CAPT. WILLIAM CHARLES was born in French Lick Township, Orange Co., Ind., 
March 19, 1820. He is the oldest of eleven children born to Azor and Rachael (Cobb) 
Charles. The father was a native of Tennessee, and from there he moved with his parents 
to Kentucky, and afterward with them came to Orange County when about thirteen years 
of age. Soon after his marriage Azor located about six miles west of Paoli in what is now 
French Lick Township, and remained there until his death in  1871. His son William, 
who now lives near the same place, received a common school education in the primitive 
schools of his day. He was raised to a farmer's life with his parents, and in 1850 went to 
California, where he remained five years. At the end of that time he returned to his 
father's home and stayed until his marriage, December 3, 1857. Soon after that he located 
on the same farm where he now lives, and has been engaged in agricultural 
pursuits ever since. His wife was Miss Caroline E. Faucett, who has borne him one child, 
named George A. As a soldier Mr. Charles mustered into Company G, Forty-ninth 
Regiment Indiana Infantry, November 8, 1861, as First Lieutenant, and was promoted to 
the Captaincy October 16, 1862. He was several times under fire, with Sherman in the 
Yazoo campaign, at Cumberland Gap, and others. On account of an injury received on 
board the Belle Peoria, he was compelled to resign in February, 1863. He is a republican, 
and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church and the Masonic order.  (1)



CAPT. JOSEPH DUNCAN was born in this county May 12, 1827, being the sixth of 
eleven children of William and Ellender (Edwards) Duncan. The father was of Scotch 
descent, a native of Kentucky,and came to this State at the very early date of 1805. At the 
age of about seventeen Joseph went South with his brother, and then returned, going to 
Galena, Ill., where he was engaged two and a half years in mining lead. Prior to his 
marriage he traveled over a wide section of the country, mainly on a tour of observation, 
and during this time gained, as all travelers do, a good knowledge of human nature. May 
22, 1851, he married Margaret J. Baker, who bore him eleven children, the following 
now living: Harriet E., Eliza A., widow of William Gammon; Mary M., wife of Thomas 
Pruett; John, Volney L., Nancy C., who married Alfred Girkin; Dora A., James G. and 
William S. November 29, 1873, Mrs. Duncan died, and October 6, 1875, he married 
Sarah (Cochran) Hatfield, who has presented him with one child--Franklin A. November 
7, 1861, Mr. Duncan enlisted in Company G, Forty-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer 
Infantry, as a private, was elected First (duty) Sergeant, and after serving honorably three 
years, was mustered out as Captain, November 29, 1864. He was present at the following 
engagements: Cumberland Gap, Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Thompson's Hill, 
Raymond, Champion Hills, Black River, siege of Vicksburg, Jackson, and elsewhere, 
serving in all cases bravely and well. Mr. Duncan has made farming his occupation, and 
now owns 421 acres, much of which is timber. He and wife are Methodists. He is a 
stanch Republican and a member of the Odd Fellows' fraternity.(1)



SILAS J. HALBERT, was born in Hancock County, Ill., December 7, 1843, the 
second of three children born to John and Mary (Fox) Halbert, who were born 
respectively in Martin County, Ind., and Ohio, the former Welsh, the latter of German 
descent. They remained residents of Illinois until 1848, when our subject's father started 
for California and perished on the plains en route to that place. The widowed mother and 
family returning to this State. Silas received a common school education and in 1861 
enlisted as a volunteer in Company G, Forty-ninth Regiment, and served until December, 
1864, when he was honorably discharged. He was engaged in the following battles: 
Cumberland Gap, Champion Hills, Black River and Fort Gibson, in connection with the 
siege of Vicksburg, where he was wounded in the right arm, and other less important 
engagements. Mr. Halbert and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and 
he belongs to the Odd Fellows and is a Republican. He has followed farming all his life 
and now owns 120 acres of improved land.(1)



BENNET GRIGSBY of French Lick, Orange Co., Ind., was born in Jefferson 
County, Ky., January 27, 1817. His parents were William and Anna (Cornwell) Grigsby. 
The father was a native of South Carolina, and after living in several of the Southern 
States located in what is now Orange County,Ind., in 1814. In the early part of 1816 he 
moved to Kentucky and was married. He returned to this county with his family in 1820, 
and located on the farm where he lived till his death, November 1878. Bennet was raised 
by his parents on the farm until 1834, receiving a limited education in the country 
schools of that day. At the age of seventeen years he was apprenticed to the tailor's trade 
at Paoli for three years. He followed this business until 1855, when he located on the 
farm in French Lick Township where he now resides, and has ever since led a farmer's 
life. His wife was Matilda Bateman, a native of Floyd County, Ind., born in 1818. To 
their union five children have been born, four of them now living. Mr. Grigsby was a 
soldier in the Civil war, enlisting November 8, 1861, in Company G, Forty-ninth 
regiment Indiana Infantry. He served three years and was discharged November 30, 1864. 
He participated in a number of principal and important battles, and was a faithful soldier 
in his country's cause. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and belongs to 
the Masonic order.(1)




JACKSON KEYNON, was born in Clarke County, Ind., January 28, 1826, being the 
oldest of eight children of William and Harriet (Jones) Keynon. He was reared on his 
father's farm at hard work, and received but little education through no fault of his own. 
His youth was passed without noteworthy event, and upon reaching his majority he began 
accumulating property for himself. July 15, 1849, he married Mary J. Foote, in Clarke 
County, and to this union eleven children have been born, seven of whom are now living, 
as follows: Harriet J., wife of Andrew C. Wells; Clarissa E., who married William S. 
Walker; William A., who married Rachel Walker; Mary E., who became the wife of 
Bronson Abel; Charles A., unmarried; Mildred A., wife of James Scarlet, and Marion G. 
Mr. Keynon has followed farming through life and by gradual additions now has a farm 
of 190 acres, much of which is yet in timber. He and wife are members of the Methodist 
Church, and are well known and highly respected. October l9, 1861, he enlisted in 
Company G, Forty-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served with 
distinction for nearly two years, when he lost his right arm in the siege of Vicksburg and 
was honorably discharged. For this serious loss he is now drawing a pension of $30 per 
month. He was in the following battles: Thompson's Hill, Cumberland Gap, Charleston, 
Va., Arkansas Post and elsewhere, displaying in all great bravery and patriotism. He is a 
Republican and a prominent man.(1)



