GEN
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1833 01787 4196
GENEALOGY
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HISTORY
OF
WAYNE COUNTY.
INDIANA,
TOGK'l'HKR WITH SKETCHES OF ITS CITIES, VILLAGES AND TOWNS,
KDUCATIONAL, RELIGIOUS, CIVIL, MILITARY, AND POLITICAL
HISTORY, PORTRAITS OF PROMINENT PERSONS, AND
BIOGRAPHIES OF REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
Vol. II.
:
'
IliliUSTKATED.
CHICAGO:
INTER-STATE PUBLISHING CO
1884.
">
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
122593 1
HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY,
CHAPTER I.
The City or Richmond.
An Account of the Origin anrl Growth of the Beautiful and Prosperous City— Intro-
ductory— Surroundings— Rank^Progreseion— The City Platted, 1816— Incorporation
—First Officers— Early Ordinances- First Bvents^Early Inhabitants— Village Im-
provement—Temperance—Libraries—The Richmond and Broolsfleld Canal Pro-
jected—Its Failure— Herly Business Interests in Detail 9-28
CHAPTER II.
The Growth of Richmond.
The City in 1840— An Old Settler's Recollections of Richmond in 1847— An Interest-
ing Review— A Decade Later— The Advance of a Quarter of a Century— Statistics of
BnsinessandPopulation-Board of Trade— Business Bxchange-Citv Officers from
1840 to 1884- The Postoffice— Postmasters from 1818 to 1884— Postofflce Business-
Free Delivery Established-Street Railroads-Express Companies-Gas Works--Fire
Department- Water- Works 39-bd
CHAPTER III.
Industrial Interests of Richmond.
Account of the Origin and Growth of the Industrial Wealth of .^^e City-Introduc-
tory-Early Manufacturing Establishments-Early Tanneries, Mills,Breweries Card-
ino- and Woolen Mills, Foundries. Cotton Mills, Etc-Leading Manufacturing Estab-
lishments of Later Tiies- Historical Accounts of the Leading Industries of To-day
-Sders and Incorporators-Busmess Changes-Present Proprietors and Amount
of Capital Invested-Banks of Richmond-Summary of Business Interests. . ..64-95
CHAPTER IV.
Prominent Institutions.
Charitable, Educational and Benevolent Works-Wernle Orphan's Home--Earlham
Plac3 Chile ren-s Home-Home for Friendless Women-Young Men s Christian As
sociation-EarlhamCollec'e- Secret Societies-Masons, Odd Fellows, Knights ol
Honor? KnightsTf Pythias, Grand Army, Red Men, Etc.-Mornsson Hbrary--Min-
eral Cabinet— New State Asylum for the Insane •'"-'*"
Church— First I'resDyterian unurca— uuib^u i,'"'"'.'-'.^^'-"" ^"" puriptian Church—
Church-First Baptist Church-Mt. Moriah baptist Church -Christian ^^lu^^
Evangelical Lutheran Church -St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheian Chuich ^^lon^s
Church— Catholic Churches
Biographical Sketches.
CHAPTER VI.
154-255
II. CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VII.
Abinotok Township.
Organized from Washington and Wayne— Settled in 1806— Formed in February, 1837
—Boundary and Area— AsseBsed Valuation — Population Since 1850— History of Its
First Settlement— Village of Ahington— Its Growth— Business of 1374 and 1884—
Churches and Societies— Biographical 256-266
CHAPTER VIII.
Boston Township.
Once a Portion of Wayne— Its Early Settlement— Not Orsjanized until February,
1835 — Metes and Bounds— The Southeast Township- Population— Its Grand Old
Pioneers— Topography— Timber and Water — Town Officers— Churches and Schools-
Boston— Its Early History— Village Not lucorporated— Lodges and Po8tm■l^ters —
Biographical 267-306
CHAPTER IX.
Centre Township.
Organization— Indian Troubles- Pioneer Life— Early ladustries- Centreville— The
Old County Seat— Its Eminent Citizens— A Few Anecdotes— Early Events in the
Town— The First Fire Company— Business Interests — Lodges — Churches of the
Town and Township— Biographical 307-369
CHAPTER X.
Clat Township.
Organized in 1831— First Election— Enlarged in 1834— Real and Personal Property—
Population— Gain of Thirteen in Forty Years- Pioneers— Washington- Its Founder
—Business of 1818 and 1884— Village Wealth— Lodges— Population — Railroads-
Postmasters— Biographical , 370-394
CHAPTER XI.
Franklin Township.
Organization— Settlement— Early Events— First Mills— Churches— Town of White-
water—Origin and History— First Merchants, Etc.— Bethel— A Prosperous Village-
Biographical 395-428
CHAPTER XII.
Dalton Township.
Location and Organization — Date of Existence — Area and Valuation— -Population-
Its Steady Loss— Aquilla West, in 1S18— Other Pioneer Arrivals— Its Wealih of Soil,
Water and Drainage — Village of Dalton— When Founded- Business and Professional
Men — Eranklin— History Condensed— Churches— Biographical 429-456
CHAPTER XIIL
Green Township.
When Located— Boundary Lines— Number of Acres— First Election— Water Supply
—Population— Valuation— Comparison of Wealth — Early Settlement— Pioneers —
Business— Williamsburu— When Founded— By Whom Platted— Location - Popula-
tion—Business of 1870 and 1884— Churches and Lodges— Biographical 457-490
CHAPTER XIV.
Harrison Township.
Organization and Area — Boundary — Wealth and Population— Wtien and by Whom
Settled— Its Capital Town, Jacksonburg— Oldest Village in the County but One —
History in General— Mercantile Affairs- Churches acd.Lodges-Postniasters— Bio-
graphical 491-513
CHAPTER XV.
Jackson Township.
Date of Formation— Area— Wealth— Toposrraphy— When and by Whom Settled-
Names of Pioneers— Cambridge City— Bu'-iness Energy and Enterprise- Assessed
Valuation— When Platted— Early Business Men— Manufacturing Establishments-
Bank— Churches — Lodges — Postmasters — Items— Dublin— Basiness Interests —
Schoolis, Churches, Valuation — Postmasters — Population -East Qermantown—
Wealth— Mercantile Interests— Population — Progress- Societies— Biographical .
514-608
CONTENTS.
III.
CHAPTEK Xyi.
jBFrBRSON Township.
Its Metes and Bounds— Its Lauded Area— Wealth aud Vote— Topography— Settle
ment— The Pioneers— Churches— Hagerstown— When Platted— Business in 1839—
Additions— What It Contained in 1874— Business in 1884— Population— Churches—
Postmasters— Lodges and Societies— Biographical 609-636
CHAPTER XVII.
New Gardbn Totvnship.
Orgaaization- Origin of the Name— Early Settlers— North Carolina Friends-Inci-
dents of Pioneer Life— Indian Shot by White Man— A Mynterious Murder— The
Town of Fountain City, Formerly Newport— Auti-Slavery Worlc— Levi Coffin Presi-
dent of the Underground Railway— Churches of the Township— Biographical, ..
t 627-678
CHAPTER XVIII.
Perrt Towkship.
One of the Original Six— The Northwestern Township- Boundary— Area— Assessed
Valuation-Population— Early Settlers— Justices- Economy— When Laid Out— First
Sale of Lots— Incorporation- First Businfss Men— Doctors and Postmasters— Mil-
ling Interests— Counterfeiters— Weather Reports— Churches— Societies — Storms-
Biographical 679-717
CHAPTER XIX.
Washington Township.
Organization— Original Extent— First Election— Physical Features- Early Settle-
ment—A Settler's Fort-First Mills-Milton-Au Old and Prosperous Town-Important
Events— Business Interests- Efl'ect of the Completion of the Whitewater Canal—
Hoosier Drill Works— Dorsey Machine Works— Churches aud Lodges— Biographical
718-762
CHAPTER XX.
Wayne Township.
The Oldest Settlement in the County— Its Organization— Its Original Extent— Phys-
ical Features— Growth in Wealth and Pjpulation— iQteresting Statistics— Biograph-
ical 763-806
CHAP lER XXI.
Webster Township.
Organization— Earliest Settlers— Later Settlers— Pioneer Customs— The Village of
Webster — Early Events — Dover Meeting — Other Religious Organizations — Lodges —
Biographical 807-83 i
BIO<^KAPIIIGS.
Adamson, P. M 692
Addleman, J. P 400
Aiken, Ezekiel 154
Alexander, W. W 154
Allen, John 377
Arnett, Mahlon 639
Arnett, Willis 639
Austin, J. O 323
Bailey, CM 543
Baker, O. R 466
Baldwin, C. A 37'7
Baldwin, Jonathan 154
Baldwin, Na'han 434
Bales, Geo. W 435
Ball, Elkanah 730
Ballanger, William 692
Ballard N. H 1.55
Ballengcr, Ezra 465
BalliQc, George 156
Barnes, John 640
Barnes, S. F 640
Barnes, Shapleigh 640
Barrett, Martha 543
Burton, Barnabas 401
Barton, D. B 765
Barton, Wm. E 402
Bartsch, Reuben 544
Bean, John 466
Bearo, Enos 498
Beard, I. N 499
Beard, J. W .500
Beeson, BeDJamiu 731
Beeson, Benjamin 435
Beeson, Benj. B ".437
Beeson, B. F VSi
Beison, F. R 732
Beeson, I. W 438
Beeson, Jabez 500
Beeson, M. D 73i
Beeson, Olhniel 733
Bteson, Thomas 441
Beeson, Thomas 733
Bell, J. C 544
Bell, Josiah 545
Benson, John 641
Bethge, B. P 156
Binkiey, P. S 500
Black, J. N 324
Black, J. W 324
Bond, A. D 378
Bond, A. D 545
Bond, Cornelias 812
Bond, H. T 379
Bond, Joseph 813
Bond, Mahlan 813
Bond, M. H 402
Bond, N.I 467
Bond, William 814
Bond, W. C 330
Boren, A. R 641
Boren, S.M 641
Boren, T. E 642
Boroughs, .). C 501
Bo8low,G. R 159
Hoswell. Ezra 1.59
Boweu, J. R 403
Bowman, Iihamar 621
Bowman, John 621
Boyd, Abiram .546
Boyd, J. A .547
Bojd, J. C 766
Boyd, S. K 324
Boyd, S. M 468
Bovd,S. S 547
Boyd, William ?48
BradDurv, A M .519
Bradbury, A. W 549
Brattett, T. W. 156
Branson, Isaiah 767
Brooks, Jacob 734
Brooks John, Sr 380
Brooks, John, Jr 382
Brown, Benjamin 276
IV.
CONTENTS.
Brown, David fi32
Brown,Jas.B. andJohnE 443
Brown, Seth 7fiS
Brumfleld, SolomoB 335
Bulla, Daniel.... 768
Bulla, J. M 277
Bunnell, R. W 383
Burgess, Eliza D 550
BurgesB, J. P 279
Burnett, J. P 692
Burney, Jobn 550
Burrie, Thomas 326
Cain, Milton 693
Callaway, (i. W 735
Callaway, John 551
Campbell, Howard 160
Campbell, Thomas 160
Campbell, Wm. H 160
Carpenter, W. T 160
Carr, Samuel 502
Cates, Ephraim 469
Cates, Jesse 470
Catey, Samuel 471
Chamness, Larkin 442
Chamness, William 443
Charles, Daniel 643
Charman, R. Q..'. 326
Cheesman, Nehemiah.. .443
Cheesman, K C 444
Chcesman, Wallace 44i
Chenoweth, Elias 403
Chenoworth, J. B 644
Clark, G.E 693
Clark, J. B 694
Clark, T. E 694
ClarK, Thomas 814
Clark, William 695
Clawson, Abner 472
Clements, Wm. A 644
Clements, W.J 473
Clevenger, T. C 326
Coate, Elijah 645
Cofleld, S. K 426
Coffin, C.H 163
Coffin, Elijah 161
Coggshall, Lafayette 473
Coggeshell, Melviu 646
Commons, David 327
Commons, J. A 328
Commons, W. S 329
Comthwait, R. L 736
Conely, John 695
Conkliu, Felix 553
Conner, James 646
Cook, Harrison 553
Cooke, J. H 163
Cooper, Ezekiel 553
Cox. J. M 553
Cox, J. N 770
Cox, Kftbert 771
Craighead. J. B 164
Crampton, Samuel 773
Cranor, Lewis W 696
Cranor, Milo 474
Cranor, Thomas 475
Crawford, D. B 164
Creitz, D. Z 554
Crivel, Henry 165
Crocker, A. E 165
Crull, George 554
Custer, Jacob 555
Cutter, Henry lort
Daugheriy, A. K 383
Davenport, J. F 166
Davis, A. L 555
Davis, Charles .503
Davis, Harvey 647
Davis, H. T 167
Davis, Norton .556
Davis, Rachel 696
Davis. W. H 774
Day,H. J.. 632
Dean, J. L 697
Delap, Robert 329
Dennis, Branson 444
Dennis, John 775
Dennis, Lindsey 445
Dennis, Nathan 445
Dennis, Osborn 446
Dennis, Thomas 447
Dennis, Wilson 44S
Dilks, W. W 777
Dillman, E. B 279
Dingledey, Rev. John.. .168
Doddridge, Isaac 736
Doddridge, M. D 738
Dodge, T. H 169
Dormer, Wm. B 169
Dougan,John B 169
Dougherty, J. S. * J. P.. 503
Dougherty, Wm. H 504
Downing, H. R 170
Drischel, Andrew 557
Druley, Dennis 280
Druiey, John 280
Drulev, Levi 281
Druley, Levi G 281
Druley, Nathan 283
Druley, Smith 283
Duffee, H. N 404
Du Hadway, C. S 170
Dulin, W. 1 171
Dunbar, A. B 330
Dunbar, T. G 331
DwiggiBS, Robert 648
Dwigglns, Samuel... 649
Dynes, J. F 331
Early, Geo. P 171
Ebert, Emil E.57
Ebert.F.K 557
Edgerton, C F 649
Edgerton , N athan 777
Eliason. A. J... 332
Eliason, Joshua, Sr 333
Eliason, Joshua, Jr 333
Eliason, T. C 331
Eliason, W. S 505
Ellaberger, Jacob. . ...557
Elliott, C. B 558
Elliott, Exum .558
Elliott, Wm. K 649
Elwell, Eli 739
Emswller, Geo. P 172
Endsley, James.... . .383
Krvin, J. H 559
Erwin, Satiuel 778
Esteb, I. M 283
Evans, Wm. H 284
Farlow, Homer 334
Parlow, Stephen 384
Pender, H. L 363
Pender, Jacob 263
Pender, J. H 263
Ferguson, Linville 739
Ferguson, N imrod 740
Ferris, Joseph 741
Kett.a, G. H 779
Finney, J. J 173
Pinney, Joseph 650
Fisher, Edward 404
Fisher, E. N 4U5
Floia, A. W 742
Ford, J. G 175
Fountain, John .5.59
Pouts David 285
Fox, H. A 651
Fox, Simon 175
•Franzman, Philip 560
Prazer, Paul 334
Furnace, Robert 176
Gaar, Abram 176
Gaar.C. A 180
Gaar, J. M 180
Gaar, Larkin 286
Gaar, S. W 180
Gause, Nathan 560
Gard, J. T 743
Garwood, N.P 780
Gentry, David 235
Getz, Jacob 181
Gibson, S. P 623
Gilbert, Josiah 181
Girton, Sylvester 286
Gormon, LA 182
Gough, C. T .561
Gower, Peter 335
Graham, W. B 405
Grave, Warner 781
Graver, John 561
Graves, Howell 182
Graves, J. C 406
Graves, Nathan 407
Grave, William 781
Gray, J. E .562
Gray, Joseph 563
Greene, T. C 336
Greisinger, Jacob 563
Hadley, James 564
Hadley, J. C 183
Hadley, W. B 184
Haines, J. W 186
Haisley, David 407
Hamm, G. A 506
Hampton, J. D 782
Hardman, Benjamin 564
Harlan, Elihu 407
Harlan, J. T 408
Harlan, J. G 408
Harlan, Nathan 409
Harlan, Stephen 409
Harold, Adam 565
Harrington, Timothy 651
Harris, Abram H. . . 653
Harris, Addison H 652
Harris, Benjamin 184
Harris, Hon. B. L 384
Harris, D. M 653
Harris, D. W 385
Harris, J. S 653
Harris, W. H 449
Harvey, C. J 337
HaKtiugs, Aaron .565
Hatfield, John 187
HawKlns, John 784
Heacock, Daniel 566
Heacock, M. S 566
Healy, Thomas 410
Heiny, Abraham 567
Henby, Ell 567
Hendershot, G. W 506
Hendrix, Francis 287
Henley, Samuel 785
Henly, John 188
Herman, 8. P 786
Hiatt, D. W 698
Hiatt, Riley 784
Hibberd, J.F 188
Hill, Albert 787
Hill, Benjamin 787
Hill, Nathan 410
Hill, Robert 190
Hiudman, G. G 386
Hindman, S. B 191
Hinshaw, Rev. P. E 743
Hittle, O. L 191
Hockett, W. M 815
Hodgin, Nathan 654
CONTENTS.
Hoda;in, Robert 193
Hoflman, J.V 568
Hood,C.L 568
Hoover, David 788
Hoover, John 508
Horney, Andrew 387
Horney, I. V 789
Horney, Jesse 338
Hort, J. W 288
Hosier, Henderson 507
Hongh, Moses 654
Hou.;h, T. C 655
Hoover, John 5C8
Howard, I. R 193
Huddleston, David 569
Huff, Daniel 655
Hughes, J. B 192
Hant, Ammiel 816
Hunt, C. B 193
Hunt, Clayton 193
Hunt,NoahS 411
Hunt, Wm. M 476
Hurst, CO 743
Jackson, Capt. Caleb B.389
Jackson, Caleb B ... 339
Jackson, C. F 311
Jackson, John 569
Jackson, Lafayette 341
Jay, Henry 817
Jay, J.W 194
Jefiferis, A. D 411
Jefferis, Whi. C 411
Jeffery, Lewis 657
Jenkins, A. M 657
Jennings, N. M 476
Johnson, J. W 658
Johnston, D. W 195
Jones, H. L 743
Jones, John 341
Jones, L. H 343
Jones, L. M 195
Jones, Oliver 195
Jones, Hou . O. T 342
Jones, Washington 343
Jones, Wm. H 477
Jones, Wilson 570
Jordan, J. W 699
Jordan, T. J 699
Jordan, Rev. W.S 571
Jordon, G. M 449
Jordon, Wm.D 450
JuddjThomas 478
Kates, H. S 196
Keever, Michael 658
Reiser, Daniel 571
Kelley. B. G 572
Kenworthy, Eli 818
Kepler, A. T 338
Kepler, G. T 508
Kepler, Jotn 573
Kepler,.r. H 575
Kepler, Mary M 576
Kepler, O. A 509
Kepler, Peter 575
Kilmer, Eli 289
Kimes, R. H . 577
Kimmel, George 744
Kimmel, Joseph 677
King, C. W 346
King, Dorinda J 578
King, I. Y 479
King, John L 346
King, Joseph 347
King, Jos. L 347
King,R.H 196
King, William 818
King, Wm. F 348
Kinsey, Isaac 745
Kitterman, S. D 349
Knollenbers:, Geo. H 197
Krouskoff, Justus 289
Lackey, P. R 197
Ladd, J. D 479
Lamar, Nathan 450
Lamb, A. L 699
Lamb, F. M 2(0
Lamb, James 291
Lamb, Milo 700
Lamb, M. L 480
Laud, H . N 193
Lantz, L. F 198
Larkin, Samuel 746
Lashley, J. T 349
Laufman, Rev. R. D 389
Lawrence, L. L 199
Lee, David S 746
Leeson, H. C 350
Leeson, S. O 578
Lemon & Clark 199
Lemon, Rev. O. V 200
Lewis, A. W 481
Lewis, Caleb 747
Lewis, W. A 482
Lichtenf els, P 200
Little, David 790
Lloyd, Benjamin 791
Locke, J. A 452
Logan, T. P 201
Lumpkins, R. M 452
Lyle,J.S 201
Macy, H. L 482
Macy, L. H .578
Maier, Geo. J 202
Manning, Geo. B 700
Marine, B. C 659
Marine, Billy 660
Marine, Jonathan, Sr 412
Marine, Jonathan, Jr 413
Marine, M. W 4i3
Marine, O. M 661
Marlatt, J. W 749
Marlatt, Thomas .748
Marshall, Thomas 701
Marson, J. W.... 579
Martin, B. F 791
Martin, B. L ..792
Martin, N. W 414
Martiudale, J. W 389
Mason, Wm. J 580
Mather, Samuel 661
Maudlin, Mark 35 1
Mauk, John R 580
Maxwell, B. F 582
McCaffery, James 582
McClure, N. D 793
McConaha, George 351
McConaha, Simon .352
McConaha, Thomas 352
McCoy, John 353
McCoy, Morgan 353
McGilliard, W. P 662
McGrew, C. N 750
McLain, James 291
McLaughlin, William 750
McMeans, A. L 203
McTaggart, C. R 588
McTaggart, George 583
Meek, Isaac 292
Meek, J. R 264
Meerhoflf, H. H 203
Mendenhall, Absalom. ..204
Mendenhall, Nathan 819
Mendenhall, Rees 794
Mendenhall, William 453
Mendenhall, Wm. C 819
Menk, Daniel 584
Meredith, H. C 584
Merritt, John 354
Meyer, A. W 205
Middleton, W. H ... 204
Miles, Lindley 586
Miles, M.K .mi
Miller, Isaac \[' '205
Miller, William 292
Mills. J. T .'.■.'."■■■662
Minck, Emil 207
Moffett, William .. 206
Moffltt, Hugh '.'.795
Moore, Rev. A. B .*. .293
Moore, Ira 207
Moore, Jacob S....' !!293
Moore, James 796
Moore, James W .......73
Moore, John .294
Moore, Jonathan.. ... .'."."208
Moore, Robert 797
Moore, Samuel 1 294
Moore, Wm. H 7,52
Moormann, J. H .... .20Q
Moorman, Benjamin. ....414
Moorman, Henry 663
Moorman, Richmond 415
Morgan, Nathan . 798
Morgan, Nathan, Jr 210
Morris, Ellas 509
Morris, R. R 210
Morrit-, Samuel 687
Morrisson, J. L 211
Morrow, Elihu 212
Morton, W. S. T 354
Mote, E. J 213
Myers, Moses 5g7
Myers, Moses E 588
Newby, Franklin 588
Newman, E. B 754
Newman, Jonathan 7.53
Nichols, Harrison 416
Nicholson, Abner 390
Nicholson, Timothy 214
Noble, Wm. T 215
Noland, J. P 217
Oler, Adam 702
Olvey, E. K 702
Osborn, Charles....'!!!.. 703
Osborn, C. W... .... 705
Osborn David ....295
Osborn, B. B 707
Osborn, John 707
Osborn, Linden 6K4
Osborn. Zachariah 296
Oster, Rev. Andrew 529
Otten, Henry 355
Overman, Isaac 799
Overman, N. S 416
Palm, Henry M 588
Palmer, Daniel S2J
Palmer, E. DeF 217
Parks, Curtis 296
Parry.J. W 218
Parry, Samuel 664
Parry, William 218
Peacock, Levi 820
Peelle, John, Jr 355
Peelle, Hou. s. J 219
Peirce, Benjamin 755
Peirce,L A 623
Peirce, Lewis 709
Peltz, J. B... 319
Petty, David 709
Petty, Eli 624
Petty, Josiah 710
Philbrooks, J. H 219
Phillips, Abram 220
Pierce. A. O 391
Pike, Elam 665
Pike, Jesse 589
Pirn, Jacob 589
VI.
CONTENTS.
Pitts, Harman 665
Pitts, Samuel 485
Preston, J. R 220
Preston, R. S 666
Prichett, Jolin 356
Prichett, J.M 356
Puckett, Nathan 821
Pyle, D.S 417
Pyle, Isaac 418
Railebacli, Joel 800
Ratliff, Cornelius 221
Ratliflf. Hon. J. C 222
Ray, William 296
Reece, J. P 666
Reece, John 667
Reece, O. H 358
Reed, Wm. B 590
Reid, D. G 223
Reid, Daniel 223
Reynolds, B. T 510
Reynolds, C. C 667
Rhodes, J. J 418
Rich, Wm. C 801
Richter, J. T. and N. H..486
Rife, Daniel 297
Rife, Rev. Jacob 297
Rife,J.J 298
Riley, Robert 419
Rinehai-t, J. F 298
Robbiup, D. B 710
Robbins, Geo. v\ 711
Robbius, H. M .358
Roberts, Jonathan 225
Robinson, F. W 225
Rohe. J. H 358
Koper, John 299
Rosa, E. I? 226
Roth, C. E 359
Rotherniel, Joseph 590
Routh, C. W 591
Russell, J. J 3.59
Russell, J. S 360
Russell, Vinnedge 361
Rutledge, J. W 591
Saintmyer, Samuel 487
Scautlaud, Geo. W 712
Scarce, Wm. D 668
Schneider, Philip 226
Schwedes, Philip 593
Schwegman, J. G 227
Scott, A. F 227
Scott, E. P 511
Scott, F.E 361
Scott, J. A 512
Scott, John 513
Scott, J. W 592
Seaney, I. N 299
Seaney, Wm.G.... ......300
Sedgwick, John 228
Shaw, Edward 229
Shetfer, Jacob 230
Sheffer, John 301
Shideler, A. V 593
Shoff, C. S 594
Shoft-, J.S 594
Short, R. S 362
Sh off, Rudolph 595
Shroyer, H.A 595
Shults, G. W 596
Beeson, I. W.. Frontispiece.
Beeson, Benj. B 436
Beeson, Mrs. Benj. B 437
Gates, Jesse 1,52
Gates, Mrs. Jesse 153
Charman.R. G .326
Gharman, Martha 3J7
Crawford, D. B. 64
Shurman, Geo 231
Shute, Robert C 231
Shute, Samuel 232
Skinner, Joshua 420
Smelser, Isham 362
Smelser, Jacob, Sr 301
Smelser, Winfleld 301
Smith, I. N 598
Smith, J. A 596
Smith.J.R 421
Smith, J. P 233
Smith, J. W 233
Smith, S. G 363
Smith, Thompson 488
Smith, Wm. H 363
Snider, F. V 364
Snyder, J.M 365
Southworth, Albert . ..59S
Sprigg. E. D 599
Stace & Crocker 234
Staftbrd, F. n 234
Stahr, Wm. P 600
Stanley, Levi ... 302
Starr, G. W 235
Starr, Jesse 80:i
St. Clair, J. W 756
Stephens, Spencer 265
Stevens, J. G 3(i4
Stevens, W. G 365
Stevi^'uson, Geo. W 303
Stigleman, G. W 237
Stirewalt, Rev. M. J 601
Stonecipher, Joseph 602
Storch, John 602
Stout, O. B 624
Strattau, S. S 238
Study, A. II 238
Study. Wm. H 668
Stutson, C. L 392
Suft'rain, John 803
Sulser, Hiram 303
Suplee, Hiram 421
Swain, J. W 239
Swain, Thomas 713
Swallow, Ephraim 003
Swallow, R. G 603
Sweuey, I. F 7.56
Swinn, Henry 603
Ta!helm,H. W 241
Taylor, D. R 422
Taylor, J. E 241
Taylor, Nathan 304
Taylor, S. R 366
Teague, I. C 242
Thomas, Benjamin 669
Thomas, Enos 243
Thomas, H. W 422
Thomas, J.W 423
Thomas, I.uke 670
Thamas, Peter 669
Thomas, W. L 244
Thorn, Benjamin, Jr 489
Thornburg, J. H 455
Thornburgh, Dempsey . . .454
Thornburgh, Elvin 713
Thornburgh, J. H 625
Thornburgh, J.M... . 714
Thornburgh, Milton 604
Thornburgh, Wm. L 714
PORTRAITS.
Kelley, B. G.
Tillson, Hosea 367
Tillson, H. G 427
Timberlake, Edward 305
Tindall, J. W 821
Townsend, Wm. H 423
Trueblood, Alpheus . 674
Turner. Eli 424
Ulrich,Daniel 456
Underbill, Alfred 392
Underbill, John 714
Vaughan, E.G ..244
Vinton, E. G 604
Walker, A. C 626
Wallace, John 757
Wallace, John 758
Walters, 0. F 245
Waring, W. P ...246
Waseon, Fleming 803
Wasson, Joseph 246
Watson, James 305
Watt, Robert 753
Wayman, J. V 605
Weekly, Isaiah 605
Wefel, G. H 247
Weller, A. A 306
Wesler, J. C 424
Westcott, J. M 248
Wetherald, H. L 804
Weyl J. L 716
Whelan, Kosciusko 606
Whippo, G. H 674
Whitacre, J. R 822
White, James 806
White, Oliver 607
Wickemeyer, Rev. 11 247
Wiggins, D.P 249
Wiley, Martin 425
Willetts.Elisha 759
Williams, Christopher. ..675
Williams, D.B 716
Williams, Henry 393
Williams, Jacob 675
Williams, James 760
Williams, Judge Jesse. . .368
Williams, J. M 716
Williams, Joseph 717
Williams, LaFayette 368
Williams, Samuel 676
Williams, William 676
Williams, Wm. R 676
Wilson, Isaac 761
Wilson, Jehu 761
Wilson, J.W 252
Wilson, O.L 394
Wilson, Oliver 489
Winkler, Conrad 252
Wi'-sler, B. F 607
Witmer, B. M 761
Wooaard,Gader 677
Woodard, G. J 677
Woodard, Luke 678
Wright, P. H 425
Wright, Samuel 426
Wright, Washington 369
Yates, Oliver 252
Yates, S.O 253
Young, Rev. J. J 253
Zeller, D. K 2.54
Zimmer, Christian. . . '^
216
Kepler. John 714
Kepler, Angeline 715
Kepler, Pe' er 574
Kepler, Mai/ A 575
King, Wm. P 307
Mank, J. R 650
McCoy, Morgan 354
McCoy, Elizabeth 325
Moffitt, Hugh 29
Southworth, Albert 598
Stevenson. Geo. W 267
Swallow, Ephraim 101
Swallow, Sarah A 105
Wright, Peter H 750
HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
CHAPTER I.
THE CITY OF RICHMOND.
An Account of the Origin and Growth of the Beautiful
AND Prosperous City, — Introductory. — Surroundings. —
Rank. — Progression. — The City Platted, 1816. — Incor-
poration. — First Officers. — Early Ordinances. — First
Events. — Early Inhabitants. — Village Improvement. —
Temperance. — Libraries. — The Richmond and Brookfield
Canal Projected, — Its Failure. — Early Business Inter-
ests IN Detail.
The city of Richmond, Ind., stands without a rival in the
beauty of her location, the wealth of her surroundings, the
solidity of her growth, and in the refinement, culture and hos-
->itality of her citizens. The rich agricultural country which
lies all around her, the great productiveness of which finds a
market at her door, the enterprise and energy of her business
men, all combine to make her what she is — the Qneen City of
the State. Resting proudly upon the banks of the beautiful
and winding Whitewater, looking upon its clear waters, and
the valley itself a beautiful panorama of scenic magnificence,
why indeed should not Richmond be proud and her people
glory in the brightness of the present, and a future even more
g\^\wing in its promises ?
Richmond stands upon an oval crest on the east bank of
the Whitewater River, or what is called its East Branch,
and the beauty of its location is enhanced by its perfect
drainage which all tends to the valley and the waters of the
Whitewater a hundred feet below, thus making it in healtli-
2 9
10 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
fulness without a peer in the State. Her death rate is won-
derfully low, as sta2:nant pools and miasmatic bottom-lands
form no part of her surroundings, and the pure air which is
found here is not of an enervating nature, but gives energy
to the man and elasticity to his steps. Her situation being: a
salubrious one has been one great cause of her rapid progress
to material wealth. The soil is mostly loam, over a subsoil
of gravel, and this rests upon the limestone rock which under-
lies the whole country. The channel of the Whitewater will
average from 400 to 500 feet in width, and the bed of the
stream is fully 100 feet below the site of Richmond. The
stream is formed by three smaller branches which come from
the north, the northeast and the east, called respectively the
West Fork, Middle Fork and East Fork of the East Branch of
the Whitewater, and in ages past has cut for itself a winding
channel through the soil and the underlying nearly horizontal
strata of limestone rock. Take the city thus altogether with
its wealth, location, its climate of rare life-giving qualities,
and it is a marvel in the history of the State. It is substan-
tially built, and it has within its area a large number of mass-
ive brick and stone blocks that in architectural beauty, finish
and solidity will vie with an}^ city in the State. Its educational
advantages are superior, and its societies, lodges, industrial
homes, all show that charity is engrafted in the hearts of the
people. Its business and manufacturing interests and its
great freighting facilities give it a prominence as one of the
leading commercial centers of the State, while its future in
this regard is destined to place it ever in the front rank- of
commercial cities. Its wide and well-paved streets, its beau-
tiful residences and cultivated surroundings, its fine churches
and public-school buildings, give to it not only a home-like
appearance, but metropolitan in its make-up, showing that its
citizens have seen much of this world and profited by their
opportunities.
Richmond is situated nearly due east of Indianapolis, the
capital of the State, a distance of sixty-eight miles, north of
Cincinnati about seventy-four miles, and on no less than three
trunk lines of railway. Its local lines of travel and commu-
nication from every section of the county and in the adjoin-
CITY OF RICHMOND. 12
ing State is by well-graveled turnpikes, besides the railroads,
which give every portion of the county railroad comrannica-
tion and turnpike with their capital city and the commercial
emporium of Central Western Ohio and Eastern Indiana.
The freedom of access to all parts of the country and the
facilities thus given the people to find a large and healthy
market for all articles brought within her limits, has caused
Kichmond to grow and prosper. There has been no period
when speculative activity ran riot, followed by business stag-
nation, taking years to recover. Thus, if she has not grown
as rapidly as some Western towns, neither has she suffered
the depression which has caused not only the ill effect of too
rapid growth, but has actually caused the death of many thus
affected.
Richmond ranked the eighth city in population in the State
and sixth in wealth in 1875, and while in that year her debt
amounted to $186,972, it is now, Jan. 1, 1884, less than $40,-
000. This hatter sum will be due in 1889, and will all be
promptly paid at maturity, showing the healthy financial
standing of the city. Now, with a population close on to
15,000, comparatively speaking free from debt, with schools,
colleges and churches, with beautiful surroundings, handsome
residences, massive business blocks and energetic, refined and
cultivated people, there is nothing in the future of Richmond
but what promises a rich fruition.
The progress of Richmond from 1816 to 1884, in general
terms, has thus been given, but her growth in detail requires
more space, and it will be given here, and also the names of
those who contributed to her prosperity, by engaging in busi-
ness, and by such acts as have shown them public-spirited
citizens. Richmond's advancement has been due to the en-
ergy and far-sighted people of every generation that have
found a home within her limits, and this has placed her in
the proud position she holds among the cities of the country.
WHEN PLATTED.
Richmond was the third village platted in Wayne County,
Salisbury being first, in 1811, Centerville second, in 1814, and
Richmond third, in 18 L6. Nearly a decade had passed since
12 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
the county had been iirst settled. Fully three-fourths of that
time the ground upon which Richmond stood had been culti-
vated as a farm, and corn and other productions had been,
annually raised where now stand massive blocks of brick build-
ings and other evidences of a progressive age and an ener-
getic people.
The ground was owned by John Smith and Jeremiah Cox,
and the former proposed to Mr. Cox to lay out a town. This
Mr. Cox at first declined, saying, " I would rather see a
buck's tail than a tavern-sign." Notwithstanding this re-
fusal Mr. Smith went ahead and employed David Hoover to
lay off a portion of his land for a town, who did so, along
Front and Pearl streets, which was the extent of the town
plat at that time. In Dr. Plummer's history he says: "That
it is well to look into the early history of Richmond, for re-
cent as the facts comparatively are (this was in 1857) it is
already said that Richmond was begun in 1818. The truth
appears to be that that part of the town lying south of Main
street (then a section line and dividing the lands of John
Smith and Jeremiah Cox) was laid out in 1816, and, as it ap-
pears from the form of the lots, without regard to the varia-
tion of the magnetic needle. Two years afterward Jeremiah
Cox made his addition on the north side of Main street.
This was in 1818."
The explanation given why North Front street was run
along the brow of the hill at an acute angle of 47'' with Main
street is thus stated: "At the time the town was platted by
David Hoover, there ran along the brow of the hill," says Dr.
Plummer, "a country road, the first, perhaps, in Wayne
County. As no splendid anticipations of future greatness
were entertained for the new town by its proprietors, no pro-
visions were made for coming necessities, the present alone
being considered. To continue South Front street directly-
north would run it into wet ground unsuitable for a
street, or for building lots; besides, the street would ultimately
run into the river. On the hill a road was already established ;
no ground would again have to be relinquished for a street,
forty feet being probably the width of this road, and the cor-
ners of Main and Front streets became important points."
CITY OF RICHMOND. 13
These are the old streets, and for a long while were the only
ones in Richmond.
From the MSS. of David Hoover we iind that the town
was first called '' Smithville," after the proprietor, but the
name not giving satisfaction, Thos. Roberts. James Pegg and
himself were chosen to select another. Roberts proposed
'' Water ford;" Pegg, " Plainfield," and Mr. Hoover, the
writer, Richmond, and the last was approved by the lot own-
ers. Richmond seemed to grow, but it was slow. It seemed
to hold all it received, and continued to grasp the future with
a steady hand and progress, the population being 453 iti 1824;
in 1826, 648, of which 16 were colored; and in 1828, 824, of
which 427 were white males, 347 white females, and 50 col-
ored persons.
INCORPORATION.
In an ancient-looking pamphlet printed by Elijah Lacey,
at Richmond, in 1823, and containing the ordinances enacted
by the trustees of the town of Richmond in the preceding
years, we find the following record:
"Agreeably to the provisions of an act of assembly
passed Jan. 1, 1817, the citizens of the town of Rich-
mond convened on the 7th of the 9th month (September),
1818, at the house of Thomas and Justice, for the purpose of
ascertaining whether they wished said town to be incorpo-
rated; and pursuant thereto made choice of Thomas Swain*
President, and Ezra Boswell, Clerk, who, after being legally
qualified, entered upon theduties of their offices; and on tak-
ing the state of the polls, it appeared that there were twenty-
four votes in favor of incorporating, and against it, none.
" Thomas Swain, Fres.
"Ezra Boswell, Clerk.''''
*' At a meeting of the citizens of the town of Richmond,
for the election of trustees, held at the house of Thomas and
Justice on the 14th of the 9th month (September), 1818, it
appeared on comparing the polls that Ezra Boswell, Thomas
Swain, Robert Morrisson, John McClain and Peter Johnson
were duly elected.
" Thomas Swain, Pres.
" Ezra Boswell, Clerhy
14 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
The " house of Thomas and Justice" thus brought into
notice by the foregoing was a new frame building erected on
the northeast corner of Main and Front streets, and was de-
signed for a store, though then unoccupied. In speaking of
the owners of this building and the first trustees elected Dr.
Flumraer said Thomas and Justice were both carpenters, and
were botli dead at the time of his writing, 1857, and three of
the five trustees had also crossed the dark river. Robert
Morrisson, whose memory is treasured now, and Peter John-
son were then living; Ezra Boswell, the brewer, with his mu-
tilated eye; John McClain, the blacksmith, with his ample
physical frame, were well remembered by the citizens of later
date. Thos. Swain, the President, was a dark-skinned, stoop-
shouldered man, and one of solid sense. Such was the be-
ginning of Richmond.
The first of the ordinances in the pamphlet above men-
tioned defines the duties of the corporation ofiicers. The sec-
ond, "For restraining immoral and pernicious practices," is
here given entire :
" Sec. 1. Beit ordained hy the President and Trustees of
the Town of Richmond, That it shall be unlawful for any
person or persons, who shall have attained the age of four-
teen years or upward, to engage on the first day of the
week, commonly called Sunday, in sporting, rioting, quarrel-
ling, or common labor, works of necessity and charity ex-
cepted, within this corporation ; every person so offending
shall, on conviction thereof, be fined in the sum of two dol-
lars.
" Sec. 2. Be it further ordained^ That it shall be unlaw-
ful for any tavern-keeper, or other person, to sell or barter
spirituous liquors within this corporation, on the first day
of the week, commonly called Sunday, except to travelers,
or to persons who may want it for medical purposes; every
person so offending shall, on conviction thereof, be fined in
the sum of two dollars.
" Sec. 3. Beit further ordained^ That if any person who
shall have attained to the age of fourteen years, or upward,
shall profanely curse, damn, or swear, within this corporation,
such person, on conviction thereof, shall be fined one dollar
CITY OF KICHMOND. 15
for every such offense: Provided^ That the fines imposed in
one day, on anyone person, do not exceed ten dollars.
" Sec. 4. Be it further ordained^ That if any person or
persons shall, on any occasion, or nnder any pretext whatso-
ever, discharge any gun, pistol , fazee, or any other kind of
fire-arms within this corporation, such person or persons,
upon conviction thereof, shall be fined in the sum of fifty cents,
for each and every such discharge.
" Sec. 5. Be it further ordained^ That should any person
or persons unnecessarily run or gallop any horse, mare or
gelding within the limits of this corporation; or should any
person or persons play at long-bullets along any street or alley
within this corporation, such person or persons shall be
deemed guilty of disorderly conduct, and, upon conviction
thereof, shall be fined in the sum of one dollar for either or
each of the offenses enumerated in this section.
"Sec. 6. Be it further ordained^ That if any person or
persons sliall be guilty of an assault, or an assault and bat-
tery, of a riot, rout, or affray, within the bounds of this cor-
poration, such person or persons shall, on conviction thereof,
be fined in the sum of two dollars for each and every such of-
fense.
" Sec. Y. Be it further ordained^ That if any person shall
drink ardent spirits to excess, so as to become drunk, within
this corporation, such person shall be deemed guilty of an
oftense, and shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined in the sum
of one dollar for every such act of drunkenness.
' ' Sec. 8. Be it further ordained. That all prosecutions shall
be commenced within ten days after the offense shall have
been committed.
"John Scott, Pres.
" Benj. Strattan, "I
"John Weight, |
"LeviJessup, I Xrastees.
" Geo. Springer, |
" Henry Dunham, I
" Elijah Lacey, J
" Attest: Eleazer Hiatt, Clerh.
"Oct. 26, 1822."
Another ordinance o»the same date fixes the rates of li-
16 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
cense of "wax-figure and puppet show exhibitions" at from
$2 to $3. Market days were fixed as the third and seventh
day in each week, to continue until nine o'clock in the morn-
ing, during which time it was unlawful for any person to
trade " in any other place in this town, except the Market
House," under a penalty of 50 cents for each offense.
In 1834 a special charter was granted by the Legislature
and John Sailor was elected First Burgess; Basil Brightwell,
Second Burgess; John Finley, Daniel P. Wiggins, Benjamin
Fulghum, Samuel Stokes, William S. Addleman, John Sufi'-
rins, William Dnlin, Edmund Crover, Albert C. Blanchard,
Caleb Shearon, John Hughes, Joseph Parry and Joseph P.
Osborn, Councilmen; Jacob Sanders, Assessor; Eli Brown,
Treasurer, and Isaac Barmes, High Constable. These officers
only held until the regular spring election in May, when a
new election took place, which resulted as follows:
First Burgess, John Brady; Second Burgess, Basil Bright-
well ; Councilmen, John Sufli"rin8, Daniel P. Wiggins, John
Sailor, Samuel Stokes, Albert C. Blanchard, William S. Ad-
dleman, Samuel W. Smith, Caleb Shearon, William Dulin,
JohnM, Laws, Joseph Block, Alexander Stokes, David Hook;
Assessor, Jacob Sanders; Treasurer, Eli Brown; High Con-
stable, Charles O'Harra.
Richmond was governed under this borough charter until
1840, when it was incorporated as a city, under a charter
adopted by the citizens, and on the 4th of May the following
officers were elected:
Mayor, John Sailor; Councilmen: First Ward, Basil Bright-
well, Benjamin Strattan; Second Ward, Henry Hollingsworth,
William Cox ; Third Ward, William Parry, Irvin Reed;
Fourth Ward, Nathan Morgan, Stephen Swain ; Treasurer,
John Haines; Marshal, Jesse Meek; Assessor, Eli Brown.
EARLY EVENTS.
John Smith opened the first store in 1810. Robert Morris-
son started another in 1814; then these two formed a partner-
ship under the firm name of Smith & Morrisson, and a few
years later were succeeded by the firm of Smith & Frost.
This store was on lot 45, Pearl stre^. Edward Frost after-
ward kept a store on lot 33, Front street, in 1823.
CITY OF RICHMOND. 17
The first brick house was built in Eichraond by Jno. Smith,
in ]811, and was considered the finest building of the kind in
Indiana Territory.
The first tavern erected was on lot No. 6, South Pearl street,
in 1816, by Philip Harter, who kept it for several years. It was
burned down in 1827. The first church was a log one, and
was warmed by large fires made of charcoal in sugar kettles.
The first hewed-log house erected in Pichmond was on
Charles W. Starr's farm, near a tanyard.
The first postoflice in Kichmond was established in 1818,
and Robert Morrisson was commissioned as Postmaster, the
office being opened in a frame building at the southwest
corner ofJMain and Front streets. It was next kept in a frame
building on the northwest corner of Main and Pearl streets.
The first regular arrivals of mail in 1818 was once every
two weeks; but as it had to be carried on horseback, and high
water was frequent and bad roads a drawback, the mail fre-
quently failed to get in oftener than once a month. The
yearl}'^ receipts amounted to from $10 to $12, which at this
time, January, 1884, would not be one day's receipts of
the ])resent Richmond postofiice.
About 1820 a two-story brick building was erected on the
northeast corner of Pearl and Main streets, and was kept as a
tavern by Jonathan Bayles; and another frame building on
the southwest corner of Main, kept by Ephraijn Lacey. The
latter was discontinued in 1828.
According to an old manuscript in the hands of the late
Charles F. Coffin, the following families were living in the
county in 1807-8 — men mostly citizens of Richmond a few
years later. The number in each family is also given. It
was published by Dr. Plummer in his history of Richmond:
NAMES. NO. IN FABULT.
Jeremiah Cox 10
Robt. Smith 4
Elijah Wright 3
Frederic Hoover 2
Jacob Foutz 4
John Smith.. 9
Benj. Hill 6
Robt. Hill 4
Ephraim Overman 9
Benj. Small 9
Beale Butler 5
NAMES. NO. IN FAMILY.
John Addington 2
Isaac Commons 1
Andrew Hoover '7
Rebecca Cox 1
Jas. Morrison 1
John Hawkins, Jr 4
David Bowles 4
John Townsend H
Wm. Harvey 3
Jesse Bond 6
John Morrow '
18
HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
NAMES. NO. IN FAMILY,
Ealph Wright , 6
Jacob Jessup 7
John Hawkins, Sr 6
Amos Hawliins 6
James Townsend 2
Jos. Comer and mother 3
Robt. Comer 5
Stephen Comer 4
Rachel Pike 1
Joshua Pickett 6
Isaac Barber 7
John Cl^rk 6
Rice Price 10
Nathan Peirson 5
David Bailey, mother and sis-
ter 3
Robert Andrews 7
Benj. Harris 10
Jane Massey 1
NAMES. NO. IN FAMILY.
Benj Cox 1
Wm. Bond 9
Jos.Thornburg 5
John Charles 3
Israel Elliott 3
Benj. Morgan 5
Lewis Hosier 1
Wm. Hosier 1
Benjamin Mandlin. 6
David Bailey, Sr 7
Sarah Burgess 1
Jasper Koons 7
William Hastings .... , 4
Nathan Overman 1
Christopher Hill 1
Thomas Hill 6
Cornelius Ratliff, Sr 8
Samuel Charles
John Pool (1810) 6
These were amon^ the first settlers of the countv and city,
and average over six persons to the family.
Richmond was slowly progressing. Every year served to
add something to her population and to the solidity of her
standing as a growing village. Streets had been made, but
little improved, and the general progress had been in other
directions. In 1826, a decade after coming into existence, an
effort was made to improve the streets and in other ways
sliovv a more progressive spirit on the part of the citizens.
Where the village streets and sidewalks had all been one and
cattle roamed freely, sidewalks were attempted, some gutters
made ; a few even went so far as to plant trees in front of
their residence lots, horse racks were set back from the street,
and a general air of progress was manifested. In this respect
the following editorial from the Public Ledger, in 1827, shows
that the editor was fully abreast, if not in advance, of the
times. Certainly his remark would not be out of place at
this day:
" Village Improvements. — The streets of our village, though
considerably improved last year, yet require much labor to
render them complete. In a number of places, after rain,
water stands until evaporation carries it off. Tins is not
only disgusting to the sight, but injurious to the health. Such
things ought not to be in a village improving as this is. It
belongs to the appropriate officers to take the lead, and then
ndividuals no doubt will contribute their exertions. Besides
CITY OF RICHMOND. ^.Q
improvement of the streets, there are other subjects worthy
the attention of the citizens. Siiade trees form so delightful
a prospect, so much enhance the beauty and interest of a
place, and are withal so wholesome, that every owner of a
lot should set them out in front of it. The labor and expense
would be trifling,
" Protection against fire is much needed. Built as the
houses principally are, of wood, a single fire might sweep at
once the promising village into ruins. All these subjects are
worthy of attention, and ought to be acted upon."
It is supposed that these suggestions were acted upon, for
shade trees were soon found along the streets, and no serious
fire had for years made the village its victim.
The Richmond Temperance Society was formed in the
winter of 1832-'3. It progressed very well the following
year. E. Grover was its Secretary, and March 30, 1834, Jno.
D. Vaughan, at the request of the society, delivered a tem-
perance address which was attended by nearly all the citizens.
The society did not last many years. Intemperance was not
a habit among the citizens, though a good deal of liqnor of
one kind and another was consumed. Common whisky was
the leading article.
The Richmond Library was incorporated and establishe
in 1826. Its collection of books for a year or two was very
small and a family book-case would have held them all. There
was no library building, and the books were moved from
place to place, as the trustees could find a librarian to take
charge of them. In 1834 the " Young Men's Library" was
incorporated and the books of the Richmond Library were
ordered sold by a majority of the shareholders. The reason
given by some was that they wished to patronize the Young
Men's Library. This was on June 18, 1834. They were sold,
but that is the last record found of either of the associations.
The coldest day Richmond had experienced up to date was
on Saturday, the 12th of March, 1836. Snow had fallen to
the depth of eight inches the night before, and on that morn-
ing the thermometer stood seventeen degrees below zero.
In the Richmond & Brookfield Canal, which was never fin-
ished, though $45,000 was expended, Richmond took stock to
20 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
the amount of $50,000. This was in 1838. The distance
was thirtj-four miles, A big freshet nearly rained the work
and it was finally abandoned. This was the only attempt
ever made to build a canal to Richmond.
EARLY BUSINESS INTERESTS.
How Richmond progressed as a business point may be
gathered from the number of business houses in operation in
1824. There were then eight dry-goods and grocery store
or general stores, keeping a little of everything called for in
the mercantile line; seven blacksmith-shops, four hatters,
four cabinet-makers, six shoemakers, three tailors, three coop-
ers, three potteries, one gunsmith, one saddler, one pump-
maker, one bake shop and a steam distillery, besides carpenters,
stone-masons, plasterers, etc. The Pahlic Ledger, which
gave this list, wound up with the statement "that of profes-
sional men there were but two physicians, and of lawyers we
have NOT one! "
To give these more in detail would perhaps be best, thus
showing who it was that conducted the usiness interests of
Richmond in its infancy. As the village became known, new
arrivals came and located, many of them entering into some
kind of mercantile business, thus causing those who had laid
the foundation of a future city to divide the trade of the vil-
lage with them. Among the first to arrive was Edward L.
Frost, from Long Island, N. Y., with whom John Smith was
for a short time associated in trade. He was the first merchant
in town after Robert Morrisson, and afterward traded alone
on Front street, south of Main, and removed to the southeast
corner of Main and Pearl streets. Philemon H. Cross was a
clerk for his brother Edward, and subsequently became a
partner.
John Suffrins, a native of Virginia, came to Richmond and
commenced business in August, 1818, on the east side o
North Front street, near Main, and soon after bought the
Thomas and Justice building, on the northeast corner of Main
and Front streets. James McGruire, after Suffrins, traded a
short time at the latter place. Atticus Siddall, who had
taught school in the village, succeeded Frost at Ham's cor-
CITY OF RICHMOND. 21
ner. He was for some time alone, afterward with Dr. Cook.
About the year 1822 John Wright, a native of Maryland, com-
menced business on Main street, between Front and Pearl
streets, where he remained a few years. He sold his business
to his son-in-law, Basil Brightwell, who also built a flourino-
mill on the site of Jackson, Swayne & Dunn's woolen mill
below the national bridge. He afterward became embar-
rassed, and fearing bankruptcy, committed suicide.
Joseph P. Plummer, from Baltimore, came to Eichmond in
1823, and commenced business on South Front street, from
whence he removed to his new frame store, corner of Main
and South Front, since known as Plummer's corner.
Joseph P. Strattan, a native of Virginia, came here in 1824
or 1825; was first a clerk for Edward L. Frost, and afterward
for Robert Morrisson. Strattan, then in partnership with
Morrisson, commenced trade at the corner first occupied by
Morrisson, a building having been removed to that place —
firm, J. P. Strattan & Co. Strattan having formed a partner-
ship with Daniel Reid,a clerk of Morrisson (firm, Strattan &
Reid), Morrisson sold them his remaining stock of goods, and
retired finally from the mercantile business. After about
three years Strattan bought out Reid, and a year or two after
sold out to his brother, Benjamin Strattan, and bought a farm
four miles north of town about the year 1833.
David Hollo way, who had removed in 1813 from Waynes-
ville, Ohio, to Cincinnati, came in 1823 to Wajme Township,
and bought the homestead of Judge Peter Fleming, near the
State line, and, in 1825, removed to Richmond, and com-
menced business on the northeast corner of Main and Front
streets. After a few years of successful business he retired,
and was succeeded by William Hill, son of Robert Hill, an
early settler.
Jeremy Mansur, an early settler, and lor several years a
skillful edged-tool maker at Salisbury, and for many years a
farmer about 'three miles west from Richmond, commenced
the mercantile business in the city in 1831, on the southwest
corner of Main and Pearl streets, known as Plummer's cor-
ner, and continued the business about eight years.
Edmund Evans, of English birth, who came from Balti-
22 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
more with a grown-up family about the year 1831, and bought
a farm a short distance southeast from town, started, some
years after, a wholesale and retail leather store, to which he
finally added dry-goods. His store was on Plummer's cor-
ner, and had been previously occupied by Jeremy Mansiir.
Isaac Gra}^, from Virginia, came to Richmond in the fall of
1827, and was in the mercantile business about two years.
His store was on the ground now occupied by T. J. Bargis's
stove store, on Main street, north side, between Pearl and
Front streets.
Oren Huntington, from Massachusetts, came to 'Richmond
in September, 1831, and went the next year to Anderson.
He returned in 1838, engaged the next year as clerk for Sam-
uel Fleming, a son of Judge Peter Fleming, and in 1840, in
company with Nathan Wilson, bought Fleming's stock in
trade, which a year or two afterward they sold to Cook and
Siddall. In or about the year 1844 ho resumed trade, and in
1845 sold his goods to Joseph P. Strattan for a farm a
few miles north of Richmond. After a few years of farming,
exchanged his farm with Benj. Fulghura for his brick
house, corner of Main and Franklin streets, which had been
fitted up for a public house. He soon remodeled the house,
and established a first-class hotel, known as the Huntington
House.
Benjamin Strattan came when a youth and served several
years as clerk for J. P. Strattan & Co., and afterward for Strat-
tan & Reid. Afterward he bought the goods of his brother,
Joseph P., then sole proprietor, and subsequently the build-
ing of Morrisson. He continued business, alone and in part-
nership, many years.
Joseph W. Gilbert, from Pennsylvania, came to Richmond
in 1835, and commenced the mercantile business on Main
street, between Marion and Peai'l, and discontinued the busi-
ness in or about 1852. In 1855 he built the brick block on
what is known as Gilbert's corner. During a part of the time he
was in trade, he also kept a public house. He was also for
twenty-eight years a mail-contractor and large stage proprie-
tor, having lines running to Dayton, Indianapolis, Wabash
and other places.
CITY OF RICHMOND.
23
As early as 1825 Warner & Morrisson (Dr. Warner and
Robert Morrisson) advertised ''drugs and medicines, oils,
paints, dve-stuffs, patent medicines, etc." The first' store
confined to a separate branch of trade, and comprising a con-
siderable stock of goods, was a drug store, established by Ir-
vin Eeid, in 1833, embracing, besides drugs and medicines
those articles usually accompanying, as paints, oils, dye-stuffs',
etc., and an assortment of baoks and stationery. After a few
years he dropped the book business and continued the druo-
business until 1852. In 1859 he engaged in the hardware
trade, which is still continued under the firm of Irvin Eeid &
Son.
In 1836 or 1837 Jesse Stanley establisiied a bookstore
which he continued but a short time. After Stanley, Will-
iam R. Smith and Swain kept a bookstore. Benjamin Dug-
dale established a bookstore, which was continued bv him Jbr
many years until his death, and by his sons for some years
after.
The first independent grocery store, saj^s Dr. Plummer, was
commenced in 1838, by Haines & Farquhar. In 1846 Ben-
ton & Fletcher established a hardware store. They dissolved
partnership and divided the stock, Benton continuing at the
stand of the firm, now Citizens' Bank corner, and Fletcher
removing to the west side of Main street, between Pearl and
Marion.
Philip Harter, the first tavern keeper, had a sign swinging
near a log building on lot 6, South Peari street. Another
early tavern was kept at the northeast corner of Main and
Pearl, sign of a "green tree," by Jonathan Bayles, and an-
other, of later date, on Front street, near the southwest cor-
ner of Main, by Ephraim Lacey. Harter soon afterward
kept a tavern at the corner of North Pearl and Main, where
the Citizens' Bank now stands. Another tavern was kept
on Gilbert's, corner northwest corner of Main and Marion
first by Abraham Jeffries, afterward by several different
persons.
Richard Cheeseman was an early settler; lived on South
Front street; kept a tavern several years. John Baldwin, an
original Carolinian, early kept a tavern and store at the Citi-
24 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
zens' Bank corner. Next to Baldwin, Wm. H. Yaughan occu-
pied the stand for several years, and the tavern was discontin-
ued. Yaughan had previously kept for a time the Lacey stand on
Front street. Patrick Justice early kept a tavern on North
Front street, near Main, for several years. He afterward
kept a public house which he built in 1827, near the extreme
limits of the town, now the'southeast corner of Main and Fifth
streets.
Benj. Faige, a New Englander, father of Ralph Paige,
later a merchant on Main street, kept a tavern previous 'to
1830, at the corner originally owned by John C. Kibbey, an
early inn-keeper, and known as Meek's corner, northeast cor-
ner of Main and Marion.
John Smith started a liquor store in 1825. John Hunt is
said to have been tke first blacksmith in Richmond. He built
a shop on South Front street, east side, in 1816. Lewis Burk
cut in one day the logs for the building, including the ribs
and weight poles, on Smith's land, about two squares east, for
75 cents, the job being considered about three days' work.
John McLane was probably the next blacksmith (some think
the first) in the town. He and his son John and Isaac Jack-
son were the principal smiths until after 1820. He was a
member of the first Board of Trustees of the town, elected
in 1818.
Archibald Wasson, an early settler near Ohio line, re-
moved to town, in 1829, and carried^on the blacksmithing
business for many years. Jehiel, a son of his, came in 1831,
and worked at the same business several years, on Main street,
east side of the town. John H. Thomas came from Delaware
with a young family and has worked at blacksmithing. George
McCullough, about the same time, from the same place, car-
ried on the business many years, on Franklin street, near
Main; afterward became a partner in the firm of Horney &
Co., in the manufacture of plows, near the railroad depot.
He was for several years foreman in the iron department.
David Maulsby, from Maryland, about 1830, purchased
on Pearl and Spring streets. He carried on his trade, of
blacksmith, successfully for a number of years, and retired,
leaving the business in the hands of his only son, John L.
Maulsby.
CITY OF EICBMOND.
25
Mordecai Parry, a brother of William, was for many years
a blacksmith in Richmond.
The first carpenters in Eichmond are supposed to have
been Stephen Thomas and his partner, Wm. Justice, who
were followed, within a few years, by Peter Johnson, Joshua
and Benjamin Albertson, Evan Chapin, Mark Reeves, father
of Mark E. and James E. Reeves. Thomas Stafford, who
lived on Middle Fork, built several houses in the town.
Charles Cartwright came in early, and was an extensive house-
builder. John Hughes, from Pennsylvania, a carpenter
worked at his trade in Richmond many years. David Yore
also from Pennsylvania, a carpenter, worked at his trade
until his death, in 1866.
JSTathan Morgan, from New Jersey, was an early cabinet-
maker, and for many years the principal undertaker in the.
town and vicinity. David Hook, an early cabinet-maker,
carried on business a number of years. Jonas Gaar had a
cabinet-shop at the south end of Front street. He is senior
partner of the firm of Gaar, Scott & Co., of the Gaar Ma-
chine Works.
Abraham Phillips, from Pennsylvania, in 1838, established
a shop in South Pearl street; afterward removed to west side
of Main street, a few doors east from the corner of Marion,
where he soon after (1840) erected the building owned by him,
and occupied by James Elder, as a bookstore. In 1856 he
and James M. Starr built the hall nearly opposite. Having
leased his interest in the hall to Starr, it was called " Starr
Hall," until January, 1865, when Phillips bought Starr's
interest, since which it has been known as "Phillip's Hall."
Among the early mechanics in Richmond was Henry
Dunham, a tailor, near the junction of Pearl and Front
streets. He came in 1819. Robert Dilhorn, a tailor, early
from the East to Cincinnati, where he was "wagoned up"
by the assistance of the Friends. He pursued his business
until his decease many years ago. John Lowe came early ;
worked a long time as a journeyman tailor, and married a
daughter of Levi Johnson.
Isaac E. Jones came from Ohio in 1824. He carried on
the tailoring business several years. He afterward, in cora-
3
25 ■ HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
pany with Warner M. Leeds, his brother- in-law, built a saw-
mill and other machinery near where Nixon's paper-mill is-
He was also the founder, thonpjh on a comparatively small
scale, of the Spring Foundry, now the " Gaar Machine
Works." ^ ., ^
John H. Hutton was also one of the early tailors. ±ier-
mon B. Pavne came from Ohio when a youth, and worked at
tailoring. "Ho afterward studied law, and now practices m
Eichmo'nd. Abraham Earnest was a tailor and followed his
trade for many years. He was from Ohio, also. Samuel E.
Iredell worked successfully at the same business for many
years. ^
Silveismith and watch repairing was carried on by J no. M.
Laws. He was from Philadelphia. James Ferguson carried
on the same business, coming from New Paris, Ohio. He
married here.
Chas. A. Dickinson, son of Solomon Dickinson, came Irom
Philadelphia, and carried on the watch and jewelry business
until the year 1867. His son, Henry. 0. Dickinson, suc-
ceeded to his father's business. A brother, Robt. B., is also
in the same business.
Elijah H. Githen, a native of New Jersey, came to Rich-
mond in 1833 and carried on the chair-making business for
fourteen years. He then after a short absence entered the
grocery trade. His brother, Griffith D. Githen, was also a
chair-maker, and carried on the business till 1869, when he
. moved from the city. One other, Elisha Fulton, worked at
the business a short time, then removed from the town.
The leading hatter was Eli Brown, who came from North
Carolina in 1815. He monopolized the trade for several years.
In 1828 he entered into a general mercantile trade which he
continued until 1863, when he sold out and removed to a farm,
and died in 186Y, aged seventy-five years.
Not long after Mr. Brown, in 1820, came Caleb Shearon,
from Maryland. He succeeded in accumulating a fine estate
in the same line of business. His death occurred in 1850.
John Sufi'rins, as has been already stated, was an early
merchant, and afterward went into the hat-making business.
He was still a dealer m hats and caps on Main street, between
Pearl and Marion, in 1872. He came in 1818.
CITY OF EICHMOND. 27
Achilles Williams, from North Carolina, came to Richmond
in the autumn of 1818, and established himself in business as
a saddler and harness-maker, the first of that trade in the
town. He continued the business many years. Nathaniel
Lewis, between the years 1826 and 1830, occupied as a sad-
dle shop a long one-story frame building on the southwest
corner of Main and Marion streets— now Ralph Paige's
corner.
John Brady, a young man from Ohio, a saddler by trade,
carried on business in town, and held the office of Justice of
the Peace. He removed to Marion, Ind. Wm. L. Brady,
his brother, came when a youth, about the year 1826, and
served an apprenticeship with his brother John, and carried
on, successfully, the saddle, harness, and trunk trade.
Daniel P. Wiggins, from Long Island, N. Y., came to
Richmond in 1823. Being a tanner, Morrisson employed
him to take charge of his tannery, and, a few years after, ad-
mitted him as a partner. Walter Legg and John Wilcoxen
worked in the yard. Wiggins and his sons afterward pur-
chased the tannery built by Smith, and the Morrisson tannery
•was discontinued.
In July, 1857, Job Curme and his son Arthur A. com-
menced a trade in leather and findings, at old No. 11 South
Pearl street. The next year they commenced the taiming
business near the Bush Mill, with one vat. In 1860 Job
Curme sold his interest to Isaac D. Dunn, and the store was
removed to 47 Main street, and the tannery to its location on
Washington and Cliff streets. In 1865 Andrew J. Coffman
and Dewitt C. McWhinney became partners — firm name,
Curme, Dunn & Co. — and their store was soon after removed
to its present location. 297 Main street, with John J. Harring-
ton as partner.
Among the early shoemakers in Richmond was Patrick
Justice, elsewhere mentioned as a tavern-keeper. Jonathan
Moore, quite a young man, from his father's home, two and
a half miles southeast of town, as early as 1829 set up a shoe-
shop on the northeast corner of Main and Fifth streets, where
the Tremont House now stands, then at the extreme border
of the town. He continued in business without interruption
for more than forty years.
23 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Owen Ed^erton, early from Carolina, worked many years
at shoemaking. In 1866 he retired. Joseph Ogbor.:, also
an early shoemaker in Richmond, retired after many years,
and died in 1869.
One of the early mechanics of Richmond, and probably
the first waeon-maker, was Adam Boyd, who came abont the
year of the^ incorporation of the town, 1818. He was also
Justice of the Peace. ^t i r^
At a later date came Anthony Fnlghum, from North Caro-
lina who had his shop at the northwest corner ot Mam and
Marion streets, since known as Gilbert's corner. He lived
but a few years, and the business was contmued by his son
Beniamin. Benj. Fulghum bought a lot on the southeast cor-
ner of Main and Franklin streets, now the Huntingdon House
corner where he built a frame shop and dwelling, and car-
ried on business extensively, especiaPy carriage making.
Samuel Lippincott commenced carriag-.-maki"g in 1840,
corner of Main and Franklin streets.
Potters were among the early mechanics of Richmond. A
pottery was built on South Front street, and is said to have
been occupied by Eleazar Hiatt, Isaac Beeson, Geo. Bell, a
mulatto, and John Scott. The last died of cholera in 1833.
Samuel and Edward Foulke, young men, settled early in
Richmond, and carried on successfully the potter's trade.
There has been no pottery in Richmond for many years.
Solomon Dickinson, a tinsmith, from Philadelphia, in 1821,
settled on Front street, near Ezra Boswell's, where he resided
until his death. His shop was on Main street, between Ma-
rion and Pearl. He was also a dealer in stoves. After his
death the business was continued by Edmund Dickinson, a
son, near tlie northwest corner of Main and Front streets.
Andrew Reid, a brother of Daniel Reid, was the first gun-
smith.
Charles Newman, from Pennsylvania, early set up a turn-
ing shop on Franklin street, north of Main, where he contin-
ued the business, having improved his establishment.
Matthew Rattray, a native of Scotland, a weaver, came in
1822, and had a shop on South Front street.
Lewis Baxter, an early settler, was a bricklayer and stone-
mason.
>«^v
T
%t'-
CHAPTER II.
THE GROWTH OF RICHMOND.
The Cixr in 1840. — An Old Settler's Hecollections of
Richmond in JSii. — An Interesting Review. — A Decade
Later. — The Advance of a Quarter of a Century. — Sta-
tistics OF Business and Population. — Board of Trade. —
Business Exchange. — City Officers from 1840 to 1884. —
The Postoffice. — -Postmasters from 1818 to 1881. — Post-
office Bi;siNESs. — Free Delivery Established. — Street
Railroads. — Express Companies. — Gas Works. — The
Fire Department. — Water Works.
RICHMOND in 1840.
On a map of Richmond, Diiblished by William Dewey in
1840, the following statements amono; others are to be found:
"The Richmond & Brookville Canal is now under con-
struction." "The population (of the city) is about 3,000.*
The town contains two woolen factories, a paper-mill, an oil-
mill, two foundries and machine shops, two merchant flour-
ing mills, a last factory, several carriage factories, besides
numerous other manufacturing establisliments. It has two
literary and scientific societies, one of which has a laro;e col-
lection of minerals, shells and other curiosities. A splendid
Episcopal church is about to be erected, and the Orthodox
Friends are building in the vicinity of the town a large and
beautiful seminary. Its schools, both male and female, are
numerous and well conducted. Its business is extensive, and
its facilities for trade must shortly be very great. The Rich-
mond & Brookville Canal is intended to connect with the
Whitewater Canal at Brookville which will open a water
communication with Cincinnati. Macadamized roads in vari-
ous directions are in contemplation."
* A remarkably liberal estimate. Toe census of 1840 showed a popula-
tion of only 1,130 !
39
30 HISTOKY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
A GROUPING OF INTERESTING FACTS.*
On the 9th da}'^ of December, 1847 (now thirty-six years
ago), the writer first set foot within the precincts of this fair
city and here he has ever since remained. It was then a mere
village of some 2,500 inhabitants, acknowledging John Say-
lor as its chief executive and head. Elected first in 1840, he
continued in office until 1852, when he was succeeded by the
late John Fin ley, Esq.
At that somewhat distant period the Friends, or Qua-
kers, as they were commonly called, exercised a very marked
influence over the society about them; their numbers being
much greater then than now in proportion to the population.
They were a thrifty, honest, intelligent people, possessed of
many virtues, while their wives and daughters were the peers
of any in the land.
As a people, however, they were rather non-progressive
and lacking in that spirit of worldly enterprise so remarkably
manifest at the present day. They were, however, tenacious
of their religious ideas, and rigid in regard to its teachings
and observances. To one not of their faith and unaccustomed
to their mode of thought or manner of life, there seems to be
an ever-present feeling of restraint and repression — a sort of
mental and physical embargo — by no means congenial to the
youthful brawn and brain. Mirthfulness was rarely encour-
aged, and if indulged in, was quiet and subdued; while dem-
onstrations of gayety were rare and guarded. Speech was
as silver, but silence was golden. The brilliant hues of beau-
tiful flowers and the happy gleeful songs of birds seemed in-
appropriate to their surroundings.
Music and singing were but little understood or cultivated
by the people of the time, and by members of their society
in no degree whatever. Such practices were regarded as sin-
ful, and as unbecoming the dignitj', gravity and soberness
of that peculiar people. Their speech and attire were alike
of the plainest kind, and every color worn was in harmony
with both. Under the shadow of their influence even pastors
of other denominations discouraged the wearing of gay
* This article was prepared by Geo. P. Emswiler.
CITY OF RICHMOND. 31
colors. Broad-brimmed hats and plain silk bonnets wholly
unadorned were everywhere to be seen. A bearded face was
the merest exception to the general rule, and was not unfre-
qnently the subject of comment and criticism, while the un-
fortunate mustache was held in still greater disfavor, as the
wearer was supposed to be of that class whose ways are dark
and whose deeds are evil.
The good people of the village were generally distinguished
for simplicity of habits and manners. But little effort was
made in the direction of personal adornment or display.
We distinctly remember that eight yards of material consti-
tuted a pattern for a lady's dress, and sometimes even less
would serve. But times have changed, both larger views
and ampler garments now hold sway. We remember also
that the female head-gear did not then consist of those inde-
scrible nondescripts now so fearfully and wonderfully formed,
but simply and in fact, a hat or bonnet severely plain.
The folly and extravagance of display and dress came by
degrees and were the results of increased wealth, the war and
foreign innovation.
At that day good boarding could be had for $1.50 a week,
and the hire of a horse and buggy was but $1.25 a day.
We had neither railroads nor turnpikes (excepting the turn-
pike to Boston) while gas-light, telegraphs and telephones
were as yet of the things to come. But a "coach and
four " used to carry the mail for " Uncle Sam " and the few
unlucky passengers whose business, or necessity, required
them to be abroad in the land.
Cattle, hogs and sheep were then driven by thousands, in
great droves along the national road on their way to some
Eastern market. The surplus products of the country com-
manded but a nominal sum. Hauling by wagon was too ex-
pensive and our present facilities for transportation were not
yet in existence. At that time all the business of the village
was contracted on threesquares of Main street, lying between
Front (on which the court-house now stands) and Franklin,
which is now known as Seventh street, that between Front
and Pearl streets (now Fourth and Fifth) doing much the
greater part.
32 HISTOKl OF WAYNE COUNTY,
No mercantile business whatever was done any where oft
Main street. A shabby old market-house stood in the middle
of South Pearl street, about 150 yards from Main. On the
present site of Roed and Tanneman's business block — corner
of Noble and Fifth streets — and nearly opposite the west end
of the passenger depot was located Kenworthy's tannery,
the only structure in that vicinity.
Where the passenger depot now stands with its immediate
surroundings was an enclosed Jield, and on the west front of
it was the " Quaker walk " leading to Friends' Orthodox Meet-
ing House, a large plain, two-story brick structure erected in
1823. The " walk " referred to was partly planked and
separated from the main road by a row of posts. The writer
distinctly remembers seeing a horse and buggy, with two oc-
cupants, stick fast in ►the mud in front of where now stands
the Avenue House, immediately north of the railroad crossing.
The brick business block now occupying the east side of
Fort Wayne avenue and covering a full square in length and
forming something of a triangle, stands upon " made ground. "
formerly a stagnant pool whence came in spring time the
doleful music of the frog.
This was then the property of Charles W. Starr, by whom it
is said to have been oifsred tor sale for a few hundred dollars
without finding a purchaser. On one occasion the writer
remembers this pool furnished water to extinguish a neigh-
boring fire. The old Starr House, subsequently known as
the " Meredith " and '• Tremont" corner of old Fifth (now
Eighth) and Main, was considered "away out of town. "
Even the Huntington House was thought to be inconven-
iently far from business. An old " mile stone" used to stand
on the north side of Main street, between old Seventh and
Eighth, marked " one-half mile to Richmond." Beyond Frank-
lin street (now Seventh) there were but few buildings, and
Sixth street (now Ninth) had as 3'et no existence. Alleast
was either orchard, open field or wood. Basil Briglitwell,
Benjamin Strattan. Thaddeus Wright, Jesse Meek, John
Haines, William Blanchard, John M. Laws, Wm. S. Wa t,
Wm. Petcliell and Ralph A. Paige were our dry-goods
dealers, not one of whom is in the busine ss at the present day
CITY OF RICHMOND, 33
and only four of the ten survive, to-wit: Wright, "Watt
Paige and Strattan. Their companions have all gone hence,
where barter and exchange are unknown and the weary are at
rest. Although not in business here at the time referred to,
Daniel B. Crawford was nevertheless a citizen of this vicinity
for years before and since 1850, and has been a leading and
prosperous dry-goods merchant. He has also been identi-
fied with various other interests of the city and county, both
secular and religious, until his name has become as familiar as
household words.
Messrs. Fletcher & Benton first sold hardware on the south-
east corner of old Front and Main streets, afterward known
as " Hestor's Corner," immediately east of the court-house.
Subsequently, Thomas Benton alone engaged in the business,
in an old brick building, where the Richmond National Bank
now stands.
A single member of the old Wiggin's firm (Charles O.),
with some added juniors, continues to hold forth at the old
stand as in the dajs of yore.
William L. Brady was also a pioneer, and was successfully
engaged in the harness trade. Samuel and William Lynde
will be remembered as among our principal grocers. Neither
must we omit Elijah Givens in the same branch of trade. The
former long did business where George W. Barnes for so
many years dispensed his excellent family supplies, and where
Joseph A. Knabe tiow caters to the public wants. The drug
business was in the hands of Messrs. George Doxey, Irwin
Reed and Dr. Joseph Howels, the former of whom died here
during the prevalence of the cholera in 1819, and the latter
is now engaged in the practice of medicine in this city;
while Mr. Reed has for many years past been a dealer in
hardware, on the southwest corner of Main and Franklin
streets. To him has been vouchsafed the most extensive
business career, in point of time, accorded any member of
this community, crowned, too, with ample success. These
gentlemen were succeeded by Drs. James R. Mendenhall, John
T. Plummer and Lewis H. McCullough, each of whom con-
tinued in the business some years.
Hon. David P. Holloway, for many years past a resident
34 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
of Washington City, and lately deceased, was in the book
trade at the time of tny advent into the village, and was
located in an old frame building on the south side of West
Main street, near the corner of Front — now Fourth street.
Dr. J. R. Mendenhall soon afterward became his successor
and our former city Civil Engineer. Hon. Oliver Butler was
his business manager for years. The writer first greeted the
public here in the capacity of salesman for Strattan & Wriglit,
whom he faithfully served for tive long years, for the meager
salary of $15 per month and board, saving therefrom, by the
strictest economy, his first $500, a result utterly out of the
question in these times of increased values and multiplied
temptations, from no greater pay. It was my good fortune
to find a home in the family of '• Uncle " James and "Grand-
mother " Hunnicutt, who kept the only boarding-house of
the time, which was quite liberally patronized, as v^^ell it
might be when we remember that they charged but $1.25 per
week for board. Their house was headquarters for many old-
time "Friends " during " yearly meetings." They were most
truly a kind old couple, called hence this many a year.
Thomas L. Bargis and Isaac L. Dickinson dealt in stoves
and tinware. William Show and Isaac Paxson, Sr., supplied
the city with meats. Mark Lewis and William Mason, who
soon after came to the rescue, furnished bread, cake and
crackers. John Saffins, the hatter then, and for many years
after, took care of the cranial department of the multitude,
and C. A. Dickinson and J. B. Hunnicutt supplied our
wants, real or imaginary, with jewelrj', watches, etc. The
former still continues in the trade; the latter has retired from
the stage of action. J. W. Gilbert, Daniel Sloan and K.
Brookens catered to the wants of the public as hosts. There
was but one moneyed institution, known as the " Old Branch
Bank," Elijah Coffin, Cashier. The building adjoined the
Richmond National Bank on the east, and was removed a
few years since to make room for other improvements.
Our lawyers were Stephen B. Stanton, James Perry and
William A. Bickle. The former is deceased, but Perry and
ickle still continue in practice.
The medical profession was ably represented by Drs. John
: OF RICHMOyf
CITY OF RICHMOND. 35
T. Plummer and William B. Smith, both of whom have loner
since paid the debt that nature owes. A. D". Newton was
the only dentist of the time, and was for several years without
a rival, until William E. Webster located here. The first
named still continues to serve the public, while the latter has
passed to that bourne from which no traveler returns. They
were both good men, and professionally equal to the require-
ments of the times.
Milton HoUingsworth is deserving of special mention as
being one of Richmond's foremost teachers. Earnest, capa-
ble and efficient, he was beloved and esteemed by his pupils,
admired and respected by all. He, too, has gone to his
reward. . 12259:> L
John K. Boswell was the first daguerrean artist of my
recollection, here. His work was a credit to his profession,
and specimens of his in the writer's possession will bear com-
parison with that of the present day.
James Elder was Postmaster during 1847-'48, and it is in
my recollection that he also dealt in books and paper. He re-
cently informed me that during his administration, single
letter postage i-anged from 5 to 10 cents, according to dis-
tance transmitted. Speaking of postal matters reminds me
that about this time letter envelopes first made their appear-
ance, and their utility being so manifest, were not long in
gaining public favor, x^ot so, however, with the equally
useful steel pen, for, although upon the market for years,
they were first beginning to win their way to public favor
and appreciation. N. S. Leeds was the first citizen of Eicli-
raond to learn the art of telegraphing, which he did at Day-
ton, Ohio, some time during 1848, for the purpose of serving
a company who put up a line along the national road in that
year. Their office was located on the north side of West
Main street, between Pearl and Marion, in the room now
owned and occupied by James J. Jordan, as a fancy grocery
store. L. H. McCullough soon after learned to manipulate
the instrument, and became the former's successor. For lack
of patronage or some other cause unknown to the writer, the
enterprise proved a failure, and the line went down. Mr.
Leeds has responded to a message from the eternal world,
\
36 HISTok ' OF WAYNE COUNTY.
while Mr. McCullough still toys with the subtle fluid, in its
various moods. It may be of interest in this connection to
state that the latter gentleman was the first person to intro-
duce coal oil into this city for the purpose of illumination.
This was in 1858, and the oil so used was distilled from coal
by some enterprising individual of Covington, Ky.
It may be said of the amusements of that day, that they
were neither varied nor numerous, picnics in summer and
balls and parties in winter constituting about all the diver-
sions of that period. Lectures, concerts and theatricals were
not in vogue. The reigning influence seemed to be adverse
to anything of a happy or joyous nature. The piano had but
two representatives in the town. And as for sewing machines,
alas! they were not, unless, indeed, we dare, without irrev-
erence, apply the term to Eve's fair daughters, those blessed
eartlily ministers, who are ever ready to repair our garments
or relieve our woes.
The press, that mighty engine, had its representatives in
two weekly journals, the Palladium and Jeffersonian, re-
spectively Republican and Democratic in politics. The
former was for many years published by Holloway & Davis.
The Jeffersonian was presided over by James Elder, Esq.
In those "good old days" there were no women in the
profession; none as teachers in the schools. The}' were un-
known to the editorial chair, nor had they a place at the desk,
the case or the counter. With rare exceptions they were
deemed incompetent for places of trust, or responsibility.
Man's estimate of woman was not credible to his head or
heart. His bigotry and selfishness were a bar to her advance-
ment. But thanks to a dawn of a higher intelligence and
the spread of more liberal views, the day of her deliverance
has come. The shackles of prejudice and superstition are
falling about her, and she is free to pursue whatever occupa-
tion or calling she may choose. A universal culture has taken
the place of a partial education. A better system of schools,
the press, and the facilities tor travel and intercourse, owing
to a growing dispjsition to investigate all subjects, taking
nothing for granted, have combined to elevate and fit her for
he active duties of life. She is freer, stronger, more self-
CITY OF RICHMOND. / 37
reliant than her sisters of an\' age. May the bondao-e of
hand or brain be hers no more, while the freedom of thought
and the freedom of speech continue to be the just inheritance
of a free and independent people.
We might very properly supplement these hasty sketches
by briefly tracing the career of such early settlers as John S.
Newman, David Hoover, Chas. W. Starr, Eobert Morrissoii,
Albert C. Blanchard, Elijah Coffin, John Finley and many
others, whose lives have left their impress upon this com-
munity, but such an undertaking would transcend the orio-inal
purpose of the papers, as well as the needful information and
ability of the writer. We trust, however, that the subject
may yet receive the consideration it so justly deserves, at the
hand of some one fully competent to the task.
At the period of my coming, as before stated, we had no
railroads, but one turnpike, no telegraph, and no telephones.
At the present day they radiate in all directions and encircle
us round about. Then communication with the outer world
was slow and difficult ; now we have almost unlimited facil-
ities for transportation and travel, and almost instaiit com-
munication with the uttermost parts of the earth. Behold!
what a marvel has been wrought; what wondrous changes in
the brief space of less than two scores of years.
A DECADE LATER 1857.
In 1857 the corporation limits of the city of Richmond ex-
tended north and south one and a half miles, and east and
west about three-fourths of a mile.
At this time there was one public-school building, 71 x 61
eet in size and forty feet high, of brick, costing $11,000.
The Starr Hall, erected at a cost of $10,000 by James M.
Starr, was ninety-five feet long, forty feet wide and three
stories high.
A public square, the gift of John Smith, covered one acre
of ground, fences put in, grass and shade trees planted.
The city then had three fire engines.
The gas-works were erected, and the town first suppl ed
with gas in 1855.
There were three banks in the city, the Citizens' Bank,
38 HISTOEY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Wayne County, afterward People's Bank, and branch of the
B ink of the State of Indiana, all north of Main street.
A thorough system of drainage, grading and paving was
inaugurated in 1848.
The first daily mail between New Castle and Richmond
was started Feb. 1, 1854, by railroad.
In the vicinity of Richmond in 1857 there were twenty- two
flouring mills, twenty-four saw-mills, one oil-mill, two paper-
mills, and a large number of woolen factories. There were
two large brick boarding schools within a mile or two of the
city, one west and the other south; several extensive nurs-
eries; a horticultural establishment; two sash, blind, door and
flooring mills; a cutlery manufactory; a shoe-peg manufac-
tory; a soap and candle factory. In addition to this in the
city of Richmond there were three coal yards, machine shop,
manufacturing of agricultural implements, six carriage
manufactories, etc., etc.
The value of personal property in Richmond, 1857,
was .$1,152,234
The value of real estate in Richmond, 1857, was. . 1,528,820
" " additional improvements in Rich-
mond, 1857, was 253,440
$2,934,494
Of manufactured articles, in value, $906,025.
ADVANCE OF A QUARTEE OF A CENTUEY.
Richmond steadily grew and prospered, her most flourish-
ing period being the decade between 1850 and 1860, when it
gained over 5,000 in population. Its slowest growth was
between 1830 and 1850. The civil war was no detriment to
her advancement. While the county suffered severely, owing
to the large force placed in the field, Richmond, being a
center for military purposes, was sustained in her growth,
that growth being nearly fifty per cent, for the decade between
1860 and 1870. Not only was this period of a quarter of a
century one of advancement in point of population, but its
material interests developed in a ratio equally as great. The
city expanded its limits, and its growth was of a solid and
CITY OF KICHMOND.
39
endurable kind. Kailroads were bnilt, gravel roads and turn-
pikes made, and the cultivation of soil increased by a thor-
ough farming population. Tlaese all combined to make
Richmond's advancement one of substantial prosperit3\
In the ''Board of Trade Review," the following exhaustive
statistics of her business interests can be read with pleasure
as well as profit :
VOLUME OF BUSINESS FOR 1874
THE NAMES AND NUMBERS OF MERCANTILE ESTABLISHMENTS IN
1874, CAPITAL INVESTED, AND GROSS VALUE OF SALES.
NAME OP BUSINESS.
Agricultural implements
Auction and commission
Boots and shoes
Books and stationery
Butter and eggs
Clothing
Confectionery
Drugs and medicines
Dry-goods
Fancy goods
Flour and feed
Fruits and vegetables
Furniture
Groceries, wholesale
" retail
Grain and seeds
Hats, caps, and furnishing goods.
Horses
Hardware
Iron and bent wood-work
Lumber
Millinery
Manufacturers' supplies
Notions
Pumps
Stoves and tinware
Sewing machines
Seeds and flowers. ...
Watches and jewelry
Wool
Wood and coal
Total 190 1351,060
CAPITAL INV'D.
$7,000
' 19,000
5,000
7,500
5,000
12,000
48,500
3,000
9,000
40,000
55,9(i0
10,000
8 000
25,000
8,000
11,000
7,500
19,500
3,200
30,000
1,000
2,500
7,500
5.900
$11,000
2,400
73,150
26,500
11,000
51,100
2,500
58,500
96,000
17,200
400
1,400
36,000
223,350
83,740
11,0C0
15,500
20,000
45,500
9,000
59,000
17,000
10,000
47,900
6,159
61,200
2,500
800
29,200
50,000
15,300
$1,094,299
Gross sales $3,970,358
40
HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY,
THE NAMES AND NUMBERS OF MANUFACTDRING ESTABLISHMENTS
CAPITAL INVESTED AND GROSS AMOUNT OF SALES FOR 18Y4.
Book and newspaper publishing, blank books, elc. .
Boots and shoes
Breweries
Bread, crackers, and bakery products
Bricks
Candy and confections
Carriages and buggies. .
Cigars
Clothing
Caskets and burial cases
Churches and school furniture
Cooperage
Crcquet sets and wood turning
Furniture
Galvanized iron work
Lime
Leather, harness
Saddlery, horse collars
Hames and shoe findings
Malleable iron and miscellaneous machinery
Mill machinery
Marble- work and stone cutting
Plows
Potteries
Stockings
Soap, candles, and oil
Threshing machines, engines, saw-mills, etc
Wagons, cartp, etc
Woolen goods
Wooden ware "|
Chairbacks j
Files ;
Glue
Hoop-skiits.
Hair goods.
J
Total 127 $520,80011,286,985
CAPITAL EMP'D.
$19,000
17,000
21,000
7,500
5,000
37,300
3,000
7,500
104,800
50,000
4,400
3,500
9,000
12,000
19,000
20,000
16,700
2,300
25,000
4,000
3,000
102,000
4,800
23,000
1,000
$24,800
73.150
2,300
27,650
20,000
2,500
21,000
33,703
51,100
122,700
40,000
6,900
7,000
36,000
8,000
178,000
41,000
46,500
15,500
40,000
5,332
10,000
1,G00
458,200
2,800
7,000
4,950
Gross Sales $2,729,346
CITY OF RICHMOND.
41
NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS CLASSIFIED AS INDUSTRIES, CAP-
ITAL INVESTED, GROSS RECEIPTS DURING THE YEAR 1874.
NAME OF BUSINESS.
Artists
Cleaning and renovating...
Carpet weaving
Barber shops
Butter and egg packing
Butchering
Blacksmilhing
Dentists
Grreenhouses and nurseries.
Gunsmithing
Ham curing and packing. . .
Horse dealers
Livery— 63 horses
Iron fence
Ice
Pork packing
Photography
Silver plating
Pumps, plumbing, & steam & gas pipe fitting.
Total
CAPITAL INV'D.
1^
<
hJ
iz;
<
o
H
to
M
(6
H
Ph
$3,000
$866
875
100
1,900
5,o66
11,000
10,00o
30,700
9,800
7,100
1,000
4,650
18,000
15,000
800
3,700
22,000
44,000
20,000
38,250
40,700
3,000
3,000
10,000
4,000
75,000
150,000
7,000
2,66o
150
3,200
10,159
58 $98,850
f357,234
Gross business $1,292,099
THE AGGREGATE OF ALL CLASSES OF BUSINESS DONE
MOND IN 1874.
IN RICH-
Si
p
o
w
S
&
2i
?
CAPITAL INVESTED.
RAW MATERIAL
USED.
p
o
>
on
s
a
p
>
w
>
p
CLASS.
>
PERSONAL.
$303,465
$492,319
GROSS SALES.
ManufactureB...
127
190
58
375
$5^0,800
351,060
198,850
$1,286,985
1,094, -^99
357,234
1,507
613
328
$6.54,459
178,832
78,470
$2,729,346
3,970,353
1,292,099
Total
$1,070,710
$2,738,518
$303,465
$492,319
2,448
$911,761
$7,991,803
42 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
BOARD OF TRADE.
The Board of Trade was organized in 1869, and was an
active agent in developing and giving publicity to the manu-
facturing and other business interests of the city, necessary
to tlie public welfare, and which could hardly have been oth-
erwise accomplished. It was suffered to lapse, but again
recovered in 1874. The business of that year the board de-
termined to report, and one of the most complete statistical
works ever issued was the result of their labor. Why such
an institution was allowed to die, or go out of existence, is
hard to explain, and certainly was not creditable to the busi-
ness men of the city. A better advertising medium for the
trade of Richmond was never issued, or the reputation of the
business men of the city for energy and progress! veness never
better held up and exemplified.
BUSINESS men's EXCHANGE.
After this so successful, though, as it proved, spasmodic
effort, the association was again allowed to lapse, and in 1880
an effort was made to form an association under the above
name, which was accomplished Dec. 31, 1880. J. W. Grubbs
was elected President, Jos. G. Lemon, Yice-President, and A.
E. Crocker, Secretary and Treasurer. The Directors were:
W. C. Starr, C. B. Hunt, T. W. Haynes and W. I. Dulin,
all of whom, including the othcers, still hold their positions.
It may be said that this organization is a successor of the
Board of Trade, but what it has done to give the business in-
terests of Richmond any name beyond its local limits is at
present hard to say. It appears to be simply a board of ar-
bitration among the business men, but has nothing of the
character of a Board of Trade, with its annual report or
"Trade Review." It would be of great importance, if this
association should make an annual report as one of its features,
and scatter a few thousand copies in the outside world. This
would be like casting bread upon the waters, and it is doubt-
ful if many days would elapse ere the return could be both
seen and felt. Such an effort is worthy of the business talent
of the city.
CITY OF RICHMOND. 43
POPULATION OF RICHMOND.
In 1816, estimated Y5
In 1818, estimated 2qq
In 1820, estimated , ^ ^ 32()
In 1824, census taken , 453
In 1826, census taken ....,,.., 543
In 1828, census taken §24
In 1830, census taken 973
In 1840, census taken 1 I30
In 1 850, census taken , 1 44.3
In 1860, census taken . . , 6 603
In 1870, census taken 9 445
In 1880, census taken 12,742
In 1884, Jan. 1, estimated 16,000
To the above population as given may be added that taken
by the city in 1874, to which was added the per cent, of gain
of the preceding four years, and then the number published as
the census of 1875. This gives full information as its head-
ing indicates.
POPULATION OF RICHMOND IN 1875, Bf WARDS, BY SEX, BY COLOR,
BY NATIVITY, AND BY AGE.
City population, 11,579; contiguous suburbs, 1,623. Total
population, 13,202.
First Ward, 2,050; second, 2,046; third, 1,255; fourth,
4,044; fifth, 2,184. Total 11,579.
Males, 5,651; females, 5,928. Total 11,579.
White, 10,985; colored, 594. Total 11,579.
American, 6,867; German, 1,581; German-American,*
2,172; Irish, 422; Irish- American,* 448; miscellaneous, 89.
Total 11,579.
CITY OFFICIALS.
As is elsewhere stated, Kichraond was incorporated as a
village in 1818; as a borough in 1834; and as a city in 1840.
A complete list of city officers from 1840 to 1884 is given
below.
*Born in the United States, but both parents born aliens.
44 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY
1840 — At the election on May 4, 1840, the following were
elected: Mayor, John Sailor; Councilraen, Bazel Brightwell, li.
HoUingsworth, William Parry, Nathan Morgan; Treasurer,
John Haines; Marshal, Jesse Meek; Clerk, D. P. Holloway;
Assessor, Eli Brown. The judges of the above election were
Atticus Siddall and Achilles Williams.
1841 — Mayor, John Sailor; Councilmen, B. Brightwell,
B. Strattan, William Cox, H. HoUingsworth, J. H. Hutton,
William Parry, H. D. Higgins, Job Borton ; Marshal, P.
McFarlin; Assessor, Eli Brown; Treasurer, John Haines;
Clerk, D. P. Holloway.
1842 — Miyor, John Sailor; Councilmen, James M. Poe,
Jesse Meek, William Cox, W. L. Brady, W. W. Lynde,
John A. McMlnn, David Morrison, James King; Marshal,
William Hart; Assessor, Levi Kerms; Treasurer, Elijah
Coffin; Clerk, D. P. Holloway.
1843 — Mayor, John Sailor; Councilmen, James M. Poe,
William Meek, William Brady, William Blanchard, John A.
McMinn, William W. Lynde, Daniel Morrison, James
King; Marshal, Charles O'Harra; Assessor, Eli Brown;
Treasurer, John Suffrins; Clerk, D. P. Holloway; Collector,
Edward Stokes.
1844 — Mayor, John Sailor; Councilmen, Cornelius Yan-
sant, Ellis Nordyke, Thomas Deyarmon, Cornelius Cook,
Joseph W. Gilbert, Andrew F. Scott, Jonathan Mattis, Job
Borton; Marshal, Charles O'Harra; Assessor, Edward
Stokes; Treasurer, John Suffrins; Clerk, W. W. Lynde; Col-
lector, Samuel Sinix.
1845 — Mayor, John Sailor; Councilmen, Eli Brown, Benj.
Strattan, Samuel Pierce, C. G. Cook, J. W. Gilbert, J. H.
Hutton, A. F. Scott, Nathan Morgan; Treasurer, John Suf-
frins; Assessor, Joshua Harvey; Collector, Samuel Sinix;
Marshal, Charles O'Harra; Clerk, W. W. Lynde.
1846 — Mayor, John Sailor; Councilmen, S. R. Wiggins,
Jesse Meek, W. L. Brady, Richard Estell, James Perry, Jos.
W. Gilbert, A. F. Scott, Sidney Smith; Treasurer, John
Suffrins; Assessor, W. S. Addleman; Collector, Richard
Burk; Marshal, Charles O'Harra; Clerk, Wm. A. Bickle.
1847 — Mayor, John Sailor; Councilmen, Benj. Strattan,
CITY OF RICHMOND. 45
Ellis Nordyke, Lavinus King, Stacy Wilkins, Wm. D. Wil-
son, Ezra Smith, H. B. Payne, J. J. Conley; Marshal,
Charles O'Harra; Assessor, Eli Brown; Collector, W. S.
Addleman; Treasurer, E. Coffin; Clerk, W. A. Bickle.
1848— Mayor, John Sailor; Councilmen, John Peterson,
Wm. Meek, J. H. Button, C. B. Huft, A. F. Scott, S. F.
Fletclier, J. J. Conley, Jos. Howells; Marshal, Charles
O'Harra; Assessor, W. S. Addleman; Collector, Samuel
Pierce; Treasurer, John Saifrins; Clerk, B. W. Davis.
1849 — Mayor, John Sailor; Councilmen, S. F. Fletcher,
John Peterson, J. H. Hutton, C. B. Huff, A. F. Scott, W.
W. Lynde, J. J. Conley, Thos. Mason; Marshal, Jacob
Keefer; Assessor, Samuel Pierce; Collector, H. B. Payne;
Treasurer, John Suffrins; Clerk, B. W. Davis.
