USA > Indiana > Gibson County > History of Gibson County, Indiana > Part 9
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18
Mr. Potter was united in marriage to Miss Alma Rose, a daugh- ter of Lewis S. Rose, of Owensville. She is a lady of culture and
Digitized by Google
74
HISTORY OF GIBSON COUNTY.
a member of the Baptist Church. In politics, Mr. Potter is a stal- wart Democrat, and socially is connected with the Knights of l'ythias Fraternity. Cordial in manner and genial in disposition. all who know him entertain for him warm regard, and he has a large circle of friends.
SYLVESTER SELBY, a farmer and stock dealer of Gibson County, was born in Pike County, Indiana, on the 7th of June, 1855, and is one of the nine chiklren of Jerry A. and Illa (Hardin) Selby. The mother died on the 24th of February, 1874. No event of special importance occurred during the childhood and youth of Sylvester Selby, who was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads, carly becoming familiar with all the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. His educational privileges were those afforded by the common schools. He came to Gibson County on the 2nd of August, 1877, and engaged in farming and stock dealing, which he has since continued. He owns here a val- vable tract of land of two hundred and fifty acres, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation, the well tilled fields return- ing to him a golden tribute for the care and labor he bestows upon them. He raises good grades of stock and in all his dealings he is known as a man of the utmost reliability. On the 17th of April. 1877. Mr. Selby was united in marriage to Miss Ida Sullivan, a daughter of Archic Sullivan, of Evansville, and they now have one child. born on the 2nd of February, 1878. Mr. Selby is a member of the Knights of l'ythias fraternity and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and his wife holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. His political support is given the Republican party, but he has had neither time nor inclination for public office, prefering to devote his energies to his business inter- ests, which being well conducted along honorable lines las brought to him a comfortable competence.
WILLIAM STERNE is the active manager and senior mem- ber of the firm of William Sterne & Co., dealers in hardware in Owensville. He was born in Gibson County, March 16, 1859, and is one of a family of six children, whose parents are Samuel and Katie (Armstrong) Sterne. He obtained his education in the common schools, and during his boyhood learned the tinner's trade, which pursuit he has since followed as a life work. By industry, perseverance and economy the at length acquired the capital which enabled him to engage in business on his own ac- count, and in 1884) he established his store in Owensville. Here he carries a large line of shelf and heavy hardware, tinware and agricultural implements, his stock being valued at about thirty- five hundred dollars. Mr. Sterne was united in marriage to Miss Mary Hart. a daughter of Dave Hart, of Gibson County, who died in June. 1803. They had one chikl, Richie. Mrs. Sterne was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and an estimable lady, who had a large circle of warm friends. Mr. Sterne holds
Digitized by Google
75
HISTORY OF GIBSON COUNTY.
membership in the Odd Fellows society, and is also a valued mem- ber of the knights of Pythias fraternity. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party; and is a wide-awake, progressive citizen, deeply interested in the welfare of the community and giving a hearty and com- mendable endorsement to all measures calculated to prove of public benefit.
JOHN F. SHARP, of Owensville, is a representative of one of the honored pioneers of Gibson County. Seventy-three years have come and gone during his residence here, during which he has witnessed the growth and development of the county, and has aided in its progress. He has seen its wild lands transformed into beautiful homes and farms. while towns and villages have sprung up and the region, once uninhabited and unimproved, has become the abiding place of a thrifty and contented people. His support has been given to measures calculated to prove of public benefit, and he justly deserves mention among those who laid the foundation for the present prosperity of the county. His parents, M. and Nancy Sharp, were both natives of Maryland and at a very early day settled on the frontier in Gibson County, where on the 19th of October, 1823, their son Joseph was born. He ac- quired his education in the primitive schools and during his boy- hood assisted in the labors of the fields, since which time he has continuously followed farming as a life work. His career has been one of industry and the prosperity he has achieved is entirely the reward of his own labors. Mr. Sharp. has been three times married, his first union being with Margaret A. Yerkes. After her death he wedded Nancy J. Montgomery, widow of Thomas Walker, and for his third wife he chose Fannie Stevens. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sharp arc faithful and consistent members of the Metinxlist Episcopal Church, and he exercises his right of fran- chise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party.
