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 54
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in the army, it rendering him unfit for service. After five months' service he returned home. He is a leading Republican and cast his first vote for Scott. He has been quite successful as a farmer and is much respected by all.
JOHN SCHAPKER was born in Prussia, Germany in 1831. He is a son of Wenner and Margaret Schapker, who were natives of Prussia, the father born in 1791 and the mother in 1793. In 1843 they came to America and proceeded to Cincinnati, Ohio, where they lived until 1846. They then came to Posey County, Ind., locating on the farm where John now lives. The father's death occurred in 1872, and the mother's in 1874. Our subject inherited the home farm and cared for his parents in their old age. By hard work and good management he increased his farm to 150 acres, 100 acres being under cultivation. In 1855 he was married to Berndina Grote, born in 1829, in Prussia. To their union nine children were born: Mary, Henry, Gerhard, Anne, Anthony, Lizzie, John G., Kate and Bernard. Both Mr. and Mrs. Schapker and their children are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Schapker is politically a Democrat and cast his first vote for Pierce. He has been a successful farmer and is one of Posey County's most respected citizens.
ELSBERRY SMITH is the son of George R. and Sarah (Armstrong) Smith. The father was born in North Carolina, in 1772. He first married Lydia Tate, and about five years later moved to Kentucky where his wife died. In 1810 he married our subject's mother, and two years later came to Posey County and settled on the place where Elsberry now lives. Smith Town- ship was named in honor of him. His death occurred in 1840, and the mother's in 1854. Our subject was born in 1818, in Posey County, and at the death of his parents, he took the home farm of 233 acres, which he has since increased to 318 acres. In 1845 Mr. Smith was married to Susannah Blackwell, born in 1821, in North Carolina, and daughter of William M. and Eliza- beth (Strader) Blackwell, who were born in 1801 and 1799, respectively. The father still lives at the age of eighty-four. The mother died in 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of ten children: George D., William M., John F., Ira B., Al- bert E., Sarah E., Joseph B., Fannie E., Charles W. and James A. Mr. Smith is a member of the Regular Baptist Church.
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For eight years he was township trustee and filled that position to the entire satisfaction of the people.
1 JAMES A. SMITH, a well to do farmer, of Smith Township, Posey Co., Ind., is a son of Daniel and Nancy (Spain) Smith (see sketch of J. C. Smith). He was born in Pike County, Ind., in 1827, and at the age of twenty-five years, left home to battle with the world. He lived on a rented farm for two years, and then moved to Illinois and purchased 160 acres of land. A year later he returned and located in Smith Township. In 1857 he purchased 120 acres of the farm on which he lives at the present time. He now owns 248 acres of land, 180 of which are under cultivation. In 1852 he was married to Sarah A. McReynolds, born in 1833, in Posey County. She is the daughter of Joseph A. and Elizabeth (Bloodworth ) McReynolds. They became the parents of eight children: Martha J., William S., Sophronia E., James W., Alfred N. and three unnamed. Husband and wife are members of the Regular Baptist Church, and he is a Democrat and cast his first vote for Van Buren.
JOHN C. SMITH is the son of Daniel and Nancy (Spain) Smith. The father was born in North Carolina in 1788, and the mother about ten years later in Virginia. In the latter State they were married, and soon after moved to Tennessee. In 1818 they came to Pike County, Ind., from there to Gibson County, and finally, in 1845, they settled in Posey County, where they remained during life. In early life the father was a hatter, but after marriage he devoted his entire time to farming. The mother died in 1852 and the father in 1874. John C. was born in Gibson County, Ind., in 1831. In early life he had very poor advantages for schooling, and at the age of twenty-one he began farming on a rented place. At the end of two years he purchased eighty acres of land. He cleared this and then sold it and pur- chased 110 acres, where he now lives. He increased lis farm to 209 acres, but later sold forty acres. Mrs. Smith owns 255 acres of land, this making them an excellent farm of 424 acres. In 1852 Mr. Smith was united in matrimony to Lavina Robb, born in 1837, and daughter of Peyton and Susan (Finch) Robb. They became the parents of nine children: Peyton R., Susan M., Anna, George C., Ida, James W., Nora and Flora and Alice F. In 1874 Mr. Smith was chosen county commissioner, and acted in
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that capacity for six years in succession with great ability. After an interval of three years he was again elected to that office, and is now filling that position with credit to himself. He is one of the leading Democrats of Smith Township, and cast his first vote for Pierce. Both husband and wife are members of the Regular Baptist Church.
