USA > Indiana > Gibson County > History of Gibson County, Indiana > Part 7
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W. R. STEELE, a prominent citizen and business man of Princeton, was born in Gibson County, April 24, 1845. His father, Robert Steele, a native of Kentucky, came to this county when a young man, and was married here to Eliza, daughter of William Reavis. Their children were John Q. A., who was first lieutenant of Company F, Twenty-second Indiana Infantry, and was killed in battle; James M., a prosperous farmer of Columbia township; Tabitha V., deceased wife of Samuel Dodds; Martin 1 .. , of Gibson County, who was a soldier in the First Indiana Cavalry; Alonzo M., who belonged to the same regiment and is living in Gibson County; Mary E., wife of John A. Farmer; Robert L., who served in Company F, Fifty-eighth Indiana In- fantry; W. R., of this sketch; Gicorge W., of Gibson County; Dicy, wife of Dr. Lucius Wilson; and Lewis, of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. W. R. Steele was reared in his father's home and the quietude of farm life was first interrupted by the country's call to arms. He enlisted as a member of Company A. First In- diana Cavalry, was mustered in at Indianapolis, and with his
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regiment was stationed much of the time in Arkansas, where they engaged largely in scouting. As the regiment was mustered out before his time expired, he was transferred to the artillery service and continued at the front until honorably discharged at Duvall's Bluff. When the war was over he had not yet attained his majority, but his youth was no limit to his bravery, and with the loyalty worthy of the cause he faithfully performed the duties allotted to him. Mr. Steele returned to the plow and continued his farming operations until the fall of 1890, when he removed to Princeton to assume the duties of County Recorder. Ile was nominated and elected for that office on the Republican ticket. In 1895 he began dealing in carriages and in connection now carries a line of agricultural implements. Ile is one of the wide- awake and progressive business men of the city, and his reliable methods and straightforward dealing, combined with great en- ergy, have secured him a large business and a comfortable com- petence. On the Ist of March, 1868, Mr. Steele married Maggie . F., daughter of Alex. Holcomb. Mr. and Mrs. Steele have eight children-Festus A., a Methodist minister of Evansville, Indiana; Gustus A., a partner in his father's store; Charlie; Walter; Roy; Maude, deccased; Nellie and Myrtle.
H. H. NIEKAMP, superintendent of the schools of Gibson County, was born on the 23d of July, 1868. Though a young man, he has won an enviable reputation as an educator, and is fully competent to fill the position to which he was elected, an election which was a tribute to his personal worth, as well as his professional ability, for he is a native son of Gibson County, and his record is one well known to its citizens. His father is William Nickamp, a farmer of Barton township, and a gentleman of Ger- nran birth, who came to Gibson County during the '40s. He was married here to Maria Schweppe, a native of Germany, born in 1839. They became parents of ten children, nine of whom are living, namely: William, John, H. H., Fred W., G. A., George 11., Hannah, Carrie, and Mary. Mr. Nickamp acquired his early cducation in the country schools, and afterward enjoyed the ad- vantages of a course in the State University of liliana. Hc en- tered upon the profession of teaching at the age of eighteen, and in that calling has been most successful. Deeply interested in the cause of the schools his carnest efforts and practical methods cnabled him to gain a proficiency that has won him a place among educators. To his present position he was called in June, 1&1)5. being elected by the board of trustees of Gibson County. Ilis broad and comprehensive knowledge of the needs of the schools and his well formulated policy as to methods and manage- ment makes him a most efficient county superintendent and Gib- son County is fortunate in the selection of one so well fitted to dis- charge the honorons duties of the office. He belongs to the
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Knights of Pythias fraternity, and is a social, genial gentleman, whose courtesy and truc worth has won him many friends.
