USA > Indiana > Knox County > History of Knox and Daviess Counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present; with biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc. ; together with an extended history of the colonial days of Vincennes, and its progress down to the formation of the state government > Part 73
USA > Indiana > Daviess County > History of Knox and Daviess Counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present; with biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc. ; together with an extended history of the colonial days of Vincennes, and its progress down to the formation of the state government > Part 73
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GEORGE H. CARRICO is a son of George G. and Elizabeth (Cissell) Carrico, who were born in Kentucky and there grew to maturity, married, and lived till 1818, when they came to Daviess County, Ind., and there spent the remainder of their days in agri- cultural pursuits. The father died in 1858, and the mother in 1845. George H. was born in Daviess County, Ind., in 1827, and at the age of twenty-one he began to battle his own way in the world. After farming for about one year, he purchased 200 acres of land, mostly on credit, and soon paid for that and 170 acres more. In 1850 he was married to Elizabeth Burris, born in 1834. About one year after marriage she died, leaving one child -David. In 1859 Mr. Carrico was married to Mary A. Summers, born in 1841, daughter of Thomas and Susan E. (O'Brien) Summers. Mr. and Mrs. Carrico became the parents of these seventeen children: Sarah, Susan, Charles, Martha, Mary, George, Richard, William, Josephine, Anna A., John, James, Anna J., Vincent, Cecelia and infant twins. The family are Cath- olics and Mr. Carrico is a stanch Democrat.
MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM, the leading farmer of Barr Township, Daviess Co., Ind., is a native of the "Emerald Isle," where he was born in 1814 or 15. He is a son of B. and Mar- garet (Coyle) Cunningham. His mother died in 1820, leaving two children-him and a sister about two years younger than him- self. His father died in 1830, and he and his sister lived for some time with their mother's brother. At the age of sixteen he
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began working for himself, receiving the munificent sum of $5 a year for his services. By 1836 he and his sister had saved enough money to enable them to take passage for the United States. They embarked on the ship "Southerner," and landed in New York with less than $5 in money between them. They soon obtained work, and Mr. Cunningham began digging cellars, and by his faithfulness and energy won the respect and approbation of his employers. From New York he worked his way to Provi- dence, R. I., and for several months worked for the railroad. He then returned to New York and carried the hod for 75 cents per day; but in a few weeks he and his sister embarked on board the ship "Havre " for Mobile, Ala., and reached that city when the yellow fever was raging. He succeeded in obtaining employment, and in 1838 took a trip up the Mississippi, and going as far northward as Chicago. He then worked on the river at Louis- ville, Ky., for some time, and for about seven years worked on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. In 1840 he came to Daviess Coun- ty, Ind., to visit friends, who prevailed upon him to invest some of his money in land. He purchased 160 acres of timber land, which he rented. He then returned to the river, but visited his farm every year and added improvements. In 1843 he moved on his place, where he kept house for himself for some time. That same year he married Julianna Shircliff, born in 1826, daughter of John and Mary (Gough) Shircliff. Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham became the parents of these children: Mary, Patrick, Andrew, Aliza, Louis, Michael, John and Joseph. Michael is one of the rising young teachers of the county, and the rest of the boys are farmers. All the family are members of the Catholic Church, and Mr. Cunningham is a Democrat in politics, although he votes for the man rather than the party. He has been quite a success- ful business man and is one of the first taxpayers of the county.
MICHAEL DISSER was born in France in 1826, and is the son of Michael and Catherine (Ansteatt) Disser, who were born in the same province as our subject, in 1800 and 1808, respec- tively. In 1836 they embarked for the United States, coming via New Orleans to Evansville, Ind., and then by means of wagons to Daviess County, settling among the dense woods of Harrison Township. Here his father devoted his time to blacksmithing
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and farming, owning at his death, in 1862, 160 acres of land. The mother died in 1879. In boyhood he learned to read German and French, and after coming to this country attended the common schools, and later spent some time at Notre Dame. In 1850 he packed his belongings and went to California to dig gold. His outfit consisted of goods amounting to about $175. He reached his destination with only $10, the most of which he spent for a pick and pan. After remaining there about three years he returned home with a surplus of $5,000. In 1854 he purchased the farm of 160 acres where he now lives, and which he has since increased to 320 acres. In 1854 he was married to Mary Grinon, born about 1834 in the Emerald Isle. Their union was blessed with eight children: Joseph M., Rose, Lizzie, James, John, Bridget, Mary and Patrick. Both husband and wife are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Disser is a stanch Democrat and cast his first vote for Cass. He has been a successful farmer, and is one of the men who has the interest and welfare of the county at heart.
