History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana, from the earliest times to the present, with biographical sketches, reminiscences, etc., Part 77

Author:
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: [Madison, Wis.] : Brant & Fuller
Number of Pages: 714

USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana, from the earliest times to the present, with biographical sketches, reminiscences, etc. > Part 77

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

588

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

Cutchan, old settlers of the county. Mrs. Elliott was born in Scott township, this county, March 25, 1838. By their marriage have been born: Morris Leslie, deceased, Minnie B. and James E. In 1869 Mr. El- liott removed to the above mentioned farm, and has since been doing well at farming. Since the construction of the Straight Line railway, he has been ticket and freight agent at Elliott station. In politics he is a repub- lican. He is not a member of any church, but has given his aid to churches, especially to the Methodist.

ROBERT GRAY is a native of England, born in Cambridgeshire, November 24, 1822, the son of Owen and Elizabeth (Beard) Gray. Both of the parents were natives of England; the father was born in Cambridgeshire, and the mother in Hunt- ingdonshire, and both died in their native country. Their marriage resulted in the birth of the following children: Mary Ann, Betsy, Robert, Jane, William. Of these children Betsy, Robert, and William emi- grated to America. In 1838 Betsy and Robert set sail for this country, and in Jan- uary of the following year landed and settled in Vanderburgh county, where they have since continued to make their homes. In 1844 Robert returned to his native country, but remained there only a few months. Subsequently his brother William came out to this country, and is now a citizen of this county. At the time Robert made his visit to his native country, he was united in mar- riage, in 1844, with Lydia Low, a native of Cambridgeshire, England, born in 1823. Her death occurred in this country in the fall of 1886. This marriage has been favored with the birth of the following children: Owen, George, Sarah Jane, Joseph, Mattie, and Lewis. In the same year that Robert Gray came to Vanderburgh county, he settled on section

IO, Scott township, and since his marriage in England, and his return to America, he has continued to live there, excepting a period of five months spent in a second visit to England, in 1868. He has followed agri- culture for an occupation, and having been practical, has been successful. In politics he is decidedly a republican. He is a friend to schools, churches and public improve- ment, and is a progressive and much re- spected citizen.

JAMES G. GRIMWOOD was born in Cam- bridgeshire, England, February 29, 1812, the son of Thomas Grimwood. He was reared in England, where he learned the blacksmith's trade. On reaching his major- ity he came to America, landing in 1833, and repaired to Columbus, Ohio. Here he followed his trade for four years, and in 1837 came to this county and settled in sec- tion 3, Scott township, where he purchased land of the government. The year IS37 was an early, though not the earliest year in the settlement of Scott township, and as James G. Grimwood, after his settlement, continued in the township till his death, which occurred April 23, 1882, he was iden- tified with the history of the county for over forty-five years. He was a farmer all his days, and was successful in the calling. Though beginning without capital he be- came one of the most extensive land-holders of the county, and at one time owned over 500 acres of land lying in this and Warrick counties, a portion of which he sold before his death. He also owned valuable real estate in the city of Evansville. He was reserved in nature, faithful as a neighbor, kind as a father and husband, and enterprising as a citizen. In 1838 he was united in marriage with Hannah Grant, born in Cambridgeshire, England, 1814. She died in this county in 1865. She gave birth to the following children, who survive her: Har-

589

SCOTT TOWNSHIP.

riet, Samuel N., Joseph, John F. and James G., and four that died in early life.

SAMUEL N. GRIMWOOD was born June 15, 1846, in this county, and remained un- der the parental roof until he reached the . age of twenty, and then set out for himself. Fourteen years of his life were spent in Evansville, where he was engaged in dray- ing. Since then he has been farming. In 1867 he married Hattie Clark, who was born in England, August 20, 1843. They have had the following children: Adrian E., William Henry and Carl Mark.

JOHN F. GRIMWOOD was born in this county February 3, IS52; was reared on a farm, and has devoted his life to agriculture. In 1872 he married Laura J. Bohannon, born in Warrick county, June 15, 1854, and they have had these children: William, James, Hattie, Mary and Herbert F.