WILLIAM S. ENNES, one of the progressive citizens of Princeton, claims Gibson County as the place of his nativity. Ile was born November 28, 1862, a son of Embree and Martha (Kirk) Ennes. His father was a native of this county, and died at the early age of twenty-one. In August, 1862, he had entered his country's service as a member of Company B. Sixty-fifth Indiana Infantry. He faithfully followed the stars and stripes until illness overtook him and he was brought home, but the next day he died. The paternal grandparents were John and Nancy Ennes, the former a native of North Carolina, and an early settler of Wash- ington township. Gibson County. The Ennes family is of Scotch- Irish origin. Mrs. Martha Ennes, mother of our subject, was born and reared in Gibson County, and still makes her home here. She is a daughter of Robert and Susan (Redman) Kirk, also pio- neers of this locality. William S. Ennes was an only child. He was reared on the farm in Washington township, and spent his boyhood days midst play and work. His elementary education was obtained in the common schools, and he was afterward grad- uated on the completion of the teacher's course in the Indiana Cen- tral Normal College at Danville in 1883. In 1886 he embarked in general merchandising in Hazleton, Indiana, where he remained for a year and a half, after which he spent three years as a salesman in a hardware store in Princeton. In September, 1889, he was appointed deputy county treasurer, in which capacity he served until November, 1&14. since which time he has been engaged in the real estate and general insurance business. He is a wide- awake, enterprising man, possessed of the true progressive spirit of the west. In 1880 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Ennes and Miss Lucy Nightly, of Hazleton, Indiana, a most estimable lady. and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They have two children-Vesper and Darle. Mr. Ennes is also an active member of the Methodist Church, and socially is connected with the Knights of P'sthias and Masonic fraternities. In politics he is a stalwart Republican, and in the fall of 1806 became the Re- publican candidate for Treasurer of Gibson County, and made a very creditable race, being defeated by a very small majority, and by such means as has induced a contest of such election. Mr. Ennes is a popular young man, and all he has accomplished has been by individual effort, and to him belongs much credit for the success he has achieved in life.
JOHN K. SHULL is engaged in the livery business in Princ- ton. He was born in Gibson County, January 10, 1867, and is a son of George W. Shull, of Fort Branch. His carly boyhood days were spent on the home farm, and he soon became familiar with all the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He
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acquired a fair education in the common schools, supplemented by a two years' course in the high school of Princeton. From the age of twelve years he has been mainly dependent upon his own efforts, and the success he has achieved has come as the re- ward of his diligence and capable management. Throughout life 'he has been engaged in dealing in horses. During his boyhood he was thus employed, and in 1889 he embarked in the business of breeding horses. The following year he purchased a livery stable in Princeton, which was recently burned, but business was continued in another barn in Princeton. This piece of bad luck seemed to not discourage him, and with his characteristic pluck and energy he is rapidly building up again. Ile owns fine trot- ting horses and has some excellent farming property, and is a thorough-going business man, who carries to successful comple- tion whatever he undertakes. Ile was married in 1892 to Miss Florence Summers, and they have two children. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias aml Knights of Ilonor societies, and in politics is a Republican.
JESSE C. KIMBALL is a representative of the mercantile in- terests of Princeton, and possesses the true progressive spirit of the west, which has produced in the Mississippi valley a develop- ment and advancement that places this section of the country on a par with the older cast Mr. Kimball was born in Posey County. Indiana, April 1, 1831, and is a son of Elisha and Mary (Boyle) Kimball. His father was born in Henderson, Kentucky, and died in Louisiana while on a business trip in 1836. He was at that time making his home in Gibson County. He left two sons, William, who is now living retired in Owensville, and Jesse C. The paternal grandparents of our subject were Jesse and Elizabeth (Rolinson) Kimball. The latter was a native of Pennsylvania and of German lineage. The former was born in Massachusetts, and was one of the heroes of the Revolution. The Kimball family is of English origin and the ancestry can be traced back to 1446, in Cumberland County, England. Four brothers of the name founded the family in Massachusetts in 1632. Jesse Kimball, the grailfather, removed from Massachusetts to Kentucky, and in 1806 became one of the pioneers of Gibson County, his nearest neighbor at that time being five miles away. While living in Kentucky two Inthians became offended at him and burned his residence, which contained his discharge papers from the Colonial army. He died in Gibson County in 18587 aged ninety-eight years. Jesse Kimball therefore comes of a family of long identi- fication with Gibson County. At the age of thirteen years he went to Evansville, where he learned the tinner's trade. In 1851 he came to Princeton and embarked in business as a dealer in hard- warc, tinware and stoves, but during the Civil war he put aside all personal considerations to enter his country's service with the
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boys in blue of Company A, Eightieth Indiana Infantry. Ile enlisted in September, 1862, and was made First Lieutenant, but after six months resigned on account of failing health. He is now a member of Archer Post, G. A. R. In 1855 Mr. Kimball married Amanda E. Johnston, a native of l'aboli, Indiana, then living in Evansville. They are members of the Presbyterian Church and are most highly esteemed citizens of Princeton. During Mr. Kimball's army service his wife conducted the store and on his return he resumed business, and has since devoted his energies to the same. He began life with little capital, but through his we'll directed efforts has acquired a comfortable competency, and is now the oldest merchant in his line in Princeton. In early life he was a Denverat, but since the organization of the party has been a stalwart Republican. Fraternally he is a Royal Arch Mason.
