USA > Indiana > Gibson County > History of Gibson County, Indiana > Part 14
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L. B. WALLACE is proprietor of a well equipped drug store in Francisco, and is a thorough-going business man, whose life is an exemplification of the progressive spirit which characterizes the west. He was born in Gibson County, and is a son of James S. Wallace, awell known farmer of this county, who served as a soldier in Company F. Forty-second Indiana Infantry during the Civil war. He married Matilda A. Ward, and they became par- ents of ten children, of whom four daughters died in infancy. The others are T. A., deccased, who served in Conrpany A, Forty- second Indiana Infantry; L. B .; G. S., of Exeter, Nebraska, also one of the boys in blue of the late war; F. M., of Elk River, Minnesota, who was a member of Company F, One Hundred and
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Twentieth Indiana Infantry; George T., of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; Julia F., wife of William Heironimus, of Omaha, Nebraska. The grandfather, John T. Wallace, was one of Gibson County's pioneers. The gentleman whose name introduces this review is indebted to the common schools for his educational privileges. He was reared on a farm and assisted in the labors of field and nrcadow until seventeen years of age, when he secured a clerkship in the drug store of Samuel Jackson. The following year he began business for himself in Francisco, and has now been one of its successful merchants for sixteen years. He carries a large and well selected stock of drugs and his obliging manner and honor- able dealing has won him a liberal patronage. In 1863, Mr. Wallace joined the Union army as a member of Company A, First Indiana Cavalry, and served in the western department under General Claybon. For two years he followed the old flag as a loyal defender of the cause it represented and was then mustered out, reaching home July 4, 1865. He has always supported the Re- publican party, and in religious belief is a Methodist. Mr. Wallace was married October 1, 1872, to Allie J., daughter of William Wood. She bore him the following children and then passed to her final rest: Thomas; E. W., who married Margaret . Laughlin; and Flora C., wife of Henry Hegwer. Mr. Wallace afterward married Eliza Hussey, a daughter of John McClelland. Their children are Carl C. and Nellie O.
JAMES M. DOWNEY, one of Francisco's learling citizens, was born in Posey County, Indiana, May 14, 1821, and is a rep- resentative of one of the pioneer families of that locality .. His grandfather, William Downey, served as one of the minute men during the war of the Revolution, and participated in the battle of Guilford Court House. He now lies buried near Bowling Green, Kentucky. The father, James Downey, was born in North Caro- lina about 1793, and in his youth became a resident of Posey County. He married Ellen Journey, daughter of Joseph Jour- ney. She was at that time a widow, and a son of her first mar- riage, Joc Davis, is living in Poseyville. Mr. and Mrs. Downey became parents of eight children-James .M .; Lowrey, Margaret and Sarah E., deceased; George, of whom nothing has been heard since 1850; Carolina, deceased wife of George Reeves; and Newton and Permelia, twins. James M. Downey was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads of that day, and at the age of twenty-five removed from his native county to Vanderburgh County. In 1848 he came to Gibson County, where he was actively engaged in farming until 1894, when he disposed of the old home and took up his residence in Francisco, where in a beautiful dwelling he is now living retired in the enjoyifient of a well merited rest. In August, 1862, he manifested his loyalty to the Union by joining Company B, Sixty-fifth Indiana Mounted
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Infantry. Ilis regiment was the first to enter Knoxville, and was largely engaged in duty in Tennessee. In 1864 Mr. Downey received an honorable discharge and returned home. He vali- antly followed the old flag and in days of peace manifests the same loyalty to all duties of citizenslrip. In 1844 Mr. Downey marriedl Miss Mary Ann Drysdale, daughter of James Drysdale. She died in 1884, leaving the following chiklren: Sarah F., wife of H. F. Broadwell; William F., who married Cordelia Minnis; Caroline, deceased wife of George Miller; Margaret J., deceased wife of Martin De Wees; James N .; George L .; and Edgar. Mr. Downey is a Metlinklist.
