JAMES W. PARSLEY, one of the oldest pioneers of the county now living, is a native of Rutherford County, Tenn., born September 19, 1805, being one of two surviving members of a family of fourteen children born to the marriage of Abraham Parsley and Elizabeth Gray. He grew to manhood in his native State, receiving no education in his youth, but after his marriage, he learned to read, write and cipher. " In 1829 he came to this county with his parents, and settled on the land where he now lives. He cleared and improved the place, undergoing all the hardships of a pioneer life, and provided for his parents as long as they lived. August 15, 1839, he married Sarah Moran a native of Kentucky, by whom he is the father of twelve children, six of whom, William F., Emiline A. (wife of L. C. Frisbie). George W., Andrew J., Richard M. and Mary J. (widow of A. L. Carlisle), are living. Mr. Parsley has always been an enterprising and prosperous farmer, and now owns a farm of 200 acres. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and his wife is a Methodist. It is needless to add that they are highly esteemed by the community in which they have so long lived. from Biographical Sketches , Ohio Township, Spencer Co., IN
PARTRIDGE
WILLIAM L. PARTRIDGE, born October 11, 1818, in Bedfordshire, England, is the third of eleven children born to Richard and Ann (Linnel) Partridge. In 1830 the family immigrated to the United States, residing the first five years after their arrival in New York State, and then settling in Erie County, Penn., where the father farmed until his death, followed by his widow some twelve years later. The subject of this sketch received a fair education from the common schools, afterward taking a three years' course at Allegheny College. In 1837 he went to Kentucky, where he taught school nearly two years, then returned to Pennsylvania, where he married and engaged in farming. He afterward sold out, went to Arkansas and taught school, and in 1850, having in the meantime again returned to Pennsylvania, came to Rockport, Indiana, and building the first steam saw-mill operated the same over three years. In 1861 he enlisted in Company K, Twenty-fifth Regiment, Indiana Infantry, was promoted orderly sergeant, and serving through the battles of Fort Donelson and Shiloh, was honorably discharged by reason of disability after nearly two years of service. He taught school and worked at the plasterer's trade for a number of years. In 1875 he was appointed government store-keeper of this district under Gen. Veatch, and later, served two terms as trustee for Rockport. In 1879 he engaged in the flour, feed and plaster's supply business, at which he has since continued. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, G. A. R., and is a stanch Republican. In 1845, Olivia Turner became his wife, and by him the mother of five children, these three yet living : William A., Caleb M., and Rosalie. This family is among the first of Spencer County. from Biographical Sketches , Ohio Township, Spencer Co., IN
PAYNE
EDWARD M. PAYNE, sheriff of Spencer County, was born March 8, 1841, the eldest of three children born to Benjamin and Eleanor (Liggett) Payne, who were also natives of Maryland. The father was a farmer, following that occupation in his native State until 1846, when he moved to Daviess County, Ky., and in 1858, removed from there to Spencer County, Ind., purchasing a farm in Ohio Township, where he died August 17, 1873, being over eighty years old. He was an honest, energetic farmer, and a moral, religious citizen, having lived and died in the Presbyterian faith. Mrs. Payne died in March, 1870. Edward M. was reared by his parents to manhood on a farm, receiving in youth a good common school education. October 20, 1861, he united in marriage with Arminda E. May, a native of this county, and five children have been born to them, as follows : James A., Nannie B., Cullen E., Kate and Myrtle. After marriage our subject remained with his parents on the home farm, buying a portion of the farm and managing the entire homestead until the fall of 1884, when he was elected sheriff of the county. He is now filling the requirements of that office, although still residing on his farm of 350 acres near Rockport. Mr. Payne is one of the most progressive and enterprising citizens of the county. from Biographical Sketches , Ohio Township, Spencer Co., IN
PEACOCK
