USA > Indiana > Posey County > History and directory of Posey County [Indiana] : containing an account of the early settlement and organization of the county : also a complete list of the tax-payers, their post-office addresses and places of residence, together with a business directory of Mt. Vernon and New Harmony also biographical sketches of prominent citizens of the county > Part 14
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JUDGE WM. P. EDSON
Is a native of Posey County, having been born in Mt. Vernon, May 14, 1834. His father, Eben D. Edson, in 1828, emigrated from Otsego County, New York, locating at Mt. Vernon in the same year, where he began the practice of law, in which he soon distinguished himself and earned the reputation of being one of the most accomplished prac- titioners at the bar. In the year 1829 he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah L. Phelps, who came from Litchfield, Connecticut, where she was born. Eben D. Edson died March 4, 1846, and during a residence of eighteen years in Posey County he held the position of Prosecuting Attorney two terms, was elected Treasurer of the County one term, was a Representative in the Legislature and occupied the position of Judge of the Circuit Court by appointment on several occa- sions. The mother of Judge Edson survived her husband until Sept. 2, 1868, when she died, having lived to see her son attain a high position amongst his fellow men, whose greatest confidence and esteem he had won by the uniform kindness and genial disposition which he inherited from her. Judge Edson entered the common schools of Mt. Vernon when quite young, and when he was but twelve years of age his father became his preceptor in the study of Latin, at which he showed a pro- ficiency rarely exhibited by children of that age. He finished his education under the tutorage of Joseph S. Barwick, who was considered a finished Greek and Latin scholar and who won the affection of his pupils by his courteous demeanor and kind treatment. Immediately after bidding adieu to the school room as a student Judge Edson sought and obtained a position as the teacher of a school in the country, a few miles distant from Mt. Vernon, where he remained one term, when he accepted a similar position in town, where he taught two terms. Upon the advice of his friends, Judge Edson, when entering upon man's estate, read every volume in the library of the township that was calculated to enrich his mind. He has always been a close and in- dustrious student, and in consequence of this fact he has obtained a fund of information, which at once marks him as a man of intelligence and thorough mental training, When he was nineteen years of age he entered the law office of Judge John Pitcher, with whom he studied law two years, when he was admitted to practice. That was in May, 1855. In October, 1856, he was elected Representative in the Legis- lature, being the youngest member of that body. During his term of office as a Legislator he was placed upon several very important Com- mittees, and was made Chairman of the Committee on the State Library. He introduced a bill authorizing a geological survey of the State, making several speeches advocating its passage, on which he was highly complimented by the leading papers of the State. The bill
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became a law at the session of the Legislature which convened the year following. In 1858 Judge Edson was elected Prosecuting Attor- ney for Posey and Gibson Counties, holding the position one term. In 1860 he was elected Clerk of the Posey Circuit Court, succeeding Turner Nelson, an office he held four years. At the expiration of his term of office he resumed the practice of law, which he contin- ued until November 25, 1871, when he was appointed Judge of the Common Pleas for Posey, Gibson, Vanderburgh and Warrick Coun- ties, by Governor Conrad Baker. He presided over this Court one year, when he resigned, the salary being deemed insufficient. During his incumbency of the Judgeship, Judge Edson, by his impartial and able rulings, acquired the reputation as a lawyer of great merit. Since then he has followed his profession with a degree of success which must be complimentary to him indeed. Judge Edson was married to Miss Ruphene Lockwood, of Mt. Vernon, on January 1, 1862, by which union they have had five children, three of whom are living. Previous to the beginning of the late civil war, Judge Edson was a Democrat, but ever since that event he has labored zealously for the success of the Republicans. He was nominated Judge of the Supreme Court at the Republican State Convention held at Indianap- olis in 1876, but he, with the whole Republican ticket, was defeated. At that election Judge W. E. Niblack was the opponent of Judge Ed- son. In 1866 he was Chairman of the Republican County Central Committee, and it was largely owing to his ability in the management of affairs that the party was successful in Posey County that year, the first time in its history. He not only devoted all his energies and time to the end that the Republican party might be successful, but he was very liberal in the expenditure of his individual means as well. He has been identified very prominently with the growth of the County, never failing to respond to such demands as were calculated to promote its best interests. He was the chief participant in the movement which resulted in the organization of the Mt. Vernon & Grayville Railroad Co., of which he was a Director and the Secretary. Such men as Judge Edson are not numerous, possessing as he does the men- tal and personal attributes of a high and noble manhood. Such men as he should be placed in positions of honor and trust, and we know of none just at this time which he could fill with greater credit to his State than that of Supreme Judge. Posey County should and does feel proud of such men as he.