JOHN E. JOYCE, proprietor of the Rubber Tire Livery, of Princeton, was born in Sullivan County, Indiana, on the toth of October, 1868, and is a son of William and Nancy J. (Whitman) force. His father was a native of Ireland, and during his child- hood came with his parents to America, the family locating in New York. At an early day in the history of this state he took up his residence within its borders, and was married here to Miss Whitman, who was born in Indiana. For a number of years he engaged in school teaching, but since the war has devoted his energies mainly to farming. At the country's call for troops to aid in suppressing the rebellion he enlisted in Patoka, Indiana, as a member of Company B. First Indiana Cavalry, and served until the close of the war. John E. Joyce is the only child of his parents. He was born on a farm, but after the age of five years was reared in Sullivan, and acquired his education in its public schools. On the 7th of November, 1887, he entered upon his busi- ness career as a proprietor of a livery in Sullivan, where he remained in business until August, 186. He has, however, re- sided in Princeton since October, 1891, and carried on a similar business at this place. The fine brick building which he occupies was completed in September, 1895. and he has one of the best equipped livery barns in this section of the state. He has pros- pered in his business, owing to his well directed efforts, his energy and his perseverance. On the 11th of October, 1893, was con- summated the marriage of Mr. Joyce and Olive B. Heston. daughter of Joseph S. Heston, of Gibson County. Mr. Joyce is a member of the Odd Fellows Society and the Knights of Pythias fraternity. In politics he is a Democrat, and at the 1896 county convention was honored by his party with the nomination for representative, but later withdrew from the race.
ROBERT ARCHER WOODS is one of the most prominent representative of the Knights of Pythias fraternity in Indiana, and one of the leading citizens of Princeton. He was born on a farm
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GILBERT R. STORMONT.
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near Princeton, January 5. 1861. a son of Deno Brown and Lu- cinda C. (Archer) Woods. Te former was born in Gibson County in 1835. The later was a daughter of Robert Archer, who came to this county at an early day. Both the paternal and maternal ancestry of our subject were natives of South Carolina, and de- scended from sturdy Scotch Covenanter stock, who have formed a substantial element in American citizenship. Leaving the South because of their belief in the injurious effects of the system of slavery, then came to Indiana, and located in the Scotch settle- ment in Gibson County, becoming prominent in its development and upbuilding. The grandfather. Samuel H. Woods, was one of the pioneer farmers of this locality. The father of our subject here spent his entire life, and during the Civil War joined Com- pany A. Fiftieth-eighth Indiana Infantry. With his regiment he went to the front and gave his life in defense of his country at the battle of Resaca, May 14. 1864.
Robert A. Wooods was educated in the public schools of Prince- ton and the Indian University, where he was graduated in 1881. with the degree of Bachelor of Science. Later he studied at the University Liepsic, Germany, and after his return to his native land, was engaged for a short time in the study of law, but aban- doned that pursuit to accept the position of deputy clerk of the Gibson Circuit Court. He was thus engaged until a re- cent date, when he resigned in order to accept a responsible posi- tion in the People's National Bank of Princeton.
In September, 1880. Mr. Woods wedded Mary Hall, of this city. and they have an infant son. Mrs. Woods' father was John B. ITall, a son of Judge Samuel Hall, cx-Lieutenant Governor of In- diana. Mr. Woods is a Republican in politics, and warmly advo- cates the party principles. He served as secretary of the first building and loan association organized in Princeton, and was a prominent member of the Business Men's Association. now the Commercial Club.