JOHN M. SMITH has passed the allotted age of three score years and ten, aml now in his declining life is resting in the enjoy- ment of the fruits of former labor. There are few to-day in Gibson County who have so long been residents of this locality, but he is one of the native sons of the county, and a representative of a prominent pioneer family. He was born on the old family home- stcad, then situated on the frontier. October 10, 1822, and is a son of Andrew and Ezina (Stone) Smith, the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter of Virginia. They located in Gibson County in 1818, and were esteemed members of the pioneer com- nmmity. John M. Smith was reared here amid the wild scenes of pioneer life and with the family, consisting of parents and eleven chiklren, experienced the usual hardships aml trials incident to establishing a home in the far west. As soon as old enough to handle the plow he began farming and has turned the furrows
Digitized by Google
76
HISTORY OF GIBSON COUNTY.
in many a fickdl, preparing it for the spring planting. Through- out his life he has been connected with agricultural pursuits and his farm, by its neat and thrifty appearance has given indication of his thrift and enterprise. In his carly manhood Mr. Smith married Miss Sallie McCray, but after a short time she was called to her final rest and on the 16th of March, 1848, he wedded Miss Elizabeth Mauck, by whom he had three children-Menoia, Will- iam Ul. and James T. For his third wife, Mr. Smith married Miss Rhody Malone, and they had three children-Howard, Sallie and Bettic. They also had a step-child, William A. Mauch. His last wife died July 5, 1802. Mr. Smith has long given his political support to the Democracy, but has never sought nor desired political preferment, desiring rather to give his entire time and attention to his business interest, in which he has met with a fair degree of success. He holds membership in the Baptist Church, and his life is in harmony with his professions. Those who know him esteem him highly for this many excellent characteristics, and he has many friends.
WILLIAM B. KIMBALL, a retired farmer living in Owens- ville, was born in Posey County, Indiana, on the 12th of June, 1826, and is a son of E. and Mary (Boyle) Kimball, both of whom were natives of Kentucky and are now deceased. He was reared on the family homestead and during the civil war entered the Union army as a member of Company F, Thirty-third Indiana Infantry, under command of Captain Polk. Ile participated in the battle of Wild Cat and Cumberland Gap, and at the latter place received a medal in recognition of this valiant service. For two years he remained at the front as a faithful defender of the old flag and then returned home, but after one year re-enlisted and served for three months in Company C, One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Indiana Infantry. When Mr. Kimball finally laid aside his coat of blue to don the civilian's garb, he established a home in Prince- tom, where he engaged in the tin and sheet iron business, which he profitably conducted until 1890. He is now living a retired life in Owensville, resting in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former labors. The essential elements in his success were an industry that overcame all obstacles and an unwavering adherence to hon- orable business principles. On the 7th of June, 1849; Mr. Kimball was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Meadows. After the death of his first wife he wedded Irene P. Pollard, the marriage being celebrated in July, 1882. He is a member of the Christian Church, his wife of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. So- cially the is connected with the Masonic fraternity and the Grand Army of the Republic. Throughout life he has discharged his duties with the same loyalty which marked his career when on southern battle fields he followed the stars and stripes. He has the genuine regard of all who know him and well deserves men- tion in the history of his adopted county.
Digitized by y Google
77
ITISTORY OF GIBSON COUNTY.
WARRICK SMITH, who for many years was identified withy the agricultural interests of Gibson County, but is now living re- tired, was born on the 23d of September, 1821, and is a son of Dr. Willis J. and Martha C. (Warrick) Smith. The mother was a daughter of Captain J. Warrick. The father, a graduate of the ยท medical college of Danville, Kentucky, practiced medicine for many years, and died in 1845. Mr. Smith of this review obtained his education in the common schools near his home and was reared to farm life. At the age of twenty-one he began farming on his own account and has made it his life work. prosecuting his labors with diligence and perseverance. He owns a valuable farm of one hundred acres, and in connection with his sons owns eight hundred acres additional. He started out in life for himself empty- handed, but has steadily worked his way upward, winning the suc- cess that comes through persistent effort and unflagging industry. Mr. Smith has been twice married. On the 19th of February, 1856, he wedded Margaret M. Simpson, by whom he had five children, namely: John W .. George W .. Lillie and two now de- ceased. The mother of this family was called to her final rest. and on the 28th of July. 1865. he married Serakla J. Brothers, a daughter of Hudson B. Brothers. They hold membership in the Baptist Church and are people of sterling worth, who have many warm friends in the community. Mr. Smith also belongs to the Masonic fraternity, and is an advocate of free silver. His long identification with the interests of Gibson County and his upright fife have made him widely and favorably known, and it is with pleasure that we present the record of his career to our readers.