1850 — Mayor, John Sailor; Councilmen, S. F. Fletcher,
John Peterson, C. B. Huff, J. Malsby, A. F. Scott, Peter
Crocker, John Finley, Thomas Mason; Assessor, Samuel
Pierce; Collector, H. B. Payne; Treasurer, John Suffrins;
Marshal, Charles O'Harra; Clerk, B. W. Davis.
1851 — Mayor, John Sailor; Councilmen, John Finley,
Thomas Benton, J. H. Hutton, C. B. Huff, Sol. Beard,
Lewis Burk, Thomas Mason, Wm. Shearon; Assessor, Sam-
uel Pierce; Collector, H. B. Payne; Treasurer, John Suf-
frins; Marshal, Jos. McCoy; Clerk, B. W. Davis.
1852— Mayor, John Finley; Councilmen, C. F. Coffin, S.
R. Wiggins, J. M. Gaar, O. P. Peters, Lewis Burk, J. W.
Gilbert, Wm. Shearon, Jas. M. King; Assessor, Samuel
Pierce; Collector, H. B. Payne; Treasurer, John Suffrins;
Marshal, L. D. Miller; Clerk, B. W. Davis.
1853— Mayor, John Finley; Coucilmen, C. F. Coffin, S. R.
Wiggins, C." B. Huff, D. P. Graves, Lewis Burk, W. G.
Scott, J. J. Conley, Job Borton; Assessor, W. S. Addleman;
Collector, C. R. Williams; Treasurer, John Suffrins; Mar-
shal, Jos. McCoy; Clerk, B. W. Davis.
1854— Mayor, John Finley; Councilmen, C. F. Coffin, S.
R. Wiggins, C. B. Huff, S. W. Lynde, W. G. Scott, Lewis
Burk, Jason Ham, T. K Young; Assessor, D. P. Graves;
Collector, Samuel Edmondson; Treasurer, John Suffrins;
Marshal, Jos. McCoy; Clerk, B. W. Davis.
46 HISTOKY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
1855 — Mayor, John Finley; Councilmen, J. R. Menden-
hall, Thos. Roberts, S. W. Lynde, J. H. Hutton. Lewis Burk,
J. M. Starr, W. T. Dennis, J. M. Smitli; xissessor, C. B.
Huff; Collector, W. P. Benton; Treasurer, John Siiffrins;
Marshal, J. McCoy; Clerk, B. W. Davis.
1856 — Mayor, John Finley; Councihnen, S. R. Wiggins,
J. M. Poe, H. B. Payne, J. M. Gaar, Lewis Bark, J. H. Hut-
ton, J. B. Strawbridge, J. M. Smith; Assessor, S. W. Lynde;
Collector, C. B. Huff; Treasurer, John Suffrins; Marshal,
W. Zimmerman; Clerk, B. W. Davis.
1857 — Mayor, John Finley; Councilmen, J. M. Poe, S. R.
Wiggins, C. B. Huff, A. Gaar, J. H. Thomas, John Wiggins,
J. J. Conley, Jas. M.King; Assessor, W. S. Addleman; Col-
lector, S. Edmondson; Treasurer, John Suffrins; Marshal,
W. Zimmerman; Clerk, B. W.Davis.
1858 — Mayor, John Finley; Councilmen, S. R. Wiggins,
J. M. Poe, A. Gaar, S. W. Lynde, J. H. Thomas, W. S. Reid,
J. M. King, J. M. Smith; Assessor, N. Kewport; Collec-
tor, C. R. Williams; Treasurer, John Suffrins; Marshal, W.
Zimmerman; Clerk, B. W. Davis.
1859— Mayor, John Finley; Councilmen, C. F. Coffin, J.
M. Poe, S. W. Lynde, A. Gaar, W. S. Reid, J. P. Siddall, J.
J. Conley, J. M, King; Assessor, J. C. Hadley; Collector,
C. R. Williams; Treasurer, S. R. Wiggins; Marshal, W.
Zimmerman; Clerk, W. W.Austin.
1860 — Mayor, John Finley; Councilmen, C. F. Coffin, J.
M. Poe, A. Gaar, H. R. Downing, W. S. Reid, J. M. Gaar,
J. M. Smith, Wm. Petchell; Assessor, J. C. Hadley; Collec-
tor, C. R. Williams; Treasurer, S. R. Wisfgins: Marshal,
W.Zimmerman; Clerk, W. W.Austin.
1861 — Mayor, John Finley; Councilmen, J. M. Poe, C.
F. Coffin, T. McGirr, T. J. Bargis, J. H. Thomas, A. F.
Scott, J. J. Conley, J. M. Blanchard ; Assessor, W. E. Wil-
cox; Collector, C. R. Williams; Treasurer, S. R. Wiggins;
Marshal, W. Zimmerman; Clerk, W. W. Austin.
1862 — Mayor, John Finley; Councilmen, J. M. Poe, C.
Leive, T. J. Bargis, T. McGirr, A. F. Scott, J. H. Thomas,
J. J. Conley, James Smith; Assessor, W. E. Wilcox; Collec-
tor, C. R. Williams; Treasurer, S. R. Wiggins; Marshal,
W. Zimmerman; Clerk, W. W. Austin.
CITY OF RICBMOND. 47
1863— Mayor, John Finley; Councilmen, C. Leive, J.J.
Conley, Thos. McGirr, T. J. Bargis, A. F. Scott, J. W.
Grubbs, J. J. Jordan, T. N. Young; Assessor, L. M. Baxter;
Collector, C. R. Williams; Treasurer, S. R. Wiggins; Mar-
shal, W. Zimmerman; Clerk, W. W. Austin.
1864 — Mayor, John Fin ley; Councilmen, James M, Poe,
T. W.Roberts, Jesse Coifin, J. C. Hadley, EUwood Patter-
son, A. F. Vaughn, W. L. Taylor, E. C. Kelley; Assessor,
W. E. Wilcox; Collector, W. P. Wilson; Treasurer, S. R.
Wiggins; Marshal, W. Zimmerman; Clerk, W. W. Austin.
1865 — Mayor, John Finley; Councilmen, T. W. Roberts,
G. W. Barnes, Jesse Coffin, Abram Earnest, W. S. Reid, H.
B. Payne, E. C. Kelley, James Smith; Assessor, W. E. Wil-
cox; Collector, W. P. Wilson; Treasurer, S. R. Wiggins;
Marshal, W. Zimmerman; Clerk, W. W. Austin.
1866 — Mayor, John Finley; Councilmen, G. W. Barnes,
E. H. Page, A. Earnest, M. M. Lacy, W. S. Reid, A. F.
Scott, Isaac Evans, E. C. Kelley; Assessor, J. W.Thompson;
Collector, W. P. Wilson; Treasurer, S. R. Wiggins; Marshal,
W. Zimmerman; Clerk, P. P. Kirn,
1867 — Mayor, John Finley* (after which, Lewis D.
Stubbs); Councilmen, G. W. Barnes, E. H. Page, A. Ear-
nest, M. M. Lacy, W. S. Reid, A. F. Scott, Isaac Evans, E.
C. Kelley; Assessor, J. W. Thompson; Collector, W. P.
Wilson; Treasurer, S. R. Wiggins; Marshal, W. Zimmer-
man; Clerk, P. P. Kirn.
1867 — The New Charter was adopted December, 1866, and
the first election under it took place on the first Tuesday of
May, 1867. The following officers were elected;
T. N. Young, Mayor; Councilmen, First Ward, James El-
der, John Peterson; Second Ward, Thos. McGirr, E. D.
Palmer; Third Ward, Ellwood Patterson, Jesse Coffin; Fourth
Ward, Dedrick Meyer, K L. C. Watt; J. M. Hays, Assessor;
W.P.Wilson, Treasurer; W. Zimmerman, Marshal; P. P.
Kirn, Clerk.
1868— T. K Young, Mayor; Councilmen, First Ward,
James Elder, John Peterson; Second Ward, Thos. McGirr,
*Mayor Finley died Dec. 24, 1865. Special election ordered for Jan.
10, 1867, at which election Lewis D. Stubbs was elected Mayor, and
served until May, 1867.
48 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
E. D. Palmer; Third Ward, Ellwood Patterson, Jesse Coffin;
Fourth Ward, Dedrick Meyer, N. L. C. Watt; J. M. Hays,
Assessor; W. P. Wilson, Treasurer; W. Zimmerman, Mar-
shal; P.P. Kirn, Clerk.
1869— T. W. Bennett, Mayor; Conneilmen, First Ward,
James Elder, John Peterson; Second Ward, E. D. Palmer,
A.J. Bell; Third Ward, Ellwood Patterson, Jas. E. Reeves;
Fourth Ward, JS". L. C. Watt, T. Henry Davis; Fifth Ward,
A. A. Cnrme,|T. W. Roberts; J. M. Hays, Assessor; W. P.
Wilson, Treasurer; W. Zimmerman, Marshal; P. P. Kirn,
Clerk.
1870— T. W. Bennett, Mayor; Councilmen, First Ward,
James Elder, John Peterson; Second Ward, E. D. Palmer,
A. J. Bell*; Third Ward, Ellwood Patterson, John M. Gaar;
Fourth Ward, N. L. C. Watt, T. Henry Davis; Fifth Ward,
A. A. Curme, T. W. Roberts; J. M. Hays, Assessor; W. P.
Wilson, Treasurer; W. Zimmerman, Marshal; P. P. Kirn,
Clerk.
1871 — James M. Poe,' Mayor; Councilmen, First Ward,
John Peterson, James Elder; Second Ward, Samuel Conklin,
E. D. Palmer; Third Ward, Ezra Nye, Ellwood Patterson;
Fourth Ward, Henry Krivel, N. L. C. Watt; Filth Ward,
Thomas W. Bennett,t T. W. Roberts; Peter P. Kirn, Clerk;
Wm. P. Wilson, Treasurer; Wm. Zimmerman, Marshal;
James M. Hays, Assessor; John S. Lyle, City Attorney; R.
A, Howard, Civil Engineer; C. C. Crockett, Street Commis-
sioner.
1872 — James M. Poe, Mayor; Councilmen, First Ward,
James Elder, John Peterson; Second Ward, Samuel Conklin,
Charles Estell; Third Ward, James F. Hibberd, Ezra Nye;
Fourth Ward, N. L, C. Watt, Henry Krivel; Fifth Ward,
Thos. W. Roberts, Elias H. Swayne; Peter P. Kirn, Clerk;
W. P. Wi.son, Treasurer; Wm. Zimmerman, Marshal; John
S. Lyle, City Attorne}'^; R. A. Howard, Civil Engineer; Dav.
Haner, Street Commissioner; I. G. Dougan, Chief Engineer
Fire DcjDartment.
* A. J. Bell resigned July, 1870, aad Fielding Gaar was elected to fill the
vacancy.
t Thomas W. Bennett resigned Dec. 5. 1871, a-id Elias H. Swayne was
elected to fill the vacancy.
CITY OF EICHMOND. 49
1873— James Elder, Mayor; Councilmen, First Ward,' E.
F. Kosa, E. H. Page; Second Ward, Satnnel Conklin, Sam.
Marlatt; Third Ward, Ezra Nye, James F. Hibberd; Fourth
Ward, John H. Dickman, N. L. C. Watt; Fifth Ward, W.
I. Diilin, Thos. W. Roberts; Peter P. Kirn, Clerk; W. P.
Wilson, Treasurer; L. O. Shofer, Marslial; L. M. Baxter, As-
sessor; J. S. Lyle, City Attorney; Oliver Butler, Civil En-
gineer; David Planer, Street Cammissioner; I. Gr. Dougan,
Chief Engineer Fire Department.
1874— James Elder, Mayor; Councilmen, Fir.-;t Ward,
John Peterson, E. F. Rosa; Second Ward, H. N. Land, Sam.
Conklin; Third Ward, Thomas Nestor, Ezra Nye; Fourth
Ward, N. L. 0. Watt, John H. Dickman; Fifth" Ward, D.
K. Zeller, W. I. Dulin; Peter P. Kirn, Clerk; W. P. Wilson,
Treasurer; L. O. Shofer, Marshal; L. M. Baxter, Assessor;
John S. Lyle, City Attorney; Oliver Butler, Civil Engineer;
David Haner, Street Commissioner; I. G. Dougan, Chief
Engineer Fire Department.
1875 — James F. Hibberd, ?Mayor; Councilmen, First Ward,
E. F. Rosa, Louis Knopf; Second Ward, G. W. Bishop,
Thomas McGirr; Third Ward, Ezra Nye, Thomas Nestor;
Fourth Ward, T. Henry Davis, Charles Knollenberg; Fifth
Ward, W. I. Dulin, D. K. Zeller; Cyrus O. Clark, Clerk;
Wm. P. Wilson, Treasurer; L. O. Shofer, Marshal; Lewis
M. Baxter, Assessor; John L. Rupe, City Attorney; Oliver
Butler, Civil Engineer; E. D. Palmer, Street Commissioner;
I. G. Dougan, Chief Engineer of Fire Department.
1876 — Same officers as previous year, with the exception of
Arthur A. Curme, Councilman in Fifth Ward, vice D. K.
Zeller.
1877— Thomas W. Bennett, Mayor; Councilmen, First
Ward, E. F. Rosa, Louis Knopf; Second Ward, S. B. Harri-
man, Thomas McGirr; Third Ward, Benj. Starr, Thos. Nestor;
Fourth Ward, Chas. Knollenberg, T. Henry Davis; Fifth
Ward, Peter C. Kidder, Arthur A. Curme; Cyrus O. Clark,
Clerk; Wm. P. Wilson, Treasurer; L. O. Shofer, Marshal;
Allen W. Grave, Assessor; John L. Rupe, City Attorney;
F. C. Doran, Civil Engineer; E. D. Palmer, Street Commis-
sioner; I. G. Dougan, Chief Engineer of Fire Department.
50 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
1878— Thos. W. Bennett, Mayor; Councilmen, First
Ward, Jolin G- Schwegman, E. F. Rosa; Second Ward, Wal-
ter M, Richey, S. B. llarriman; Third Ward, Thomas W.
Roberts, Benj. Starr;lFourth Ward, Chas. Knollenberg, T,
Henry Davis; Fifth Ward, Arthur A. Cnrme, Peter C. Kid-
der; Cyrus O. Clark,* Clerk; Wm. P. Wilson, Treasurer;
L. O. Sliofer, Marshal; Allen W. Grave, Assessor; John L.
Rupe, City Attorney; F. C. Doran, Civil Engineer; E. D.
Palmer, Street Commissioner; I. G. Dougan, Chief Engineer
of Fire Department,
1879 — Thomas W. Bennett, Mayor; Councilmen, First
Ward, E. F. Rosa, John G. Schwegman ; Second Ward, Wal-
ter M. Richey, Thomas Nestor ;f Third Ward, Stephen R.
Wiggins, Thos. W. Roberts; Fourth Ward, T. Henry Davis,
Chas. Knollenberg; Fifth Ward, Peter C. Kidder, Arthur A.
Curme; Richard H. King, Clerk; Wm. P. Wilson, Treasurer;
L. O. Shofer, Marshal; Edward J. Salter, Assessor: John L.
Rupe, City Attorney; F. C. Doran, Civil Engineer; E. D.
Palmer, Street Commissioner; Wm. Alexander, Chief Engin-
eer of Fire Department.
1880-'81— Mayor, Thos. W. Bennett; Clerk, R. H. King;
Marshal, L. O. Shofer; Treasurer, Jos. H. Cooke; Attorney,
Jno. L. Rupe; Civil Engineer, F. C. Doran; Street Commis-
sioner, E. D. Palmer; City Measurer, Jas. M. King; Wood
Measurer, Jos. F. Rowlett; Chief of Fire Department, Wm.
W. Alexander; Councilmen, First Ward, E. F. Rosa, Jno. G.
Schwegman; Second Ward, J. J. Jordan, W. M. Richey;
Third Ward, S. R. Wiggins, L. K. Harris; Fourth Ward, T.
Henry Davis, A. W. Meyer; Fifth Ward, P. C. Kidder, A.
A. Curme.
1881-'82— Mayor, Thomas W. Bennett; Clerk, Richard H.
King; Marshal, Louis O. Shofer; Deputy Marshal, Joseph
F. Rowlett; Treasurer, Joseph H. Cooke; City Attorney,
John L. Rupe; Civil Engineer, Frank C. Doran; Street Com-
missioner, Frank M. Wheelan; City Measurer, James M.
King; Wood Measurer, John Elliott; City Commissioners,
Edward E. Beetle, John D. Wiggins, Andrew F. Scott, Fran-
* Died July 13, 1878. R. H. King was elected to fill the vacancy,
t Died Aug. 12, 1879 ; succeeded by James J. Jordan.
CITY OF RICHMOND. , 51
cis Pruyn, John L. Thompson; Councilmen, First Ward,
Earnest F. Eosa, John G. Schweorman; Second Ward, James
J. Jordan, Elwood Morris; Third Ward, Thomas W. Roberts,
Lewis K. Harris; Fourth Ward, Adolph W. Meyer, Joseph
P. Iliff; Fifth Ward, Arthur A. Cnrme, Oliver Yates.
1882-'83— Mayor, Thomas W. Bennett; Clerk, Richard H.
King; Marshal, Louis O. Shofer; Treasurer, Joseph H. Cooke;
City Attorney, John L. Rupe; Civil Engineer, Frank C. Do-
ran; Street Commissioner, Frank M. Wheelan; City Meas-
urer, James M. King; Wood Measurer, John Elliott; City
Commissioners, Edward E. Beetle, John D. Wiggins, Andrew
F. Scott, Francis Pruyn, John L. Thompson; Councilmen,
First Ward, Earnest F. Rosa, John G. Schwegman; Second
Ward, James J. Jordan, Elwood Morris; Third AVard,
Thomas W. Roberts, Lewis K. Harris; Fourth Ward, Joseph
P. IliflP, Henry Temme; Fifth Ward, Arthur A. Curme,
Oliver Yates.
1883-84. Mayor, John L. Rupe; Clerk, Richard H. King;
Marshal, John Fred Haner; Treasurer, Joseph H. Cook; City
Attorney, Joseph H. Kibbey; Civil Engineer, Frank C. Do-
ran; Street Commissioner, Frank M. Wheelan; City Meas-
urer, James M. King; Wood Measm-er, J. M. Leviston;
City Commissioners, Edward E. Beetle, John D. Wiggins,
Andrew F. Scott, John L. Thompson, John H. Roling. Com-
mon Councilmen: First Ward, Earnest F. Rosa, John G.
Schwegman; Second Ward, Elwood Morris, Samuel Mar-
latt; Third Ward, Thomas W. Roberts, D. P. Wheelan;
Fourth Ward, William Bartel, Henry Temme; Fifth Ward,
Arthur A. Curme, Oliver Yates.
CITY BUILDING.
The Warner building, in which the city offices are, was
erected by Dr. Ithamer Warner, an early physician, and a
much honored citizen of Richmond. It was built for a resi-
dence, public hall, etc. Dr. Warner died in 1835, and in his
will gave the town the rental of the property. The greater
portion of the building is rented to various parties for school
purposes, and brings in a revenue of about $400 per year.
52
HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
TREASUKER S REPORT
of the financial condition of the city of Richmond, Ind., for
the fiscal year ending April 30, 1883.
General Fund.
RECEIPTS .
Balance May 1, 1882
Current taxes
Delinquent taxes
Fire department
Licenses
Fines and costs
Redemption of lots
Public buildings, rent of orphans' home.
Loan
City farm
Unexpended balance flood donation. . . .
Benefits
Street Benefits
Estray fund
Printer's fee, delinquent list
Total receipts.
DISBURSEMENTS.
Streets
Police
Fire department
Salary
Loan from railroad interest...
Donation to flood suflerers
Calaboose
Printing
Stationery.
Gas and lamps
Public buildings
Bonded debt
Interest
Fees
Elections
Surveys
Tax refunded
Commission
Board of Health
City commissioners
Sewers
Home
Street damages
Incidentals
Damages paid StaflTord
Board of public improvements.
Redemption from tax sales
Sale of Estrays
Court costs
Total disbursed..
Bal ance , gen eral f u n d .
$23,007.35
8,165.00
12,322.95
6,400.00
2,629.90
2,000.00
318.93
410.74
221.42
5,905.38
844.23
23,600.00
302.11
1,359.10
125.00
34.25
205.06
43.24
752.00
3'i5.00
4,073.02
150.00
539.94
180.50
400.00
282.00
1,702.32
13.04
61.45
^33,113.55
76,113.23
1,825.22
224.70
1,892.79
22.00
1,063.86
149.93
26,229.90
10.00
19.48
300.00
1,672.83
13.04
15.60
1142,665.63
1,413.93
$46,251.70
CITY OF RICHMOND. 53
CITY FINANCES — CONTINUED.
Total balance in special funds * 3 501 84
Total balance in general fund 46 25 1 70
Grand total $49,753.54
BONDED INDEBTEDNESS.
Forty-three railroad bonds, due July 1, 1889 $43,000.00
Cash on hand in the railroad principal and interest, to meet
same _ 3,501.84
Net city indebtedness $39,498.16
CITY LIMITS.
The city of Hichinond has been extended from time to
time during the past seventy years of its existence, and in its
limits is now embraced an area of two and a half miles east
and west, and two miles north and south. It is likely that
quite a large addition will soon be made covering ground
recently purchased by a syndicate, and lying on the opposite
or west side of the "Whitewater River.
Prior to 1840, the original plat of Richmond, as laid off
by John Smith, had received eight additions made by Jeremiah
Cox, Charles W. Starr, Isaac Jones, Achilles Williams, Rob-
ert Morrisson, Caleb Bond, Jesse Iden and Joseph Plummer.
As is shown by a map made by William Dewey in 1840, no
lots had been laid off farther east than what is now Elev-
enth street, on the north side of Main. Above North B
street, Sixth street (now Ninth) was the limit of the lots, and
they extended as far north as Vine (now North D) street.
There were but few lots marked off northwest of Front street
and Fort Wayne avenue, all of which are now known by the
latter name. A triangular piece of land lying between Fort
Wayne avenue and Washington avenue, and extending north
to High street, is marked "Northern Liberties "on the map,
and was at the extreme northern limit of the platted portion
of the city.
South of Main street. South street (now South E street)
marked the southern limit; Marion street (now South Sixth)
was the eastern limit of lots as far north as Market (now
54
HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
South B); and the extreme eastern limit was Sixth (now
Ninth street), with the exception of one tier of lots in a block
adjoining Main and extending soutli to South A.
TABLE OF TAX LEVIES.
The following table shows the valuation of property and the
amount of taxes each year, from 1840 to 1882, in the city of
Richmond :
ON
ON
f
$100.
VALUATION.
AMOUNT.
1862
$100.
VALUATION.
AMOUNT.
1840
$1.00
$215,460
$2,154.60
45
$2,409,836
$10,844.26
1841
1.00
298.340
2,983.40
1863
45
2.595,495
11,479.73
1843
75
308,260
2,311.96
1864
70
3,157,438
22,102.06
1843
40
369,175
1,477.70
1865
1.00
3,772,813
37,728.13
1844
50
344,250
1,721.25
1866
1.00
4,029,857
40,298.58
1845
50
291,397
1,456.94
1867
1.00
4,60ii,600
46,066.00
1846
50
287,268
1,436.34
1868
1.10
5,594,693
61,541.62
1847
50
285,465
1,427.32
1869
1.35
7,107,762
95,954.78
1848
50
282,293
1,411.46
1870
1.35
7,200,133
97,201.79
1849
50
412 229
2,061.46
1871
1.09
5,611,5:8
61,166.20
1850
65
436,895
2,839.81
1872
1.81
9,656,176
174,776.78
1851
55
398,950
2,194.22
1873
1.54
9,913,365
152,665.83
1852
50
410,760
2 053.80
1874
1.47
8,087,204
118,881.89
1853
50
601,480
3,007.40
1875
1.05
8,699,053
91,340.05
1854
40
1,264,350
5,057.40
1876
1.05
8,841,618
92,836.98
1855
40
1,325,200
5,300.80
18^7
1.00
8,210,095
82,100.95
1856
40
1,535,490
6,142.05
1878
1.00
7,955,855
79,558.55
1857
30
1,913,585
5,740.75
1879
1.00
7,677,400
76,774.00
1858
60
1.942,645
11,755.87
1880
1.00
7,787,315
77,873.15
1859
70
1,965,280
13,757.96
1881
1.00
7,867,677
78,676.77
1860
65
2 280,530
14,823.44
1882
1.00
8,249,975
82,499.75
1861
65
2,528,937
16,438.09
P08T0FFICE.
The office was established in 1818, and Robert Morrisson
became the first Postmaster. The growth of Richmond may
be gathered from the fact that the receipts the first year were
a trifle over $9, and postage nearly or quite ten times its
present rate. The receipts in 1824 were less than $25. In
1856 they reached the sum of $1,406.13. The " Board of
Trade Review" for 1875 gives the following interesting statis-
tics of the business of the office for the preceding year, that
of 1874 :
STAMPS, POSTAL CARDS, STAMPED ENVELOPES, AND NEWSPAPER
WRAPPERS DURING THE YEAR 1874.
Stamps, 426,882; amount, $11,063.08. Postal cards, 93,-
285; amount, $932.85. Stamped envelopes, 90,213; amount.
CITY OF RICHMOND.
55
$2,338.97. Wrappers, 32,669; amount, $368.48. Grand total
immber sold during year, 643,0:^9; grand total amount, $14,-
Y03.38.
NUMBER AND WEIGHT OF NEWSPAPER AND OTHER PACKAGES
SENT AND RECEIVED DURING THE YEAR 1874.
KIND OF MATTER.
Regular newspapers mailed
Book and miscellaneous mailed
Transient newspapers mailed ,
Unsealed ci<rculars mailed
Letters mailed ,
Postal cards mailed
Mail letters and postal cards delivered ,
Drop letters and postal cards delivered ,
Unsealed circulars delivered
Mail news- 1 Published once a week or of tener. 157,196
papers •< Periodicals less than once a week. 9,256
delivered. ( Transient newspapers. 219,076
NO.PACK-
WEIGHT,
AGE8.
LBS.
62,835
10,400
2,909
1,573
86,163
11,804
50,024
1,495
340,690
62,400
321,550
15,600
67,.392
885,528
MONEY ORDER BUSINESS FOR THE YEAR 1874.
KIND OF ORDERS.
ISSUED.
PAID.
NO.
VALUE.
NO •
VALUE .
Domestic ...
5,012
12
15
5,089
$54,944
247
257
4,520
8
1
$73,588
British
89
16
Total
$55,448
4,529
$78 643
Registered letters mailed
417
delivered 1,519
Richmond was made a free-delivery postoffice Jan. 1,
1881. Seven carriers and seven clerks are now employed.
During the year ending June 30, 1883, the mail matter de-
livered was as follows:
Letters, 546,051; postal cards, 198,990; local letters,
44,692; local postal cards, 17,975; registered letters, 2,816;
newspapers, 427,878.
Matter collected: Letters, 333,866; postal cards, 143,525;
56 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
newspapers, 168,499; total number of pieces handled (de-
livered and collected), 1,884,292.
Receipts, expenses and net revenue of Richmond postoffice
for the year ending June 30, 1883: Gross revenue, $28,37Y.-
20; office expenses, $7,094.46; free delivery expenses, $4,-
945.78; total expenses, $12,040.24; net revenue, $16,336.96;
per cent, of expenses on ^ross revenue, 42.
The Postmasters of Richmond, with the dates of their
several commissions are given below : Robert Morrisson,
1818; Daniel Reed, 1829; James W. Borden, Aug. 27, 1836;
John C. Merrick, December, 1839; Lynde Elliott, Feb. 25,
1840; Achilles Williams, May 31, 1841; Daniel D. Sloan,
Aug. 16, 1843 ; James Elder, Jan. 10, 1846 ; Caleb R.
Williams, March 16, 1849, James Elder, April -18, 1853;
Achilles Williams, April 2, 1861; Edwin A. Jones, Oct.
26, 1866; Isaac H. Julian, April 5, 1869; Benjamin W.
Davis, May 25, 1871; Almon Samson, 1878; E. D. Palmer,
May 15, 1882.
The salary of the postmaster (according to the Postmaster
General's report for the tiscal year ending June 30, 1883) is
$2,500; salary allowed clerks, $3,318. Other allowances
make up a total of salary and allowances amounting to
$7,103.
STREET RAILROADS.
Richmond has so far progressed in metropolitan ways as to
have street railways. These were first started in running
order in September, 1873. In March of that year, a charter
was granted to S. C. Mendenhall, its projector, William S.
Reid, D. K. Zeller, Isaac C. Teague, Abijah Moffitt, Dr.
Houghton, C. F. Coffin and Joseph Dickinson. S, C. Men-
denhall was elected President; C. F. Coffin, Treasurer, and
Joseph Dickinson, Secretary. In 1876 Isaac C. Teague
leased the road for one year, at the expiration of which time,
the spring of 1877, the company sold out to J. F. Miller,
when the present Street Railroad Company was formed. The
Superintendent of the road is F. M. Francisco, who has acted
as such from 1873 to 1876, and from 1880 to the present time.
There are about three and a half miles of road in operation
CITY OF RICHMOND. 5Y
at this time The cars run from the court-house to Glen
Miller, and from Mam and Eighth street to the Union Depot
The company have five cars and good stable accommodations'
on Seventh street. The directory is composed of William E
Bell, Thomas Rose, J. 0. Ratliff, J. F. Miller and James
Turner. J. C. Miller, President; J. C. Ratliff, Vice-Presi-
dent, and H. I. Miller, Secretary and Treasurer.
EXPRESS COMPANIES.
The first express ofiice opened in Richmond was by Locke
& Co., who were succeeded by the American Express Com-
pany. Then came next the United States Express Company,
in 1863. M. Y. Graff was the agent of both companies at
the time the latter opened its office until his death in 1865,
when his son, P. C. Graff, succeeded to the agency. Another
office called the Merchants' Union Express was opened a few
years later, with E. G. Hibberd as agent, but it was soon
merged into the American, and the agent of the two first, P.
C. Graff, still continued to hold the position, until the United
States Express Company opened a separate office. This latter
company appointed J. Izor as their agent, who served until
his death, when D. P. Hiatt was chosen to fill the vacancy.
Messrs. Graff and Hiatt filled the position of agents of the
two companies until they again occupied one office, when
Mr. Graff was continued as the agent of both. On Nov.
1, 1881, the Adams Express Company opened its office in
Richmond, and occupied for a month the same office with the
other companies, Mr. Graff acting for all. Soon after, the
United States opened a separate office, appointing a Mr.
Richey, of Muncie, Ind., its agent. He resigned the next
year, 1882, and T. C. Davis succeeded him, who still holds
the position, Mr. Graff being the agent of Adams and Amer-
ican until June 1, 1883, when the American retired from the
field, turning its territory over to the Adams and United
States Express companies, Mr. Graff still being the agent
of the Adams.
GAS-WOEKS.
In July, 1854, a charter was obtained by Charles Collier
for the Richmond Gas Light and Coke Company. The com-
58 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY,
pany was organized in June, 1855, with a capital of $25,000.
Its stockholders were Charles Collier, Robert Morrisson, Will-
iam Cain, John T. Plumtner and Williata R. "Webster.
John T. Plummer was its first President; William R. Web-
ster, Secretary; William Cain, Treasurer. The works were
built by Charles Collier, and completed in December, 1855.
In December, ,1856, they were leased to Starr & White
(James M. Starr and Benjamin C. "White), who carried on
the business for about thirteen years. A new charter was
granted in 1870. J. M. Starr was then President, and Ben-
jamin Starr, Secretary. The receipts for gas for that year
were $19,000. Ninety-one street lamps were supplied and
over 700 private consumers. In 1871 the capital stock of
the gas company was raised to $100,000. In 1882-'83 the
works were entirely rebuilt and supplied with new machinery.
The capacity of the works is now 500,000 feet per day. Two
hundred and twenty-eight street lamps and about 1,100 pri-
vate consumers are now supplied by them. Mr. Starr has
owned the entire works since 1868. C. C.Binkley has served
as Secretary since 1874.
RICHMOND INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION.
This association was organized in 1870 as a joint stock
company, to conduct the business of ordinary county agricult-
ural societies on an amplified and more diversified basis.
Thirty-three acres of suitable ground were secured in the
northeast corner of the city corporate limits, alongside of
the tracks of the Columbus, the Dayton and the Cincinnati
railroads. This ground was improved by the erection of ap-
propriate buildings for the exhibition of the fine arts, fruits
and other products of the soil, live stock, manufactures, agri-
cultural implements, farm products, and all the usual variety
of articles spread out at agricultural fairs. An excellent
time-track was constructed, and abundant stables and sheds
provided.
Fairs were held for a few years, but the association finally
died, and is mentioned here only as a record of the past.
CITY OF RICHMOND. 59
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The first regularly organized fire company in Richmond
seems to have been formed in 1830. According to information
furnished by John A. Wright, who was secretary of the meet-
ing, the citizens met at Jeft'ries' tavern on the 6th of De-
cember, 1830, and fifteen names were enrolled as members of
the company, viz. : Benj. Fulghum, Aaron Pleas, William
Dulin, Lewis Burk, Jesse Stutler, Zimri Strattan, Ephraim
Rulin, Levi P. Rothermel, Abraham Jeffries, Wm. N. Cam-
mack, Job W. Swain, Jehiel Wasson, John A. Wright and
Leander Gary. Job Swain presided.
Prior to this meeting a fire engine had been bought, in
1829, for $600. It was an oblong box, 4x6 feet, and one
foot deep, mounted on wheels. It was moved by a rope, to
which pins for the hands to grasp were attached at suitable
distances. About midway on each side of the box and at-
tached to it were fixed upright standards for the support of
the operating machinery. The latter consisted of a cross-
shaft with two cranks placed at right angles with it and op- ,
posite each other; this shaft was provided with suitable bear-
ings in the uprights. Another shaft, similarly arranged, was
placed above the first, and at each end of it was a driving-
wheel, the cogs of which were geared into pinions on either
side of the shaft. The driving-wheels were each provided
with pin handles for turning, of sufficient strength for six
men at each wheel. The bottom of the box supported two
cylinders, which were attached to it, and constituted the
pumps. They were about four inches in diameter and twelve
in height. Piston rods, with valve heads, working in stuffing
boxes which formed the tops or caps of the pumps, were con-
nected with the cranks of the shaft, by the revolutions of
which the pumps were worked. A branch pipe connected the
bottoms of the pumps, terminating in a common orifice, to
which the hose and to that the nozzle was attached. Orifices
opened from the lower end of the pump, connecting this with
the box in which the water was stored, and thus performing
the functions of the modern suction hose. The box, or tank,
was filled with water by buckets brought by hand.
60 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Until Feb. 6, 1833, the company met at Jeffries' hotel.
They then changed to the Warner building, now the city
building.
A new company was formed in 1832, with the following
members. It will be seen that the list includes most of the
business men of that period: Ithamer Warner, James Henrj',
Jonas Gaar, James Stuckey, Alexander Price, David Hook,
William Oox, John Snffrins, Benjamin Fulghum, Zimri Strat-
tan, Andrew Furguson, Rese Jones, Matthew Rattray, Ban-
ner Lawhead, W. K. Cammack, John T. Smith, Alexander
Moore, Aaron Johnson, L. P. Rothermel, John Brady, Lewis
Burk, Wm. Sutherland, Wm. Wiggins, Daniel Morrisson,
Samuel Springer, Samuel T. Ogborn, Abel Thornburg,
Thomas J. Larsh, John Way and Ira S. Center. Benjamin
Fulghum was President; Matthew Rattray, Yice- President;
William Cox, Secretary, and Ithamer Warner, Treasurer.
This company offered its resignation to the trustees of the
town in January, 1834, and it was accepted.
In the early part of the fourth decade of the present cent-
ury, a man named Quiner moved to Richmond from Massa-
chusetts. He gave a glowing account of an engine which
was then being manufactured in Boston, and induced the
citizens of Richmond to purchase one. In 1836 the engine
afterward famous as the " Old Hunker" reached this town,
having come from Boston to Cincinnati, whence it was trans-
ported by '' prairie schooner '"' to its destination. This engine
had a suction hose and was considered a marvel. The bucket
company was no longer necessary to supply water. An en-
gine-house was erected on Pearl street, and for better water-
supply large wells were dng in several parts of the town.
The earliest record now in existence is a minute-book of
the proceedings of the "Old Hunker Fire Co., No. 2," under
the date Feb. 6, 1850, when a constitution and by-laws were
adopted and the following officers chosen: W. L. Farquhar,
President; W. T. Shearon, Vice-President; S. R. Jamison,
Secretary; Wm. W. Rattray, Treasurer; E. H. Page and
John Stanton, Directors.
In 1854 the "Old Hunker" Company was reorganized
with John M. Paxson, President; J. L. Meek, Vice-President;
CITY OF RICHMOND. Qi
W. T. Mendeahall, Secretary; and Thomas Yickers, Treas-
urer.
The third engine of the city was purchased at Cincinnati,
Nov. 6, 1850. It was known as the "Rowboat." The bill
described it thus:
"One twenty-men horizontal fire-engine $1 000
300 feet copper-twist hose and coupling 210
One fire-hat and trumpet. . ,
" Total $1,210"
It appears that Company No. 3 was organized Dec. 14,
1850, under the name of the Hoosier Fire Company, and at
a subsequent meeting adopted the constitution and by-laws of
the Franklin Fire Company of Cincinnati. J. H. Button
was chosen President; Jesse M. Hutton, Vice-President; A.
W. Mendenhall, Treasurer; S. F. Fletcher and John Conlej,
Directors; Ezra Smith, Messenger.
At a meeting held April 2, 1853, the city council was asked
to remit taxes to the amount of $3 to members of the fire
companies. The request was granted, and this was the first
instance of the fire-men of Richmond being allowed remuner-
ation.
"Old Hunker" continued in use until 1857, when the city
purchased an engine known as the Quaker City engine, to
take its place, at a cost of $1,579. The former was kept
" boarding round," without a home, until 1855, when J, L.
Meek and E. H. Page succeeded in raising a fund by subscrip-
tion for the erection of Engine House, No. 2, at a cost of
$1,162. In 1857, the Hoosier Company erected a house for
their engine, "The Rowboat," just north of the city ofiices,
at a cost of $2,390.
In the fall of 1858 Washington Fire Company, composed
principally of Germans, was organized. They erected a house
in 1859, on a lot donated by John J. Conley, had a second-
hand-engine, and did efiicient service. They bought another
old engine in Dayton in 1863. This was the last hand-engine
purchased.
The question of procuring a steam fire-engine was agitated
62 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
by several prominent citizens in 1859, but nothing was ac-
complished until the following year. An engine was pur-
chased by the city council in 1860, and a house for it erected
at a total cost of $6,577.
The Mechanics Fire Company, No. 4, was organized Jan.
6, 1861, with J. M. Gaar, President; E. H. Page, James M.
Smith, W. G. Scott and J. W. Starr, Yice-Presidents; J. M.
Blanchard, Secretary; and Thomas Newby, Treasurer. The
fire companies in 1861 were therefore Washington (No. 1),
Quaker City (No. 2), Hoosier (No. 3), and Mechanics (No. 4),
each having abjut 100 men.
One of the first fires which the steamer was called upon
to subdue was that of the pork-packing house of Yanneman,
Eeid & Co., which raged for fifteen hours.
In 1866 a hook and ladder company was organized and
equipped at a cost of about $1,000. In 1871 No. 4 was ex-
changed for a new engine. In 1872 a second steamer was pro-
cured by exchanging two of the hand-engines and paying the
difi'erence, and in the same year the fire department of the city
was made a paid department. The National Fire- Alarm system
of electric alarms was adopted in 1876 at a cost of $4,750. An
inventory of the property belonging to the fire department,
made May 1, 1883, shows that the total value of the same is $22,-
746. Total expenditures for the year (including $8,513.36,
paid in salaries), $12,322.95. Nine horses are in the service
of the department.
OFFICERS OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR 1883-'4.
Council Committee — Messrs. Curme, Wheelan and Temme;
Chief Engineer, William W. Alexander.
Company No. 1 — Engineer, Irvin J. Brown; Fireman,
David Miller; Driver of Engine, George Wilson; Driver of
Reel, John B. Tracy; Minute Men, Pat. McKinley, Jesse Mc
CuUough, Walter Webster, George Belott.
Company No. 2 — Engineer, James Parsons; Fireman, Chas.
Herbeler; Driver of Engine, Rufus A. Newman; Driver of
Reel, Clark Yeager; Minute Men, Wm. L. Thomas, John
Estell, Chas. Ilessman, Mart. Hudson.
CITY OF RICHMOND. 63
Hook and Ladder, No. 1— Driver, John S. Neal; Pilot,
Thomas E. Ross; Minute Men, Dick Bird, Jeff. Wilson, Wm.
J. Smith, Dick Estell.
WATER-WORKS.
At the present writing, appearances indicate that water-
works in the city will soon become an established fact. The
Kiehraond Water-Works Company was incorporated July 16,
1883, with the following Directors: S. L, Wiley, John W.
Grubbs, S. R. Wiggins, D. K. Zeller, Ellis Thomas and W. P.
Hutton. Capital stock, $250,000. Feb. 19, 1884, the company
was fully organized with the following officers: A. E. Crocker,
President; J. W. Grubbs, Yice-President; J. A. Norton,
Secretary; W. P. Hutton, Treasurer.
Operations will soon be commenced, and it is expected that
the works will be completed during the year 1884. The Holly
system with the Wiley improvement will be used.
CHAPTER III.
INDUSTRIAL INTERESTS OF RICHMOND.
An Account of the Origin and Growth of the Jndctstrial
Wealth of the City. — Introductory. — Early Manufact-
uring Establishments. — Early Tanneries, Mills, Brew-
eries, Carding and Woolen Mills, Foundries, Cotton
Mills, etc. — Leading Manufacturing Establishments of
Later Times. — Historical Accounts of the Leading In-
dustries OF To-day. — The Founders and Incorporators. —
Business Changes. — Present Proprietors and Amount of
Capital Invested. — The Banks of Richmond. —Summary
OF Business Interests.
The city of Richmond has become noted as the seat of im-
portant manufactories, ranking high in this respect among
the cities of the West. Its industrial growth began early
and has been gradual but constant. The early settlers per-
ceived that the inland situation of the town, at a time when
railroads were unknown, precluded extensive commercial
relations with the rest of the world, and therefore wisely de-
voted themselves to fostering and encouraging home interests,
establishing manufactures and thus laying the permanent
foundations of the future greatness and prosperity of the
city. The advent of railroads gave an impetus to business
of every kind, making the beginning of an era of more
rapid development. Few cities in the West — few, indeed,
anywhere in the country — have, in proportion to population,
a greater variety and extent of business interests than Rich-
mond. The city is steadily and rapidly increasing in wealth,
population and commercial importance.
In this chapter will be found a brief account of some of
the earliest enterprises of the city, together with carefully
prepared sketches of the most important establishments of
64
"^,
r J
c^^/^
CITY OF RICHMOND. 65
the present time. Many more might be mentioned, but
want of space forbids an account of any except leading in-
dustrial interests.
EARLY INDUSTRIES.
A tannery was started in Kichmond in 1818, by John
Smith, and operated by Joseph Wilraot. Another of seventy
vats was established by Kobert Morrieson during the same
year. It was located on the north side of Main street, be-
tween Washington and Green streets.
Early grist-mills are elsewhere mentioned. One of the
lirst industries of the town was a brewery, established by
Ezra Bos well, about 1816. His shop was on Front street,
north of Main. It is said that he had a good patronage.
About the year 1818 Daniel S. Anthony erected a carding-
mill at the junction of Fort Wayne avenue and old Pearl
street (now Fifth street), where he carried on business several
years. The machinery used in the old mill was rude and
primitive but it served a useful purpose. The motive power
was horse-power, a single horse in a tread-mill. Mr. An-
thony returned to the East and settled in Jewett City, Conn.,
where he became a wealthy and prominent citizen and served
several years as a bank president. He was born in Rhode
Island in the latter part of the last century and is a first
cousin of Senator Anthony. He was still living in January,
1884.
Christian Buhl, a German, established a brewery as early
as 1830, on Main street. He continued the business several
years, making money rapidly for those days.
Near the present site of the gas-works a woolen factory was
established by Philip Harter, about 1827. It was run only
about five years. The water-power was furnished by springs,
part of the water being conducted by pipes under the river,
from a source near William Baxter's residence, and the rest
from the east side of the river.
JSTear the same period Job W. Swain and Jonas Gaar
erected a carding-mill on South Front (now Fourth street).
They operated it in the winter season only, Gaar working as
a cabinet maker and Swain as an iron-worker during the rest
66 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
of the year. They worked in this manner until the fall ot
1835, when they commenced the manufacture of woolen ma-
chinery and general jobbing work.
In 1831, Grover & "Williams erected a foundry for the
manufacture of stoves, plows, etc., In 1836 Swain & Gaar
consolidated their business with that of Grover & Williams,
and the lirm of Tliornburg, Haynes & Co. was formed,
Abel Thornburg and John Haynes being among the proprie-
tors. They made woolen-mill machinery and did a large
amount of casting, employing from seventy-five to one hun-
dred men; but in 1838 they were overtaken by misfortune. A
little later they wei'e succeeded by Ellis Nordyke and Shipley
Foulke, who carried on a less extensive business, manufactur-
ing stoves principally. The machine shop and foundry were
subsequently in the hands of different proprietors and finally
were abandoned. The lot is now occupied by the county
jail.
About 1828 a silk factory was started, near the site of the
Green street mill, by George W. Howlett, who carried on the
business a number of years. He brought cocoons to Rich-
mond and raised the silkworms here, in a building on the
corner of Twelfth and Main streets. Mr. Rowiett also
brought to the county the first shingle machine for cutting
shingles with a knife from steamed lumber. This he located
two miles north of Richmond, on the Union Branch turnpike,
whence he afterward removed it to a location near "Washing-
ton. He removed to Jay County later, and there engaged in
farming until his death, in 1857. Mr. Rowiett was a native
of Philadelphia, born of English parents. His grandfather
was a native of France. The name was originally spelled
Roulette. Mr. Rowiett was a noted mathematician, and
gained a high reputation as a school-teacher. Two ot his
sons, O. B. and J. Y., who are elsewhere mentioned, are both
in business in Richmond, and are the inventors of valuable
machinery.
Jesse Clark, who came from North Carolina, built the first
fulling-mill in the county, two miles north of Richmond.
After a few years he transferred the machinery to a building
which stood on or near the present site of the Green street
CITY OF KICHMOND. 67
douring mill. Samuel Test and Warner M. Leeds leased the
mill and added machinery for carding, spinning and weav-
ing. In 1825 the property was leased to Levinus, Thomas
W. and Dean King. In 1827 the Public Ledger stated :
" The Messrs. King are extending their woolen factory with
laudable enterprise. They have recently commenced the
manufacture of broadcloth, in a manner which does them
credit. They have also commenced the manufacture of
blankets." Levinus King became sole proprietor in 1834.
Three years later a company known as the Richmond Trading
and Manufacturing Company was formed. Its members
were Levinus King, of the woolen-mill ; Warner M. Leeds
and Isaac E. Jones, owners of the paper-mill; and James R.
Mendenhall, proprietor of the Cox grist-milL The company
continued business until 1843. Mr. King then took charge
and ran the mill until 1853. It was afterward changed to a
flax-dressing mill.
Two Englishmen, direct from London, began the establish-
ment of a brewery in 1827, which the PuUic Ledger pre-
dicted would be successful. The editor also thought that " the
wholesome beverage should take the place of the burning
whisky which is now so common." This brewery was at the
old Cushman distillery.
Even in 1827 the manufacturing interests, the foundation
of the future prosperity of Richmond, had already become
large in comparison with the size of the town. Encouraged
by the outlook, the editor of the Ledger called for the estab-
lishment of a satinet factory and a cotton factory. The latter
soon appeared.
About 1831 Charles W. Starr built a cotton factory just
above the bridge on the Williamsburg turnpike. It was op-
erated by him several years and then sold to Job Swain, who
sold the mill machinery and established a peg-factory in the
building. Isaac E. Jones afterward converted it into a silk-
factory. This was succeeded by a grist-mill, called the
Spring Mill. Joseph P. Laws bought the property later and
established a tannery, which also passed out of existence.
A woolen factory was started by William Bancroft about
1835, in a mill on the site afterward occupied by Mering's
6,8 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
grist-mill. It was afterward managed by Caleb Shreve, Le-
vinus King and Christian Buhl, snccessivelj, and then dis-
continued.
The old cotton factory which was started in 1826 by Samuel
Smith was afterward the property of Chas. W. Starr, and
the cotton-mill was abandoned in 1836 ; then the building
was turned into a shoe-peg factory, and from that to a
machine shop, and then to a silk factory in 1842, This
proved a failure and the next was a grist-mill, and last a
tannery. This building that had been used for so many
different kinds of business, and nothing long, was located
near the present site of the Gaar Machine Works,
PKOMINENT INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS.
Book Bindery. — The only establishment of this kind in
the city is that of l^icholson & Bro., established in 1870.
They employ from twelve to fifteen hands in this department
and the manufacture of blank books and paper boxes. The
building devoted to this business is two stories, 30 x 60 feet
in size. This firm have long been engaged in the book and
stationery trade in Richmond and have a first-class establish-
ment.
Cain's Lumber Yard. — In 1872 W, E. Dulin commenced
the lumber business at the southeast corner of Eleventh and
Main streets. In 1878 he sold out to William Cain, who
still continues the business. He has two yards, one at the
corner of Eleventh and Main streets, and the other on
Eleventh Street, both having an area of 33,000 feet. The
amount of lumber handled is over 3,000,000 feet annually,
Gary, Rowlett & Co., 1100 JVorth E Street.— ^\\\% firm
began business Jan, 1, 1881:, The firm consists of Alonzo
Cary, O, B, Rowlett and Henry Farmer, They manufacture
the check-rower (for use in planting corn) and the Hamilton
corn-planter. Mr, Farmer is the patentee of both of these
inventions. The planter was manufactured exclusively by
the Farmer Manufacturing Company during 1880 and 1881.
Messrs. Cary and Rowlett were engaged in the manufacture
of sash, doors and blinds from 1877 until 1884, The firm
now employ about a dozen men, and are making a specialty
of the check-rower.
CITY OF EICHMOND.
69
Champion Roller MiUing Co.—Hhi^ was organized as a
stock company July 1, 1883. The building used is a three and a
half story brick. It was erected in 1877, designed as a mill for
the manufacture of linseed oil, and was used for that purpose
by the company, Kendall, Barnes & Co., until July 1, 1882,
when thetirm was changed to Kendall, Eeeves & Co., who
continued until 1883. Then the company formed and
arranged for the manufacture of flour under the new patent
process. The mill is now in successful operation, with a
capacity of 200 barrels every twenty-four hours. The machin-
ery is run by a steam engine of sixty horse-power. About
fourteen hands are employed. The Directors of the company
are : Jas. E. Beeves, F. M. Clark and Arthur Eeeves, the
former being President, and the latter Secretary and
Treasurer.
Champion Roller Skate and Wagon Company. — This
company began business in January, 1884, and was incorpo-
rated Feb. 6, 1884, with a capital stock of $15,000. J. F.
Reeves is President of the company; Eeuben Mysick, Secre-
tary and Treasurer; and J. Y. Rowlett, Manager. Thev
manufacture the J. V. Eowlett patent Champion roller skates
and children's toy wagons patented by J. Y. Eowlett. The
manufactory is located at 1122 North E street.
Chase Piano Company. — The manufacture of pianos as
now carried on, and the high reputation the pianos have
gained, have been a source of pride to the city of Eichmond
for the past five years. The Trayer Piano Company was
started in June, 1875, with George Trayer as President, and
Eichard Jackson as Secretary and Treasurer. The company
continued for three years with limited means, but with an
improving business, which gave assurance of success, as only
increased capital was needed. This was secured in September,
1878, when the present company was formed with a capital
stock of $100,000, of which $87,000 was paid in and the
Chase Piano Company became the successor of Trayer Piano
Company. The company secured twenty-three acres of
ground and the finest water-power on the Whitewater.
Their factory is a large four-story building, and such addi-
tions as needed, all covering a space of 70,000 square feet.
70 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
The}' commenced business by turning out one piano a week,
but, in 1882, they employed 125 hands, and paid out $55,000
in wages. The past year, 1883, 150 hands, all skilled work-
men, have been employed, and their labor account exceeded
$65,000. The company have six patents secured, and issued
to M. J. Chase, a skilled mechanic, whose inventive genius
is still at work. The Chase piano is now rapidly coming
into use as inferior to none, and standing in the front rank
of musical instruments. The present officers of the company
are: James M. Starr, President; Chas. F. Coffin, Vice-presi-
dent; Benj. Starr, Secretary and Treasurer; and M. J. Chase,
Business Manager.
Chtirch^ School and Office Furniture. — These works,
Haynes, Spencer & Co., proprietors, probably the most exten-
sive in the West, had a small beginning in 1866 by John Allen.
Later, G. H, Grant became a partner, then owner, and took
in with him Joshua Nickerson and William Wootin. Their
business was small, and their factory was a small frame build-
ing, of about 1,700 square feet of space, which served as
finishing-room, salesroom and office combined. In 1871 T.
W. Haynes purchased William Wootin's one-third interest.
That year they purchased ground, to erect works of their
own. In 1873 Grant & Haynes purchased Nickerson's inter-
est, and then sold the same to William F. Spencer. The
partnership thus formed continued for five years when Grant
sold his interest to his remaining partners. Messrs. Haynes and j
Spencer then formed a joint stock company, with a capital of
$75,000, with T. W. Haynes as President, and William F.j
Spencer, Secretary and Treasurer. They have one building, 80
X 25, and another 60 x 55, four stories high. Their mill was
burned in July, 1881, with a loss of $35,000, and insurance of
$17,000. A new building was erected, four stories high, 100 x
45 feet, and an L, 80x50 feet, and completed within eighty days.
Another fire the same year destroyed about $5,000 worth of
furniture. The past year, 1883, a purchase ot ground was
made and a four story brick building was erected, 60 x 140,
and a foundry, brick, 60 x 130. They have now about 100,-
000 feet of floor room, employ 200 hands, and do a business
CITY OF RICHMOND. 71
of $250,000 per annum. Their goods are to be found in almost
every civilized country. The present Vice-President is Charles
H. Coffin.
City Carriage Works.— ll\i\^ factory, located at 7, 9 and 11
South Sixth street, was established in 1857, by S. B. Lippin-
cott. After several changes of owners it was purchased in
1877 by Philip Schneider, the present proprietor. The main
baildino^ is two stories, 40 x 80 feet. A ^ three-story buildino-,
25 X 50 feet, is also occupied by the works. From twenty to
twenty-five men are employed. Phaetons, carriages, buggies
and spring wagons are manufactured.
City Mill Works. — These works were founded Aug. 22,1876 ,
by Joseph G. Lemon. Shortly afterward a stock company,
styled the Richmond City Mill Works, was formed. The
officers were Christian Fetta, President; IS^athaniel W. Briggs,
Secretary and Treasurer; and. C. F. Walters, Manager ; Di-
rectors: A. E. Crocker, N. W. Briggs, J. G. Lemon, C. F.
Walters, Christian Fetta and James M. Starr. The company
purchased the property of the Malleable Iron Works, which
had succumbed to a financial disaster, and added to it both
large and valuable improvements. Opening in the fall of
1876, they have been progressive and prosperous. They are
giving employment to 125 hands, have a 100 horse-power
engine to run their machinery, and manufacture exclusively
flouring-mill machinery. Their sales in Indiana and adjoin-
ing States exceed $300,000 per aimum. Present officers are:
J. G. Lemon, President; L. T. Lemon, Secretary and Treas-
urer, and C. F. Walters, Manager of the works. The dimen-
sions of the buildings occupied by the works are as follows:
Main building, 60 x 150 feet, with a wing of the same size ;
stone shop, 60 x 100 ; foundry, 50 x 60; blacksmith shop, 40
x 50 ; wood-working shop, 32 x 100.
Coffin Works.~Tl\e coffin works of Ezra Smith & Co. are
as widely known as any other manufacturing institution in
the city of Richmond. The business when started in the
fifties was a sash, door and blind factory, owned by Jno.
Hillowpeter, and in 1859 he was succeeded by Ezra Smith &
Co. They continued the business, including lumber and
building material, until Jan. 1, 1872, when an incorporation
72 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
was effected, with a capital stock of $50,000, and the coffia
works became a fixed fact. The success of the company has
been scarcely paralleled by any single business interest in the
city. It has increased its resources to a paid-up capital ot
$100,000. On the organization of the company new build-
ings were erected, consisting of a four-story brick, in all
covering a working space of 48,000 square feet. Their engine
is of forty-five horse-power, and sixty hands are employed in
their business, which now extends to every part of the Union.
Dunham & Co.'s Lumber Tard.—E. B. & G. H. Dunham,
under the firm name of E. B. Dunham & Co., engaged in the
lumber business at 513 :N"orth Twelfth street, in 1868, and
have since conducted a large business. They also carry on
extensive lumbering operations in the State of Tennessee, and
send their products to almost every part of the Union.
Empire Steel Flow Works. — The manufacture of steel plows
was commmenced in 1832 by Solomon and David S. Horney.
About eight years later Solomon Horney became sole propri-
etor, and so continued until 1848, when he was again joined
by D. S. Horney, who remained in the business until 1850.
Solomon Horney continued alone until 1852, when he took
George McCullough into partnership. In 1853 Elwood Pat-
terson became a partner. Tliese three, under the firm name
of S. Horney & Co., continued business until 1876, when
Horney retired. McCullough also withdrew two years later,
and Elwood Patterson has since been sole proprietor
The early business was carried on on a small scale, but the
establishment now takes rank among the first in the city. At
first, cast and steel plows were manufactured, but for the past
thirty-four years steel plows exclusively have been made.
The factory was originally on the corner of Fort Wayne and
Washington avenues, but since 1867 has been in its present
location, 283 Fort Wayne avenue. The shops occupy an area
of 17,000 square feet. About twenty men are regularly em-
ployed, and about 4,000 plows made annually.
Fleecy Dale Woolen- Mills.— Th^ site of this mill, on the
East Fork of the Whitewater, was first occupied by a
saw-mill. In 1825 Benjamin Hibberd bought the site and
established a woolen-mill. About 1849 the property was pur-
CITY OF RICHMOND. |YS^
chased of Mr. Hibberd bj Benjamin Bond and Alpheus Test
and operated by them several years. Samuel Nixon and
Ezekiel Aikin were the next owners and carried on business-
until 1867, when Ezekiel Aiken and Samuel Porter became
proprietors. This firm continued to do business until 1878
under the name E. Aiken & Co. Mr. Aiken then became
sole proprietor. He died in 1881, and the business has since
been conducted by his heirs. The main building is of wood,
three stories high, T-shaped, containing an area of about
12,000 square feet. There is also an addition, two stories
high, 18x36 feet. Tiiemill is provided with new machinery.
A large amount of weaving was formerly done, but at pres-
ent the manufacture of yarn is the principal work.
James W. Moore is a son of David and grandson of Alex-
ander Moore, who was a lineal descendant of Irish ancestors,
and married Jane Horn an. David Moore was born in
Uniontown, Pa., Oct. 6,1811, and was left an orphan at an
early age, with little means. He had an innate love of knowl-
edge, and by self application, with little assistance, acquired a
good education. He came to Wayne County in an early day
and for several years taught school; subsequently engaged
in the mercantile business in Centreville. In 1847 he lo-
cated in Connersville, Ind., where he was soon after elected
Secretary of the Whitewater Canal Company, serving until
his death, Feb. 12, 1852. He left a widow and four children.
— Jacob K,., of Indianapolis; Emma J. Riqhardson, of Cincin-
nati, Ohio; James W. and Martha E. Gossett, of Indianapo-
lis. His wife, to whom he was married Sept. 21, 1837, was
Catharine, daughter of Elijah Fisher, an early settler of
Centreville. Elijah Fisher was born in Kentucky about 1782,,
and about 1800 married Nancy Meek, daughter of Jacob-
Meek, of Kentucky. In 1804, with his wife and one child, he
came to Wayne County, Ind., his wife riding a horse and he
walking all the way. They located near Kichmond where he-
carried on farming. After his permanent settlement, his
parents and nine other children joined him in Wayne County.
He was the father of ten children— Jacob, John, Jennings,
Nancy, Permelia, Betsey, Effie, Catherine, Ronan and'
Martha. Although a member of no church he favored the
6
74: HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Baptist church, in which he was reared. He died in
Centreville in 1852. Of his children, four girls — Permelia,
Catherine, Ronan and Martha — are living. Pertnelia, now the
widow of Tliomas Gentry, resides in Centreville and believes
herself the eldest native-born resident of the county. James
W. Moore was born in Centreville, Sept. 2, 1844. He was
reared in his native county, and in Greenfield, Ind., where he
obtained a fair education. He returned to Centreville in
1866, and in April, 1871, was appointed Deputy Clerk ot
Wayne Circuit Court, serving under Colonel W. W. Dudley
until January, 1876, when he was appointed Clerk to fill an un-
expired term. In the fall of the same year he was elected to
the office by the Republican party and served till the fall ot
1880. Since then he has been engaged in the Quaker City
Chair Factory. He was married to Louise J. Rupe, a native
of Economy, Ind., born Feb. 5, 1850, a daughter of Henry
B. and Jane Rupe. They have three children — Henry A.,
Emma R. and Nellie L.
Fry Brothers Sash and Door Factory. — In 1875 H. Cad-
wallader & Co. began the business at present carried on by
this firm. It included the manufacture of doors, sash, blinds,
frames, moldings, desks and pumps. The business was
carried on by the above firm three years, when the present
proprietors succeeded. In 1880 the firm changed to Fry &
Hadley, but in 1881 the name became Fry Brothers. The
firm consists of James E. and C. A, Fry. They employ fif-
teen men on an average and occupy 18,215 square feet of
room. The factory is located at 17 and 19 South Eleventh
street.
Fulton Boiler Works. — These works were established by
their present proprietor, Jerry Co whig, in 1876. The shops,
located north of the Union depot, are 45 x 110 feet in size.
Employment is given to from twenty to twenty-five hands and
every kind of steam boiler and sheet iron work is manufact-
ured.
Gaar, Scott d; Co. — The extensive establishment of this
company stands foremost among the many industrial interests
of Richmond, and is among the leading manufactories of the
kind in the country. The works, and the wide reputation
CITY OF RICHMOND. ^^5
which their products have gained, have been largely instru-
mental in adding to the industrial greatness of Richmond.
In 1836 Isaac E. Jones commenced the manufacture of
stoves in a building which now stands on the corner of Sixth
and North F streets, to which location it was removed in
1856 to make room for a machine shop. Three years la-
ter (1839) Jesse M. and John H. Hutton became the owners.
They enlarged and renovated the establishment and called it
the Spring Foundry. In 1841 they made the first threshing
machine ever built in Indiana. It was of the style known
as the "chaff piler ." Messrs. Hutton managed the business
until 1849 and then sold to Jonas Gaar, Abram Gaar,
John M. Gaar and William G. Scott, who, in 1852, began the
manufacture of threshers. These gentlemen conducted the
business under the firm name of A. Gaar & Co. until April
1, 18Y0, when the firm of Gaar, Scott & Co. was incorporated,
with a capital of $400,000. From a modest beginning, their
business at the above date had grown to about |350,000 per
year and employed 200 hands. In 1874 the company was
reorganized under the same name with a capital of $350,000.
The present capital is the same. The present officers of the
company are Abram Gaar, President; Joseph B. Craijhhead,
Yice- President; Wm. G. Scott, Secretary; Jno. Milton Gaar,
Treasurer.
The establishment now occupies nearly nine acres of ground
and fifteen buildings, with a floor room amounting to several
acres. The principal buildings are as follows: Main building,
four stories, brick, 40x150 feet, T-shaped; machine shop, 50 x
190 feet, three stories, brick ; molding room, 50 x 140 feet ;
boiler- shops, brick, 138x110 and 38x120 feet; blacksmith
shop, 40x90 feet; supply room, 30x70 feet; engine house,
30x70 feet; warehouses, one a three-story, brick, with slate
roof— size, 50x200 feet; and thefothers, 60x100 feet, and
40 X 70 feet. The works are fitted throughout with the best
of machinery, which is driven by a steam engine of 250 horse-
power. The company manufactures portable engines of every
kind, plain and traction, and steam and horse-power threshing
machines. The separators made by Gaar, Scott & Co. were
awarded first premiums in 1860, by the United States Agri-
cultural Society, and at the Centennial Exhibition of 1876.
76 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
They have also taken numerous premiums at State fairs, as
have also the engines made by this company. The machines
are in use in nearly all of the States and Territories of the
United States, as well as in Sweden, Russia, and other for-
eign countries. The number of engines made in 1883 was
540; number of threshing machines, 500.
About 400 men are constantly employed, and the pay-roll
amounts to $250,000 yearly. No interest of this section ot
the State is more substantial and prosperous, and none has
merited greater prosperity.
Oraiii Elevator. — The Depot Grain Elevator was estab-
lished by Mitchell & Benson prior to 1861. This firm was
succeeded by Bush & Co. about 1870 and by H. M. Van
Frank in 1874, who enlarged the buildings and carried on a
larger business. The main building is three stories, 60 x 120
feet. Mr. Van Frank failed in 1883.
Grant <& Hemplemaii, manufacturers of church and school
furniture. This firm was organized in 1878, and has since
conducted a very prosperous business. Their manufactory
now ranks among the leading enterprises of the city. Geo.
H. Grant, the senior member of the firm, was the first to en-
gage in the manufacture of this kind of furniture in Rich-
mond, where he has been in business almost constantly since
1865. Mr. Hempleman has also been in the same business
for a long time. The firm make and sell over thirty different
styles of church furniture and thirteen of school furniture.
Their products are in use in more than twenty States of the
Union, and are unsurpassed in style and quality.
Green Street Mills. — The present building was erected in
1864, by Marmon, Nordyke & Co., and is seven stories high,
30 x36 feet. It has a fine water-power and also a steam at-
tachment, which was added in the spring of 1883. The build-
ing was first occupied by H. C. Wright as aflouring-milluntil
1876, when it was purchased by C. G. Carpenter. Originally
the mill started with four run of burrs, and this continued
until 1883. In the spring of that year the mill was renovated
and provided with improved machinery of the patent roller
process, and is now one of the most complete flouring estab-
lishments in the State. There is $25,000 of invested capital.
CITY OF RICHMOND. 77
The builders of this mill started the business as early as 1855,
but on leasing the building as above removed from the citv.
Eames arid Chain TTory^s. —These works were first started
as early as 1832, on a small scale, by Wm. Cunningham, and
carried on by hand. Since that time the business has changed
hands several times, finally becoming the property of W. C.
Starr, in the year 1866. The business had grown considerably
during all those years, was carried on by steam, and was
located on Smith street, near Pearl.
In 1872 Mr. Starr removed to his present location, having
erected a two-story brick building, 60x74, and a one-story
back-shop, 58 x 67 feet in size. The chain works were added
in 1875, and the business has now assumed much importance.
The works are conducted by W. C. Starr & Son, employing
sixty-five hands and a motive power of forty-horse steam-en-
gine.
Rooster Drill Company. — The manufacture of the Hoosier
drills was began by Joseph Ingels at Milton, Wayne County,
in 1857, under patents of his own. He continued until 1867,
when a stock company was formed, which continued until
1873, when it was re-organized, J. M. "Wescott becoming the
principal stockholder. They manufacture grain drills, corn
drills, hay rakes and broad-cast seeders. These articles have
a wide-spread reputation and the demand is ahead of the
supply.
The works were removed from Milton to Richmond in
1878, where during the year large and greatly improved works
had been erected, which were taken possession of in October
of the same year. Since then additions to the works have been
made rendering them still more complete in every respect for
the more perfect and rapid manufacture of their wares. The
latest addition was a new engine-house and a fine engine
of 150 horse-power. The buildings constituting the
works are four in number, or the main building and addi-
tions. The main building is 50 x 350 feet, and four stories
high; a wing loO x 50 feet, same height; foundry, etc., 130 x
80, one story high, and another building same, 85 x 50 feet.
The ofiicers of the company are: J. M. Westcott, Presi-
dent: F. A. Wilke, Secretary; O. HoUingsworth, Treasurer,
78 HISTOEY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
and J. A. Carr, Superintendent, all stockholders in the com-
pany. The capital stock when incorporated was $60,000
but is now represented by a much larger capital. It is one
of the largest and most prosperous manufacturing interests
of the city.
Ice Dealing. — This business, from a very humble begin-
ning, has grown to important proportions. It was begun
in 1837 or 1838 by Irvin Reed, who at the time was en-
gaged in the drug business, near the corner of Sixth and
Main. The demand for ice for use in case of sickness proba-
bly led him to engage in the business. He kept the ice in
his'cellar and sold it at about three " bits " per bushel. He
continued the business for more than a decade, occasionally
making small shipments to Knightstown and other points.
During this time he brought the first fresh oysters to Rich-
mond by stage from Baltimore. About the same time a
Frenchman named Bouche kept a saloon and did a small busi-
ness in ice and oysters. William Mashmyer, A. Lewis, J.
W. Chandler and others afterward dealt in ice on a small
scale. Lewis increased the business, and was succeeded by
John Hawkins, after two or three years, who carried it on
more extensively.
In 1864 J. W. Brannon and Charles Live started in tlie
business and leased the Thistlewaite Pond. They put up
about 500 tons per year at that time. In 1877 the present
firm, Hawkins & Brannon, was organized, consisting of David
Hawkins, son of John Hawkins, above named, and J. W.
Brannon. The firm now sell about 8,000 tons yearly, which
is delivered in all parts of the city. They employ eight or
ten hands and four delivery wagons.
Iron Fence Manufacture. — Samuel Marlatt commenced a
general blacksmithing business at No. 123 Fort Wayne ave-
nue in 1877. He is now principally engaged in the manufact-
ure of iron fences, railings, shutters, doors, etc., both of plain
and fancy designs.
Liberty Avenue Flour Mills. — This mill was erected in
1868 by Leroy M. and Lafayette Larsh, and at first called the
Canal Mills. In 1874 L. M. Larsh retired and Corwin S.
Larsh became a partner, the firm becoming Lafe Larsh &
• CITY OF RICHMOND. 79
Bro. The mill is 46 x 50 feet and has a capacity for manufact-
uring eighty barrels of flour psr day of twenty-four hours.
Malleable Iron Worhs were started in 1871, by E. D.
Palmer and H. H. Fetta. They were operated only a few
years.
Main Street Brewery. ~-ThQ main building of the present
Main Street Brewery was started by Christian Buhl, who es-
tablished a brewery in Eichmond as early as 1830. In 1869 it
was purchased at sheriff's sale by Emil Minck, its present pro-
prietor. Mr. Minck has made several improvements and car-
ries on quite an extensive business. His son, Emil Minck, Jr.,
is associated with him in the management of the establishment.
Poi'k Packing. — This establishment was commenced in the
winter of 1853-4, by William Wiggins and William S. Reid,
for buying and slaughtering pork. On the death of Mr.
Wiggins, soon after, Jeremy Mansur joined Mr. Reid. Man-
sur & Reid carried on the business until 1861 or 1862, when
Mr. Mansur retired, and G. W. Yanneman, C. C. Beeler and
John P. Smith became partners of Mr. Reid, since which time
the business has been continued under the firm name of Van-
neman, Reid & Co. In 1867 this establishment took the
name of " Charter Oak Pork House.'''' It has the capacity to
slaughter and take care of about 900 hogs a day, or about
20,000 in a season, lasting about twenty days. The average
number actually handled within the last three years, prior to
1870, was about 14,000 a year, and the value of the pork annu-
ally slaughtered and sold, about $250,000. This establish-
ment was once destroyed by fire, but was promptly rebuilt.
Nearly 20,000 were slaughtered in 1870, and in the season of
1871, 20,638. In 1874 it was the third in size in the State of
Indiana, with the credit of packing the heaviest average hogs in
the State . In 1875 the present firm of Reid, Beeler & Co. be-
came the owners, the firm being W. S. Reid, C. C. Beeler, John
P. Smith and E. G. Hibberd. They have all the new improved
and necessary machinery for their business with a capacity of
1,000 hogs per day. Their works and yards cover six acres.
Quaker City Chair Works were established by W. B.
Hadley and Theodore Newman, on South Eleventh street, in
1879. In 1880 James W. Moore became a pal-tner under the
8Q HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNT i'. •
above name. Double cane-seat chairs are a specialty. Of
all kinds, about forty patents are made, including tlie perfo-
rated-seated chairs. They employ thirty-three hands and
also have a large repair shop, from whicli they give out
work to a large number outside. They are doing a prosper-
ous business of over $10,000 a year and improving. Theo-
dore Newman is the manager, with a practical knowledge ot
the business in all its branches.
Quaker City Mill. — This mill is located just outside of the
city limits, on the New Paris pike, and is now owned by
F. H. Stafford. It is one of the oldest mill-sites in the State,
a landmark of olden times, well-known to the pioneers who
came from far and near to secure its services in turning their
corn into meal and wheat into flour. Customers patronized
the "Moffitt Mill," for it was known as such as far west as
Indianapolis and north to Ft. Wayne. Charles Moffitt ^uilt the
first mill in 1815. It was repaired and renewed and changed
owners several times. It ^ was built of solid hewn-oak logs
and remained standing with its additions and repairs until
April 9, 1883, when it was destroyed by fire. The then
and present owner, F. H. Stafford, erected upon the old site
a substantial brick structure at a cost of $6,000 and furnished
it with all the latest and best mill machinery. It is run by wa-
ter-power. The original dam remained intact until 1873, when
it was replaced by the present one. The old site has been
owned and the mill operated in the past seventy years as fol-
lows: First came Chas. Moffitt, then his son Hiiofh became
the next owner. Benj. Fulghum purchased a half interest,
and the firm was Moffitt & Fulghum. The next firm was
Kenworthy & Fulghum, Wm. Kenworthy purchasing Moffitt's
interest. Then came Kenworthy & Son, Jesse Kenworthy
purchasing Fulghum's interest. Ezra Hill and Henry Weth-
erell bought out the Kenworthys, and Ezra Hill, in turn,
bought out his partner. Then, in 1871, the present proprie-
tor became half owner which continued until 1879, when Mr.
Stafford purchased his partner's interest and became sole pro-
prietor. He failed in 1881.
Richmond Caster Works. — These works were started by
an incorporated'company, with a capital stock of $15,000 on
CITY OF RICHMOND. ' gl
Maj 9, 1881. Since then the capital has been doubled and
all paid in. This increase was made May 12, 1883. They
control two patents ot H. Ogborn, the first bein^ issued
April 9, 1881, and the second March 6, 1883. They are
both furniture casters. The latter the company manufactures
exclusively. A grain-drill caster, patented by S. C. Menden-
hall, and reissued by Harrison Ogborn Nov. 22, 1881, is
also controlled by this company. Present officers: Jas. M.
Starr, President; H. Ogborn, Yice-President; C. B. Hunt,
Secretary; Benj. Starr, Treasurer. The rapid extension of
their business will again require a further addition to the
capital stock in the near future.
Richmond Chair Company. — The original chair- works,
started by Wm. Crawford in 1877, were sold by him in 1881
to H. D. Bond, who was succeeded in the same year by J. E.
Thomas and Daniel Surface. This firm continued business
until 1883 when Mr. Surface took entire charge. The Kich-
raond Chair Company is an incorporated body, with a large
capital. They make forty styles of chairs, many of which
are patented. Their buildings are a two-story frame structure,
50 X 105 feet, and a three-story brick building, 40 x 60 feet. The
company do an extensive business, employing about fifty-five
hands. Their establishment ranks among the leading interests
of tins section. The works are located on the southwest cor-
ner of Thirteenth and North E streets.
Richmond City Mills. — About the year 1825 Thomas New-
man erected a grist-mill on the West Fork. About 1853 Thomas
Hunt purchased the property from Newman's heirs. It was
afterward owned by Timothy Thistlewaite and then by Davis
Bush, who, in 1869, remodeled, enlarged and improved it. In
1877 Thomas and John Hunt became tlie owners, and are
still carrying on business under the firm name of Hunt &
Brother. The mill is four-stories high, 60 x 100 feet. It has
been improved from time to time and provided with first-class
machinery. Its capacity is about 100 barrels of flour every
twenty-four hours. Large shipments are made to Eastern
cities.
Richmond Machine' Worhs were originally established in
1860 by Bayleis, Yaughan & Co. and continued by them until
82. • HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
1872, when it became an incorporated company with a capital
stock of $100,000, under the same name and stockholders,
and in 1882, ten years later, assumed the name at the head of
this article. Jos. M. Bayleis, as President, and And. Vaughan,
Secretary, were the first officers of the company in 1872, and
the former was succeeded by B. P. Perry, a leading stock-
holder in the company, in July of the same year. Mr. Perry
is still President. In 1874 Mr. Yaughan retired from the
secretaryship, and Mr. L. H. Bunyan assumed the office and
still holds it.
Their work embraces saw-mills, engines, tile-mills and gen-
eral work manufactured in such establishments. They have a
forty horse-power steam-engine and employ an average of
fifty hands throughout the year. The buildings composing
their extensive works are as follows:
Finishing room 40 x 80 feet.
Blacksmith shop . 25 x 50 "
Foundry 50 x 100 "
Wood-work shop 30 x 60 "
Another of same 40 x 60 "
Pattern shop 40 x 40 "
Pattern room < .40 x 60 "
Wood-work room 30 x 60 "
Richmond Payer-Mills. — The question of establishing a
paper-mill in Richmond received attention as early as 1827, and
in a copy of the Public Ledger of that year it is announced
that "Mr. Smith is progressing finely with his paper-mill."
The death of the projector in 1828 caused the work to be sus-
pended, but in 1830 a paper-mill was put in operation by
Leeds & Jones, with John Eastou, Superintendent. The mill
afterward passed into the possession of the Richmond Manu-
facturing and Trading Company, and afterward Nixon Bro-
thers became the owners. The mill was destroyed by fire
about 1871 but was rebuilt. The mills are now owned by
Thomas Nixon. The capacity is 3,000 pounds of paper per
day. Twenty-five hands are employed. The motive power
is furnished by three steam engines, amounting to eighty-six
horse-power, and a forty horse-power water-wheel. The es-
tablishment occupies several acres of ground, and manufact-
CITY OF RICHMOND. 83
ures manilla, roll-bag and wrapping paper. The dimensions
of the buildings are as follows: 30 x 60 feet, three stories;
20x30, three stories; 24x60; 24x100; 25x30; 40x40, three
stories; 20 x 20; oiling sheds, 20 x 40, and carpenter shop,
16 x 40.
In 1853 Timothy Thistlewaite, Miles J. Shinn and Joseph
C. Ratliff started a paper-mill and operated it for some time.
It was afterward run bv Mr. Thistlewaite, who discontinued
the manufacture of paper and added the power to that of his
grist-mill.
Richmond Tannery and Collar Works. — In 1859 Job and
Arthur A. Curme, under the firm name of Curme & Son,
started a small tannery one-fourth of a mile north of the city
limits. At the end of four years Job Curme retired and was suc-
ceeded by Isaac D. Dunn, when the tannery was removed to
its present location. In 1868 another partner was admitted
and the firm became Curme, Dunn & Co. In 1874 the con-
cern was incorporated with a capital of $100,000, with A. A.
Curme, President ; I. D. Dunn, Yice-President, and J. J.
Harrington, Secretary and Treasurer. In 1877 the buildings
were burned, but they were at once rebuilt on a more exten-
sive scale. The firm owned two squares on North Third,
between C and D streets, on which are one brick building, two
stories high, 50 x 300 feet, two bark houses, two main build-
ings, etc. About sixty hands were employed. The tannery
has a capacity of 200 hides per week, and the manufac-
tory of horse-collars is the largest in the State. The firm
failed in 1883 and the property is now in the hands of an
assignee.
Richmond Valley Mills. — These mills were destroyed
by fire in 1883. The original of the establishment was
a pioneer chopping-mill and grist-mill. It was owned by
John Underwood as early as 1830, and was afterward con-
verted into a woolen-mill by Bancroft, as already stated.
After many changes of owners and considerable improve-
ments, the property was bought in 1856 by Jacob Mering,
who in 1857 sold it to Luther M. Mering, its last owner.
Under Mr. Mering's management a large milling business
was carried on, and about 20,000 barrels of flour made
84 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
yearly. The buildino^ was 40 x 60 feet, and four and a half
stories high.
Richmond Woolen Mills. — This mill was established by
Alpheus Test in 1856. It was on one of the oldest mill-
sites in the county. The water privilege was Urst used
for a grist-mill and saw- mill by Atticus Siddall and
Edward Wright. In 1856 Mr. Test bought the site
and erected a frame building for a woolen-mill. In 1858
the building and contents burned, involving a loss of
$10,000. In the spring of 1859 he erected the present fac-
tory, a brick building 30 x 60 feet. In 1865 Alpheus Test sold
the property to William, Rufus, Oliver and Lindley M. Test.
L. M. Test sold his interest a year later, and the other three
brothers conducted the business until February, 1882, when
William and Rufus Test became sole proprietors. In 1866
the mill was damaged by fire to the extent of $15,000, but
was at once remodeled. In 1868 a stone dye-house, 25 x 50 feet,
was erected, and in 1871 a large stone building, 50 x 100 feet,
was erected, and is used for carding and spinning rooms. The
firm employs from fifteen to seventeen operatives, and uses
about 75,000 pounds of wool per year.
A woolen-mill was established in 1865 by Richard Jackson
and Elias H. Swain, on the site of the old Cox grist-mill. A
little later Henry C. Dunn was admitted to partnership, the
firm becoming Jackson, Swain & Dunn. They had for a
factory a five-story wooden building, and gave employment
to about seventy-five persons. The mill was destroyed by
fire in 1871.
The Rohinson Machine Works were founded in 1842
by Francis W. Robinson. He was born in Baltimore,
Dec. 9, 1810, removed to Wilmington, Del., and thence
to Philadelphia, where he remained until his nineteenth
year, during which time he learned the trade of a house-
carpenter and builder. In 1829 he moved to Indiana
bringing with him his youngest sister. He settled in Rich-
mond in the year 1833 or 1834, and followed his trade until
the year 1842, when he commenced business on the present
site of the Robinson Machine Works, in a small way, running
the establishment by a horse-power which had formerly been
CITY OF RICHMOND. 35
used by Kobert Morrisson and Daniel P. Wiggins for grind-
ing bark.
The popular threshing machines of that day were called
"chaif pilers," and "traveling threshing machines," but
neither kind separated the grain from the chaff. After a few-
years Mr. R. bought out Edward Borton & Son (then en-
gaged in the same business), and began the manufacture of
"traveling separators," and shortly substituted steam for
horse-power, and began the building of improved threshers
and separators with separate horse-powers. About 1860 he
commenced manufacturing portable farm engines and
" Pitt's " separators, having patented some valuable improve-
ments making them successful "grain-saving" machines and
rapid threshers.
Up to 1858 lie was sole proprietor, and was his own super-
intendent, foreman, book-keeper, collector and salesman, when
Jonas W. Yeo, his son-in-law, became associated with him.
Afterward R. H. Shoemaker purchased an interest in the
business, and in 1872 the works were incorporated under the
name of the "Robinson Machine Works," the incorporators
being F. W. Robinson, Jonas W. Yeo, R. H. Shoemaker and
R. H. Swift. In 1872 H. E. Robinson, son of F. W. Robin-
son, bought the interest of R. H. Shoemaker. In 1877 the
affairs of the incorporated company were wound up, and in
1878 the firm of Robinson & Co. came into possession of the
works, and the firm of Robinson & Co. is now composed of
Francis W. Robinson and Henry E. Robinson.
The machinery now built at the works is protected by
numerous patents, being the inventions and improvements of
F. W. Robinson, including a patent steam-engine governor,
patent revolving straw-stacker, patent clover attachment to
threshing machines, and numerous patents for improvements
in threshers, engines, etc.
They manufacture steam-engines, boilers, threshers, horse-
powers, saw-mills, drag-saws, etc.
The works comprise a machine shop, carpenter shop, wood-
working shop, boiler shop, smith shop, foundry and tw^o
warehouses. The motive power is a steam-engine of fifty
horse-power.
86 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Since ISVS Robinson & Co. have added to the real estate
by purchase of a lot on Main street, 60 x 150 feet, on which is
their commodious three-story brick office building; a lot on
North Third street, 60 x 145, adjoining the shops on the north,
to be occupied by a three- story brick warehouse; also three
lots on ISTorth Third street for storing lumber, etc. The capac-
ity of the works is about $150,000 per year in product. The
machinery made is in use in almost every State in the Union,
but more especially in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan,
Wisconsin, Illinois and Missouri.
Saddlery and Collar Manufactory. — This business is car-
ried on by Wiggins & Co., at 509 Main street. It was begun
many years ago by D. P. Wiggins and continued by his
sons, a tannery then being operated in connection with it.
In 1872 was formed the present firm of Wiggins & Co., con-
sisting of Charles O. Wiggins, George Wiggins and Frank
Wiggins. The original building on the present site was
erected by D. P. Wiggins in 1835. The present building is
of brick, three and one-half stories high, 20 x 100 feet. The
first floor contains the office and salesroom; the second, a
stock of trunks and valises; and the third floor is devoted to
saddlery and harness making, in which from eight to twelve
men are employed. Two other buildings are used in the
manufacture of horse-collars, in which department from fif-
teen to twenty men are employed. The firm has a large
wholesale trade in the Southern, Western and Northwestern
States.
Sashj Door and Blind Manufactory. — The sash, door and
blind manufactory and planing mill of Wm. H. Middleton
& Co. ranks among the leading industries of Richmond.
The planing mill was first started in 1871 by Wm. Cain &
Son. In 1875 the firm was T. P. Cain and J. M. Baylies, who
were succeeded in 1879 by the present company, composed of
Wm. H. Middleton, S. B. Williamson, H. W. Talhelm and
August Kamp, under the firm name of Wm. H. Middleton
& Co. They have a three-story brick building, 40 x 100 feet,
and an engine room 20 x 30 feet, with a forty horse-power
engine to conduct their manufacturing operations. Further
additions will have to be made to meet the growing demands
of their business.
CITY OF RICHMOND. 87
School Supplies. — The manufacture of school supplies is
conducted by Moon & Haynes, the latter entering the part-
nership in February, 1883. Mr. Moon is a natural mechanic
with inventive powers of no interior order. He has taken
out several patents for articles manufactured by the firm.
They are conducting a successful business of $30,000 per
year.
Sedgwick Wire Fence Company. — The manufacture of
wire fence was begun by Sedgwick Brothers in 1879. On
the 5th of August of that year Isham Sedgwick secured a
patent on a loom for weaving wire into double-twist net work.
The loom is a most ingenious labor-saving device, and with
its aid the fence can be made cheaply and rapidly. Buildings
were erected in 1880 for the use of the firm and occupied in
April. There have been additions, and the factory now com-
prises four of the following dimensions: 40 x 60 feet, two
stories; 25x60 feet, two stories; 42x86, four and a half
stories; and the last, erected in 1882, 14 x 80, three stories
high. This gives ample room. The proprietors have increased
their business from eighty miles of fence in 1881, to 140
miles in 1883, and their wire gates from 1,000, in round num-
bers, in 1881, to 9,000 in 1883. They have now improved
their machines to twenty-five times the capacity of hand labor,
which was used exclusively in England, when the wire fence
was first made. Each loom has a capacity of 100 rods
daily, and six of these looms are in operation. Twenty hands
have steady employment and steam-power is used. The ter-
ritory in which their work is found now covers the United
States and Canada, and their sales are only limited by the ca-
pacity of their works.
The Sinex Plow Company was incorporated as a joint
stock company in 1874 with a cash capital of $8,000. The
company is composed of William Sinex, President, John B.
Sinex, Secretary and Treasurer; Charles Sinex and Chas. W.
Sinex's heirs. The works of the company are at 174 and 176
Fort Wayne avenue, and occupy two buildings covering an
area of 2,500 feet. The company employs from fifteen to
twenty workmen and their products are sold extensively in
the Middle, Western and Southern States. The plow of
88 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
which a specialty is made is known as the Original Empire
plow, which has taken over thirty premiums at State fairs.
The first plow of this kind was made by Wm. Sinex, in 1849.
Mr. Sinex, the President of the company, is a native of Dela-
ware and a blacksmith by trade. He located in Richmond in
1888 and has resided in the city ever since, with the excep-
tion of about four years.
Spring Grove Oil Mill. — This establishment, situated one-
fourth of a mile north of the city, dates back to 1853, when
D. S. Bnrson and I. P. Evans erected a frame building and
engaged in the manufacture of linseed oil. This firm con-
tinued business until 1861 when D. S. Burson became pro-
prietor. The following year he was succeeded by J. W. Burson
& Co. who operated the mill until the death of J. W. Burson
in 1871. The building was destroyed by fire in February,
1864, but rebuilt soon after. The mill was not operated from
1871 to 1876. In the latter year Kendall & Barnes rented
it and carried on business until August, 1877, when the pres-
ent proprietors, Evans, Ferguson & Reeves took charge.
The daily capacity of the works is twenty-five barrels. Both
steam and water power are used. Fifteen hands are em-
ployed. The mill is superintended by T. E. Kinsey who has
had ten years' experience in the business.
Unio7i Carriage Factory. — This factory was established by
Peter Crocker in 1854. The business was afterward con-
ducted by Shute & Brandell, and Shute & Bolin, and since
1880 by Geo. W. Bolin & Co. The building is located at 911
and 913 Main street. It is three stories high, of brick, and
is 23 X 116 feet. In tlie rear is a building 50 x 50 feet, which
contains the wood-working and smith shops. The firm does
a large business in the manufacture and sale of carriages and
sleighs.
Wayne Agricultural Company. — One of the foremost in-
dustrial establishments of the State is carried on by the above
firm. The business began in a small way in 1858, when Da-
vis, Lawrence & Co., of "Wayne County, organized for the
purpose of manufacturing agricultural implements. They
made chiefly grain drills and reapers. Their business grew
rapidly, and in 1872 an incorporated company, with a capital
CITY OF RICHMOND. 89
of $100,000, was formed, and the facilities ranch extended.
In 1875 the manufactory was moved to Richmond, and the
main building, now occupied by the company, erected on the
northeast corner of Fifteenth and JSTortli F streets. Other
buildings have been erected from time to time, as the needs
of the business demanded, until now the works cover an area
of 64,250 square feet. The main building is two stories high,
of brick; it is L shaped, one wing being 60 x 290 feet, and
the other 60 x 160 feet. The firm employ nearly 200 work-
men and traveling salesmen, and pay out in salaries nearly
$100,000 per year. Jesse P. Fulghum, who has long been in
the employ of the company, has made many valuable im-
provements and inventions. The last of his patents, and the
most valuable, embodies the principles on which the Rich-
mond Champion grain drill is constructed. All his patents
are controlled by the Wayne Agricultural Company. Among
the manufactures of this establishment are grain drills, the
Richmond force-feed broadcast seeder, the Richmond Royce
self-rake reaper, the improved Richmond mower, the Indiana
walking cultivator. Moon's patent lever cutting box and
the Champion corn drill. These implements are sold ex-
tensively throughout the whole country. The officers
of the company are: L. L. Lawrence, President; Wilh'am
Baxter, Yice-President, and Thaddens Wright, Secretary and
Treasurer, The establishment is the second in size and in
importance of all the industries of the city.
Waijne Creamery was established May 1, 1881, by G. C.
Stevens for the Indiana Farmer Company. It was conducted
in the interest of this company until the sum^ier of 1882,
when it was purchased by Henry T. Burns, J. J. Russell and
G. C. Stevens. In August, 1883, it passed into the hands of
John G. Chandler, W. A. Howard, G. C. Stevens and C. E.
Shute, by whom the business is now carried on. The cream-
ery gives employment to twenty-five men, eighteen or twenty
of whom run wagons in the country, where cream is purchased.
The capacity of the business is 1,000 pounds of butter daily.
The proprietors have recently added to their business a whole-
sale house, wherethey sell foreign and domestic fruits and vege-
7
90 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
tables. The business of the company in 1883 amounted to
$75,000.
Whitewater Tannery. — This establishment, one of the old-
est in the State, is the outgrowth of the two primitive tanneries
started by John Smith and Robert Morrisson in 1818. Morris-
son's tannery was on the site now occupied by the Robinson
Machine Works, and Smith's was on the present location of
the Whitewater Tannery. About 1826 Daniel P. Wigorins
became Morrisson's partner, the style of the firm being Mor-
risson & Wiggins. They continued business until 1845, when
the Morrisson tannery was abandoned. Meantime the Smith
tannery had been operated by various parties. About 1843
D. P. Wiggins became a partner of Caleb R. Williams in the
saddlery and harness-making business, of which he became
sole proprietor in 1846. At the latter date, with his sons, Mr.
Wiggins purchased the old Smith tannery, which was operated
for several years in the firm name of D. P. Wiggins & Sons,
who also continued the saddlery and harness business. Mr.
Wiggins soon retired to his farm, south of the city. About
1858 his sons became the owners of both the tannery and the
harness shop, which they continued to manage jointly under
the name of Wiggins & Co. until 1872. Stephen R. Wiggins
& Son then took the tannery, and Charles O. Wiggins &
Sons the harness department.
The old Smith tannery was a small afiair, but its capacity
was increased from time to time, and the establishment has
greatly extended its facilities under the present owners. The
works occupy about one acre of ground, and are supplied with
all modern improvements. They have 108 vats, and have a
capacity for tanning 200 hides per week. The annual prod-
uct aggregates nearly $100,000. About twenty-five men
are employed. <
Zeller & Co.''s Cracker Factory. — This somewhat famous
factory started in a small way about 1860. Mark Lewis and
Stephen Wilson started the enterprise, which continued with
various changes of owners until 1866, when it was purchased
by J. S. & D. K. Zeller. They enlarged its capacity and
removed from North Ninth street to 915, 917, 919 and 921
Main street, where the brothers erected a building of which
they took possession in August, 1869. At this place and time
CITY OF RICHMOND. 91
they had arranged for a capacity of fifteen barrels of flour
per day. On Jan. 1, 1S72, they took in as partner Benj. F.
Crawford, J. S. Zeller retiring from the firm, and changed
the firm's name to Zeller & Co., J. G. Zeller, D. K. Zeller and
B. F. Crawford constituting the firm. In 1874 they started
a branch factory at Mansfield, Ohio. Seven years later they
dissolved partnership, Mr. Crawford taking the Mansfield
business except a portion sold to a Mr. Taylor, and the Messrs.
Zeller concentrating their interest in Eichraond. This was
in October, 1881. They built a fine brick addition, three stories
high and 50 x52 feet in size, and enlarged their works to forty
barrels per day, and then still further to seventy barrels of
fl.our every twenty-four hours. This is now one of the largest
factories of the kind in the State. A business of $130,000
per annum has been built up from a very small beginning.
Riohmond Rose Nursery. — This nursery is under the pro-
prietorship and care of Hill & Co., who have erected for their
business two glass-houses 18x100 feet, and four similar
houses 10 X 100 feet in size. It is, as its name indi-
cates, a rose nursery, there being nearly 300 varieties of this
beautiful plant, and some of the finest of European roses
among their number. It is in every respect a tribute to the
taste, skill and culture of its proprietors. Perhaps the citizens
of no city in the West have a more lovely or entertaining sight
than those of Richmond, when this magnificent rose garden
is in bloom and its fragrance fills the air. To this temple of
floral beauty all visitors are taken, as being among the most
beautiful sights which environs one of the handsomest cities
in the West.
BANKS.
Richmond National Bank. — This is one of the oldest
banking institutions in the State, being the outgrowth of
the State Bank of Indiana, which was established m 1834 with
Achilles Williams as President; Elijah Coffin, Cashier; and
Charles F. Coffin, Teller. The bank was chartered for twenty-
one years, and the cashier and teller held their respective of-
fices during that time. The presidency was held from 1836
until the expiration of the charter by Albert C. Blanchard.
92 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
In 1855 the bank was reorganized as a branch bank of the
State of Indiana, with A. C. Blanchard, President, and C. F.
Coffin, Cashier. This bank continued business until 1865 and
was then reorganized as the Richmond National Bank, with
a capital stock of $230,000. At this time Charles F. Coffin
was elected President, and has held the office ever since. Al-
bert H. Blanchard was chosen Cashier. The first Directors
were: C. F. Coffin, A. H. Blanchard, Stephen R. Wiggins,
James L. Morrisson and James W. Smith. In 1873 Charles
H. Coffin was elected Cashier, which position he still holds.
He is also Vice-President. The present Directors are: C. F.
Coffin, S. R. Wiggins, David J. Hoerner, Elwood Patterson
and Chas. H. Coffin. The present capital is $250,000, with
$35,000 surplus fund. The bank transacts a large business.
It was among the last banks in the country to suspend specie
payments and among the first to resume them. The bank
has always taken great pride in assisting and fostering the
manufacturing interests of the city. The building occupied
by this bank is located at the northeast corner of Fifth and
Main streets. It was erected in 1856, is of brick, with iron
and stone front, three stories high, with a frontage of thirty-
three feet, and is well adapted to the banking business. The
office is spacious and well arranged.
First National Bank. — The First National Bank of Rich-
mond was organized and commenced business under the
authority of the controller of the currency July 13, 1863. Its
charter, which James E. and Mark E. Reeves were instru-
mental in securing, extended nineteen years. The capital
stock was $200,000. The first officers were James E. Reeves,
President; Edward W. Yarrington, Cashier; Directors: James
E. Reeves, Lewis Burk, Andrew F. Scott, John W. Grnbbs,
John H. Moormann, Joshua Holland, Isaac P. Evans, James
Van Uxem, Jr., and William S. Reid. This was the second
national bank to commence business in the State and the
seventeenth in the United States. From the first to the pres-
ent time it has ranked among the leading financial institu-
tions of Indiana. The present capital is $200,000, with a
surplus fund of $100,000. Its average annual deposits exceed
$500,000. In 1873 the present banking-house on the corner
CITY OF RICHMOND. 93
of Main and Seventh streets was erected. It is a spacious
and well-arranged business building and is a credit to its
originators. The building is of brick, three stories high, with
a stone front and Mansard roof. The present officers of the
bank are as follows: Jaraes E. Reeves, President; C. W.
