USA > Indiana > Gibson County > History of Gibson County, Indiana > Part 16
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and the confidence reposed in him. Socially he is past master of the Masonic Fraternity, past grand of the Odd Fellows' Society, and a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
MARSHALL HARRISON has been an important factor in the development and progress of Gibson County, and his name is inseparably connected with its business and political history. Ile was born in this county. March 5, 1839. His father, Azza Harrison, a native of Mason County, Kentucky. located here about 1836. He was born in 1801, and died in Vincennes, Indi- anp. in 1876. Hle married Nancy E. Evans, who departed this life in April, 1893. Her children are Jane, widow of Josiah . Nixon; Elizabeth, deceased wife of J. T. Ewing; Tabitha, deceased wife of John Wilburn: Marshall; Mary, wife of William Kings- bury, of Ponca, Nebraska: Melvina, deceasedl wife of J. T. Ewing ; and Henry. The grandfather of our subject. Samuel Harrison, was a native of Maryland, and removed to Kentucky during its pioneer epoch. Marshall Harrison spent his boyhood days in the usual manner of farmer lads and after mastering the branches of study taught in the common schools, spent one year in school in Mason County, Kentucky. During the greater part of his life he carried on agricultural pursuits. Soon after his marriage he purchased a portion of the old homestead, whereon he resided until after the death of his wife. Since 1892 he has devoted his at- tention to other interests, both public and private. He was married in December, 1862, in White River township, to Sarah Riley, daughter of James Riley. She died in April, 1894, leaving one child, L. W., now a reporter for the Morning Sun, published in Springfield, Ohio. Mr. Harrison has long been an active worker in the interests of Democracy, and was his party's candi- . date for County Treasurer in 1894. He was elected Township Trustee in 1887, and re-elected in 1889, serving in all for seven years. No more capable official has ever been called to that office. During his incumbency he succeeded in paying off a township dolt of five thousand three hundred dollars, much of which had been incurred twelve years previous. Through his instrumen- tality five new school houses were erected and the old ones remrod- cled by building vestibules and putting in slate blackboards. Hc supplied the township with new road graders and scrapers, and after all this expenditure, turned over to his successor one thou- saml dollars in cash. His able administration wrought a vast im- provement in the township, and his long continuance in office well indicated the satisfaction which his fellow townsmen felt over his work. Ile is one of the most progressive and public-spirited residents of this section of Gibson County, and his circle of friemls is very extensive.
W. F. HUDELSON, ex-Trustee and Justice of the Peace of
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White River township, was born in the neighborhood of his pres- ent home, October 9. 1840. His father, James Hudelson, a native of Hardin County, Kentucky, located in Montgomery township, Gibson County, in 1817, and in 1838 remover to White River township. The same year he began flatboating, carrying pork and corn to New Orleans. His business increased as time passed until he thad quite a large number of boats, making annual trips to the Crescent City. He continued that business until 1862, when the Civil war prevented all intercourse between the two sections of the country. Throughout his remaining days he fol- lowed farming, and died in 1880, at the age of seventy-eight years. He was a man of keen foresight and business sagacity, progressive and public-spirited, and was frequently called to serve as County Commissioner by the Democratic party. His father, Alexander Iludelson, was a native of the Emerald Isle, and at his death, at the age of seventy-nine, was laid to rest in the cemetery of Prince- ton. The mother of our subject, Elizabeth Hurdlelson, was a daughter of Patrick Painc, a Virginian, whose ancestors were from France. Mrs. Hudelson died in 1856. Of her cleven chil- dren the following survive: Annie E., wife of R. N. Parret, of Patoka: Susan A., wife of Thomas Stewart: Martha I., widow of Rev. I. L. Craig: Hattie B., wife of L. B. Church., of Cairo, Illi- nois; Kate B., wife of W. I). Daniels, of Evansville: and W. F. The last named acquired his early education in the primitive sub- scription schools, but afterward attended the State University in Bloomington. In 1859 he embarked in farming on his own ac- count, and was thus occupied until August, 1862, when he enlisted for three years' service in Company A, Thirtieth Indiana Infantry. He was mustered in at Princeton, then went to Louisville, after- ward participated in the battle of Perryville, Kentucky, and thence went to Knoxville, where Mr. Hundelson suffered an attack of rheumatism, which prevented his further service in the fickl. He was mustered out August 11, 1865, and for twelve years thereafter engaged in merchandising at Patoka. In 1880 he was elected Trustee, the first Republican ever chosen to that position in White River township. He has been notary public for several years, and for two years was elected Justice of the Peace. Mr. Hudelson was married in October, 1866, to Delilah Ann, daughter of Archibald Spain. Their children are Charles, now train dis- patcher in Estherville, Iowa; Agnes, wife of M. O. Bicknell, of El Paso, Texas; and Oliver, of Patoka.
