USA > Indiana > Gibson County > History of Gibson County, Indiana > Part 10
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JOHN M. WILLIAMS, M. D., wim is engaged in the prac- lice of medicine in Owensville, has secured a leading place among the prominent physicians of Gibson County. He was born in Vanderburgh ounty, Indiana, January 25, 1857, and is a son of Simon and Lavina Williams, whose family numbered twelve chil- dren, six of whom are yet living. In his carly boyhood he attended the common schools and subsequently continued his literary education in the State University in Bloomington. Tidi- ana, until twenty you . fage. In the winter of 1877-8 he served as principal of the Haubstadt high school and proved an able and successful educator, but it was his carnest desire to make the medical profession his life work, and to this end he entered the medical school of Cincinnati, in 1878. He was afterward a student in the Clinical Medical College, and was graduated in the Eclectic
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Medical Institute in 1881. Being thus ably fitted for his chosen profession. Dr. Williams located in Fort Branch, where he en- graged in practice for a year. He then removed to Owensville. where he has since resided, and from the public he has received a liberal patronage. His knowledge of the science of medicine is accurate and comprehensive, and he takes great delight in reading and study, which adds to his proficiency in that direction. His success as a practitioner ranks him among the leading physicians of the community. He has made judicious investments in real cstate and owns several residences. On the ist of November, 1883. Dr. Williams was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Mont- gomery, a daughter of James Montgomery. They have one child, Gertrinle, a little maiden of seven years They hold membership in the Baptist Church, and in social circles occupy an enviable position, while their own home is noted for its hospitality. The Doctor is a valued member of the Knights of Pythias Fraternity and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and in politics is a Democrat.
JOHN I. SHORT is engaged in the furniture business in Owensville, where he has a well equipped store, carrying a large and carefully selected stock of everything found in a first-class establishment of the kind. His stock is valued at two thousand dollars and from the public he receives a liberal patronage, which Irc well merits. In his business dealings he has the strictest regard for the ethics of commercial life and his integrity is above ques- tion, while his enterprise, capable management and perseverance have been the important elements in his business. Mr. Short was born in Evansville, Indiana, June 15, 1850, one of the four children of Lewis W. and Lucinda (Kirkpatrick) Short, his parents being among the first settlers in Evansville. He attended the common schools in his carly boyhood, and at the age of fifteen became con- nextel with the furniture trade, in which line of operations he has since continued. On the 9th of November, 1876, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Short and Miss Sallie Massey, a daughter of Abraham Masscy. She died October 10. 1893. The children of that marriage are Noble A., Porter F., Nellic B .. Gracic L., John P., deceased; Paul L., Leila F. amd Roy D. For his second wife Mr. Short chose Miss Nora Ennuerson, a daughter of James Emmerson, of Gibson ounty, the wedding being celebrated Oc- tober 14, 1895. Mr. Short is a member of the M. E. Church, and his wife of the Christian Church. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and the Ancient Order of United Workmen and gives his political support to the Republican party. He ranks among the valued citizens and leading business men of Owensville, and has the respect of all.
JOHN T. FOGAS, who is engaged in the drug business in Owensville, was born in Mt. Vernon, Indiana, on the 28th of May,
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1867, a son of Andrew C. and Mary E. (Uciman) Fogas, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father is a cigar manu- faxturer and dealer of Mt. Vernon. The son attended the com- mon schools and was prepared for his present business by one year's study in St. Louis, after which he graduated at a school of pharmacy in Chicago, in the class of 1891. He then returned to his native city, where he secured a clerkship in a drug store, being thus employed for about four years. On the expiration of that period Mr. Fogas came to Owensville in 1895, and established a drug store here. It is modern in its appointments, most fully equipped, and the stock is valued at twenty-five hundred dollars. The proprietor, by his straightforward dealing, reliable business methods and uniform courtesy to his patrons, has secured a large trade, which is steadily increasing. In November, 1802. Mr. Fogas led to the marriage altar Miss Ida L. Lichtenberger, a daughter of William Lichtenberger, of Mt. Vernon, and their home is blessed by the presence of one daughter, Mary E. Mr. and Mrs. Fogas hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and occupy an enviable position in social circles, where truc worth and intelligence are received as the passports into good society. Mr. Fogas is a Republican in politics, and is a valued member of the Odd Fellows' society and the Tribe of Ben Hur. Ile is an enterprising, progressive business man of strong deter- mination and his success is the reward of his own labors.
