350 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY Alt, an old resident of Evansville, and they have four children living, as follows: Mabel, wife of W. E. Miller, of Pike county; Ruth, wife of C. H. Hitch, secretary of the Builders' Exchange; Roland, and Lela. Four children died in early childhood. ANDREW KOCH, a retired citizen of Evansville, Ind., vas born in Albig, Germany, in 1841. Two years later his parents, Philip and Margaret Koch, came to America, locating first in Evansville, but removing to Posey county in a short time, where the father followed farming for about four years, returning to Evansville in 1847. There he opened a cooper shop and did a good business for about three years, when his buildings were destroyed by fire. He then turned his attention to the brewing business, established the old Eagle brewery and conducted it until 1858, when he sold out and started a brewery on the West Side, which he ran for several years. Philip Koch died in 1889, leaving five sons: Philip is the trustee of Perry township, Vanderburg county, Ind.; Henry is a successful tinner in Evansville; Andrew is the subject of this sketch; George and William have both died; one daughter, Elizabeth, is now the wife of John Ingle, manager of Rosenberger Park. Andrew Koch acquired a meager education in the common schools, but the greater part of his information has been obtained by self-study, so that it may be said he is a self-educated man. As a boy he worked in the cooper shops and brewery of his father until 1862, when he enlisted in Company D, Ninety-first Indiana infantry, and served until June, 1865, when he was discharged a short time before the expiration of his term of enlistment, because of a wound received in the leg in front of Atlanta. During his term of service he was in the battles of the Atlanta campaign, marching from Chattanooga to Atlanta; was at Franklin, Nashville and Murfreesboro; and in numerous skirmishes in which his regiment took part. He was wounded on June 6, 1865; was mustered out on the 26th of the same month; and received his discharge on July 8. After the war he engaged in the grocery and saloon business at what became known as "Koch's Stand," West Heights, and continued in that occupation until 1881. He then became interested in the sand business and followed that until 1899, MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 351 since which time he has been on the retired list. Mr. Koch has always taken a deep interest in public affairs, and has been active in political campaigns. From 1868 to 1872 he held the office of justice of the peace. In 1892 he was a candidate on the Republican ticket for the office of county commissioner, but was defeated. At the Republican convention held on. April 7, 1904, he was nominated for commissioner for the Third district of Vanderburg county, receiving his nomination on the second ballot. He is one of the chartermembers of Farragut Post, No. 27, Grand Army of the Republic, is a, member of the Old Soldiers' Republican club, and belongs to St. John's church, with the other members of his family. Mr. Koch was married in September, 1867, to Miss Katharine Klein, and they have the following children: John A., a bricklayer and contractor; Philip, also a bricklayer; Jacob, a bookkeeper; Garfield, a plumber; Elizabeth, wife of John Kronshagen, a bricklayer; Emma, wife of Charles Waterman, a farmer of Vanderburg county; and Helen, a trained nurse in Louisville, Ky. BEN S. ROSE, M.D., a well known and successful physician, of Evansville, Ind., was born near that city, in Vanderburg county, in the year 1869. He is a grandson of Rev. Benoni Stinson, whose power as a minister and orator will be remembered by all of the older citizens, far and near, and a son of Conrad and Octavia (Stinson) Rose, the father being of the successful agriculturists of Vanderburg county. Dr. Rose obtained his elementary education in the public schools. When he was twenty-two years of age he entered the Ohio Medical college, at Cincinnati, and for two years was a student in that institution, afterward graduating with high honors from the Louisville Medical college in 1894. For eleven years he has practiced his profession with unvarying success in Evansville. That success is due to the fact that he is fully abreast of his profession, keeping well informed as to new methods of treatment, etc., to his untiring industry, and to his sympathetic nature and the ease with which he makes friends and wins the confidence of his patients. He is one of those physicians who understand the true character of the Hippocratic oath, and never turns a deaf ear to the appeals of the afflicted. As a member of the Indiana State 352 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY Medical association and the localmedicall society he enjoys the full confidence and respect of his brother physicians, and occupies an honorable place among them. He is a member of the staff of the Deaconess' hospital, lecturer to the training school for nurses and surgeon for the various liability insurance companies doing business in the city. Dr. Rose is one of the progressive men of the city outside of his profession. He is a member of the Evansville Business Men's association, where he is always to be found advocating those measures that will redound to the material interests of the city. In fraternal circleshe, belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and few members of that society enjoy a greater degree of popularity at the lodge and social meetings. Politically he is an unswerving Republican, but seldom takes an active interest in political contests. He was married in 1898 to Miss elenn M. Hewson, and their home is the social center of a large circle of friends. W. FRANK LITTLE, president of the United Typewriter Company, of vansvillec, Ind., is a native of White county, Ill his father, G. R. Little, has for many years been one of the well-known and influential citizens. The subject of this sketch was educated it the public schools, graduating fromthe Carmii, Ill., high school in 1894. Before he had attained his majority he took a position as traveling salesman for the United Typewriter and Supply Company, of New York, working for two years out of the St. Louis office and then one year out of Chicago. He was then for about two years with the Smith Premier Typewriter Company, in charge of their office at Peoria, Ill., after which he came to Evansville, where he was associated for a year with the Remington Typewriter Company. In October,1901, the present company was incorporated, with a capital stock of $1,0000, for the purpose of handling all kinds of typewriters and supplies, and dealing in a general line of office furniture. The officers of the company at the present time are W. Frank Little, president; J. J. Little, secretary and treasurer. The company employs a number of traveling salesmen, who cover a large territory in the states of Indiana. Illinois and Kentucky. Although only a little over three years old, it is one of the substantial business concerns of MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 353 the city. In addition to his interests in this company Mr. Little is an extensive operator in Evansville real estate. He has the additions     Park and Maple Grove, besides other desirable city property. He was married in January, 1901, to Miss Edna Damron, of Evansville. In fraternal circles he is well known and popular, being a Knight of Pythas, an Elk and a member of the Royal Arcanum. LAURENCE B. BITZ, M.D., of Evansville, Ind., is a native of Germany, having been born Dec. 6, 1839, in the village of Weisenheim, a berg in the county of Durkheim, Rhein Province of Bavaria. When he was about seven years of age his father, Simon Bitz, came to America, located in Warrick county, Ind., and there followed farming and shoemaking until his death, which occurred on April 23, 1857. Dr. Bitz grew to manhood in Warrick county, received his education in the public schools there, and followed farming until 1864, when he enlisted in Company G, Forty-fourth Indiana infantry, and served with the regiment in Tennessee and Georgia until mustered out in 1865. During his military service his health was impaired by the hardships of a soldier's life, so that he soon gave up farming after the war and took up the study of medicine. In 1867 he entered the Miami Medical college of Cincinnati, and received the degree of M.D. from that institution in 1869. He first located at Blairsville, in Posey county, and there practiced for twenty-one years, building up a lucrative business. In 1890 he removed to Evansville and located at No. 816 Franklin street, where he has ever since practiced Jib profession. Dr. Bitz is a member of the State Medical association, the Vanderburg County Medical society, and has belonged to the American Medical association ever since 1878. He belongs to that nationality which has produced so many eminent physicians, and with the true German love for investigation he has never ceased to be a student of those things pertaining to his chosen calling. This has marked him as one of the progressive physicians of his time, and has been instrumental in bringing to him a large degree of success. On July 6, 1871, Dr. Bitz was united in marriage to Miss Mary Marvick, who was born Nov. 15, 1851, in the village of Wertel, Westphalia, Prussia, of Saxon parentage, but was reared in Paducah, I-23 354 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY Ky. Of the children born to this union six are living: Frederick C. is in business in Evansville; Laurence B., Jr., is attending school in St. Louis; Minnie R., Julia F., Mary K., and Cornelius Anton are at home. ELI D. MILLER, president of the Eli D. Miller & Co. furniture factory, of Evansville, Ind., was born in that city, in the year 1866, and is a son of Edward Miller, a native of Illinois. Eli received his education in the schools at Mt. Carmel, Ill., and there commenced at the age of nine years to learn the trade of cabinet maker. From that time until he was twenty-one he worked at this occupation, except what little time he was in school, receiving only his board and clothes for his labor. He profited in another way, however, for he acquired a knowledge of the manufacture of furniture which few men excel. In £890 he came to Evansville, where he continued to work at his trade until August, 1894, when he opened a retail furniture store at 1500 Main street. He commenced this business without a dollar, but by strict attention to business and square dealing he has built up a fine trade. In April, 1901, upon the incorporation of the United States Furniture Company, Mr. Miller was elected secretary and manager. Some eighteen months later he sold out his interest in the concern and in March, 1903, began the manufacture of furniture in a modest way at 1705 Main street. In May following the business was incorporated with the following officers: Eli D. Miller, president; John Schwan, vice-president; George L. Miller, secretary: S. W. Powell, treasurer. These officers, with the addition of Louis A. Wallenberger, constitute the board of directors. The capital stock was at first fixed at $15,000, but in February, 1904, this was increased to $35,000. Soon after the incorporation the factory at 1705 Main street was erected, as well as the one on Morgan avenue. The latter is a fine modern brick structure, with about 36,000 square feet of floor space. It was built and equipped with all its machinery in ten weeks, establishing a new record for such work. The company makes a specialty of folding beds, and already has a large and constantly growing trade. Mr. Miller still retains his retail business. He is an active Republican, a Knight MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 355 Templar Mason, a Knight of Pythias, a Buffalo, a member of the Improved Order of Red Men, the Travelers' Protective association, the Royal Arcanum, the Tribe of Ben Hur, and the Trinity Methodist Episcopal church. In all these societies he is popular because of his many sterling qualities. He was married in 1899 to Miss Kate E., daughter of Frank Weil, a merchant tailor of Evansville. JOHN A. KOCH, senior member of the firm of Koch & Griesbacher, contractors of all kinds of brickwork, Evansville, Ind., was born in that city in 2868, his parents being Andrew and Katharine (Klein) Koch. (See sketch of Andrew Koch elsewhere in this work.) He was educated in the common schools, and after leaving school served a five years' apprenticeship at the bricklayers' trade with Wilhelm Meier. In 1891 he commenced contracting for himself, the first building he erected being the three-story brick building at the corner of Third avenue and Penn street, now occupied by H. C. Koch & Sons, all the brickwork being done in five weeks. In 1893 he formed his present partnership with George Griesbacher, and since then they have erected many of the largest and most pretentious buildings about the city. Among them may be mentioned the large addition to the Evansville cotton mills; the new wing of the State insane asylum; the Palm Garden building, the second story of which was put up in eighteen hours; the Sunnyside flour mills; the George Misker building; the Vulcan plow works; the Hercules buggy company; the Lincoln cotton mills; the brickwork on the Louisville & Nashville railroad station; the mason work, sewers, etc., of the F. W. Cook brewing company; and a large number of fine residences. In addition to their work in the city several large contracts have been executed elsewhere, notably among them the large school building at Owensville, Gibson county. On the West Side they put up the Jacob Folz business block and Curry's drug store, and they erected nearly all the brick buildings in the suburban town of Howell. Mr. Koch has taken an active part in politics ever since he became a voter, giving freely of his time and money to further the interests of the Republican party. In i891 he was married to Miss Barbara Dauble, a daughter of Christ Dauble, a well known carpenter of 356 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY Evansville. To this marriage there have been born two children, Johnnie and Elfrida. Mr. Koch is a member of the Builders' Exchange and of the German Lutheran church. CHRIST KANSLER, president of the Mechanics' Planing Mill Company, and one of the leading contractors and builders of Evansville, Ind., was born inGermany iny 1850. He received his education in the schools of his native land, and there learned the trade of carpenter. In 1870, when he was but twenty years of age, he came to this country, and soon after his arrival in the United States came to Evansville. There he found ready employment at his trade and worked at it as a journeyman until 1879, when he began contracting for himself on a small scale. The following year he formed a partnership with Jacob Bippus, which association lasted for eleven years. During that time they erected a large number of fine buildings in Evansville and vicinity, acquiring a reputation for honest workmanship of which any builder might be proud. It has been said that when Christ Kansler is the contractor the owner of the building does not need a supervising architect to see that the contract is carriedoutt. No better recommendation of his integrity is needed than this simple statement. Mr. Kansler was married in 1873 to Miss Margaret Sniger, and his eldest son, Gus Kansler, is now associated with him in business, being the secretary and treasurer of the planing mill company, and a young man of fine business qualifications. Mr. Kansler is a splendid example of the thrift and industry of the German people. Coming to this country a little more than thirty years ago, with no capital but his trade and a willingness to work, he has by his energy and square dealing built up a magnificent business, and enjoys the full confidence and respect of the good people of Evansville. ANTON KESSLER, the leading contractor and builder of Evansville, Ind., was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1864. Having completed a thorough course both theoretically and practically in his adopted trade, stonemasonry, in the Fatherland, he came to America when about twenty years of age. This was in the year of 1888, and MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 357 soon thereafter he came to Evansville. For the first year, he did not follow his trade, but worked at various occupations, at the end of which year he formed a co-partnership with his brother, Philip, carrying on a general contracting and masonry business under the firm name of Kessler Bros., and until the death of Mr. Philip, Kessler in 1897 this partnership continued as originated. Since then Mr. Kessler has conducted the business alone, increasing his business and territory year by year. His connection with the erection of some of the largest and finest buildings in this city indicate the character of work. done by him. Among them are the two fine churches, St. Anthony's and St. Boniface, the high school building, the manual training school and a. number of other school buildings. The furniture factories of the various Karges company's plants, and also the factories of the Crescent and Evansville Furniture Companies, the children's public home, the Rathbone home, the St. Mary's hospital and a number of the largest and finest residences. Mr. Kessler is recognized as one of the most up-to-date builders, and by his carefulness in executing his work and his faithful adherence to contracts, he has acquired his well deserved reputation of fairness, honesty and punctuality. He was married in 1893 to Miss Carrie Fischer, of Evansville, and they have four children: Emma, Anton, Helena and Franzee is a member of St. Anthony's church, and takes an interest in its charitable work. WILLIAM T. VARNER, M.D., a promising physician of Evansville, Ind., was born in Spencer county of that state in 1866. After the usual preliminary education of the American boy in the common schools he entered the Indiana State university, at a Bloomington, and graduated with the degree of A.B. with the class of 1891. For the next two years he was county superintendent of schools in his native county, having previously taught in the public schools. Upon the expiration of his term as superintendent he entered Barnes' Medical college of St. Louis, Mo., and graduated from that institution with the degree of M.D. in 1896. In