USA > Indiana > Posey County > History of Posey County, Indiana : from the earliest times to the present, with biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc. : together with an extended history of the Northwest, the Indiana territory, and the state of Indiana > Part 49
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THOMAS P. SHEPHERD, farmer and stock raiser, was born near where he now lives, in 1829. He is a son of William H. and Mary (Perry) Shepherd, and is of English descent. Both of his parents were born in England, his father in 1769, and
Albert A. Sparks.
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his mother in 1789. The family came to America and settled in Pennsylvania, and after remaining there a short time came to what is now Posey County, Ind., in 1816. Here William H. Shepherd died four months previous to the birth of the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Shepherd died in 1860, having, however, attended her own mother at her last illness in her native country. Thomas P. Shepherd was raised on the farm, and attended school in a log schoolhouse. In 1859 he settled where he now lives, and where he has 159 acres of good land, well improved. For some years he has been paying attention to the raising of fine horses. He was married, in 1864, to Mrs. Nancy Jane Lock- ridge, who was formerly a Miss Randolph, born in Illinois, and came to Posey County in early life. Mr. Shepherd is a Demo- crat, and a prosperous farmer. Both himself and Mrs. Shep- herd are members of the Regular Baptist Church.
FREDERICK SIEKMANN, farmer and dairyman, was born in Prussia, Germany, January 14, 1821. He is the son of Ar- nold and Mary (Steinbech) Siekmann, and is the youngest of seven sons. His father was born in Prussia in 1782, and died there in 1832. His paternal grandfather was Peter Siekmann. The subject of this sketch was educated in Prussian schools, and immigrated to America in 1852, landing at New Orleans. He came up the Ohio River to Evansville, and settled in Warrick County, Ind., where he remained until 1876, when he came to Posey County, and settled where he now resides. He now owns 120 acres of good land. In 1883 he began the dairy business, which he still continues. Mr. Siekmann is a self-made man, a good citizen, a Democrat, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was married, in 1846, to Margaret Boe- mer, born February 25, 1826, a daughter of Henry and Mary Boemer. They have had thirteen children, five of whom are living: Caroline, born February 28, 1852; Gideon, born Decem- ber 22, 1855; Amelia, born August 7, 1862; Eli, born November 3, 1864, and Anna, born July 12, 1867.
JOHN T. SOPER, farmer, was born in New Harmony, Ind., April 8, 1836. He is the son of Virgil and Martha D. (Thrall) Soper, and of English descent. His father was born in Connec- ticut October 20,1803, and his mother in the same State July 30, 1809. The former came to Indiana in a very early day, and set-
20
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HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
tled in Gibson County, where he remained until about 1830, when he came to Posey County and settled in New Harmony Township, becoming an extensive land owner, and one of the prominent farmers of the county. His death occurred December 17, 1859. Mrs. Soper died December 26, 1859. The subject of this sketch is the second of seven children. He was educated at the Mount Vernon schools; after which he remained on the farm in the serv- ice of his father until 1861, when he enlisted in Company C, Sixtieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Remaining in the service one year he was discharged at Lebanon, Ky., on account of phys- ical disability, and returning home, he again engaged in agricult- ural pursuits, which have been his life work. He now owns the old Soper homestead, and in all has 400 acres of the best land in Posey County. In politics Mr. Soper is a consistent Republican. He was married, October 1, 1865, to Miss Jane E. McCollum, a native of Wayne County, Ill., who died July 19, 1866. Mr. So- per married again, October 8, 1874, Miss Julia E. Osborn, a native of Farmersville, Posey County, Ind.
AUSBURN T. STEPHENS, proprietor of the Stephens House, New Harmony, was born in Covington, Ky., November 15, 1819. His father was James Stephens, and his mother Sarah (Trail) Stephens. The former was born in Virginia in 1780, and the latter in Maryland in 1796. James Stephens died in 1825, and Mrs. Stephens in 1879. The subject of this sketcli was raised on a farm in Kenton County, Ky., and remained in Ken- tucky until January, 1855, at which time he came to Posey County, Ind. He settled on Section 22, Lynn Township, where he followed farming until 1884, when he retired from farm life. In this year he became proprietor of what was formerly the "Ran- dolph House," which he has since improved, and it is now a good hotel. He was married, in 1842, to Miss Elizabeth Hume, a native of Kentucky. Of this marriage there were born five chil- dren, four of whom are now living: Orion W., Ezra A., Parthe- mia and Flora. Mrs. Stephens died in 1881, and Mr. Stephens was married, the second time, in 1884, to Mrs. Hectorenna Beal, a native of New Harmony. Mr. Stephens has been a Mason since 1854, and in politics he is a Democrat.