THOMAS II. EMMERSON, county commissioner of Gibson County, and one of its native sons, was born January 18. 1851. his parents being James L. and Nancy (Mounts) Emmerson. Their family numbered cleven children, nine of whom are vet living. The common schools afforded him his early educational privileges, and reading and study in later years have made him a well informed man, while in the school of experience he has also Icarned manly practical and valuable lessons. In his early man- hood he worked as a farm hand and also followed school teaching for a year. In November, 1892, Mr. Emmerson was elected a member of the board of county commissioners, and his service in that capacity was most satisfactory to the public and creditable to himself. He labored to advance the best interests of the community and his ability and fidelity made him a valued official. In 1895 he embarked in the general hardware business in Owens- ville, forming a partnership with Frank Emmerson. They carry a stock valued at two thousand dollars and have a good store, which supplies the demands of the public in this section of the county. By study of the public taste and by straightforward business methods they have secured a liberal patronage, which is
Digitized by Google
78
HISTORY OF GIBSON COUNTY.
constantly increasing. On the Ist of January, 18%, Mr. Emmer- son was united in marriage to Miss Ella Montgomery, who died on the 27th of January, 186, leaving two children-Vivian H. and Verry. One child of that marriage is also deceased. Mr. I'm- merson gives his political support to the Republican party, and is a warm advocate of its principles. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and to the Tribe of Ben Hur, and is also a member of the Christian Church
JOHN F. SMITH, once a banker of Owensville, was one whose life record contained many valuable lessons, as demono- strated what can be accomplished through determined purpose, continued effort and the pursuit of honorable business methods. He was one of Gibson County's native sons, his birth having oc- curred on his father's farm December 25. 1853. During his borhood he worked at the plow and aided in the other labors that fell to the lot of the agriculturist. His elementary education, acquired in the common schools, was supplemented by a course in the State Normal School of Terre Haute, Indiana. On com- pleting his education, Mr. Smith at once turned his attention to a business career, and embarked in general merchandising in Owensville, where he profitably conducted a store for eight years. Within that time he not only demonstrated himself to be a pro- gressive, enterprising business man of sound judgment, but also won the public confidence by his thorough reliability at all times and his strict regard for the ethics of commercial life, so that when he engaged in the banking business he soon secured a liberal support. In 1880) he formed a partnership with R. P. McGinnis, and opened the bank in Owensville which he conducted four years. The relation between these gentlemen continued up to the time of the death of Mr. Smith, which occurred Septemcbr 11, 1803. and their undertaking proved a successful one. On the 27th of April, 1876, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss (leo Bird. of Owensville, a daughter of Jacob F. Bird, and a cul- tured lady who has many friends in this community. Two chil- dren were born of their union-Claude A. and Mabel: Mr. Smith was a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity and hekdl membership in the Christian Church. He gave his support to all measures calculated to prove of public benefit, took an active interest in everything pertaining to the general welfare, and was a man whom to know was to honor, for his life was ever upright and unclouded by shadow of wrong.
MANOAH SMITHI, a retired farmer of Gibson County and an honored citizen of Owensville, was born in Kentucky, January 22. 1824 and is one of the nine children of Andrew and Asenath (Stone) Smith. His boyhood days were spent in the usual man- ner of farmer lads at that period and his education was acquired in the common schools. His parents removed to Gibson County
Digitized by Google
79
HISTORY OF GIBSON COUNTY.