April of that year he located in Evansville, where he has been in constant practice ever since. By his close attention to his business, his high order of professional 358 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY skill, and his genial personality he has established a lucrative practice and has won for himself a name among the leading physicians of the city. He is a member of the American, the Indiana State, and the Ohio Valley Medical associations, and of the Vanderburg County Medical society, and for the past four years has been one of the city physicians. Doctor Varner takes an active interest in public affairs, his voice and vote always being on the side of municipal progress and the general improvement of the public health and morals. He is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity. In 1890 he was married to Miss Frances Salm, daughter of Solomon Salm, of Troy, Ind., and occupies one of the coziest homes in the city of Evansville, where Mrs. Varner is popular in social circles. THEO. E. RECHTIN, dealer in lumber and building materials, Evansville, Ind., was born and reared in that city, and received his education there. His father, John T. Rechtin, was a native of Germany, who came to Evansville in 1848, where he was identified with the sawmill and Iumber interests until 1894, when he retired, living a quiet life until his death in 1902. Theo. E. Rechtin be came associated with his father soon after leaving school, and has been intimately connected with the Evansville building trades ever since. In 1897 he bought out all the interests in the plant formerly conducted by his father, and now has the largest and best equipped building supply concern in the city, as well as one of the largest in the Lower Ohio Valley. His establishment is located on Lower Seventh street and occupies one-half of an entire square. Everything that goes into the construction of a building can be found there. Mr. Rechtin's trade extends to many of the surrounding towns and cities, and is constantly on the increase. Aside from his private business interests he is considered as one of the most progressive and public spirited men in Evansville, always ready to lend his aid to any enterprise for promoting the city's welfare. He was married in 1887 to Miss Catherine M. Tisserand, of Evansville, and they have one daughter, Lucy Adaline. MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 359 ADAM H. SCHROEDER, president of the Schroeder Headlight Company, Evansville, Ind., was born in Germany in the year 1836. When he was about seventeen years of age he came to America, and for twelve years was engaged in iron work in Cincinnati. In 1866 he located in Evansville, where he became a maker of house fronts, his reputation as a skilled mechanic in this line soon bringing him all the business he could attend to. In 1884 he took up the business of electro-plating on a modest scale and continued in that line with success until 1893, when he organized the Schroeder Headlght Company for the manufacture of locomotive headlights, switch and signal lamps. The company was incorporated in 1899 with a capital stock of $10,000, with Mr. Schroeder as president and his son, Charles F., as secretary and treasurer. The goods turned out by this company have found favor with railroad men and the demand for the Schroeder lights is constantly increasing. In whatever department of industry Mr. Schroeder has engaged he has been successful because of his native ability, his indomitable energy and his inherent honesty. He was married in 1858 to Miss Mary Wolke, also a native of Germany, and they have three children living: Charles R. Anna. and Lizzie, now Mrs. Rieger. CHARLES F. SCHROEDER, the secretary and treasurer of the company, was born and reared in the city of Evansville. At the age of twelve years he became associated with his father in the plating business, and when the headlight company was incorporated was made secretary and treasurer, which position he held ever since. He is a fine representative of the younger school of business men, with progressive ideas and believes in modern methods. In 1901 he was Henry Doench, of Evansville. 360 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY MAJ. JOSEPH B. COX, a prominent citizen of Howell, Ind., is a native of Vanderburg county, having been born in Perry township in 1830, and has been a resident of the county all his life. His parents, Col. James and Frances M. (Miller) Cox, were among the pioneer settlers of Southwestern Indiana. The father came to Vanderburg county in 1818, where he followed farming and operated a wood yard, selling wood to the steamboats on the Ohio river near the Ingle coal mines. For some time he held the rank of colonel in the state militia. The maternal grandfather, George Miller, came from Kentucky in 1809 and settled where the city of Evansville now stands. As far as known he was the first white man to settle there, and it is very likely that his solitary log cabin was the first house in the city. Col. James Cox died in 1834 and his wife in 1886. She had been a resident of Perry Township for seventy-six years. They had a family of five children, of which Maj. Joseph B. Cox is the only survivor. He was educated in the common schools of his native county; attended the Cincinnati high school; passed one term in St. Xavier's college of Cincinnati, and graduated from Bacon's Business college in 1849. Upon leaving school he engaged as second clerk on a steamboat running between Cincinnati and New Orleans. He was soon promoted to the position of head clerk and for the next eight cars followed the river. He was then elected township trustee of Perry Township, and served one year as a member of the board when there were three trustees, and was the first trustee of the township under the law changing from three trustees to one. After serving one year as trustee he went into the sheriff's office as deputy and served there for two years, or until the breaking out of the war. In 1861 he raised a company which was afterward mustered into the service as Company F, Sixtieth Indiana infantry. He was elected captain of the company at the time the regiment was organized and a few months later was made major. For a time his regiment was stationed at Indianapolis, guarding Confederate prisoners, and was then sent to Kentucky, where it participated in the campaign. After thirteen months of service Major Cox resigned on account of his health and returned to Evansville. where for the next two and a half years he was chief deputy in the county treasurer's office. He was then MEMOIRS OF LOWER OHIO VALLEY - - 361 deputy sheriff for six years, and during President Cleveland's first administration he held the position of surveyor of customs for the port of Evansville, serving in that capacity for four years and one month. Since that time he has been engaged in looking after his large farming interests and in real estate operations. As president of the Howell Land Company he superintended the laying out of the town of Howell, and has been identified with its growth ever since it started. Major Cox is also a director in the Evansville, Suburban & Newburg railroad, and a stockholder in the City National and West Side banks of Evansville and the Fair Ground association. His connection with these institutions marks him as a man of enterprise and public spirit. Major Cox has been twice married. In 1863 he was married to Miss Amanda W. Sirkle, who died in i868, leaving one son, Dr. D. A. Cox, one of the leading physicians of Howell. In 1871 Major Cox was married to Miss Martha J. Angel, and to this union there have been born two sons: Robert M., a farmer of Union township, Vanderburg county, and Joseph B., a practicing physician of Posey county, Ind. Major Cox is a member of the General Baptist church of Howell and takes an interest in promoting its good works. THOMAS RUSTON, a well known citizen of Evansville, Ind., was born in Cambridgeshire, England, in 1853. When he was seventeen years of age he came to America, and for a year worked on a farm in Warrick county, Ind. He then came to Evansville, where he was associated with W. J. Newitt in the floral business until 1873, when he went to St. Louis. There he followed the same line of work for two years, at the end of which time he went to Chicago, where he was for a year with a floral company, and then took charge of John Hanson's place at Rose Hill cemetery. He remained with Mr. Hanson about a year and then returned to Evansville, which city has, with the exception of a short time, ever since been his home. In May, 1878, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Graves, of Evansville, and for the next seven years was in charge of Dr. Walker's greenhouses. In 1884 he went to Chicago again, where he was for a short time with the floral establishment of 362 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY Charles Reisig, the finest in the city. After leaving Mr. Reisig he was with A. P. Jackson at Bowmanville for a little while, and then came back to Evansville. For the last nine years he has been engaged in the work of contracting for the building of roads, and the greater part of that time has held the position of road supervisor. Mr. Ruston is a Republican in politics, and at the Vanderburg county convention of his party in April, 1904, he was nominated over four popular candidates for the office of county commissioner from the First district. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, has gone through the chairs and served as delegate to the Grand Lodge twice. Mr. and Mrs. Ruston have three children Annie May, wife of Will Carleton of the Associated Press; Florence Maud, wife of John Granelswith, and Inez May. GEORGE GRIESBACHER, of the firm of Koch & Griesbacher, contractorof brickwork, Evansville, Id., was born in that city in 1858. His father, Charles was a native of Alsace-Lorraine, Germany, but came to America Ins early manhood. At one time he owned a lot in New York City where Madison Square garden is now located. About 1855 he came to Evansville, where he became one of the leading brick contractors, and followed that vocation until his death in 1884. George Griesbacher received his education in the parochial schools of Evansville, and at the age of thirteen years started in to learn the trade of bricklayer with his father. He continued to work with his father until the latter's death, and for the next ten years worked as a journeyman brick layer for different employers. In 1894 he formed a partnership with John Koch which still exists. As both members of the firm ar practical mechanics and take pride in the punctual execution of their contracts the new firm soon came to be one of the most prominent in its line in the city of Evansville. In recent years the:. have been entrusted with the erection of some of the largest pulp tic and private buildings in the city, and in every instance their work has been well done and done on time. (See sketch of John Koch for some of the most important structures.) Mr. Griesbacher is a member of the Builders' Exchange, the Business Men's association and MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 363 the Citizens' Alliance, and belongs to the Trinity German Lutheran church. He was married in 1884 to Miss Henrietta Weber, a daughter of John `Weber, one of the old residents of Evansville. He was born in Germany and settled in Evansville about the same time as the father of Mr. Griesbacher. JOHN H. OSBORN, an old and well known resident of Evansville, Ind., has been for several years prominently identified with the manufacturing interests of the Loner .Ohio Valley. He was born in Boone county, Ill., but when three years of age came with his parents, William and Ann (Burrell) Osborn, to Cannelton, Ind., where he grew to manhood and obtained his education. He learned the trade of machinist, worked in different shops in Louisville and Owensboro, Ky., and for nearly fifteen years was connected with the cotton mills at Cannelton. In 1875 he came to Evansville as master mechanic of the Evansville Cotton Mills. Nine years later he was promoted to the responsible position of superintendent of the mills, which he has ever since held, his previous practical training giving him especially hIgh qualifications for the place. Mr. Osborn was one of the organizers of the White Oak Handle Company, which was incorporated in 1902 with a capital stock of $3,000, and has been president of the company since the formation, W. H. Patrick being the secretary and treasurer. The company manufactures plow handles exclusively and the demand for its products is constantly increasing. Aside from his private business interests Mr. Osborn finds time to assist in the promotion of any enterprise tending to advance the commercial prosperity of Evansville, and to devote to public affairs. Although he is an ardent Republican, and has frequently been urged to accept a nomination for public office, the only political position he ever held was that of trustee of the Evansville waterworks, being a member of the board at the present time. In 1875 he declined to accept the nomination for Congress, though in 1904 he was a delegate to the national Republican convention which nominated Roosevelt and Fairbanks. It is therefore from no lack of loyalty to his political convictions that he declines political honors, but simply from his devotion to his business undertakings. Mr. Osborn 364 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY has served with marked ability as a director of the Central Trust and Savings Company, the Union Savings Company, and the Evansville Business Men's association. In fraternal circles he is a well known figure, being a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is also a member of St. Paul's Episcopal church and is a liberal contributor to the charitable work of his church. In June, 1878, Mr. Osborn was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. White, of Evansville. JOSEPH SCHAEFER, an undertaker and embalmer of Evansville, Ind., is of German lineage, his parents, Benedict and Katharine (Miller) Schaefer, both having been natives of the Fatherland. The father came to America in 1834, locating first at Pittsburg, Pa., where he remained for about three years, and where he was married. In 1837 he came down the Ohio river to Vanderburg county, Ind., where he obtained a farm in German township and followed farming until 1854, when he removed to Evansville and died there i18606o. The mother died in 1886. They had a family of four children, viz.: Martin, now a retired contractor living on Ingle street in Evansville; Katharine, who married Chris. Schulte, of Evansville, and died in 1898; Elizabeth, now the wife of Peter Leonard, of Evansville, and Joseph, the subject of this sketch. Joseph Schaefer was born on the farm in German township in 1841. He continued to live on the farm until he was almost nineteen years of age, securing such an education as the common schools of that day afforded. When he was nineteen years old he commenced serving an apprenticeship at cabinet making, and subesquently learned the carpenters' trade, at which he worked until 1872. He then embarked in business for himself as a contractor and builder, later adding that of undertaking, and since 1883 has devoted all his time and attention to the latter branch of the business. In 1882 he took a course in the art of embalming under Professor Clark, of Cincinnati, and in 1897 took a course in the embalming school of that city, receiving his diploma on the second day of May. On July 12, 1901, he received an embalmer's license, which gives him the authority to prepare MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 365 bodies for shipment as well as burial. He has the oldest undertaking establishment in the city and does an extensive business. On Oct. 5, 1863, Mr. Schaefer was married to Miss Elizabeth Bitz, a native of Germany, but who came to Warrick county, Ind., when she was but four years of age. To this marriage there have been born the following children: 'Mary, wife of Edward Mathews, a marble cutter, of Evansville; Anna T.; John A., a plumber of Evansville; Benjamin T., in St. Louis; Edward M., in partnership with his father in the undertaking establishment; Aurelia, wife of Olaf Olsen, who is employed in the Chicago offices of the Illinois Central railroad. Mr. Schaefer is a member of the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic church. J. RICHARD ANDERSON, general contractor and builder, of Evansville, Ind., was born at Springfield, Tenn., in 1863. His father, W. T. Anderson, was a farmer of Cedar Hill, in the same county as Springfield. The subject of this sketch obtained his education in the public schools and worked on a farm until he attained his majority. He then entered the employ of John S. McCorkle, with whom he served an apprenticeship at carpentering, after which he came to Evansville, where he was for four years in the coach building department of the Evansville & Terre Haute railroad shops. He left this position to take charge of the wood working department of George T. Mesker's architectural iron works. Here he remained until about 1898, when he commenced contracting for himself. While Mr. Anderson can erect any kind of building he makes a specialty of fine residences, and some of the most pretentious hones of Evansville owe their existence to his architectural taste and skill. Among them may he mentioned the residences of the late Jabez Wooley, at Fulton avenue and Maryland street; O. C. Hauserman, on Campbell street: Henry Folz; Charles W. Wittenbraker, and Dr. Kelsay, as well as a number of others. Mr. Anderson does the greater part of his own designing and his large patronage is due to his exquisite taste in the arrangement and decoration of the home. He is a member of the Evansville Business Men's association, is a stockholder in the Princeton oil field. belongs 366 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLY to the First Baptist church in which he was an official for several years, and is one of the all round progressive men of Evansville. He was married on June 6, 1891, to Mss Annie Taylor, a native of Kentucky, but who was reared in Evansville. She died en Jan. 14, 1901, leaving one son, Roy Taylor. RANE CLAY WILKINSON, a well known and popular member of the bar of Evansville, Ind., was born in Gibson county of that state, his parents being Aaron