JAMES S. STALLINGS, farmer and stock raiser, was born in Posey County, Ind., in 1821. He is a son of Shadrach and
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Nancy ) Willis) Stallings, and is of English descent. His father was one of the pioneer settlers of the county, and also one of the prominent men among them. He was born in North Carolina, but immigrated to Posey County when yet a young man. He lived here the remainder of his life. Mrs. Nancy Stallings was born in Tennessee. The subject of this sketch is the only one living of thirteen children; he was raised on the farm and his opportunities for obtaining an education were [but meager. He began the life of a farmer for himself when twenty-two years old, settling where he now lives in 1848. He owns 200 acres of well- improved land, lying in the corner of three townships-Harmony, Centre and Lynn. He is a successful farmer, and in politics a Democrat; he was married in 1847, to Miss Maria Nash, a native of Posey County. She is a daughter of Jesse and Nancy Nash, and was born in 1829. Mr. and Mrs. Stallings have nine chil- dren, as follows: Cynthia, Samuel L., William H., Mary E .. , John H., Jesse M., Charles, Wilson W. and Andrew.
JASPER NEWTON STALLINGS, farmer and stock raiser, was born in Robb Township, Posey County, May 9, 1842. He is a son of the late Willis and Matilda (Harvey) Stallings, and of English extraction; he is the ninth in a family of thirteen chil- dren; his father was born in North Carolina, February 28, 1805, and immigrated to what is now Posey 'County, when he was about ten years of age, in company with his parents; he lived in Harmony Township until he was twenty-two years old, when he removed to Robb Township, and settled on the farm where he lived until his death, August 3, 1885; he accumulated much property, was a leading, early day citizen, and died surrounded by a large circle of relatives and many friends; he was twice married, and is survived by his second wife, who lives on the old homestead. The mother of our subject died when he was six years old; his education was received at the common schools. At the breaking out of the war, he enlisted in Company A, Fifty- sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, being on a visit to a relative in "Sudsdam." January 1, 1863, he re-enlisted in same company and regiment; he took active part in seventeen different engage- ments, the principal ones being Corinth, Vicksburg, Chattanooga, Resaca and Raleigh. He was honorably discharged August 12, 1865. After the war he resumed farming, which he continues to
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HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
the present time, residing now on the old homestead. In politics he is a Democrat, and is a good and useful citizen. He was married, in 1867, to Miss Rachel Homer, daughter of Edward and Elizabeth Homer, who was born April 30, 1850. They have two children: Annabel, born in 1868, and Truman Homer, born in 1872.
ELIJAH WILLIS STALLINGS, farmer, was born in Robb Township, July 26, 1845. He is a representative of one of the pioneer families of the county. He is a son of Willis and Matilda (Harvey) Stallings, the tenth in a family of thirteen children, and is of English descent. His early life was spent on the farm, and his early education was obtained at the district schools. At the age of twenty-one he began life for himself as a farmer, and has followed that honorable occupation ever since. He removed to where he now lives, about fifteen years ago. He is a successful farmer, and in politics a Democrat. He was mar- ried, in 1867, to Miss Ellen Homer, daughter of Edward and Elizabeth Homer, and born July 5, 1847. They have two chil- dren: Luella, born in May, 1868, and Milton, born in September 1872. Mr. Stallings has of late years given considerable atten- tion to the raising of short-horn cattle.
GEORGE W. STALLINGS, a representative of one of the early families of this county, was born in Harmony Township, September 16, 1846. He is a son of William and Mary A. (Johnson ) Stallings, and of English descent. William Stallings was also a native of Posey County and died here in 1879. The boyhood of the subject of this sketch was passed on the farm, and in attendance upon the district schools. At the age of twenty-one, he began life on his own account. In 1869 he be- came engaged in the milling business in partnership with his father. In 1873 he retired from this business and began his present occupation, that of a farmer, and has now one of the best 175 acre farms in the county. Upon this farm he erected, in 1884, a fine residence forty-two-foot front, with a twenty-eight foot L, costing $2,500. He was married, January 2, 1870, to Miss Mary J. Murphy, of Posey County, Ind. They have six children: Frederick, born November 27, 1870; Mary, born Au- gust 21, 1872; Ida, November 23, 1874; Elvie, October 22, 1876; Nellie, October 3, 1878, and Ora E., born October 5, 1881. Mr
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Stallings is a representative farmer of the county, and has re- cently been paying considerable attention to short-horn cattle.