Ferguson, Vice-President; J. F. Peeves, Cashier; Directors:
J. Van Uxera, D. B. Crawford, J. W. Grubbs, J. H. Moor-
mann, C. W. Ferguson, A. M. Reeves, J. F. Reeves and J.
E. Reeves.
Second National Bank. — This institution was organized
March 2, 1872, with a capital stock of $200,030. This
amount was reduced Jan. 1, 1881, to $150,000, which is the
present capital. The surplus fund is now $50,000. Andrew F.
Scott was elected President, and John B. Dougan, Cashier;
both still continue in office. The original Directors were :
Jacob B. Julian, Oliver T. Jones, James Forkner, Jesse
Cates, Andrew F. Scott, William G. Scott, John M. Gaar,
Joseph Jackson and C. 0. Beeler. A number of changes
have since taken place. The present Directors are: William
G. Scott, Abram Gaar, A. F. Scott, John M. Gaar, Thomas
W. Roberts, Ellis Thomas, Howell Graves, Robert Cox and
J. B. Dougan. The Second National Bank building, north-
west corner of Eighth and Main streets, was erected by A. F.
Scott in 1862, and bought by the bank in 1872. Soon after
the organization of the bank, Gaar, Scott & Co. bought out a
number of the stockholders from the western part of the
county, and have since held a controlling interest. The bank
is one of the substantial institutions of the city, and has had
a successful career from the beginning.
The Farmers* Bank of Richmond, a private banking
institution established by Stanley, Esteb & Co., began busi-
ness in February, 1877, and continued until the fall of 1883,
when it suspended with large losses to stockholders.
The Provident Life Association of Richmond was organ-
ized Dec. 31, 1879, and was the first life-insurance company
ever formed in the citv. The incorporators were : Isaac P.
Evans, D. W. Marmon, Wm. B. Hadley, Jesse W. Brooks,
J. F. Reeves, James M. Starr, J. R. Preston, Eli Stubbs, Dr.
J. R. Weist, and Samuel Bellis. On the 1st of November,
94
HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
1883, the association became incorporated with the Provident
Savings Life Assurance Society of New York City.
BUSINESS STATISTICS.
The following table, from Urquhart's Directory of 1881, is
given, as no later statistics of the city are obtainable :
Abstracts of titles 1
Agricultural impl. dealers 5
Agricultural impl. mnfrs 3
Architects 1
Artificial stone mnfrs 1
Artists - 5
Attorneys at law 45
Auctioneers 4
Awning makers 1
Bakeries 8
Baking powder mnfrs 1
Banks 4
Barber shops 15
Beer bottlers 1
Billiard rooms 2
Bill posters. 2
Blacksmith shops 12
Blank book mnfr 1
Boarding houses 32
Boiler mnfrs 3
Book binders 1
Bone fetilizers 1
Bonnet bleacheries 2
Books, stationery, etc 3
Boots and shoes 17
" " " wholesale 1
Breweries 2
Brick manufacturers 4
Broom manufacturers 1
Business co'leges 1
Butter and cheese manufacturers 1
Butter and egg packers 3
Candy manufacturers 1
Candle manufacturers 1
Carpenters and builders (firms) . . 14
Carpet stores 3
Carpet upholsterers 1
Carpet weavers 4
Carriage emporiums 5
Carriage goods 1-
Carriage manufacturers 4
Chain manufacturers 1
Chair manufacturers 5
Chimney sweeps 1
China, glass and queen's-ware. 4
Church and school furniture
manufacturers 2
Cigar box mnfrs 1
Cigars and tobacco (dealers) 8
(mnfrs) 4
Civil engineers , . 2
Clothes wringer mnfrs 2
Clothing dealers 8
" renovators 4
Coal and wood 8
Coffee roasters - . 3
Cofllin manufacturers 3
Colleges 1
Commission merchants 3
Confectioners 7
" (wholesale) 1
Contractors (brick) 6
(railroad) 3
" (stone) 4
Corn-planter manufacturers .... 3
Cooper shops. 2
Cotton and wool machinery
(dealers) 1
Cracker manufacturers 2
Cranberry growers 1
Dairies 4
Detectives 3
Dentists 7
Directory publishers 1
Dressmakers 27
Druggists 7
Dry-goods 6
Dye houses 3
Eave trough manufacturers 1
" " hanger mnfrs. ... 1
Engine builders 3
Engravers (metal) 2
Express companies 3
Past freight lines (otfices) 3
File works 2
Florists 3
Flour and feed stores 9
Flour-mills 7
Frame and moldings (mnfrs) . . 3
Furniture dealers 6
Furniture manufacturers 3
Galvanized cornice works 8
Gardeners 7
Gas company 1
Gents' furnishing goods 14
Gold and silver mining co 1
Grain drill manufacturers 3
Grain and provision exchange. . 1
Groceries (retail) 64
Groceries (wholesale) 3
Gunsmiths , 3
Hairdressers 3
CITY OF RICHMOND.
95
HamesmanufHclurers 2
Hardware stores 6
Hat makers 1
Hats, caps, etc 8
Hides, woo], etc 2
Horse collar maaufactur- rs ... 2
Horseshoers 5
Hotels n
Ice cream parlors 6
Ice merchants 8
Insurance agents 23
Insurance companies 2
Iron fence manufacturers 7
Iron and steel dealers 1
Jewelers 7
Jewelers (wholesale) 1
Justices of the Peace 3
Laundries 2
Lawn mower manufacturers. .. . 1
Leather and findings 2
Lime, plaster, cement, etc 4
Linseed oil mills 3
Lithographer . . 1
Livery, feed and sale stables. . 8
Loan agents 13
Lumber dealers 7
Machine shops 5
Mantels and grates 2
Marble works 2
Map and chart cases 1
Meat markets 11
Merchant tailors 9
Mill builders 1
Millinery stores 9
Mill machinery 1
Mineral water manufacturer 1
Model makers 2
Musical instruments 3
Musical institute 1
Music teachers 19
News agents 1
Newspapers and periodicals 9
Notaries Public 46
Notions, fancy goods, etc. (retail) 9
Notions, fancy goods, etc.
(wholesale; 2
Novelty stores 3
Nurseries 2
Oculist and aurist 1
Painters l'^
Paints, oils, etc 7
Paper box manufacturers 1
Paperhangers (contractors) 4
Paper-mills 1
Pawnbrokers 3
Photographers 5
Physicians 36
Piano manufacturers 1
Planing-mills 3
Plow manufacturers 3
Plumbers, steam and gas fitters 4
Pork-packers i
Potteries , 2
Printing offices 5
Produce dealers 2
Pump manufacturers 5
Real estate agents 19
Regalia manufacturers i
Restaurants 7
Roller skate manufacturers 1
Roofers 1
Rope manufacturers 1
Saddlers' hardware. . . 2
Saddlery, harness, etc 3
Saloons 29
Sash, doors and blinds 5
Saw filers 3
Saw-mills 1
Second hand stores 4
Seeds, etc 2
Sewing machines 4
Sheet music 2
Shirt manufacturers 2
Shoe blacking manufacturer. ... 1
Soap manufacturers 3
Solicitors of patents 2
Spoke and fellow factory 1
Spring bed bottoms 2
Stamped goods 1
Stair builders 1
Steam governor manufacturers 1
Steamship line agents 5
Stencil cutter 1
Stenographers 2
Stoves, tinware, etc 11
Street sprinklers 2
Sugar-cured hams 3
Tanneis 2
Taxidermists 2
Telegraph institutes 1
Telegraph companies 1
Threshing machine mnfrs 2
Tile-mill manufacturer s 2
Tinware manufacturers 2
Toys, etc 1
Umbrella manufacturers 1
Undertakers 3
Upholsterers 1
U. S. Commissioners 2
Veterinary surgeons 2
Vault cleaners 2
Wagon makers 5
Wall paper, window shades 4
Wind engine manufacturers 1
Wines, liquors, etc 1
Wire net work manufacturers. . . 1
Wood carver 1
Wood and willow ware 1
Woolen-mills 2
CHAPTER IV.
PROMINENT INSTITUTIONS.
Charitable, Educational and Benevolent "Works. — Wernus
Orphans' Home. — Earlham Place Children's Home. —
Home for Friendless Women. — Young Men's Christian
Association.— Earlham College. — Secret Societies. — Ma-
sons, Odd Fellows, Knights of Honor, Knights of Pyth-
ias, Grand Army,. Red Men, etc. — Morrisson Library. —
Mineral Cabinet. — New State Asylum for the Insane.
wernle orphans' home.
This beautiful retreat for those who have been left orphans
and homeless is situated about two miles southeast of Rich-
mond. The building itself was originally erected as an insti-
tution of learning by the Friends' society, but was subse-
quently disposed of, and for a short time used as a Health
Reform School. Tliis not being a success, the buildings and
grounds were neglected and the property involved by mort-
gage. In 1877 the Joint Synod of Ohio elected a Board of
Trustees, consisting of Revs. L. O. Loewenstein, .Trebel, H.
Wickemeyer, E. Cronemet, F. H, Meiser, and Messrs. John
Smith, of Hamilton, Ohio, Henry Cutter and John Spellman,
to secure a location for an orphan home. This propertj^ at-
tracted their attention, and it was purchased in 1879. The
appointment of the Rev. Schuh, of Detroit, Mich., as solicit-
ing agent in behalf of this great work of charity added
materially to securing it by purchase. Among those who
contributed to this worthy object was the Rev. Wernle, of
Gallon, Ohio, in whose honor the institution was named, the
reverend gentlemen contributing $500. This purchase was
tor the building and ten acres of ground, but since then
twenty acres more have been added, making thirty, and the
building, originally 108x58 feet in size, has been added to by
CITY OF EICHMOND. 97
a wing of 25 x40 feet and two stories high, the same as the
main building, with all the necessary out-buildings. The
main building and wing are of brick, of pleasant outline and
substantial work.
The Home was placed under the charge of the Rev. John
Dingelday Feb. 28, 1879, and he was duly installed March
4, 1879. The Home was dedicated to its great work on the
same day.
.This institution is now (Jan. 1, 1881) the home of ninety-
seven inmates, while at times over 100 have received its
fostering care at a time.
There is employed in the building one regular teacher, the
housefather also assisting, who also holds religious service
every Sabbath evening. The institution has prospered, and
deserves the recognition of a charitable and Christian people.
Space will not allow a full return of all the years, but
enough is here given to show the scope of its duties and the
great and good results of this important charitable institution.
The report of the past year, 1883, is annexed:
The number of inmates at the commencement of the year
was: adults, fifteen; children, seven; admitted as members
of the family, adults, thirty; children, sixteen; transient
adults, ninety-six ; children, fifteen ; homes procured for
adults, twenty-seven ; children, thirteen ; sent to friends,
adults, twenty-six; children, eleven; sent to insane asylum,
one; left without permission, three; died, one child; number
of prisoners cared for fifty-three; number in the Home at
present, adults, eight; children, six; prisoners, one; total
cared for, 236.
The Board of Managers for 1883 is as follows: Martha
Yalentine, Agnes Gaar, Margaret Dennis, Mary F. Thomas,
Libbie Candler, Sarah A. Ilifi" Davis, all of Richmond, Ind.,
and Abbie Dudley, Washington, D.C.; Anna Votaw, Chester;
Lizzie Hill, Lavina Pierson, Rebecca Moorman, Princella
Thomas, Fountain City; N'arcissa Cox, Elizabeth Commons,
Cox's Mills; Abbie Hill, Anna N. Harn, Arba.
The ofiicers of the Board are: President, Sarah A. Ilift
Davis; Vice-Presidents, Anna Yotaw, Lizzie Hill, Narcissa
Cox; Secretary, Margaret Dennis; Physician, Mary F.
Thomas; Matron, Susan Hampton.
98' HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
The Corporate Committee: Mary Henley, Carthage; Pris-:
cilia Parker, Walnut Ridge; Mary A. Gilbert, Louisville: E.
Bogne, Fairmount, and Sarah Unthank, Ciiester.
The Trustees are: William L. John, D. K. Zeller, Martha
Valentine, Agnes Gaar and William Hill.
orphans' home.
The Orphans' Home, Earlham Place, was inaugurated from
a fund of $10,000, known as the "Morrisson Eelief Fund."
The work began in the year 1859, at 200 South Fifth street.
The building used belonged to the city, and was given rent
free as long as it was used, some twenty years. The interest
of the money only was expended, that being the condition by
which the fund was donated.
An organization was formed under the above name when
the fund could be utilized with the following officers, viz.:
Mrs. Lydia C. Morrisson, President ; Mrs. Caroline M.
Reeves, Yice-President; Mrs. Lizzie E. Barnes, Secretary,
and Mrs. Sarah W. Webb, Treasurer.
The Home was removed to Earlham Place in 1881, into a
building purchased by the county commissioners at a cost of
$6,000, for the special use of the Home, which they still oc-
cupy free of charge. The county commissioners also, in ad-
dition to the use of the propertj^, donate each year the sura
of $800 toward defraying its expenses. This Home takes all
the children from the county poor-house that are healthy and
in such condition that will admit of educating and training
for the active duties of life. The object of this institution is
to educate, train and give a good home to children until a
suitable one can be found for them, taking them at any age
under fourteen years.
There is employed in this Home a matron, an assistant
matron and one kitchen girl, all the rest of the wort being
done by ladies who are interested in caring for helpless chil-
dren. Several ladies have for years been giving one day each
week to the special care of those children, aiding in the work
for the clothing and many other attentions necessary to their
well being. This work began with but three or four children,
but for several years it has had an average of eighteen, and
CITY OF EICHMOND. 99
at the present time has twenty-nine children as inmates of
the Home.
HOME FOR FRIENDLESS WOMEN.
In the year 1868 a few Christian women, seeing the great
necessity of some strong effort being made to protect and re-
deem the homeless, friendless and fallen women of this city,
met for the purpose of devising some means by which this
great work could be accomplished. An organization was ef-
fected and the following officers appointed: President, Mrs
Rhoda Coffin ; Yice-President, Mrs. Iliff Davis ; Secretary,
Mrs. Rachel Mendenhall, and Treasurer, Mrs. Mary Jackson. A
membership fee was charged which realized $150 for the Home
and the donations were enough to care and support a few of
those that needed such care. At first the inmates were boarded,
but this proving unsatisfactory a house was rented and fur-
nished, the rent being paid by the city as its donation to th?
Home. The work proving of inestimable value, Chas. T.
Price urged the erection of a suitable building for the pur-
pose and donated $500 and his services to superintending the
erection, which was accepted, and a spacious Home was built
at a cost of $9,000. In 1869 the Home was selected as a
Woman's prison, and female prisoners were taken from the
common jail and placed here. The past year, 1883, a prison
building was added at a cost of $1,000, thus making a Reforma-
tory Institute and Woman's Prison, the first of the kind in the
State of Indiana, antedating the State institution some two
years, and also being the first of the kind in the country.
Mrs. Coffin remained President of the institution for three
and a half years, when, her health failing, she was compelled
to resign. Mrs. Iliff Davis was elected to the office, which
she has most ably filled to the present time. The first nine
years the Home took care of 757 adults and 296 children, and
out of this number homes were provided for 243 adults and
eighty-four children— a work of Christian charity that re-
dounds not to the credit of the Home, but to the city of
Richmond.
Y. M. C. ASSOCIATION.
This association came into existence April 23, 1867, and
was conducted under a constitution and by-laws. Its first of-
100 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
ficers were: President, Chas. F. Coffin ; Secretary, Almon
Sampson. This continued until 1875, and much good resulted
from its labors, but it was then allowed to droop and die.
]^ov. 26, 1876, it was again resuscitated, with more flattering
prospects, and Edward Bellis was chosen President; Clayton
B. Hunt, Secretary and T. G. Thompson, Chairman of the
Devotional Committee.. An office, under this management,
was created called a General Secretary, who was the superin-
tendent, in reality, of the association and gave his time to its
progress. A. B. Charpie acted in this capacity for a year and
then resigned the work to accept a ministerial call. Sept.
26, 187^', H. B, Hudson was appointed General Secretary to
succeed Mr. Charpie, but resigned his trust Nov. 17 following,
and A. M. Dawson was asked to take the vacant place which he
accepted, but only for a limited time, closing his labors as Sec-
retary Feb. 1,1881. C. A. Boj'le received the appointment Feb.
9, 1881, and resigned the following September, from which date,
Sept. 26, 1881, until Sept. 8, 1882, the office of General Secre-
tary was allowed to remain vacant. During this time T. G.
Thompson superintended the work, and since Sept. 8, as above,
has held the office of General Secretary, devoting his time
to its duties.
The good results which had followed from the reorganiza-
tion of the association encouraged those engaged, and it was
decided to form an incorporated association and provide a
building fund for the erection of a suitable building to carry
on their labor of love. The association was therefore duly
incorporated under the laws of the State, and the following
Trustees elected: D. K. Zeller, Timothy Nicholson, Abram
Gaar, E. E. Beetle and H. H. Meerhoff.
A building fund was started in May, and now has a nu-
cleus of $276.
The annual session was held Dec. 17, 1883, when the fol-
lowing Board of Managers was chosen: Chas. A. Francisco,
Geo. C. "Williams, one year; Edward Bellis, William J.
Hiatt, two years; L. H. Bunyan, three years; T. G. Thomp-
son, General Secretary; Mr. Ed. Bellis was chosen President;
Geo. C. Williams, Yice-President; C. A. Francisco, Secretary
and Treasurer.
CITY OF RICHMOND. 101
The Treasurer then made the following report:
tkeasurer's report.
Eeport of Treasurer of Y. M. C. A. for the rear endincr
Dee. 17, 1883. " '^
Balance on hand per last report » -, r^n
Received from subscriptions and annual membershins" ' fin? 14
From rents T ."..'.'$ 46 25
From special excursion to S. Home ....... . 54.75
From reception and j ug breaking '....'.*.'.".'.*.". 53 70
From Star course, 18b2-'3. 136 8'^
From Star course, 1883-'4 125 00 416 53
Borrowed from Y. M. C. A. building fund 150M
Total receipts ^ -^rj^ g,^
DISBURSEMENTS.
For coal and stove repairs 35.65
Printing 28.30
Eleven months' rent to date, Dec. 1, 1888 220.00
Expense of boys' reception 23.50
Expense of delegates to State and International Conven-
tions , 22.45
Paid International Y. M. C. A. Committee 30.50
Sundrv incidental expenses 43.76
Paid General Secretary on account of salary 771.51 1,174.67
The interest taken in the association by those whom it is
designed to benefit is largely on the increase, and the associ-
ation is encouraged to go forward in this work.
EARLHAM COLLEGE.
This institution is located about one mile west of the city
of Richmond, and is owned and controlled by the society of
Friends. Its origin and history are briefly as follows : In
the year 1821 the various meetings of Friends in Indiana and
Western Ohio, which. had hitherto been subordinate parts of
Baltimore and Ohio Yearly Meetings, were organized into
what was subsequently known as Indiana Yearly Meeting. In
1830 a committee appointed by that body to consider the sub-
ject of education, recommended to the subordinate meetings
the establishment of schools to be under the care of commit-
tees appointed by said meetings. These schools were to be
taught by members of the church, and were to be distin-
guished from the public schools chiefly by the care bestowed
upon the moral and religious training of the pupils, which
was, of course, to be in harmony with the doctrinal views
entertained by the church.
102 HISTOKi: OF WAYNE COUNTY.
The advice of the committee resulted in a system of schools
maintained and conducted by Friends, and reporting annu-
ally through their supervisory committees to tlie Yearly
Meeting. In 1834 seventy of these schools were reported;
in 1838, 100; and in 1855 the maximum number, 129.
As early, however, as 1832 the need of a higher school
was urged in the Yearly Meeting, partly (perhaps chiefly)
that the lower schools might be furnished with properly
qualified teachers. A committee was appointed to receive
subscriptions for the new enterprise. At that time there
were few Friends in the West who possessed any considerable
means. Yoluiitary contributions came in very slowly, and
it was not until five years had passed that a committee was
authorized to proceed with the work of erecting buildings.
Various causes, among which was the financial crisis of 1837,
still conspired to disappoint the friends of the movement;
and nearly ten years more had elapsed before the school was
opened under Cornelius Douglass, its firdt Superintendent,
and Lewis A. Estes and Huldah C. Hoag, its first teachers.
The institution was known as Friends Boarding School.
The report to the Yearly Meeting in 1850 contains the fol-
lowing paragraph :
"The examination of the scholars shows that their instruc-
tion has been thorough; and from the course of instruction
now, we are gratified in believing that the necessity is taken
away for our young people to resort to institutions out of the
pale of our society for a more thorough or extended education."
The studies which, according to the same report, had been
actually pursued during the year embraced about two-thirds
of all now included in the preparatory course, and one-fourth
of all in the collegiate course. Tliere had been an average
of " fifty-three pupils, male and female." The school year
consisted of two sessions of twenty-three weeks each. The
charge for board and tuition per session was from $30 to $35.
The infiuence of the school soon began to be felt in all the
neighborhoods of Friends in the West. The thirst for higher
knowledge became more general; and a still more extended
and systematic course of study was adopted. In 1859 the
institution was empowered to confer degrees upon its gradu-
ates, and its name was changed to Earlham College.
CITY OF KICHMOND. 103
in 1867 " the duties devolving upon the superintendent"
were "divided into those of president and treasurer." Since
that time there has been, until recently, no essential change
in the organization of the institution, though numerous im-
provements have taken place in the courses of study, the ap-
pliances for instruction, and the provisions for the comfort
and convenience of the students.
In the general control and management of the institution,
however, a very important change has taken place. The
Yearly Meeting which originated the work has become two
large bodies, one still known as Indiana Yearly Meeting,
and held at Richmond; the other. Western Yearly Meeting,
held at Plainlield, Ind, The college property is now held
and its affairs controlled by a Board of Trustees appointed by
the two bodies, each body electing twelve. The president of
the faculty is an ex-officio member. This change was effected
in 1881. The wisdom of placing ' the entire control in the
hands of a small number of carefully selected men and
women has been clearly demonstrated by the rapidity and
the intelligence with which various improvements have been
planned and executed since the new board entered upon the
discharge of its duties.
The college buildings at present will comfortably accom-
modate 140 students as boarders, besides a considerable num-
ber of day students. Ample provision is made for heat and
light, for the cleanliness of the apartments, and for the care
of the sick.
The grounds are ample, embracing extensive play-grounds,
a beautiful lawn, groves, and long walks shaded with various
kinds of trees. The entire enclosure known as the " college
grounds " contains 120 acres.
The appliances for instruction are, in some departments,
quite superior. The cabinet contains many thousand excel-
lent specimens, illustrating the various natural sciences, and
is regarded as one of the finest collections in the Mississippi
Yalley. The observatory, situated near the main building,
contains an equatorial telescope with an object glass of six
and one-fourth inches aperture, and a focal length of eight
feet; a transit instrument of five feet focus, and an asti-onom-
ical clock.
104 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
The college is also in possession of excellent surveying
instruments, a good assortment of philosophical apparatus,
and a convenient chemical laboratory with the necessary ap-
pliances for qualitative analysis.
The libraries contain upward of 5,000 volumes, among
which are many valuable reference books. The reading-room
is furnished with the best of magazines, reviews, religious
periodicals and newspapers. To these and to the reference
libraries students have daily access.
The courses of study, both scientific and classical, are
quite comprehensive, and will compare very favorably with
those of any other college in the State; and the instruction
has usually been in the hands of professors and teachers well
qualified for their positions.
The supervision of the work has devolved upon men of ex-
cellent ability. Barnabas C. Hobbs, LL.D. having been its
first President. For about fifteen years the duties of that
position have devolved upon Joseph Moore, LL.D., who has,
by his extensive attainments in science, his unusual ability
in imparting knowledge, and the pure and inspiring influence
of his character and teachings, made himself honored and
beloved by all who know him. The cabinet is chiefly the re-
sult of his untiring labors, its corals — said ' to surpass in
variety and beauty any other collection in the "West — having
been nearly all obtained by him on the Sandwich Islands.
President Moore, in the summer of 1883, resigned on ac-
count of ill health, but was at once elected Professor of
Natural Science.
Of the character of the work at Earlham there could be no
better proof than the reputation which its older graduates
enjoy as intelligent, capable, Christian citizens. Many of
them hold positions of honor.
The present condition of the college is highly satisfactory,
and the prospect for the future is very encouraging. At a
recent meeting of the Board of Trustees, Prof. J. J.
Mills was chosen President of the college. He will enter
upon his duties at the beginning of the next college year
(September, 1884).
Allen Jay is the efficient Treasurer and Business Manager.
Y2^ /iyicu-^^^t^J^/.*-^-€K^^^ t^^ c?4~y
Mt
Cfff-Ttu/-/^ jS. £iy,tA^aA-<^
CITY OF RICHMOND. 105
Flans are on loot for the erection of a new college buildino-.
A plan is also well nigh completed for the union of the
Friends' academies and the college in an efficient educational
system.
A COMMERCIAL COLLEGE
was first established in E-ichmond in 1860 by Wm. Purdy,
who, after two years of labor,disposed of his work to Messrs.
Hollingsworth & Gentry. In 1866 Mr.. HoUingsworth be-
came sole proprietor. He carried on the business successfully
and the college became, under his thorough management, a
well-known institution for receiving a practical education.
At the death of Mr. Hollingsworth, B. W. Barrows succeeded
to the business, and in 1876 the latter disposed of it to Jno.
K. Beck. The latter gentleman was eminently successful
as a business educator, and the attendance increased until
1882 when it became necessary to secure more permanent
help and he associated with him Mr. F. C. Fulgham. Be-
sides a full commercial education, a department of" telegraphic
instructions was added in 1881 with lines, batteries and all the
practical details of the business. The college is now in a
prosperous condition, and in appliances and thorough course
of studies ranks among the best institutions of the kind in
the West, and stands noted among the business and progres-
sive interests of the city.
ODD FELLOWS.
In the city of Richmond there are four lodges of the In-
dependent Order of Odd Fellows, numbered respectively 41,
199, 212 and 254.
Whitewater Lodge, No. 41, 1. 0. 0. F., of Eichmond
was instituted May 21, 1847, by Special Deputy George
Page Chapman, of Indianapolis.
The names of the charter members were: Edwin Irwin,
W. L. Farquhar, William P. Wilson, Sedate Bickmore and
Thomas Vickers — five in all.
Officers: W. P. Wilson, N. G.; Sedate Bickmore, Y. G.;
Edwin Irwin, K S.; Thomas Yickers, Treasurer.
In 1858 No. 41 instructed her Board of Trustees to pur-
106 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
chase a corner lot, then a little too far east to be of value for
business, but now in the very heart of the city. This lot was
held by JNo. 41, until December, 1867, when it was sold to
the Board of Trustees of the Odd Fellows' Hall Building
Association for 400 shares of capital stock of said asso-
ciation; value of each share, $25. Under the management of
this Board of Trustees, with a capital stock of |32,000, a
good substantial three-story building was erected. In the
third story of this building the lodge hall, Encampment
liall, and suitable ante-rooms are located, giving to the order
in this city pleasant rouras that are commodious enough for
their present and future use. The lodge hall and ante-rooms
were fitted up in good taste and comfort by the four lodges
jointly, under the supervision and management of a union
Board of Trustees. The Encampment hall was furnished
and thoroughly fitted up by the Oriental Encampment, No.
28, under the direction of a special committee appointed for
that purpose, who discharged their duty so well that entire
satisfaction was the pleasant result of their labor. This
lodge has sixty-four Past Grands and 195 contributing mem-
bers, and its resources amount to $25,947.90.
Woodward Lodge^ No. 212, /. O. 0. i^.,at Richmond, was in-
stituted Aug. 30, 1859, by D. D. G. M.E. A. Jones. The char-
ter members were: A. J. Shinn, A. W. Mendenhall, O. H. P.
Little, R. Doble, O. H. Shearon, S. Sinex, D. P. Grave, W.
P. Wilcoxon, E. 0. Pyle, John Harrington, T. J. Kewby, H.
P. Leeds, W. W. Foulke, W. W. Hewitt and Geo. Hoover.
First officers: E. C. Pyle, N. G. ; Wm. W. Foulke, Y. G.;
A. W. Mendenhall, P. S. ; O. H. P. Little, Treas. ; O. H.
Shearon, Per. Sec. Original number of members, 43. All
the charter members of Richmond Lodge, No. 254, were
from Woodward. There were twenty-two of them in all; a
part of the members of Stidham Lodge, No. 261, were from
"Woodward, as also all the charter members of Rinehart
Lodge, and nearly all of Webster Lodge.
There are but few, if any, lodges in the jurisdiction of
Indiana that have been drawn on so heavily, and yet but few
can make a better showing at present. The year ending
December, 1874, this lodge numbered 161 contributing mem-
bers, with $7,258.27 as resources of the lodge.
CITY OF RICHMOND. 1Q7
Woodward was the iirst lodsje in the State that expelled a
member for selling intoxicating liquors to be used as a bever-
age. This lodge has Past Grands, 44; contributing members,
151 ; resources $6,800. The present officers are: °George w!
Keynolds, N. G. ; John F. Rowlett, Y. G.; James A. Reed',
Sec; E. E. Beetle, Treas. ; Trustees, Arthur A. Currae, John
T. Davenport and Oliver Yates.
Herman Lodge, No. 199, /. O. O. I., was granted a dispensa-
tion by Grand Master P. A. Hackleman, on the 8th of April*
1858, and D. D. G. M. Albertson was appointed to institute
the same. It was instituted May 14, 1858. The applicants
for the charter were: John H. Popp, Anton Agle, Joseph
Schulser, John M. Hannmann, Chas. Holscher, Jacob Goeh-
ner, John Schoumann, Egbert Wiesner, Lewis Runge and
Henry Kubble. First officers: John H. Popp, N. G. ; Henry
Kubble, Y. G.; Jos. Schulser, R. S. ; Jacob Goehner, Treas-
urer, with an original membership of 11. Jno. H. Popp was
the first representative to the Grand Lodge, in May, 1859.
The report for the year 1874 shows that chis lodge had a list
of twenty-three Past Grands, and 137 contributing members
with resources to the amount of $4,502.03. The report of the
year 1883 gives this lodge a membership ot 125, Past Grands
thirty-seven, and its resources at $6,762.21.
Richmond Lodge, JVo. 254, 7. 0. O. ^'., was organized
March 12, 1866. Charter members: Peter Johnson, W. W.
Dudley, Oran Perry, J. R. Woods, J. R. Weist, E. H.
Strattan, J. H. Mclntyre, M. M. Lacy, M. E. McMeans, A.
S. Johnson, G. W. Benton, J. J. Russell, B. J. Miller, James
Skinner, Joshua Hunt, Philemon Dickinson, J. E. Rogerson,
J. P. Iliff. First officers: J. R. Woods, N. G. ; M. M. Lacy,
Y. G.; M. E. McMeans, R. S.; J. R. Weist, Treas.; J. J.
Russell, Per. Sec. Past Grands, thirty-two; contributing
members at this date, 109; resources, $4,300.
Oriental Encampment, JS'o. 28, I. O. O. F., was chartered
July 17, 1851. The charter members were: A. F. Scott, W.
L. Farquhar, R. A. Paige, Enos Thomas, J. K. Boswell, Wm.
Wiggins and J. D. Halleck. The officers for 1851 were: A.
F. Scott, C. P.; R. A. Paige, H. P.; Wm. Wiggins, S. W.;
J. K. Boswell, J. W. ; W. L. Farquhar, Scribe; Enos Thomas,
108 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Treas. The present membership is 133. Oifficers for
1884: Chas. C. Binkley, C. P.; Elijah Lawton, H. P.;.Chas.
G. Swain, S. W.; Frank T. Rawn, J. W. ; John McMinu,
Scribe; Henry R. Downing, Treas.; Trustees, Geo. Bishop,
John F. Davenport, E. J. Salter.
Harmonia Encampment^ No. 75, /. O. 0. ^., was organ-
ized Feb. 8, 1866. Charter members: Charles Leive, Jacob
Goehner, Christian Shulz, Gottleib Lichtenfels, Henry Kru-
vel, Louis Meyer, J. H. Scheppmann, Anton Bescher, Gott-
leib Weidner, Baltasar Bescher, P. S. Hoffmann, Louis I^^nopf,
Louis Runge, Anton Egli, Sales Minner, Isaac Shire. First
officers: P. S. Hoffmann, C. P.; Charles Leive, H. P.; Louis
Knopf, S. W.; Louis Runge, J. W. ; Louis Meyer, Scribe;
Anton Bescher, Treas. Present officers: Wm. Schultz, C. P.;
Peter Kuhlman, S. W. ; August May, J. W.; Fred Janke, H.
P.; Wm. Yietze, Scribe; C. A. Bartel, Treas. It meets the
first and third Tuesdays of every month.
Hermenia Lodge, No. 25, Daughters of Rebekah, was in-
stituted July 23, 1869, with charter members as follows : H.
Driftmeyer, G. Kramer, H. Meerhoof, H. Kehlenbrink, S.
Sperling, D. Kehlenbrink, H. Greivey, D. Theurer", H.
Hanseman, M. Greivey, M. Theurer, S.Hanseman, G. Meyer,
C. Schumann. This lodge meets the first Saturday of each
month. Present officers: Ellen Greivey, N. G. ; Wilhelmina
Knopf, Y. G. ; Henry Greivey, Sec; Sophia Bartel, Treas.
Eden Lodge., No. 30, Daughters of Rebekah, was instituted
Sept. 8, 1869, with the following charter members: E. J,
Salter, William P. Wilson, D. Lesh, J. F. Davenport,
S. S. Gause, John McMinn, P. S. Hoffman, J. J. Stoker,
M, F. Gardner, J. J. Finney, Angeline Shearon, Jane W.
Hoffman, Mary A. Stoker, Mary Gardner, S. A. Finney and
Eliza McClelland. This lodge meets the second and fourth
Saturdays of each month. Present officers: J. W. Haller, N.
G. ; Mrs. Wm. Alexander, Y. G.; Mrs. Kate E. Keyt, Rec.
Sec; Mrs, Maggie Spekenhier, Treas. ; Mrs. Sadie Stratton,
Per. Sec.
The Odd Fellows' Provident Association., of Wayne County
was organized Jan. 1, 1869, for the purpose of creating and
perpetuating a fund for the relief of widows, orphans, and
CITY OF RICHMOND. 109
the survivors of its members. Its membership is confined to
the families of Odd Fellows in Wayne, Henry, Eaiidolph and
Union counties. Its membership now numbers 550. To the
present date (March, 1884), $50,000 have been paid out in
benefits. The present officers are John Yaryan, President;
L. C. Hufi; Vice-President; Edward Bellis, Secretary; and J.
J. Finney, Treasurer.
The Odd Fellows Hall Building AssoGiation was organ-
ized several years ago as a joint stock company, and now has
a capital stock of $40,000, all paid in. The Odd Fellows'
Hall building, erected in 1868 and 1869, with an addition,
erected in 1883, is one of the finest buildings in the city. It
is three stories high, fronting eighty-eight feet on Main street,
and is 100 feet deep. The lower part of the building is oc-
cupied by stores; the second floor is used for business offices,
and the third story contains the lodge-rooms. The building
is well finished throughout, and is beautifully and tastefully
constructed. The officers of the Building Association are: H.
R. Downing, President; Edward Bellis, Secretary, and J. F.
Davenport, Treasurer. The management is vested in a Board
of Trustees, consisting of nine members, who are elected an-
nually, two from each of the four lodges of the city, and one
from the Encampment.
Patriarchal Circle.- — Richmond Temple, No. 4, P. C, was
instituted May 9, 1882, by Supreme Yice Oracle L. P. Vorde-
mark, and Deputy Supreme Oracle Robert Stratton, both of
Fort Wayne. The following were the charter members: J.
F. Davenport, Gehring Stace, H- R- Downing, L. C. Hufi",
George Bishop, C. E. Newman, John Nolte, E. J. Salter,
Mark Mitchell, Jacob Koss, W. M. Mitchell, W. Kitson, E.
Lawton, W. H. Talhelm, S. B. Williamson, 0. Personett, F.
W. Robinson, Jr., Frank Kitson, Ed. Kitson, Joseph Brush,
M. L. Stratton, J. A. Reed. The first oflScers were: H. R.
Downing, Oracle; L. C. Huff, Vice-Oracle; Geo. Bishop,
Marshal; Gehring Stace, Commander; C. E. Newman, Secre-
tary; J. Nolte, Finance Secretary; E. J. Salter, Treasurer;
M. Mitchell, Venerable Oracle; J. F. Davenport, Counsel;
Trustees, Gehring Stace, H. W. Talhelm, F. W. Robinson,
Jr. The present officers are: Geo. Bishop, O.; Gehring
110 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Stace, V. O.; E. Lawton, M.; T. L. Pierce, C; F. T. Rawn,
Sec; M. L. Stratton, F. S. ; E. J. Salter, Treas.; Trustees,
H. W. Talhelm, John Nolte, H. R. Downing. The member-
ship is fifty-five. Meetings are held on the second and fourth
Tuesdays of each month.
RED MEN, OSCEOLA LODGE.
This lodge was instituted Nov. 18, 1868, with ten charter
members, viz.: Charles Sinex, Charles Hepp, M. T. Gardner,
Allen W. Grave, Ed. H. Conkle, Harry C. Jones, George
Williams, H. B. Atwood, Ed. J. Salter, P. S. Hoffman;
First Red Men, Charles Sinex, Charles Hepp; First Pale-faces,
M. T. Gardner, Allen W. Grave, Ed. H. Conkle, Harry C.
Jones, George Williams, H. B. Atwood, Ed. J. Salter, and
P. S. Hoffman.
Since the organization over 200 pale-faces have been
adopted, some of whom have moved away and some have
gone over to the Great Spirit, leaving at present ninety-five
members.
P. S. Hoffman was elected the first representative to the
great council of the State, which met at Lafayette, at which
time he was elected to the second office of the State.
The order has flourished since its organization, and is strong
in the affection of its members. But four of the charter
members now reside in Richmond, viz.: P. S. Hoffman, M.
T. Gardner, Chas. Hepp and T. J. Salter.
MASONIC.
Webb Lodge, No. 24, I. (& A. M. — From the oldest record
in possession of this lodge it is gathered that on the 7th ot
October, 1823, the Grand Lodge of Indiana granted a charter
to its "trusty and beloved brethren," William Pugh, W. M. ;
James R. Mendenhall, S. W., and William Yaughan, J. W.,
who, with other brethren, were authorized to " liold a just
and true lodge of F. & A. M. in the town of Centre ville,
Ind." Such was the beginning of Masonry in Wayne County.
The charter, dated at Madison, was signed by John Sheets,
G. M. ; Jonathan Jennings, G. S. W.; Thomas Posey, G. J.
W.; and Walter C. Keen, G. Sec. The " regular communica-
CITY OF RICHMOND. Hi
tions " and " called meetings " were held at Centreville, be-
ginninor on Nov. 7, 1823. " Young's History " mentions the
names of other first officers, as follows: John Suffrins, Treas.;
John C. Kibbej, Sec; Samuel Es^ans, S. D. ; and William
M. Doughty, J. D.; and further states that "the lodge met
alternately at Centreville and Richmond until 1833, when a
charter was granted to Samuel Fleming, John Finley and
William S. Addleman, to be held at Richmond." The old
record shows that meetings were held at Centreville until
1825, and on the 31st of December of that year the first
meeting was held in "Richmond, in a room rented for six
months of John C. Kibbey. At that time it was vote'J that
"all members living west of the old boundary line be exempt
from the payment of dues for six months." The dnes re-
quired by the lodge were " 25 cents per month, and 25 cents
for each festival." The records show that every meeting
was opened on the E. A. degree, and that all business relating
to the good of the order was done in that degree, save ballot-
ing for second and third degrees. The applicants were
"elected, admitted within the lodge, and initiated in ancient
form," The minutes invariably show that the lodge was
"closed in peace and harmony, and adjourned to the next
regular communication."
July 22, 1826, the lodge adjourned to Centreville for the
ensuing six months. The records show that this system of
alternately meeting six months in each of the two towns was
kept up until January, 1828, when the lodge adjourned to
Richmond, where it continued to hold regular meetings until
July 23, 1831, and here the record abruptly ends.
The organizing members of WebbLodge were: Bartholomew
McCleary, John Suffrins, Philip Mason, John C. Kibbey,
Jacob Yandergriff, Loring A. Waldo, William D »ughty, J.
W. Kemble, Lot Bloomfield, John M. Gay, William Petty,
Lewis Burk, William Pugh and William H. Vaughan. The
succession of Worshipful Masters has been as follows: Will-
iam Pugh, 1823 ; J. R. Mendenhall, 1821 ; William Pugh,
1821-'26; J. R. Mendenhall, 1826; William Pugh, 1827; J.
C. Kibbey, 1827 ; John Finley, 1828 ; J. C Kibbey, 1828;
Samuel Fleming, 1829; J. C. Kibbey, 1829 ; Samuel Han-
112 HISTOKY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
nah, 1S30; Samuel Fleming, 1831; J. C. Kibbej, 1831; Sam-
uel Fleming, 1830-'4 : John Finley, 1834 ; Samuel Fleming,
1835; J. C. Kibbey, 1836; W. B. Smith, 1837; Samuel Flem
ing, 1838; Lewis Biirk, 1839; W. B. Smith, 1839; S. B. Stan-
ton, 1840 ; W. B. Smith, 1844; William W. Lynde, 1847;
Samuel M. Poe, 1847; W. B. Smith, 1848; William W. Lynde,
1849; W. B. Smith, 1852; S. H. Perrington, 1855; W. W.
Lynde, 1859; James M. Smith, 1861; Christian Fetta, 1863;
Samuel Conklin, 1867; Samuel Marlatt, 1868; Christian Fetta,
1869; Samuel Marlatt, 1870 ; D. W. Johnson, 1871 ; Charles
E. Marlatt, 1871-'2; Christian Fetta, 1873-'4; S. Marlatt,
1875 ; C. Fetta, 1876 ; R. R. Morris, 1877-'8 ; C. E. Marlatt,
1879; C. Fetta, 1880-'l ; A. W. Hempleman, 1882-3. R. F.
Davis is the present S. W., and IS", P. Wood, J. W. The
lodge has a strong membership and is prosperous. Webb
Lodg'e has the honor of having had grand officers of the
Grand Masonic bodies of Indiana filled from her ranks as
follows: William B. Smith, First Grand High Priest of the
Grand Chapter, one year ; Christian Fetta, Grand Master of
the Grand Lodge for two years ; E. D. Palmer, Grand Com-
mander of the Grand Commandery, one year; and W. W.
Austin, Grand Thrice Illustrious Master of the Grand Coun-
cil for two years.
Richmond Lodge^ No. 196, F. <& A. J/., was granted a
dispensation Aug. 8, 1855, and organized with first officers as
follows : Lewis Bnrk, W. M.; W. L. Farquhar, S. W.; and
William F. Spinning, J. W. The lodge was chartered May
28, 1856. The following were the officers and charter mem-
bers: William B. Smith, W. M.; William Sinex, S. W.;
William F. Spinning, J. W.; Lewis Burk, Treas. ; John W.
Griffin, Sec; Charles Fisk,'S. D.; Henry Staley, J. D. ; T.
J. Fergnson, William L. Farquliar, Joseph Thatcher, John
Elderkin, John Finley and John Sufi^rins. The following
have served as Worshipful Masters : Lewis Burk, W. B.
Smith, O. J. Hyde, Stephen Babcock, J. A. Unthank (two
terms), F. N. Rosen reel, J. A. Unthank, A. Samson (four
terms), W. P. Ratliff'(two terms), R. W. Deeley (two terms)
Calvin B.Walker, A. Samson (three terms), Elihu M. Parker,
R. W. Deeley (two terms), and Martin Cnllaton since !1879.
CITY OF RICHMOND. 113
Present officers: A. E. Chase, S. W.; L. Fisher, J. W.; Simon
Fox, Treas.; J. De Witt, Sec; B. Ballard, R. W. Deeley,
and F. M. Wheelan, Trustees. The lodge has seventy-seven
members, and is in a prosperous condition.
King Bolomon Chapter^ No. 4, was organized Jan. 1,
1838, under a dispensation from the General Grand Chapter
of the United States. It was one of the four chapters that
organized the Grand Chapter of the State of Indiana on the
25th of December, 1845. The chapters referred to were King
Solomon, Madison, Logan and Lafayette.
The first officers of King Solomon Chapter were J. K.
Mendenhall, H. P. ; Francis King, K.; Benjamin Sayre, S.
The present officers are: Christian Fetta, H. P. ; W. J. Robie,
K.; and L. J. Kinsey, S. Present membership, 115.
Wayne Council., No. 10, Royal and Select Masons, wsi&
granted a dispensation April 1, 1857. The officers were as
follows: William W. Lynde, T. I. M.; S. H.Harrington,
Deputy T. I. M.; James P. Mendenhall, P. C. W.; Stephen
Babcock, C. G.; James M. Poe, Recorder: Lewis Burk,
Treasurer; Charles O'Hara, Tiler. Among the early members
were W. W. Austin, J. M. Smith, Henry Bitsel, E. M. Cook
and Jehial Hampton. The following is a list of Thrice Illustri-
ous Masters of this council : 1857-9, William W. Lynde ; 1860,
.F. A. Hardin; 1861, J. Sufi'rins; 1862-'5, W. W. Austin;
1866-'7, Samuel Marlatt; 1868, Christian Fetta; 1869-'70,
Samuel Conklin; 1871-'2, Leroy Land; 1873-'5, Samuel
Conklin; 1876, Samuel Marlatt; 1877-'82, W. W. Austin;
1883, Christian Fetta; J. L. Smith, Deputy. Membership of
the council in March, 1884, thirty-seven.
Richmond Commandery, No. 8, was organized March 20,
1865, with the following officers andciiarter members: Lewis
Burk, E. C; E. D. Palmer, G.; J. B. O'Hara, C. G.;
Stephen Babcock, T. W. O. Braff'ett, B. L. Martin, A. S.
Wiggins, F. A. Hardin, H. Beitzell, John Webbert, and
John F. Beard. The following have held the office of Emi-
nent Commander: E. D. Palmer, 1865-'68; Samuel Conklin,
1869; Christian Fetta, 1870; R. W. Deeley, 1871; E. D.
Palmer, 1872; T. W. O. Braffett, 1873; J. E. Taylor, 1874;
C. E. Marlatt, 1875; E. D. Palmer, 1876; Leroy Land,
114 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
1877-9; Samuel Marlatt, 1880; W. J. Eobie, 1881-'2; Jos.
L. Smith, 1883. The present officers are: W. T. Noble,
G.; and John H. Nicholson, C. G. The membership is 103;
The regular meetings are held on the evening of the first
Monday of each month.
Masonic Building Association was organized Dec. 14,
1868, the object of the organization being to provide a
home for the various Masonic bodies of this city.
On the first day of Januarj', 1879, arrangements were en-
tered into with Mr. Hittle, and a ten-year lease was secured
on the third story of the Hittle Block, corner of Main and
Ninth streets, for the nse of the association. The present
officers of the association are: H. N. Land, Pres. ; E. D.
Palmer, Sec. Tlie capital stock is $5,000, and the associ-
ation is progressing.
The Masonic Library Association was organized April 6,
1874. The first officers chosen were: Christian Fetta, Presi-
dent; A. Samson, Secretary, and A. G. Ogborn, Librarian.
The object of the association is to procure Masonic, moral and
scientific literature for the use of Masons and their families.
The library-room is in Masonic Hall and contains about 1,000
volumes.
Orderofthe Etstern Star. — Loyal Chapter, of the Order of
the Eastern Star, No. 49, was chartered April 14, 1881, with
charter members as follows: Misses Anna M. Morris, Carrie
E. Kibbey, Ellen J. Palmer, Clara B. Kendall, Anna B.
Cullaton, Louisa Samson, Mary Yan Frank, Addle De Witt,
Katie B. Hlggins, Helen L. Dougan, Ellen J. Marlatt, Jo-
sephine Chatfield, Alma H. Holton, Martha Dennis, Helen
Deeley, Louisa Fetta; Mrs. Alice N. Robie, Emma A. Ben-
jamin, Alice G. Land, Jennie Johnston, Delia Hayes, Etne-
line Land; Messrs. Almon Samson, llobt. R. Morris, John
J. Higglns, Martin Cullaton, H. M. Yan Frank, H. N. Land,
D. W. Johnson, Wm. L. Chatfield, Frank Dennis, Wm. J.
Robie, Chas. E. Marlatt, John De Witt, Edwin D. Palmer,
John F. Kibbey, W. N. Kendall, R. W. Deeley, J. U. Hayes,
John B. Dougan, H. N. Benjamin, Christian Fetta, W. M.
Thompson. The first officers were: Worthy Matron,
Addle M. De Witt; Worthy Patron, Almon Samson; Associ-
CITY OF KICHMOND. 115
ate Matron, Carrie E. Kibbey; Treasurer, Helen M. Dongan;
Secretary, Clara B. Kendall; Conductress, Ellen J. Marlatt;
Associate Conductress, Katie B. Higjrlns; Ada, Ellen J.
Palmer; Ruth, Helen Deeley; Esther, Alma H. Holton; Mar-
tha, Anna B. Cullaton; Electa, Alice Chatfield; Warder, Delia
Hayes. The present membership is 96. Present officers:
Mrs. C. B. Kendall, W. M.; Wm. J. Robie, W. P.; Addie
De Witt, A. M.; Fannie B. Hunt, Treas.; E. J. Johnson, Sec.
The lodge meets once m each month.
KNI&HTS OF PYTHIAS.
Cceur de Leon Lodge^ No. 8, K. of P., was instituted
under the Gi-rand Lodge of the State, July 12, 1870, with the
following charter members: Harry C. Jones, Simon Bach-
man, M. E. Hillis, J. P. Iliff, Lewis K. Harris, John Messick,
I. H. Pdxson, William A. McAdams, Jacob Theis, John
Reichert, Y. L. Baylies, O. B. Piraphrey, F. W. Hoffman,
J. B. Smith, Albert Simons, W. Zimmerman, Fred Knollen-
berg. The following officers were elected: Wm. Surrendorf,
P. C. ; Lewis Uhte, C. C; Fred Steine, Y. C; Frank Bescher,
M. A.; Fred Besselman, M. F.; Herman Bath, K. of R. &
S.; Henry Seefloth, L G.; Henry Klopp, O. G.; Wm.Klopp,
P. This lodge has a good membership and is prosperous.
lola Lodge, No. 53, K of P., was chartered May 23, 1879,
by Arthur A. Curme, Grand Chancellor of the jurisdiction of
Indiana. The charter members were: Jacob Theis, J. J.
Chase, G. W. Phillips, J. B. Hill, A. H. Morehead, T. A.
Workman, Isaac Kline, W. H. Stanley, ^A. Inglish, H. W.
Wilke, A. E. Crocker, J. L. Stongh, J. L. Yaryan, A. Hor-
ney, J. P. Iliff, F. W. Hoffman, H. T. Yaryan, R. R. Van-
sant, J. Burr Williams, H. E. Fisher, J. J. Finney, I. A.
Gormon, E. M. Parker, H. W. Deuker, C. P. Peterson, W.
J. Robie, M. J. Davy, H. Stein and T. Atkinson. The offi-
cers, installed Oct. 2, 1879, were: Homer Yaryan. C. C. ;
E. M. Parker, P. C; A. H. Morehead, V. C. ; A. E. Crocker,
Prel.; J. J. Finney, M. of F. ; W. H. Stanley, M. of E.; H.
W. Wilke, K. of R. & S.; H. E.Fisher, M. at A; A. Inglish,
LG.; J. B. Hill,0. G. The present membership is about sev-
enty-eight. The lodge meets every Thursday evening in the
116 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
hall, corner of Seventh and Main streets. The present officers
are: J. H. Crooke, C. C; P. S. Hearne, P. C. ; Geo. S. Need-
ham, Y. C; M. Eitchie, K. of R & 'S.; O. S. Mote, M. of
F. ; A. H. Morehead, M. of E. ; W. B. Dormer, M. at A. ; H.
W. Deuker, Prel. ; John Thomas, I. G. ; J. O. Wisner, O. G. ;
Trustees, K C.Tompkins, H. W. Deuker and J. B. Hill.
Germania Lodge^ No. 115, K. of P-, was organized March
14, 1884, under the Grand Master of the State, with charter
members as follows: Fred Besselman, Georsje Glande, Her-
man Rost, John F. Grotlendick, Frank Bescher, Lewis Uhte,
John W. F. Oesting, Henry Fellman, W. H. Hawekotle,
Fred Krone, Auo^ust H. May, Edward Hebbeler, George
Eversman, Max A. PfeifFer, Frank Sauer, A. W. Meyer, Wm.
Snrrendorf, Wm. Piehl, Charles Weisbrod, Fred Singer,
Oscar Tauer, Henry Heischtield, Wm. Klopp, Wm. Hill,
Henry Seeloth, Wm. Luebkemann, Chris. Lammert, Fred W.
Stein, August Stafford, Henry J, Klopp, Herman Hoppe,
Ernst Schiveier, Lewis Rapp, John Sostheimeier, Wra.
Sclmltz, Michael Koepplinger, Fred Working, Fred Peine,
Chris. Elstro, Matthew Peine, H. Marshall, Elwood Glander,
Lewis Tangerman, Henry Hoff, John F. Steinkamp, John
W. Knollenberg, Emil Huck, August Kamp, Edward Roser,
Edward Klein, Isaac Shire and Allen W. Graves. The lodge
meets in its hall over the Richmond National Bank, corner of
Fifth and Main streets. The present officers are: James Nich-
olson, P. C. ; Edward H. Miller, C. C. ; Wm. Russell, Y. G. ,
John M. Wampler, M. of E. ; B. C. Hill, M. of F.; E. E.
Roney, I. G. ; W. Wentling, O. G.; E. E. King, M. at A.;
Trustees, Daniel Hill, Harry Dill and Park R. Lackey.
KNIGHTS OF HONOR.
The Richmond Lodge of the Knights of Honor is No. 864.
It was organized Jan. 25, 18T8, with the following officers and
charter members: C. A. Kersey, Past Dictator; C. F. Walters,
Dictator; B. C. Hill, Yice-Dictator; W. H. Brandell, Assist-
ant Dictator; F. M. Wheelan, Reporter; G. C. Williams,
Treasurer; J. B. Hill, W. D. Reinhart, S. C. Shute, Jr., and
Geo. H. Dunham. The lodge meets every Wednesday even-
ing in its hall over Reid's hardware store, corner of Seventh
* • OITY OF RICHMOND. 117
and Main streets. It has at present forty members and the fol-
lowing officers: Wm. Keiser, P. D.; Alex. Greenhoif, D. ; T.
J. Dandig, Y. D.; W. L. Mott, A. D.; Frank Getzendanner,
T.; Geo. J. Knollenberg, K.
The Knights of Honor are a secret order, designed to be a
mutual benefit association. The order has 165,000 members
in the United States, in number ranking third among the
various secret orders.
AMERICAN PROVIDENT ASSOCIATION.
Washington Lodge^ No. 6, A. P. A., was organized Nov.
27, 1867, with officers and charter-members as follows: Wm.
Bartel, W. M.; Louis Ulite, W. D. M.; Fred. Bartel, Eec.
Sec; W. H. Hawekotte, Fin. Sec; Henry Yurgens, Treas. ;
Fred. Jahnke, Cond.; Chas. Hebbeler, I. G. ; H. Schumaker,
O. G.; H. H. Meerhoff, H. Schroeder, H. Postehr, F. Beck-
man, H. Drifmeyer, H. Romberg, G. F. Kramer, H. Holt-
kamp, Chas. Boescb, H. Kehlenbrink, F. Hollering, G. H.
Westenberg, Aug. Kamp, Fred. Weking, A. Deitemeier, D.
Nietert, F. Thomas, H. Bartel, B. Thomas, H. Frese, W.
Kloker, Ed. Klute, Sr., and F. Knolman.
The association is in the very best financial condition, and
has a membership of seventy-five. Meetings are held on
every Wednesday evening in the hall at the northwest corner
of Fifth and Main streets. The present officers are: Wm.
Hill, W. M.; Wm. Klopp, W. D. M.; Ernst Schweim, Eec
Sec; H. Hawekotte, Fin. Sec; Fred. Jahnke, Asst. Sec;
Louis Uhte, Treas.; Wm. Schultz, Cond.; H. Lupkeman,
Asst. Cond.; Fred. Weking, L G.; H. Schumaker, O. G.; H.
Klopp, Chap.
BENEFIT ASSOCIATION.
The German Mutual Benefit Association of Eichmond was
organized July 13, 1856, with the following members: John
Schuman, Anton Egli, Karl Hoelscher, Joachim Yuerges,
Gottlieb Lichtenfels, Geo. L. Sperling, John Yogt, Karl
Meier, Henry Emrich, John Bratz, E. Wessner,Fred. Baulus,
Geo. Eigenbrod, Jacob Goehner, Louis Knopf. The first of-
ficers were: Anton Effli, Pres. ; John Schuman, Sec; Jacob
118 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY. . *
Goeliner, Trustee. The present officers are: Win. Stortz,
Pres.; G. Liclitenfels, Sec; Raphael Miehle, Yice- President;
Emil Kromer, Per. Sec; Trustees, L. Sciefner, H. Hasken-
oster, E- Bettenbrock.
KNIGHTS OF LABOR.
Wayne AssemhJy, JT.of Z., No. 2,785, was organized Aug.
10, 1883, with the following charter members and first of-
ficers: A. C. Hill, 1. E. Balcom, Jos. Necker, John Watkins,
Wm.iDallman,]Jos. E. Berge, 0. R. Barnes, Chas. Leva, Jos.
E. Theise, M. Fitzgerald. Albert Hollepeter, Wm. Kahili,
"Wm. Lawson, Adam Keller, Leonard Shober, 0. Q. Egbert,
Henry Haner, Walter Webster, Oscar Millspaugh, Frank
Kidd. Officers: J. B. Kulej, M. W.; M. Fitzgerald, W. F.;
O. A.Lank, Y. S.; Wm. F. Dallman, W. L; Chas. Leva,
Almoner; F. A. Kidd, R. S.; A. Hollepeter, F. S.; F. O.
Frey, Treas.; F. A. Ward, S.; C. Q. Egberk, U. K.; F. C.
Balcom, L G. ; Wm. Lawson, O. G.
The present officers are: Walter Webster, M. W.; M.
Fitzgerald, W. F.; John E. White, W. L; John B. Oaks,
Almoner; A. B. Crump, F. S.; Geo. Lambert, Treas.; Otto
Lank, S. ; John Miller, U. K. ; Wm. Lee, L G. ; Alex. Baiter,
O. G. The lodge has now seventy -five members.
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.
Solomon Meredith Post, No. 55, G. A. R.^ is named in honor
of one of Wayne County's distinguished soldiers and gallant
officers. (See biography.)
This post was organized March 29, 1882. The charter
members and first officers were as follows: J. P. Hiff", P. C;
J. F. Davenport, S. Y. C. ; J. F. Haner, J. Y. C; Geo. H.
Poinner, Adjt. ; Lafe Larsh, Q. M. ; Rev, Lamport, Chap.;
Walter Webster, O. D. ; Louis O. Shofer, O. G. ; Thaddeus
O. Brafiett, Wm. Wasson, John B. Hogan, John Seiman,
Conrad Krick, John H. Butterworth, W. H. Baylies, Wm.
Alexander, Cal. W. Campbell, Richard Overhaults, John
Boss, Wm. Green, J. T.- Smith.
March 19, 1884, the post had 112 members. The place of
meeting is in the old Tremont block. The following are the
CITY OF KICHMOND. 119
present officers: J. F. Davenport, Commander; D. W. Corn-
stock, S. V. C. ; Joseph Rowlett, J. Y. C. ; Walter Webster,
Adjt.; J. J. Finney, Q. M.; H. H. Fox, Chap.; Joseph Pol-
lock, O. D. ; Freeman Carrington, O. G.
MINERAL CABINET.
CONTRIBUTED.
The cabinet of Mrs. Mary P. Haines is worthy of mention
embracing many thousands of specimens in the several de-
partments of natural history, minerals, fossils, shells, birds,
and botanical specimens; also many relies of Mound-Builders
and other objects of interest from different parts of the world.
Her collection has been pronounced by persons competent to
judge, one of the finest and most extensive private collections
in the State.
The fossils of the Paleozoic rocks are well represented from
the earliest recognized remains of organic life — the Eozoon
Canadense of the Archaean period — to the Upper Coal Meas-
ures. The Lower and Upper Silurian, Devonian, Sub-Carb.
and Carboniferous formations being the most numerously
represented. There are also many species from the later
epochs, especially the Cretaceous and Tertiary, both of this
and foreign countries, in all, some 1,500 species of fossils.
The Conchological department contains some 1,500 species,
including land and fresh-water shells from this and foreign
countries, and marine shells from the Atlantic, Pacific,
Indian and Southern oceans, among them some very unique
and rare specimens.
The minerals are many of them beautiful and valuable,
and number over 1,000 specimens. Two cases of birds con-
tain fifty specimens. Relics of Mound-Builders, various flint
implements, beads, etc., and other Archeological specimens
and objects of interest from foreign countries. In botany, the
Cryptogams are largely represented by foreign, as well as na-
tive species: Musci, 500 species. Filicies, over 400 species.
Marine Algae, over 250 species, Lichens, over 250 species,
and about 100 species of Hepaticae.
Of Phanerogams, or flowering plants, the collection con-
tains some 500 species.
120 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
MOBRISSON LIBRARY.
In the intellectual and moral world, as in nature, silent in-
fluences and forces are often the most powerful. "The great
means of self-education is through books — through much
reading of books." Hence the history of a city, township,
county or State would be sadly incomplete ifit failed to give
an account of its libraries.
Robert Morrisson, the founder of the library which bears
his name, was born in Orange, now AUaraance, County,
N, C, on the 19th day of October, 1786, and removed
to the present locality of the city of Richmond in the
spring of 1810, at which time the present site of the city was
an almost unbroken wilderness. From that time his resi-
dence remained unchanged, and he was ever a prominent and
active participant in the enterprises which have converted
a mere wild into a city of 20,000 inhabitants. His energy,
integrity, and devotion to business resulted in the accumula-
tion of a handsome fortune. The poor of our city will bear
grateful testimony to his liberality and kindness of heart.
But these gifts to the needy, although numerous and liberal,
did not satisfy his benevolence; and believing that a public
library would be more conducive to the public good than any
other expenditure of the same amount of means, he purchased
lot 35, in that part of the city laid out by Jeremiah Cox, cor-
ner of Broadway and Marion streets, and erected a library
building thereon. The building contains, in addition to the
library-room, a dwelling for the librarian, and an office for
the township trustee, and the library committee.
The library-room is arranged and fitted up in the most ap-
proved modern style. The cost of the lot and improvements
was $12,500.
He then placed in the hands of a committee, consisting of
Jesse P. Siddall, Jesse S. Wilson, John Nicholson, Timothy
Nicholson and Dr. O. P. Baer, the sum of $5,000, which
they were to appropriate in purchasing books, to be placed in
the building erected by him. He had previously invested
$500 in books, which are now in the library. The total dona-
tion for lot, improvements and books, amounts to $18,000, all
CITY OF RICHMOND,
121
of which he devised to "Wayne Township, of Wayne Co
Ind, in trust, for the benefit of the inhabitants of said
township forever. The township library is placed in the same
room, and will form a part of "the Morrisson Library."
The library is placed under the control of a library com-
mittee, consisting of four persons; which committee is to
adopt the by-laws, rules and regulations, appoint the libra-
rian, purchase books, and have the general supervision of the
library and buildings. The committee consists of James W.
Smith, as Township Trustee, and Jesse P. Siddall, Lydia J
Morrisson and Timothy Nicholson. The Township Trustee
shall always constitute one of the committee. Yacancies in
the committee are to be filled as follows: The first vacancy,
by the township trustee; and the next two vacancies by the
"common council" of the city of Richmond. Afterward,
whenever a vacancy occurs, it is to be filled by the trustee or
council, whichever made the prior appointment then vacant,
so that two of said committee will always have their appoint-
ment from the council, and one from the township trustee. '
Any member of the committee may be removed by the con-
current action of the trustee and a majority of the council.
In case the trustee or council, or either of them, at any
time fail, neglect or refuse to perform the duties assigned
them, then the judge of the Wayne Circuit Court, or of any
other court of. record in said county, is to perform the duties
assigned to the defaulting party or parties. Said real estate
and books being devised for the use of the inhabitants of said
township forever, the judge aforesaid is empowered to do
whatever may be necessary to enforce its appropriation to the
uses specified.
Thus, by the munificence of one of its citizens, the town-
ship is now the owner of a permanent public library, the use
of which is free to all of its inhabitants.
A life-sized portrait painting of the donor hangs on the
western wall of the library room. This was purchased by
contributions from our citizens.
The library, in July, 1864, opened with about 6,000 vol-
umes of books, which number has been increased to more
than 12,000.
■J22 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY
The '* Manual Labor and Working Men's Institnte," of this
city, influenced solely by a generous desire to promote the
public good, removed their valuable library to the same
building, and it forms a part of the Morrisson Library.
The library committee adopted the following Rules and
Regulations for the government of the library:
RULES.
1. The officers of the Morrisson Library shall be a presi-
dent, vice-president, treasurer, secretary and librarian, all
of whom, except the librarian, shall be members of the
library committee.
2. The library shall be open daily, except on Sundays,
Christmas, New Year, Fourth of July and Thanksgiving,
from 9 to 12, and from 1 to 5 o'clock. It shall also be open
on Saturday evening from 6 to 8 o'clock, specially for me-
chanics and business men.
3. The librarian shall keep a catalogue of the books,
. properly number and arrange the same; keep the room and
books in good order; an entry of books taken from the
library and their return, and the name and residence of the
persons taking the same; note down fines and penalties for
the injury, destruction or overkeeping of books; see that the
rules governing the library are enforced; collect all fines and
penalties; carefully examine returned books, and note down
any injury to or defacement thereof; have the "exclusive right
to take books from the shelves, and replace them when re-
turned; keep the cases locked and permit no one to handle
books on the shelves; label the books; place on each book
the number of the case to which it belongs, and the number
of the shelf and the number of the book on the shelf; at each
monthly meeting of the committee report in writing all vio-
lations of these rules, also all volumes needing repairs, or un-
fit for use; record the names of donors of books and a list ot
the books donated by each person, which donation shall be
acknowledged by the committee through the city papers;
make an annual report of the condition of the library to the
committee at their August meeting.
4. If any person lose, deface or injure a book, or set of
CITY OF KICHMOND.
123
books, he shall make compensation therefor to the librarian
and if such book be one of a set, he shall either replace the
set or pay the full value thereof, and may then receive the re-
maining volumes as his property.
5. Writing or marking in a book, or turning down any
portion of a leaf, is prohibited, and the librarian shall assess
a fine therefor.
6. Heads of families and their children under eighteen
years of age are entitled to not more than four volumes at
the same time, and single persons to one, to be retained
twenty- one days; and a fine of five cents per week or fraction
of a week, for each volume, shall be paid for detention longer
than the time allowed.
7. No person shall be permitted to take a book from the
library so long as any fine assessed against him remains
unpaid.
8. Parents or guardians sending small children to the li-
brary must send an order with them to ensure a book.
9. Such books as may be designated by the library com--
mittee shall not be taken from the library-room, but be kept
as works of reference, and consulted there only, except by
permission of the library committee.
10. No smoking or chewing will be allowed in the library-
room.
11. Books detained one week longer than allowed shall
be sent for by the librarian, and the expense incurred be as-
sessed against the person guilty of such detention.
12. Juvenile books will not be exchanged until they have
been kept three days.
13. Books must be selected from the catalogue, and the
selection should be made before coming to the library; and
the case, shelf, number and name of the book written down
and furnished to the librarian, just as they are printed in
the catalogue.
14. Catalogues will be furnished by the librarian for SO-
cents each.
15. Persons taking books from the library shall not loan
them to others.
16. Any person who repeatedly and willfully violates the
rules of the library will be excluded from its use.
1$4 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
IT, No book taken out shall be renewed until the expira-
tion of one week from the date of its return.
18. Persons between the ages of eighteen and twenty-one
years, and anyone under eighteen whose parents are non-resi-
dents, shall be entitled to a book upon furnishing the secre-
tary with a satisfactory written guarantee for compliance with
the rules.
19. No person shall be entitled to the use of the library
who is not a resident of the township.
In 1876 a complete catalogue of all the books in the library
was published. This catalogue is arranged on the "Diction
ary plan.'' Each book is entered under the author, subject
and title, and the whole arranged in one alphabetical series,
containing over 300 octavo pages. Three supplementary
catalogues of " additions " have also besn published and dis-
tributed gratuitously to the patrons of the library.
The library was opened in July, 1864, with Jesse H. Brown
for Librarian. A few weeks after the opening he was appointed
Superintendent of the Richmond City schools, and he resigned
his position as Librarian. Mrs. Sarah A. Wrigley was then
chosen Librarian, an office which she has ever since filled with
great satisfaction and unusual efficiency.
For the first sixteen years, viz., from 1864 to 1880, the only
income available for the purchase of new books was that
arising from the rent paid by the Librarian for her apart-
ments, and the fines collected for violations of the library
rules; and during this period the average number per annum
of new volumes purchased was only 200.
The State Legislature in 1879 passed an act directing the
township trustees to levy a small tax for the purchase of
books, and for the last four years an average of 600 volumes
per annum have been added to the library.
In 1871 there were only 1,475 names on the Register. Last
year the list of readers numbered 4,688, to whom were issued
53,339 books.
The library-room is literally filled with books, and the com-
mittee will soon be compelled to enlarge the building to secure
room for future purchases.
The library has been very useful in the education of the
CITY OF RICHMOND. 125.
present generation, and its increasing injauenqe will do far
more in the future, both for the general public and for the
public schools of the township.
In the Librarian's report for 1881 she says : " Our readers
exhibit unabated interest. Every year shows a more thorough
appreciation of library privileges. Books of reference are
coming into general use, and the school children are learning
to consult histories and biographies in connection with their
studies. Lives of prominent men, stories founded on Amer-
ican history and late books of travels have to some extent
taken the place of sensational stories." And in her report for
1883 is this statement: " Reading clubs and societies for intel-
lectual improvement are rapidly increasing in the township,
and they frequently exhaust our collection of books on a given
subject." Thus has Morrisson Library increased in usefulness
and popularity as a model institution, and we trust its com-
mittee and its patrons will heartily unite in measures which
shall render its growth and value in the future far greater
than in the past.
LUNATIC ASYLUM.
Richmond having secured the location of the State Lunatic
Asylum, which is to be commenced the present year, 1884,
the following description from a Richmond paper will not be
out of place here:
The commission to locate and construct the new insane
asylum adopted the cottage plan for the Richmond insti-
tution, and it will be arranged for 400 patients. The main
building will have a frontage of 500 feet and will be two
stories high, with an attic. The center will be an open court
with an administration building in front, and a cooking, bak-
ing, etc., department in the rear on the ground floor, and the
chapel or amusement hall above. The wings will be for
patients under observation when first admitted, one for men
and the other for women. Each wing will have two wards
and each ward will accommodate twenty-three patients. As
soon as classified the patients will be sent to one of the
cottages, of which there are to be sixteen, with a capacity of
about twenty inmates each. These cottages are to be scattered
126
HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
over the ground in the rear of the main building, conforming
to an irregular indented circle about 1,000 feet in diameter,
and so situated as to be under easy observation. No two of
these cottages will have the same architectural appearance
and each will be planned to care for a particular class or grade
of patients .
The commission has been animated by a desire to give the
cottage system such an opportunity to veriff its claim to supe-
riority as it has not had anywhere in the world before. At
other places cottages have not entertained all classes of the
insane, but the Richmond asylum is to have the honor of
demonstrating whether the plan is competent to successfully
manage all classes and grades of unsound minds, as the insti-
tution will be required to receive and take care of all appli-
cants.
CHAPTER y.
THE CHURCHES OF RICHMOND.
History of Methodism. — Grace Methodist Episcopal
Church. — German Methodist Episcopal Church. — Afri-
can Methodist Episcopal Church. — African Wesleyan
Methodist Church. — Society of Friends, 1. — Society of
Friends, 2. — St. Paul's Episcopal Church. — First Presby
TERiAN Church. — United Presbyterian Church. — New
Jerusalem Church. — First Baptist Church. — Mt. Mo-
RiAH Baptist Church. — Christian Church. — Evangelical
Lutheran Church. — St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran
Church. — Zion's Church. — Catholic Churches.
the history of METHODISM.
Methodism was introduced to the city of Richmond, Ind.,
under the preaching of Rev. Russell Bigelow, in the year 1822.
It was difficult to obtain a house in which to hold a Methodist
meeting, but at length permission was granted to hold such
services in a small school-house. There Mr. Bigelow preached
his first sermon, and organized a class of seven members.
Geo. Smith was appointed leader. It was not long until the
school-house was taken from them. Preaching and class-meet-
ings were then removed to a small room occupied by Mrs.
Pearson as a dwelling. A short time after this Mrs. Pearson
moved away from the city and the class was discontinued.
In the autumn of 1825 Rev. James Havens determined
to make another effort to establish Methodism in Richmond.
A small house in the lower end of town, remote from any
other residence, occupied by Isaac Jackson as a dwelling, was
obtained and preaching established and a class organized.
From that period Methodism has maintained a place in Rich-
mond. ,
137
128 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
The first two days' meeting was held on Saturday and Sun-
day, June, 1828. Stephen E.. Beggs who had pastoral charge
appointed the meeting, and was assisted by several local
preachers. In the course of events it became necessary to
vacate the room which was occupied by the meetings and a
small house occupied by James Henry was next obtained.
This house was soon found to be too small. The male mem-
bers were called together, a subscription was taken, and a
small frame church built on the site of what has since been
known as Pearl St. M. E. Church. Richmond was made a
station in 1838. The membership at this date numbered
sixty-five in and around the town. There were three classes,
of which D. B. Crawford, Joseph Kern and Stephen Thomas
were the respective leaders. The following ministers have
served as pastors, in the order in which they are named
since Richmond became a station: John W. Sullivan, A.
Tarkington, J. H. Hull, R. S. Robinson, A. Conwell, W.
W. Wheeler, J. M. Stagg, C. W. Miller, J. H. Hull (2d
term). Dr. Wm. H. Goode, Thomas Webb, J. W. Stafford, S.
C. Cooper, Augustus Eddy, "V. M. Beamer, H. N. Barnes, Ja-
cob Colclazer, J. W. T. McMullen, Dr. T. S. Johnson (now
missionary in India), Dr. C. N. Sims, N. H. Phillips, R.
Tobey, J. y. R. Miller, N. Gillam, R. H. Sparks, W. J.
Vigres, A. W. Lamport.
Since the organic law of the Methodist Episcopal church
went into efi'ect in the year 1864, by which the pastoral term
was lengthened to three years, ever3' pastor in charge of the
original church, beginning with the name of R. Tobey, has
served a full term of three years.
In the year 1858 the old frame building was removed to
South Tenth street, where it may still be seen and where it is
now occupied as a dwelling, and a new brick church was
erected on the old site. The annual session of the North
Indiana Conference was held in the new church in the au-
tumn of 1853 at which time the church was dedicated by the
presiding Bishop, E. R. Ames. Under the pastorate of Rev.
N. H. Phillips the parsonage, which had been erected some
years before on the lot adjoining the church, was enlarged
and beautified at an expense of about $1,200. In 1866, under
CITY OF RICHMOND. 129
the labors of Kev. R. Tobey, the church was completely
renovated, painted outside, remodeled inside, the lecture-
room re-seated, walls frescoed, and new carpets provided at
an expense of about $3,500. Under the labors of Rev. R.
H. Sparks, a hurricane blew in the west end of the church
building doing much damage to the interior. The damages
were promptly repaired. During the pastorate of Rev. W.
J. Yigres a complete renovation and refurnishing of the
church occurred. The auditorium was newly frescoed and
furnished with new seats, the windows reshaped and stained
glass put in. The expense for these improvements was about
$2,700. Under the labors of Rev. A. W. Lamport, the par-
sonage was again repaired, new rooms were added in brick,
the old rooms were modified and modernized, the whole cost-
ing the sum of $1,240. During the third year of his service
as pastor the trustees were encouraged to undertake the erec-
tion of a new church edifice at a point further east in the
city. Lots were accordingly purchased on the southwest cor-
ner of Main and Fourteenth streets. The location is admitted
to be one of the finest in Richmond. The new edifice is already
under way. It is unique and modern in its style of architect-
ure and wholly unlike any other church in the city. The
auditorium, which will seat about 500, and the lecture-room,
which will accommodate about 700, are both on ground floor,
and so arranged as to open together by means of folding
doors, thus furnishing a seating capacity for about twelve
to thirteen hundred people. The lecture-room is divided
into one main room, a spacious gallery and four smaller
rooms, which are well adapted to the service of Sunday-
schools. The basement, which extends under the whole
building, will be finished into church-parlors^ dining-room,
furnace-rooms, etc. The building will be surmounted by
a graceful steeple about 150 feet high. A church office
is in connection with the auditorium and choir gallery. The
floor in the auditorium is made on an incline toward the
pulpit. The building is of pressed brick with stone flnish
and will probably be heated with steam. The roof is of
slate, and the whole finish without and within will be as com-
plete as possible. The entire expense of the building, in-
130 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
eluding wells, cistern, walks, fencing, carpets and great
organ, will probably not exceed $40,000. For the conven-
ience of those living at a distance, carriage-sheds will be pro-
vided. In closing this brief history it can truthfully be said
that the First Methodist Episcopal Church which is now the
outgrowth, both in name and fact, of the original Methodist
Society of Richmond, remains in a healthful and hopeful con-
dition. Its members are united in faith and feeling, and in
the purpose to hand over the present strength of their society
to a grander and even more blessed career in the future.
Many extensive revivals and wonderful ingatherings of mem-
bers have occurred during the history of this church thus far.
Prominent among them are those which occurred under the
pastorates of Revs. R. S. Robinson, C. N. Sims, R. Tobey.
In the month of August, 1858, forty-two members withdrew
from the original church and organized a new society under
the name of Union Chapel, now known as Grace Church. In
the autumn of 1866 forty members more withdrew and or-
ganized a third society. After a short career this society dis-
banded and its membership was merged into the other two
churches.
GRACE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
This church was originally an offshoot from Pearl Street
(now First) Church, forty-two of its members having with-
drawn on account of the restriction in regard to seatingr and
on the 24th day of August, 1858, organized a new society
known as " Union Chapel." They purchased a building on
Main street, having business rooms below and a large hall-
room above, fitting up the latter for church purposes. It was
dedicated, Sept. 26, 1858, D. W. Clark (afterward Bishop)
officiating. The congregatiou continued to worship in this
house until Jan. 24, 1869, at which time, the old building
having been disposed of, a new one, erected the year
previous, more commodious and more eligibly situated, was
ready to be occupied in part. On the 26th of September of
the same year, the whole house being completed, it was for-
mally dedicated by Bishop Ames, and the name changed to
' ' Grace Church."
CITY OF RICHMOND. 131
This building occupies the southwest corner of Tenth and
North A streets, and is a beautiful and imposing structure of
the Gothic order of architecture. It is brick and stands upon
the ground 100 x 54 feet, two stories, slate roof, surmounted
bj a graceful belfry and spire 130 feet in height. The audi-
ence-room on the second floor is capable of seating 700 per-
sons. The walls and ceiling are handsomely frescoed in oil,
which with the stained-glass windows, wood-work finish of
varnished ash, gives the interior a highly ornamental and
artistic appearance. It contains a very fine-toned organ with
1,075 pipes and twenty-four stops. The basement is conven-
iently arranged for Sunday-school and prayer-meeting pur-
poses, being seated with chairs and having an ample supply
of private rooms for church and Sabbath-school classes.
The cost of the building, including site, was about $40,000,
and improvements have since been added to the value of be-
tween $3,000 and $4,000.
At its first organization a portion of the seats were owned
by members, which gave it the name of " pewed church,"
but this feature becoming unpopular, it was abandoned at
the opening of the new house of worship. The seats are now
entirely free.
This church has enjoyed the ministrations ot some of the
most talented and popular pastors of the North Indiana Con-
ference, to which it is attached. Rev. J. Y. R. Miller served
from its first organization until the spring of 1860; Rev. F.
A. Hardin, one year, until the spring of 1861; Rev. A. Green-
man, one year, until the spring of 1862; Rev. W. H. Goode,
one year, until the spring of 1863; Rev. A. S. Kinnan, two
years, until the spring of 1865; Rev. William Wilson, three
months following, when he resigned; Rev. A. Marine came
to fill out the conference year on the 13th of November, and
remained until the spring of 1868; Rev. A. S. Kinnan, a
former pastor, returned, remaining about a year and a half,
when he resigned; Rev. E. B. Snyder came on the 5th of Jan-
uary, 1870, to supply the vacancy, and continued until the
1st "of October, 1871, when he was transferred; Rev. A. A.
Brown, sent to fill out the year, remained until July, 1872,
when he resigned, and the Rev. S. L. Yourtee, sent to fill out
132 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
the year, was superseded in the spring of 1873 by Rev. R.
N. McKaig, who remained until the spring of 1876; Rev. A.
Marine, a former pastor, followed, remaining until tlie spring
of 1879; Rev. H. A. Buchtel, three years, until the spring ot
1882; Rev. Frost Craft succeeded, and continues pastor at
this date (January, 1884).
From the small beginning the membership of this church
has steadily increased until it now numbers 440. During its
short history there have been three or four revivals of religion
worthy of mention: One in the winter of 1865-'66, under the
ministry of A. Marine, when about forty persons were added,
to the membership; one in the spring of 1869, under A. S.
Kinnan, when 174 were added; one in the winter of 1881-'82,
under H. A. Buchtel, when about thirty were added; and
one in the winter of 1882-'83, under Frost Craft, when 114
were added.
The Sabbath-school of the church, organized at the com-
mencement, has had a very prosperous career, gradually in-
creasing in numbers until it now has an average attendance
of about 400 scholars and teachers. It has had in all five
superintendents, C. C. Binkley, now in charge, occupying
that position for nearly fifteen years.
GERMAN M. E. CHURCH.
This church was organized in the year 1860. The members,
some thirteen in number, met at the house of Mr. Fiske,
on South Seventh street, and in 1861 built a church edifice on
the corner of Sixth and B streets. This continued only one
year, when the church society disbanded and was not again
reorganized until 1871. The association then erected a brick
church on the corner of B and Seventh streets, at a cost of
$5,000. It had the above membership of thirteen, of which
the only survivors are: Frederick Hutfielder and wife, and
Wm. Gauding and wife.
The church has not grown much in membership, but it has
a large and influential congregation who attend its service,
many of which should join and add their influence for good
to the noble few now united together for the good of the
church.
CITY OF RICHMOND. 133
The ministers wlio have officiated as pastors are: Eevs.
William Dimkard, Batrim Weaver, Helwish, Fricken, Martin,
Fishback and SchrufF; the last two are still with them.
The present membership is eighteen,
AFKICAN M. E. CHURCH.
This is the oldest colored church in the city, the organiza-
tion being effected in 1845, Their first meeting was in an
old log dwelling on South Fifth street. Later an old frame
building was secured for a season, and then service was held
at the residences of the members for something like two
years.
In 1858 they purchased an old frame building and moved
it to South Sixth street, where the colored school now stands,
and, putting it in comfortable repair, used it for ten years as
a place of worship.
In 1868 they took possession of the church on the corner of
Sixth and B streets. Their church is a good and substantial
brick building, the property being valued at $5,000. It
will seat comfortably some 300 persons.
The organization began with a membership of fifteen, four
of whom are yet living, viz. : Henry Belle, Nathaniel Jones,
Eliza Outland, Eliza Ladd; and the charter members who are
not living, are as follows: William Davisson and wife, Cor-
nelius Overman and wife, Charles Overman and wife, Adam
Carpenter and wife, George Belle, Fannie Olbertson, Eichard
Rush, Matild Rush, Mary Overman, Milton Ladd, Sharlotta
Benbow.
The ministers who have had charge of the pastorate, and
have worked to enlarge its sphere of usefulness are as follows,
in the order named. They are all that were remembered:
Revs. Robert Jones, Mrs. Ross, Mrs. Bass, Daniel Wins-
low, Thomas Strawther, William C. Travan, Frederick My-
ers, C. C. Joiner, Daniel Winslow (second term), Nathan
Michum, Johnston Michum, Nathan Michum (second term),
J. M. Townson, A. T. Hall, Dr. Willis Revels, W. S. Lank-
ford, L. D. Crosby, W. C. Travan (second term), J. McSmith
and C. H. Thomas, present pastor.
This church has a membership at present of 186, and was
organized by the Rev. Bishop William* Paul Qainn.
134 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH — COLORED.
There arose a division in the African Methodist church upon
school matters, which resulted in April, 1868, in a division, a
few of the members leaving, and the above-named church was
formed by Elder C. W. Clemens, deceased. In its early history
it applied to the Miami Conference of the "Wesleyan Methodists
of America for admission, and were accepted, and still hold
their membership. The church is congregational in its form
of government, their preachers being chosen by the church
without definite limits as to the length of their pastorates.
At the time of its organization but four members united,
viz.: Joseph and Caroline Moore, Wm. Green and Benj..
Pickett, Mr. Jos. Moore serving as Class Leader for several
years, and until his death. Mrs. Caroline Moore, called the
mother of the church, is now the only member living of the
original four, and furnished the facts of which this history is
composed.
The organization was at the house of Mr. Moore, but they
now have a neat frame church building and a handsome par-
sonage. The church is 32 x 42 in size with a vestibule 8 x 12
feet. It is neatly finished and furnished, and lighted with
ten gas jets. There is yet due on the church property a little
over $800, but with a present membership of nearly sixty,
they hope to be soon free from debt.
A regularly organized Board of Trustees belong to this
church as follows: Steven Riley, T. H. Johnson, D. Eckels,
Joseph Rolston, Amon Dunken, Frank Rolston and William
Freeman. Mr. J. C. Moore is the efficient church Clerk.
Connected with this church is a thriving Sabbath-school,
numbering between sixty and seventy pupils, with the follow-
ing competent corps of officers, viz.: Mr. T. H. Johnson, Su-
perintendent, with Miss Lucy Reid, Assistant; Organist, Prof.
O. C. Huddleson; Secretaries, Miss Emma Moore and Miss
Julia Garrett; Treasurer, Miss Sarah Johnson; Bible Class,
No. 1, taught by Elder S. M. Smothers; Bible Class, No. 2,
taught by Mrs. Lydia Hunter; Infant Class, No. 3, taught by
Mrs. Annie Young; Class No. 4, taught by Mrs. Mary Mc-
Kinney; Class No. 5, taught by Miss Lizzie Moore. The
school meets at 2 o'clock p. m., every Sabbath.
CITY OF RICHMOND. 135
Pastors serving this church in succession from its organi-
zation have been as follows: Elder C. W. Clemens, two
years; Rev. Gleason, one year; Eev. Silas French, one
year and six months; Rev. Anday Ferguson, one year; Rev.
A. A. Dison, six months; Rev. Adam Collens, six months;
Rev. Brookshare, two years; Rev. S. M. Sane, one year;
Elder C. W. Clemens, two years; Elder H. C. Pierce, three
years, and Elder S. M. Smothers, the present pastor, who took
charge Sept. 24, 1883.
PRESENT BOARD OF STEWARDS.
W.T. Ganes, T. H. Johnson, S. Riley, Mrs. Caroline Moore,
Mrs. N. A. Moore, Mrs. Martha Ralson, Mrs. Lydia Hunter
THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS. 1.
The Society of Friends is the oldest established Christian
denomination in Richmond or Wayne County, being, in fact
co-equal with the settlement of the county. In February,
1806, David Hoover and three other young men, all mem-
bers of the Society of Friends, reached the vicinity of Rich-
mond and Mr. Hoover located, remaining on his farm until
his death, only a few years since. In August of the year
1806 Jeremiah Cox and a few others of the denomination of
Friends joined the first settlers, Mr. Cox locating on the
land upon which the principal part of Richmond now stands,
north of Main street, and which he laid out.
In the fall of 1806, November, John Simpson, a member
of the society, held a meeting at the cabin of Jeremiah Cox
which was attended by about twenty persons. This was the
initial movement of the society to form a closer union, which
continued at intervals until the following summer of 1807.
Then a Friends' meeting was commenced in a cabin upon
Jeremiah Cox's land, and was kept up until duly established
by the church. In August, 1807, this meeting was "in-
dulged " by the West Branch Monthly Meeting. There were
then eighty-four members, old and young, thirty-five of whom
attended the first "indulged" meeting. It continued to be
held as such until 1809, when the Whitewater Monthly
Meeting was established by the Miami Quarterly Meeting.
136 HISTORY OF WAYNE COEJNTY.
Iq the fall of 1808 a meeting-house was erected, the first
in the county, of logs, twenty-four feet square, near the south-
east corner of the old burying-ground of the Friends. Not
long afterward an addition was built to this church, also
of logs and of the same dimensions, and this place of worship
was used until the erection of a new building in the year
1827. At the time of this enlargement, late in the year of
1808, there were 248 members belonging to the meeting, of
all ages, and the society had. a visit from the Rev. Stephen
Grellet, who preached an interesting sermon from the text,
" Children, have ye any meat?" On the 30th of September,
1809, the Whitewater Monthly Meeting was opened, and
was the first established meeting held in Indiana, and there
were 265 Friends, old and young, then residing in Richmond
and vicinity. In the year 1811 Thomas Roberts removed to
Whitewater and settled on the farm where his son Jonathan
now lives, and upon which the new Yearly Meeting house
stands. He died in 1840 aged eighty-two years. Sam'l Charles,
another prominent Friend, settled on a farm now occupied by
his grandsons in part, in 1812. His death occurred in 1849,
aged ninety-one years. Chas. Moffitt was another early pioneer
of the church, a son-in-law of Jeremiah Cox. His home was the
farm on which the old log church was built. He came in
1811, and died in 1845, in the seventy-third year of his age.
In the monthof June, 1812, the West Branch Quarterly Meet-
ing was established by the Baltimore Yearly Meeting, and
Whitewater Monthly Meeting was attached thereto, which
caused the members of the latter to make a journey of forty
miles, nearly due east, to attend the Quarterly Meeting. The
Ohio Yearly Meeting was organized in 1817.
In the year 1815, nine years after the first settlement of
Friends, the Whitewater Monthly Meeting was composed of
the following subordinate meetings, viz.: Whitewater, West
Grove, Silver Creek, Middle Fork, Elkhorn and Chester, and
numbered 165 families, 800 to 900 members, with four or five
recorded ministers.
The first Constitution of Indiana, adopted at Corydon, the.
then capital, sat nineteen days, and Jeremiah Cox was one of
the members of the convention. The same year Richmond
was laid off by John Smith.
CITY OF RICHMOND. 137
On the 4th of January, 1817, the Whitewater Quarterly
Meeting was held. Of this meeting William Williams, in his
journal, said: " On the first day of the first month, 1817, there-
was a new Quarterly Meeting opened at Wliitewater meeting-
house, which was a great satisfaction to many minds; yet we
felt sorry to part with our dear Friends of West Branch, a
number of whom were present."
On the 8tli of October, 1821, the Indiana Yearly Meeting
was established and held. Benjamin Hopkins was Clerk, and
George Carter, Assistant. It was composed of five Quarterly
Meetings, viz.: Miami, West Branch, Fairfield, Whitewater
and Blue Kiver It was held in the old log meeting-house,
and in the shed attached to it. The increase in members
caused a desire to erect a new and more commodious place of
worship, and it took shape in the appointment of a committee,
or Board of Managers, viz. : Jeremiah Cox, Samuel Charles
and Thomas Roberts, and a plan for a house was adopted.
This plan was chaiiged the following year, 1822, and John
Charles added to the committee. The latter and Jeremiah
Cox resigned the following year, and Charles Mofiitt was
added, the board being then composed of the following named
Friends: Samuel Charles, Thomas Roberts and Charles
MoflStt, who continued to act until the building was completed
in 1829. They kept a minute account of the expenditures,
making their report in detail, and this account is in the pos.
session of the grandchildren of Mr. Samuel Charles. The
house was first occupied in an unfinished condition, in 1824.
The board faithfully carried out their trust, and the cost was
about $7,000 in round numbers. In 1826 the Yearly Meeting
authorized the holding of Quarterly Meetings, held at White-
water, at the Yearly Meeting house. From the meetings thus
established there has since been three large Yearly Meetings
set off: Western, Iowa and Kansas, having 25,000 to 30,000
members.
The present Indiana Yearly Meeting is composed of thirteen
Quarterly Meetings, and has a membership of 18,000.
The Whitewater Monthly Meeting at present consists of the
following preparative meetings, viz. : Whitewater, Richmond
(held on South Eighth street), and Twelfth Street, all in the
10
138 HISTOKY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
city of Richmond; Smyrna, a few miles north, and Orange, a
few miles south of the city, all of which have from time to
time been esitablished by the old original meeting. The
Monthly Meeting has a total membership of about 1,200.
The Whitewater Quarterly Meetings are held in the city of
Kichmond, in June and December, composed of five Monthly
Meetings, all of which are in Wayne County, except one, and
have a membership of 2,500. Two other meetings arc held
at Dublin, and one at Xew Garden, all in Wayne County.
The New Garden Meeting consists of three Monthly Meetings?
and about 1,200 members, which shows in the county of
Wayne, where the Friends first settled in Indiana, a member-
ship of 3,700 at this time, or Jan. 1, 1884.
These facts have been given us by Elijah Coffin, and in clos-
ing his memorandum he said in substance: "That the Society
of Friends unite with the views of most of the orthodox
churches in all the essentials and fundamental doctrines of
Christianity. They believe in the freedom of public worship.
In the early days of the Christian Church the first gospel
messenger was a woman, and they believe that women were
called equally with men to preach the gospel. The result of
200 years' experience has been to the effect that they are
equally efficient. Women can be ministers and be none the
less loving as mothers, wives and daughters. Theirs, the
Society of Friends, was a gospel of peace; hence their mem-
bers cannot enlist in the armies of the world. If called upon
to fight, the reply should be : ' We are Christians and cannot
fight. It is better to obey the laws of God than man, and
leave the reward to God.'
" The society stands firmly opposed to the death penalty, be-
lieving man has no right to take that which he cannot bestow.
It also takes strong grounds in favor of temperance. From
the earliest days of its historj'^ we have taught that the traffic
in liquors should be restricted to its use for medical and
mechanical purposes. The society feel it to be the duty of
its members to co-operate with any movement that has for its
•object the suppression of the vice of intemperance." The value
of their church property in Richmond is, for the Twelfth
street property, $36,000; Eighth street property, $15,000 ;
and Whitewater, $8,000.
CITY OF RICHMOND. 139
THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS. 2.
In the years 1827 and 1828 there was a division in the So-
ciety of Friends, and that part of the body to which this
article refers, believing firmly in the doctrines and testimo-
nies of the society, withdrew, and have held their meetings
since, in order, as stated in the minutes of the Yearly Meet-
ing, held the 29th of September, 1828, "As much as possi-
ble to preserve the unity and harmony of our religious
society, and to maintain our principles on their ancient foun-
dation, and according to our present discipline."
The first meeting held at Richmond after the division was
in the woods, near where the railroad shops now stand, and
was attended by about 140 members. Several meetings of
conference were afterward held in the public-school building,
for the purpose of procuring a place for worship.
An upper room in a tavern located on Main street, between
Eighth and Ninth streets, was accordingly selected for that
purpose.
In the fall of the same year Friends held their Yearly
Meeting at Waynesville, Ohio, where it was decided to hold
it alternately at Waynesville, Ohio, and Richmond, Ind.
Soon after the Yearly Meeting in 1828, a public meeting
was held in a large barn, near Richmond; the room in the
tavern was thought too small to accommodate the number
likely to assemble. The meeting was large and satisfactory.
On the 24th of September, 1828, a committee was appointed
to select and purchase a lot on which to erect a meeting-
house; a piece of ground, containing three-fourths of an acre,
was selected at the junction of Fort Wayne avenue and Sixth
street, for which, in conjunction with the Quarterly Meeting,
was paid $100.
Upon this lot was erected a frame building 40 x 60 feet, un-
der the superintendence of the following committee: Robert
Morrisson, Enos Graves and Charles W. Starr. The house
was completed and meetings were held in it in 1830. A few
years later another building of like material and dimensions
was erected on the ground, which was designed for the ac-
commodation of the Yearly Meeting, and in the interval it
140 HISTOKY OF WAYNE COtJNTY.
was used for a Friends' school, and was largely attended by
them and others.
In 1864 this property was sold, and a lot, consisting of one
entire square of ground, situated between Eleventh and
Twelfth and North A and B streets, was purchased of the
Charles W. Starr estate, for the sum of $5,000.
In 1865 a plain, substantial, brick building, capable of
holding 1,600 persons, was erected at a cost of $12,745.64.
The Yearly Meeting was held in this house, in the fall of
1865.
Three years later a large two-story brick structure, in-
tended for an academy, was erected on the ground at a cost of
$10,000, in which, for several years, a well-conducted school
was sustained under the auspices of the society.
This building is now used by the " Richmond Normal
School:'
Their property, in total, is about $50,000.
While the membership of this branch of the society is not
large, it includes members in whose daily lives may be found
the elements of the true friend, as held by the early founders
of the society, as well as active and earnest workers, well
known for their zeal and integrity in promoting the welfare
of the oppressed, irrespective of race or color, as well as some
of the most popular and influential citizens of Wayne County.
ST. Paul's episcopal chubch.
The first Episcopal services were held in Richmond, in
February, 1837, by Kt. -Rev. Jackson Kemper, in the upper
room of the City Hall (old Warner building). No effort was
then made to organize a church. In April or May, Rev.
Gresham Waldo commenced holding services in the lower
room of the same building, but left on account of poor
health after about two months. About the 4th of July, 1837,
Rev. Geo. Fiske located in Richmond by the advice of
. Bishop Kemper. He held services in the old frame church
on Fort Wayne avenue, where the First M. E. Church now
stands. He continued his missionary labors until Feb. 12,
1838, when St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church was or-
ganized. The meeting for the purpose of forming a congre-
CITY OF RICHMOND. 141
gation was held at tlie law office of James W. Green. Rev.