WILLIAM L. EVANS, retired physician of Barr Township, Daviess Co., Ind., is a son of Harmon and Mary (Lamb) Evans. The father was born in Kentucky in 1803, and the mother in Ohio in 1807. They were married in Harrison County, Ind., in 1821, and there spent their lives. The father, who was a farmer, died in 1874, and the mother in 1848. William L. was born in Indiana in 1830, and after attending the common schools he was a student in the academy at New Albany, Ind. for some time. In 1851 he began the study of medicine under A. M. Jones, of Corydon, with whom he staid three years. Two years later he attended the medical college of Louisville, Ky., but a short time before graduation was compelled to go home on account of sick- ness. In 1854 he began practicing his profession in Mt. Pleas- ant, and six years later went to Loogootee, and then moved to Montgomery, where he continued to reside until 1876, when he retired to the farm of 220 acres on which he now lives, but is often called upon to do duty as a physician by his many friends. In 1858 he was married to Mary A. Logan, born in Ohio in 1834. They have three children: Eugene H., William L. and Logan W. Mrs. Evans died in 1868, and five years later Mr. Evans was
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married to Mary E. Hottell, born in 1845. They have three children: Walter A., John W. and Francis O. Mr. Evans is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and his wife of the United Brethren Church.
JAMES H. FANNING, the leading merchant of Mont- gomery, Ind., is the son of Thomas and Bridget (O'Reilly) Fan- ning, born in the Emerald Isle in 1812 and 1809, respectively. The father was educated for the Catholic priesthood, but owing to defective eye-sight was rejected. His father not wishing him to come to America, he concluded to take French leave, and accord- ingly came to the United States without his parents' knowledge. He was married, and after living in various places finally settled in Daviess County, where he purchased 200 acres of land. He died in 1871. The mother is still living. James H. was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and after completing the course of the common schools, he attended the normal school at Washington, Ind., and followed the life of a teacher for five years. In 1876 he married Margaret Farrell, born in 1853, and died in 1877, leaving one child, John J. In 1878 Mr. Fanning took charge of a bankrupt store in Alfordsville, but soon after started another store of gen- eral merchandise in Montgomery with John Robinson as partner. Later he purchased the entire stock and has since carried on the business very successfully alone. He owns eighty acres of good land besides his house and lot and store room and stock in the village. He has held a number of offices in the township, and is a man ever ready to support worthy enterprises.
JOHN H. GRAVES was born in Barr Township, Daviess Co., Ind., in 1823, and received the education of the average farmer boy of his time. On reaching man's estate he paid his own way in school, thus acquiring a good education for that time. After raising a crop of corn and selling it he worked on the Ohio River on a flat-boat, but on returning he was taken very ill, and spent all his accumulated means to pay his physician. For three winters he cut cord-wood in the South for 50 cents a cord, and in time accumulated enough money to purchase forty acres of the farm on which he now lives. He now owns 400 acres of land and is well fixed financially. In 1849 he married Elizabeth Mor- gan, born in Daviess County in 1829. She is a daughter of
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Charles and Mary (Burris) Morgan, and has borne her husband these children: Valentine, Charles, Mary, Matilda, James, Will- iam, Rebecca, Jennie, Gertrude, Catharine, Julia and John H. Charles was a teacher by profession for about four years. All the family are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Graves is a warm Democrat, and cast his first vote for Polk. His enterprises have met with abundant success and he may be mentioned as one of the prominent men of the township in which he lives. His parents, John and Mary Graves, were born in Kentucky in 1793 and 1790, and died in Indiana in 1865 and 1866, respectively.
JOSIAH C. HARRIS, miller, of Montgomery, Ind., is the son of James and Nancy (Johnson) Harris, natives of Kentucky and Tennessee, respectively. They were married in Kentucky in 1818, and a year later moved to Indiana, locating on a farm in Sullivan County. The father's death occurred in 1854, and the mother's in 1842. Josiah was born in Sullivan County, in 1826. He had poor educational advantages, owing to the scarcity of schools and the demand for his services at home. At the age of seventeen he began doing for himself, working in flouring-mills in this and several other States, thereby obtaining a thorough knowledge of the trade. About 1850 he purchased a mill in his native county, operating it for two years, and then began saw-milling in connec- tion. In 1876 he began erecting his present large five-story mill, and in 1884 put in the necessary machinery for the roller process. The mill turns off about thirty-five barrels of flour per day, and was erected at a cost of about $30,000. Besides this property he owns 440 acres of land in his native county. Mr. Harris has been married three times. His first wife, Leanna Riggs, born in 1835 and died in 1865, bore him seven children: Martin L., Julia A., Mary P., William W., Davis J., Clement L. and one unnamed. In 1866 he married Mary E. Beard, born in 1840. To them were born three children: James B., Ernest C. and Florence J. This wife died in 1878, and for his third wife he took Mary J. (Fea- gan) Beckett, who bore him one child, Helen L. For six years Mr. Harris filled the position of township trustee with ability, and to the satisfaction of the people.
