USA > Indiana > Gibson County > History of Gibson County, Indiana > Part 11
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WILLIAM W. FRENCH, M. D., wir is engaged in the prac- tive of medicine in Fort Branch, was born in Princeton, Febru- ary 9. 1854, a son of James W. and Barbara (Null) French. The father was born in Virginia. in 1816, and is now a resident of Som- erville. The grandfather, Dr. Willard French, was a native of the Old Dominion, and a son of one of five brothers, who emigrated from their native England to Virginia in colonial days, settling in a locality known as Bull Skin, in the Shenandoah Valley. The grandfather left the state of his nativity and removed to Hollands- burg. Darke County, Ohio, where he engaged in the practice of medicine for many years. His death occurred in that county. James W. French was reared to manhood in the Buckeye State. and had not yet attained his majority when he came to Gibson County, Indiana. Here he married Miss Null, a native of Somer- ville. Iler father was a pioneer of Gibson County, and belonged to an old Pennsylvania family of German. extraction. Mrs. French became the mother of six children, and died under the infancy of her son William. One child died in
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infancy, but the others all reached mature years. Dr. William W. French, of this review, remained in Princeton until twelve years of age, and thereafter worked on the farm in summers and attended school in the winter till past eighteen years of age. Ile became familiar with the duties of an agriculturist and acquired in the outdoor life a physical development that has been of much benefit to him in his professional career. He obtained his literary education in Fort Branch and in Bloomington, but his study in the latter place was interrupted by illness. He afterward taught four terms of school, and in the meantime took up the study of medicine in the office of Dr. W. W. Blair, of Princeton, under whose direction he continued his reading until 1878, when he entered the medical department of the University of Virginia. He was graduated with the class of 1879, and in 1880 located in Fort Branch, where he put his theoretical knowledge to the prac- tical test in the care of a practice that has been constantly in- creasing as the years have passed. He has won an enviable reputation with the public, and his professional brethren accord him an honorable position in the medical fraternity. The Doctor was married in 1880 to Caroline, daughter of Frank and Louisa Bist, of Gibson County. Nine children were born to them, but one is now deceased. Dr. French votes with the Democratic party, but the demands on his time in the line of his profession prevent him taking an active part in political affairs.
JOHN A. WEST, the popular and progressive cashier of the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank of Fort Branch, has spent his entire life in Gibson County, and not only deserves mention in its history as a representative of one of its pioneer families, but also as an enterprising and worthy citizen who has done all in his power to advance the public welfare. On the farm of his parents, Samuel H. and Catherine (Sidle) West, he was born October 28, 18.51. His boyboxed days were passed midst play and work and to his father he gave the benefit of his services until the loud attained his majority. His carly educational privileges were supplemented by a high school course in Fort Branch, and by one year's stinly in the State University of Indiana. In the meantime he engaged in teaching school for one year, and upon his return from the university he accepted a clerkship in a drug store in Evansville, filling that position for a year and a half. On the expiration of that period Mr. West formed a partnership with his brother, William I. West, and embarked in the drug business at Fort Branch, conducting the same until the spring of 18%). In 1888 he became the Republican candidate for County Treasurer and as the election returns showed that he was the popular choice for the office he entered upon the discharge of its duties in the fall of 1880). By re-election he served in that capacity for four years, and his promptness, accuracy and ability won him high commend-
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ation. In the fall of 1893 he accepted the position of book-keeper in the Farmers' Bank of Princeton, and afterward served as as- sistant cashier until May, 1806, when he resigned to aid in the or- ganization of the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank of Fort Branch. which was opened July 1, 1806, the only banking establishment in the place. It is capitalized for twenty thousand dollars and among its stockholders are the three brothers, John A., W. L. and S. H. West, Jr. Mr. West was married in 1879 to Miss Emma Tecklenburg. of Evansville, Indiana. Their home is blessed by two children-Herbert A. and Margaret E. The par- ents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he has been superintendent of the Sunday school of this church since 1892. In Princeton they make their home, having a large circle of warm friends there. Mr. West is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Tribe of Ben Hur, and in politics is a staunch Republican