HENRY H. HOOKER, M. D., was born in Center township, Vanderburgh county, Ind., in the year 1836. He is the son of Thomas Hooker, jr., a native of Tennessee, he the son of Thomas Hooker, sr., a native of Virginia. He was a son of William Hooker, a native of England. William Hooker was a son of an early immigrant to America, who came over some time prior to the French and Indian wars, in which he was a soldier. William Hooker was a rev- olutionary soldier, and his son, Thomas Hooker, sr., was a soldier of the war of 1812. Thomas Hooker, sr., was an early settler of middle Tennessee, and there reared most of his children, of whom there were seven. He and family came to Indiana in 1815, and settled in what is now Center township. Thomas Hooker, jr., was but a small boy when this settlement was made. He was raised to farming as an occupation. He was married in this county to Miss J. W. KNOWLES was born in Scott town- ship, Vanderburgh county, Ind., December Mariette Eaton, and five children were born to them, one of whom died in infancy, and | 26, 1832, the son of Charles and Mary Ann

four still live, by names: Ophelia, Henry H.' Madison and Monroe. Henry H. Hooker was but a small boy when his parents were called away in death, and since early life he has been left to fight his own battle. He was homeless and drifted from place to place, working at whatever farm work he could secure. Meanwhile he attended the country schools, supporting himself with the earnings gained in the summer seasons. By close application to his studies, he gained a fair common school education, and at the age of nineteen years began the profession of school teaching, and for six years contin- ued to teach in the schools of Vanderburgh and Warrick counties. Subsequently he took up the study of medicine, reading with Thomas Runcie, M. D., once a promi- nent physician of Vanderburgh county. Later he entered the Rush Medical College at Chicago, and attended two full courses. In 1864 he located at Pleasantville, Ind., and began the practice of the profession. Here he continued to practice for about three years, and then removed to Elberfield, Ind., and had there an active practice for a period of about sixteen years, afterward locating where he now resides, in Scott township. He has throughout life had a large practice and has been remarkably successful. In 1864 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary H. Headen, born in Ireland in 1843. The marriage occurred in Vanderburgh county whither Mrs. Hooker and parents came in 1846. Their children are: Brainard, Sherry, Maggie, Mabel, Kit- tie, DeKress, Ross and Annie. Mr. Hooker is in the best sense self-made, and is re- garded as a representative citizen. He is a master Mason of Evansville lodge, No. 64. In politics he is a republican.

590

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

Knowles. The father was born in Kent county, England, December 14, IS02, and died in Vanderburgh county, January 27, 1873. The mother was born in Hampshire, England, on November 16, 1794, and died in Vanderburgh county, October 6, 1868. Her marriage with Charles Knowles oc- curred about 1825. She was at the time the widow of George Potts, with whom she had been united in marriage some six years previous, and whose death occurred in 1824. The father of our subject came to Vander- burgh county, in 1822, and thereafter con- tinued in the county, residing in Scott town- ship, following farming for an occupation. His marriage resulted in the birth of Charles, Eliza, Jame: Edward, Joseph W., Ellen J. and Edmond M. All are living except the youngest, who lost his life in the late rebel- lion, in which he was serving as a captain in the Union army. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and educated in the country schools. He has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits, in which he has been successful. January 1, 1857, he wedded Mary Ann Peck, daughter of John and Es- ther Peck. Mrs. Knowles was born in Scott township, July 31, 1835. This mar- riage has been blessed by five children, of whom four are living: Clara, born Novem- ber 18, 1857: Charles A., born August 18, 1859; John R., August 12, 1861; Ger- trude, October 20, 1863. Mr. Knowles is in politics a warm republican. During the civil war he served as a home guard.

JAMES AND MARY (LOCKYEAR) MAID- Low were both natives of England, and came to America and located in Scott town- ship in 1818. Unto their marriage were born the following offspring: James, Henry, George, Mary Ann, William, Salina, Ed- mond, John Spencer and Emma. The fa- ther was called away in 1851, aged eighty- seven years, and the mother died in 1822, ling:

aged sixty-two years. John Spencer Maid- low was born in Hampshire, England, April 7, 1803, and died in this county April 7, 1852. He came with his parents to this county in 1818, and in 1824 was united in marriage with Barbara Hornbrook, born in Devonshire, England, June 6, 1803, and died in this county August 26, 1865. Their marriage gave to them the following chil- dren: Mary, Henry, Sarah Ann, Phillip, Edward, Elizabeth, James, Emma Salina, Anne, Alice, Edmond, Alfred Spencer and Charles W. HENRY MAIDLOW was born in Scott township, January 28, 1827, and is the oldest son among the above named chil- dren. He was reared on a farm, and re- ceived a fair education for his day. His life has been devoted to farming,