CRAWFORD B. SMITH, one of the rising young farmers of Smith Township, Posey Co., Ind., is the son of William B. and Jemima (Smith ) Smith. He was born in 1849, and in boy- hood attended the common schools, and at the death of his father in 1878 began farming on his present place of 120 acres. In 1879 he took for his companion through life Rachel E. Haines, born in 1861, a native of Posey County, and daughter of Charles C. and Jane (Culley) Haines. They became the parents of two children: Virgil D. and Edgar L. Mr. Smith is a supporter of Democratic principles, and cast his first vote for Greeley. He has been a successful farmer, and is well known and respected by all. Mrs. Smith is a member of the Baptist Church.
JAMES R. SMITH was born in Posey County, Ind., in 1851. He attended the district schools in boyhood, and graduated from the Mount Vernon High School in 1873. A year later he took entire charge of the home farm of 227 acres, and since that period has added forty acres more. Mary E. Haines, born in 1856, became his wife in 1874. She is a daughter of Charles C. and Jane (Cully) Haines. Mr. and Mrs. Smith became the par- ents of four children: Ina B., Della M., Eza F. and one unnamed. Mr. Smith is a Democrat, and cast his first vote for Greeley. His wife is a member of the Regular Baptist Church. Our subject's parents were William and Jemima (Smith) Smith. They were born in Muhlenburgh County, Ky., the father in 1811 and the mother in 1809. William was married twice, his first wife being Jane Smith. After six years of wedded bliss she died, and in 1845 he led to Hymen's altar Jemimah, our subject's mother. The father was a farmer, and was also connected with the Cynthiana Mills. He was county treasurer four years, and in 1872 was elected assessor by an overwhelming majority. He was called to his long home in 1878. The mother still lives and is seventy-four years of age.
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JAMES B. STEVENS is a son of James J. and Janet (Lee) Stevens, and was born in Posey County, Ind., in 1848. When nineteen years of age he began to do for himself, and was a farm laborer for two years and then took charge of the home farm. In 1878 he was married to Sonora Stewart, born in 1853, daughter of Josiah and Elizabeth (Redman) Stewart. They have four children: Bertie G., Elsie M., Beulah L. and Heber R. Both husband and wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Stevens is a warm Democrat. His parents were natives of Mason County, Ky., born in 1801 and 1816 respect- ively. They were married in 1837, and left their native State and came to Indiana to build up a new home among the woods of Posey County. Mr. Stevens became the owner of eighty acres of land, and followed farming as an occupation after marriage. Pre- vions to this he flat-boated on the Ohio River. He died in 1884. His wife yet lives on the old homestead.
MOSES A. WILKINSON is a son of Isaiah and Mary (Pruett) Wilkinson. The father was born in 1813 in Gibson County, Ind., and the mother was born in 1812, in Boyle County, Ky. The father was a farmer, and in 1875 he came with his family to this county, locating at Cynthiana. He was first mar- ried to Elizabeth McConnell, and after her death he married Mary Pruett in 1837. In 1871 she passed from among the living, and about two years later he married Lou Karns, with whom he still lives. Mr. Wilkinson, when quite a small lad, was bound out to a man by the name of Hunter, but on account of brutal treatment his brother William removed him, and took charge of him until he was grown. The first year he received $100 for his labor, and since that time he has been increasing his capital, until he is now very wealthy. To each of his seven children he gave $4,000 when of age, and has donated $500 to Miram Col- lege and the same amount to the railroad running through Cyn- thiana. Our subject was born in Gibson County in 1838, and remained with his father until 1862, when he enlisted in the army in Company F, Eightieth Indiana Infantry. He was in a number of battles, and after seventeen months' service was dis- charged on account of general debility. In 1865 he was mar- ried to Nancy Bixler, born in 1841, daughter of John and Caro- line Bixler, who were natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs.
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Wilkinson are the parents of seven children: Isaiah E., Clarence E., Azilah F., Jobn B., William A., Elizabeth E. and one un- named. Mr. Wilkinson is a member of the Christian Church, and his wife of the Methodist. He is a Republican, and cast his first vote for Lincoln. Years ago he moved on the farm of 200 acres where he now lives. He is a successful farmer, and is known by all as an honest and wide-awake business man.