WILLIAM L. MELLINGER has for afrost a third of a cen- tury been a resident of Gibson County, and now makes his home in Fort Branch, where he is engaged in the furniture and under- taking business. He is also proprietor of the Mellinger Hotel. and his life has been one of industrious activity, bringing with it the success which attends honorable labor when directed by sound judgment. Mr. Mellinger is a native of the Buckeye State, born in Shelby County, January 18. 1849. His parents, John F. and Mary E. (Lenox) Mellinger, were also natives of Shelby County, where their respective parents had located in pioncer days. The Mellingers are of German lineage and the carly representatives of the family. on leaving the fatherland. lo- cated in Pennsylvania. whence the great-grandfather. William Mellinger, came to Ohio. He first established a home in Davton. but subsequently removed to Shelby County. The Lenox family is of Scotch-Trish origin, and was founded in Maryland in colonial days. The parents of our subject were married in Shelby County and to them were born four sons and a daughter. In 1866 they came to Gibson County, Indiana, locating six miles north of Princeton, but afterward removed to Patoka, where they spent their remaining days. William L. Mellinger. of this review. was reared on the homestead farm, and acquired his education in the common schools. He started out in life for himself at the age of eighteen, working as a farm hand by the month. In 1869 he married Miss Melvilla T. King, of Gibson County, and located in Patoka, where he worked by the day for two years. He then renter a farm and carried on agricultural pursuits until 1802. in the meantime purchasing seventy-five acres of land in White River township, which he still owns. Failing health caused him to leave the farm in 1822. at which time he removed to Princeton. where he conducted a restaurant for a few months. In November
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of that year Mr. Mellinger came to Fort Branch, where he has since conducted the furniture and undertaking business. Mr. Mellinger and his wife are members of the Methodlist Episcopal Church and are kindly, benevolent people. Having no children of their own they have reared two adopted children. Mr. Mel- linger is a Republican in politics and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Starting out in life empty-handed, he has worked his way steadily upward, overcoming all difficulties and obstacles in his path and reaching the goal of success by per- severance and resolute energy.
W. G. HOPKINS, M. D., is a prominent member of the med- ical profession and a representative citizen of Gibson County. He resides at Fort Branch, and receives a large and lucrative practice. which is ample evidence of skill and success as a physician. Dr. Hopkins was born in Wayne County, Illinois, August 1. 1844. Ile gained a liberal literary education aand carly in life (1865) took up the study of medicine. He completed a three years' course in the Evansville Medical College, and then entered upon the practice of his chosen profession. In after years he took a post graduate course in the Bellevue Medical College of New York, and as he has always been a close student and a progressive prac- titioner, he has become thoroughly well informed and hence is well prepared for the profession. The Doctor was united in mar- riage to Miss Emma Porter, and to their union have been born three children-Willard T .: Mabel, deceased; and Stella. The son is a student in the State University at Bloomington, and his purpose is to prepare himself for profession of law. He is a promising young man, who will undoubtedly win success in his chosen calling. In the summer of 1896 he served as president of the Mckinley Club of Fort Branch. The Doctor is a member of the Odd Fellows' Society, and in politics is a stalwart Republi- can, whose allegiance to the party is unwavering. He believes most firmly in the gold standard, and in all those principles which have ever made the Republican the party of progress and reform. Ile has never sought office, however, prefering to give his atten- tion to his business. He has a broad and comprehensive under- standing of the science of medicine, and does all in his power to perfect himself in his chosen calling. He not only stands well with the public, but has the confidence and respect of his pro- fessional brethren, and in the community has made many warm friends.
CHARLES C. KUHN .- The merited and fitting reward of a well spent life and active business carcer is an honored retirement in which to enjoy the fruits of former toil. For many years this gentleman was prominently connected with the commercial inter- ests of Fort Branch, but in 1805 laid aside all care and is now resting from his labor in a comfortable home, which was acquired
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entirely through his own efforts. He is widely and favorably known in Gibson County, and his name occupies a high place on the roll of leading and influential citizens. Mr. Kulin was born on the 2nd of November, 1840, and is a son of Henry and Mar- garet Kuhn, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. In their home the days of his boyhood and youth were passed quietly and uneventfully. Play and work occupied his time when he was not in the school room. He entered upon his business carcer in the capacity of a clerk in a mercantile establishment and was thus employed for some time, during which period he became thor- oughly familiar with business methods and practices. He took note of the plan and system followed by the most successful men and when he began business on his own account. put this knowl- edge to the practical test. His carnest labor, economy and per- severance supplied him with the capital which enabled him to establish a store of his own and in 1875 he purchased a stock of goods and became one of the general merchants of Fort Branch. For twenty years he was prominently connected with its business interests. Ile had a well appointed store, and his courteous treat- ment enabled him to win from the public a liberal patronage. Mr. Kuhn was united in marriage to Miss Henrietta Oswald, of Princeton, a daughter of John Oswald, and they have two chil- dren. Margaret and Anna. In the Roman Catholic Church the parents hold membership. In politics Mr. Kuhn is a Democrat. who favors the free coinage of silver, but has never been an office seeker. llc owns a fine residence, which stands as a monu- ment to his thrift and enterprise, and in the community where he lives he is well known as a man whose integrity is above ques- tion and whose word is as good as his bond.