Mr. Fiske was Chairman; Ebenezer T. Turner, Secretary;
E. T. Turner and Hermon B. Payne were elected Wardens;
James W. Borden, "Wm. S. Addleman and George Arnold,
Vestrymen. The lower room of the Warner building was
leased as a place for worship, in June, 1838. Sept. 10, 1838,
steps were taken toward building a church edifice, to cost
from $4,000 to $6,000, and a building committee was ap-
pointed. A church lot was selected in 1830, and on the 23d.
of May of that year the church was legally incorporated. H.
B. Payne and J. W. Green were chosen Wardens, and J. W.
Borden, Stephen B. Stanton, John D. McClelland and George
Arnold, Vestryman. The church building was partially
finished in 1841, and the basement used as a place for ser-
vices. The parsonage was built in 1843 at a cost of $354.50.
The church building was completed in 1849, and consecrated
Dec. 20, by Bishop Upfold.
Rev. Mr. Fiske tendered his resignation as rector April 21,
1851, but it was not finally accepted until Nov. 20, 1855.
His health, long impaired, gave way, and he died in Febru-
ary, 1860. The present rector, Rev. John B. Wakefield, was
elected Dec. 3, 1855, and has been an earnest and devoted
laborer for the Master during the long period of his pastor-
ate. The church had a hard struggle for life in its early
years, but was brought safely through its troubles aided by
such devoted men as Rsv. Mr. Fiske, Stephen B. Stanton,
Wm. S. Addleman, H. B. Payne and others.
The number of communicants in 1839 was twelve; in 1855,
fifty-two; in 1883, 154. Value of church property, about
$20,000. The church has one of the finest organs in the
West.
FIKST PKESBYTEKIAN CHURCH.
This church was organized in Richmond, Ind., Nov. 15,
1837, by a committee of the Oxford Presbytery. Thirty
members united together composing the organization, and
two others joined the day following. John Dougan, Jno.
B. Taylor and Wm. McGathery were chosen Elders, and the
Rev. Charles Sturdevant was chosen as tiieir pastor. They
142 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
had no place of worship of their own for three years, but had
the use, occasionally, of the school-house, and the church of
the Associate Reformed (now U. P.) church. Their first
church building was erected in 1840, near its close, at a cost
of lot and ground of $800, being improved in 1847 and con-
tinued in use until 1854. The present church edifice was
commenced in 1850, but not fully completed until the first of
the year 1854, when it was dedicated Feb. 5, of that year.
The lot was a donation to the church from Chas. W. Starr.
The church cost something over $5,000, and since then in re-
pairs and improvements some $3,000. The ministers have
been Kev, Charles Sturdevant, from organization to 1841;
Eev. Thomas Whallon, from 1842 to 1845; Rev. R. A. Nay-
lar, from 1845 to 1846; Rev. Francis P. Monford, from 1847
to 1851; Rev, Henry L. McGuire began his labors herein
July, 1852, and continued until Sept. 4, 1853, when he was
summoned to his rest, greatly lamented by the church; Rev.
Chauncy Leavenworth, from 1854 to 1856; Rev. John F.
Smith, from 1857 to 1859; Rev. W. H. Yandaren, from 1860
to 1863; Rev. J. R. Geyer, six months in 1864; Rev. Lucius
W. Chapman, from 1865 to 1870; Rev. Isaac M. Hughs, pres-
ent pastor, commenced labor here July 17, 1870, was installed
pastor Oct. 20, 1870.
The church has been free from debt since 1870, and has a
membership of 275. The Sabbath congregations are large.
The singing is congregational and led by a pipe organ.
Weekly prayer-meetings are held every Thursday evening.
The Sabbath-school meets at nine o'clock every Sabbath
morning, and teachers meeting every Monday evening.
There have been organized by the members of this church,
the Ladies' Aid Society, The Women's Prayer-Meeting and
the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society. There have been
few more prosperous churches, or one by their works more
deserving.
UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
This church, at the time of its organization, was called the
Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. The records of
this church prior to October, 1842, having been lost, the
CITY OF RICHMOND. 143
few facts of its early history here given are furnished chiefly
from recollection, by one who was a member at the time of
its organization. At the time of his settlement here, there
were but few Presbyterians in this vicinity. The lirst sermon
from a Presbyterian minister is supposed to have been preach-
ed by Alexander Porter, in 1S24. Only occasional preach-
ing, however, was had for many years. The first pastor,
or settled minister, was William M. Boyce, in 1835 or 1836.
A frame meeting-house was built on Pearl street, south
of Main. Among those who became members at and near
the time of the organization were: Kobert Grimes, Daniel
Reid, A. Grimes, Jeremiah L. Meek and John Reid, with
their wives, Widow Grimes, Mary Kibby, James McFadden^
Mary Davidson, Isaac Conley. Eobert Grimes and Daniel
Reid were chosen Elders. The name of Joseph McCord ap-
pears on record as an Elder at a meeting of the session in
1843. The pastorate of Mr. Boyce terminated in 1851; after
which the church had for many years no settled pastor or
stated preaching. In 1858 it assumed the name of the
United Presbyterian Church, and Adrian Aten became its
pastor. In August, 1862, Robert Grimes, one of its Elders,
died. In October, 1863, William S. Reid and John J. Conley
were chosen Elders. In 1864, it is believed, the labors of Mr.
Aten as pastor ceased; and on the 7th of May, 1866, Nixon E.
Wade was ordained and installed. About the same time the so-
ciety decided to build anew house of worship; and in ISTovem-
ber following (1866) William S. Reid was chosen "to take the
entire superintendence of the new church building." David
H. Dougan was elected Treasurer, and Daniel Reid, John J.
Conley and David H. Dougan, Trustees for the ensuing year.
On Sabbath, Sept. 15, 1867, the congregation entered their
new house of worship for the first time. The opening sermon
was preached by William Davidson, D. D., of Hamilton,
Ohio. July 17, 1869, A. M. Weed was chosen an Elder. In
February, 1870, Rev. Joseph W. Clokey commenced his
labors, and was installed April the 28th following. The
church was not fully finished until 1869, when it was dedi-
cated by the Rev. William H. McMillan, oi' Xenia, Ohio.
The Trustees at the time were Daniel Reid, John J. Conley
144 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
and David H. Doiigan. The Elders at this date, 1884, are:
William S. Raid, Andrew F. Scott, James W. Smith and T.
W. O. BrafFett; Deacons, Frank H. Glass, Lucius W. Roberts,
Alfred Lefevere and McFlierson. The church liabilities
at its completion were assumed bv W. S. Reid and A. F.
Scott, and the clmrch is free from debt. It is a handsome
edilice, built in the Gothic style, and in size 39 x YO feet, with
a seating capacity of about 400.
NEW JERUSALEM CHURCH.
The New Jerusalem Church, of Richmond, was, through
the instrumentality of Dr. O. P. Baer, organized late in the
year 1849, the Doctor making his home in Richmond that
year. There were but few members of the new church so-
ciety then residing in the city, but the few cordially united
with Dr. Baer in organizing a society for the good of the
church. The society was composed of the following mem-
bers: Dr. Joseph Howells and wife, James Austin and wife,
son and three daughters, Daniel Roberts and wife, Jacob
Purington and wife, Mr. Pullen and wife, and Dr. O. P. Baer
and wife. Meetings were held at each other's houses, by some
one reading either a sermon, or certain portions of the writ-
ings of the new church.
Owing to removals, the society failed to sustain itself, and
within eighteen months went out of existence. Owing to the
few members no minister was regularly engaged, and preach-
ing was had only occasionally. This was continued, even
after the organization failed, to 1867. During this non-ex-
istence of the society, services had been held at different
times, conducted by Revs. J. P. Stewart, Sabin, Hough, Dr.
Channs, Henry Miller and others. In the spring of the latter
year, 1867, Dr. Baer engaged the Rev. G. N. Smith, of Ur-
bana University, to preach once a month at his residence.
The audience at first was small, but it grew rapidly, each
meeting presenting new faces and earnest hearers, until the
house became too small to accommodate all who came. The
meetings often terminated in a pleasant religious conversa-
tion, of questions and answers, intellectually enjoyed by all
as a feast of good things foi' the soul. This season of spiritual
feasting lasted until the early spring of 1869.
CITY OF RICHMOND. 145
The need of a hall became apparent, and not finding a suit-
able one it was decided to build. The society having
grown and strengthened, a new organization was effected
early in March, 1869, with the following named per-
sons signing the constitution and by-laws: O. P. Baer,
Emma J. Baer, Francis Pniyn, Achsah Pruyn, Mrs. John
Chandler, David Strawbridge, Mrs. S. A. Wrigley, Miss Julia
H. Finley, M. L. Crocker, Lizzie Crocker. Tliese members
are what might be called charter members, who worked for
the building of the temple, and its furnishing, to its dedica-
tion. All things now being in readiness, first of all a pur-
chase was made of the southeast corner lot on Franklin and
Walnut streets for $1,500, paying $1,000 down, and $500 in
six months. A subscription list was then started, and at the
same time the contract for erecting the edifice was let to Mr.
Thomas Roberts. Two thousand dollars were subscribed
and promptly ])aid by the citizens of Richmond, and $500
from parties elsewhere. The lot, building and furnishing cost
$7,500. Before the dedication of the temple the entire
debt was canceled by Dr. Baer. Dedication services occurred
on Jan. 21, 1870, conducted by Rev. George Field, aided by
Rev. F. Sewall. On the 26th of February a Sabbath-school
was instituted, witii Dr. Baer, Superintendent. During this
season (1870) there were added to the society, pro]ier]y called
the New Jerusalem Church Society, the names of Mrs. John
Finley, Mr. Thomas De Yarmon, Dr. Joseph Howells and
three daughters, Mary E. Baer, Florence Chandler, and Rev.
George Field and wife. Rev. G. Field was engaged as min-
ister, and served the society for more than two years. Mr.
Field then left for Detroit, and the society was without a
regular minister for more than a year. Mr. De Charms, a
licentiate, read sermons for three months during the summer
of 1873, and during the following winter the society was
richly entertained by one of the finest sermonizers in this or
any other country. Judge Plants, of Ohio. Rev. G. N.
Smith was again engaged in 1874, and preached for two
years, after which Rev. E A. Bea.nan was engaged to preach
the first Sabbath of every month, now over six years.
146 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
This church cannot be said to have been organized in 1865,
but some twenty members of that denomination united to
hold service in the winter of 1865-'66, and they met first in a
room over Engine House No. 2; then in the late spring, in a
school-room on the north side, and from tliere to Phillips'
Hall which they occupied until they were organized and suffi-
ciently strong, financially, to erect a place of worship of their
own, which was done a few years later. Tlie church is a good
substantial brick edifice, neatly and comfortably furnished.
It is located on JMorth Eleventh street, on the west side,
north of Main street.
The original members as nearly as can be obtained were:
Mr. and Mrs Daniel Thompson, Mrs. Henderson, Mrs. New-
port, Mr. Agenbroad, Mr. F. Deal, Mrs. Conover, Mr.
Griggs, Mrs. Jane Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Smith ot the country,
Dr. Newton, Mr. and Mrs. Black and daughter. The pastors
were as follows: Mr. Agenbroad, served two years; Mr. Wil-
kenson, two years; Mr. Benton, one year; Mr. Moorehouse,
one year; Mr. Smith, one year; Mr. Agenbroad (second term)
two years; Mr. Roup, one year. The membership now num-
bers 104. Rev. Allen is the pastor in charge at the present
time.
MT. MORIAH BAPTIST CHURCH.
The Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, colored, was organized in
1865, with only five members. The church grew but slowly
and in a few years ceased to exist. Its pastors were the
Revs. Trevans, Davis and Shoecraft. It was reorganized
about the year 1872, and since that time has steadily grown,
although but few members united at the start. In 1880 it
had twenty-eight members. Since that time it has advanced
greatly, under the pastorate of the Rev. Benj. Smith. Its
ministers have been the Revs. Geo. Pass, Benj. Gardner,
Brumwell, Polly, Benj. Gardner again, and the present pas-
tor, Benj. Smith. It has now a membership of seventy-eight
and its future is promising for good.
CITY OF RICHMOND, 147
CHRISTIAN CHURCH, SOUTH NINTH STREET.
This congregation was organized by Rev. Elijah Goodwin,
Nov. 21, 1859, in Warner Hall, eight members being present
whose names were as follows: James Boyd and wife, James
B. Posey and wife, Thomas Little, David Thomas, Beulah
Graves and Elizabeth Horsman. Three of the above mem
bers are still living, one (David Thomas) in Richmond.
This congregation had no regular place of worship, but met
from place to place as could be best secured until 1878, when
the present church building on South Ninth street was erected
at a cost of nearly $4,000.
The pastors having charge of this church since its organi-
zation were as follows: Revs. Elijah Goodwin, A. J. Hobbs,
Dr. G. W. Thompson, A. J. Loughlin, all of whom were in
the work before the building of the house; and since the new
church has been occupied the pastors have been, Revs. J. F.
Sloan, J, L. Parsons, F. J. Morgan. The Rev. Mr. Morgan
is the present pastor of the church which now numbers about
100 members.
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.
This church denomination was among the early organiza-
tions, members of the church settling in Richmond in 1831:.
These were German immigrants consisting of two families
and three single persons, men. They continued to increase
for the next ten years, when, for the first time they were
served with a minister of their own faith in the person of Rev.
I. C. Schulz, who settled in Richmond in 1841, and organized
the members under the name of St. John's Evangelical Lu-
theran Church.
Twenty-three persons joined the church at its organization,
their names being as follows: John Peterson, Christopher
Schofer, Eberhard Menke, Henry Juergens, DieterichHoehne,
Christopher Juergens, William Schulz, Harmon Shofer,
Eberhard Frauman, Adam Schnelle, Clanior Fetta, W. K.
Rosa, Henry Eggemeier, Bernhard Knollenberg, Henry vor
dem Feld, Dieterich Sitloh, Harmon Sitloh, John Eggemeier,
Gerhard Juergens, Henry Klute, Henry Shofer, Gerhard
Schnelle and John Hill.
148 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
From this number there were chosen the following officers:
Christoper Shofer, John Peterson, Eberhard Menke, Henry
Juergens, Dieterich Hoehne and Christopher Jiiergens. In
1846 they built a house of worship, 30 x 50 feet, situated
on South Fourth street, between C and D, then Front,
street. Rev. I. C. Schulz resigned in 1849 after faithful
labor in the congregation and parochial school which he
organized, also, at the beginning. Rev. J. G. Theis was
his successor, and during his time of service the congregation
increased so that they were obliged to enlarge their church
building.
There was a division in the church while under the pastoral
charge of the Rev. J. G. Theis, a part of the members leav-
ing and forming a new church organization of the same de-
nomination in another part of the city. In 1854 the church
edilice was considerably enlarged to meet the growing de-
mand of the church, the basement being used for a school.
The Rev. J. G. Theis remained in charge until 1856, when
he was succeeded by the Rev. C. Schadow, who was installed
as their regular pastor. The pastor had also, up to this time
been the teacher of the school, but the work became too
great, and in 1857 they employed a regular teacher in the
person of August Mueller, thus more equalizing the burden.
During the ministerial labors of the Rev. C. Schadow, a se-
rious trouble arose which threatened the existence of the
church. This, however, was avoided, the reverend gentleman,
in 1862, i-esigning. His successor, the Rev. G, Loerrenstein,
succeeded in restoring the church to peace, and. his able
and truly Christian labor, resulted in an increased mem-
bership and a harmonious congregation. This prosperity
caused the enlargement of the church to its present size,
in the year 1874. Tiie audience-room will seat 600 persons.
The church edilice and pastor's residence, including lot, is
valued at ,$15,000. After thirteen years of successful labor,
the Rev. G. Loerrenstein resigned his charge and was suc-
ceeded by the Rev. H. Wickemeyer in 1876, who proved a
worthy successor, and who is still in successful discharge of
his [lastoral duties. The membership is 155. There are
three teachers employed now in the school, with an attend-
CITY OF EICHMOND. 149
ance of 174 children. The church is in a truly prosperous
condition, and free from debt.
ST. Paul's evangelical luthekan.
This church was established in the year 1853, and their
first service was in a school-house, located on the corner of
South Seventh and B streets. A few years later a good,
substantial, brick edifice was erected, which is still oc-
cupied, on the south side of Seventh street, and which since,
in 1869, was improved by the building of a tower, and in 1874
still further improved and repaired. The original members
were: David Knollenberg, David Sittlah, Christian Schofer,
Christian Fetta, Aaron Turner, Henry Brakensick, Jurgens
Hasenkoester, William Tiiiemen.
The pastors who have served the church are: Revs. Mr.
Schramm, Frederick Rensch, John F. Grossow, Mr. Kuch, J.
D. Severinghans, G. Schultz, D. G. Rehsteiner, H. Wicke-
meyer, G. W. Enders and John J. Young, who is the present
pastor.
The present membership is 476.
It has also a neat parsonage which cost $3,000.
There, is a Sabbath-school kept up with an average attend-
ance of 355.
A handsome and commodious brick school-building was
erected in 1863, with accommodations for 125 pupils or stu-
dents, and is strictly a parish school. The past year, 1883, it
had an attendance of fifty-five students. The value of their
entire property is placed at $25,000.
The following persons compose the church council of St.
Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church:
Elders, Henry Temme, Pres. ; Frederick Jahnke, Sec;
Eberhardt Bettenbrock, Treas.
Trustees, William Bartel, Jacob Goetz, John H. Rosa.
Deacons, Henry Knollenberg, Frederick Heitbrink, John
H. MeerhofF, Henry Klopp.
zion's church.
The Evangelical Association of Zion's Church first met as an
organization in 1864, their service being held in a small frame
building near the First Ward school. They occupied thig
150 HISTORY' OF WAYNE COUNTY.
place for nearly two years. The church or association then
divided. The two branches,the Evangelical Association and the
German Methodist,cominenced with a membership of twenty.
On the separation, the above association of Zion's Church held
their meetings at the old engine-house at the end of South
Sixth street. They did not worship there long, but erected a
church edifice of their own at a cost of $4,000. A list of
the origin ah members are not on record, but Mr. J. C. Burk-
hardt is the only one living.
Names of pastors — Revs. Edward Evans (the first), G.
Schmoll, John Hoffman, Joseph A. Maier, J. K. Troyer,
William King (same year), Henry Frechter and J. Schmielli,
under whose care and supervision the church-house was en-
larged at a cost of $1,300. Revs. George Boederer, A. O.
Roher, F. Launer, and William Wiedenhoeft, who is the pres-
ent pastor. The present membership is twenty-two.
CATHOLIC CHURCHES.
The first Catholic settlers in and about Richmond were J.
H. Moorraann, Thomas, John and Daniel O'Hara, Joseph
Brokarap, Feter Schindler, John Ryan, Charles Boushie and
Peter Essenmacher, all of whom, excepting the first named,
are now dead.
The Catholics of Richmond were visited for the first time
by a Catholic priest as early as 1836; it was the Rev. Jos.
Fernediiig, residing at New Alsace, Dearborn County. A
paper left by Father Ferneding mentions Richmond as one
of his many missions, stating that it had about ten families.
He celebrated mass at the houses of Charles Boushie and
Joseph Brokamp, visiting the place about twice a year until
184:0.
Until 1845 Rev. Michael O'Rourke, residing at Dover,
Dearborn County, paid occasional visits; but from June, 1845,
until August, 1846, the Rev. Vincent Bacquelin, residing at
St. Vincent's, in Shelby County, visited Richmond every two
or three months.
The first resident priest at Richmond was the Rev. John
Ryan. He came in August, 1846, and remained until June
or July, 1848.
CITY OF RICHMOND. 151
It was at the time of Father Bacquelin's visits that a lot
was secured on which to build a church. The Hon. Sam. E.
Perkins, Judge of the Supreme Court of Indiana, residing at
Richmond, proposed to donate the lot on Marion street, on
which the parsonage now stands; however, the lot west of it
was preferred. It was also the property of Judge Perkins,
and he sold it to the Catholics for $100, of which sum Father
Bacquelin paid $25. During Father Ryan's time the corner-
stone for a brick church was laid, to be known as
ST. Andrew's church.
At the solemn blessing of the new church in 1847 by
Bishop dela Hailandiere, who had donated $500 on condition
that the church be built of brick, were present the Rev. An-
drew Bennett, of Djver, Dearborn County, and the Rev. James
F.Wood, then pastor of the Cathedral in Cincinnati, now Arch-
bishop of Philadelphia, whose parents at that time lived in
Richmond. After Father Ryan's departure the Rev. Wm.
Engeln, of Blue Creek, visited Richmond a few times.
In May, 1849, St. Andrew's received its second resident
pastor in the person of the Rev. William Doyle. He remained
until August, 1853. The Rev. John B. Merl came next, and
remained until June, 1858. Next the congregation was at-
tended by the Rev. Henry Peters, of Connersville, until
March, 1859. From March to December, 1859, the Rev. G.
H. Ostlangenberg visited Richmond from Brookville.
On Dec. 25, 1859, the Rev. J. B. H. Seepe was appointed
resident pastor, and remained at Richmond until September,
1868. In 1860 Father Seepe built the present church, 120 x
60 feet. In 1865 a new school-house was erected; the rst
school-house had been in existence since 1847 or 1848. In
1867 Father Seepe bought twelve acres of ground for ceme-
tery purposes.
The Rev. Ferdinand Hundt was the pastor from Novem-
ber, 1868, until 1877. In 1870 the tower and spire of the
church were finished, and in 1874 the cemetery ground was
much improved and the beautiful mortuary chapel erected.
' The Rev. J. H. Seibertz is the present pastor of St. An-
drew's. He took charge in August, 1877. In 1878 he built
152 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
an addition to the school-house. On his arrival a hnge debt
was restiny^ heavily upon the congre2:ation. It is not yet en-
tirely removed, but very much lightened, with brighter pros-
pects in the not distant future.
The congregation numbers 240 famili.es. One lay teacher
and four Sisters of St. Francis teach 230 children.
Father Seibertz was born on Jan. 20, 1841, in Ockenfels,
Rhine Province, Germany, and emigrated to this country
June 24, 1862. He was ordained at Vincennes by Bishop de
St. Palais, as follows: Tonsure and Minor Orders, June 29;
Subdeacon, Dec. 8; Deacon, Dec. IT; Priest, Dec. 21, 1864.
His mission prior to St. Andrew's was Dovei', Dearborn
County, where he built the church.
ST. mart's chukch.
In 1860 the Irish or English-speaking Catholics of Kich-
mond, who had hitherto worshiped in St. Andrew's Church,
resolved on separating from tlieir German brethren. They
bought a church property that had been used by English
Lutherans, of Louis Burke, for $8,000, to be paid in in-
stallments of $1,000 a J ear. The church soon began to look
like a Catholic church.
For a short time St, Mary's Church was visited by Rev.
John Cuntin, and after him by Rev. John Gueguen. In Oc-
tober, 1860, a resident pastor was appointed in the person of
Rev. Aeg. Merz, who from there also attended Centreville,
Washington and Hagerstown, in Wayne County, and New
Castle and Middletown, in Henry County. He remained un-
til September, 1863, when the Rev. J. M. Villars succeeded
him. The next pastor was the Rev. Francis Moitrier, who
resigned October, 1872.
The Rev. D. J. McMuUen took charge of the congregation
in October, 1872, heavily burdened with debts. But his ad-
ministrative abilities soon ordered affairs. The congregation
became united, and the debt has been very considerably
reduced. In a few years, no doubt, the church could be con-
secrated.
Father McMullen was born at Newry, County Armagh, Ire-
land, onFeb. 23, 1838. Shortly after, his parents moved to a
'■^SVH.*CKoevDets:s5-'f-
SiJgi
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~c§^>yHACKbevoetsJi^'
e-.^^ e G e c^
a
CITY OF RICHMOND. l^^
farm near Celbridge, County Kildare, within eight miles of the
city of Dublin. At the close of 1848 he sailed for America
Most of his studies were made at St. Mary's Seminary, Perry
County, Mo., and at the St. Louis University. He was ordained
by Bishop de St. Palais at St. Meinrad; Subdeacon, June 17-
Deacon, June 18; Priest, June 21, 1867. Aug. 5, 1867, he
arrived in Indianapolis to assist in St. John's Church and at-
tend these stations: Greenfield, Cumberland, Fortville, Plain-
field, Brownsburg, Franklin and Edinburgh. He continued
here until October, 1868, when he was assigned to Pushville,
Rush County. In October, 1872, he was appointed pastor of
•St. Mary's Church, Richmond. The congregation numbers
about 150 families, with an attendance of 170 children at
school.
Father McMullen also attends Fountain City, north, and
Centreville, west, of Richmond, in each of which stations a
few Catholic families reside.
The cost of entire church property including cemetery
(which cost $8,000) amounts to nearly $60,000.
11
CHAPTER YL
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Ezekiel Aihin, deceased, was born in 1812, in County Don-
egal, Ireland, and when quite a child came to America with
an uncle. He lived in Wilmington, Del., where lie learned
his trade, and was there married to Elizabeth Porter, who was •
born in Ireland in 1827. They were the parents of nine chil-
dren, seven of whom are still living. He came West with
his family and first settled in Ohio on the State line, and
worked in the mills of Richmond., and finally settled in Rich-
mond, where he died in 1881. He was foreman of the woolen,
mill for quite a while, and later became proprietor of the
mill. In the latter part of his life he joined the Presbyterian
church, to which his widow and most of his family belong..
His son, James P. Aikin, was born and reared in Wayne
County. He learned his trade in the Fleecy Date Woolen
Mills, and is now Superintendent of the same.
W. W. Alexander is a native of Camden, Preble Co., Ohio,
of Irish ancestry. He was reared in his native county and
enlisted in the late war, on the first call for volunteers, in the
Twentieth Ohio Infantry. He afterward enlisted in the
Thil'teenth Missouri Infantry, which was afterward changed
to the Twenty-second Ohio Infantry, serving in said company
three years. He came to Richmond in the fall of 1864, and
immediately became connected with the Volunteer Fire De-
partment, being Foreman of the hose part of the time. Since
its organization as pay deparment he has served in minute
department until his election as Chief, in 1879, since which
he has held that position by being annuall}' re-elected. The
compan}'' is well organized and managed, and as Chief of the
Fire Department Mr. Alexander has shown his eflBciency.
Jonathan Baldwin was born in Guilford County, N. C,
Dec, 4, 1815, a son of John and Charlotte (Payne) Baldwin,
154
CITY OF RICHMOND. I55
natives of North Carolina, liis father born Nov. 4, 1781, and
his mother, Aug. 4, 1778. His parents were married in
1803, and in 1825 came to Wayne County, Ind., and settled
in Clay Township. They bought a farm of ninety-three acres
and entered a quarter section of wild land, which he gave to his
two sons. The father died in 1856 and the mother in 1857.
They were members of the Society of Friends. They had a
family of nine children. Four are now living, of whom our
subject is the next to the oldest. He has lived in Wayne
County since ten years of age. He by his own efforts obtained
a liberal education and taught school several terms. He was
married in 1836 to Mary A., daughter of Jesse Albertson, and
a native of Wayne County, born in 1815. Soon after his mar-
riage his father gave him $100, and he entered eighty acres of
land in Hamilton County, Ind., where he spent two years. In
1838 he returned to Wayne County and bought a farm in Clay
Township. He remained there till 1878, when he moved to a
farm two miles from Richmond, and in 1881 to Earlham
place, West Richmond, on the land where he now lives. He
has always followed farming and stock-raising, and has been
very successful. He was a member of the Board of County
Commissioners three terms, or nine years. At the June
term of Com. Court, 1875, there were thirty-six applicants
for a license to retail spirituous liquors. Mr. Baldwin, being
conscientiously opposed to a license law, resigned being a
member of the board rather than grant license under said
law. He and his wife reared a family of five children, four of
whom are still living, all good citizens of this county. He
has been an active member of the Society of Friends many
years, and is an enthusiastic worker in the temperance cause.
N. H. Ballard, M.D., corner North Ninth and A streets,
Richmond, Ind., is a son of Barclay, grandson of Thomas,
and great-grandson of Barclay Ballard, of English descent,
but of Virginian birth, and in religious faith, Quakers.
His great-grandfather died in his native State. Thomas Bal-
lard, in 1846, came to Richmond, Ind., from Warren County,
Ohio. The maternal ancestry were of New England birth,
the grandparents Hey wood moving from Carlisle, Mass., to
Clermont County, Ohio, about 1820. N. H. Ballard is a
166 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
native of Ohio and came to Richmond, Ind., in 1860. In
1878 he began reading medicine with J. R. "Weist, and
remained with him till March, 1883, having graduated from
the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, in 1881. He took a
course at the Rush Medical College, Chicago, and graduated
in April, 1883. He has a good practice, having gained con-
siderable reputation as a surgeon. He is a member of the
Citj, County, District and State Medical societies, and is Sec-
retary of the Wayne County Medical Society. He is also a
member of the Alumni Association of the Medical College
of Ohio (Cincinnati). He belongs to the Masonic fraternity.
6r. Balling, stone contractor, was born in 1818, in Bavaria,
Germany, where he learned the stone-mason's trade, and in
1869 emigrated to the United States, locating in Richmond,
where he has since resided. In 1876 he began contracting in
this city, and since that time has done work on many public
and private buildings, — among which may be mentioned Hoo-
sier Drill Works, Hittle block, Jackson's corner, Dickaso)i's
corner, Westcott's, Bell's and Kendall's residences, — and is one
of the leading stone-masons of Wayne County. In connec-
tion with his trade he has carried on a grocery and provision
store since July, 1883, corner of Southeast and Sixth streets.
He was rnarried in 1872 to Louisa Selmoning, who was born
in 1849, in Holland.
B. P. Bethge, manager of the Union Depot restaurant,
Richmond, Ind., is a native of Columbus, Ohio, but since
1874 a resident of Richmond. The restaurant of which he has
charge is the outgrowth of a small beginning, being at first
but a lunch stand, but in 1868 P. Merkle & Co. became the
proprietors, and after the erection of the present spacious
depot secured a room 47 x 19|^ feet in size, and now keep a
first-class eating- room, Mr. Merkle is an old, experienced
man in the business, but being a resident of Columbus the
management is given to Mr. Bethge. Meals are served to all
trains at reasonable rates.
Tkaddeus W. 0. Braffett^ Auditor Wayne County, Ind.,
was born in Bradford Countj^ Pa., April 12, 1829, a son of
Alfred and Eliza (Long) Braffett, his father a native of Penn-
sylvania, of French descent, and his mother a native of Ver-
CITY OF KICHMOND. 157
mont, of English descent. In 1831 his parents removed to
Ohio, settling near old Fort Black, built as such by General
William Henry Harrison, near New Madison, Darke Co.,
Ohio; subsequently moved to Braffettsville in the same
county, and in 1839 removed to New Paris, Preble Co.,
Ohio, where his father died in the year 1865, and where his
mother still lives, now in the eightieth year of her age.
Our subject is the second of nve children. He received a
commercial school education and followed merchandising
with his father until the year 1855. In 1857, having lost his
wife, he went to California and spent three years in the min-
ing interest, returning in 1860. In January, 1861, he went
to Geneseo, 111., taking charge of a wholesale and retail dry-
goods and agricultural house. When the first gun was
fired on Fort Sumter, he at once offered his service to the
Government as a private soldier and enlisted in Company B,
Ninth Illinois Cavalry; .was promoted to Sergeant, Lieutenant
and Captain of his company. The regiment went into camp
at Camp Douglas, 111.; from there to Benton Barracks, St.
Louis, Mo., and later was ordered to Pilot Knob, Mo., where
his regiment was first engaged in battle with the guerrilla
bands of the Kebel Colonel Pickett; the regiment, with
others of infantry, was placed under the command o"f General
Steele, and took up marching orders to join General Frank
Siegel at Pea Ridge, but with guerrilla bands and bush-
whackers in front impeding the march, the battle of Pea
Eidge was fought before General Steele's arrival. They were
then ordered to Jacksonsport, Ark., where, after its arrival,
communication was cut ofi" by the rebels, but the timely ar-
rival of General Curtis's command from Pea Ridge relieved
them from all being captured as prisoners ot war. Under
General Curtis the command was ordered to Little Rock,
Ark., having to fight their way all along the line of march for
two weeks. With superior numbers of rebels in front, the
line of march was changed to Helena, on the Mississippi
River. " From constant exposure, forward marches and at-
tacks by guerrilla bands in front and rear, the little army ot
General Curtis was ^badly cut to pieces. On arriving at
Helena they went into camp on the low grounds and disease
158 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
easily took hold or the men, and of those left, one-third of
Captain Braffett's company died. After two months in camp,
the regiment was ordered to Memphis, Tenti., Captain Braffett
contracting the malaria disease that carried so many of his
company to death; laid at Helena for two months almost
dead, but rallied sufficiently to return to his home, then at
JSTew Paris, Ohio. After a short furlough he again returned
to his regiment, but the old disease again took hold of him,
and prostrated him lower than ever. On account of this dis-
ability, he reluctantly tended his resignation. He was dis-
charged in January, 1863, returning to his home, then in
Richmond. In 1865 Captain Braffett was elected Assistant
Clerk (by the Republicans) of the Indiana House of Repre-
sentatives, also Assistant Clerk of the special session of that
body in the same year, and Journal Clerk of the Indiana State
Senate in 1869. Subsequently he became the traveling agent
for the wholesale grocery house of William Glenn & Sons,
Cincinnati, Ohio, whom he represented for several years and
afterward connected himself with the New York house of
Francis H. Leggett efe Co. In 1880 he resigned his traveling
agency and was appointed Deputy Clerk of the Wayne Cir-
cuit Court, which position he held for three years, having
been (in the meantime) elected Auditor of Wayne County,
which responsible office he is now filling, having entered
upon his duties Nov. 1, 1883. Captain Braffett is a Mason of
high rank, having taken all the degrees conferred by that
order in the United States (save the Thirty-third degree).
He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. He was married in 1819 to Sarah A. E.
Ireland, of New Paris, Ohio, who died in 1855, leaving
three children. One son and daughter reside in Cincinnati,
Ohio, and one daughter in Richmond; all married. In Jan-
uary, 1862, Cap tain Braffett, while in the army, was married to
Miss Lizzie J. Mitchell, of Oxford, Ohio. They have three
children — two sons and one daughter (unmarried). They re-
side at No. 36 South Thirteenth street, Richmond. Captain
Braffett and famil\^ are active members of the United Presby-
terian church.
CITY OF RICHMOND. 159
G. R. Boslow was born in Monroe, Mich., in 1833, the
youngest of a family of eight children of John and Mary
(Condon) Boslow, his father a native of Pennsylvania, born
in 1787, and his mother a native of New Brunswick, born in
1796. His parents were married in 1812. His father died
in Green County, Wis., April 17, 1818, and his mother in
Richmond, Ind., in 1880, His father was a patriot of 1812
and was subsequently connected several years with the Lake
Erie & Mad River Railroad. His grandfather, Jacob Boslow,
was a native of Germany and died in Branttbrd, Ontario,
Canada, at the age of 101 years. The name was originally
spelled Boughslau£:h and has been changed by the present
generation. Our subject spent his early life in Brantford,
Ontario, Green County, Wis., and Hardin County, Ohio. In
1852 he became connected with the Lake Erie & Mad
River Railroad, being engaged in relaying the track. He
afterward was employed as conductor on the road fourteen
years. He then went on the Terre Haute, Alton & St.
Louis Railroad, and in 1867 came to Richmond and was em-
ployed on the Chicago & Great Eastern Road, remaining
there till April, 1883. Mr. Boslow has been a member of
the Masonic fraternity and has taken all degrees, including
the Knights Templar. He was married to Miss Mary E.,
daughter of Jacob Holmes, of Kenton, Ohio. They have a
family of three children.
Ezra Boswell, deceased, was born in 1788, in England. He
learned the trade of a brewer in his native country, and came
to the United States in the early part of the present century,
settling in North Carolina, where we was married to Eliza-
beth Kindley. He carried on brewing in North Carolina till
1816, when he moved to Richmond, Wayne Co., Ind.,
and erected the third frame house in the city, which is still
standing on Fort Wayne avenue. He followed his trade in
Richmond till his death in 1831. His widow survived him
till 1848. They had eleven children, six of whom survive—
Anna, widow of Andrew Reid; Daniel K., residing in St.
Louis; Rebecca C, wife of Andrew S. Wiggins; Mary, wife
of Edward Kindley, who is practicing law in Savannah, Mo.;
John K., inventor and patentee of Boswell's Patent Fruit
160 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Drier, now of Thayer County, Neb., and Sarah S., wife of
Alanson Sponsler, of Thayer County, Neb. Mr, Boswell was
a member of the Friends' Society and in politics was a "Whig.
His daughter, Rebecca C, is an active worker in the W. C. T.
U. She is one of the Trustees of the Home of the Friendless.
Howard Campbell^ assistant superintendent of the firm of
Gaar, Scott & Co., was born in "Wayne County, Ind., a sou
of Thomas Campbell. He learned the pattern-maker's trade,
which he has since superintended. He was married to Maggie
Beeler, of "Wayne County, who is a daughter of C. C. Beeler.
Thomas Camphell^ of the firm of Gaar, Scott & Co., is a son
of William and Elizabeth (Parsons) Campbell, his father hav-
ing died when our subject was a child, his mother surviving
him twenty-four years. Thomas learned the carpenter's
trade in Pennsylvania, completing it in New York, and in
the spring of 1845 he came to Richmond, Ind., and com-
menced working as a journeyman in the wood shop of J. M.
and J. H. Hulton's spring foundry, and for a number of
years he was foreman of the pattern shop. He is at present
a stock holder in the same firm. He was married in 1851 to
Elizabeth, daughter of Jonas Gaar. They have three chil-
dren — Howard, Assistant Superintendent of Gaar's "Works;
Sarah E., wife of George R. "Williams, and "William, foreman
of the pattern shop at Gaar's "Works. Mr. Campbell has re-
tired from active life, and resides on "Washington avenue,
Richmond.
William H. Camphell^ son of Thomas Campbell, is a na-
tive of Richmond, Ind. He learned the trade of pattern-
maker, and at present occupies the position of foreman of the
pattern-room of the firm of Gaar, Scott & Co. His maternal
grandfather, Jonas Gaar, was one of the oldest and prominent
pioneers of this county.
Walter T. Carpenter^ Trustee of Earlham College, and re-
tired farmer, "West Richmond, Ind., is of Welsh descent.
His paternal ancestor, seven generations back, Ezra Carpenter,
was born in Wiltshire, Wales, in 1550. His two sons were —
Richard, born May 15, 1593, and William, born Aug. 28,
1601. The latter never married, became very wealthy and
died in England in 1701. The former emigrated to America
CITY OF RICHMOND. 161
when a young man and died June 11, 1669. To him were
born two sons— Ephraim, in 1623, and John, in 1627. The
eldest of these sons was the father of Ephraim, who was born
March 4, 1653, about the time of the conversion of the family,
under the preaching of George Fox, the founder of the So-
ciety of Friends. His fourth child, Timothy Carpenter, was
born Dec. 19, 1665, and was the father of John, ot Oyster-
berry, who was born June 13, 1690. The latter's eldest son,
John, the hatter, was born Jan. 7, 1714, and lived and died
in New York. His second child was Abram, born in West-
chester County, K Y., Dec. 27, 1738. The tenth of Abram's
children, Isaac, was born in Westchester County, N. Y.,
Oct. 10, 1779, and in matarer years settled in Clinton County,
Ohio, where he died Feb. 5, 1836. His wife was Mercy
Frost, born in Westchester County, N. Y., in 1781, and died
in Ohio in 1816. Of their six children, Walter T. is the fifth,
and was born in Albany, N. Y., Jan, 1, 1811. He was
reared on a farm in Clinton County, Ohio, and afterward was
engaged in merchandising in Wilmington, Ohio, and subse-
quently in Cincinnati. From 1847 to 1857 he was farming in
Warren County, Ohio, and in the latter year moved to Rich-
mond, where he soon after became Superintendent of Earl-
ham College, then a boarding school. He filled the position
fifteen years and at the same time was one of a committee of
twelve who had charge of the college. In 1880 the manage-
ment of the college was changed, and control of its affairs
vested in twenty-four trustees, Mr. Carpenter being one of
the number. Since his appointment as Superintendent of the
college, he has lived rather retired on his farm near Rich-
mond. He married Susan Mabie fifty years ago, who was
born in New York Dec. 27, 1811. Of their four children,
but three are living— Charles G., of Richmond; Caroline, wife
of H. C. Wright, and Elizabeth, wife of Daniel W. Marmon;
both daughters reside in Indianapolis.
Elijah Co-ffiro, deceased, was one of Wayne County's most
prominent and enterprising citizens. He contributed toward
the building up of its benevolent societies, assisted in laying
the foundation of the banking interests of the county, and was
one of the most influential members of the Society of Friends.
162 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
He was the son of liethuel and Hannah (Dicks) Coffin, and
was born in New Garden, Guilford Co., K C, Nov. 17, 1T98.
He received a fair education for the early part of the nine-
teenth centur}^, and taught school some time in his native
State. Feb. 2, 1820, he was married to Naomi Hiatt, and
settled on a farm in his native county. In 1821 he came to
Indiana and located in Milton, Wayne County, and resumed
the occupation of teachino^. In 1829 he opened a store in
Milton, and his fidelity and ability became known to a whole-
sale firm of Cincinnati, who made him a liberal oflfer as clerk,
and in 1833 he abandoned his store and removed to Cincin-
nati, remaining there a year and a half. At that time a
branch of the Indiana State Bank was located at Richmond,
and Mr. Coffin was cliosen its Cashier, a position he was ad-
mirably fitted for. He therefore, in November, 1831, re-
moved to Richmond. He was the bank's Cashier, holding
the jjosition twenty-four years, the limit of the charter. At a
final meeting of the Board of Directors, Dec. 21, 1858, the fol-
lowing resolution was offered by Robert Morrisson and adopted:
" It is unanimously resolved^ Tliatin consideration of the able
and faithful services of Elijah Coffin , as Cashier of this branch,
from its first organization till its close, and the fidelity and
promptitude with which he has discharged the various and
important duties confided to his care, the board embraces the
opportunity to express upon our minutes the high sense en-
tertained of his official services and private worth." With
the closing of the bank Mr. Coffin gave up secular business.
His religious affiliations were unabating and unswerving in
the Society of Friends. He was at an early age Clerk of the
Yearly Meeting in North Carolina, and in 1827 was ap-
pointed Clerk of the Indiana Yearly Meeting. Nothing was
too arduous for him if it tended to the upbuilding of the
society and of mankind. He was a friend of education,
Sabbath-schools, and all associations to promote the circula-
tion of tracts and tlie reading of the Scriptures. He was for
many years a life member of the American Bible Society.
His death occurred Jan. 22, 1862, and his wife followed him
June 14, 1866. Their children were — Miriam A., Charles F.,
William H., Eliphalet, Caroline E., Mary C. and Hannah,
CITY OF RICHMOND. 103
three born in North Carolina and four in Wayne Countv.
Charles F. has, during the greater portion of hi? life, been in
the banking business in Richmond. He was one of the orig-
inal proprietors of the Citizens' Bank, established in 1853;
was Cashier of the Richmond branch of the Bank of the State.
and been President of the Richmond National Bank since
its organization. Afcer the death of his father lie was
chosen to fill many of the important positions of the church,
and the part taken by his father has been continued by him
with equal interest and ability. He married Rhoda Johnson,
who is also an able and active worker in the Society of
Friends. Their children are — Elijah, Charles H., Francis A.,
William E. and Percival.
C'. ^. 6''6)^/^ is a native of the city of Richmond, and the
second son of Charles F. Coffin. The greater part of his
education was received in his native city, where from early
maniiood he has been connected with what is now the Rich-
mond National Bank, of which he has been Yice-President
and Cashier since 1873. He has been identified with many
of the business interests of Richmond, and since 1881 has been
a stockholder and Yice-President of the manufacturing estab-
lishment of Haynes, Spencer & Co., Richmond. Mr. Coffin
is a birthright member of the Society of Friends and has been
Trustee of the Indiana Yearly Meeting since 1882. His wife
is a daughter of Dr. Jos. Howells, of Richmond.
Joseph H. Cooke, City Treasurer, Richmond, Ind., was
born in Circleville, Ohio, in 1851, a son of Joseph Cooke,
who died in Columbus, Ohio, the same year of our subject's
birth. He was educated in Lexington, Ohio, and learned the
tanner's trade. In 1875 he entered the employ of the Pitts-
burg, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad at Indianapolis, as
bill clerk, and a month later was transferred to Richmond.
In 1876 he was appointed Cashier and remained in the em-
ploy of the road till 1880. In February of the latter year he
was appointed by the City Council to fill an unexpired term
as City Treasurer, and in May, 1881, was elected to the posi-
tion, and re-elected in 1883. Mr. Cooke is a member of
Webb Lodge, No. 24, F. & A. M. ; Sir Knight Commander
of Richmond Division, No. 14, U. R. K. of P., and is Chan-
164 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
cellor Commander of lola Lodge, No. 53, K. of P. Politi-
cally he is a Republican. Feb. 23, 1876, Mr. Cooke married
Jessie, daughter of General "Wm. P. Benton. They have two
children — Marjorie and Edson B.
Joseph B. Craighead, son of Dr. John Boyd and Rebecca
(Dodds) Craighead, was born in Dayton, Ohio, Jan. 29, 1845,
where he resided until eighteen years of age. In the spring of
1863 he came to Richmond and for two years was employed
in the freight oflSce of the Columbus & Indiana Central
Railway Company, under H. S. Kates, agent. He then
went South and was in the cotton commission and wholesale
grocery and liquor business. In 1866 he returned Korth and
went into business in Dayton, Ohio, manufacturing threshing
machines. In 1872 he went to St. Louis, Mo., and engaged
in selling agricultural implements, but in 1874 returned to
Richmond and took the position of bookkeeper for Gaar,
Scott & Co., and afterward purchased stock in the company.
Dec. 30, 1869, he was married to Hannah Ann Gaar, who
was born in Richmond, Ind,, May 26, 1849.
Daniel B.Crawford y^'d& born in Hartford County, Md.,
Nov. 16, 1807, and when seven years of age removed with
his mother's family to Baltimore, and thence, in 1835, to
Wayne County, Ind., settling two and a half miles north of
Richmond. Although the land was in the unbroken forest
it had a frame house on it, a thing rarely seen in those days.
He continued agricultural life till 1850, when he moved to
Richmond and became established in the mercantile business,
and has now one of the oldest dry-goods and carpet houses in
the city, doing business under the firm nane of D. B. Craw-
ford & Son. Mr. Crawford has held at various times differ-
ent offices of honor and trust in the city and county. He
was County Commissioner from 1850 till 1870, with the ex-
ception of six years. He has been a zealous member of the
Methodist Episcopal church many years and has always been
a liberal supporter of its interests. He was one of the build-
ing committee of the new Methodist church on East Main
street. He was married in Baltimore, Md., June 10, 1828,
to Agnes Corrie. They have had nine children — Daniel J.,
Elijah J., Mary F. (wife of J. C. Ratcliff ), John Y., Sarah
CITY OF RICHMOND. * 165
R., Charles W., Agnes S., Elizabeth A. "W. and Robert.
They have had a laborious but pleasant life, and now, after
fiftj-six years of wedded lite, are living in the enjoyment of
tke consciousness of a life devoted to their family and the
interests of the community.
Henry Crivel, foreman of the foundry of Gaar, Scott &
Co., was born in Hanover, Germany, Oct. 12, 1828, a son of
Henry and Mary Crivel. His father was by trade a black-
smith, and in early life he learned the same trade. He was
educated in his native country, and when seventeen years of
age came to the United States and located in Richmond,
Ind., where he worked at his trade, with the exception of
two months, till 1847. He then went into the shop of Gaar,
Scott & Co. to learn the molder's trade and has since been
in their employ, and since 1858 has been foreman of that
department. He thoroughly understands his trade in all its
details, and is an efficient and trustworthy workman. Mr.
Crivel has represented the Fourth Ward of Richmond in the
City Council. He is a member of Webb Lodge, No. 46, F.
& A. M. ; Herman Lodge, N"o. 199, and Hermania Encamp-
ment, No. — , L O. O. F. He was first married to Louisa
Shofer, who died leaving four children. He subsequently
married Ellen Besselman. They have six children. Mr.
and Mrs. Crivel are members of St. Paul's Evangelical
Lutheran Church.
Alvin E. Crooher.YQ^l eB,iaXQ, loan and insurance agent,
Yaughn's Block, Richmond, Ind., was born Nov. 6, 1832, in
Richmond, on the square where the court-house now stands, a
son of Rev. Peter Crocker, a native of Capo Cod, of English and
Welsh descent. The latter was educated for a Congregational
minister and preached for that denomination several years.
In later life he became more liberal in his views and adhered
to the doctrine of Swedenborg. He married Jane Eiver, and
she died in New Bedford, Mass., leaving five children. He
subsequently married Alice Eiver, a sister of his first wife,
who died in 1850, leaving seven children. He died in 1855.
Our subject is his tenth child. When sixteen years of age he
began learning the carriage-maker's trade, working at it four-
teen years. He was obliged to abandon his trade on account
166 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
of ill health and was employed as salesman for Zimmer &
Emswiler. In 1861 Mr. Zimmer retired from the firm and
Mr. Crocker bought a half interest in the business. They
were very successful, but in 1868 Mr. Crocker withdrew, and
established another store, where he did a successful business
till 1876. He then engaged in his present business. He is
recognized as an upright, energetic man in the business cir-
cles of the city, and has been Secretary of the Richmond
Business Men's Exchange since its organization. He was
married in 1853 to Rlioda, daughter of J ob W. Swain, an early
manufacturer of the city. They had one son — Oliver P. Mrs.
Crocker died July 4, 1863, and Mr. Crocker subsequently
married Elizabeth B. Beckwith, of Dayton, Ohio.
Henrij Cutter^ grocer, Richmond, Ind., was born in Han-
over, Germany, in 1840, a son of Henry and Elizabeth
(Menke) Cutter. His father died in 1854, and in 1857 his
mother, with her four children, came to the United States and
located in Richmond, Ind. She died Dec. 13, 1878. Her
children were Louise, Henry, Anna and Catherine, the latter
the wife of Adam Boess, of Richmond. On coming to Indiana
our subject first worked as a farm hand, and subsequently in
Wiggins's tanyard ten years, thus learning that trade. Sept.
17, 1867, he opened the store where he is at present engaged,
and where by his close attention to business and integrity he
has been very successful. He is a liberal, public-spirited man,
and is one of the substantial citizens of Richmond. March 5,
1863, he married Minnie Drifmeyer, a native ot Hanover,
Germany, but since her seventh year, in 1848, a resident of
Richmond. They have three sons — John A. L., E. W. F.
and G. H. Mr. and Mrs. Cutter are members of St. John's
Evangelical Lutheran Church. He has filled nearly all the
offices of the church, and is Treasurer and Trustee of Wernle
Orphan Home, an institution he has been connected with
since its inception.
John F. Davenport is a native of Salem County, IST. J. ,
born Dec. 11, 1840. He received a common-school educa-
tion in his native State, and worked at farming until seven-
teen years of age, then worked at millwrighting with his
father until 1860, when he came to Richmond, Ind., and was
CITY OF KICHMOND. 167
employed by J. C. Ratcliff for some months, when meeting
with an accident that disabled him from manual labor for
some time he engaged with Dr. O. Leary as advertising
agent; was with him and Dr. Worroll till September, 1862,
when he enlisted in Company C, Eighty-fom-th Indiana In-
fantry, and served till June 14, 1865. He was promoted to
Corporal, October, 1862; to Color Sergeant, Dec. 8, 1862; Or-
derly Sergeant, Nov. 6, 1864; Second Lieutenant, June 1,
1865. He was in the battles of Chickamauga, Buzzard's
Roost, Rocky Face, Dalton, Resaca, Kingston, Pumpkin Yine
Creek, Pine Mountain, Kennesaw, Neal Dow Church, Culps
Farm, Peach Tree Creek, siege of Atlanta, battles of Franklin
and ]N^asliville. At the latter place he received a gun-shot
wound in right shoulder. After the war he returned to Rich-
mond and was employed in the wood department of the
Robinson Machine Works for about ten years; was then
elected City Wood Measurer, and served two years. Since
then he has been in the brokerage business. Mr. Davenport
is a member of Woodward Lodge, No. 212, and Oriental
Encampment, No. 28, I. O. O. F. ; Osceola Tribe, No. 15,
O. R. M.; lola Lodge, No. 53, K. of P.; Richmond Temple,
No. 4, P. C; and Sol Meredith Post, No. 55, G. A. R. He
was married Oct. 21, 1867, to Sarah E., daughter of Samuel
and Elizabeth Mills, and grand-daughter of Andrew Hoover.
They have .two children.
Henry T. Davis, M. D., Richmond, Ind., was born on the
Island of Nantucket, Mass., Sept. 29, 1836, the oldest son of
Henry W. and Lydia Cartwright Davis. Born in rugged New
England and reared on her stormy coast, he inherited a robust
constitution and imbibed the energizing influence of his early
surroundings. The subject of this sketch was educated under
the public-school system of his native island. An apt scholar,
he found no difficulty in maintaining his rank in his class; his
special taste, however, was for mathematical studies, in which
he excelled. Having completed his school life at the early
age of seventeen, he commenced the study of medicine with
William P. Cross, M. D., of Nantucket. For three years this
was continued, during which time he attended two courses of
lectures at the Cleveland Medical College, subsequently grad-
168 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
uating at the Homeopathic Medical College of Missouri, St.
Louis. During the year 1857 a few months were spent in the
South, where, finding no satisfactory location, he again turned
toward the Kew England States, but on his way was arrested
by the thought that to return was no evidence of success.
Suddenly he determined to try the West, and without any
particular point in view he drifted to Richmond, Ind., his
present residence, where the evidences of thrift and prosper-
ity arrested his course and determined his future. The fol-
lowing year he was married to Louisa G. McDonald, of
Oxford, Ohio, and to her rare endowments he attributes much
of his subsequent success in life. Having no aspirations
except to succeed in his profession, twenty years of fixed
residence, with hardly a month's respite, have resulted in a
competency that is satisfactory and a professional reputation
that is unquestioned. Buoyant of dis})osition and of untiring
energy, he has overridden many obstacles in life and resolved
what would otherwise have been failures into success. En-
thused with local pride he has served since 1869, except a
brief interval, as a member of the City Council, and for a
similar period as President of the Board of Health, sacrific-
ing much time to promote the city's interests. He is a mem-
ber of the Knights Templar and the Masonic Order. He is
also a member of the Grace Methodist Episcopal Church. Of
unblemished personal character, he still lives one among
the many examples of what energy and application will
accomplish.
Rev. John Dingeldey is a native of Hesse Darmstadt, born
March 15, 1848, a son of Jacob and Louisa Dingeldey. His
parents were enabled to give their son a good education, and
he improved his advantages for the purpose of teaching in the
parochial schools. In the fall of 1860 he came to the United
States, and located in Buffalo, N. Y.; from there he removed
to Youngstown, Ohio. In 1868 he entered the Capital Uni-
versity at Columbus, Ohio, where he graduated in the theo-
logical department in 1871. He then located in Sidney,
Ohio, and in 1879 came to Richmond and took charge of the
Wernle Orphans' Home, of which he is house-father. He
was married in 1867 to Anna Stutz, of Buffalo, N. Y. They
CITY OF RICHMOND. 16&
have a family of six children — George H., Edward L., Louis
W., Mary L., John and Henry C.
Thomas Heath Dodge was born in Sedgwick, Mass., June
17, 1810, a son of JS". Amaziah and Mercy Dodge, also ot
Massachusetts. In 1812 his parents removed to Maine, and
in 1817 to Butler County, Ohio. At the time of the war of
1812, they lived near Castine, which was destroyed by the
British. He was reared in Ohio, and attended school but
three months, the rest of his education being obtained by
observation and private reading. He has through life worked
at the mason's trade. He owns a fine farm of forty acres,
valued at $100 per acre. He was married in August, 1833, to
Kitty Minor. They had a family of four children — Mary Ann,
afterward Mrs. Coddington, of Richmond, In d., now deceased;
Claressa, now Mrs. Frank Black, of Richmond; Thomas and
Frances. The two latter died in childhood. Mrs. Dodge died
in May, 1844. In August, 1849, Mr. Dodge married Nancy
Anil Robey, who was born Aug. 13, 1803. Mrs. Dodge is a
member of the Christian church. Mr. Dodge is a member of
no church, but is liberal in his belief. During the war he
was a staunch Union man, and now affiliates with the Republi-
can party. Of his father's family of eleven children, six sons
and five daughters, but three are now living — Mary, now the
widow of L. Mander Lewis, late of Valparaiso, Ind. She now
resides with her son, B. F.Lewis, of Chicago; Thomas H.
and John, of Butler County, Ohio.
William B. Dormer^ Deputy Sheriff, Wayne County, Ind.,
was born in Richmond, Ind., June 4, 1859, a son of Robert
O. and Julia B. Dormer. His mother died Nov. 1, 1879,
leaving two children. His education was received in the
schools of Richmond. He was maj-ried Nov. 30, 1882, to
Florence B. Hatfield. Nov. 18, 1882, he was appointed
Deputy Sheriff of Wayne County, a position he still fills. He
is a member of Lodge No. 53, K. of P., and also Richmond
Lodge, No. 254, I. O. O. F.
John B. Dougan^ Cashier Second National Bank, Rich-
mond, Ind., was born in Niles, Mich., in 1847, a son of
William and Ann (Gray) Dougan. His grandfather, Isaac
Gray, was a native of Ireland, and came with his wife, Martha
13
170 . HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Bartley Gray, to the United States when a young man, set-
tling in Virginia, and in the third decade of the present cen-
tury became a merchant of some note in Richmond. He after-
ward removed to Niles, Mich., where he died of fever in 1831.
Our subject became a resident of Richmond in 185Y, and
here acquired a fair education, completing it at Niles, Mich.
He has been Cashier of the Second Kational Bank since its
organization, and is now one of its Directors. He is an en-
terprising business man, and is one of the promising young
men of Richmond.
R. R. Downing was born in Pennsylvania in 1831, the
youngest of seven children of Daniel L. and Sarah (Iden)
Downing, his father a native of Queen's County, L. I., of
Scotch descent, and his mother of Pennsylvania. His parents
came to Richmond in July, 1837, where his mother died in
February, 1849, and his father in May, 1860. Their children
were — Margaret, Ellen, Jane, Anna, Sarah, Susannah and H.
R., the latter being the only one now living. His father was,
politically, a Whig till 1856, and then affiliated with the
Republican party. He was a school-mate of Martin Van
Buren, but was always opposed to him. He was a member
of the Society of Friends. Our subject was reared and edu-
cated in Richmond. He has been in the undertaking business
since 1876, and is now doing a business second to none in
the city. He is a member of Whitewater Lodge No. 24
I. O. O. F., and has been one of its Trustees eight years. He
has been Treasurer of Oriental Encampment nine years, and
a member of the Grand Lodge of Indiana since 1873.
Caleb S.Du Hadway was born Dec. 11, 1826, a son of
Peter and Martha (Reeves) Du Hadway, his father of French
descent. The greater part of his education was obtained at
Richmond, but when fourteen years of age he left school and
began clerking for his uncle, James E. Reeves. Three years
later he went to Hagerstown, Ind. , and assumed a similar
position for his uncle, Mark E. Reeves. In 1848 he and
Edward Vaughan bought out his uncle and conducted the busi-
ness till 1850, when Mr. Vauglian went to California. Mr. Du
Hadway then carried on tlie business alone till 1855. From
1855 till 1860 he was in the insurance business. In the latter
CITY OF RICHMOND. 171
year lie came to Richmond and was in partnership with C.
W. Ferguson, in the auction business, two years. In 1863 he
commenced traveling for Yauxem & Leeds, and subsequently
was employed as bookkeeper and general accountant. In
1876 he was appointed Deputy Treasurer of "Wayne County.
In 1878 he was elected Auditor, and served till 1883. Mr.
Da Had way is a member of the Masonic fraternity. June
2, 1852, he married Priscilla, daughter of Dr. Buchanan,
of Hagerstown, Ind. They have one son living.
Washington I. Dulin was born in Wayne County, Ind.,
in 1842, a son of William and Beulah (Brown) Dulin, his
father a native of Maryland, and his mother a native of New
Jersey. His father came West in 1828 and located in Rich-
mond where he engaged in mercantile business, afterward
spending eighteen years on a farm near the city, then return-
ing again to thie city, where he died in 1874. Although he
was superintendent of a farm, and of a large number of
slaves while a resident of Maryland, he was always there-
after an active Whig and Republican. Our subject is the
fourth of five children. He lived with his parents on the
farm until he was sixteen, received an academical education in
Richmond, since which time he has engaged in mercantile
pursuits, eleven years being devoted to the lumber trade. He
has served two terms as a member of the City Council, and is
now one of the Directors of the Richmond Business Men's
Exchange, and has always taken an active interest in the
growth and prosperity oi his native city. Mr. Dulin was
married in 1862 to Rebecca, youngest daughter of Thomas
Newman.
George P. Early ^ stenographer for Gaar, Scott & Co., is a
native of Preble County, Ohio, a son of John and Eliza
(Dearth) Early. His mother died when he was three years
of age leaving two children, and since he was ten years of
age he has taken care of himself. His education has been
received by private instruction and in the Eaton schools. He
taught school four years, and during that time took an active
part in the teachers' associations. In 1877 he began the
study of stenography, and in 1881 came to Richmond and
was employed by the Hoosier Drill Company, and subsequently
172 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
by Gaar, Scott & Co., as stenograher and caligrapliist. In
February, 1882, he was married to Yiola Swisher, of Preble
County, Ohio, who was a student of Earlham College. She
died Jan. 29, 1883, leaving one child — Henry,
Geo. P. Etnswiler.) son of Dr. J. P. and Elizabeth (Mitchel)
Emswiler, was born in the town of York, York Co., Pa., Jan.
15, 1830. His grandfather, Philip Emswiler, was a native of
Germany and came to America in his youth, locating, it is
believed, in Shenandoah County, Va. His father was a na-
tive of Yirginia, and his mother of Baltimore, Md. In 1845
his parents removed to Johnson County, Ind., and one year
later to Germantown, Wayne County. In 1850 they removed
to Knightstown, Henry County, where both his parents
died. Our subject was the eldest of ten children, and ina
great degree lacked the opportunities of even a common-school
education; but being ambitious and studious, he applied him-
self to private study, and acquired all the essential elements
of a practical education. When twelve years of age he began
clerking in a dry-goods house in Harrisburg, Pa., remain-
ing there until his parents came to Indiana. In December,
1847, he came to Richmond, obtaining employment of
Strattan & Wright, afterward Ben]amin Strattan, remaining
with them for five years. In 1855 he accepted a position in
the Citizens Bank, tendered him by Morrisson, Blanchard &
Co., proprietors, remaining there until March, 1857, when
he formed a partnership with Christian Zimmer, the firm
name being Zimmer & Emswiler. Three years later Mr.
Zimmer retired from the firm, and Mr. Emswiler became
associated with Alvin E. Crocker. After six years of success-
ful business, Mr. Crocker retired from the firm and Mr.
Emswiler continued alone about two years. Disposing of
his stock he retired from the active duties of the merchant
to a less perplexing and more quiet life. He is not
a member of any religious denomination, but does not,
therefore, have less faith in every good work, moral and
intellectual, which tends to the elevation of his race. He
has been twice married. His first wife was Martha A.,
daughter of Andrew and Mary Finley, and a niece of John
Finley, Esq., for many years Mayor of the city of Richmond.
CITY OF RICHMOND. 173
They had three children — Charles F., Albert F. and Mary
Alice, the latter of whom alone survives. Mrs. Emswiler
died April 6, 1877. Mr. Emswiler afterward married
Attilia E., daughter of George W. Goodrich, of Peru, Ind.
She departed this life Feb. 20, 1881, aged thirty-nine years.
J. J. Finney^ a son of Paulinus and Hannah (Taylor)
Finney, was born near Niagara Falls, N. Y., Oct. 3, 1829.
His father was a native of Essex County, N. Y., born in 1797-
His mother was a native of Burlington, Yt., and a lineal
descendant of General Zachary Taylor. His parents were
married in 1821, and in 1839 settled in Butler County,
Ohio, where his father died Aug. 1 and his mother Aug.
17, 1849, of cholera. His father taught a school of
thirty-five pupils near Middletown, live of whom were
his own children. At the death of his parents the family
were left in limited circumstances, and the four youngest
children were provided with homes, while the older ones
went to learn trades. Our subject carried brick for masons
until the November following his parents' death and then be-
gan learning the blacksmith's trade with Kline & Lockwood,
serving an apprenticeship of three years. He received |3 a
month and his board and washing the first year, $4 a month
the second year, and $5 the third year. During the entire
time he lost but nine days, three of which were occasioned by
the death of a sister. In the fall of 1852 he opened a shop
in West Milton, Ohio, which he carried on till 1859, when he
worked as a journeyman in Eaton, Indianapolis, and Rich-
mond, in the latter place for S. R. Lipencott. Oct. 12, 1861,
he enlisted in Company B, Fifty-seventh Indiana Infantry,
and was elected First Lieutenant. May 30, 1862, he was
commissioned Captain and assigned to the command of Com-
pany D, He served with his regiment during the term of
their enlistment, participating in the battles of Nashville,
Pittsburg Landing or Shiloh, Corinth, the long and weary
marches across Alabama, and back into Southern and Middle
Tennessee, and thence to Kentucky in pursuit of Bragg.
They took part in the closing scenes of the battle of Perry-
ville, in the battles of Stone River and Chattanooga, and
also all the battles incident to the Atlanta campaign, Feb.
17-i HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
4, 1865, he was mustered out on account of expiration of his
term of service and was recommended by Governor Morton
as Major and assigned to the One Hundred and Forty-seventh
Indiana Infantry and served till September, 1865. Three
of his brothers served through the entire war as Captains and
all returned home uninjured. After his return home he
formed a partnership with D. B. Strattan and carried on a
blacksmith shop till September, 1878, when a partnership
was formed with J. J. Chase, under the firm name of Chase
& Finney, and carried on a rag house four years. In 1869 he
was appointed Assistant Assessor in the Revenue Depart-
ment, and served till the office was abolished. In February,
1880, he was elected by the Upper and Lower House of In-
diana to the office of Director of the State prison, South, at
Jefferson, and Oct. 1, 1883, was elected Chief of Police of
Richmond. In 1853 Mr. Finney joined the Odd Fellows
fraternity at Eaton, Ohio, and in 1865 transferred his mem-
bership to Lodge Ko. 254, Richmond. He has represented'
the lodge and encampment in the Grand Lodge and Encamp-
ment of the State, and has held all the important offices of
both lodge and encampment. He is also a member of the
A. P. A., the Red Men, Knights of Pythias, and is now
Quartermaster of Sol. Meredith's Post, No. 69, G. A. R.
Politically he is a Republican. His father was so much an
Abolitionist that he would not support General Taylor, and
used to say to his sons, "I may not live to see it, but you,
my boys, will see, ere twenty years go over your heads, that
there will be no Whig and Democratic parties, but in their
stead a Union and Anti-Union party, and a great war be-
tween the Korth and South where rivers of blood will flow,
and v^hen that time comes I want you to be on the side of
freedom, right and justice." Mr. Finney has been true to
his father's injunction and takes an active part in all politi-
cal matters. He was reared in the Methodist church, and
though not a member of any church has a preference for that
denomination. He was married Dec. 26, 1855, to Sallie
A. Long, of Eaton, Ohio. They have three daughters — Cora
L., now Mrs. J. E. Jones; Lizzie M., now Mrs. Will H.
Campbell, and Ida. The two eldest are graduates of the
CITY OF RICHMOND. 175
Richmond High School and were teachers in the city schools
several years.
J. G. Ford is a native of Oxford, Chester Co., Pa., born
March 6, 1845. In April, 1861, he entered the Signal Service
of the United States Army and served till October, 1865. He
endured many hardships and privations; was with the fleet
that sailed from Fortress Monroe to Port Royal, S. C,
March 28, 1867. He was employed as switchman on the
C. & G. E. Railroad, at Chicago, 111., and has been eighteen
years in the employ of the road, now known as the Pan Han-
dle Railway, he having the position of brakeman, baggage-
master, bill clerk, baggage agent, and in December, 1882, was
appointed baggage agent at Richmond, Ind. In September,
1883, he was appointed station master. He has resided in
Richmond since 1872. He was married to Miss Ella N. Nye,
of Richmond. They have had four children. Mr. Ford is
a member of Lodge No. 196, F. & A. M., and Banner Lodge,
No. 359, 1. O. O. F., New London, Pa.
Shnon Fox, merchant tailor. No. 714 Main street, Rich-
mond, Ind. There is, perhaps, no firm in Richmond, in the
same line of business, so well known as that of Simon Fox.
Commencing the business as junior member of the firm of
Kern & Fox, merchant tailors, in the building now occupied
by Irvin Reed & Sons, in 1865, this house is deserving of
more than ordinarj'^ mention. Continuing as a member of
that firm for five years Mr. Fox purchased the interest of his
partner and removed to the northeast corner of Sixth and
Main streets, where he remained for over ten years, estab-
lishing an extensive trade throughout this and adjoining
counties. On the 2d of March, 1881, he removed his stock
of goods to No. 714 Main street, in Yaughan's new block,
the largest and handsomest business structure in the city.
The store-room is 18x95 feet in size, fitted with walnut coun-
ters, a handsome all plate-glass front, with a stock of piece
goods equal in variety, quality and selection to any similar
concern in the State. Mr. Fox, in busy seasons, employs
about twenty hands. Mr. Fox is a native of France; came to
America in 1855, and has been a resident of this city eighteen
years. He has attained the rank of leader in his line of busi-
ness, and is, deservingly, so credited.
176 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Robert Furnace, M. D., was born in Warren County,
Ohio, in 1830; a son of Seth and Dinah (Kindley) Furnace,
his father of Englisli and his mother of German descent, he
being able to trace his ancestry to 1630 on the father's side
and to 1680 on the mother's. For many generations the an-
cestors have been Friends, liis grandmother and mother both
being ministers in that society. He, for many years, has
been an acknowledged minister and since coming to Kich-
mond has been prominently identified with and has labored
efficiently for the society. The family has figured promi-
nently in political circles, a great uncle, Wilkinson Furnace,
having represented Ohio in the United States Senate. The
Furnace family settled in Ohio from South Carolina in 1803,
in Miami and Warren counties, our subject's grand-parents
locating in the latter county. His mother was a native of
that county and his father of South Carolina. To them were
born four children — Davis, Robert, Mary, and an infant (de-
ceased). Dr. Furnace was reared a farmer, but began read-
ing medicine in Waynesville, Ohio, and in 1863 began the
practice of his profession. He graduated from the Homeo-
pathic department of Pulte Medical School, Cincinnati, Ohio,
in 1875, after having practiced thirteen years. He came to
Richmond in 1881, where he now has a good practice. He
was married in 1853 to Bethiah Mosher, a native of what is
now Morrow County, Ohio. To them have been born eight
children, but five of whom are living — Mary, wife of William
T. Frame; Seth W., Eunice, Phoebe and Robert H.
Ahratn Gaar. — In all ages there has been no class of litera-
ture more sought after in public libraries, and its pages more
earnestly perused, than that of biography, and especially is
the history of men's lives interesting, who entered the wilds
of any new country and claimed the virgin soils as their
heritage. The reader finds it wonderfully absorbing from
the first to the last chapter, and then there is a powerfu
impulse to read it over and over again. The trials, and suc-
cesses of the early settlers; their wars and treaties with In-
dians; captures, escapes and almost miraculous recoveries of
women and children; great conspiracies, which only lacked
success to change the history of our country and turn back-
CITY OF KICHMOND. 1Y7
ward for a whole centurj'^ the course of civilization; romance,
sentiment, toil, tribulation and gigantic achievements of a
class of brave and hardy men and women, of whom their de-
scendants can not learn enoagh, will probably never iind a
more complete and attractive record than in the present
volume.
Had not Homer tuned his lofty lyre, observes Cicero, the
valor of Achilles had remained unsung. The valor of our
pioneers was never surpassed, and with another Homer to cele-
brate their achievements the grandest epic in all literature
would enrapture our age.
In the class of pioneer settlers of Wayne county to whom
such honors are due, we record that of the Gaar family, who
have from 1807 brilliantly marked a pathway in the history
of Wayne County.
The family are of German extraction, but the time the an-
cestors tirst stepped on American soil is not definitely known.
Abraham Gaar (grandfather of the President of Gaar, Scott
& Co.'s Machine Works) was born in Hanover County, Va.,
Feb. 28, 1796, and grew to manhood in his native State, a liv-
ing witness to many of the hardships of the war that freed
America from English tyranny. He married Dinah Weaver
who was also a native of Virginia and of German extraction.
In 1805 they with their family moved to Kentucky, but
afterward thought a more desirable location could be found
and accordingly, in the spring of 1807, made their advent
into what is now Boston Township, Wayne Co., Ind. Here
Abraham entered from the Government a quarter-section of
wild land. The programme was first to fell the trees and
open out a spot on which to raise the necessaries of life to-
gether with that of erecting a rude log cabin in which to
move his family. Ere long the bleak winds of winter began
to play about the pioneer's home, and chinking and plastering
the openings in the log hut became a duty, in order to secure
comfortable quarters for the winter. Even in this early day,
when churches and the glad tidings of salvation were seldom
proclaimed aloud, .this noble family never neglected the
duty to their God, hence were ever faithful members in the
regular Baptist church and were noble assistants in estab-
178 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
lishing a church of their choice. They were ever active in
every good work. He succeeded well through life; although
he came to Wayne County comparatively poor, by good
management, willing hands and a brave heart he accumu-
lated a good property. Aug. 20, 1861, ended the earthly
career of one of the noblest pioneers of Wayne County, viz.:
Abraham Gaar. His wife, Dinah, died Sept. 26, 1834, aged
sixty-six years, ten months and one day.
They were the parents of eight children — Jonas; Fielding,
who died in Utah; Larkin, who now resides on the old home-
stead in Boston Township; Abel, now resides in Michigan;
Fannie, deceased, wife of William Lamb, of Iowa; Rosa,
deceased, wife of John Ingels; Martha, wife of Jeptha Tur-
ner, and Eliza J., wife of Thomas Henderson, of Iowa. Jonas,
the father of our subject (Abram), was born in Madison
County, Ya., Feb. 1, 1792. He and his younger brother,
Fielding, were both soldiers in the Indian^war of 1812, doing
dutj' on the frontier in defense of the homes and lives of the
border settlers. Jonas being a youth of fifteen when his father
settled in Eastern Indiana among the wilds of nature, it be-
came his duty to assist in clearing up his fathers farm, which
he nobly performed. On reaching his majority, having ac-
quired a lilnited education only, in the pioneer schools, he
thought it advisable to take up some trade and accordingly
settled upon that of cabinet-making, and in 1820 settled in
the hamlet of Richmond to conduct his trade, where he con-
tinued several years. He was a man of progress and ad-
vancement, and in 1835 he, in company with Abel Thornley
and Job W. Swain, established a foundry and machine shop,
which was put into operation by the water draining from a
swamp into the river near where the present county jail is
located. This enterprise only survived a few years, and
for about one decade he was identified with other interests.
In 1849 he, together with his sons Abram and John M., and
son-in-law, Wm. G. Scott, bought of Jesse M. and John A.
Hutton, their machine works, which later grew into the ex-
tensive spring foundry, eubsequently into the Gaar Machine
Works, and lastly into the Gaar, Scott & Co.'s Machine
Works. Jonas Gaar lived to be identified in the history of
CITY OF KICHMOND. 179
the above works until Jane 21, 1875, when death released his
earthly cares. He was through life an active worker in all
causes tending to elevate society and to the upbuilding of
mankind. His wife, to whom he was joined in 1818, was
Sarah "Watson, a native of Kentucky, and died Nov. 8, 1863.
They had eight children — Abram, born Nov. 14, 1819; Ma-
linda, born Nov. 11, 1821; John Milton, born May 26, 1823;
Samuel W., born Oct. 22, 1824; Fielding, born Jan. 1, 1827;
Emeline, born June 16, 1829; Elizabeth, born July 27, 1831 ;
Fannie A., born Oct. 5, 1833. Abram, the eldest of the
family, and now President of the Gaar, Scott & Co. Machine
Works, is a native of Wayne County. His father moved to
Richmond when he (Abram) was in infancy, hence he has
been almost a life-long citizen of the city of Richmond. His
boyhood and youthful days were spent in his father's cabinet
shop together with some time in the primitive schools of
that day. Having been an apprentice with his father a few
years, in 1835, when his father engaged in the foundry,
Abram being a natural mechanic, worked at pattern-mak-
ing, building wooden machinery, etc., though but about
eighteen years old, but misfortune soon over-took his father
and Abram was soon out of employment in that institution.
During the years of 1839 and 1840 he worked with Ellis
Nordyke at millwrighting. At this period hard times were
inevitable and he gave up mechanics for a time and turned
his attention to a literary pursuit. He attended school for
some time and in 1842 closed his last session with James M.
Poe as teacher. In 1843 he resumed mechanical labor by
engaging with J. M. & J. H. Hutton in the Old Spring
Foundry machine shops. Here he devoted his time closely
letting his wages stand until 1849 when he, his father,
brother J. M., and brother-in-iaw Wm. G. Scott bought the
foundry and started under the name of A. Gaar & Co. Here
the foundation was laid for the future extensive manufactory
of Indiana. From this junction to the present Mr. Garr
has been closely identified with the works. Politically Mr.
Gaar was reared a Democrat and so continued until the re-
peal of the Missouri Compromise, when he left the party
and became a Republican from that time forward, although
180 HISTOKY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
he is not an office seeker. He belongs to no secret order,
but has at all times been in sympathy with and advocated
the cause of temperance. In 1867 Mr. Gaar became a mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife, to
whom he was joined March 26, 1851, also belongs. He has
always been a liberal contributor in all enterprises tending to
elevate mankind and society, and toward the erection of the
First Methodist Church in Kichraond in 1883, he contributed
over $5,000. In 1868 he was elected one of the Trustees of
the Home for the Friendless Women, where he served about
nine years without remuneration, which he did cheerfully.
In 1876 he erected a very superior residence on his farm two
miles from the city, where he now lives with every comfort
and pleasure necessary to life.
C. A. Gaar, pattern-maker, son of A. Gaar, was born
April 13, 1859, in Richmond, where he has always resided.
He learned the pattern-maker's trade, and has worked in the
establishm.ent of Gaar, Scott & Co, several years. He was
married to Fannie McMeans, who was born Oct. 5, 1864, and.
is a daughter of A.'L. McMeans, of this city.
John M. Qaar, of the firm of Garr, Scott & Co., is a son
of Jonas Gaar. He was born in Richmond, May 26, 1823,
and in early life he learned his trade in his father's shop.
He has been connected with the extensive machine works
from its organization as stockholder and Director, and has
served most of the time as Treasurer. Within the last few
years he has devoted his time to stock-raising and attending
to his extensive farm in Henry County, Ind. He was mar-
ried. Jan, 20, 1818, to Hannah A. Rattray, who died June 6,
1819, and Sept. 16, 1856, he was again married to Helen M.
Rattray, who was born March 2, 1840.
Samuel W. Gaar^ of Gaar, Scott & Co., was born Oct.
22, 1824, in Richmond, a son of Jonas Gaar. He received a
limited education in the common schools, and when fourteen
years of age began working in the blacksmith's shop of the
Richmond foundry, remaining there till 1841, having been
one of the leading smiths for a number of years. When the
machine works were reorganized and changed to Gaar, Scott
& Co., he became one of the stockholders. Oct. 19, 1865, he
CITY OF RICHMOND. 181
married Mrs. Elizabeth (Kirklen) Townsend, widow of Will-
iam Townsend, and a native of Preble County, Ohio, born in
1832. She has four children— Clinton, William, Henry and
James. Mr. Gaar has been a member of the I. O. O. F.
fraternity a number of years.
Jacob Getz was born in Wirtemberg, Germany, in Decem-
ber, 1832, a son of John and Mary Getz. His parents were
in limited circumstances, and being one of five children, his
educational advantages were meager. His parents died when
he was quite young, and in 185.4 he came to America and
settled in ]^ew Jersey. In 1857 he removed to Ohio, and in
1858 to Richmond, Ind. He worked in the oil-mill till 1861,
when he enlisted in Company D, Eighth Indiana Infantry,
for three months. In the fall of 1861 he enlisted for three
years in Company C, Second Indiana Cavalry. He partici-
pated in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Yinegar Hill and
Gallitan. In the fall of 1864 he returned home and again
went to work in the oil-mill, remaining there seven years.
He then opened a grocery and provision store at No. 829
North Tenth street, where he is doing a good business. He
was married in 1866 to Setta Sheibler. They have two chil-
dren — John J. and Clara E. Mr. and Mrs. Getz are mem-
bers of the St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church. He is
a member of the Odd Fellow's order and the German Benev-
olent Society.
Josiah Gilbert was born in Wales, and when a child was
brought to America by his parents. He grew to maturity in
North Carolina, and married Mary Nixon, a native of that
State. About the year 1812 he moved with his family to
Wayne County, Ind., and entered a large tract of land, a
part of which lies in the south part of Richmond. He
cleared and cultivated this land to a considerable extent, and
about 1830 he entered a large tract of land in Dudley Town-
ship, Henry Co., Ind., where he resided till his death. His wife
survived him several years. Of his children, Morris, the second
youngest, was born in 1817, south of Richmond. He followed
farming through life, and died in Plainfield, Ind., in February,
1880. He was twice married. His first wife was Elizabeth,
daughter of John Elliott, of Wayne County, and to this
1S2 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
union two children were born. J. B., the youngest, was born
in Henry County, Ind., in 1840, and in 1860 came to Rich-
mond, where he was employed as clerk till 1866, since which
he has been in business for himself, and is the oldest boot
and shoe merchant in the city. Since 1869 he has occupied
the store at 820 Main street, where he carries a full line of
boots and shoes, and has in his employ eight regular sales-
men and three workmen. He is a genial good fellow and
has a big trade.
Isaac A. Gormoii^ SheriflP,. Wayne County, Ind., was born
in Highland County, Ohio, Dec. 25, 184Y, a son of John W.
and Priscilla (Johnson) Gormon. His grandfather, John
Gormon, was a native of Virginia, of Irish descent. He
married a lady of German descent. John "W. Gormon was
a native of Ohio. In 1858 he removed to Centreville, Ind.,
where he and his wife now live. Our subject is their first
child. He received a limited education. When sixteen
years of age, Sept. 3, 1863, he enlisted in Company E, Seventh
Indiana Cavalry, but only served four months, when his father
took the proper steps to have him released. In 1864 he began
working at the blacksmith's trade at Louisville, Ind., and
subsequently worked at different places in the State, and
came to Richmond in 1866, worked in different shops, and in
1868 commenced work for Stratton & Finney; worked seven
years. He then opened a shop with William L. Thomas. In
1878 he was appointed Deputy Sheriff under William H.
Trindle, and in the fall of 1882 was elected Sheriff, running
ahead of his ticket by several hundred. Politically he is a
Republican. He is a member of the Odd Fellows' fraternity,
having taken all the degrees, and also in the encampment.
In 1875 he represented his lodge in the Grand Lodge of Indi-
ana. He is also a member of the order of Red Men, the
Independent Order of Mechanics, and a charter member of
lola Lodge, No. 53, K. of P. Mr. Gormon was married in
1871 to Mrs. Mary E. (Strickler) Moore, daughter of John
Strickler. They have one son.
Howell Graves. — The Graves family were among the ear-
liest settlers of Wayne County, coining here in 1816. Jacob
Graves, the grandfather of our subject, died soon after com-
CITY OF RICHMOND. 183
irig to Richmond. His wife died in Delaware. They were
the parents of five sons — Enos, Jonathan, Jacob, Nathan and
John. The four former came to Wayne County, but the
latter remained in Delaware. Enos settled about four miles
northeast of Richmond, and cleared a farm. He brought a
family of wife and six children with him, none of whom are
living. Jacob brought a wife and eight children to Wayne
County, only one of whom, Joseph C, now lives in Wayne
County. He was by trade a tailor, but only worked at it a
little after coming to the county.. He was a strong anti-sla-
very man and a staunch Whig and Republican. He died soon
after Lincoln's proclamation. Nathan settled three and a
half miles from Richmond, and followed farmine: throuo-h
life. He was twice married. By his first wife he had four
children and by his second, five. Jonathan L. married Lydia
Howell in Delaware, and in 1816 came to Wayne County
and bought 240 acres of land at $8 an acre. He erected a
saw-mill on Middle Fork of Whitewater River. He was
politically a Whig, and was a prominent member of the So-
ciety of Friends. He died in 1825, leaving a wife and seven
children. The wife died in 1846. Of the family there are liv-
ing two — Howell and Warner, in Wayne County, the latter on
the old homestead. Howell Graves was born in Wavne
County in 1818. He followed farming till 1861, when he
moved to Richmond, and for twenty years was one of the
principal iron merchants of the city, but is now in the in-
surance and real estate business. He was married in 1845 to
Hannah C. daughter of John and Esther Nicholson. They
have four children — Esther A., wife of Joshua S. Rich, of
Richmond; Emma, wife of Joseph M. Bayliss, of Wayne
Township; Yernon D., an attorney of Richmond, and Jo-
sephine.
J . C. Hadley, son of James and Ann (Underwood) Had-
ley, and grandson of Jeremiah and Mary (Dickey) Hadley,
was born in Highland County, Ohio, in 1814. His grand-
father was a native of North Carolina, of English and Scotch
descent. He died when forty years of age. His grandmother
lived till nearly 100 years of age. James Hadley was their
third son, and after liis marriage, in 180G, settled in High-
184 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
land Count}-, Ohio, cutting a road through on his way. In
1817 he removed to Clinton County, Ohio, where his wife
died, March 19, 1845, and he Aug. 19, of the same year.
Of their eleven children, only two are now living — James, of
Dublin, Wayne Co., Ind., and our subject. J. C. was reared
a farmer and received a common-school education. In March,
1854, he came to Richmond, Ind., and engaged in merchan-
dizing, but was obliged to abandon it on account of failing
health, and bought a farm, where he resided a few years. In
1861 he engaged in the fire insurance business. In 1878 he
was elected Township Trustee, and re-elected in 1880. In
January, 1883, he was appointed Secretary of the Eichmond
Board of Underwriters. Mr. Hadley was married in 1837
to Emeline Hinman, of Clinton County, Ohio. They have a
family of seven children, only two now living — William L.
and Clark H. They are members of the Society of Friends,
Mr. Hadley being Treasurer of the Whitewater Monthly
Meeting of Friends.
W. B. Hadley^ Quaker Chair Company, was born in Clin-
ton County, Ohio, in 1830, a son of Jacob and Mary (Butler)
Hadley, the former a native of North Carolina, and the latter
a native of Georgia, and a daughter of Bail Butler, an early
settler of Wayne County, Ind. They died in Clinton County,
Ohio. Seven children were born to them, our subject being
the third child. He was reared to farm life, receiving only
a common-school education. He first engaged in merchan-
dizing in his native county, and later was in the oil business
in Pennsylvania. He moved to Richmond in 1866, and en-
gaged in the grain trade, but later in the mercantile business.
He then manufactured hubs and spokes till 1879, since which
he has been in the chair factory. His wife's name was Re-
becca J. Bradley. They are the parents of two daughters.
Benjamin Harris. — Among the earliest settlers of Dear-
born, now Wayne, County, Ind., who were prominent in pro-
moting its advancement may be mentioned the Harris family.
The great-grandfather of our subject was born in Wales, but
was banished from his native land when a young man, on ac-
count of his Protestant ideas, and came to America, locating
in the Atlantic States. His family consisted of three sons
CITY OF RICHMOND. 185
and two daughters. James settled in Eichmond, Ya., where
he became wealthy. One daughter married a Mr. Lynch,
founder of Lynchburg, Ya. Of Robert and the other daughter
but little is known. Obediah, the grandfather of our subject,
was a Quaker preacher, and settled in Guilford County, N.
C, where he lived till 1810, when he came to Indiana and
settled in New Garden Township, Wayne County, in early-
life he was very active and energetic, and possessed a wonder-
ful power of endurance, but as his age advanced his weight
increased, and for many years before his death it exceeded
300 pounds. He lived in Wayne County about twenty years,
when he died aged over fourscore years. He had a family
of three sons and five daughters — Mary, afterward Mrs. John
Chipman; Sarah, afterward Mrs. Richard Mendenhall; Ra-
chel, afterward Mrs. Abijah Jones; Judith, afterward Mrs.
Jacob Cook; Rebecca, afterward Mrs. Mathew Allman ; David,
died when a young man, in North Carolina; Obediah and
Benjamin. Obediah settled in Wayne County about the time
of the war of 1812, and followed farming in New Garden
Township. He was a strict member of the Society of Friends
and served as a preacher many years. About 1820 he re-
moved to Randolph County, where he died in 1858, aged
eighty-three years and seven months. He first married
Marie Mendenhall, who died in North Carolina. They had
three children. He afterward married Mary Moorman, who
died in Randolph County in 1844. She was the mother of
nine children. He then married Mrs. Nuby, who died in 1853.
His children were— Thomas, David, Rachel, Betsey, Susanna,
Jonathan, John, Obediah, James, Ruth, Jesse M. and Mary.
Jesse M. was born in Richmond, Ind., Aug. 27, 18] 6. In
1837 he began the study of medicine with Stanton Judkins,
M. D., of Fountain City, and subsequently was with Richard
Pretlow, M. D., of Richmond. He attended Ohio Medical
College, Cincinnati, two terms, and in 1841 began practicing
in Henry County, Iowa. In 1850 he returned to Richmond
where he still resides. He was married in 1843 to Gulielma,
daughter of William Harvey, of Richmond. She died in
1856 leaving two children — Abanus and George W. He
then married Emily J., daughter of David Hampton, who
13
186 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
died Jan. 5, 1S81, leavinor three children — Jane M., Mary L.
and Francis. Benjamin Harris, Sr., father of our subject,
was married in North Carolina to Margaret Ingle, and in
1807 they came to Indiana. He entered a quarter-section of
land, wliich he improved and lived on till his death, in 1850.
He was a man of more than ordinary ability, and at the time
the county seat was moved from Salisbury to Centreville
was one of the County Commissioners favoring the removal.
In religion he adhered to the faith of his father. He had
a strong constitution and weighed 200 pounds. His wife
survived him till 1853. They were the parents of fifteen
children, two of whom died in North Carolina. We give the
names of those who grew to maturity; the five youngest
were born in Wayne County — Obediah, Pleasant, James,
Barsheba, John, Benjamin, Rebecca, Sarah, Margaret, David,
Aaron, Elizabeth and Nathan. Benjamin, our subject, was
born in Guilford Count^^, N. C, Nov. 3, 1798. He has been
a farmer and stock-raiser through life, paying special atten-
tion to the hitter industry. He was very successful but by
his confidence in his fellow men , was reduced to medium
circumstances, although he is now again in the enjoyment
of affluence, and is living retired from active business pursuits.
Politically he has been a Whig and Pepublican, and was one
of the first in his township to take a decided part in the anti-
slavery movement. He was married in 1821 to Lydia Pliatt,
a native of Yirginia, and at once settled on his farm in
Green Township, where his wife died in 1867. In 1869 he
moved to Richmond, and in April, 1870, married Hannah A.
Estell, of New Jersey. To Mr, Harris and his first wife were
born ten children — Cynthia, widow of Nathan Fisher, of
Oregon; Winston, of Green Township; Addison, of Fountain
City; Sarah, wife of Ensley Overman, of Webster Township;
Nancy, wife of Joseph Conner, of Logan County, Mo. ; Mary,
wife of Nathan Overman, of Grant County, Ind.; Susan,
deceased wife of Simon Bond, of Webster Township; Minerva,
wife of William Wilcoxen, of Nebraska; James M., a physi-
cian of Yellow Springs, Ohio, and Martha J., of Nebraska.
Joshua W. Haines was born in Burlington County, N. J.,
in 1815, a son of Joshua W., and grandson of Joseph Haines,
CITY OF KICHMOND. 187
of English and Welsh descent. He was reared on a farm and
acquired a fair education at Westtown College, a Quaker
school, twenty-four miles from Philadelphia. In early man-
hood he taught school, and in 1840 taught the second school
in the Academy at Dublin, Wayne County, Ind. He subse-
quently was connected with mercantile pursuits in Trenton,
N. J., and Philadelphia, Pa. In 1851 he came to Richmond,
and established the first dry-goods store on the cash system
in Richmond. He continued in business till 1875 when he
retired from the trade, but in 1878 became again eno-ao'ed in
business. In 1880 his son took the stock to Muncie, Ind.,
and Mr. Haines is now living a retired life. In 1852 he was
married to Mary Parrj', a native of Burlington County, JST. J.,
and a daughter of John R. and Letitia Penn (Smith) Parry.
Her mother was a sister of Senator Oliver H. Smith, of
Indiana, The Parry family are of Welsh extraction. Mr.
and Mrs. Haines have had three children — Parry, Letitia,
wife of Jason Evans Cook, and Francenian H., wife of Dr.
Frank C. Dale, U. S, A.
John Hatfield^ liveryman, Richmond, is the son of Thomas
Hattield and grandson of Jonas Hatheld, who was born,
reared and married in Pennsylvania. He removed to Ken-
tucky about 1793, but shortly after settled in Montgomery
County, Ohio. Early in the present century he settled on
Greens Fork, Clay Township, Wayne Co., Ind., where he ex-
perienced all the privations of pioneer life till his death, in
1817. He was a member of the Society of Friends. His
wife, Rachel, died at Washington, Ind. Their children —
Thomas, Jonas, John, Nathan, Deborah, Rachel, Mary and
Ann — all settled in Wayne County. Thomas, father of our
subject, was a native of Pennsylvania, but came with his
father to Indiana and bought a farm comprising the present
site of Washington, which he cleared and laid out that village.
He resided thera many years and followed the carpenter's
trade and kept an inn. The latter part of his life was spent
in Wabash, Ind,, until a few years previous to his death,
when he returned to Washington, and died in 1853, His
wife survived him till 1875, Their children were — Lydia,
widow of John Martindale; Jonas; Richard, deceased; Mary,
1S8 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
widow of George Gill; John; Matilda, wife of Charles Hob-
son, of Kansas; Melinda, who was married to Cjrus E. Gales,
but are both now deceased, and Jane, wife of Edwin Freel, of
Huntington County, Ind. John Hatfield, whose name heads
this sketch, is a native of Wayne County, where he has spent
most of his life. He learned the carpenter's and cabinet-
maker's trade at which he worked several years, but is now a
prominent liveryman of Richmond.
John JSenly was born in Wayne County, Ind., Aug. 11,
1815, a son of Micajah and Gulielma (Charles) Henly. His
father was the sixth of seven children of John Henly, a native
of North Carolina, of English descent, and was born in the
latter State in 1785. In 1812, with his father-in-law, Samuel
Charles, and family, he came to Indiana and settled in Wayne
County. He bought a farm of 160 acres two miles southeast
of Hichmond, residing there till his death in 1857. His wife
died in 1860, aged sixty-eight years. They were members of
the Society of Friends. They had a family of eight children
— Mary (deceased), wife of Hannon Hill; John, our subject;
Rebecca, widow of Reuben Hunt; Samuel; Naomi, wife of
Washington Hadley, of Lawrence, Kas. ; Martha, wife of
Joseph E. Stratton, both deceased; Henry, deceased; Gulielma
(deceased), wife of Mordecai Parry. Our subject was the
eldest son and the duty of assisting his father devolved on
him. His early education was limited, having to go from one
to three miles to school. He remained at home till twenty-
seven years of age. He learned the carpenter's trade and by
applying- himself to study, acquired an average education and
taught several terms of school. In 1842 he married Naomi,
daughter of William Clawson, a pioneer of Wayne County.
They had no children. Mrs. Henly died, and Mr. Henly
subsequently married Mariam, daughter of Robert and Rachel
Green, a native of Wayne County, Ind. They have one son
—Robert M.
James F. Hibherd, M. D., was born near New Market,
Frederick Co., Md., Nov. 4, 1816, a son of Joseph and
Rachel (Wright) Hibberd. His grandfather, Joel Wright,
was a noted surveyor, and settled in Ohio in the early part of
the nineteenth century. His parental ancestors were of Eng-
CITY OF RICHMOND. 189
lish birth and came to America with William Perm, settling
in Fennsylvaua, where his father was born in April, 1879,
and when still a child removed with his parents to Frederick
County, Md., where, March 15, 1806, he married Rachel
Wright. Of a family of five sons and one daughter but three
sons are now living, the subject of our sketch being the
youno^est. His mother died in 1844 and his father in
1866. From 1825 to 1837 he lived with his uncle, Aaron
Hibberd, near Martinsburg, Berkley Co., Ya., attending
school and working on the farm and in the woolen-mill. He
subsequently took a course in the Hallowell Classical School
at Alexandria, Ya. In 1837 he took charge of his father's
farm near Springboro, Warren Co., Ohio. Having chosen
the medical profession as his life work, in 1838 he com-
menced reading under his cousin, Dr. Aaron Wright. In
1839-'40 he attended lectures at the Medical Department of
Yale College, and Aug. 14, 1840, commenced practicing at
Salem, Montgomery Co., Ohio. In 1848 he entered the Col-
lege of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, and graduated
in March, 1849. He was immediately appointed Surgeon
of the Commercial Steamship Senator, which made a trip to
Amazon River, Rio Janeiro, St. Catharines, Patagonia. Chili
and the cities on tlie Pacific Coast of South and Central
America, thence to San Francisco, Cal., the voyage consum-
ing seven and a half months. He remained in California till
1855, practicing medicine and dealing extensively in real
estate. The fall and winter of 1855-'56 he spent in New
York reviewing his medical studies. In June, 1856, he
opened an office in Dayton, Ohio, but four months later re-
moved to Richmond, Ind., where he has built up a large and
lucrative practice. During the session of 1S60-'61 he filled
the Chair of Physiology and Ceneral Pathology in the Ohio
Medical College, Cincinnati. Dr. Hibberd is a member of
the city, county, district. State, tri-State, Rocky Mountain
and American Medicail associations, and has been President
of all save the latter, of which he has served as First Yice-
President. The doctor has written a number of medical
essays and has recently reviewed a large number of medi-
cal books for a prominent journal. The years 1869 and 1870
190 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
were spent in traveling in the Old World, and were the
means of increasing his store of general knowledge. Politi-
cally he has affiliated with the "Whig and Kepublican par-
ties, and although not an aspirant for office served in the
Ohio State Legislature from 1845 to 1847. He was a mem-
ber of the Eichmond City Council from 18T2 to 1874,
and the two succeeding years was Mayor of Richmond.