JAMES H. MATHERS, one of the leading citizens of Orangeville Township, of 
which he is a native, was born February 3, 1831, being the next youngest in a family of 
nine children born to Moses and Catherine (Donnell) Mathers, the former being a native 
of Pennsylvania and came to this State from Kentucky about the year 1831, first settling 
in Washington County, coming to Orange County two years later. James remained at 
home with his parents until their deaths, receiving an education in keeping with the 
facilities of his day. August 31, 1854, he married Amanda J. McKnight, to which union 
three children have been born: Elizabeth C., wife of William P. Jenkins; Lawrence A. and 
Joseph E. By occupation he is a farmer, owning 420 acres of land, raising stock quite 
extensively. August 25, 1862, he enlisted as a volunteer private in Company G, 
forty-ninth Regiment, serving a period of nine months, and was discharged at Memphis, 
April 13, 1863, on account of disability arising from a wound received at Chickasaw 
Bayou. He is a member of the Odd Fellow and Grand Army of the Republic fraternities. 
In politics he is a stanch Republican and active worker in the party and has been elected 
to fill the office of Township Trustee for three terms, being his party's nominee for 
County Auditor, but failed in election to consequence of his party being in the 
minority.(1)



SAMUEL MATHERS, brother of the subject of the foregoing sketch [James 
Mathers], was born December 18, 1821. He also remained at home and assisted his 
parents on the farm until he was thirty-three years of age, receiving a limited education. 
February 17, 1853, he married Annie Wyman, by which union two children were born: 
James L., who married Maria Stackhouse, and Florence M., wife of Richard Burton. 
March 9, 1856, Mrs. Mathers died, and January 1, 1857, he again married, this time 
Nancy Fields, to whom were born two children: Marion F. and Margaret R. December 12, 
1876, he was again compelled to witness the death of his wife. He, like his brother, is a 
farmer, making stock-raising one of the principal branches of that pursuit. He owns over 
400 acres of well improved land. In company with his brother he also enlisted as 
volunteer in the same company and regiment, serving for a period of two years and nine 
months, and was honorably discharged at New Albany, May 24, 1865. He took part in the 
following important engagements: Chickasaw Bayou, Champion Hills, Arkansas Post, 
Grand Gulf, Fort Gibson, Black River, and during the entire siege of Vicksburg. He is a 
Republican, and belongs to the Odd Fellows Fraternity.(1)



JOHN W. PINNICK, a citizen of Jackson Township, Orange County, was born in 
Warrick County, Ind., February 24, 1829. He is the third of nine children born to Elijah 
and Lucinda (King) Pinnick. The parents were both natives of Kentucky, were married in 
Warrick County, and located in Orange County in 1834, and where they both died. 
Having received but a common school education he began doing for himself at the age of 
seventeen, and his life has been mostly spent in agricultural pursuits. On February 26, 
1850, he was united in matrimony to Miss Harriet A., daughter of Septimus and Lucy 
(Smith) Tomlinson. The result of this union is a family of eleven children, whose names 
are: Sarah E. (Johnson), Martha A. (Harmon), Charles H., Leroy A., William 
H., John T., Grant, Sherman S., Sheridan S., Raymond T., and Porter A. Mr. Pinnick 
enlisted in Company G, Forty-ninth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, on November 
8, 1861, and served his country as a soldier three years, and was discharged at 
Indianapolis, November 29, 1864, by reason of the expiration of his term of enlistment. 
He was elected Township Trustee in 1878, and served in that capacity for two years, 
during that time having built four schoolhouses. Politically he is a Republican. He and 
wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are highly respected by their 
neighbors.(1)



JOHN W. S. PRUETT,farmer, was born in Orange County, October 20, 1837, the 
oldest in a family of eight children born to Elias and Jane (Jenkins) Pruett, who were 
natives of Kentucky, the former having come to Indiana in the year 1822, the latter two 
years later. John received a very limited education, remaining with and assisting his 
parents on the farm until he was twenty-four years of age, when the following November 
7, 1861, he enlisted as a volunteer private in Company G, Forty-ninth Indiana Regiment, 
serving until November 21, 1864, and was at that time honorably discharged at 
Indianapolis, by reason of expiration of term of service. He took part in a number 
of important engagements. August 13, 1865, he married Miss Nancy C. Whittington, to 
which union eight children have been born, of whom these six are now living: Charlie J., 
Emma J., George E., John W., Sarah I. and Margaret. He owns 120 acres of land, which 
he recently purchased with the money derived from a pension which the Government 
recently granted him. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
he being Steward. In politics he is a stanch Republican.(1)



JOHN A. RITTER, M.D., of the firm of Ritter & Carter, was born in Jessamine 
County, Ky., January 3, 1819, being the youngest of three children born to John and 
Agnes (Butler) Ritter. His father was a native of Kentucky, his mother of Virginia, the 
former dying in his native State, while our subject was quite young. John came to Indiana 
in about 1839, his mother having preceded him one year. After receiving an ordinary 
education he commenced reading medicine, which he abandoned at the end of one year, 
again resuming the study three years later, then taking a course of lectures at Louisville, 
graduating at Indianapolis some time later. October 28, 1845, he married Margaret 
Carter, and nine children have been born, of whom seven are living: Harriet F., wife of 
Lewis P. Brown; John A., who married Sarah Jackman; Thomas B., whose wife was 
Mattie Easley; WilliamV., who married Kittie E. Elrod; James K., Orlando H. and 
Margaret E. B. Those deceased are Theophilus C. and Mary M. The Doctor has long 
enjoyed a large and lucrative practice over quite an extent of territory, having succeeded 
in amassing quite an amount of property, owning about 1,000 acres of land. He and wife 
are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is Trustee and Steward. He 
also belongs to the Odd Fellows' fraternity. In November, 1860, he enlisted as a volunteer 
private, and in the organization of the company he was chosen Captain; later he was 
promoted to the office of Regimental Surgeon, and was in the service two years, 
participating in a number of important engagements, and was discharged on account of 
disability. In politics he is a stanch Republican. Dr. Ritter has long taken an active 
interest in the continuance and prosperity of the County Medical Society, 
of which organization a fuller account is found elsewhere.(1)



