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 56
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CHARLES W. WEIR, a prominent young farmer and mer- chant, was born in Mount Vernon, Posey Co., Ind., September 5, 1857. He was raised on a farm and received only a common school education. At the age of twenty-one he married and be- gan farming on the old homestead. In 1883 he engaged in the merchandise business. He has met with well deserved success,
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and owns 143 acres of very fertile land. December 2, 1878, the ceremony uniting him in the bonds of matrimony to Ida McFad- din was solemnized. She is a daughter of Enoch McFaddin. They have one son, Enoch J. Mr. Weir is a Democrat and a first-class citizen of the county. The parents of our subject were James and Mary (Noel) Weir, natives of the Blue Grass and Buckeye States respectively. The father was born in 1809 and when six years old came with his parents to Posey County, Ind. Charles' grandfather was a native of the Emerald Isle and was one of the old pioneer settlers of the county. He was proprietor of a flouring-mill and distillery combined, the only one ever in Lynn Township. It was erected in 1838 and run by steam. The father died in 1868.
WILLIAM WHITE, of the firm White & Williams, manu- facturers of brick and tile, is the son of David A. and Deborah (Wilsey) White. The father was born in Posey County, in 1829. The mother is a native of Illinois, and was born in 1833. They were married in New Harmony, in 1850, and about 1865 moved to Lynn Township, where they resided fifteen years, and finally located in Gibson County, where they yet live. William was born in Harmony Township in 1851. When twenty-one years old he began working for himself among the farmers in his neighborhood. In 1875 he was married to Almedia Wilson, born in 1859, daughter of John and Briney (Rogers) Wilson. Mr. and Mrs. White became the parents of three children: Bertha, Shelley and Homer. Our subject is a stanch Democrat, and cast his first vote for Tilden. He has been moderately successful, and as a manufacturer of brick and tile does first-class work. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
LUKE WILEY is the second of eight children, born to Lytle and Elizabeth (Vandever) Wiley. The father was born where Frankfort, Ky., now is, December 10, 1800. His father, William Wiley, with his family and one brother came to Indiana, settling in the woods of Posey County. Both William and his brother were killed by the Indians near the, Gibson and Posey County line. Our subject's father was then taken back to Ken- tucky, but in 1812 he returned and located at New Harmony. When about twenty-five years old he moved to Centre Township, where he passed the remainder of his life. His death oc-
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curred December 8, 1863. The mother was born in North Carolina, June 8, 1808. Her death occurred February 13, 1877. Of this parentage was born the immediate subject of this sketch, January 17, 1830. When twenty-six years old, he married and settled on a farm in New Harmony, but later moved to his present farm; he has 282 acres of well- improved land. February 21, 1857, he wedded Mary French, daughter of Davis French, an old settler of the county. She was born December 10, 1837. They became the parents of six children, four of whom are living: William F., Sallie B., Edward L. and Charles P. Mr. Wiley's political views are Democratic; he is a prominent man of the township, and is highly respected by all.
WILLIAM WILSON, one of the prominent farmers of Lynn Township, Posey Co., Ind., and son of Robert and Elizabeth (Wilson) Wilson, was born in Posey County, in 1818. At the age of twenty-two, he began clearing his eighty acre woodland farm given him by his father. By energy and good management he has increased his farm to 640 acres, 200 acres of which he has given to his children. In 1841 he was married to Cynthia Mathews, born in Posey County, Ind., in 1818, and daughter of Aquilla and Susanna (Saltzman) Mathews. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson became the parents of ten children: Susanna, Elizabeth, Lewis, Maria, Robert, John, Mary A., Sarah C., William and Jane. Mrs. Wilson's death occurred in 1866, and since that time Mr. Wilson's daughters have been his housekeepers. About 1858 he was. chosen one of the three trustees for the township, and later, under the new law, was chosen to fill the office alone; he supports Dem- ocratic principles, and cast his first vote for Van Buren.
