Township Histories & Biographies
Scott Township, Vanderburgh County, Indiana
History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Brant & Fuller. 1889
Part 1 —
Part 2 —
Biographies A-L —
Biographies M-Z
George C. Beierlein, a native of Bavaria, was born July 15, 1813. He emigrated to America in 1846, and in the same year came to Vanderburgh County, where he afterward resided during life. He was a farmer by occupation. In July, 1856, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Klousemeier, nee Elizabeth Weihe. She was born in Germany, April 24, 1822, and is the daughter of Herman and Fredericka Weihe. She came to America in 1854, with her first husband, Charles Klousemeier, a native of Germany, who wedded her in that country in 1847. He was born in 1823, and died in 1855, in Newburgh, Ind., where he settled on coming to America. By the first marriage she had the following children: Louisa, born March 6, 1849; Frederick, November 27, 1850; Caroline, December 12, 1852, and Henry, November 26, 1854. The marriage of George C. Beierlein and Elizabeth Klousemeier resulted in the birth of five children: Anna K., born September 12, 1857 (deceased); Herman, born January 27, 1858; John, born January 2, 1861; Mary, born November 21, 1862, and Phillipine, born December 13, 1864. The father of these children died June 7, 1882. The mother survives and is now beyond sixty-six years of age. Her home is Scott Township, this county, where she and her children own a farm of sixty acres.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 583.
Herman Beierlein, the second of these children, was born and grew to manhood in the county, and is now one of the prosperous farmers of Scott Township, residing on section 18. He is an influential member of the German Lutheran Church, and politically ranks himself with the republican party. He is one of the highly respected people of the township.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Pages 583-584.
William S. Bohannon was born in Virginia, January 21, 1828, and is the son of Booten and Nancy (Claten) Bohannon. Both parents were natives of the Old Dominion, where they were married. This union resulted in the birth of the following children: Martha Jane (deceased), Sarah, Eliza (deceased), Nancy, William S., Henry, Susan, James (deceased), George W. and Daniel. The first five were born in Virginia, and the last five in Kentucky, to which state the parents emigrated in the fall of 1828, settling in Cumberland County. There they lived for a great many years, later moving to Illinois, and still later going back to Caldwell County, Ky., where the father's death occurred. Still later the widowed mother returned to Cumberland County, and subsequently came to Warrick County, this state, where her death occurred. William S. Bohannon was about ten months old when his parents settled in Cumberland county. In 1851 he was united in marriage with Mary Ann Cooksey, daughter of Samuel and Nancy Cooksey, both natives of Virginia, and in an early day removed to Kentucky; later they came to Warrick County, this state, and here their deaths occurred. Mrs. Bohannon was born in Cumberland County, Ky., November 18, 1834. The following children have been born unto their marriage: Laura J., Agnes, John H., James L. and five others that are deceased, of whom three died in infancy and two — Susan and Nancy — reached womanhood. Mr. Bohannon and wife settled in Warrick County, in 1852, and lived in that county for a period of thirteen years. In March, 1865, they came to this county, and have since resided in Scott Township. They belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and enjoy the esteem of their neighbors. In politics Mr. Bohannon is a republican. During the Civil War he served as one of the active home guards, of Southern Indiana. He started out in life a poor man and has become prosperous, owning 265 acres of well-improved land.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 584.
William Bower, ex-president of the board of County Commissioners of Vanderburgh County, is a prominent farmer of Scott Township. He was born near where he now resides, February 5, 1836, the son of Thomas and Lucinda (Lee) Bower. The parents were born respectively in England and Ireland, the father June 15, 1811, and the mother June 27, 1808. Emigrating to America when quite young, the parents were married in New York state, and at an early date in the history of Indiana came west, and located in what is now Scott Township, Vanderburgh County, where the father followed farming. He was quite prominent and served as county commissioner for two terms, and during the late rebellion performed enrolling and enlisting service for the government. His death occurred October 5, 1877, and that of his wife September 23, 1873. To these parents four children were born, three of whom survive. William Bower was reared on the farm, and throughout his manhood has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He owns a fine farm of 250 acres, twelve miles north of Evansville, within one mile of the E.&T.H. railroad, on which he raises stock principally. Mr. Bower entered public life about 1868, when he was elected township assessor, and served in that capacity for a period of six years. In 1884 he was elected as a democrat to the office of commissioner of Vanderburgh County, assuming the duties of the office in the following year, and in December, 1887, was chosen president of the board. Fidelity to trust and an undeviating rectitude characterized his official career. During his term of office much important public work was done. The foundations of the new court-house were laid when he was a commissioner. His good judgment and sagacity as a man of affairs made his conduct in this matter a valuable contribution to the public, and an honorable page in, his own record. In the construction of bridges, the improvement of the public roads throughout the county, and the dispatch of general business, Mr. Bower always acted wisely and with a broad, liberal spirit, such as the wealth and condition of the county justified. Mr. Bower has been thrice married. His first wife was Martha J. Staser, who was born July 11, 1838, and died May 20, 1865. The issue of this marriage was three children, as follows: Maggie L., born February 13, 1861, and now Mrs. Charles W. Vogel: Clara B., born November 8, 1862, now Mrs. E. D. McAvoy, and Frederick J., born November 27, 1864, and died May 3, 1866. His second wife was Charlena Morrison, who was born April 14,1839, and died April 7, 1871. The issue of this union was Annie J., born September 12, 1867, now Mrs. William Blankenship, and Thomas S., born December 21, 1868, and died June 26, 1888. His third wife, to whom he was married November 8, 1871, is Annie Dennison, who was born June 5, 1844, and to this union the following children have been born: D. W., born December 17, 1874; Martha E., born September 11, 1877; Kate M., born May 7, 1880; John H., born March 5, 1882, and James C., born August 17, 1885.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Pages 584-585.
