USA > Indiana > Gibson County > History of Gibson County, Indiana > Part 15
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Fellows and to the Grand Army of the Republic, serving as the first commander of A. H. Cockrum Post, No. 520.
GEORGE C. MASON, M. D., is one of the substantial citizens and Icarling medical practitioners of Oakland City, and his name is inseparably connected with its history on account of the prom- inent part he has taken in public affairs. He is a representative of one of the pioncer families of Gibson County, and is descended from Rezin Mason, Sr., a man of Scotch birth, who founded the family in Virginia. His son, Rezin Mason, Jr., was born near Winchester, Virginia, in 1818, and in 1836 came to Gibson County with his mother and three sisters, Eliza, Jane and Susan. The daughter's afterward married Abraham Null, Andrew Skelton and Levi Burton, respectively. Rexin Mason was married in 1846 to Elizabeth, daughter of John and Jane (Steele) Martin. Of their ten children four are living, namely: George C .; Ada, wife of John Green: Agnes F., wife of John Miller; and Dr. R. S. Mason. George C. Mason was born and reared on his father's farm and his clementary education, acquired in the common schools, was supplemented by two years' study in the State Uni- versity of Bloomington, Indiana. He afterward engaged in teach- ing school, and followed that profession with marked success for several years. He was associate principal with Prof. Lee Tomlin for two years in the Oakland Normal School aml also superintend- ent of the Fort Branch and Hazelton high schools. In 1876 he determined to engage in the practice of medicine as a life work and obtained his professional education in the Miami Medical Col- lege of Cincinnati, Ohio, and the Medical College of Indiana at Indianapolis, from which he graduated in 1879 and immediately afterwards came to Oakland City, where he soon secured a large practice, which has steadily increased, as his skill and ability have been demonstrated. He now ranks among the foremost phy- sicians of the county. The Doctor has been a close student of the political history of the country and the questions of the day, and fearlessly defends his honest convictions. In 1880 he was clected on the Republican ticket to represent Gibson County in ' the State Legislature, and was a valued member of the assembly, both in the committee room and on the floor of the house. Hc aided in the passage of a measure which resulted in the improve- ment of public roads, supported the bill permitting counties to es- tablish homes for orphans and his own bill for the relief of prop- erty from double taxation attracted much attention. He was also chairman of the committee appointed to investigate the condition of the Indiana Deaf and Dumb Asylum. The Doctor has served for fourteen years as president of the Oakland City school board, and has done much to advance the cause of education. Ile is also an elder in the Presbyterian Church and is actively interested in all that pertains to the best development of the community. He
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is a member of the Gibson County Medical Society, the Indiana State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He is also the local surgeon for the Louisville, Evansville & St. Louis Consolidated Railroad and the Evansville & Indianapolis Railroad. Dr. Mason was married at Princeton, Indiana, July 17th, 1873, to Elizabeth L. Henderson, who is a native of Ohio and was born in Guernsey County, February 10th, 1847. and is a daughter of Thomas W. and Jane (McCrea) Henderson. Four children have been born to this union, viz .: Gertrude S., born April 20th, 1878 .: Grace I .. , born July 17th, 1881, and died Janu- ary 230, 1887: George C., born September 15th, 1884. and died April 4th, 1885; Russell L. born June 24th, 1886. Gertrude .S. Mason graduated from the Oakland City high school in 1896, and is now engaged in the study of music. She intends to enter college this year and take the complete course in science and music. Russel L. Mason, who is now in school, has fully decided to follow his father's footsteps in the profession of medicine.
W. M. CHAPPELL was born November 22. 1860. in Columbia township, where he still makes his home, a son of James E. and Nancy !. Chappell. The paternal grandfather, William Chap- pell, a cooper and farmer, came to lidiana in 1834. locating in Pike County. The maternal grandparents were John and Mary Harper. James E. Chappell was born within a few miles of Louisville, Kentucky, in 1824, and during his boyhood came to Indiana. During the war he joined the Fifty-eighth Indiana In- fantry as a private, but his valiant and meritorious service won him promotion, and he was mustered out with the rank of captain of Company (. From 1867 until 186x) inclusive he served as trus- tee of Columbia township, and during that time, although strongly opposed, succeeded in establishing the first graded school in the township. The children of Captain and Mrs. Chappell are Laura, wife of D. W. Christmas; W. M .: Lula, wife of W. P. Arnold; Archibald: John: Ruth: Brett: Kate, deceased Wife of Professor N. C. Johnson; and Martha, deceased.