JOHN W. HARMON, the senior member of the firm of Har- mon & Wallace, millers and grain dealers of Owensville, is a son of Barton and Elizabeth A. (Simpson) Harmon. He was born January 18, 1840, on his father's farm in Gibson County, and during his youth assisted in the labors and cultivation of the old Immestead, also pursued his education in the common schools of the neighborhood. When twenty-eight years of age he began dealing in stock and for four years devoted his energies to that pursuit. On the expiration of that period he became interested in general merchandising in Owensville, as a member of the firm of Welborn & Harmon, a partnership which was continued for two years, when a third member was admitted to the firm and the name changed to Welborn, Harmon & Co .. Soon after Mr. Har- mon withdrew and embarked in the brokerage business, which he continued for four years, when he once more engaged in gen- cral merchandising, as a member of the firm of Pruitt & Harmon. which did business in Owensville until 1878. He then traded his interest in the mercantile establishment for a half interest in the mill which he now owns and operates. The mill has a capacity of about seventy-five barrels of flour per day and the excellent product which is turned out commands a high market price. Mr. I farmon is also engaged in dealing in grain and this branch of his business also adds materially to his income. On the 29th of
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September, 1872, Mr. Harmon was united in marriage with Miss Julia A. Pruitt, now deceased, by whom he had one son, Harvey. On the 12th of December, 1878, he was married in Lincoln, Illi- nois, to Miss Nancy E., daughter of Heard Musick. In his polit- ical adherency Mr. Harmon is a Democrat, and believes in the free and unlimited coinage of silver. He was elected as County Assessor of Montgomery County in the year 1863, and served for four years, faithfully discharging the duties of the office. Ile holds membership with the Baptist Church, and lends his aid and influence to all matters calculated to advance the educational, moral or material welfare of the community.
DAVID WALLACE .- The prosperity and advancement of a community depends upon its commercial activity, which is the result of the enterprising efforts of its business men. One of the leading and influential citizens of Owensville is the gentleman whose name introduces this review, a partner in the well known milling firm of Harmon & Wallace. He was born in Cincinnati. ( Mio, September 8, 1856, and is a son of David B. and Eliza (Fruish) Wallace, both of whom were natives of Scotland. They became acquainted while crossing the Atlantic to America, being passengers on the same ship, and were married in this country. They had four daughters, all now deceased, and two sons, David and Adam. The father was also a miller by occupataion. David Wallace spent bis boyhod days in Date, Indiana, and attended the public schools. He subsequently engaged in teaching and later was a student in Lincoln University of Lincoln, Illinois. He then pursued a course of study in Nelson's Business College of Cin- cinnati, Ohio, in which institution he was later employed as teacher for a year. His next service was as a book-keeper in that city, in which capacity he served for three years, and in 1885 Irc re- moved to Omaha, Nebraska, but after a short time returned to Indiana. In 1886 he came to Owensville and embarked in the milling business, as a partner of S. F. Scott, his brother-in-law. This connection was continued for a year and a half, when Mr. Scott sold out toMr. Harmon, and the firm of Harmon & Wallace was established. They are now doing a good business, having a large trade which viekk to them a comfortable income. They follow the most improved processes in milling, and their courteous treatment of patrons and their honorable dealing insures them continued success. Mr. Wallace married Loyette C. Scott, of Owensville, Indiana, who died in 1880, leaving one child, Lloyd. Mr. Wallace is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. and of the Knights of l'ythias fraternity. In politics he is a Dem- ocrat, but has neither time nor inclination for political office, polering to give his attention to his business interests, in which he is meeting with a well merited prosperity.