ELIAS STALLINGS, farmer, was born where he now lives, May 11, 1854, and is a representative of one of the early pioneer families of the county. He is a son of William and Mary A. (John- son) Stallings. His father was born in this county, and died here in 1876, He was a farmer and miller by occupation. His mother was a native of Kentucky, came to this county when about twenty years of age, and still resides on the old homestead, with her son, the subject of this sketch, who was raised on the farm. At twenty years of age, he began life for himself, work- ing on the farm. In 1874 he went to California, and after re- maining there one year, returned to the scenes of his childhood, and to farm life on the old Stallings homestead. Here he has since continued to live and now owns the place, a well improved farm of 175 acres. He is a prosperous farmer, and is now pay- ing attention to raising short-horn cattle. He is a Republican in politics, having cast his first vote for Rutherford B. Hayes. He was married in 1877, to Miss Seraphine Pitts, who was born at Springfield, Posey County, in 1855. Their children are as fol- lows: Arlenia, born July 24, 1879; Malcolm, born May 26, 1881, and Kelly, born August 4, 1883.
THOMAS J. TRUSCOTT, attorney at law, and retired farmer, was born October 17, 1840, in Wabash County, Ill. He is a son of George and Margaret (McCleary) Truscott, and is of English descent. His father was born in England, July 17, 1802, and his grandfather, Truscott, was born in England, in 1775. He immigrated to America in 1817, and settled in what was then known as Edwards County, Ill. About 1820 he re- moved from Carlisle to Albion, where he died in February, 1851. The father of Thomas J. left England in 1818, and settled at Carlisle, Ill., residing there until about 1820, when he removed to Albion. In 1832 he married Margaret McCleary, of Mc- Cleary's Bluff, Ill. In 1853 he removed to Mount Erie, Wayne Co., Ill., where he died in July, 1865. The mother of our sub- ject was born in Ohio, in 1809, and died December 12, 1844. Thomas J. Truscott was raised on the farm and attended district school. He has always been a hard student. He taught his first school in 1860, in Wayne County, Ill., and continued teach-
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HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
ing at intervals about ten years. In June, 1861, Mr. Truscott enlisted in Company E, Fortieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, serving, however, less than a year, being discharged on account of physical disability. In 1863 he re-enlisted in Company H, Ninety-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry, of which company he was elected first lieutenant. He was a good soldier and was mustered out at the expiration of his term of service in April, 1864. After the war he resumed agricultural pursuits and con- tinued thus engaged until 1875, when he removed to New Har- mony, where he has since resided. He has several fine farms in Lynn Township. In 1860 he began the study of law, and in 1876 was admitted to the Posey County bar. From 1882 to 1884 he was a special examiner in the United States Pension Bureau. He was a representative man of Posey County, and one of her best citizens. In politics he is a Republican. He was married in May, 1864, to Miss Catharine Wilson, of Posey County. They are the parents of these children: Mary, born February 15, 1865; Elizabeth B., born July 5, 1866, and Frede- rick W., born August 12, 1870. Mr. and Mrs. Truscott are lead- ing members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
HON. JOHN WALZ, manufacturer of boots and shoes, was born in Germany, February 28, 1829. He is a son of Phillip and Mary Ann (Litzler) Walz, both of whom were natives of Ger- many. The subject of this sketch immigrated from Germany to America in 1851, landing in New York, where he remained until the following fall. At that time he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, and in the spring of 1852 removed to New Harmony, where he lias since resided. Mr. Walz is by occupation a shoe- maker, having learned that trade in his native country. In politics he is a Democrat, having cast his first vote for Franklin Pierce for President in 1852. In 1874 he was elected to represent Posey County in the Legislature of Indiana, by a majority of 1,800, and in 1880 he was re-elected over an Independent Democrat, by a major- ity of about 500. In this position served to the entire satisfaction of his constituents, and introduced a number of bills which became laws. He is a prominent and leading man, and one of the most popular men in Posey County. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and also of the I, O. O. F. Mr. Walz was married, in 1852, to Miss Elizabeth Soll, of Kentucky, by whom he had five chil-
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dren, and who died in 1871. Mr. Walz was married the second time, in 1875, to Miss Ina Schnee, a native of Posey County, by whom he has one child: Neva Walz.