JAS PEACOCK, died at his home near Patronville last sunday at 10 o'clock, after a long illness of dropsy. Mr Peacock was born in Spencer county, March 10 1853 and was 55 yrs, 10 months and 11 days old and leaves surviving a wife, two daughters, two sons and two half brothers. the funeral service under the auspices of the masonic lodge and M W of A. of which the deceased was a member was held at Shiloh church, monday afternoon, conducted by Rev R. R. Bryan from the Rockport Democrat, 1/29/1909 (ls)
PECKINPAUGH
ISAAC A. PECKINPAUGH, born April 11, 1847, is the seventh of twelve children born to Peter and Susan J. (Goldman) Peckinpaugh, natives of Kentucky and Indiana respectively. The father when a small lad moved with his parents to Crawford County, Ind., where he married and where our subject was born. His occupation was farming throughout life, and he died in November, 1881. His widow yet survives him. Isaac A., subject of this biography, after attending the country schools of his native county in boyhood, completed his education by two years in the Leavenworth schools, and nearly three years in Harteville University. He clerked and taught school in Crawford County until March, 1878, when he came to Rockport and was employed as wharf-boat clerk at the upper landing until 1880, when he became one of its proprietors. In February, 1883, he became sole proprietor, continuing as such to the present time. Since 1880, he has also been station agent for the L. E. & St. L. Ry. Company, and in these combined pursuits is doing a creditable business. He owns a good farm in this county, besides other property in Rockport ; is a Republican and a member of the I. O. O. F. October 23, 1877, Laura Belle Merithew became his wife, and by him the mother of one daughter Lillie A. Mrs. Peckinpaugh is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. from Biographical Sketches , Ohio Township, Spencer Co., IN
PEDIGO
JAMES W. PEDIGO, of the firm of Pedigo Bros., proprietors of Lake Mills, was born in Hart County, Ky., September 27, 1850, being the sixth of nine children born to Jesse S. and Jane (Richardson) Pedigo. (See sketch of D. L. Pedigo.) He grew to manhood in his native State, receiving a good business education. He learned the carpenter's trade with his father, and followed it in connection with farming in Kentucky until 1872. From that time until 1878 he was carpenter for the railroad company in this county, At the latter date he entered into partnership with his brother in grist and saw-milling, and contracting and building. He married Anna Lopez, a native of Webster County, Ky., and to this union four children have been born, namely : Lida, Jesse S., Chester A. and May E. DUDLEY L. PEDIGO, of the firm of Pedigo Bros., proprietors of the Lake Mills, is a native of Hart County, Ky., born August 16, 1848. Having received only a limited education, at the age of seventeen he began to learn the carpenter's trade, which he followed until 1870, when he came to Rockport and learned the milling business at the Novelty Mills. In 1878 in company with his brother, James W., he bought the Lake Mills, which they have since successfully operated. They own considerable property in the vicinity besides the mill. Mr. Pedigo's parents, Jesse and Jane (Richardson) Pedigo, natives of Kentucky, lived in that State until the death of the latter, March, 1874. Since that time the former has been a resident of this county, living a retired life. February 14, 1869, the subject of this sketch was united in marriage with Mattie Murray, a native of Kentucky, who has borne him five children. Those living are Emma J. William T., Bessie and Lucy. Mr. Pedigo is a member of the I. O. O. F., and is a Democrat in politics. His wife is a member of the Baptist Church. from Biographical Sketches , Ohio Township, Spencer Co., IN
PENTECOST
HENRY C. PENTECOST, a prominent hardware merchant of Rockport, is a native Hoosier born January 22, 1840 in Posey County. He is the youngest but one in a family of twelve children born to Scarborough and Mary B. (Jones) Pentecost both of whom are natives of Virginia. These parents were married in Kentucky where the father followed merchandising a number of years, when he went to Mt. Vernon and there engaged in mercantile pursuits until his death in 1847. Mrs. Pentecost departed this life in 1872 at Mt. Vernon. Henry C. Pentecost was educated in the common branches of learning, and during early manhood was engaged in clerking. At nineteen years of age he began clerking in a wholesale hardware store at Cincinnati but in 1874 came to Rockport and opened a hardware, tinware, stove and agricultural implement store, and this he has conducted to the present time, establishing a large and lucrative trade. He is a mason of the Royal Arch Degree, is a Republican in politics and his wife is a member of the Episcopalian faith in religion. Mr. Pentecost was married July 22, 1868, to Elizabeth W. Brown and a son and daughter have been born to them named Henry S. and Lizzie. from Biographical Sketches , Ohio Township, Spencer Co., IN