HENRY F. BROADWELL, an enterprising farmer of Cen- ter township, was born in Warwick County, Indiana, October 1, 1838. llis father, Henry Broadwell, a native of North Carolina, came to this state in 1818, and in 1828 located in Warwick County. He served as captain in the Twelfth Kentucky Infantry during the war of 1812, and died in Gibson County August 31, 1870, at the age of seventy-seven. Ilis father, David Broadwell, was born in North Carolina, and died in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. The mother of our subject bore tire maiden name of Shiloh Polson, and was born near the Natural Bridge in Virginia. Her chiklren arc Clinton, deceased; Nancy, deceased wife of W. F. Fowler; David, of York County, Nebraska; Emily, wife of John Townsend, of Anderson County, Kansas; Clarissa, wirlow of John Benton, of York County, Nebraska; Leroy, of Pike County, Indiana; Thomas, deceased; Henry F .; John W., deceased. There was also a half brother and sister-W. P. and Ellen, both of whom have passed away. Henry F. Broadwell acquired his education in the distriot schools, and was reared to agricultural pursuits. In 1859 he came to Gibson County, and purchased the farm which he is now successfully operating. It comprises one hundred and eighty acres of valuable land and the well tilled fiekls and many improve- ments on the place indicate the thrift and enterprise of the owner. All his property has been acquired through his own efforts and fortune deals kindly with those who are willing to Help them- selves. In October, 1861, Mr. Broadwell joined the boys in blue of Company A, Fifty-eighth Indiana Infantry. He was wounded at Chickanrauga and for fifteen days lay on the battle field. He was also wounded at Stone River. For three years the faithfully served his country, and was then honorably discharged November 25, 1864. Mr. Broadwell was married in Gibson County, May 7, 1865. to Sarah E. Downey, daughter of J. M. Downey, one of Gibson County's pioneers. Their children are Martha B., wife of W. A. Meade; Mary D., wife of H. W. Manz; David S .: James L., who died in 1803: Rufus A .; Emily C., wife of W. H. Wither- spoon; Elizabeth E. and John W. Mr. Broadwell belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is a man whose sterling worth commends him to the confidence and respect of all.
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GEORGE STRICKLAND, M. D., of Francisco, whose pro- fessional reputation and social acquaintance extends beyond the bounds of Gibson County, was born in Patoka township, March 20, 1858, and is a son of James Strickland, who was born in this county in 1829. He spent his entire life here on a farm and died in 1806. During the Civil war he enlisted in Company F, Forty- seventh Indiana Infantry, and was in active service until after the battle of Stone River, when the serious wounds that he there sus- tained necessitated his discharge. He married Elizabeth Garri- son, daughter of Jacob Garrison, and her death occurred in 1866. Their children were George, Malinda, Lucretia and Samuel. The last named married Lizzie Wallis, and died leaving a daughter, Gladys. In early life he was a teacher, but at his death was a trav- eling salesman for A. F. Baker & Co., of Keokuk, lowa. On the homestead farm Dr. Strickland remained until he had attained his majority. He was educated in the graded schools of this town- ship, and the higher schools of Owensville, Princeton and Fort Branch. He engaged in teaching school for four terms in Gibson County aml then with the view of making the practice of medicine his life work began reading in the office of Dr. S. H. Shoptaugh, of Princeton, April 1, 1880. He pursued his first course of lec- tures in the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, took a second course in Louisville, and a third in the Kentucky School of Medicine, where he was graduated in 1883. In July of the same year he opened an office in Francisco, where his accurate and comprehensive knowledge of the science of medicine and his success in practice has secured him a large patronage and lucra- tive business. On the 30th of January, 1887, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Strickland amt Miss Louisa Granger, daughter of George Granger, of Evansville, Ind., a gentleman of French de- srest. It was a blacksmith by trade and came to liliana prior to the war. The name was originally spotted Grangner. He had four children-Dan A., Mrs. Strickland, Lizzie G., and Mary, wife of J. M. Mcade. The Doctor is a leading and influential member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is secretary of the South- ern Indiana Holiness Association. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias Fraternity, the Modern Woodmen of America, and is past master of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In poli- tics he is a Democrat and at one time was an active and influential worker in the party. He has been honored in his profession by the members of the medical fraternity, and is now president of the Gibson County Examining Board and vice president of the Gibson County Melical Society.
