William J. Hargrave
William J. Hargrave, a native of this township and county, was born February 10, 1833, one of three children born to Miles B. and Elizabeth (Webb) Hargrave. He received such education in youth as was common at that day, and after his father's death lived with his grandfather, William Webb, until he reached the age of seventeen years. He then learned the carpenter's trade at Newburgh, which was his occupation until his marriage with Lu A. Day, of Boon Township, June 8, 1854, after which he engaged in farming in his native township until 1857. He then became a partner in a hardware and grocery house in Boonville, continuing at that until 1860, when he was elected County Clerk, a position he held for four years.
In 1864 he re-embarked in merchandising, but one year later enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until September, 1865. From January, 1866, until the spring of 1867 he was engaged in merchandising at Evansville, then returned to Boonville, and until being burnt out in January, 1868, was retailing merchandise. From that time until his election to the office of County Treasurer in 1872 he bought and sold stock, farmed and sold goods. In 1874 he was re-elected Treasurer of the county, serving in all four years. In 1881 he purchased a one-half interest in the Elkhorn Flouring Mills, of Boonville, which he has since operated in partnership with C. L. Oatley.
In January, 1877, his wife died, after bearing a family of six children, these four yet living: Mary Isabel (Mrs. C. C. Ferguson), Wi8lliam W., Edward C. and Herbert W. To this marriage with Elvira E. Chapman, which occurred in February, 1878, one child, Myrtle has been born. Mr. Hargrave is a stanch Republican in politics, and besides the offices mentioned, has occupied smaller positions of trust. He belongs to the F. & A. M. and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Source: History of Warrick, Spencer, and Perry Counties, Indiana, By: Goodspeed Bros. & Co., 1885.