Richard Browning was a native of London, England, born February 8, 1791. He was reared in the city and learned the optician's trade, which he followed till he emigrated to America. He came to America soon after 1820, and after residing in Massachusetts and New York for a short time, he came to Indiana and located in Scott Township about 1827. The lands he purchased of the government, and the deed to one tract has the signature of Pres. Jackson, in 1831, and another the signature of Martin Van Buren. He married in his native country, December 30, 1817, wedding Lucy Wiles, a native of Bedford county, England, born October 2, 1797. To them, in England, wore born Richard S., January 22, 1819, and Lucy C., May 16,1821, and in America, were born Mary, February 10, 1824; William J., June 11, 1826; Anthony S., March 25, 1829; Thomas Wiles, July 3, 1831; George B., July 7, 1833; Annie E., February 5, 1835; Ebenezer E., August 9, 1836. Of these, Richard, Mary, Annie and Ebenezer are deceased. Richard died in California, Mary and Annie in this country, and Ebenezer at Nashville, Tenn., while in the federal service during the rebellion. Soon after coming to this country Richard Browning erected the first gristmill in Scott Township. This was a tread mill, and with some changes has been in operation up to date. It is now the oldest mill in the county, and has been run by steam since about 1833. It is now owned and controlled by Geo. B. Browning, the son of the founder. Richard Browning continued in the county till his death, dying on the same tract of land he settled upon June 26, 1874; his wife died in this county, August 26, 1872.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 585.
George B. Browning was born and reared in this country, and has followed farming and milling for his occupation, his vocation being milling. He has made his home in the county during life, excepting a period of short duration spent in California. On October 2, 1856, he married Margaret, the daughter of George and Ellen Trimble. She was born in County Longford, Ireland, January 19, 1839. The following are their children: Mary E., William A., John T., Morris G., Joseph E., and Lucy deceased. Mr. Browning and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a democrat.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Pages 585-586.
Henry Burggrabe was born in the kingdom of Prussia, Germany, November 30, 1829, and is the son of Henry and Charlotte (Kramer) Burggrabe, both natives of Germany. They reared five children, of whom Henry is the second. He was reared in Germany, and received a thorough German education. On reaching his majority he determined to emigrate to America, and in 1850, he came to this county and located June 27, at Evansville, where he continued to live for about thirty years. He came to the city when it was but a small place, and the thirty years of his life which are identified with the growth of the city entitles him to more than a passing mention in the history of the county. He came here a poor man, and on fixing the place as his future home, he set to work as a laborer, and by honest industry in the various occupations he has followed, as gardening, lumbering and railroading, he has become a prosperous and well respected citizen. In 1880 he removed from the city, and located on a farm near Inglefield, and for the last eight years he has been engaged in agriculture. He owns and cultivates a farm of 120 acres which he has all paid for and well improved, with good buildings, fences, fruit trees, etc. July 13,1854, he was united in marriage with Mary Sagar, born in the Kingdom of Hanover, Germany, December 24, 1833. They have had eleven children, of whom ten are living: Henry, Ferdinand, William, John, Charles, Mollie, Fred, Christian, Augusta and George. Mr. and Mrs. Burggrabe and children belong to the Lutheran Church, and have a wide circle of friends. During the rebellion Mr. Burggrabe did service as a home guard.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 586.
William Crisp was a native of England born October 12, 1812. He died in
Vanderburgh County, April 20, 1878. He was the son of James and
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Pages 586-587.
Daniel N. Crisp, the youngest son of William, was born in Scott Township, March 15, 1850, and was reared on the farm, and completed his education at the Asbury University. He was married March 24, 1880, to Sarah Ruston, daughter of Richard and Jane (Law) Ruston, born January 29, 1855. Two children, John Wesley and Ada Belle, have been born of their marriage.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 587.
