My Genealogy Hound

ISRAEL L. WHITEHEAD, county superintendent of schools, was born in Perry County, August 7, 1849, and is one of sixteen children born to Isaac W. and Cassandra (Lamb) Whitehead, who were natives of New Jersey and Perry County, Ind., respectively. The father learned the brick-mason’s trade in Newark, N. J., and followed it for upward of forty years, working in various towns and cities. Shortly after his marriage he bought a farm in Tobin Township, Perry County, where in connection with his trade he was engaged in farming until his death, which occurred November 18, 1883. He served two terms as treasurer of Petty County, and was one of the most highly respected and influential men of the county. His widow is still living on the home farm with her children at the age of sixty-five. The subject of this sketch, at the age of sixteen had completed the common school studies, and algebra and rhetoric, although on account of ill health he had been unable to attend school regularly. A year later he began teaching and followed that business for thirteen years with marked success. During the summer vacations he followed flat-boating on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. November 15, 1874, he married Louisa Ryan, a native of Perry County, and soon after was appointed county recorder to serve an unexpired term of eight months. He again taught school until 1879, when he was elected to the office which he has since so ably and efficiently filled. He was elected to a fourth term in June, 1885. May 28, 1884, his wife died leaving three children, Mabel, Maurice and Stanley. Mr. Whitehead is a Democrat in politics, and is a member of the society of A. O. U. W.