W. M. Chappell acquired a good education in the public schools of his township, and at the age of nineteen began teaching, a profession which he followed for ten consecutive winters. He was a successful clucator, his services giving excellent satisfaction in the districts where he was employed. In the summer he fol- lowed farming and for six years has conducted a farm just south- west of Oakland City. He is now serving as Trustee of Column- bia township, and the cause of education has been materially advanced through his efforts. The school buildings have been placed in good condition and in District No. 7 he has arranged that two departments shall be conducted. This is the only country graded school in Columbia township, excepting the Oak- land City schools, and Mr. Chappell deserves the gratitude of his
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fellow citizens for his promotion of educational interests. On the 22nd of October, 1801, Mr. Chappell was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary L. Daugherty, daughter of H. C. Daugherty, who located near Owensville, Indiana, at an carly day. They have one son, James Henry, born in 1803. Mr. Chappepll is a member of the Masonic Fraternity and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Public spirited and progressive, he withholds his support from no enterprise calculated to advance the general welfare.
WILLIAM H. COLEMAN is one of the popular and prom- inent citizens of Gibson County. He was born in Pike County. Indiana. November 18, 1842, and when three years of age was brought to this county by his father. Henry F. Coleman, who lo- cated within a half mile of the present home of our subject. . He followed farming throughout life, and met with a fair degree of success. A native of Kentucky, he died in Gibson County. In 1881, at the age of seventy-four years. His wife, Margaret Cole- man, was a daughter of William Taylor, who came to this county from Tennessee. Their children are Laura, Rachel, Nancy. Martha. Dr. J. W. and William II. Our subject spent his boy- codi days on his father's farm, and att his country's call for troops to aid in putting down the rebellion, joined Company F. of the Thirty-third Indiana Infantry. He was mustered in at Indianapo- lis, and first met the enemy in Kentucky. Ile participated in the Atlanta campaign, veteranized at Christiana, Tennessee. went with Sherman on the march to the sea and through the Carolinas, and took part in the grand review in Washington, D. C. For four years he followed the old flag and match imself an honorable war record. After his return home, Mr. Coleman engaged in farming for two years, and then embarked in the drug business in Oakland City, conducting his store for four years. Through the next season he again operated a farm. and then accepted a po- sition as salesman in the drug store of J. J. Cosby. About this time he served one term as Township Trustee, and was re-elected for a second term when the Republicans nominated him for Circuit Clerk of the county and he resigned the former position. In 1800 he was re-elected a Clerk by a larger vote than was given any other candidate on the ticket. On his retirement from public office he returned to the farm, and is now numbered among the leading agriculturists of Gibson County. On the 24th of Decem- ber, 1866, Mr. Coleman wedded Hannah M. Crawford. Their children arc Eunice, wife of H. C. Helt: Charlie C .; and Ruth. They also lost three children-Herbert B., John C. and William L. The family are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
JOHN T. THOMPSON .- Indiana is settled by a class of citi- zens in whom are combined the marked progressiveness of the
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west with the steadiness and executive ability of those of the cast. and their stability has founded a state that ranks among the fore- most of the nation. Mr. Thompson is a worthy representative of Indiana's citizens and one of her native sons. He was born in Rockport. April 5, 1858. His father, George W. Thompson, a native of Kentucky, came to Indiana during his boyhood and was married here to Susan Ales, whose parents were natives of Vir- ginia. In 1800 Mr. Thompson removed with his family to Gibson County, locating on a farm near Owensville, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in 1887, at the age of fifty- two years. John T. Thompson is the second in a family of five children. He was reared on the home farm in Gibson County, and carried on agricultural pursuits until 1894, when he began the operation of a planing mill, entering into partnership with S. J. Mccullough. They erected a planing mill, which they are now successfully operating. They also handle lumber and builder's supplies and furnish employment to a force of eight men. Their business is steadily increasing, for their straightforward methods and excellent product secure them the patronage of many. Mr. Thompson was married in July. 1878, to Emma, daughter of John M. Smith. She died May 8, 1887, leaving a son, Edgar M. On the 17th of August. 1889, Mr. Thompson was again married. his second union being with Mrs. Mary ('. Spore, daughter of William Kendle. They have one child, Eliza Fern. Mr. Thompson is a valued member of the Masonic Fraternity and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He also belongs to the United Brethren Church, and in politics is a Democrat, believing in the free and unlimited coinage of silver. He has many friends in Gibson County, where his entire life has been passed, and his friendship is prized most by those who know him best.