B. and Lucinda Wilkinson. He was reared on a farm and received his elementary education in the common schools of his native county. In 1862 he enlisted as a private in the Eighteenth Indiana infantry for "three years or during the war." His regiment was attached to General Schofield's division and during its three years of active service was in some of the hardest fought battles of the war. Mr. Wilkinson made an honorable record as a soldier, receiving four wounds while in the army. At Perryville, Ky., Oct. 8, 1862, he was slightly wounded, but was soon again on duty. In the charge on the Confederate fortifications at Resaca, Ga., in May, 1864, he was shot three times within a few minutes and was left on the field for dead. His splendid constitution pulled him through, however, though he still carries a bullet in his right shoulder as a memento of that terrific charge. After the war he returned to Indiana, and for the next two years was a student in a select school, where he finished his education. He then took service with the Evansville Journal Company and remained in their employ for five years. At the end of that time he entered the law office of Mattison and Gilchrist as a student, and in due time was admitted to the bar. Shortly after his admission he formed a partnership with Maj. H. A. Mattison, and this association lasted until 1883, since which time Mr. Wilkinson has practiced alone. Mr. Wilkinson takes an interest in public questions, though he is not an active politician. During the administration of Gov. Alvin P. Hovey he was commissioned colonel and chief of staff, and accompanied the governor on his trip through Mexico. As an attorney Mr. Wilkinson stands well among the attorneys of Southern Indiana, and as a citizen he is regarded as one of the representative men of Evansville. C. E. LAUGHLIN, M.D., superintendant of the Southern Indiana hospital for the insane, at Evansville, was born in Lawrence county, Ind., in 1855. His father, Dr. E. D. Laughlin, was a practicing physician, and was for many years located at Orleans, in Orangr MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 367 county, where the subject of this sketch received his general education in the public schools. After a preliminary study with his father he entered the Miami Medical college, at Cincinnati, O., from which he graduated with the degree of M.D. in 1878. He began the practice of medicine at Orleans, where he was associated with his father, and soon won popularity by his close attention to business and his professional skill. Doctor Laughlin has been actively ident fled with the Republican party ever since attaining his majority, and on June 1, 1903, he was appointed superintendent of the insane hospital, succeeding Doctor Stoner, who had held the position for two and one-half years. He is a firm believer in the efficacy of association as a means of promoting good feeling among physicians, and for the purpose of elevating the standard of professional ability. Ile is therefore a member of the American, the Indiana State, the Mississippi Valley, and the Ohio Valley Medical associations, and the medical society of Vanderburg county. While practicing at Orleans he was honored with the presidency of the Orange County Medical society, and he has frequently served on committees in other medical societies. Doctor Laughlin was married in 1878 to Miss Emma Brown, of Mitchell, Ind., and they have three children living: Ruth, Edward and Genevieve. Ruth is now Mrs. M. Mayer, of Covington; Edward is in the railroad, service, and Genevieve is at home. EDWARD W. HOLTZ, vice-president of the Riechman Furniture Company, of Evansville, Ind., was born in that city in December, 1872, and has there spent his entire life. He is a son of the late Henry Holtz, a native of Germany, who was for a number of years one of the prominent figures in Evnsville circles. The subject of this sketch attended the Evansville schools until he was about fourteen years of age, when he went to work for the Indiana Furniture Company and remained in their employ for about two years. He then went to the Karges Furniture Company, with which he was associated in various capacities for thirteen years. During that time he learned the furniture manufacturing business, and when the Riechman Company was organized he was made vice-president. The company makes a specialty of wardrobes and kitchen cabinets and 368 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY enjoys a large and constantly expanding trade. Evansville is note: far and wide for its furniture factories. Almost everything in the way of office and residence furnishings is manufactured in city. Of the men who are active in turning out this immense product few are better qualified or more practical than Mr. Holtz. Ever since the company was organized he has discharged the dorm, of general superintendent, and the success of the company is due in a great measure to his able assistance, and to his motto; “Honesty is the best policy." Mr. Holtz takes a commendable interest in public affairs. Although he is a firm believer in Democratic principles he is not particularly active in politics, but he keeps in touch with public events and fearlessly discharges his duty as a citizen. THEODORE E. RAUSCHENBACH, president of the Anchor Roofing and Paving Company, of Evansville, Ind., was born H. the city of St. Louis, Mo., in 1868. His father, August Rauschenbach, was a native of Germany. He came to St. Louis :n 1854, and there followed his profession of civil engineer. For forty-five years he was city engineer of St. Louis, and at the time of his death, in May, 1900, was actively connected with municipal affairs. Theodore received his education in the schools of his native city. After completing the course in the grammar schools he attended Toensfeld's Military academy for young men, and then took a course in telegraphy, shorthand and typewriting. For two years he was in the main office of the Western Union Telegraph Company as money order clerk, and following that was for two years in the commission department of a wholesale grocery house. In 1887 he went into the cement business in St. Louis and continued in that line until 1896, when he came to Evansville, where he was associated with the Anchor Supply Company until 1902. In that year he and H. D. Baldwin bought out the paving business and on Jan. 1, 1904, in company with Arthur Funkhouser and R. Baumgartner, organized the Anchor Roofing and Paving Company, with a capital stock of $10,000. Mr. Rauschenbach was made president and Mr. Baldwin secretary. The company does a large business in cement work, many of the sidewalks in Evansville being of their construction. Mr. Rauschenbach is a member of the National Union and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He was married in 1895 to Miss Nettie Parmley, of Mount Vernon, Ill. MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 369 EDWARD R. SMITH, vice-president, secretary and manager of the E. Q. Smith Chair Company, of Evansville, Ind., was born and reared in that city, the only son of Edward Q. and Marian W. (Ray) Smith. His father was born at Hunter, Green county, N. Y., Feb. 7, 1828. Beginning at the age of fourteen years he learned the trade of millwright with his father, Jeremiah Smith, who was a skilled mechanic, and in 1848 started west to seek his fortunes. Some time was spent in Milwaukee and the pineries of Wisconsin, after which he wended his way southward, working in both Memphis and St. Louis. From the latter city he went to Cincinnati to assist in building the machinery for the first machine chair factory in the west. He next went to Detroit, where he remained for about two years. On March 29, 1852, he was married to Marian W., daughter of Elijah Ray, of Vermont, and for the next six years lived in Cincinnati, where he had charge of the largest chair factory in the city. In that time he enlarged the plant so that the capacity was doubled, and invented three machines that have since been generally adopted by chair manufacturers. In 1857 he came to Evansville, and there established the first steam chair factory west of Cincinnati. From that time until his death, March 10, 1903, his business career was a part of the warp and woof of the industrial and commercial life of the city. His first factory was located on the canal, at the corner of Ohio and Indiana streets, where he remained until 1866, when he built a new one at the corner of Third and Division streets. In 1880 he acquired the property at the corner of Oak and Waters streets and there erected a sawmill for the purpose of supplying the materals for chair manufacture. Ten years later he built the factory adjoining the sawmill, where the business is still conducted. In 1888 the E. Q. Smith Chair Company was incorporated with himself as president and his son, Edward R., as vice-president and manager. Since the death of the founder of II-24 370 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY this business his widow has succeeded to the presidency. Edward R. Smith was educated in the Evansville schools, and from the time he left school, with the exception of one year, he has been identified with the chair factory. He began at the bottom of the industry and has worked his way up, step by step, through every process of chair manufacture. There is not a piece of machinery in the establishment with which he is not perfectly familiar, and he can take the timber "from the stump" and convert it into a chair of any style or quality as well and as quickly as any skilled artisan in the country. His company makes all grades of chairs, from the cheapest wood seats to the finest polished and upholstered rockers. Mr. Smith is a member of the Trinity Methodist Episcopal church, and like his father before him is prominent in Masonic circles, both attaining the degree of Knight Templar. He was married in 1889 to Miss Amelia Neekamp, and to this union there have been born two children : Edward and Floyd. GEORGE LAUT, for more than half a century a resident of Evansville, Ind., was born in Huntingdonshire, England, in March, 1828. He is one of five children born to William and Jemima Laut. The three daughters died in England and the two sons, William and George, came to America while they were still young men. In January, 1851, George Laut came to Evansville, and ever since that time he has been a resident of the city and an active member of its business population. Before coming to this country he had been a sub-contractor under the British government, and after coming to Evansville he took up the work of bricklaying, soon becoming a contractor of all kinds of brickwork. He built the first brick school house in Evansville, as well as the first brick structure to he used for mercantile purposes and the first brick sewer. During hi- long and active career he has probably participated in the erection of more buildings in Evansville than any other man now living in the city. In 1885 he established the brick manufacturing plant now known as the Evansville Pressed Brick Company, which he conducted until his retirement from active business affairs in 1901. Mr. Laut a a member of the Trinity Methodist Episcopal church and has for years been a contributor to its charitable works. He has been twice married. In 1853 he was united in marriage to Mary Ann Stratton, who died in 1864. Three of the children born to that marriage are yet living: Elizabeth, now the wife of Elisha Stevens ; Emma, wife of William Vickery, a grocer of Evansville, and Alice. In the fall MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 371 of 1865 Mr. Laut was married to Elizabeth Storton and they have three children living: Charles S., Herbert S., and Fannie. Charles S. is at home; Herbert S. is president of the brick company, and Fannie is the wife of George Daum, bookkeeper in the Old National bank. Herbert S. Laut was born in the city of Evansville in the year 1871. After obtaining his education in the public schools he learned the brick manufacturing business with his father, and when the company of which he is now president was incorporated in 1901 he was elected president and W. S. Gilbert was elected secretary. The company makes a specialty of bricks for street paving and for foundations in heavy buildings. Their trade extends over Southern Indiana and Illinois, but their principal market is St. Louis. Mr. Laut is thoroughly familiar with every detail of brick making and he does not permit any inferior goods to leave the factory, a fact to which the popularity of the Evansville pressed brick is largely due. His thoroughness and energy have placed him among the foremost and most progressive business men of Evansville. He is a member of he Trinity Methodist Episcopal church and the Knights of Pythias. In 1893 he was united in marriage to Miss Delia Smith, daughter of the late Edward Q. Smith, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. To this marriage there has been born one daughter, named Winifred. JOHN A. SCHWAN, viccpresident of the Eli D. Miller Furniture Company of Evansville, Ind., is a native of Fayette county, Ill. His father, Charles Schwan, was a farmer, a native of Germany, but came to America in his early life, settled first at Mayville, Wis., then in Fayette county, Ill., and there lived until his death, which occurred in 1878. John A. Schwan grew to manhood in Fayette county, receiving his education in the public and parochial schools. In 1892 he came to Evansville, where he learned the trade of cabinet maker with the Karges Furniture Company. He remained with this company for eleven years, or until 1903, when he formed a partnership with Eli D. Miller for the manufacture of folding beds. Later the Business was incorporated and 372 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY Mr. Schwan was made treasurer of the concern, a position he held until the beginning of the year 1904, when he was elected vice-president. The first factory of the company was located at 1307-1309 Main street. The new factory is located at the corner of Elsas avenue and Morgan street, and is a two-story brick, 128 by 150 feet, where seventy-five skilled workmen are employed. The offices are at the corner of Main and Franklin streets. As both Mr. Schwan and Mr. Miller are practical furniture men, with an ambition to build up a successful business, it is safe to say that no imperfect or inferior goods are sent out from their works. Mr. Schwan is a member of the German Lutheran Trinity church, of Evansville. LOUIS KRAMER, president and manager of the New York Dimension Supply Company, of Evansville, Ind., was born in the city of New York in 1852. His father, Frank Kramer, was a native of Germany, who came in his early manhood to America. During the Civil war he served in a New Jersey regiment and died soon after being discharged from the service, his death being precipitated by the hardships encountered and wounds received while in the army Louis Kramer was educated in the public schools of New York and in 1872 came to Evansville, where he has ever since been engaged in the lumber business in some form. For two years immediately after coming to Indiana he was interested in a sawmill on Green river, Ky. In 1896 the Dimension Supply Company was organized and incorporated under the laws of New York, for the purpose of manufacturing all grades of wood mantels, the woodwork for all kinds of plumbers' fixtures, and .extension tables, all of which is finished in the white and the greater part of which is shipped to eastern markets. The capital stock was fixed at $5,000 and Mr. Kramer was elected president. The mills and lumber yards of the company are located at Evansville. Mr. Kramer takes a keen rest in every movement for the advancement of Evansville's commercial and material prosperity. He is a member and was for some a director in the Evansville Business Men's association : a director in the traffic bureau : and a member of the Tri-State Fair associa- MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 373 tion. In 1879 he was united in marriage to Miss Helen, daughter of Philip Auler, who was for many years identified with the Springfield Fire Insurance Company, and one of Evansville's representative citizens. Mr. and Mrs. Kramer have three sons. Frank lives at Last Orange, N. J., and is the champion bicyclist of America; Edward is in charge of the company's yards at New Harmony; and Louis, Jr., is connected with his father in business. JOHN R. BRILL, junior member of the law firm of Spencer & Brill, Evansville, Ind., was born near Center Valley, Hendricks county, of the same state, Dec. 26, 1863, his parents being William and Jeannette (Matthews) Brill. His father and After coming to Indiana he followed farming until his death, which occurred when the subject of this sketch was about ten years old. The mother was born in Scotland, but when she was about twenty years of age she cane with a sister to this country, two brothers having previously come over the water. She died at the home of her son, in Evansville, April 10, 1904. John R. Brill is the third child in a family of six, four sons and two daughters, five of whom are yet living. George W. Brill is a prominent lawyer at Danville, Id.; William T. is an undertaker in the same city; Rachel Jeannette is the wife of Frank Sparks, of Hendricks county; and Betsey Virginia lives in the same county. After the death of his father John R. assisted his brother in conducting the farm until he attained his majority. During that time he attended the district school until he was proficient in the common branches, and then went to the Central Normal college, at Danville, two winter sessions. In 1884 he entered the Indiana State university, at Bloomington, and graduated in 1889 with the degree of A.B. He then went to Arkansas and was principal of the public schools at Eldorado in that state for one year, when he returned to Indiana, and in the fall of 1890 entered the law department of the State university, graduating with the degree of LL.B. in June, 1891, as the orator of his class. On July 12, of the same year, he located in Evansville and the following fall formed a partnership with John W. Spencer, under the firm name of 374 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY Spencer and Brill, which still exists, being one of the leading law firms of Southwestern Indiana. In politics Mr. Brill is a Democrat and has taken an active