PETER WEBER, merchant tailor, one of the prominent citizens of Posey County, a son of George and Catharine (Tan- fertshoefer) Weber, was born in Germany, in 1849. Both his parents were Germans by birth. In his early youth he attended the German schools, and at nine years of age began learning the tailor's trade under the direction of his father. At sixteen years of age he was completely master of his trade. He served in the regular army three years, was a soldier in the Franco-Prussian war, and served in a number of the prominent battles of that great conflict of arms. In 1871 he came to America, remained for a time in Philadelphia, and in 1874 came to Posey County, settling in New Harmony where he lias since remained. Upon his arrival he engaged in, and has since continued in the mer- chant tailoring business, of which he has made a success. Being a public-spirited and enterprising man, he is bound to succeed. He left his home at thirteen years of age, and has made his own way in life ever since. In politics, he is a stanch Democrat. He was married, in 1874, to Miss Lone Emge, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, by whom he has two children: Mary, born in February, 1880, and Henry, born in November, 1881. Mr. Weberis one of the leading citizens of New Harmony, and an honorable gentle- man.
JOHN WILKERSON, one of the few living old settlers of Posey County, was born on the Neuse River, North Carolina, in 1816, the son of James and Louisa (Cooper) Wilkerson, of En- glish-Irish descent, and the eldest of six children. His father and mother were born in North Carolina in 1792. His paternal grand- father was a native of Maryland, and a drummer in the Revolu- tionary war. The Wilkerson family immigrated to Indiana in 1821, and settled in Posey County, where the father of our subject died in 1857, and his mother in 1863. Thus they were among the first settlers of this locality. John Wilkerson was reared on the farm and attended the early schools, his first teacher being Turner Nelson. At the age of twenty-one years, he began life for himself. In 1842 he began farming, and has since continued that occupa- tion, now owning 154 acres of good land: In 1844 he was married
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HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
to Miss Mary Jackson, a native of Vermont, daughter of James and Margaret ( Wood) Jackson. Mrs. Wilkerson came to Posey County in 1841, and is a lady widely known for her many virtues and numerous charitable acts. Six children were born to them, named James L., Josiah S., John B., Fannie, Ruark S. and Hen- ry S. Mr. Wilkerson, formerly a Whig, is now a stanch Repub- lican, and a good and useful citizen.
LYTLE WYLIE, farmer and stock raiser, was born in Posey County, Ind., in 1829, the son of James and Sophia ( Vandiever) Wylie, of Scotch-French origin. Lytle is the eldest of five chil- dren. His father was a Kentuckian, came to Posey County, Ind., at an early day, settled in Harmony Township, and here lived until his death in 1838. His mother was born in Kentucky in 1810, and now resides in Harmony Township. Lytle Wylie was reared on the farm, and in 1850 began for himself. In 1852 he crossed the plains by ox-team, to California, and engaged in mill- ing, remaining in that State until 1855. After that time he began farming, and has ever since continued, now owning 304 acres of good land. In 1880 he bought what is known as the Filligim farm. He was married, in 1864, to Louisa Burbick, a native of Posey County, Ind., and by her is the father of four children, named Frederick B., Mary E., Morris C. and Ethel. In 1860 Mr. Wylie was made a member of the I. O. O. F. He is a Democrat, and a leading citizen of his township.
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ROBB TOWNSHIP.
BENNET ALMON is a native of Posey County, Ind., born February 11, 1824. His parents, Thomas and Ruth (Martin) Almon, were natives of Kentucky and Virginia, respectively. The father was of English-Irish descent, born in 1790. He came to Posey County in his youth and followed the occupation of agri- culture. His death occurred December 19, 1877, and the mother's in 1870. Our subject remained at home until twenty-two years of age, and received a limited education, owing to the scarcity of schools at that early period. February 12, 1846, he married Maranda Armstrong, born in Illinois, December 25, 1829. To their union were born twelve children: Sarah E., Thomas B., Elsberry, Ruth J., Julia A., Nancy C., John L., Bailey M., Millie A. (deceased), Mary E., Martha L. (deceased), and Miranda F., all of whom are living at or near home. Mr. Almon has resided on the old homestead since marriage. He owns 156 acres of land, on which is erected a beautiful frame residence. He and his wife are members of the General Baptist Church, and he is a Demo- crat.
