USA > Indiana > Gibson County > History of Gibson County, Indiana > Part 4
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HISTORY OF GIBSON COUNTY.
ing. He was twice married, his second union being wtih Mrs. Elizabeth Redman, daughter of James Smith. They had two children; David 1 .. and James S. Captain Epperson was cdu- cated in the subscription schools and afterward engaged in teach- ing in the winter, while in the summer months he followed farming. At the age of twenty-three he was married and began farming three miles cast of Cynthiana, but his work was inter- rupted in August, 1802, by his enlistment in defense of the Union. He went to the front as First Lieutenant of Company F. Eightieth Indiana Infantry, and was commissioned adjutant of the regiment just before the battle of Resaca. During the engagement the captain of the company was killed and Mr. Epperson was pro- moted to the position, being mustered in as such after the fall of Atlanta. The Eightieth Regiment returned with General Scofield to Nashville, and aided in the abolishment of Hood's army. The command was then transferred to the cast, and after participating n the capture of Wilmington. North Carolina, joined Sherman's army at Goldsboro, and encamped at Salisbury until June 22. 1865. when Company F was mustered out. Captain Epperson at once returned home and was engaged in the grain business and in merchandising in Fort Branch until October, 1878, when he was elected Circuit Clerk of the county. After a four years' term he was re-elected in 1882, acceptably filling that position until 1886, when he retired to private life. He is now engaged in the hardware and implement business as the senior member of the firm of Epperson & Herriot. In 1853 Captain Epperson married Caroline Boren, who died in 1861, leaving a daughter, Alice. who became the wife of Robert Herriot, and died on January 17. 1801. On the 19th of February, 1865, the Captain married a second time, wedding Esther E. Muck, who died in 1873, leaving the following children: Etta, wife of Edgar Shoptaugh: and Clarence. On the 20th of November. 1879. Mrs. Ellen Skinner became the wife of Captain Epperson. He is one of the leading Republicans of Gibson County, is an active member of the Grand Army, and a trustee in the Presbyterian Church. He was a brave and loyal soldier, ever found at his post of duty and is a reliable. conscientious business man, whose straightforward career com- mands the respect of all.
JUDGE O. M. WELBORN .- This gentleman is one of the most conspicuous figures in the public life of Gibson County. For twenty-four years he has occupied the bench of the Circuit Court of the Eleventh District, and stands to-day as one of the ablest representatives of the bench and bar of Southern Indiana. He was born in Gibson County. December 7. 1841, and through many summers during his youth he piled brush and hoed corn- a barefoot boy on his father's farm near Owensville. He was educated in the Princeton and Owensville academies, and at the
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HISTORY OF GIBSON COUNTY.
age of twenty began reading law under the direction of flon. A. 1. Donald, an eminent lawyer of Gibson County. He further continued his studies in Cleveland, Ohio, where he was graduated in 1863. Returning to Princeton, Judge Welborn opened an ofice and at the age of twenty-two was appointed deputy clerk, fill- ing that position for one year. No dready novitiate awaited him. for within a short period after his admission to the bar he had gained a reputation as an able, industrious and carnest lawyer. and in a few years was considered the equal of any attorney in the eleventh circuit. Ten years were given to general practice and proved an excellent training for his judicial duties, which he assumed in accordance with the appointment of Governor Hlen- dricks, whereby he was raised to the Circuit Court bench, with jurisdiction over the counties of Gibson, Pike and DuBois. The circuit now includes Gibson and Poser Counties. In October. 1873. he was elected to the same office without opposition. He has been four times re-elected, and at the conclusion of the pres- ent term will have served a little over thirty years. He has a keen, analytical mind, and a strong mental grasp, which enables him to note every detail and at the same time master a case in its entirety. His decisions are models of judicial soundness, clear. incisive, and the logical sequence of the facts presented and the law applicable to them. Judge Welborn was married in May. 1867, to Miss Mary, daughter of Sylvester lerauld. She died in 1877. leaving two daughters-Cornelia, wife of Dr. F. B. Dress- lar. Los Angeles, Cal., and Kate. In horticultural pursuits Judge Welborn finds a source of recreation and pleasure and his garden and orchard are a favorite resort to him, producing many fine varieties of peaches, pears and quinces. He is a man of scholarly attainments. ranking equally high in professional and social circles and it is safe to say that no man in Gibson County is more highly respected than Judge Welborn.
