My Genealogy Hound

Capt. Alferd Ribeyre, of New Harmony, known far and wide as “The Corn King,” is one of the most extensive land owners and developers in the State. He has inaugurated a plan of farming so extensive that it is difficult to contemplate the man and his great institution, and give him due credit. Captain Ribeyre’s vast farming interests aggregate over 7,000 acres, about one-half of which is composed of Cut-off Island. These extensive farms are occupied by about 150 tenants, who work the land on a crop sharing plan, Mr. Ribeyre furnishing everything necessary to go on and do the work. The principal crops are corn and wheat; however other crops are raised, but not extensively. But, on account of the great corn production, Captain Ribeyre has earned the title of “The Corn King.” He is a native of Posey county, born February 17, 1851, one mile southeast of New Harmony, on the “Deep Creek Stock Farm.” He is a son of John and Emily Ribeyre, both natives of France. John Ribeyre settled in Posey county, near New Harmony, in the ‘40s. He was one of the most extensive business men in Southern Indiana. He bought land, developed it, and also dealt extensively in cattle. He owned several boats, with which he marketed his own products in St. Louis and New Orleans. He owned the “Buckeye,” the “Hoosier,” and other boats. He was also a banker, owning and operating the Cut-off Island Bank, at New Harmony, in 1866. He loaned money extensively, and was always lenient to the unfortunate. At the time of his death, he owned about 8,000 acres. John Ribeyre was a man thoroughly abreast of his time. He was a member of the Workingmen’s Institute, and public-spirited. His first wife died, leaving two children, Alferd, the subject of this sketch, and Emily, who married Frank Fitton, of Indianapolis. After the death of his first wife, he married Harriet Stanhope, and to this union was born one daughter, Erma, who married Charles A. Greathouse, the present Superintendent of Public Instruction of Indiana. Captain Ribeyre spent his boyhood days in New Harmony, and vicinity, and was associated with his father. While he inherited considerable property from his father, he has made good on his own account, and added vast holdings to his original property. Captain Ribeyre possesses many traits of his father. He is a progressive, liberal, and charitable man. He is always ready to contribute to worthy public enterprises, and render assistance to the needy. He contributes to churches of all denominations, and when the question of raising funds for the New Harmony Centennial of 1914 was being discussed, Captain Ribeyre came forward with a donation of $1,000. Such men are worthwhile to a town or community. He was united in marriage December 14, 1879, to an estimable lady, Miss Pauline Arnold, of New Harmony. She was born at sea. To Mr. and Mrs. Ribeyre were born three children, only one of whom, Robert R., survives. He resides in New Harmony, and is one of its progressive young business men. He married Jessie, daughter of A. C. Thomas, and to this union have been born one child, Susanna, who, by the way, occupies a prominent place in the affection of her grandfather. Captain Ribeyre is interested, as a stockholder, in the New Harmony Banking Company, and the Mt. Vernon National Bank. His splendid residence, located on Main street, in New Harmony, is one of the finest to be seen anywhere. While Captain Ribeyre has not been active in politics, he has always been a Republican, and served on the town council. Besides his vast farm holdings, and interests above described, Captain Ribeyre owns seven of the best business properties in New Harmony. He also owns and operates a private ferry for his own business.