E. S. FARMER, one of the most progressive and enterprising farmers and stock dealers of Gibson County, was born near his present home October 10, 1843, and is a representative of one of the honored pioncer families of the community. His grand-
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father, Ezekiel Farmer, came to the county at a very early day, bringing with him his family, including Fleming Farmer, the father of our subject, who was then a small boy. . Hle was born in Gibson County, and was here reared to manhood. He was twice married and by his first union had one son, William, who is now living in Evansville, Indiana. For his second wife he chose L'avisa, daghter of William Woolsey, who was at that time a widow. One child of her first marriage is still living-A. C. Clif- ford, who resides near Oakland City, Indiana. By the second union there are four children-E. S., Estella, wife of John J. Taylor, of Mason County, Ilinois; W. W., of Texas City, Illinois; and Cornelia P., wife of J. W. Davis, of Cowley County, Kansas. The father of this family died in 1867, at the age of sixty years, and the mother passed away in 1879. E. S. Farmer, of this re-
view, was reared on the old family homestead and received but meagre educational privileges, but experience and observation has made him a well informed man. He had not yet attained his majority when responded to the President's call for troops and joined the First Indiana Infantry under Colonel Baker. The regiment was attached to the command of General Steele and mustered in at Indianapolis. He first met the enemy at l'ine Bluff, Arkansas, and continued in active service in the southwest until honorably discharged at the close of the war at Duvall's Bluff, Arkansas. He was four times wounded and still carries a rebel ball in his shoulder. Mr. Farmer arrived home July 4, 1865. and at once resumed agricultural pursuits, which he has since carried on in connection with stock dealing. For the past ten years he has been extensively engaged in shipping fat stock, and has made this a profitable source of income. He owns two farms near Francisco, aggregating three hundred and ninetytwo acres, and a glance at these possessions will convince one of the indus- tribus care of the owner. Mr. Farmer was married in August, 1867, to Rosie B., daughter of William Stewart, of Fayette County, Indiana, and their home is blessed with the following children- Charles C., Fred S., Bertha C., William F., Oliver M. and Stew- art. The fanrily is one of prominence in the community, and the members of the household occupy a high position in social circles. Mr. Farmer is a staunch Republican, and in 1888 was ap- pointed Trustee of Center township, to fill out an unexpired term. His duties were faithfully performed and in private life he is the same loyal citizen who marched forth in defense of the Union during her hour of peril. He belongs to the Masonic Fraternity and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and is held in the highest regard by the brethren of those societies.
THOMAS M. MAXAM, Trustee of Center township, was born in Gibson County, February 26, 1847. At Douglas Station was the old Maxam homestead, where the grandfather, Sylvester
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Maxam. settled in 1818. He was born in Litchfield, Connecticut, and died on the farm, which was his home throughout his resi- dence here. There his son, John S. Maxam, was born January 20, 1811. The homestead was his playground in boyhood and in later years Ire took an active part in its cultivation. His entire life was devoted to farming and stock-raising, and he was recog- mized as a leader in this line of business in Gibson County. He married Patsy Mattingly, a native of Perry County, Indiana, and they became parents of the following children-Gertrude, wife of George H. Wilkinson; Thomas M .; Loretta, wife of E. Hatha- way: Estella, deceased wife of Frank Bittner; John A .; Sylvester H .; George W .: Joseph F. and Embree ?. The father of this family passed away March 14. 1883, but the mother is still living at the age of seventy years. Thomas M. Maxam was reared in the usual manner of farmer lails and his literary education was ac- quired in the public schools. Early in life he developed a great fondness for music and he afterward cultivated his talents in that direction, by pursuing a musical education in Chicago. He made his home with his parents until 1860, after which he spent four years in teaching music at various places. From 1873 until 1877 he followed farming and then turned his attention to railroading in the employ of the St. Louis Railroad Company. He was thus engaged until 1894, when he was elected Trustec of Center town- ship, and in August, 1895, entered upon the discharge of his duties. Since April of the same year he has also engaged in the hardtware business in Francisco. In Spencer County, Indiana, March 29, 1874. was consummated the marriage of Mr. Maxam and Miss Eliza, daughter of John Hisey, ex-Sheriff of Perry County, and County Commissioner for many years. The children of this union are Loretta E., Stella. Corliss, Stanley E. and Fannie. Mr. Maxam is a staunch Republican, and is master master of the An- ciem Onder of United Worokmen. He is also a member of the Odd Fellows' Society, has taken the encampment degrees, is past grand of the local lodge and was the representative to the grand kxige in 1893. In business life, in political office and in social circles he is held in highest esteem by all with whom he has been brought in contact, and his many excellent characteristics have gained him a large circle of friends.