in which he has achieved success. January II, 1849, he wedded Elizabeth Earl, daughter of John and Mary (Cran- field) Earl, born in this county Septem- ber 10, 1830. They have had the following children: John Earl (deceased); Leslie James, born January 15, 1852; Eliza Alice, born December 9, 1853; William Earl, born December 16, 1855; Sarah Mariah, born January 31, 1858; Emma Salina, born March 16, 1860; Mary Ann, born April 24, 1863; Kate Ellen, born June 8, 1866; Fannie Avis, born April 6, 1869; Richard Henry, born October 26, 1872, and Elizabeth Susan, born January 18, 1875; EDWARD MAIDLOW, the third son of John Spencer and Barbara Maidlow, was born in Scott township, November 12, 1831, and was reared and educated on the farm, and his entire life has been devoted to agriculture. In 1870, June 12, he was united in marriage with Matilda Jane Ruston, daughter of Ed- win Ruston, a native of England. She was born in this county, January 21, IS51. The fruit of their marriage has been the follow- Sarah Ellen, born May 14, 1871;

591

SCOTT TOWNSHIP.

Thomas Edward, born January 22, 1875; Florence, born March 27, 1877, and Irene Bertha, born December 23, I879. Charles W. Maidlow, the youngest son of John Spencer Maidlow, was born .in this county November 10, 1851, and was also reared on the farm. His early schooling was received in the country schools, and at Racine College, Wiscon- sin, he completed a practical education. Farming has been his chosen occupation. November 25, 1873, he wedded Eugenia Jarred, born in this county, July 7, 1853. By her he had two children: Charles E., born October 31, 1874, and Dora E., born October 13, 1876. Their mother died May 6, 1879, and on November 21, 1880, their father married Martha E. Short, daughter of Lewis W. and Lucinda (Kirkpatrick) Short. Martha E. was born in Illinois, Feb- ruary 27, 1859. This second marriage has resulted in the birth of three children: Wil- bern, born September 6, 1881; Clarence, born March 23, 1884, and Lucinda, born October 6, 1885.

WILLIAM D. MILLER was born in Gibson county, Ind., May 5, 1860, the son of Jacob and Margaret (Winkleman) Miller. The parents were born in Germany, the father in 1813 and the mother in IS26; both died in Gibson county, Ind., he in 1867, she in 1873. The father came to America about 1830, the mother in 1847. Shortly after their coming to America, they settled in Vander-' burgh county, where their marriage took place. This was blessed by the birth of the following children : Mary, Carrie (deceased), Annie, Lizzie and William D. (twins). The subject of this sketch is the youngest of these children, and when he was but seven years old his father was called away in death. His father was a tailor by trade, and up to one year prior to his death lived in town; thus the childhood of William was

spent in town. When his father left town he removed to a farm in Gibson county, and thereafter his home was on a farm up to the age of twenty years. He received a common school education in the country schools. When he was thirteen years old his mother died and he was left to the mer- cies of the world; his home was here and there, and up to the age of twenty years he worked by the day at farm work. On reaching the above age, he obtained em- ployment in the railroad office at Patoka, Ind .; and here he assisted eighteen months, becoming acquainted with the office work, and learning telegraphy. In July, ISS2, he was made depot agent and tele- graph operator at Inglefield for the E. & T. H. R. R. Co., which position he has since held. He is also the agent for the Adams express company at that point. In 1884 he formed a partnership with Joseph Ruston, and began merchandising at Inglefield. Sub- sequently he purchased Ruston's interest, and is now the only merchant at Inglefield. He is also engaged in the buying of grain. In March, 1884, he was appointed postmaster at Inglefield, and holds the posi- tion now. He is a practical business man, shrewd, energetic and prosperous. In October, 1886, he was united in marriage with Mattie Rowland, born July 27, 1866, daughter of Thomas J. and Laura Rowland. Her father was born in Cumberland county, Ky., May 4, 1833, the son of Wade and Winnie (Murphy) Rowland. Mr. Rowland was reared in Kentucky. Soon after reach- ing his majority he removed to Warrick county, and there married Laura Bush, March 12, 1856. She was born in Illinois, November 14, 1839, the daughter of Will- iam and Sally (Simmerman) Bush. Mr. Rowland and wife have had the following children: Dora, Wade, William, Grant and Mattie. Mr. and Mrs. Rowland came to

59%

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

this township in 1865, where he has followed farming.