HENRY A. YEAGER was born in Gibson County, November 23. 1843. and since attaining his majority has been prominentiv connected with public affairs in this section of the state. His thorough American spirit and his great energy have enabled him to mount from a lowly position to one of affluence, and his life demonstrates what may be accomplished through energy, careful management and the utilization of the powers with which nature has endowed one and the opportunities with which the time sur- rounds him. The Yeager family, of which our subject is a repre- sentative, is of German origin. Joel Yeager was born in Culpeper County. Virginia, where he married Anna McDonald. also a native of that state and of Scotch-Irish descent. They had one daughtern all three sons who reached maturity, namely: Moses, Mary. Absalom and George. The last named died recently in Gibson County, after a long residence here. The father of this
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HISTORY OF GIRSON COUNTY.
family located near Danville, Kentucky, at an early day, and in 1827 removed to Poser County, Indiana, near the Gibson County line. Throughout life he followed farming, and was a man of sterling qualities. In politics he was a Democrat. He died at the age of eighty-seven, and his wife at the age of eighty years. Of their children. Mary and Absalom are now living. The sons all married and located in Gibson County. Absalom Yeager was born near Danville, Kentucky, in 1819), and was married in November, 1842, to Elizabeth Williams, daughter of Bennett Williams. She was born in Posey County, Indiana. in 1822, and is yet living. The children of this marriage are Henry A .. News- ton. James M., Mary A., who died April 11, 1806; Andrew J. William C. and Emma F. In November, 1802, the parents cele- brated their golden wedding. The father has always been an agriculturalist, and he and his esteemed wife still live on the farm in Johnson township, where they located soon after their marriage. They and their children hold membership in the Bap- list Church, and the family is one of the most highly respected in Gibson County. Henry A. Yeager attended the district schools during his youth, and at the age of nineteen entered the high school of Owensville, pursuing a two years' course there. lle afterward continued his education in Cynthiana. Posey County, and supplied the means' for his education by teaching in country schools in the meantime. In September, 1868, he matric- ulated in the State University of Bloomington, pursuing a law and literary course for three years. From 1870 until June. 1876. he was superintendent of the schools of Fort Branch, and won a place among the ablest educators in this part of the state. In 1872 he married Carrie Staser, of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. daughter of John C. Staser. She died in April. 1878. leaving three children -- Lester I., Maggie L. and Wilber A. In 1881 Mr. Yeager wedded Mary Howe. daughter of Sanford and Ann Howe, of Gibson County. On the 18th of August. 1875. Mr. Yeager removed from Fort Franch to Princeton, and in Novem- ber of that year was admitted to the bar, since which time he has been actively engaged in practice. In June, 1881. he was elected county superintendent of schools for a two years' term, and in . 188.3 was re-elected. He has agricultural and horticultural inter- ests, but gives the greater part of his time to his law practice. which is large and lucrative. His devotion to his clients' interests is proverbial, and he has attained at the bar of Southern Indiana a conspicuous and honorable place. Fraternally he is a Master Mason, and politically is a Democrat.
A. R. BURTON, M. D., a skilled physician, who is success- fully engaged in the practice of medicine in Princeton, was born in Gibson County. April 26, 1858. . His father, Basil Burton, was born near Winchester. Va .. and emigrated to this county in 1842.
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HISTORY OF GIBSON COUNTY.
making the journey on foot in company with his brother. Levi. He located near Somerville, and afterward married Lucinda Kill- patrick, whose father, Thomas Killpatrick, was of Irish lineage. They became parents of four children. The Doctor is the young- est of the family, and was reared on the farm near Francisco until 1879, when at the age of twenty-one he came to Princeton and began the study of medicine under the direction of Dr. V. T. West. He was graduated from the Medical College of Ohio on the 4th of March, 1882, when twenty-three years of age, and at once opened an office in Princeton. His business has steadily increased and he is now enjoying a large and lucrative practice. In 1885 he was appointed a member of the United States Pension Board for Gibson County, and was its treasurer for four years. In May. 1882, he became a member of the Gibson County Medical Society, and has been its secretary since 1886. He is a member of the Indiana State Medical Society, and of the American Med- ical Association. TIc has served ten years as secretary of the Democratic Central Committee of Gibson County, and usually takes an active part in political affairs. On the roth of August. 1883. was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Burton and Maggic Fentriss, whose father, J. H. Fentriss, deceased, was a pioneer of Princeton, and served as County Recorder of Gibson County. They have a little daughter. Blanche, born in December. 1891. Dr. Burton is a man of sterling worth, of marked ability in his profession, and his high standing in the medical fraternity is shown not only by his liberal patronage, but also by his official preferment in the medical society, which attests the esteem in which he is held by his professional brethren.