GEORGE FRANKLIN HOFFMAN, publisher of the Weekly Times, of Fort Branch, was born on the 16th of February. 1869, and is a son of Frank and Caroline (Brothers) Hoffman. Our subject attended the common schools, and at the age of sev- enteen started out for himself, since which time he has been dependent entirely upon his own resources. Ile began learning the printer's trade in the office of the Telephone, and continued in that employ for about two years. In 1889, he went to Sullivan. Indiana, where he was employed in a similar capacity, and in 1802 he removed to Indianapolis, but after a short stay returned to Sullivan. In June, 1894. he came to Fort Branch, and has since been engaged in the publication of the Weekly Times. This paper has now a good circulation and is a well edited journal, devoted to the interests of Fort Branch and Gibson County. Mr. Hoffman was united in marriage with Miss Lucy Johnson, a daughter of Duane Johnson, of Flatrock, Illinois. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias Fraternity and Mrs. Hoffman is a member of the Presbyterian Church. His political support is
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given the Democracy. Mr. Hoffman is a young man, possessed of the true spirit of progress and enterprise which characterizes the west: in disposition is kindly, in nanner is genial and affable, and throughout the community where he resides has made many warm friends.
J. E. LYNN, the efficient and popular telegraph operator and station agent of Fort Branch, was born on the 25th of May, 1873. and is a son of Jacob and Maggie (Arnold) Lynn, both of whom were natives of this country, aml resided for some years in Evans- ville, Indiana. J. F. Lynn has spent his entire life in this state, and was reared under the parental roof, while in the common schools be acquired his education. When only thirteen years of age he started out in life for himself, and has since been dependent upon his own efforts, so that whatever success he has achieved has come as the reward of his diligence and perseverance. He began work with the Evansville & Terre Haute Railroad; was then made agent at Haubstadt, where he remained one year, or until December, 1894. when he was transferred to Fort Branch. where he has since continued. On the 17th of January. 1893, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Lynn and Miss Anna Denner, a daughter of Lawrence Denner, of Evansville. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lynn are members of the Catholic Church.' Fle is a self- made man, whose advancement has come through his own efforts, and whit by industry and honest toil has won a place among the representative citizens. In manner he is genial and affable, and has the esteem of many friends and acquaintances. He has made a competent official for the railroad company, and has mer- itell the confidence reposed in him.
J. V. DE LONG .- Wealth may enable one to secure a start in life, but without the essential qualifications of perseverance, in- dustry and executive ability one cannot carry a business forward to successful completion. The subject of this review was de- pendent upon his own exertions entirely from an carly age, but he possessed the requisites essential to a prosperous business career. and by determined purpose has steadily worked his way upward. Mr. De Long was born in Evansville, Indiana, on the 5th of Novenber, 1859. and is a son of James and Ellen De Long, the former a native of Ohio, and the latter of Ireland. He attended the common schools in his early youth, and when about seventeen years of age spent one term as a student in the Evansville Com- mercial College. This constituted his preparation for a business life and in 1880 he came to Fort Branch to accept a position as a salesman in a mercantile establishment. For about ten years he was thus employed and during that period became thoroughly familiar with the best plans and methods of business procedure. When by his energy. industry and economy he had secured a sufficient capital to engage in business for himself, he established
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a store and since 1895 has been numbered among the leading mer- chants of Fort Branch. He carries a stock valued at about six thousand dollars and from the public receives a liberal patronage. Mr. De Long was united in marriage to Miss Lillie Vickery, of Vincennes, Indiana, a daughter of John Vickery, who died in 1885. They have two children-John Vickery, aged nine years, and Lillian, a little maiden of two summers. Mr. De Long is a member of the Knights of Pythias Fraternity aml the Modern Woodmen of America, and his political support is given the Re- publican party. Both he and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has the strictest regard for the ethics of business life, is observant of the vows that he has taken upon himself as a member of the fraternal organizations and in aM the relations of life has won the esteem oof those with whom he has been brought in contact.
