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Below is a family biography included in The History of Perry County, Indiana published by Goodspeed, Bros. & Co. in 1885.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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PHILLIP R. AND LEONARD MAY were both born in Prussia, the former on December 1, 1840, and the latter on the 23d day of May, 1842. While yet young they came to America with their parents, who were Charles and Elizabeth (Jacoby) May. They settled near Rome, in Perry County, where their education was obtained in the country schools. Their home was with their parents on the farm until they enlisted in the army. That was in October, 1861, when they joined Company B, of the Third Kentucky Cavalry, for three years. At the end of that time Leonard again volunteered for a longer time, and returned home at the close of the war. Phillip came home immediately after the expiration of his term of service, and on November 12, 1871, Dinah B. Platt became his wife. To them have been born four children: Samuel L., Walter T., Charles P. and Phillip E., all living. After the close of the war they worked an oil well for a time, and in the early part of 1866 began in the shingle and grist-mill business at Cannelton on a small scale. This they continued until 1880, when they bought their present large flouring-mill, which they conduct under the firm name of P. R. May & Bro. They do a large business and are among the enterprising men of the town. They are Republicans and members of the Odd Fellows fraternity. Leonard was married on the 12th of August, 1866, to Mrs. Elizabeth (Brandenstein) Wagner. Together they have nine children: Lilly, Albert C., Edward L., Mattie B., Jennie S., Russell (deceased), Harry G., Raymond and Florence. Mrs. May was mother of one child by her former husband, named Joseph G. The brothers were engaged in the battles of Stone River, Atlanta, Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, Resaca, Goldsboro, Dalton, Ringgold, Marietta, and went to the sea with Sherman. The father has long been a prominent citizen of the county and was at one time county sheriff.

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This family biography is one of 257 biographies included in The History of Perry County, Indiana portion of the book: History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties Indiana published in 1885 by Goodspeed, Bros. & Co.  For the complete description, click here: Perry County, Indiana History and Genealogy

View additional Perry County, Indiana family biographies here: Perry County, Indiana Biographies

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