MRS. HANNAH F. (ALSOP) JERAULD.-A woman of culture and refinement, possessing excellent judgment and much executive ability, Mrs. Jerauld bravely assumed the duties devolving upon her when, many years ago, she was left a widow, and has ever been mindful of the interest of her household. She resides in Carlisle, Sullivan county, where her birth occurred, March 27, 1846, and is descended from an old English family, being the daughter of Joshua and Margaret (Calvert) Alsop.
Hon. Joshua Alsop, her father, was born in the town of Wall Hexem, in Northumberlandshire, England, on the fifth of September, 1807. In the year 1818, on the 18th of May, in company with his father, mother, two brothers and sister, he emigrated from the old world to the new, landing in Canada. Thence they moved to the state of New York, residing at Halls Corner for one year, and then starting for the west, via Pittsburg, sailing down the Ohio river to the mouth of the Wabash and up that river to York, Illinois. After a short stay at that place the family located at Carlisle, Indiana, in the fall of 1820, where Mr. Alsop remained until his death.
In the thirtieth year of his age, Mr. Alsop was married to Miss Margaret Calvert and shortly afterward commenced his career of business, which he conducted on the old-fashioned theory that the word of a mercantile man must be as good as his bond. So strong did he adhere to this principle that his name became a synonym of business integrity throughout the Wabash valley. Mr. Alsop early became satisfied that the facilities the river afforded for the transportation of produce and merchandise were inadequate to the development of Sullivan county. Upon the suggestion of railroad connection between Terre Haute and Evansville he became enlisted in the enterprise, and was elected one of the directors, which position he held until his death. He made all his sacrifice for the road with a desire that it should run through Carlisle. His plans were for a time frustrated by the machinations of certain men, who were anxious that the road should be located out of the town. Then Mr. Alsop displayed that trait of character which he possessed in a remarkable degree (tenacity of purpose), made a herculean effort and enlisted fifteen associates in the cause. The road was finally located in Carlisle, at a loss to Mr. Alsop and his friends of $32,000. Those who are enjoying the benefits conferred cannot appreciate the sacrifice thus made in their behalf.
From the inauguration of the free school system Mr. Alsop gave it his financial aid and his unwavering support, looking forward to the time when education should become compulsory. One of his peculiar traits of character was his habit of coming to the rescue of a failing or an embarrassed public enterprise, and by the timely advancement of money placing it on the highway to success. In 1870, much against his will, he was elected a member of the State Senate and served during the regular session of 1870-72, but no consideration whatever would induce him to accept a re-election. Though taking an interest in political affairs, he was averse to holding office. He was a sincere friend to the honest poor man, never refusing him either aid or sympathy. Enterprising and progressive he took an especial interest in the welfare of his adopted town, but whether his project was private or public always remembered his honor as a man. His death in 1876 was a sad loss to his family and a heavy loss to the community.
Mr. Alsop's marriage to Margaret Calvert occurred at Carlisle, Indiana. February 14, 1837, and seven children were born to them, as follows: William and Mary, who died young; Nancy and David, also deceased; Hannah, of this sketch; Isadora, wife of Charles P. Gwin, who resides in Georgia; and Anna C., widow of the late Frank Parvin. Mr. Parvin was born in Evansville, Indiana, and was there educated, beginning his business career as a dry goods merchant in association with his father. He afterward embarked in the drug business in that city, and carried it on successfully until failing health forced him to retire from active pursuits. He was a Republican in politics, and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mrs. Parvin was educated at DePauw College, where she received an excellent intellectual training.
Hannah F. Alsop received her elementary education in the public schools of Carlisle, afterward attending a female college in Terre Haute. On December 8, 1870, she married Thomas H. Jerauld, who was born in Patoka, Indiana, February 22, 1837, and died in that city, February 9, 1883. He received his collegiate education in Bloomington, Indiana, and was actively and successfully engaged in mercantile pursuits at Patoka until his death, being an honored and respected member of the community and a man of sterling integrity and worth. In politics, he was a stanch Republican. In April, 1884, Mrs. Jerauld returned to Carlisle, her girlhood home, and has since resided there. She is an able business woman, and has, among other property, a farm of one hundred and seventy acres in Haddon township, from the rental of which she realizes a good income. The Bellevue Coal Company of Pennsylvania has recently sunk a coal shaft on Mrs. Jerauld's farm, and is now working vein No. 5. Mrs. Jerauld and her husband became the parents of four children, namely: Heber, who lives at home; Anna, who died in infancy; Margaret, who lived but sixteen months; and Charles G., who also resides with his mother. Religiously, Mrs. Jerauld is a member of the Presbyterian church. She has seen many changes in Carlisle since her girlhood days, and remembers driving with her father to Vincennes to take the train to Evansville before the railroad was completed as far north as Carlisle. It is hard for the younger people of this generation to realize the wonderful changes made in the every-day life of this day by the establishment of railways, telephones, telegraphs, and the rural free delivery service throughout the country.