GEORGE T. HAYS, one of the first settlers of Barr Town- ship, Daviess Co., Ind., was born in Maryland, in 1809; son of
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George and Terresa (Langley) Hays, natives of the same State as our subject. In 1814 they moved to Kentucky, and three years later came to Indiana, locating in Daviess County. After suffer- ing many of the privations incident to pioneer life, they enjoyed a good degree of prosperity, and owned about 600 acres of land at the father's death, which occurred about 1858. When the stage coach began to run between New Albany and Vincennes he was one of the first to build a stage stand. His death occurred while in Texas looking for a large body of land to purchase for his sons. The mother died in 1861. The sum total of George T.'s schooling was about six months. When twenty years old he began working on the canal at Ohio Falls, and later helped saw the lumber for three flat-boats, load them, and take them to New Orleans. Later he began working for a man for $8 per month. His first real estate was forty acres of timber land, which he after- ward increased to 640 acres. In 1830 he married Mary A. Mc- Clelland, born in 1812, in Kentucky. To them were born these children: William, Terresa, John, George, Sarah, Louisa, Martha, Mary, Laura, Thomas and James. In 1874 Mrs. Hays died. Mr. Hays is an enterprising citizen of the county and is well fixed financially. His son, Thomas J., was born in 1851. He ob- tained a good education and was married, in 1877, to Emily Morgan, born in 1853. They have three children: George T., James E. and John. They live on the old homestead and have sole charge of it.
JOHN H. HAYS was born in Daviess County, Ind., in 1833, and is the eldest son of George T. and Mary (McClelland) Hays (mention of whom is made in this work). John H. attended the old time subscription schools, and at the age of twenty began earning his own living, and worked for some time in the pineries of Wisconsin. After his return he engaged in the fur trade dur -. ing the winter, and followed agriculture during the summer. His first purchase of land was thirty acres, which he has since in- creased, acre by acre, until he now owns 265 acres-nearly all under cultivation. Besides farming he also engages in shipping cattle, sheep and hogs. He has been very successful in all his enterprises, and the secret of his success lies in the fact that he was industrious and prudent, and misfortunes and losses only
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made him the more determined to succeed. In 1862 he was married to Phobe Brown, born in 1846, daughter of Whitard and Mary A. (Colbert) Brown. To Mr. and Mrs. Hays nine children were born: Fannie, Noah, Vitury, Mary E., Charles and Jerry. and three unnamed. Mrs. Hays is a member of the Christian Church, and Mr. Hays is a stanch Republican and cast his first vote for Fremont.
ORION B. HIXON, hotel proprietor, of Montgomery, Ind., is a son of James P. and Laura A. (Beckett) Hixon, born in Daviess County in 1833 and 1837. They were married in 1856, and settled on a farm in Harrison Township, where the father purchased his first land (forty acres) on credit, and paid for it by hauling bridge timbers for the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad. He now owns 220 acres of land on which he and wife are yet living. Subject is a native of the county where he now resides; born in 1857. He obtained a good practical education in the district schools, and afterward attended a term at the normal school, at Washington. When twenty-two years old he began farming on eighty acres of land given him by his father. Four years later he sold the place and entered the mail service. On account of failing health he soon abandoned this business and purchased an interest in the drug store known as Willeford & Hixon. In May, of the same year, he became sole proprietor of the business. In 1879 he was united in matrimony to Lillie Mc- Carty, born in 1861, daughter of Eli and Louisa (Allen) Mc- Carty. The father was a Union soldier, but, being wounded at Perryville, he returned home and accepted the position of enroll- ing officer of Reeve Township, a position which others feared to fill. While on duty he was killed, and his body sunk in the White River by a body of men banded together to resist the draft, known as "Peace Democrats," but in reality rebels. To Mr. and Mrs. Hixon two children were born: Edith M. and Helen C. Mr. Hixon is a leading Republican and cast his first vote for Garfield. He takes an active interest in all enterprises tending to the com- mon good, and is one of the prominent young business men of the town.