WILLIAM C. SHIRLEY, farmer in Orangeville Township, of which he is a native, 
was born August 31, 1839, to Elizabeth (Wilson) Shirley, wife of George Shirley, to 
whom was born a family of five children, of which William is the oldest. The subject of 
this sketch received a good common school education, having attended college at what is 
now DePauw University, a few terms. Most of the time previous to attaining his majority 
he rendered his assistance on the farm. March 19, 1867, he married Mary E. Hicks, to 
whom the following named children have been born: Charlie, Fred and Nellie. In 
November, 1861, he enlisted as a volunteer private in Company G, Forty-ninth 
Regiment, and he was honorably discharged at Indianapolis in December, 1864, that 
being the expiration of the time for which he had enlisted. He has been a very successful 
farmer, owning 280 acres of well improved land under an excellent state of 
cultivation.(1)


 
NATHAN P. GILLIATT, a native of the county in which he yet resides, and the 
present Trustee of French Lick Township, was born in Jackson Township, November 19, 
1840, and is the oldest of five sons and three daughters born to John and 
Elizabeth(Wineteer) Gilliat. His father was a native of Virginia, where he was raised and 
from whence he came to Orange County, Ind., on horseback, either the fall of 1838 or 
spring of 1839. He both purchased partially improved land and entered some from the 
Government, and about a year after his location married; his wife's people, the Wineteers, 
being natives of Kentucky, and coming from there to near French Lick in this county. 
John Gilliat was a farmer, an honest, industrious man. He died in 1877,preceded by 
his first wife in 1872. His second wife was a Mrs. Adaline Brewbeck, a widow lady, by 
whom he became the father of two more children. His last wife is yet living, and is the 
wife of Isaiah Kendall. Nathan P. Gilliat was raised in Orange County, and has never 
known any other home. He received but very limited educational advantages in youth, 
because of being the eldest of the children, and his aid being needed by his father on the 
home farm. In October, 1861, when the country was in peril, he volunteered, and early in 
November was mustered in as private in Company A, Forty-ninth Indiana Volunteer 
Infantry. He participated in the siege and capture of Vicksburg, and next in the Jackson 
campaign, then back to Vicksburg, and from there went to New Orleans, on the way 
engaging in the battle of Arkansas Post. About this time he went home on recruiting duty. 
In May, 1863, he rejoined his regiment at New Orleans, and remained there until 
the close of the war. Mr. Gilliat was honorably discharged from the service in November, 
1864, wearing a Sergeant's chevrons. In January, 1865, he married Miss Jemima Kendall, 
and since has been farming in French Lick Township, where he owns 320 acres. To him 
and wife eight children have been born, whose names are: Nancy E., John T., Lucy M., 
Hiram H., William H. (deceased), Robert L., Mary A. and Charles E. The mother was a 
daughter of Hiram and Nancy (Gregory) Kendall,and was born in May, 1843. She was a 
member of the Christian Church, a faithfuland loving wife, a fond and devoted mother, 
and a woman of many exceptionally good traits of character. She died September 15, 
1882. Mr. Gilliat is a Democrat in politics, and served one term as Trustee of is 
township by appointment, and is now serving his second term by election.(1) 



JOHN H. GILLIATT, is the third child and oldest son in a family of eleven children 
born to Albert and Elizabeth (Leech) Gilliatt. The parents were both natives of Virginia, 
where they were married, and about the year 1837 they immigrated to Orange County, 
having mde that their home ever since. John H. Gilliatt, their son, was reared to manhood 
by his parents, and after the breaking out of the Rebellion he enlisted in the service of his 
country in Company A, Forty-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was 
discharged on account of disability at New Orleans, January 4, 1864. Two years after 
returning home he was married to Miss Lucinda Kendall, January 11, 1866. The names of 
their ten children are: Jemima A., Rosa L., Nancy E., Hiram F., John T., Cora E., William 
M., Lumus D., Iona and Gracy L. Mr. Gilliatt is now farming on his own farm of 180 
acres, and is successful in that and in stock-raising. He is a Democrat in politics, and a 
member of the Grange.(1)
John H. Gilliatt, buried Providence Cemetery, Greenfield Twp., Orange
County, Indiana. He was born March 24, 1844 in Orange County, Indiana,
married to Lucinda Kendall on January 11, 1866 in Orange County and died
February 8, 1909, Orange County, Indiana.  He and his wife had 10
children, the oldest, Jemima Ann, married in 1877 to Lyndon B. Roberts
John H. Gilliatt served in the 49th Indiana Volunteers, Company A(2)




WILLIAM W. PINNICK, a native of this county, was born February 6, 1837, being 
the fourth of ten children of John and Jane (Farris) Pinnick. John Pinnick was a native of 
North Carolina, and his wife of Kentucky, both of Germanic descent with slight 
admixtures from other nationalities. Their marriage took place in this State, whereupon 
they moved to Kentucky, but in about five years returned and settled in this county. 
William W. passed his youth on a farm, receiving slight education, owing to failing 
eyesight. In November, 1861, he volunteered in Company G, Forty-ninth Regiment 
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served for three years, receiving his discharge at New 
Orleans, November, 1864. He was in the following engagements among others: 
Middle Bell, Log Mountain, Arkansas Post, etc. February 1, 1866, he married Susan E. 
Pierce, who has borne him six children: Rufus E., Marietta, Oscar F., C.J., Ida G., and 
T.M., all of whom are at home with their parents. Mr. Pinnick is a farmer with over 250 
acres of land and good buildings and is a Democrat.  His grandfather Pinnick was a 
Revolutionary soldier, and two of his brothers were in the Union army during the last 
war, one gallantly laying down his life for his country at Collierville.(1)