TION. JAMES B. GAMBLE is one of the honored and leading citizens of Princeton, a prominent representative of the bar. an important factor in political circles, and a gentleman whose true worth has gained him the esteem of a large circle of acquaint- ances. The true western spirit of progress and enterprise finds an exponent in him and his active efforts in behalf of his adopted city have materially advanced its interests. Mr. Gamble was born in Carmi, White County. Illinois, December 19, 1853. His father, Robert Gamble, was born in Baltimore, Maryland. and was of French descent. At the age of thirty-five he removed to White County. Illinois, where he met and married Nancy Crow- der. a native of that state. Of their five sons and one daughter. who comprised their family. only our subject is living. His mother died during his infancy. and his father afterward married Ruth Brashier, who surrounded him with all the loving care and attention of an own mother. TTis father joined the army in 1861 as a private of the Fight-seventh Illinois Infantry. and died in St. Louis in the early spring of 1862. James B. Gamble remained with his stepmother until fourteen years of age, since which time
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HISTORY OF GIBSON COUNTY.
he has depended upon his own exertions. He worked on a farm in White County until 1870, after which he spent one winter in Kentucky, and in 1871 came to Gibson County, Indiana. Here he attended school in Francisco, and later completed a high school course in Fort Branch. He then taught school for five years with excellent success, and in the meantime took up the study of law. In March, 1877. he entered the law office of Judge W. M. Land, and in August of that year was admitted to the bar. In 1882 he formed a partnership with Judge Land, and the connec- tion has since been maintained. He occupies an enviable position at the bar, and has a large and distinctly representative clientage. As counsel he is reliable and conscientious, and as an advocate is carnest and forceful, his arguments being logical and founded on the best authority. In 1888 he was elected Mayor of Prince- ton, filling the office for two years, and in 1894 he was again elected for a four years' term. He is very progressive and his adminis- tration of municipal affairs has marked an era of advancement and improvement in Princeton. In politics he has always been a stalwart Republican, and was a delegate to the national conven- tion which nominated Major Mckinley for the Presidency. So- cially he belongs to the Masonic and Knights of Pythias fraternities. Mr. Gamble married Oma J., the only daughter of Judge W. M. Land. Their home has been blessed with two sons-Vesper Land and John Harmon.
LEWIS KOLB was born in Princeton some fifty years ago, and for many years was one of the prominent citizens of the place. Ile was a son of Ludwig Koll, the pioneer of the family in Gib- son County. This pioneer came to Princeton in an early dav. and was proprietor of one of the carly taverns of the town. He died in Princeton, aged about sixty-five years. He was a native of Germany, and the father of the following children: Lewis, Jacob, John, Sophie, Caroline and Elizabeth. His son Lewis, the immediate subject of this review, was for many years a suc- cessful business man, and at the time of his recent death left a valuable estate. His wife, Mary A .. was a daughter of Robert Nightingale, of English nativity. She bore him the following children: O. M., present postmaster of Princeton; Christine, wife of W. A. Proome, of Columbia, Tenn .; Robert F., Effie M., Mamie (). Lewis E. and Lucy O.J. )
O. M. KOLB was born in Princeton, Indiana. April 2, 1866. Mention of his father, Lewis Kolb, is made elsewhere in this volume. To the public schools of Princeton, Mr. Kolb is in- debted for his educational privileges. He began his business , career as a clerk in his father's grocery store, the management of which he assumed upon the death of his father. He was ap- pointed postmaster of Princeton by President Cleveland, on the 7th of October, 1893, and is the present incumbent of that office.
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HISTORY OF GIBSON COUNTY.
Mr. Kolb was united in marriage October 29, 1889, to Miss Harriet E. Carter. The issue of the marriage consists of two in- teresting children, namely: Carter M. and Raymond L.