EDWARD S. HAYES
Was born April 21, 1836, in Lancaster County, Penn., of which State his father and mother, John and Catherine Hayes, were natives. His
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father taught school and worked also at the carpenter's trade for the support of the family. In April, 1844, the family emigrated to West Point, Iowa, where they remained until the latter part of May follow- ing, when they removed to Clark County, Ohio, where the parents died in a few months after their arrival. In August, 1844, Edward came to Posey County, to live with his uncle, Edward Sweeney, a cooper, under whom he learned that trade and with whom he remained until March 4, 1854. He then went to Dayton, Ohio, where he followed his chosen occupation until March, 1855, when he enlisted as a private in the regular army and was sent into rendezvous at Jefferson barracks, near St. Louis. He was soon assigned to Company "D," First Regiment, U. S. Cavalry. In June, 1855, the regiment went to Ft. Leavenworth, remaining there until September following, when it went in pursuit of the Sioux Indians, under Genl. Harney, returning in three months. In 1856 he was engaged with his regiment in the sup- pression of the border ruffians during the troubles in Kansas that year. In the Summer of 1857, he was sent on an expedition after the Cheyenne Indians, with whom engagements were had which resulted in a loss of 17 killed and 25 wounded to the troops. After their return to Ft. Leavenworth, the regiment was ordered into quarters for the winter at Ft. Riley. In the Spring of 1858 they were ordered to Utah to suppress the Mormons, who were committing outrages upon emi- grants to the Pacific Slope, but were recalled before they reached their destination, owing to a compromise between those people and the peace Commissioners. They then went to the Indian Territory to quell the Comanches, with whom they had two engagements, sustaining light losses. The regiment remained at Fort Arbuckle until the Sum- mer of 1859, when they were sent to the foot of the Wichita Mountains to build a post. Mr. Hayes was discharged from the service at Fort Smith, March 4, 1860, when he returned to Posey County, remaining there until July, 1861, when he enlisted in the service of the Rebellion as First Lieutenant of Co. "H," First Ind. Cavalry. He remained in the service until January 4, 1862, when he resigned, at Pilot Knob, Mo. He then went to St. Louis and was engaged in the recruiting service, three months, and then went to Pittsburgh Landing and served in the quarter master's department of Genl. Denver's Brigade, remain- ing there until August, 1862, when he returned home. On May 28, 1863, he was united in marriage to Miss Annie Musselman, of Clark County, Ohio, by which union nine children were born, six of whom are living. Mr. Hayes re-entered the service of the Rebellion in January, 1865, and was assigned to the 144th Ind. Infantry Volunteers, Hancock's corps. He served as second Lieutenant until August 5th, when he was mustered out of service at Winchester, Va., returning home in September following. On December 26, 1865, he was elected
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Marshal of Mt. Vernon, a position he has held ever since, with the exception of two terms. Mr. Hayes has proved himself to be an efficient and vigilant officer and he is a man who is fearless in the dis- charge of his duty. As a soldier, as a citizen and as an officer he has always been worthy of the confidence reposed in him.
PHILO A. HUTCHESON
Was born October 25, 1835, on the farm adjoining that section on which the town of Blackford, the first seat of justice of Posey County, was situated. His father, Wm. Hutcheson, was a native of Ireland, and was one of the earliest settlers in Marrs Township, at whose house the first session of the Commissioner's Court was held. His mother's maiden name was Martha Haycock, who was a native of Georgia. Their marriage occurred in Posey County, about the year 1815, by which union they were blessed with nine children, Philo being the youngest. Wm. Hutcheson was a weaver by trade, but depended more upon farming for his support after his arrival in this country. When Philo was quite young his father died, and at the age of fourteen years the care of his mother and sister fell largely upon him. He followed the pursuit of a farmer, attending the district school during the Winter seasons, where he acquired a knowledge of the ordinary branches of education taught in the schools at that time. On March 23, 1856, he was married to Miss Harriett Higgins, with whom he lived happily until January 28, 1879, when she died. By this union they had ten children, four daughters and six sons, nine of whom are now living. He was again married, on November 6, 1879, to Mrs. Martha Blount. In August, 1879, while oiling a threshing machine he met with an accident by which he was deprived of four fingers. In April, 1872, he removed to Mt. Vernon, where in June following he was appointed Constable by the Board of Commissioners, and at the October election following, was elected Constable of Black Township, defeating a popular oppo- nent. During his term of office he showed great efficiency, and by his courteous treatment and his faithful performance of duty he won many friends, who solicited him in the Summer of 1874, to become a candi- date before the Democratic County Convention for Recorder. He was nominated over four candidates, and at the election which ensued in October of the same year, he received a majority of 1, 131, the largest majority ever received by any candidate in the County. He gave universal satisfaction in the management of his office, and as a tribute to his capacity and his integrity, he was renominated in 1878, when his election was unanimous, he having no opposition. Mr. Hutcheson has always been a consistent Democrat, yet this fact has never been considered when he offered himself to the suffrage of the people for
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office. Republican votes were cheerfully cast for him, even when he could least expect them; a compliment to his character which speaks in tones of greatest praise. Whatever may be his aspirations, whether of a political nature or what not, they will be treated with a regard that must redound to his high standing and his merited rewards.