SAMUEL YESLEY, served in the Indiana Infantry Veterans Volunteers, 49th Reg., 
Company D. He enrolled at Jeffersonville, IN; was discharged after three years on Feb 2, 
1864 at Indianola, TX and re-upped the following day, still as a private. He was finally 
discharged Sept 13, 1865. He was buried in Terre Haute in 1884 (Apr 4) and listed as a 
civil war veteran.(2) 



ELIJAH J. PINNICK,was a native of township [French Lick] and county where he 
now resides, and was born February 3, 1820, a son of James and Mary (Cobb) Pinnick. 
The father was a native of Kentucky, and came to Orange County in 1815, and entered in 
what is now French Lick Township. He remained here the balance of his life, raising a 
family of twelve children. Elijah Pinnick remained with his parents during his youth and 
early manhood, receiving only a moderate education, such as the primitive schools of that 
day afforded. On the opening of the Mexican war he enlisted in 1846, in Company B, 
Second Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He served for one year and was then 
discharged at New Orleans. The only battle at which he was engaged was that of Buena 
Vista. Returning from the war he made his home with his father, until his marriage. That 
occurred December 23, 1848, when Mary A. McBride became his wife. The result of this 
union is a family of nine children, five of which are still living. His wife's death occurred 
June 26, 1868, and on January 31, 1869, his second marriage was solemnized. By this 
wife, whose maiden name was Drusilla Cobb, he is father of four children. On November 
8, 1861, he enlisted in Company G, Forty-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, as 
Second Lieutenant. This he resigned April 9, 
1862 on account of his failing health. He was one of the prominent farmers of his 
township, owning 160 acres of good land. He was a member of the G.A.R., and a 
Republican in politics. (1)



ROBERT MARION CRAIG, was born in Harrison county, Ind, July 28, 1833, and is 
a son of William and Elizabeth (Meyers) Craig, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia 
respectively. William Craig was the son of Jesse Craig, who immigrated from 
Pennsylvania about the year 1811, and settled in Harrison County, on Blue River. 
Elizabeth Meyers Craig was a daughter of John Meyers, a native of Virginia. The subject 
of this sketch was raised on a farm and educated in the common schools. He enlisted 
November 7, 1861, in Co F, Forty-ninth Indiana Vol. Infantry. and served until Nov 29, 
1864 when, his time having expired, he was honorably discharged. He was in all the 
battles in which his regiment took part, including the siege of Vicksburg. He entered 
service as a private, and was mustered out as a first lieutenant, which is a guarantee of his 
good service as a soldier. After his term of service had expired he returned home and 
settled down to the quiet life of a farmer, and was married January 5, 1865, to Sarah C 
Breeden, daughter of Bryant Breeden, a native of Harrison County. They had three 
children, Dora, Alta, and Robert M. Mr Craig commenced clerking in 1875, continuing 
the same until 1887, when he engaged in the mercantile business for himself in 
Leavenworth. He carried a good stock, worth about $3,000, and was an energetic and 
active business man. He filled several township offices with great acceptability. He was a 
G.A.R. member. (3) 



EMANUEL R. HAWN, M.D.,was born in Clermont county Ohio, September 11, 
1831, and was a son of Emanuel and Harriet (bell) Hawn, natives of Maryland, and Ohio 
respectively. Emanuel R, the subject of this sketch, was reared in Ohio, and received a 
liberal education in the schools of that State, graduating from a literary college at 
Richmond Ohio. He came to Crawford county, Ind, and located in Alton in 1851, and 
having commenced the practice of medicine, having read medicine and graduated from 
the Ohio Medical College before leaving that State. He served through the Mexican war 
and was in several battles; and at the breaking out of the Civil War, in 1861, he joined the 
Seventeenth Indiana regiment, as a lieutenant, and was immediately promoted to 
Captain. He was afterward transferred to First Indiana Heavy Artillery as a surgeon, and 
subsequently to the Forty-Ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served as surgeon of this 
regiment until 1864, when he was placed in charge of a hospital at Louisville, Ky. He 
remained there only two months, when Gov. Morton called him to take charge of the One 
Hundred and forty-fourth Indiana Regiment, and he was sent with it to Virginia. He was 
chief surgeon over four different regiments during his term of service. When the war was 
over he located in Indianapolis, where he remained one year, and then went to 
Leavenworth, and was postmaster under Presidents Grant and Hayes, and pension 
examiner. In 1880 was elected Secretary of State. He died in 1884, while holding the 
office of Secretary of the Board of Health.  In 1854 he married Miss Mary E Holcroft, a 
native of Crawford County, and a daughter of Nathaniel and Elizabeth (Smoots) Holcroft, 
natives of Virginia. He had six children, Ada, Elijah, Elizabeth, John A., Clem. and 
Emanuel. John was born November 27, 1864, and is a physician, graduated from the 
University of Louisville in 1884, and began practice at once in Leavenworth. His father 
was a prominent Mason, and Knights of Honor. His mother, Mrs. Hawn, kept a hotel in 
Leavenworth. (3)