R. S. BOYLE, the popular Trustee of Johnson township, and who is engaged in the grain business in Fort Branch, is one of Indiana's native sons, his birth having occurred in Posey County. on the roth of November, 1856. He is a son of John and Ophelia (Shelton) Boyle, the former having occurred in Posey County. latter of Vanderburgh County. His brother. D. M. Boyle. is now a well known attorney of Pierre, South Dakota. In his parents' home our subject spent the days of his boyhood and youth and in 1864 removed with the family to Vanderburgh County, where he remained until 1886. In that vear he went to the west, where he continued until 1889. at which time he returned to Illinois, continuing a resident of that state until 1800. Mr. Boyle then came to Gibson County, and has since made his home in Fort Branch. His time and attention have been devoted to the grain business, and he is a wide-awake, progressive man, whose energy and capable management have been the stepping stones on which he has risen to prosperity. Mr. Booyle was united in marriage to Miss Emma Pruitt, a native of Vanderburgh County, and a daugh- ter of Warner Pruitt. They now have two chikiren-Etta, who was born in Lebanon, Dakota, during their residence in the west: and Walter, who was born in Indiana. Mr. Boyle and his wife hold membership in the Christian Church, am in his social rela- tions he is a member of the Masonic Fraternity. His political support is given the Democracy, and he is well informed on the issues of the day. He was elected Trustee of Johnson township in 1804, and has discharged his duties in that office with fidelity and given universal satisfaction. He is a leading representative citizen and a gentleman of honor and respectability.
J. M. SPEAR, of Fort Branch, is one of the substantial and leading business men of Gibson County, and is well entitled to mention among the worthy and representative citizens of the county. He was born on the 9th of March, 1840. He received 6
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a fair common school education and had just reached his ma- jority when the Civil war came on. Prompted by a spirit of loyalty Mr. Spear responded to the call of his country for ard and went forth as a member of the Forty-sixth Indiana Infantry, with which he remained one year. On his return to the north Mr. Spear lo- cated in Rockport, Indiana, where he was engaged in the coal business for a period of five years. On the expiration of that time he removed to Haubstadt, where he engaged in the milling business, and later came to Fort Branch, where he has since con- tinued the same form of business; his success being most satis- factory. In 1886 was organized the Fort Branch Milling Com- pany, of which he is a member. This company has a well equipped mill, furnished with the latest improved machinery, and is nixlern in all of its appointments. The business of the firm is wisely and prudently conducted. Mr. Spear, who is the senior member of the firm, thoroughly understands the business in every detail and takes just pride in making the products of the mill first-class in every particular. Mr. Spear was united in marriage with Miss Rusilla Lewis, of Gibson County, and to the marriage have been born seven children, namely: Henry, Oliver M. Christina, Mary, Martha, Margaret and Adeline. The parents hold membership in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Spear is a member of the Independent Order of Old Fellows. and a highlys repected citizen, who has well contributed his part toward the advancement of the community in which he resides.