PEREGRINE
DAVID A. PEREGRINE, one of the leading dry goods merchants of Rockport, is a native of Ontario, Canada, his birth occurring in York County, November 21, 1852. He is a son of David M. and Martha (Wilson) Peregrine, the father being a native of Wales, removing from that country to Canada with his parents in 1815, he at that time being only one year old. David M. Peregrine has always resided in the county where his parents first settled, engaged in farming and stock-raising. It was there the subject of this sketch grew to manhood and there he secured a good literary education. At seventeen years of age he left home to clerk in a general merchandising establishment in New Market, a town in his native county where he remained eight years with the exception of six months while clerking in Toronto. In June, 1877, he immigrated to Louisville, Kentucky, and while there seeking employment saw an advertisement of salesman wanted at Rockport. He applied for the place and for four years was in the employ of William Landsberg & Son. In September, 1881, he embarked in business for himself and has remained here to the present time. He started with limited capital and by untiring energy and strict business integrity has succeeded in building up a good business which is steadily increasing. Mr. Peregrine was married January 26, 1880, to Amanda L. Fisher, a native of Floyd County, Ind., by whom he is the father of three children. Mr. Peregrine is a Republican, an Encampment Degree Odd Fellow and himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. from Biographical Sketches , Ohio Township, Spencer Co., IN
PITTMAN
WM T PITTMAN, aged about 77 years, was found dead in his bed here Wednesday Morning. Mr. Pittman has no family and made his home with his brother.Gust Pittman Dr FM Hackleman, county, was called and after having evidence pronounced death due to organic heart disease. Mr Pittman had lived all his life in the vicinity of Gentryville. The funeral was held at Lincoln City at One O'Clock Thursday, conducted by Rev. D P McCoy and interment was in the Richardson Cemetery. from the Rockport Democrat Sept 15 1916 his head stone was Military and lists service in CO D 65 IND NF(ls)
POLSTER
WALTER POLSTER, The will of Walter Polster was filed for probate Monday. All property is willed to his wife, laura Polster, who is to do with it as she deems wise and best. The wife is named executrix of the will which was signed Oct 2 1931 and witnessed by Charles Mulzeer and Otto Huebschman
POWELL
EZEKIEL POWELL was the oldest of four Powell boys who began the journey from their native state of Georgia in the early years of the nineteenth century that terminated in Spencer County, Indiana, with a step-father, Uriah LaMar. Ezekiel was born in Georgia probably between 1792-1796. The exact year is difficult to determine since his ages as reported in various records are not consistent. Ezekiel served in the War of 1812 in Captain John Milburn's company of the Indiana Militia. He was drafted in the middle of January in 1813 for a term of three months. His active duty service was performed at Camp Lemot, Illinois, from 25 February until 17 April,1813 when he was discharged at Vincennes, Indiana. His service consisted of scouting for Indians in Illinois. Camp Lemot was at Palestine, IL. Ezekiel was married three times. His first wife was Hannah Hornbeck, daughter of Abraham and Hannah (Cleaver) Hornbeck who had moved to Spencer County in approximately 1811. Though no record of this marriage has been found, it is believed to have occurred in 1812. Six children were born to Ezekiel and Hannah. Records show that Ezekiel married Mary Beckett, a native of Nelson County, Kentucky, on February 1, 1825. Four children were born to Ezekiel and Mary. On July 1, 1841, he was again left a widower.
On January 6, 1842, Ezekiel married Esther Limber, a native of London, England. The 1850 census report includes a 15 year old girl in Ezekiel's household named Mary Limber who was born in Ohio. She was Esther's daughter by her previous marriage to Thomas J. Limber who had died in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1839. Ezekiel died on May 1, 1871. He was buried the following day in Meek Graveyard located one mile north of Newtonville.