WILLIAM WILKINSON, one of the earliest settlers of Posey County, Ind., is a son of Cary and. Sarah (Mangrum) Wilkinson. Both parents were born in North Carolina, where they married, and a few years later removed to Kentucky. They resided in that State four or five years, and then came to Indiana, locating near Fort Branch, in Gibson County. The father died in 1823 and his widow married again and returned to Kentucky, where she died. Our subject was born in his parents' native State in 1800. In early life his educational advantages were very poor, and he has never learned to write. When seven- teen years old he hired out as a farm laborer, but soon pur- chased a farm of forty acres, which he went in debt for. By hard work and good management he not only paid for this, but from time to time added to it, until he at one time owned nearly 700 acres. In 1819 Mary M. Miller became his wife, and to them were born eleven children: Aaron B., Balaam, Levi J., John, Isaiah, Silas N., Delilah, Sarah E., Narcissa C., Esther C. and one deceased. In 1849 Mrs. Wilkinson died and the same year the husband married Elizabeth (Ben- nett) Bennett, born in 1802. In politics Mr. Wilkinson is a Republican, and cast his first vote for Clay. He is one of the famous hunters of this section of the country, having killed both bear and panther. He has been very successful as a farm- er, as he commenced life a poor boy, and now owns one of the largest farms in Posey County.
LEVI J. WILKINSON, the leading merchant of Cynthiana, Ind., is a son of William and Mary (Miller) Wilkinson. He was born in Gibson County, Ind., in 1825, and when twenty years of age he began farming for himself, and continued at that occupation till 1851, when he sold his farm and came to Posey County, and purchased a farm of 160 acres in Smith Township. Four years later he discontinued farming and engaged in mer-
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chandising, being a member of the firm of Wilkinson & Putman. He soon after purchased Mr. Putman's share of the stock, and then entered into partnership with J. H. C. Lowe, and shortly after two more men were added to the company, the firm then be- ing called Wilkinson, Lowe & Co. Shortly after Mr. Wilkinson sold his share to his partners, and commenced the mercantile business by himself. He built a commodious store in 1866, and filled it with a fine line of goods, and has since carried on a lively business. In 1845 he was married to Elizabeth Smith, born in 1814, daughter of Daniel and Nancy (Spain) Smith. To Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson two children were born, who died in infancy. After a married life of twenty-five years Mrs. Wilkinson died, and in 1871 her husband married Julia E. Wilkinson, daughter of Isaiah and Mary (Pruett) Wilkinson. The husband and both wives were members of the Christian Church, and he has always taken great interest in all public enterprises, and was one of the solicitors for a donation for the railroad running through Cynthi- ana, himself donating $1,000 to the enterprise, besides his share of the tax. He is a leading Republican, and cast his first vote for Taylor. He has been a successful farmer and a reliable and energetic business man.
WILLIAM H. WILLIAMS may be mentioned as one of Posey County's prominent citizens. He is a son of Enoch and Lydia (Lowe) Williams and was born in 1820. His parents were natives of Tennessee and Maryland, respectively. They were married in Posey County, Ind., in 1819. The father was a farmer and owned 200 acres of good land. His death oc- curred in 1843 and the mother's in 1871. William H., our sub- ject, began farming for himself in Vanderburg County, when twenty-one years old. After remaining there three years, he re- turned to Posey County and purchased ninety acres in Smith Township. In 1854 he traded that for the farm, consisting of 180 acres, where he now lives. In 1841 he married Mary, daughter of Herendon and Janet (Hearlston) Meadows. They became the parents of these children: Joseph B., Greenberry, Rebecca J., Silas H., Julia A., John H., James F. and May E. Mrs. Williams was called to her long home in 1862, and in December of the same year Mr. Williams married Margaret (McMunn) Barton. They have three children: William C., Charlotte and Prudence
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M. Mr. Williams and wife are members of the Baptist Church, and he is a Democrat and cast his first vote for Polk.
JAMES P. WILLIAMS, a retired farmer of Cynthiana, Ind., is the son of George and Ordra (Journey ) Williams. They came to this State and county in early times and located near Cynthiana, where they remained till the father's death in 1850. Since that time the mother has lived among her children, and has reached the advanced age of eighty-nine years. James P. was born in 1823, and at the age of eighteen began working for him- self among the farmers in the neighborhood for four or five years. He then purchased ninety acres of timber land on credit, but by good management and energy he paid for this and thirty acres more. He sold this at a good profit and purchased the farm where he now lives. In 1850 he married Freelove J. Gib- son, born in 1830. After a wedded life of forty-five years Mrs. Williams died, leaving five children: Anna L., Mary J., Martha, George E. and Laura B. Mr. Williams is one of the leading Democrats of his township, having cast his first vote for Polk. He has been very successful as a farmer, and now owns a good little farm. He at one time was the owner of 115 acres of land where Haubstadt now is, which he sold for about $3 per acre. Mr. Williams is much respected in the neighborhood where he lives, and has done much to aid the business interests of the county.