JOHN N. BARRETT was born March 30, 1843, in Posey County, Ind., and is one of eleven children born to George A. and Minerva (Sanders) Barrett. The father was of English de- scent, born October 12, 1818. He owned 430 acres of land in Robb Township and was among the first settlers of the county. He died December 5, 1871, after a useful and well spent life. The mother was Irish by birth, born in Kentucky in 1820. Since the death of her husband she has made her home with her children, who are living near each other. Our subject was educated in the common schools and made his home with his mother until twenty- six years old. September 21, 1869, he took for his companion through life Phoebe A., daughter of Isaiah and Polly Wilkinson. She is a native of Gibson County, Ind., born in 1842. They have three children: Elma, Clara E. and Arthur. After his marriage
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HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY,
Mr. Barrett purchased his prosent form of 120 acres. He is a stanch Republican and cast his first vote for U. S. Grant. 110 and wife are members of the Christian Church.
LIONEL I. BOYLE. John Boyle, the father of our subject, was of Irish descent, born in Kentucky, January 4, 1792, and was " tiller of the soil. May 20, 1814, he married Elizabeth Ross, and they became the parents of seven children. They came to Indiana in 1818, and lived in different parts of Poway County until 1841, when he purchased 120 aeros in Robb Township and lived until hisdeath January 8, 1850. The mother was born in Bul- timore, January 1, 1794, and died January 24, 1864. Lionel was born October 20, 1815 and obtained his education in the old log . schoolhouse of fifty or sixty yours ago. April 24, 1888, be married Augusta A. Ubink, daughter of Lewis and Culharino Ubink, born in 1813, in Germany. To their union six childron were born med: Julius F., Louis M., Louisa C., Lizzie S., John I. and Mary U. Julius is an M. D. in Xonin, Ill .; Louis is n. farmer in Kentucky; Louisa is in Missouri and the remainder are at or your home. Mr. Boyle located on the old homestead after marriage. He owns 150 neres of land on which he has Greeted good buildings. He is a Democrat and a member of the I. O. O. F.
JAMICH M. BOYLE, one of the old settlers of Poway County, Ind., was born December 5, 1825, and is one of n large family of children born to John and Elizabeth (Ross) Boyle. Our subject received a somewhat limited education owing to the newness of the country and the sparsely located schoolhouses. Ha resided with his parents until twenty-four years of age. January 8, 1856, he led to Hymon's altar, Caroline Ross, daughter of Alexander and Sarah (Smith ) Ross. Mrs. Boyle was born December 10, 18:33, in Rush County, Ind. Their union was blessed with nine children, seven of whom are living: Ada. F., James O., Edgar L., Ida M., Magnus F. A., Crume and Edna E. Mr. Boyle owns 200 acres of excellent land in Robb Township. He has been vory successful and on his farm are erected first class buildings. He is an enthusiastic Democrat and cast his first vote for Lewis Cass, of Michigan. He and wife are members of the Christian Church.
VIRGIL P. BOZEMAN, banker of Posayville, Ind., is a son of William C. and Rebecca A. (Philips) Bozeman, and was born
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
January 5, 1842, in White County, Ill. The father was a native of the same place, born January 26, 1816, a wool-carder by occupation. He moved to Posey County, Ind., in 1842 and located near Poseyville. A year later he moved to the town where he remained until his death, April 10, 1872. He was a successful business man and good financier. The mother was of Irish extraction and was born in the same State and county as her husband, November 21, 1819. Since the death of her hus- band she has lived with our subject. Vigil P. came with his parents to Posey County when an infant. He has a fair business education, completing the common school course and attending the University at Bloomington, Ind., for one year. When eighteen years old he began teaching school, continuing at that work seven years. December 10, 1874, he married Sarah E. Jaquess, born in Posey County, September 5, 1840. Since marriage they have resided in Poseyville, where Mr. Bozeman follows the occupation of brokerage. In 1883 he was elected president of the Posey County Bank at Mount Vernon, which suspended business about eighteen months later. In the winter of 1885 he and George Waters organized a private bank in Poseyville, which is at the present time in a prosperous condition. He owns about 700 acres of land besides town property in Poseyville. In politics he is a Republican and cast his first vote for A. Lincoln. He is a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F. and Masonic fraternity. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
R. A. BRENNAN, the leading merchant of Poseyville, was born June 18, 1848, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is the youngest son of a family of eight children of Michael and Elizabeth Brennan. His parents were both of Irish birth and were married in the old country when quite young, immigrating to America about 1840. They located in Cincinnati where our subject's father en- gaged in the business of merchant tailoring, but his health fail- ing he was forced to give this up. He died while his youngest son was yet an infant. Several years after the death of our sub- ject's father his mother to Lexington, Ky., where she now lives, a venerable old lady. Our subject was reared without a father's care or training and received but a limited education, such as the country schools afforded. At the early age of twelve years he was compelled to fight the battle of life alone. He commenced
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