J. W. McGOWAN, M. D., a well known and highly esteemed physician of Oakland City, was born in Monticello. Wayne County, Kentucky, January 22, 1854. His grandfather. Samuel Metrowan, was a Virginian by birth, and died on the old Kentucky homestead in 1882, at the age of ninety-three. He married Mary Haynes, and was the father of fourteen children, among whom were Dr. W. J. and Mrs. Noble Mccullough. The subject of this sketch is a son of Dr. W. J. McGowan, who was born in Wayne County, Kentucky, and received his educational training there. He graduated from the University of Louisville in 1859, and as surgeon advanced the cause of the Union during the Civil war. On the Democratic ticket he was elected to the Indiana Legis- lature in the carly '70s. He married Delilah J., daughter of Nel- son Ramsey, who survies him. The only living child of this mar- riage is Dr. J. W. McGowan. He came with his parents to Indiana in 1863, and from an early age was deeply interested in the science of medicine. IIe began reading when only twelve
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years of age, and practiced with his father long before receiving his diploma, which was granted him by the University of Louis- ville in 1881. In 1880) he was appointed government physician in Montana penitentiary, where he remained one year, and then resumed practice in Oakland City, where he is now enjoying a large and lucrative business. The Doctor has always been a staunch Democrat, and his faithful service in the interest of the party secured him his government appointment. He was elected to the town council of Oakland City by one hundred and fifty majority, a fact which indicates his great personal popularity, for the town is regarded as a Republican stronghold. Socially. he is connected with the Knights of Pythias, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Red Men, and is also a Knight Templar.
P. II. LAMB, of Oakland City, was born near Rome, Perry County, Indiana, November 24. 1854. and is a representative of one of the pioneer families of the state. His grandfather, Solo- non Lamb, located near Rome about the beginning of the present century. His father, Major W. S. Lamb, was born there in 1816, and in early life practiced law and served for fourteen years as Circuit Clerk of Perry County. During the war he was appointed paymaster with the rank of Major, and at the beginning of the struggle was arrested at Memphis, Tennessee, charged with being an Abolitionist. The proof being that he voted for Abraham Lincoln. The latter fact was so, and since that time he has always been an advocate of the Republican party, to which his sons also adhere. By appointment of President Arthur he served as store keeper and gauger for the government at Tell City for nine years. He married Julia, daughter of Dr. George B. Thompson, and they became parents of seven children. The mother died in 1880. and four of the children have passed away. Those living are W. R., of Galena, Kansas; Henry C., of Jefferson County, Indiana; and P. 11. Mr. Lamb, of this review, obtained his education in the common schools, and followed farming until August, 1884, when the embarked in the livery business in Oakland City. He also be- gan the undertaking business in 1802 after having thoroughly prepared for this work in Evansville. Indiana, under Professor Clark, of Springfickl, Ohio, receiving a diploma as a professional embalmer. His livery is well patronized, and he is doing an ex- cellent business. Mr. Lamb was married in Perry County, July 9, 1876, to Louisa, daughter of John Ploch. Their children are Esther and John. Mr. Lamb is now a member of the town council, and is a public-spirited citizen, deeply interested in all that pertains to the welfare of the community. Hle belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and to the Knights of Pythias Fraternity. Since locating in Oakland City his barn was de- stroyed by fire, but he has resolutely worked his way upward and is now the possessor of a comfortable competence.
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S. S. REED, president of the town council and an enterprising real estate dealer of Oakland City, was born in Pike County. Indiana, November 20, 18.30. His father, Elijah Reed, a native of North Carolina, came to this state when about twenty years of age, locating in Bloomington, where he married Rebecca Slater. Their children are John W. S. S. and Clark, all of Gibson County; Richard and Elisha. of Pike County: Joseph, Elijah and Peter. of Gibson County; Jane, wife of Jacob Riddle: Phoebe, wife of Harrison English: Malinda, wife of Frank Bilderback: Rebecca, wife of William Davis; and Sarah, wife of George Ross. The paternal grandfather, Robert Reed, was born in North Carolina. followed farming throughout life and died in Warrick County. Indiana. S. S. Reed spent his boyhood days on his father's farm and in the winter season attended school. He first left home to enter his country's service as a defender of the Union, enlisting in Company K. Forty-second Indiana Infantry, in September, 18001. He was mustered in at Evansville, and first met the enemy in battle at Perrysville. He participated in the Atlanta campaign, then returned north with General Thomas and took part in the battle of Franklin. At Rome, Georgia, on the expiration of his three years' term, he was honorably discharged in September. 1864. For twenty years thereafter he followed farming, and then came to Oakland City, where he successfully carried on mer- chandising until July, 1895. Ilis executive ability, his keen fore- sight and earnest labor brought to him prosperity, and he is now devoting his time to his real estate interests, in which he has in- vested his well earned capital. Mr. Reed was married in Colum- bus, Missouri, in February, 1866, to Jane, daughter of Robert Hayden, a farmer. They have three daughters-Laura, wife of Dr. McCord: Lydia, wife of A. J. Carlisle, and Lula A., who married Fred Benton. Mr. Reed is an esteemed member of A. H. Cockrum Post. G. A. R .; and in politics is a staunch Republican. In 1882 he was elected Justice of the Peace, serving for ten years, and is now president of the town council. He is also chairman of the Republican Central Committee of his township, and does all in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of his party.