His parents were members of the Society of Friends, but
since reaching manhood he has severed his connection with
the society. He was for many years a member of the Odd
Fellows fraternity ; was a member of the Grand Lodge,
and was High Priest of the encampment at Dayton, Ohio,
but in 1850 his papers were sent from Dayton to California
and were lost, and he has never applied for reinstatement.
Dr. Hibberd has been married three times. His first wife
was Nancy D. Higgins, to whom he was married in March,
1842, in Montgomery County, Ohio. In May, 1856, he mar-
ried Catherine Leeds, in Richmond, and in April, 1871, he
married Lizzie M. Laws. He has two sons — Elgar Grant,
born April 24, 1844, and Wilton Leeds, born Sept. 3, 1858.
Robert Hlll^ deceased, was a native of North Carolina,
born Jan. 31, 1780, a son of William Hill. He was married
Apiil 30, 1801, to Susannah Morgan, a native of North Caro-
lina, born March 24, 1782. In 1802 they removed to Ohio,
and settled on a farm near Cincinnati, on the present site ot
Cumminsville, but in 1805 removed to Indiana and entered
forty acres of land three miles east of Richmond, which lie
added to from time to time till he owned 260 acres. Mr. Hill
was a man of well-balanced mind, and his business was al-
ways carried on systematically. Politically he was a Whig
and was one of Wayne County's first representatives in the
State Legislature, serving two terms. His wife died in 1827.
To them were born ten children — Martha, William, Benjamin,
Samuel, Elizabeth (widow of Charles Shute, Sr.), Mary (wife
of William Parry), Peninnah (wife of Edward Shaw), Charles,
Robert and George. Martha, William, Benjamin and George
are deceased. Nov. 26, 1829, Mr. Hill married Mrs. Rebecca
Lathrop, widow of Dr. Lathrop, of Waynesville, Warren Co.,
Ohio. She died August, 1871. Mr. Hill died Nov. 8, 1850.
CITY OF RICHMOND. 191
Samuel B. Hindman, foreman in the Wood machinery
department at Gaar, Scott & Co.'s, was born near Reiley,
Btttler Co., Ohio, Feb. 22, 1839. He attended the district
school till thirteen years of age and afterward he attended an
academy two winters. He was apprenticed three years at
the druggists' trade and three years at the trade of wagon
and carriage makers. In 1860-'61 he manufactured wagons
in "Wilmington, Ohio, and in 1864 he engaged in the same
business in Marysville, Cal. In 1864 he returned to Wil-
mington, Ohio, and worked as a journeyman till 1868, when
he became foreman of a carriage wheel factory. He occupied
this position till 1875, after which he engaged in the grocery
trade two years, and Dec. 1, 1877, he was appointed to
his present position. Sept. 12, 1861, he was married to
Samantha A. Mills. They have one son — •William D., born
in Wilmington, Ohio, in 1865. Mrs. Hindman is a member
of the Methodist church. His father, Andrew Hindman,
was born in 1799 in Cumberland County, Pa., and in 1815
emigrated with his parents to Butler County, Ohio. He
graduated from the Cincinnati Medical College in 1821 and
the same year he began practicing medicine at Brownsville,
Ind. In 1828 he removed to Richmond where he followed
his profession till 1834. He was also engaged in the manu-
facture of horn combs, in connection with a Mr. Hamlin. He
was married in 1821 to Margaret Trembly, who was born in
1799 in !New Jersey and came to Butler County, Ohio, with
her parents in 1806. She is of French and English parent-
age.
Omar L. Hittle, real-estate broker, Richmond, Ind., was
born in Richmond, Aug. 31, 1853, a son of Squire L. and
Anna C. (Byers) Hittle, his father a native of Butler County,
Ohio, and his mother of Dauphin Count}', Pa. His father
was of French descent, the name being originally spelled
Hittelle. His parents settled in Richmond in 1839, where
his father was engaged in looking after his own real estate.
He died in April, 1875. He was one of the leading capital-
ists of Eastern Indiana, and was a shrewd business man. He
was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, his wife
being a member of the same church. Of their six children,
192 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Omar L. is the fifth. He was educated in Richmond. In
1878 he erected the Hittle Block, a three-story brick building,
stone front, 67 x 110 feet in size, on the corner of Ninth and
Main streets. The first floor has three store rooms; the sec-
ond floor fifteen ofiices, and the Masonic Hall occupying the
entire third floor. Mr. Hittle is one of the enterprising
young men of the city. He was married in 1877 to Mamie
L. Patterson, of Richmond.
Robert Hodgin is a native of North Carolina, where he
learned the trade of an iron-maker. He came to Richmond
in 1866 and since that time has been identified in the me-
chanical department of the raih'oad shops. In 1879 he as-
sumed the responsibility of foreman of the shops, being the
successor of W. H. Converse. The present shops were
erected in 1875, under the direction of the chief engineer of
the Pittsburg, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad. Thej'^ are
100 X 210 feet in size. Seventy hands are employed, and re-
pair work is done for the First and Third divisions of the C,
St. L. & P., G. R. & I. and the L. M. roads.
/. R. Howard^ of the firm of I. R. Howard & Co., whole-
sale grocers, 202 and 204 Ft. Wayne-avenue, Richmond, Ind. ,
is a native of Henry County, Ind., where he was reared and
educated. In 1860 he removed from New Castle to Richmond
and became a partner in a wholesale grocery in Rich-
mond, the firm name being Howard & Grubbs. This firm
was succeeded in 1871 by 1. R. Howard & Co. In 1876
Mr. Howard erected his present business house, which is a
two-story brick, 63 x 200 feet in size. Their trade is from all
parts of Ohio and Indiana, and has been constantly increasing
from the first. Mr. Howard is an energetic and reliable
business man, and much of the success of the business is
due to his management and farsightedness.
James B. Rughes was born in Berks County, Pa., Feb. 24,
1813. a son of John and Susan (Buchanan) Hughes, both
natives of Berks County. In May, 1819, his parents re-
moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, and shortly after to Springboro,
Warren Co., Ohio, where his mother died May 21, 1821. In
1826 his father came to Richmond, where in 1827 he married
Hannah Cook, a native of Gloucester County, N. J. He died
CITY OF RICHMOND. 193
May 11, 1869, aged eighty -four years, and his second wife
died Sept. 3, 1880. He had a family of six children — James
B., Phoebe, John P., Eleanor S., Charles, and Susan, only
two of whom, Charles and Eleanor, were married. Onr sub-
ject learned the carpenter's trade of his father, and always
followed that vocation. Although reared in a day when
school advantages were limited, he acquired a good education,
being well informed on all general subjects. He is a de-
scendant of an old Quaker family, his great-grandfather com-
ing to the United States with William Penn. His brother,
John P., was a soldier in the Mexican war, and subsequently
went to the Sandwich Islands, where he died in March, 1869.
His brother Charles and a son were soldiers in the war of the
Rebellion, his brother three years and his son four months.
C. B. Hunt, Secretary and Superintendent of the Rich-
mond Castor Company, was born in llichmond. Ind., N^ov.
23, 1845, son of Clayton Hunt. He was educated in the city
schools and Earlham College. When fifteen years of age he
went into his father's store, and four years later became a
partner in the business, the firm name being C. Hunt &
Sons. In 1868 the firm was changed to Hunt Brothers, and
in 1872 C. B. Hunt became the sole proprietor. From 1879
till 1882 he owned and carried on the grocery in the building
now occupied by Thompson & Good. He was married in
1866 to Fannie C. Hoffman, a native of Madison, Ind. Mr.
and Mrs. Hunt are members of the Presbyterian church. He
is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
Clayton Hunt was born in Burlington County, N. J., June
26, 1815, of Scotch descent, a son of John and Ann (Brown)
Hunt. His father died in 1821 and his mother in
1857. They had a family of six children — Joseph B. ; Susan
B., wife of Richard Redrick; Esther W., wife of Abner Scott;
Clayton, Benjamin, and Beulah. Esther and Clayton are the
only members of the family now living. When he was thir-
teen years of age his widowed mother settled in Preble County,
Ohio. In 1832 he came to Richmond and learned the trade
of a coach and carriage maker with Benjamin Fulghum, who
had his shop where the Huntington Hotel now stands. After
completing his trade he worked for Fulghum & Sayler. In
194: HISTOKY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
1836 he commenced business for himself where the Vaughan
Block now stands. In 1838 he removed to the north part of
the lot No. 80, North Seventh street, and in 1857 bought a
lot and built the building now owned by Philip Schneider,
in connection with property fronting on Main street, and con-
tinued the carriage business until 1860, when he opened a gro-
cery at 603 Main street, and for many years was the leading
grocer of the city. In 1875 he retired from active business
life. He served as a member of the School Board several
years. Mr. Hunt is a member of the Society of Friends,
as was also his wife. He has served the society as Treas-
urer of the Indiana Yearly Meetings for about thirteen years,
Overseer in the church for some twenty years and many other
positions of trust. Mr. Hunt was married Nov. 29, 1837, to
Elizabeth, daughter of John and Mary Starr. She was
born in Philadelphia, Pa,, Aug. 6, 1814, and died in "Wayne
County, July 29, 1881. They had a family of seven chil-
dren — John S., of Minneapolis; Joseph B., of Idaho; Mary
S., deceased; Clayton B., of Richmond; Esther H., wife of
Elwood Morris; Joshua and Benjamin (twins), of Richmond,
J. W. Jay, dentist, 718 Main street, Richmond, Ind., was
born in Miami County, Ohio, Jan. 22, 1825. He is the eld-
est son of Thomas and Eliza (Wareham) Jay, his father,
of Welsh descent, born in Warren County, Ohio, and his
mother, of German descent, born in Bedford County, Pa.
His mother died in Grant County, Ind., aged sixty-three
years. His father died in Grant County, Ind., Jan. 27, 1883.
The subject of this sketch was the son of a man in limited
circumstances, and in early life received but a common-school
education. By his own efforts he attended Franklin Col-
lege, Johnson County, Ind., and later spent nearly two years
atEarlham College, Ind. In 18i6 he commenced teaching,
an occupation which he followed for nearly eight years. In
the meantime he took up the study of medicine with Dr.
Jonathan Ellis, of Marion, Grant Co., Ind., and in the spring
of 1855 graduated from the Eclectic Medical College, of Cin-
cinnati, Ohio. He only practiced about three years and then
studied dentistry at Indianapolis with Drs. Mofiitt & Stone
man, commencing his practice in 1859 at Knightstown, Ind.,
and since 1870 has resided in the city of Richmond.
CITY OF RICHMOND.' 195
D. W. Johnston, foreman paintshop of Gaar, Scott & Co.,
is a native of Cliautauqua County, N. Y., born in 1837. He
learned the painter's trade in Albany, N. Y., and in 1863
came to Richmond, Ind,, and has since then been employed
in his present position. He was married to E. J. Bates, of
St. Johnsville, K. Y. They have seven children. Mr. John-
ston has been a member of the Masonic fraternity since 1865,
and now belongs to Webb Lodge, No. 24; King Solomon's
Chapter, No. — ; Richmond Commandery, No. 8. He is ako
a member of Indiana Consistory, S. P. R. S., and Whitewater
Lodge, No. 24, I. O. O. F.
L. M. Jones, of the dry-goods and carpet iirm, L. M. Jones
& Co., was born in Wayne County, Ind., a son of Norris
Jones. He was reared and educated in Centreville. When
he was eighteen years of age he went into the recorder's of-
fice and served as deputy a number of years. He then com-
menced clerking for J. Forkner and in 1870 came with him
to Richmond, and after his employer's death, Sept. 1, 1880,
bought the stock and has since conducted the business under
the Iirm name of L. M. Jones & Co. Mr. Jones was married
in 1865 to Ella I. Forkner, a native of Centreville, and a
daughter of J. Forkner. He is a member of the Masonic
fraternity.
Oliver Jones, a son of Robert D. and Elizabeth (Austin)
Jones, was born in Wayne County, Ind., in 1832. His father
was a native of Bedford, Pa. , of Welsh descent. He was by
trade a miller, and after coming to Richmond was employed
in a mill till his death in 1855. His wife survived him sev-
eral years. She was the daughter of John and Mary Austin.
Of their nine children but four are living, of whom Oliver is
the eldest. He received a fair education in the city schools,
and learned the molder's trade. In 1852 he began working
in the Old Spring Foundry, and when it was formed into a
]oint stock company, became one of the stockholders. He
was married March 19, 1857, to Fannie, daughter of Jonas
Gaar. They have six children — Jonas E., Walter E., Rosa
E., Robert E., Sarah G. and Howard P. Mr. Jones was
reared in the Society of Friends, his parents being members
of that society.
196 HISTOBY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Henry S. Kates was born in Philadelphia, Pa., in 1830,
a son of Henry and Mary (Hentz) Kates, natives of Pennsyl-
vania, of German descent. He was reared in his native city,
receiving a good education. The early part of his life he was
employed as bookkeeper and salesman in a wholesale grocery
house, in Philadelphia. In 1856 he came to Pichmond, and
was employed as clerk in the freight-office of the Indiana
Central, Dayton & Western, now the Pittsburg, Cincinnati &
St. Louis, Railroad. In 1861, he was appointed freight and
ticket agent of the road, and serv^ed as such till the erection
of the Union Depot, and in January, 1868, was appointed
freight agent of the Chicago & Great Eastern Railroad. Since
1871 he has given his entire attention to the freight depart-
ments of the two roads, which have since that date been con-
solidated. Mr. Kates has been an Odd Fellow since 1865,
and a Mason since 1871. He has served as Treasurer of both
orders, and is at present Treasurer of Webb Lodge, Ko. 24.
He was married to Anna W. Gorgas, of Philadelphia, Pa.
They have five children, three daughters and two sons.
Richard H. King, City Clerk, Richmond, Ind., was born
in Washington, D. C, in April, 1831, a son of Vincent King.
In 1839 his parents moved to Ohio, and he lived there until
1861, when he enlisted in Colonel (now Rev.) Granville
Moody's regiment, and served three years. He participated
in the battles of Stone River, Chickamauga, Chattanooga,
and many skirmishes; was discharged in September, 1861.
In 1868 he removed to Centre ville, Ind., and in 1871 was
appointed Deputy Auditor. In 1873 he removed with the
offices to Richmond, serving till l^ovember, 1875. He then
served as Deputy Clerk about one year, and then was employed
as a bookkeeper till July, 1878, when he was elected City
Clerk. After filling the unexpired term of C. O. Clark, in
May, 1879, he was elected for a term of two years, and has
since served by re-election. He has been a member of the
Masonic fraternity since 1861, and has taken all the degrees,
as high as Knight Templar. He has taken all the degrees of
the Odd Fellows order, having been a member since 1851,
He is also a member of Lodge No. 8, K. of P., and of
Sol. Meredith Post, No. 69, G. A. R. Mr. King was married
CITY OF EICHMOND. 197
in Greene County, Ohio, in 1854, to Mary A. Wliiteman. Of
their seven children, two are deceased,
George H. Knollenherg, merchant, 809 and 811 Main street,
Eichmond, Ind., is a native of Richmond, born in 1847.
When fourteen years of age he began clerking in the store
of Messrs. Emswiler & Crocker, with whom he received a
practical business education. After three years' experience
as a clerk, he began business for himself in a small one-story
frame building, on the site of his present place of business.
The salesroom was but 18 x 24 feet in size, and he employed
one clerk. His business gradually increased until he leased
the room adjoining on the east. In 1877 he erected the larg-
est and handsomest business house in the city. It is a three-
story brick, thirty-six feet front by ninety feet deep, the front
of iron and stone. The building is specially designed for the
dry-goods business, and its internal arrangements like its ex-
ternal appearance will compare favorably with leading dry-
goods houses of larger cities. From the one-story frame
building, in which was employed one clerk, has grown the
leading industry of the city, giving employment to thirty-five
people, and drawing trade from miles around. Mr. KnoUea-
berg's enterprise and business tact has proved of lasting ben-
efit to the city, and is deserving of especial commendation.
P. R. Lackey^ Deputy Treasurer of Wayne County, Ind.,
is a native of Cambridge City, where he was educated. His
father, Sanford Lackey, was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, March
1, 1809, a son of John and Susan C. (Plumraer) Lackey,
natives of Washington County, Pa., who in 1808 removed to
Ohio, and settled near Chillicothe. After several years' res-
idence in Ohio, he visited his old home, making the trip on
horseback, and when on his return died within thirteen miles
of Chillicothe. Of a family of ten children, eight are living.
Sanford Lackey received a good education in the schools of
Chillicothe and Cincinnati. He was married in 1829 to Mar-
garet Rickey, who died in June, 1838, leaving three children,
of whom two, Margaret and Kandace, are living. He after-
ward married Jane Murphy, of Fayette Co., Ind. They have
eight children. Mr. Lackey came to Wayne County in 1833,
and opened the first store in Cambridge City, which he car-
198 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
ried on thirty years, and in the meantime was appointed Post-
master. He has given his attention largely to dealing in
horses, cattle and hogs, in which he has been very successful,
and is now one of the most prominent business men of Cam-
bridge City.
H. N. Land^ general superintendent for Gaar, Scott &
Co., is a native of Oooperstown, Otsego Co.,]Sr, Y., born June
14, 1832. His father, John Land, was a native of England,
and came to America in early life. H. N. is the eldest of
eight children. He lived in his native State till 1852, when
he came to Richmond, and was employed by A. Gaar & Co.
When that company was re-organized he purchased stock,
and has since served as its superintendent, and is also one of
the directors. He was married in June, 1854, to Emeline,
daughter of Jonas Gaar. They have four children — Alma,
Frank, Harry and Charles.
Lewis F. Lantz^ Deputy Sherift of Wayne County, Ind„
was born in Centreville, Ind., Jan. 7, 1849. His father died
in 1860, and he was reared by his mother, who, being in
limited circumstances, was unable to give him more than a
common-school education. When twelve years of age he
began taking care of himself. He learned the wagon and
cabinet making trades, and worked at them till 1878, when
he was appointed to his present position, and removed to
Richmond. He became associated with the Masonic frater-
nity in 1871, and is now a member of the lodge, chapter, and
commandery. In 1875 he married Mary C. Carroll, who
died in December, 1876. April 27, 1882, he married Luella
M. Gresh, of Milton. They have one son, Frederick, born
Feb. 26, 1883. Mr. Lantz's father, Daniel Lantz, was born
in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1808, a son of Philip H. Lantz,
of German descent. He was married in 1832 to Mary E.
Wilson, of Pittsburg, Pa., born in 1816, of Irish descent.
They moved to Centreville, Ind., in 1835, where he worked at
his trade, wagon-making, till 1850, when, with others, he
contracted the "gold fever" and started overland for Cali-
fornia, but May 12, 1850, died, within forty miles of Salt Lake
City. His widow still resides in Centreville, where she
reared a family of eight children, Lewis F. being the youngest.
CITY OF EICHMOND. 199
L. L. Lawrence^ President of the Wayne Agricultural Com-
pany, was born in Monroe County, N. Y., in 1821, a son ot
Erastus and Harriet (Woodford) Lawrence, his father a native
of Vermont and his mother of Hartford, Conn. He was
reared and educated in his native State, and in 1847, with his
father and brother, James W., came to Indiana and located at
Dublin, where the brothers succeeded the Witt Brothers, man-
ufacturers of stoves. They continued that business till 1852,
retailing their stoves by teams over Eastern Indiana. In
1852 they sold their shops to Binkley, Davis & Co., who be-
gan the manufacture of threshers and farm implements. In
1858 L. L. bought a third interest in the business, and the
firm name was changed to Davis, Lawrence & Co. Jan. 20,
1871, it was organized into a joint stock company, with a cap-
ital stock of $80,000, with Norton Davis, President, and L. L
Lawrence, Yice-President, the name being changed to the
Wayne Agricultural Company. Since 1872 Mr. Lawrence has
been President of the company. Nov. 17, 1873, the company
increased their capital stock to $100,000. In 1875 Mr. Law-
rence and Mr. Sutton were instrumental in having the enter-
prise moved to Richmond, and at that time the company was
organized, i-etaining the same name. The present Board of
Directors are: L. L. Lawrence, William Baxter, David Sutton,
B. G. Kelly, Edward Sutton and Hugh Moffitt. Mr. Baxter
is Vice-President and Thadeus Wright, Secretary. Mr.
Lawrence has through life been a practical manufacturer and
is now at the head of one of the leading factories in Eastern
Indiana. He was married in 1856 to Susan I. Underwood, of
Washington City.
Lemon c& Clark, insurance agents, corner of Eighth and
Main streets, Richmond, Ind. This agency is a consolida-
tion of the oldest agencies in Richmond, and represents a
capital of over $100,000,000. In 1860 John C. Hadley com-
menced the insurance business in Richmond, and soon built
up a large business, which he held for a number of years. In
1881 he retired from business, being succeeded by Chas. E.
Lemon. Benjamin Strattan, after a long career in mercantile
pursuits in Richmond, embarked in the insurance business in
1872, and continued successfully therein for some ten years,
200 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
being succeeded by O. P. Clark. The iirm ot Lemon &
Clark was then formed, taking the agencies of all the com-
panies formerly represented in the two old agencies. Mr.
Strattan still remains at his old desk in the office, being iden-
tified with the new firm. They represent the following well-
known companies: ^tna, of Hartiord; Continental, of New
York; Fire Association, of Philadelphia ; Fireman's Fund, ot
California ; Franklin, of Philadelphia; Germania, of New
York; Home, of New York; Insurance Co. of North Amer-
ica, of Philadelphia ; Liverpool and London and Globe ; Lon
don and Lancashire; New York Underwriters' Agency; Koyal,
of Liverpool. These gentlemen occupy a neat and spacious of-
fice in Odd Fellows' building, and have been very successful
in building up a large business, their operations extending
over Wayne County and lapping over into Preble and Darke
counties, in Ohio.
Rev. Orange Y. Lemon was born in Clarke County, Ohio, a
son of William Lemon, who was born in Virginia, of Scotch
and Irish descent, and died in Clarke County, Ohio, in 1815.
Our subject was reared in Clarke and Champaign counties,
Ohio, and was educated at the common schools. At the age
of fourteen he connected himself with the Methodist Episco-
pal church. In 1834 he with his wife removed to Laporte
County, Ind., and in 1840 he was licensed to preach. In
1841 he commenced as an itinerant minister, and continued
his labors in the Northern part of the State until 1878, when
he was superannuated. In 1855 he settled in Centreville, and
since 1860 he has resided most't^w^mlime in Richmond. He
served nearly a year as Chaplain of the Thirty-sixth Indiana
Infantry. He has filled the positions of circuit preacher.
Presiding Elder, American Bible Society agent, agent of
Fort Wayne College, and agent of the Preachers' Aid Society.
F. Lichtenfels, of the firm of P. Lichtenfels & Co., is a
native of Richmond, Ind., born in 1845, a son of John C. and
Eva (Baetz) Lichtenfels, natives of Germany, who came to
America in 1833, and to Richmond in 1842. His father was
by trade a baker, and established the first German bakery in
the city. He died in 1852, and his wife in 1878. They had
a family of four children. P. Lichtenfels was reared in his
CITY OF RICHMOND. 201
native city. In May, 1879, lie became established in his
present business, at 622 Main street, remaining there till
March, 1882, when, his business having increased, he removed
to the Hittle Block, corner of Ninth and Main streets. They
carry a stock of $25,000 and have a constantly increasing
trade. Mr. Lichtenfels* was married in 1872 to Josephine F.
Giltz, born in 1850, in Philadelphia, of German parentage.
They have a family of two sons and two daughters.
T. P. Logan was born in Glasgow, Scotland, May 29,
1829. He learned the trade of a boiler-maker in his native
country, and in 1850 came to America, and was first employed
in Rogers' locomotive works in Paterson, N. J. He then
worked in Belair's "Works in New York City, after which he
worked in Phoenix Works in Chicago, 111. In 1859 he came
to Richmond, Ind., where he has since remained, and since
Jan. 1, 1864, he has been engaged as foreman of the boiler-
room in Gaar, Scott & Co.'s establishment. He is a fine
mechanic, and has considerably increased the capacity of the
shop, in which he has abont sixty hands. He was married
to Mary, daughter of Charles Arnold, of Richmond. They
are the parents of seven children. Mr. Logan is a member
of Whitewater Lodge, No. 41, I. O. O. F. ; Oriental Encamp-
ment, No. 28,1. O. O. F.; Webb Lodge, No. 24, F. & A. M.;
King Solomon's Chapter, No. 4, Royal Arch Masons; Rich-
mond Commandery, No. 8, KnightsTemplar; A.& A. Scottish
Rite, and Coeur de Leon, No. 8, Knights of Pythias. His
father, John A. Logan, is residing in Chicago, 111.
John S. Lyle, attorney at law, Richmond, Ind., was born
in Yirginia in 1821, a son of David and Margaret (Scott)
Lyle, his father a native of Rockbridge County, Va., ot Scotch
descent, and his mother a native of the north of Ireland. In
1823 David Lyle, with his wile and two children, removed to
Richmond, Ind., where his wife died in 1835, and he subse-
quently married Anne, daughter of Jeremiah Cox, and still
later moved to Randolph County, where he died in 1851. At
the time of his death he was a Justice of the Peace, and was
a prominent man of the county. He was a brick-layer and
stone-mason, and helped to build the first brick school-house
in Richmond, on the site of the present First Ward School.
14
202 HISTOKY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Of his family but two are now living — John S. and "William
B., of Crawfordsville, Ind. JohnS. was reared in Richmond,
receiving his education in the common schools. In 1854 he
was elected Justice of the Peace, and re-elected in 1858. In
1862 he raised Company B, Fifth Indiana Cavalry, and was
elected Captain, and soon after promoted to Major of the reg-
iment; served three years and participated in many hard-
fought battles. "When a boy he entered the Palladium office
to learn the trade of a printer. After serving out his appren-
ticeship he entered school. In 1841 he left school and went
to work for Arnold BufFun, to print an Abolition paper at
Newport. Two years later it was succeeded by the Free-
Labor advocates. In 1842 he went to Philomath, Union
County, Ind., to print a Universalist magazine for Jonathan
Kidwell. From there he went to Cincinnati and worked in
the Chronicle o^ce. In 1844 he returned to Richmond. After
his return from the war he was appointed Deputy Prosecut-
ing Attorney, and served till 1879. In 1871 he was elected
City Attorney and served four years. For the past four years
he has been Justice of the Peace. He was married in 1844
to Caroline Finley, youngest sister of the late Hon. John
Finley. They have one son, now a resident of Minneapolis,
Minn., and an adopted daughter, who married John S. Hunt,
eldest son of Clayton Hunt, and who now resides in Minneap-
olis, Minn.
Oeorge J. Maier, Principal St. John's Lutheran School,
was born in "Wurtemberg, Germany, Oct. 6, 1836, a son of
John and Agnes B. (Klett) Maier, both natives of Wurtem-
berg. His father died in Germany, and in 1854 his mother
and he came to the United States, and settled in Covington,
Ohio, and in 1862 removed to Richmond. His father was a
member of the Lutheran church, as is also his mother. He
received a good German education in his native country and
since coming to America has mastered the English language.
"While in Covington, he worked at the carriage makers'
trade, the trade of his father. After repeated calls he came
to Richmond and took charge of St. John's School. The first
fourteen years he was the only teacher, but he now has two
assistants, with 175 pupils in attendance.. He teaches both
CITY OF RICHMOND. 203
German and English. He was married in 1864 to Lncinda
Kosa, daughter of Renry William Kosa, They have a fam-
ily of ei^ht children.
A. L. McMeajis was born in Liberty, Union Co., Ind.,
Feb. 15, 1827, a son of Thomas and Mary McMeans, natives
of Tennessee, of Scotch descent. His father died in Lewis-
ville, Henry Co., Ind., Dec. 5, 1850, and his mother in New-
Castle. Mr. McMeans received a common-school education,
and in early life learned the harness-maker's trade, which he
worked at till 1864. In the latter year he moved to Rich-
mond, and since 1865 has been traveling for business houses
of Richmond. He is among the oldest and most experienced
commercial travelers of the city, and has been employed by
leading firms, representing them in such a pleasing and re-
liable manner as to make his services at all times of financial
importance to his employers. Politically he is a Republican,
having been identified with the party's interest since attain-
ing his majority. He is a member of Richmond Lodge, No.
254, I. O. O. F., and passed all the chairs in the Lewisville
Lodge prior to coming to Richmond. In June, 1856, Mr
McMeans was married to Ann L. Houston. To them have*
been born five children, but three of whom are living. Mr
and Mrs. McMeans are members ot' the Grace Methodist
Episcopal Church, Richmond.
H. H. Meerhojf\ wholesale and retail gas and steam fitter,
and dealer in gas fixtures and all kinds of iron and wood
pumps, iron and lead pipe, drive wells, sewer pipe, etc.,
Richmond, Ind., was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1829, a
son of John H. and Anna E. Meerhofl^. His father died in
1832, and his mother in 1833. They had two children —
Ellen M., now the widow of Chris. Reitmann, of Cincinnati,
and our subject. The latter came to America in 1848, his
sister having preceded him in 1845. He reached Cincinnati
on Christmas day, and soon after obtained employment at
his trade, steam and gas fitting. In 1866 he removed to
Oxford, Ohio, and the next year to Richmond. Since 1868
he has been located at No. 9 South Ninth street, and is now
one of the oldest steam fitters in the State, and has gained a
reputation second to none. He received a common-school
204r HIS'JORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
education in Germany, and after coming to America attended
evening scliool to obtain a knowledge of Englisli. He has
accumulated a good library and is well read, on all subjects of
importance. He is a member of the St. Paul's Lutheran
Church, and has filled several important offices. He is a
member of Hermann Lodge, No. 199, I. O. O. F., Washing
Lodge, No. 6. A. P. A., and Osceola Tribe, L O. K. M. Mr.
Meerhoif was married in 1851 to Elizabeth Strantker, a na-
tive of Hanover, Germany, born in 1826. They have had a
family of eight children, six of whom are living.
Absalom 3Ie)ide7ihaU, was horn OqL 25, 1805, in Clinton
County, Ohio, a son of Stephen and Ann (Bell) Mendenhall,
natives of Tennessee and North .Carolina respectively. Soon
after their marriage they settled in Clinton County, Ohio,
where the father died in 1840, and the mother survived
several years. Our subject was the second of their seven chil-
dren. He was reared on a farm and acquired a limited edu-
cation in the primitive schools of his day in his native county.
He was married Aug. 30, 1832, to Alice, daughter of Elisha
Davis, of Huntington County, Pa. They were the parents of
three children, two still living — Elizabeth A., a teacher for
many years in the public and private schools, and Sarah J.
In 1833 he left Clinton County moving to Henry County,
Ind., where he bought a farm and followed farming till 1836,
after which he bought his father's farm in Clinton County,
Ohio, which he cultivated until 1852. He then purchased a
farm in Wayne Township, Wayne Co., Ind., on which he
lived until his removal to Richmond in 1871:. He was always
an active supporter ot the Society of Friends. His wife died
Feb. 19, 1873. Absalom Mendenhall died March 1, 1881,
after a severe illness of ten days.
W. H. Mlddleton^ is a native of Warren County, Ohio, a
son of Joseph, grandson of Jehu, and great-grandson of
Joseph Middleton, the latter a native of England, who came
to America with his brother Richard, and worked in the dock
yard at Philadelphia, Pa., subsequently removing to Bel-
mont County, Ohio, where he died in 1828. Jehu Middleton
CITY OF RICHMOND. 205
Avas born in Augusta, Ga., and died in Fall Creek, Ind. He
was a member of the Society of Friends. He married Eliza-
beth Mills, of Welsh, Irish and Scotch descent. They had
six children, of whom one died in infancy, and three are still
living. Joseph T. is the eldest, and was born in Belmon
County, Ohio, 'Nov. 3, 1805. In 1827 he removed to Warren
Coimty, Ohio, and subsequently to Richmond, where he is
now living with his son, W. H. He is by trade a mill-
wright. W. H. Middleton was educated in Warren County,
Ohio, and in Richmond. In 1861 he enlisted in the Fortieth
Ohio Infantry, under Captain J. M. Hayworth, and served
till Oct. 8, 1861. He participated in the battle of Middle
Creek, and several skirmishes, and subsequently was taken
sick and remained in the hospital till the expiration of his
terra of enlistment. After he returned home he worked in
the Miami Powder Mills, and in 1866 came to Richmond and
for several years was engaged in building, but in 1871 was
employed as foreman in his present mill, retaining the posi-
tion till he became one of the proprietors.
A. W. Jfey&r, proprietor of the Richmond Carpet Com-
pany, 727 Main street, Richmond, Ind., was born in Prussia
in 1845, and in 1853 came to the United States and settled in
Cincinnati, Ohio; subsequently removed to Dayton, and in
1869 came to Richmond. He learned the book-binder's
trade in Dayton, and after coming to Richmond was em-
ployed as foreman in Nicholson's bindery six years. He was
then in business for himself in a grocery six years, and then
in the queen's-ware business. In January, 1881, he became
establislied in his present business, keeping purely a carpet
house. C. H. Personett, formerly of L. M. Jones & Co., is
the general manager. Mr. Meyer was a member of the Cit}''
Council from 1880 till 1882. He is a member of Richmond
Lodge, No. 254, I. O. O. F., and Oriental Encampment, No.
28. In 1876 he represented his lodge in the Grand Lodge of
Indiana.
Isaac Miller, deceased, was a son of Isaac, who was ot
German birth. He came to America about 1760, and in
1799 settled nine miles west of Dayton, Ohio, where he
died. Our subject was born in Pennsylvania, Jan. 23,
206 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
1783, and died near Cambridge City, Ind., July 22, 1861.
He was reared to the life of a farmer in Ohio, and while
there mari'ied Mary, daiiojhter of Christopher and Mary
Witten, who was also of German extraction. She was
born in Pennsylvania, Nov. 26, 1792, and died near Cam-
bridge City, Ind., April 29, 1863. In 1826 they set-
tled one mile northwest of Cambridge City, in the dense,
unbroken forest, cleared out a farm and liv-ed on it till
his death. They were members of the Dunkard's church.
They had ten children — Samuel, now of Hamilton C unty,
Ind.; Susan, wife of Jacob Sheidler; Elizabeth, deceasfd;
Isaac, an attorney, Nashville, 111.; Abraham, of Crawf 'i-ds-
ville, Ind.; Sarali, wife of G. M. Barns, of Mexico, Mo.;
Aaron B., now of Andrews, Huntington Co., Ind.; Gtoi-i^^e
W., carriage-maker of Indianapolis, Ind.; Catharine, de-
ceased, wife of Benjamin White, and John W., who has
been for a number of years a minister in the Methodist
Episcopal church. Their children all lived to maturity
and contributed to raise their home from its primitive state.
They all married, and excepting two are still living. Their
posterity are scattered over several States of the Union, and
are engaged in agriculture, mechanics, arts, commerce, minis-
try, law and literature. The family in all its branches has
been remarkable for one thing — though reared amidst many
temptations and opportunities to form habits of dissipation,
there has not been a drunkard in the family, and nearly all
of the posterity belong to eome religious society, among
which we mention Dunkards, Albrights, Methodists and
Lutherans.
William JHo^ett, ticket receiver for the Chicago, St. Louis
& Pittsburg Railroad Company and the Pittsburg, Cincin-
nati & St. Louis Railway Company, at Richmond, Ind., was
born in Richmond in 1845. His grandfather, William Moffett,
with four brothers, James, Adam, Hugh and John, emi-
grated from Scotland prior to the Revolutionary war. Will-
iam settled in North Carolina. He was a soldier in the war
for independence and died while in defense of his adopted
country, leaving three children — John, Mary and Thomas.
The latter was born in Virginia and there married Mary
CITY OF RICHMOND. 207
Brocon, and in 1810 immigrated to Indiana Territory and
settled in "Wayne, now Union, County, near Abington. He
subsequently moved to Rushville, Rush County, where he
died. Of his nine children — Catherine, Martha, William,
Julia, Maria, Wesley, Mary, Gardner and Jane— but one, Mrs.
Chessman, resides in Richmond. William was but a child
when his father came to Indiana. He was reared to pioneer
farm life, but took up the study of medicine, completed his
course and practiced about five years in Richmond, when he
died. Of his children, William is the only one living.
He acquired a good business education and when eighteen
years of age obtained a clerkship in one of the Pan-Handle
Railroad ofiices in Richmond. He has proved to be reliable
and diligent and has since that time been employed by the
company in diflerent capacities. He was for several years
mileage clerk, and June 1, 1883, was appointed ticket re-
ceiver. He has been a member of Whitewater Lodge, No.
24, I. O. O. F., several years and has held diiferent offices in
his lodge.
Emil MincJc was born in Germany in 1832, and when fif-
teen years of age came to America with his parents and set-
tled in Columbus, Ohio, where he learned the brewer's trade
of Hoster & Co., and in 1869 came to Richmond, Ind., where
he has since lived. In 1872 he purchased the brewery, of
which he is still proprietor. It was erected in 1832 by Jacob
Buhl and is one of the oldest establishments of the kind in
Eastern Indiana. Mr. Minck, in 1883, enlarged the build-
ing, making it at present 40 x 60 feet, three stories high, with
an ice-house 20x165 feet. He manufactures from .500 to
1,000 barrels of lager beer a year. It is the purest kind and
is mostly consumed by private families. Mr. Minck was
married in 1852 to Margaret Boashantz, a native of Ger-
many, born in 1830, and came to the United States in 1848.
They have a family of four children.
Ira Moore was born in New Jersey, Jan. 9, 1810, a son of
Benjamin and Lydia (Shute) Moore. His mother is a native
of New Jersey. His parents came to Wayne County, Ind.,
in 1818. They had a family of ten children — Ann, Ira,
Matilda, Chankely, Caroline, Harriett, Hannah, Ruth, Lydia
208 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
and Benjamin. Mr. Moore has always followed the vocation
of a farmer. He has been a hard-working man, and has
cleared away a great deal of the dense forests of the county.
In 1882 he retired from farm life and settled in Richmond.
He was married Feb. 8, 1834, to Mary, dauojhter of Benjamin
Thorne. She was born in New Jersey, March 13, 181-1, and
since 1832 has resided in "Wayne County. They have had a
family of ten children — Oliver, Benjamin, Debroah A.,
Elizabeth, Lydia Ann, Alice, Rachel, Mary E., Ira and Isaac.
Mrs. Moore is of English descent, her parents coming to
Wayne County in 1832.
Jonatlian Moore was born in North Carolina, July 6, 1806,
a son of Josiah and Elizabeth (Wilson) Moore, also natives of
North Carolina, of English descent. His great-grandparents
were Truman and Leah (Hill) Moore, the latter a Welsh
lady. His grandfather, Thomas Moore, was born Dec. 16,
171:7, in North Carolina and married Isabelle Newby, also a
native of North Carolina, born Feb. 3, 1755. He died in
1840, aged ninety-three years. He had a family of eight
children — Josiah, born May 11, 1779; Isabelle, March 13,
1787; William; Jemima, died in North Carolina; Leah, born
May 30, 1797; Jane, May 18, 1799; Marion, May 17, 1801;
Thomas, July 3, 1803. Our subject's parents moved to Ohio
in 1812, and settled in Highland County, and in 1816 came
to Wayne County, Ind., and located two miles southeast of
Richmond, where they bought eighty acres of unimproved
land. The father died in 1857 and the mother in 1855.
They had a family of ten children — Nathan, died in North
Carolina; Jonathan, our subject; Lydia, deceased, married
Thomas Hollo well; Isabelle, now Mrs. William F. Gray, of
Huntington County, Ind. ; Anna, now Mrs. J. M. Wasson, of
Richmond; Susan, of Richmond; Jesse, deceased; Elias, o
Milton, Wayne Co., Ind., and two died in infancy. Our sub-
ject was reared a farmer, but in 1830 came to Richmond, and
began working at the shoe-maker's trade, following that oc-
cupation till 1869. He then engaged in the real estate
business till 1876. He was married June 4, 1834, to
Eliza, daughter of Archibald and Elizabeth Wasson, who died
Jan. 21, 1881, in her seventieth year. They were the parents
CITY OF RICHMOND. 209
01 eight children, but three now living, Elizabeth, Jesse
W., Juliann, Elwood and Ellis died in infancy. Those living
are — Joseph W., Jehiel F. and Charles H. They were reared
in their native city. They all learned the shoemaker's trade,
and Jehiel F. is still engaged in that business. Since 1 872 Joseph
W. and Charles H. have been in yjartnership in the coal and
wood business and are now one of the leading firms in the
city. Joseph W. married Priscilla M., daughter of John C.
and Fhoebe Brown, of Huntington, Ind. They have had
three children, but one now living. Jehiel F. married Sarah
T., daughter of John and Fhosbe Tyler, of Madison County,
Ind. They have two children. Charles H. married Laura
E., daughter of Joseph and Rachel Gibson, of London
County, Va. They have one child.
J. H. Moormann, grocer and stationer, 520 and 522 Main
street, Richmond, Ind., was born in Hanover, Germany, May
28, 1816, a son of John Casper and Elizabeth (Kohlbracher)
Moormann. His mother died in 1832 and that same year his
father came to the United States. After a voyage of thirteen
weeks he landed in Baltimore. His reports of superior ad-
vantages of this country were so favorable that in 1833 a
number of his friends and son J. H. followed him to America.
They came to Richmond in 183-1 and in 1836 went to
Yicksburg,,but in 1837 returned North, and three days after
their arrival in Cincinnati the father died. J. H, Moor-
mann received a good German education in his native coun-
try, and after coming to America took up the study of the
English language. After the death of his father he returned
to Richmond, where he has since resided. He clerked for
Ward & Aiken, grocers, several years, and subsequently was
engaged in farming and distilling. Nov. 16, 1846, he began
business for himself and is now the oldest grocer in Rich-
mond. He has been a Director of the First National Bank
since 1861, and of the Cincinnati, Richmond & Ft. Wayne
Railroad, and was Treasurer and Paymaster of the latter until
its completion to Ft. Wayne. He has been City Commis-
sioner eleven years. He was married in 1838 to Rachel
Meisner, born in Switzerland County, Ind. Her mother
moved to this county when Rachel was about six months old,-
210 HISTOR"i' OF WAYNE COUNTY.
JVat/um Morgan^ Jr., proprietor of the People's Meat Market,
Fort Wayne avenue, Richmond, is the eighth child of Na-
than Morgan, Sr. He was born in Wayne County, Ind., Nov.
15, 1823, and obtained his education in the subscription
schools. He grew to maturity in Richmond, and in 183Y he
commenced learning the cabinet-maker's trade of his father.
In 1846 he left Richmond for Baltimore, Md., where he was
engaged in the car shops of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad
Company. June 29, 184Y, he married Frances I. League, of
Baltimore, and in 1848 he returned to Richmond, Ind. In
1853 he succeeded his father in business, but was obliged,
soon after to abandon it on account of failing health, when he
commenced as a traveling salesman. He then engaged in
the butcher's trade, until Aug. 28, 1861, when he enlisted in
the Second Indiana Cavalry at Indianapolis and served over
three years. He participated in the battles of Corinth, Chicka-
mauga, Perryville, Ky., and a number of skirmishes. In 1868
he became foreman of the school-furniture department of the
Ezra Smith & Co. Manufacturing Association, remaining eight
years. During that period the Coffin Works were established,
of which Mr. Morgan has been a stockholder since organ-
ization. Since 1878 he has been engaged in his present meat
market. To Mr. Morgan and wife have been born five chil-
dren — Ida M., wife of O. Y. Lemon, Jr.; Emma R., wife of
A. G. Ogborn; William L. carries on a meat market at 904
Main street, Richmond; Lewis A., died in 1862, and
George W.
B. E. Morris was born in Allegheny, Pa,, Feb. 22, 1843, a
son of Robert and Maria Morris, natives of Norwich, County
of Norfolk, England. His parents came to America and
were for many years residents of Pittsburg, where his father
was engaged in the mecantile business, but failing liealth in-
duced him to return to England in 1855, and he died there in
1866, His wife died in January, 1880. Our subject was
educated in the schools of Allegheny, Pa., and also attended
the Bawburgh Hill school, near Norwich, England, two years.
He subsequently returned to America and enlisted in the war
of the Rebellion from Allegheu}' County, Pa., serving from
the commencement until the close of the war. In 1865 he
CITY OF RICHMOND. 211
went to England and on his return took charge of the lost
treight department of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago
Railroad Company. Two years later he was appointed sta-
tion agent at Freedom, Pa. In 1S69 he became connected
with the Union Fast Freight Line at Pittsburg, Pa,, and a
short time after, with the accounting department of the P.,
F. W. & C. R. R. Co. In June, 1872, he was appointed Travel
ing Auditor of the P.,«C. & St. L. R. R. Co., to which has
since been added the C, St. L. & P. Ry. Co., J., M. & I
R. R. and the 1. & Y. R. R. Mr. Morris is a member of Webb
Lodge, No. 24, A. F. & A. M. He was married Nov. 7, 1867,
to Anna M. Sailor, of Allegheny, Pa. They have four chil-
dren. Mr. and Mrs. Morris are members of the Presbyterian
church-
J. L, Morrisson was born in Richmond, Ind., Oct. 10,
1817, a son of Robert and Jane (Price) Morrisson, natives of
Orange County, N. C, his father born Oct. 19, 1786, and his
mother in 1787. His ancestors were originally from Scotland,
the date of their immigration to the United States not being
known. His grandfather, James Morrisson, grew to manhood
in Pennsylvania, and married Hannah, daughter of William
and Catharyine White, of Omega County, N. C. They had a
family of nine children — James, Catharine, William, Mary,
Ruth, Robert, Hannah, Deborah and Simon. Robert and
James came to Indiana in 1810; the latter was killed by light-
ning. They first settled in Newport, Wayne County, pur-
chasing a small farm on Middle Fork of Whitewater River,
eight miles north of the city. In 1815 Robert Morrisson
removed to the present site of the city of Richmond and
opened a store on what is now the corner of Main street and
Ft. Wayne avenue, afterward removing to the corner of Main
and Fiftn streets. He also established a store in Liberty, Ind.
He established a tannery in Richmond, which he subsequently
sold to Daniel P. Wiggins. He was instrumental in having
the National road piked through the count}', after ithad been
turned over to the State. He was President and Superin-
tendent of the road and did much to increase the value of
property. Robert Morrisson was a man of public spirit and
contributed largely to all enterprises tending to the elevation
212 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
of mankind and society. One of the noblest achievements of
his life was the establishing of the Morrisson Library. He
was Legislative Director of the First State Bank of Indiana.
''' - died in 1865 after having contributed larj^ely of his means
to^.ard the suppression of the Rebellion and for the comfort
of the soldiers. His wife died Aug. 17, 1849. They had a
family of three children — Hannah, Jonathan and James L.,
the latter being the only one now living. He received a
common-school education, always residing in or near Rich-
mond. He devoted thirteen years to farming with his father.
He has been identified with many of the improvements of the
city and is an ardent supporter of all that pertains to the in-
terests of Richmond. He was one of the organizers of the
Richmond National Bank and was one of the Directors. At
the same time he had an interest in the Citizens' Bank Since
1875 he has lived retired from active business pursuits. He
was married March 30, 1842, to Lydia C, daughter of Samuel
Shute. They have lived on the corner of Ninth and North A
streets since 1855. They have two children — Robert, now in
the wholesale drug business in Chicago, III., and Elizabeth
J., wifeof Elgar G. Hibbard, of Richmond. Mr. and Mrs.
Morrisson are members of tlie Society of the Hicksite Friends.
Eliku Morrow was born in Wayne County, Ind., Feb. 5,
1817, a son of John and Mary (Stout) Morrow, natives of
North Carolina, who in 1807 moved to Preble County, Ohio,
and in 1809 to Wayne County, Ind. His father bought 160
acres in Wayne Township for $400, nearly all unimproved.
He was by trade a blacksmith and followed that occupation
after coming to Indiana, exchanging work in the shop for
having his land cleared. He joined the Society of Friends
after reaching manhood, and faithfully adhered to its doc-
trines through life, serving the society as a minister. He
died in April, 1824, and his wife died in 1843. They had a
family of nine children — Andrew, Joseph, Hannah, Mary,
Ruth, John, Jane, Nancy and Elihu. The latter was but
seven years old when his father died and he was reared on
the farm by his mother. His educational advantages were
meager. In 1853 he left the farm and engaged in the grocery
business in Richmond. He married Anna H., daughter of
CITY OF KICHMOND. 213
Eli and Martha Brown, of Riclimond, Ind., born in 1818.
They have had four children — Albert T., M. Eliza (died
Sept. 15, 1853), John E. and James W. Mr. and Mrs.
orrow are both members by birthright of the Friends' So-
ciety.
E. J. Mote was born in Miami County, Ohio, Sept. 21,
1836. His great-grandfather was a native of England, and
came to this country a short time prior to the Revolutionary
war, and at its close, when the tide of emigration set in for
the Southern States, he went with it accompanied bv a
brother, and settled in the State of Greorgia, where numer-
ous descendants still can be found. From here his grand-
father, David Mote, emigrated to Miami County, Ohio, in
1802, where he lived until his death in 1862. Here Mr.
Mote's father, Luke S. Mote (a distinguished horticulturist
and florist), was born in 18 12, and still resides. Mr. Mote,
the subject ot our sketch, was reared in his native county, on
a farm, working also a good deal at the nursery business and
gardening, and teaching school during the winter seasons.
He had inborn an insatiate thirst for knowledge, and the
fine arts especially, and finally, in 1864, he severed his con-
nection with his native place and came to Richmond, where
he worked a considerable time at the machinist's business.
But his health beginning to fail and this occupation not fill-
ing his expectations in his search for knowledge, he finally
left the shop and entered the photographer's studio, under
the instructions of Maxwell & Estell, and eventually started
in business for himself. A part of the time he was in part-
nership with J. H. Swaine, but latterly with his brother,
Wm. Aldine Mote, a fine workman and artist in crayons, oil
and india ink. Thus for nearly twenty years he has been
one of the leading spirits in the fine-art science of photog
raphy. He now has turned his attention mostly to out-door
view work, in which he excels, as brother photographers
readily admit. In addition to his regular occupation, Mr.
Mote is a hard student, occupying all spare time by day, and
nightly burning the midnight oil in his studies in astronomy,
chemistry, meteorology and geology. The last-named science
especially is a favorite, and he has collected and studied the
214 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
various fossils at Richmond, and, by exchanges, those ot
other parts of the United States, until lie now has a cabinet
or mnseain, inchiding archaeology, of no small value. This,
together with his unflagging perseverance and a wonderfully
retentive memory as to scientific nomenclature, giv^es him an
advantage possessed by few, argues favorably for him yet to
make his mark in the scientific world, should life and health
be his for a few years longer. Mr, Mote was united in mar-
riage with Hannah A., daughter of Isaac L. and Sarah
Dickinson, on Dec. 2, 1869, at Richmond. They have an
interesting family of six ciiildren, five sons and one daughter,
growing up around them.
Timothy Nicholson was born in Perquimans County, N.
C, Nov. 2, 1828, a son of Josiah and Anna (White) ISrichol-
son. He was reared on a farm, but I'eceived his education in
the best schools. Prior to his eighteenth year his instruction
was mainly received in the Belvidere Academy. He then at-
tended the Friends' school at Providence, R. I., nearly two
years, and subsequently was Principal of Belvidere Academy
six years. At this time he took charge of the preparatory
department of Haverford College, near Philadelphia, Pa., and
four years later was given the general superintendency of the
college. At the end of two years he resigned and moved to
Richmond, Ind., in 1861, to join his brother John in the book
and stationery business. He has at all times manifested an
interest in all public enterprises. For nineteen years he has
been a Trustee of Earlham College. From 1868 till 1875 and
from 1877 to 1880 he was a Trustee of the Indiana State Nor-
mal School, at Terre Haute. From 1872 till 1877 he was a
Trustee of the Home for the Friendless, at Richmond. Mr.
Nicholson has taken an active interest in the temperance
cause from early life. For fourteen years he has been Clerk
of the Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders of the Indiana
Yearly Meeting of Friends, and was Clerk of the Whitewater
Monthly Meeting, comprising four congregations, twelve
years. He was married Aug. 11, 1853, to Sarah N., daughter
of John and Mary White. They had a family of three sons
and one daughter. His wife died Sept. 26, 1865, and April
30, 1868, he married Mary S., a sister of his first wife. They
CITY OF EICHMOND. 215
have two daughters. Mr. Nicholson is a practical philanthro-
pist, manifesting his regard for humanity chiefly through the
channels of the church and of education and temperance, and
with an interest that amounts to enthusiasm.
William T. JVoMe, Clerk of the Wayne Circuit Court. —
In the political, official and social circles of the State of In-
diana none have figured more conspicuously than the ances-
tors of our subject. The family are of English descent, but
the time of their coming to America is not definitely known.
Thomas T. JSToble, grandfather of William T., was born in
Virginia, where he grew to manhood and married; subse-
quently settled in Kentucky, opposite Lawrenceburg, Ind.,
where he died. He was a man of quiet, unostentatious dis-
position, but of superior intellect. His six sons were all
prominent men in the early history of Indiana, of each of
whom we will speak briefly, our limited space forbidding an
extended sketch of each. James was the first United States
Senator from Indiana, serving continuously from 1816 till his
death in Washington, D. C, Feb. 26, 1831. He was com-
monly known as General ISToble, from his military-like step
and erect bearing. He was married when seventeen years of
age, to Mary Lindsay, of Newport, Ky. He soon after be-
gan the study of law, and after his admission to the bar
located in Brookville, Ind. He subsequently became the rep-
resentative of Franklin County, to help frame the Constitu-
tion, when Indiana was admitted into the Union as a State.
Upon convening at Corydon, General Noble was appointed
Chairman of the Legislative Committee, and was also a
member of the Judiciary Committee. In August, 1816, he
was elected to the State Legislature, which convened at Cory-
don, Nov. 4; and Nov. 8, following, the General Assembly
elected him to the United States Senate, in which he served
nobly till his death. Lazarus Noble was the Receiver of the
Public Land-office at Brookville, Ind., where he died in 1825
in early manhood. Hon. Noah Noble was elected Governor
of Indiana in 1828, and served till 1831:. He died in Decem-
ber, 1842. George T. Noble was a native of Boone County,
Ky., born March 2, 1801; and in 1832 moved to near Indian-
apolis, and in 1834 moved to Greenwood, where he died Nov.
216 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
2, 1883. He was twice married, and reared a family of six
children, one of whom is Dr. Thomas Noble, and another, Rev.
Samuel Noble, of the Methodist Episcopal church. Dr. Ben-
jamin J. Noble was a practicing physician of Indiana, but in
later life removed to Indianola, Iowa, where he died in No-
vember, 1879. Thomas G. Noble was the fourth son, and
was born in Kentucky, opposite Lawrenceburg, Ind., May 3,
1799. He in early manhood located in Brookville, Ind.,
where he married Sarah J. Jacobs, March 13, 1827. They
had a family of six children — Lazarus, Elizabeth, Sarah J.,
Thomas G., Benjamin S. and Henry C. His wife died, and
Dec. 30, 1835, Mr. Noble married Rhoda Oliver, of Centre-
ville, Ind., to whom were born six children — Arthelia, James,
Mary C, Noah, William T. and George T. In early life Mr.
Noble received but a limited education, but later he applied
himself to study, and acquired a good understanding of all
practical subjects. Soon after settling in Centreville he was
appointed Collector of State and County Revenue, serving
till Aug. 20, 1840, when he assumed the duties of Sheriff
of Wayne County. He served as Sheriff two terms, re.
tiring Aug. 19, 1844. The same month he was elected
Clerk of the Wayne Circuit Court, and served till 1852. He
then retired to private life, having been in public office four-
teen years. He settled on his farm, south of Centreville,
where he died Feb, 23, 1858, and his widow now resides in
Richmond. He was a faithful member of the Masonic frater-
nity, and also of the Odd Fellows order. He was nearly six
feet tall, full chested, and of tine appearance. The eldest of
his children was Adjutant-General during the late war, and
subsequently Clerk of the Supreme Court of Indiana. He
died Oct. 18, 1879. The second is the wife of J. H. Oheever,
a banker in New York City. The third is unmarried. Arthe-
lia, the seventh child, is the wife of Thomas P. Vance,
postal clerk, and a resident of Richmond. William T. is the
eleventh and was born in Wayne County, Ind., Nov. 29, 1845.
He received an academical education, and in 1866 was ap-
pointed Deputy Clerk of the Supreme Court, having previ-
ously served as clerk for bis brother Lazarus in the Adjutant-
General's office. In 1880 he was elected Clerk of Wayne
N*>
r^..
^5>>""'*- - -"**»_i^
S^'^
CITY OF RICHMOND. 217
Circuit Court, still holding the position. He has been a
member of the I. O. O. F. since 1868, and of the F. & A. M.
since 1872, having taken thirty-two degrees in the latter
order. In 1880 he joined the Knights Templar, and is now
Generalissimo of the order. He was married Dec. 23, 1868,
toJS'ora, daughter of Hon. William A. Peelle. They have
one son — Robert Peelle.
t/. J^. Noland is a native of Piqua, Ohio, a son ot James
JSToland, still a resident of Piqna. He is a grandson of Will-
lam and great-grandson of Damas l^oland, a native of Vir-
ginia, of English descent. In the tall of 1861 he enlisted in
Company I, Seventy-first Ohio Infantry, and served till Janu-
ary, 1866, participating in the battles of Shiloh, Atlanta
campaign, Nashville and Franklin. In 1870 he was employed
as brakeman on the Pan-Handle Railroad, from Indianapolis
to Bradford. In June,^1872, he was promoted to freight con-
ductor, and in July, 1874, was tranferred to the Columbus,
Ohio, yards as yard master, serving till Dec. 1, 1875, when he
was given the same position in the Indianapolis yards. In
September, 1880, he was again appointed freight conductor,
and in September, 1881, was appointed, yard master of the
First and Third Divisions of the Chicago, St. Louis & Pitts-
burg, Little Miami Division of the Pittsburg, Cincinnati &
St. Louis, and the Grand Rapids & Indiana railroads, Rich-
mond, Ind. •
Edioin De Forrest Palmer^ Postmaster, Richmond, Ind.,
son of Clarendon R. and Nancy A. Palmer, was born Jan.
3, 1833, in Utica, K. T. When he was a child, his parents
removed to Galesburg, 111., where lie was reared and educated,
completing his education in Knox College. In 1853 he be-
gan working on the railroad at Peoria, 111., and for nineteen
years was an engineer on different roads. In 1872 he began
the manufacture of malleable iron in Richmond, but sus-
pended business in 1875. He served five years as Council-
man of Richmond, and in 1875 was elected on the Republican
ticket Street Commissioner, and re-elected six consecutive
years. Mr. Palmer is a member of Sr. Paul's Episcopal
Church. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in
1873 was chosen Grand Commander of Knights Templar for
15
218 HISTOKY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
the State of Indiana, and is now Past Grand, makinij; him
a member of the Grand Encampment of the United States.
May 15, 1S82, he was appointed Postmaster at liichmond.
He was married at Kickapoo, Peoria Co., Ilh, April 16, 1854,
to Ellen J., dauo;hter of Captain Lewis Coob-idge. Tliey have
three children — Frank D., Harry E. and Jesse S.
J. W. Parry^ conductor on the Grand Rapids & Indiana
Railroad, is the eldest son of William Parry. He was born
in Richmond in 1840, and acquired a common-school educa-
tion. He was reared on a farm from 1844 till he sjrew to
maturity. In 1862 he was married to Hannah J., daughter
of Reuben H. Ivins. They have four children living — Mary
A., William S., John E. and Laura E. In 1864 Mr. Parry
abandoned farming, after which he dealt in ice for several
years, and in 1869 was succeeded by Brannon <Sz Hawkins.
In the fall of 1870 he became emplo3;ed on the Grand Rapids
& Indiana Railroad, on which he has been almost ever since.
Beginning as a brakeman, he has worked himself up to the
position he nowfills,and during his entire service on this road
has never met with an accident.
William P«r>"y, President of the Cincinnati, Richmond &
Fort Wayne Railroad, Richmond, Ind., was born July 20,
1810, in Montgomery County, Pa., a son of Joseph and Sarah
(Webster) Parry, both natives of Montgomery County, Pa.,
his "father born Dec. 1, 1788, and his mother Jan. 27, 1789.
His father died Sept. 1, 1870, and his mother April 5, 1861.
Of a family of eight children six are living and three are res-
idents of Wayne County. He came to Wayne County with
his parents in 1827. and worked at the plasterer's trade till
1844, when he took ctiarge of his father's farm, thus releasing
his parents from active labor. He conducted the farm suc-
cessfully, and in 1850 purchased it. His ability has placed him
in many positions ot honor and trust. He has repeatedly
served on the City Council. In 1849 and 1851 he constructed
the turnpike from Richmond to Williamsburg, and has since
served as its .President. He was President of the Wayne
County Turnpike Company from 1858 till 1871, when he was
compelled to resign on account of railroad and other busi-
ness. Since 1868 he has served as President of the Cincin-
CITY OF EICHMOND. 219
nati, Richmond & Fort Wayne Railroad. He has served as
Township Trustee nineteen consecutive years. He was mar-
ried in 1833 to Mary, daughter of Robert Hill. She was born
in Wayne County, Ind., in 1813. They have had a family of
twelve children, seven of whom are livins;.
Hon. Stanton J. Peelle, the present Congressman from the
Seventh District, was born in New Garden Township, Wayne
County, Feb. 11, 1813. He resided on the farm of his father
John C. Peelle, in Wayne County, until 1859, when the fam-
ily removed to Randolph County, and in 1860 located in Win-
chester. He received a fair common-school education, and
taught school for a short time. In 1861 he enlisted in Com-
pany G, Eighth Indiana Regiment; in 1862 was transferred and
made Second Lieutenant ot" Company K, Fifty-seventh Regi-
ment; mustered out J uly 30, 1863. He then began reading law
in the office of Hon. Wm. A. Peelle, in Centreville, butinFeb-
ruary, 1864, again entered the service and remained until the
close of the war. He resumed the study of law and was ad-
mitted to the bar in Winchester in 1866. He removed to
Indianapolis in 1869. In 1876 lie was elected by the Repub-
licans of Marion County as Representative to Legislature. lu
the fall of 1880 he was elected to Congress from the Seventh
Congressional District.
John E. Pehz., merchant tailor,901 Main street, Richmond,
Ind., is a native of Suffolk County, ]^s^. Y. He learned his
trade in New York City. He came West in 1875 and located
in Richmond, commencing business in the Yaughn Block,
and removing to his present location in 1881. He employs
about twenty men who are practical and hrst-class workmen.
He superintends the cutting, having made a specialty of that
branch for fourteen years. He was married in 1882 to Anna
M. Knollenberg, of Richmond.
J. H. Philhroohs, proprietor of the Huntington and Grand
hotels, Richmond, Ind. The Huntington House was orig-
inally opened by Oren Huntington about 1850. He was the
owner without change till his death, and the hotel was con-
ducted by him till 1879, when it was leased by R. F. Jones,
and was thoroughly renovated and refurnished throughout,
and from that time till the present has been one of the best
220 HISTOKY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
hotels in the State. It is located on the southeast corner of
Main and Seventh streets, directly in the center of the
thickest business portion of the city. The building is
a fonr-story brick, fronting 100 feet on Main and running
back to the alley on Seventh street, a distance of 140 feet. It
contains sixty-four rooms, fifty of which are well-furnished
sleeping apartments. There are ten sample-rooms for com-
mercial travelers, a baggage elevator, a ladies' parlor on the
office floor and a gentlemen's sitting-room separate from the
office. The dining-room is 40 x 50 feet in size, and can com-
fortably seat 100 people. Mr. Philbrooks became proprietor
of this house and later he purchased the Grand Hotel, ten
doors from the Huntington, which is used as sleeping apart-
ments, the meals being served at the Huntington. He runs
the house in first-class style in every respect, and is well de-
serving a liberal patronage.
Ahram Phillips was born in Montgomery County, Pa., in
1820, a son of Abram Phillips, Sr., who was born in Pennsyl-
vania, and resided in that State till his death. Our subject
leaimed cabinet-making in his native State, and in 1836
located at Macomb, 111., but not liking the country he moved
to Madison, Ind. In 1838 he came to Richmond, where he
has since resided, and where he followed his trade about
thirty years. On attaining his majority his father gave him
$250, and by industry and good business principles he has
accumulated a large amount of property. In the last decade,
when the completion of the present court-house depended
upon personal aid, he donated $700 for its erection. In 1853
he with James M. Starr erected the Phillips Opera House, of
which Mr. Phillips is proprietor. He also owns the Phillips
Hotel, and much more real estate. H6 resides with his sister
in West Richmond.
J. H. Preston^ agent for the Western Assurance Company,
of Toronto, Can., Wescott Block, ISTo. 715 Main street, Rich-
mond, Ind., is a native of Union County, Ind. He was reared
on a farm, but received a collegiate education, graduating
from Knox College, Galesburg, 111., in 1852. From 1855 till
1864 he was local agent for several insurance companies, and
in the latter year took the general agency of the Continental
CITY OF RICHMOND.
221
Company, of New York, having the charge of the State of
Indiana and nearly all of Illinois. In 1878 he relinquished
the agency of the Continental and became connected with the
Western Assurance Company of Toronto, Canada. This com-
pany has a capital of $2,000,000. Since his connection with
these companies Mr. Preston has paid out over $1,000,000 in
losses. He has 200 local agents under his supervision and
tlie business is steadily increasing.
Cornelius Batlif. —Thi& venerable pioneer was born in
Randolph County, N. C, Dec. 25, 1798, and was the son of
Cornelius and Elizabeth (Charles) Ratliff. His great-grand-
lather came from England with William Penn and was pres-
ent when the latter made his famous treaty with the Indians.
The parents of the subject of this sketch removed to Indiana
Territory in 1810, and settled a mile northwest of Richmond.
Here they lived, among the Indians, but were not molested
by them on account of their principles, though all other fam-
ilies in the neighborhood were obliged to remove daring the
trouble between the Shawnees and Pottawatomies. Cornelius
inherited the home farm and still lives upon it. He was mar-
ried June 12, 1822, to Mary Kindley, of Warren County, Ohio,
a o-rand-daughter of John Rudolph Waymire, who came trom
the kingdom of Hanover (where he had been one ot the
king's bodv-guard) to Pennsylvania prior to the American
Revolution. Mary Ratlifl was a true type of pioneer woman-
hood, and nobly assisted her husband in all his undertakings
Few men in Eastern Indiana have done more to develop and
improve the country than Cornelias Ratliff. He has ever been
liberal in assisting every worthy undertaking. He began the
nursery business in 1822 and continued it for more than thirty
years, furnishing trees to various parts of Indiana and neigh-
boring States. He has always followed farming and has been
very successful. In politics he was formerly a Whig and is
now a Republican. He was strongly opposed to slavery and
was among the early Abolitionists. He has been a life-long
member of the Society of Friends, and is one ot the most
devoted and consistent adherents of that taith, always active
in religious work. His life has been peaceful, blameless and
useful, and he ishonored an i esteemed by his fellow-citizens
generally.
222 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Hon. Joseph C. Eatliff, Richmond, Ind., a son of Corne-
lius and Mary Ratliff, was born near Richmond, July 6, 1827.
His early education was obtained in the common schools of
Wayne Coimty during the short winter terras, the summers
being devoted to farm labor. Later in his minor life he en-
tered the Richmond A.cademy. Subsequently he taught
school several terms, then in 1850 took up the study of den-
tistry, and in connection took a full course of medical lectures
at the Western Reserve College. After practicing dentistry
one year he engaged for the same time, near Richmond, in
manufacturing paper; then resumed farming, in which he is
still engaged. In 1865 he was elected Justice of the Peace,
and since he has gradually been elected to higher offices of
honor and trust until 1875, when he was chosen by the peo-
ple of Wayne County as a Representative to the State Legislat-
ure, and while serving in that body he served on the
Committees on Education and the Sinking Fund. Not only
did he display an interest in education while in the State As -
sembly, but his interest increased with his age, and he has
since filled some very important positic^ns in the educational
history of the State, none of which are more worthy of note
than the one he now occupies. President of the Board of
Trustees of the Purdue University, As an agriculturist and
horticulturist he has always displayed a special interest, and
is deserving of considerable credit, as is seen in the chapter
devoted to horticulture. He has been an able contributor to
publications devoted to agriculture, and from 1860 to 1866
edited the agricultural department of the Richmond Tele-
gram- Politically he is an earnest Republican; religiously, a
Friend, in which society he has a birthright and is an earnest
worker. He is imbued with all that goes to make up a strong
temperance man. He has been a member of Freemasonry
for many years, and has been Master of Centreville Lodge.
He also belongs to the I. O. O. F., and in 1856 held the of-
fice of Noble Grand, and the following year represented his
Lodge in the Grand Lodge of the State. He is a man deeply
interested in the sciences, and antiquity especially, having
given considerable time to their study and the collection of a
fair cabinet. He was married Oct. 19, 1852, to Mary F.,
CITY OF RICHMOND. 223
daughter of Daniel B. Crawford, of Richmond. Of their six
children four are living, three sons and one daughter.
Daniel G. Reld, Teller in Second National Bank, Rich-
mond, was born in the city of Richmond, Wayne Co., Ind.,
in 1858. He attended the common schools till he was fifteen
years of age, when he became an assistant in the Second Na-
tional Bank, where he has since been engaged. He was married
Oct. 13, 1880, to Miss Ella C. Dnnn, of this city.
Daniel Reld, deceased, was a son of Daniel Reid, Sr., who
was of Scotch-Irish extraction, a native of Virginia, where he
matured, lived and died. His wife was Margaret Patterson,
of Lancaster County, Pa., but died in Richmond, Ind.. at an
advanced age. Onr subject now in question was born in
Rockbridge Countv, Va., Feb. 5, 1799, and was one of a large
family, most of whom settled near New Paris, Preble Co.,
Ohio, where Daniel settled in 1821. Having acquired a fair
education in his minor life and together with his natural
ability he commenced teaching school in the pioneer days ot
Preble County, Ohio. In the fall of 1823 he removed to
Richmond, Ind., and became clerk in the store of James Mc-
Guire, and later filled the same position in the store of Robert
Morrisson. Having had several years' experience and ac-
quired some means, in 1828 he associated himself in business
with Joseph P. Strattan and for ten years was a pioneer mer-
chant in Richmond. One year after associating with Strattan
he was appointed Postmaster of Richmond, which position
he filled in connection with his store, until his appoint-
ment in 1838, by President Van Buren, as Register of the
Land-oflice at Fort Wayne, Ind., which position he filled with
credit and honor, but about 1843 he settled on a farm in
Allen County, Ind., and in 1855 returned to Richmond, where
he engaged in the grocery business with his son, William S.,
and N. S. Leeds, until the firm changed to Reid &, Yanne-
mau, where he was employed, and while thus engaged moved
to his farm one and a half miles west of town, and up to the
time of his death was living on his farm, but in the employ
of Reid & Beeler. His death occurred March 3, 1873. He
died as he had lived — happy, having been for many years a
member of and Ruling Elder in the United Presbyterian
224 HISTORY OF AVAYNE COUNTY'.
church at Richmond. He was twice married ; first, to Letitia,
daughter of William Scott, who was born in the North of Ire-
laud and came to America when sixteen years old, and died
in Allen County, Ind., in 1854. Tiiis union had born to them
seven children — William Scott, of whom further notice is
ijjiven; Mary Ann. who died in infancy; Mary Ann, wife of
Franklin P.Randall, an attorney of Fort Wayne; James P.;
Mari^aret, unmarried and died February, 1883; Hannah M,,
who died in 1833, and Robert Morrisson, who emigrated to
California in 1852. Our subject, Daniel, married for his sec-
ond wife, in October, 1854, Mrs. Ann Dougan, then living in
Niles, Mich., and a daughter of Isaac Grray, an earl}' pioneer
merchant of Richmond. This union had born to them two
children — Daniel Gray," now of the Second National Bank of
Richmond, and Emma Virginia, wife of Oliver Bogue, both
graduates of Earlham College and now residents of Wabash,
Ind., where he is practicing law. William Scott, the elder of
the above family, was born in Rockbridge County, Ya., Dec.
10, 1818, and was brought by his parents to Preble County,
Ohio, when three years old. When five years old his father
settled in the village of Richmond, where he matured and
acquired a fair education. For a time he was clerk in his
father's Land-office at Fort Wayne, Ind., during which time.
May 7. 1839, he married Sarah Jane Mansur, by whom he
had nine children, of whom two, the fifth and ninth, only,
are now living. William S., subsequent to his marriage,
devoted twelve years on a farm in Allen County, thence re-
turned to Richmond and was for three years in the dry-
goods business; then in the grocery and grain trade for
many years; subsequently he became one of the prime mov-
ers in the establishment of the pork-packing business in
Richmond, as is elsewhere seen, in which he is still en-
gaged. He, as was his father before him, is a member of and
Ruling Elder in the United Presbyterian church of Richmond,
and of him most of the history of that church was obtained.
Mr. Reid lias been well and favorably known as a business
man of honor and integrity for many years. He is willing
to assist in all enterprises tending to elevate mankind and the
upbuilding of society.
City of Richmond. 225
F. W. Hohinson, manufacturer, Richmond, Ind., is a
native of Baltimore, Md., born in 1810. His parents, John
and Mary A. (Wills) Robinson, were natives of Delaware, his
father of English and his mother of Swiss descent. His
mother died in Philadelphia, and his father in England. Of
their seven children our subject is the eldest now living.
His boyhood days were spent with his father, who was a
carpenter. In 1829 he went to Darke County, Ohio, and in
1834 came to Richmond, where he has since resided.
Jonafha?ijRohe7'ts, youngest son of Thomas and Ann (Whit-
son) Roberts, was born near West Elkton, Preble Co., Ohio,
May 30, 1808. His father was born in Bucks County, Pa.,
Jan. 8, 1759, a son of Walter Roberts, who was of Welsh de-
scent. After attaining his majority Thomas Roberts set-
tled in South Carolina, where he married Ann Whitson. In
1806 they removed to Preble County, Ohio. The same year
he came to Richmond and entered a quarter-sectioii of wild
Government land, and in March, 1811, with his wife and
seven children, moved on it, one daughter having married
previous to that date. Soon after entering the land, in 1806,
he erected a rnde cabin on the present corner of Thir-
teenth and South A streets, and cleared awa}' a few forest
trees, and cleared a small patch where the house of Marcus
Motes now stands, fenced it with brush and planted it with
turnips. In 1812 Thomas Roberts built a hewed-log house
on the lot which is now used by his son, Jonathan Roberts,
as a stable. He died Sept. 25, 1840, and his wife Oct. 28,
1840. They were members of the Society of Friends.
They had a family of eight children — Rebecca, wife of
Nathan Hawkins, both deceased; Walter, died at Dover,
Wayne Co., Ind.; David, died in Richmond; Phoebe, wife of
Henry Hawkins, both deceased; Sarah, wife of William
Whitacre, now deceased; Thomas, Jr., deceased; Solomon W.,
deceased, and Jonathan, our subject. He was but three years of
age when his parents came to Indiana, and thus his boyhood
days were spent and his education received in this county. He
has by observation and application acquired a good fund of
general information. He was married Jan. 28, 1831, to
Mary, daughter of J airus and Aves Smith. They have had
226 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
four children — Aves, wife of W. S. Elliott, of Howard
County, Ind.; Eli; Elvira, deceased, wife of Josiah Philips;
Henrj S., of Wayne Township. Mrs. Roberts was born in
Clinton County, K Y., March 26, 1810. The family are
ijjerabers of the Society of Friends.
E. F. Rosa, manufacturer of mineral water, and general
dealer in ale, beer and cider, is a native of Germany, a son
of Henry William and Anna M. (Klute) Rosa, natives of
Hanover, Germany, his father born in 1812, and his mother
in 1807. They were married in 1834, and in 1837 came to
the United States, locating in Richmond in November, where
the mother died in 1879, and the father in January, 1883.
Of a family of seven children four are still living. E. F. is the
second, the eldest dying in Germany. The first twelve years
of his residence in America, H. W. Rosa worked at stone-
cutting, milling and clerking. In 1849 he began the manu-
facture of mineral water in a small way, and subsequently
added other branches to the business till his trade increased
from $600 to many times that amount annually. In 1855 he
removed to the two-story brick building, 83 x 46 feet, 433 to
439 South Front street. E. F. was for many years in com-
pany with his father and since the latter's death has been
sole proprietor. Politically he is a Democrat. He has served
twelve years as Councilman of the First Ward, and nine years
on the Board of Public Works. Oct. 14, 1858, he was mar-
ried to Catherine E. D. Koehring, a native of Hanover, Ger-
many, but a resident ot Richmond since 1854. Thirteen
children have been born to tliem, but nine now living. Mr.
and Mrs. Rosa and their family are all members of the Lu-
theran church.
Philip Schneider, proprietor of the City Carriage Shops,
is a native of Germany, but came to Cincinnati, Ohio, when
seven years of age. He has resided in Richmond, Ind., since
1861, and carried on house, sign, carriage and fancy painting
till 1875, when he succeeded S. R. Lippincott in his present
business. He has the largest trade in the city and em-
ploys about twenty hands, seven of them being among the
best painters in the State. He is himself a practical painter
having learned the trade in Cincinnati. He makes all
CITY OF RICHMOND. 227
kinds of carriages, buggies, gigs and sleighs and all his work
is first-class. He is always willing to show his work, and
has received some valuable premiums. The business was es-
tablished about 1840, by Clayton Hunt, who erected most of
the buildings. Mr. Schneider was first married to Rhoda
Nordyke; his second wife was Susan Woohurst, and his
present wife was Catherine Miller. He has a family cf five
children, all living. He joined the Eed Men a number of
years ago, and has been Treasurer the entire time. He has
also belonged to the I. O. O. F. fraternity since 1862.
Jolin G. Schwegmaii, ice dealer, Richmond, Ind., was born
in Cincinnati, Ohio, March 25, 1844, a son of Christian and
Mary Ann (Yosgroene) Schwegmau, natives of Hanover,
Germany, who came to the United States when young people,
and settled in Cincinnati, where they were married, and in
1847 removed to Richmond, Ind., where the father died in
1849 and the mother still lives. They were members of the
Catholic church. Our subject is the second of five sous.
He was reared and educated in Richmond. In 1867 he
formed a partnership with William Courthouse and organized
the People's Ice Company. Previous to that time this busi-
ness had been carried on by diflferent parties on a very small
scale, but they erected their houses and made improvements
from time to time, till they now have a capacity for storing
6,000 tons. In August, 1869, their buildings were burned,
but they immediately erected new ones and enlarged their
ice ponds. Thej' have all the modern implements in their
line, and have an annual trade of $5,000, running three regu-
lar wagons in the summer. Politically Mr. Schwegman is a
Democrat. He has served six years as Councilman in the
First Ward. He was married Nov. 7, 1871, to Mary
Johannes, a native of Cincinnati. Ohio, but a resident of
Richmond. They have a family of six children. They are
members of the Catholic church.
Andrew F. Scott, President of the Second National Bank,
Richmond, Ind., was born in Rockbridge County, Va., Dec.
28, 1811. He acquired a fair education in his native State,
and when twenty-two years of age came to Wayne County,
Ind., and engaged a school a short distance from Richmond.
228 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
"While teaching: this school he arranged to enter the store ot
Daniel Reid, who was also Postmaster. He remained there
as clerk several years, and in 1839, after the appointment of
Mr. Reid as Register of the United States Land-office, at Ft.
Wayne, he served as clerk there a year, and afterward served
a year under James W. Borden, as Receiver. In 1841 he re-
turned to Richmond, and became Deputy under Sheriff
William Baker. He subsequently was clerk for Jesse Meek,
and still later was clerk for an Ohio River steamboat com-
pany till 184-7. In the latter year he returned to Richmond,
and for several years carried on a successful mercantile busi-
ness. Although belonging to the political party in the mi-
nority in Wayne County, in 1851 he was elected Clerk of the
county, and re-elected in 1855, his term expiring in March,
1860. During that time he resided in Centreville. He sub-
sequently followed farming, merchandizing and building sev-
eral years, in the meantime erecting the Second National
Bank building block. In 1867 he became a member of the
wholesale grocery firm of Forkner, Scott & Elmer, remaining
with it ten years. At the organization of the Second Na-
tional Bank, in 1872, he was one of the prime movers and
a stockholder, and has been its President from the date of or-
ganization. He is one ot the leading members of the United
Presbyterian church of Richmond. He married Martha
McGlathery, of Philadelphia, in 1839. His children are —
Letitia A., John, Augustus C, and Mary E.
John Sedgwick was born in Union County, Ind., Aug. 18,
1819, a son of Richard and Sarah (Hunt) Sedgwick, his father
a native of England, born in 1764, andhis mother a native of
North Carolina. His father came to America in 1794 and lo-
cated in Dearborn, now Union, County, Ind. He was in the
war of 1812. He cleared up a farm a mile and a half from
Boston, but died at his son-in-law's in Ohio, in 1849. His
wife died in 1844. Of their six children — Charles, Francina,
Agnes, Mary, John and Martha — all are living save Mary.
Our subject has made farming a study, and has accumulated
a good property. He owns a fine farm of 150 acres in Boston
Township, and another of 230 acres in Randolph County,
Ind. In 1881 he retired from farm life and removed to
CITY OF RICHMOND 229
Richmond, where he has a good home. He has an ingenious
mind and has invented a wire stretcher which is unquestioned
in the facilities claimed for it. He was married to Margaret,
daughter of Jacob Smelser, of Wayne County, Ind., but a
native of Kentucky. They have three children — Isham,
Richard and Anna, all of whom are connected with the
Sedgwick Wire Fence Company. Mr. and Mrs. Sedgwick
are members of the Universalist church,
Edward Shaw was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, April 29,
1815, a son of John and Elizabeth (Wright) Shaw, natives of
Pennsylvania, of English and Scotch descent. His father
died in Greene County, Ohio, in 1851, and his mother in
1857. His mother was educated at West-town Boarding
School, near Philadelphia, Pa., and was subsequently one of
the best teachers in Ohio. His father enlisted in the war of
1812, as nurse and assistant surgeon. At the close of the war
he returned to Cincinnati, intending to make it his future
home. At that time there were but seven or eight families
who were members of the Friend's Society in the place and
they had no meeting house, holding their meetings at mem-
bers' houses. Being a birthright member, Mr. Shaw wished
to be married according to the order of the society, and
wrote a subscription paper, circulated it among Friends and
raised $500, and with it bought of Nicholas Longworth
nearly two acres of ground with a one-story log-house on it,
on the corner of John and Fifth streets, which was repaired
and used as a meeting house for fifty years, when their pres-
ent two-story brick meeting-house was built. Mr. and Mrs.
John Shaw were the first couple married in this house in
1814r. Edward Shaw was reared on a farm and in early life
learned the tanner's trade in Reading, Ohio. He has the
copyright of Shaw's Railroad Liniment, a botanic prepara-
tion which is a speedy cure for rheumatism, neuralgia, burns,
bruises, headache, etc., and taken internally is a valuable
remedy for neuralgia of the stomach, cholera morbus, etc.
This liniment is gaining a wide reputation. Mr. Shaw was
married Aug. 27, 184:0, to Peninnah, daughter of Robert
Hill. She was born Feb. 23, 1817. They have had a family
of eight children — Elizabeth, deceased ; Robert H. ; Rebecca,
23(> HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
deceased; Mary E., wife of Louis K. Harris; John, oi St.
Louis, Mo.; Henry 0., William T., and Susan B.
Jacob Shejfer is a son of Daniel ShefFer, and grandson of
Daniel Sheffer, Sr. The latter was of German descent, but
a native of Pennsylvania. In later life he removed to Wythe
County, Va., and in 1812 came to Wayne County, Ind., and
bought a quarter-section in Boston Township, and also entered
a small farm just over the line in Ohio. He married Anna
Hudlow, of Virginia. She died in 1832 and he in 1834.
They had a family of ten children — Andrew, Jacob, Daniel,
Michael, John, Sarah, Catherine, Elizabeth, Anna and Mar-
garet. Sarah is the only one living, and resides in Whitley
County, Ind. Daniel was born in Wythe County, Va., and
in 1811 married Catharine Keesling, a native of Virginia, of
German descent. Tliey came to Wayne County that same
year, and he soon after took part in the Indian war. He
entered a small tarm in Ohio, but lived on a part of his
father's farm in Boston Township, a part of which he subse-
quently inherited. He buried his wife a short time previous
to the late war, and he died soon after. They had a family
of eight children — Martin, deceased; Jacob; Ann, wife of
ClarJc Gray, of Wabash County, Ind.; George, deceased;
Mary, now Mrs. Eli Wilson, of Wabash County, Ind.; Sarah,
wife of James Feasel, of Boston Township; Aima, wife of
Leroy McWhinney, of Adair County, Iowa; John, residing
on the old homestead in Boston Township. Our subject was
born in Wayne County, Ind., April 22, 1814. He was reared
a farmer, and assisted his father in clearing his farm. In
1877 he moved to Richmond, and now has a handsome resi-
dence at 110 North Seventh street. He bought his first land
in 1843, and added to it till he owned nearly 1,000 acres.
He now has but 412 acres, having given the rest to his chil-
dren. Politically he is a Republican. He has never been
an aspirant for office, but has served his township as Trustee.
He was married when twenty-three years of age to Mary
Stanley. Tiiey have had a family of seven children — John
M., Catharine (wife of Joseph Bosworth), James M., Daniel
W., Clayton, Cynthia (wife of John W. Miller), and Mary,
wife of Charles Wolfer, all save one living in Boston Town-
CITY OF KICHMOND. 231
ship. Mrs. Shetfer was born in Union County, Ind., in 1817,
a daughter of ZachariaH and Mary (Bed well) Stanley, natives
of North Carolina. They removed to Union County, Ind.,
where Mrs. Stanley died in 1851, and Mr. Stanley in 1852.
They had a family of thirteen children. Six daughters and
three sons are living, two in Wayne County — Mrs. Sheffer ,
and Sarah, widow oi John Bennett.
George Shurman is a native of Hanover, Germany, where
he grew to manhood. He learned the cabinet-maker's trade,
and in 1859 came to America, locating in Cincinnati, Ohio,
and in June, 1862, he came to Richmond, where he worked
at his trade together with carpentering till 1867. He then
bought an interest in the CoffinWorks which were incorporated
in 1870, the firm name being J. M. Hutton & Co., since
which Mr. Shurman has been a director and stockholder,
serving as foreman of the works. He is a member of St.
Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, and has served one
term as Trustee.
Robert C. Shute was born in Gloucester County, N. J.,
Oct. 5, 1816, a son of Samuel, Sr., and Sybil (Cook) Shute.
He began the practice of his profession (surveying and civil
engineering) in 1837,, and the same year assisted in survey-
ing the Miciiigan South'ern & Northern Indiana Raih-oad
from Toledo, Ohio, to Ottawa, 111. In 1850 he surveyed the
Indiana Central, now the Pan-Handle, from Richmond to
Indianapolis. In 1840 he surveyed the Dayton & Western
Turnpike, and worked on that road till it was finished to
Charlottesville, Ind. In 1844 he surveyed the Richmond,
Boston & Fair Haven Turnpike — the first turnpike run-
ning into Richmond. He surveyed the most of the turnpikes
leading to Richmond, and lajd out nearly all the city part
of the sub-divisions east of Ninth street. He was ap-
pointed County Surveyor in 1856, and held the office by
re-election till 1868, when he resigned and removed to Mis-
souri. He returned to Richmond in 1869, and now resides
in comfortable circumstances on Linden Hill, adjoining city of
Richmond. In 1873 was again elected County Surveyor, and
held the office eight years. He has been Civil Engineer ot
the city of Richmond twenty years, from 1849. Mr. Shute
232 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
was married in 1839 to Mary C. Clark, of Philadelphia, Pa..
who died in 1877, leaving ten children. In 1878 he married
Ovanda J., widow of Rev. C. W. Miller, and dauo^hter of
Isaac Lamb. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church,
Samuel Shute was born in Gloucester County, N. J., July
13, 1808, the fifth of thirteen children of Samuel Shute, Sr.
The latter was born in Gloucester County, N. J., in 1773.
He married Rebecca Zanes, who died leaving one child,
Nancy, who married Edward Ferst, an early merchant of
Richmond. He subsequently married Alice Zanes, a sister
of his former wite. She died in J^ew Jersey, leaving six
children — James P., Harriet, Charles, Aaron, Samuel and
Hiram. Mr. Shute afterward married Sybil, daughter of
Robert and Lvdia Cook, of Gloucester County, N. J. They
had six children — Robert C, Lydia (wife of J. L. Morrisson),
Amos, Elizabeth, Edward F. and Elias H. Mrs. Shute died
in Cincinnati, Ohio, Feb. 17, .1847, and Mr. Shute in Coving-
ton, Ky., Feb. 9, 1857. They came West in 1818 and bought
a farm five miles southeast of Richmond, residing there till
1831, when the}^ removed to Richmond, and in 1833 bought
150 acres of land of Joshua Alberson at $15 an acre. One-
half the land is now in the city limits of Richmond, and the
rest is at Linden Hill, and is valued at $2,000 or $3,000 per
acre. He sold the land in 1845 for $60 an acre, and removed
to Cincinnati. When a young man he was prominent in the
judicial Courts of New Jersey. Our subject was ten years
of age when his father came lo Indiana. He was reared on
a farm, and his early advantages for an education were
limited. His calling through life was that of agriculture, in
which calling his neighbors s,ay he made great proficiency,
having kept, according to their testimony, one of the model
farms of Wayne County. He retired to private life on Lin-
den Hill in 1876 to spend his days in comparative ease.
He was married in 1837 to Deborah S., daughter of Levi
Keerans, who settled in Richmond in 1835. She was born
Sept. 6, 1817. They have a family of eight children, seven
sons and one daughter. They are members of the society
of Hicksite Friends.
CITY OF KICHMOND. 233
John p. Smith was born Oct. 5, 1817, in Bourbon County,
Ky., a son of Peter and grandson of Nicholas Smith, who
was born in Germany, and when a young man he emigrated
to America and settled in Frederickstown, Md. He moved
to Bourbon County, Ky., where he followed farming till his
death, and where his wife also died. Their children were —
Joseph, Peter, Jacob and Elizabeth. Nicholas Smith served
in the Indian war of 1795. Peter Smith, father of John P.,
was born in Maryland, and moved to Kentucky with his
parents in 1800. He soon after married Margaret, daughter
of Peter Smelser, who was born in Germany. They were
the parents of ten children — Nicholas, who followed farming
in Abington Township, Wayne County, till his death; Mary,
wife of David Railsback, of Wayne Township, Wayne
County; Barbara, deceased, wife of C. C. Beeler, who is in
partnership with our subject in pork-packing; John P.;
George, farming part of the homestead in Abington Town-
ship; Martha J., deceased; James, farming in Union County,
Ind.; Irvin, deceased; Joseph W., an extensive lumber-dealer
in Tennessee; Margaret, deceased, wife of Nelson Crow. In
1818 Peter Smith removed with his famil}'^ to Wayne County,
Ind., and entered a half section of land in Abington Town-
ship, which he cleared and improved, and resided there till
his death. Although he voted for Andrew Jackson, his sub-
sequent affiliations were with the Pepublican party. John P.
Smith, whose name heads this sketch, has resided in Wayne
County since he was two years old, and since 1855 has lived
on his present farm. He was reared to farm life and has al-
ways followed agricultural pursuits, and since 1861 he has
also carried on pork-packing in Richmond. He married Mary
Sedgwick, who was born in Union County, Ind., and died
near Richmond in 18 — . She was a daughter of Richard
Sedgwick. They had seven children — Martha J., Anna,
Richard, Peter, Belle, Maggie, and Clara (deceased).
James W. Smith is a native of Richmond, Ind., born in
1839. He is the eldest and the only one now living of five
children of Sidney and Martha (Wharry) Smith. His grand-
father, John F. Smith, was a native of Virginia, of German
descent. His mother was a daughter of James Wharry, of
16
234 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Columbus, Ohio, and a sister of the late Judge Wharrj, ot
Darke Comity, Ohio. His father came to Indiana in 1834
and died in 1865. His mother is still living. James "W.
received a common-school education, always residing in Rich-
mond. In 1857 he went into the old bank of Morrisson,
Blanchard & Co. (now Richmond National Bank) and re-
mained there twenty-two years, and the last seventeen years
was the general bookkeeper. The first eight years of the
latter's existence he was one of its directors. In 1882 he was
elected by the voters of both political parties by a majority
of 1,200 to the office of Trustee of Wayne Township, a posi-
tion he still holds.
Stace (& Crocker^ granite and marble dealers, No. 16 North
Ninth street, Richmond, Ind. This business was established
in 1867 by Peter Ritter, at 15 North Fifth street, and in 1870
the firm became Ritter & Yickrey. Mr. Vickrey died in
1877, and Mr. Ritter continued the business alone till 1879,
when N. E. Warder became associated with him. In Janu-
ary, 1882, Geering Stace succeeded Mr. Ritter, forming the
firm of Warder & Stace, and in May following they removed
to 1121 Main street. They employ only practical workmen,
Mr. Stace being a very fine carver. He is a native of Frank-
lin, Warren Co., Ohio. He was reared in his native town,
and learned his trade in Dayton, under Houghtelin & Stain-
land. He worked as a journeyman some time, and in March,
1870, came to Richmond, where he has since worked at his
trade. He is a member of the I. 0.0. F. and Masonic fra-
ternities, and has taken all the degrees of the Odd Fellows'
lodge and encampment, and of the Patriarchal circle. O. P.
Crocker, the junior member of the firm, purchased the inter-
est of N. E. Warder in January, 1884. He is a native of
Wayne County, and has always lived in his native county.
y. H. Stafford^ miller, was born in Lancaster County, Pa,,
in 1844, a son of Samuel and Maria (Jacobs) Stafford, natives
of Pennsylvania, his father of Berks County, and his mother
of Lancaster County. Our subject is the fifth of eleven chil-
dren. He worked on the farm with his father till nineteen
years of age, and then began to learn the trade of a miller.
In the spring of 1866 he came to Wayne County, where he
CITY OF RICHMOND. 235
has since resided, with the exception of a year spent in Dub-
lin. In 1874 he became a partner in the mill, and in 1879
became sole proprietor. His mill burned in the spring of
1883, and the following summer he erected a fine new brick
mill with two run of burrs, at a cost of $6,000, and commenced
operations in September, 1883. Mr. Stafford was married in
April, 1871, to Emma W. Hill. They have three children.
Mr. Stafford takes an active interest in all public affairs, both
county and city.
Charles West Starr was born in Philadelphia, Feb. 28, 1793.
His parents were members of the Religions Society of
Friends, and were also natives of the city of his birth. When
of age and out of his apprenticeship (carpenter), he engaged
in the coasting trade between Charleston, S. C, and Philadel-
phia, and finally went into the lumber business in Charleston.
Here, surrounded by slavery, he first learned to abhor it, and
closing out his stock he invested part of his means in rice,
put it on board a ship bound to Lisbon, Portugal, going
along himself as a passenger; returned home the same year
and projected his first trip to the then " far West." Leaving
home on the 21st of September, 1818, he visited the States
of Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois and Missouri, traveling
on horseback and alone the entire journey of five months.
Kew Year's day found him at Richmond, Ind., and a guest
of John Smith, the proprietor of the south half of the vil-
lage. He thoroughly explored Wayne County, and marked it
as his intended place of residence by entering a tract of land
near Economy. Crossing the Susquehanna on Saturday, Feb.
1, 1819, on his way home, he hitched his horse in front of a
Quaker meeting then in session, and took his seat with the
worshipers. At the close of the meeting he saw Elizabeth
Wilson for the first time, who afterward became his wife.
In the spring of 1825 he settled in Richmond, Ind., living on
old Front street, nearly opposite the' court-house. The village
then contained about 700 inhabitants, mostly Friends. There
was not a rod of turnpike nor a bridge in the county or the
State, much less a railroad. The center of town was the
cross-roads, now Main and Fourth streets. In 1826 he bought
of Jeremiah Cox the farm on which the north half of the
236 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
town was laid out, paying $25 an acre for it. It contained
222 acres, and had on it a brick dwelling in which his widow
now lives, corner of Korth Tenth and D streets. Log barns,
cribs, pig-pens and worm fences surrounded the house. The
farm o-ate was hung to an oak-tree that stood where the Pan
Handle freight depot stands. The north end of the village
was the junction of Korth Sixth and Front streets. Friend
Cox's reason for wishing to sell out was that " the boys stole
his apples so." Pie soon after laid out North Seventh street,
and removed the farm gate to its junction with Fort Wayne
avenue, or Front street. The lots (quarter of an acre each)
were sold for $100 each, a great price in those days. The
proceeds of the sale of lots he steadily invested in building
houses and extending streets. In fact, his entire income was
appropriated to the improvement of the town, believing, as
he did, ''that Ilichmond was destined to become a prosperous
city." In the fall of 1829 he was stricken with paralysis of
the right side. After a year's confinement he was able to
hobble about, and with undiminished energy he resumed the
building of houses and store-rooms, many of which still re-
main to show the old Philadelphian style of architecture in
which he was educated. He took a warm interest in the con-
struction of the Richmond & Brookville Canal, which enter-
prise was commenced in 1837; was the Treasurer of the
company. The hard times of 1840 put an end to the work,
as well as the financial career of nearly every business man
in the town. The followiDg seven years was a period of great
stagnation of growth and consequent depreciation of real
estate. The subject of this sketch came very near being
ruined in the general crash, but his personal integrity and
a little timely help from a wealthy brother in his native city
enabled him to go through without a sacrifice of property.