HAMILTON MARTIN,was born in Crawford County, Indiana, May 23, 1834, and 
was a son of John and Mary (McRae) Martin, the former born in Kentucky in 1801, near 
Covington; his father, Edward Martin, lived for many years in Kentucky, and about 1820 
removed with his family to Indiana, settling near Mt. Sterling, the first county seat of 
Crawford County, and was one of the pioneers; the latter, Nancy Mcrae Martin, was born 
in North Carolina, and was a daughter of Alexander McRae, a native of Scotland. 
Hamilton Martin, the subject of this sketch, was raised on a farm and educated in the 
common schools. He was married at the age of 21 to Miss Mary E Seaton, a daughter of 
James Seaton, native of Pennsylvania, and of German origin. He followed farming until 
the commencement of the civil war, when, in November, 1861, he enlisted in company 
H, Forty  Ninth Indiana, participating in all the battles of this regiment; was wounded in 
1862; was with Gen. Grant in the rear of Vickburg. In May, 1863, he was captured and 
taken to Libby Prison, but was kept there but a short time, when he was paroled; in 
November he was exchanged, and again entered service with his old regiment. He was 
discharged Nov. 29, 1864, and then enlisted in the 144th Indiana, in which he served 
until the close of the war. He entered the service as a private, and was mustered out as 
First Lieutenant. After leaving the service, he was Justice of the Peace from 1868 to 
1876, and postmaster at Grantsburg from 1879. He was elected county commissioner in 
1886; wa in the mercantile business in Grantsburg since 1879, and has a good business; 
carried about $4,000 stok of goods.(3)



JAMES R. FERGUSON, retired farmer and veteran soldier, of Henryville, Clark 
County,  was one of the older generation that has contributed so much to the progress and 
upbuilding of the community. His father, Colonel {Henry} Ferguson, who died in 1868, 
was the founder of Henryville.  He was the foremost man in getting the railroad through 
that part of the country and induced Ben Marsh, the engineer who surveyed the railroad, 
to survey and help him lay off the town of Henryville, which was afterwards named in his 
honor.  Our subject is well versed in the blacksmith trade, having spent ten years of his 
life in that business; the remainder of his career, outside of his military experiences, was 
spent in farming pursuits in which he has been unquestionably successful.  He and his life 
lived in retirement in Henryville in a manner fitting to their time of life.  James R. 
Ferguson was born on June 23, 1837, in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and was the 
son of Henry and Nancy (Young) Ferguson.  Col. Henry Ferguson, as he became known 
life, was born in 1804, in the same county in Pennsylvania.  He was a farmer and came to 
Clark county, Indiana, about 1842, and located on the present site of Henryville, owning
all the land on which the town now stands.  In order to induce the railroad authorities to 
open up Clark county, about 1848 or 1849 he both donated and sold them land.  He 
helped to do the grading work on the road and was afterwards kept in the company's 
employ as paymaster, holding the position until his retirement from same.  He retired 
from the service of the railroad in his fiftieth year.  Colonel Ferguson was educated in the 
common schools of Pennsylvania, was a Democrat in politics, and belonged to the
Presbyterian faith.  He was a great friend of President Armstrong, of the Jeffersonville, 
Madison & Indianapolis Railroad, and was known all over the country.  He was quite 
active in the political circles of his day, but never sought a public office.  He was at one 
time colonel of a regiment of Pennsylvania militia, and was also employed by the state to 
collect all the old government arms in Clark, Scott, Floyd and Washington counties.  He
and James Allen hauled them to Indianapolis.  He died in 1860, just before the war broke 
out.  His wife died in 1844, when our subject was quite young. James R. besides himself 
had five brothers and two sisters.  He and his sister, Maria Calender, of Louisville, 
Kentucky, are the only survivors.   James R. Ferguson started for himself when about 
sixteen years old.  He learned the blacksmith trade, at which he worked for ten years with 
good results.  In the year 1861, at the outbreak of the war, he enlisted in Company D, 
Forty-ninth Indiana Infantry, as a private, on September 19th. He fought in the battles of 
Cumberland Gap, Memphis, Tennessee; Vicksburg, and in the campaign around the last 
named district.  He then participated in the Red River Expedition, came home on 
furlough, and was mustered out in 1865, at which time he held a commission as captain.  
From that time until 1894, he was a prosperous farmer.  In the year 1879 he married 
Mamie Connor, who was born on the 22d of November, 1850, and was the daughter of 
Mary and Bryan Connor.  Her parents were natives of Ireland, though she herself was 
born in Maryland.  Her mother died in Henryville and her father was killed in an accident 
on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, in Virginia, about 1856.  Her mother, whose death
occurred in 1885, was in her sixty-first year.  Mrs. Ferguson and her husband have been 
blessed with the following children:  Ray, born Mary 5, 1880; Earl R. was born 
December 4, 1881, and lives in California; Chester C., born May 13, 1885; Henry H. was 
born in February, 1887; Charles Blaine was born in 1890, January 11th, in Louisville, and 
James A. on December 31, 1893.  James R. Ferguson obtained his education in the 
common schools.  He and his family were members of the Methodist Episcopal church.  
In politics he was a Republican and served as Assessor of the township for one term.  He 
was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Post No. 461.(2)


CAPTAIN JOHN J. ALLES,of Company I, 49th Indiana, was born in Prussia, April
23, 1824, and belongs to a family of Military men. He was Elected Captain November 4, 
1861, at Jasper Indiana, and mustered in Nov 21, 1861. He took part in fourteen battles, 
and was wounded by a shell at Vicksburg. Before the Civil War he had been in a military
expedition to Cuba. Captain Alles served many years as trustee of Hall township, and as
county commisioner of Dubois county.(4)