CHRISTOPHER WILSON is a son of Robert and Elizabeth (Wilson) Wilson, and was born in Posey County, Ind., in 1824. The parents were natives of Pennsylvania and were born in 1792 and 1794 respectively. They brought their goods and chattels on a flat-boat down the Ohio River, landing at Mount Vernon, then consisting of but one log house. For a year they lived in Sand Hills and then moved to New Harmony, where they remained five years. Some time after they moved to Lynn Township, where they filled out the measure of their days. The father was a farmer, and county commissioner. His death occurred in 1865
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and the mother's four years later. At the age of twenty-four, Christopher began farming on his father's place, and three years later his father deeded him 160 acres of land, where he now lives. He at one time owned 620 acres, but has given part to his chil- ‹ren. He was married to Elizabeth Rogers in 1848. She was born in 1823, and is a daughter of Alex and Orra (Stallings) Rogers. They have five children: Catherine, Sarah J., Colum- bus C., Joseph and Julia. Mr. Wilson is a Democrat and cast his first vote for Cass. He and wife, and the two eldest children are members of the Regular Baptist Church.
ALEXANDER WILSON is a native of Posey County. Ind., where he was born in 1826. He acquired such education as could be obtained in the schools of his day, and when twenty-eight years old began laboring for himself. He worked for seven years for his father, and at the end of that time his father deeded him 160 acres of land on which was a log house, 18x24. He has since increased his farm to 415 acres, of which about 250 are cleared and under cultivation. Mr. Wilson's political proclivities are Democratic. He cast his first vote for Lewis Cass, of Michigan. In 1853 he led to Hymen's altar Margaret Stallings, born in 1832, daughter of John and Celia (McAdoo) Stallings. To Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were born seven children: Eugene, Lawrence, Walter, Helen M., Robert E., Harry C. and one unnamed.
ISAAC WILSON was born in Posey County, Ind., in 1834, and is a son of Christopher and Abigail (Bacon) Wilson. The father was a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of Ten- nessee. . The father came to this county in 1816; and after a two years' residence in Harmony Township; moved to Lynn Township and located on the farm where Isaac now lives. The father's death occurred in 1858, and the mother's in 1873. At the death of his father Isaac Wilson inherited about twenty-five acres of land, which he has since increased to 300 acres, 200 acres being under cultivation. In 1858 he was married to Lucy A. Edmunds, a native of Posey County, born in 1839, daughter of Samuel and Tabitha (Goad) Edmunds. They have three children: Samuel C., Tabitha E, and Lou W. Mr. Wilson is a stanch Republican, and cast his first vote for Lincoln. He has always led an active life, and as a citizen is widely known and respected.
WWW. Trafford
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ROBERT WILSON is a native of Posey County, Ind., where he was born in 1850. He is a son of William and Cyn- thia ( Mathews) Wilson, and passed his boyhood days on the farm. He received a good practical business education in the common schools, and until the age of twenty-five years remained with his father on the farm. In 1875 he was married to Angeline French, born in Posey County in 1856, and to their union one child was born, Fred. Mrs. Wilson is a daughter of Ralph and Elizabeth (Kivett) French. When Robert was married his father deeded him eighty acres of land, on which he has lived ever since. In 1884 he took a trip westward with the view to investing in land, but returned home without making a purchase. He has been quite a successful farmer, and as a citizen ranks among the first in the county. He is a supporter of Democratic principles and cast his first vote for Greeley.
CHRISTOPHER C. WILSON, one of the rising young farmers of Lynn Township, Posey Co., Ind., is the son of Chris- topher and Elizabeth (Rogers) Wilson. He is a native of the township in which he now lives, and was born in 1851. He received a very good education in the common schools near his home, and at the age of twenty-two began farming for himself on eighty acres of land given him by his father, all of which is under cultivation, Mr. Wilson himself having cleared twenty-five acres. In 1873 he was married to Anna P. Stephens, a native of. the county, born in 1855, and daughter of Ausburn T. and Eliza- beth (Hume) Stephens. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson became the par- ents of two children: Ida B. and Hervey C. Both husband and wife are members of the Regular Baptist Church. Mr. Wilson is a Democrat politically, and cast his first vote for Greeley. He has been a successful farmer, and is one of the rising citizens of the county.