part in political matters ever since coming to Evansville. He served four years as deputy prosecuting attorney and was chairman of the city central committee two terms. In 1894 he was the nominee of his party for the office of prosecuting attorney for the First judicial district, composed of the counties of Vanderburg and Posey, but was defeated by 251 votes, although he led the ticket. The Republican state ticket that year carried Vanderburg county by about 1,100 votes, yet Mr. Brill's opponent carried the county by only 351, thus demonstrating his popularity with the, masses, as well as his reputation as a lawyer. Mr. Brill is a prominent Knight of Pythias and a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He was married on June 29, 1899, to Miss Mare Baird, of Evansville, and they have three little daughters: Ma: Jeannette, aged five years; Martha Virginia, aged three, and Katherine Elizabeth, aged one year. HON. FRANK B. POSEY, surveyor of customs, lawyer and ex-Congressman of Evansville, Ind., is a native of the: Hoosier state, having been born at Petersburg, the county scat of Pike county, April 28, 1848, and is a son Dr. John W. and Sarah (Blackburn) Posey. For more than a century the name of Posey has been closely interwoven with the growth and development of Indiana and the nation. The grandparents of Frank B., Richard and Franes (Allen) Posey, came from Abbeville district, S. C., in the year 1804 and settled at Bruceville, in Knox county. The grandfather was a cousin of Gen. Thomas Posey brigadier-general on the staff of George Washington during the Revolutionary war, and from whom Posey county, Ind., took its name. Richard Posey was the son of John Posey, a native of North Carolina, and his father was a native of Sussex county, Va. At the time Richard and Frances Posey came to Indiana Dr. John W. Posey, Frank's father, was an infant. He received such an education as the schools of that day afforded, took up the study of medicine and after his graduation located at Petersburg, where for more than fifty years MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 375 he was one of the leading physicians. As a skilled surgeon he was known all over Southern Indiana. He died at Petersburg in 1884. On. the maternal side the mother of Mr. Posey was a member of the same branch of the Blackburn family as United States Senator J. C. S. Blackburn of Kentucky. She died on Aug. 12, 1851, when the subject of this sketch was but a few months over three years old. Frank B. Posey is the youngest of six sons and is the only surviving member of his family. He received his primary education in the common schools of his native town and at the age of fifteen entered Asbury—now DePauw—university, attending that institution from 1864 to 1867. For the next two years he was deputy auditor at Petersburg, studying law during his leisure time, and in i868 he entered the law department of the Indiana State university at Bloomington, graduating therefrom in 1869. Being admitted to the bar immediately afterward he established himself in practice and soon became well known over all the southwestern portion of the state. At the age of twenty-five years he had a clientage that extended to five county courts. Before he reached his majority he was appointed district attorney for Knox, Daviess, Martin and Pike counties, by Governor Baker, to serve out an unexpired term. In early manhood Mr. Posey cast in his lot with the Republican party. In 1872 he was nominated by acclamation for representative to the state legislature; was defeated by two votes in a county where the Democratic majority generally ran into the hundreds; was again nominated for the same office in 1878, without opposition, but was defeated with the rest of his ticket. In 188o he was one of the presidential electors for Indiana and cast his vote for Garfield and Arthur. He was nominated for this position by a convention at which he was not present. Two rears later he was chosen as his party candidate for state senator for the district composed of Pike and Warrick counties—a district in which the Democratic majority was about 1,000, vet Mr. Posey was defeated by only 150 votes. In 1888 he was the Republican nominee for Congress, against Judge W. F. Parrott, of Evansville, and was defeated by only twenty votes in a district where the normal Democratic majority was at least 1,000. In January, 1889, a special election for a congressman to fill out the unexpired term of General Hovey, who had been elected governor, was ordered, and Mr. Posey and Judge Parrott were again made the opposing candidates. This time the Republicans were successful and Mr. Posey was returned by a majority of 1,300. In 1892 Mr. Posey located in Evansville, where he soon became one of the most prominent attorneys at the local bar and 376 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY a leading citizen in other ways. He was a candidate for the congressional nomination in 1892, but was defeated on the eighty-seventh ballot by Hon. James A. Hemenway. In 1899 Mr. Posey's name was presented to the general assembly as a candidate for United States senator, the other candidates being J. Frank Hanley, now governor of Indiana; Maj. George W. Steele, for many years congressman from the Eleventh district; and Albert J. Beveridge, of Indianapolis, why; was finally elected, although Mr. Posey received a flattering vote. In 1902 President Roosevelt appointed Mr. Posey surveyor of customs. which position he still holds, and in which he has instituted a number of important reforms. In addition to his legal and political career Mr. Posey is popular as a lecturer on literary and classical subjects: is a director in the Lincoln Mining Company, one of the largest coal mining concerns of Southern Indiana, and the Indiana vice-president of the Ohio River Improvement Association, which is composed of the progressive men of the large cities of the Ohio, from Pittsburg to Cairo, the object being to secure a nine foot stage of water between those two cities. As a campaigner Mr. Posey is recognized as one of the most forcible and convincing speakers in his party and has a reputation that extends far beyond the state lines. Ile is a Knight of Pythias, an Odd Fellow and a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. On Jan. 21, 1878, Mr. Posey led to the altar Miss Harriet E. Brown of Petersburg, and they have four children: Helen, Francesca, Myrtle and John A. CAPT. JAMES W. WARTMAN, deputy clerk of the United States courts for the district of Indiana, and United States commissioner at Evansville, was born at Lewisburg, Greenbrier county, W. Va., Feb. 7, 1832, the county being at that time in Virginia. His grandfather, Lawrence Wartman, was a native of Switzerland, a fine scholar, spoke seven languages and was a journalist by profession. In 1821 he established the Rockingham Register at Harrisonburg, Va., which was owned and published by two of his sons for more than fifty years. Frederick Wartman, the father of the subject, was a painter by trade, and while the Captain was still in his boyhood removed to Cincinnati, where the son graduated from the Woodward college in 1847. For some years after that he was engaged in business in Cincinnati, after which he removed to Spencer county, Ind., and took up, the study of law under L. Q. DeBruler. Upon being admitted to the bar he began practice at Rockport; was provost marshal of the First district of Indiana in T864, with headquarters at MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 377 Evansville; became commissioner for the board of enrollment for the district and during the drafts of 1864-6 he performed his delicate and important duties to the satisfaction of the national authorities and without friction. After the war he returned to Rockport, where he formed a partnership with T. F. DeBruler and practiced law until 1871, when he was appointed deputy clerk of the Federal district court at Evansville. In September of the same rear he was appointed United States commissioner, and for almost a quarter of a century he has 'efficiently discharged his duties in both positions. Captain Wartman is a Republican and never shirks his duty as a citizen. He has a pleasing personality, is a good judge of human nature, a quick grasp, of business and public problems and is a man of unquestionable integrity in all his transactions. In fraternal circles he is well known, being a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and for many years has been a member of the finance committee of Eagle Lodge, Knights and Ladies of Honor. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and takes an active interest in its good works. In January, 1857, he was married to Miss Mary Graham, of Rockport. and of the five children born to this marriage three are living. Juha C. is a wholesale grocer in Los Angeles, Cal.; Harry W. is president of the Ryan-Hampton Tobacco Company of Newburg, Ind., but resides in Evansville, and Sarah D. is at home with her father, Mrs. Wartman having died on March 31, 1897. JOHN W. SPENCER, was born on the bank of the Ohio River, at Mt. Vernon, Ind., on March 7, 1864, on the border line, during the terrible struggle between the states; his primary education was limited to such schools as his home town afforded; his collegiate course consisted of a short term at the Central Normal college of Danville, Ind.; he acquired some commercial knowledge by two years of service as assistant bookkeeper for the Mt. Vernon Banking Company, after which he began the study of law in the office of his father, Elijah M. Spencer, who was one of the pioneer lawyers of Southern Indiana. By close application to his studies, he was far enough advanced in the law to be admitted to practice when he was twenty-one years old; at the age of twenty-six he 378 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY was elected prosecuting attorney of the First judicial circuit of Indiana, composed of the counties of Vanderburg and Posey, which position he held for two terms. He moved to Evansville in September, 1891, and there has since resided and practiced his profession, with marked success, as a member of the law firm of Spencer & Brill. For four years he was a member of the Democratic state central committee of Indiana, and in 1902 he was the unanimous nominee of his party for Congress. On Dec. 12, 1882, he married Miss Lillie Lichtenberger, of Mt. Vernon, Ind., and they have two children, Alethea Lowry and John W., Jr. CAPT. ISIDOR ESSLINGER, deputy collector of internal revenue for the Seventh district of Indiana, located at Evansville, is a native of Germany, having been born at Stuttgart, in the province of Würtemberg, Jan. 11, 1833. After a primary education in the regular schools he prepared for college in the Stuttgart gymnasium. He then attended the Heidelberg university for one year and after a three years' course in the university of Tuebingen graduated from the latter institution at the age of twenty-two. He studied law at both Heidelberg and Tuebingen and came to the United States in 1857, when only twenty-four years of age. After a year in Cincinnati he came to Evansville, where he has ever since made his home. His first employment in Evansville was as a dry goods clerk. In 186i he left the counter to take up arms in defence of his adopted country and enlisted as a private in Company K, Thirty-second Indiana infantry. Shortly afterward he was made sergeant, then first lieutenant of Company K, and in 1862 was promoted to captain and given command of Company F, of the same regiment. He served the full term of his enlistment for three years, participating in all the battles and skirmishes in which his regiment was engaged. For twenty-one years succeeding the war he was the editor and proprietor of a German daily paper called the Union, which he ably conducted and made a power among his German fellow-citizens. Early in the administration of President Harrison he was appointed deputy collector of internal revenue and served until the inauguration of President Cleveland in 1893, when he was removed. In 1901 he was again appointed to the position which he MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 379 now holds. The interim between his removal and re-appointment was occupied by the management and proprietorship of a job printing office. Captain Esslinger is an unwavering Republican in his political affiliations and is a charter member of Admiral Farragut Post, No. 71, Grand Army of the Republic. Soon after leaving the army in 1864 he visited his mother, then a widow, in the Fatherland, and while in Europe formed the acquaintance of Miss Jeannette Guth, of Switzerland, to whom he was marred on June 24, 1864, bringing her to Evansville on his return. Captain and Mrs. Esslinger have four children living—three sons and a daughter, Julius A., Frederick, Oscar N. and Nora—all grown and living at home with their parents. Julius A. is deputy county clerk of Vanderburg county. Captain Esslinger's career has been marked by a strong personality and an unimpeachable reputation for honesty. Though positive in his likes and dislikes he has a host of friends who know him for an honorable and worthy man. CAPT. THOMAS BOLUSS, wharf master at Evansville. Ind., was born in the city of New York in the year 1832, of English parentage. His father, whose name was also Thomas, came to America in 1831, and the mother came the following year. Thomas Boluss, Sr., was a builder of rolling mills in this country for English capitalists and his occupation took him from one place to another, so that the early life of the subject of this sketch was spent in various cities of the Eastern states. At the age of fifteen he started to learn the trade of steamboat engineer on one of the Ohio river boats and worked at this until 1851. In that year the father came to Evansville to construct the city's first gas plant, the son coming with him to assist in the works. Here he worked with his father until 1853, when he returned to the river as an engineer, continuing in that occupation until 1857. He then started a brass foundry in Evansville, which he conducted for about two years, when he sold out and again returned to the river, this time as a steamboat captain. For the next forty years he was a captain and pilot on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, few men being better known in river navigation. In the spring of 1901 Captain Boluss became wharf master of the port 380 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY of Evansville, a position he still holds and one for which his long experience in river matters has eminently fitted him. At every landing between Pittsburg and Cairo, and at many points on the Mississippi he has acquaintances that he formed while a master or pilot, and to be acquainted with Captain Boluss is to be his friend. He was married in 1852 to Anna Gilman, who died in 1882. Captain Boluss has two children, Sophia; wife of a Mr. Skinner, and Thomas, both living in Evansville. THE CITY NATIONAL BANK of Evansville dates its existence back to Jan. 21, 1850, when the Evansville Insurance Company was `ranted a perpetual charter with banking privileges, and commenced business under that charter as the "Canal Bank." The entire capital of the insurance company and the bank at the beginning was $250,000. John Wtockwell was elected president and James G. Jones secretary. Mr. Jones was soon thereafter succeeded by W. T. Page. The bank operated under the banking law of Indiana for several years but in 1863, on the enactment of the national banking law, the officers of the Canal bank made application for a charter and the institution was incorporated as the First National flank of Evansville. It was the first bank in Evansville and in fact the sixth in the United States to make application for a charter under the national law. It started with. a capital of $250,000, which was subsequently increased to $500,000. H. Q. Wheeler was the first president of the national bank with W. T. Page as cashier. The first board of directors was composed of Gillison Maghee, Robert Barnes, Charles Viele, John S. Hopkins, John Ingle, M. J. Bray, S. M. Archer, H. Q. Wheeler and William Brown. All were men of great prominence in Evansville financial circles. In 1865 Mr. Page was succeeded as cashier by James H. Cutler and in 1867 Mr. Wheeler was succeeded in the presidency by John S. Hopkins. Mr. Hopkins was succeeded as president in 188o by Charles Viele. In 1882 the original charter expired and a new one was secured. The bank was then reorganized with Charles Viele, president; James H. Cutler, cashier; Will Warren, assistant cashier; Thomas E. Garvin, John Ingle, Chas. Viele, M. J. Bray, Isaac Keen, F. J. Reitz, Cyprian Preston and James H. Cutler, directors. In 1893 Mr. Viele was succeeded as president by Francis J. Reitz. On April 21, 1902, the City National bank of Evansville was organized and succeeded to the business of the First National, whose charter expired by limitation, with the same officers and directors. The present officers of the City National are: Francis J. Reitz, president; James H. Cutler, vice-president; F. A. Foster, MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 381 cashier; John H. Dippel, assistant cashier; the directors being Francis J. Reitz, Thomas E. Garvin, James H. Cutler, M. J. Bray, George L. Mesker, O. F. Jacobi, D. Kronenberger, Geo. A. Cunningham, A. F. Karges, and F. A. Foster. At the present time the capital stock paid in is $350,000, the total assets amount to over $3,500,000, the surplus fund is $65,000, and the deposits $2,900,000. From the very commencement of business, this bank has enjoyed a successful career and large dividends have regularly been pawl ran its stock. which has always been considered most valuable property. M. CARNEY, an old resident and prominent business man of Shawneetown, Ill., was born June 24, 1856, not far front Athens, O., and is of Irish extraction,. His grandparents both lived and died in Ireland, and his father, whose name was John Carney, was born in the County of Tipperary in 1830. In 1852 he came to the United States and located at Circleville, O., where he worked as a stone mason on railroad construction for some time, after which he located at Big Run, in Athens county. There he lived until 1869, when he came to Shawneetown, where he continued to follow railroad building until his death at the age of fifty-seven