S. M. HOLCOMB, who is engaged in the practice of law in Fort Branch, is numbered among Indiana's prominent citizens. and belongs to that class of men who by personal effort have achieved success and attained an honorable and influential position among their fellow men. . He was born March 27. 1838. a son of Elder Elihn and Nancy (Cook) Holcomb, and was reared on a farm five miles cast of Fort Branch. His educational advantages were limited, but he made the most of his opportunities and ex- tensive reading and study at home have made him a well informed man. At the age of eighteen he began teaching, and successfully followed that profession for a number of years through the winter seasons. When twenty-three years of age. Mr. Holcomb, prompted by a spirit of patriotism and loyalty, organized in Feb- ruary. 1862, a company, which afterwards became parts of Com- panics A and C of the Sixty-third Indiana Infantry. Upon the organization of the company he was elected captain. The com- pany, at Indianapolis, was divided and assigned to the above named companies of the Sixty-third Indiana. Mr. Holcomb was assigned to Company ( and appointed its first lieutenant, and served up to December. 1862. when he resigned. After his re- turn he engaged in teaching for a few terms and then embarked in the grain business at Fort Branch. In the meantime he had
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studied law and fitted himself for the bar, with which he has been actively connected since 1875. He now has a large clientage, and for the past twenty years has been connected with much of the important litigation in the courts of Gibson County. In addition he has managed his farming interests. He owns a valuable farm near Fort Branch, and has always farmed. On the 11th of May. 1862, Mr. Holcomb married Miss Mary A. Hopkins, daughter of Hiram Hopkins. They have four children. Oscar R., who is practicing law in Ritzville, Washington: Clarence L., an attorney of Petersburg. Pike County: Helen I ... , who is engaged in school teaching : and Ralston C., at frome. Mr. Holcomb is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, the Knights of Labor and the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association. His father was for more than thirty years a minister of the Baptist Church, and Mr. Ilol- comb belongs to the Baptist Church. In politics he is a Populist. and in the autumn of 1806 was the candidate of his party for Secre- tary of State. A man of firm convictions, he is fearless in defense of what he believes to be right. No one questions his integrity or honorable purpose and his record as a soklier and as a private citizen alike commaml respect and admiration.
JOHN GRIFFIN is the senior member of the firm of Griffin & Sharp, dealers in general merchandise in Fort Branch. A native of Indiana, he was born in Decatur County in 1857. March 20. and is a son of Dennis and Mary Griffin. Their family nimm- bered seven children, five of whom are yet living. Mr. Griffin spent the first eighteen years of his life in the county of his na- tivity and acquired his education in the common schools. He then went to Princeton and entered upon his business career as a salesman in a dry goods store. He was for seventeen years a resident of that city, and during that period became familiar with all the methods of mercantile experience. In January, 1895, he came to Fort Branch and embarked in business on his own ac- count as a member of the firm of Griffin & Sharp. The partners are well known in Fort Branch as reliable business men and their courteous treatment of their patrons and the excellent stock which they carry has secured to them a liberal patronage. They now carry a stock valued at about fiftteen thousand dollars. com- prising everything found in a first-class general mercantile estal)- lishment. In his political views Mr. Griffin is a Republican, and in his social connection he is a member of the Knights of Pythias Fraternity. The greater part of his time aml attention, however. arc devoted to his business interests, in which he has met with excellent success He has conformed his conduct to the old maxim that honesty is the best policy and to-day no one is held in higher esteem in Fort Branch than Mr. Griffin.
WILLIAM L .. WALTERS, the senior member of the firm of Walters & Marlett, hardware and implement merchants of Fort
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Brauch, was born on the end of May, 1866, in Gibson County, and is a son of Daniel J. and Nancy (Woords) Walters. The father was also a native of Gibson County, was reared on a farm and throughout his life followed that occupation. In his family there were three children, namely: The subject of this review. Dr. Tamlin J. amt Mrs. Ezra Lowe. The father died May 9. 1888, but the mother, also a native of Gibson County, still survives him. On the homestead farm Mr. Walters, of this sketch, spent the days of his boyhood and youth. He assisted in the labors of field and meadow, and in the winter season, when crops were harvested and the work was practically over for the year he at- tended the public schools. Later he supplemented his early clu- rational privileges by a course in the commercial college of Evansville. Hle was married on the 5th of September. 1895. to Miss Anna, daughter of Rev. J. T. Oliphant, of Fort Branch, and they have a pleasant home here. Mr. Walters established his present business in 1804. and has a good store filled with a large and we'll selected stock of shelf and heavy hardware, tinware and agricultural implements. Ilc is a wide-awake merchant and his close application to business, straightforward dealings and cour- teous treatmen have secured him a liberal patronage. Mr. Walters is a member of the Odd Fellows' Society and the Knights of P'sthias Fraternity. In politics he is a staunch Republican. and in the spring of 1802 was elected a member of the City Council, and in the spring of 1895 was elected Treasurer. In the discharge of these duties he was prompt and faithful and is a public-spirited citizen, deeply interested in the welfare and all- vancement of the community in which his entire life has been passed.
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