JOHN WILSON is a son of Thomas and Mary (McRey- nolds) Wilson, who were natives of North Carolina. The father was born in 1781 and the mother in 1786. They were married in Virginia and moved to Posey County, Ind., in January, 1822. The father died at the age of eighty-three, and the mother when sixty years old. Our subject was born in Posey County in 1828. His educational advantages were limited, and when nineteen years of age he assumed the entire control of his father's farm of 240 acres, which he afterward increased to 513 acres. In 1848 the nuptials of his marriage with Avilena Shelton were celebrated. She was born in Vanderburg County, in 1830, and is the daughter of John and Catherine (Finch) Shelton. Mrs. Wilson died in 1854 leaving two children; Mary C. and John T. Mr. Wilson took for his second wife Sarah A. Boyle, born in 1835, daughter of Robert and Nancy (Eaton) Boyle. They be- came the parents of eight children: Nancy J., Cornelia E., Leroy
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C., Mary E., Marshal L., Elmira A., Indiana, and one unnamed. Mr. Wilson's first wife was a member of the Cumberland Presby- terian Church, and he and his present wife belong to the Baptist Church. He is a Democrat politically, and has been highly suc- cessful as a farmer and owns one of the largest farms in Smith Township. He takes great pride in raising fine stock-horses, cattle, sheep and hogs. He is very enterprising, and is one of the two men who introduced the threshing separator in his neigh- borhood.
WILLIAM YOUNG, SR., one of the early settlers of Smith Township, Posey Co., Ind., was born in Virginia, in 1810. His parents, William and Susan (Turney) Young were natives of Virginia, where they were married. The father died in that State, and the mother moved to Kentucky, and in 1818 or 1819 came to this county and located in Smith Township. About 1815 she married Thomas Endicott an octogenarian. The result of this marriage was one child, Absalom T. About 1832 the mother died. Our subject came with his mother to this county. He never received schooling enough to learn to read and write, but within the last ten years he has learned to read reasonably well. He was married, in 1829, to Mary Wilson, born in 1813. They have three children: Lucinda, Mary and Thomas. Mrs. Young died, and in 1844 Mr. Young married Martha A. Cleveland, born in 1824. They became the parents of eleven children: Nancy, John, James, Mary, Serena, Susan, Louisa. Indiana, Berthena, William, and Lavina. His second wife died in 1864, and in 1869 he wedded Liza (Cleveland) Montgomery. Mr. Young is a member of the Baptist Church and is an old time Democrat. He first worked at the cooper's trade, but later com- menced farming. He made several changes of residence, but finally settled on his present farm, where he lives respected and esteemed by all.
MINER YOUNG is a son of John and Elizabeth (Neal) Young. The father was born in Virginia in 1803, and the mother in North Carolina in 1802. The father was a cooper by trade, but later followed the occupation of farming. He died in 1872, and his wife three years later. Our subject was born in Posey County, Ind., in 1844. His educational advantages were very limited, but he has since acquired a good practical educa-
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tion. As he was a strong Union man, at the breaking out of the Rebellion he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Thirty- sixth Indiana Infantry. After serving his country faithfully for four months he returned home. In 1866 he was married to Emily C. Miller, born in 1844, daughter of Godfrey and Sarah (Forcrum) Miller. They became the parents of four children: Sarah E., Thomas B., Stella A. and Ethel E. Mr. Young is one of the leading Democrats of his township, and cast his first vote for Greeley. In 1866 he received 140 acres of land from his father's estate. By industry he has increased this to 220 acres, about 170 of which are under cultivation. Mr. Young has been quite successful as a farmer, and is one of Posey County's most worthy citizens.
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LYNN TOWNSHIP.
THOMAS L. ALDRICH, a prominent farmer of Posey Coun- ty, Ind., was born December 27, 1818, in Ohio. He is a son of Luke and Elizabeth (Lowry) Aldrich. The father was a na- tive of the Green Mountain State. He was married in Ohio, where his wife was born, and in 1821, they : moved to Posey County, Ind. The father, who was a farmer, died in 1839. Thomas L. came with his parents to Indiana when he was but three years old. When twenty-four years of age he married and located on the farm where he has ever since lived. He owns . 400 acres of land, all but about six acres being under cultivation. In 1846 he married Margaret Todd, who died a year later. They had one child, who died in infancy. In 1849 he married Isabel Welborn, a daughter of John Welborn, a very early settler of Black Township. She was born June 29, 1828. They have seven children: Marion, Anne, John T., Lizzie, Edward S., Sallie and Ida B. Mrs. Aldrich is a member of the General Baptist Church. Mr. Aldrich has always been a Republican, but has never sought for office. By strict attention to business he has acquired a good competency, and is recognized as one of the county's foremost citizens and farmers.