WILLIAM PECK was a native of England, and emigrated to America in 1820, and settled at Evansville. He was the father of the following children: Elizabeth, Sarah, Martha and John. John Peck was born in England in 1800, and died in this county in I845. He was a farmer by occupation. In 1832 he was united in marriage with Esther Marshall, and the marriage was blessed by the birth of Mary Ann, John W. and Nancy C. (deceased). JOHN W. PECK was born in this county September 7, 1837. He was reared on a farm and educated in the district schools. He began farming at an early age and devoted his life to the calling, excepting a period of three years' service in the United States army. In August, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company F, Fourth Indiana cavalry, and was mustered out of the service in July, 1865. After the close of the war he returned to his na- tive county, where he has since resided. In 1870 he was united in marriage with Ann Bower, daughter of Thomas and Lu- cinda Bower. Mrs. Peck was born in Scott township in 1842. Her marriage has been blessed by the birth of the following: Thomas William, Gertrude, John F., Rob- ert and Albert (deceased). In politics Mr. Peck is a decided republican. In the spring of 1872 he was elected as trustee of Scott township, and afterward served four terms of two years each. He is not a member of any church, but is of Methodist inclination. He is a member of the G. A. R., and is a representative citizen.

JOHN G. POTTS, one of the best known farmers and citizens of Vanderburgh county, was born in Scott township, October 14, 1824, the son of George and Mary Ann (Maidlow) Potts. The father was born in Lancashire, England, came to America in

1817, and located in this county, purchasing the homestead on which the son resides. He was married in this county in 1820, to Mary Ann Maidlow, born in Hampshire, England. She came to this county in 1819. She had by this marriage three children; Ellen (deceased), Emma (deceased), and John G. Mr. Potts was born shortly after the death of his father, but the widowed mother continued on the old homestead where the son was reared. The mother was wedded later by Charles Knowles. Subse- quently and after John G. had reached his majority, he took possession of the home- stead in the main, and here has since en- gaged in farming. In this he has been successful, due to his untiring energy and perseverance. In the fall of 1851, he was united in marriage with Susan Stephens, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Stephens. She was born in Dartmouth, England, March 22, 1822. She and a brother emigrated to America in 1849, and located in this county, where their uncle and aunt, James and Esther (Weeks) Cawson, had settled in 1818. The latter emigrated to America the year previous, and were de- tained in Pennsylvania during the winter of 1817-18 by being ice-bound. In the spring the ice broke up, and an ice gorge destroyed their boat, and, in consequence, much of their effects were lost. A second boat was constructed and then set afloat. In the same year they landed at Evansville, and made their settlement in Scott township, where they continued for a number of years, dying in this county eventually. Yet they made several removals, visiting their native country (England) in later life. A short time after Miss Stephens and her brother came to this country, she was married to Mr. Potts. To them have been born four children: Esther, Edith, John and Cawson. Only the first and last are living. In politics

593

SCOTT TOWNSHIP.

Mr. Potts is a republican. For twelve years he has served as trustee of Scott township.

SIMPSON RITCHEY was born in North Carolina, the son of James and Elizabeth · (Simpson) Ritchey, natives of Ireland, who emigrated to America some time prior to the American revolution, in which struggle James Ritchey was a soldier from the begin- ning to the end. To James and Elizabeth Ritchey were born the following: Adam, James, Simpson, John, William, and Mary and Isabella. On coming to America these parents made their first settlement in North Carolina, but after peace had been declared, the family removed to east Tennessee and settled at Knoxville, where they remained a short time; later, they went into Kentucky, and finally the parents removed to Arkansas, where they died. The third son, Simpson Ritchey, was married in Livingston county, Ky., to Mary Bowling, a native of Maryland. She was the daughter of Alexander and Patsie (Williams) Bowling, he a native of Scotland and she of Wales. They emi- grated to America a short time previous to the revolution and settled on the frontier of Maryland, where their daughter Mary was born. Later this family came to Kentucky, and here Simpson Ritchey and Mary were married. This union gave them the following children: Simpson, William, Wesley, Orilla, Franklin and James, all of whom are dead but William. Simpson Ritchey and wife, and the first two children, removed, from Kentucky to Indiana, Octo- ber 14, 1812. The family joined the Mc- Callister settlement, above the present site of Evansville. Subsequently removals were made, and eventually the father and mother became citizens of Gibson county, where their deaths occurred. WILLIAM RITCHEY was born in Livingston county, Ky., in 1810, July 3, and was but a little over two