A. J. DRYSDALE, a progressive, industrious farmer of Fran- cisco, was born in the neighborhood of his present home, January 17, 1850. His father, Caleb Drysdale, anearly settler of Gibson County, was born near Covington, Kentucky, in 1815. He lo- cater in this county in 1846, and followed farming until his death in 1879. In politics he was a pronounced Democrat, all in 1874 served on the Board of County Commissioners in company with John N. Mangrum and Moses K. Robb. He married Nancy Williams, a native of Posey County, Indiana, and their children
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were James B., who died from wounds received in the battle of Stone River; Lavina, wife of C. R. Finck, of Oklahoma; Mary F., wife of Greenbury Williams, of Posey County: A. J .; George W .; Sarah E., wife of John W. Trible, Sheriff of Gibson County; Matilda J., of Decatur, Illinois: Cornelius, Absolom II., Melissa and Mrs. Mattie Wilson, all of Union Star, Missouri. A. J. Drysdale has spent his entire life on the Home farm and received the school privileges afforded in the district. He led to the mar- riage altar, in 1873, Miss Annie De Priest, daughter of William De Priest, and they have ten children, namely: William C., Lloyd E., N. Adelia, Dicy C., Roland L., Clara F., Ada E., Ray- mond E., Lora and Mary. Mr. Drysdale is one of the prominent men of the Democratic party in Gibson County. He was elected Trustce of Center township in 1888, and by re-election served continuously until August, 1895, during which time he was in- strumental in building several school houses, an iron bridge and in making other substantial improvements in the county. Those who have known him from boyhood are numbered among his staunchest friends, a fact which indicates a well spent life.
JOSEPH GREEK, a highly respected and prosperous farmer of Center township, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, October 7, 1822. At an early day his father emigrated with his family to Indiana, going down the Ohio River on a flatboat. There he followed his trade of carpentering until his death in 1835. Ile was then forty years of age. His wife, Catherine (Sellers) Greek, died in 1875, at the age of eighty years. Their children were John, of Evansville: Joseph, Elizabeth, deceased wife of William Mills; Samuel and Henry, both of Princeton; Mary, wife of Hugh McSperry, of Princeton; and Catherine, wife of Robert Henry, of Terre Haute, Indiana. In his carly youth . Joseph Greek was employed in various ways and finally secured a situation in a brick yard, where he remained for several years, thus getting a start in life for himself. In 185t he located upon his present farm, purchasing one hundred and twenty acres. Ile was only able to make a partial payment, but he worked indus- triously and by the assistance of his estimable wife, who has indeed proved a helpmect to him, he was not only, after a few years, able to pay off his indebtedness, but also added to his property. In 1847 Mr. Greek went to visit friends and there met Miss Berilla Mills, whom he made his wife on the 13th of March, 1848. Her father, Dustin Mills, was born in Kennebec County, Maine, and in 1817 removed to the Genesee Valley in New York. The follow- ing year the family came down the Ohio River to Evansville, then called Smith's Landing. Dustin Mills was at the time a youth of fifteen. His father, James Mills, was the son of a Revolutionary soldier and was the son of a well-to-do man. In Gibson County he purchased a large tract of land. He died in 1840 when about
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seventy years of age and lies buried near Moore's Bridge. Dustin Mills always resided on the farm which he inherited from his father. He served as Major in the State Militia, and was a man of considerable influence in the community. He died in 1875. Ilis wife, Louisa Mills, was a daughter of Joshua Stapleton, one of the heroes of the battle of Tippecanoe. They became parents of the following children: Berilla, born March 14, 1829; Adelia. deceased wife of Charles King; Cecelia, deceased wife of George Smith; Zellissa, deceased wife of Samuel Greek; Byron, of Prince- tom; Horace, who has also passed away; Elvira; Albert, of Prince- ton; Almina, deceased; John, of Princeton; and Mary, wife of Lewis Okls. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Greck are Ellen, who married John Seals, and died April 11, 1873; A. T .: Joanna, who became the wife of M. T. Paul, and died October 20, 1873; Samuel M. and George W., both deceased: John 11 .; Alice M. wife of James T. Brown; A. L., who died July 8, 1876; Hattie I., wife of James P. McCormick; Mary A., who died March 20, 1868; Rhoda, wife of Thomas MeEMrinney; and Zellissa, wife of William McEl- hinney. Mr. and Mrs. Greek are prominent members in the Francisco General Baptist Church, and are ardent advocates of Republican principles, the lady, like her husband, taking a deep interest in the political situation of the country. Their well spent lives have won them the highest regard of many friends and they well deserve representation in this volume.