GEORGE R. WELBORN, who is engaged in general mer-
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chandising in Owensville, is a progressive, enterprising business man, who manifests in his career the spirit of advancement which characterizes the west. He was born in Owensville, April 7, 1868, and almost his entire life has here been passed. He is a son of Frank M. and Nora (Robb) Welborn, well kunnen citizens of Gibson County. His elementary education, acquired in the public schools of his native city, was supplemented by a course in De- Pauw University, where he pursued his studies from 18% mail the spring of 18001, when he was graduated from the law depart- ment and admitted to the bar. He began practice in connection with Hon. J. F. MeCollough, of Indianapolis, then of Princeton, but afterward went to Evansville, Indiana, where he spent one year in the brokerage business. He then returned to Owensville, auml in October, 18%) }, purchased the general merchandise stock of F. M. Welborn & Co., one of the oldest business firms of this place. He is widely and favorably known and his personal popularity. combined with his strict regard for the ethics of business life, has won him a constantly increasing patronage. Mr. Welborn was married in 1993 to Miss Lillian Heston, daughter of Joseph Hes- ton. Socially, he is a Master Mason, and a member of the
Knights of Pythias fraternity. In politics he is a Democrat. In Un. community where his entire life has been passed he has many warm friends and is regarded as one of the leading factors in the commercial interests of Owensville, while in the history of Gibson County he is certainly deserving of honorable mention.
FRANK P. GORMAN, editor of the Owensville Gleaner, was born in Frankfort, Indiana, August 17, 1873, and is a son of James U. and Minnic (Donald) Gorman. His father was born and reared in Owensville, and became a lawyer by profession. Locating in Frankfort, Indiana, he rose to prominence at the bar, but ill health forced him to abandon his chosen vocation, and he died in Owensville in 1885. Mrs. Gorman, a native of Prince- ton, has since married Dr. Joseph V. Vollmer, of Hutchinson, Minnesota. Frank l'. Gorman is the eldest of the three children born of the first marriage. He completed his literary education by bris graduation from the high school in Hutchinson in 1&pt, and then took up the printer's trade, which he followed in various newspaper offices in the northwest. In February, 185. he came to Owensville, and became editor of the Gleaner, which he has since published. This paper was established on the 20th of Oc- tober, 1880, by J. C. Gorman and A. L. Kelly, but the latter gen- tleman was identified with the paper for only one year. The Cleaner is independent in politics and is devoted to the local in- forests of Owensville and Gibson County. It is a well edited sheet, neat in appearance and shows the supervision of one who thoroughly understands his business. It now has a circulation of eight hundred copies and is published weekly. Mr. Gorman exer-
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cises his right of franchise in support of the Democracy, and is a member of the Knights of Pythias Fraternity. A public-spirited and progressive citizen, he manifests a deep interest in all that pertains to the welfare of the community and through the columns of his paper supports all worthy measures for the public good.
LEWIS P. HOBGOOD, who is now serving as postmaster of Owensville, was born in Webster County, Kentucky, May 18, 1858, a son of Lewis P'. and Mary (Chandler) Hobgood. His father was a native of North Carolina, and a son of Thomas G. Hobgood, whose birth occurred in the same state, but who came of a family of French origin. He removed to Kentucky, and became one of the pioneers of Hopkins County. The mother moved from North Carolina. They were of Irish lineage. of our subject was a native of Kentucky, to which state her people Lewis P'. Hobgood was one of a family of twelve children, and was reared on his father's farm, where he carly became familiar with the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. Ile at- tended the public schools, was a student in Princeton College of Princeton, Kentucky, and afterward graduated from the Normal School of Nebo, Kentucky. At the age of eighteen he began teaching, which profession he successfully followed for three years. He then embarked in merchandising, and for four years carried on that pursuit in Vanderburg, Kentucky, after which he came to ()wensville, in 1880. Through the succeding ten years he followed general merchandising here and has since been en- gaged in dealing in railroad timber. On the 6th of May. 1893. he was commissioned postmaster and his able administration of the affairs of the office has won him universal commendation. In 1886 was consummated the marriage of Mr. Hobgood and Miss Lizzie Hanss, of Philadelphia. They have three children -- Jessic, Frank aml Maggie. The parents are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and are people of the highest respectability. Mr. Hobgood holds membership in the Knights of P'ythias Fraternity, and in politics is a Democrat. In dispo- sition he is genial, in manner courteous and affable, and those who know him recognize the true worth of his character, and therefore entertain for him the highest regard.
