MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY PERSONAL AND GENEALOGICAL WITH PORTRAITS VOLUME II ALVIN PETERSON HOVEY (deceased), soldier, lawyer, statesman and ex-governor of the State of Indiana, was born near Mount Vernon, Posey county, Ind., Sept. 6, 1821, and died at Indianapolis, while serving as governor, Nov. 23, 1891. His parents both died while he was still in his boyhood and he began life for himself as a brick mason. While working at this occupation he spent his evenings and leisure hours in reading law under the tutorage of John Pitcher, of Mount Vernon, and in 1843 was admitted to the bar. He soon won for himself a name among the leading lawyers of Southern Indiana, served as prosecuting attorney with signal ability and in 1850 became the judge of the circuit court of the First judicial district. When the time came to select delegates to the constitutional convention of 1852, he was chosen to represent his county and although one of the youngest members of that body he was one of the most intelligent and active, and the organic law of the state today bears the impress of his high emprise and strong personality. At the age of thirty-two he was appointed to a place on the supreme bench of Indiana, being the youngest man in the history of that tribunal to sit as one of its justices. In 1856 President Pierce appointed him district attorney for Indiana, where he fully sustained the high character of the office until removed by President Buchanan because of his attitude in supporting Stephen II-2 18 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY A. Douglas when a split occurred in the Democratic party. When the Civil war broke out he at once began the organization of a company, which became a part of the First regiment of the Indiana legion, of which he was commissioned colonel. When the Twenty-fourth Indiana infantry was mustered in he was given the command of the regiment and joined Fremont's army in Missouri. For gallant conduct at Shiloh he won the rank and insignia of a brigadier-general. At Champion Hills he again distinguished himself and won the rank of major-general. General Grant in his Memoirs makes special mention of General Hovey's conduct in this engagement. In 1864 he was appointed to raise ten thousand new troops and it was ordered that none of them should be men of families. The result was that a large number of boys enlisted under the call and they became known as "Hovey's Babies." But when they were fully initiated they proved to be good soldiers and on the great "March to the sea" rendered a good account of themselves. Late in 1864 General Hovey was appointed military commander for Indiana and while serving in that capacity played an important part in the prosecution and conviction of the leaders of the Knights of the Golden Circle, a treasonable organization. After the war was over General Hovey was appointed minister to Peru by President Andrew Johnson and served in that position from 1865 to 1870, when he returned to Mount Vernon and resumed the practice of law. Two years later he declined the nomination for governor, declaring his intentions at that time to never re-enter politics. He did remain in private life until 1886, when his party unanimously tendered him the nomination for congressman from the First district. He accepted and although the district was nearly fifteen hundred Democratic in 1884 he was elected by a majority of over thirteen hundred. In 1888 the Indiana Republican state convention nominated him without opposition for the office of governor and at the election in November he was victorious, defeating Col. C. C. Matson by a plurality of twenty-two hundred. The same year he was elected president of the service pension association of the United States, at the national Grand Army encampment at St. Louis, which was a fitting recognition of his labors in Congress in behalf of his old comrades in arms. In January, 1891, he received the support of the Republican members of the general assembly for the office of United States senator, but was defeated by Daniel Voorhees, the legislature being Democratic. Such, in brief, is a report of the stewardship of one of Indiana's most illustrious citizens. As a MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY -19 public official he was always conscientious and fearless in the discharge of his duty; as a soldier he was always to be found at his post; as a legislator his voice and vote were always on the side of right and justice, and as a man he was universally loved for his purity of character, his sympathetic nature and his generous charity. His remains rest in the Mount Vernon cemetery, in sight of the house in which he was born, where they were tenderly laid to rest by the Grand Army of the Republic, some of those participating in the last sad rites having fought under him during the war. Governor Hovey was twice married, first to Mary James, by whom he had two children: Esther, now the wife of Maj. G. V. Menzies of Mount Vernon, and Charles James, also of that city. His second wife was a daughter of Caleb B. Smith, a prominent citizen of Indiana and secretary of the interior under Lincoln. GUSTAVUS V. MENZIES, a prominent attorney of Mount Vernon, Ind., and one of the Democratic leaders of the Hoosier state, was born in Boone county, Ky., Dec. 24, 1844. He is a son of Dr. Samuel G. and Sally (Winston) Menzies, both natives of Kentucky, where the name of Menzies has been prominent in the annals of the state for fully a century. In his day Doctor Menzies was an eminent physician. When the Civil war broke out he enlisted as surgeon of the First Kentucky regiment and served in that capacity during the war. His duties as an army surgeon brought on disease, from which he never recovered, and from which he finally died on Dec. 21, 1882. Gustavus V. received his early schooling in the Cincinnati high school. Although but little over sixteen years of age when the war began in 1861 he enlisted in the First Kentucky, of which his father was surgeon, and served in the ranks until the succeeding September, when he was appointed midshipman in the naval academy at Annapolis and graduated from that institution with the class of 1864. After completing the course he served in various positions with the European, West Indian and South American squadrons; was flag lieutenant on the staffs of Admirals Dahlgren and Turner, and was with Poor a short time in Cuban waters, during the insurrection there in 1869. In the school year of 1870-71 20 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY he was an instructor in the naval academy and while thus engaged he began the study of law. In 1871 he located at Mount Vernon, where he has ever since been engaged in the practice of his profession. Mr. Menzies is well fitted, both by nature and education for a lawyer. He has an analytical mind, an even temper, a sound judgment, is a close student and an indomitable worker. These qualifications soon manifested themselves after he came to Mount Vernon and the result was he rapidly forged his way to the front. Few lawyers in Southern Indiana enjoy a more lucrative practice or have a higher standing at the bar. For many years he has been prominent in the Democratic councils of the state and active as a public speaker during campaigns. He is at home on the hustings, is a forcible and convincing speaker and is always in demand from the beginning to the close of the contest. The political reputation and labors of Mr. Menzies have not been confined by state boundaries. For more than a quarter of a century he has been an active participant in national politics. In 1876 he was the Democratic elector for the First congressional district of Indiana and cast his vote for Tilden and Hendricks. In 1878 he was elected state senator from the counties of Posey and Gibson and served in the sessions of 1879 and 1881. In the session of 1881 he was a member of the senate committee on the revision of the laws of Indiana and acted with the Hon. David Turpie, James S. Frazer and John H. Stotsenberg, the board of revision appointed by Governor Porter for the codification and revision of the laws. In 1895 he was appointed by the United States supreme court, on the recommendation of Governor Matthews of Indiana, one of the commissioners to determine and establish the boundary between Indiana and Kentucky at Green River island near Evansville, Ind. The boundary line as established by the commission was affirmed by the court, and a dispute of long standing between two states finally settled. He has been a member of the board of regents of the Indiana State Soldiers and Sailors Monument since 1895. He was a district delegate to the national convention of 1884 and in the last three national conventions he has represented the State of Indiana as a delegate at large. At Kansas City, in 1900, he was chairman of the delegation. He was one of the Indiana leaders in the movement to secure the nomination of Judge Alton B. Parker and was prominently mentioned for the vice-presidency at the St. Louis convention of 1904. Mr. Menzies is a member of the State Bar Association and the United States Supreme Court and the Supreme Court of Indiana, Harrow Post of the MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 21 Grand Army of the Republic, at Mount Vernon, the Indiana Loyal Legion, and he is as popular in fraternal circles as he is in politics or the bar association. He was married on November 11, 1869, to Miss Esther Hovey, only daughter of Gen. Alvin P. Hovey, who was elected governor of Indiana in 1888, and died while in office. Mr. and Mrs. Menzies have three children: Mary is the wife of Walter A. Seymour, of New York City; Juliette is the wife of Lloyd B. Fitzhugh, of Galveston, Tex. ; Winston was the captain of Company B, One Hundred and Sixty-first Indiana infantry, commanded by Col., afterward Gov., W. T. Durbin, during the Spanish-American war, and now lives at Mount Vernon. He married Miss Erma Wasem of Mount Vernon. THE TOWLES FAMILY, of Henderson, Ky., and their connections who settied in the Lower Ohio Valley, are descendants of one of the oldest families in America. The record extends back to Henry Towles, who came from Liverpool, England, and settled in Accomac county, Va., about the middle of the seventeenth century. He