CAPTAIN C. C. WHITING, ex-Assessor of Gibson County, was born in Cynthiana, Posey County, Indiana, February 2, 1832. His father. Clement Whiting, was born in Fredericksburg. Vir- ginia, October 12, 178); removed to Kentucky, thence to Indiana. in 1818, and settled in Cynthiana, Posey County, where he fol- lowed agricultural pursuits and general merchandising. Ile was twice married, first marrying a Miss Endicott, and secondly Miss Sarah Nash, who was born September 5, 1803. and was the mother of the subject of this review. By his first marriage Clement Whiting became the father of the following children: Susan J., William J. Nancy E., and John S., all of whom are deceased. John S. Whiting was a physician, and was a soldier in both the Mexican war and the Civil war. Unto the second marriage of Clement Whiting there were born the following children: Charles Covat, the subject of this sketch: Sarah E .: Mary A .; Margaret J .; Jesse T. M., who served in the Civil war as a Sergeant in Com- pany F. Eightieth Indiana Regiment, and was killed at the battle of Resacca on May 14, 1864: Lydia A .; James P., who served also in the Civil war in Company F. Eightieth Indiana, and died shortly after the war, from sickness contracted in the army. The father and mother of these children were people of sterling qualities, and were pioneers of this section of Indiana. The Whiting family, by inter-marriages, is related to the Washington, the Fairfax, the
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Montague, the Beverly and other prominent Virginia families. Captain C. C. Whiting was reared in Posey County : was given a common school education, and his labors of youth were on the farm. In October of 1855, he married Louisiana, daughter of Dr. J. R. Craig, and settled down in life on a farm. He continued farming until the Civil war came on, and responding to the call for troops in the defense of the Union, Mr. Whiting enlisted in Company A, Fifty-eighth liliana Infantry. He participated in the closing of the battle of Shiloh, and his first regular engagement was at the battle of Stone River. He was seriously wounded in said battle. He had also participated in the siege of Corinth. Hc bore a part in the battles of Chickamauga and Mission Ridge and in the relief of Knoxville, Tennessee; also in the Atlanta campaign. His regiment was detailed as a pontoon corps after the fall of Atlanta, and Captain Whiting supervised the construction of bridges along the route of Sherman's army by way of Savannah, Georgia, from Atlanta to Washington, D. C., where he partici- pated in the grand review of the Union army. Mr. Whiting en- tered the service as a private and was made First Sergeant, and was in turn commissioned Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant, Adjutant of the regiment and Captain of Company A. the pro- motions being well merited by reason of his gallant conduct and bravery on the field of battle. He is now a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Archer Post. No. 28, and Lodge 231, F. & A. M. On the close of the war Captain Whiting returned home and later settled in Gibson County, where he has become a popular and widely known citizen. He has always been an enthusiastic and stalwart republican. In 1868 he was elected County Treas- urer, which office he filled with much satisfaction to the people of the county. Afterward he served as real estate appraiser for school fund purposes, and in 1&1 was appointed County As- sessor to fill a vacancy, and after serving eighteen months in that capacity was elected in 1892 to the office, which he hekl for four years thereafter. He is a loyal American citizen, and possesses those sterling qualities everywhere commanding respect. Mr. and Mrs. Whiting's children are these: Jessie C .; Sallie A .: Ella M., deceased; Dr. Charles O., deceased: and Maggie A., deceased.