LIEUTENANT WILLIAM W. KENDALL, , was born in Hall Township, Dubois 
County, Indiana on August 31, 1839. He worked as a military Conductor on the L.F. & L.
railroad. Entered service at Jeffersonville,  Clark County, IN enlisted Oct. 31, 1861, in 
Co. A, 49th Indiana Infantry.  He was soon promoted  1st Sergeant, June 18,1863(62??) , 
and afterwards to 1st Lieutenant of his company, and was wounded once during the war.  
He served till the very last shot was fired, and was present in many battles, being 
discharged September 13, 1865. Sgt Kendall was awarded the Congressional Medal of
Honor for the action described below.
Date and place of action: 17 May 1863 at Black River Bridge, Mississippi.
CITATION: Voluntarily led the company in a charge and was first to enter the enemy's 
works, taking a number of prisoners.
Discription of action: At Black River Bridge, on May17th, 1863, Sgt. William W. 
Kendall, Co. A, 49th Indiana Infantry gained his Medal.  Our troops under General 
 Lawler struck the enemy, who held a strong position, well defended.  The 49th was one 
of the regiments in the charge and nearly all the officers were shot down in the first rush 
of our troops.  All the officers of Kendall's Company were killed or wounded and early in 
the action he found himself in command of his company, and when nearing the enemy's 
works was confronted by a ditch almost ten feet wide.  He was an athlete and leaping the 
opening, he landed on a pile of planks.  Quickly throwing them one by one across the 
opening he made a way for his men to follow, and when a number had crossed he led a
charge on the enemy's line, capturing guns and more prisioners than he had men in his 
command.
In Febuary of 1894, Congress presented a medal to Lt. Kendall. It was of bronze. About
ten years later Congress recalled the Bronze medal, and in its place presented to him a
gold medal in May, 1905. It was an artistic token, handsomely encased, of beautiful
design, of intrinsic worth and value, and a badge of honor worthily bestowed. Later, by 
a third resolution of Congress, the bronze medal was returned to him, thus he has two 
medals , but can only wear one at a time. Lt. Kendall was a member of the 
“Medal of Honor Legion”, one of the most select military organizations in America
Lt. Kendall died at West Baden, IN ,14 August 1920 and is buried at the Ames Chapel 
Cemetery, Abydel, IN.(2)(4)


HENRY JACKSON COFFMAN was born December 25, 1819, Muskingham 
County, Zanesville, Ohio. Died November 6, 1896 in Floyd County, Indiana. Buried 
Galena Methodist Church Cemetery, Floyd County, Galena, In. Married Sarah Ann 
Garretson on January 27, 1846, in Floyd County. (2)
 


CHARLES D PEARSON, M.D.was born April 20, 1820 in Paoli, In. Died on 
February 12, 1890. When the 49th Indiana was organized, his ardor, heroic motives, and 
love of country  prompted Dr Pearson to accept a commission from Governor Morton as 
Army Surgeon. On his arrival at Camp Joe Holt, he found two hundred men in the most 
deplorable  condition, suffering from the effects of measles, without hospital 
accommodations. He at once succored two large and well ventilated halls, fitted them up, 
moved his men into them , and made them comfortable, and they soon began to improve. 
The regiment was ordered to Bardstown Ky., where a portion of Gen. Buells army was 
encamping. When he reached this place, Dr. Pearson was appointed on the Staff of 
General T. J. Wood. as medical director of that post. After organizing a hospital at that 
point, he was taken ill with pneumonia, and after becoming sufficiently convalescent to 
travel by easy stages, he returned home. During his absence the 49th was ordered to 
Cumberland Gap and when he learned of this, though debilitated and weak, he proceeded 
to join it.  He proceeded as far as Bardstown, and was there advised by the Commander 
of the post to go no further, as he might be taken by Guerrillas, but he returned to 
Louisville, and went by way of Lexington, there joining an army train at Danville for the 
Cumberland Gap. When he reached that city, he was prostrated and again his attending 
physician advised him not to go any further, as his life would probably be sacrificed if he 
did. Acting upon this advise, he tendered his resignation, after recommending a surgeon 
to take his place. This was in February of 1862. After his recovery, he established 
the first hospital in Madison In, and in August 1862 he was commissioned as medical 
director of the 1st division of the Third Army Corp of the Army of the Ohio, and 
remained with it until appointed medical director of the post at Bowling Green, Ky. On 
his arrival there he found three thousand men laying upon the floor, with no 
accommodations, and in order to relieve them as soon as possible, he and his assistants, 
aided by eight office clerks, worked from 18 to 20 
hours day for several weeks in erecting hospitals, ministering to the sick and wounded, 
and in attending to other multifarious and arduous duties of the post,  until the soldiers 
were made comfortable. This Herculean task told fearfully upon the good Doctors health, 
and fastened rheumatism upon him for life. In February 1863, he was ordered  to his 
regiment. at Triiune Tn, and remained there until the following May, when his ill health 
forced him to resign his commission and return home.(5)


EDWARD F BUZETT, M.D. Assistant Surgeon, and Surgeon for the 49th Indiana. 
Residence  was Clark County, Jeffersonville, and Burlington Iowa. Commission date was 
September 6, 1864 to April 1, 1865 when he was promoted Surgeon, which he held until 
April 20, 1865 when he was mustered out. (5) 


JAMES A.C. MCCOY, M.D. Assistant surgeon, Residence Hubbard In, in Clark 
County, and Jeffersonville, and Tacoma Washington. Date of Birth 1829, died in Tacoma 
1898. Commission date December 27, 1861 and resigned August 13, 1862. He later 
became surgeon at Mound City, Ill. Dr. McCoy was also commissioned 2nd LT  of 
Company D, when commissioned as Surgeon. After war became physician at Puyallup 
Indian Agency until 1882.(5)


SOLOMAN MOORE; (copied Feb. 21, 1980 from the microfilm copy of the Feb 
25, 1898 issue of the Buffalo Advocate which is stored at the Fredonia Public Library. 
Kansas) "Died Solomon MOORE, aged 76 years, died at the residence of his son, in 
Buffalo,Kansas on Sunday, Feb 20, 1898 of Bright's disease. Deceased was born in 
Orange County, Indiana. There he grew to manhood and married Sarah Jane WILSON, 
from which union there were born six boys, four of whom survive. In April 1862
Mr. MOORE enlisted in the 49th Indiana volunteers and served in the union army one 
year when he was discharged as disabled for service. In 1869 Mr. MOORE and his family 
moved to Franklin county, Kansas where in 1871 his first wife died. Three years later Mr. 
Moore married Mrs. E. M. WOLFINGTON, the widow of a comrade of his boyhood and 
then in 1883 the family moved to the farm they still own near the High Prairie Methodist 
church in Colfax township. Last fall his son built a house in Buffalo and the old 
gentleman and his wife made this their home. Mr. MOORE was always a farmer and an
honorable, upright man. He joined the Methodist church at the age of 22 years and was a 
member of the Buffalo charge at his death. The sons now living reside as follows: James 
A. and B.F. MOORE in Indiana; G.W. MOORE, Rest, Kansas and
Hance MOORE, Buffalo, Kans. The funeral occured Monday, the body being taken to the 
High Prairie cemetery for burial.Rev. BLACKBURN of Altoona preached the funeral 
service at the High Prairie M.E. church. He gave the land for the High Prairie Cemetery. 
Note: Solomon MOORE was the son of John and Rebecca ALSPAUGH MOORE.