MAJOR SYLVANUS MILNER
Was born at Minerva, Stark County, Ohio, August 24, 1833, where he remained until he was eight years of age, when he removed with his parents to Wayne County, Ill., who resided there until 1844, when they located at Mt. Vernon. He acquired an education at the common schools and at the State University of Indiana, and when he was eighteen years of age, was appointed Deputy Postmaster under John Wilson, holding the position two years. He worked at and learned the wagon-making trade, but never followed it as an occupa- tion after serving an apprenticeship. He followed the occupation of merchant's clerk from 1854 to 1862, when he was appointed Surveyor of the port of Mt. Vernon. This position he held until 1863, when he became fired with the spirit of patriotism, and his desire to serve his country led to his enlistment in the service of the Rebellion. He organized Companies "A" and "K" of the Tenth Cavalry, Indiana Volunteers, and was mustered as Captain of the former Company. He served with the Company one year, when he was promoted Major of the regiment, remaining in that position until the close of the war. Previous to his enlistment in the regular service, he commanded a Company of Artillery in the First Indiana Legion. On his return from the service he engaged in mercantile pursuits a short time, when he began the extensive manufacture of brick. This enterprise led to the erection of the Masonic Temple at Mt. Vernon, with which he was prominently identified. He was appointed Postmaster by President Grant in 1869, and held the position with honor to himself and credit to the community, showing great efficiency in the management of the office. He resigned in February, 1882. For sixteen years he has been a prominent Mason, is a staunch Republican, has considerable knowledge of astronomy, and has views of religion peculiar to him- self. He is a bachelor, is a man of genial nature and is emphatically a man of public spirit.
GEORGE D. ROWE.
Few men in the Southern part of the County are better known than the subject of this sketch. By his affability, his generosity, and his other excellent traits of character he has won to himself a host of
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fast friends. George Duckworth Rowe was born of poor but respect- able parents in Black Township, August 16, 1828. His father, Samuel Rowe, a carpenter and farmer, emigrated from North Carolina to Posey County in 1809. His mother, also from North Carolina, was the daughter of Absalom Duckworth, who came to Posey County in 1805, and at whose house the first term of the Circuit Court was held. George was the third son by the marriage of Samuel Rowe and Mary Duckworth, who removed, with their family, to Harrison County, Indiana, in 1830. Here George remained until 1845, when he returned to his native home, where he taught school and engaged in farming until October, 1872, when he was elected Trustee of Black Township, defeating a very popular opponent. He was re-elected in 1874, and again in 1876, and when he had served nineteen months on the last term he was compelled to vacate the office in favor of his opponent, who contested the election on the ground of inelligibility caused by the occupancy of the office more than two successive terms, the result of an appeal taken to the Supreme Court of the State. The decision of the Supreme Court qualified him for the candidacy at the election held in October, 1878, when heagain availed himself of the opportunity to repre- sent the Township as its Trustee. He was elected in that year by a hand- some majority and re-elected in 1880, and is now the incumbent of that responsible position. No better index to a man's qualifications for office, morally or intellectually, can be found than that which is shown in a hearty and continued indorsement of his constituency. He is Republican in everything that the word implies.
He was married to Martha A. Hamilton, of this County, on March 3, 1852, by which union he has become the father of eleven children, which fact implies the opinion that he has faithfully complied with the Biblical injunction which teaches all to "multiply and replenish the earth." His children are all living, five of whom are married. He is public spirited in every sense, and has been a liberal supporter of all enterprises calculated to promote the interests of the County.
