My Genealogy Hound

W. L. MELLEN, one of the present Commissioners of Warrick County, is a native of Ohio, his birth occurring December 7, 1832. He is the third of five children born to Henry and Elizabeth (Bunnell) Mellen, who were natives respectively of Vermont and Massachusetts. In1837 the family immigrated to Warrick County, Indiana, where the father died in 1861 from the effects of an accident by a runaway horse. The mother is living, at the age of eighty years, with the subject of this sketch. W. L. Mellen was raised a farmer and in youth secured a fair education. Since attaining majority he has resided at his present place of residence and where he now owns a valuable farm. At one time he owned 600 acres of land, but this has been decreased considerably by giving to his children. He was married, in 1856, to Sinai Lowell, and four children were born to them, these three yet living: Rufus D., Emmet H. and Henry. The mother dying in 1865, Mr. Mellen, a year later, was united in marriage with Polly Perigo, by whom he is the father of three children: Lillie, Homer and Flora. His second wife dying in 1877, Mr. Mellen was married in 1880 to Lavina Pearce, his present wife, and to them one son—Lee—has been born. Mr. Mellen is a member of the A. O. U. W., a Democrat, and although not a politician or office-seeker he was elected Commissioner for the Second District of Warrick County in 1882 and re-elected. His second term will expire in 1888. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and among the county’s best citizens.