JOHN WILSON, JR., is the son of William and Cynthia (Mathews) Wilson, and was born in Posey County in 1851. He acquired a practical education and remained at home until twenty-two years of age. He was married, in 1873, to Missouri E. Goad, a native of Posey County, born in 1855. To them was born one child, Elva. A year after his marriage Mr. Wilson inherited sixty-one acres of land, which he has since increased to 109 acres. His political views are Democratic, and his first vote
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was cast for Greeley. He is an enterprising young farmer, and is worthy the respect of all. Mrs. Wilson's parents are Thomas and Elizabeth (Bundy) Goad, who were born in 1832 and 1835 respectively. The father received but little schooling owing to undeveloped school systems and the demand for his services at home. When twenty years old he began farming on his father's place, and during the summer time flat-boated on the Ohio River. In 1854 he received eighty acres of the farm where he now lives. He is now the owner of 250 acres. He and wife became the parents of six children, Missouri E. being the eldest. Mr. Goad is the leading Republican of his township, and cast his first vote for Fremont.
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CENTRE TOWNSHIP.
FINLEY ALLISON was born in Tennessee September 19, 1817. Hugh and Abigail (Bacon) Allison were the parents of six children, our subject being the second. They were of Irish extraction, and were natives of Virginia. From their native State they moved to Tennessee, thence to Posey County, Ind., in 1819. The father was a farmer of limited circumstances. Fin- ley's educational advantages were very limited, owing to the early death of his father. At the age of thirteen he began supporting himself and attending school at every opportunity. When twenty years old he began farming for himself. He has continued at that work ever since, and owns eighty acres of land and con- siderable town property, including one of the stores in the town of Wadesville. He carries a general line of merchandise and has a good trade. Sarah Himan became his wife in 1838. . They became the parents of seven children, now but three living. The children were born as follows: Nancy Jane, John W., Hugh A., Mary Anne, Abigail, Emily and Finley. Mr. Allison is a very ardent Republican. He has held the office of justice of the peace three terms, and has been postmaster of Wadesville over four years.
JOHN BECKER, a prominent farmer of Centre Township, was born May 16, 1834, in Germany. He is the eldest of a fam- ily of four children born to the marriage of John Becker and Katrina Hirth, native Germans, who came to America in 1852, landing at New Orleans. They started for Evansville, Ind., but the mother died on the way. The rest of the family reached tlie city and settled there, where the father engaged at daily manual labor. Our subject came with his parents to America, and was eighteen years old at that time. He remained with his father until he attained his majority, when he married and began farm- ing in Posey County, near where he now lives. He soon after purchased his present farm, and has been very fortunate. He
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owns 578 acres of excellent land, well improved. March 10, 1855, he wedded Elizabeth Letterman, who bore him eight chil- dren, seven living: Henry, Elizabeth, Katrina, John, Jacob, Delane, Margaret and Mollie, who is deceased. Mr. Becker is a Republican in politics, having been a Democrat till 1880, when he changed his political views, and is now an enthusiastic Re- publican.
JACOB BECKER, a prominent farmer of Wadesville, Ind., is a son of John and Katrina (Hirth) Becker, who were the parents of four children, our subject being the third. The par- ents were native Germans, and came to the United States in 1852, landing at New Orleans. On their way to Evansville, Ind., the mother was taken ill and died. Our subject was born March 6, 1840, and was about twelve years old when he came to Amer- ica. He was apprenticed to a shoe-maker at Evansville, and worked exclusively at that trade for eight years. At the age of twenty-two years he married, and engaged in the general mer- chandise business with his father-in-law at Wadesville, Ind., where they remained five years. He then purchased the farm where he now lives. He has been quite fortunate, and owns sixty acres of good land. He was married to Mary Allison (who died July 2, 1867) January 30, 1862. To them were born two children: William H. and John F. December 12, 1867, he married Emily Allison, sister of his first wife. They became the parents of six children: Mary B., Emma, Laura, Eddie (deceased), Charley and Eddie. Mr. Becker is a member of the A. O. U. W., and has been a member of the I. O. O. F. He has always been a Republican in politics, and has held the office of township trustee. He was candidate for recorder, but the county being Democratic he was defeated.
WILLIAM CAVETT was born near his present place of res- idence November 26, 1820; son of Andrew and Nancy (Lowe) Cavett, who were the parents of five children, our subject being the eldest. The father was born and raised in the "Keystone" State, and came to Indiana in 1815. He was a well to do farmer, and died when seventy-five years old. The mother was a native of Maryland. Subject married at the age of twenty-one years, and located on his present farm of 250 acres, and here he has since lived and farmed. Jemima Dorsett became his wife in
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1841, and the mother of eight children, four now living: John P., Sarah J., Harrison, Jesse, Nancy E., James, Matilda C. and Mary. His wife died in the latter part of 1857, and he took for his second wife Elizabeth Wade. They became the parents of three children, one now living: William T., Laura A. and Ida B. Mr. Cavett takes an active interest in politics and is a Repub- lican, and has held the office of township trustee. Our subject's father was a very prominent man in the settlement of Posey County, and was associate judge for fourteen consecutive years, and also held the office of justice of the peace several years.