married Ann Stokely and to this union there were born two sons, Stokely and Henry. Stokely settled in Middlesex county, and Henry, who was born in 1670, settled in 1711, in Lancaster county, at the junction of the Rappahannock and Corotoman rivers, the place still being known as Towles' Point, and now in the possession of his descendants. He married Hannah Therrott, and died in 1734, leaving one son and four daughters, viz.: Stokely, Judith, Ann, Elizabeth and Jane. Stokely was born in: 1711, and died in 1755. After the death of his parents he continued to live at Towles' Point, and married Catherine, daughter of Thomas Martin,of Corotoman, Lancaster county. The children of Stokely and Catherine Towles were: Henry, Thomas, Stokely and three daughters, Mrs. Dick, Mrs. Reevely and Mrs. Payne. Henry, the eldest son, was born in 1738 and became closely connected with the history of Virginia during the Revolution; a member of the house of delegates in 1783; a member of the Virginia convention in 1788; county lieutenant in 1794; and clerk of Lancaster county until his death in 1799. Stokely, the second son, went to Goochland county, where he 22 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY was a major in the militia during the Revolution. After the war he removed to Spottsylvania. His wife was Elizabeth, the third child of William Downman. Thomas, the third son, was born at Towles' Point, Feb. 21, 1750, and died at Millbrook, Spottsylvania county, May 22, 1800. At the commencement of the Revolution he was quartermaster to the Caroline county battalion of militia, and later in life held the rank of colonel. In 1783 he represented Spottsylvania county in the house of delegates. He married Mary, daughter of John, Morris and Mary (Chew) Smith, of Richahock, King and Queen county. The children born to this marriage were Elizabeth, Mary Smith, John, Thomas, Therit, Oliver, Ann, Larkin and Frances. Elizabeth first married William Brock, son of Joseph Brock, and after his death Capt. Phil. Slaughter. They were the parents of Rev. Philip Slaughter, a distinguished minister of the Episcopal church, and author of numerous works on church history and genealogy. Mary Smith married Anthony Thornton and settled in Bourbon county, Ky. One of their sons, Anthony, afterward went to Shelby county, Ill., where he became a distinguished lawyer, represented the county in the legislature, and served on the bench in the highest court of the state. John settled in Louisiana and became a sugar planter. He was twice married : first to Susan Turnbull, and second to Ann Alexandria Conrad, of Virginia. Thomas was born at Millbrook, Va., June 1, 1784. In the spring of 1806 he removed to Henderson, Ky. Before leaving Virginia he was granted license to practice law in the courts of that state. His certificate is dated Dec. , 1805, and is signed by Peter Lyons, Spencer Roane, and Francis Brooke, all prominent men in their day. After settling in Kentucky he practiced in the counties of Henderson, Christian, Logan, and Ohio, and was contemporary with John J. Crittenden, Christopher Tompkins, George M. D, and other eminent lawyers, when the court was presided over by Judge Henry Broadnax. He was appointed one of the justices of the Territory of Illinois, which was approved by the United States senate, and he took the oath of office before Ninian Edwards, governor of the territory, March 2, 1816. From 1821 to 1824 he represented Henderson county in the state legislature, and was magistrate for twenty consecutive years. In politics he was an uncompromising Whig, and Old Court man and was for many years prominent in all the affairs of the county. In fact a complete biography of Judge Towles would be a fairly good history of Henderson county in his time, as he was a successful lawyer with a large practice. MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 23 In religion he was an earnest churchman. Bishop B. B. Smith in his account of the Kentucky church, says his greatest troubles were over when he gained the support of several men as Thomas Towles of Henderson. In 1809 he was married to Ann Taylor Hopkins, daughter of Gen. Samuel Hopkins, of Revolutionary fame, and by this marriage had one son, Thomas Towles, Jr., who became widely known throughout the state, both for his legal lore and his spontaneous wit. His toast to water was : "It is valuable for navigation and for its mixable qualities." He served several terms in the Kentucky legislature. After the death of his first wife, Judge Towles, on April 23, 1816, was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Walter and Amelia (Johnston) Alves, and granddaughter of James Hogg, who was sent by the Transylvania Company to Philadelphia, an, "embassy" to the Continental Congress, in January, 1776, to solicit the privilege of forming the fourteenth colony to gain independence. (American, Archives, Vol. IV., and Filson club publications by George Ranck, page 224.) Her parents came to Kentucky in 1813 from Chapel Hill, Orange county, N. C., and were the representatives and descendants of two of the original members (James Hogg and William Johnston) of the Transylvania or Richard Henderson Land Company. To this marriage several children were born, only three of whom—Walter Alves, John James, and Bettie—lived to maturity. Judge Towles finally retired from the practice of law and became a successful planter. He died Dec. 12, 185o, and his second wife on June 28, 1852. Walter A. Towles was born Feb. 7, 1825. On Feb. 12, 1854, he married Susan Daniel Anderson, who was born Feb. 26, 1834. To this marriage there were born the following children: John Anderson, Lucy Marshall, Elizabeth Alves, Sue Starling, Walter A., Jr., Lillia, Mary Lucy, William and Therit. He has been commissioner for Atkinson Park, for the city of Henderson since 1894. John James, the second son, was born Jan. 22, 1827, and on March 13, 1851, married Louisa Alves. Their children were Minna, Florence, Louisa, John J. and Stokely. Bettie married William T. Barret, May 9, 1850, and their issue was William, Thomas, Strachan and Betty. Henry, son of Col. Thomas Towles, of Virginia, was born June 24, 1786; came to Bourbon county, Ky., and died near Ruddle's Mills in 1854. He joined Capt. William Garrard's company of mounted men, in Maj. James V. Ball's squadron, and was at the siege of Fort Meigs in the war of 1812. He married Sally Bedford and left one son, Larkin S., who married Mildred Gass, of Paris, Ky., removed to Missouri and 24 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY died there. Frances, the youngest child, came to Henderson, married John H. Sublette, a native of Richmond, Va., and bore him the following children: Mary S., Ann, Fanny, Hannah More, John W., and Conrad Speece. EDWARD W. WOOD, junior member of the firm of Turpin & Wood, rehandlers of tobacco for export, Owensboro, Ky., was born in that city, Aug. 7, 1853. His father, Dr. A. C. Wood, was born in New Hampshire, his ancestors coming from the Isle of Wight. After graduating from medical colleges at Cincinnati and New York, he located in Shelby county, Ky., and began the practice of his profession. Subsequently he came to Owensboro, where he died Jan. 2, 1905. He was an elder in the First Presbyterian church, took an interest in political affairs as a Republican, and belonged to the Masonic fraternity. The mother of E. W. Wood was Miss Mary Frances White, a native of Virginia, who came with her parents to Kentucky while she was still a little girl. She is a descendant of the French Huguenots, is still living, and is a member of the Presbyterian church. E. W. Wood is the only child of his parents. He grew to manhood in Owensboro, received the degree of Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan in 1873, and two years later the degree of Master of Arts. Soon after completing his education he engaged in the tobacco business, and since 1877 has been associated with the firm of Turpin & Wood as the junior partner. This firm makes a specialty of rehandling tobacco for export, and is one of the best known concerns in the Lower Ohio Valley. Mr. Wood is also connected with other business institutions of Owensboro. For a number of years prior to 1901 he was interested in the affairs of the First National bank, and in 1901 was elected to the presidency, which tells how he is regarded by those who know him best, and who are associated with him in business ventures. On Dec. 6, 1893, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Harbison, a daughter of Samuel Harbison, of Shelby county. Mr. and Mrs. Wood are both members of the First Presbyterian church. MARTIN YEWELL, mayor of Owensboro, Ky., was born in Daviess county, of that state, Dec. 22, 1853, and is a son of Harrison and Sarah (Lewis) Yewell, both natives of Nelson county, Ky. The grandfather, Martin Yewell, was a son of James Yewell, whose father was one of three brothers who came from England at a very early date and settled in Virginia. Martin Yewell was a MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 25 native of Virginia, but cane in his early manhood to Kentucky, settling in Nelson county, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits and milling operations all his life. Harrison Yewell was also a farmer and miller. He located in Daviess county in 1840, and there followed these occupations until his death in 1885. During his life he was one of the well known and influential citizens of the county. His wife died in 1893. Both were members of the Baptist church and consistent practitioners of the tenets of their religious faith. They had the following children,: Joseph and John, who both died in the Confederate service during the Civil war, the former at Tunnel Hill, Ga., and the latter at Bardstown, Ky. Thomas and Martha died in infancy; Linda is now living at Owensboro as the widow of H. M. Haskins; Nannie married William Mobbelly and is now deceased; Vardeman lives in Missouri; Martin is the subject of this sketch; Mary Belle is the wife of E. Rice, of Louisville; Sarah Todd is at home, and Robert Lee is a farmer in McLean county, Ky. Martin Yewell received a good common school education, studied law under Judge Yost, of Greenville, Ky., and was admitted to the bar on April 20, 1880. He first began practice at Uniontown, where