R. N. CHAPPELLE, principal of the Patoka schools, was born in Pike County, Indiana, November 1, 1868, and is a repre- sentative of one of the pioneer families of this state. His great- grandfather came from North Carolina to Indiana at a very carly day, and the grandfather, Stephen Chappelle, was born in an old block house in Petersburg. His father, Captain W. E.
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Chappelle, was born in Pike County, sixty-two years ago, and has spent his entire life as an agriculturist. As commander of Company 1. Fifty-eighth Indiana Infantry, he won his title, and among the valiant boys in blue he was numbered. Ile married Elizabeth Case, daughter of Washington Case, and they became parents of nine children -- Mel, postmaster of Minden, Ne- braska: Stephen R., of Minden; Austin M., of Algiers, Indiana; William F., of Arkansas: James L., of Illinois: Carrie E., wife of Perry Anderson, of Dubois County, Indiana; Maggie A., wife of Lewis Taylor, of Pike County; and Frederick E., of Algiers. On his father's farm Professor Chappelle spent his boyhood and his elementary education, acquired in Petersburg, Indiana, was supplemented by study in the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. At the age of nineteen he began teach- ing in Pike County. The following year he taught in Gibson County, and in 18I was employed in the Princeton schools. Since 1802 he has been principal of the Patoka schools, and has raised them to a high standard of excellence. Among the effi- cient educators of Southern liliana he is numbered, his ability gaining him marked prestige. Professor Chappelle was married in Gibson County, September 10, 1895, to Alda, daughter of Andrew Cunningham, and they frave one son, Charles R. Mr. Chappelle belongs to the Order of Red Men, and is senior deacon in the blue kaige of Masons.
W. B. DUNCAN, M. D., a practicing physician of Patoka. was born in Pike County, Indiana, January 20, 1851. a son of John J. and Harriet Duncan. The former was born in 1823, and was a son of Shadrack Duncan, whose father emigrated from Scot- land to America. The maternal grandfather's name was Routt. John Duncan died in 1889 and his wife many years previous. Their chikiren were Dr. W. B .; Mary, wife of Jacob McAtee; Ellen B., wife of Melvin Colt; and Eckless, wiro married Anson Jerauld. After the death of his first wife, John Duncan wedded Kilka Woods, by whom he had four children-Obic, Joseph, Mabel and Hattic. Dr. Duncan spent his boyhood on his father's farm and after attaining his majority spent one year in school in Bloomfield to fit himself for teaching. He followed that pro- fession one year, and then began reading medicine under Dr. S. C. Cravens, of Bloomfield. Subsequently he spent three years in the Indianapolis College of Physicians and Surgeons, where he was graduated in the class of 1877. Locating in Bloomfield he engaged in practice for four years, also conducted a drug store, and through the succeeding four years he resided on a farm which he operated in addition to his practice. In 1885 he came to l'a- toka, where he soon gained a large patronage, which from the beginning has steadily increased. For seven years be conducted a drug store here, but the growth of his practice at length.com-
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polled him to relinquish this. In Greene County, Indiana, Dr. Duncan was united in marriage to Allie M. Buckner, a daughter of Edward Buckner, a merchant. They have three children- Belle, Frank and Edith, and their social standing in their adopted city is very high. The Doctor is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and is a popular, genial gentleman, who, aside from his profession, has won nrany friends. He has kept fully abreast with the progress made in the science of medicine, and has a well earned reputation as a skilled physician.