EZEKIEL HOPKINS was born in Daviess County, Ind., in 1823. He received very poor educational advantages, owing to
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the undeveloped condition of the schools at that time. At the age of seventeen he took charge of his father's farm of 240 acres, and cared for his parents until their death. He then inherited the old homestead, about 180 acres of which are under cultivation. In 1853 he was married to Martha Hollingsworth, born in Daviess County in 1834, daughter of Samuel and Louisa (Lett) Hollings- worth. Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins became the parents of ten chil- dren: Louisa, Mary O., Samuel L., George E., Joseph H., Edna J., Eli F., Albert, Zelek and Laura (deceased). Both husband and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Hopkins is a stanch Republican and cast his first vote for Taylor. He has been a successful farmer, and is much respected as a neighbor and citizen. His parents were Esek and Mary (Aikman) Hop- kins, born in Maryland and Pennsylvania in 1777 and 1779, re- spectively. They were married in Kentucky, in 1802, and in 1818 came to Daviess County, Ind., locating on the farm where Ezekiel now lives. The father died in 1859, and the mother in 1856.
PATRICK HOPKINS is a son of John and Julia (Skelly) Hopkins, who were born, raised and lived in Ireland, where the father farmed. Subject was born in Ireland, and when a mere boy came to the United States and began working in Philadel- phia as lackey boy in a boarding house. Soon after he went to Maryland and carried the "grog kettle " for the men who worked on public works for about a year, and later drove a team for the same length of time. He removed to Ohio, where he worked at different occupations, and finally rose to salesman in a supply store on the canal. From there he went to Louisville, Ky., where he operated a steam engine slaughter house. Having pur- chased eighty acres of land in Daviess County, Ind., he came West and began to clear and make his land tillable. His farm now amounts to 172 acres, and is in good condition. In 1852 he mar- ried Catharine Riley, who died about two years later, leaving one child, Julia A. In about four months he took for his second wife Elizabeth M. Raney, who bore him fifteen children: John, Mary, Phobe, Thomas, Elizabeth, James, Edward, Henry, Maggie, Catherine, Francis, Julian, Peter, Rosa, and one who died. The family are Catholics. Mr. Hopkins is a strong Democrat,
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HISTORY OF DAVIESS COUNTY.
and cast his first vote for Polk. The children are working at various callings, and are doing well for themselves.
WILLIAM H. KENDALL is a son of John R. and Nancy (Ellis) Kendall, who were born in Kentucky in 1805 and 1809, respectively. They came to Indiana about 1817, and about 1825 were married. They acquired a considerable share of this world's goods, owning a 400 acre farm well stocked. Three of their sons and two grandsons were in the late war. His wife died in 1880, but he is yet living at the ripe old age of eighty years. William H. was born in Daviess County in 1830. At the age of seventeen he began working for himself at pork packing during the winter season, and farmed during the summer. For about eight years he worked in this way, and then turned his entire attention to farming. In 1883 he sold his farm and moved to Montgomery, and purchased the Kendall House, and kept hotel for over two years. On account of illness in the family he then retired to a private residence in the village. In 1852 he was married to Mar- garet Waller, born in Washington in 1832. They became the parents of ten children: Laura G., Mary, Sarah F., Margaret, Jen- nie B., William, Edward, John K., Joseph F. and one unnamed. At the breaking out of the war Mr. Kendall enlisted in Company H, Fifty-eighth Indiana Infantry, serving his country faithfully for nearly four years. He took an active part in the battles of Shiloh, Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge and others. At Chickamauga he was wounded severely five times, but so praiseworthy was his conduct at this battle that he was granted a thirty days furlough by Gen. Rosecrans as a recognition of his bravery. He served as sergeant for nearly a year, and was one of the pontoon corps who built the bridges for Sherman on his march to the sea. He returned home, and in 1870 was appointed as- sistant district marshal for taking the ninth census. In 1884 he was elected justice of the peace by a large majority, and has given satisfaction in every position that he has been called upon to fill.
WILLIAM KENNEDY is of Irish descent, born in Philadel- phia in 1837. In boyhood he attended the common schools, and on reaching man's estate received instruction in graded schools. For ten years thereafter he followed the profession of teaching
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during the winter seasons and tilled the soil during the summer. In 1867 he was married to Mary A. Beckett, born in 1849, daughter of William and Mary (Graves) Beckett. To the mar- riage of Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy these three children were born: Anna, Charles and Francis. Mrs. Kennedy died in 1874, and four years later Mr. Kennedy took for his second wife Ida M. Smith, born in 1857. To them were born these children: Alice, Cleophas, James, Frederick, John and Paul. The family are Catholics. For four years Mr. Kennedy held the position of county treasurer; which office he filled with honesty and to the en- tire satisfaction of the people. He is a leading Democrat, and cast his first vote for Douglas. In 1866 his father presented him with eighty acres of land. Since then he has increased his farm to 330 acres, about 220 of which are cultivated. Mrs. Kennedy's parents are James H. and Nancy J. (Myers) Smith.