Mr. Woods was a charter menrber of Ascaton Lodge. No. 155. of Princeton, organized October 19, 1886, and in January, 1800. became past chancellor. His first appearance in the Grand Lodge was in the session of 1892, and he was there made a men- ber of the france committee for the ensuing year. In the session of 1893 .he was made deputy grand chancellor for the Fourteenth . Pythian District of Indiana, and is now serving his third year in the capacity. ITe is also a prominent member of the Maasonic fraternity, being a Knight Templar and thirty-second-degree Mason, and holds the office of grand king in the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in Indiana.
GILBERT R. STORMONT was born in Gibson Countv. in 1843. His father was William Stormont. a native of South Caro- lina, and who came to Gibson County in 1832, settled in the forest
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cast of Princeton, and went to work to clear up a farm, and there lived until 1,873, when he removed to Princeton, where he died in 18%)4, in his 87th year. Mr. Stormont's mother's maiden name was Elvira Caruthers. She was a native of Tennessee. Her death occurred in 1855. She had six children, of whom Gilbert R. is the second oklest. He was educated in the schools of the neighborhood, and in the academic schools of Princeton. For two years he was a student in the State University at Blooming- ton, Indiana.
In 1861 he enlisted as a private in Company B. Fifty-eighth In- diana Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered out at the end of his term of service as a corporal, having participated in all the marches and battles of the regiment.
After his return home, he first engaged in teaching, afterward in merchandising, and then drifted into the newspaper fusi- ness. In 1873 he went to Albion, Ilinois, and there established the Albion Journal, and continued its publication for three years. After selling out that journal, Mr. Stormont returned to Prince- ton, purchased the Clarion, a weekly paper, which he has since continued to successfully publish. The paper is devoted to the interest of the Republican party, to Gibson County and Prince- ton. As an editor and newspaper publisher, Mr. Stormont has gained desirable reputation. He recently compiled and published "Hight's History of the Fifty-eighth Indiana Regiment." He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, of which organiza- tion he has been Department Commander of Indiana. He and wife are active members of the United Presbyterian Church. In 1870 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Stormont and Miss Kate Kers. Unto the marriage five children have been born-two daughters are deceased. and three sons survive.
Mrs. Stormont is a daughter of James M. and Catherine Keys. Her father recently died. after residing in the county nearly forty years.
Mr. Keys was born near Hillsboro. Highland County, Ohio, September 19, 1810. His father was Colonel William Keys, an officer in the war of 1812, and a native of Rockbridge County, Virginia. His mother was a Donald, and her ancestry were of Scottish origin. In 1834. Mr. Keys was married to Catherine B. Hand, daughter of Dr. Jasper Hand, of Hillsboro, Ohio, who also distinguished himself in the war of 1812 as an army surgeon. Catherine Hand's grandfather was General Edward Hand, who rendered distinguished service at several of the important battles of the revolutionary war. During the latter years of the war he was Adjutant-General on General Washington's staff.
MARTIN W. FIELDS, attorney-at-law, of Princeton, has at- tained an enviable position at the bar of Gibson County, and has been connected with much of the important litigation of the
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courts in this section of the State. He has also occupied a position of no little prominence in politcal affairs in the county, and is a man of intrinsic worth, esteemed in all the relations of life.
Mr. Fields was born in White County, Illinois, June 1, 1851, a son of Joshua and Manesa (Orr) Fields. The grandfather, Thomas Fields, was born in Virginia, of English parentage, and married a German lady. Joshua Fields was born in White County, Illinois, and his wife was a native of Murfreesboro, Ten- nessee. Her father, William Orr, was born in the north of Ire- land, and when 18 years of age, was apprenticed to a weaver, but ran away, and coming to this country located in North Carolina.
Joshua Fields was a farmer and merchant, but at the opening of the Civil War put aside all business considerations, and in Octo- ber, 1861, enlisted in Company B. Fifty-sixth Illinois Infantry. Hc rose to the rank of First Lieutenant, was killed at the battle of Mission Ridge November 25, 1863, and was buried in the Na- tional Cemetery at Chattanooga. His wife survived him many years, but is now deceased. Of their nine chiklren three are living.