ROBERT A. FIELD .- The stability or substantial progress of a county or state is due largely to its agriculturists and of this class our subject is a worthy representative. He was born in Gibson County, March 7, 1855, and is a representative of one of the oldest families.of the state. His grandfather, Abraham Field, was born in Indiana, in a little pioneer home which Iris parents had established on this then wild western frontier among the Indians. Joseph J. Field, father of our subject, was born in 1831, and made farming his life work. He married Nancy Phillips. daughter of Robert Phillips, a pioneer blacksmith of Gibson County. Mr. Fickl died at the carly age of thirty-two. His children were Cynthria, wife of Wilson Kinney, of Kingston, Cali- fornia; Robert A .; Gracc, wife of Joe Fawcett, of Shelbyville, Illinois. Mr. Fiekl was twice married, his second union being with Rachel Morrison, by whom he had a daughter. Nancy J., now the wife of Henry Polley. From the early age of nine years Robert Field has depended on his own exertions for a liveli- hood. He was industrious, energetic and ambitious, and at the time of his mariage had accumulated sufficient capital to estab)- lish a pleasant little home. After two years spent in Patoka he rented the Welborn farm and later the Miller farm, cultivating the same until 1889, when he purchased one hundred and sixty acres. This be placed under a high state of cultivation and the com- modious residence, substantial barns and well tilled fields all indi- cate the thrift and enterprise of the owner. Mr. Field was married September 12, 1881, to Miss Fannie Newsum, daughter of James I. Newsum, deceased. Their chiklren are Tobe, Elmer, Eldren, Lete and Walter. Mr. Field is a Democrat, and a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. A self-made nran, he de- serves great credit for his success in life, for all that he possesses is the reward of his labors.
JEFFERSON TURPIN, a self-made man whose energy and well directed efforts have brought to him a confortable com- petence, and whose sterling worth has won him the high regard of many friends, was born in Henderson County, Kentucky, No- vember 27, 1819. His grandfather, William Turpin, was born in Virginia, in 1727, and was a patriot of the Revolutionary war. He died in Henderson County, Kentucky, at the very advanced
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age of one hundred and three, and his wife at the age of one hundred and two. The father of our subject, William Turpin, Jr., was born in the Old Dominion in 1784, aml was a soldier of the war of 1812. He married Annie Slavin, who died in Wash- ington township, Gibson County, in 1838, while his death oc- curred in 1844, their remains being interred on Wirite River. Their children were Alfred, deceased; Jefferson: Isaac, deccased; Betsy, deceased wife of Shep Dawson; Michael, deceased; Sallic, who also married Mr. Dawson, and has now passed away: and Calvin. Jefferson Turpin spent his youth in his native county, and was carly trained to habits of industry, for his parents were in limited circumstances, and he was forced to assist in the work of the farm and to provide for his own maintenance. In 1833 Irc came to Gibson County, and for twenty-five years resided in Pa- toka township. At the age of twenty-five he married Caroline, . daughter of Asa Decker, and located on a farm of one hundred acres, which he still owns. In 1866 his wife died and for his second wife he chose Samantha Decker, daughter of David Evans. Ilis chikiren, born of the first marriage, arc Clark, Har- riet, deceased wife of Joe Moore: Asa; James; Margaret, wife of Monroe McDaniel; Riley; John: Alice, wife of Ed Richey; and Sherman. Mr. Turpin has been a most energetic and progressive man. The obstacles and difficulties in his path he has overcome by determined effort, and has worked his way steadily upward. Hle is now the possessor of three hundred acres of valuable land and his farm is one of the best in the township. In politics he is a Democrat, socially is a Mason, and in religious belief is a Cum- berland Presbyterian.
WILLIAM C. McFETRIDGE .- A little more than forty years years ago-January 28, 1855-in White River township, Gibson County, was born the gentleman whose name begins this sketch, and who, through the greater part of his life has been numbered among the leading farmers of the community. His grandfather was one of the first settlers of this county, emigrating from South Carolina. His father, John Quincy McFetrilge, was born in Gibson County, in 1828, and spent his entire life here, a prosper- ous and progressive farmer. He married Cynthia C. Hargrove, who still survives him, his death having occurred in 1800. Their children were William C .; Fannie, wife of Henry Steetman; Mollie E .: Laura, wife of William Melice; Edgar and Minnie. William C. Melictridge is indebted to the district schools for his educational privileges. He pursued his studies during the winter season, and in the summer months assisted in the labors of the home farm until his marriage, when he located on a farm which he had previously purchased and which has since been his home. It comprises two hundred and thirty four acres of valuable land, and the well tilled fields yield to the owner a golden tribute in
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return for his care and cultivation. In December, 1882, Mr. Mcl'etridge wedded Fannie E. Knaub, daughter of Norman Knauh, of German lincage. They have five children-Charles W., Myrtle, Pascal R., Lester and Ernest. Mr. McFetrilge is a supporter of the Populist party. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and to the Methodist Church. Coming of a family of pioneers, like his ancestors he has added in the de- velopment of the county, by this faithful performance of the duties of citizenship, and by his earnest support of all measures calculated to prove of public benefit.