MARION S. ALDRICH is the son of Mark S. and Lucretia (Belee) Aldrich. The father was born in 1803, and the mother in 1802. They were married in Ohio, and some years later moved to Illinois, and about 1839 came to Posey County, Ind. The father was a farmer. His death occurred in 1841, and the mother's in 1876. Marion was born in Scioto County, Ohio, in 1830. His educational advantages were very limited. He remained at home until twenty-four years old, supporting his mother and the younger members of the family. After farming the home place for some time he purchased eighty acres of bot- tom land. He soon paid for that and also added forty acres more. In 1856 he was married to Alvira A. Lee, born in 1838.
Chat Krever,
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To them was born one child, Cynthia L. After a brief married life Mrs. Aldrich died, and in 1862 Mr. Aldrich took for his sec- ond wife Missouri Braudes, born in 1844. They became the par- ents of seven children: Mark W., Sarah E., Emma, James N., Marion S., Elmer H. and Fred. Both husband and wife are members of the General Baptist Church. Mr. Aldrich is a Re- publican and cast his first vote for Scott.
MARION ALDRICH is the eldest of a family of seven chil- dren born to the marriage of Thomas L. Aldrich and Isabel Wel- born (appropriate mention of whom is made in this work). He was born February 16, 1849, on the place where his father now lives. He was reared on the farm and received a common school education. He remained at home until twenty-three years old, when he married and located on his present farm. He has been fairly successful, and owns eighty-three acres of exceptionally fine land, well improved with excellent residence, barn and granaries. His barn is a model of convenience, being furnished with all the modern improvements. In 1872 he took for his helpmate through life Mollie C. Rodenberger, a native of this county, born in 1853. They have five children, all of whom are living: Norma, May, Nellie, Cecil and Clara. Both husband and wife are members of the General Baptist Church, and he is a warm Republican.
JOHN T. ALDRICH is the third child of Thomas L. and Isabel (Welborn) Aldrich (appropriate mention of whom is made elsewhere). He was born December 10, 1854, in Posey County, Ind., and was raised on a farm. When twenty-two years old he led to Hymen's altar, Elva French, daughter of Ralph and Eliza- beth (Kivett) French. They have three children: Ida, Fannie and Ralph. The wife was born February 17, 1856, in Posey County, where her father is residing. Politically Mr. Aldrich is, and always has been, a Republican, and is one of the rising young far- mers of this county. He has been very successful in his business ventures and owns 195 acres of very good land, about one-half of which is under cultivation.
EDWARD S. ALDRICH may be mentioned as one of the promising and industrious young farmers of Posey County, Ind. He is a son born to the marriage of Thomas L. Aldrich and Isabel Welborn, and is a native of Posey County, born on the farm where his father now lives, September 24, 1860. His boyhood
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days were spent on a farm, and only the common school advan- tages were afforded him. He made his home with his people un- til attaining the age of twenty-four years, when he married and settled on his present farm which is a short distance from his- father's place of residence. January 8, 1885, he married Char- lotte, daughter of Ralph French. She was born in 1862. Mr. Aldrich is a young man of promising success and is highly re- spected by all his neighbors. Politically he has always been a Republican. He owns but a small farm which his father gave him, but the land is very fertile, and his start being equal to his two senior brothers' warrants his future success.
HENRY ALDRIDGE was born in Black Township, Posey Co., Ind., 1828, son of Reuben and Mary (York) Aldridge, who were natives of North Carolina and were born in 1797 and 1798 respectively. The father was a farmer. His death occurred in 1877 and the mother's twelve days later. On attaining his majority Henry began farming for himself. He purchased a one-fourth interest in 100 acres of land and worked his share for several years and then sold out and after several changes bought this farm of 160 acres which he now owns. In 1857 he took a half interest in a saw-mill, but owing to his partner's misman- agement he became considerably involved. At sheriff's sale Mr. Aldridge bought the entire mill and operated it for about ten years, saving enough money in the meantime to pay all his debts. In 1849 he was married to Rachel Walker, born in 1832. They have nine children: Missouri A., Rufus, Margaret C., Mary C., Eva J., Barney, Sarah E,, Lloyd and Esther M. Mr. Aldridge is a stanch Democrat and cast his first vote for Pierce. His wife is a member of the General Baptist Church.
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