PROCASKEY
GEORGE J. PROCASKEY, confectioner and baker, is a native of Hawesville, Ky., his birth occurring December 14, 1842, being the eldest but one of five children born to George and Barbara (Lory) Procaskey. The father, who was a native of Poland, came to America about the year 1838, and for three years followed the baker's trade at Louisville, Ky. From there he went to Evansville where he engaged in business until his death, which occurred in June, 1849. The mother was a native Bavarian and died in Evansville in 1854. Our subject lived in Evansville until the death of his parents when he went to Kentucky, and after a trip South on a flat-boat began farming and going to school winters. Receiving a good ordinary education he returned to Evansille in 1859, and remained there until 1868 thoroughly learning all the details of the confectionery business. Removing to Rockport he embarked in the business with a very small capital and by industry and strict business integrity has won an exceptionally good trade and the respect and confidence of the entire community. The January fire of 1885 was a serious loss to him, burning him out of home, household goods, store, etc., but with commendable enterprise he has rebuilt and is now once more controling a flourishing trade. Mr. Procaskey is a Democrat, is the secretary of the County Central Committee and has served in the town council. In February 1864 he married Elizabeth Schaefer, a native of Germany, and nine children have been born to them as follows : Albert G., Elizabeth M., Clara B., Sadie, George M., Ida, John W., Louis F. and Frederick. Mr. Procaskey and family are Roman Catholics. from Biographical Sketches , Ohio Township, Spencer Co., IN
PURCELL
C. C. PURCELL, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in the township and county where he now resides March 4, 1842, being the youngest of four children, who lived to years of maturity, born to Augustus and Susan (Blocher) Purcell, who were natives of Kentucky and Pennsylvania, respectively. These parents were married in this county, where the father died January 10, 1860, and where the mother is yet living, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Christopher C. Purcell, subject of this notice, was reared on his parents' farm to years of discretion, during which time he received a liberal education. He enlisted August 15, 1862, in Company K, Eighty-first Regiment of Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served his country faithfully until the close of the war, being honorably discharged in June, 1865. Returning to his native township he again resumed farming, at which he has since continued with fair success, now owning 160 acres of fertile land. In politics he is a Republican, and is one of Huff Township's best citizens. He was married April 12, 1868, to Katie, the daughter of Joseph and Catharine (Bayless) Dentinger, and by her is the father of one daughter, Lola Estelle, born March 11, 1870. Mrs. Purcell was born June 19, 1842. Mr. and Mrs. Purcell are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
RACINE
HENRY RACINE, an enterprising and prosperous farmer of Huff Township, was born in Spencer County, Ind., August 15, 1845, being the only son in a family of three children Louisa, Henry and Margaret born to Henry F. W. and Magdalin (Bower) Racine, who were natives of Holland and Germany, respectively. These parents were married in Spencer County, Ind., where the father died in 1847, aged thirty-five years. His widow yet survives him. Henry Racine, subject of this sketch, was raised by his mother in this county. April 29, 1869, he united in marriage with Margaret, daughter of John and Caroline (Slicht) Lottes, by whom he is the father of seven children : Magdalina, George W., Anna M. B., John F., Anna C., John W. and Amelia. The mother was born January 13, 1847. Mr. Racine represents a self-made man, as he began life poor and with but little means at his command. He now has a happy home and a farm of 162 acres, is a Democrat in politics, and he and wife are members of the German Lutheran Church. Mr. Racine is the trustee of Huff Township, having been elected by his party in 1884 by a majority of sixty-one votes. JACOB V. RUST, a prominent citizen and farmer of Huff Township, was born in the county of which he is yet a resident, May 4, 1856, and is a son of Vincent and Rebecca (Huff) Rust, who were natives of Kentucky and Indiana respectively. These parents were married in Spencer County, Ind., and resided many years in this township, where they both died. Jacob V. Rust was raised to manhood on his parents' land, and after their deaths, which occurred while he was yet in his teens, he still continued on the old homestead where he is now located. He secured a good practical education in youth, and November 16, 1879, united in marriage with Flora I, daughter of Thomas J. and Mary W. Cutler, by whom he is the father of three children, these two, Rena and Millie, yet living. Mrs. Rust was born April 3, 1860, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Rust is a Republican in politics, a successful farmer, now owning 240 acres of valuable land, and he and wife are descended from among the oldest and most honorable families of Spencer County. The children born to Vincent and Rebecca (Huff) Rust were Sarah H. (who married C. C. Butler), and Jacob V. and Wilson D., twins.