TIMOTHY N. TICHENOR, dcceased, was born in Nelson County, Kentucky, in 1827, and died in Owensville, in 1895. Ilis father, Daniel Tichenor, was also a native of Kentucky, and a pioneer settler of this county. Timothy N. Tichenor remained in his native state until he had attained his majority. and in 184% located in Gibson ounty. He was the first blacksmith to locate permanently in Owensville, and there he worked at the anvil until 1870, commanding a large share of the public patronage. In that year he embarked in the saw mill business, which he followed for some time and then turned his attention to farining, which he car-
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ried on until his death. He was a man of energy and industry, and applied himself with diligence to everything the undertook. His earnest labor and honorable dealing brought to him pros- perity, and though he afterward lost some of his property he was in very comfortable circumstances at the time of his death. Ilis life was honorable, and all who knew him respected him for his sterling worth. Mr. Tichenor was married in 1849, the lady of his choice being Mary E. Huddleson, a native of Gibson County, who still survives him and is now living in Owensville. By their mar- riage were born right children.
W. 11. TICHENOR, a son of Timothy N. Tichenor, was born in Owensville, October 8. 1850, and was reared to manhood in his parents' home. He acquired his education in the public schools, and in his father's shop learned the blacksmith's trade, which he has since followed. He embarked in business on las own account in 1873, and has successfully conducted his smithy. winning from the public a liberal patronage, which he well merits. Ilis work is always done in the most thorough and efficient man- ner, and his business methods are above question. In politics his support is given the Republican party, and socially he is connected with the Masonic Fraternity and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In 1874 Mr. Tichenor was united in marriage to Louisa Lucas, who died in 1884, leaving three children-Belle, Nellie and Ethel. In 1886, Mr. Tichenor was joined in wedlock with Elizabeth Barker. and they had four children, of whom two are living, Wallace and Erma. Mr. Tichenor belongs to the Baptist Church.
ALFRED PRITCHETT, who carries on agricultural pursuits in Gibson County, is a son of Elisha and Elizabeth (Rutledge) Pritchett, and was born on the 14th of July, 1841. on the family homestead. Ilis father's farm was the playground of his youth, and he there also received his training for his own business carcer. When old enough to handle the plow he began work in the fields, and has since carried on farming, being now known as one of the leading agriculturists of the county. His interests are managed with system and his work is diligently prosecuted, so that he has won success in his undertakings. Uis land is under a high state of cultivation, and the well tilled fickls yield to him a golden tribute in return for the care and labor he bestows upon them. Ilis farming labors, however, were interrupted in 1862, when at the age of twenty-one years he responded to the call of his country and went forth to aid in suppressing the rebellion. He was as- signed to duty with Company E. Forty-second Indiana Infantry. under Captain Henry, and continued at the front until the stars and stripes waved victoriously over the capital of the Confederacy. Mr. Pritchett was united in marriage in 1866 to Miss Catherine Summers, a daughter of Richard Summers. They had two chil.
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dren, one of whom is now living-Anna L., wife of S. Alcorn, of Gibson County. Mrs. Pritchett died aml our subject has since married Fannie Yeager, by whom he has two children-Ella and Lester. Mr. and Mrs. Pritchett are consistent Christian people, the former hokling membership with the Metinxlist Episcopal Church, the latter with the Baptist Church. His political support is given the men and measures of the Republican party, but he has never sought office, his energies being devoted to his business pursuits. He is a man of sterling worth, of generous impulses, of devotion to the right and in business dealings his name is a synonym of honor.
HUGH D. McGARY is one of the enterprising, wide-awake business men of Gibson County, who now follows general mer- chandising at McGary Stataion. He was born on the 7th of February, 1840, and is a son of Harrison D. and Nancy McGary. His education was acquired in the common schools and his boy- hood days were spent on the home farm, assisting in the labors of field and meadow. Hardly had the guns of Fort Sumter an- nouneed to the nation the opening of the Civil war, when with patriotic loyalty he responded to President Lincoln's call for troops and enlisted on the 24th of May, 1861, as a member of Company D), Sixteenth Indiana Infantry. For four years he fol- kwed the okl flag on southern battle fields as a faithful defender of the Union cause and was then honorably discharged in June, 1865. Returning to his home, Mr. McGary began farming and for a number of years successfully carried on agricultural pur- suits. He left the farm to enter upon the discharge of the duties of County Sheriff, in which capacity he served until 1888, when he retired from office as he entered it, with the confidence and good will of the public. In 1889 he established his general mer- chandlise store at McGary Station, which town was founded by him. He carries a well assorted stock to meet the demands of the trade in this locality and has a good business, which is constantly increasing. He is a man of determined purpose and untiring energy, who carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. Mr. McGary was married on the 26th of Sep- tember, 1867, to Miss Sarah A. Reed, daughter of Z. M. Reed, and they have three children-Zenas C., Charles C. and Maud. The parents hold membership in the Baptist Church, and have a wide circle of friends in this community. Mr. McGary gives his political support to the men and measures of the Republican party, with which he has affiliated since attaining his majority. Tle also belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Grand Army of the Republic, and is as true to his duties of citizenship in time of peace as when he followed the okl flag on southern battle fields.