when he was two years of age and he was reared here amid the wild scenes of pioneer life, sharing in its trials and hardships and assisting in the arduous task of developing a new farm. On at- taining his majority he embarked in farming for himself. He purchased forty acres of land, four years later added to it another forty-acre tract, and when three years more had passed he pur- chased one hundred acres, making in all a good farm of one hundred and eighty acres. A few years subsequent he purchased one hundred and eighty acres of the Reuben Emmerson homestead and is now the owner of four hundred and fifty acres of valuable farming land and four acres in the town of Owensville. Mr. Smith has been twice married. He first wedded Miss Martha Emmerson, by whom he harl two children-William L. and Eliza J. After the death of his first wife he married Martha Benson, a daughter of William Benson, of Kentucky. Their wedding was celebrated November 4. 1854, and was blessed with seven chiktren, namely: John F., who died September 11, 1893; Zerilda R., wife of B. Forbes: Cordelia Dorson :. Columbus B ... Ulysses R .; Mary Della: Marguerite E. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and in politics he is a Prohibitionist. Their home is one of the finest residences in Ow- ensville and stands as a monument to the industry and enterprise of the owner. Diligence has brought to him success, and though he started out in life empty-handed, he has steadily worked his way upward to a position of affluence. For more than seventy years he has residedl in Gibson County, and is to-day one of its oklest and most honored pioneers, his name being closely inter- woven with the history of its agricultural interests.
WILLIAM MATTHEWS, an honored citizen of Owensville. and a worthy pioncer of Gibson County, who is now living re- tired in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil, was born in London, England, in November, 1814. His parents, Ephraim and Ann (Randall) Matthews, were also natives of England, and had a family of six children. In 1832 they crossed the Atlantic to America; landing in New York city, where the father worked at the tailor's trade until his death, which occurred in 1836. William Matthews spent the days of his boyhood in the land of his birth, and at the age of eighteen accompanied his panents to America. He left New York for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and worked at the tailor's travle there for two years, after which he removed to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Subsequently he went to Louisville, Kentucky, thence to Vicksburg, Mississippi, and later opened a tailoring establishment in Brandon, Mississippi, where he remained for two years. On receiving news of his father's death he closed out his business there and returned to New York, where he remained until 1837. when he came to Gibson County. Indiana, reaching his destination on the 13th of August. In
Digitized by Google
80
HISTORY OF GIRSON COUNTY.
Owensville the embarked in the tailoring business, and was con- . tinuously engaged in that enterprise until 1888, when, after more than a half century of active identification with the commercial interests of this place, he retired to private life. On the 15th of November, 1837. Mr. Matthews was united in marriage to Miss Eliza A. Malone, daughter of James Malone, of Kentucky. She was a consistent member of the Baptist Church, and for fifty years was to her husband a faithful companion and helpmeet on life's journey, but death entered their happy home and the wife departed this life November 20, 1888. They were parents of the following named children: Cornelius, William. Alfred: Ann, wife of Ralph Smart: Lucinda; Mary, wife of Thomas Sunmer: Will- iam, who was killed at the battle of Perryville, Kentucky. October 8. 1862, while serving in the Union army. Cornelius, who is now living in Owensville, was also one of the boys in blue and was wounded in the leg at the battle of Perryville. In politics Mr. Matthews is a stalwart Jackson Democrat. His life has been one of industry and his earnest toil has brought to him a com- fortable competence. He has ever taken a commendable interest in the welfare of the community and its advancement and is num- bered among those honored pioneers whose devotion to public and private duty has led to the stable growth and prosperity of the community.
EPHRAIM MATTHEWS is now living a retired life in Owensville. His career demonstrates the possibilities that are offered to a man of enterprise, industry and good management, and he has justly won the proud American title of a self-made man. He was born in England in 1820, and when about ten years of age accompanied his parents on their voyage across the Atlan- tie to the United States. The family located in New York, and he remained in the castern metropolis for about eight years. when thinking that the growing west offered better opportunities he made his way to the then village of Chicago. He arrived in that place in 1830, only two years after its incorporation, at which time it gave little promise of its future marvelous development. Mr. Matthews was a confectioner by trade, but as he could not secure employment in that line in Chicago, he turned his attention to brick making, which he followed for two years. On the expira- tion of that period he went to Buffalo, New York, where he was united in marriage to Miss Delia Sheldon. In 1866 he returned to Chicago, where he continued until after the great fire. which laid the city in ruins. Te then located in Detroit, where he en- gaged in the confectionery business for twenty-four years, during which time he was connected with several large houses, engaged in that line of manufacture. His fidelity to every trust reposed in him, his thorough understanding of his trade, his steady appli- cation and his well known reliability have been the factors which
Digitized by Google
81
HISTORY OF GIBSON COUNTY.