years. With the exception of a short residence in Cairo he lived at Shawneetown from the time he first came there until his death. Soon after coming to America he was married to Margaret Euright, who was born in County Limerick, Ireland, and came to this country in 1851 with it brother. Of the children born to this marriage Mary and Ellen are deceased ; William lives in Cincinnati ; the subject of this sketch; and Josephine is a Mrs. Ward, of Danville, Ill. The mother of these children died in 1875. Mr. Carney was denied the privilege of attending school, for at the age of nine years he began life as a driver of a cart in railroad building. However, he has by self-study kept up with the world's progress, and today has a more practical education, than many whose opportunities far excelled his own. He continued to drive carts on the railroad for three years, and when he came to Shawneetown in February, 1869, he was employed as a teamster on the Springfield & Illinois Southeastern, now part of the Baltimore & Ohio Southwestern railroad, which was then under 382 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY construction. From that time until now he has been connected with the road in various capacities, though he is also interested in other enterprises. On Jan. 1, 1901, he was made general superintendent of the Bruns-Bowersox Lumber Company at Shawneetown, which position he still holds. He has also been engaged in the grocery business, and dealer in coal and ice. For several years he was superintendent of the Bowlesville Coal Company, and owns and oversees several farms. Although Mr. Carney had the misfortune to lose his left leg by an accident, he is one of the most active men in Shawnee-town, and successfully conducts his various interests. In political matters he is a Republican, and has held the following offices: Tax collector, 1892; alderman, 1893-97; mayor, 1897 to 1901. His administration as mayor was marked by the big flood of April, 1898, which did great damage to Shawneetown and vicinity, a number of lives being lost. In this emergency Mayor Carney was prompt to devise measures for the relief of the sufferers, and the progress of the city since that unhappy event is due in a great degree to his wise course at the time. He is a member of Lodge No. 838, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he is popular for his genial disposition and many good qualities. On April 15, 1879, Mr. Carney and Miss Belle Ward, a native of Ohio, were united in marriage. They have three children, Charles H., William F. and John M., all at home with their parents. CHRISTIAN KRATZ, prominently identified with the lumber and sawmill interests of Shawneetown, Ill., was born Aug. 6, 1864, in the city of Evansville, Ind. His parents, Christian and Philipine (Krug) Kratz, were both born, in Germany. The father learned the trade of machinist in his native land, and in 1858, when about sixteen years of age, came to America. Soon after reaching this country he located at Evansville, where he followed his trade until he retired from the active pursuits of life. He was married at Evansville. his wife having come over in 1853. They had eight children, all living. All except the subject of this sketch live at Evansville. Mary is a Mrs. Hartman; Tillie a Mrs. Wade; Philip; Edward; Elizabeth is a Mrs. Smith, and Emma is at home with her MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 383 father. The mother died in 1896. The family belong to the German Lutheran church. Christian Kratz was educated in the public schools and in 1881 graduated from the Evansville Commercial college. He then served an apprenticeship as a machinist and followed that trade several years, after which he engaged in the planing mill and hardwood lumber business at Evansville. In 1898 he came to Shawneetown and commenced operating a sawmill on the Wabash river, later dealing in lumber in the town. Since then he has built several mills in the county, and has recently erected a new one at Shawneetown. He is also connected with the dressed lumber and commission business as a member of the firm of Kratz & McMurchy. Mr. Kratz is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Knights of Pythias, and belongs to the Presbyterian church. Politically he is a Republican, and while living in Evansville served two terms as councilman at large. In 1886 he was married to Miss Ella Casper, and they have three children, Christian, Walter and Elenora, all at home with their parents. J. W. WILKINS, who conducts a blacksmith and general repair shop at Shawneetown, Ill., was born in Muhlenberg county, Ky., Feb. 19, 1859. His father was born in Muhlenberg county, though the ancestors cane originally from England, and were among the early settlers of Kentucky. James W. Wilkins, the father of the subject of this sketch, married Margaret J. Latham in Muhlenberg county and lived there until 1860, when they went to Union county of the same state and lived there until 1871, when they came to Gallatin, county, Ill., bought a farm near Kedron and lived there until the death of the father at the age of sixty-three years. The mother died in Shawneetown at the age of forty-eight. Of their ten children only three are living: Jefferson D., who lives near Kedron; Nathaniel, who is in Columbus, O., and the subject of this sketch. J. W. Wilkins received a very limited education in his youth, but he has managed to gather a valuable fund of information by self-study and by associating with well-informed men. In 1875 he left home and went to White county, where he found employment in a sawmill. Some time later he went to Hamilton county 384 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY and took charge of a sawmill there until 1884, when he returned to Gallatin county and followed farming until 1897. He then removed to Shawneetown and engaged in his present line of business, in which he had just got a good start when the great flood came and swept away every thing he had accumulated. With commendable enterprise he started over again, and by industry, honest dealing and close attention to business has built up a good trade, requiring the assistance of two workmen all the time to keep up with the demand. Much of his success is due to his personal popularity, as few men, in Gallatin county are more universally liked. In 1879 he was married to Mrs. Margaret Sullivan Hoskins, a native of Hamilton county and a widow with one child, Sarah Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Wilkins have five children living, viz. William, Oma, Virginia, Paul and Wilmer. Mr. Wilkins takes considerable interest in political affairs as a Democrat, but is not a seeker for office. His wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. WILLIAM CAMPBELL, M.D., who has practiced at Equality, Ill., for almost forty years, was burn two and a halt mile, west of that town, Nov. 12, 1842. His father, William C. Campbell, was born in Virginia about 1789 and came in early childhood to Kentucky with his parents, who settled near Lexington. There he grew to manhood, married Mary Guard, and soon afterward came to Gallatin county, Ill. His wife died shortly afterward and he subsequently married Mrs. Sallie Gillette Hewitt, the widow of William Hewitt, and a native of Vermont. They continued to live on the farm until 1858, when they removed to Equality and there spent their declining years. He died at the age of eighty years and she at eighty-two. Of their two children Doctor Campbell is the only one living. Dr. William Campbell received his elementary education in the public schools of Equality, and began his business career as a clerk in a store. While thus employed he commenced the study of medicine, and after 1864 devoted his entire time to the acquirement of a professional education. In 1867 he was graduated from the Cincinnati College of Medicine, and soon afterward opened an office in Equality, where he has ever since practiced his profession. Doctor Campbell is one of the oldest practicing physicians in his section of the state, has a lucrative business, is recognized as one of the successful men in the treatment of diseases, and stands high with both the public and his brother physicians. He was one of the organizers of the Gallatin County Medical society, to which he has be- MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 385 longed ever since its formation. As a member of Lodge No. 19, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, he has filled all the chairs, and has taken considerable interest in promoting the good works of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a member. In 1867 he was married to Miss Rose Norcross, a native of Evansville, Ind., and they have three daughters and a son living. The three daughters live at Equality, where Nellie is a Mrs. Purcell; Mary a Mrs. Dempsey, and Nora a Mrs. Wathen. The son, William A., is an engineer on the railroad and lives at Danville, Ill. Doctor Campbell is one of the public spirited men of the town, and as a Democrat takes a keen interest in political questions, though he is not what could be called a practical politician. WILLIAM McINTIRE, senior member of the firm of McIntire & Son, brick and tile manufacturers, Equality, Ill., was born near Laconia, Washington county, Ind., June 4, 1844. When he was about seven years of age his father died and the following year the mother removed with her family to Equality. Here he grew to manhood and obtained a good practical education in the common schools. While still a boy he commenced working on a farm at $6 a month during the summer seasons, and when only ten years old began to learn the coopers' trade. He worked at this until 1862, when he enlisted as a private in Company G, One Hundred and Thirty-first Illinois infantry, and was mustered in at Metropolis City. The regiment took part in the siege of Vicksburg and was at Arkansas Post, after which it was consolidated with the Twenty-ninth Illinois infantry, and fought at Natchez, New Orleans, Mobile, at various points in Texas, and was mustered out in November, 1865. Mr. McIntire held the rank of corporal at the time he was discharged. After the war he worked at his trade in Paducah, Ky., for some time, then came back to Equality and in 1869 started a cooper shop of his own, which he conducted until 1880, when he established a brick yard in connection with Mr. Proctor. Two years later he bought out his partner and in 1885 located where he now is. In 1903 he took his son Thaddeus into partnership and added lumber to his business. The yards have a capacity of twenty-five I-25 386 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY thousand brick and a car load of tile every day, and the trade in lumber is constantly increasing. Mr. McIntire is a director in the First National hank, is a Republican in his political affiliations, and was for several years president of the town board. In 1868 he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Seeley and they have two children: Lizzie is the wife of R. E. Reed, of Equality, and Thaddeus is in partnership with his father as the junior member of the firm. firm. CAPT. A. A. VINYARD, a    well known farmer, living three and a half miles north of Karber's Ridge, Hardin County, Ill, was born in that county, not far from the Old Illinois Furnace, June 17, 1828. His grandparents were natives of Virginia, of German descent. They left Virginia and lived for a while in Kentucky, but in 1811 came to Hardin county. One of their eight children was Eli Vinyard, who was born in Hardin county, Ky., Nov. 5, 1806 After he grew to, manhood in Illinois he was married to .Miss Sarah Hill, a native of Georgia, and began farming about three miles north of the Old Illinois Furnace. In 1829 they removed to another place, not far from Karber's Ridge, and there they passed the remainder of their lives, he dying at the age of eighty-two years and she at the age of sixty-seven. Of their nine children five are living. Capt. A. A. Vinyard is the subject of this sketch; Elizabeth is a Mrs. Moore, living in Hardin county; Daniel lives in Saline county Rufina married a man named Tyer and lives in Hardin county, and John, lives in the neighborhood of Karber's Ridge. Captain Vinyard received his education in the old subscription schools and upon, arriving at manhood became a farmer. In i861 he enlisted in Company C, Forty-eighth Illinois volunteer infantry, was mustered in at Camp Butler, and for a time was stationed at Cairo. In 1862 he teas promoted to first lieutenant, and in 1864 became captain of his company. He was with his regiment in the engagements at Fort Donelson, Shiloh, the siege of Vicksburg, Jackson, Miss., Missionary Ridge, and marched with Sherman to the sea, taking part in the engagement before Atlanta on the occasion of Hood's first sortie, July 22, 1864. He also participated in numerous minor engagements and skirmishes. The regiment was mustered out at Little Rock, Ark., Aug. 16, 1865, and Captain Vinyard returned home, where he again took up the life of a farmer. He married Emeline M. Patton, a native of Gallatin county, Ill., and they began their married life on a farm of 80 acres, all in the woods, where he now lives_ At MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 387 the present time he owns 320 acres, part bottom land, and all under cultivation. Besides this he has given over 400 acres to his children, viz.: Katherine, Jane, Harriet, John C., Andrew, Ira and Manning. Katherine is a Mrs. Brinkley; Jane a Mrs. Williams; Harriet is at home with her parents, and the others all live in the vicinity. They are members of the Social Brethren church. Captain Vinyard has always taken an active interest in public matters and has held some office in local affairs since the war. For twentysix years he has been township treasurer, and has frequently been, a delegate to Republican conventions. His home is noted for its hospitality. CAPT. PHILIP J. HOWARD, operator of a large stone quarry at Rosiclare, Ill., is a descendant of one of the oldest families in that section, of the state. His grandfather, John Howard, came from Virginia while he was still quite a young man, and settled in what was then Pope county. He married a Miss Robinett and they lived their whole lives in the vicinity of the Old Illinois Furnace, in what is now Hardin county. They had four sons and one daughter, all now deceased. One son, Joshua, was at one time sheriff of Pope county, before Hardin county was organized. John Howard lived to be seventy years of age and his wife reached the age of seventyfive. Their son, Philip J. Howard, father of the subject of this sketch, was born six miles north of Elizabethtown, grew to manhood on his father's farm, married Miss .Minerva McFarland, and lived his whole life on a farm near that town. Minerva McFarland was a daughter of James and Elizabeth McFarland, who built the first rude log house where the town of Elizabethtown now stands. As the settlement grew and the town began to take form, it was named after Mrs. McFarland. The old log house gave way in time to a commodious brick dwelling, which is still standing and is now used as a hotel. James McFarland was a farmer and flatboatman, making several trips to New Orleans by that means before the advent of railroads. Philip J. and Minerva Howard had three children, Elizabeth, Philip J., and one deceased. Elizabeth is now a Mrs. Dunn, living in Kansas. The father died at the age of thirtyfive and the mother lived to the age of seventy- 388 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY nine years. After the death of her husband she married a second time, her second husband being James Kirkham, and they had five children, two of whom, James H. and Pinckney, now live at Smithland, Ky., and the others are deceased. Captain. Howard was born near Elizabethtown, March 11, 1840, received his education in the common schools, and on July 29, 186i, enlisted in Company A, Twenty-ninth Illinois volunteer infantry, under Capt. Charles M. Ferrill. The regiment was mustered in at Camp Butler, and after a short stay at Cairo joined the forces in West Tennessee. It was at Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Belmont, Mo., Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, and Holly Springs. At Holly Springs a portion of the regiment, among them Captain Howard, was captured and held prisoners at the parole camp at St. Louis for about five months. In June, 1863, they were exchanged and rejoined the command in front of Vicksburg. After that the regiment was at Fort Blakely, Mobile, and numerous minor engagements, not being mustered out until December, 1865, when it was discharged at Hempstead, Tex. For gallant conduct at Fort Donelson and Pittsburg Landing Private Howard was promoted from the ranks to the office of captain, and commanded his company the rest of the time he was in the service. In November, 1865, he was married to Miss Jennie Howe, a native of Harrison county, Ind., and for two years they lived on a farm in Saline county, Ill. They then removed to Rosiclare, where they have lived ever since, now being the oldest residents of the place. For some time he was in the hotel business; was then manager of the Pell Mining Company's interests for fourteen years, and since then has been engaged in the stone business. Captain Howard has taken an active part in politics ever since the v ar, and is one of the leading Republicans of the county. In i886 he was elected sheriff of the county against large odds and held the office for four years. He was for sixteen years the postmaster at Rosiclare, and has held some of the minor offices of a local character. