mr. NATTKAMPER has been twice married. His former wife was Minnie ROGGENKAMPER, who died in 1860. The maiden name of his present wife was Elizabeth ASPERGER. They are both natives of Prussia. He has four children by his former wife: Matilda, Fred, Augustus and Charles: and by his present wife Caroline, Emma, William, Lenia, Otto, and Rudolph.

HISTORY OF VIGO AND PARKE COUNTIES, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley
H.W. Beckwith - 1880
Riley Twp. - p. 422

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