FRANK J. KIGHTLY .- In a brief sketch of any living citizen it is difficult to do him exact and impartial justice. Not from lack of space or words to set forth the familiar and passing events of his personal history, but because a modesty that shuns anything cgotistic prevents the enterprising business man from setting forth in bold outlines the history of his useful career. In Mr. Kightly, however, Gibson County recognizes one who has been an important factor in its development. He was born in Evans- ville, Indiana, August 13, 1849, a son of Josiah Kightly, one of the prominent business men of Hazelton. His father was born in Chatteras, England, in January, 1822, and at the age of twenty- three years sailed for the United States, landing at New Orleans. He made his way to Evansville, Indiana, where he secured em- ployment with the firm of Babcock Brothers, in whose service he remainedl for seventeen years. In April, 1862, he came to Hazel- ton, where he embarked in merchandising, carrying on his store alone until 1875, when he formed a partnership and thus conducted it until 1884. He has large real estate interests in Hazelton, and owns valuable farming land in Gibson and Knox counties. From 1882 until 1888 he served as County Commissioner, and was a painstaking and trustworthy official, whose devotion to the public welfare was most marked. Josiah Kightly was married in Evans- ville in 1848, to Elizabeth Furnis, who died in 1867. The children of that union were Frank J .; William and Sarah J., both deceased; Mary E .; W. R .; and John R., deceased. In 1869 the father married Sarah Rowe, and their child is Lucy. wife of William Ennis, of Princeton. The grandfather of our subject was William Kightly, an English farmer. Frank J. Kightly spent the first thir- teen years of his life in the city of his birth, and then removed with his father to Hazelton. At the age of seventeen he started out in life for himself, and for four years worked as a farm hand at sixtcen dollars per month. He then began farming on his own account, and has met success in his chosen calling. Industry and enterprise are his two dominate qualities and combined with sound judgment in his business affairs have brought to him a handsome competence, so that he is now numbered among the prosperous farmers of White River township. His political support is given
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the Republican party. Mr. Rightly was married at the age of thirty. September 2, 1879. to Mrs. Luc Edwards, a daughter of Adam Miller, and widow of Jesse Edwards. By her former mar- riage she had two children-Willis and Lillic. the latter the wife of Columbus Austin.
HARVEY MILBURN, the efficient and popular principal of the Hazelton schools, is a successful educator, and his exceptional ability has gained him marked prestige among the younger rep- resentatives of his profession in Indiana. He was born in Linn County, Missouri, August 1, 1870. His father. Augustus Mil- burn, was born in Patoka, Indiana, fifty-eight years ago, and his ancestors were farming people, industrious and honorable. For three years during the Civil war he followed the stars and stripes on southern battle fields, valiantly defending the Union cause, and for his meritorious service was promoted to the rank of Captain of Company C. Fifty-eighth Indiana Infantry. He married Miss Isabel Deving, daughter of Gayton Deving, and their home was blessed with five children, namely: Preston, Alexander, Harvey F., Suc and Mary. The grandfather of our subject was John Milburn, a well known pioneer of Gibson County. His father also bore the name of Jong, and came from Kentucky to this county at a very early day, locating on what has since been known as the Milburn farm, three miles cast of Patoka. Thus the family has been identified with this locality from the days of its earliest settlement. Harvey Milburn, although born in Missouri, has resided in Gibson County since 1873, at which time his parents returned to their old home. He acquired his preliminary education in the Patoka schools, and was afterward graduated on the completion of the teachers' course at the South- western University of Princeton. Later he spent three years in the State University, and has been thus ably prepared for his chosen vocation. He taught his first term in the Decker school house, his second in the Steelman district, and then became as- sistant at Hazelton. When only twenty-five years of age he was made principal of the schools of Hazelton, aml is now serving his second year in that capacity. That he has the popular ap- proval is shown by his re-election to the position, and his able axlministration has produced a number of excellent improvements in the schools.