he was elected city attorney, but in 1881 came to Owensboro, where he has ever since practiced his profession until elected mayor in 1901. In August, 1882, he was elected county attorney of Daviess county and held the office for two terms of four years each. Mr. Yewell, until 1896, was an adherent of the Democratic party; since that time he has affiliated with the Republicans. He was elected mayor in November, 1901, and his term expires in December, 1905. On Jan. 7, 1885, he was married to Miss Mamie B., daughter of George and Volinda Taylor, and they have two children: Taylor, aged seventeen, and Martine, aged fifteen. Mr. and Mrs. Yewell are both members of the Baptist church. LUCIUS P. LITTLE, of Owensboro, Ky., one of the leading lawyers of the Daviess county bar, was born in, that county, Feb. 15, 1838. His great-grandfather, George Little, was a native of Scotland. After his marriage in that country he came with his wife to South Carolina before the Revolutionary war. In that contest he served in the American army, was wounded and disabled, and after the war settled at Fort Vienna, Ky., where he passed the remainder of his days. When he came to Kentucky he was accompanied by his son, Jonas, who afterward married Betsy Douglas 26 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY and followed the vocation of a farmer in the vicinity of Fort Vienna until his death in 1850. His wife died during the Civil war. The second son of this marriage was Douglas Little, the father of Lucius P. In his early life he was a farmer and a manufacturer of wagons and plows. He was always active in, politics, held the office of constable, was then justice of the peace for eight years, and county judge for twelve years, three terms of four years each. He married Martha Wright, a native of Charlotte county, Va., who came to Kentucky in 1820. Lucius P. Little was educated in the common schools of Calhoun and in his early manhood entered the office of the clerk of the circuit court, as a deputy, in which position he remained for three years. During this time he studied lawn and after leaving the office attended the law department of the Cumberland university, of Lebanon, Tenn., graduating in 1857. Soon afterward he was admitted to the bar at Calhoun and practiced there until 1860, when he was made deputy United States marshal and took the census of his county. The next year he spent in Louisville and was then. in California until the fall of 1862, when he returned to Calhoun and acted. as recruiting officer for Adam Johnson's regiment, John H. Morgan's command, of the Confederate army. While engaged in this work he was arrested and taken to Bowling Green, where he was tried for the offense of recruiting inside the Federal lines. Under an order of General Burbridge the penalty of this offense was death, but through the mediation of friends Judge Little was released under bond and did not take any further steps in active support of the Confederacy. Shortly after this he went to Texas on legal business and remained there until the fall of 1864, when he resumed his practice at Calhoun. In 1868 be removed to Owensboro, where he has ever since lived, and where he has been an active participant in many of the political events of the county and city. In 1874 he was a candidate for the office of circuit judge, but was defeated. Six years later he was nominated by the Democratic party for the office and this time was elected. During his first term he won friends, both with the members of the bar and the general public, by his straightforward course on the bench and his clean, cut, impartial decisions. In 1886 he was re-elected for another term of six years. Upon retiring from the bench in 1893 he resumed the practice of his profession and has been retained in many important actions. He prefers civil cases and in such matters he is regarded as an authority. Judge Little has also done something in the literary line. From 1876 to 1879 he was the chief editorial writer on the MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 27 Owensboro Examiner; between 1884 and 1887 he wrote "Ben Hardin, His Times and Contemporaries," and he has delivered numerous lectures on literary subjects. He has always taken an active part in political affairs and as a political speaker he has few equals. He is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, and is a Past Eminent Commander of the Knights Templars. Judge Little has been married three times. His first wife was Lizzie E. Freeman, of Woodford county, Ky., to whom he was married on April 16, 1868. Her death occurred in March, 1873, and on Oct. 5, 1875, he was married to Louise A. Holloway. She died on March 4, 1887, and on Jan. 15, 1889, he was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Beach, of Maryland. To these marriages there were born the following children: L. Freeman, Lizzie E., Laura S., William, Martha B., Francis W., Catherine D., and Stanhope. Judge Little is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and has been on the board of trustees for years. He is also a member of several literary clubs. In all these organizations, as well as in the community at large, he is universally respected for his many sterling qualities. JOSIAH HALE, M.D., a retired physician of Owensboro, Ky., was born in Ohio county, of that state, Jan. 25, 1829. His parents, Caleb and Sally (Huff) Hale, were both natives of Virginia, but came in their childhood to Kentucky with their parents. Caleb Hale's father was Armstrong Hale, who was born in London, England, but came to America, settling first in Virginia and in 1800 in Ohio county. He was a farmer all his life. Caleb Hale was a farmer and also a cabinet maker. In political opinion he was a Whig and took an active interest in all public questions. At one time he was sheriff of Ohio county, where he passed his whole life. Doctor Hale received a common school education, and studied medicine under Doctor Haines, beginning in 1852. In 1856 he was graduated from the University of Louisville, with the degree of M.D., and began, practice at Fordsville in his native county. Later he removed to Hartford and practiced there until 1863, when he took a post-graduate course in New York and located in Owensboro. 28 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY In 1872 he again attended post-graduate lectures in New York, and in 188r was delegate to the International Medical Congress, which met at London, in August of that year. During his professional career Doctor Hale was regarded as one of the most progressive and successful physicians in his section of the state. He still retains his membership in the American Medical, the Kentucky State and the Tri-State -Medical societies, the last named being composed of the States of Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky, and belongs to the Owensboro Medical society. He was a member of the state board of medical examiners as long as the board was in existence and his retirement from active practice caused regret among his many patrons. While actively engaged in, professional work he was honored with the vice-presidency of the Kentucky State Medical society. Doctor Hale is an honored member of the Free and Accepted Masons. Before the war he was a Whig, during the war he was a Republican, then affiliated with the Democratic party until 1896, when he rejoined the Republicans. He owns a fine farm, property in the city of Owensboro, and is one of the substantial citizens of Daviess county. He has been twice married. His first wife, to whom he was married in 1832, was Nancy J. Willis, of Ohio county. She died in 1862 and in 1873 he was married to Emily McHenry, daughter of Judge John H. J. McHenry, of Hartford. Doctor Hale has had three children, only one of whom is now living. Bettie and Emma both died in infancy and Mary is now the wife of J. A. Dean. HON. AUGUSTUS OWSLEY STANLEY, of Henderson, Ky., member of Congress from the Second district of Kentucky, was born at Shelbyville, in that state, May 21, 1867.   He is a son of Rev. William Stanley, a minister of Christian church, now located   at Nicholasville, Ky. During the war William Stanley served as judge advocate-general on the staff of Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, of the Confederate army. His father was Joseph Stanley, a native of Virginia, who came to Kentucky in the twenties and settled in Nelson county, where he followed agricultural pursuits all his life. On the maternal side Augustus   O. Stanley's mother was Amanda Owsley, daughter of Hon. Nudicat Owslev, of Shelby county, once  MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 29 a member of the legislature, and a brother of Hon. William Owsley, at one time governor of the commonwealth of Kentucky and afterward justice of the state supreme court. She, too, is still living. Augustus O. Stanley grew to manhood in the heart of the "Blue Grass State," having been reared in Shelby, Woodford, Boyle and Mercer counties. In 1889 he graduated from Centre college, at Danville, Ky., and for the next year held the chair of belles-lettres in Christian college at Hustonville. Then for two years he was principal of an academy near Springfield. During all this time he devoted such time as he could spare from his school work to the study of law, and in 1894 he was admitted to the bar. There is one fact connected with the college life of Mr. Stanley that is worthy of especial notice. While at Centre college he was chosen to represent the institution in the state oratorical contest, and also had a similar honor conferred on him by the Kentucky State college, being the only man that ever represented two colleges in the contests. Upon being admitted to the bar he began practice at Flemingsburg, Ky., and continued there until March, 1898, when he came to Henderson, landing in the city on March 17th—St. Patrick's Day—a total stranger, for Flemingsburg is four hundred miles from Henderson. His progress, both in a professional and political way, since coming to Henderson, has been little short of phenomenal. In 1900 he was made an elector on the Democratic presidential ticket; in 1902 he was nominated and elected to Congress from the Second district; in 1904 he was unanimously renominated for another term by acclamation; and on all