have brought to him the competence which now enables him to live retired. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Matthews, which was celebrated December 24. 1842, was blessed with six children. three of whom are living, namely: John S., James A. and Hattic. They lost one son, William, who was born December 26. 1843. and was killed at the battle of Morris Island, on the 18th of July. 1863. The mother of this family was called to her final rest Fel- ruary 13, 1883. Both Mr. and Mrs. Matthews were long and faithful members of the Baptist Church. He has now rounded the I'salmist's span of three score years and ten and in his life record there is much that is worthy of emulation; he has made the most of his opportunities, has lived so as to command the respect of all with whom he has come in contact, and is well de- serving of mention in this volume
THOMAS M. GOOCH is one of the honored pioneers of Gib- som County, who for sixty years has been a witness of its growth and development. He has also aided in its advancement, and to all matters cakulated to prove of public benefit has given a hearty endorsement and support. He is now the senior member of the form of (inoch & Bell. grocers of ()wensville, and is both widely and favorably known throughout the community. Mr. Couch was born on the 7th of November. 1814, and is a son of John and Mary (Walters) Gooch, both of whom were natives of North Carolina, whence they emigrated to Gibson County in 1834. Here they located on a farm, which continued to be their home until called to their final rest. the father passing away in 1841. while the mother departed this life in 1861. On the home stead farm of the family. Thomas M. Gooch was reared and in the common schools his education was acquired. He carly be- came familiar with all the duties that fall to the lot of the agri- culturist, and after the arrival of the family in Indiana aided in the arduous task of developing a new farm. He continued with his parents until about thirty-three years of age, working in field and meadow and then turned his attention to the manufacture of brick, which industry be carried on in connection with the boot and shoe business. Subsequently he resumed farming, oper- ating his land, and at the same time conducting other enterprises. At length. however, he sold his farm and established a grocery store in Owensville, which he has since conducted, his partner being F. M. Bell. They carry a large and well selected stock of staple and fancy groceries, and the firm enjoys a most enviable reputation for thorough reliability. Mr. Gooch was united in marriage to Miss Julia Ann Lechner, and their union has been blessed by two children, Catherine and Louisa. The parents have long been faithful members of the Melluxlist Episcopal Church, and are people of the highest respectability. Mr. Gooch gives his political support to the Republican party, but has never 6
Digitized by Google
82
HISTORY OF GIBSON COUNTY.
sought nor desired official preferment. In his business dealings he carries forward to successful completion whatever In under- takes and the success he has achieved is the fitting reward of his own labors. Through the long years of his connection with Gibson County his life record has been unclouded by shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil, and he will deserves mention among the honored pioneers.
W. A. SPECK is a representative of the mercantile interests of Owensville, and in his life record there is an exemplification of what can be accomplished through diligence and carnest appli- cation, guided by sound judgment. He was born in Prussia on the 17th of February, 1820, and is a son of Carl and Dorothea (Nomse) Speck. In their family were four children, two of whom are yet living, and there is also a hall brother who survives -- A. 1. Rosencreek. In the land of his nativity. W. A. Spock passer his boyhood midst play and work. In 1851 be determined to seek a home and fortune in America and crossed the Atlantic to the new world. Three years later he look up his residence in Owens- ville, and later embarked in general merchandising, which he has since successfully followed. He carries a stock valued at about five thousand dollars, and his line of goods is up to date. His honorable dealing has secured him the continued support of many patrons and die is now enjoying a large trade. In August, 1861, Mr. Spock was joined in warlock to Miss Elizabeth Schelosky. and of their union have been born three children-Rudolph C., Laura M. and Eloise A. The parents hold membership in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and in politics Mr. Spock was for many years a Democrat, but now votes independently. His record is one well worthy of emulation, for his integrity is above question and his public and private life are alike above reproach. He has never had occasion to regret this emigration to America. for here he has prospered in his business, secured a comfortable hour and won many friends
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.