HENRY SCHNURR
Was born December 6, 1825, at Dudenhofen, Hesse Darmstadt, where his father for a number of years engaged in the business of brewing and distilling. In the year 1838 the family emigrated to America, settling in Marrs Township, Posey County, where Mr. Schnurr's father entered 160 and purchased 200 acres of land, and followed the pursuit of farming. When Henry was 23 years of age he was married to Miss Louise Bodamer, the ceremony having been performed on the 17th of June, 1848. By this union sixteen children have been born, eight of whom are now living. Mr. Schnurr continued the
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occupation of a farmer, and succeeded at it until the month of June, 1874, when he removed to Mt. Vernon, where he purchased the Belle- ville Mills, and has ever since that time been engaged in the manufac- ture of flour. He has secured to himself the reputation of an excel- lent business man, and his success-the result of indomitable energy and executive ability-warrants it most fully. His flour, manufactured under a new process, has become famous for its superiority, and in consequence of this fact he finds it hard to meet the demands for it. Mr. Schnurr is a man in whom the utmost confidence can be reposed, and a man of whom it can be said will meet his obligations with that promptness which characterizes sterling integrity. He is a consistent Christian, having been a member of the Methodist Church for a num- ber of years, and his influence upon his family has been productive of much good. Nothing can be said which would reflect upon the honor of his children. His son Henry is the manager of the mills at Mt. Vernon, and in conducting the business entrusted to him he shows marked capacity as a man of business. Mr. Schnurr's sons are all intel- ligent young men, and bid fare to " make their mark" in the world, while his daughters, under the careful training of their devoted and af- fectionate mother, show an aptitude in household matters which speaks highly of their tutor. Truly, the children are "worthy of their sire." Mrs. Schnurr was born in Germany, but came to America with her par- ents at an early day. Since her marriage to Mr. Schnurr she has labor- ed hard to the end that success might be the terminating point of their lives, not only financially but in every other respect, of which she must at this time feel assured. In his social as well as business rela- tions Mr. Schnurr is regarded as an exceptional man. Besides being the owner of farming land in Posey County, he owns valuable proper- ty in the city of Evansville.
JOSEPH F. WELBORN
Among the representative men of Posey County not one has identified himself with its material growth more creditably than Joseph F. Wel- born; not one is there who has labored with greater zeal to the end that the County might reach a position second to none in the great State of Indiana; not one is there who can lay claim to a more emulative spirit of public improvement than he. Indeed, we feel that he is entitled to a position that has been reached by few, when we consider the extent of his sacrifices of time and contributions of money to promote the best interests of his fellow citizens. He has always kept in view the prosperity of the County and has been a public bene- factor in every sense. Mr. Welborn was born in Guilford County, North Carolina, August 6, 1818, and in 1833 emigrated with his
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father's family to Mt. Vernon, where his father for five years worked at the trade of wagon-making, while his son Joseph cultivated a small farm in the vicinity until he was twenty-one years of age, when he removed to Robinson Township and engaged in stock-raising and farming with eminent success, He paid particular attention to fine stock and acquired the reputation of being an excellent judge of horses and hogs. In 1844 he married Miss Nancy Mills, whose father, David Mills, was one of the early settlers of the County and who was a man of considerable prominence in his day. Her brother, Felix Mills, was elected Sheriff several times and also filled the position of County Treasurer, discharging the duties of those offices with great efficiency and rare ability. In 1856 Mr. Welborn leased his farm and removed to Mt. Vernon, where he associated himself with the late Wm. J. Lowry, with whom he engaged very extensively in the grain and pork- packing business until 1872, when the firm wos dissolved by mutual consent. In that year, in company with Charles A. Parke, E. T. Sullivan, and S. M. Leavenworth, he organized the Mt. Vernon Bank- ing Company, of which he was chosen President, from which he retired in 1877, leaving the institution on the highway of prosperity. In 1858 he was elected County Treasurer for two years, during which time he showed much executive ability and great business capacity. He was prominently identified with the organization of the Mt. Vernon and Gray- ville Railroad Company, of which he was President until its consolidation with the Chicago and Illinois Southern Railway Company. In 1876 he was the nominee of the Democratic County Convention for Repre- sentative in the Legislature and was elected by a handsome majority at the regular election of that year. He served in the capacity of Legislator two years with honor to himself and credit to the County. He was for fifteen years Chairman of the Democratic Central Com- mittee, and was also a Delegate to the National Convention held at Chicago, in 1864, when George B. McClellan was nominated as the Democratic candidate for the Presidency of the United States. In 1881 he actively participated in securing an appropriation of money and the right of way to aid the E. & T. H. R. R. in the construction of its line through the County to Mt. Vernon, contributing not only time but money for the success of the movement. A half century hence the name of Joseph F. Welborn will be mentioned with a feeling of greater. veneration than it is now perhaps. It will be written in connection with emulative deeds and acts which perpetuate memory through the ages.