RAIBLEY
JOHN M AND WIFE CAROLINA NEE WILHELMUS When researching Graff Cemetery, the folk at the office in Luce shared what they had. One page was a family history left with them by Otto Wilhelmus on May 5 1980. This information is from that paper.
John M Raibley was born March 24 1839 in Wurtemburg, West Gernmany (Southeast of Stuttgart) He married Carolina Wilhelmus Aug 30 1857 in Warrick Co. IN. Hid father was John Michael Wilhelmus (1811 - 1854)and his mother was Maria Catherine Johns (1814-1847. John died Sept 20 1901
Carolina Wilhelmus was born in Nohfeldand, Germany (near Birkenfeld) on Oct 18 1837 She married john M Raibley on Aug 30 1857 and died Dec 20 1876. Both her and her husband are buried in Graff cemetery.
6 children are recorded here mary Isabella Raibley b July 26 1860 married March 12 1884 to Jerome Harmon George D b June 12 1862 d. Feb 16 1885 Michael b April 15 1865 d 1952 married Fannie Jane Taylor Catherine b, 1867 Jacob b. March 1869 d.March 12 1947 married Frances (Franziska) Kaiser William Ralston b. April 23 1876 d.Feb 3 1939 married Lilia Griffith
dates on John M, Carolina and George D from Graff Cem headstones others furnished by Walter Raibley in 1979 note: Michael born night President Lincoln shot
RASOR ANDREW J. RASOR was born in Ohio Township December 16, 1825. He is the sixth of nine children born to Simeon and Mary (Allingsworth) Rasor. He was reared on the farm, and on account of the meager facilities received but a very limited education in his youth. After attaining his majority he in company with his brothers followed flat-boating on the Ohio River, and rafting cypress timber in Arkansas until 1849. From that date until 1858 he was engaged in running a sawmill in this township. In the latter year he located on a farm on Section 32, Ohio Township, which he cleared and upon which he has since resided. He is an enterprising and successful farmer, and an intelligent and upright citizen. December 2, 1858, he was joined in marriage with Mary E. Huffman, a native of Harrison County, Ind. To this union five children have been born, four of whom, John E., Debie Ann, Mary E. and Eliza S. are living.
from Biographical Sketches , Ohio Township, Spencer Co., IN
REAY JOHN O. REAY, proprietor of Reay's tobacco stemmery, was born June 13, 1832, in Louisville, Ky., being the youngest of three children born to the marriage of William Reay and Caroline Meriwether, who were natives of Virginia and Kentucky respectively. The father, who was a carpenter by trade, settled at Louisville about the year 1823, where he married and worked at his trade until his death in 1835. Mrs. Reay died in that city in 1840. John O. Reay, after his parents' deaths, was raised on a farm near the city, completing his schooling with a course at South Hanover College at Madison, Ind., and the Indiana State University at Bloomington. At twenty years of age he left his adopted home and for a number of years farmed in Kentucky, Tennessee and Rockport. In 1864 he came to Rockport, Ind., and erecting the first stemmery in the county has since been engaged in the tobacco business. He employs about forty-five hands, and annually handles about one and a half million pounds of tobacco. Mr. Reay is a Democrat, a Council Degree Mason, and he and wife belong to the Presbyterian Church. September 5, 1860, he wedded Martha Neville, a native of Clarksville, Tenn., and John O. and Neville are the names of the two children born to them. from Biographical Sketches , Ohio Township, Spencer Co., IN
REINHARD JUDGE GEORGE L. REINHARD, of Rockport, was born in Bavaria, Germany, July 5, 1843, and until fourteen years old attended the primary schools of his native country. In 1857 he immigrated to the United States, and for some time attended the schools of Cincinnati, where he also was employed in an extensive spoke and wheel factory owned by an uncle. In 1860 he moved to Union County, Ind., where he followed manual labor until the breaking out of the Rebellion, when he volunteered his services among the very first, and was made a private in Company I, Sixteenth Regiment Indiana Infantry, his company being afterward transferred to the Fifteenth Regiment. He served three years and four months, participating in the battles of Greenbrier, Perryville, Pittsburg Landing, Stone River and others without being wounded, and on receiving his discharge returned home in shattered health. Determined to secure a good education he entered a high school of Cincinnati, and from 1868 to 1869 attended Miami University at Oxford, Ohio, clerking and teaching school at intervals to defray his expenses, and