JAMES A. MORGAN, a well known and highly esteemed citi- zen of Princeton, was born in Rockport, Ind., December 5, 1854. His father, M. J. Morgan, a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, was born in 1811, and in early life was a river trader. His father was a pioneer merchant of Cincinnati, Ohio, and one of his sons became the head of the large lithographing firm of Morgan, Russell & Co., of Cincinnati. Ephraim Morgan was the first bookbinder of that place and one of the leading citizens. M. J. Morgan married Elizabeth R. Ray, daughter of James Ray, a wealthy farmer of Lewisport, Kentucky. The subject of this review is the second of their three children. He was reared and educated in Rockport, and began learning the painter's trade there with S. W. Stocking. Later he was employed for one year in a carriage factory in Henderson, Kentucky, and spent three and a half years in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he was en- gaged in painting street cars and carriages. He then went to Owensboro, Kentucky, where he spent several months, was after- ward with the Columbus Buggy Company, and later entered the employ of the Studebakers of South Bend, Indiana. On leaving that company he was employed at Evansville by the Evansville & Terre Haute Railroad, then in the St. Louis Car Works, after- ward in another place or so, and finally entered the employ of the Air Line Railroad at Huntingburg. His service with that rail- road, however, was not continuous, for during a period he was foreman of the paint department of the Evansville & Terre Haute Railroad. In 1895 he came to Princeton, and has since been foreman of the painting department of the Air Line Road at this place. He is one of the most competent men in his line in the state, and has so closely studied the trade that he has become thoroughly proficient. He has evolved a most perfect method of mixing colors and has recently prepared a very valuable and interesting article on this subject. Since attaining his majority, Mr. Morgan has exercised his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party. He is a valued mem- ber of the Odd Fellows' Society, and has served as representative to the grand lodge. He was married in Rockport, October 13, 1883, to Sarah, daughter of Logan Williamson, and they have two children.
PHILIP L. DRESCHER .- Among the faithful and energetic employes of the Air Line Railroad is this gentleman, who is serving as foreman of the machine shop. He was born in New York City, July 24, 1863. The following year his father, Dr. Drescher, removed with his family to Covington, Kentucky, where he engaged in the practice of medicine. He was a native
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HISTORY OF GIBSON COUNTY.
of Germany, a graduate of a medical college of that land, and also held a diploma from a Cincinnati school of medicine. He served for a required term in the German army, and was surgeon of a New York regiment during a part of the civil war. He married Wilhelmina Wollenberger, a native of Schweinfurth, Germany. and they became parents of two children-Minnie, wife of George P. Woods, of Covington, Kentucky; and Philip L. The latter learned the machinist's trade in Cincinnati, entering upon an ap- prenticeship at the age of fourteen. He was employed in that city until 1884, when he went to Evansville, Indiana, and secured a position in the Novelty Machine Works, where he continued some time. In 1888 he came to the Air Line Company, and was employed as a machinist until 1891, when he was promoted to the position of foreman of the shop. He is fully competent to perform the duties which devolve upon him, and is one of the most trusted employes of the works. On the 30th of August, 1886, Mr. Drescher married Miss Mary E. Van Mess, who died February 8, 1893, leaving two sons-Adolph and Philip. On the Ist of September, 1893, he was again married, his present wife, by whom he has one son, Clifford. In politics Mr. Drescher is a staunch Republican, and is now acceptably serving in the City Council. to which position he was elected in May. 1896.
ERNEST F. NOBLE, of Princeton, was born in Centralia. Illi- nois, January 9, 1864. His father, E. T. Nooble, an ative of Newark, Ohio, was born in 1836. He learned the trade of a ma- chinist in Zanesville, and with the exception of fifteen years spent in the hotel and livery business in Centralia and Mt. Vernon, Ili- nois, always followed his trade. He married Eliza Wilson, who died in 1882, at the age of fifty-one years. Of their ten children the following named are living: C. M .. a boiler maker of Terre Haute, Indiana: E. E .; Mrs. George F. Alderman, of Goshen, Indiana: F. B .. of Princeton, who is connected with the Air Line Railroad Company: and Hattie. of Goshen. Ernest E. Noble spent his youth in Terre Haute, and acquired his education in its public schools. He learned the tinsmith's trade in the service of the Vandalia Railroad Company, with which he remained for eight years. In September, 1800, he entered the employ of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad as foreman of their copper and tin department at Danville, and on the Ist of March, 1873. accepted a similar position with the Air Line Railroad. Mr. Noble was married in Vigo County, Indiana. June 19. 1884, to Mary E. Lightfoot, daughter of Professor F. W. Light- foot. an accomplished instructor of vocal and instrumental music. They have three children-Clyde, Roy and Evadine. Mr. Noble is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and of the Presbyterian Church. He is an active and valued worker in both lodge and church, and his fine tenor voice makes him a valued addition to the church choir. As a business man he is
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HISTORY OF GIBSON COUNTY.