Directory
POSEY COUNTY DIRECTORY
FOR 1882.
NOTE. - Post-office addresses are in SMALL CAPITALS. The places of Residence are indicated by the name of Townships or Towns.
A
Abbott Thomas, clergyman, MT. VERNON Abro I, farmer, Marrs twp, CABORN Acuff Samuel (col), Black twp, MT. VERNON Acuff Wm, blacksmith, MT. VERNON Adams Barbara, Robinson twp, BLAIRSVILLE Adams B F, farmer, Robb twp, STEWARTSVILLE Adams John, farmer, Bethel twp, NEW HARMONY Adams Joseph B, teacher, Center twp, WADESVILLE Adamson Charles, farmer, Marrs twp, WEST FRANKLIN Adamson David, farmer. Marrs twp, WEST FRANKLIN Adamson Indiana, Marrs twp, WEST FRANKLIN Adamson John, Marrs twp, WEST FRANKLIN Ades David M, Bethel twp, NEW HARMONY Adkins W R, Bethel twp, NEW HARMONY Ailsworth Abro, farmer, Marrs twp, WEST FRANKLIN Akers James, Point twp, MT. VERNON Albright Columbus A, teacher, MT. VERNON Albright Joseph H, farmer, Black twp, MT. VERNON Albright Luke, farmer, Black twp, MT. VERNON Albright Mary, Black twp, MT. VERNON Albright Peter, farmer, Black twp, MT. VERNON Albrits Catherine, Black twp, MT. VERNON Aldrich David, farmer, Lynn twp, GRAFTON
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Aldrich Emily, Lynn twp, GRAFTON Aldrich Esbon, farmer, Lynn twp, GRAFTON Aldrich John, farmer, Lynn twp, GRAFTON Aldrich John T, farmer, Lynn twp. GRAFTON Aldrich Luke, farmer, Lynn twp, GRAFTON
ALDRICH MARION, farmer, Lynn twp, GRAFTON Aldrich Marion S, farmer, Lynn twp, GRAFTON Aldrich Noah Mc, farmer, Lynn twp, GRAFTON Aldrich Thomas L, farmer, Lynn twp, GRAFTON Aldrich Wm S, farmer, Lynn twp, GRAFTON ALEXANDER CHARLES. Justice, Black twp, MT. VERNON Alexander Eleanor, Lynn twp, GRAFTON Alexander George R, farmer, Lynn twp, GRAFTON Alexander James E, farmer, Lynn twp, GRAFTON Alexander Leander, farmer, Black twp, MT. VERNON
ALEXANDER MARSHALL, assessor Lynn twp, GRAFTON ALEXANDER MATILDA Mrs, literateur, MT. VERNON Alexander Thomas B, farmer, Robb twp, STEWARTSVILLE Alexander Wm (col), farmer, Black twp, MT. VERNON Alexander Wm D, farmer, Lynn twp, MT. VERNON Alexander Wm E, farmer, Black twp, MT. VERNON Alldredge Abijah, farmer, Black twp. MT. VERNON Alexander A J Sr, farmer, Black twp, MT. VERNON Alldredge Alonzo T, farmer, Black twp, MT. VERNON Alldredge Anderson, farmer, Black twp, MT. VERNON Alldredge Barney, farmer, Lynn twp, GRAFTON Alldredge Benjamin, farmer, Black twp, MT. VERNON Alldredge Clinton, farmer, Point twp, MT. VERNON Alldredge Cornelius, farmer, Foint twp, MT. VERNON Alldredge Edward, farmer, Black twp, MT. VERNON Alldredge Eli, farmer, MT. VERNON
Alldredge Elijah, farmer, Black twp, MT. VERNON Alldredge Enoch, farmer; Black twp, MT. VERNON Alldredge Henry, farmer, Plack twp, MT. VERNON Alldredge Jefferson, farmer, Black twp, MT. VERNON Alldredge Joharen, farmer, Black twp, MT. VERNON Alldredge John B H, farmer, Black .twp, MT. VERNON Alldredge John S, farmer, Black twp, MT. VERNON Alldredge Joseph, farmer, Black twp, MT. VERNON Alldredge Josiah, farmer, Black twp, MT. VERNON Alldredge Lavega, farmer, Black twp, MT. VERNON Alldredge Semonin, farmer, Black twp, MT. VERNON Alldredge Lemoin, farmer, Black twp, MT. VERNON Alldredge Leroy, Black twp, MT. VERNON
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