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, No. 276, at Elizabethtown; Empire Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, also at Elizabethtown, and with his family belongs to the Christian church. He is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Captain Howard and his wife have five sons: Charles L., Philip J., John R., William H. and Walter P., all living at Rosiclare. MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 389 HENRY M. WINDERS, attorney at law and postmaster, Elizabethtown, Ill., is a native of the county where he now lives, having been born near Cave in Rock, April i4, 1848. His grandfather, George W. Winders, was born in Logan county, Ky., about 1787, and there grew to manhood. He married Mary Hughes, whose parents came from Ireland, and settled in Crittenden county, on what is now known as the "Wilson Farm," almost opposite Cave in Rock. They had nine children, viz.: William, Washington, Richard, Timothy, Charlotte, Francis M., Melvina, Mary, and Henry. George W'. Winders was a farmer by occupation, and was a zealous worker for the advancement of the Methodist church. After the death of his wife he made his home among his children, and died in 1857, while staying with his son, Francis Marion. This son was born in Crittenden county, Ky., May 30, 1822. While still a young man he crossed the river into Illinois, where he was employed in various occupations until his marriage in 1845 to Miss Elizabeth J. Scarborough, who was born Nov. 29, 1829, in Morgan county, Tenn. Her father was John, Scarborough, and her mother's maiden name was Clay. They came to Illinois soon after her birth and settled in Hardin county. Francis M. and Elizabeth Winders located on farm near Cave in Rock, and lived there all their lives. In his day he was one of the active Democrats of that section of the county. They had two children, Silvester, now deceased, and Henry M. Francis M. Winders died on April 26, 1876, and his widow made her home with the subject of this sketch until she, too, passed away in 1889. Henry M. Winders obtained such an education as most farmers' sons do in the public schools, but to this he added by self-study at home. On July 27, 1863, he enlisted in Company D, Forty-eighth Kentucky mounted infantry, went into camp on August 29th, and was mustered into service on October 26th. From that time until Dec. i6, 1864, the regiment was on guard duty at various points in the State of Kentucky, among them Russellville, Bowling Green, on Elkhorn Creek, Bacon Creek, Munfordville, Cave City and Fredonia. Young Winders remained with his command all the time, with the exception of eight days spent in the hospital at Munfordville with the mumps, although at the time of his enlistment he was but fifteen 390 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY years of age. After his discharge from the army he returned home, continued his studies, and in 1867 commenced teaching, which occupation he followed in connection with farming until 1880. On Dec. 28, 1868, he married Mrs. Mary J. Caltrin, nee Dunn, and located on a farm five miles north of Cave in Rock, where they lived for six years, when they separated. Subsequently he married Mrs. Mary F. Irrion, née Lamb, and in 1886 removed to Elizabethtown, where he began the study of law. In 1889 he was admitted to the bar and practiced his profession until Aug. 1, 1902, when he was appointed postmaster, which position he still holds. Mr. Winders has been active in the political affairs of Hardin county ever since he became a voter, and is one of the Republicans who always has a voice in shaping the destinies of his party. He has served as county surveyor four years ; was township treasurer for three years ; township trustee I- r two years; was four terms justice of the peace; has been his part nominee for state's attorney and county judge, but was defeated with the rest of the ticket. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic and, has served as commander of his Post ; is a Past Master in the Masonic Fraternity, and for five years was treasurer of his lodge. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. They have no children. TONY R. KERR, of Golconda, Ill., clerk and recorder of Pope county, was born December 24, 1861 in Hardin county, Tenn. When he was about four years old his parents came to Massac county, but three years later returned to their old home in Tennessee. There Tony received a common school education up to the age of sixteen, when his mother died and he returned to Pope county, taking up his residence at Rosebud. From that time until the spring of 1886 he was employed as a farm hand. He then married Miss Melissa Hornberg, a daughter of John F. and Sarah J. Hornberg old residents of the county. On June 14, of that year, he was appointed township treasurer, and later was elected road clerk of District No. 6. He continued to hold both these positions until 1896, when he was elected on the Republican ticket to the office of clerk and recorder. Mr. Kerr has been, twice re-elected, in 1900 MEMOIRS OF TILE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 391 and 1904, each time running ahead of his ticket. As a public official he has made a record for being trustworthy and efficient, while his uniform courtesy to all with whom he comes in contact has added to his personal popularity and contributed to his triumphant victories in, being re-elected. In addition to his official position Mr. Kerr is interested in mining operations and was one of the leading spirits in securing the right of way for the Illinois Central railroad .through the county. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the First Baptist church. He and his wife have four children : Clarence C., Jennie R., Penn H. and Henry G., all living at home. GEORGE F. DIMICK, dealer in general merchandise, Rosiclare, Ill., was bornone and a half miles north of that place Sept. 22, 1846. He is a son of Franklin and Amanda J. (Chancy) Dimick, the former a native of New Hampshire and the latter of Illinois. Franklin Dimick was born in 1820, and came with his parents in his childhood to Illinois, settling in that part of Pope county now included in Hardin, county. His father, Jeduthun Dimick, was a surveyor and civil engineer, as well as a farmer, and many of the early surveys in that part of the state were made by him. Franklin and Amanda Dimick commenced their married life on the old home place, and lived in that immediate vicinity all their lives. In addition to farming he also worked at carpenter work, and was one of the first Christian, or Campbellite, preachers in that section. It was principally through his efforts that the first stone church was erected in Hardin county. For many years he held the office of justice of the peace, served one term as county judge, and was one of the very few men in Southern Illinois to vote for Abraham Lincoln in 186o. From that time until his death he was a steadfast Republican. He died at the age of sixty-five years and his wife at the age of sixty. Their children were: Mary L., George F., Jeduthun C., Sarah E., John F., Maria J., Charles C., and Alice. Mary, Sarah, Maria, and Alice are deceased; Jeduthun lives in Texas; John F. is on the old home place; Charles lives in Rosiclare. George F. Dimick was educated in the public schools, and at the age of twenty- 392 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY one years began his business career as a clerk for J. B. Pell at Rosiclare. In 1871 he was married to Miss Alice Madden, left the store, and for several years lived on a farm near his father. His wife died in 1878, the mother of two children, Carrie B. and Daisy E., both now deceased. After the death of his wife he lived with his parents for three or four years, when he again married, his second wife being Miss Sarah Rose, and returned to his farm. Subsequently he came to Rosiclare, where he formed a partnership with his brother in the merchandizing business, under the name of C. Dimick & Bros. This partnership lasted until 1902, and since then he has been in business for himself. The firm is now G. F. Dimick & Son, his son Walter having been admitted as a partner. In addition to his mercantile interests Mr. Dimick still owns and manages his farm. He is a Republican in his political belief and has held some of the local offices. Since he was twenty-three years old he has been a member of the Christian church. He and his second wife have had three children. Etta and Raymond are deceased and Walter is in business with his father. CHARLES C. DIMICK, proprietor of one of the oldest mercantile establishments in the town of Rosiclare, Ill., was born a mile and a half north of that town, Sept. 1, 1862, his parents being Franklin and Amanda J. (Chancy) Dimick. (See sketch of George F. Dimick for family genealogy.) Charles C. Dimick was educated in the common schools and lived with his parents until Nov. 10, 1880, when he married Kittie Wood, daughter of Alfred and Sarah (Madden) Wood, old residents of Hardin county. After his marriage he lived a year on a farm near his father, then a year on Dr. White's farm, near Elizabethtown, when he settled on a farm given him by his father near the old home place, and lived there for seven or eight years. He then came to Rosiclare, where he was connected with the mines for about two years, at the end of which time he engaged in mercantile pursuits in connection with his brother, George F., under the firm name of C. Dimick & Bro. In 1902 the partnership was dissolved and he succeeded to the business, which he still conducts. By his conservative and safe business meth- MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 393 ods he has acquired considerable wealth and owns some of the best property in the town where he lives. Mr. Dimick is a Republican and takes some interest in political affairs. He was appointed postmaster under President McKinley's first administration, having been assistant for two years, and still holds that position. He is also freight agent for the Evansville & Paducah Packet company, and has held some of the minor offices of the town. In church matters he has accepted the faith of his father and is a deacon in the Christian church. He belongs to Lodge No. 54, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is always a willing helper in the benevolent work of the order. Mr. and Mrs. Dimick have two daughters, Ethel V. and H. Audrey. Ethel V. was born Dec. 5, 1883, and H. Audrey Feb. 25, 1894. On Dec. 11, 1904, Ethel was married to Austin D. Knight. JOHN G. MOBLEY, a farmer living two and a half miles south of New Haven, Gallatin county, Ill., was born in that neighborhood, Nov. 11, 1855. He is a son of William Mobley, who was born in White county in i818, his father being one of the pioneers of that part of Southern Illinois. William Mobley married Cynthia Hughes, a native of Hamilton county, and lived in the Wabash bottoms for several years, after which he went to Iowa for two years, but at the end of that time returned to Gallatin county and settled on what is known as "The Knoll," where he died in i866. Of the children born to William and Cynthia Mobley, Francis, James E., Sarah J., and two who died unnamed are deceased. Those living are Alexander, who resides in Jefferson county, Ill.; Mary, married and living near New Haven; Martha, wife of William A. Smith, of New Haven; John G., the subject of this sketch; and Rebecca, wife of James D. Radsner, living in Missouri. John G. Mobley attended the common schools in his boyhood and while still in his 'teens commenced working out by the month, which he continued for three years. He then went back home and took charge of the farm for his mother, and has lived on the old home place ever since. His mother died in 1892, at the age of seventy years and he has bought the interests of the other heirs. now being the sole owner of the old homestead of 300 acres, 100 of which are in the Wabash bottoms, and 250 under cultivation. Mr. Mobley has a fine residence, good barns and out-buildings, and is one of the live farmers of his part of the county. Politically he is a Republican, has served one term as township commissioner and three years as director. In 1882 he was married to Miss Eliza Moye, and to this union have been born the following children : Essie, Ray- 394 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY mond, Mattie, Willie, Horace, Lemuel, and two who died in infancy unnamed. Lemuel is also deceased, Essie is the wife of Lawrence Givens, and the others are at home. ALLEN T. SPIVEY, editor and proprietor of the Shawneetown, Ill., News-Gleaner, was born six miles west of that town April 5, 1875. He is a son of Thomas J. and Sallie (Smyth) Spivey, and a grandson, of Thomas S. Spivey, who was born in North Carolina, of English ancestry, and who was one of the pioneers of Southern Illinois, settling in Gallatin county in 1832. There he took up a tract of government land and followed farming all his life. He was an influential man, in his day and one of the leading Democrats of the county, serving as justice of the peace and in other minor offices until 1850. when he was elected county judge for one term. He was also active in building up the Presbyterian church. At the time of his death he was sixty-two years of age, but his wife lived to the advanced age of eighty-four. They reared a family of three sons and seven daughters, only two of whom now survive, viz.: Carrie Spivey, of Shawneetown, and Louise, who is a Mrs. Kanadv, of New Albany, Ind. Thomas J. Spivey was born in North Carolina in 1830. He came to Gallatin county with his family when two years of age. When about nineteen years of age he crossed the plains to California, where he followed mining for about two years, when he returned home via the isthmus, and for the rest of his life followed farming with the exception of the last four years. His wife died in 1879, aged forty-five years. In 1893 he removed to junction City. He died in Shawneetown in 1897. Like his father before him, he was an unswerving Democrat and a member of the Presbyterian church. Of the children born to him and his wife Quinton is in Alaska ; Minnie is a Mrs. Smyth of Gallatin county ; Margaret is Mrs. Loomis, of Evansville, Ind. ; Addie married a Mr. Willis and lives at It. Vernon, Ill. , Anna married a Mr. Kanady and is now deceased; Walter W. lives at Shawneetown ; Samuel S. is at Paducah, Ky., ; Gertrude is a Mrs. Kanady and lives in Gallatin county; Allen T. is the subject of this sketch ; and Marshall lives at McLeansboro, Ill. Allen T. Spivey received his education in the public schools, graduating MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 395 from the Shawneetown high school in 1893. He then went to Evansville, Ind., and took a complete course in the commercial college of that city, graduating in 1895. For about a year he was employed as a bookkeeper, but in 1896 started in to learn the printers trade in the office of the Gallatin Democrat. After three years in that office he went to Henderson, Ky., where he became the city editor of the Daily Gleaner. In 1900 he went to St. Louis for a short time, but returned to Shawneetown, where for a few months he was employed as a reporter on the Democrat. Next he served as a bookkeeper in a hardware store for a short time, but the journalistic instinct had been developed in his make-up, and in November, 1901. he started the Shawneetown Gleaner. The following March he bought out the New's and consolidated the two papers under the present name. Mr. Spivey is one of the youngest and most aggressive journalists in Southern Illinois. His paper is fearlessly Republican in its politics. and it is the official organ of the party in Gallatin county. Personally he has been somewhat active in political affairs, and held the office of city treasurer for one term. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Presbyterian church. On Christmas day in 1901 he was married to Miss Mollie Wright, a natiye of McLeansboro, and they have one child, Mittase Wright, born Sept. 10, 1902. JOSEPH FOSTER, a prominent farmer, living near Ridgway, Ill., is a native of the Buckeye State. having been born near Monterey, Clermont county. O., Oct. 17, 1844. He is one of a family of nine children, five sons and four daughters, born to Dennis and Abigail (Whitaker) Foster, natives of Ohio. Joseph Foster received a common school education and grew to manhood on his father's farm. When the One Hundred and Fifty-third regiment Ohio volunteer infantry was being organized he enlisted as a private in Company I. for the one hundred clays' service, and was stationed with his regiment on the Potomac river guarding the line of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad. Prior to his enlistment in this regiment he had been a member of the Ohio State Guards. His brother Frank was also in the service. In 1865 Dennis Foster removed with his family to Gallatin county, Ill., his son Joseph accompanying them. The father 396 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY settled upon the farm adjoining the one where Joseph now lives, and there passed the remainder of his life, dying at the age of sixty-five years. In 1867 or '68 Joseph Foster bought a tract of forty acres where his residence now stands, though at that time the land was covered with timber. He built a hewed log house sixteen by eighteen feet, with one room and only one window, and in 1867 married Julia A. Moye. They began their married life in this humble home, but by a life of industry and frugality they have prospered, so that now in their declining years they can enjoy the fruits of their labors. Mr. Foster now owns 400 acres where he lives, about 300 acres of which is in a high state of cultivation, and at other points in the county he owns 205 acres more. All this has been accumulated by his industry and foresight, and he is one of the finest examples of self-made men. He takes a laudable interest in public questions, and in political matters in identified with the Republican party. He and his wife are the parents of the following children: Alverson, living near Ridgway; Ida J., wife of Frank Miner, of Gallatin county; Abbie, wife of George Bell, residing near Ridgway; Charles, a farmer near his father; Lola, wife of Richard Alwalt, near Asbury; Lulu, wife of John Hardy, also near Asbury; Russell, Lane and George, the last named born March 23, 1892, and died September 22d, of the same year. GEORGE T. EDWARDS, a farmer and stock raiser of Ridgway township, Gallatin county, Ill., was born on Aug. in, 1863, near Blairsville, Posey county, Ind. His great-grandfather is said to have been the first settler in that part of the HoosierState, and his grandfather, Richard Edwards, was born there about 1809, some seven years before the state was admitted into the Union. Both Richard Edwards and his father became large land owners, the latter buying government land in that early day as low as twenty-five cents an acre. Richard Edwards lived to he seventy-five years of age, and in his day was an influential citizen of Posey county, where he passed his whole life. George T. Edwards now owns 166 acres of land that formerly belonged to his