years old when his parents brought him to this county. April 18, 1840, he was united in marriage with Nancy Rodgers, daughter of William and Elizabeth ( Marquess ) Rodg- ers; he was of Irish descent and she of French. Mrs. Ritchey was born in this county March 18, 1820, and died in the county, March 17, 1883. She gave birth to the following children: Orilla, James S., Elizabeth (deceased), Mary (deceased), Newton, Lucian, Matilda, Martha, Nancy, Alice, William, Robert, Anne, Thomas, Julia Ann (deceased), and two oth- ers who died early. William Ritchey has followed farming for an occupation, and his life has been one of industry and hon- esty. He is one of the oldest and best re- spected citizens of Vanderburgh county. He has always been active in politics, first as a whig, then as a republican. JAMES S. RITCHEY, a son of William R., was born in Armstrong township, April 4, 1841. March 19, 1863, he was united in marriage with Mary Daley, daughter of Thomas and Phoebe Daley, both of Kentucky origin. Mrs. Ritchey was born in Daviess county, Ind., January 1, 1844. To them has been born one child, Charles Lincoln, born Feb- ruary 6, 1864. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Ritchey settled on his present home- stead, in section 4, of Scott township, and here has been a successful farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Ritchie are members of the Free Methodist church. In politics he is a republican.

RICHARD RUSTON was born in Cam- bridgeshire, England, in 1820, where in 1840, he wedded Jane Laws, also a native of that shire, born in 1820. While they remained in England, they had five children: George, Emma, Ann, Jane and Elizabeth. In 1852 the family emigrated to the United States, and on January 7 of the next year landed at Evansville. They went into Scott township

594

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

in the same year and made a settlement. After remaining one year, they moved to Warrick county, where they stayed four years, and then returned to Scott township, since when the homes of the family have been in this county. Five other children were born to them in this country: Susan, Sarah, Thomas, Joseph (deceased), and Hannah. The mother lived to see all her children grown, and was laid to rest, her death occurring in the fall of 1878. The father survives, a respected resident of Evansville. His active days were spent so wisely and prudently, that although unaided by anything but his own industrious habits, he is able to spend old age in comfort, con- gratulating himself on having raised to man- hood and womanhood a family worthy of and holding the esteem and neighborly affec- tion of a wide circle of friends. GEORGE RUSTIN, who was born in Cambridgeshire, England, October 17, 1843, was but nine years old when his parents set sail for Amer- ica. Consequently much of his childhood was spent in this state, and much of his edu- cation received in our common schools. He chose agriculture as his occupation and has followed it very successfully. In 1875 he was married to Caroline Emma Peck, daughter of Richard and Mary Ann Peck, born in this county February 3, 1847. They have three children, Percival Edgerton, and Albert Leroy and Alfred Lambert, the lat- ter twins.

JOHN RUSTON, one of the best-known farmers of this township, is a son of John Ruston, who was born in Cambridgeshire, England, March 5, 1814. The latter was the son of Richard and Mary (Farmer) Ruston, who came to this country in 1853, and afterward passed their lives in Scott township. The husband died April 1, 1857, and the wife April 21st of the same year, and both lie at rest in the Hornby grave-

yard. Their children's names were Robert, John, Elizabeth, Edward, Richard, Daniel, Farmer, and Mary C. The senior John Ruston was raised on the farm in England and followed the occupation to which he was bred. In 1838 he was married in England to Mary Swanson, also a native of Cam- bridgeshire, born Septemher, 1814. In 1840 they emigrated to America with the child they then had, Emma, and arrived at Evansville January 1, 1841. In the same year they settled in Scott township. In this country the following children were born to them: John, Charles, Harriet, Ann, and James. All the children are deceased but John, Emma, and Harriet. The daughters live in Kansas. The mother died September 29, 1877, and the father February 17, 1886, and both are buried in Oak cemetery. John Ruston, the eldest son, was born July 7, 1841. He was married January 17, 1866, to Ann, daughter of Matthew and Catherine Park, born December 10, 1844. They have two children, Charles Alfred, born January 28, 1867, and Maggie, born February 10, 1869.

JOHN SANSOM was born in Huntingdon- shire, England, March 4, 1810, and is the son of William and Elinor (Saunders) San- som. Mr. Sansom was reared in his native country, where he received a limited educa- tion by attending night school. At the age of twenty years he determined on emigrat- ing to America, and accordingly came to the United States in the year 1830, locating in the same year in Vanderburgh county. Subsequently he purchased at different times, two tracts of government land which he still owns. He has become an extensive landholder and is one of the most prosperous men of the county. May 4, 1832, he was united in marriage with Eliza Elliott, a native of England, born in 18II. This marriage resulted in the birth of fourteen

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana, from the earliest times to the present, with biographical sketches, reminiscences, etc., Part 77

Author: Publication date: 1889 Publisher: [Madison, Wis.] : Brant & Fuller Number of Pages: 714

Author:
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: [Madison, Wis.] : Brant & Fuller
Number of Pages: 714