occasions in the house of representatives he has faithfully cared for the interests of his constituents. In his professional life he is a member of the law firm of Dorsey and Stanley, one of the strongest in Western Kentucky, his partner being John L. Dorsey, ex-judge of the Henderson circuit court. Mr. Stanley has few equals as a public speaker, either before a jury or on the political hustings. Ever since he became a voter he has made it a point to take a part in every political campaign and has repeatedly canvassed the state at his own expense. His popularity with his party comes from his ability as a public speaker and his well known devotion to Democratic principles. In the house he is a member of the committee on mines and mining, and is always an advocate of every measure to secure a nine-foot channel in the Ohio river from Pittsburg to Cairo. This question he looks upon as one of the most important touching the country's public utilities. He is, therefore, always an attendant at every meeting to agitate the subject and frequently appears before 30 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY the committee on rivers and harbors to urge legislation favorable to that end. In fraternal circles Mr. Stanley is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Buffaloes, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. On April 29, 1903, he was united in marriage to Miss Susan, daughter of William Soaper, a prominent tobacco factor of Henderson. To this marriage there has been born one son, Augustus Owsley, Jr., who was born July 1, 1904. HON. JOHN L. DORSEY, senior member of the law firm of Dorsey & Stanley, Henderson, Ky., is one of the leading lawyers of the Henderson county bar and an ex-judge of the circuit court. He was born at Corydon, Henderson county, Dec. 17, 1853, and has lived in the county all his life. His father, Dr. John N. Dorsey, was born in Jefferson county, Ky., Dec. 30, 1811, and died Sept. 23, 1888. He was the son of Noah Dorsey, who came to Kentucky from Maryland. Doctor Dorsey married Patsy Atchison, a native of Shelby county, Ky. She died Aug. z6, 1873, aged fifty-one years. Her parents were Virginians who were among the pioneers of Shelby county. Judge Dorsey was reared at Corydon., received his collegiate education at Bethel college, Russellville, Ky., read law in the office of Malcolm Yeaman, of Henderson, and was admitted to the bar in 1876. By his earnestness, his native ability, and his sheer force of will he soon won a high position at the Henderson county bar, and it is no disparagement to the other lawyers of Henderson to say that few are his equals and none his superior in a thorough knowledge of the law. In 1879 and 1880 he represented the county in the legislature, and in 1897 he was elected judge of the Fifth judicial circuit for a term of six years. Except the time employed in the discharge of his official duties in these positions his entire time since his admission has been taken tip with the practice of his profession. At the expiration, of his term on the bench he retired voluntarily to resume his practice, which has more attractions for him than holding office. He is a member of the State Par association and is well known in legal circles all over Kentucky. His partner, A. O. Stanley, is the present Congressman. from the second district of Kentucky, and both members of the firm are prominent in the councils of the Democratic party. Judge Dorsey was married on Dec. 10, 1885, to Miss Nannie, daughter of Robert Dixon, of Henderson., and they have four children: Alice Young, John L., Jr., Nancy Dixon, and Robert Milton. MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 31 JAMES EWING RANKIN, well known in the commercial life of Henderson, Ky., was born in the city of Paducah, in that state, March 17, 1847. Until his sixteenth year he attended the schools of his native city. Then the disturbances incident to the Civil war and the occupancy of Paducah by the Federal troops broke tip the school and so affected his mother's estate that he was compelled to enter business. His first employment was with the wholesale grocery house of J. M. Moore & Co., after which he was with Ashbrook Ryan & Co. and still later with L. S. Trimble & Co. From the last named firm he went to the banking house of Watts, Given & Co., where he remained until the house suspended on account of the failure of the parent firm of Watts, Crane & Co., of New York. He then went to Evansville, Ind., where he became associated with R. K. Dunkerson, and later became the head of the wharfboat and forwarding firm of J. E. Rankin, & Co. and the boat-store of Rankin, Hurt & Co. In 1876 he acquired an interest in the business of John H. Barret & Co., exporters of tobacco, with headquarters at Henderson and branches at Owensboro and Uniontown, which interest he still retains. In 1885 he organized the Henderson Cotton Mills and has been president of the company ever since its incorporation. He is also president of the Coquillard Wagon Works, which owes its corporate existence to his energy and ability as an organizer. Mr. Rankin was instrumental in securing to Henderson the union passenger station and the elevated roadway over the streets of Henderson, which enables the railroad trains to run at a high rate of speed without danger to pedestrians and traffic. He was interested in the several turnpike roads radiating from Henderson and aided in negotiating the sale of same to the county, thus freeing the travel from toll. He was also the president of the Pythian Building association, the builders and owners of the late Pythian office building and Park theatre, the finest office building in the city and the best appointed theatre in the state. Mr. Rankin inherits to a great extent his business ability and tact from his father, Adam Rankin, who was a member of the wholesale dry goods firm of Leight, Barret & Rankin, afterwards Bull, Rankin & Leight, of Louisville. Adam Rankin married Sophy Hayes Smith, daughter of Richard Ewing and Catherine (Hayes) Smith, the former of Louisville and the latter of Rochester, N. Y. He afterwards moved to Paducah where he was cashier of the Branch bank of Louisville until his death in 1857. His father was Dr. Adam Rankin, an eminent physician of Henderson who married Elizabeth Speed, of Louisville, an aunt of James Speed, Presi- 32 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY dent Lincoln's attorney-general. James E. Rankin was married on Dec. 5, 1871, to Miss Sue Rankin Barret, daughter of John H. Barret, of Henderson. They have two children living: Miss Susan Daniel, and James Ewing, Jr., the latter now being the junior partner of John H. Barret & Co. JAMES R. BARRET, president of the Ohio Valley Bank and Trust Company, of Henderson, Ky., is a native of that city, where he was born Dec. 16, 1841. He is the second son of the late John Henry Barret, who was for many years at the head of the well known tobacco firm of John H. Barret & Co. James R. was educated at Sayre's academy, of Frankfort, Ky., from which institution he graduated at the age of nineteen and soon afterward entered upon his business career in his native city, where he has ever since continued to reside. The bank and trust company, of which he is the official head, erected in 1904 a fine five-story office and store building, on the corner of Main and Second streets, of fire proof construction, at a cost of $60,000. It is regarded as the finest building of its kind in the city. In addition to his interests in this concern Mr. Barret is the largest stockholder in and was one of the organizers of the Henderson cotton mills; is interested in the Henderson National bank; the Coquillard Wagon Works; is the heaviest taxpayer in the county, and has the reputation of being the wealthiest man in Henderson. Yet not a dollar of his wealth has been acquired except by the application of correct business methods, coupled with his rare tact and persistent industry. He also has extensive farming interests in Henderson and adjacent counties. Mr. Barret is a man with broad ideas regarding charity and religion. He is a deacon in, the First Presbyterian church of Henderson, and is a liberal contributor to its good works. On May 15, 1862, he was married to Miss Lucy F. Stites, who died June 6, 1902, leaving two children: Henry P., a tobacco merchant of Henderson, and Susan R., wife of Dr. S. G. Gant, professor of surgery in the post-graduate institute of New York City. JOHN H. BARRET (deceased), late a prominent citizen of Henderson, Ky., and head of the well known tobacco firm of John H. Barret & Co., was born in Louisa county, Va., Feb. 4, 1818, and died at Henderson, Feb. 4, 1890, on his seventy-second birthday. His parents, Peter Straghan and Matilda (Winston) Barret, were both natives of Louisa county, and both his grandfathers were born, MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 33 lived their entire lives, and were buried in Virginia. John H. Barret received his education in the common schools. He was reared on the farm, where his father required him to plow furrow by furrow with others more physically able than himself, but even in boyhood he displayed that tenacity of purpose, which in later years contributed in so large a measure to his success, and kept up with the best of his father's plowmen. Another line of employment was driving oxen—a pastime well calculated to make a boy forget his Sunday school vocabulary. In 1833 his brother, Alexander B., came to Henderson and engaged in the general merchandise and tobacco stemming business. Two years later John H., then seventeen years of age, left the parental roof and in December, 1835, joined his brother in Kentucky. He accepted a position in, his brother's stemmery and in a little while his diligence and quick perception enabled him to master many of the details of the trade, with the result that he became a valuable assistant to his brother. In December, 1839, he was married to Miss Susan D. Rankin, a lady noted for her even temper, affectionate disposition, good sense, active benevolence and earnest piety. Soon after his marriage he formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, James E. Rankin, tinder the firm name of Rankin & Barret, in the dry goods business, and this association continued until 