Thomas Elliott was born in County Longford, Ireland, in the year 1809, and was the son of Edward Elliott, of Irish lineage. Thomas was reared on the farm, and throughout his life made farming his occupation. He was united in marriage in the year 1837, with Jane Foster, daughter of John Foster, of Irish descent. Jane was born in County Cavin, Ireland; in 1820. Unto the marriage two sons were born in Ireland, William and John. In 1842 Thomas and Jane Elliott and their son William emigrated to America, and in the same year settled in Scott Township, Vanderburgh County. Here the father purchased a tract of 120 acres of land and began to till the soil in America. He was a practical and successful farmer, and though he never aspired to public life or took to politics except as a faithful adherent of the republican party, he was a man well known. He was faithful as a friend, kind as a father, and progressive as a citizen. During the time of his residence in this county, he was engaged in auctioneering a great deal in this and Warrick counties, and thus formed a wide acquaintance, by which he was highly respected. His death occurred in Vanderburgh County in 1876. His wife survives and resides with a son in Scott Township. After coming to this country the following children were born to them: Edward, Margaret, James, Mary (deceased), Sarah, Jane and Thomas. It has been noted that two sons, William and John, were born in Ireland. John was left with an uncle in Ireland, by whom he was made a foster-son, and now he is a citizen of Wales. The various homes of all the other children, now living, are in Vanderburgh County. William Elliott was born in County Longford, Ireland, February 2,1838, and was four years old when he came with his parents to America. His youth was spent on a farm, and he gained a common school education in the country schools of Vanderburgh County, where his home has continuously been. He followed farming in this country up to the outbreak of the civil war, and then enlisted October 8, 1861, in Company A, Forty-Second Indiana Volunteer infantry as a private, with William Atchison as captain. The first regular engagement in which he took part, was at Perryville, Ky., where with others of his company he was taken prisoner by the enemy, and later was exchanged. Among some of the important engagements in which Mr. Elliott took part were: Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, and the battles of the campaign to Atlanta. About this time the three years' term of service for which Mr. Elliott enlisted, expired, and at Rome, Ga., he was, October 8, 1864, discharged by reason of the expiration of term of service. He returned to his home in Vanderburgh County, and has since lived in the county. He purchased from his father the farm he now owns, and subsequently leased it for three years, during which time he went to Evansville and followed the carpenter trade. May 10, 1868, he was united in marriage with Annie M. McCutchan, daughter of Thomas and Sarah McCutchan, 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. Elliott 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 republican. He is not a member of any Church, but has given his aid to Churches, especially to the Methodist.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Pages 587-588.
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 Huntingdonshire, 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 emigrated to America. In 1838 Betsy and Robert set sail for this country, and in January 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 marriage, 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 10, 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 agriculture 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 improvement, and is a progressive and much respected citizen.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 588.
James G. Grimwood was born in Cambridgeshire, England, February 29, 1812, the son of Thomas Grimwood. He was reared in England, where he learned the blacksmith's trade. On reaching his majority 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 section 3, Scott Township, where he purchased land of the government. The year 1837 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 identified 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 became 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: Harriet, Samuel N., Joseph, John F. and James G., and four that died in early life.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Pages 588-589.
Samuel N. Grimwood was born June 15, 1846, in this county, and remained under 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 draying. 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.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Pages 588-589.
John F. Grimwood was born in this county February 3, 1852; 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.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 589.
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 Revolutionary 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 Mariette Eaton, and five children were born to them, one of whom died in infancy, and 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 continued 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 prominent 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, Kittie, DeKress, Ross and Annie. Mr. Hooker is in the best sense self-made, and is regarded as a representative citizen. He is a master Mason of Evansville Lodge, No. 64. In politics he is a republican.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Page 589.
J. [Joseph] W. Knowles was born in Scott Township, Vanderburgh County, Ind., December 26, 1832, the son of Charles and Mary Ann Knowles. The father was born in Kent County, England, December 14, 1802, 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 occurred 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 Vanderburgh County, in 1822, and thereafter continued in the County, residing in Scott Township, following farming for an occupation. His marriage resulted in the birth of Charles, Eliza, James Edward, Joseph W., Ellen J. and Edmond M. All are living except the youngest, who lost his life in the late rebellion, 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 Esther Peck. Mrs. Knowles was born in Scott Township, July 31, 1835. This marriage has been blessed by five children, of whom four are living: Clara, born November 18, 1857: Charles A., born August 18, 1859; John R., August 12, 1861; Gertrude, October 20, 1863. Mr. Knowles is in politics a warm republican. During the Civil War he served as a home guard.
Brant and Fuller. History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Madison, Wisc. 1889.
Pages 589-590.
Township Histories & Biographies
Return to A Little Vanderburgh County History
Christopher D. Myers
April 17, 2004