grandfather, who bought it years ago for $15 an acre. Isom Edwards, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born on the same farm as his father, and there grew MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 397 to manhood. On Feb. 2, 1854, he married Miss Esther, daughter of George T. and Lucetta (Culley) Downen, old residents of that section. Her grandfather, Timothy Downen, was one of the first settlers there. Isom Edwards and his family lived in Posey county until his death, when his widow removed to Gallatin county, Ill., and located on the farm where her son George now lives. On Aug. 11, 1891, she was married to Abner Crunk, who is now eighty-two years or age. The children born to Isom and Esther Edwards were George, Jane, wife of William Roark, living near Ridgway; and John, also a resident of Gallatin county. George T. Edwards obtained his education in the common schools and lived with his mother until 1884. He was then united in marriage to Miss Ollie E. Downen, and soon afterward located on the farm where he now lives, a tract of 166 acres all under cultivation with the exception of about eleven acres. At the time he settled on the place there were only about thirty acres cleared. He has made all the improvements on the farm, devotes a great deal of his time to the raising of registered Hereford cattle, and is regarded as one of the progressive farmers of the county. Politically he is a Democrat and he and his wife are members of the regular Baptist church. They have had three children: Clara, Edith and one other who died in infancy and Cora, now living. J. LOUIS DEVOUS, a well-to-do farmer, living one mile east of the town of Ridgway, Ill., was born in Brown county, O., Sept. 5, 1852. His parents, Isadore and Catherine (Bartell) Devous, were both natives of France. (For an account of ancestry see the sketch of Joseph Devous elsewhere in this work). When he was about six years of age his parents removed to Gallatin county, where he grew to manhood. He acquired his education in what is known as the Lane school house, in Equality township, and remained at home with his parents until 1880. On April 30, of that year, he married Miss Susanna Wargel and located on part of the farm that he now occupies, just across the road from his present residence. The house in which he went to housekeeping was an old school house, one of the first frame school houses in that part of the country. It is still standing. In 1885 he bought a tract of sixty 398 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY acres where he now lives, and two years later built his present dwelling, which is one of the best in that part of the county. Altogether he owns 124 acres, well improved and nearly all under cultivation. Mr. Devous is a Democrat in his political affiliations, though the only office he has ever held was that of school director, which he held for several years. The children born to him and his wife are Thomas, Julia, Leonard, Stella, Rosella, Isadore, Harry and Louis. Of these Thomas, Julia, Leonard and Stella are now living, the others being deceased. Mr. Devous and his family belong to the Catholic church anal take a deep interest in its many worthy charities. JAMES J. LOGSDON, one of the largest farmers and land owners of Gallatin county, Ill., living on the New Haven road, five miles from Shawneetown, was born on. May 14, 1838, near Napoleon, Ripley county, Ind. His father, Thomas E. Logsdon, was born on what is known as "Sandy Ridge," near Shawneetown. When he was about nineteen years of age he went to Ripley county, where he married Miss Mary Muir, and was for some time engaged in conducting a general store at a place called Tall Bridge, not far from Napoleon. he died there in October, 1846. Janes J. is the eldest five children. Joseph M. was killed in 1872, by the recoil of a gun; Thomas B. is a retired farmer of Shawneetown ; Prudence is the wife of J. W. Gregor, of Indianapolis, Ind. ; and Mary lives with her brother Janes. When about eight years of age James J. Logsdon had the misfortune to lose his father by death, and about three year; later his mother remarried, her second husband being William Love, In the spring of 1861 James went to Indianapolis, and in the fall of that year came to Gallatin county. On March 21, 1861, he was married to Nancy A., daughter of Joseph Logsdon, and a native of Gallatin county. (For a more extended account of the family genealogy see the sketch of Joseph Logsdon.) To this marriage there were born two children, both of whom died in infancy. His wife died early in 1863, and about a year afterward he went back to Indiana. There he was married in the spring of 1865 to Miss Prudence Elizabeth Muir, and soon after his marriage returned to Shawneetown. The remained there but a few weeks, however, going to Raleigh, Ky., MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 399 where he conducted a general store for about two years. At the end of that time he again returned to Shawneetown, rented a farm from his brother for one year, and in October, 1869, settled on the farm where he now lives. To his second marriage there haye been born the following children: Margaret, Robert L., James J., Jr., William, Joseph, Rosa, Thomas B., Fannie M., and Annie. Margaret is the wife of Janes Gray, liying near her father ; Robert also lives in the vicinity ; James J. is at home, and the others are deceased. Annie was the wife of Douglas Case. Mr. Logsdon owns 800 acres in his home farm. 500 of which is under cultivation ; 60 acres near Round Pond; 96 acres in another tract; a half interest in another farm of 160 acres; and is one of the heirs to 1,400 acres in the river bottoms, 600 of which is under cultivation. One of the farms he owns is that where his father was born. Until quite recently he was active in buying and selling live stock, but in more recent years has devoted most of his time and attention to looking after his farming interests. In politics he is a Democrat, and was for ten years the supervisor of the poor. He is a member of the Shawneetown Lodge, No. 838, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is always a welcome attendant at the lodge meetings. EDGAR RIDER. a is ruler living near Shawnectown, Ill., was born on June 3, 1839, in what is now Harrison county of West Virginia. At the age of twenty-one years he left his father's farm and went to Cincinnati, where he worked with an uncle in a blacksmith shop one winter, and in March, 1861, came to Gallatin county. During the spring and summer of that year and also a part of the following year he worked on a farm. In the fall of 1862 he helped to organize the First Illinois heavy artillery, but as one hundred and fifty men were required and that number could not be easily obtained the organization was merged into the Fifty-sixth infantry. The officers who could not get positions in the infantry were released, Mr. Rider being one of the number. He then enlisted as a private in Company, K, One Hundred and Thirty-first Illinois volunteer infantry. He was soon afterward made corporal and went through the entire war with that rank. His first engagement was at Chickasaw 400 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY Bayou, after which he was at Arkansas Post, the first battle of Vicksburg, the siege of that place that followed, Spanish Fort, Fort Blakely, and was then in Texas until September, 1865, when he was discharged. After the siege of Vicksburg, where his regiment and the Twenty-ninth both suffered severe losses, the two were consolidated, afterward being known as the Twenty-ninth. After the war he returned to Shawneetown and opened a retail meat market, which he conducted successfully for seventeen years. He was then engaged in buying and shipping stock for a while, after which he turned his attention to farming. In this line he has been successful, being the owner of 170 acres of good land which he cultivates according to the most approved methods. Mr. Rider is a Republican and while living in Shawneetown was a member of the board of aldermen for eight years. He also served nine years as road commissioner. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Grand Army of the Republic. On May 10, 1867, he was married to Miss Isabelle O. Seeley, and their children are: Emma, wife of William Rosolott; Oliver, John, Bertha, wife of Edward Slaton; Med; Jessie, wife of James Logsdon; Edith, who married Charles Martin and afterward died: June, the youngest, who died in early childhood, and one who died in infancy. JOHN R. LOGAN. a farmer near Junction City, Ill., was born near Mounds ville, Marshall county, W. Va., though at the time of his birth the county was in the Old Dominion. He is a son of James and Belle (St. Clair) Logan, and is one of a family of seven children, five sons and two daughters. In 1855, he came with his parents and brothers and sisters to Gallatin county, Ill., being at the time about fifteen years of age. They settled in Gold Hill township, where the father died in the year 1876. On Aug. 15, 1862, John R. Logan enlisted as a private in Company D, One Hundred and Twentieth regiment Illinois volunteer infantry, and was mustered in at Camp Butler "for three years or during the war." For some time the regiment was assigned to the unromantic duty of guarding railroads, its first real service being at the siege of Vicksburg during the latter part. After the fall of Vicksburg it was sent back to Memphis and MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 401 there did provost duty until the men were discharged in 1865. After the war he returned to Gallatin county, where he has ever since lived. In 1872 he was married to Miss Mary Munch, and commenced farming for himself. He and his uncle bought 80 acres, all in timber, for $5 an acre, and built a hewed log house. Mr. Logan now owns a well improved farm of 100 acres, and although other men may own more land few have their farms in a higher state of cultivation than he. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, belonging to the post at Shawneetown. Mr. and Mrs. Logan have had the following children: James, Charles, Annie, Edward, John A., David, Minnie, Fred and Bertha. James is in Minnesota; Annie is the wife of Edgar Kanady; John is a school teacher; Edward and Bertha are deceased, and the others live at home. ROBERT B. CASH, a native and old resident of Gallatin county, Ill., was born at Shawnectown, the county seat of that county, Dec. 9, 1843. His father, William T. Cash, was one of the early settlers in that section of the state. In, August, 1861, Robert B. Cash enlisted as a private in Company C, Twenty-ninth regiment Illinois volunteer infantry, and was mustered in at Springfield. He received his baptism of fire at Fort Donelson, and at Shiloh was severely wounded by a gun shot in the left thigh. He was placed on board a transport and sent to St. Louis, where he soon afterward received a furlough for fifty days to come home and recover. As soon as his furlough expired he rejoined his command. His next engagement of any consequence was at Holly Springs, Miss., where he was captured, but was paroled, sent to St. Louis, and was soon afterward exchanged. Again he joined his regiment, fought at Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely, then at Mobile, after which the regiment was sent to Texas and kept on duty there until the close of the war, not being mustered out until November, 1865. He was at Mobile when a large quantity of captured ammunition exploded and assisted in taking the dead and wounded from the ruins, and in moving the debris. Upon receiving his discharge he returned home, and in 1867 bought the farm where he now lives. He was married in that year to Miss Serena Mall, of Tennessee, and to this marriage there have been born nine children. I-26 402 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY Mr. Cash is a member of the Ridgway Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and of Junction Lodge, No. 434, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In his political views he is a Republican and takes an actiye interest in winning victories for his party. JOHN W. ROGERS, farmer and stock raiser near Junction City, Ill., was born near Harrisburg, Saline county, of that state, Jan. 31, i851. His father was born at Chattanooga, Tenn., in 1807. In 1845 he removed to Saline county and bought a farm not far from the present Eagle post office and lived there until the fall of 1851, when he came to Gallatin county and bought 160 acres adjoining the farm on which John W. now lives. Only a few acres were cleared at that time, but he improved the farm and brought most of it under cultivation before his death, which occurred on Jan. 18, 1889. He was twice married. Before leaving Tennessee he was married to Elizabeth Booten, and two daughters, Catherine and Polly, both now deceased, were born to that union. His wife died after coming to Illinois and he was married to Mrs. Eliza A. Colbert, widow of Allen Colbert and a daughter of Joseph Logsdon, whose sketch appears elsewhere. his second wife survived him, dying Feb. 19, 1903, at the age of eighty years. She had two children by her first husband: Margaret, now the wife of Thornton Bennett, of Denver, Col., and Allen, who died in infancy. John W. Rogers is the eldest of a family of four children: William T. died June 28, 1897; Matilda is the widow of George Borroughs of Shawneetown; and Marinda is the wife of James White of Gallatin county. The parents of these children were both members of the Presbyterian church. John W. Rogers received his education in the district schools near his father's home, and spent one year in the schools of Ewing, Franklin county. At the age of twenty he commenced teaching and followed that occupation for nine years, also assuming the management of his father's farm after he had reached the age of twenty-two years. On Jan, 25, 1880, he was united in marriage to Miss Lucy, daughter of Bluford and Amanda J. (Rose) Robinett, and since then has devoted the greater part of his time to farming. He owns in all 600 acres, 550 of which are under cultivation. One of his farms is that formerly belonging to his father, and which adjoins the one on which he lives. All the improvements have been made since the land came into his possession. In recent years he has given considerable attention to the breeding of fine horses, Polled Angus and Hereford cattle, and he is generally regarded as one of the most intelligent and progressiye farmers in MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 403 his neighborhood. Mr. Rogers is a Democrat and for eight years held the office of justice of the peace. He and his wife are both members of the Presbyterian church, in which he holds the position of deacon. The church to which they belong stands on his farm. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers have had ten children. Bluford was drowned when he was four years of age; three died in infancy; Daisy is the wife of Casper Fink, of Equality; Joseph, John, Virgil, James and Tessie are at home with their parents. ISAAC N. BOURLAND, M.D., a physician and druggist of Equality, Ill., way born at Cottage Grove, Saline county of that state, Jan. 5, 1858. The founder of the family in America came from Ireland during the Colonial period. William Bourland, the grandfather of Dr. Bourland, was a native of South Carolina. He served in the war of 1812, after which he lived for a short time in Kentucky, and then located in Saline county. He had learned the trade of bricklayer before leaving South Carolina. In 1829 he entered a tract of government land in Saline county and followed farming, in connection with his trade, the rest of his life. He was also interested in the manufacture of charcoal. The first brick building in Equality was erected by him. It is still standing and in a good state of preservation. He married Rachel Slaten, a native of Kentucky, and died at the age of seventy-three years. She lived to be ninety-four, and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Susan Moore. Of their children, Ebenezer, John and Francis are deceased; Susan is a Mrs. Moore, living in Gallatin county, Ill., and the others live in Saline county. William Bourland and his wife were members of the Old School Baptist church. James A. Bourland, a son of William and Rachel Bourland, was born on the old homestead in Saline county, Nov. 30, 1830. He received a limited education in the schools of that day, married Nancy Strong, a native of Kentucky, and commenced farming on the place adjoining his father's. There he lived until the death of his father, when he removed to the old home farm where he was born, and where he is now living. Of the children born to James A. and Nancy Bourland, Gabriel A. lives in Equality; Emma is a Mrs. Proctor, of 404 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY Mount Vernon, Ill.; Isaac N. is the subject of this sketch; Timothy D. lives on the old home place; Elizabeth is a Mrs. Guard, of Equality, and Gertrude a Mrs. Pierce, living in Saline county. The mother of these children died in 1869. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. The father is hale and hearty for one of his age and still takes considerable interest in politics as a Democrat. Dr. I. N. Bourland attended the common schools of his neighborhood in his youth, and afterward attended the Harrisburg high school and Ewing college in Franklin county. He then taught one term, after which he remained at home on the farm until 188o, when he commenced the study of medicine. In 1884 he was graduated from the Miami Medical college of Cincinnati and commenced practice in the vicinity of his father's home. Six months later he went to Eldorado, where he practiced for about fourteen months, at the end of which time he came to Equality. While at Eldorado he became interested in the drug business, and upon removing to Equality he brought his stock of drugs to that place, where he still continues to conduct a drug store in connection with his practice. Dr. Bourland is a member of the American and the Illinois State Medical associations, and of the Gallatin County Medical society, of which he now holds the office of president. He is medical examiner for several of the leading life insurance companies, and is one of the most popular physicians in the town. Politically he is a Democrat, and in fraternal matters is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, now holding the office of treasurer in Lodge No. 2. In 1875 he was married to Miss Ella A. Greer, who was born in Equality, and to this union there have been born the following children: Allie, Frank, John A., Anita G. and Herbert C., twins, and Bernardine. The last named is deceased and the others live at home with their parents. W. SMITH McGEHEE, a farmer, living four and a half miles west of Shawneetown, Ill., was born April 16, 1850; on the farm adjoining the one where he now lives. His grandfather, William McGehee, was born in Scotland, but came to America in his early manhood, locating in Maryland. There he married Catherine Little and in 1806 settled in Gallatin county, Ill. He entered a tract of land 320 acres in extent, paying twelve and a half cents an acre for it. Game was plentiful in Southern Illinois at that time and he made quite a reputation as a hunter and marksman. He died when about fifty years of age, but his wife lived to the age of eighty-four. They MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 405 had eleven children, all of whom grew to maturity. One of these children was Charles W., the father of the subject of this sketch. He was born on Gold Hill, Gallatin county, Sept. 10, 1820, not far from where his son, W. Smith, now lives, and there grew to manhood. He married Mahala Moreland, who was born in the same neighborhood in 1823, and followed farming all his life. His wife died in March, 1865, and he passed away in 1887. She was a member of the Baptist church and he was a Presbyterian. They always lived in Gold Hill township, where he was a successful farmer and stock raiser, owning at one time 900 acres of land. They had the following chit dren: Angeline, Samuel, George, Catherine and Nora, all deceased Emily, wife of William Miller, living in the vicinity; Francis M., living at Cisne, Ill. ; Lizzie, wife of Benjamin Smith ; W. Smith Charles, a farmer of Gold Hill township; and John, also a farmer in that township. W. Smith McGehee was educated in the common schools and has followed agricultural pursuits all his life. On Sept. 23, 1873, he was married to Miss Jennie Pellum, of Ridgway, and about a year later settled on the farm where he now lives. He owns 400 acres, more than three-fourths of which lies in the valley, and devotes considerable attention to raising stock. He is a member of the Knights of Honor and is a Republican politically. His wife and children belong to the Presbyterian church. Their children are Hettie, Mrs. Edward Dale; Nora, who died in infancy; Edward S. of Junction City ; Ethel and Gilbert, at home. THOMAS J. FROHOCK, a farmer living near Junction City, Ill., is a native of Tennessee, having been born in Smith county of that state, Feb. 28, 1841. He is one of a family of fourteen children, seven sons and seven daughters. All the sons and five of the daughters grew to maturity, but only three are now living. Those are Mrs. A. G. King, Thomas J., and David Franklin, a farmer not far from Junction City. When the subject of this sketch was about fifteen years of age his parents removed to Kentucky, and there he grew to manhod. In 1866 he came to Gallatin county, Ill., where for about fifteen years he worked by the month for the farmers of Eagle Creek township. He then bought the farm where he now lives, 406 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY consisting of 160 acres, though at the time there was but very little cleared land on the place. By his industry and good management he has now one of the best improved farms in the neighborhood, and in addition to his home farm owns 200 acres elsewhere, which he has accumulated by his thrift. Young men can learn from his career the lessons of economy and self-denial. Beginning life a poor boy, he had only his will and determination to succeed for a start in life. But by the proper exercise of these qualities, and by denying himself many of the so-called pleasures of youth, he is to-day one of the substantial citizens of the community in which he lives. Mr. Frohock is a Democrat in his political opinions and takes a laudable interest in public questions. In 1869 he was married to Miss Mary S. Strickland, a native of Saline county, and to this union there were born the following children: John H., Thomas G., Dallas, Lee, Franklin, George, David, Charlie and Mary A., all living in the immediate vicinity, and all useful members of society. DAVID A. LOGAN, a farmer near Junction City, Ill., and trustee of the township in which he resides, was born, March 11, 1843, in what is now West Virginia. When he was about twelve years of age he came with his parents to Gallatin county, Ill., and lived there with them until Aug. 15, 1862, when he enlisted as a private in Company D, One Hundred and Twentieth Illinois volunteer infantry. The regiment was mustered in at Springfield for “three years or during the war," and soon afterward sent to Memphis on guard and patrol duty. There Mr. Logan contracted smallpox and before he fully recovered he was taken ill with typhoid fever. The two maladies kept him in the hospital for nearly five months. A few days after the fall of Vicksburg he reported there for duty and rejoined his regiment at Lake Providence, La., where it was stationed on guard duty. In September, 1863, it was ordered back to Memphis, after which it was at Corinth, Miss., Lagrange, Tenn., again at Memphis, then on the Guntown raid through Mississippi, and up the Tennessee river. It was mustered out at Memphis, Sept. 10, 1865, and the men returned to their homes. Since the war he has devoted his attention and energies to farming, and although he MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 407 has but 100 acres he has one of the best improved farms in the neighborhood. In his political convictions Mr. Logan is a stalwart Republican, and for the last twenty years has held the office of township trustee. No better recommendation of his honor, popularity, and trustworthiness is needed than this long record as a public official, during which he has ever maintained the confidence and respect of the citizens who have entrusted him with the administration of township affairs. He is a charter member of M. K. Lawler Post, Grand Army of the Republic, at Junction. Shortly after the war he was married to Miss Elizabeth Munch, and to this union there have been born the following children: Alfred, Moses, Arthur, Chester, Harrison, Walter, Clarence, and twins who died in infancy. Alfred and Arthur are in the State of Washington, Chester is at home, and the others live in the vicinity. Mr. Logan has lived on the farm he now occupies ever since his marriage. W. J. WILKS, a farmer near Shawneetown, Ill., was born on March 10, 1860, not far from Madisonville, Hopkins county, Ky. He is the youngest of twelve children, six sons and six daughters, born to H. J. and Pauline Wilks. Only two of the family are now living. When he was about two years of age his mother died and in 1866 his father came with the family to Gallatin county, Ill., where he bought 120 acres of land in the river bottoms and died there the following year. After the death of his father the subject of this sketch lived with a family named Duvall, working for his board and clothes, with the privilege of attending school a few months each year, until he was seventeen years old. He then commenced life on his own responsibilities as a farm hand, which occupation he followed for several years, saving his money with a view to some day becoming a farmer on his own land. On Aug. 12, 1888, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Laura Meek, a daughter of Thomas Logsdon, and for the next four years was the manager of Charles Carroll's farm. At the end of that time he bought the farm where he now lives, five miles from Shawneetown, and began farming on his own account. Since then he has bought and paid for 80 acres in New Haven township. On the two farms he has 150 408 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY acres under cultivation. Mr. Wilks is a Democrat in politics, though the only office he has ever held was that of school director, which he occupied to the entire satisfaction of his neighbors for three years. He is a modest, unassuming gentleman, whose chief aim in life seems to be to mind his own business, and it is to this trait of character that much of his success in life is due. Naturally such a man possesses the confidence and respect of the people around him, and few men in the community stand higher in a general way than Mr. Wilks. MARTIN DOHERTY, a farmer and stock raiser, six miles east of Ridgway, Ill., was born on a farm in County Kilkenny, Ireland, not far from the city of Waterford, Dec. 19, 1838. He is the second of six children born to James and Nellie (Merry) Doherty. Mary the eldest, lives in Ireland; Ellen and Stephen came to America in 1863 and both died in this country; Richard died at the age of eighteen months, and one other died in Ireland. When he was sixteen years of age Martin, Doherty commenced learning the trade of ship carpenter. For the first year and a half he received no wages. Then he received a dollar a week, with an increase of twelve and a half cents a week each year during the rest of his four and a half years' apprenticeship. On June 29, 1860, he set sail for America, on one of the old sailing vessels of that day, and after a voyage of six weeks and four days he landed in Quebec. From there he cane to the United States, working in the city of Cincinnati at anything he could find to do, then in the boat yards at Evansville, Ind., and in the spring of 1865 came to Shawneetown, Ill., where he helped to build a wharf-boat. He then went to Golconda, where he aided in the building of another wharf-boat, and in April, 1867, located on the farm where he now lives. However, he continued to work at his trade that year, not taking up farming for a livelihood until the following spring. Mr. Doherty now owns 408 acres of land in Ridgway township; 240 in New Haven township, and 40 in Gold Hill township. For the last twelve years he has been raising registered Hereford cattle, in which he has been quite successful. In politics he is a Democrat and for thirteen years held the office of MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 409 justice of the peace. In 1904 he visited his native land, and by a coincidence sailed on June 29, the same day that he first left Ireland for America. Instead of a voyage of six weeks and four days he made the trip in six and one half days. After his return from Ireland he visited the great World's Fair at St. Louis. Mr. Doherty has been twice married. His first wife, to whom he was united on Sept. 6, 1866, was Miss Mary McGuire. To this marriage there were born the following children: John, who attended Notre Dame university and now lives near Ridgway; Eliza, wife of Arthur Maloney, also in the vicinity; Hannah, educated at the St. Vincent convent, in Union county, Ky,, now the wife of John Duffy; Stephen, a midshipman in the United States navy at Annapolis; James, who died at the age of nineteen years; Ella, who married William Maloney and died in September, 1896; May, who died at the age of fifteen months; Maggie, who died at the age of nine months, and Mary, who died at the age of six months. Stephen is a noted athlete. He is one of the foot ball team of the naval academy and has won numerous medals for running, broad jumping, hurdle races, etc. The mother of these children died in July, 1883, and in June, 1885, Mr. Doherty was united in marriage to Margaret, daughter of Thomas R. Lawler, and a niece of Gen. M. K. Lawler, whose sketch appears in this work. JOHN DAILY, a farmer, living in what is known as the "Pond Settlement," near Ridgway, Ill., is of Irish descent. His father, William Daily, was a native of Queen's county, Ireland, a cousin of Gen. M. K. Lawler, and came to Amer.ca about the same time. The voyage was made on a sailing vessel and he was nine weeks on the water. He reached Gallatin county, Ill., with something like $10 in his pocket, and commenced working by the month for the farmers living in the vicinity of Shawneetown. After several years in this way he purchased a tract of 120 acres, about a mile from where the subject of this sketch now lives, and began farming for himself. At the time of his death in 1858 he was the owner of about 1,000 acres of good land and was one of the leading stock raisers of the county He was married three. times. His first wife was Sylvelia Cusick, and 410 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY to this union there were born the following children: Thomas, died young; John and gHary, twins, the latter of whom died at the age of twelve months; Sarah and Margaret, also twins, both deceased; William and Joseph. The subject of this sketch is the only one now living. William Daily's second wife was Martha Huston, by whom he had four children, Hannah, James. Samuel, and one who died in infancy. The mother of these children died from the effects of a mad dog's bite, and although John and his father were both bitten by the same dog, neither became affected with rabies. The third wife was a Mrs. Mary Luttrell, who is still living in, White county, Ill., at the age of eighty years. She had one child, now deceased. John Daily was born on the first farm his father ever owned, June 9, 1839. His first school was in a log house that stood on his father's farm. It had no floor and the seats were made of sassafras saplings split in halves with pins driven in the half-round sides for legs. The next school was a mile and a half away, but the house had a puncheon floor, which was at that time regarded as a luxury in a school house. The teacher of this school was it man named Watkins. When only nineteen years of age Mr. Daily commenced farming for himself, on the place where he now lives. The following year he was married to Miss Eleanora Stout, who was born near Mansfield, O., her parents being William and Mary (Van Horn) Stout. Mr. and Mrs. Daily began keeping house in a box frame dwelling with but one room and it kitchen, and only fifteen acres of cleared land upon, whieh to raise a crop. But by the exercise of industrious habits and good judgment they have prospered until, in addition to his home. place, Mr. Daily owns another farm of 80 acres. Politically he is a Democrat who always stands up for his principles, and with his family belongs to the Catholic church. of which his father before him was an honored member. Mr. and Mrs. Daily have had the following children.: William, who now has charge of the farm, Henry, who died in 1898 ; Aaron, who died at the age of twenty-three years; twins, who died in infancy; Mary A., wife of John Frey; John, Jr., who married Eunice Harrelson, and lives on a farm near his father; Sarah, wife of Leonard Frey: Thomas, an attorney at Shawneetown ; Carrie, wife of Peter Zirkelbach, of Evansville, Ind. Charles, at home with his parents: and one who died in, infancy. Mary A. and Sarah Frey are both living in the same neighborhood as their parents. MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 411 ALOIS WINTERBERGER, a farmer and grain dealer, living near Junction City, Ill., is a native of the historic province of Alsace-Lorraine, where he was born April 4, 1845, of French parentage. In 1854, in company with his parents, two brothers and two sisters,hee came to the United States. For about a year after arriving in this country his father followed his trade of gunsmith in Cincinnati, at the end of which time they came on to Shawneetown, Ill. There the father worked at his trade until about 1856, when he bought a farm of fifty acres near junction, and died there Sept. 21, 1899, aged seventy-nine gars. The mother died on April 4, 1902, in the eighty-fourth year of her age. Alois was eleven years of age when the family settled at Shawneetown. Ile attended the common schools and on Aug. 15, 1862, enlisted in, Company D, One Hundred and Twentieth Illinois volunteer infantry, as a private. In May, 1863, he was made a corporal, and on April 6, 1864, was promoted to orderly sergeant, which rank he hell for the remainder of his service. The regiment was mustered in, at Springfield, sent to Memphis, Tenn., on patrol and provost duty, then to Vicksburg, where it participated in the siege. After the fall of Vicksburg it was on guard duty at Lake Providence, La., Mmphiss and Lagrange, Tenn., Corinth, Miss., and in, June, 1864, took part in the famous Guntown raid. He was once severely wounded by a ball which struck him in the back of the head, passed under the scalp, and killed the next man in the line. On Sept. 10, 1865. he was mustered out with the regiment at Memphis and returned to Gallatin. county. He soon returned to Memphis, howeyer,, where for three years he worked at the trade of carpenter. From that time instil 1880 he was engaged in contracting and building in allatinn county. During the next five years he worked as a millwright in different parts of the country. nn 1885 he built what is known as the "ittlee Gem" Flour mill at New Haven and conducted it in connection with a grain buying business until 1892. He then removed to the farm where he nowhves,, though he still does considerable business as a grain buyer at Junction City. Mr. Winterberger owns 165 acres in the home farm, and fifty acres in another tract. He has made all the improvements on his farms, among; which may hr especially mentioned several thousand rods of 412 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY tile drain, his farm in this respect being one of the best supplied in the county. Politically he is a Republican and from 1898 to 1902 held the office of township spervisor. At the present time he is one of the three drainage commissioners for the Cyprus special drainage district. He is a Royal Arch Mason and Knight Templar; served as Worshipful Master of Warren Lodge, No. 14, Free and Accepted Masons, of Shawneetown in 1876 ; and is a Past Commander of Rhodes Post, No. 586, Grand Army of the Republic, of New Haven. In 1877 Mr. Winterberger and Miss Kate Wallace were united in marriage and they had two sons : Louis, deceased, and Ralph, now in the United States navy on board the steamship Tacoma. He attended the State university for two years before entering the navy. The mother of these two boys died in 1881 and in 1883 Mr. Winterberger was married to Miss Mary Krauser, a native of Ports mouth, O.