1851, when the partnership was dissolved by mutual consent. About this time Mrs. Barret died, leaving three children: Join H., Jr., James R., and Susan. (Sketches of the two sons appear elsewhere. The daughter married James E. Rankin, whose sketch is also included in this work.) In 1861 Mr. Barret returned to the tobacco stemming business, this time as a partner with his brother, the partnership being dissolved by the death of the latter in 1861. Alexander B. Barret left an estate valued at from three to four millions of dollars, consisting of all sorts of property and investments. By the terms of his will his two brothers, John H. and William T., were made his executors and the entire estate left to their hands without asking them to give security for the performance of the trust. Seven years were allowed by the will for the settlement of the estate, yet, at the end of five years the entire business of the estate was settled, the books balanced, the legacies all paid, and all this without any semblance of ill feeling or dissatisfaction. The settling of this vast estate in so short a time, and in such a manner as to cause no discontent among the heirs, stands as an imperishable monument to the fidelity, the rare judgment, the sound business ability, and the high integrity of the executors. After the death of Alexander Bar- II-3 34 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY ret the stemming business was continued by the subject of this sketch. As his sons arrived at the age of manhood each was given an interest in the concern, and upon the marriage of his daughter to James E. Rankin, he, too, became one of the firm. Aside from his large and constantly growing tobacco interests Mr. Barret was associated with other great enterprises. During the building of the Evansville, Henderson & Nashville railroad he was one of the board of directors, and was one of the moving spirits of the undertaking. When the city of Henderson voted three hundred thousand dollars of her bonds to assist in building the road the city council unanimously directed those bonds to be placed in the custody of Mr. Barret, without the formality of asking him for security. The first locomotive—known as the "Pony"—was purchased of the Baldwin Locomotive Works, by Mr. Barret, and paid for out of his own private means. He continued to act as one of the directors of the company until the road passed into the hands of the Louisville & Nashville system. Other institutions in Henderson owe their existence in a great measure to his enterprising spirit. He was one of the chief promoters of the First National bank, which was organized in November, 1865, and began business on the following New Year; was one of the originators and largest stockholders of the second telegraph line between Henderson and Evansville, Tad.; was active in promoting the establishment of the Henderson woolen mills, one of the largest and best equipped concerns of its kind in the West; and gave to Henderson the largest cotton mill in the state and one of the largest in the country outside of New England. Although he has passed over to the silent majority these great industrial establishments stand as mute witnesses to his progressive spirit. In addition to all these investments, which required a certain amount of time and attention, he was the owner of nearly two thousand acres of land in Henderson county, most of which was cultivated under his direction and personal supervision. He was also the owner of lands in other parts of Kentucky, and in Delta county, Texas, aggregating nearly five thousand acres. Truly he was "a man of affairs." But the great business of Mr. Barret was primarily that of stemming and exporting tobacco. As his trade in this line expanded he established stemmeries at Uniontown and Owensboro, and became a large holder of tobacco in European warehouses. Since his death this gigantic business has been conducted by his sons, and the character and credit he established have been fully maintained by his successors. Politically Mr. Barret was a MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 35 Whig in his earlier manhood, but after the dissolution of that party he became a Democrat. Although not a professed Christian he was a man of the highest moral character, with broad ideas as to charity, and was a liberal supporter of all religious denominations. He was an honored member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he was known and respected for his generous deeds. In 1852 he married a second wife in the person of Miss Mary Augusta Haddock, of Smithland, Ky. She was a woman of many Christian virtues who was for many years a fitting helpmate for her worthy husband. To this marriage there were born. four children, all of whom died in infancy or early childhood. The only public office Mr. Barret ever held was that of city councilman from his ward. He was elected to this over his protest, but having once put his hand to the plow he did not look back, and the city of Henderson will remember his official acts as those of a man actuated by the highest impulses, with an eye single for the public weal. Here, as in his private affairs, his course was marked by a strict devotion to duty, his only guides being his conscience and his unswerving honesty. JOHN HENRY BARRET, eldest son and namesake of the late John H. Barret (see sketch). and now the head of the great tobacco stemming interests of John H. Barret & Co., was born, in the city of Henderson, Ky., Oct. 3, 1840, and has resided there all his life. When he was twenty years of age he became associated with his father in the tobacco stemming business, which had been founded by Alexander B. Barret in the early thirties. Alexander B. Barret died in 1861, and from that time until 1890 the business was conducted by his brother, the elder John H. Barret, and his two sons and his son-in-law, James E. Rankin. The firm during that time became widely known as John H. Barret and Co., and since the death of Mr. Barret, in 1890, the name of the firm has remained unchanged, the subject of this sketch becoming the senior member, and the "Co." being formed by his brother, James R., and his brother-in-law, Mr. Rankin, already mentioned. Mr. Barret was married on Sept. 15, 1863, to Miss Henrietta S. Offutt, of Shelby county, Ky. She died June 27, 1895, leaving two daughters. Mary is the wife of Dr. James W. Heddens, an eminent physician of St. Joseph, Mo., and Augusta is at home with her father. For nearly three quarters of a century the Barret family have been closely identified with the growth and development of the city of Henderson, and to their enterprise is due some of the most important industrial 36 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY establishments of that thriving city. Its banks, factories, railroads, mercantile concerns, and its great tobacco mart have all felt the touch of the Barret hand, while its educational, charitable and religious institutions have received their generous support. John H. Barret is connected with several of the leading concerns of the city and is one of the charitable men of the place, giving liberally of his means to worthy causes. He has for years been one of the deacons of the First Presbyterian church. RICHARD HENDERSON SOAPER, one of the leading business men of Henderson, Ky., was born in that county, Feb. 7, 1836, and is the eldest son of William and Susan Fannie (Henderson) Soaper, who were married Nov. 2, 1830. The father was born in Loudoun county, Va., April 28, 1795. In 1820 he came to Henderson, where for a number of years he followed the saddlery business in a modest way, frequently traveling through the country. Subsequently he formed a partnership with Judge Thomas Towles for the purchase and stemming of tobacco. After a successful business for several years this partnership was dissolved by mutual consent. William Soaper died Jan. 3, 1881. During his life he was noted for his strict business integrity and his unostentatious charity. For many years he was a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, and was honored by being elected Worshipful Master of his Lodge; High Priest of his Chapter; and Eminent Commander of his Knights Templars Commander y. Had he shown a disposition to push himself forward he might have been Grand Master of Kentucky Masonry. Susan Fannie Henderson was born, May 9, 1813, upon what is known as "The Bluff" a few miles below the city of Henderson, her parents being Richard and Annie (Alves) Henderson, both natives of North Carolina, where they were married in 1807. Her father was the 'nephew of that Richard Henderson who was president of the Henderson Grant Company, and for whom the county and city of Henderson were named. When twenty-two years of age Mrs. Soaper became a member of the Episcopal church, and during all her subsequent years was a consistent practitioner of the tenets of her religious faith. Richard H. Soaper was named for MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 37 his maternal grandfather. He was educated in the best private schools in Henderson, at Shelby college, Shelbyville, Ky., and during the years 1854-55 was a student at Kenyon college, Gambier, O. Upon leaving college he was given a position in his father's business establishment and a few years later was admitted to a partnership. This partnership continued until his father's death in 1881. Besides the parent house at Henderson, a branch was established at Uniontown in 1868, having a capacity of five hundred hogsheads annually. In addition to this large tobacco interest Mr. Soaper is the owner of nearly 2,000 acres of the best river bottom land in the county, well adapted to raising both corn and tobacco. He is also one of the organizers of the Henderson National bank, which was founded in 1865 and opened its doors for business on the first of January, 1866. Ever since the bank was instituted he has been one of the board of directors, and since Dec. 14, 1897, has held the office of president. The bank has a capital stock of $200,000 and from the start he has been the largest stockholder. When his father died Richard H. was made executor of the will, which included a large and varied estate, to be divided among ten legatees. The difficulty of such an undertaking can be readily seen, yet Mr. Soaper