CAPTAIN JOHN NAFIUS The subject of this record was a native of Lebanon,
Pennsylvania, where he was born in 1828. His parents were John and Elizabeth (Fostner) 
Nafius. He was united by marrage, in 1852 in Floyd County, to Jane Hinkley. His wife 
was born in 1831 in Floyd County, Indiana. She was a daughter of Jacab and Charity
(Coin) Hinkley. Three children were the issue of this marrage: Alfred, Theodore C, and 
Harry L, born in the order given. Captain Nafius was a contractor and was 33 years
of age when the late War of the Rebellion broke out. He responded to the second call
for volunteers, enlisting July 23, 1861, at New Albany, Ind. for three years as a private
in Company C, 49th Indiana Volunteer Infantry. and was unanimously elected Captain
 of his company. He was never wounded or in hospital during his term of service. He was
granted a furlough of thirty days in January 1864. This was extended to sixty days, and 
he reported for duty March 1864, at Matagorda Bay, Texas. With this exception, he was
 constantly engaged with his command, taking an active part in the following 
engagments; Cumberland Gap, Chickasaw Bayou, Champion Hill, Grand gulf, Thompson 
Hill, Black River Bridge, Arkansas Post, Assult on Vickburg three times, Black River
 Bridge, Jackson, Red River Expedition, and Nashville. His term of service expired, he
was honorably discharged Dec. 1864, at Indianapolis, In. His wife’s father, , J.B. Hinkley
was in the government service, on the river. Her brother Wm. B. served in the 23rd 
Indiana as engineer in gunboat service. Captain Nafius was a member of Sanderson
Encampment, U.V.L. No. 21, he was a receipient of a penson. He was a builder and 
contractor and resided in New Albany, Indiana (2)
Photo and Further info

CAPTAIN WILLIAM HENRY. PECKINPAUGH was born Feb 22, 1838 in 
Crawford County, Indiana. Was married to Emeline McCown, on August 19, 1857, She 
died on April 20, 1859, with one child that died in Infancy. 
He then married after the war to Mary Ann Emmick, daughter of Elias and Sallie 
Emmick. (Elias father came from Holland and faught in the Rev. War with
Washington)
William Henry Peckinpaugh was Captain in Co. F 49th. Ind. Volunteers. He
enlisted in Nov. 1861 and spent 3 years in the Army frequently serving on
the Brigadier General's Staff as Acting Ass't. Adjutant General and
sometimes as Provost Marshal.  He was injured in action.  After leaving the
Army he engaged in the practice of law until the time of his death. His Photo is listed in 
the Photo’s of the men of the 49th’s page. (6)(7) 


LT JOHN EDWIN PECKINPAUGH. born. 1/25/1842, died 2/25/1931, Rockport,
IN. m. 1/31/1866 Helen Nanette Roberts.......  John Edwin was a Lieutenant
in Co. H, 49th. Ind. Reg't.  John had 4 children: 1st died at birth, 2nd
died at 2 yrs, 9 mo. 21 days. 3rd Samuel married Zoe Palmer, 1 child. 4th.
died age 1 yr. ....The 3 children who died young were buried at the
Peckinpaugh Cemetery near Cape Sandy....(6) 


MARK P BUTLER  born 7/7/1837 in Switzerland County, Indiana, on his families 
farm. He worked as a farmer, and also listed himself as a Carpenter and Mechanic on his 
enlistment papers. He enlisted in the autumn of 1861, and was assigned to company B
as a musician. He was discribed as 5’9”, fair complextion, grey eyes, and dark hair. He 
was with the 49th Indiana until April 24, 1862 when he was sent to the hospital at
Lexington, Ky. He remained in the care of hospitals until April 29, 1863, when he was 
honorably discharged at Indianapolis, In for disability. (due to atrophied right leg)
After the war, he married Alice Mary White, in January 3, 1867. His first child was
John Lewis Butler, born 3/13/1870, followed by;
James Floyd Butler, born 8/27/1872
Anna M. Butler, 9/4/1874
Ralph Tinsely Butler, 3/5/1880
Rhoda Lillie Butler, 9/18/1889
Mark Butler continued to have problems with his disability throughout the rest of his life.
He died on 9/1/1903 at the age of 66 years, in Green County, Missouri.(2)(7) 


WILLIAM R. ROOT was born in 1825. He joined the 49th Indiana on November 4, 1861 as a
private in Company F, where he served until October 27th, 1863, when he was honorably discharged
for disability for Chronic Diarrhea, Chronic Pneumonia, and Endocarditis. According to his 
penson papers, his occupation is reported as that of a farmer, when he was able to do any thing 
at all. He served until June, 1863 where, at Vicksburg, Mississppi, he was sent to the hospital.
He was then sent to Webster General hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, on 23rd of June, 1863. From
the he was sent to Benton Barracks General Hospital, Missouri, on July 9th, 1863, and then was
discharged on October 27th, 1863. William was married to Edith L. Bennett in 1846, in Ohio. They
had the following children;
Lucy A. Root- born 1847
William S. Root- born 1851
Isaac W. Root- born 1856
Ivy J. Root- born 1859
John L. root- born 1861
Mary E. Root- born 1864.
William died in January, 1902, and is buried at Gilmore Cemetery, Eckerty, Crawford County,
In.(2)(7) 