JOHN W. CARTWRIGHT, farmer, was born in Centre Township, this county, October 8, 1838, and is the eldest child in a family of ten children born to the marriage of Presley Cartwright and Sedda M. Moye. The father is still a resident of Harmony Township and a farmer by occupation. The mother died in February, 1881. John Cartwright's educational advan- tages were quite limited, obtaining schooling only from two to three months during the year, and that by very indifferent teach- ers, but in later years he obtained a good education by self ap- plication. He has taught about twenty-one terms of school, and was considered one of the most successful teachers of the county. When twenty-six years old he married, and then carried on farm- ing in connection with school teaching until 1872, when he gave up teaching and devoted his time to farming, meeting with good success. He owns 160 acres of fine land, and has deeded forty acres to his daughter. He was married to Dicie Williams, De- cember 15, 1864. They became the parents of one child, Anna M., wife of William A. Stallings, a prominent young farmer. Mr. Cartwright is a Democrat, and has always been identified with that party. He has been assessor one term, and township trustee four years. He is a brother of Vincent Cartwright, county recorder of Posey County, and is in all respects a self- made man.
GREENBERRY CAUSSEY was reared and educated in Posey, his native county, his birth occurring November 3, 1846, the seventh in a family of twelve. He remained at home to the age of twenty-four years, when he married and located on his present farm, where he has since lived. He has been very pros- perous financially, and owns 250 acres of very fine land, well im-
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proved. He was married to Sarah Cox, March 30, 1870. Four children were born to their marriage, three of whom are living: Charles Kelly, Gracie and Lemuel. Mr. Caussey is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and he is a Democrat and a very promi- nent one. His parents were Hudson and Martha J. (Hightower) Caussey. The father was born in North Carolina, and lived there to the age of about thirty-five years, when he came to Posey County, Ind. He married our subject's mother, who was a native Kentuckian, in Vanderburg County, this State. They were farmers and in moderate circumstances. The father died February 15, 1875, and the mother March 30, 1874.
ELIJAH COX, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Hunsaker) Cox, was born in Robb Township, Posey Co., Ind., January 20, 1817. He received but very little education, spending the most of his time hard at work on the farm in order to aid in supporting the large family at home. When twenty-one years old he married, and began farming on a rented place in very destitute circum- stances. About seven years later he purchased some land, and now is the owner of 120 acres, having sold part of his land to his children. He was married to Elizabeth Price April 11, 1838. Eleven children were born to them, now but seven living: Eli- jah J., John P., Sarah E., William O., Elizabeth A., Elihu and Leo. All the children are married except one. Mr. Cox and wife are members of the Regular Baptist Church, and he is a warm Democrat. His wife's parents were natives of Kentucky, and came to Indiana in 1811. His parents were natives of Ken- tucky and Pennsylvania, respectively. The father was in the war of 1812 and in the battle of Tippecanoe. They lived to a very advanced age, and the mother lived to see children of the fourth generation.
BENJAMIN COX, trustee of Centre Township, Posey Co., Ind., and native of the same, was born August 19, 1822. He is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Hunsaker) Cox, who were born in South Carolina and Pennsylvania, respectively, and both removed to Kentucky when quite young. They came to Indiana about 1815, and settled on a wilderness farm. The father died in 1866, and the mother in 1879. The whole family are noted for their longevity. The mother died at the age of eighty-six, having ived to see her descendants of the fourth generation, number-
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ing in all 209 members of the family. Benjamin Cox received only limited educational advantages, and his general occupation through life has been farming. He owns an excellent and well improved little farm of forty-two acres. Politically be is a Dem- ocrat, and has held the office of. justice of the peace for twelve years, and is now filling his second term as township trustee. January 22, 1844, he married Melvina Gates. To their union four children were born: Joseph, George W. (deceased), An- drew J. (deceased), and Lavina.