also teaching German among the students at the University. Mr. Reinhard in this way secured an excellent education. In 1868 he began the study of law, and in September of the year following was examined and admitted to practice at Owensboro, Ky. The winter of 1870 he removed to Rockport, Ind., where he has since resided. Being a close student and naturally possessed of many mental attainments of a superior order, Mr. Reinhard was not long in securing a select and extended practice, and was soon recognized as one of the ablest attorneys of southern Indiana. In 1876 he was elected as State's Advocate for the second judicial circuit by 1,200 majority of votes, and so acceptably did he fill the office that he was re-elected in 1878 without opposition. In November, 1882, he was elected to the bench of the second judicial district for a period of six years, and is now satisfactorily filling the requirements of that responsible office. Judge Reinhard is a Democrat, and a member of the brotherhood of Odd Fellows. His family belong to the Presbyterian Church. He has, to some extent, been engaged in literary pursuits, his principal effort being " Reinhard's Indiana Criminal Law." This work is recognized by the legal profession throughout Indiana as a valuable addition to the legal literature of the State, and is justly meeting with high encomiums from individuals, among whom is Supreme Judge W. E. Niblack. Socially, Judge Reinhard and family are among the first in Rockport. He was married the fall of 1869 to Miss Mary E. Wilson, and four children have been born to them, one son and one daughter yet living. from Biographical Sketches , Ohio Township, Spencer Co., IN
FRANCIS J. REINHARD, attorney and counsellor-at-law, was born April 25, 1854 in Cincinnati, Ohio. John Casper Reinhard, his father, was a native of Bavaria, Germany, came to the United States in 1848, located in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he married Elizabeth Schatz, and in 1857 removed to St. Paul, Minn., where he died August 22, 1866. He was a stone-cutter by trade, and while in this country made large contracts. His widow died at St. Paul, July 4, 1881. Francis J. received a good education in the city's schools, and for two years succeeding his father's death, clerked in wholesale and retail boot and shoe houses of St. Paul. He then learned his father's trade, following that occupation until 1875. In 1870, 1876 and 1877, he attended St. John's College in Stearns County, Minnesota, and the spring and summer of 1877 read law in St. Paul. He then was employed for a time as book-keeper in Sauk Rapids, but in August. 1878 came to Rockport and read law with his cousin, Judge G. L. Reinhard. The fall of 1879 he was admitted to the Spencer County bar, and in 1880 located in Jasper, Ind., to practice his profession. In 1882 he returned to Rockport, and since July, 1883, has been a partner of Judge C. H. Mason. Mr. Reinhard belongs to the F. & A. M., K. of P., and he and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. Alice K. James became his wife June 28, 1882, and one son named John J. has been born to them. from Biographical Sketches , Ohio Township, Spencer Co., IN
RHODES
A. J RHODES, one of Carter townships prominent men, a merchant for years at Lincoln City, died at his home followed by burial in the Richardson Cemetery near Lincoln City. Mr Rhodes was 55 years old and is survived by his wife, two sons and two daughters He was serving as a board member of the Lincoln Park board and was secretary of the board. He also served as trustee of Carter township a number of years ago. He was a good citizen from County news, Rockport Democrat, Nov 10 1922
RICHARDS
R. M. RICHARDS is a native of Harrison County, Indiana, born July 30, 1827. He is one of seven children, born to the marriage of John Richards and Nancy Montgomery, natives of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively. The father who was a soldier in the war of 1812, came to Indiana about the time it was admitted as a State, and located in Harrison County, where he was married and lived until 1833. Meeting with financial reverses and being in ill-health, he resolved to leave the county, and accordingly in that year he removed his family to this county where he died seven months later. His widow, who died in 1875, afterward married Raphael Johnson. Our subject was reared by his maternal grandparents. At the age of twenty-three he married. After renting land for two years, he bought the farm where he has since resided. He has been quite successful in business, and now owns 200 acres of good farming land. May 10, 1883 his wife died, leaving five children, John, Fredonia, wife of Eldridge Palmer, Frank M., William S. and Robert W. She left her family a record of a noble Christian life. from Biographical Sketches , Ohio Township, Spencer Co., IN