The times changed for the better, sales of property resumed,
and he paid every debt, principal and interest, without abate-
ment. The character of this good man deserves a chapter in
the history of his adopted home. Although surrounded con-
stantly with the cares of a very active life, he was a great
reader of books — books that required thought. Standard
poetry and moral philosophy were his favorites. Life with
CITY OF RICHMOND. 237
him was too short to waste over romance. This taste made
him an enjoyable conversationalist, notwithstanding his de-
fective hearing. Full of humor, yet never vulgar or obscene,
a fine punster, rich in maxims, frank, generous and. outspoken,
he was a citizen beloved and respected by all that knew him.
He cared more for purity of purpose than for the opinions of
men. He enjoyed being right because he admired the right.
With him to be honest to his neighbor was to be honest to
himself. This was his religio.n; he professed no other. Quick
tempered to a fault, yet the storm passed over as quickly,
and he was then ready to forgive. His devoted companion
was a woman of strong character, a safe counselor in business
affairs, a good wife, mother and neighbor. Seven of their ten
children lived to be men and women. Richmond fulfilled
his repeated prediction of prosperity, and the old farm-house,
once a long walk in the country, had well nigh become sur-
rounded by beautiful homes during his life-time. Factories
hummed the live-long day; two railroads crossed his meadows
and planted their depot within gunshot of his residence. In
the spring of 1855 his health gave way. He died on the 1st
of May in the sixty-third year of his age. The sublimity of
his character was never more beautiful than when he closed
his eyes in his last sleep. In his success he said he had " noth-
ing to regret," and in his last moments he said he " saw a
fine ship waiting for him." It was the end of a righteous
man.
George TF. Stigleman, photographer and patentee of the
new retouched solar picture, 537 Main street. After having
learned the art of photography Mr. Stigleman commenced
business in this city about fourteen years ago. Many years
of practical experience made him a first-class photographer
and brought a large and lucrative business. In 1873 he began
working on an apparatus designed for the preparation of
photographic negatives, and on March 5, 1878, had it pat-
ented, having filed his application on Feb. 16, 1877. This
process is unquestionably the most valuable thing discovered
for many years. An unlimited number of photographs may
be printed from a negative prepared by this process, not one
of which will need the* slightest retouching in India ink. Mr.
238 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Stio-leinan lias by his genius added no little to the art of pho-
tography and is deserving of credit for the success of his
invention. Quite a number of unprincipled photographers
have infringed on this patent, but have failed to make public
their so-called invention for fear of exposure. Stigleman's
photograph parlors, at 537 Main street, are fitted up hand-
somely and equal to any in this section of the State. Quite
a number of excellent samples of work done by this new pro-
cess are on exhibition here, some of which are almost life
size; the collection is probably the finest on exhibition in the
West. Mr. Stigleman is a native of Wayne County, learned
his profession in this city, and has been a resident of Rich-
mond many years. His house stands at the head of the art,
with a trade in all parts of this State and Western Ohio. He
married Caroline, daughter of Evan Bailey, now of Washing-
ton, Clay Township, and granddaughter of Nathan Brazer,
Stephen S. Strattan, carriage manufacturer, Richmond,
Ind., was born in Richmond, April 14, 1831, the second son
of Ziniri and Elizabeth (Baker) Strattan. Zirari Strattan was
a native of New Jersey, and when a young man came West
to Ohio, and in 1825 to Wayne County, Ind., where he was
married in 1827 to Elizabeth, daughter of Hugh Baker,
formerly of Guilford County, N. C, who came to Wayne
County in 1826. His wife died at the age of twenty years,
leaving two sons, Stephen S. being an infant. He married
the second time, and to him were born five children.
He died at the age of sixty-six years. He was by trade a
shoemaker. Stephen S. Strattan, when sixteen years of age
began to learn the wagon-maker's trade, and served an ap-
prenticeship of three years. He then worked as a journey-
man till 1859, when he engaged in business for himself He
is now one of the leading manufacturers of Richmond, thor-
oughly understanding his business in all its details. He was
married Nov. 5, 1856, to Matilda, daughter of John Elderkin,
and a native of Connecticut, who catne with her parents to
Wayne County in 1839. To them have been born three
children, but two are living.
Aldison H. Study, County Surveyor, was born Sept, 25,
1850, in Green Township, Wayne Co., Ind., a son of
CITY OF RICHMOND. 239
John Study. He was reared to farm life, and received his
early education at the common schools. On reaching maturity
he took a course in mathematics and natural sciences at Earl-
ham College, devoting three years to his studies in connection
with surveying, which he yet follows. He was elected to his
present office in the fall of 1880 and re-elected in the fall of
1882. He was married to Alice, daughter of Nathan Doan, of
Richmond. They have had three children. Our subject's
grandfather, Henry Study, was born Feb. 16, 1Y80, of German
descent, in Pennsylvania, near the Maryland line, where he
learned the blacksmith's trade. In 1802 he moved to New
Windsor, Md., and was married Feb. 12, 1803, to Charlotte
Cook. From this union ten children were born, of whom
four survive — "William, born Aug. 27, 1808, a farmer of
Green Township; Henry, born Oct. 16, 1810, residing in
Green Township; Samuel, born Feb. 16, 1821, followed cabi-
net-making many years in Hagerstown, but now resides in
Toledo, Ohio, and Matilda, born April 15, 1823, widow of
James Stanley. Those deceased are — Daniel, born Feb. 14,
1804; Joseph, born Oct. 30, 1806; Martin, born Sept. 3, 1812,
followed cabinet making till his death, which occurred about
1874; Isaac, born Sept. 13,1814, and died July 18, 1847, and
bis widow, Catherine (Greene) Study, is now Mrs. Laselle, of
Williamsburg; Eliza, born April 1, 1818, and John, father
of our subject. He was born Nov. 1,5, 1825, and followed
farming through life on the farm where he was born. He
was married to Nancy E., daughter of Elihu E. Smith, by
whom he had three children — Aldison H. ; A. Emma, wife of
George E. Clark, of Economy, and Arva C. Mr. Study died Oct.
27, 1880. In 1819 he removed with his family to Wayne County
and was one of the first blacksmiths of Green Township. He
followed farming and blacksmithing through life, and died
Aug. 6, 1862, his wife dying one year later. He was a
leading Methodist, and with other pioneers was instrumen-
tal in establishing Methodism in Wayne County,
Job Worth Swain was born in Guilford County, N. C,
Oct. 22, 1795, a sou of Thomas Swain, who was president of
the first Board of Trustees elected for Richmond. He came to
Indiana in 1816. Sept. 3, 1823, he was married to Nancy
240 HISTOR"i' OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Thorp, with whom he lived till his death. He had a birth-
ri(>-lit in the Society of Friends and was discussed by the sect
for marryinoj outside the church and for not being willing to
say he was sorry. Previous to 1830 he was for some time
engaged in the watch and clock business, and there are still in
use in Richmond brass clocks which he made and which are
good tiine-pieces. Later he carried on a machine shop in the
building which has since been the residence of Major Finley.
He subsequently built and occupied as a machine-shop the
one-story brick dwelling house on South Pearl street, next
James Elder's. He operated the first machinist's slide lathe
ever brought to Richmond. He was at that time associated
with James Gaar in the manufacture of castings and other
machines. About 1835 Mr. Swain, Jonas Gaar, Achilles
Williams and others engaged in a general foundry and ma-
chine business on Linden Hill, part of which is now in the
city limits. Through the dishonesty and mismanagement of
the principal agent, Mr. Swain, with others, was reduced to
bankruptcy. Being a man of indomitable will and persever-
ance he was soon carrying on a machine shop for himself in
the old cotton factory building that stood on the hill j ust west of
the Gaar, Scott & Co's works. He afterward manufactured
shoe pegs and lasts. About 1840 he formed a partnership
with Cornelius Yanzant and carried on business on Middle
Fork, to which place he moved his family March 6, 1841.
The business was quite profitable for the times, but money
was very scarce and a man that had $10 in cash was a
curiosity. As an example we cite the following: Patrick
Justice, of Muncie, owed Mr. Swain a small bill for shoe-
pegs. He came to Richmond and told D. P. Wiggins & Co.
that he wanted to pay the bill. Wiggins sent the word to
Peter McFarlin (Mr. Swain's brother-in-law) who sent his boj
post haste to tell Uncle Job. Mr. Swain dropped his apron,
put on his coat and started on foot to town. Before reaching
there several parties informed him that a man wanted to pay
him some money. Mr. Vanzant withdrew from the firm and
Mr. Swain continued the business till his death, July 29,
1846. The demand for his manufactures was at that time
greater than his ability to supply, and he was in a fair way
CITY OF RICHMOND. 241
to retrieve his fortune. He was a man ot fine mechanical
ability, more than ordinary reasoning powers, coupled with
unswerving integrity, and a patience under affliction that
likened him to the Job of old. He held to no religious creed
but had little respect for any who did not hold to the father-
hood of God and the brotherhood of man.
R. W. Talhelm, of the firm Wm. H. Middleton & Co., was
born in Hagerstown, Md,, May 1, 1838, a son of Joseph, Jr.,
and grandson of Joseph Talhelm, Sr. His grandfather was a
native of Germany, and came to America when a young man,
locating in Pennsylvania, where Joseph, Jr., was born. The
latter was by trade an architect and builder, and lived in dif-
ferent States, lastly in Indiana, where he died in 1859. H.
W. was the eldest of the family. He learned the trade of his
father, working at it several years. He has been a resident of
Richmond since 1857. Aug. T, 1862, be enlisted in Company
B, Fifth Indiana Cavalry, and served till June 15, 1865, par-
ticipating in the battles of Atlanta, siege of Knoxville, and
many others. He returned home at the expiration of his
term of service uninjured. In 1879 he became associated
with Wm. H. Middleton. He was married Oct. 16, 1866, to
Sarah Brunton, who died June 25, 1875. Mr. Talhelm is a
member of the I. O. O. F. fraternity, and is Treasurer of
Whitewater Lodge, No. 41. He has taken all the degrees of
the lodge and encampment.
James Eli Taylor. M. D.^ was born in Sewellsville, Ohio,
April 5, 1843, a son of Barnett and Letitia (McPherson) Tay-
lor, natives ot Belmont County, Ohio, his father of Welsh
and his mother of Scotch descent. His mother's grandfather
was a native of Scotland and a representative minister of the
Methodist church in Eastern Ohio, in the early part of the
present century. Her father, James McPherson, contracted
disease while a soldier in the war of 1812 that caused his
death. Dr. Taylor's father was the eldest son of Eli Tay-
lor, and was born in 1818, in Belmont County, Ohio, where
he still resides. He has been a Justice of the Peace twenty-
one years, and has never had a decision overruled by a higher
court. He is a leading member of the Methodist church
and has been a Steward and Class-leader many years. Our
242 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
subject received a Hi^h-School education and had entered
college when the war broke out, Oct. 15, 1861, he left col-
lege and enlisted in the Fifth Ohio Cavalry as a private, but
for meritorious service was promoted to Orderly Sergeant, First
Lieutenant, Captain, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, and
Assistant Adjutant-General on the staff of General Thomas
T. Heath. He served over four years. The first important
service performed by his regiment was tearing up the track
of the Mobile & Ohio Railroad. He was subsequently in the
engagement of Shiloh, Corinth, Hernando, Grant's campaign
in Mississippi, Cherokee Station, Resaca, Dallas, Allatoona
Mountain, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Lovejoy Station, Bear Creek,
Macon, Buck Head Creek, Savannah, Altamaha River, Black-
well, Aiken, Monroe Cross-Roads, Averjsboro, Bentonville,
Raleigh, and in many skirmishes. He was mustered out at
Charlotte, N. C, Oct. 30, 1865. The following December
he entered the Iron City Commercial College in Pittsburg,
remaining there till May, 1866. He then commenced the
study of medicine and soon after engaged in the drug business
in Bay City, Mich., still continuing his studies. In 1869 he
attended a course of lectures at the Miami Medical College,
and in 1871 graduated from the College of Medicine and Sur-
gery, Cincinnati. He then removed to Richmond where he
has built up a good practice. He is a diligent student of his
profession and is a very skillful physician. He is very sym-
pathetic and benevolent, and none are so poor that they may
not receive medical treatment from him. Dr. Taylor is a
Master, Royal Arch and Knight Templar Mason. From 1873
till 1875 he was Captain-General of the Richmond Command-
ery, and in 1876 was elected Eminent Commander. In poli-
tics he is a Republican, and in 1869 took an active part in
the Republican Convention of the Sixth Congressional Dis-
trict of Michigan. While a member of the Council of Ports-
mouth, now incorporated with Bay City, he was instrumental
in saving the township $70,000. He was married Nov. 8,
1871, to Sarah H. Snell, of Fort Plain, N. Y.
Isaac Cooper Teague, M. D., Richmond, Ind., was born
in Dayton, Ohio, in 1826, a son of Samuel and Prudence
(Cooper) Teague. His great-grandfather was , killed in the
CITY OF RICHMOND. 243
Eevolutionary war. His grandfather, Samuel Teague, Sr.,
was a native of South Carolina, and one of the first settlers
of Miami County, Ohio, going there when Samuel, Jr., was
a child. His mother was a native of Georgia, a daughter of
Isaac Cooper, also an early settler of Ohio. His parents sub-
sequently removed to "Wabash, Ind., where his father died in
1875, and where his mother still lives. Isaac Cooper is the
eldest of their seven children, six sons and one daughter. He
was reared on a farm, but was given an academical education.
After reaching his majority he began reading medicine with
Dr. H. H. Gillen, of Wabash, Ind., and afterward took a course
at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pa., graduating
in 1857. He then began the practice of his profession with
Drs. H. H. Gillen and Hollo way, two of the leading physi-
cians of Indiana. In 1870 he came to Richmond, and now
has a practice unsurpassed by any physician in the county.
He is versed in the Allopathic, Eclectic and Homeopathic
schools and is now independent of an}' school, practicing as
his judgment dictates. He is a man who thinks and acts for
himself, believing in advancement in all creeds and doctrines.
He was married Jan. 13, 1853, to Joanna Miles, of Miami
County, Ohio. They have five children — Martha, now Mrs.
Frank Fletcher; Laura, now the wife of Dr. Harry C. How-
ells, of Chicago, 111.; Edwin D., a student in the college at
Fort Wayne, Ind. ; Myrtle and Pearl.
Enos Thomas^ son of Ellis and Phosbe (Van Matre)
Thomas, was born in Tyler County, Va., Jan. 9, 1812. His
parents were natives of Pennsylvania, but of Welsh descent.
His father was early left an orphan, and was reared in a Ger-
man family. He was married in Washington County, Pa.,
in 1788, and in 1798 removed to Tyler County, Va. In 1830
he removed to Wayne County, Ind., three of the older chil-
dren having preceded him. He died in 1832, leaving a family
of thirteen children — Saul, Rachel, Jonathan, David, N"ancy,
Martha, Evan, Ellis, Mary, William, Van Matre, Enos and
Andrew J. The mother died in 1853. In religious faith
they were Methodists. Five of the family are now living,
the subject of our sketch being the only one in Wayne County.
He was educated in Virginia, and followed the vocation of a
244 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
farmer till 1867. Since then he has resided in Richmond.
Politically he is a Republican. He has served as Justice of
the Peace thirty-five years, and Notary Public a number of
years. He has represented the North Western Life Insur-
ance Company, of Milwaukee, Wis., in Richmond twelve
years. He was married in 1838, to Lydia R. Frame, a native
of Chester County, Pa., born Dec. 18, 1812, and a daughter
of James Frame, who came to Wayne County in 1881, and
located in Wayne Township.
W. L. Thomas was born in Newark, Del., in 1838, the sixth
of ten children of John H. and Snsan (Lindsey) Thomas,
both natives of Newark, of Welsh descent. In 1839
his parents moved to Richmond, Ind., where his father
died Jan. 1, 1884, and his mother still lives. He received a
common-school education, and when sixteen years of age be-
gan learning the blacksmith's trade of his father. In August,
1862, he enlisted in Company A, Sixty-ninth Indiana In-
fantry, and participated in the battles of Champion Hill,
Yicksburg, Richmond, Ky., Port Gibson, Arkansas Post,
Mobile, and Chickasaw Bluffs. He was discharged at Mo-
bile, Ala., July 6, 1865, and returned to Richmond and re-
sumed his trade. In 1856 he became a member of the
Volunteer Fire Department and filled all the ofiices, including
President, when in 1872 the company disbanded. He then
entered the present paid department. In 1881 he was ap-
pointed Assistant Chief, and Jan. 8, 1884, was appointed
Chief of the department. He joined the Odd Fellows frater-
nity in 1866, and has taken all the degrees of the order, and
has represented his lodge in the Grand Lodge and Grand En-
campment of the State. He is also a member of the Red Men,
and of Sol. Meredith Post, No. 55, G. A. R. In 1884 he joined
the Knights of Pythias, and has taken all the degrees of the
order. Sept. 16, 1867, Mr. Thomas was married to Francis
C. Dennis.
E. G. Vaughan. — 'This family is of Welsh descent, but
the date of their coming to America is not known. John
Yaughan was a practicing physician of A¥ilmington, Del.
He was born June 15, 1775. His wife, Eliza Lewis, was
born Sept. 28, 1778. They had a family of five children—
CITY OF RICHMOND. 245
Lewis C, born June 10, 1798; JohnD., Sept. 16, 1800; Joshua
F., Kov. 22, 1802; Edmund B., April 1,1805; and Anna
Eliza, Jan. 29, 1807. John D. was the only one who became
a resident of Wayne County. He was reared in Delaware,
receiving a good education. He chose the profession of the
law as his life work, and became a prominent attorney of the
county. He was married Nov. 3, 1820, to Lydia Z. Gilpin,
born Feb. 15, 1802, of English descent. They came to
Kichmond, Ind,, in 1826, where they lived till 1834, when
cholera claimed Mr. Yaughan as its victim. In 1854 Mrs.
Yaughan married Henry Hoover, who died July 23, 1868.
She is still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Yaughan were born
seven children — Lydia, Edward G-., Eliza (wife of S. R. LIp-
pincott), John D., Anna E., Emma M. and Andrew F. Our
subject, Edward. G., was born in Wilmington, Del., May 4,
1824. He lived in Richmond from 1826 till 1834, and then
returned to Delaware, and remained in Wilmington and
Philadelphia, Pa., eight years. He then returned to Rich-
mond, and soon after was employed, as clerk for Mark E. Reeves,
of Hagerstown, and in 1849 purchased Mr. Reeves's interest.
Two years later he abandoned business and returned to Rich-
mond, and in 1852, became associated with his brother A. F.
in business in Stockton, Cal. In 1854 he was elected City
Treasurer. A year later the election resulted in a tie vote,
and as an extra election was deferred Mr. Yaughan held the
office from 1854 till 1856. He was in the State Comptroller's
office, at Sacramento, in 1856 and 1857. In tke spring of
1858 he returned to Richmond, his brother having preceded
him in 1857. They were associated together in the hard-
ware and lumber business, also owning a foundry, till Dec. 4,
1879, when A. F. died and E. G. transferred the business to
his sons. Mr. Yanghan was married Nov. , 17, 1858, to
Phoebe H. Crawford, of Oxford, Ohio. They have had five
children — Frank C, Edward G., Jr., John D. (deceased), Wal-
ter S. and Mary.
C. F. Walters was born in 1840, in Kentucky, a son of F.
Walters, who was a contractor and millwright in Kentucky
and Tennessee. At the age of fourteen years our subject
commenced to work with his father, witli whom he continued
246 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
till the breaking out of the late war, in which he served three
years and eight months. He then engaged in contracting
and building, headquarters in Covington, Ky., till 1870,
when he came to Richmond and was engaged with the mill-
turnishing works, of Nordyke, Marmon & Co., until 1876.
In that year he helped to organize the Richmond City Mill
Works, of which he was made a director and manager, in
which position he still continues. His mechanical skill to-
gether with his natural genius has resulted in the invention
of several important pieces of mechanism, Mr. Walters has
been identified with the Knights of Pythias since 1871. He
was married in 1866 to Adella Lucas, of Pulaski, Tenn. They
are the parents of five children,
William Percival Waring^ physician and surgeon, was
born April 18, 1827, in Fayette County, Ind., a son of Joshua
and Margaret (Haughton) Waring. He was reared on the
farm, and his father dying when he was fourteen years of age,
his labors were so increased that his school advantages were
limited. At the age of seventeen years he entered the Beech-
grove Academy, chopping wood for his board. In two terms
he fitted himself to teach school, an occupation he followed
three years. He then began the study of medicine, under
Dr. John T. Plummer, of Richmond, and soon entered the
Ohio Medical College, graduating in 1852, when he received
the degree of M. D, He then practiced his profession in
Richmond, two years in partnership with Dr, John T. Plum-
mer, after which he practiced seven years in Thorntown,
Boone County, It)d. He returned to Richmond in 1861,
where he has since practiced medicine. July 3, 1852, he
was married to Semira Hiatt, of Milton, by whom he has
had three children. The Doctor has been a member of the
Odd Fellows fraternity since 1866. He belonged to the Wayne
County Medical Society during its entire existence, a period
of about twelve years, serving most of the time as its Secre-
tary. In 1862 he joined the State Medical Society. He is
by birthright a member of the Society of Friends,
Joseph Wasso)i^ a native of Wales, immigrated, soon after
his marriage, to America, and settled in Pennsylvania. Sub-
sequently removed to North Carolina, where a family of
CITr OF KICHMOND. 247
seven sons and two daughters was reared. He was a soldier
in the war of the Kevolution in the division commanded by
General Greene. He was one of a party detailed to look
after the Tories in that part of the country, and in a skirmish
with them was shot by one of his Tory neighbors from behind
a tree, and was thereby disabled for life. The ball remained
in his loins forty years, when it was removed by his wife with
a knitting-needle. Early in the present century he removed to
Kentucky, and a few years later to Wayne County, Tnd.,and
settled in the eastern part of the county, near the Ohio State
line. All his children married an I located in that vicinitv.
Joseph Wasson and Peter Fleming were the iirst white men
to explore the eastern part of Wayne County, and entered
several hundred acres in the land-office at Cincinnati. He
died in the county at the age of eighty-live years. John
Macamy Wasson, a grandson of Joseph, is a native of Wayne
County. In a late history of the county he contributed to its
pioneer chapter, and subsequently published "Annals of
Richmond and Yicinity." In 1875 he published the " Cen-
tennial Monthly," and from 1876 to 1880 the Olive Bmnoh, a
peace paper. In 1884 he published and edited " Travels and
Scenes in Foreign Lands," by the late Alexander Smythe, a
work of much merit and interest. To the press of his county
he is often a contributor, and also for journals other than local
his pen is employed in advocacy of radical reforms.
O. H. TFe/eZ, pump dealer, plumber, and gas-fitter, was born
in 1829, in Hanover, Germany, a son of John W. and Anna
Wefel, the former deceased, and the latter living at the age
of ninety years. He was reared to farm life, and received a
common-school education. He came to America in 1852,
locating where he still resides. He first made the old log
pumps in and around Richmond, and in 1861 commenced
handling the patent pumps, and is now doing a first-class
business. Since 1882 he has devoted some time to plumbing,
gas-fitting, etc. He was married to Anna G. Nieman, a
native of Hanover, Germany. Mr. Wefel is a member of
Webb Lodge, No. 24, A. F. & A. M., and also belongs to
the I. O. O. F. fraternity.
JRev. H. Wickemeyer ^ pastor of St. John's Lutheran
Church, Richmond, Ind., was born in Hanover, Germany,
248 HISTORY OF WAYNE COTJNTY.
March 15, 1843, the only child ofGrodfried and Clara Wicke-
meyer. He was edncated for the ministry of the Lutheran
chnrch, in Herniannsburg, Hanover, Germany. In 1872 he
was called to the United States, by the Joint Synod of Ohio,
and examined at Columbus by the faculty of the Capital
University. He was ordained at Eaton, Ohio, in October,
1872, by Revs. G. Baughman, G. Groth and R. Herbst. He
served the congregation at Eaton till March, 1873, when he
was called to St. Paul's Church, Richmond, Ind., and in 1876
accepted a call to his present charge. His church is in a
prosperous condition, he having since 1876 confirmed 186
applicants and received forty-six grown persons into the
church, making a total addition of 232 members during his
pastorate.
John M. Westcott^ President Hoosier Drill Works, Rich-
mond, Ind., was born in Union County, Ind., in 1834, a son of
Henry and Sarah (Dyche) Westcott, his father a native of New
Jersey, of English descent, and his mother a native of Ken-
tucky, of German descent. His parents were married in Warren
County, Ohio, and in 1832 moved to Union County, Ind.,
where his mother died in January, 1883, aged eighty years,
and where his father still resides. They had a family of four
children — Ruth E., George H.. John M., and Jennie M. The
early part of our subject's business life was devoted to the
dry-goods trade, and later to the grain and feed trade.
In 1862 he removed to Richmond, and continued the
latter branch of business till 1872, when he bought an
interest in the Hoosier Drill Works, then located at Milton,
Ind. For four years he turned his attention closely to the
business, and in 1876 got a controlling interest by baying out
Isaac Kinsey, paying him $80,750 for $9,000 worth of the
original stock. About the same time Omar HoUings-
worth purchased an interest in the business. In the spring
of 1878 the company bought the ground on which the present
works are located, and erected the buildings the following
summer. In 1881 Mr. Westcott purchased the interest of
Mark Reeves, paying him $90,000 for $16,000 worth of the
original stock. Previous to this, J. A. Carr and F. A, Wilke
had purchased interests in the business, and since 1881 the
CITY OF RICHMOND.J 249
entire business has been owned by Mr. Westcott and bis
three sons-in-law. In 1880 he purchased the property lying
between Main and South A and Fourteenth and Sixteenth
streets, at a cost of $27,000. It was already laid out with
walks and drives, being designed originally as the site of an
institution of learning. Mr. Westcott immediately began
having it improved, and the second year erected a substantial
and modern brick residence, and since then three additional
residences have been added, one for each of the sons-in-law.
In the spring of 1883 Mr, "Westcott purchased forty-four feet
on Main, between Seventh and Eighth streets, and erected a
four-story brick business block with stone front. It is finished
in modern style, heated with steam, and having all necessary
conveniences. Mr. Westcott has been a member of White-
water Lodge, No. 41, I. O. O. F,, a number of years. He
has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church since
1849, and is a liberal contributor to all causes that tend
to elevate society and benefit mankind. While he is a
man of liberality to public and private improvements,
he never forgets the needs of the men in his employ,
never allowing them to sufi'er when they need his aid,
from sickness or other causes. He was married in 1855
to Carrie Mitchell, a native of Warren County, Ohio, but
a resident of Wayne County. They have a family of seven
children — Alice C, wife of Omar Hollings worth; Lucilla B.,
wife of J. A. Carr; Jennie M., wife of F. A. Wilke; Charles
G., Burton, Harry and Maude.
Daniel P. Wiggins. The ancestors of the Wiggins fam-
ily were of English nativity, three brothers, Brewster, David
and Daniel, coming to this country about the middle of the
eighteenth century. They settled on Long Island, where
Daniel gained considerable prominence as a physician. His
eldest son, Daniel, was also a physician, and practiced in
Suffolk County, L. I. Daniel, son of the latter, was born in
Suffolk County, and was by trade a tanner. He married
Sally Piatt, also a native of Long Island. To them were
born seven children — Daniel P., our subject; Phcebe, married
Andress Titus; Walter, learned the shoemaker's trade and
settled in 'New York City ; Abel, a farmer, resided on Long
17
250 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Island; Hannali, widow of William Yarrington, still resides
on the island; Elizabeth, married Edward Petty, and subse-
quently removed to Richmond, Ind., where she died ; Will-
iam, a shoemaker of New York City, became wealthy and
died in 1881, leaving one child. Daniel P., the eldest of the
family, was born Nov. 23, 1794. When quite young he was
apprenticed to Elias Hicks, of Queen's County, to learn the
tanner's trade. After completing his trade, Jan. 3, 1814, he
was married to Phoebe, daughter of John and Mary (Smith)
Dodge, a native of New York City, born Sept, 2, 1796. Soon
after his marriage he enlisted in the war of 1812, and served
till its close. He then settled in Queen's County, L. I., and
worked at his trade in the yard of Elias Hicks, who allowed
him to dress hides on shares. He subsequently had his share
manufactured into shoes, and in 1818 loaded them into a two-
horse wagon and started for the West. After a long and
tiresome journey he reached Richmond, Ind., where he ex-
changed his goods with Edward Frost, for a farm near Wash-
ington, Clay Township. He afterward sold his wagon and
one horse, and with the other returned to the East. He re-
mained there working at his trade till 1823, when he moved
his family to Indiana and located at Richmond. Several
years prior to this Robert Morrisson had erected a tannery in
Richmond, and here Mr. Wiggins was employed as a journey-
man ten years, and then succeeded Mr. Morrisson in the busi-
ness, and conducted it till he was succeeded by S. R., C. O.
and J. D. Wiggins. In his business transactions he was
prompt and reliable, and was equally exact with others. In
1844 he became a member of the Society of Hicksite Friends,
and ever after was a strict adherent to their doctrines. Polit-
ically he was first a Whig and afterward a Republican, and
was sevei-al times elected County Commissioner, in which
office he displayed his public spirit by favoring all movements
that tended to aid in any degree his county. He retired from
business in 1851, and enjoyed the quiet of private life till the
fall of 1875, when he died, leaving his widow, who still sur-
vives him, aged eighty-eight years. They had a family of
eleven children, all of whom were residents of Wayne
CITY OF RICHMOND. 251
County — William was born Oct. 2, 1814. He worked at the
tanner's trade many years in Richmond, and died here March
29, 1855. He married Emma Pyle, who died in Indianapo-
lis. Henry was born Oct. 16, 1816, and died April 4, 1842.
He was a tanner and harness-maker by trade. He married
Lavinia Pyle, now of Indianapolis. Andress S. was born
Aug. 15, 1818. He learned the molder's trade, and from 1844
till 1858 carried on a manufacturing business at Hagerstown.
Since 1858 he has been engaged in farming. In 1837 he mar-
ried Rebecca C, daughter of Ezra and Elizabeth Boswell, a
native of Richmond, born June 4, 1820. Of their eleven
children but six are living. Politically he is a Republican,
and has held the office of County Commissioner several
terms. Stephen R. was born April 12, 1820. He learned
his trade of his father, and worked for him till 1849, when
he, with his brothers C. O. and J. D., succeeded him in busi-
ness. He married Delitha Hunnicutt, and to them were born
six children, three of whom are living. Charles O. was born
May 23, 1822. He married Mary Thatcher, and to them have
been born four children, three of whom are living — Frank,
George and Ella. He is a member of the firm of Wiggins &
Co., harness and collar manufacturers. John D. was born in
Richmond, July 26, 1824. He worked at the tanner's trade
in Richmond till 1872, when the firm of brothers was dis-
solved, he retiring to private life. He married Ruth Shearon,
and to them were born two children — Elizabeth F., who mar-
ried Frank H. Glass, died March, 1872; Albert H., a railroad
engineer, married Carrie Snyder. She died July 29, 1879,
and he Nov. 19, 1882. Philemon F., born Sept. 16, 1826,
was by trade a blacksmith. He was twice married, his first
wife being Mary Burr, of Ohio, and his second Henrietta
McCollough. He was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion.
Mary E. was born Oct. 18, 1828, and married Geo. W. Barnes.
She died Oct. 28, 1862, leaving three children, one son now
living — Henry Barnes, of Indianapolis. Samuel B. was born
March 6, 1831, and died July 6, 1873. He was a farmer.
He married Virginia VanZant, who now resides in Logansport
with their only child, a daughter. Sarah A. was born Aug.
252 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
19, 1833, and died Feb. 23, 1861. She married General Will-
iam P. Benton. Daniel Piatt, Jr., was born Sept. 20, 1835,
and died Feb. 14, 1855.
James W. Wilson, Recorder of Wayne County, Ind., was
born in Centreville, Ind., Sept. 23, 1845. His father, C. T.
Wilson, was born in Winchester, Ky., July 18, 1816, and in
October, 1830, came to Wayne County, Ind., where he died,
Nov. 26, 1862. His mother, Amanda M. Wilson, was born
in Carroll County, Ya., Jan. 23, 1818, and in August, 1831,
came to Wayne County. She was married to Mr. Wilson in
Centreville. James W. Wilson's educational advantages
were limited to the public school at Centreville, commonly
called "Corn Cob College." May 15, 1865, he was ap-
pointed Deputy Recorder of Wayne County, and served
faithfully and efficiently till March 18, 1884, when he was
installed Recorder, a position he is admirably litted to fill, his
term of office being four years. Sept. 7, 1870, Mr. Wilson
was married in Centreville to Eliza J. Pngh. To them have
been born four children — Louisa, John P., Walter and
Edward.
Conrad Whikler is a native of Switzerland, born in 1818.
When sixteen years of age he began learning the dyer's trade
and followed it in his native country till 1848, when he came
to the United States and settled in Missouri, but two years
later went to the Eastern States, and in 1859 returned to
Switzerland, and in 1863 came again to America and located
in Richmond, Ind. In 1879 he erected a two-story brick
building 40 x 30 feet, and established his present dye works.
He has all the modern improvements, and is prepared to do
all kinds of steam dyeing and cleaning. Mr. Winkler was
reared in the German Reform church. He is unostentatious
and retiring in his manner, devoting his time exclusively to
his business. In 1853 he married Elizabeth Snyder. They
have had seven children, but three of whom are living —
Eliza, Anna and Charles.
Oli'oer Yates was born in Montgomery County, N. Y.,
May 31, 1833, a son of Oliver and Abigail (Ostrom) Yates,
his father a native of Montgomery County, N. Y., and his
CITY OF RICHMOND. 253
mother of the same state, of English descent. He received
a common-school education, and when eighteen years of age
began learning the carpenter's- trade. In 1854 he moved to
Yellow Springs, Ohio, and subsequently went to Sylvania and
Toledo, working at his trade. In 1860 he came to Eichmond
and worked as a journeyman till 1871. He then commenced
contracting, and has since built some of the finest dwellings
and public buildings in Richmond. In 1879 his son became
associated with him, the firm name being Yates & Son. Mr.
Yates has been a member of the City Council since 1881, and
takes an active interest in all that pertains to the interest of
the city. He has been a member of the Odd Fellows'
fraternity since 1861, and is now a Trustee of Woodard
Lodge, No. 212, and is a member of the Grand Lodge of
Indiana. He was married in 185-1 to Eva E. Vedder, a native
of Fultonville, IST. Y. They have two children — Stephen O.
and Lizzie L.
Stephen 0. Yates, architect, contractor and builder, was
born Aug. 20, 1854, in Toledo, Ohio, a son of Oliver and Eva
Eliza Yates, natives of New York, where they were married in
1853. Our subject learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner,
and in 1880 he commenced business with his father under the
firm name of O. Yates & Son, contractors and builders. He
was married March 16, 1880, at Richmond, Ind., to Louie
Cook. They have one child — Florence Edith. Politically,
Mr. Yates is a Republican.
Eev. John J. Young, pastor of St. Paul's Evangelical
Lutheran Church, Richmond, Ind., was born in Rhenish Ba-
varia, Germany, Sept. 13, 1846, a son of John M. and Eva C.
(Krucker) Young. His mother died in 1851, and in 1858 his
father came to the United States and located in Baltimore
County, Md. He and our subject's only brother now reside
in Baltimore. In 1862 John J. Young enlisted as a teamster
in the United States army. In June, 1863, he was captured
near Rockville, Md., but was paroled the next day. In the
spring of 1864 he was transferred to the New York Engi-
neer's Corps, and served till the close of the war. At the
time of his enlistment he had no English education, but he
254 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
took up the study of the language and at the time of his dis-
charge could talk, read and write quite fluently. After his
return home he learned the baker's trade, but still continued
his studies. In 1869 he entered the preparatory department
of the Gettysburg College, Pa., and graduated from the col-
legiate and theological departments in 1877. He at once en-
tered upon the discharge of ministerial duties in Garrett
County, Md., and remained there till October, 1882, when he
came to Richmond to his present charge. Mr. Young was
married in 1878 to Louisa E. Messersmith, a native of Balti-
more, Md., but of German parentage. They have two
daughters.
D. K. Zellei\ senior member of the firm Zeller & Co.,
cracker manufacturers, Richmond, Ind., was born in Butler
County, Ohio, a son of John and Susan (Kumler) Zeller, both
natives of Pennsylvania, of Swiss descent. He was reared on
a farm and received a common-school education. He enlisted
in the war of the Rebellion in the One Hundred and Sixty-
seventh Ohio Infantry, and was appointed Captain of Com-
pany K. In November, 1864, he came to Richmond and
became a partner in the firm W. H. Lanthum & Co., and in
1866 took charge of the bakery, where he has since had a large
and lucrative trade. Mr. Zeller has been identified with the
public interests of the city many years, and has served as
Commissioner and Councilman. He was married to Mary C.
Koerner, a native of Virginia but since infancy a resident of
Union County, Ind. They have three children — John G.,
Emma C. and Silas A. Their daughter has been a prominent
teacher of Richmond, but at present is in Europe. Mr. and
Mrs. Zeller are members of the Presbyterian church.
Christian Zimmer was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1818,
a son of Daniel and Elizabeth Zimmer. His father died in
his native country, and in 1829 or 1830 his mother, with her
two sons, came to the United States and located at Funks-
town, Md., where she died in 1838. Mr. Zimmer learned the
trade of a confectioner in Hagerstown,Md., working at it there
from his fourteenth to his twentieth year. He attended school
three years in Maryland. After coming to Richmond he
CITY OF RICHMOND. 255
manufactured candies and ran a wholesale notion and candy
wagon twenty years, supplying the merchants in the sur-
rounding towns. He also had a store one door east of George
Knollenburg's. He subsequently lived in Centreville three
years, but returned to Richmond to assume the duties of the
recorder's office, serving in that position four years, his terra
ending March 17, 1884. Mr. Ziramer was married in 1840 to
Ellen D. Hartley, of Hamilton, Butler Co., Ohio. They have
had four children — John H., a soldier in the late war, now
deceased; Mrs. Mary Gorman, Mrs. Jennie Oldham and Mrs.
Cora Winder. Mr. Zimmer has been a member of the Meth-
odist Episcopal church over forty years, and in his daily life
tries to always do as he would be done by.
CHAPTER YIT.
ABINGTON TOWNSHIP.
Organized from Washington and Wayne Townships. — Set-
tled LIKE Boston, in 1806. — Formed in February, 1837. —
Boundary and Area. — Its Assessed Valuation. — Popu-
lation since 1850. — The History of its First Settlement.
— Village of Abington. — Its Growth. — Business of
1874 AND 1884. — Churches and Societies.
This was originally a part of both Washington and Wayne
townships, and was among the first settled portions of the
county, while prospectors were in the county as early as
1805. It has been clearly ascertained that no permanent
settlement of the county occurred until the winter of 1805 -'6,
and the spring following. It has been stated that Abington
Township was settled in 1805, but this is a mistake, with the
exception of the fact that lands were selected in 1805, which
became permanently settled in 1806.
The township was not organized until February, 1837, and
its voting precinct was established at the village of Abing-
ton. The western part of the township and the central is
good level or slightly rolling agricultural lands. On the
east the East Branch of the Whitewater passes through it,
first south, then southeasterly and again south, crossing the
township line into Union County, one and three-fourths
miles from its eastern border. This section is hilly, but the
bottoms lands are rich, and the country around is settled by
well-to-do farmers, many of them the direct descendants of
the pioneer settlers of the township. The Elk Horn Branch
enters the township in the northeast corner and flows into
the Whitewater within a half a mile of its entry into the
township. There is one other small tributary on the east and
several on the west which empty into the Whitewater. On
256
ABINGTON TOWNSHIP. 257
the western side, in the southern part, Butler Creek, which
rises in the township, passes out, and a small tributary to
Poland's Fork rises near the northern central portion and
with two branches flows west, uniting as they pass into Wash-
ington Township. It has thus all the water necessary for
domestic and stock purposes, and the township is well
adapted tor stock-raising.
METES AND BOUNDS, ETC.
The township lies in the southern tier and is the central
one being seven miles to the western and six to the eastern
line of the county. It has twenty-two sections of land or an
area of 14,083 acres, of which 13,417.34 acres are found upon
the assessment roll, leaving eQ2M for water-way or unac-
counted for.
It is bounded on the north by Centre Township and a coi-
ner of Boston; on the east by Boston; on the south by Union
County and one mile of Fayette, and on the west by Wash-
ington Township. . , . i • Tor.
The valuation of the real estate of the township, Jan
1, 1883, was $383,680; of personal property, $157,235; total
valuation, $540,915.
The population in 1850 was 1,042; 1860, 924; 1870, 833
1880 837, giving a steady decline since the first mentioned
date'to 1870, and the gain since is far short of the natura
increase. There has been very little gain in the county ot
Wayne the past decade outside of its corporated towns.
EAKLY SETTLERS.
John Endsley, formerly from South Carolina, and in 1806
from Ohio, settled in what is now the east part of Abington on
John's Creek. With him, from Ohio, came his brother,
Abraham Endsley, who settled on the Whitewater, a mile
from the mouth of Elkhorn, and two miles from town John
Endsley traveled the distance between South Caro Una and
Wayne County seven times, five times on horseback, ihe
farm on which he settled and died was afterward owned and
occupied by his younger son, John, until his death in 1870.
258 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
James, the elder son, resides on the farm adjoining on the
west, being that on which Andrew Endsley had settled, who
was the father of Andrew, Jr., John, Sr., Abraham, Hugh,
Thomas, Samuel, and Peter Endsley.
In 1806 John Cox, from Kentuck}', purchased the land of
which the site of the present town of Abington is a part. He
died in March, 1811. His death is said to have been the first
in the township. The land was inherited by his son John,
whose sons were Joseph and John. Joseph and his father
laid out the town.
Charles Hunt, from Korth Carolina, settled in the southeast
part of the present township, in the year 1807. His sons
George, John, William, Smith, Charles, and Stephen G. pre-
ceded him the same year, Jonathan, James, and Timothy
came two or three years later. George was the first surveyor
in the county, and the first clerk of the County Courts. Tim-
othy settled about a mile east of town, where he and his wife
both died. The farm is owned by his sons Charles, Levi,
and Andrew. Smith settled in the northeast part of the
township, and died in 1855; Stephen G., near James Ends-
ley's; John Hunt, northeast of town; lands owned by his
sons, Levi and Charles Hunt, and Wilson Hunt.
Henry Fender, from North Carolina, after a sojourn of a
year or two eight miles south of Richmond, with six chil-
dren, settled in 1810 or '11, on the farm, half a mile north-
west of town, on the Centreville turnpike. His sons were
— Jonathan, who removed from the county; Gabriel, who set-
tled a half mile west of town and is dead; Jacob, who settled
and still lives a mile and a half from town, on the Centreville
turnpike; Littleton, who died near Kankakee, III., and whose
sons, John Milton and James H., reside in the township;
Henry L., on his father's homestead; and John H.
Gabriel Fender, brother of Henry, Sr., bought of David
Railsback the farm three-fourths of a mile northeast of town,
since owned by Nicholas Smith.
Thomas Moffitt settled three-fourths of a mile south of
town. By a change in county bounds his farm has been taken
into Union County. On it was one of the forts built during
ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, . 259
the war of 1812, as a means of protection against the Indians.
Another was built on the farm of Wm. Lewis, about a mile
from the former. David Eailsback settled near town in 1807,
and died Oct. 17, 1856. Nathan, son of David Railsback,
Sr. (not the first settler), settled on the land now owned by
his heirs, about two miles north of town.
Thomas Bradbury first settled four miles southeast of the
town, now Union County, afterward two miles north of town.
Jas. Lamb, from Scotland, settled, about 1818, near the mouth
of Elkhorn. He died in 1841, aged eighty-five. John Lamb
son of James, settled near his father. Wm. Jarrett settled
about two and a half miles northwest of Abington. George
and Levi Jarrett settled near their brother William ; and an-
other brother, Eli, where M. Rank now lives.
David Carson settled in the northeast part of the township.
His son David now occupies the homestead. He was son-
in-law of Richard Rue, one of the first three settlers in
Wayne County. John Plankenhorn bought of Wm. James
the land now owned by his son, John Plankenhorn. Henry
Long settled on section 17; Edmund Jones, Virginia., on sec-
tion 18, and John Hendricks early owned the land where
now Isam Stevens and John Madden reside.
John Wright settled near the north line of the township.
John Ellis, on land now owned by Wright's heirs. Spahr
entered early several sections in the northwest part of the
township. Michael Helms, from Virginia, bought lands in
the southwest part of the township, now principally owned
by his son, Isaiah Helms; and Daniel Clevenger, on land
now owned by George Rodenberger, in the south part of the
township.
The first blacksmith was John Hunt, who was also a gun-
smith. His widow was a daughter of Lazarus Whitehead.
The first carding machine — a rude instrument — was put up
by Richard Sedgwick and Smith Hunt, at the mouth of Elk-
horn. John Brower next (1824, or about that year) built a
carding and fnlling mill near the north part of Abington.
Hugh Endsley, grandson of the first mentioned settler, put
up the first grist-mill (corn cracker) on East Fork, a little be-
260 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
low the mouth of Elkhorn, in 1808. Henry Whitinger, a few
years after, built there a hewed log one, with two runs ot
stones, one for corn and one for wheat. It was afterward
bought by Julius C. Wood, who built a good frame flouring
mill, now owned by his son, Yalentine Wood. The second
grist-mill was built about the year 1826, nearly a mile from
the village, by Joseph Cox. He sold it to Kalf Shawmbourie,
who put up a better one, having a run of burr stones, and
sold it to Merriman Brumfield. The latter another on or near
the same site, with a saw-mill attached.
As in other places along the Whitewater, rattlesnakes
abounded here at an early day. About a mile above where
the town now is, a number of women who were, on a Sunday,
sauntering, for pastime, along the stream, are said to have
killed, with clubs and poles, upward of thirty rattlesnakes.
Bethlehem, one of the early villages of the county, exists
no longer. It was located on the southwest corner of section
24. In 1825 it had a population of about twenty, a store
and a blacksmith shop. It is now part of a farm.
VILLAGE OF ABINGTON.
Abington is a very pretty village on the west bank of the
East Fork of the Whitewater River. It is within less than
one mile of the south line of the county, some ten miles
southwest of Richmond, and is one of the oldest settled towns
in the county. The village of Abington was laid out on the
land of John and Joseph Cox, and platted Dec. 5, 1817. It
was surveyed by J. Lewiston, under their supervision, and
the record was made of the same soon after. The village was
incorporated in August, 1819. Ten years later, January,
1827, Abington had forty-two inhabitants, a fulling mill and
carding machine, a general store, two taverns, as they
were then called, and a blacksmith shop.
The first merchant in Abington was Moses Cox, son of John
Cox, Jr., about the year 1818. Some of his earlier successors,
though, perhaps, not in the order mentioned, were Samuel
Hall, Hafer & Glanten, Middlecough & Beeks, Bonebrake &
Manning. Later, the following were as early, at least, as at
ABINGTON TOWNSHIP. 261
the dates mentioned: Whitinger & Matchett, Thomas Ellis,
and Michael Dolon & Co., in 1839; William A. Beeks, Will-
iam Lipscomb, John Leach in 1840; Williams & Dunbar, in
1841; James Rnbey, Simpson Dye, in 1842; White & Hunt,
in 1843; David M. Dunbar, Whitinger & Dye, E. F. Donlan,
1845.
A saw-mill was built by Thomas Manning, at Abington,
who, some years after (about 1839) sold it to D. & J. Weaver,
who attached a carding machine and fulling-mill, and iu 1845
built a large woolen factory. This proving unprofitable, the
building was sold and turned into a wagon and carriage shop.
The same firm built a large flouring mill a short distance be-
low the old site, also a saw-mill in 1849, which are now owned
byJno. B. Craft & Co.
The first wagon-maker was John Gilbert; the next, Will-
iam Harp. The present ones are the four Green brothers,
Thomas, Thaddeus, Daniel and Charles.
The village grew fairly until the advent of turnpikes
and railroads, and in 1850 had a population of 206. From
that date the village has gradually declined in population and
has not gained in general business, but it is solid so far as its
business interests are concerned.
In 1870 the population had fallen to 161, and the business
interests were one dry-goods store, Haman Dobbs, proprie-
tor; one grocery store, Joshua Dye, proprietor; three black-
smiths, Thomas Stevens, Caswell Hollar, and Moses Mitchel.
Harness-makers, Samuel and Frank Lell. Carpenters, An-
drew Hunt, Ferdinand and Harrison Weber. Shoemaker,
Daniel Jennings.
There were two saw and grist mills, one Masonic lodge, one
L O. 0. F., and one encampment. The latter have a fine
hall, handsomely furnished. There are three churches, viz. :
United Brethren, Methodist Episcopal and Christian. There
have been few changes in the village the past decade, except a
slight falling ofi" in population, being in 1880 put down in
the census report at 148, and is probably fully that number
at this writing.
The first resident physician that practiced in the township
262 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
was W. J. Matchett, in 1828. He was succeeded by James
Rubv, who practiced some ten or twelve years, within which
period, he took into partnership a former student of his,
John M. Swallow, who is said to have had a very extensive
practice, and died in 1849 at the early age of thirty-three.
After him came Dr. John Cleveland, a successful practitioner,
later residing at Centreville. He was followed by Moses G.
Mitchell, of Ohio, now a Universalist preacher, John Q. A.
Robbins, and James E. Swallow, son of John M. Swallow,
above mentioned.
Postmasters have been: Ralph Shawmbourie, Daniel "Wea-
ver, Powell Slade and Bennett D. Bonebrake.
CHURCHES.
Methodist Episcopal Church. — The first religious society,
says "Young's History," was the Methodist Episcopal, organ-
ized at an early period of the settlement of the township.
Among its early members were Thomas Moffitt and his wife;
John Cox, his wife and son James; Peter Stevens, a preacher
and also the first school-teacher, near Moffitt's; Henry Long,
also a preacher, and his wife; Eli and Clark Penwell, and
David Railsback and their wives; Henr}' Fender, his son
Jacob, and John Fender, Sr. The first preaching was in
dwellings. Their first meeting-house was a log building on
the hill, near the site of their present brick house.
The United Brethren formed a society about the year
1818. Among their early members were Isaac Shelby, an
exhorter, Thomas Manning, William Dye, Daniel Cleven-
ger, with their wives, and George Bonebrake, a preacher.
The first regular preacher is believed to have been John
Ross. The society built a frame house about the year 1828;
the present brick house in 1854-'55. This was a well-built
house, and its interior was well and neatly finished. [It
has, since the above was written, been nearly or quite de-
stroyed by fire.]
BIOGKAPHIOAL.
H.'L. Fender was born on the farm where he now resides,
in 1827, a son of Henry Fender, a native of North Caro-
lina, who settled in Wayne County in 1811. He was reared
ABINGTON TOWNSHIP. 263
a farmer, receiving a limited education in the district schools.
He now owns eighty-five acres of well-improved land, ad-
joining the village of Abington. He at one time owned
265 acres of land, and is one of the most substantial busi-
ness men of the township. Politically he is a Eepublican.
He has served his township as Trustee four terms. He was
married in 1848 to C. J., daughter of William Jarrett, an old
settler of the county. They have had four children, but two
living — Milburn L. and Johu F. Martha A. died Oct. 26,
1865, aged eight years, and Mary E., Feb. 9, 1871, aged
eighteen years. Mr. and Mrs. Fender are both members ot
the Methodist Episcopal church, and take an active interest
in all matters pertaining to Christianity.
Jacob JFender was born in Korth Carolina in 1806, the
son of Henry and Elizabeth (Lang) Fender, natives of North
Carolina, his father born in 1787, and his mother in 1789.
In October, 1811, his parents came to Wayne County, Ind.,
and settled in the southern part of the county, in what is
now Union County. In 1814 they removed to what is now
Abington Township, and entered 100 acres of land and
built a log cabin. They were members of the Methodist
Episcopal church and zealous workers in the church. Their
house was used for worship before a church was built. They
had a family of eleven children — Jonathan, Gabriel, Susan-
nah, Jacob, Littleton, Sarah, John H., Lydia, Sophia, Mary
Ann, and Henry L. Our subject was the fourth child. He
was married in 1829 to Betsey Ann, daughter of Elijah
Holland, a native of Wayne County, Ind., born in 1811.
After his marriage he bought 120 acres of land in Abington
Township, where he still resides. He is of a generous and
obliging disposition and has assisted many in financial em-
barrassment, who have taken advantage of his generosity,
thus defrauding him ot large sums of money. Mr. and
Mrs. Fender have had one son — Laban L., who died in his
twenty-third year, leaving one child — Celia. She married
H. P. Jarrett, and still resides with her grandparents. They
have an adopted daughter — Ada Moore.
John H. Fender was born in Abington Township, Wayne
Co., Ind., Jan. 9, 1814, a son of Henry Fender, a pioneer of
264 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Wayne County. He was reared a farmer, and now owns
eio-hty acres of fine land, where he has lived since 1835. He
joined the Methodist Episcopal church Au^. 12, 1830, and in
1842 was licensed an exhorter. In 1873 he was licensed a local
preacher. His ministerial work has been mostly confined to
officiating at funerals and assisting in revival work, tin 1835
he married Nancy, daughter of Morgan McMahan, of Union
County. They have reared four children, three from in-
fancy — Lovana J. Stinson (deceased); Susie L. Sweet, now
Mrs. Andrew Kramer; James H. Fender, a nephew, mar-
ried Miss Theresa McMahan ; and Miss Meda G. Kramer.
Politically Mr. Fender is a Republican.
James Riwiden Meek W2LB born in Wayne County, Ind.,
in 1823, a son of Joseph and Gulielma (Smith) Meek. His
early life was spent on a farm. He obtained a good educa-
tion, and taught twenty-five years, mostly in Wayne County.
He was married in 1848 to Catherine E., daughter of Alex-
ander Adair, and settled in Abington Township, where he
has since resided. He owns a good farm of 180 acres, all
well improved. Politically he has always been a Republi-
can. He has been Township Assessor two years, and Con-
stable several years. Mr. and Mrs. Meek are members of
the Methodist Episcopal church. They have had eight chil-
dren — John W., Joseph, Marcus L., Alexander, James R.,
Jr., David C. E., Charles A., and an infant (deceased). Mr.
Meek's grandfather, John Meek, was a native of Henry
County, Ky., and settled in Wayne County, Ind., in 1807,
entering a quarter-section of land west of Richmond. He
afterward removed to Abington Township, and subsequently
to Owen County, Ind., where he died. He married Marga-
ret Irwin. They had nine children — William, Joseph, Sarah,
Mary, John, Jeptha, Jesse, born in Kentucky, and Eliza-
beth and Lorenzo, born in Wayne County. His wife died,
and subsequently he married Selena Stinson. They had five
children — Bazelle, James, Lorenda, Cynthia and Barlow.
His son, Joseph Meek, married Gulielma, daughter of John
Smith, in 1816, and settled in Wayne Township. He after-
ward removed to Randolph County, Ind., and eighteen
months later settled on the farm now o\\ ned by our subject.
ABINGTON TOWNSHIP. 265
To him and his wife were born eleven children, seven of
whom are living — John A,, James R., Nathan, Mrs. Marga-
ret Ruley, Allen W., Jesse, Mrs. Sarah E. Zigler. Samuel S.,
William, Mary J., and Alfred are deceased. Mr. Meek died
Aug. 22, 1883, aged eighty-nine years. Mrs. Meek is living
with her son, in the eighty-fourth year of her age. She is
probably the oldest member of the Methodist Episcopal
church of Wayne County.
J. M. Snyder was born in Union County, Ind., in 1821, a
son of Michael and Nancy (Summers) Snyder. His grand-
parents, Michael and Eve (Ely) Snyder, came to Indiana in
1807 and settled in Brownsville Township, Union Connty.
They had a family of nine children — Michael, Betsey, Moses,
David, Isaac, Simon, Applebury, Ethel and. Polly. Michael,
Jr., was fourteen years of age when his parents came to Indi-
ana. He married Nancy, daughter of Simon Summers. To
them were born four children — Eliza, Simon, John M, and
Sarah E. His wife died in 1825, and he subsequently mar-
ried Rachel (Summers) Dawson, a sister of his first wife.
They had eight children — Rhoda, Eva, Mary, Daniel, Mi-
chael, George, Andrew and Willie. Mr. Snyder died in 1877,
aged eighty-three years. Our subject, J. M. Snyder, was
reared on a farm and' has always followed that occupation.
In 1853 he came to Wayne County and rented land in
Abington Township four years. He then moved to Fayette
County, but two years later settled on the farm where he
now resides, buying at that time eighty acres. He now owns
120 acres of well-improved land. He married Mary Ann,
daughter of William H. Thomas. They have three children
— Mary M., Oliver T. and Mattie. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder
are members of the Christian church.
Spencer Stephens, deceased, was a native of Yirginia, but
when a young man '.went to North Carolina. He was
married there, and in 1814 came with his family to
Indiana and located in what is now Abington Town-
ship, Wayne County. They had a family of nine chil-
dren, five of whom are living — William, of Union County,
Ind.; Sampson; Humphrey, of Decatur County, Ind.; Eliza-
beth, wife of Joseph Wright, of Hancock County, Ind., and
18
266
HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Eobert. Susan, Anna, Spencer, and Isom, are deceased. Mr
Stephens died in 1839, aged seventy years. His wife died in
1852, aged eighty-one years. Their son, Sampson, was born
in North Carolina, March 22, 1806. He was married March
22, 1846, to Catherine, daughter of Jacob Plessinger, of
Ohio, and settled on the old homestead. He has a fine farm
of 270 acres, a part of which his lather entered from the
Government. Robert Stephens was born in what is now
Union County, Ind., May 16, 1816. He was married Jan.
1, 18-13, to Sarah, daughter of Jacob Plessinger, and has
since resided in Abington Township, where he owns a fine
farm of 115 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Stephens have had
seven children; four are living — Jacob E., William A.,
Harriet C, and Sarah E. Sophia A., Spencer S., and an in-
fant are deceased.
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CHAPTER YIII.
BOSTON TOWNSHIP.
Once k Portion of Wayne. — Its Early Settlement. — ]!^ot
Organized Until February, 1835. — Metes and Bounds. —
The South-East Township. — Population. — Its Grand Old
Pioneers. — Topography. — Timber and "Water. — Town
Officers. — Churches and Schools. — Boston. — Its Early
History. — Tillage not Incorporated. — Lodges and Post-
masters. — Biographical.
boundary and organization.
This township is one of the oldest settled townships in
the county, and was until February, 1835, a part of Wayne
Township. At that date it was organized into a separate
township, and named "Boston." It is four miles north and
south and six miles east and west, except that it has added to
it on the northwest corner half of section 24, making it on
one mile of its northern border six and one-half miles east
and west. It is bounded on the north by Wayne Township,
east by the Ohio State Line, south by Union County, and
west by Abington and a portion of Centre townships. It
lies in the extreme southeast corner of the county, and its
above area of twenty-four and one-half square miles
gives it 15,680, of which there is placed on the
assessment roll 15,575.66 acres, with an assessed
valuation in 1882 of $530,270. Its personal property
amounted to $187,305, making a total value of
$717,575. The polls of the township the same year num-
bered 147. Its population in 1850 was 959; in 1860, 887; in
1870, 894, and in 1880, 936. The principal stream in this
town?hip is the Elkhorn, which enters it about one
and one-half miles west of the Ohio line, and, running in
367
268 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
a southwesterly course, leaves the township one and
three-fourths miles south of the northwest corner,
about half a mile above the mouth of the stream. Some oi
the earlier settlements in the county were made within its
limits. With the exception of Holman, Rue, and a few
others in that neighborhood, and John Cox, the Endsleys,
and perhaps a few others in what is now called Abington,
there were probably no earlier settlers in Wayne County.
Thomas Bulla, Jacob Fonts and Jesse Davenport settled on
the Elkhorn, four or iive miles southeast of Richmond; Dav-
enport and one or two of the Foutses, lower down, within
the present township of Boston — all the same year in which
the Hoovers settled north of Richmond. The Hunts, the
next year, settled on and near the Elkhorn, several miles be-
low where Davenport settled. Mr, Davenport was a promi-
nent citizen, became Associate Judge. He was killed at the
barn-raising of Benjamin Koonts. A man by the name of
Williams was killed at the same time.
In the northwest part of the township Peter Weaver
settled in 1807, on a part of the section (19) in the north-
west corner of the township — the land now owned by Christo-
pher C. Beeler, of Richmond. John Collins, in 1807, settled
where Milton H. Beeson lives; James Lamb, a native of
Scotland, on land now owned by Catharine, widow of John
Lamb; James Lamb died in September, 1841, aged eighty-
five years; Abraham Gaar, from Kentucky, in April, 1807,
where his son Larkin now resides; Aaron Martin, in 1807
or 180S, on a quarter, a part of which is now owned by
Jeptha Turner; Jackson Rambo, an early settler, who died
in 1816, aged fifty-five years, and in 181:6, his widow, in her
eighty-seventh year; Wright Lancaster, from J^orth Carolina,
in 1808, also Christopher Roddy and Joshua Meek; Isaac Bee-
son, from the same State, in 1807; Robert Grimes, in 1808,
and Abraham Esteb, Jacob Keesling, Pa., Armstrong Grimes
and Wm. Parson all came in 1809. Adam Zeck, from Virginia,
settled in the northeast corner of the township in 1810, and
lived and died on the same farm. He was a blacksmith by
trade. DavidfSchaffer came the same year and settled in the
extreme northeast corner of the township. Simon Draper
BOSTON TOWNSHIP. 269
settled just south of Schaifer, the same year, both from Yir-
ginia. This section of the township and the Elkhorn Valley
were the first settled. Jas. Sulser came earl}', and his son,
Hiram, now occupies the old homestead. Lazarus White-
head, a British preacher, came on Dec. 25, 1805, the year
the county was first settled. He officiated at the first
funeral in the county, and also solemnized the first marriage.
The cemetery was on his land. He settled in Elkhorn Val-
ley. Wm. Burke came the latter part of the same yeai.
Isaac Beeson came in 1807, and settled up the stream f om
Whitehead. Wayne County was no exception to the general
rule, the settlers who first came choosing their location near
water, and the Elkhorn was settled from its head to its
mouth. Then, again, these valleys were the richest lands,
and the timber perhaps thicker, but no heavier, than farther
away.
In the north part of the township Fielding Gaar settled
on a part of section 21, lately occupied by R. Rue, now
owned by Justus Kroskopf. Wm. Williams settled in 181-1
where Isaac Bulla resides. He was a maker of spinning-
wheels, and removed to Richmond; was also a minister in the
Society of Friends. Asa Jeffers settled on land now owned
by Alonzo Osborn and Daniel W. Schafter. Adjoining this
section on the south, James, William and Robert Grimes
owned the land now owned by John T. Williams. Daniel
Hart, from Korth Carolina, settled, in 1814, on the land
now owned by Francis Hendricks. Henry Tinkle, John
HoUett and Thomas Taylor all settled in the northeast part
of the township.
In the southern and southeastern section of the town-
ship came Joshua Benton and Jeremiah Girton, both settling
on sections 36; and James Holman, John Jordon, 1810, Ab-
salom Rambo and Joseph Cravens all settled on section 35.
Thos. Hyatt, a Revolutionary soldier, settled also in this sec-
tion. Isaac Conly settled about one mile from where New
Boston now stands.
Wm. Holman settled on the southeast quarter of section
34, adjoining town. John Miller, one of the first settlers on
the southwest quarter, where his son, Wm. Miller, lives.
270 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Thomas Ward, early on section 33. Thomas Young, where
Peter Shidler now lives. John Brattan, from North Carolina.
Section 3, southwest of town, Samuel Beck, from North
Carolina, on the southeast quarter. James Fisher, northeast
quarter. Owen Seany, Sr., from North Carolina,'about 1809,
southwest quarter, where he resided until his death in 1831.
Section next west (4), Peter Mellender, one mile west from
*own. John Rife, on the land now owned bj his son, Jacob
Ri^e, a German Baptist (Dunkard) preacher. Isaac Esteb, on
the nv^rthwest corner of the section. Benj. Jarvis, very early
on the southwest quarter, at or near where Zachariah Osborn
lives. He died in 1862, aged eighty-two years.
Joel Moore settled on section 32, and not far off Samuel
Jobe, a Baptist preacher, located his home. This was in the
southwest portion of the township,
TOPOGRAPHY.
The southeast part of the township is nearly level, the
edge of a large table-land extending into Ohio. This was of
a swampy nature, originally, but since it has been drained, is
probably the best land in the township. On each side of the
Elkhorn for two miles it is hilly, where very fine building
stone is found, but there are no minerals. The mill at Elk-
horn Falls was erected in 1817 by Jesse Davenport. Afterward
a saw-mill was added, all ran by water-power. This mill was
rebuilt in the year 1859 by Addington & Brown and known
as the " Relief Mills." Another mill was erected in 1825 on
Short Creek, called the Short Creek Mills, which were kept in
operation up to 1873. Both of these mills had a linseed oil
attachment. It is stated that Chas. Hunt built a sort of tub-
mill as far back as 1807, near the west line of the township,
but, while the Hunts settled in the township the latter part
of that year, it is doubtful about a mill being built prior to the
winter or fall ofl808-'9.
A half mile north of New Boston Jas. L. Hains built a
steam saw-mill, and in 1866 Jno. J. Conly erected a sorghum
mill, with a capacity of 100 gallons of syrup per day. Among
the first physicians of the township were: Drs. Stevens, But-
BOSTON TOWNSHIP. 271
ler, Wheeler, Hiram Bull, David S. Evans and Wm. H.
Evans.
The iirst preacher was Lazarus Whitehead, Baptist.
The first church was a Baptist, orsjanized in 1807 by Rev.
Lazarus Whitehead. Members: Rev. Whitehead and wife,
Aaron Martin and wife, and Chas. Hunt and wife. The first
death, buried in the Whitehead cemetery, was the daughter
of John Bsard, in the summer of 180S, and the second Jane
Endsley, daughter of John Eodsley, three years — all the fall
of the same year.
The first marriage in the township and county was that of
Miss May Whitehead and John Hunt. The license was se-
cured at Lawrenceburg, the then county seat.
The first church was a Baptist. The next two were the
Methodist Episcopal and the Friends.
The first preaching was across the creek from Jas. Ends-
ley's, and the first baptism was in the creek near by, two be-
ing immersed — Mary Hunt and Jas. Martin. These were
also the first two to join the church after its original mem-
bers.
The first birth in the county was Jeptha Turner, son of
John Turner, the first Sheriff of Wayne County. There were
formerly three trustees, but this was changed early in the
sixties. Since then they have been as follows (Term, two
years): Jos. M. Bulla, two terms; Alfred Moore, two terms;
Clayton Brown, one term; John J. Conway, one term; George
H. Stephenson, three terms; Hiram Sulser, two terms; Jacob
S. Moore, one term; Edward Timberlake, two terms. Judge
Bailey Butter was Associate Judge for three years. Present
officers : Trustee, Edward Timberlake ; Assessor, Stephen Far-
low; Constable, E. R. Stover, and Justices of Peace, B. B.
Dillman and David Paulus.
The following names of justices of the peace appear in a
number of old dockets. The years in which their respective
records commence are also given. Isaac Esteb, 1819; James
P. Burgess, 1829; Abraham Cuppy, 1834; Joseph A. Simp-
son, Stephen McWhinney, 1835; Isaac MeJlender, 1839; Wm.
Druley, 1841; Alfred Moore, 1851; John H. Stearns, 1854;
James Esteb, 1856; Jacob F. Rinehart, 1869; Jacob F. Rine-
hart, James P. Burgess, 1872.
272 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
SCHOOLS.
There are seven school-houses in the township, numbered
from one to seven. During a wind storm in the summer of
1883 Nos. i and 5 were blown down. The schools are brick,
of good size and well furnished. The school history in first
volume will give a full report of the schools of the township.
CHURCHES.
There are six churches located within the township, viz.:
Universalist, Baptist, Methodist Episcopal, Christian, Friends
and Myer's Chapel (Methodist Episcopal).
friends. — Is located about two miles north of New Boston,
the society being formed about the year 1809. The first res-
ident minister was the Rev, Wm. Williams, from Tennessee.
The society numbers some 150 members and their church, a
frame building, was erected in 1875, Their first church was
built of logs which was used up to 1854, when a brick was
erected, which lasted until the frame one was occupied.
The Methodist Episco'pal Church was organized about 1810,
but the oldest inhabitant cannot recollect the exact date or its
original members. They worshiped in an old log cabin for
several years. In 1836 they erected their second church which
was used about one-third of a century. In 1869 a handsome
and substantial brick edifice was erected at a cost of $3,000,
the building committee being John Druley, Ira Starr and H.
H. Moore. The church has stood the test of time, and is still
moving in the path of progress. In the summer a Sunday-
school is kept during the season. The Rev. Geo, W. Bower
has held the pastorate since 1874. The church was unfortu-
nate in the loss of its records by fire a few years since. This
was a serious loss, as memory failed to bring to mind much
that was of value in the history of the church.
Myer's Chapel of the Methodist Ex>isGopal Church was or-
ganized in 1823, with Hugh Cull and wife, Mrs. McFadden,
Isaac Beeson,! James Sulser and wife, Jas. P, Burgess and
wife, and John Lamb and wife. The early preachers were
the Eevs, Whitten, Miller and Jamison. Service was held
at the house of Jas. P. Burgess for a number of years, in the
BOSTON TOWNSHIP. 273
open air in good weather, and in an old shop. In 1834 there
was a great revival under the inspiration and direction of the
Rev. — Dorsey, a young and eloquent preacher. The church
reached a membership of sixty, and in 1848 erected the brick
chapel, which is yet their place of worship, but has undergone
much improvement. The present membership is twenty-five
and the pastor the Rev. C. W. Tinsley. That noted and ec-
centric preacher so celebrated in early days, Lorenzo Dow,
preached several times in this .township. He generally
preached in the open air, a log or a stump answering for a
pulpit. In fact there were no buildings at that early day that
would hold the mass of people who came from miles around
to listen to homely, yet forcible, eloquence of the early
backwoods orator and preacher.
Baptist Church. — As before remarked, this church was or-
ganized in 1807 in the western, or rather northwestern, part
of the township, under the earnest work and zeal of Lazarus
Whitehead. A log church was erected on the south end of
the graveyard, which was on the farm of the minister, Mr.
"Whitehead. This was destroyed after a service of two years,
and another was built on the same site, also of logs, which
served them until 1842, when the present church was erected.
It is enclosed by a stone fence which was put up in 1832. The
membership now is between sixty and seventy, and the church
has always been fairly progressive and prosperous. It has
always maintained a pastor and had regular preaching.
The Universalist Church met with strong opposition
from the Puritan element in its early struggle for exist-
ence. The Methodist church refused them the use of
their churches, and by a spirit of opposition aroused they
were also debarred the use of the school-house, which, by the
law of the State, made them free to all denominations of
Christians. They did, however, meet in the school-house at
one time, and were promptly arrested or reported to the Grand
Jury as disturbers of the peace, by those of " I am better
than thou " sort of Christians. Such was some of the expe-
rience this church met with in their early days, though much
more could be written of their trials and the obloquy in which
they suffered. However, all religions thrive under persecu-
274 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
tion, and the softening hands of time, and a truer and better
faith came to their relief. They were not quite so bad as thej.
had been painted.
The names of the ministers who gave the church its first
impulse were the Revs. H. F. Miller, D. R. Biddlecome and
\V. S. Bacon, and the members of the church who stood by
it and encouraged the good work were J. M. Bulla, Smith
Dudley, Zachariah Osborn; and among the noble women were
Anna E. Danby, Tracy Osborn, Nancy Bulla, Melissa Grimes,
and Sarah Johnston. These were not all who espoused the
cause of the church, but it was all that came to the memory of
our informant. But others, both men and women, did their
part to advance the interests and the building up of their
church. With such leaders the church did not long want for a
prompt organization and a church edifice of their own.
At a meeting at Masonic Hall, in February, 1868, the
first move looking to an organization and the building of a
church was made, and $1,005 was subscribed then and there.
With this sum as a starting point, a committee was appointed
to superintend the building of a church edifice, and was
composed of the following named gentlemen: J. M. Bulla,
Z. Osborn and Samuel Moore. 'A Board of Trustees was
also elected, comprising Smith Druley, Wra. G. Searing and
J. M. Bulla.
Under the control of the above committee and trustees a
fine brick edifice was erected, at a cost of $4,100. The first
sermon was preached by the Rev. H. F. Miller, on Friday
preceding the second Sunday in May, and on May 9 this
church was dedicated to the service of the Most High, the
sermon being eloquently delivered by the Rev. W. S. Bacon,
assisted by the Rev. D. R. Biddlecome in the service. Thus,
afcer many trials, a haven of rest was found. Universalism
had a home of its own.
At the close of the service on Sunday, July 11, 1870, the
church organization was effected under the call of Rev. H. F.
Miller. Those who remained and became members were: Bros.
Smith Dudley, Zachariah Osborn, Dr. W. H. Evans, Rev.
Frank Evans, Rev. T. C. Druley, Samuel Oler, Jacob Flush and
J. M. Bulla ; Sisters Nancy Bulla, Anna E. Druley, Tracy
BOSTON TOWNSHIP. 275
Osborn, Susan B. Stanley, Nancy A. Evans, Melissa Grimes,
Mary C. Evans, Tabitha Oler and Sue B. Evans. A consti-
tution and by-laws were adopted, and the First Universalist
Chnrch of Boston became a permanent organization.
The officers were: Smith Drnley, Moderator; Dr. W. H.
Evans, Clerk; Susan B. Stanley, Treasurer, and Samuel Oler
and W. H. Evans, Deacons. The Trustees were Zachariah
Osborn and J. M. Bulla.
BOSTON.
This village is located on four sections, Nos. 2, 3, 34 and 35,
and is about one mile from the Union County line on the
south, and the Ohio State line on the east. It is a small
village, not yet incorporated, and not destined to be a place
of note. It has a line turnpike road to Kichmond, some seven
miles distant, and the principal business is transacted there.
" Young's History " gives the following:
The lirst merchant is supposed to have been a McMaster.
According to the recollection of early settlers, the following
succeeded McMaster, very nearly in the order named: James
Iliff, Baxter & Dunham, Jacob W. Fisher and Wm. Fonts,
Bull & Haines, Wm. and John Russey, Irvin. From 1839
to 1845 the following are on record as having paid for store
licenses: In 1839, Doughty &Widup, Joseph F. Chapman,
Isaac Craig, until 1835 (perhaps later). In 1844 Strattan &
Burbank, John Strattan. In 1844 and 1845, Harvey & McCul-
lough, Aaron Drnley. There have also been named, Samuel
and LeBoy McWhinney, Hiram Bulla & Joseph Druley, Smith
Druley & John Deal, John Druley, John Steele, Jacob F.
Rinehart, Robert Swishey & Frank Templeton, David Jenks,
Jacob F. Rinehart. The postoffice was established in April,
1837, and Wm. Rnssell, Jr., was the first Postmaster.
As far back as 1813 Isaac Conolly laid off a small portion
of his land into town lots. Kot many were sold. The Dru-
leys and Stanleys settled near there, and the old Methodist
Episcopal church, erected of logs, was there even before Mr.
Conolly laid off his embryo town. Some twenty years later
James Iliff, Stephen McWhinney, Wm. Druley and Samuel
Shinn became the proprietors of the land, and platted the
276 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
town in 1S32, the plat and survey being recorded Aug. 30,
1832. It also gave these two lodges:
Downey Lodge^ No. 233, of Free and Accepted Masons was
oro-anized under a charter granted May 25, 1858. Charter
Members: Nicholas Druley, W. M.; John H. Stearns, S. W. ;
Joseph M. Bulla, J. W.; Joseph Clengenpul, S. D.; Joseph
T. Druley, J. W. ; Louis Pigg, Tyler; J. M. Jones, Secretary.
E'mehart Lodge, 310, Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
was organized June 11, 1863. The charter was granted May
20, -1868, on application of Jacob F. Kinehart, Henry Haw-
kins,Enos Geary, Philip Schneider, and Charles Corns. First
officers : Jacob F. Rinehart, N. G. ; Oliver H. Toney, Y. G. ;
Samuel J. Johnson, Secretary; Henry C. Fonts, Per. Secre-
tary; Levi G. Druley, Treasurer.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Benjamin Brown, deceased, was born in Burlington
County, N. J., in May, 1798, a son of Clayton and Elizabeth
(Satterthvvaite) Brown, of Welsh descent. When twenty-
one years of age he, with his brother Samuel, left New- Jer-
sey, and settled in Preble County, Ohio, on land given them
by their father. He cleared the land and resided there till
1835, when he sold it, and bought 160 acres in Boston Town-
ship, Wayne Co., Ind., a part of which is the farm where
his son-in-law, Edward Timberlake, resides. It was only
partially cleared, but he improved it, and lived here till his
death. He was a conscientious, industrious man, and a good
manager. He was public-spirited, and interested in anything
that tended toward the upbuilding of the community. He
was twice married, the first time in Ohio, in 1827, to Mary
Ann Craig. They had four children, two of whom are liv-
ing — Clayton P., and Martha B. Timberlake. Isaac 0. and
Jacob died in childhood. Mrs. Brown died in July, 1838,
aged twenty-eight years. In the fall of 1840 Mr. Brown
married Naomi Taylor. They had one child — Hannah E.,
wife of Clarkson Davis. Mr. Brown died Oct. 14, 1879, and
his wife Oct. 14, 1881, both aged eighty-one years. Both
were life-long members of the Society of Orthodox Friends.
BOSTON TOWNSHIP. 277
J. M. Bulla, President of the Wayne County Historical
Society, wasborn Dec. 11, 1811, in Wayne County, Ind., and is
the second son of Thomas and Susannah (Mora) Bulla. He
had few school privileges, like all children of the early pio-
neers, but like a tree in barren soil, his mind instinctively found
and appropriated the nourishment desired. He had a fond-
ness for history, and after the day's labor his evenings were
spent in reading. He studied the common English branches,
and qualified himself to teach school, an occupation in which
he was very successful. Impelled by a desire, cherished from
boyhood, he, in 1832 and 1833, applied himself to the study
of medicine, but not wishing to practice the profession, he
turned his attention to agriculture, and became a successful
farmer and stock-raiser. In 1876 Mr. Bulla was elected
President of the Richmond Horticultural Society, and served
three years. The same year he was elected Vice-President
of the State Horticultural Society. He has acquainted him-
self with fruit-growing, both practically and scientifically.
In August, 1842, he was elected Commissioner of Wayne
County, and was re-elected in 1845, thus serving six years.
While serving as County Commissioner he purchased the
farm where the asylum stands, and lifted the first shovel of
dirt from the place where the first building was located. He in-
troduced a radical change in the manner of conducting the man-
agement of that institution, and the treatment of the inmates.
His humane disposition peculiarly fitted him for the over-
sight of the unfortunate class that had to be provided for by
public charity. In 1850 Mr. Bulla was chosen to represent
Wayne County in the Legislature, and served two terms ot
one year each. He served both terms on the Committee of
Elections, and other important committees, and was the
author of several bills that passed both Houses. He was an
earnest advocate of woman suffrage, and urged the right of
enfranchising women. He has always taken a decided in-
terest in the various temperance reforms, from the earliest to
the present prohibition movement. In 1844 he was the first
man in Boston Township to join the Washingtonian Society.
The same vear he became a member of the Sons of Tern-
278 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
perance, and filled all the offices in that order. He united
with the Masonic fraternity in 1853, and has taken the chap-
ter degrees. He has filled the principal chairs of the lodge.
He has for many years been a prominent member of the
Universalist church — was one of the first in his vicinity to
advocate the final triumph of good over evil. In politics he
was formerly a Whig, and became a Republican on the or-
<yanization of that ])arty. When the war of the Rebellion, with
its efforts to destroy the best Government in the world, broke
out he gave freely of his means to crush out treason, and was
for some time engaged in the service of the Government.
In years gone by Mr. Bulla was actively engaged in politics,
and even now takes a deep interest in the political affairs of
the country. He is well informed on the topics of the day,
public-spirited, upright, honest and industrious. Those who
know him best respect and admire him the most. In the
Legislature he exerted a marked influence, and his efforts be-
fore the Horticultural Society have proved him possessed of
literary ability. Some of his letters are worthy of special
notice — among them an essay on "Agriculture and its In-
fluence," delivered in February, 1876, and published in the
agricultural papers in this State and Ohio; a paper on "What
Destroyed the Pre-historic American?" a very able pro-
duction upon which he spent much thought and research; his
last annual address before the society, which was of scientific
character, and was published with the proceedings of the
State Horticultural Society. April 17, 1834, Mr. Bulla was
married to Nancy Wilson, of Franklin County, by whom he
has eleven children, all married and settled near him except
one, who lives in Indianapolis. Several of them have been
successful teachers. He has gained a competency by wise
management and steady application to one pursuit. With-
out the aid of school or college he has acquired a large fund
of knowledge, qualifying him to discharge the duties of va-
rious offices with ability. Possessing a mind that would have
enabled him to succeed in any of the professions, he has given
his thought and care to that part of the world's work that
creates the material wealth of the country, and belongs to
BOSTON TOWNSHIP. 279
that eminently useful and much-to-be-respected class, the
farmer.
J, P. Burgess was born in Augusta County, Ya., Sept. 27,
1801, a son of John and Jane (Irvin) Burgess, natives of
Virginia, who removed to Springfield, Ohio, in 1815, where
they died, the former in 1816 and the latter in 1830. In 1818,
when seventeen years of age, he came to Wayne County, and
located in Salisbury. He was married March 21, 1821, to
Theresa, daughter of Peter and Martha Weaver, natives of
Virginia, who settled in Wayne County in 1807. Soon after
his marriage he settled on the place where he now lives,
buying at the time ten acres at $10 an acre. He worked at
his trade for many years and gained a comfortable competency.
He was elected Justice of the Peace, and served in that ca-
pacity thirty-five years. He was one of the most popular
magistrates in the county. He ofiiciated at nearly 150 mar-
riages, and has lived to attend the golden wedding of one of
the couples. He has been a member of the Methodist Epis-
copal church since thirteen years of age, and has been an en-
thusiastic worker in both church and Sunday- school'. After
a married life of fifty-seven years, his wife died Feb. 7, 1878,
aged seventy-five years and two months. They had no
children, but reared several adopted children, two of whom
still live with Mr. Burgess. He gave them a good educa-
tion, and one is a leading educator of Indiana.
E. B. Dillman, Justice of the Peace, is a native of Preble
County, Ohio, born in 1842. His early life was passed on the
farm, and in the public schools. In 1867 he came to Boston
and engaged in farming, and later in the mercantile business,
and but recently disposed of his stock. He enlisted in 1864 in
Company D, One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Ohio Infantry,
and served four months. In 1879 he was elected Justice of
the Peace, and is still an incumbent of that ofiice. He was
elected Constable of the township in 1875, and served sev-
eral terms. He received the commission of Postmaster of
Boston, during President Garfield's administration, and
served till Sept. 30, 1838. He was married Nov. 24, 1868, to
Martha, daughter of William Miller.
280 mSTOKY OF WAYNE COUNTY
Dennis Druley, farmer, section 35, Boston Township,
Wayne Co., Ind., was born in Union County, Ind., Jan. 1,
1816, a son of Nicholas and Sarah (Stanley) Druley. He has
always followed the v^oeation of a farmer, and now has one of
the finest farms in the county, owning 380 acres, all well im-
proved. He was married in 1838 to JSIancy J., daughter of
"William and Effie (Meeker) Grimes, who died July 5, 1849,
ao^ed twenty-seven years. They had three children — Martha
J., wife of Ed. Dalby, of Richmond; Levi G., and Mary E.,
widow of Marshall Henry. Jan. 8, 1850, Mr. Druley mar-
ried Mary J., daughter of Benjamin Watson, of Henry
County, Ind. They had four children — Nicholas B., George
L,, Clement D. and Sarah E., the latter deceased. Mrs.
Drulej^ died May 2, 1879, aged forty-nine years. Sept. 21,
1880, Mr. Druley married Mary C. (Wintermute) Hoover, of
Darke County, Ohio, born Oct. 19, 1835. Mr. and Mrs.
Druley are members of the Christian church. He was for-
merly a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politi-
cally, he is a Democrat, and cast his first Presidential vote for
Martin Yan Buren
Johii Druley^ farmer, postofiice, Boston, was born March
9, 1818, a son of Nicholas and Sarah Druley. He was mar-
ried Aug. 6, 1839, to Nancy, daughter of Stephen Hunt, and
located two miles south of Boston, on a farm. He subse-
quently engaged in the mercantile business in Boston, and
from there moved to what is now known as Kitchel's Corner,
six miles north of Liberty, then called Bennett's Corner, and
was called Druleysburg, in honor of Mr. Druley. He con-
tinued in business there several years, and then moved to
Cumberland, Marion Co., Ind. Selling out his stock in Cum-
berland, he bought what was known as the Barton-Wyat
farm (240 acres), two miles southeast of Boston, on the line of
Wayne and Union counties. He now owns one of the finest
fruit farms in the State. In 1878 it yielded 2,000 bushels of
apples and in 1881, 1,500 bushels. He is one of the
most enterprising men of the township. His wife died
July '21, 1849. They had a family of three children— Catha-
rine E., W. S. and Lafayette (deceased). Dec. 23, 1849, Mr.
BOSTON TOWNSHIP. 281
Druley married Eliza J., daughter of Uzel Church. To them
were born six children — Mary A., Laura A., Joseph E., Ver-
lin E., Oliver H., and an infant (deceased). Eliza Druley
died Dec. 30, 1871. July 24, 1881, :Mr. Druley married
Lizzie H., daughter of William Bell. Mr. Druley is one of
the oldest members of the Methodist church at Boston, and
is an active worker in the church. He is a Class-leader,
Steward and Trustee, and Superintendent of the Sunday-
school. He was for five years Vice-President of the Town-
ship Sunday-school Association.
Levi Druley, deceased, was born in Guilford County, N.
C, in 1808, a son of Nicholas Druley. When he was three
years of age his parents came to Wayne County, Ind., and
here he was reared and educated. He was married in 1833
to Agnes, daughter of Richard and Sarah (Hunt) Sidg^ick,
To them were born ten children, seven of whom are living —
Richard S., William P., Mary E., John, Frank, Martha P.,
and Stephen A. D. The deceased are — Nicholas, Sarah and
Thomas J. Mr. Druley died Nov. 1, 1882. He was very
prosperous in business and left his family good homes. He
was a member of Downey Lodge, No. 233, A. P. & A. M,
He was no aspirant for office, but served his township as
Trustee and other minor offices. Mrs. Druley 's father,
Richard Sidgwick, was a native of England, and when a
young man came to the United States and located in Marion
County, Ind. He married Sarah, daughter of Charles and
Prancina Hunt, old settlers of Wayne County. They had a
family of seven children — Charles, Prancina, Agnes, Mary,
John, Matthew, and Mary (deceased). Mr, Sidgwick died in
1849.
Levi G. Druley^ farmer, Boston Township, was born in
this township Dec. 23, 1843, a son of Dennis Druley. He was
reared a farmer and received his education in the district
school. He now owns eighty acres of excellent land, near
Boston, which he has under a good state of cultivation. He
was married Sept. 10, 1868, to Anna B., daughter of Joseph
M. Bulla, Sr., of Boston Township. They have four chil-
dren — Mary Josephine, Arthur L., George Horace and
19
282 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Charley E. Mr. Druley is a member of R'leinliart Lodge,
No. 310, I. O. 0. F. Politically, he is a Democrat.
Nathan Druley^ farmer, Boston Township, was born in
Union County, Ind., Ddc. 12, 1S15, a son of Samuel and
Nancy Ann (Stanley) Druley. He was reared on a pioneer
farm, receiving but a limited education. Feb. 8, 1838, he
married Nancy P., daughter of Isaac an^ Mary Meek, old
Ecttlers of Wayne County. He rented land two years and
then bought some land in the eastern part of this township,
and, with the exception of t^vo years spent in Union County,
has since lived in Wayne County. He now owns 345 acres
of excellent land, all well improved, and is one of the thriftiest
farmers of the township. Mr. and Mrs. Druley have had
nine children — Isaac E., Nancy M., William H., Joseph S.,
Dennis C. (deceased), Sarah E., Mary J., Nathan S, and
Luella B. They are among the oldest members of the Method-
ist Episcopal church, of Boston.
Smith Druley^ farmer, Harrison Township, Union Co.,
Ind., was born June 14, 1818, on the farm where he now re-
sides, a son of Samuel and Nancy Druley. He received no
education in his youth. When eighteen years of age he be-
gan learning the tailor's trade, in Richmond, and worked at
his trade fourteen years. In 1850 he returned to the farm
and lived there till 1853. From 1853 till 1862 he was engaged
in the mercantile business, in Richmond and Boston, but
since the latter year has devoted his time to farming. He
was married in 1841 to Anni E., daughter of Owen and Leah
Evans, of Pennsylvania. They have had eight children —
Thaddeus C, Edwin E., Theodore S., Louisa C, Lawrence
A., Stella C, and Elmer M., and Owen (deceased). Thaddeus
C. enlisted in 1862 in the three months' service and after
his discharge enlisted for three years in Company C, Ninth
Indiana Cavalry. He was captured while on a scouting ex-
pedition in the vicinity of Franklin, Tenn., and was confined
in Andersonville Prison several months. He is now pastor
of the Universalist church, at Muncie, Ind. Edwin E. en-
listed in 1864, in Company B, Thirty-seventh Indiana In-
fantry, and served one year. Mr. Druley is one of the most
BOSTON TOWNSHIP. 283
influential men of his township. He owns 160 acres of land,
all well improved. Politically he is a Republican.
James Endsley was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, Oct.
22, 1805, a son of John and Ellen (Golden) Endsley, natives
of South Carolina. His grandfather, Andrew Endsley, was
a native of Ireland, and came to America in 1758, and settled
in Maryland. He was a soldier in the war of the Revolution,
and after its close removed to South Carolina. In 1805 John
Endsley removed to Indiana and settled in Wayne County,
leaving the South on account of his antipathy to slavery, and
in 1808 Andrew Endsley and the rest of his family followed
him to Indiana and located in Abington Township, entering
land from the Government. Andrew Endsley died in 1826,
and his wife, Jane Endsley, died in 1810. They had a family
often children, all of whom came to Indiana. John Endsley
died Oct. 16, 1838, and his wife in 1866. They had a family
of three children — James, Jane and John, all deceased.
James Endsley was married Nov. 26, 1883, to Hannah,
daughter of James and Sarah Martin. They had eight chil-
dren — Sarah, Elleanor, John, Amanda (deceased), Jacob S.
Stephen G., Mary E. and Hannah Ann. Politically Mr.
Endsley was always a Democrat. He was a member of
the Elkhorn Baptist church. Mr. Endsley died very suddenly,
Feb. 1, 1884, with heart disease. He was apparently in his
usual health riding over his farm that day, and in the evening
rode over to his son's, about a half a mile, and after returning
home complained of a pain in the region of his heart, and
died about ten o'clock that night. He was seventy-eight
years old and had lived in Wayne County longer than any
other man living at the time of his death. He owned at the
time of his death 147 acres of good land.
Isaac M. Esteb, deceased, was born in Wayne County,
Ind., in 1814, a son of Isaac and Ruth (Moore) Esteb, natives
of North Carolina, who were among the early settlers of
Wayne County. They bought the 160 acres of land where
Mrs. Isaac Esteb now lives. His father was by trade a
wagon-maker and carried on the business at home. He was
born in 1762 and died Oct. 18, 1838. His wife was born in
284 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
1773, and died in April, 1839. They had a family of five
children— Elizabeth, Nancy, John, Mary and Isaac M., all
deceased, Isaac M. was married Jan. 25, 1838, to Catherine,
daughter of Jacob Smelser. They had a family of eight
children, six of whom are living — Jacob, David, Johan, Jane,
Elizabeth and Catherine; John and Tracy are deceased. Mr.
Esteb died jSTov. 14, 1867. He was a member of the Baptist
church and always took an interest in all religious matters.
He accumulated a large property and at the time of his death
was one of the wealthiest farmers of the township.
William H. Evans, M, i>., son of Dr. David E. Evans,
was born in Boston, Wayne Co., Ind., Oct. 22, 1839.
He attended the village schools and subsequently entered
Miami University, at Oxford, Ohio, where he took a scientific
course, and graduated in 1861. He then began the study of
medicine, under his father's direction, and entered the Medi-
cal Department at Ann Arbor, Mich., graduating in 1865.
He immediately began the practice of his profession at Boston,
and has paid exclusive attention to a large and increasing
practice. In 1862 he assisted his father in his profes-
sional duties, acting as contract Hospital Steward of the Sixty-
ninth Indiana Infantry. He has been twice married, the first
time in 1861:, to Mary, daughter of Dr. James M. Cory, of Ox-
ford, Ohio. They had three children — Mary, Etta and Cory.
In 1873 he married Melissa, daughter of Jonathan Toney, of
Preble County, Ohio. They have two children — Jonathan
and Frank.
Stephen Farlow was born in Wayne County, Ind., in 1817,
a son of John and Catherine (Miller) Farlow. His great-
grandparents were natives of Pennsylvania, and his grand-
parents, William and Drusilla Farlow, were natives of North
Carolina, and came to Indiana in 1807, locating in what is
now Harrison Township, Union County. They had a family
of eight children — William, John, G-eorge, Nathan, Samuel,
Mary, Sarah, and Elizabeth. John Farlow was a single man
when he came to Indiana. He married Catherine, daughter
of Christian and Catherine Miller, natives of Tennessee, who
settled in Indiana in 1807. In 1812 John Farlow was com-
BOSTON TOWNSHIP. 285
missioned Captain of a company, and served gallantly in the
war of 1812. In later life he became connected with the
Christian church. To him was born a family o fseven chil-
dren — Martha, Stephen, Eve, Lucinda, George "W., Maria and
Henrietta. His wife died in 1829, and he subsequently
married Sidneth (Johnson) Miller. They had five children —
Thomas R., Mary, Drusilla, Jane and John. Mr. Farlow
died in 1857, in his seventy-fifch year. Our subject was
married Oct. 20, 1837, to Kancy, daughter of James Lewi'-.con
and settled in his native township. In 1853 he removed to
Centre Township, and in 1862 purchased the farm here he
now lives. Politically he is a Republican, in 1880 and
1881 he served as Deputy Assessor ^^' iioston Township,
and as Assessor in 1882 and 188'^ xie was a member of the
County Agricultural Board, when it was in existence, and
has always taken an interest in all matters of importance to
the township. Mr. and Mrs. Farlow have four children —
James M., Ma'Vna J ., John H. and William H. They are
members of the Christian church.
David Fouts, deceased, was born in Germantown, Ohio,
Feb. 5, 1804, a son of William and Sarah Fonts, natives of
North Carolina, who settled in Germantown, Ohio, in an
early day. When our subject was a child his parents re-
moved to Wayne County, Ind., and settled on the south-
western part of section 28, Boston Township. His mother
died in 1833, aged fifty-six years, and his father Sept. 29, 1848,
aged sixty-seven years. They had six children — Austin, Nancy,
Mary, Elizabeth, William and David. William was a mem-
ber of an Iowa regiment and was killed on the frontier by the
Indians. David Fouts was married April 8, 1824, to Patsey,
daughter of John and Rosanna (Hampton) Whitehead. They
settled on the farm whore Mrs. Fouts and a son now live.
Mr. Fouts was an enterprising and successful farmer and
owned over 400 acres of good land, all well improved. He
was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He died
Jan. 10, 1863. Mrs. Fouts was born Nov. 23, 1807, and is
now living on the homestead. They had a family of ten
children; seven are living — Mary J., now Mrs. Stanley;
Oliver H.; Sarah Ann, now Mrs. Ganz; Rosanna, now Mrs.
286 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Jenks; Catherine, now Mrs. Crane; Henrj C. and Charles C.
William, John and Milton are deceased- Mrs. Fouts's parents
came from iS"orth Carolina in 1805 or 1806, and settled on the
southwest quarter of section 31, Boston Township, Wayne
County, Ind., but subsequently removed to La Porte, Ind.
Her father was a prominent man of the county, and served
as Sherift' a number of years. He was a member of the
Baptist church, and was one of the founders of that church
in ii'.h part of the State. His father, Lazarus Whitehead,
was tho first minister of the Baptist church in this locality.
The chiiv ;?n of Lazarus and Fatsey Whitehead were — Lazarus,
William, Isaav-.^v^ohn, Folly and Fatsey. John Whitehead
died in La Forte, L.u. in 1842, aged fifty-nine years. His
wife died in this tovvnshlj. '^'^•t. 20, 1809, aged twenty-six
years.
Larkiii Gaar was born in Culpeper County, Ya., Dec. 4,
1800, a son of Abraham and Dinah (Weaver) Gaar, natives
of Virginia, of German descent. In 1804 ' \s parents re-
moved to Kentucky, and in the spring of 1807 to Wayne
Co., Ind., and entered 160 acres of land from the Govern-
ment. His mother died Sept. 26, 1834, aged nearly sixty-
seven years, and his father Aug. 20, 1861, aged ninety-two
years. They had a family of nine children, four of whom
are living — Abel, residing 'in Michigan; Martha, wife of
Jeptha Turner; Eliza Henderson, of Iowa, andLarkin. Jonas,
Fielding, Fanny, Rosa and an infant are deceased. Jonas
and Fielding were soldiers in the war of 1812. Larkin Gaar
has lived where he now resides since he was seven years ot
age, his parents remaining with him till their death. He
owns 193 acres of fine land, 160 acres of it being the old
homestead. He was married to Sarah, daughter of David
and Sarah Railsback, who located near Abington, Wayne
County, in 1806. They had a family of six children, four of
whom are living — Alvira, David, Monroe and Jonas. Nathan
died' at the age of sixteen years, and Abraham aged eighteen
years. Mrs. Gaar died in 1857. Folitically Mr. Gaar has
always been a Democrat.