GEORGE A. KLENCK is a worthy representative of the in- dustrial interests of Oakland City, where he is actively engaged in business as proprietor of the Columbia Milling Company. He created the mill and began its operation in 1882. After conduct- ing it for two years it was destroyed by fire in 1884, entailing a heavy loss, but the plant was at once restored and business re- sumed. Employment is furnished to seven men and the capacity of the mill is one hundred and fifty barrels of flour per day. The excellent grade of flour manufactured has secured a large and profitable business and the enterprising owner is now numbered
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among the prosperous residents of Oakland City. He was born in Vanderburgh County, Indiana, June 18, 1856, and is a son of John W. Klenck, who was born in Wittenbach, Germany, in 1830, and is now associated with his son in business. Ilc was married in Evansville, Indiana, to Catherine Matz, who died in September, 18)3, leaving six children, namely: George A .; Jacob L .; Fred J .; Amelia, wife of F'red Rice, of Evansville; Mary aml Maggie. George A. Klenck was reared and educated in his native county, and learned the milling business under H. Vahlberg, of Evans- ville, Indiana. In 1878, he went to Kansas City, Missouri, where he spent one year in the service of the Kansas City Milling Com- pany, and then returned to Evansville, where he was employed in the will of George Brose, until 1881. He has since been identified with the business interests of Oakland City. On the Ioth of November, 1881, in Vanderburgh County, was consim- mater the marriage of Mr. Klenck and Miss Carrie, daughter of Edward Wilhelm. Their children are John E., Carl F. Roy, George and Tessie. Mr. Klenck is a prominent member of the Masonic Fraternity, belongs to the Knight Templar Commaml- ery, is past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias Fraternity, and has represented both organizations in the grand lodge. He is thoroughly American in spirit, a loyal citizen and an advocate of sound money.
GEORGE M. BOHNERT, one of the leading merchants of Oakland City, and secretary, treasurer and manager of the Oak- land City Electric Light Company, was born in Jasper. Indiana, April 25, 1865. His father, Wendolin Bohnert. was born in Ger- many, and married Kuhndle Kuhnda. Both died about twenty- seven years ago, leaving a good cstate. Their chiklren are Joseph, of Washington, Indiana; John, of Colorado: Amone, of Jasper, Indiana; Henry, of Washington; Edward, of Jasper; George M .: Albert, of Jasper; and Mary, wife of John P. Fuhs. The subject of this sketch learned the tinner's trade with Levi Spayd, and after a year went to Washington, Indiana, where he entered the employ of J. H. Maher, with whom he remained five years. Hle then came to Oakland City, and entered the tin department in the hardware store of Mr. Springer, but after six months he bought out his employer. He now carries a large and well sc- lected stock of shelf and heavy hardware, and is doing a good business along that line. In March, 1893, in company with Fred Auch, he established the electric light plant, with a capacity of two thousand candle power, and is now conducting the same. Hle is also a director of the building and loan association, and dris close connection with the industrial and commercial interests of the city has not only brought to him success, but has largely alvanced the material welfare of the community. In politics he is an advocate of the Democracy. On the 28th of May, 1890, in
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Warrick County, Mr. Bohnert led to the marriage altar Miss Annie Kinderman, a daughter of William Kiklerman, a prom- inent citizen and retired merchant of Boonville. They have two children-Mildred M. and Harry. Mr. Bohnert is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Mexdem Woxxlmen of America and the Knights of l'ythias Fraternity, and by Iris brethren of these societies is held in high esteem.
