Biographies and Obituaries
In loving memory
William Padgett
Daviess Co. Democrat
22, Feb 1908
William B. Padgett, age 84
The death of William B. Padgett removes from Daviess county one of its oldest and best known citizens. The passing of the aged man occurred at 10:45 Sunday night. Death was expected and relatives were at his bedside. Mr. Padgett had been in failing health for some months. A few weeks before the passing of his life companion last November 20th, Mr. Padgett was stricken and it was thought that his death would precede hers, both being in a critical condition. He regained strength however, but the improvement was only temporary. The loss of his wife added tot he burden of his years, soon crushing out the little of vitality left in his body, for years full of strength and energy.
Mr. Padgett was one of the early Indiana pioneers. He was born in Hardin county, Kentucky, October 28, 1832. When Mr. Padgett was seven years of age the family came to Indiana, settling in the northern part of martin county. They made their home in a little log cabin until sufficient clearing of the natural forests had been done to permit the erection of a large log house. Mr. Padgett assisted his father in this work making a new home in the sparsely settled county. On February 15, 1844 he married Minerva J. Seal at St. Mary's church in Barr township. They began housekeeping in a log house builded by him in Van Buren township, this county. He cleared and improved 180 acres of land where his twelve children were born and brought up.
Mr. Padgett served in the union army in the civil war. He was mustered into company G, Twenty=second Indiana infantry, September 23, 1864 and served until the war ended. He was honorably discharged July 24, 1865.
Mr. Padgett had only the limited education of Indiana pioneers. He had a strong intellect and a wonderful memory and was a forcible and ready debater. He was a strong democrat, but never held nor sought office.
Mr. Padgett had made his home a score and more of years at this place on the Bedord road, known generally as the Padgett home. He was a frequent visitor of the business part of the city, even a few months before his death, and often was seen in the court room to hear his sons in legal argument.
Five children survive. They are C.W. Padgett of Vincennes; Arnold J. Padgett, Alvin Padgett and Mrs. W. F. Love of this city and Mrs. A.J. Cunningham of Loogootee.
Funeral services at St. Simon's church at 9 o'clock Wednesday morning. Burial at St. John's cemetery.
Contributed by: Lisa OSullivan