Sylvester Glrtori was born in Boston Township, Wayne
Co.. Ind., in 1818, a son of Jeremiah and Jane (Moore)
BOSTON TOWNSHIP. 287
Girton, his father a native of Maryland, and his mother
of Kentucky. His parents were amon^ the earliest settlers
of Boston Township. In early life they were members of
the United Brethren church, but subsequentl}'^ joined the
Methodist Episcopal church. They had a family of eight
children, three of whom are living — Felix, Sylvester and
Levi. John, Isaiah, Benjamin, Elijah and Sarah are deceased.
The father died May 23, 1845, aged seventy-five years, and
the mother, Dec. 23, 1871, aged ninety-nine years, five months
and twenty-two days. Oar subject was reared on a farm, re-
ceiving but a limited education. He was married in 1840 to
Julia Ann, daughter of James and Mary Bowles, of Preble
County, Ohio, and soon after settled on the farm where he
now resides, and has followed farming with the exception of
three years he was in the mercantile business in Boston. Mr.
and Mrs. Girton had a family of eight children, five of whom
are living — Mary J., William, Thomas, Anna and Alonzo.
Louisa, Narcissa and Robert F. are deceased. Mrs. Girton
died June 25, 1857, aged thirty-eight years. In 1875 Mr.
Girton married Maria, widow of William Esteb, and daughter
of Jacob and Susanna Seaney. They have one child — Ada.
Mrs. Girton was married to William Esteb Dec. 21, 1851. He
was born Dec. 5, 1826, and died Dec. 29, 1863. They had
a family of four children — Franklin P., Jacob C, Elizabeth
E., and Stephen (deceased). Mr. Girton owns a good farm of
ninety-three acres. He and his wife are members of the
Methodist Episcopal church.
1< rancis Hendrix was born in Wayne County, Ind., in
1832, a son of George and Elizabeth (Bailey) Hendrix, his
father a native of Kentucky and his mother of Ohio. His
parents came to Wayne County in early life and resided here
and in Union County till the father's death in 1858. The
mother is still living at an advanced age. Our subject was
reared on a farm and received but a limited education in the
subscription school. He was obliged to rely on his own
energy and ability as soon as old enough to work. He was
married in 1860 to Sarah Ann Ray, daughter of William and
Sarah (McClain) Ray, and soon after settled in Randolph
County, where he bought a farm and lived five yeare. He
28S HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
then sold his farm and bought 176 acres in Boston Township,
Wayne County, where he now resides. Mr. and Mrs. Hen-
drix have four diildren— William F., John W., Lewis E.and
Anna May. They are members of the German Baptist
church.
John W. Hort was born in Wayne Township, Wayne
Co., Ind., in 1836. His father, John C. Hort, was born in
Germany in 1Y95, a son of Martin Hort, who died on ship-
board while en route to the United States, in 1818, and was
buried on an island in the Atlantic Ocean. The family settled
in Delaware. In 1821 John 0. accompanied William Sid-
ham and family to Wayne County, and located three miles
northeast of Richmond. He worked as a f-irm hand for Jesse
Clark three years and in the meantime married Mary, daugh-
ter of Jesse Clark, and subsequently settled on land given him
by his father-in-law, residing there till his death in March,
185S. His wife died in 1817. He and his wife were mem-
bars of the Methodist Episcopal church. They had a family
of twelve children; only two are living — JohnW. and Margaret,
wife> of George Cramer, of Butler County, Ohio. Teresa,
Hannah, Mary Ann, Elizabeth, Apollono, Catherine, Jesse M.,
Thomas E., George W. and William H ar^; dec3a3ed. George
enlisted in Company A, Sixty-ninth Indiana Infantry, in
1862; was in the battle of Richmond and several battles near
tlie Mississippi and died at St. Louis, April 10, 1863. Will-
iam H. enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Thirty-
third Indiana Infantry, in 1864; died at Louisville, Aug. 17,
1864. John W. was reared on the old home farm. In
October, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, Fifty-seventh
Indiana Infantry, for three years, and re-enlisted in 1864,
serving till the close of the war. He enlisted as a private
and was promoted for meritorious conduct to First Lieutenant
and afterward to Captain of the company. He participated
in the battles of Shiloh, Perryville, Stone River, Mission
Ridge, Franklin, Chattanooga, Atlanta and the campaign
against Hood. He was discharged Djc. 14, 1865. After his
return home he settled on the home farm, and three years
later purchased 160 acres in Boston Township, on a part of
which he still resides. He was married in March, 1866, to
BOSTON TOWNSHIP. • 289
Martha Sherry. They have four children— Mary E., Iva I.,
Lena L and Ethel E.
Eli Kilmer was born in Berkley County, Ya., June 5,
1827, a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Sibert) Kilmer, natives
of Pennsylv^ania, who located in Virginia, and subsequently,
in 1840, in Wayne County. They had a family of twelve
children, eleven of whom came to "Wayne County and
ten of whom are living — Daniel, John, Henry, Mary, Eli,
George, William, Barbara, Thomas and Ann. Catherine
and Elizabeth are deceased. Mr. Kilmer died in 1857-
Mrs. Kilmer was born March 22, 1795, and died at the
age of fifty-five years, two months and eighteen days. Our
subject was reared a farmer, and in 1857 married Mrs. Han-
nah Hart, widow of George Hart. They have seven children
— Elizabeth, Howard, George, Daniel, Charles, Etta May,
and Mary E. Mrs. Kilmer's first husband's father, Daniel
Hart, was a native of North Carolina, and came to this county
with his wife and one child and settled on the place where
Francis Hendrix now resides. He had a family of ten chil-
dren — Sarah, Elizabeth, William, James, John, Melinda,
George, Isaac, Rebecca and Samuel. George married Han-
nah, daughter of John Roper, Feb. 12, 1852. He died April
27, 1856, leaving two children — John W., and William S., a
resident of Iowa.
Justus Krouskoff^ farmar, section 21, Boston Township,
was born in Butler County, Ohio, April 24, 1832, a son of
Louis and Catherine Krouskofi", natives of Germany, his fa-
ther born in 1780 and his mother in 1790. They came to
America in 1819, and located in Cincinnati, and subsequently
removed to Batler County, Ohio, where the father died in
1860, and. the mother in 1866. Of their eight children Jus-
tus is the only one living in Wayne County, Ind. He was
educated in the common schools and then entered the Farm-
ers' College near Cincinnati, where he graduated in 1855, teach-
ing in the meantime to defray his expenses. He taught school
till 1865, a part of the time in the district schools and a part
of the time was principal of graded schools. In 1865 he re-
moved to Richmond and was engaged in the drug business
till 1868, when he sold his stock and purchased the farm
29fO HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
where he now lives. He has eighty acres of well-improved
land. In 1804 he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and
Thirty eighth Ohio Infantry, and served four months. He
was married Jan. 20, 1863, to Kocilla, daughter of F. S.
Bowen, of Hamilton County, Ohio. They have four children
— Kate, Ollie, Charles and Francis. Politically Mr. Krous-
koff is a Republican.
F. M. Lamb was born in Centre, now Boston, Township,
Wayne Co., Ind., in 1833, a son of John and Catherine
(Boone) Lamb. His grandfather, James Lamb, was a native
of Perthshire, Scotland, and when twenty years of age, in
1776, came to the United States, and after participating in
the war of the Revolution settled in Bourbon County, Ky.,
where he married Hannah, daughter of Joseph Boone. In
1811 he removed to Indiana and settled near the mouth of
Elkhorn Creek, in Abington Township, "Wayne County. He
bought 1,440 acres of land for which he paid $2 an acre. He
was a member of the Christian church. He had a family of
nine children — Anna, James, William, John, Thomas, Joseph
B., Elizabeth, Hannah, Jane and Catherine, all deceased but
Mrs. Jane Spahr, of Abington. Mr. Lamb died in 1841, aged
eighty-five years, and his wife in 1839, aged seventy years.
He was a strong anti-slavery man, and left Kentucky on ac-
connt of the evil influences of slavery. His son, John Lamb,
was born in Kentucky in 1802. He married Catherine,
daughter of William Boone, in Butler County, Ohio, and
shortly after settled in Boston Township. They were zealous
members of the Methodist Episcopal church. To them were
born nine children; but four are living — Mrs. Sarah Owens,
F. M. and T. J., of Boston, and Hannah, wife of Obadiah
Holler, of Union County, Ind. James, John, Stephen, John
W. and Almira are deceased. Mr. Lamb died in 1860, aged
fifty-eight years, and his wife in 1880, in the seventy-third
year of her age. Our subject, F. M. Lamb, was reared a
farmer, and his advantages for an education were meager,
lie was married in 1857 to Rachel, daughter of Tiiomas Laws.
They have had a family often children — Thomas, William,
Joseph, Harry, John W. and Frankie (deceased), Althea,
Margaret, Mary and Mattie (twins). Mr. Lamb owns a fine
farm of 106 acres, all well improved.
BOSTON TOWNSHIP. 291
James Lainh^ deceased, one of the well-known early settlers
of Wayne County, was a native of Scotland and came to this
country when a young man. He first settled in Kentucky,
where he married Hannah Boone, a relative of Daniel
Boone. In 1812 he came to Wayne County and settled in
the northeastern part of Abington Township, entering a
large tract of land from the Government. He was in
good circumstances when he came, and by judicious man-
agement became one of the wealthiest men of the county.
He was a soldier in the war of 1812. He was a member
of the !New Light church and his wife was a member
of the Baptist church. Their children were James, Mrs.
Elizabeth Hunt, William, Mrs. Catherine Hunt, John, Joseph
B., Mrs. Jane Spahr, Anna and Thomas, all deceased except
Mrs. Spahr, who resides at Abington, aged seventy-five years.
John, son of James Lamb, was born in Kentucky in 1800.
He married Catherine, daughter of William Boone, of Ham-
ilton County, Ohio, and settled on land in the southwestern
part of Centre Township. He was a prosperous and highly
respected citizen of the county. He and his wife were mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was a liberal,
public-spirited man, always doing all in his power to pro-
mote the welfare of the county. Nine children were born to
him, four of whom are living — Sarah, Francis M., Thomas J.
and Hannah J. James W., Stephen, Elmira, John W. and
Anna C. are deceased. James W. married Mary E. Mackie.
They had five children — John F., Mary C, Charles, Clara J.
and James P. Hannah J. married Obadiah Holler, of Union
County, Ind., and has five children — Francis M., William,
Emma D., Clara M. and John H. Sarah married J. T. Ow-
ens and has had five children — Anna C, John (deceased),
Edgar E., Tillie J., Willis E. and Wilber W. (twins). Fran-
cis M. married Kachel E. Laws and has had ten children —
John W. (deceased), Thomas J., William H., Joseph x\.,
Harry, Frank (deceased), Altha C, Margaret E., Martha and
Mary (twins). Thomas J. married Mary E. Alender and has
four children — Annie L,, William, Hannah C. and Ella.
James McLain was born in Greenup County, Ky., Sept.
16, 1810, a son of Archibald and Elioda (Dewey) McLain,
292 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland. His parents after
their marriai^e removed to Kentucky, and subsequently to
Meio-s County, Ohio, and from there came to Wayne County,
Ind., and settled two miles east of Kichmond. They after-
ward removed to Delaware County, Ind., where Mrs. Mc-
Lain died Sept. 1, 1853, and Mr. McLain May 4, 1857. They
had a family of eleven children, of whom nine came to this
county — Jane, Sarah, John, James, Phasbe, Cassandra, Will-
iam, Charles and Archibald. Susana and Isabelle died be-
fore the family came to Wayne County. James and Sarah
(Mrs. Ray) are the only members of the family residing in
the county. James McLain was twenty years of a^e when
his parents came to this county. He was married in 1833 to
Disa, daughter of Nathaniel Wasson. Mr. McLain cast his
first vote for General Jackson, but afterward voted with the
Whig party till the organization of the Republican party, and
since then has voted with that party. He has a good farm of
forty acres on Elkhorn Creek.
Isaac Meek, deceased, was a native of Kentucky and a son
of Jacob and Nancy (Warcins) Meek, who removed from Ma-
ryland to Kentucky and thence, in 1805 or 1806, to Wayne
County, Ind., and settled in Wayne Township a mile south
of Richmond, and subsequently moved to Boston Township,
where the father died in 18i3 and the mother several years
later. There was a family of eight children — John, Mar-
tha, Effie, Ruah, William, Isaac, Jeremiah and Joshua.
The latter died prior to the removal of the family from Ken-
tucky. Isaac Meeks was reared in Kentucky and was mar-
ried there to Mary Perkins. They accompanied his parents
to Indiana, and some years later removed to Illinois, where
the wife died. They had a family of eight children — John,
Joseph, William, Allen, Alfred, Nancy P. , Ellinor and Mary
J. Nancy P., now Mrs. Nathan Druley, is the only one liv-
ing. After the death of his wife Mr. Meek returned to Indi-
ana and settled in Fountain County, where he died. He
married Mary (Grimes) Davidson, by whom he had one child
— Armstrong.
William Miller was born on the farm where he now lives
in 1814, a son of John and Christina (Kissling) Miller, who
BOSTON TOWNSHIP. 293
came from Virginia in 1812 and located where our subject
now lives. They had a family of nine children Eve, Ro-
sanna, Susanna, Sarah, Elizabeth, Mary, Catherine, Pho3be
and William. The father died in 1822 and the mother in
1860. Oar subject is the only one of the family now living.
He was reared in his native county, but his advantages for
an education were limited, as he was early thrown on his
own resources by the death of his father. He has been an
industrious farmer and has accumulated a good property.
He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church
since seventeen years of age, and has been a Class-leader since
nineteen years of age, with the exception of the four years
during the war of the Rebellion. He is one of the oldest
members of the Boston church, and one of its most zealous
workers. Politically he is a Democrat. He was married
Dec. 19, 1833, to Mary Ann, daughter of John and Frances
Brattain. To them have been born seven children, four of
whom are living — Frances, wife of J. S. Moore; Martha,
wife of E. B. Dillman ; John W. and Elizabeth J. Mary Ann,
Christina and Rebecca are deceased.
Bev. Alfred B. Moore, eldest son of John and Sarah
Moore, was born in Wayne County, Ind., in 1826. His edu-
cational advantages were limited, but since reaching man-
hood he has applied himself to study and is now one of the
best informed men of the township. After attaining his ma-
jority he began life for himself by farming, and now owns
120 acres of well-improved land. In 1860 he entered the
ministry of the German Baptist church, and when at home
has charge, in association with others, of a church in Preble
County, Ohio. A portion of his time has been spent in
traveling in the interest of the church. Mr. Moore was mar-
ried in 1849 to Rebecca Ann, daughter of William and Ra-
chel Druley. To them have been born ten children — -Elvira
(wife of A. Witter), Rufus R., William A., John A,. Sarah E.
(wife ofA. Gordon), Warren E., Rachel J., Charles, Elizabeth
and Walter.
Jacob S. Moore, farmer, section 32, Boston Township, was
born Dec. 31, 1831, a son of John and Sarah Moore. He was
reared a farmer, and now owns a fine farm adjoining the old
294 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
homestead. He was married Feb. 20, 1851, to Christina,
daughter of William and Marj^ A. Miller. They had a family
of six children— John F., jMary F., William E., Sarah A.
(deceased), Douglas E. and Cora C. Mrs. Moore died April
13 1863, aged twenty-six years and nine months. March
17 1861, Mr. Moore married Frances Miller, a sister of his
first wife. They had four children, but one of whom is living
George B. Jennie, Charles and Anna are deceasedr Mr.
and Mrs. Moore are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church.
Jo/m i/6)<?rg, deceased, was born in Surry County, N. C. ,
Jan. 10, 1795, a sonof Joal Moore, and when fifteen years of
ao-e came with his parents to Indiana. He was married Sspt.
22, 1825, to Sarah, daughter of Josiah and Kebacca (Lewis)
Elston. Three months after his marriage he rented a farm,
but subsequently purchased it and resided there till his
death. He was a successful business man and accumulated
considerable property. He died March 22, 1882. Mr.
and Mrs. Moore had a family of thirteen children, six of
whom are living — Alfred, Joel, Lucy J., widow of Joseph
Schrackengast; Jacob; Maria, wife of Augustus Weller; and
Sarah, wife of James F. Hawkins. The deceased are: Elston,
John, Thomas, William, Ellen, Isaac, and Lycurgus. David
O., son of Lycurgus Moore, was left an orphan in childhood
and has made his grandparents' house his home. Mrs.
Moore's parents came to Wayne County from Tennessee in
1811, and settled on section 6, Boston Township. Of a
family of thirteen children, Mks. Sarah Moore is the only
one living. Those deceased are — Mary, Jesse, Josiah
Hester, Kebecca, an infant, Amelia, Nancy, Micajah, Lucy,
John and William. Mrs. Elston died in 1819, and Mr. Els-
ton afterward married Millie Maberry. He subsequently
removed to Whitley County, Ind., where he died in 1845, at
an advanced age.
Samuel Moore was born on the farm where he now lives
in 1817, a son of Joel and Mary (Tucker) Moore, natives of
Korth Carolina. His parents came to Indiana in 1810, arriv-
ing in Boston Township, Wayne County, Oct. 10 of that
year. His father entered the northwest quarter of section
BOSTON TOWNSHIP. 295
4. He was drafted into the war of 1812, and served a year,
receiving a land warrant for his services. In 1835 he re-
moved to Harrison Township, Union Co., lud., where he
and his wife both died. Thej were m3mb3rs of the Bap-
tist church. To them were born ten children, three of whom
are living — George, of Whitley County, Ind. ; James, of Cass
County, Mich., and our subject. The deceased were — John,
William, Mrs. Elizabeth Starr, Mrs. Temperance Imel, Mrs.
Ruth Ann Mercer, Alfred, and Mrs. Mary Stanley. Our
subject endured all the privations of a pioneer life. While yet
a boy in years he frequently made trips to Cincinnati with a
six-horse team to dispose of the products of the farm. He
has always lived on the old homestead farm, where he owns
230 acres of excellent land. He also owns 160 acres in
Harrison Township, Union Co., Ind. Politically he was
reared in the Democratic school of politics, and has always
adhered to the principles of that party. He has been twice
married, the first time Sept. 9, 1838, to Margaret M., daugh-
ter of Smith and Nancy Jones, natives of Tennessee. They
had six children, four of whom are living — Mary E., wife of
Matthew Arbuckle; Nancy C, wife of L. C. Nicholson; Mar-
garet L., wife of J. W. Salsberry, and Catherine, widow of
William Starr. James W. and David T. are deceased. Mrs.
Moore died May 21, 1851, and Oct. 31, 1852, Mr. Moore
married Mary, daughter of Edmund and Lucy Butt. They
have four children — Anna E., wife of Jonah Gaar; Lydia A.,
wife of Isaac C. Hunt; Jacob S. and Minnie A.
David Oshorn, deceased, was born in Suffolk County, N.
Y., June 29, 1764. He was married June 20, 1791, to Jane
Greene, who was born Jan. 3, 1767. They had a family of
eight children, but three of whom are living — Abigail, born
Jan. 4, 1794; Jane, born Aug. 21, 1802; Emeline, born May
27, 1807. The deceased are, Daniel, Jr., born May 27, 1792;
Alonzo, born Sept. 7, 1798; Sivonia, born Aug. 12, 1800;
Samuel, born July 22, 1805; Chatfield, born Jan. 6, 1809. In
1821 they came, with their eight children, to Wayne County,
Ind., and located where their daughter Emeline now lives.
Mr. Osborn was a good citizen and was widely known and
respected. He was an industrious, energetic farmer and ac-
296 HI6T0KY OF WAYNE COUNTr.
cumulated a good property, lie died May 13, 1846. Mrs.
Osborn died June 9, 1840.
Zacharlah Osborn, deceased, was born in Boston Township,
Wayne Co., Ind., July 19, 1829, and was a son of Daniel Os-
born, an old settler of the county. His early life was spent
on the farm and he received his education in the country
schools. He was married in 1856 to Tracy, daughter of
Jacob Smelser, and settled on a farm in Union County, Ind.
In 1860 he purchased the farm where his family now resides.
He was successful in his business, and left his family in good
circumstances. He was a member of the Universalist church.
He died July 24, 1881. To Mr. and Mrs. Osborn were born
seven children, but four of whom are now living — Foster,
Charles S., Frank and Mary E. Edward, Jacob and Henry
are deceased.
Curtis ParJcs was born in Barren County, Ky., Feb. 11,
1804, a son of Samuel and Charity (Runyan) Parks, natives
of New Jersey. They removed to Preble County, Ohio, in
1806. Our subject was reared on a farm, but when a young
man learned the cabinet-maker's trade, which he worked at a
number of years, and subsequently worked at the carpenter's
trade. In 1827 he removed to Wayne County, Ind., and
settled on the farm where he now lives, buying at the time
.seventy acres, afterward increasing it to 160 acres. Mr.
Parks is one of the oldest members of the Methodist church
of Boston, and takes an active part in all good works. He
was married in 1826 to Nancy Frame. They had five chil-
dren — William, Elizabeth, Posa Ann, John F. and Levi D.
Mrs. Parks died in 1850, aged forty-five years. July 28, 1860,
Mr. Parks married Mrs. Sarah (Miner) Holland, widow of
Asbury Holland. They have four children — Mary E., Albert
B,, Emma L. and Thomas M. His sons John F. and Levi D.
enlisted in the fall of 1861 in Company C, Seventy-fifth Ohio
Infantry, and served three years — John as a. drummer and
Levi as a titer. Politically Mr. Parks is.a Republican. He
has served his township as Assessor and Inspector of Elec-
tions.
William Ray, deceased, was a native of Ohio, a son of John
and Sarah Ray, When he was a young man his parents,
BOSTON TOWNSHIP. 297
with their children — John, William, Arcliibald, Rhoda, Jane
and Jackson — removed to Wayne Cjiinty, Ind., and purchased
land in Boston Township, where the father died J^ov. 4, 1835,
and the mother, Sept. 1, 1852. Of the family Jackson and
Rhoda are the only ones living. William Ray married Sarah
McClain, daughter of Archibald and Rhoda McClain, and
settled on the homestead, where his family still reside. They
had a family of ten children, live of whom are living — Sarah
Ann, Samantha, Lucinda, Phoebe and Celia. Rhoda Jane,
John Wesley, Chatfield, William Henry and an infant are
deceased. Mr. Ray died April 9, 1876, aged sixty-nine years.
Mrs. Ray's parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and were
among the early settlers of Meigs County, Ohio. About 1832
they removed to Boston Township, Wayne Co., Ind., and
soon after to Delaware County, Ind., where her mother died
Sept. 1, 1853, and her father. May 4, 1857. They had a fam-
ily of eleven children — John, James, William, Charles, Ar-
chibald, Susana, Jane, Isabelle, Cassandra, Phoebe and Sarah.
James and Sarah (Mrs. Ray) are the only ones now living in
Wayne County.
Daniel Rife^ deceased, was born in Virginia in 1809, a son
of John Rife. When he was a child his parents came to
Wayne County, Ind. He learned the trade of a blacksmith,
and worked at his trade in Boston in connection with farm-
ing. He was elected Justice of the Peace in 1842 and served
five years. He was married Aug. 17, 1838, to Cynthia A.
Stanley, a native of Union County, Ind., born Oct. 7, 1813,
and a daughter of Zachariah Stanley. They had a family of
five children — Dr. J. J., Sarah E., Hester A., James M. and
Nancy J. Mr. Rife diedJJuly 19, 1840. In 1854 Mrs. Rife
married William McCoy. They have one son — Robert M.
Rev. Jacob Rife was born on the farm where he now lives,
Oct. 17,1826, a sonof John and Frances (Christ) Rife, natives
of the Shenandoah Valley, Va., who came to Indiana in 1816,
locating in what is now Union County, and bought the farm
in Boston Township, Wayne County, where our subject now
lives. There was a family of six children; only two are liv-
ing — Jacob and Abraham. Elizabeth, Nancy, Daniel and
John are deceased. The father died March 1, 1829, in his
20
298 HISTORY OF WAYNE COCTNTY.
fifty s3coiHi year, and the mothor, Aug. 0, 1864, in lier
eiffhtietli year. Jacob Rife was married Oct. 15, 1846, to
Esther Stanley, who was born in Union County, Ind., July
6 1826. They settled on the old homestead farm where they
still reside. In the fall of 1852 Mr. Rife entered the minis-
try of the German Baptist, or Brethren, church. lie has
traveled extensively over the. States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois,
Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Virginia and Arkansas, and has also
had charge of a church at home. He owns 170 acres of tlie
homestead farm, which is all under a good state of cnltiva-
tion. Mr. and Mrs. Rife have had seven children, four of
whom are living— John M., Elizabeth A., James M. and
George W. Those deceased arc, Francis M., Franklin E.
and Rebecca J. The parents of Mrs. Rife, Zacliariah and
Mary (Bedwell) Stanley, located in Harrison Township,
Union Co., Ind., in 1812. Mr. Stanley was born Dec. 9,
1781, and died Oct. 9, 1852, Mrs. Stanley was born July 13,
1785, and died Feb. 23, 1851. They had a family of fourteen
children, nine of whom are living — Sarah, Jehu, Cynthia,
Eliza, Mary, Zachariah, Elizabeth, Joseph and Esther.
Pleasant, James, Jonathan, Temperance and Martha J. are
deceased.
</. J. Rife, M. Z>., was born in Boston, Wayne Co., Ind.,
Nov. 24, 1841, a son of Daniel Rife. In 1861 he entered
Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, and took a full scientific
course, graduating in 1863. The following winter he began
the study of medicine, under the direction of Dr. L. C. Mc-
Connell, and remained with him till 1865. He took a course of
lectures in the medical department of the University of Mich-
igan in 1865-'66, and subsequently entered the College of Medi-
cine and Surgery, Cincinnati, Ohio, from which he graduated
in 1869. He now has a large and increasing practice at Bos-
ton, giving his entire attention to his profession. Dr. Rife is
a member of Downey Lodge, No. 233, F. & A. M., and
King Solomon Chapter, No. 4, R. A. M., Richmond. He
has been School Trustee of Boston fifteen years. In 1864 he
was married to Mary, daughter of Joseph Bosworth, of Preble
County, Ohio. They have two children — Eva and Ada.
J. F. Rinehart was born in Preble County, Ohio, Aug.
24, 1831. He spent his early life on a farm and in attending
BOSTON TOWNSHIP. 299
school, and after reaching his majority began working on the
farm for himself. Aug. 16, 1864, he located in Boston and
has since then been engaged in the general mercantile
business. In April, 1869, he was elected Justice of the
Peace, and re-elected, serving three consecutive terms. He
is a charter member of Rinehart Lodge, No. 310, I. O, O. F.
He has been connected with the Christian church since its
organization in the township. Jan. 22, 1854, he was married
to N'ancy Gordon, who was born in Union County, Ind., Oct.
22, 1836. She died March 10, 1860. They had two chil-
dren — Harriet F. (deceased) and Genetta E. Aug. 16, 1864,
Mr. Rinehart married Nancy Steele, a native of Pennsylva-
nia, born April 21, 1837. They have had two children,
Eva L., and an infant, deceased. Politically Mr. Rinehart
is a Democrat.
John Roper, deceased, was born in Liverpool, England,
and when thirteen years of age came to the United States
with his parents. His father died the night they landed in
this country. The family located in Yirginia, where our
subject was married to Elizabeth Keesling. In 1808 they
came overland to Indiana and settled in Boston Township.
He entered 160 acres of land, which he improved, and ulti-
mately became one of the prosperous farmers of the county.
He served as Constable when the seat of justice was at Salis-
bury. Mr. and Mrs. Roper had a family of ten children, seven
of whom are living — William, John, Mrs. Eve Fisher, Mrs.
Mary Campbell, of Nebraska; Mrs. Susan Hurst, of Kansas;
Thomas and Mrs. Hannah Kilmer. Mr. Roper died March
10, 1864, aged seventy-five years. His wife died April 29,
1880, aged ninety years. Their daughter Eve was married
in 1836 to John Fisher. They lived in Preble County,'
Ohio, a short time and then returned to Wayne County, where
he died in 1849. They had a family of six children — Amos,
Mary E., Lena, Patsey (deceased), Benjamin and Nancy
Ann. In 1866 Mrs. Fisher came to Boston Township and
has since made this her home.
Isaac N. Seaney was born in Boston Township, Wayne
Co., Ind., Dec. 18, 1831, a son of Owen and Martha (Grimes)
Seaney. His grandparents, Owen and Honor (Estel) Sea-
300 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
ney, were natives ot North Carolina, and came to Wayne
County, Ind., in 1810, and located on section 3, Boston Town-
ship, where they entered 160 acres of land from the Govern-
ment. They had a family of nine children — Samuel, John,
Bryant, Isaac, Jacob, Owen, Katie, Susan, and Sarah. Owen,
Jr. was nine years of age when his parents came to Indi-
ana, lie was married March 24, 1825, to Martha, daughter
of William and Effie (Meeks) Grimes. Her parents were
early settlers of Wayne County, where they died, her father,
Feb. 6, 1853, aged sixty-seven years, and her mother, June
28, 181:9, aged fifty-eight years. To Mr. and Mrs. Owen
Seaney were born ten children, of whom three are living —
William, Isaac N. and John W. The deceased were —
Sarah J., Alexander, Squire, Nancy, and three died in in-
fancy. Mrs. Seaney died July 16, 1846, aged thirty-seven
years, and Mr. Seaney, March 17, 1871, aged seventy years.
Isaac N. Seaney was married Dec. 5, 1858, to Caroline,
daughter of J. M. Bulla, and settled on the farm where he
still resides. He owns 344 acres of good land in Wayne
County, 184 acres of which was a part of the old homestead.
Mr. and Mrs. Seaney are members of the LTniversalist
church at Boston, and he is a member of Downey Lodge, No.
233, A. F. & A. M. They have had a family of seven chil-
dren, six of whom are living — Cora I., now Mrs. Wm. F.
Mullen; William O., Mary O., Joseph M., Julia N., and
Bessie. Eudora is deceased. Politically Mr. Seaney is a
Democrat.
William G. Seaney was born March 10, 1827, in Boston
Township, Wayne Co., Ind., a son of Owen Seaney. He
was reared a farmer, and after he grew to manhood purchased
the old homestead of his father, where he still resides. He
was married to Rebecca, daughter of William McKown, of
Wayne County, Ind. She died July 22, 1849, aged twenty-
one years. Sept. 21, 1851, Mr. Seaney married Margaret,
daughter of John and Wilhelmina Miller. She was born
Jan. 1, 1830, in Butler County, Ohio. They have one son —
John F., born Aug. 16, 1852. Mr. Seaney owns 202 acres
of tine well-cultivated land, and is one of the substantial
farmers of the township. Politically he is a Democrat.
BOSTON TOWNSHIP. 301
John Sheffer, farmer, Boston Township, was born on the
farm where he now resides, Dec. 25, 1832, a son of Daniel
and Catherine (Keesling) Sheffer. He received a practical
education in the district school, and has always followed the
vocation of a farmer. He now owns 118J acres of excellent
land, all well improved. Mr. Sheffer is one of the best farm-
ers of the township. He was married July 2, 1859, to
Bridget Ann, daughter of Peter Gallagher, a native of Ire-
land. They have had eight children — Savannah C, Luella,
Mary C, Frank E., Sarah A. (deceased), Homer, an infant
(deceased), and Nora E. Politically Mr. Sheffer is a Repub-
lican.
Jacoh Sinelse)\ Sr., deceased, was born in Pennsylvania,
May 1, 1784, of German parentage. His parents, Peter and
Barbara Smelser, left Pennsylvania in 1788, and -settled in
Kentucky. Jacob was thrown on his own resources at an
early age. When twenty-eight years of age he married
Elizabeth, daughter of Nicholas Smith, in Kentucky, and
iu 1824 came to Indiana and purchased 160 acres of land, on
which was a pole barn and an old log cabin. He was a suc-
cessful farmer and accumulated a property worth $100,000.
In early life he was a Jacksonian Democrat, but being of
strong anti-slavery sentiments he became associated with the
Whig party, and subsequently with the Republican party.
He at one time owned several slaves, but gave them their
freedom. He was liberal and public-spirited, and gave freely
to the support of churches and schools. Mr. Snaelser died
Dec. 8, 1875, aged ninety-one years, and Mrs. Smelser April
7, 1869, aged seventy-five years. They had a family of nine
children — Harriet, Solomon, Catherine, Margaret, James,
Isham, Jacob, Minerva and Tracy. Catherine, now Mrs.
Esteb, and Tracy, now Mrs. Osborn, reside in this county.
Winjleld Smelser^ farmer, postoffice Smithtield, was born
on the old homestead in Wayne County, Ind., in 1852, a son
of Jacob Smelser, Jr. He was reared a farmer, and re-
ceived a practical education in the common schools. He now
owns 160 acres of excellent land, all well-improved and under
cultivation. He was married Nov. 26, 1872, to Mary E.,
daughter of Joseph M. Bulla, Sr. They have had five chil-
302 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
dren; but two are living — Lizzie and India. Murray, Eva
and Blanchie are deceased.
Levi Stanley was horn in Clermont County, Ohio, in 1814,
a son of Aaron and Mary (Cupjjy) Stanley, his father a na-
tive of North Carolina and his mother of Ohio. His father
settled in Ohio after attaining his majority, in 1809 or 1810,
and in 1818 removed to Union County, Ind. He resided
there nearly half a century, and subsequently removed to
Kichmond, where he died. He married Mary, daughter of
Henry and Sarah Cuppy, and to them were born thirteen
children — Eliphalet, Levi, Rebecca, Henry, Sarah, Nicholas,
Nancy, Joseph, Emily, Jane, Amanda, Melvina and Mary.
He died Jan. 17, 1866, aged eighty-tliree years, and his wife
in 1849, aged fifty-four years. Our subject's grandparents,
Joseph and Catherine Stanley, had eleven children — Eliza-
beth, Zachariah, Joseph and Jehu (twins), Sarah, Aaron,
Nancy, Mary, Eunice, Beulah and Jeremiah. His maternal
grandparents, Henry and Sarah Cuppy, settled in Wayne
County in 1817 or 1818, where they died about 1833. They
had a family of eight children — Daniel, Mary, Rebecca,
James, Thomas, John, Abraham and Harrison. Our sub-
ject was reared on a farm, and received a practical education
in the common schools. He was married in 1836 to Susan
B., daughter of Samuel and Mary Butler, and in 1837 set-
tled on the farm where he now resides. He at that time
purchased ninety-three acres of wild land, but has added to
it till he now owns 134 acres of well-improved land. Mr.
and Mrs. Stanley have had eleven children, nine of whom
are living — Francis, Rebecca, Jesse, Isaac, Abraham, Ann
Eliza, Emma, Ella and Elwood. William H. and Mary are
deceased. William enlisted in Company A, One Hundred
and Thirty-third Indiana Infantry, in 1864. Mr. and Mrs.
Stanley are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mrs. Stanley's parents, Samuel and Mary (Davenport) But-
ler, were natives of (reorgia. They, had a family of eight
children— Susan, Melinda, Mary, Jesse, Beal, William,
Jacob and Rebscca. Her grandparents, Beal and Mary
(Carter) Bntler, came to Indiana in 1806, and settled in Cen-
tre Township. They had a family of four children— Samuel,
BOSTON TOWNSHIP. 303
\
Susana, William and Mary. Mrs. Batler died Aug. 3, 1831,
and Mr. Butler subsequently married Jane Osborn. Of their
four children, two are living — Chatlield and Emeline.
George W. Stevenson was bora in Boston Township,
Wayne County, Ind., Nov. 29, 1821, a son of Joseph and
Sarah (Martin) Stevenson, his father a native of Maryland,
and his mother, of Scotland. His grandparents, George and
Sarah (Cropper) Stevenson, located in Wayne County in
1807. They had a family of eight children — Vincent,
Rachel, Joseph, George, Sarah, James, Levi and Thomas.
George Stevenson was born Aug. 18, 1T57, and died Aug. 31,
1828. He and five brothers served in one company in the
war of the Revolution, under General Washington. His wife
was born Nov. 24, 1763, and died Feb. 20, 1830. They
were married Jan. 17, 1782. Our subject's maternal grand-
parents, Aaron and Mary Martin, settled in Wayne County
in 1806, and in 1812 entered 160 acres of land on sec-
tion 30, Boston Township, He was an Associate Judge, and
held other positions of responsibility and trust. He was
also a minister of the regular Baptist church, and one of the
organizers of tliat denomination in Wayne County. They
had a family of four children — James, a minister of the
Baptist church; Sarah, Samuel and Elizabeth. Mr. Martin
died Aug. 13, 1826. The subject of our sketch has always
pursued the vocation of a farmer, and now owns a fine
farm of 200 acres, all well-improved. He is one of
the most influential men of the township, and has held
some of the principal offices of trust. He was married
March 14, 1844, to Mary A., daughter of John and Mar-
garet Burk. They have had a family of eleven chil-
dren, of whom Martha A., John W., James, Melvina,
Julia, Joseph W., George and Ella are living, and Mar-
garet, Elizabeth and Harry are deceased. Mrs. Steven-
son died Oct. 3, 1881, aged fifty-three years and ten months.
Mr. Stevenson and his family are members of the Method-
ist Episcopal church.
Hiram Salser was born in what is now Union County, Ind.,
Dec. 1, 1816, a son of James and Lydia (Ilambo) Sulser, na-
tives of Virginia, his father of German descent. His parents
304 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
removed to Ohio in 1813 or 1814, and two years later catne
to Indiana. They had a family of five children — Hammond,
Morrison, Harrison, Hiram and Garrison. His mother died
in 1824, aged thirty-six years, and his father subsequently
married Nancy Weaver, by whom he had one child — Martha.
His father died April 4, 1868, aged eighty-two years, and his
wife, Aug. 21, 1872, aged seventy-five years. Mr. Siilser's
grandparents, Jackson and Nancy Rambo, were among the
early settlers of Wayne County. They were members of
the Methodist Episcopal church, and among the influential
citizens of tlie township. Their children were — Absalom,
Adonijah, Isaac, Lurenzo Dow, Lydia, Damaris, Malinda
and May. Mr. Rambo died May 24, 1816, aged fifty-five
years, and his wife, Dec. 24, 1846, aged eighty-seven years.
Our subject was married April 8, 1841, to Jane, daughter of
James and Mary Johnston, of Clarke County, Ohio. He has
served one term as Justice of the Peace, and two terms as
Township Trustee. He has a good farm of S9venty-two
acres on sections 31 and 32. Politically he is a Democrat.
Nathan Taylor is a native of North Carolina, born in 1816,
and a son of Thomas and Hannah (Nuby) Taylor. His father
came to Wayne County, Ind., in 1812 with Nathan Small, to
whom he was bound. He enlisted in the war of 1812, going
first as a substitute, and after the expiration of his time re-
enlisted and served till the close of the war. He then went ta
North Carolina and was married, and in 1818 came again to
Wayne County and settled on Elkhorn Creek. He accumu-
lated a good property, owning at his death 180 acres of land.
To him and his wife were born thirteen children, ten of
whom are living — Nathan, Sarah, James, Maxey, Charles,
Zilla, Lovie, David, Rachel and Susan. John and two infants
are deceased. Nathan, the eldest, 'has lived in Wayne County
since two years of age. He has b3en twice married. In
1838 he married Jemima Blake, who died Oct. 6, 1873, aged
fifiy-three years. They had five children — Nancy, Mary Ann,
Isaac T., Maxey and James A. In 1875 Mr. Taylor married
Sarah Stacks by whom he has two children — Hannah Ae and
Oliver D. In 1850 he removed to Ohio and lived there till
1868, when he returned to Boston. Mr. Taylor is a member
of the Methodist church.
BOSTON TOWNSHIP. 305
Edward Timberlake^ farmer and stock-raiser, postoffice
Richmond, was born in Highland County, Ohio, Dec. 9,
1846, a son of Alfred and Phebe (Doan) Timberlake, natives
of Ohio. His earlj life was spent on the farm and in attend-
ing the district school. He subsequently attended the Nor-
mal School at Lebanon, Ohio, and when sixteen years of age
began teaching. He taught for eighteen years in the schools
of Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. In 1880 he was elected Trustee
of Boston Township, and was re-elected in 1882. In 1868 he
was married to Martha B., daughter of Benjamin and Mary
* Ann Brown. They have one son — Bsnjamin B. They are
leading members of the Society of Orthodox Friends, both
being Elders and Overseers. Mr. Timberlake is Yice-President
of the County Sabbath-school Association and President
of the Township Association. Politically he is a Repubican
and is Treasurer of the Wayne County Republican Com-
mittee.
James Watson was born in Wayne Township, Wayne
County, Ind., April 1, 1821, a son of William and Nancy
(Rue) Watson. His father was a native of Maryland, and
was married in 1810 to Nancy Rue. They lived in Wayne
Township. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. They had
a family of thirteen children, eight of whom are living —
Samuel, James, Mary, Malinda, William, Nancy, Harmon
C, and Rebecca. Elizabeth, Henry, Robert, Richard and
Sarah are deceased. Mrs. Watson died in 1819, aged fifty-eight
years, and Mr. Watson in 1859, aged seventy-five years.
Our subject's paternal grandparents, Robert and Malinda
(Consley) Watson, were natives of England. He was a sea-
faring man and died at Natchez, Miss. His wife came to
Wayne County about 1803, where she died about 1850. She
had a family of six children — William, Samuel, Elizabeth,
Sarah, Robert and Jane. The maternal grandparents of our
subject, Richard and Elizabeth (Holman) Rue, located in
Wayne County in 1805. He was of French descent. He
was one of the first Justices of the Peace in the county, and
is said to have performed the first marriage ceremony in the
county. He represented this district in the Territorial Legis-
lature before Indiana was a State. He was a soldier in the
306 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
war of the Revolution and was captured by the Indians in
Kentuck}' and carried to Detroit, where he was exchanged.
He was one of the founders of the Elkhorn Baptist church.
Mrs. Rue died in 1833, and Mr. Rue in 184:4:, aged eighty-
iive years. They had a family of nine children — Polly,
Elizabetli, Rachel, Sally, Nancy, Henry, Samuel, Kelly and
Jane. James "Watson, our subject, was reared on a farm, and
received a common-school education. He now has a fine
farm of 160 acres all well improved. Politically he is inde-
pendent in his views. He was married in 1846, to Elizabeth
Raper, daughter of William Raper. In 1850 he removed to *
Holt County, Mo., but two years later returned to his old
home. Mr. and Mrs. Watson have four children — Hannah,
now Mrs. Stanley; Idelle, Howard and Lake George.
Augustus A. Weller is a native of Maryland, born in 1832.
He was married Oct. 26, 1858, to Maria Moore, a native of
Wayne County, Ind., born in 1833, and a daughter of John
and Sarah (Elston) Moore. After their marriage they settled
in Boston Township, but subsequently removed to Michigan,
where they lived eight years, and in April, 1883, settled in
Liberty, Union Co., Ind. They have had a family of six
children, but four of whom are living — Rebecca J., wife of
Yincent Newman; Belle, David E., and Sarah C. The de-
ceased are John and Addison.
'^&135^
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A.^
CHAPTtE IX.
CENTRE. TOWNSHIP.
Oeoanuatton.-I^iak TBonBLKS.-Pio™EB Lif^-Eaklt
Ihb.stkibs.-C..t...:l.e.-Thb Olb Co^t. SE^r.-Ixs
Eminent Citizens. -A Few ASeodotos. -Eablv Lyents in
frToWN.-THE FlKST FmE C0MPANT.-BI,SINESS IktEK-
EBTB._L0BaES.-CH.KCBES OE THE ToWN ANI, ToWNSHIP-
Biographical.
Centre Township was formed by the county commfesion
ers Ano- 17 1817. Its boundaries were subsequently en
:r.ed but have since been curtailed several times by he
formation of other townships, but it still -»-' 7°;;|„t
largest in the county. The township contains -«^'™' f^J
ing land, and the buildings and ""r™;"«"]%^ "^.ff^/b^ ^
liift class. It is well supplied with ':-l™f .f^"'' '^^^^X
the Chicago and the Indianapolis divisions of 'heFan«e
passing through it. Turnpikes are numerous and the stream
pdisbiijji, mivu^ 1 anrfaoe is somewhat
afford good water-power for mills, ihe siiriace
rolling: the soil, rich and productive.
Pro'bably the first settler of the 'ownship was Danie
Nolan after whom Nolan's Fork was named. He and three
oft:'soos-in-law located on the west bank of this stream, on
the present McCoy farm, and began improving a q««>- er- ec
tion At the time of the land sale they were unable to pay
for the land, and Thomas McCoy took it »«. 'l^-' ^-^1 P^-;
ing Nolan for his improvement. This was in 1812 McCoy
or^inally from Kentucky, was one of the first -"'«- "f" ^
county, locating south of Richmond in 1805 He wa led to
change his location by the following circumstance. One day
his horses, which were allowed to run at large according to
the then universal custom, strayed from the East Fork and
came westward into what was then the Indian lands. McCoy
«n7
303 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
followed them and found them near Nolan's Fork, where no
improvement had then been made. As it was late before he
overtook the horses, he decided to encamp for the night and
return home the following day. He found a beautiful spring,
filled nearly full with the horns of deer, which it is supposed
the Indians had placed there, and encamped near it. Before
leaving in the morning he was so much pleased with the sur-
roundings that he decided to purchase the land, return and
live upon it as soon as it came into the market. The
cabin built by Nolan stood a few steps from the house now
occupied by Michael McCoy. During the Indian troubles,
Thomas McCoy and his neighbors converted it into a block-
house and surrounded it with a rude ditch and wooden pal-
ings. They had a small cannon which they fired to warn the
settlers in times of danger, and summon them to the protec-
tion of the " fort." No serious diflSculties arose in this neigh-
borhood. The lands along the creek were first taken up and
improved. The Indians used to return to the stream to hunt
as late as 1820. Two, whose names were John Green and
Ben Davis, are still remembered by some of the old residents.
Henry Bryan, the first county surveyor, was a man of very
superior intelligence. He was a native of Delaware and set-
tled on the east side of Nolan's Fork, opposite the McCoy
farm. He was born in 1768 and died in 1835. He was one
of the very first settlers of Centre Township, removing in
1811 to the farm on which he died. During the Indian
troubles, Bryan quitted his farm for one or two seasons, re-
turning after hostilities had ceased.
William Crawford, a jovial and social man, who exhibited
a great fondness for visiting his neighbors during the later
years of his life, was another early settler on Nolan's Fork.
He had a distillery which is supposed to have been the first
in the county. A man named See lived south of the McCoy
farm, and William Conner adjoining; James Hayes' was the
next farm south, extending to the township line. David J.
Woods lived west of the creek in the southern part of the
township. Caleb Jackson came early. His son, Joseph W.,
also early improved a farm in the western part of the town-
ship. Greenburg Cornelius settled in 1811 on land which is
CENTEE TOWNSHIP. 309
now a part of the county farm. William and John Harrey,
James Townsend, Exum Elliott and Eobert Galbraith were
all early settlers in the western and northern part of the town-
ship. Edward Benbow and Joseph Overman, the latter from
North Carolina, settled about 1813. John Stiggleman settled
early, where his son Henry lives. Michael Harvey, John
Elwood, Joseph Overman, Jacob Griffin (who came from
IsTorth Carolina about 1813), John Maxwell (from Tennessee,
about 1814) John King (from Kentucky, 1812) Jehu Wicker-
sham (1816), John Garrett, William Hosier (from North
Carolina, 1811, on the David Commons farm) and Robert
Harvey all deserve to be named among early settlers.
William Sumner, from Virginia, settled early near Cen-
treville, and was the first owner of the land on which most
of the town stands. John King afterward owned a portion
of the land. Israel Elliott also settled near town. Evan
Shoemaker located on the next farm east. A man named
Bell entered several tracts of land in the same neighborhood,
but never settled here. James Junkins and Robert Black
came quite early.
Among the pioneers of the western part of the township
were John Hill, from North Carolina, about 1814; Ezekiel
Commons, about 1813; Daniel Stone, on the place where
James Neil afterward had a tavern and a blacksmith shop;
Francis Coflin; John Woodward, on the farm afterward owned
by Conover; Samuel Parker, James Martin and Charles
Can ad ay.
Among the early settlers in the eastern part of the town-
ship were: Joseph Overman, Wm. and Thomas Culbertson,
Vinnedge Russell, Richard Pedrick, James E. Bryant, Isaac
Miller, Joseph Kem and others. In the southern part of the
township, early, were: John Jones, from Yirginia, who
several times represented this county in the Legislature;
Beale Butler, once Associate Judge and County Commis-
sioner; Peter and Zachary Dicks, from North Carolina, who
settled about 1812; William Bundy; John Smith, son of
John Smith, the founder ot Richmond; Daniel Crow, from
North Carolina; Nathaniel Bell; David Galbraith, on land
since owned by Joshua Eliason; Isaac Williams, on land
310 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
afterward owned by Thomas McConnaha and later by his
sons.
Isaac Julian was one of the pioneers of Centre Township
and lived on the farm now owned by Oliver H. Brumiield.
He was a man of good intelligence and scholarship and was
for several years a school teacher. He also represented the
county in the Legislature. Mr. Julian was the father of
Jacob B., George W. and Isaac H. Julian. He died quite
early.
Robert Commons, a native of Ireland, came from Virginia
and settled a mile and a half northwest of Centreville, where
he died in 1S37, at the age of eighty-nine. Benjamin Maud-
lin came from North Carolina to Wayne Township in 1807,
and in 1813 removed to Centre Township, settling on Nolan's
Fork, two and a half miles north of Centreville. He removed
to Michigan about 1835, where he died. His son John, born
in North Carolina in 1806, is now resident of Centreville.
Joseph Holman, who lived on the farm now owned by Mr.
Jackson, was one of the most prominent of the earl}' settlers.
During the Indian troubles he erected a block-house on his
farm. James Thompson, from New Jersey, settled on the
place afterward owned by Wm. Frame, his son-in-law.
Before the days of railroads the amount of travel over the
National road was great. Drovers from the West with herds
of cattle; emigrants from the East to the Western States and
Territories, and mercantile travelers passed over the road.
Joshua Eliason, whose house was a favorite stopping place,
says that he has sometimes had over 130 people and three or
four droves of cattle stay at his place in a single night.
Mr. Morgan McCoy states that he is supposed to have been
the second white male child born in the township, Jacob B.
Julian being the first. The first death in the township was
that of a man named Brinton, who was an early squatter on
the George McConnaha farm: Brinton cut his knee while
hewing timber with a broad-ax, and bled to death from the
wound. He was buried on the farm. Margaret Bryan, who
died Aug. 5, 1815, was the first whose remains were placed
in the Bryan cemetery. One of the first marriages in the
township was that of Henry Bryan to Jane Crawford.
CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 311
The first grist-mill in the township was erected by James
Crawford, about 1816, on the site of the large mill now owned
by Smith & Parrot, about a mile southwest of Centreville.
It was a very primitive affair, consisting of a " corn cracker "
and wheat burrs, with a rude shed over them. For the recep-
tion of the wheat, large cuts from a hollow sycamore log were
used. Jacob Wolf, after Crawford. He sold to Jacob Crull,
Jr., who built the mill now standing. ]S"athan Hollingsworth
was the next owner and made several improvements. Then
came Jackson, McCoy & Gray, Rylan, Smith & Clark, and
the present owners, Smith & Parrot. David J. Woods built
a grist-mill and saw-mill in the southwestern part of the town-
ship as early as 1820. Nothing of it now remains. Asa
Provo erected a saw-mill on Nolan's Fork, north of Centre-
ville, about 181Y. This was probably the first in the town-
ship. Other early saw-mills were built by John Copeland,
Robert Harvey, Exum White, Nathan Overman, and Nathan
Hollingsworth. Robert Harvey erected a grist-mill near his
saw-mill. David Commons afterward became the owner and
made a fine mill of it.
Robert Galbraith had a tannery three miles north of
Centreville quite early. A carding-mill was established by
Nathan Overman, a mile west of Centreville. John Max-
well, a blacksmith, had a shop about two miles north of the
town, early. Richard Cheeseman was an early settler in the
northern part of the township. He erected a small grist-mill,
or corn-cracker, as early as 1818, on Nolan's Fork. His
nephew, Uriah Cheeseman, originally from New Jersey,
settled on the west side of the present Centreville and Will-
iamsburg turnpike, in 1821.
CENTREVILLE.
The town of Centreville, which for over half a century
was the seat of justice in the county of Wayne, has in many
respects a remarkable history. Rarely does it fall to the lot
of any small place to be the home of so many eminent men,
conspicuous in the affairs both of State and Nation, as have
lived in Centreville in former years. The town lost her emi-
nence as a political center and the home of politicians and
312 HISTOKY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
statesmen when she lost the county seat in 1873, but she
still has many good and worthy citizens who are awake to the
best interests of the county, and are ready to aid in advanc-
ing the general Avelfare. The town has recovered from the
depressing eifects of the county seat removal, and now ap-
pears thrifty, energetic and prosperous.
Centreville is situated near the geographical center of
Wayne County, on the National road and the main line of
the Chicago, St. Louis & Pittsburg Railroad. The town is
rather attractive in its general appearance, containing many
good buildings, and presenting many evidences of neatness
and thrift. In 1880 its population was 870. It is probably
over 1,000 at the present writing. The location is healthful
and pleasant, and there is a rich agricultural country sur-
rounding the town. Centreville was platted Oct. 20, 1814,
by Henry Bryan, surveyor, and the survey was certified by
the trustees Jan. 2, 1815. The ground was donated for the
purpose of securing the county seat by Israel Elliott and
Ethan A. Stone. Isaac Julian, Joseph Holman and William
Harvey were appointed Trustees, and under their direction
the town was laid out. Subsequently additions to the town
plat were made as follows: By Joseph Evans, in March, 1818;
by Lot Pugh, Micajah T. Williams and Arthur Henry, in
June, 1818; by William Sumner, in January, 1819; by Will-
iam M. Doughty and William Elliott, in December, 1830,
and by Isaac Abrahams, in December, 1833. Certain lots
were reserved for a public cemetery, for school purposes, etc
The act making Centreville the county seat, although passed
in 1816, did not become operative until a few years later.
But lawyers, physicians and business men almost immedi-
ately established themselves in the new town, which before
1820 had become a village of considerable proportions for
that day. In 1826 the town had two stores, three taverns,
one grocery, one wagon-maker, one wheelwright, two pla?.
terers, one tinsmith, one saddler, two blacksmiths, two
cabinet makers, two shoemakers, one millwright, five car-
penters, two bricklayers, one tailor, two tanners, three
physicians, three lawyers, one school, one Masonic lodge, a
postoffice, and the Western Times printing oflfice. The writer
CENTKE TOWNSHIP. 313
to whom we are indebted for the foregoing sumraarj esti-
mated the population in 1826 at 200. Old residents claim
that it was not less than 400, and the latter figures would
better correspond with the industrial statement above given.
Most of the great men of Centreville have been lawyers,
and the history of their lives is narrated in another chapter.
Here Oliver P. Morton worked at the hatter's trade; here
General Lew Wallace and General Noble attended school,
and here General A. E. Burnside worked at tailoring.
To these famous names might be added many others, but
it is unnecessary, as all are duly mentioned elsewhere in this
work.
The first store in Centreville was opened about 1815 by
Caleb Lewis and Lawrence H. Brannon, who had a small
stock of goods, and conducted the business in partnership.
They came from the Kanawha Salt Works in Virginia.
Joshua Eliason, then a boy, bought of them the first article
ever sold by any merchant in the town — one pound of coffee;
price, 50 cents. Samuel P. Booker opened a general store,^
with a fair stock of goods for that time, as early as 1819. He
was a good business man, of fine appearance. He died in
July, 1823, and is said to have been the wealthiest man then
in the county. He was a native of Virginia.
One of the first buildings erected in the town was a hewed
log house, put up by a man named Galbraith on the corner
where the American House now stands. Samuel P. Booker,
and after him Isaac Burbank, kept store in it several years.
Lewis Forkner, from North Carolina, settled m Centre-
ville in 1817 and died in 1824. His son James was for many
years a prominent business man of the town.
Levi Jones was one of the early settlers and prominent
business men ; followed building, brick-making, etc. He
built the first brick house in town prior to 1823. He died
in 1824. Judge Williams, now living east of town, engaged
in the mercantile business and erected a brick house in Cen
treville in 1823. James Blair was a merchant, cotemporary
with Williams. Lot Bloomfield, lawyer, had a store soon
after. Other early merchants were Isaac Burbank, who re-
mained in business many years, Richard Cheeseman and
21
314 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Thomas Commons. Among the mercantile firras in business
here at various dates between 1835 and 1845 were Myers
Seaton, Snyder & Adams, A. W. Ray & Co., Jacob Fisher,
Ilolman & Ray, Hannah & Newman, J. and H. Purviance &
Co., Isaac Burbank, Elmer & Forkner, Wm. B. Hornish,
Richard II. Swain and William Arnold. In 1843 the town
had nine general merchants and a larger population than at
present.
Samuel Hannah, afterward Clerk of Courts and State
Treasurer, was for many years among the foremost business
men of the town; he removed to Centreville in 1823. Dr.
J ohn Prichett, now the oldest male resident of Centreville,
first came to the place in 1826.
The first tavern was probibly kept by Richel Neal. "Wm.
Elliott kept a public house in 1823 and for some years there-
after. Wra. Yaughan, Levi M. Jones and Samuel Hannah
were among the early tavern-keepers.
Among the early settlers were Dr. David F. Sacket, who
moved from Salisbury; Dr. Ira Pier; James Rariden, Cyrus
Finch, Martin M. Ray and John S. Newman, lawyers; Sep-
timus Smith, lawyer and editor; Major John Gay, Deputy
County Clerk; Daniel Strattan and Thomas G. Noble, a
little later.
The first tannery in Centreville was started by John Lewis
about 1818. Daniel Strattan and Thomas Gentry each had
taimeries prior to 1826 and carried on business many years
later.
The manufacture of hats, once an important industry in ev-
ery village, was carried on in Centreville for many years.
Probably the first who followed that trade here was Jacob
N. Booker. He was followed by George Troxell and Will-
iam Widup. Wm. S. T. Morton carried on the business
quite largely several years, and his brother, afterward Gov-
ernor, worked at the same trade.
Caleb Hiatt, William L. Reynolds and H. E. Hiirlbut were
early cabinet-makers. Isaac Forkner was the first black-
smith. Lewis Burk and Frederic Dillon came soon after
Forkner. Edward Benbow, Wm. Hill and Daniel Lantz
were among the first wagon-makers. Martin Hornish and
CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 315
John Chapman were the first shoemakers. Jesse Willetts
and Jacob Hornish were among the first carpenters.
The first tailor was Charles F. Reed. Other early tailors
were: John E. Dunham, Matthew W. Jack and William B.
Hornish. Dunham followed tailoring many years, and about
1840 had in his sliop an assistant named A. E. Burnside,
since a famous G-eiieral. Burnside went from here to West
Point, after working a year or so at tailoring. While he
was in the shop, Dunham was Postmaster of the town. A
man named Richards, remarkably tall and slender, then re-
sided here, and was generally known by the nickname
"Ramrod." One day he called at the postoflice to enquire
for letters, and young Burnside waited upon him. "Any
letters?" Burnside looked all through the " R's," all the
time supposing Ramrod was the real name of his questioner,
and then said, "No, Mr. Ramrod; nothing for you." Rich-
ards flew into a passion at once and used bad words, threat-
ening the young tailor; but the latter saw that he had made
a blunder, and apologized.
The first record of the proceedings of the town officers
bears the date June 12, 1834. On that day M. M. Ray, John
C. Kibbey, Jesse Williams, Daniel Strattan, Thomas Gentry
and ISTelson Boon qualified as Trustees before Samuel Han-
nah, Clerk of Courts of Wayne County. Daniel Strattan was
elected President of the board.
, The officers of the town for the year 1883-'4 are: Dr. Wm.
F. King, First Ward; Hayman Dobbs, Second Ward; Albert
R. Jones, Third Ward; George W. Gates, Fourth Ward; Geo.
L. Gates, Fifth Ward, Councilmen. Hayman Dobbs, Presi-
dent of the board. J. H. Gentry is Clerk; John K. Jones,
Treasurer; George Sanders, Marshal; David A. Green, Pres-
ident and Chief of the fire department; J. A. Bowen, Yice-
President, fire department; James Nichols, First Engineer;
C. B. Means, Second Engineer. Justices of the Peace: Da-
vid Gentry and Allen Abernethy. The Townshi p Trustee is
C. J. Harvey.
Probably no small town in the State has a more efficient or
better equipped fire department than Centreville. Among the
by-laws and ordinances for the government of the corporation
316 HISTORY' OF WAYNE COUNTY.
adopted June 19, 1834, is one specifying that it shall be the
duty of each male householder to provide himself with a sub-
stantial bucket made of tin or wood, and at all times keep it
in readiness for use when required. The marshal was author-
ized to direct and control the fire department, which was to
be made up of " all white male persons over the age of
twenty-one years." This ordinance was repealed in 1836.
In 1835 the trustees voted to build an engine-house, one
storv high, 12 x 16 feet in size, and on the 5th of October
authorized Frederick V. Snider to purchase a fire-engine,
voting an appropriation of $300 toward paying for it. Mr.
Snider purchased in Cincinnati, for $445, an engine that af-
terward became noted in the town, and which was called
" The Old Flame." April 21, 1836, a fire company was or-
ganized, to act under the president and trustees of the corpora-
tion. F. Y. Snider was appointed " Foreman and Commander-
in-Chief of the Centreville Fire Company;" William Widup,
Assistant; Lewis Jones, First Engineer, and Franklin Booker,
Second Engineer. The fire company thus organized consisted
of John E. Dunham, William Beverlin, John Chapman, Rob-
ert Dinwiddle, David Dinwiddle, T. L. Doughty, J. P.
Doughty, William Doughty, Jr., Samuel Delong, George
Ilolman, William Dell, Thomas Brown, James Egler. Jesse
Delong, Daniel Strattan, Henderson Fleming, John S. l^ew-
man, Solomon Meredith, John Myers, William Evans, John
Larue, Abner Haines, John H. Hutchinson,William S. T.Mor-
ton, Thomas Gentry, John Winders, Norris Jones, Eli Jones,
AVashington Jones, John Strattan, J. K. Godfrey, Daniel
Johnson, John Jamieson, Jennings Fisher, and Aaron Har-
vey. Of the foregoing, only David Dinwiddle, now of Phil-
adelphia; George Holman, of Indianapolis, and Eli and
Washington Jones are known to be living.
A hook and ladder company organized at the same time
with the above consisted of Michael Hornish, Crawford Con-
ner, C. F. Miller, J. M. Fisher, James Forkner, Stephen Gas-
ton, David Moore, Abel Evans, Isaac Snooke, J. L. Catter,
G. W. Conner, E. A. Miller, George M. Evans, and Charles
Wertman, all of whom are probably now dead.
In consequence of a very destructive fire on the night and
CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 317
morning of the 15th and 16th of October, 1875, at which time
nearly $40,000 worth of property was destroyed, the citizens
decided that they needed more and better protection
against damage by fire, and in December of the same year
a fine steam fire-engine was purchased at a cost of $5,000.
The present fire company was then organized, with M. Beit-
zelle, Cliief, and Fred Lyman, First Engineer; J. H. Gentry,
Secretar}'. Except one fire, Jan. 16, 1876, which destroyed
property worth about $6,000, there has been no large fire
in the town since that time.
Some years before the war a pork-packing establishment
was started in Centreville by Morris Jones and others. After a
short time John Latchaw became the owner of the building
and fitted it up for a steam flouring mill. The building was
afterward destroyed by fire. Mr. Latchaw then erected the
one now standing. William Clark and John P. Smith were
the next owners, and from them the property passed into the
hands of George Legate, the present proprietor.
In 1868 Lyman & Haines erected a steam saw-mill in the
eastern part of the town. J. A. Commons is the present
owner, and does a good business.
After the seminary building became the public school build-
ing, in 1870, the former school-house was sold, and converted
into a grist-mill by Charles Bertsch. It was afterward
changed into a shoe factory, by a Mr. Somerby, of Indiana-
polis, who failed after operating a short time. The building
is now unused.
In 1875 Vogel & Lincoln began the manufacture of organs
in Centreville. In 1876 they moved to the old court-house,
where Elisha Lincoln continued the business on quite a large
scale, employing from twenty-five to thirty men. He failed
after a short time and the industry ceased. The business was
carried on under the name of the Hoosier Organ Company.
A inachine shop and saw-mill was started about 1854 by
Wharton Lyman, Norris Jones and others. After several
changes the property was bought, in 1883, by T. H. Edmunds,
who is doing a good business making cane-seated chairs and
rockers. He saws his own lumber, and has a fine establish-
ment, run and heated by steam.
318 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Centreville has a large and commodious public hall, two
stories high, of brick. It was erected by Korris Jones in
185S. The lower part is the engine-house and firemen's
rooms and the the second floor contains the town hall.
The leading business interests of Centreville in the year
1884 are as follows: Lafayette Williams, Samuel C. Doughty,
dry goods merchants; drug stores, Drs. Pricliett & Reed, Dr.
Darnell; agricultural implements and groceries, J. A. Danbar
& Co.; hardware and groceries, H. C. Leeson; groceries, G.
Johnson, Geo. Wolf; boots and shoes, H. S. Scott; saddlery.
Keys & Means; hotels — American, E. F. Horner; Park, D.
A. Green; Jones House, Mrs. S. Jones; livery stables, Ru-
dolph Shoff, D. A. Commons, Simon McConaha; grist-mill,
Geo. Legate; saw-mill, J. A. Commons; chair factory, T. H.
Edmunds; bank. First National.
Centreville has six physicians: Drs. John Prichett, Wm. F.
King, Hosea Tillson, Silas Kersey, — Gordon (homeop-
athic), and Wm. Reed; and one lawyer, Thomas Means.
The town is growing quite rapidly in population, and a
very commendable spirit of business enterprise seems to have
taken a firm hold.
FIRST NATIONAL BANK.
The First National Bank of Centreville was organized and
began business in 1863. Among the stockholders were: Oli-
ver T. Jones, Jacob B. Julian, Joseph W. Jackson, David
Commons, Joshua Eliason, Jesse Gates, George W. Julian,
James Forkner, Philip Jenkins, Joseph C. Ratlifi", Alexander
Cheesman, William Culbertson, Jeremiah W. Swaiford and
others. Oliver T. Jones was chosen President, and Benj. L.
Martin, Cashier. Martin declining the office, J. P. Sonthard
was elected in his place. A few months later Jacob B. Julian
succeeded Jones as President, and Mr. Jones became Cashier.
Mr. Julian remained the President until 1873, when he was
succeeded by James Forkner, who served until his death in
1880. The present President, Jesse Gates, was chosen in 1881.
J. K. Jones is Cashier, and Geo. L. Cates, Assistant Cashier.
The present Directors are: Jesse Cates, Philip Jenkins, Joseph
C. RatliflF, Alexander Cheesman and J. K. Jones. The bank
CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 319
started with a capital of $100,000 which has since been re-
duced to $50,000. It has a surplus fund of $20,000.
LODGES.
Masonic. — The first'Masonic lodge in Wayne County was
organized at Centerville in 1823. In 1833 it was removed to
Richmond. Its history is given among the lodges of that
city. Hiram Lodge, JSTo. 42, F. & A. M., was organized in
May, 1847, with Francis King, W. M. ; Samuel Boyd, S. W. ;
Martin M. Ray, J. W.; John Prichett, Sec. There are no
records of its charter members, but the following named
members joined between 1847 and 1851: James Woods,
Thomas G. Noble, Roswell Elmer, Edward H. Hudson, John
M. Way, Michael Wilson, Samuel C. Meredith, Lazarus
Noble, William Dewey, George W. Conner, Daniel B. Abra-
hams, John C. Gregg, W. P. Hannah, Wm. B. Hornish, Isaac
Forkner, Christopher A. Hill and Wra. B. Lucas. Prior to
the re-organization in 1869, 155 members had been admitted.
Nov. 11, 1869, the lodge was re-organized as Hiram Lodge,
No. 417, under a dispensation. June 16, 1870, it was re-or-
ganized under a charter. The charter members were: Joseph
C. Ratliff, Wm. Dickey, Elihu M. Parker, Alvin J. Woods,
Morgan McCoy, John F. Julian, John F. Kibbej^ and John
Prichett. From 1869 to 1884 eighty-live have been adtnitted
to membership. The lodge is out of debt and in a fair con-
dition. The present officers are: Hosea Tillson, W. M.;
John H. Wright, S. W.; Jos. Bowen, J. W.; Jos. A. Com-
mons, Treas. ; John Prichett, Sec; Nirarod Parrot, S. D.; C.
B. Means, J. D.; Clark S. Baker, T.
Odd Fellows. — Hoosier Lodge, No. 23, I. O. O. F., was
instituted Aug. 15, 1845. Charter members: Jas. W. Stuart,
U. W. Gill, W. R. Edwards, M. Hoodan, E. H. Barry, Dan-
iel Wooley, J. S. Harvey, W. B. Moffit, G. G. Hornan, S. O.
Charles, J. F. Siddal, S. W. Webster, J. B. Anderson, A.
A. Matthews, J. Systler, C. H. Burchenal. The lodge hall
was burned in November, 1856. The present I. O. O. F.
hall was built in 1860. It is a three-story brick building.
This lodge now has sixty-six members, and property worth
$2,400. The lodge lost $1,000 by a safe robbery in the winter
320 HISTOKY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
of 1884, The present officers are: James A. Maudlin, N. G.;
William F. King, Y. G. ; Jesse B. Tiioraas, Sec; Mark Maud-
lin, Per. Sec.
Grand ^m-y.— Frank Beitzelle Post, No. 210, G. A. K.,
was chartered July 9, 1883, with the following charter mem-
bers: Jesse B.Thomas, Marcellns Beitzelle, William F. King,
John Pritchett, Henry C. Leeson, C. B. Jackson, Jesse
Horney, Joseph F. Hatfield, Ferdinand Wann and William
Matthews. H. C. Leeson was chosen Commander. In March,
1884, the post had eighteen members and the following offi-
cers: H. C. Leeson, C; Joseph Bowen, S. V. C. ; Joseph F.
Hatfield, J. V. C; Jesse B.Thomas, Adjt.; Dr. Hosea Tillson,
Surg.; Samuel I. Hertzell, Chap.; William Matthews, Q. M.;
Marcellus Beitzelle, O. D.; Jacob Tibbetts, O. G.
CHUKCHES.
West Grove {Friends^) Meeting. — This church was organ-
ized in 1815, and its first Monthly Meeting was held in the
woods in that year. A log structure, without a chimney, but
with a fire-place in the center, in which a ciiarcoal fire was
kept up, was soon erected and used as a meeting-house. This
was situated about three miles northwest of Centreville.
About 1831 the log meeting-house was torn down and the
present edifice took its place. Among the early preachers
were: Jesse Bond, Hannah Baldwin and Daniel Williams.
Early members: Robert Commons, William Hastings, Benja-
min Maudlin, Jacob Griffin, James Townsend, William Har-
vey, Exum Elliott, Obed Barnard, Edward Benbow, Abraham
and Joseph Cook, Jehu Wickershara, John Brumfield, John
Maxwell, John Harvey, John Copeland, Robert Harvey,
George Russell, Charles Canaday and Nathan Overman. The
society is still in existence; its membership is now about 125.
A school was maintained by the Friends near the church for
many years.
Centreville M. E- Church was organized in 1823. The
class then formed consisted of seven members : Israel and
Mary Abrkhatns, Peter Ringo and wife, Mrs. Martha Talbot,
Sarah Booker and Mrs. Hart, known as "Mother Hart."
Sarah Reed joined a short time after the class was formed.
CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 321
Israel Abrahams was the Class-Leader. There had been
preaching by Methodists in the town from 1820. The meet-
ings were generally held in the court-house. Some of the
early preachers were: Revs. Bigelow, Strange, White,^Haven,
Wiley and Gath, some of whom were afterward noted as
ministers and bishops. Members who connected themselves
with the church early in its existence were; Elisha and Sam-
uel King, Edward K. Hart, John Scott and wife, Mrs. The-
resa Finch, Alfred Carter and wife, Ephraim J. Merritt and
wife, and others. Mrs. Ham, of Centreville, is the oldest
member of the congregation now living, and in the absence of
any early records has furnished the writer most of the data
for this sketch. About two years after the first class was
formed Israel Abrahams, who was then a merchant in the
town, erected a building for a store and residence (part of
which is still standing), and fitted the upper portion of it for
the use of the society. Here worship was held for nearly two
years. A frame church was then erected in the eastern part
of the town, and in it the first Sabbath-school in Wayne
County was organized in 1827. The first conference ever held
in Centreville was also held in this house later, Bishop Mor-
ris presiding. The present brick church was erected in 1842
and dedicated in October of that year. Just after the dedica-
tion the last conference ever held in the town convened in it.
Yery interesting|Sabbath-schools were held for several years
succeeding by the M. E. and Cumberland Presbyterian
churches together. When the new church was buiit the con-
gregation had nine classes, the smallest of which numbered
twenty-one members. In March, 1884, the church had 125
members and about 140 Sabbath-school pupils ; value of
church property, $4,000. Wm. Boston is the present pastor;
G. W. Gates and A. D. Bowers, Stewards; G. W. Gates, Dr.
Wm. Reed, A. J. Rarabo, Chas. Bertsch and Dr. Hosea Till-
son, Trustees; A. D. Bowers and Hayraan Dobbs, Class-
Leaders.
Baptist Church. — A Baptist church was formed in the
township as early as 1820, but ceased to exist many years
ago. A meeting-house was built near Olive Hill. Among
the first members were; Isaac Cotton and Samuel Taylor, who
322 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
were preachers; John Stigleman, Richard Cheesman and
Isaac Voorhees. There was also an early Baptist, church in
Centreville, which erected the house Avhich was afterwards
used by the Christians.
Centreville Christian Church was organized about 1839,
principally through the efforts of Elder Samuel K. Hoshour.
Elder James McVay held a series of revival meetings which
prepared the way for an organization. Many of the members
came from the Baptist and Freewill Baptist denominations,
both of which had organized many years previous. Among
the original members were: Jesse Thomas and wife, Mrs.
Judith King, Mrs. Lucinda Eliason, John Winder and wife,
Mrs. Round tree, Mrs. Sally Dewey, Mrs. Patsy Thomas,
Daniel Cr^i-w and wife, Mr. Tallhelm and wife, Elder Daniel
Winder and wife. Joshua Eliason is the oldest member now
living. Meetings were first held in the seminary and in the
court-house. Then the church came into possession of a
house previously erected by the Baptists at the north end of
town, which was used until the present brick house was
built in 1878. The new church cost about $5,000. The
church now has nearly 100 members. Among the pastors
have been Elderc S. K. Hoshour, James McOullough, A. I.
Hobbs, Van Baskirk, R. T. Brown, R. L. Howe, Wm. J.
Howe and J. B. Ludwig, the present pastor.
Cumberland Presbyterian. — The Cumberland Presbyterian
church, ofCentreville, was organized by Rev. Le Roy Woods,
in December, 1842. The original members were: John B.
Stitt, James Woods, Eliza A. Bolander, Sarah Garthwaite,
James H. Hudson, Susan Hudson, A. F. Dunliam, Francis
Smith, Henry Brown, Francis Smith, E. C. Seaton and Mary
Stitt. The house of worsliip was erected in 1849. Among
the pastors were: Revs. L. Woods, E. McCord, F. G. Black,
Chas. Bond and H. D. Onvett. The org-anization, once
flourishing, has become extinct and its church property was
recently sold to the Friends.
Presbyterian. — A Presbyterian church was formed in
Centreville, April 14, 1866. Rev. James A. McKee and
Rev. L. W. Chapman were present at the organization.
Among the members were: John McFarland, Wharton Ly-
CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 323
man, John M. Coyner and Samuel Wilson, with their wives;
Michael Wilson, Elizaheth Young, Elizabeth Huston, Caroline
Dickey, Jane Rowan, Kate Johnson, Louisa A. Cunningham
and Jane Doughty. The first Elders were: McFarland and
Coyner. Pastors: Rev. F. L. Senour, S. S. Potter, Eben
Muse and supplies. The congregation is small and has had
no regular services for some time. The church edifice, a good
brick building, was erected in 1868.
Centreville Meeting. — The Friends organized a meeting in
Centreville, in March, 1884. There had been meetings held
for a year preceding, but no organization. There are about
fifty members belonging to this meeting, which is under the
charge of the Whitewater Monthly Meeting. For their
services they have purchased for $320 the church in
Centerville, built by the Cumberland Presbyterians.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
John 0. Austin is a native of Montgomery Co., Md., born
March 29, 1807, a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (OfFord)
Austin, His parents moved to the District of Columbia
when he was quite young, and kept a hotel ,iii Georgetown.
When he was ten years of age they moved to the Shenandoah
Yalley, where he grew to manhood. They afterward moved <,
to Hamilton County, Ohio, where the father died in 1829. Of
ten children, John O. and a sister living in Union Co., Ind.,
are the only ones living. John O. Austin learned the shoe-
maker's trade when a young man, at which he worked over
forty years. In 1830 he moved to Richmond, remaining there
till 1834. In 1832 he subscribed for the Palladium. While
in Richmond he clerked in the dry-goods store of Theo.
Sittle. In 1835 he went to Liberty, Union County, and soon
after married Amy Rose, a native of Indiana, born in 1814,
and a daughter of Abraham Rose. He located in Liberty,
working at his trade in connection with farming. In the fall
of 1871 he came to Wayne County, and bought the farm
known as the Jacob Brooks farm, consisting of 105 acres of
fine land with good farm buildings. At present he lives
rather a retired life, renting his farm to his sons. Mr. and
Mrs. Austin are members of the Congregational church.
324 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Their children are five in number — Warren B., John R.,
Catherine (wife ofP, S. Sutton), Brushrod W.,and Garrie D.,
the latter deceased.
John N. Black, farmer, Centre Township, was born March
9, 1834, a son of Robert and Julia Ann (Jackson) Black.
Robert Black was a native of Kentucky, and came with his
fatlier, James Black, to Wayne County, Ind., in 1813, settling
three miles southwest of Richmond. He was married in
1824, and settled on a farm two and one-half miles southwest
of Centreville, which he entered, and where his family of six
boys and two girls were born, and where he died in 1838,
while his children were yet small, leaving his young wife de-
pendent upon her good judgment and energy to raise them.
She died in 1883 at the age ot eighty years, John !N. Black
remained with his mother till his marriage. He then en-
gaged in farming for himself on the farm where he was born,
and of which he now owns 140 acres, most of it under culti-
vation. He was married in 1857 to Julia Ann Kitterman,
daughter of Philip and Salome Kitterman. They have three
children — Mary C, wife of W. H. Petty; Joseph S. and Ida
Belle. Mr. Black was initiated in Hoosier Lodge, JS^o. 23,
I. O. O. F., April 3, 1880, and of which he is still a member
of good standing.
Joseph W. Black is a native of Center Township, born Nov.
16, 1835, a son of IJobert and Julia Ann (Jackson) Black, and
a cousin of Captain Caleb and Joseph W. Jackson . He was
reared on a farm receiving his education in the common
schools. Being early instructed in the different phases of
farm life, he chose that as his occupation, and has been very
successful, owning 110 acres of land, mostly improved, with
good farm buildings. He was married in 1866 to Hannah
Lamott, daughter of Joshua Lamott, one of the oldest resi-
dents of Washington Township. They have a family ot
eight children — Monroe M., Joseph W., Joshua R., Charles
F., Walter, Freeman, Flora A. and Sadie E.
Samuel K. Boyd, the oldest resident of Centre Township,
was born in Madison County, Ky., June 29, 1794. In J 811
his parents, Samuel and Isabel (Higgins) Boyd, came with a
family of nine children to Wayne County, and settled on the
CENTKE TOWNSHIP. 325
Walnut Level, near Jacksonbur^, purchasing the land at the
land sale of the Twelve-Mile Purchase, in October, 1811.
Thev built a small cabin, 18 x 24, and went to work to clear
up a farm. Samuel Boyd served as a soldier in the Revolu-
tionary war, and was shot in the side of his head, the ball com-
ing out near his nose, destroying the sight of one eye. He
was in religious faith a Christian. He died at the age of sev-
enty-three years. His wife died in 1852. They had ten
children — James, John C, William, Elizabeth, Samuel K. ,
Martha, Robert, Mary, Isabel, and an infant. Samuel K.
Boyd was reared a farmer, and has always followed that oc-
cupation. He was married whe-n twenty-three years old to
Martha Lewis, who died May 17, 1827, leaving five children,
one an infant nine days old. He afterward married Bertha
Ladd, who died in 1872. Mr. Boyd has lived a long life and
has seen Wayne County in all its varied aspects. He served
nine months in the war of 1812.
Solomon Bruinfield, son of John and Margaret Brumfield,
was born near Harrisburg, Pa., Feb. 9, 1805, and died near
Centreville, Ind., Sept. 8, 1865. When about fourteen years
of age he came to Wayne County with his parents and set-
tled on Nolan's Fork, where his father died in 1834 and his
mother in 1850. Of a family of six children but one is liv-
ing — William H., an attorney of San Francisco, Cal. Solo-
mon Brumfield was married April 12, 1827, to Eliza Boone,
a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, born Jan. 15, 1810, and
soon after settled on a farm of his father's. He subsequently
bought a farm in Fayette County where they lived six years,
when in 1834 he removed with his family to Centreville, and
kept hotel several years. He then bought a farm of 300
acres and engaged extensively in farming. He was also a
veterinary surgeon of marked success. His widow still re-
sides on the old homestead. She has been a cripple for six
years, caused by the kick of a cow, but otherwise she is a
smart, intelligent woman. They had a family of nine chil-
dren — Margaret (wife of Thomas Means),^01iver H., Jesse C,
Susan M. (wife of William McDonald), Charles R., Henry
C, W. H. (died at the age of four years), Walter S. and Mil-
lard F.
326 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Thomas Burris, a prominent farmer of Centre Township,
was born in old Virginia, April 1, 1813. In 1826 his parents,
Philip and Susan Burns, came to Wayne County, Ind., and
settled on a farm in Washington Township, where they died
in 1848. They had a family of eight children — Nancy, born
in 1803; Thornton, died in 1845 ^ PoUy, now Mrs. Joseph
Beck; Bartley, died in 1881; Thomas; Philip, died in infancy;
Daniel and WilUam, of Fayette County, Ind. Thomas Bur-
ris was married in 1836 to Virginia Davidson, of Wayne
County. Tiiey have had three children — two sons and a
daughter. The daughter died in infancy. One son, William,
lives in Washington Township; the other, Robert, lives in
Richmond. Mr. Burris owns 200 acres of fine bottom lands,
and has been a successful farmer.
Richard Garton Gharman was born in England, Oct. 6,
1821, and died in Wayne County, Ind., June 21, 1883. lie
came to America in 1817, and May 20, 1851, married Martha,
daughter of John and Nancy Crawford. Soon after his mar-
riage he moved to Centreville, Ind., and worked at the
painter's trade ten years. After the death of Mrs. Charman's
mother they moved to the Crawford farm, and her father
made his home with them until his death. Mr. Charman
carried on the farm very successfully. He was an indus-
trious man and influential, being alive to all enterprises of
interest to the community. Mrs. Charman still resides on
the farm. It contains 130 acres of valuable land, and was
entered from the Government by her grandfather, William
Crawford. Mrs. Charman has three sons — Arthur C, mar-
ried Jennette, daughter of James and Phoebe Culbertson;
Richard G. married MinnieF.,daughterofYincent and Char-
lotte Parsons, of Muncie, Ind. ; Albert R. is a graduate of
and now a teacher in the Terre Haute schools.
Thomas J. Clevenger was born in Abington Township,
Wayne Co., Ind., Dec. 28, 1851, a son of Samuel and Ruth
(Spahr) Clevenger, his father a native of Warren County,
Ohio, born March 9, 1810, and his mother born in Virginia,
Jan. 5, 1813. His grandfather, Daniel Clevenger, came with
his family to Wayne County in 1815 and settled in Abing-
ton Township. Samuel Clevenger and Ruth Spahr were
^ '
. s^.^ C^i.-c^c^.<^<hr.^cx.<^
^SV
ry%/^//w
/ i
m^'ni/^^rh
CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 327
married Oct. 2i, 1833. They reared ten children; eight
are living — Rebecca, wife of J. W. Connelly; Sabra, wife of
Emanuel Leab; Mary, wife of David Riegel; Samuel S.;
Joseph; Nancy L., wife of W. M. Quinn; Thomas J. and
Francis M. Mr. Clevenger was a successful farmer and
owned 380 acres of fine land. He died April 28, 1881. His
widow still resides on the old homestead. Thomas J. Clev-
enger received a good common-school education, and on
reaching his majority settled on a farm of his own. He now
owns eighty acres of good land, well improved, a story and
a half frame residence and comfortable frame buildings. He
has a fine grade of stock, both cattle and hogs. Mr. Cleven-
ger was married Feb. 12, 1880, to Evaline, daughter of
Isaiah and Jane Helms, of Wayne County.
David ConiTnons, deceased, was the j'oungest of nine chil-
dren of Robert and Ruth (Hayes) Commons, and was born in
Grayson County, Ya., July 18, 1800. His father was born
in Ireland, of English parentage, and when an infant was
brought by his parents to America. His mother was a na-
tive of Pennsylvania where she was married, and where
eight of her children were born. Both parents were mem-
bers of the Society of Friends. Robert Commons was by
trade a weaver of fine linen. In 1812 he removed with his
family to Wayne County, Ind., and entered 180 acres of land
on ITolan's Fork, now owned by J. C. Harvey. He was
a small but vigorous man, and was one of Wayne County's
most worthy pioneers. He died Dec. 28, 1837, in the nine-
tieth year of his age. His wife survived him till Sept. 23,
1845, also in her ninetieth year. Their children were — Lydia,
Phoebe, Isaac, William, John, Ezekiel, Nathan, Hannah and
David. David Commons was reared on a pioneer farm. In
1836 he purchased a farm on which was a small mill for
grinding corn. This he rebuilt in 1839 and furnished with
two run of burrs for grinding wheat and one for corn. He
also built a saw-mill, and in 1838 erected the brick residence
now owned by his son, Walter S. It was far in advance of
the age in design and finish. He was a man of energy, per-
severance and endurance, and was progressively ahead of his
time. He filled many oflices of trust with great ability. In
328 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
1836 he was elected Commissioner of Wayne County, and
served three terms. In 1847 he was elected to represent
Wayne County in the &tate Legislature, and served two
terms. He was an extensive farmer and real-estate owner
and breeder of tine stock. He was foremost in aiding all
measures of public interest; was energetic in securing the
pike roads; was one of the builders of the Indiana Central
Railroad, and for many years was one of its Directors, He
was a member of no church, but was in religious faith a
Friend. His heart was large and reached out to the needy,
and his noble generosity proved his greatest financial enemy.
]So man in Wayne County was more sensibly missed than
David Commons. He was one of the charter members and a
Director of the Centreville National Bank. He was one of
the devoted defenders of human rights and served the princi-
ples of Republicanism and the party faithfully through life.
He was married Feb. 26, 1824, to Rachel, daughter of John
and Rachel Mote, of Miami County, Ohio. Two sons were
born to them — John M., of Indianapolis, and Philip S., of
Rice County, Kas., a farmer and minister in the Society of
Friends. Mrs. Commons died May 22, 1827, aged twenty-
four years. Sept. 29, 1831, Mr. Commons married Bethena,
daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Jones) Carter, and a na-
tive of Greenville, Tenn., born Aug. 13, 1813. To them were
born seven children — Sarah A. (deceased), wife of Thomas
Jordan, of Richmond, Ind.; William M., died Aug. 25, 1853;
Isaac L., of Des Moines, Iowa; Robert D., died May 14,
1879. He served three years in the war of the Rebellion, in
the Eighth Indiana Infantry, and was wounded at Yicksburg,
May 22, 1863; Joseph A., of Centreville; Mary E., wife of
Ira Izon, of Indianapolis, and Walter S. Mrs. Commons'
parents removed to Indiana in 1829, and settled in Madison
County. They had a family of thirteen children — Wesley,
Mary, Bethena, Usiah, John C, Hilah, Edward J., Joseph,.
William, James C, Thomas E., Nancy and Levi. Bethena
and Hilah are the only ones living.
Joseph A. Commons, dealer in hardwood lumber, is a native
of Wayne County, Ind., born May 22, 1842, a son of David
and Bethena (Carter) Commons. He was reared a farmer^
CENTKE TOWNSHIP. 329
receiving his primary education in the common schools. He
subsequently attended Earlham College and the Miami Com-
mercial College, at Dayton, Ohio. After leaving college he
engaged in farming several years. In 18Y9 he bought the
saw-mill of the John Sintz estate, and has since then carried
on the mill and dealt extensively in lumber. He has always
taken an interest in the affairs of the township and has
served two terms as its Trustee, He is also Treasurer of the
School Board. He is a member of Hiram Lodge, No, 41 Y^
F. & A. M., and Hoosier Lodge, Ko. 23, I. O. O. F. In
1868 Mr. Commons was married to Amanda, daughter of
David B. Beeson. They have one son — Lawrence D.
W. S. Commons, youngest child of David and Bethena J.
(Carter) Commons, was born in Wayne County, Ind., March
28, 1853. He grew to manhood on the farm where he was
born, and which he now owns. His education was princi-
pally obtained in the common schools. He spent the year
1870 in Earlham College, but was called home by his father's
sickness and death. He then assumed the charge of the farm
and care of his mother. Dec, 31, 1874, he was married to
Sarah A., daughter of Mark and Elizabeth (Merideth) Maud-
lin. They have three children — Ernest L,, Charles C. and
Horace J. Mr. Commons is one of the energetic young far-
mers of Wayne County, He makes a specialty of breeding
short-horn cattle. Politically he is a Republican.
JRobert Delap was born in Ohio, Oct. 14, 1811, a son of
James Delap, a native of Yirginia, His father was married
in Virginia and soon after moved to Tennessee, thence to
Ohio, and in 1811 to Wayne County, Ind., and settled ou a
part of the land now owned by Robert Delap, He died in
1842. His wife survived him several years. Of a family of
five children, but two are living — Robert and Jane, wife of
George Cook. Robert Delap was reared a farmer, and re-
ceived but a limited education. He has engaged extensively
in farming and stock-raising, and has accumulated a large
property, owning between 400 and 500 acres of land. His-
residence is the largest and most extensive in the township,
and farm buildings are commodious and well built. After
reaching his majority he bought a saw-mill, which he carried
23
330 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
on in connection with his farm. In March, 18—, he was
married to Mary Bramer, a native of Wayne County. Mr.
Delap is a public-spirited, whole-souled man; liberal to all
benevolent institutions, and especially toward all enterprises
that are of interest to his township.
Albert Bruce Dunbar was born in Wayne County, March
15, 1854. He is of English ancestry. His grandfather,
William Dunbar, was born in 1783, and his grandmother,
Kebecca Dunbar in 1788. His father, James Dunbar, was
born in Union County, Ind., Jan. 4, 1821, and in 1846 was
married to Mary Mateer, and removed to Wayne County, and
settled in Abington Township, where he followed farming in
the summer and taught school during the winter for sixteen
years. At the begining of the civil war he returned to Union
County, but remained only a year, returning to Wayne
County, and was soon after elected Trustee of Centre Town-
ship, holding the position the remainder of his life. He was
for many years Justice of the Peace of Abington Township.
He studied medicine and practiced in his younger days, but
not liking the profession abandoned it. He was a man of
perseverance and enterprise, and a leading citizen of the
county. He was a prominent member of the Odd Fellows
fraternity. Politically he was a Republican, and an active
man in all measures tending to the success of the Union in
the time of the war. He died Aug. 17, 1869. His widow
lives in Centre Township. Thej^ had a family of five chil-
dren — Narcissa, wife of Francis E. Scott; Minerva, deceased,
wife of J. E.. Robbins; Thomas G., Albert B. and John A.
Albert B. Dunbar received a liberal education in the schools
of Centreville. He was reared on the farm and is an enter-
prising, public-spirited young man, a supporter of all lauda-
ble enterprises. Politically he is a Republican, and a member
of the Township Board of campaign management. He is
a member of Woodard Lodge, No. 212, I. O. O. F. Dec. 15,
1880, he was married to Almeda, daughter of Isaac P. and
Rebecca (Commons) Lewis. She was born Dec. 21, 1856.
Mrs. Dunbar's fither was born in South Carolina in 1804,
and subsequently resided with his parents in Warren County,
Ohio, where he married Rachel Waidrop, who died and he
CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 331
afterward married Rebecca Commons. Eight children were
born to this union— Kathan, Ehner, Narcissa, Loretta, Al-
meda, Eva, Perry and Oliver.
Thomas G. Dunhar, grocer and dealer in hardware and
farming implements, is a native of Wayne Co., Ind., born
Dec. 21, 1848, the eldest son of James and Mary Dunbar,
his father a native of Union County, Ind., and his mother of
Oxford, Ohio. He was reared on a farm and educated in the
district schools. On reaching his majority he engao'cd in
running a saw-mill, continuing in that business till 1879,
when he took charge of the American Hotel in Centreviile,
and carried it on eighteen months. In 1882 he opened his
present place of business in the old court-house building
where he has built up a large and thriving trade. In 1872
Mr. Dunbar was married to Sarah E., daughter of Joseph
and Sarah King, of Wayne County. They have two children
— Oris K. and Walter H. Mr. Dunbar is a member of Wood-
ward Lodge, No. 154, I. O. O. F.
John F. Dynes is a native of Warren County, Ohio, born
July 14, 1848, a son of William H. and Marian Dynes. His
parents moved to Delaware County, Ind., in 1849, where his
mother died when he was four and his father when he was six
years of age. He then lived with relatives a year, when he was
bound to an Irish farmer named Mansfield, who was rough and
unkind, and when fifteen years of age he ran away and enlisted
in the One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Indiana Infantry (one
hundred days' men). After serving four months he went to
Union City, Ind., and learned the printer's trade, at which
he worked two and a half years. He then worked on a farm
eighteen months, and the next eighteen months worked at
his trade in Indianapolis. In 1870 he returned to Delaware
County, and married Cynthia J., daughter of William and
Susannah Snodgrass, of Wayne County, and for eighteen
months engaged in farming. He then moved to Indianapo-
lis and for three and a half years was in the real-estate busi-
ness. In June, 1875, he bought the farm in Centre Town-
ship, WayncjCounty, where he now lives, containing eighty
acres of choice land, well improved, and has since then given
his exclusive attention to farming. Mr. and Mrs Dynes have
332 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
five children— Charles E., Minnie M., William H., Earl M.
and John F.
Andrew J. Eliason, son of Richard and Harriett (McAllister)
Eliason, was born in Wayne County, Ind., Feb. 5, 1834. His
father was born in Delaware in 1802, and moved with his
parents to Kentucky and thence to Wayne County, Ind., where
he was married. He died at. the age of eighty-three years.
His wife preceded him several years. Their children were —
Levi, Mary A., James, John M., Andrew J., Martin, Betsy
A., Sarah A., Joshua and William. Andrew J. remained
with his parents till nearly thirty years of age, and March 19,
1868, was married to Mary, daughter of Peter and Eliza
(McGlothlin) Black. They have four children — Walter W.,
Harry, John C. and Irwin H. Mr. Eliason has a fine farm
of 160 acres, and is one of the practical and successful farmers
of Centre Township. Politically he is a Republican, His
wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Jos/ma Eliason, Sr., a prominent farmer of Centre Town-
ship, was born in New Castle County, Del., Jan. 14, 1805, a son
of Joshua Eliason, a native of the same State, born in 1776. '
His parents came to Wayne County, Ind., in the fall of 1814,
and first settled two miles northeast of Centre vi lie, in the un-
broken forest. They built a rude cabin and commenced the
struggle for a home. Many are tlie privations to be under-
gone in clearing and improving a farm in a new country,
but with undaunted zeal they labored on and reared tiieir
family, giving them all the advantages afforded in the new
country. They were members of the Baptist church and fore-
most in having a church of their denomination established in
their adopted home. The mother died in 1820. The father
lived to be eighty-four years of age, passing away in 1860.
They had a family of six children— William, died in 1884;
Joshua, Levi, Lydia, wife of James Faulkner; Kittie, mar-
ried James McAllister, both deceased; Betsey, married Ja-
cob Park, both deceased. Joshua Eliason, the subject of this
sketch, was reared on a pioneer farm, receiving a common-
school education in the earl}'^ subscription schoofc. He was
married in his twenty-fourth year to Lucinda, daughter of
John King, of Wayne County. He soon after moved to
CENTKE TOWJ!fSHIP. 333
a farm, and has been extensively and successfully engaged in
agricultural pursuits. He lias also been an extensive stock-
raiser, dealing largely in cattle and hogs. For ten years he
dealt in pork, packing and shipping large quantities to the
larger cities. His farm contains 312 acres of choice land.
His residence is a large, statelj' two-story brick surrounded
with beautiful evergreens and shade trees. Mr. Eliason lost
his wife, a most devoted Christian lady, Feb. 12, 1873. He
has been a member of the Christian church over forty years,
and has held the diiferent offices in the church, being always
ready to sustain the banner of the cross. Politically, like his
father before him, he has been a Whig and in later life a
Republican.
Joshua Eliason, Jr., was born in Wayne County, Ind., April
14, 1841, a son of William and Harriet (McAlister) Eliason.
He remained on the farm with his parents till manhood, receiv-
ing a common-school education. In 1867 he was married to
Mary, daughter of Oliver T. and Mary (King) Jones, of
Wayne County. Three children have been born to them —
Jessie, Zella and John. Mr. Eliason has thus far given his
attention to agriculture and stock-raising. His farm con-
tains 160 acres of fine land, with a good residence and farm
buildings, fenced with hedge. Mrs. Eliason is a lady of cult-
ure and refinement. She is a member of the Methodist
church. Politically Mr. Eliason was reared a Whig, and is
now a worker in the Republican party.