settled this estate without litigation or without a murmur from any one of the devisees. This attests his ability and integrity as a business man and bears witness to the thorough methods that have characterized his whole business career. He has traveled extensively in his own country and Canada and in 1865 spent the summer in Europe, partly on business and partly for sight-seeing. He was reared a Whig, but since the dissolution of that party he has never been closely allied with any political organization. HENRY DIXON, sheriff of Henderson county, Ky., with offices in the city of Henderson, was born at Corydon, in that county, March 30, 1860. He is a son of the late John E. and Mary C. (Sugg) Dixon, the former for many years a well known farmer near Corydon, and the latter now living in Henderson. Henry Dixon was reared at Corydon and at the age of eighteen graduated from the Corydon high school. He then attended the Vanderbilt university, Nashville, Tenn., for two years-1878-79—after which he engaged in farming, operating a saw mill, and running a threshing machine, during the threshing season. Part of the time he held the office of constable. In 1896 he was elected tax collector of the Corydon district and served until 1902. In the meantime he was elected 38 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY sheriff of the county, taking charge of the office on the first day of January, 1902, for the term which expires Jan. 1, 1906. In addition to his official duties he owns and operates a saw mill and a shingle mill in the south part of the county. In politics Mr. Dixon is a Democrat of the Andrew Jackson school—one of the kind that can always be relied on to stand up for his political opinions and the interests of his party. e is a member of the Modern Woodmen of the World, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Baptist church. On March 30, 1886, Mr. Dixon was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Green., and they have three daughters : India M.. Nannie L., and Augusta Irene. HON. J. H. POWELL, mayor of Henderson, Ky., is a native of that city and a descendant of one of the most illustrious families of the Blue Grass State. He is a son of Lazarus Powell, who occupied with distinction the gubernatorial chair of Kentucky, and also represented the state in the United States senate with signal ability. After receiving a liberal education J. H. Powell took up the study of law and, in a short time after his admission, won a distinguished place among the leading lawyers of his section of the state by his earnest efforts in behalf of his clients, his careful preparation of the cases entrusted to him, and his eloquence as an advocate. For eighteen years he occupied the office of district attorney, and during that time established a reputation as an able, fearless, and conscientious public official. Mr. Powell is a man of varied attainments. As a public speaker he is justly entitled to a place among the leading orators of the day. The demand for his services in this line led him, some years ago, to enter the lecture field, where he met with popular favor, and only discontinued the vocation on account of failing health. His well known progressiveness and public spirit marked him out as a suitable candidate for the mayoralty and he was elected to the office by his fellow townsmen. As the chief municipal executive his course has been at once conservative and positive. His highest aim has been to subserve the city's interests. and to this end he has carefully avoided everything that would involve the city in needless indebtedness or expensive litigation, yet he has always stood up for those measures that he felt confident would redound to the interests of Henderson and her people. Were he eligible for re-election it is safe to say that he would succeed himself by an overwhelming majority. Mr. Powell has five sons and a daughter. Each of MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 39 the sons has made a name for himself in his chosen calling. Robert A. is the representative at Henderson, of the St. Bernard Coal and Coke Company, the largest concern of its kind in the state; Laz. W. is the county clerk of Henderson county; Henry J. is the state agent for the Equitable Life Insurance Company of New York; J. Stephen is associated with his father in the practice of law, and is regarded as one of the most promising young attorneys at the Henderson bar, and William is associated with his brother in writing insurance for the Equitable. SINGLETON H. KIMMEL, city engineer of Henderson, Ky., was born in that city, Sept. 19, 1869, his parents being Maj. Manning M. and Sibella (Lambert) Kimmel, the former a native of Missouri and the latter of Henderson. The paternal grandfather, whose name was Singleton H., was a native of Pennsylvania, but went to Missouri in an early day, where he practiced law, engaged in mercantile pursuits, and conducted a newspaper. Maj. M. M. Kimmel was graduated from West Point, served four years in the regular army with the rank of lieutenant, went South at the beginning of the war, joined the Confederate service, rose to the rank of major and was chief of staff of General Van Dorn. After the war he went to Mexico, where he was for some time interested in railroad construction, and after that came to Kentucky. For a number of years he was superintendent of the St. Bernard Coal Company and opened up many of the coal mines of the state. He relinquished this position in 1884, came to Henderson at that time and engaged in the coal business. He took an active interest in public affairs and served on the Henderson school board and as a member of the city council, and has held the office of county magistrate. He now lives retired, is the owner of considerable real estate in the city, much of which is productive and yields him a comfortable income. He is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, is a Democrat in politics, and with his family belongs to the Presbyterian church. His wife is the daughter of Joel Lambert, who was one of the pioneers of Henderson county, a farmer and minister of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and for several terms sheriff of the county. Major Kimmel 40 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY and his wife are the parents of the following children: Singleton H., the subject of this sketch; J. Lambert, teller in the Ohio Valley bank, a prominent Mason, member of the Grand Lodge of the state; Fannie, a graduate of the Louisville kindergarten college, now a teacher in Henderson; Polly, a teacher in Miss Bunch's private school for girls, at Henderson; H. Edward, a graduate of the United States naval academy, in the class of February, 1904, and now an officer on the battleship, Kentucky ; Sibella, a graduate of Miss Bunch's school, and with the youngest son, Manning M., Jr., lives at home. Singleton H. Kimmel was educated at the private school of Prof. J. Tevis Cobb, and afterward took a course in civil engineering, graduating in 1888. For two years he was engaged on various pieces of engineering and in February, 1890, was elected city engineer, being at that time but little over twenty years of age. This office he has held ever since, the longest time it was ever held continuously by one man. This tells the story of his efficiency better than words. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Presbyterian church, in both of which he stands well because of his genial disposition and his intrinsic merits. In his professional line he is one of the best qualified civil engineers in Western Kentucky and the work entrusted to his care is always promptly and faithfully executed. RICHARD P. FARNSWORTH, the leading contractor and builder of Henderson, Ky., and also a manufacturer of brick, was born at Hopkinsville, Ky., March 21, 1863. His father, O. J. Farnsworth, was a native of Bakersfield, Vt., but both his parents dying while he was still in, his boyhood, he left his native state, went to New York City, where he learned the trade of bricklayer, after which he went to Tennessee. He worked in that state until the breaking out of the Civil war, when he entered the Union army and served through the war, after which he went to Hopkins county and engaged in contracting. There he formed the acquaintance of and afterward married Annie E. Watwood, a native of Clarksville, Tenn., and a daughter of George W. Watwood. He continued in the contracting business at Madisonville with unvarying success, until his death in 1901. During his life he was recognized as one of the foremost contractors of his section of the state, and Richard has inherited many of his leading characteristics, which have contributed in no small degree to his own successful career. Richard P. Farnsworth is the third of six children born to his parents, all of whom are living and doing well. The mother is now living at Earlington, MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 41 in Hopkins county. After receiving a good common school education Richard went to work with his father and learned the bricklayer's trade. He laid the first brick that was ever laid in a brick house at Earlington, although but a boy at the time. At the age of twenty-three years he commenced contracting for himself at Greenville, Ky., and remained there until 1889, when he cane to Henderson, where he engaged in the drug business. After two years in this line he sold out his drug store and again became a contractor. Since then he has steadily worked his way upward in his business until he occupies a position in the front rank of the builders of the Lower Ohio Valley. In 1903 he did the brick and stone work on the new $25,000 library building at Henderson; in 1904 he did similar work on the Ohio Valley bank, the first fire-proof building in Henderson, the opera house, and numerous other structures of less importance. His business extends to all the surrounding counties, and nineteen of the twenty-five houses in the village ofSebreee were built by him. His brick manufactory has a capacity of over 4,000,000 a year, most of which are used in carrying out his own contracts. He employs about sixty men in his various lines of business and is one of the active, progressive men of Henderson. On Feb. 9, 1886, Mr. Farnsworth was united in marriage to Miss Ada, daughter of Armstrong and Julia Sisk, of opkinss county, where her father is one of the well-to-do farmers. To this marriage there have been born the following children : Olin John, Harold Pratt, Ada Louise, Richard Armstrong, and George Shepard. All are living and are students in school. Mr. Farnsworth and his wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. In politics he is a Republican and takes an interest in all questions touching public policy, particularly those of a local nature. For eight years he served as a member of the city council, and in 1903 was elected mayor pro tem. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a Royal Arch Mason, in both of which societies he is deservedly popular because of his genial disposition, his liberal views, his intrinsic moral worth, and his liberal charity. THE KLEYMEYER & LUTEE BRICK AND TILE WORKS, one of the substantial business concerns of the city of Henderson, Ky., was founded in 1865 by Henry Kleymeyer, who conducted the business in a small way for three years, when he formed a partnership with Frederick Klute and increased the capacity of the plant. 42 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY Since then the output has annually increased until now the trade extends over a radius of 150 miles from Henderson. Tile making was added to the brick manufacture and in both lines the Kleymeyer & Klute company stand at the head. The drain tile, which has a range of from two and a half to ten inches in diameter is of the best quality, owing to the fine character of the clays used in its construction and the improved machinery employed in its manufacture. During the year 1903 the company shipped 200 carloads of tiling and 6,000,000 brick more than 500,000 of the latter going outside the state. The brick made by this company are of a high grade building brick which have become, favorites wherever introduced. From fifty to sixty men are constantly employed during the brickmaking season, and the company has 150 acres of land devoted to raising feed for the stock used at the plant. The company was incorporated in 1900, under the above name, with Henry Kleymeyer as president; F. C. Klute as secretary and treasurer; and F. Klute as superintendent. From the humble beginning, nearly forty years ago, this concern has worked its way to the front until it is regarded as one of Henderson's leading industries. Its success is due to the thorough knowledge of the business possessed by its proprietors, and to the fair dealing which has distinguished all their transactions. Henry Kleymeyer, the founder of this company was born in Germany, Jan. 29, 1841. When he was seventeen years of age he came to the United States and located at Evansville, Ind., where he learned the business of making brick. In 1865 he removed to Henderson and started a brick-yard there, which has since developed into the magnificent plant of the company of which he is the official head. Although he takes an interest in, all matters affecting the public welfare he is independent in his political affiliations, and acknowledges the claims of no party to his suffrage. In 1870 he was married to Miss Louise Bruenig, a native of Germany, who came with her. parents to America when she was about one year old. The family settled near Evansville, where her father was for many years a well known farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Kleymeyer have had the following children: Two who died in infancy; Carl, who died at the age of two years; Louise, now the wife of Rev. T. C. Tebour, one of the field workers of the Kentucky Sunday School association; Henry C., who lives in Evansville, Ind. ; Mary, wife of T. Andes and lives in Henderson; Carrie, now Mrs. John Andes, residing in Evansville; and Minnie and Alfred at home. All the children received good practical education to fit them for the duties of every day life. Mr. MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 43 and Mrs. Kleymeyer are both members of the Evangelical Lutheran church. Frederick Klute, who since 1868 has been identified with the growth and development of the brick and tile industry of Henderson, was born in Westphalia, Germany, Nov. 3, 1843, his parents being Frederick and Mary (Forstmeyer) Klute. In 1856 he came with his parents to the United States on a sailing vessel, and after a tedious voyage of nine weeks landed in New Orleans. The family remained in that city one winter and then came north to Knox county, Ind., where the father bought a farm and both he and his wife there passed the remainder of their lives. The children still own the old home. In 1863 Frederick went to Evansville, where he learned the trade of brickmaker, and two years later located in Henderson. In 1868 he formed the partnership with Henry Kleymeyer, which has since become the Kleymeyer & Klute Brick and Tile Works. Mr. Klute was married on March 16, 1871, to Miss Caroline, daughter of Charles and Louise (Kruger) Brunine, who came from Germany when she was in her girlhood and located on a farm not far from the city of Evansville. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Klute are: Louise, wife of Herman Unverzaght, a butcher of Henderson; Frederick C., secretary and treasurer of the brick and tile works; Frederick and Caroline are twins, the latter is the wife of Jacob Zimbro, Jr., who is a dealer in harness and vehicles at Henderson; Henry, Carl, and Walter and Edward, who are twins. All the boys received good business training and give promise of becoming successful men in the affairs of life. Mr. Klute and his family belong to the Evangelical Lutheran church, of which he is one of the charter members and takes an active interest in promoting its good works. He and all his sons who are old enough to vote are advocates of Democratic principles and are affiliated with that party. Fred C. is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Honor. He married Miss Ann Neucks of Evansville, and has a family of three children. LAZ W. POWELL, clerk of the county court, Henderson, Ky., was born in that city, Jan. 19, 1865, and is a son of J. H. and Mary A. Powell. His father is the present mayor of Henderson. Laz W. received a good common school education and at the age of fifteen years started in life as an employe in the woolen mills. After three years in this occupation he went to the Henderson Mining and Manufacturing Company as a clerk. Four years later he became book- 44 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY keeper for George S. Norris in the hardware store, and remained there until 1891, when he was elected constable of district No. 5. This office he filled in a creditable manner for one year, when he was appointed deputy clerk under Judge Hart. He held the position of deputy clerk for ten years, or until 1902, and was then elected clerk. Mr. Powell is a well known figure in the fraternal circles of Henderson, being a popular member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Ancient Order of United 1 orkmen, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights and Ladies of Honor, and the Modern Woodmen of the World. Mr. Powell was married in 1886 to Miss Kittie W., daughter of Randolph and Ellen F. Walbridge. Mrs. Powell is a native of Union county, but came with her parents to Henderson county, where her father followed farming until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Powell have six children, viz.: Lucy M., Mary A., Frances W., Robert A., James Henry, and Katherine W. Both parents are members of the Episcopal church. Mr. Powell is one of the sturdy Democrats of Henderson,. To his activity and his unswerving support of Democratic principles he owes, in some degree, his nomination and election to the office of county clerk. But behind all mere political considerations stand his intrinsic merits, his superb qualifications that have come through his long experience in the office, and his uniform courteous treatment of those who have business to transact with him as a public official. HERMAN MARSTILL, principal owner and general manager of The Marstall Furniture   Company, of Henderson, Ky., was born in the northern part of Germany, May 22, 1855.    His parents, Henry and Rosa Marstall, came to the United States in May, 1869, and located at Evansville, Ind., where his father followed the trade of cabinet maker until his old age. The last years of his life were spent with his family in Henderson, where he died in August 1896. The mother is still living and makes her home with the subject of this sketch. Both parents were devout members of the Catholic church, and reared a family of four sons and two daughters in that faith. Herman Marstall learned the cabinet makers' trade in his MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 45 youth, and afterward learned every detail of wood-working and furniture construction. His introduction to a furniture factory was in 1869, when he started in as a shaving-boy. From then on he worked his way up by his energy and close attention to his business until 1881, when he was selected from among fifty men for the position of superintendent of the Reitz & Schmits furniture factory in Evansville, which position. he held until 1893, when he came to Henderson and leased the plant of the Henderson Furniture Manufacturing Company for four years. He started on a small capital, but by honest workmanship and a knowledge of what lines of furniture were most in demand, he soon came to be known to the furniture world. The factory was purchased at the expiration of the lease, new machinery being added which increased the capacity of the plant. The products of the Marstall Furniture Company are sold all over the United States, Mexico and Cuba; they make a specialty of oak and walnut wardrobes, ranging in price from six to thirty-five dollars, and do an annual business of over $110,000. Mr. Marstall was married in November, 1878, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of George and Elizabeth Feldhaus, of Evansville, Ind. Their children are G. Edward and Joseph J., who are with the furniture company, and Mary, Frank and Leona, all in school with the exception of the last named, who is but three years of age. While Mr. Marstall is nominally a Democrat in his political belief he