Joseph R. Gorgas

    Joseph R. Gorgas, photographer, a native of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, was born February 7, 1829. His parents were William and Ann Gorgas, who were natives of Pennsylvania. His father died in 1845, a the age of 56 years. His mother died at the age of 87 years, at her home in Pennsylvania.

    Mr. Gorgas learned the business of photography in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He came to Madison, Indiana, in 1853, and engaged as clerk in the dry goods store of Mr. Irby Smith, where he remained for about three months.

    He then opened a gallery for photographing and has continued in that business ever since in Madison, with the exception of about three years, during which time he made an extended trip through the South, on a floating photograph gallery.

    He subsequently returned to Madison, Indiana, and re-established himself in his business. He has built up a fine trade in this line, having the best in the city. He is a superior artist in his line and deserves the great popularity which is now his.

    In 1865 he married Miss Delphina Verry, daughter of Mr. John Verry, and old citizen of Madison. He has one child, Anna, who is the wife of Mr. Edward E. Powell, also of Madison.

    Mr. Gorgas is a member of the I. O. O. F., and Knights of Pythias, and is Captain of the Madison Division, No. 10, of K. of P. He has held this office for two years.

Source: Biographical and Historical Souvenir for the counties of Clark, Crawford, Harrison, Floyd, Jefferson, Jennings, Scott and Washington, Indiana. By John M. Gresham & Co., 1889.