RICHARDSON
JOSEPH C. RICHARDSON, born November 7, 1816, in Nelson County, Ky., is the sixth of eight children born to John and Nancy (Castleman) Richardson, who were natives respectively, of West Virginia and Kentucky, their births occurring in 1783. The father removed with his parents to Mercer County, Ky., at an early day, was there married, and afterward removed to Nelson County, where he farmed and preached the Baptist religion. In 1817 he built a flat-boat, and in company with a few neighboring families and their household goods, floated down the Ohio River to where Grandview now is, where they disembarked. Mr. Richardson settled near where the village of Lincoln now is situated, but shortly thereafter removed to near the present site of Newtonville, where he died in 1822. His widow survived him until 1868, when she died in Clay Township. Joseph C. has made Spencer County his home mostly through life. He was raised a farmer, secured but a limited schooling in youth, but has acquired a good education in later years. In 1834 he engaged as clerk in merchandising at Gentryville, afterward becoming a partner, but in 1854 selling and becoming a partner in merchandising at Rockport. For a short time during the late war he was sutler with the Fifty-third Indiana Regiment, but ill health compelled his return, and he then worked at insurance until 1868. In that year he was defeated by J. W. Laird for Circuit Court clerk by 68 votes, but in 1872 was elected over his former adversary for the same office by 216 votes. In 1876 he was again defeated for the same position, but in 1880 was again elected, thus serving eight years. Mr. Richardson is one of the county's oldest and best known citizens; is a Republican, and his wife belongs to the Baptist Church. He was married April 8, 1847, to Nancy A. Burkhart, of his native county, and four daughters and one son have been born to them, only two daughters now living named Abbie and Alice. from Biographical Sketches , Ohio Township, Spencer Co., IN
ROBERTS
Mrs Euphemia Roberts died last saturday at her home in Evansville. The remains were brought here and funeral services were held Monday at the M E Church conducted by Rev Conway after which the intermentoccured in the Richardson Cemetery. Mrs Roberts formally lived here and was beloved by all who knew her. She was the widow of levi Roberts and was 66 yrs old. Surviving her is a son, Rollie and daughter, Mrs Pina Wilhelmus, both residing in Evansville
from the Rockport Democrat 7/7/1911 (ls)
ROBERTSON WILLIAM H. ROBERTSON, an influential citizen of Ohio Township, is a native of Nottoway County, Va., born February 9, 1818. His parents were also natives of the Old Dominion when they were married, and where the father, Jennings Robertson died February 8, 1819. The mother, whose maiden name was Sarah Craddock, removed a year later to Ohio County, Ky., where she died in 1828. The children, of whom William H. was the youngest, then came to this county. In 1839 he married Letitia Miller, and a few months later settled on a tract of land where he now lives. He has added to his first purchase until he now has over 330 acres of good farming land. He for several years also, owned and managed a livery stable at Rockport. He still owns the latter, but rents it to other parties. For the past three years Mr. Robertson has practically retired from active business, and his extensive farm is managed by his son William H. Robertson, Jr., January 17, 1846. His wife died having borne him four children, two of whom Nancy J., now Mrs. W. H. Anderson, and Mary E., widow of Ford Wilkinson, are living. June 7, 1846, he married Mary Miller, a sister of his former wife, by whom he is the father of five children living : They are Margaret L., widow of J. W. Skaggs, William H., Sarah A., wife of C. W. Barrows, Henrietta, H., wife Of George Brown and Harriet N., wife of Robert Mackey. During the war, Mr. Robertson was a member of the Home Guards and is now a stanch Republican. Since the above was written, the subject of this sketch died April 30, 1885. from Biographical Sketches , Ohio Township, Spencer Co., IN