Martin W. Fields was reared on a farm, educated in the com- mon schools, and at the age of 16 began teaching, which profes- sion he followed for nine years. In the meantime he studied law un- der the direction of Judge Land, and was admitted to the bar in 1876. For two years he practiced in partnership with William H. Trippett. In 1883 he formed a partnership with Lucius C. Enrbue, the connection continuing for threce years, after which he entered into partnership with John W. Ewing. the firm of Fields & Ewing being maintained until 1890, since which time he has been alone.
Mr. Fiekls was married in the same year, 1890, to Minnie Lind- ley, daughter of Dr. C. F. Lindley, of Morgan County, Indiana. They have one child. Mary. In the Presbyterian Church they hold membership, and in social circles occupy a high position. Politically, Mr. Fields is a stalwart Republican, and in 1888 was clected to represent Gibson County in the State Legislature, where he served on the committees on judiciary, claims and organization and rules of court. He was also appointed on a special committee to investigate the condition of the insane asylums of Indiana. His public career and his private life are alike above reproach and devotion to duty and fidelity to trust have formed the permeat- ing influence in his character.
SAMUEL R. ADAMS is a native son of Gibson County, where he is now serving as County Auditor. He was born August 21, 1859, and is a representative of a pioneer family of this localitv. His grandfather, Samuel Adams, Sr., of Irish birth, located in Gibson County in the latter part of the eighteenth century, and here followed farming and merchandising until his death. He
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married Margaret Neeley, and of their seven children. Thomas N., was the only son. Ile was born in 1828, and spent his life as a merchant and grain dealer. He served two terms as trustec of Johnson Township, and was a respected citizen of the community. Ile married Margaret J. Parker, whose parents came from Ben- ton County, Tennessee. Their children are Melly, wife of Jonathan Madden, of this county; Samuel R., Sidney, Elizabeth and Margaret, all deceased: Vanderver aml Bertha, wife of Robert Patterson, of Evansville. The father of this family died in 1801. the mother in 1873.
Samuel R. Adams acquired his education in Fort Branch, and entered upon his business career as a teacher in the country schools. He afterward went to Evansville, where he secured a clerkship in the store of Miller Brothers, and a year later went to Parsons, Kansas, where he accepted a clerkship in a mercantile establishment, and here remained for a year. He then returned home to assist his father, who had embarked in business at Fort Branch. In 1870 the stock was removed to Francisco, and in 1885 Mr. Adams bought out his father, carrying on the business alone until the fall of 1804. when he sokl his store in order to as- sume the duties of the office to which he was elected.
Mr. Adams was the Republican candidate for County Auditor, and was elected by the flattering majority of 635. He is now faithfully discharging the duties of his position with a fidelity to the public trust that knows no wavering. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity. On the 24th of June, 1885, he wedded Ada Montgomery, daughter of Dr. D. B. Montgomery. of Cynthiana, and they have one child, Margaret Fay, born April 1. 1887. Their home is noted for its hospitality and their friends through the county are many. Mr. Adams is a man of intrinsic worth, esteemed in all the relations of life, and has the highest re- spect of those with whom he has been brought in contact.
THOMAS A. WALTERS has spent his entire life in Gibson County, and is numbered among the representatives of the hon- ored pioneer families who opened the way to civilization in this. region and laid the foundation for the present prosperity. His birth occurred a half mile cast of Fort Franch. January 22, 1847. Ilis father. Reuben T. Walters, was born on the site of the Metho- dist Church, in Fort Branch. September 20. 1820, and in 1846 10- cated on what is known as the Walters homestead, there residing until 1880, when the removed to the town of his birth. His death occurred in April, 1805, and the community mourned the loss of one of its esteemed citizens. In early life he was a Whig, but espoused the cause of the Republican party from its organization. and voted for John C. Fremont when only two votes were cast for that candidate in his precinct. He married Susan Smyth, a native of Ireland, who died April 23, 1801. Their children are Thomas
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A .. Myrtle J., wife of Samuel B. Estef; Sarah L., wife of Calvin Dinkley, of Clay Center, Kansas: Susan, wife of Benjamin F. Shannon; James D)., Richard S., and Fannie, who died January 28. 1801. Alvin Walters, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of New York, and while engaged in fishing, was drowned by the capsizing of his boat off the coast of Belle Isle.
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