thoroughly reliable, having the confidence of the company and the respect of those who serve under him and in social circles he has many friends
SAMUEL H. ARCHER, who is engaged in farming and stock-raising, was born in l'atoka township, Gibson County, Oc- tober 14, 1833, a son of John and Catherine (McMullen) Archer. Ilis father was born in the same township, June 26, 1804, and the mother was born in Bowling Green, Kentucky, in 1803. The great-grandfather was one of the valiant soldiers of the Revolu- tionary war, and his last days were spent in Gibson County, where he located in 1806. Thomas Archer, the grandfather, was born in Chester County, South Carolina, came with the family to In- diana, in 1806, and served under General Harrison in the war against the Indians in this state. John Archer was reared on the frontier and received but meager educational privileges. At the age of twenty-two he was married and began life on a farm of eighty acres, which he had purchased. Subsequently he spent ten years in Princeton, working at the gunsmith's trade, which he had learned in his youth, but afterward returned to the farm, which he continued to cultivate until his death. He at one time owned and cleared what is now the southern portion of Prince- ton, and was a leading agriculturist of the community. He was reared in the United Presbyterian Church, of which his father was an elder, and one of the organizers. At the formation of that church a strong protest was made against slavery, in which Thomas Archer heartily concurred, for it was that evil which was the main cause of his removal to the north. He also hired the first contraband that came to Gibson County, thus showing his willingness to aid the persecuted people. John and Catherine Archer became the parents of eight children-William, who lost his life in the battle of Resaca during the civil war; Georgiana; James W., deceased; Samuel H., Sarah M., Rebecca A., Mary J., Margaret and Theodore, all deceased. Samuel H. Archer re- ceived only the educational privileges afforded by the common schools. He assisted in the cultivation of the home farm until twenty-two years of age, and then began farming on rented land in partnership with his brother. After two years he returned and took charge of the home farm, which he cultivated for fourteen years. He then married Ophelia Robb, daughter of David Robb, Jr., and to them have been born six children, namely: Luella, John and William, deceased; David F,. Mary and Sarah. With the exception of three years spent in Princeton, Mr. Archer has remained on the farm since his marriage, carnestly and energet- ically devoting his time and attention to the further development of his land and the improvement of his property, until now the well tilled fields and substantial buildings plainly indicate the thrift and enterprise of the owner. His residence was erected in 1879. In connection with general farming he carries on stock-
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HISTORY OF GIBSON COUNTY.
raising, and has been an active worker in the agricultural society of Gibson County, whereby he has materially aided in promoting the interests of the farming class. He and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church, and in politics he was formerly a Republican, but is now a Prohibitionist. He belongs to one of the oldest families of the county, and is himself an honored pio- neer, whose identification with the interests of this locality has been long and honorable.
ROBERT MITCHELL .- Scotland, the land of hills and heath- er, has furnished to America many worthy citizens, whose sturdy energy and reliability have made them a valued addition to this country. Of this class Mr. Mitchell is a representative. He was born in Strathern, Scotland, September 8, 1831, and ten days later was taken to the kirk, where he was christened by the sturdy old Scotch name of Robert. His father, James Mitchell, was born at the same place, while the birth of his mother, Janet (Martin) Mitchell, occurred on an adjacent farm. The parents were edu- cated in the common schools, and the friendship of their child- hood ripened into love. They were married and six children came to bless the union, namely: John and Jeanetta, both now de- ceased; James, Catherine, Robert and Mary. The parents began their domestic life upon a rented farm and James Mitchell suc- cessfully carried on agricultural pursuits until his death. He was an eller in the Presbyterian Church, and a man of sterling worth and integrity. Robert Mitchell acquired his education in the common schools and at the age of nineteen bade adieu to lris native land, preparatory to seeking a home in America. He crossed the Atlantic in a sailing vessel in 1850, and made his way to the home of an uncle living in Gibson County, where he soon began work as a farm hand at fifty cents per day and was thus employed for two years. Ile then married Margaret Duncan, and immediately afterward located on the farm, where he has since resided, while to the home have come six children, four of whom are yet living, namely: James M., Lydia E., John R. and Jennie C. The two who have passed away are Catherine M. and Jennie, and after the death of the latter the youngest child was given that name. Mr. Mitchell rented a farm for two years, and afterward purchased a tract of land, to which he has since added until he now owns a valuable property of three hundred and twenty acres. This is under a high state of cultivation and the place is improved with all the accessories and conveniences of a model farm of the nine- teenth century. He is one of the most progressive agriculturists in Southern Indiana, has done much to advance the interests of farmers in this section of the state, has for many years been an officer in the Gibson County Agricultural Society, and for twenty- .one years has been a member of the State Board of Agriculture. He is also a prominent stock dealer, engaged in the breeding of fine hogs, horses and sheep. In his political views Mr. Mitchell
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