JAMES M. COCKRUM isone of the oldest native citizens of Gibson County, his birth having here occurred March 26, 1828. Since attaining to man's estate he has been an active factor in the development of the community and well deserves representa- tion in this volume. His father. Colonel James W. Cockrum, was born in North Carolina, in 1709, and came with the father, James Cockrum, to Indiana territory, locating car Fort Branch in 1809. Subsequently James Cockrum lived on a farm which is now the site of Francisco, but spent his last days in Granada, Mississippi. James W. Cockrum was married in Tennessee to Sarah Barrett,
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who died in Missippi in 1834. Their children were Columbus, who died at the age of twenty-two; Dennis W .: Alexander 11. who served in the Fifty-eighth Indiana Infantry, and died at Mur- freesboro, Tennessee; Caroline, deceased wife of M. G. C. Har- grove; America J., deceased wife of John Garrett. The father was a second time married, wedding Judith Barrett, a sister of his first wife. Their children are Colonel W. M .: (indrella P., wife of Extward Crow; and Henry C., who died in the army. In the spring of 1834 James W. Cockrum loaded several flatbbants on the Patoka River and with his family went to the south. His wife died during the trip. He twice served in the Legislature, being elected in 1848, and again in 1852 on the Whig ticket. Mr. Cockrum, of this review, was reared on the home farm, and edu- cated in the common schools, often walking five miles to the school house. On the 1st of January, 1850. he located on the farm, which has since been his home, and has continuously devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits, although in connection with this he has followed other pursuits. As a partner of J. W. Hargrove, he established the first dry goods store in Oakland City and successfully conducted it until the beginning of the war. On the 25th of September, 1861, he joined Company E, Forty-second Indiana Infantry, and was mustered in at Evansville on the 8th of October. The regiment then went to Henderson, Kentucky. to the Green River, and on to Nashville, Tennessee. Failing health then caused Mr. Cockrum to return home, but he afterward attempted to join the One Hundred and Twentieth Indiana In- fantry, but was not accepted. Mr. Cockrum has been an in- portant factor in the business interests of this section of the county. In 1864 he was admitted to the bar before Judge John Pitcher. and practiced law and carried on the real estate business until 1876, when he once more entbarked in merchandising. For nine years be conducted his store, and in the undertaking prospered. owing to his honorable dealing and courteous treatment of his patrons. Mr. Cockrumm was married December 5. 1849, to Eliza- beth S., daughter of Jasper Hargrove. She died February 17, 1855, and on the 15th of January, 1857, Mr. Cockrum wedded Mary E. Richey, wim died May 22, 1865, leaving three children, of whom one is now living. Sallie. Our subject afterward wedded Sarah F. Thomas, daughter of Rev. Jonathan Thomas, aml their children are James H .; Charles V., a member of the regular army; Jesse L., Thomas K., Ralph and Edna. Mr. Cockrum established the postoffice at Oakland City and was the first postmaster of this place. He served as postmaster from 1857 until 1861, from 1863 until 1865, and was again appointed by President Harrison for a four years' term. In 196 he was nominated by the Republican party as representative from this county in the general assembly. ITe is a demitted Mason, belongs to the Independent Order of Odd
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