BYRON S. SPAIN, a leading farmer and influential citizen of White River township, is a descendant of one of the first settlers of Gibson County. His great-grandfather, Abraham Spain, was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia, February 23, 1770, and was married there to Betsy Allen, who was born in 1773, and was a relative of the daring Colonel, Ethan Allen, who commanded the Green Mountain boys during the Revolutionary war. With their seven children, Mr. and Mrs. Spain started for the territory of
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Indiana in 1813, but circumstances led them to change their plans, and they went instead to Rutherford County, North Carolina. Two years later they again started for the Hoosier State, and eventually arrived in Gibson County, then forming a part of Knox County. On the journey they had a horse team and ox team and a cow. They located on Congress land, and the hus- band developed a farm. He died in 1813, and lies buried in the Holcomb cemetery, thrinteen miles south of Princeton. Archi- bald W. Spain, the grandfather, was born in 1798, and died in . 1870. He married Sarah Garwood, and became a prosperous farmer. One of his ten children was William A. Spain, the father of our subject. He married Jemima McFetridge. He was born . May 4. 1828, and died in 1886, leaving an estate of more than five hundred acres, which he had accumulated by his own well directed efforts. His children are Byron S .; Daniel C .: Pleasant N .; de- ceased; J. W .; Dora J., deceased wife of William Carpenter; Emma B. and Harrison M., who have also departed this life; Florence F., wife of Charles Johnson, of South Dakota; Mary A., wife of Ellis Tichenor; William A .; Charles A. and Lillie, twins; and Purvis A. Byron S. Spain was born December 12, 1849, and was reared to manhood within a half mile of his present residence. He completed his education in Patoka, and then turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, which he has since followed. He first rented part of his father's farm for six years, and in 1878 purchased sixty-five acres of land, to which he has added from time to time as his financial resources have increased, until he is now the owner of a valuable property of two hundred and seventy-five acres. He early formed habits of industry, which have had an important bearing upon his entire life, and making good use of his opportunities he has prospered from year to year. On the 1st of May, 1872, Mr. Spain married Arvilla Decker. Her parents are both deceased, and her brothers and sisters are Pay- ton, James P., John, Howard and Marcellus. Seven children graced the home of Mr. and Mrs. Spain-Maggie M., wife of David Hazleton; Fred P .; William W .; Nellie D .; Allen G. C .; Bessie and Ruth. Mr. Spain is a Democrat, and was the party's candidate for Sheriff in 1884, at which time he was defeated by only forty-six votes, although the county has an acknowledged Republican majority of two hundred. He is a worthy representa- tive of an honored pioneer family and well deserves representation in this volume.
ERI WILLIAMS, who is engaged in general farming is. White River township, was born in Portage County, Ohio, July 12, 1841, and traces his ancestry back to the sturdy citizens of the little rock-ribbed country of Wales. His grandfather was a na- tive of that land, and was pressed into the British service against the Colonies in the war of the Revolution. When the war was
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over, so pleased was he with the country that he made a location in New York, and afterward removed to Ohio. John Williams, the father of our subject, was born in the Buckeye State, and died in Knox County in 1856, at the age of sixty-five years. Ile wedded Mary Ames, who died in 1876, and of their nine children Eri and F. B. are the only ones now living. Our subject was brought by his parents to liliana in 1852, the family locating in Knox County, where he resided until 1886, when he became a resident of Gibson County. His educational privileges were meagre, but experience and observation has made him a well in- formed man. At the beginning of the Civil war he enlisted in Company K, Twenty-fourth Indiana Infantry in July. 1861. Ilis regiment formed a part of General Grant's army, operating on the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, and he first met the enemy in battle at Fort Donelson. He participated in the battle of Shiloh and in the Vicksburg campaign, including the engagements at Fort Gibson, Raymond, Edwards' Station and Champion Hills. At the last named he was shot in the leg, and was sent to the Evans- ville Hospital, where he remained until the expiration of his term. JIc then returned to Knox County, and as soon as his health per- nritted began the operation of a rented farm. Industry, persever- ance and economy have characterized his career, and at length have brought to him a justly deserved success. Mr. Williams was married in September. 1865, to Polly Thompson, who died in 1868. In 1872 he weckled Harriet Tolbert, and to them were born two children-Mamie, wife of Fred Shugert: and Edward. In November, 1886, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Williams and Mrs. Lydia Thompson, the widow of Robert D. Thompson, and the only daughter of Stewart Cunningham. Four chikiren grace this union-James, Granville, and Emma and Eva, twins. Both the paternal and maternal ancestors of Mrs. Williams were pioneers of Gibson County. Her great-grandfather, John Cun- ningham, was a Georgia planter, who come to this county in 1812, and located in White River township, just cast of Hazleton. His son, William Cunningham, married Sallie Decker, daughter of Abraham Decker, and died here in 1865, when about seventy years of age. Stewart Cunningham was married in 1842 to Georgian Robb, a daughter of David Robb. Mr. and Mrs. Williams both own good farms in White River township, and the former has a valuable farming property in Knox County. Their long residence in this section of the state has marle them widely known and the circle of their warm.friends is extensive.
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