My Genealogy Hound

UNDERWOOD, WILLIAM, manufacturer and dealer in the celebrated Underwood Spring Mattress, is a native of Harrison Co., Kentucky, born in 1826, where he remained a resident until he arrived at the age of thirteen years, when he accompanied his parents, Francis and Margaret Underwood, to Greene Co., date 1839, and locating near Woodville, where our subject was early instructed in the rudiments of hard work upon the farm homestead, receiving his education principally during the winter season. April 11th, 1850, when the California excitement ran high, he crossed the plains for Placerville, arriving Aug. 31, 1850, where he entered upon the rough life of a miner, but at this critical period he was taken ill, and his success as a miner was in consequence seriously impaired. Remaining four years on the Pacific coast, on the 16th of March, 1854, he again became a resident of Greene Co., going back to the old homestead farm. The following year, Oct. 22d, he united his fortunes to Miss Angeline Varble, a daughter of Henry and Sarah Varble. Of this lady, who subsequently became the inventor of the above mentioned mattress—a Spring Dress Pillow and Clod Pulverizer, of which a description is given elsewhere—it may be said that she is a native of Greene Co., born March 26, 1838; she early manifested a taste for mechanics, that marked a successful era of invention in after years. And now, as our narrative draws to a close, we may here state that Mr. Underwood became a farmer of prominence in Greene Co., who met with misfortune through the liberality that was an inherent part of his nature. Three years ago he moved to Carrollton, where for a period of time he entered into the grocery trade, embarking in above business but a short time ago. In this success is not far distant when the merits of important inventions are readily recognized. There were born of the marriage above referred to seven children; Edward B., deceased, Robert, Alice C., Eunice, Mary, Ida, Amy J. and William A., deceased.