My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM L. PARTRIDGE, born October 11, 1818, in Bedfordshire, England, is the third of eleven children born to Richard and Ann (Linnel) Partridge. In 1830 the family immigrated to the United States, residing the first five years after their arrival in New York State, and then settling in Erie County, Penn., where the father farmed until his death, followed by his widow some twelve years later. The subject of this sketch received a fair education from the common schools, afterward taking a three years’ course at Allegheny College. In 1837 he went to Kentucky, where he taught school nearly two years, then returned to Pennsylvania, where he married and engaged in farming. He afterward sold out, went to Arkansas and taught school, and in 1850, having in the meantime again returned to Pennsylvania, came to Rockport, Indiana, and building the first steam saw-mill operated the same over three years. In 1861 he enlisted in Company K, Twenty-fifth Regiment, Indiana Infantry, was promoted orderly sergeant, and serving through the battles of Fort Donelson and Shiloh, was honorably discharged by reason of disability after nearly two years of service. He taught school and worked.at the plasterer’s trade for a number of years. In 1875 he was appointed government store-keeper of this district under Gen. Veatch, and later, served two terms as trustee for Rockport. In 1879 he engaged in the flour, feed and plaster’s supply business, at which he has since continued. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, G. A. R., and is a stanch Republican. In 1845, Olivia Turner became his wife, and by him the mother of five children, these three yet living: William A., Caleb M., and Rosalie. This family is among the first of Spencer County.