JAMES CROSS was born in the county where he now re- sides, December 16, 1845. Russell and Nancy (Smith) Cross were parents of two children, our subject being the youngest. The father was of English extraction and a native of Posey County, and was a farmer in ordinary circumstances. He died of small-pox in 1847. The mother was a native of Virginia. When seventeen years old our subject began clerking in a store at Wadesville, Nicholas Joest being the proprietor at that time. He continued with him about ten years, and in 1872 purchased an interest (which amounted to only $11) in the store. He is now a member of one of the wealthiest firms in the county. They carry a complete line of general merchandise, their stock being worth about $10,000, They do an average business of $30,000, but have done $75,000 worth of retail business in one year. They have a fine two-story brick building which cost $6,000, and would add to the appearance of any city. December 12, 1872, Mr. Cross was married to Mary Fox. They have two children: Ida, born August 28, 1874, and an infant about two months old. Mr. Cross is a member of the Masonic and A. O. U. W. fraternities. He is a Democrat, and held the office of postmaster for twelve years, end- ing about two years ago. He was township trustee from 1868 to 1869.
AMARIAH FLETCHALL, one of the prominent farmers of Posey County, was born October 12, 1839, near his present place of residence, a son of Thomas and Cynthia (Gwaltney ) Fletchall. The father came to Indiana in very early times, and was a farmer in good circumstances, owning 607 acres of good land. He died in 1862. The mother who was a native of the Hoosier State, is living at Poseyville, with a son. Amariah Fletchall, was raised a farmer, beginning for himself when twenty-three years old. He
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has been a tiller of the soil ever since, and has met with good suc- cess financially. By years of hard toil and economy, he has acquired 330 acres of land, the greater part of which is under cul- tivation and well stocked. His marriage with Martha Ann Record was solemnized May 8, 1861, and seven children have been born to them, five now living, named Laura E. (wife of Richard Cart- right), Ida B., Mary E., Oscar and Bertha. The two who are dead, are Rufus I. and Magnus C. Mr. Fletchall is a Democrat, and he and wife are members of the Regular Baptist Church.
WILLIAM E. FORCUM, farmer, was born January 13, 1841, on the place where he now lives. He is a son of John and Mar- garet Cross Forcum, and the eleventh child born to them. His parents were natives of North Carolina, and the father was a farmer in good circumstances. He was entirely blind for about seven years before his death. Our subject's boyhood was passed on the home farm, where he continued after his father's death. He owns a one-half interest in the old homestead of 380 acres. December 27, 1866, he was married to Nancy E. Cox, the result of this union being six children: Cyrena Jane, Albert M., William David, Lawrence Edward, Gracie Damie and Menzie Alvin. Mr. Forcum takes active interest in politics, and is a warm Democrat, and is considered a prominent man in his neighborhood.
HENRY M. FORCUM was born near his present place of abode January 24, 1857. He was the youngest child of a family of fourteen children, born to John and Margaret (Cross) Forcum. Henry was reared on a farm and received a limited education. He remained at home, and at the death of his father he and a brother worked on the old homestead. He spent about six years in Illinois on some very rich bottom land which he had pur- chased and improved. At the end of that time he sold out and returned to the Hoosier State. He has been very successful in his business enterprises and owns 380 acres of excellent farming land. May 18, 1879, he was married to Mary S. Maddox. To their union three children were born: Emma A., Minnie and Elvie. Mr. Forcum is a very strong Democrat. He and his brother are considered the most successful farmers of the com- munity.
GEORGE L. FOX was born at Mount Carmel, Ill., Au- gust 23, 1856, the youngest of a family of six born to Frank and
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Mary M. (Schuler) Fox. The father was a native American but of German extraction. The mother was born in Germany and came to the United States when very young. Her death occurred several years ago, but the father still lives at Blairsville, Ind. At the age of fourteen George L. began clerking for Joest & Cross at Wadesville, Ind., continuing with them nine years. He then bought property in Wadesville, and began retailing liquors, and still continues in that business in connection with J. B. Ramming. He also has a one-half interest with Conrad Kolb in the farming implement agency and has an agency for marble works and undertaking goods for J. W. Miller of New Harmony. Ho took for his life companion Isabel Creak. They have two children, Jeannette and an infant. Mr. Fox is a member of the A. O. U. W. and politically is a Democrat and is a good citizen and business man.
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