William H. ELLIOTT, coal dealer, Rising Sun, is native of Ohio County, born in 1840. His parents, George and Catharine (WELSH) ELLIOTT, were among the first settlers of this locality, his father locating here about 1818 with his father, Robert ELLIOTT. The latter purchased government land here, but soon after, died, and the sons paid for the land and retained it, the old homestead eventually falling to George, the father of our subject. William H. grew to maturity on the farm, sharing the limited advantages of education then afforded by the district schools. He continued agricultural pursuits up to 1881 when he removed to Rising Sun and began dealing in coal. He has held several different tracts of land, and now owns a farm of 108 acres in Randolph Township. Mr. ELLIOTT was married, in 1863, to Clara HAMILTON, of Ohio County, daughter of Charles E. HAMILTON, and old and esteemed resident of this vicinity. In 1879 his wife died, and Mr. ELLIOTT married Josephine SILVY, of Ohio County, daughter of Louis and Eliza FURGESON SILVY, now residents of Rising Sun, also early settlers in this locality. By this latter union three children were born: Robert, Ada and an infant; the first deceased. Mr. ELLIOTT is a member of the I.O.O. F., and is serving as city councilman, in which capacity he has officiated for several years.
"HISTORY OF DEARBORN AND OHIO COUNTIES, INDIANA-1885"
SUBMITTED BY: Jackie DeCamp
A.M. ELLIOTT, dealer in agriculture implements, wagons and buggies, corner of Second and Judiciary Streets, Aurora, was born in Ohio County, January 12, 1848, where he enjoyed common school privileges. His father, John H., was born in Ireland, and his mother Elizabeth (SHANNON) ELLIOTT, in West Virginia . Mr. ELLIOTT was raised on a farm and farmed up to 1875, at which time he was appointed sheriff of Ohio County and served for two years. IN 1877 he came to Aurora and engaged in his present business, and in 1881 opened a butcher shop, on the corner of Third and Judiciary Streets. He was married September 7, 1871, to Miss Anna B. DOWNEY, a native of Ohio County, who was born June 20, 1850. To them have been born five children, namely: Daniel O., June 5, 1872; Harry E., born February 9, 1877; Nelly M.., born June 20, 1878; Rufus G., born October 9, 1879; Edwin C., APril 7, 1884. His wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church.
"HISTORY OF DEARBORN AND OHIO COUNTIES, INDIANA-1885"
SUBMITTED BY: Jackie DeCamp
Hugh S. ESPEY, one of the leading business men of Rising Sun, was born in the same, in 1822. His parents, Hugh and Agnes (GAUT) ESPEY, were natives of Pennsylvania, where they were married, and came down the river, in 1816, to this locality, and for several years his father was engaged in milling, about three and one-half miles back of town, operating one of the first grain-mills in that vicinity. He also did some farming, and entered and bought land in Ohio County. After practically retiring from business he moved back to Rising Sun, where he resided for about twenty years before his death, which occurred in 1870. Mr. ESPEY died about 1868. Hugh S, the subject of this sketch, remained at the mill and on the farm till eighteen years of age. He then began flat-boating, making his first trip in 1840, and for ten years he followed the river trade exclusively. He then established himself in the mercantile business, in which, with his sons, he has since been more or less extensively engaged. In the produce line he has done a considerable business in port packing, dealing in hay, potatoes, flour, etc., and this branch of trade, as well as the merchandising in retail groceries, provisions, etc., he still continues. Mr. ESPEY has been connected with the Rising Sun Bank, as director, since its organization, and was two years vice-president of the same. In 1864 he was elected treasurer of Ohio County, and in 1868 was re-elected to the same office. He has served as city treasurer, in the council, and has always taken an active interest in the business affairs of the town. Mr. ESPEY was married, in 1853, to Abigail L HAINES, a daughter of Joshua HAINES, who, with his twin Brother, Dr. HAINES, came here from New England in 1816. Her father erected a store on the Ashman corner, and for may years did an extensive dry goods business, remaining a resident of Rising Sun till his death. Mrs. ESPEY was born in 1832, and was married in the same house, at the age of twenty-one years. They have reared eight children: Frank F., Louise H., Hugh S., J. HAINES, John R., Abigail May, Eugene S., and James G. Mr and Mrs. ESPEY, with others of the family are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. ESPEY has been identified with the F. & A.M. since 1844.
"HISTORY OF DEARBORN AND OHIO COUNTIES, INDIANA-1885"
SUBMITTED BY: Jackie DeCamp
H.S. ESPEY, Jr., Rising Sun, was born in that city in 1858 and is a son of Hugh S. and Abigail L. (HAINES) ESPEY. He grew up in the town of his birth, in whose schools he was educated, receiving additional instruction to the extent of junior year in Wabash College. In the fall of 1879 he became a partner in his father's produce business having spent two years previously as a clerk. He was married, January 23, 1884, to Mary H. HUMPHREY, of Patriot, Ind., daughter of Cornelius H. and Jane A. HUMPHREY, old residents of Switzerland County, her father, deceased since 1872, her mother still surviving. The firm of H. S. ESPEY & Son does a thriving business in groceries, provisions, etc., also an extensive business in pork packing and produce generally. The firm is one of the most substantial in Rising Sun.
"HISTORY OF DEARBORN AND OHIO COUNTIES, INDIANA-1885"
SUBMITTED BY: Jackie DeCamp