JAMES KENNEDY. James and Margaret (McNally ) Ken- nedy, parents of our subject, were natives of Ireland. Both came to America early in life, and after marriage located in Pennsyl- vania. Some years later they came to Daviess County, Ind., and located on the farm where James now lives; the father being quite a land-holder at his death in 1879. He was for some time jus- tice of the peace. James Kennedy was born in Daviess County in 1847. As his services were very much needed at home he re- ceived a limited education. At the death of his father he and his brother took charge of the home farm, he having inherited 160 acres. In 1881 he was married to Hannah McGrath, born in La Fayette, Ind., in 1854. She is one of eleven children born to Dennis and Mary (Shannahan) McGrath. The father was a la- borer on the railroad and his wife kept boarders. Later they purchased a farm, where the father died in 1867. To Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy's marriage one child has been born, named Hilda. Both husband and wife are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Kennedy is a Democrat and a successful farmer.
JOHN MATTINGLY was born in Daviess County, Ind., in 1826, and is a son of Henry and J. (Kidwell) Mattingly, the former born in 1804 and the latter in 1794, in Kentucky. They grew to maturity in their native State. After their marriage they came to Daviess County and followed the lives of farmers. Both
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parents died in 1871. John received a limited education, owing to the undeveloped condition of the schools at that time, and at the age of twenty-two began to make his own way in the world. After living on rented farms for about three years he purchased 145 acres of timber land, which he has since increased to 185 acres. In 1853 he was married to Mary A. Gootee, born in 1825. daughter of Silas and Barbara (Walker) Gootee. Her father was a native of Maryland and her mother of Kentucky. They were married in the mother's native State, and came to Indiana where the father farmed. Mr. and Mrs. Mattingly became the parents of five children: James M., Harriet A., Silas H., Albert S. and William A. The family are Catholics, and Mr. Mattingly is a Democrat and cast his first vote for Lewis Cass, of Michigan.
GEORGE McATEE is a son of Daniel McAtee, who was born in Kentucky in 1794. In 1818 he wedded our subject's mother, who was born in 1799. The day after their marriage they moved to Missouri, where they lived about eight years. They then came to Daviess County, Ind., where they spent the remainder of their days. The father was a farmer, and also worked at the mill- wright and carpenter's trade. He died in 1875 and the mother four years later. George was born in 1820 in Missouri. He at- tended the subscription schools, and after attaining his majority began to do for himself. In 1845 he led to the hymeneal altar Margaret Mattingly, born in 1821. She died in 1852, leaving these three children: Ann S., William E. and James L. Two years later Mr. McAtee married Martha M. Brewer, born in Ken- tucky in 1833. Her parents, James and Teressa L. (Sims) Brewer, were born in Maryland and Kentucky. To Mr. and Mrs. McAtee were born these children: Francis, Margaret, John, Susan, Clora, Thomas, Liza, Josephine, Joseph, July, Bridget and Martha. Subject is a stanch Democrat and cast his first vote for James K. Polk. He owns 180 acres of land, 150 of which are under cultivation.
ALFRED H. McBRIAR, farmer, is a son of David and Martha (Chambers) MeBriar. They were born in Virginia in 1819 and 1833, respectively, and were married in their native State, where they lived a few years and then moved to Knox County, Ohio. By profession the father is a surgeon and dentist.
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About 1869 he took up his residence in Columbus, Ohio, where he still lives, doing a good business. Our subject was born in Ohio County, W. Va. His educational advantages were of the very best kind, having graduated at the Columbus High School in 1875. He also took a course of instruction at Notre Dame, and in 1880 graduated from the Columbus Commercial College. He then entered a wholesale house as assistant book-keeper, and later was traveling salesman for Marvell & Co. He then became traveling agent for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad. In 1883, having traveled over twenty-six States, he decided to live a more settled life, consequently in June of that year he married Mollie Haynes, born in 1857. She is a daughter of Robert P. and Elizabeth (Darst) Haynes. Her father was born in 1821 in Virginia. He has held numerous honorable positions, and was one of the trustees of Purdue University, secretary of the state house building and member of the State Legislature. Her mother was a native of Ohio, born in 1818. They are now liv- ing in Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. McBriar have one child, Edna Lee. Mr. McBriar is a Democrat, and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
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