SAMUEL YESLEY was born in January, 1829, in Ashland county, Ohio, as Samuel Yeisley.
Sometime between his birth and marriage his name was changed to Yesley. He Joined the 49th on
november 11th, 1861 at Jeffersonville, Indiana, and was part of Company D. Samuel was with
the 49th Indiana throughout it's history, reenlisting after the first term,on February 3rd,
1864, and staying until the regiment was mustered out in Mid September, 1865. He is described
as 5'6", light complextion, blue eyes, and red hair. His occupation was a farmer.
He reported sick at Lexington, Kentucky, on May/June 1862, and then sick again at Young's Point,
La, from April 2, 1863, and then at Milliken's Bend, a short time later. Was Absent sick at
Carrollton, La, on Sept. 9, 1863, and Absent on Furlough (veteran's Furlough) on April 24th,
1865. Otherwise was with the 49th throughout his enlistment. Samuel Yesley died April 4, 1884
in Terra Haute, Indiana. (2)(7) 
  

HENRY GURTZ was born December 24, 1846.  He enrolled in the 49th at
Camp Joe Holt, on the 1st of October, 1861, as a member of Company C.
He was present with the 49th from Muster in, until he was wounded in 
both leg's with grapeshot during an engagement in the rear of 
Vicksburg, on May 22, 1863.  He remained absent, in various hospitals,
until November/December of 1863, when he returned to duty.  He then was
with the 49th until the end of the war, even re-enlisting in the
Veteran Volunteers, on February 3rd, 1864.  He was married to Martha A.
Robison, May 31st, 1868, in Harrison County (Frenchtown), Indiana and
had 10 children.  Henry is described as 5' 5 1/2" tall, light
complexion, brown eyes, and light hair. His occupation was that of a
cooper.  He died November 2, 1904, in the Town of Depauw, Harrison
County, Indiana.  He is buried at Mt. Zion Methodist Church Cemetery.
An interesting side note, his death certificate gives his age as 68
which would have him born in 1836, but his reenlistment papers as well
as another paper has him 18 at the time of his reenlistment, which
makes him born in 1846.  If this is correct, he was only 15 at the time
of his original enlistment.

<2>(7) 


COLONEL JAMES KEIGWINwas born Oct 18, 1829, in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Was a member
of the Indiana Militia, until he joined the 49th Indiana as Lt. Colonel of the 49th,
and then promotedto Colonel October 18, 1862. He continued as Colonel of the 49th, until 1864, 
when, as theregiment's enlistment time ha expired, he decided to retire as well. During the War
he was an effective Colonel, often leading his men into battle. He also was in charge of various
brigades the 49th was attached to, and on one occasion was divisional commander. He was a
contraversial officer, having gained Governor Morton's attention and ire. Morton tried to
get him removed on grounds of disloyalty. Appearently Keigwin, having been home on furlough,
had made some anti- Morton statement's, and Morton heard of them, and wrote the Secretary of 
War, and tried to effect Kegwin's removal. That aside, Col. Keiwgin appears to have been a very
well thought of officer, and once when important business arouse, he tried to resign his 
commision from the Army, and it was not accepted. He was told by his superiors he was to badly 
needed to be allowed to resign. He was given furlough, and appearently dealt with his pressing
business then. Col. Keigwin was injured severly at Cumberland Ford, on July 14th, 1862, he was
returning from the Confederate Camps and was escorting several Rebels, under a flag of truce.
It being late at night, the flag was unseen, and Keigwin and his party was fired upon by the
2nd Tennessee regiment, and company F of the 49th. His horse was hit several times, and it 
threw Keigwin, who landed on his back. The men thought he was dead at first, but it was found
he had lived, but was seriously injured in his back. He remained paralyzed in both legs for 
several weeks, and never fully recovered. One of the reasons he retired from the war was 
the troubles he had with his back. Later in life, he filed for a pension, much against his
wishes, because of his inability to work, due to his back injury. James Keigwin was married to 
Mary E. Holland on January 28th, 1852, in Jeffersonville, Indiana, and had 3 children,
Nannie K. Keigwin-born Dec. 24, 1855
Nellie K. Keigwin-born March 12th, 1860
Ruby Keigwin-born Oct. 12th 1867
He is described as being 5'91/2" tall, Fair complextion, grey eyes, and light hair. His
occupation was that of bricklayer. James Keigwin died on August 25, 1904.(7) 



 Use your  BACK  key to return to listings.





As was pointed out to me recently, Some of the information included in some of
these sketches, can be misleading, incomplete, and flat out myth. I am not trying 
to give a complete, Accurate account of a persons live, in a paragraph, just trying 
to give some background into the person. Please, understand this as you read it, 
and understand that some of the truth this my be a little stretched.




(1) This listing's provided to me from Goodspeed's History of Orange County, 1884,  
which was taken from the Orange County Indiana, InGEnWeb site, 
http://copper.ucs.indiana.edu/~vheverly/orange.htm 
For with I am eternally Grateful!

(2) This listing was provided to me from a relative of the person. Generally sent to me 
after my queries on different sites!

(3)This listing provided by Biographical and Historical Souvenir for the Counties of 
Clark, Crawford,
Harrison, Floyd, Jefferson, Jennings, Scott, and Washington, Indiana 1889 (Reprinted by 
Unigraphics inc) 4400 Jackson Ave. Evansville, In

(4) Wilson’s History of Dubois County

(5) This listing provided to me from  
Nancy Eckerman
Special Collections Librarian
Ruth Lilly Medical Library
Indiana University School of Medicine
975 W. Walnut St. IB100
Indianapolis,IN 46202-5121//317-274-2076
http://www.medlib.iupui.edu/hom/homdept.html

(6) This information comes from Dave Pickenpaugh from a book called 
Peckinpaughs, Pickenpaughs, Beckenbaughs, Peckinpas, and Peckenpaughs. by Edwin T 
and Atha Peckenpaugh Brace. Dave was very generous with his time, in looking this 
information up for me, and has a website for the Pickenpaugh’s, etc at
 Pickenpaugh Family pages
 Thank you Dave
 

(7) derived from Service and pension records of the individual
    From National archives, usually provided by family, who have been invaluble in this     project!!