votes for principle rather than party name. He is a fine example of a self-made man, who enjoys the confidence and respect of his associates. HOY C. BOAZ, osteopathic physician, of Henderson, Ky., was born in Simpson county of that state, March 4, 1868, his parents being Z. H. T. and Sarah Boaz, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of Kentucky. The father was left an orphan in his boyhood, came to Kentucky in early life and finally, by his thrift and industry, became the largest landholder in Simpson county. He was a Democrat politically, was a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, and both himself and wife Belonged to the Baptist church. He died in 1889 and his widow is still living at Franklin, the county seat of Simpson county. They had five children, viz. : Sally, widow of Dr. C. L. Barton; John H., a farmer at home; V. T., a physician in Kansas ; Elizabeth, deceased, and the subject of this sketch. After acquiring a common school education Dr. Boaz attended Ogden college, Bowling Green, Ky., graduating in 1887. He then learned the trade of machinist and entered the employ of C. Aultman & Co., 46 - MEMOIRS OF TILE LOWER OHIO VALLEY of Canton, O., with whom he remained until 1899, part of the time as a traveling salesman in the United States and Canada. After severing his connection with this concern he took up the study of osteopathy and in 1900 was graduated from the Southern school of osteopathy at Franklin, Ky. He then located at Henderson, where he has built up a lucrative business. Dr. Boaz is a Democrat in his political affiliations ; is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Improved Order of Red Men, and both he and his wife belong to the Presbyterian church. He was married on Oct. 15, 1890, to Miss Sena Bogan, daughter of Ira and Sarah Bogan, of Simpson county. Her father is a farmer, a prominent citizen, and judge of the county court. Dr. Boaz and his wife have one son, Raymond, now seven years old. ROBERT C. McFARLAND, one of the leading druggists of Henderson, Ky., was born in that county, near Hebbardsville, June 16, 1847. He is a son of Dr. Robert M. and Catherine (Boswell) McFarland, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Henderson county. The paternal grandfather, Joseph McFarland, was a native of North Carolina, but of Scotch descent. He came to Kentucky in 1806, settling first at Grissom's Landing in Daviess county, where he bought and cleared six hundred acres of land. In 1815 he came to Henderson county, bought land near the city and there passed the remainder of his life. Dr. R. M. McFarland studied medicine in Philadelphia, and was one of the pioneer doctors of Henderson county. He was also interested in agricultural pursuits and before the war owned a number of slaves. He was successful in both his farming and professional life and had a large circle of friends to mourn his death, which occurred in, 1869. His wife survived until 1897. Both were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. Dr. McFarland in his day was a Whig in his political opinions, took an active part in campaigns as a public speaker, but was never an office seeker. He was a stanch Union man on the questions that led to the Civil war and an opponent of secession. He and his wife had seven children. four of whom are now living, viz.: Robert C.; Mattie, Mrs. H. T. Priest, living near MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 47 Hebbardsville; Thomas M., lives on the old homestead, as does Mary G., the eldest of the family. Robert C. McFarland received a good common school education in a Hebbardsville private school and then attended college for one year at Albion, N. Y. After completing his schooling he lived on the farm until 1885, farming and dealing in live stock, and then came to Henderson, where he engaged in the livery business. This vocation he followed with success for twelve years, when he sold out and associated himself with his son in the drug store, which had been started in 1893. Mr. McFarland still owns three fine farms in the county. He is a Republican in his political views and in early life was somewhat active. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias, and with his entire family to the Cumberland Presbyterian church. In 1869 he was married to Elizabeth Schaeffer, a native of Henderson county, and they have three children: Robert M. is a graduate of the Philadelphia school of pharmacy and associated with his father in business; Annie Belle is the wife of W. H. Lewis, a farmer of Henderson county, and Catherine W. is the wife of Robert L. Zubrod, a druggist of Louisville. MILES COOKSEY DIDNN,, M.D., specialist in diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, of Henderson, Ky., was born in that county, Aug. 21, 1864. He is a son of George O. and Martha S. (Cooksey) Dunn, both natives of Virginia, who came with their parents to Kentucky in their childhood. The paternal grandfather, David Dunn, came in the year 1829 and settled near Henderson, where he cleared a farm and in subsequent years became an influential citizen. George O. Dunn was a farmer all his life. Politically he was a Democrat and both himself and wife belonged to the Baptist church. He died in 1887 and she in 1895. They had seven children, of whom the doctor and Mrs. Crawley are the only ones living. Dr. Dunn attended the common schools in his boyhood, afterward was at normal school, read medicine with Dr. Robert Stuart of Zion, entered the medical department of the University of Louisville in 1889, and graduated in 1892. Soon after leaving college he located at Zion and practiced there until 1900. He then went to New York and took a post graduate course, having taken a similar course some time before, 48 - MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY and in 1901 located in Henderson, where he has built up a successful practice in his specialties. He is a member of the American and State Medical associations, and a member and ex-president of the County Medical society. At the present time he is a member of the city school board and takes an interest in every thing calculated to promote the material interests of Henderson. In politics Dr. Dunn is a Democrat, but is not an active politician, preferring the more congenial work of his profession. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His prominence in his profession has been achieved by his own untiring energy and determination. As a young man he clerked in a dry goods and grocery store, and for some time he was in the drug business in Zion, Ky. But the great aim of his life has been to succeed as a physician. In 1888 he was married to Miss Mary, daughter of Dr. Robert and Sue E. (Read) Stuart, and a native of Henderson county. Her mother is dead and her father now lives at Spiceland, Ind. Her grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather were all Presbyterian ministers and she belongs to that denomination. Her grandfather, David Todd Stuart, founded the Stuart female college, at Shelbyville, Ky. JOHN T. BETHEL, M.D., a well known. physician and surgeon of Henderson, Ky., was born near Ranger's Landing, in Henderson county, his parents being Peter and Ann (Wilson) Bethel, both natives of Virginia. His paternal grandparents came from Virginia in 1802 and settled in Henderson county. The grandfather bought three hundred acres of land on Green river, for two dollars an acre, cleared a farm and lived the life of a typical pioneer. He built a two story log house, the lumber in which was sawed with a whip saw, and his wife spun the yarn, wove the cloth, and made all the clothes worn by the family. It was on this farm that Peter Bethel grew to manhood and lived all his life. When his father died he inherited the place and died on the old homestead in 1892 at the age of ninety years. In his early years he was an active Whig, but after the dissolution of that party he affiliated with the Democrats. He was looked upon as one of the progressive farmers of his neigh- MEMOIRS OF THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY - 49 borhood and was an influential citizen. Both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Doctor Bethel was born on this old homestead, the third child in a family of twelve, and he, one sister and a half brother are now living in this county. He was educated in the public schools and the Corydon high school. In 1862 he commenced the study of medicine, and after reading two years under Doctors Powell and Dorsey, of Corydon, began practice in March, 1864, at Pooltown, Webster county, Ky. He remained there until 1893, when he removed to Henderson, where he has built up a lucrative business. His practice is of a general character and few physicians enjoy to a greater extent the confidence of their patients. He owns a nice residence and office in the city and until recently owned farm property in the county. Doctor Bethel is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, is a Democrat in his political opinions, and with his family belongs to the Methodist Church South. He has been twice married. In 1865 he was married to Miss Fannie Thurman of Ohio, and by this marriage has two children: Laura Adel is now Mrs. W. E. Royster, and John T., Jr., lives in Pudacah, Ky. The mother of these children died in 1882, and the following year Doctor Bethel was united in marriage to Belle Sullenger, a native of Hartford, Ky. Two children have been born to this union : Effie and Lila, both at home with the parents. All the children are well educated and Mrs. Royster is proficient in music. WILLLIAM HENRY OVERBY, attorney at law, and a prominent Republican of Henderson, Ky., was born in Henderson county, Nov. 8, 1819. He is a son of William H. and Mary Jane (Hicks) Overby, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Henderson county. The father came to Kentucky in 1836 and bought a farm near Zion. He was a hatter by trade and followed that occupation for a short time after corning to the state, after which he gave attention to his farming interests until his death. The last years of his life were spent in the city of Henderson, where he died on April 23, 1895. His widow is still living in Henderson. Both were members of the Baptist church and during his life he was by no means a partisan in II-4