AUGUST RODEMANN was born in Preus Minden, Ger-
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many. August 8, 1841. His parents were Herman and Charlotte (: (Korth Rondemana. They lived and died in Germany. Of their thirteen children the following emigrated to America, namely: Heinrich, Frederick and August. Frederick was the first to leave the fatherland. He settled in Vanderburgh County. Indiana, where he has long since resided and followed agricultural pursuits. Heinrich was the second of the brothers to come to this country. He settled in St. Louis, Mo., and there passed to his final rest about eight years ago. August, whom this brief mention concerns, gained a fair common school education in his native land, and at the early age of fifteen years set out for the new world. Shortly after his coming to America, he joined his brother at St. Louis, in which city be accepted the position of a clerk, which he held for about three years, or until the Civil war came on. He proved his loyalty to the country of his adoption. and in April, 1801, at the very beginning of hostilities, he became one of the brave boys in blue. He enlisted as a private in Com- pany C. Second Missouri Rifle Battalion, for a term of three months. At the expiration of the term and forty days more, Mr. Rodemann was honorably discharged, and immediately be set out for home, but on the day of his return home he took sick of typhoid fever, which rendered him physically unable to re-cnlist in the service. About the time of the close of the war Mr. Rode- man became a clerk in a mercantile establishment in Evansville, Indiana, and held the position for three years. In the year 1867. he embarked in the grocery business at Evansville, and continued in the same up to 1870, in which year he removed to Fort Branch, where he has since conducted a large general merchandise busi- ness. Notwithstanding the fact that Mr. Rodemann began his business career with no capital other than willing hands and de- termined energy, he has been successful as a merchant, and the secret of his success rests in his energy and perseverance, together with a frugal and economical practice. He has inducted into his business methods strict probity and integrity. His honest and courteous way of dealing with people has aided him in gaining the confidence of many customers. He is progressive, ever keeping abreast of the times; his well stocked store is abundant evidence of this. January 20, 1868, Mr. Rodemann was united in marriage to Mary C. Biel, who remained his companion for nearly twenty- four years, and then, August 7. 1801, passed away in death. leaving a son, whose name is August W. November 22, 1812. Mr. Romlemann married a second time, the lady of his elmice being Mrs. Francisca C. Schnacke, whose maiden name was Weihe. Unto the second marriage two children have been born. namely: Charlotte A. and Francisca C. Mr. Rodemann and his family hold membership in the German Evangelical Church. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum, a Republican in politics, a self-made man, and an enterprising, progressive citizen.
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JAMES E. TOOP'S is a worthy representative of the commer- cial interests of Gibson County, and belongs to that class of enterprising citizens, who are the glory of our American re- public, for their well spent lives, their energetic efforts and reliable business methods bring to them the prosperity which should ever reward honest toil. Mr. Toops is a native of the Hoosier State. his birth having occurred in Floyd County, on the 11th of August. 1867. In pioncer days his people came to this state and his par- ents, James and Rebecca (Wright) Toops, were both natives of Indiana. They had a family of six sons and one daughter. When the subject of this review was about eight years of age his parents removed to Edwardsport. Knox County, Indiana. where he was reared to manhood, remaining at home until twenty-one years of age. In the common schools he received a fair English edu- cation, and in his father's store learned business methods and customs, so that he was well fitted for entrance into commercial life. On attaining his majority he came to Fort Branch and began business as a dealer in poultry and eggs. He entered into partnership with his brother-in-law, B. F. Murphy, and the rela- tions has since been continued, business being conducted under the firm name of Toops & Co. They also conduct a branch house at Princeton, and are doing a large and profitable business, which is constantly increasing. In 1888, Mr. Toops led to the marriage altar Miss Mattie Montgomery, of Edwardsport. Indi- ana, and they have two children-Roger I. and Mary F. Mr. Toops is a member of the Royal Arcanum and the Modern Wordmen of America. In politics he is a Republican, and is a man of unquestioned integrity, who in business and social circles is held in the highest regard.
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