Samuel A. White

    Formerly a merchant, but now a capitalist and operator in various financial institutions, Samuel A. White is widely known in Sullivan County. He was born in Prairieton, Vigo County, Indiana, February 12, 1850, a son of George E. and Naomi (Gunn) White. The father, who was born in Adams County, Pennsylvania, died when Samuel A. was but two years of age. Samuel White, the grandfather, was born in Germany. The mother was born in Kentucky in 1829, and died about 1904. She was twice married.

    Samuel A. White left home at the age of ten years and worked on a farm in Otter Creek Township, Vigo County, Indiana, for Warren Genung, with whom he remained one year. The following summer he was employed in the same neighborhood. When he became thirteen years of age he went to Terre Haute, living with his uncle, William Pattock, and entered the public schools, first attending the White Rose School. When fourteen years old he commenced as a newsboy on the Indiana & St. Louis Railroad, but soon abandoned that project. He next entered a confectionery store at Terre Haute, with a Mr. Sage, with whom he remained between five and six years. He then went to Fort Scott, Kansas, where he established a confectionery store, which after three months he sold. He returned to Terre Haute and found employment in a grocery store on the corner of Fourth and Walnut Streets, where he made candy at night for another dealer. After a short time there, in February, 1872, he went to Sullivan and purchased a candy store, which he operated for four years, selling it in 1876 and going back to Terre Haute and entering into partnership with his cousin, Moses C. Carr, in the grocery trade. After one years there he sold his interest and went to Carlisle, Indiana, opening a new grocery store in November, 1878, which was burned in the following February; but within one week he was in business again across the street.

    The Masonic Order of Carlisle, jointly with him, erected a two-story brick building in which he opened a store, handling general merchandise. Besides this store building he also erected a residence. Although having built up a good trade, in four and a half years he sold out and went into the drug business at Petersburg, Pike County, Indiana, where he remained two years. He then sold his stock and went to Clay City, Clay County, and bought the only drug store of that place. After six months he sold this and went to Sullivan and there engaged in the drug trade, conducting it for five or six years, when he again sold out, after which he directed his attention to his farm for nearly five years. In 1895 he bought the drug business of Paul S. Ried, which stock he sold in 1898. Since the late date he has been busily engaged in looking after his sundry financial interests. When the National bank of Sullivan was organized in June, 1900, he was one of the charter members, and is now a Director and stockholder, and is Secretary and Treasurer of the Hamilton Gas & Oil Company, and is the owner of an excellent farm within Sullivan County.

    Politically Mr. White supports the Republican party, locally and nationally. He is connected with the Odd Fellows order, having advanced to the Encampment degree. He is alive to every interest of his home town and county. In 1875 he was married to Rebecca M. Pearce, a native of Haddon Township, Sullivan County. Two children bless this union:

    Both of Mr. White's children received good educations at the public schools of Sullivan County. Mrs. White is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Her mother, Virginia Pearce, now ninety-three years of age and living at Carlisle, was there during the Indian raids, and Haddon Township was named in honor of her father.

Source: A History of Sullivan County, Indiana. Closing of the first century’s history of the county and showing the growth of its people, institutions, industries and wealth. Thomas J. Wolfe, Editor. The Lewis Publishing Company, 1909, page 282-283.