JOHN F. GUDGEL, M. D., one of the ablest physicians of Gibson County, whose skill and ability have gained fim marked distinction as a member of the medical profession, is numbered among Gibson County's pioneers and native citizens. He was born in Columbia township, January 29, 1849. His father, An- drew Gudgel, was born near Owensville, Indiana, in 1825, a son of William Gudgel, who was of German descent and removed from his Kentucky home to Owensville, in 1812. Andrew Girlgel was a brave Union soldier during the Civil war, serving in Com- pany A, Fifty-eighth Indiana Infantry, and is now a leading citizen of Columbia township, daughter of John Wallace. The Doctor is the second of their five children. It was his parents' wish that he follow the pursuit to which he was reared-farming, but a liberal education and a decided taste for professional life placed his choice elsewhere. At an early age he began teaching in the pub- lic schools, which profession he followed for six years, and at the age of twenty-two look up the study of Medicine, under the di- rection of Dr. W. J. McGowan, of Oakland City. He was a student in the Miami School of Medicine in Cincinnati, in 1874-5. after which he spent three years in active practice in Hazelton. and then entered the Kentucky School of Medicine, where he was graxluated in 1879. He has since been one of the active prac- titioners of Gibson County, and to-day enjoys a liberal patronage. He is a member of the County Medical Society, and the Missis- sippi Valley Medical Association, and is a man whose broad study has marle him especially woll fitted for his chosen calling. The Doctor was married in Hazelton in April, 1875, to Nancy Baldwin, daughter of Reuben Baklwin, a retired merchant of Princeton, and a retired merchant of Gibson County. They have five children-Harry B., born in 1877; Jesse B., born in 1879; Millara, in 1881; Everet D)., in 1883; and Ruth E., in 1885. The Doctor belongs to the Masonic Fraternity, and is a Republi- can in politics.
R. R. RICKETTS. M. D .- There is no field of labor to which man devotes his energies which calls for more thorough investi- gation and broader research than the medical profession. One cannot by purchase or influence attain an honorable place among its members, but must by skill and ability work his way upward. This Dr. Ricketts has done, and his high reputation enables him to command a liberal patronage. The Doctor was born in Warrick
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County, Indiana, Septemehr 20, 1839, a son of Thomas and Mary (Edrington) Ricketts. His father was born in Orange County, Indiana, followed farming throughout his life, and died in War- rick County, in 1874, at the age of sixty-six years. The mother was a daughter of Silas Farington, a native of the Palmetto State. The Doctor is the second of a family of eleven children, but only two are now living, he and his sister. Mrs. Isabel Shoemaker. The Doctor acquired his education in Boonville and Lynnville, and engaged in the practice of medicine in Pike County at the age of twenty-eight, a representative of eclectic school. He located in Knox County in 1879, and in 1800 removed to Hazelton. He now enjoys an exterled practice, which at once attests his ability and the confidence reposer in him. He is a member of the Ec- lectic Medical Society of Indianapolis, and socially is a Royal Arch Mason. His political support is given the Populist party. At the age of twenty-two, Dr. Ricketts was married in Warrick County, to Mary J. Clark, who died in 1873, leaving two children -Lowis R., now deceased; and Franklin. In 1878 the Doctor was again married in Warrick County, his second union being with Mary A., daughter of Jacob Reed. Three children bless this union-Homer, A. Russell and Silas.
CHARLES L. HOWARD, whose ability as an educator is well known in Gibson County, was born in Hazelton, in the house which is now his home, September 1, 1866. His father, Dr. E. J. Howard, a native of Tennessee, was graduated from the Med- ical College of Nashville, and in 1862 came to Hazelton. For two years he was principal of the first graded school established here and was a leading promoter of interests calculated to benefit the community. He served his country as a Union soldier in the One Hundred and Forty-third Indiana Infantry, and was a valiant defender of the stars and stripes. He died October 4, 1882, at the age of fifty-four years. His widow, who bore the maiden name of Mary E. Houk, still survives him. Their children are William H., of Terre Haute, Indiana; Amy J. and Charles L. At the carly age of eighteen Charles L. Howard began teaching, and for six years followed that profession in the country schools. He was then made principal of the graded schools of Hazelton, acting in that capacity from 1889 until 1895. Ilis broad general inform- ation andh is capability of imparting readily to others the knowl- edge he has acquired, has made him very successful in the line of educational work, and his fellow townsmen have shown their appreciation of his services by electing him to the office of Trustee of White River township, so that he now has in charge the schools of that district. He was nominated for that position on the Dem- ocratic ticket and was elected in November, 1894, by a majority of ninety-seven, although the Republicans had carried the district the previous year. This fact well indicates his personal popularity
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