WILLIAM HENRY ROBERTSON, from Rockport Weekly Democrat, May 9 1885 William Henry Robertson died peacefully at his home three miles below Rockport, April 20 1885, aged 67 years. His funeral was very largely attended at his late residence on May Friday, May 1st. The services were conducted by the Rev I N Thompson. The body was laid tenderly to rest in the Rockport cemetery. Mr Robertson was born near Richmond Virginia, Feb 9 1818. The father died in 1820, leaving his mother with eight children of which he was the youngest. His mother removed with her family to Kentucky in 1821 and settled in this county, near the Owensboro ferry in 1827, where soon after she died. leaving the older children to provide for the younger. The deceased made his home with a older brother until 1839,when he marries Miss Lucticia Miller. She died in 1844 and he was again married in 1845 to Miss Mary Miller who is left with seven children to mourn their loss. Mr Robinson was a honest industrious upright citizen and a very successful farmer. He was kind and obliging to a fault. He was a loving husband. a tender father, loved and honored by all who knew him. He had been in the neighborhood where he died for 58 years. After having paid large amounts for his friends as an indorser, he still leaves a good estate to his heirs in property, as well as his good name as an inheritance to his family. He will be missed by many from his neighborhood, where he had lived so long. written by I N Thompson
ROETZEL HENRY A. ROETZEL, of Rockport, is a native of Prussia, born January 3, 1837, being the second of five children in the family of Franz and Mary (Weller) Roetzel, who were also natives of Prussia. The father, who was a farmer, came to America with his family in 1854, and landed at New Orleans, where they remained a few months. They then came to this county and located on a farm in Grass Township, where the father died a short time after the close of the Rebellion. The mother survived her husband about two years. Henry A. Roetzel received the ordinary compulsory education in his native country, and at the age of fifteen he went to work in a mine, where he continued until coming to this country with his parents. He then worked on his father's farm until 1865, when he engaged in the grocery business at Centerville, which he continued until 1872. Since the latter date he has been engaged in conducting a saloon, restaurant and boarding-house at Rockport. He was married to Magdalena Kehrer in October, 1865, and is the father of eight children:four sons and four daughters. He and wife are members of the German Lutheran Church. from Biographical Sketches , Ohio Township, Spencer Co., IN
ROGERS EDMUND JAMES ROGERS, one of the oldest living pioneers of southern Indiana, was born December 7, 1800, in Connecticut, being the only son of three children born to Jonathan and Orphania Rogers. His father was a lieutenant in the war of 1812; came west with his family in 1818, and located at Carlisle, Ind. In 1824 he moved to Posey County, Ind., where both he and wife afterward died. The subject of this sketch received an academic education, and when sixteen years old taught his first term of school. He was engaged in the general merchandise business and tanning in Posey County, this State, with his father, and after the latter's death continued until 1870, when he moved to Rockport. He embarked in the grocery trade at this place, and so continued until 1875, and has since been practically retired from active business pursuits. His life has been one of success in every respect, and has been a busy one as well. Although a member of no church organization, he has contributed liberally from his means in the support of charitable and benevolent organizations of various kinds. For a wife, he selected Celia Guild, a native of Hartford, Conn., who died in Posey County, this State, after bearing two children, only one Celia, widow of Jesse Laird now living. from Biographical Sketches , Ohio Township, Spencer Co., IN
RUDESILL
CONRAD RUDESILL, died Wednesday, Dec 17 at his home in this city, aged 78 years. Mr Rudesill was one of the oldest and most respected citizens of this county. He has been a sufferer from paralysis for several years taken from the Rockport Journal December 19 1890
RUE Henry Rue, who lived one and a half miles northeast of Grandview, went to that place Saturday last and proceeded to get very drunk. Toward evening he got into a wagon with some other persons to go home. He sat on the bottom of the wagon in a state of helpless intoxication and after a short while fell back and lay flat down in the wagon. No notice was taken of it by the remainder of the party as they supposed it was only a ordinary plain drunk But on reaching Rue's house, they found on trying to arouse him, that he was dead. He was a farmer and a family man. from the Rockport Journal