T. G. £'liaso7iwas born in Wayne County, Ind., on the farm
where he now resides, July 10, 1839, a son of Joshua and
Martha (Crawford) Eliason. His father was a native of Dela-
ware, and came to Wayne County, Ind., in 1814, and entered the
quarter-section of land now occupied by his son T. C. The
land was in the woods. He erected a log cabin and later in
life built a double hewed-log house. His sons Thomas and
Henry erected the present residence and farm buildings. He
was politically a Whig and later in life a Republican. He
lived to be nearly eighty-three years of age. He was twice
married. T]^ the first marriage were born six children, three
now living — Joshua, Levi and Lydia. Of the nine children
born to the second marriage eight are living — Ebenezer,
334 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
(deceased); Anna, wife of Samuel Townsend, of Fulton Co.,
Ind. ; Andrew; John, of Illinois; Marinda, wife of William
Longfellow, of Tipton County, Ind.; Henry C, of Conners-
ville, Ind. ; Martha, widow of Thomas McConaha; Lueinda,
widow of Robert Grimes, and Thomas C. The mother died
in her eighty-fourth year. T. C. Eliason received his educa-
tion in the country schools. Soon after reaching manhood
he became the owner of the home farm, where he was very suc-
cessful till 1875. He then invested several thousand dollars
in the Richmond Furniture Manufacturing Company, where
he spent four years of his time and lost all he invested. Fie
then returned to the farm, where he is now living. His
farm is one of the best in the neighborhood, and is well
drained bj 700 rods of tiling. He is a liberal supporter of all
local enterprises of merit. Politically he is a Republican.
He is a member of the Christian church.
Homer Farlow VI Si&hoYXi in Union County, Ind., Dee. 23,
1843, the third son of Stephen and Nancy (Leviston) Farlow,
who were also natives of Union County. When he was ten
years of age his father moved his family to Wayne County,
and settled on the farm where our subject still resides, his
father now living in Boston Township. Homer Farlow has
followed farming through life, and has a farm of 194 acres of
choice bottom land, with first-class buildings. He makes a
specialty of breeding the Poland China hogs, and is classed
among the successful cattle raisers of Centre Township.
May 31, 1868, he was married to Eliza C. Railsback, a native
of Wayne County, and daughter of the late Nathan Railsback.
They are the parents of four children — Estella M., Bessie L.
Nora and Percy.
'Paul Frazer was born about the year 1791, near Philadel-
phia, Pa. He was married to Catharine McPherson, who
died in Pennsylvania, leaving four boys — Paul, John (who
died in California in 1872), Franklin and McCord. After his
wife's death Mr. Frazer moved in 1836, with his little sons, to
Wayne County, Ind., and followed farming near Williamsburg
for four 3'ears. He then sold his farm and bougat 160 acres
south of Centreville. He was married a second time to Mary
Ladd, a native of North Carolina, who died in 1873, leaving
CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 335
one dauofliter, Catharine, who is now keeping house for her
brothers. The farm is now owned by the sons and daughter
and contains 220 acres of land. Mr. Frazer was an honest,
industrious and enterprising farmer. He died in August,
1854.
David Gentry^ Justice of the Peace, Centre Township,
Wavne Co., Ind., was born in Madison County, Ky. , April
2, 1808. He received a limited education in his native
county; remained there till the fall of 1830, when he came to
Wayne County and located three miles southwest of Centre-
ville. In 1836 he moved to Centreville. In the fall that
year he was elected Constable and served till 1844, when he
was elected Sheriff of the county; held that position till 1848.
From 1853 till 1858 he was in the general mercantile busi-
ness, and from 1858 till 1866 in the grocery business. He
was elected Justice of the Peace in 1863, and has now held
the office twenty years. In Jane, 1830, Mr. Gentry was mar-
ried to Jane Tilley, of North Carolina. She died March 24,
1877. They had a family of four children; two daughters
died in infancy. One son, William T., a graduate of West
Point in the class of 1856, was appointed Second Lieutenant
of the Fourth United States Infantry; was promoted to Cap-
tain of the Nineteenth Infantry, and afterward to Major of
the Ninth Infantry. April 12, 1884, he was promoted Colo-
nel of the Twenty-fifth U. S. Infantry, now stationed at Fort
Snelling, Minn. The other son, James H., was educated in
his native town, and was for several years associated in busi-
ness with his father. He was for two years a staff officer of
Governor Morton. He was in the wholesale grocery business
in Cincinnati, Ohio, three years, and since then has resided in
Centreville, dealing extensively in real estate. He has been
City Clerk since 1870. He was also connected with the Rich-
mond Telegram ten years. In 1858 he was married to Sarah
E., daughter of Henry and Anna M. Beitzell. They have
three daughters — Blanche, Irene and Jennie B.
Peter ^-'oz^er, deceased, was born in Lynchburgh, Ya., Jan.
18, 1801. He left his native city for Somerset County, Pa.,
where he remained till he grew to manhood. He then went
to Maryland, where he was married to Eliza Chaney, and to
336 HISTORY OF WAYJSTE COUNTY.
them were born two children — William H., and Mary E.,
wife of John A. Shadie. In the spring of 1834 he came to
Wayne Countj^ Ind., and bought a farm about two miles
south of Centrcville, where he farmed till 1857. He then
sold his farm and bought the place now occupied by William
H. Gower. His death occurred in July, 1882, and his wife
died in 1866. His son William H. was born in April, 1831,
in Maryland. He came to Wayne County, Ind., when about
three years of age, where he was reared. He was married in
October, 1866, to Sarah F., daughter of John and Sarah
Jones. They have one son — Charles W. Soon after his mar-
riage William settled upon his present farm, which contains
192 acres, most of which is under cultivation.
Thaddeus C. Greene^ deceased, was born in Huiitsville,
Ala., June 5, 1835, a son of Thomas B. and Eda (Dodge)
Greene. When he was a child his father died, and his edu-
cation was therefore limited to the common schools of his
native State. When he was ten years of age his mother,
with her five children, removed to Liberty, Union Co., Ind.,
and it was there and in Wayne County that Thaddeus C.
grew to manhood. He subsequently went to Abington,
Wayne County, and served an apprenticeship at the carriage-
maker's trade, and became an intelligent and skillful work-
man. He remained at Abington till the breaking out of the
war of the Rebellion, when he was one of the first to respond to
the call for troops, enlisting as a private in Company A, Eighth
Indiana Infantry, for three months. He was actively engaged
during his term of service and was discharged Aug. 6, 1861.
He returned home and worked at his trade till Aug. 5, 1862,
when he again enlisted and was assigned to duty in the Nine-
teenth Indiana Battery, and served till the last gun was fired;
was discharged June 10, 1865. He participated in the battles
of Perry ville,Cliickamauga, Mission Ridge, Kennesaw Mount-
ain, Peach Tree Creek, New Hope Church, Jonesboro, and
many others of less note. As a soldier he never shirked any
duty, however irksome or dangerous it might be. Brave
and intr.epid, he won the confidence and esteem of his superi-
ors, and with his comrades in the ranks he was a general
favorite, on account of his obliging and genial disposition.
CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 337
After his return home he worked at his trade till Oct. 6, 1866,
when he lost both hands by the premature discharge of a
cannon. May 30, 1867, he married Martha E., daughter of
Enoch and Martha Coddington, of Union County, Ind. They
had one child— Dotha L. They lived in Abington a year
after their marriage and then removed to Centre ville, Mr.
Greene having received the appointment of Postmaster, a
position he held four years. He joined Abington Lodge, Xo.
154, I. O. O. F., in 1864, and at the time of his death was a
member of Hoosier Lodge, No. 23, Centreville. He was a
faithful member of his order, and practiced in his daily life
the principles advocated in the lodge. Generous, sociable
and confiding, he won an enviable place in the estimation of
his fellowmen. Correct and prompt in his business transac-
tions, he left a reputation worthy of imitation. Politically
he was a Republican, always voting with that partj' upon all
National issues. He cared nothing for official honors, prefer-
ring to attend to his own personal business affairs. He died
March 8, 1880. Immediately after Mr. Greene's death, Mrs.
Greene received the appointment of Postmistress of Centre-
ville, a position she still holds. She has conducted the affairs
of the office in an able manner, and justly deserves the appre-
ciation of the public.
Caleb J. Harvey was born on the farm where he now re-
sides, in Wayne County, Ind., March 26, 1843. His grand-
father, John Harvey, was born in Guilford County, N. C,
of English parents, in May, 1779, and there married Jane
Cox, also of English descent, born March 3, 1782. In 1812
• he removed to Wayne County, Ind., and entered 320 acres of
land on Nolan's Fork, for which he paid $1.50 an acre. At
that time the Indians frequently drove the settlers from their
homes, and the latter built a block-house on Mr. Harvey's
land, where they could take refuge in time of threatened dan-
ger. John Harvey died Sept. 12, 1850, and his wife, April
16, 1854. To them were born nine children; but two are
living — Nathan, of Topeka, Kan., and William E., of Mis-
souri. The deceased are — Rebecca, Isoin, Benjamin, Aaron,
John P., Mary E. and Jane A. John P. Harvey was born
in Wayne County, Ind., April 16, 1819. He was educated
338 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
in the log cabin scliools, and the school at Cambridge City
taught by Samuel Iloshour. March 18, 1841, he was married
to Sallie, daughter of Caleb B. and Olive (Leonard) Jackson,
of Wayne County. She was born in Gravson County, Ya.,
in 1818. John P. Harvey became the owner of the entire
tract of land entered by his father and was a successful fanner
and business man. He died Feb. 19, 1852. Mrs. Harvey
resides on the old homestead with her son Caleb J. Harvey.
Their children are five in number — Jemima, wife of Oliver
Draper, of Henry County, Ind.; Caleb J.; Olive J., widow of
Robert Commons; Marinda C, wife of Ennis Kitterman, and
John C. Caleb J. received his early education in the schools
of Centre ville and subsequently attended Earlham College.
When quite young the care of the farm devolved on him and
he early learned the science of agriculture and sto^k-raising.
He is thoroughly practical in all his management and has
been successful in his chosen life-work. Politically he is a
Republican. In April, 1880, he was elected Trustee of Cen-
tre Township, a position he still fills. He is a member of
Hoosier Lodge, No. 23, and Hebron Encampment, No. 8, L O.
O. F., of Centreville, and has passed all the chairs of both
bodies, and represented the two in the Grand Assembly of
the State. Jan. 23, 1867, Mr. Harvey was married to Katie,
daughter of Andrew and Matilda (Worl) Hoover. They have
two daughters — Sadie M. and Olive I.
Jesse Homey, farmer, stock-raiser and wool-grower, Centre
Township, was born in Wayne County, Ind., July 29, 1843, a
son of Stephen and Nancy (Williams) Horney. He was
reared on a farm, receiving his education in the country
schools. In December, 1863, he enlisted in the One Hundred
and Twenty-first Indiana Infantry, Ninth Corps, as a private.
He participated in the battles at Pulaski, Wilson Pike and
Little Harpeth, Tenn., Hollow Tree Gap, where the com-
mand met with a heavy loss; also in the severe battle of Frank-
lin, where he had a horse shot from under him; in the battle
at Granny White's Pike; two days' battle at Nashville, Law-
renceburg, Florence and Sugar Creek. At the latter battle
his horse was killed by solid shot from cannon. During
the summer of 1864 their headquarters were at Pulaski,
CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 339
Tenn,, and they scouted the country for 100 ^miles around.
He was discharged at Yicksburg, Miss., in August, 1865.
After his return home he engaged in farming with his father.
In January, 1868, he settled on his present farm, which con-
tains 160 acres of weli-improved land, and has one of the best
springs of water in the county. He is an enterprising and
successful farmer. In politics he is a Republican. Sept. 13,
1867, he was married to Martha E., daughter of George G.
and Mary Hindman. She was a member of the Christian
church. She died Dec. 10, 1870. March 19, 1874, Mr.
Horney married Xancy, daughter of John and Catherine
(Wise) Hoover. Mrs. Horney is a member of the United
Brethren church.
Caleb B. Jackson^ a son of Joseph Jackson, was born Dec.
20, 1844, on the old homestead, in Centre Township. Feb.
19, 1873, he was married to Lizzie Strickland, daughter
of R. J. and Ann Strickland. They have a daughter,
four years of age. Mr. Jackson was reared in his native
county, and for a number of years was prominently identi-
fied with her business interests. He is at present a resi-
dent of Kansas City, Mo., where he is an extensive dealer in
coal, wood, flour and feed, his business being both wholesale
and retail.
Cajptain Caleb B. Jackson^ one of the most prominent
farmers of the township, was born on the farm where he re-
sides, two miles west of Centre ville, Ind., April 16, 1833.
His father, Caleb B. Jackson, was born in Grayson County,
Ya., Dec. 20, 1793, and was married soon after attaining his
majority to Olive Leonard, a native of North Carolina. In
the fall of 1818 he moved to Wayne County, Ind., erected a rude
log cabin in the woods, and with his wife and three children
commenced the life of a pioneer. He cleared and cultivated
a farm, on whicli he lived till his death, Nov. 30, 1854. He
reared a family of seven children — Marinda, afterward Mrs.
Joseph Shank; Joseph W.; Malinda, afterward Mro. James
King; Sarah H., afterward Mrs. J. P. Harvey; William L.,
a resident of Knox County, Mo. ; Jemima, wife of William
King, and Caleb B. Our subject received such education as
was afibrded by the subscription schools of his day. He was
340 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
married Jane 19, 1851, to Vasliti, daughter of John and
Mehitable Cnim, and settled on the old homestead with his
parents. At the breaking out of the Rebellion he began re-
cruiting Boldiers for the Union army, and in 1863 raised a
company, of which he was elected Captain. They were im-
mediately sent to the front and assigned to the command of
General Sherman. They participated in the battle of Buz-
zard's, Roost, and many skirmishes, and at one time fought
coutinuously 100 days. In 1865 Captain Jackson was dis-
charged on account of disability, and returned to the farm.
He has paid especial attention to raising fine stock. He
was one of the first men to introduce short horn cattle into
the county, and his Poland China hogs are the finest that
can be obtained. He has of late turned his attention to the
breeding of Jersey cattle and has one of the finest herds in
the county. His bull, Black Bronx, No. 7,450, is a solid mul-
berry color, and a full brother to Hazen's Bess, No. 7,329, a
cow now owned by Charley Crockett, of Richmond. Another
fine bull is a silver gray named Reed's Farm Glory, No.
5,457. He also has paid considerable attention to breeding
and training horses. Black Friend, a horse of wliich he is
quite"proud, can justly be called "the pride of the State." Cap-
tain Jackson's farm contains 467 acres of the choicest land in
Indiana, lying on or near the waters of Nolan's Fork. His
residence stands on the summit of Jackson's Hill, and com-
mands a fine view of the surrounding country in every direc-
tion. He is a man of progress, and is always one of the first
to put forward any enterprise of public benefit, never consid-
ering his own interests when his county or township is to be
advanced. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of
Hoosier Lodge, No. 23, I. O. O. F. He has never used liquor
or tobacco in any form, and does not know one card from an-
other. Although a member of no church, he is strictly moral,
and lends his assistance to the upbuilding of all religious and
moral reforms. He and his family are attendants of the
Christian church. Captain Jackson has a family of four
cliildren — Sarah J., the wife of Samuel Bronneburg, of Madi-
son County, Ind. ; Thomas E., married Carrie Libold; Flavius
J.; Alice, now Mrs. Charles Eliason.
CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 341
Charles F. Jackson^ the seventh son of Joseph W. and
Mary Jackson, was born in Centre Township, Wayne Co.,
Ind., April 3, 1857. He received a good common-school ed-
ucation. He was reared on a farm, and on arriving at matur-
ity engaged in that vocation for himself He now owns 173
acres of the best land in Centre Township, situated on No-
lan's Creek. He is also a successful stock-raiser, making a
specialty of short-horn cattle. When twenty-four years of
age he was married to Melissa C. Sealock, daughter of James
and Hannah Sealock. She was born in Wayne Countv, Ind.,
May 12, 1862. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have one son — Gar-
field.
Lafayette Jackson^' iQxmQ,T, was born in Wayne County,
Ind., Jan. 3, 1851, the fifth son of Joseph W. and Mary (Har-
vey) Jackson. He was reared on the home farm attend in o-
the country schools, and subsequently a term at Earlham Col-
lege. He now owns a fine farm of 250 acres of land on ISTo-
lan's Fork, and is engaged in both general farming and
stock-raising. He is one of the enterprising young farmers
of the township, and a practical business man. In politics
he affiliates with the Kepublican party. In January, 1879,
Mr. Jackson was married to Lizzie, daughter of John F. and
Caroline (Abraham) Medaris, of Wayne County, her father
of English and her mother of German descent. Mr. and
Mrs. Jackson have three children — Arthur G., Fannie S. and
Mary C.
Johii Jo7ies, Cashier of the First National Bank, Centre-
ville, Ind., was born in Wayne County, Ind., Feb. 8, 1844,
a son of Oliver T. and Mary (King) Jones. He is a repre-
sentative of one of the oldest and most influential as well as
wealthy families of the county. He was educated in the
common schools, remaining on the farm till after attaining
his majority. On leaving the farm he was appointed Assist-
ant Cashier, under his father, of the First National Bank, and
retained the position till the death of his father, when he suc-
ceeded him as Cashier. He was married in 1878 to Addie,
daughter of Henry and Caroline Stigleman. They have one
son — Percy O. Mr. Jones is a plain, unassuming man, and
has never aspired to political honors, although at present he
is Treasurer of the City Board of Centreville. ,
3^2 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Lincoln Hamlin Joues was born on the farm where he
now resides, one mile north of Centrevil e Ind., Jan. 10,
1860, a sou of Oliver T. and Mary (King) Jones. He re-
ceived a liberal education, and having been reared on a farm
has become familiar with all the details of the busmess, and
bids tair to be a successful rival of any far.ner in the county.
He was married Nov. 30, 1882, to Ada, daughter of Thomas
and Louisa J. (Study) Edwards, of Wayne County. They
have one daughter-Edna M. Mrs. Jones's mother is a na-
tive of Indiana. Her father is a native of Wales, and came
to the United States about forty-five years ago. He is by
trade a millwright, and has worked in a number of mills m
Wayne County. At present he is living at Williamsburg,
having retired from business. He is a member of the Ma-
sonic fraternity. . t^ u
Hon Oliver T. Jones, deceased, was born in Kanawha
County, Ya., Sept. 19, 1810, a son of Levi and Mary
(Thomas) Jones. He was of Welsh descent, his great-
arandparents coming to the United States from Wales and set-
Sing in East Virginia when the colonies were under British
rule'' His grandfathers, John Jones and Joseph Thomas,
were soldiers in the war of the Revolution, and subsequently
received pensions. They settled in Kanawha County in 1782,
and there Levi Jones was born and remained till ISU, when
he immigrated to Indiana Territory and settled in what is
now Wavne County. He was married to Mary Thomas in
1804. His death occurred in 1823. Oliver T. Jones was thus
reared in Wayne County and here spent his life, and was
identified with all her interests. In his early life he taught
school, and worked on the farm and at brick-making seven
years In the meantime he was Collector of the State and
county revenues two years. From 1839 till 1844 inclusive
served as Justice of the Peace, and during the same period
was County School Examiner. In 1844 he removed to the
farm a mile north of CentreviUe, where he spent the remain-
der of his days. He was one of the charter members and
the first President of the CentreviUe National Bank, estab-
lished in 1863. He was for several years its Cashier, serving
iu that capacity at the time of his death. Long before Mr.
CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 343
Jones attained his majority he espoused the political faith of
the old Whig party, and zealously advocated its principles till
its dissolution, when he adhered as faithfully to the Republi-'
can party. In 1860 he was elected to represent Wayne
County in the Legislature, and re-elected in 1862. He also
attended an extra session held in 1863, at which he resigned,
as the body as a majority refused to indorse and support Gov-
ernor Morton in his loyal course toward the General Govern-
ment. As a Representative he was firm in his adherence to
the principles he considered right and to the interests of those
who had reposed confidence in him, and to him is accorded a
high place among prominent men and politicians of Wayne
County. Noble, generous, honest, he won the confidence and
esteem of all who knew him. In the fall of 1863 he was
elected one of the Board of Commissioners of Wayne County,
and served nine years. He was for several years Treasurer of
Centre Township. March 17, 1838, he was married to Mary,
daughter of John and Judith (Roundtree) King, who came to
Wayne County from Kentucky in 1828. Their children
were twelve in number— Joseph, died at the age of nineteen
years; Jane, deceased, wife of J. M. Eliason ; Elmira, wife
of J. S. Russell; John K., Cashier of Centreville National
Bank; Lucinda, wife of Joshua Eliason, Jr.; Martha, wife of
S.G.Smith; Levi M., of Richmond; Anna, wife of Lewis
Shute, of Preble County, Ohio; William H.; Emily, de-
ceased, wife of W. C. Shute, Preble County, Ohio; Charles
W. D., Teller First National Bank, Cambridge City, Ind.;
Lincoln H., residing on the home farm. Mr. Jones^ died
Dec. 16, 1874. He had been a member of the Christian
church fifteen years, and an Elder of the church four years.
Mrs. Jones has been a member of the same church thirty-
seven years. She is residing with her son, Lincoln, on the
old homestead.
Washington Jones, farmer, Etna Township, Whitley Co.,
Ind., postoflace Hecla, was born a mile north of Centreville,
Wayne Co., Ind., Dec. 8, 1816, three days before the
State was admitted into the Union. His father, Levi Morris
Jones, was born in Culpeper County, Ya., Oct. 10, 1785, and
emigrated from Culpeper County to Kanawha County with
344 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
his father, John Jones, in 1797. His mother, Mary (Thomas)
Jones, was born in Buckingham County, Va., Feb. 7, 1784,
and in October, 1797, moved with her father to Kanawha
County, where, March, 1806, she was married to Levi M.
Jones. John Jones and Joseph Thomas were both of Welsh
descent; both were soldiers in the Revolutionary war, the
latter directly under command of General Washington, and
neither would receive a pension from the Government, say-
in o" they fought from principle, not for money. John Jones
liad a family of ten children, eight sons and two daughters,
and Joseph Thomas twelve, five sons and seven daughters.
Levi Jones and his family moved to Wayne County, Ind., in
April, 1815, and bought a quarter-section one mile north of
Centreville, which he afterward sold, and bought town lots
in Centreville, where he erected buildings and kept public
house several years. He died in Centreville, Oct. 5, 1823.
His wife died Sept. 20, 1848. Their son, Eli R. Jones, born
March 17, 1818, was the first male child born in the town of
Centreville. Levi Jones at his death left a family of ten
children, the eldest fifteen years of age and the youngest six
months. After the estate was settled they found themselves
$500 in debt. This Mrs. Jones paid oflr, in addition to rearing
her family. Washington Jones worked for his three elder
brothers until he was nineteen years of age, receiving no
wao-es aside from his rough clothing and board. He then
bought a quarter-section of land in Madison County, Ind.,
from them, for $280, paying for it in monthly payments of $9
each, losing but two work days until it was paid for. He
then bought eighty acres in Tipton County, Ind., for $200,
which he paid for in the same way. He then thought he had
enough land, and spent his earnings in improving a lot in
Centreville. He spent $1,400 on the lot and improvements,
and sold it for $900. With $600 he bought a quarter-section
in Whitley County ,which to-day is worth $8,000. Mr. Jones'
early education was detained in the subscription schools, but,
his mother being poor, he attended very little before the days
of public schools. He was obliged to stay at home and
work, but he managed to keep up with his schoolmates.
When in his twenty-first year he attended school three
CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 345
months, day and night, his brother, O. T. Jones, beino-
the teacher, and learned more than in all his previous attend-
ance. In his twenty-second year he began teaching, and
taught the next six winters. Governor Morton's wife was a
pupil in one of his schools. Jan. 20, 1845, Mr. Jones was
married to Catherine Hunt, daughter of Colonel Smith
Hunt, of Wayne County. They had two children — Mary
Jane and Hannah Eliza, both deceased. His wife died Nov.
6, 1852, and Oct. 2, 1853, he was married to Mrs. Frances M.
Hart, a sister of his first wife. They had three sons — Levi
Monroe, Washington Thomas and Oliver Perry, all living.
Mrs. Jones died in September, 1873, and Oct. 8, 1874, Mr.
Jones married Mrs. Semantha C. Trumbull. He first settled
and commenced housekeeping in Centreville, Feb. 1, 1845,
and followed farming and brick-making till Aug. 29, 1848,
when he left Wayne County, and Sept. 5 landed in Whitley
County. When he was ready to leave Wayne County he
said to his brothers (six of whom were present): "Boys, this
looks rather tough, that a man should be driven from his
native land by poverty, but I'm going, and if any of you
should ever come to see me you will find me trying to fix my-
self comfortable in life, and if I never get so fixed, I shall die
trying." His old friend, Eleazer Malone, was present and
said he would soon sins:, "Carry me back to Old Virginia."
But he told him he should stay long enough to build himself
a good home, and asked him if he would come and build it
(Mr. Malone was a brick-mason). He said that he would,
and thirteen years from that day Mr. Jones wrote him he was
ready to build, telling him the day he wished him to be there,
and true to his promise he was there and did the work.
When Mr. Jones started in life he set a mark to work up to,
and has been working to that end. He is now comfortably
settled. He has served four years as Justice of the Peace,
two terms as Township Trustee, one as Assessor, and was
once elected County Commissioner, but did not serve. In
politics he was first a Whig, and when the Republican party
was organized enlisted under its banner, and continues one
of its firm adherents. In religious faith he is a Baptist,
kaving been a member of that denomination since the winter of
23
346 HISTORY OF WAYNE COCTNTY.
1849. He is opposed to all secret societies, is strictly temperate,
using neither liquor nor tobacco, and is in favor of prohibition
and equal rights for all. He was the first person to introduce full
blooded Durham cattle into the county; put on the first slate
roof in the county; put up the first artificial fountain and the
first woven wire fence and automatic gates in the county.
He has been a liberal, public-spirited man, and all enterprises
of benefit to the county have felt the power of his influence
and approval.
Caleh W. King is a son of James "W. D., and Malinda
(Jackson) King. His grandfiither, John King, moved from
Kentucky to Wayne County, Ind., with his family, in 1824,
James being at that time twelve years old. The latter died
at the age of nfty-two years. His widow died in 1879. They
were the parents of eleven children — John W., died in in-
fancy; Olive, wife of J. W. Boyd, of Newton, III; Caleb W.;
William S., of Kansas City, Mo.; Joseph J.; Judith E., wife
of John Myers; Eliza, wife of Jesse Stevens; Sarah M., wife
of William Smith; James C; Lucinda, wife of Charles
Staats, arid Mark P. Caleb W. King was born in Wayne
County, Ind., Nov. 2, 1838. He obtained a liberal business
education at the High School of Centreville, and when nine-
teen 3^ears of age began teaching school, which he followed
nine winters, i'arming during the summer. He was married in
1861 to Adaline, daughter of John F. and Caroline (Abrams)
Medaris. She lived but fourteen months after her marriage,
and in 1866 Mr. King married Lydia E., daughter of R )bert
and Ilachel Bond. They had two sons — Walter S. and
Lewis E. Mrs. King died in 1879. She was a member of
the Society of Friends. Feb. 27, 1884, Mr. King married
Miss Lucinda Townsend, daughter of Samuel and Anna
Townsend, of Fulton County, Ind. Mr. King is a member
of the Christian church. He has been Justice of the Peace
eight years, and is an influential man in the township. His
farm contains 275 acres of well-improved land, with a com-
modious brick residence and good farm buildings.
John L King was born in Wayne County, Ind., Sept. 26,
1847, the eldest son of Joseph and Sarah (Way) King, his
mother a daughter of Seth Way, an early settler of Wayne
CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 347
County. He was educated in the district schools and Centre-
ville College, obtaining a good business education. Feb.
22, 1882, he was married to Rena, daughter of Frank and
Naomi (Lewis) Beverlin, of Jay County, Ind. He then set-
tled on a farm of 160 acres, formerlj'^ known as the John
Maxwell farm, where he is successfully engaged in farming
and stock-raising. He is politically a Republican. He is a
member of Hoosier Lodge, No. 23, and Hebron Encamp-
ment, No. 8, I. O. O. F., Centreville, and has passed all the
chairs in both bodies.
Joseph King^ deceased, was born in Kentucky, July 7,
1821, and when seven years of age, in 1828, came with his
parents, John and Judith (Roundtree) King, to Wayne
County, Ind., and settled a mile and a half north of Centre-
ville. There were in his father's family nine children — Lu-
cinda, married Joshua Eliasoii; James, married a daughter
of Caleb Jackson ; Joseph; William, married a daughter of
Caleb Jackson; Mary, married Oliver T. Jones; Presley, mar-
ried a daughter of Ebenezer Cheesman; Nanc}'-, married J.
M. Maxwell; Jackson, married Elizabeth Davis; Jesse died
at the age of fourteen years. Joseph King grew to manhood
on his father's farm, receiving a good business education
under the tutelage of Samuel Hoshour, of Centreville, and
subsequently became the owner of the home farm. Feb. 27,
1845, he was married to Sarah Way, who was born in Wayne
(younty, Ind., July 20, 1826, a daughter of Seth and Sarah
(Cranor) Way. To them were born a family of nine chil-
dren — Eliza J., wife of John Merritt; John L. ; Elizabeth,
wife of Thomas Dunbar; William J., died, aged seven years;
Lucinda, wife of W. S. Eliason; Martha A., died, aged six
years; Joseph S., Walter J. and Dora B. Mr. King was
one of the practical and progressive farmers of Wayne
County. Politically he was a Republican, as are all of his
sons. He was a member of the Christian church. He died
Dec. 28, 1867. Mrs. King's parents came to Wayne County
from North Carolina in 1810. To them were born eight chil-
dren — Thomas, Lydia, Hannah, Betsey, Seth, Charlotte,
Joshua and Sarah.
Joseph L. King was born in Wayne County, Ind., Nov.
10, 1848, a son of Lorenzo D, and Betsey (Way) King, and a
348 HISTORY OF WATNE COUNTY.
grandson of Jesse King. His father came to Wayne County
with his parents when nineteen years of age, in 1824. He
was married in 1827 to Betsey, daughter of Seth and Sarah
(Oranor) Way. Seth Way settled in Williamsburg in 1810,
and while living in the block-house, Aug. 2, 1812, Betsey
was born. She is still living, and attends to her own house.
She is the mother of eleven children — Seth, Rebecca, Will-
iam, Hannah A., Lydia E., Absalom, Sarah, Joseph L.,
Andrew J., Margaret E. and an infant, unnamed. Joseph
L. King grew to manhood on his father's farm, receiving a
fair business education. He was married in 1870 to OUie,
daughter of Walter G. and Martha (Jeffries) Stephens. Mrs.
King was born in Wayne County, Ind., in 1849, and received
a liberal education. Mr. and Mrs. King have three children
— Lizzie J., Mary G. and Nora Z. They are members of
the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. King has a fine farm
of ninety-eight acres on Nolan's Fork,
William F.. King, M. Z>., is a native of the District of
Columbia, born April 19, 1824. His father, Francis Iting,
was also a native of Columbia, His mother, Eliza (Thorpe)
King, was a native of Fairfax County, Ya., but when a child
went to the District of Columbia with her parents, and was
there married. In 1835 Francis King moved to Richmond,
Indiana, and in 1837 to Centreville, and from that year till
1844 was in the Clerk's office. After the creation of the of-
fice, he served as County Auditor five years. He then moved
to Indianapolis, where his wife died in 1860, and he in 1865.
Seven of their nine children are living. William F. King
received a common-school education, and when fifteen years
of age went to Richmond to learn the printer's trade in the
old Jeffersonian office. He worked at the trade till 1847,
when he began the study of medicine. He was elected Jus-
tice of the Peace in 1852, and served four years. He then
located in Williamsburg and practiced his profession two
years. In 1863 he entered the army as Surgeon of the One
Hundred and Twenty-fourth Indiana Infantry, and served
two years, the greater part of the time under General Sher-
man. At the close of the war, in 1865, he was mustered out,
and returned to Centreville, where he has built up a large
CENTRE TOWNSHIP. " 349
practice. He is one of the best physicians in the county
and his practice is not confined to the city where he lives,
but extends for miles around, wherever he is known. He is
a member of the Wayne County Medical Society, He was
one of the first members, and the oldest surviving member
of Hoosier Lodge, No. 23, I. O. O. F. He is at present a
member of the Town Board. He was married in 1851 to
Hannah E. Maule. They have four children — Emily, a teacher
in the Centreville schools; Frank, Helen and Alice.
Solomon D. Kitterman^ farmer and stock-raiser, Centre
Township, was born March 23, 1836. His parents, Philip and
S irah (Sowers) Kittennan, were natives of Floyd C )anty, Ya.
They were married in their native county and remained there
till 1830, when they moved to Ohio, and three years later to
Wayne County, Ind. They bought a farm a mile south of Pen-
hook, where the mother died in 1861 and the father in 1866.
They had a family of seven children, two of whom have
died since their parents — Sophia, Joseph, Elizabeth, Rhoda,
Julia Ann, Aaron and Solomon D. The latter still lives
on the old homestead. He has never married, his sister
Elizabetli keeping house for him. They have a good farm of
130 acres, well improved. The residence, a two-story brick,
was built by their father in 1819. The farm buildings were
also built by their father. Mr. Kitterman is a successful
farmer and stock-raiser and a prominent and popular man of
his township.
JohriT. Lashley was born in Centreville, Ind., Aug. 27,
1845, a son of Daniel and Caroline (Douglass) Lashley. His
father was born in Montgomery County, Md., Feb. 22, 1807.
His mother was born in Washington, D. C, Jan. 18, 1811,
and was married in her native city Oct. 9, 1837. The follow-
ing year they moved to Centreville, Ind., where they kept a
liotel thirty years, till after the removal of the county seat to
Richmond, when they abandoned the business. Mr. Lashley
died Feb. 19, 1874. His widow is still living in the house
once used as a hotel. They had a family of nine children —
Edward D., Arnold, Elizabeth E., Mary A., JohnT., Samuel
H., Helen J,, Sarah G. and Rachel C. The mother is a de-
voted member of the Methodist Episcopal church. John T.
350 HISTOKY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Lashley is a member of the firm Lashley Brothers, extensive
farmers and stock-raisers. They have two large farms, one
north and the other south of Centreville. His brother, Sam-
uel Lashley, was born Nov. 13, 1847, and Dec. 25, 1877, was
married to Emma F,, daughter of David B. Beeson, of Wayne
County.
Henry C. Leeson, grocer, Centreville, was born Aug. 5,
1841, near Jacksonburg, Wayne Co., Ind. ; lived there until
the year 1857, when he went to Dublin, being influenced by
the high grade to which the public schools had been raised,
and was a pupil during four terms. During vacation he was
always found in some employment or other endeavoring to
make the expenses of his parents in his education as light as
possible. During the winter of 1860 and '61 he tried his
hand in learning the young ideas how to shoot. Was suc-
cessful to a remarkable extent, it being his first efibrt. When
Fort Sumter was fired upon then everything personal was
forgotten. All aspirations for the future were dropped and
nothing could be done; but, being a minor, was prevented
from enlisting immediately. He responded to the second
call of Lincoln and enlisted Aug. 20, 1861, as private, in
Company C, Eighth Indiana Infantry, serving three years,
not having received a furlough during the time, and, with
the exception of two short spells of sickness, was always ready
for duty. He was discharged as Second Sergeant — having
been in all the battles that the regiment was engaged in, viz.:
Pea Ridge, Mo., Raymond, Champion Hills, Jackson, Miss.,
siege of Yicksburg and many others. It may not be out of
place to say that there are not many regiments that saw the
services of the Eighth. After returning home he took a
thorough course in the Miami Commercial College of Dayton,
Ohio. In 1866 he assisted his father in the office of the
Clerk of Wayne Circuit Court. In 1867 he purchased the
grocery stock of the estate of Levi Fox. His father, Moses
D. Leeson, was boru in Harrison Township, Wayne Co.,
Ind., Nov. 16, 1818. Having^ received a fair education at
the common schools of the day, he taught school with great
success until 1842, when he purchased a stock of goods in
Jacksonburg, where he conducted a large business, continu-
CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 351
ing iu Jacksonbnrg until 1857, when he moved to Dublin,
superintending the business of J. & C. A. Leeson until 1862.
When the call for more troops by Lincoln was made he en-
listed in the Fifth Indiana Cavalry and served to the close
of the war, a faithful soldier and a beloved officer. He re-
ceived four promotions, entering as a Lieutenant and rising to
the position of Major. He was a bold and fearless officer,
leaving a good record. In 1866 he was appointed Clerk of
Wayne Circuit Court to fill vacancy caused by the death of
Samuel B. Slagle, serving until the election of his successor.
Retiring from office he remained with his son, our subject,
in the store until August, 1877, when he was stricken with
paralysis, lingering helpless for six years and five months,
dying on the 19th day of January, 1884. His wife was Eliza-
beth Mundell, a native of Peru, mother of five children, three
of whom still survive. Richard Leeson, the grandfather of
Henry C. Leeson, was a native of Kentucky, emigrating to
Wayne County in about the year 1814, settling near Jackson-
burg. He was a tanner by trade and carried on in connec-
tion with the tannery a farm of 300 acres. He was a soldier
in what was known as the Ohio Militia, under General Win-
gate. He raised a family of eleven children, of whom Moses
D. Leeson is the first to break the band.
Mark Maudlin was born in Wayne County, Ind., Sept. 6,
1826, the eldest son of John and Rebecca Maudlin. He was
reared on a farm, but when twenty years of age commenced
learning the carpenter's trade. He has worked at his
trade faithfully, and is now one of the principal contractors
of Centreville and vicinity. In August, 1851, Mr. Maudlin
was married to Betsey A., daughter of Andrew Meredith, of
Wayne County. They have two children — James A., and
Sarah A., wife of Walter S. Commons. Mr. Maudlin is Per-
manent Secretary and is one of the Trur-tees of Hoosier
Lodge, No. 23, I. O. O. F., and Treasurer of Hebron Encamp-
ment, No. 8, I. O. O. F. In religious faith he is a Friend.
He is the Republican nominee for County Commissioner in
the middle district.
Oeorge McConaha, a young and enterprising farmer and
stock-raiser of Centre Township, was born Jan. 8, 1857, a son
352 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
of Thomas and Christina McConaha. He received a com-
mon-school education, and on arriving at manhood began
farming for himself. He owns a fine farm of 240 acres, lying
on both sides of INolan's Creek. He has been a successful
wheat-grower and stock-raiser; is a man of good judgment,
sagacious and shrewd in his business dealings. He was
married Sept. 30, 1880, to Sallie Jackson, daughter of Joseph
W. and Mary E. Jackson.
Simon McOonaha was born in Wayne County, Ind., Jan.
13, 1852. His father, Thomas M. McConaha, was a native
of Virginia, and when a boy came with liis parents to Wayne
County, Ind., and settled three miles south of Centreville.
He was an extensive farmer and stock-dealer, owning a whole
section of land. He was a very successful manager, and a
good citizen. He married Christina Kramer, of Butler Countyj
Ohio. They had seven children — Barbary, Lewis, Taylor,
Simon, George, Walter and Ada. His wife died, and he af-
terward married Martha Eliason, and to them were born two
children — Ella and Omer. Mr. McConaha died in 1877.
Simon McConaha remained on the]home farm till his major-
ity, and in the winters of 1873, 1874 and 1875 taught school.
In 1876 he went fo E-andolph County and improved a small
farm, which he traded for another, on which he lived, till
1881. He then spent the summer in the West, visiting
Kansas and the Indian Territory, and in March, 1882, bought
what is now known as the American Hotel, which he im-
proved and now rents. He also built a stable, where he is now
engaged in keeping a sale and livery stable. In 1878 Mr.
McConaha was married to Alpha, daughter of James and
Catherine Snofford. They have two children — Carl and
Elmer.
Thomas McConaha, deceased, was born in Fauquier
County, Ya., Nov. 8, 1813. In 1829 his parents, Samuel and
Nancy McConaha, came to Indiana, and settled three miles
south of Centreville, where he spent the days of his youth.
He then drove team for Barnett & Whiteside, millers, of Cam-
den, Oliio, at $7 per month, and at the end of six months
put $40 on interest, and from that time to the date of his
death there was not a day that he had not money on interest.
CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 353
At the age of twenty-nine he bought the homestead of his
father, and from time to time added to it till he owned a sec-
tion. He was a successful farmer and stock-raiser, making a
specialty of the cattle industry. He was married in 1841 to
Christina Kramer, a native of Butler County, Ohio, and a
daughter of Geo. Kramer, Sr. They had a family of seven
children — Barbara,' Lewis, Taylor, Simon, George, Walter
and Ada. His wife died in 1864, and he was married the
second time in 1867, to Martha, daughter of Joshua Eliason,
Sr. They had two children — Ella and Omer. Mr. McCon-
aha died Sept. 15, 1877. Mrs. McConaha is living on the
old homestead. Walter makes his home with her, and car-
ries on the farming. In 1863, in company with G. A. Ber-
tram and J. A. Beck, Jr,, he opened on his farm the Granite
Tile Works, where they are doing an extensive business in
the manufacture of drain-tile.
JoJin McCoy was born near Richmond, Ind., June 18,
1808, the eldest son of Thomas and Margaret McCoy, natives
of Allegheny Co., Pa. His parents were married in their
native county, and subsequently moved to Kentucky, remain-
ing there, however, but one season. In the spring of 1805
they moved to Wayne County, and cleared out a small farm
three miles south of the present site of Richmond. He after-
ward bought land south of the first settled and remained
there till the land sales in Cincinnati, when he bought a tract
of land lying on Nolan's Fork, three miles southwest of
Centreville. A few years later he entered another tract of
160 acres. Mr. McCoy died in 1856, his wife having preceded
him in 1838. They had a family of nine children; all lived
to have families of their own. Two only are now living — John
and Morgan. John McCoj^ was married in his twentieth
year, to Margaret Longwill, and soon after settled on wild
land, erected a cabin, and began making himself a farm. He
has been successful and now owns 240 acres of choice land,
with a large brick residence and good farm buildings. Mrs.
McCoy died in 1844. Of a family of six children, but one
daughter is living — Mai'garet, who is now keeping house for
her father.
Morgan McCoy ^ one of the enterprising farmers of Centre
Township, who has contributed largelj^ to its growth, was
354 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
born in Wayne County, Ind., Feb. 24, 1818, the second son
of Tliomas and Margaret McCoy. He was reared on his
father's farm, receivinsj such education as was afforded by the
schools of those days. After reaching maturity he engaged
in farming on his own account, which he has continued with
marked success. He pays special attention to the raising of
stock and small grain. His farm consists of 320 acres of well
improved land, on Nolan's Fork, of Whitewater River. In
1852 he built his large brick residence, near a spring of pure
water, which is drawn to the surface by a bucket, with the
aid of a wheel and windlass. In 1844 Mr. McCoy was mar-
ried to Elizabeth Neff, daughter of Bastian and Catherine
Neff. She was a native of Preble County, Ohio, born ISTov.
4, 1821, and died Nov. 4, 1869.
John Merritt, a representative of one of the oldest families
in the township, was born Dec. 4, 1839. His father, Ephraim
Merritt, was born in Belmont County, Ohio, Nov. 10, 1798.
His mother, Margaret Merritt, was born in New York, Sept.
18, 1800. They were married Oct. 16, 1821, and in the spring
of 1822 moved to Wayne County, Ind., and settled on the farm
now owned by Charles Jackson, where the wife died in Aug-
ust, 1865. In 1869 Ephraim Merritt moved to Mercer County,
111., and subsequently to Centerville, Iowa, where he died
July 19, 1881. There was a family often children — William
T., Moses,. Eliza A., James Y., Mary, Sarah, Rebecca, Nancy
M., John, Aaron J. James Y. served three years in the war
of the Rebellion, as Captain of Company K, One Hundred and
Second Illinois Infantry. Aaron J. was a member of Company
I, Thirty-sixth Indiana Infantry, and died while in the service.
John Merritt was reared on the farm and has always followed
that vocation. He owns seventy-five acres of excellent land
adjoining the old homestead. He was married when twenty-
four years of age to Eliza J., daughter of Joseph and Sarah
King. They have had five children — Sadie K., Delia A.,
Eliza A., Alice D. and Nora. Alice and Nora died in
infancy. Mrs. Merritt is a member of the Christian church.
William S. T. Morton was born in Hamilton County, Ohio,
Oct. 14, 1807, and diedin Wayne County, Ind., April 30, 1875.
His father. James Morton, was a native of Scotland, where
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CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 355
his name was known as Throckmorton, and came to the
United States when a young man. He soon after married
Maria Caldwell and to them were born three children — Will-
iam S. T., James, who died when a lad, and Anna M. The
wife died and he afterward married a daughter of John Mil-
ler, who died July 11, 1826, leaving one son — Oliver P., late
Governor of Indiana. When William S. T.Morton was sixteen
years of age he learned the hatter's trade, at which he worked
several years. He then carried on an extensive establishment
several years, but subsequently disposed of his stock and em-
barked in the mercantile business, and at the same time
carried on his farm, of 300 acres, of excellent land, where his
widow now resides. He was a thorough business man, a
good financier, witli practical ideas which he carried out in
his every day life. He married Charlotte Miller, who died,
and he subsequently married, Jan. 5, 1858, Eliza M. McCul-
longh, a native of Oxford, Ohio, and a daughter of Samuel
McCullough. To them were born three children — William
S. T., James T. and Clara T.
Henry Otten, of Centre Township, Wayne Co., Ind., was
born in Germany, Sept. 27., 1827, and when twenty years of
age came to the United States. He landed at Baltimore, Md.,
and from there went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and thence to
Wayne County, Ind. In 1876 he bought his farm of 132
acres, where he now resides. He has a family of six children,
three boys and three girls.
Joh7i Peelle^ Jr.^ was born in Wayne Count}'^, Ind , May
15, 1825. His father, John Peelle, Sr., was born in Wayne
County, N. C, March 27, 1791, and died in Wayne County,
Ind., April 20, 1879. He was married in 1815, to Penina
Pate, also a native of Wayne County, N. C, born Aug. 26,
1796, and three days after their marriage they bade farewell
to home and friends, loaded their effects on a two-horse
wagon and started for Indiana. In October they landed in
Kandolph County, where they remained two years, and in
1817 came to Wayne County and settled two miles north of
what was then J^ewport. Here they settled in the woods
and cleared up a farm, and here all their children save one
were born. Their children were twelve in number — William
356 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
T., Celia, Hiram, James, Harriet, John, Pasco, Jane, Re-
becca, Sarah C, Calvin and Mary. All lived till maturity,
and four are still living. In 1854 Mr. and Mrs. Peelle re-
moved to Centrevilie, where she still resides. She liv^es alone,
. doing her own house work, and is hale and hearty, enjoying
a peaceful old age.
John Prichett, M. />., is a native of New Jersey, born
Nov. 25, 1803, A son of Joab and Mary (Buzby) Prichett. In
1805 his parents moved to Columbiana County, Ohio, where
liis mother died in 181:8, and his father in 1851. The latter
was by trade a blacksmith. Of a family of eight children
five are still living, Dr. Prichett being the eldest. Rachel
married Simon Cope and lives in Ohio. Sarah married
Charles Murphy and lives in Jennings Countj^ Ind. Eliza-
beth, now Mrs. North, lives in Iowa. Joseph lives in Ohio.
Dr. Prichett was reared in Columbiana County, Ohio. He
began the study of medicine with Dr. Gustavus Allen, of
Fairfield, Ohio, and commenced his practice in 1825, after
being examined by a Board of Medical Examiners, and granted
a license. He located in the small town of Petersburg, but
in 1826 came to Wayne County, remaining, however, only a
year. He returned to Ohio and remained till 1828, when he
came again to Wayne County, and has since made it his
home. Immediately after coming here he formed a partner-
ship with Dr. William Pugh, who died in June, 1829. Since
then Dr. Prichett has had several partners. He has been
practicing medicine over fifty-six years, and is now the second
largest practitioner in Wayne County. He now owns a drug
store, having as a partner in the business Dr. Reed. In 1843
he received a diploma from the Ohio Medical College, Cin-
cinnati. He was married March 4, 1830. to Emily Talbott,
a native of Virginia, who came to Wayne County when a
girl. They have had three children, but one of whom, Mary,
is living. Gustavus A. died in 1840. James M. died in
1871. Dr. Prichett has been a Mason since 1825 and an Odd
Fellow since 1849. He is a prominent member of the Meth-
odist Episcopal church.
James M. Prichett, son of Dr. John Prichett, was born
in Centrevilie, Ind., in 1836, and died in 1871, aged thirty-five
CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 35T
years and two months. He received his early education in
the Centreville Academy, and when sixteen years of age
was appointed, through the influence of Hon. Sam W. Par-
ker to the naval academy at Annapolis, from which he gradu-
ated in 1857. Shortly after his graduation he made his first
voyage in the United States man-of-war Mississippi, to China
and Japan, remaining nearly three years. He next cruised
in the Mediterranean, on the Richmond. Returning to
America at the time of the breaking out of the civil war m
1861 he was transferred to the navy yard at Washington,
under Commodore Dahlgren, and the following^ year was
sent down the Mississippi, under Commodore Foote; also
participated in the siege of Fort Donelson. He had charge
of the receiving ship Clara Dolson at Cairo until the organ-
ization of the gun-boat fleet, when he was placed in command
of the Tyler; from thence was transferred to the command of
the monitor Mahopac, retaining the position till the close of
the war. He was next assigned to duty as executive officer
of the Vanderbilt, and soon after to the same position on the
Augusta, and accompanied General Farragut on his expedi-
tion to Russia. On his return to America m 1869, he was
ordered to San Francisco, and accompanied the Pacific Squad-
ron on the Tuscarora, to South America. Returning in Aug-
ust! he remained at home a short time on sick leave, and was
then ordered to the receiving ship Yermont, in the Brooklyn
navy yard, remaining there till his last illness. Commander
Prichett was perhaps as faithful in attention to his duties m
the navy as any oflicer in the service. Durmg a connection
of nineteen years and a half he had but an occasional leave
of absence, 'and then principally on account of sickness
His gallant conduct received complimentary mention fie-
ou ntly during the late war from Admiral Porter and Com-
rdore Foot' in their dispatches to the Secretary ^t the
Navy. While on his death-bed an order came fiom he
mvll Department directing him to report at Washington
for promotion. In all the relations of life, both as an officer
n the navy and as a citizen, Commander Prichett was uni-
versally esteemed, and his memory will ever be cherished.
358 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
«
Oliver H. Reece^ accent of the Chicago, St. Louis & Pitts-
burg Raih'oad and of the Adams Express Corapan}'^, and
telegraph operator at Centreville, Ind., was born in Wayne
County, Ind., March 27, 1853, a son of John and Ann
Reece. His education was mostly obtained in New Garden
Township. He followed farming several years after reaching
maturity, and in 1881 was appointed station agent at Cleve-
land, Ind,; remained there a year, and then went to Char-
lotteville, and remained two months. In March, 1881, he
came to Centreville to assume the duties of his present posi-
tion, which he is admirably fitted to fulfill. He was married
in 1878 to Amelia Dill worth, daughter of Charles and Re-
becca Dillworth, of Ohio. Thej^ have one son — Oran.
Hiram 3£. Robhins was burn Sept. 17, 1825, in Wayne
County, Ind., the eldest son of Moses and Elizabeth Robbins,
who were natives of North Carolina. He was reared on his
father's farm, and has always followed agricultural pursuits.
He now has an excellent farm of 179 acres, on the east branch
of the Whitewater. He was married in 1856 to Permelia
Grentry, a native of this county, who died in 1875, leaving
five children. One had died in 1874. In 1881 Mr. Robbins
was married to Rachel Laraott. They have had one child,
who is deceased. Our subject's father was married in 1824
to Elizab3th, daughter of Frederick Long. He then settled
on tiie land entered by his father, where he reared a family
of thirteen children, four of whom are still living. Besides
being a farmer and stock-raiser, he was a teacher of vocal
music. He died in 1879. His widow is making her home
with her son. Dr. Robbins, of Miami County, Ind. Our sub-
ject's grandfather, Moses Robbins, came to Wayne County
from North Carolina in 1816 and settled on Nolan's Fork,
afterward entering the land, nearly a section, from the Gov-
ernment. He died in 1850. Our subject's great-grandfather,
John Robbins, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war.
John II. Rohe was born in the State of Oldenburg, Ger-
many, in 1818, a son of Henry and Gendena (Myer) Rohe, of
Kleppenburg County. He remained in his native country
till manhood, working on a farm, and of his earnings saved
enough to bring him to the United States, coming in 1838.
CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 359
He worked on the canal in Maryland, and also on a farm, at
$8 a month. He was married in that State, in 1845, to
Anna Wiland, and in 1849 came to Wayne County, Ind., and
bought 160 acres of land of Joshua Eliason, in Centre Town-
ship. He now owns 200 acres, all well improved, which he
has acquired by industry and "perseverance. He is a highly
esteemed citizen of Wayne County, and a liberal supporter
of all laudable enterprises. In politics he is independent,
supporting the man and not the party. Mr. and Mrs. Rohe
have had six children — May, deceased, wife of Frank Blomer;
Sarah, wife of John Bennett Baumer; Michael, married Ka-
tie Batter ; Margaret, wife of William Pothoff; CRspero,
married Mary Walker, and Anna is at home. Mr. Rohe and
his family are members of the Catholic church in Rich-
mond, Ind.
Charles E. Both, the second son of Peter and Harriet Roth,
was born in Wayne County, Ind., June 26, 1848. He learned
the carpenter's trade of his father, at which he still works.
He is a skillful workman, and has contracted and built same of
the best houses in the township. He was married July 6, 1882,
to Sallie T., daughter of William Reading, of Illinois. Mr.
Roth's father was born in Bucks County, Pa., in 1821, and died
in Wayne County in February, 1883. He came to Wayne
County when a young man, and was married in 1846, to Har-
riet, daugliter of John and Rebecca Hoover. She was born in
Bucks County, Pa., June 7,1826, and came to Wayne County
with her parents when fifteen years of age. Her father died
in Penhook in 1877, and her mother in 1880. Mr. Roth was
a master mechanic, a skilled workman, and many of the houses
in Wayne Township are monuments of his industry and ability.
He was a member of the Odd Fellows' order. Mrs. Roth is still
a resident of Penhook. She has had six children — Henry A.,
Charles E., Mary (died in infancy), John F., Dora R. and
Ellen H. John F. was killed in the railroad shops in
Richmond.
James J. Russell, son of George and Judith (Johnson) Rus-
sell, was born in Richmond, Ind., March 23, 1823. He grew
to manhood on the farm, receiving his education in the
Friends' school-house at West Grove. Sept. 1, 1844, he was
3G0 HISTOBV OF WAYNE COUNTY.
married to Rachel, daughter of Isaac and Tamar (Menden-
hall) Russell, of Miami County, Ohio. The}^ have had five
children — Isaac, of Indianapolis; Elvira, deceased wife of
Georo-e Faucet; Eiara, of Indianapolis; Ruth A., wife of
Alpheus Williams, and Perry, agent of the S. V. R. R.,
Kingston, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Russell are members of the
Society of Orthodox Friends, of which he is an Elder. Po-
litically Mr. Russell is a Republican. His grandfather, Tim-
othy Russell, was a native of Nantucket, where he was
engaged on a whaling vessel in his young days. He subse-
quently removed to North Carolina, where he entered land
on which was built the noted Friends meeting-house, New
Garden, that was used as a hospital in the Revolutionary and
late civil wars. Mr. Russell's father was born in North Caro-
lina, Aug. 19, 1782, moved to Richmond in 1813, and died
June 2, 1841. His mother was born May 5, 1789, and died
April 18, 1833. They had a family of seven children, three
of whom are living — Josiali, James J.,andSina, wife of John
Whitson. After his mother's death his father married
Susanna Jones, who was born Oct. 2, 1799. To them were
born three children; two are living — Mary, wife of Isaac
Hawkins, of Morgan County, Ind. ; and Calvin W., of Kan-
sas. Mrs. Russell's father was born Dec. 12, 1799, and died
Oct. 8, 1871. Her mother was born Nov. 20, 1798, and died
Nov. 25, 1871. Of their nine children se^^en are living —
Samuel, of Troy, Ohio; Joseph, of Marion County, Ohio;
Rachel; Oliver, of Morrow Count}', Ohio; Rosanna, wife of
Mordecai Brooke, of Vernon County, Mo. ; Harriet, wife of
John Pearson, of Miami County, Ohio; Tamar, wife of Perry
Dixon, of Isabel County, Mich.
John 8. Russell^ farmer. Centre Township, was born in
Wayne County, Ind., April 8, 1839, the eldest son of Vin-
nedge and Mary J. (Rich) Russell. He lived on the farm with
his father till manhood, receiving a common-school educa-
tion. He was married in 1861 to Mary J. Smith. To them
were born four daughters, but one of whom is living — Clara.
The deceased are — Nora, Elizabeth and Francena. Mrs.
Russell lived but a few years. In 1875 Mr. Russell married
Elniira J., daughter of Oliver T. and Mary (King; Jones.
CENTEE TOWNSHIP. 361
From 1871 till 1874 inclusive, Mr. Russell was enerao-ed in
the saw-mill business, cutting lumber for a railroad company
in Henry County, Ind, Since then he has been successfully
engaged in farming. He has 221 acres of fine, well-cultiva-
ted land. His wife is a member of the Christian church.
Yinnedge Russell was born in Trumbull County, Ohio,
Dec. 10, 1811, a son of Samuel and. Elizabeth (Vinnedge)
Hussell. His father was of English descent, born July 5,
1771. His mother was of German descent. Samuel Russell
came to "Wayne County, Ind., in 1818, and in 1819 settled on
the farm now owned by his son Yinnedge. He died at the
age of sixtj'-three years. His wife died in 1832, aged fifty-
two years. They had a family of four sons and six daugh-
ters, only three of whom are living — Yinnedge; Samuel, of
Grant County, Ind., and Ann, wife of John Kem, of Grant
County. They were members of the Methodist church. Our
subject's grandfather, Adam Yinnedge, was of a wealthy
German family, and came to America when young. He
served in the Revolutionary war, for which he received 300
acres of land in New Jersey. He afterward sold it for conti-
nental money which proved worthless. Yinnedge Russell
has followed farming through life. He now owns the old
homestead, a fine farm of 217 acres. He has filled the posi-
tion of Justice of the Peace of Centre Township nine years.
He is agent for the Indiana F anner, and correspondent
for the Agricultural Bureau, "Washington, D. C. Politically
he is a Democrat, casting his first vote for Andrew Jackson.
He is a member of "Whitewater Lodge, No. 41, and Oriental
Encampment, No. 28, I. O. O. F. Aug. 7, 1834, he was
married to Jane, daughter of Joseph and Margery (Cox)
Rich.' Seven children were born to them — John S., Joseph
T., Thomas W. (deceased), DeWitt C, Allen W., Francena
(deceased), Martha A. (wife of Michael Helm). Mrs. Russell
died Aug. 15, 1851. Feb. 22, 1852, Mr. Russell married
Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel and Bathsheba Jay, of Miami
County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Russell are members of the
Methodist Episcopal church.
Franois E. Scott, manufacturer and dealer in boots and
shoes, Centreville, Ind.. was born in South Bend, Ind., Jan.
24
362 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
30, ISttl, the only son of William and Clarissa M. (Faulkner)
Scott, his father a native of England and his mother ot
Schenectady County, N. Y. William Scott came to the
United States when fourteen years of age. Re was by trade
a shoemaker, and followed that business several years in Ab-
ington, Wayne County. He died in February, 1868. His
wife died in 1S75. They had a family of four children —
Mary, wife of Dr. Hall; Julia, wife of Lewis Robey; Mar-
tha, wife of James Reed, of Richmond; and Francis E., who
was reared and educated in Wayne County, learning the shoe-
maker's trade of his fatiier. He commenced business on his
own account in the fall of 1865, in Centreville. In March,
1862, he was married to Narrie E., daughter of James and
Mary Dunbar. They have one son — Harry S., who learned
telegraphy in Centreville, and for three years has been oper-
ator of the Union Dispatch office in Richmond. Mr. Scott is
Past Grand of Hoosier Lodge, No. 23, L O. O. F.
Rudolph S. Sho-ff^, proprietor of livery and sale stable, was
born March 20, 1840, a son of Rudolph Shoff, who is one ot
the leading farmers of Jackson, Wayne Co., Ind. Our sub-
ject was reared on a farm. In 1870 he came to Centreville,
Wayne Count}^, and opened his present livery and sale stable,
where he has done a fair business. He was married in 1869
to Mary Smith, daughter of Samuel and Anna Smith, of this
county. She was born in Lancaster County, Pa. They have
three daughters — Ada, Nellie and Christie.
Isham Smeher, deceased, son of Jacob and Elizabeth
(Smith) Smelser, was born Nov. 23, 1823, in Wayne County,
Ind. He was married in 1850 to Henrietta, daughter of John
and Catlierine Farlow, who came from North Carolijia to
Union County, Ind., in an early day. The result of this mar-
riage was four children — John F., Jacob S., Mary E. and
Richard E. Sooti after his marriage Mr. Smelser settled on
the farm now occupied by his family, and which contains 326
acres of land. He followed agricultural pursuits through
life, and was one of the enterprising cattle raisers of the
neighborhood. He was a member of the Universalist church.
His death occurred Sept. 28, 1882, in his fifty-ninth year.
His parents came to Wayne County, Ind., in 1822, from Ken-
CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 3G3
tncky, and spent the rest of their lives in Boston Township.
Jacob Smelser died Dec. 8, 1875, aged ninety-one j^ears, and
his wife died at the age of seventy-live years, April 7, 1869.
S. G. Smith, farmer and stock -dealer, was born near Rich-
mond, Ind., Dec. 2, 1840, a son of George and Ellen (Still-
well) Smith, his father a native of Maryland and his mother
of ISTew Jersey. His father was by trade a paper-maker. In
1839 he came with his family to Wayne County, Ind., and
settled in Richmond where he worked at his trade a few years
and then bought a farm in Centre Township, and the rest of
his life was engaged in agricultural pursuits. He died at the
age of sixty-five years. His widow, living, is seventy-three
years old. They had a family of five children — Samuel Gr,;,
Benjamin D. (deceased); George C, of Centreville; William
H. and Robert P. (deceased). Samuel G. Smith was reared
a farmer, and has always followed that vocation. He is ener-
getic, a good manager, and enterprising, and ranks among
the leading farmers and stock-dealers of the county. He
owns 192 acres of fine land well-improved. Politically he is
Republican. He was married Oct. 25, 1866, to Martha R.,
daughter of Oliver T. and Mary (King) Jones. They have
four children — Harry J., Cora A. , Howard G. and Oscar P.
Mrs. Smith is a member of the Christian churcii. In the
war of the Rebellion Mr. Smith served two months in the
One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Indiana Infantry, on the
Ohio and Missisippi rivers.
William H. Smith, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in
Wayne County, Ind., Oct. 5, 1819, a son of George and Ellen
(Still well) Smith. He was educated in the country schools,
and when seventeen years of age was apprenticed to Solomon
Horney & Co., of Richmond, to learn the blacksmith's trade,
working on plows. He worked at the trade six years. He
is now engaged in farming and stock-raising, making a spe-
cialty of the best blooded stock and fowls. He is a thorough,
practical business man. He owns 103 acres of fine land on
Nolan's Fork. Politically he is a Republican, and an earnest
advocate of temperance. Oct. 11, 1871, he was married to
Sarah M., daughter of James W. D. and Malinda King, of
Wayne County. They have had five children; but three are
^364 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
livino- — Idella M., Florence L. and Omar J. Anna R. and
Frankie B. died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members
of the Christian church.
Frederick V. Snider, deceased, was born near Martinsburg,
Va., Aug. 16, 1796, and when a child his parents moved to
Lebanon, Ohio, where he learned the cabinet-maker's trade,
at which he worked a number of years. In 1831 he moved
to Hamilton, Ohio, and in 1833, toCentreville, Ind., where he
eno-aged in the dry-goods business, which he followed twenty
years. He had one of the largest stores in the town and was
very successful, being very popular with all his customers. He
was one of the original Directors of the First National Bank
of Centreville, and took a great interest in the success of the
undertaking. Politically he was a Republican, and always
took an active part in all points at issue of interest to his
party. He left his room a week before his death to go to the
polls to vote. He was a fine financier and very judicious in
his investments. He was married in 1826 to Mary Smith, a
native of Warren County, Ohio, born Feb, 22, 1804. Her
parents were natives of Pennsylvania and moved to Ohio at
an early day. She is the youngest of their eight children
and the only one living. Mr. and Mrs. Snider had a family
of four children — Samuel Gr., of White County, Ind.; William
H., of Logansport, Ind.; Kate, wife of Thomas F. Gentry;
Charlotte M., now Mrs. Coffin. Mr. Snider was an Elder of
the Presbyterian church, his wife being a member of the
same church. He died in May, 1883, in his eighty-seventh
year.
Jesse C. Stevens, eldest son of Walter G. and Martha
Stevens, was born in St. Joseph County, Mich., Sept. 9,
1847, and when three years of age came with his parents to
Wayne County, Ind. He received a liberal business educa-
tion, and is now one of the best informed men of his aofe in
the township. He is a diligent reader and a close observer
of all public issues. He cast his first vote for Abraham
Lincoln. He attended the funeral of that President and also
of President Garfield. He takes an active interest in all
measures of interest to county, State and Nation. He is fore-
most in all undertakings. He has represented the Republi-
CENTRE TOWNSHIP. , 365
can party in county, State and Congressional conventions. He
is a member of both county and State horticultural societies,
making vegetables and small fruits a specialty. He
has forty-five varieties of potatoes and seventy-five va-
rieties of strawberries, comprising the best in the United
States. He was married Nov. 14, 1867, to Eliza A., daur\-
ter of James W. D. and Malinda King. They have ' . v^en
children — Martha, Malinda, Walter, Ollie J., Yiola, Flora
and James.
Walter G. Stevens was born in Hamilton County, Ohio,
April 18, 1813, a son of Jesse and Anna (Tribble) Stevens,
natives of North Carolina. His father moved to Clermont
County, Ohio, with his parents in 1808, and in 1809 was
married, his wife's parents having previously settled in the
county. They subsequently moved to Hamilton County,
and lived ^there till 1818. In 1828 they came to "Wayne
County, Ind. Jesse Stevens was by trade a shoemaker, but
was also engaged in the mercantile business, and owned and
conducted a farm. He was politically a strong Republican.
He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and
was for years a Class-leader. He was Justice of the Peace of
Centre Township several years. He died in Centreville, Aug.
3, 1864, aged seventy-six years. His widow survived him a
few years, and died at the same age. Their children were —
Sarah, wife of Aaron Birdsall, of Henry County, Ind. ; Wal-
ter G. ; Collins C. ; Mary A., now Mrs. Peterson, of -Black-
ford County, Ind.; Francis L.; Caroline, deceased; Jesse M.,
of Illinois; Lucinda G., wife of John C. Page; Ollie, wife
of James McKim; Louisa, wife of Henry C. Noble; Will-
iam H., of Indianapolis, and Chas. W., of Kansas. Walter
G. Stevens worked at the shoemaker's trade with his father
till eighteen years of age. He attended school but a portion
of one term, but by diligent home study acquired a fair ed-
ucation. When eighteen years of age he went to Michigan,
to begin life for himself. He was the first Deputy Sherifi" of
St. Joseph County, and was Sheriff of the county several
years. He constructed the first jail and built the first brick
residence in the county. He was for eighteen years continu-
ously in public office in St. Joseph County. He was at one
366 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
time tlie most extensive horticulturist west of the State ot
New York. He is thoroughly a self-made man. He has
made the science of horticulture a study, and is a charter
member of the State and county horticultural societies. He
^was for seven years Superintendent of the Wayne County
liKfirraary. He was married in 1832 to Mary A., daughter of
Joh?^ .and Amelia Jones, of St. Joe, Mich. She lived but a
short ti«,ne, and he then married her sister, who died leaving a
daughter- -Mary, wife of Francis Cunningham, of Aledo,
111. Oct. lb, 1846, Mr. Stevens married Martha A , daughter
of Abram Jeffries. They have had four children — Olive,
wife of Joseph King; Jesse, Samuel D., and Howard (de-
ceased). Mr. and Mrs. Stevens are members of the Society
of Friends.
Sanfiiiel Raymond, Taylor was born Nov. 28, 1831, in
Delaware, a son of John and Nancy Taylor, and in 1833 was
brought by his parents to Wayne Countj^, Ind. He was
married in 1855 to Nancy J. Barnes, a native of Centre
Township, Wayne County, a daughter of Shapley Barnes,
who came from Yirginia to Wayne County among the early
settlers. To them have been born five children — Lydia E.,
deceased, wife of Charley Estell, of Richmond; Anna C,
wife of Ira Moore; John W., Frank M. and Charley S.
Samuel R. on attaining his majority served two years at the
carriage- maker's trade in Richmond, after which he engaged
in fanning, which occupation he still follows. He owns an
excellent farm of 125 acres, all well improved. He has also
been a breeder of fine horses for many years. His father
was a native of Delaware. He was married in 1827 to Nancy
Hallis, who was born in 1805. They were the parents of four
children— Elizabeth, wife of Evan Burguire; Samuel R. ;
Sarah, wife of P. Doughty, and Anna E., wife of Davison
Cheesman. In 1832 John Taylor moved his family to
Wayne County, Ind., and settled near Salisbury and was em-
ployed on the bridge and National pike. He was taken sick
with small-pox and died in the winter of 1838. His wife
then moved to Salisbury, and supported her family by going
out as a weaver, and besides keeping her family she saved
enough money to buy a house and lot in Salisbury. She is
CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 367
now in her eighty-first year and is making her home with
our subject.
Ilosea T'dlson, M. D.^ was born in Darke County, Ohio,
Dec. 15, 1830, a son of Gresham Palmer and Kancy (Stew-
art) Tillson, his father a native of Yermont, and his mother
of New Jersey. His parents moved to Ohio in an earW day,
and were married in Summerville, Butler County, but after-
ward moved to Darke County, near Richmond, Ind. Tliey
subsequently moved to Decatur County, Ind. When
eighteen years of age, Hosea Tillson left home and taught
school four years, in the meantime devoting his leisure
hours to the study of medicine. He began his practice at
Abington, Ind., in 1853. continuing there and in Hartsville
till Nov. 18, 1861, when he enlisted as a private in Company
D, Fifty-seventh Indiana Infantry. Jan. 9, 18'63, he was
promoted to Hospital Steward; Feb. 25, 1863, was mustered
as Assistant Surgeon of the Fifty-seventh Indiana Infantry;
Nov. 14, 1863, promoted to Surgeon, and Aug. 15, 1864,
appointed Chief Surgeon of the Second Brigade, Second
Division, Fourth Army Corps, and served till mustered out.
He returned home at the close of the war and located at
Centreville, and a year later went to Philadelphia, Hancock
County, and remained six years. In 1872 he returned to
Centreville, where he has since been actively engaged in the
practice of his profession. Dr. Tillson is a member of the
Wayne County Medical Society, and has served as President
of that body. He has been Examining Surgeon for U. S.
Pensions since 1872. He is a popular man socially and
politically, as well as professionally, forming lasting friend-
ships with those with whom he comes in contact. He has
served six years on the School Board, two years in the City
Council, and is serving his third year as Secretary of the
Board of Health. He is a Master Mason, and has held all
the offices in his lodge, of which he is now Worshipful Mas-
ter. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church,
and has been a Trustee, and Superintendent of the Sunday-
school several years. Dr. Tillson was married in April,
1854, to Indiana J., daughter of Ferdinand Weber. They
have two daughters — Cora K., wife of John M. Gentry, and
368 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Maud H., a teacher in the public schools. For twentj-ei^ht
years Dr. Tillson has not lost a day on account of sickness.
Judge Jesse Williams was born in Pulaski County, Ky.,.
Auo-. 3, 1798. In 1815 his parents moved to Fayette County,
Ind., where they passed the remainder of their days. In
1820 Judge Williams came to Wayne County, Ind., located
at Centreville, and opened a harness and saddler's shop. A
few years later he formed a partnership with W. S. T. Mor-
ton in the general mercantile business, continuing eight
years. In the meantime he was appointed Associate Judge
to fill a vacancy caused by the death of Asa M. Sherman, and
at the regular term was elected to the same office. He served
in the capacity of Associate Judge fifteen years. In the fall
of 1837 he moved to the farm where he still resides, a mile
and a half east of Centre ville, at that time heavily timbered.
He was married in 1820 to Mary, daughter of Patrick Hart.
Of their eight children, three are living — Arthur P., H. Je-
rome, and Maria E., wife of John S. Chittenden. Mrs. Will-
iams died June 13, 181:7, and the Judge afterward married
Elizabeth, widow of William Poston. She died Nov. 8, 1883.
In politics Judge Williams has adhered to the Whig and Re-
publican parties.
LciFayette TFi7Z/am.s, merchant, Centreville, Ind., was born
in Fayette County, Ind., July 20, 181:8, a son of Balis and
Martha (Heavern) Williams, both natives of Kentucky. His
grandfather, John Williams, was a Yirginian, and emigrated
to Kentucky, and thence to Fayette County, Ind., when Balis
was a year old. The latter lived in Fayette County till 1854
when he removed to Wayne County and settled on a farm
near Centreville, where he still resides. His wife died in
July, 186-1. Three of their six children are living — Edmund,
Ella and La Fayette. The latter began his mercantile career
as a clerk in the store of J. B. Van Aernam, remained with
him three years and then went to Richmond and clerked for
a brother of his former employer two years. In 1877 he com-
menced business for himself in Centreville. He has had a
good and steadily growing trade from the first; keeps a
complete stock of dry-goods, hats, caps, boots and shoes. He
is an experienced merchant and studies the wants of his cus-
CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 369
tomers. June T, 1883, Mr. Williams was married to Emma
P. Maxwell, daughter of John M. Maxwell, of Richmond.
Washington Wright^ farmer, was born in Wayne County,
Ind., Jan. 31, 1826, a son of John and Mary Wright, natives
of Pennsylvania. His father was born March 27, 1786, and
died Feb. 5, 1879. He was married in his native State and
soon after moved to Butler County, Ohio. In 1816 he came
to Wayne County and entered 160 acres of land from the
Government. It was situated in the woods, four miles south-
west of Centreville. He improved his land and made it one
of the finest farms in the township. He had a family of eight
children — Margaret, wife of Morris Jones; Lucy, wife of Will-
iam Malone; Mary Ann, wife of William Pussell; Elizabeth,
wife of Benjamin Stinson ; Joseph, married Elizabeth Stevens;
William, married Margaret, sister of John and Morgan Mc-
Coy; John P., married Sarah Standley; Washington, our sub-
ject, married, in 1849, Teresa, daughter of John IS^ugen. He
then located on his farm, where he has successfully followed
agriculture and stock-raising. He makes a specialty of fine
Poland China hogs. Mr. Wright is a representative man of
the township, and does all in his power to assist in its up-
building. He had a family of eleven children, nine of whom
lived till maturity. Only three are living — Gleorge W.j John
P., and Enos S-
CHAPTER X.
CLAY TOWNSHIP.
Organized in 1831. — First Election at House of Thos.
Hatfield. — Enlarged in 1834. — Real and Personal
Property. — Population. — Gain of Thirteen in Forty
Years. — The Pioneers who Made it a Habitation and
Gave it a Name. — Washington. — Its Founder. —Plat-
ted IN 1818. — Business of ISIS and 1884. — Village
Wealth. — Lodges, Population, Railroads and Postmas-
ters. — Biographical.
Clay Township was organized by the county commission-
ers at the May session of 1831, and the first election was
ordered held at the liouse of Thos. Hatfield, in the village ot
Washington. It was not very large, and the commissioners
at the March term, 1834, made the following:
" Ordered by the board at March term, 1834, That the
bounds of Clay Township be extended west "so as to include
the whole of sections 21, 28 and 33, town 17, range 13."
This gave it its present irregular boundary, which, on the
north, is Perry and Green townships; on the east. Green and
Centre; on the south, Centre and Harrison, and on the west,
Harrison and Jefferson. Its greatest length is five miles, and
width, four and one-half, and the whole area of the township
contains 12,632.95 acres of land, this amount being the taxa-
ble number of acres.
Its assessed valuation real estate, Jan. 1, 1883, was $403,-
685; its taxable personal property, $194,629; total, $598,314.
The taxable wealth of Washington Yillage, $48,520. Total
valuation of township, $646,834.
In population the township, except within last decade,
has slowly gained, but not fast enough to any serious boast
though better than some of its sisters, who have suff'ered a
370
CLAY TOWNSHIP. 371
slow decline. In 1850 Clay Township had 1,050; in 1860,
1,069; in 1870, 1,094, and in 1880, 1,063, a gain of thirteen
in forty years.
THE EAKLY SETTLERS.
Jas. Martindale, a native of North Carolina, settled on
Green's Fork, in the township, in 1812, and settled on a farm
about a half a mile from Washington, where his grandson,
Jas. "W. Martindale, resides. Jonas Hatfield, Sr., came
from Kentucky in 1812, and purchased the land on whicb.
the town of Washington now stands. Ilis descendants still
live in the township. Abel Jenny came the same jea,i\ and
"joined lands with Hatfield, Sr. Jesse Albertson, from North
Carolina, settled on a farm one-lialf mile east of Washington.
His brother Joshua came a few years later and settled south
of his brother on the Ratcliff 's lands. Wm. Fox came in
1813 and left in ISM, removing to Jefferson Township,
where he died in 1860. Joshua Benny settled on section 27,
and James Spray finally settled on section 35. Jas. Odell
settled in the eastern part of the township, on wiiat is known
as Wm. Coffin's place. Miles Murphy catne in 1811:, and in
1825 sold his farm to John Baldwin, from North Carolina.
Mr. Baldwin's four sons — Jonathan, Isaac, David and Caleb-
came with him. Jas. Porter settled near the Friends' meet-
ing-house in 1817. Moses Martindale, Wni. Young, Benj.
Angell, John Feirson and his son-in-law, Martin Martindale,
Wm. Ball, all came in 1811 and 1815, and settled in the east-
ern part of the township. Benj. Albertson settled on section
36, and was from Nortli Carolina, and Owen Branson on the
land now owned by the heirs of Thos. Adams. Jonathan
Cloud also settled on section 36, and Wm. Pike, Isaiah
Frazier, Jonathan Mendenhall, John Hunt and Israel Ganse
all settled in the southeastern section of the township, and
came prior to 1816.
South and west of where Washington now stands quite a
settlement was made, commencing with the arrival of Jesse
Bond in 1813, who settled section 35. Benj. Hall, Jno.
Foland, Stephen Horney, Moses Coffin, Absalom Williams,
from North Carolina, whose sons occupy the homestead, came
372 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
in 1S14, and died in 1868, aged ninety-three years, and Isaac
Mendenhall, all settled in the south, southwest and west
section of the township, being among its earliest settlers.
Henry Hoover settled on Green's Fork, and Peter Hoover
adjoining liim;Jno. Fincher not far oflP, and Valentine Fo-
land in the southwest corner of the township. Ephraim
Gentry purchased of David Hoover, on the west side.
David Peacock came early, and his son David occupies the
home farm. Wm. Wedims, Mason Pitcher, Enos YeJl, Sr.,
Peter "Woolfert, Jos. Davis, Jas. Owens, Sr., all came in
1817, and settled in the western portion of the township, as
did Jno. Brockus, who came in 1 815, as did Miles Dimet.
Job Smith came in 1824, and Ezekiel Bradbury in 1825.
They also settled in the western part. Jonathan Shaw settled
on section 21, on the west line of the township, and Robt.
Walkins and Wm. Elliott north ot him, on section 16. John
and Josiah Bradbury on the same section, on Morgan's Creek;
John subsequently settled on section 27. Wm. Ball came
in 1818, as did Jas. Starling, Henry Riggs and Frederic
Dean, and settled on section 15. Henry Garrett and Abra-
ham Elliott came in 1814, and settled on section 23. Philip
and Henry Penberger, in 1819, and settled on section 14, as
did Wm. Underwood. Jonathan Poss, David Young and
John Pitchie settled on sections 22 and 15, about the last
mentioned date. Wm. Osborn, about 1820, settled near
Washington, and died in 1831, aged twenty-nine. Cyrus, his
son, resides half a mile below town. Daniel Williams, born
in North Carolina in 1792, from Pennsylvania in 1833,
settled in the northeast part of the township, and later resided
one and a half miles east of Washino^ton. Thomas Cook
settled, at an early day, where his son, Samuel Cook, lives,
two miles north from Washington, and where he died in
1824, aged fifty-six. He was the first saddler in Washington.
Samuel Ball, born in Virginia, from Tennessee in 1820, and
died in 1849, near where his son John Ball resides. John
Wilson, from South Carolina, about 1820, settled two miles
northwest from Washington, where he died in 1852, aged
thirty-six. Joseph Lamb, from North Carolina, settled in
1829, on land adjoining Perry, where he died in 1855, at the
CLAY TOWNSHIP. 373
age of seventy-three. Wm. Hindman, from Ohio, in 1839,
settled two and a half miles west of Washington, and died
in 1843, aged forty-two. Wm. Wright, from Maryland, in
1825 settled two miles southeast from town, where he died
in 1854, aged seventy -four. John Brooks, from North Caro-
lina, in 1831.
Hugh Allen, from Ohio in 1820, settled three miles south-
east from Hagerstown, near where he died, aged sixty-six.
David Cook, from Virginia, about 1831, settled one mile
south of Washington, where he died in 1870, aged fifty-nine.
Emsley Hoover, from Ohio, about 1811, settled on Green's
Fork, southvvest from Washington, where his son Owen P.
lives; died in 1865, aged sixty-nine.
Abraham Elliott is supposed to have been the first Justice
of the Peace within what is now Clay Township; the next,
perhaps, was John Martindale.
A block-house without a fort was built in war-time on or
near Joshua Benny's farm, a mile north of Washington. On
John Martindale's land, four miles west of this town, a fort
and block-house were built by Martindale and his sons, Ehjah
and William, Charles Morgan, Peynolds Fielder, Jacob
Galion and Jonathan Shaw.
Henry Garret built the first grist-mill, a mile and a hall
above town, about the year 1815. Jonas Hatfield soon after
commenced building a saw-mill that year at Washington, but
not living to finish it, it was completed the next year by his
son Thomas, who four or five years after also built a grist-mill
at the same place. Henry Hoover (not of Richmond), about
the year 1840, built a saw-mill two miles below Washington,
and afterward sold it to Samuel Boyd, who, about the year
1855, also built a grist-mill at the same place.
About the year 1825, perhaps later, Thomas Hatfield built
a carding machine and a fulling-mill near his other mills, and
after running them about a year, he procured of Jesse Bond
a site a fourth of a mile below, to which he removed them,
and soon after sold them to the Bonds, who removed them
further down to near where Nathan Bond resides.
Wm. Underbill and Joshua Benny were the first black-
^'miths in the township.
374: I IIISTUKV OF WAYNK CuUNTY.
WASHINGTON VILLAGE.
The town of Washington was laid out by Thomas Hat-
field, and the description of the original plat, certitied by
him as proprietor, and Abraham Elliott, surveyor, Sept. 28,
1818, was acknowledged for record Nov. 19, 1818. It is
situated near the center of the township, on section 26, and
is the only town within its border. It is a station on the P.,
C. & St. Louis Railroad, some ten miles northwest from
Richmond.
Lisbon Basey and John Russell, in partnership, were the
first merchants, in the year 1818; next, Allen Osborn and
Wm. Bunnell; and next, John Martindale, son of James,
who, in 1830, sold out to Mark E. Reeves, who, with an ad-
ditional stock, established a store which he continued until
1840, when he removed to Hagerstown, continuing an interest
in the store at Washington in partnership with James W.
Scott for about five years. Jonathan and Stephen Coflin com-
menced trade in 1843, and the business was continued by
Stephen. The merchants in 1872 were: Dry-goods — Dr.
Lorenzo D. Personett and John M. McCown; grocers,
Allen Daugherty, Wm. S. Hatfield. Jan. 1, 1884, Wm. S.
Hatfield and Allen K. Daugherty is still continuing the gro-
cery business, and Messrs. Osborne and Bunnell are the pro-
prietors of the dry-goods store. There is also at this date
a drug store, owned by S. D. Sample. This includes the en-
tire mercantile interest at the last date mentioned.
The first physician was a Dr. Howard, who was soon followed
by Dr. Johnson. Dr. William Bunnell, who came about
the year 1S23, is said by some to have been the first '' regular,"
licensed physician. He died in 1853, of cholera. He was
succeeded by his son, Rhodes W. Bunnell. Lorenzo D.
Personett came in 1844. The latter was in practice up to
1875. Dr. Rhodes W. Bunnell is still in practice at this
date, January, 1884, and also Dr. E. A. Buntin, Dr. S. H.
Moore and Dr. IN". P. Carter.
There are three blacksmith shops, the owners being Roller
Bros., J. H. Winkle and M. L. Trainer. There are six car-
CLAY TOWNSHIP. 375
penters and builders, viz. : Evans Bailey, J, S. Jones, Arthur
Frazier, E. JVI. Douthit, D. B. Dean and W. H. Gunckel.
FRIENDS.
A Friends' meeting-house was built as early as 1814 or
1815, by Jesse Bond, below the town, near the grave-yard.
A frame house was afterward built at or near the same place.
After the schism of 1828 those calling themselves •' Ortho-
dox " built a house about a mile northeast of town, on land
given for that purpose by John Baldwin. The only society
in the vicinity holds its meetings in this house. Its present
pastor is the Rev. J. E. West.
M. E. CHURCH.
The Methodist Episcopal church was organized about the
year 1818. There was preaching at the houses of some of the
settlers as early as 1814 and 1815. In the latter year the
Rev. Wm. Hunt was placed on the Whitewater Circuit, and
preached in the township at different times, at the house ot
Jas. Porter, Wm. Fox and others, who were, a few years later,
instrumental in organizing a society. - Among the early
members were: James Porter, James Odell, William Fox,
and their wives, and Polly Morgan, whose husband had been
killed by Indians at Morgan's Creek. The miniyters who
were appointed to the Whitewater Circuit held their meet-
ing first, after the residences of the members, at the school-
house, until the erection of the church. The present efficient
pastor is the Rev. W. A. Peck.
UNITED BRETHREN.
While this church is not so old as the others in the town-
ship, the churches at Jacksonbarg and at Hagerstown were
attended by members from Clay Township. Just when the
church society was formed is not now on record, but it was
in the thirties'.
They built a church near Green's Fork, which they occu-
pied for many years. In 1870 they erected their present
brick church in town, and the society is in a flourishing con-
dition. Their present able pastor is the Rev. R. W. Small.
376 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
SOCIETIES.
A Lodge of Free Masons, Acacia, No. 242, was orsfanized
under dispensation Jan, 29, 1859, and held its first meeting
Feb. 15, 1859. Its charter is dated May 25, 1859. Its offi-
cers were, Rhodes W. Bunnell, W. M. ; Wm. McCafferty,
S. W. • Hugh H. Keys, J. W. ; Charles Evans, Treasurer;
Daniel D. Rogers, Secretary; Walter Rogers, Sr., Deacon;
Samuel Cook, Deacon.
Bellis Encampment, No. 71, /. O. O. F., was instituted
Aug. 31, 1865. First officers; George W. Ebersoll, C. P.;
John Bean, H. P. ; Joseph Ludlura, S. W. ; George W. Davis,
J. W. ; Lorenzo D. Personett, Scribe; Adam Reinheimer,
Treasurer.
Green'' s Fork Lodge, No. 184, /. O. 0. F., was instituted
Feb. 25, 1857i with the following named persons as the first
officers: James W. Scott, N. G.; Calvin Connor, Y. G.;
Thomas M. Kerr, Secretary; Joseph F. Reynolds, Treasurer.
POPULATION AND WEALTH.
Washington Yillage had a population in 1850 of 219. In
1870 it rose to 248, and in 1880, 273, and has now about 800,
its poll being 64 in 1883.
The value of real estate, 1882, was $23,330; the value ot
personal property, $25,190; total assessed valuation,
$48,520.
The Pittsburg, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad passes
through the township, near the center from east to west.
POSTMASTERS.
Wm. W. Bunnell, Aug. 22, 1818; Jas. W. Scott, Jan. 2,
1841; Elias F. Halliday, April 20, 1848; Edwin F. Ogborn,
April 22, 1851; Moses Hatfield, Dec. 19, 1851; Cyrus E.
Gates, Jan. 30, 1854; Thos. M. Kerr, April 11, 1855; Moses
Hatfield, March 25, 1859; Jonathan Elliott, April 15, 1861;
Albert H. Gunckel, Kov. 20, 1862; Moses Hatfield, March
23, 1864; Martin L. Roller, May 31, 1866, and Wm. S. Hat-
field, April 7, 1870, and is still Postmaster Jan. 1, 1884, at the
date of this writing.
CLAY TOWNSHIP. 377
BIOGRAPHICAL.
John Allen^ second son of Hugh and Mary (Brooks) Allen,
was born April 2, 1819, in Montgomery County, Ohio, and
in 1821 his parents moved to "Wayne County, Ind., lo-
cating in Jefferson Township. His father purchased eighty
acres of uncultivated land and followed farming through life.
He reared a family of eight children — Elizabeth (deceased),
Jacob, John, Mason, Mary A., Marion (deceased), Thomas
and Caroline (deceased). The father accumulated a good
property, and died at the age of fifty-six years. His widow
died at the age of seventy years, John received a good edu-
cation at the subscription schools and worked on his father's
farm till he grew to manhood, when he farmed on rented land
one year. He then purchased seventy acres and has since
been very successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. He
owns 450 acres of fine land in Clay Township, worth $70 per
acre, and has also considerable personal property and cash.
He is also a stockholder in the Citizens' Bank of Hagers-
town, of which he was one of the incoporators and also a
director while it was doing business. He was married in
October, 18-43, to Mary, daughter of Thomas and Rebecca
Martindale, of Wayne County. They have had five children
— Hugh, died at the age of eighteen years; Martha, wife of
E. S. Bunnel, of Clay Township; Franklin P.; an infant
daughter (deceased), and Etta, who died when two years old.
Mr. Allen and wife are members of the Baptist church. His
grandfather, Hugh Allen, was a native of Ireland, and his
maternal ancestors were from Yirginia. His father, Hugh
Allen, was born in Kentucky and afterward moved with his
parents to Montgomery County, Ohio, where he was mar-
ried. Mrs. Allen's parents reared five children — Mary, Eliza-
beth (deceased), Martha, Julia A. and Thomas J. (deceased).
Mr. Martindale died when fifty-four years of age. His wife
is still living, in her eighty-first year.
Gyrus A. Baldwin^ eldest son of Jonathan and Mary A.,
(Albertson) Baldwin, was born June 3, 1837, in Hamilton
County, Ind., and when sixteen months old his parents re-
moved to Wayne County, where he lived on the home farm
25
378 HISTORY OF AVAYNE COUNTY.
till he »rew to manhood. He received his early education at
the country schools, after which he attended Earlham College
one year. He then taught school sixteen terms during
the winter and farmed in the summer. He taught his
last term in the winter of 1877-78, since which he has
been engaged in farming. He was married Sept. 22, 1859, to
Barbara A., daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Shock) Sher-
rick, who were of German ancestry, both now deceased. They
have four daughters — Luella, Edna, Florence and Lodosca.
Mr. Baldwin and family are members of the Society of Ortho-
dox Friends and he is a minister. His wife is an Elder in
their church, and he is Clerk of their Monthly Meeting. Mr.
Baldwin's father was born in Guilford County, N". C, of Eng-
lish descent, and in 1826 came with his parents to Wayne
County, where he \was married. In 1836 he went to Hamil-
ton County, but returned to Wayne County in 1838. His
wife was born near Richmond, Ind. Her parents came from
North Carolina to Wavne County about 1812 or 1813.
A. D. Bond^ fourth son of Robert and Rachel (Thornburg)
Bond, was born April 19, 1836, near Washington, Wayne
Co., Ind. He obtained a good education in the schools of
his native village, and grew to manhood on the home farm.
At the age of twenty-live he began business for himself, and
in 1860 bought land near Manchester, Wabash Co., Ind.,
which he improved and farmed five and a half years. He
then traded his Wabash farm for a part of the land first en-
tered by his grandfather, Jesse Bond, and in 1866 he returned
to Wayne County and settled on his farm, where he has since
been successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising. His
farm contains 260 acres of well-improved land, and his farm
buildings and residence are first class. He was married in
1860 to Mary E., daughter of John and Jane (Willetts)
Scott, of Wayne County. They have had four children —
Emma C, born Sept. 24, 1861 ; S. Maud, born March 16,
1861; Y. Blanche, born April 14, 1878, and died Feb. 4, 1879;
aud Edith A., born May 20, 1882. Mr. Bond has served as
Trustee of Clay Township since the spring of 1880, by re-
election. Politically he is a Republican, and he is a member
of the Hicksite Friends. His wife belongs to the Disciple
church.
CLAY TOWNSHIP. 3T9
Henry Thornhurg Bond^ eldest son of Robert and Rachel
(Thornburg) Bond, was born Feb. 10, 1827, in Clay Town-
ship, Wayne Co., Ind. He was educated at the subscription
schools, and lived on the home farm till thirty-three years of
age. He has always followed farming, and now owns 227
acres of fine farming lands, and his home farm and fine res-
idence shows that he is one of the leading farmers of his
township. He was married in September, 1860, to Mary A.,
daughter of Robert and Narcissa (Stinson) Boyd, who were
natives of Kentucky and Tennessee respectively. Her father
is deceased, but her mother still lives, in her eighty-fifth year.
Mr. Bond and wife have three children, all living at home —
Robert B., Emma F. and James E. Mr. Bond is a Republi-
can in politics, and belongs to the Hicksite Friends' church.
His wife is. a member of the Christian church. Mr. Bond's
paternal great-grandparents were natives of England, and
emigrated to North Carolina in an early day. His Great-
grandfather Commons was born in Ireland, and his Great-
grandmother Commons, whose maiden name was Hayes, was
a native of Wales. His grandfather, Jesse Bond, was born,
reared and married in North Carolina. He afterward lived in
Grayson County, Ya., where our subject's father, Robert, was
born, and in 1808 settled 160 acres of land near the present
Earlham College, residing there till 1813, when he removed
to a farm near the present site of Washington, residing there
till his death. Robert Bond married Rachel, daughter of
Henry and Nancy Thornburg, who came from Tennessee to
Wayne County a few years after Mr. Bond's ancestors. Mr.
and Mrs. Robert Bond reared eight children, four now living
— Henry T., John, Abner D. and Lewis T. Emily died in
Cass County in 1855, in her twenty-fifth year. Milton died
in Wabash County in 1872, in his fortieth year. Lydia E.
died in Wayne County in 1879, in her thirty-seventh year.
Larkin T. died in Wayne County in 1882, in his thirty-sixth
year. Their father died at the age of fifty-eight years, but
his widow still survives, aged seventy-six years. He was one
of the leading farmers of his day, and at his death left 1,000
acres of fine land in Wayne, Hamilton and Wabash counties
in the State of Indiana.
380 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Williatn Commons Bond, fourth son of Jesse and Phoebe
(Commons) Bond, was born An^. 23, 1808, in "Wayne County,
Ind. His parents wel*e reared and married in Nortli Caro-
lina, and afterward lived in Grayson County, Ya. They re-
moved to Indiana and settled where Earlham College now
stands in 1808, residing there till 1813, when they removed
half a mile north of where Richmond is situated. In 1815
he entered 160 acres of land near Washington, Ind., where
he resided till his death. He was one of the pioneers of
Clay Township, and was the first minister of the order of
Friends who held meetings in the township. He and his wife
had eleven children, of whom only seven survive — Nathan,
William C, J. Isaac, Jesse, Jr., Ruth, Hannah and Lydia.
Mr. Bond died in his eighty-fourth year, and his wife died at
the age of sixty-two. In 1824 our subject, in connection with
his father and brothers, began digging a race for the purpose
of constructing a mill, and the following year erected a saw-
mill. They soon after erected a woolen-mill, which was the
first mill in the country that manufactured and fulled wool
cloth. William and his brother Nathan were associated in
this mill a number of years. He was married Sept. 23, 1830,
to Hannah, daughter of William and Damaris (Mills) Locke,
who were early settlers of Wayne County. Tliey celebrated
their golden wedding in 1880. They have a family of six
children — Oliver S., of the Savings Bank, Toledo, Ohio ;
Damaris, wife of E. H. Wright, of the Superior Iron Mines,
Michigan ; Larkin, of Wayne County : Francenia, wife of
S. G. Snider, of WhitQ Countj^, Ind.; Eliza J., at home, and
Mattie, wife of James Horrell, of Wayne County. Mr. Bond
and wife are members of the Society of Hicksite Friends,
and politically he is a Republican. He owns a desirable
farm on Green's Fork, near Washington, where he is engaged
in farming.
John Brooks, /Sr., was born in Stokes, now Forsyth,
County, N. C, Nov. 18, 1806, second son of Jesse and
Judith (Johnson) Brooks, the former of Welsh and the latter
of English descent. They were the parents of ten children-
Polly, David, Sarah (deceased), John, Matthew (deceased),
Sicily, Elizabeth, Charity, Jesse W. and Alpha. Our subject
CLA.T TOWNSHIP. ^^^
removed to Wayne County, Ind., in 1831, where be parcbased
ninety acres of land for $450; and settled near Economy Perry
Township, in 1833. He followed farming ten years, during
which his parents moved to Wayne County, where his fatiier
died at the age of seventy-five years, his mother following a
few years later, at about the same age. He was ^^^rr^^^ in
1833 to Rachel, daughter of William and Damans (Mills)
Locke. They have two daughters-Betsy J. and Martha A
Mrs. Brooks' died Aug. 21, 1813, after wbich Mr. Brooks sold
his farm for $1,000, and purchased a farm north of Washing-
ton for $16.25 per acre, where be engaged in iarnimg t.U
1S70 He was again married in 1814, to Mary A., daughter
of David and Anna (Henly) Johnson, of Morgan County, Ind
They have three children-Jesse W., formerly Cashier of the
Citizens Bank of Hagerstown, Wayne County; Emma A.,
wife of William K. Bellows, of Indianapolis ana Flora B.,
wife of Martin Worl, of Henry County, Ind. In 1870 Mi .
Brooks sold bis farm for $102 par acre, and purchased forty
acres east of Washington for $150 per acre He gave
his children a liberal education. He and bis wife are
members o^' the Friends' church. Since locating near Wash-
ington Mr. Brooks has purchased a valuable farm of 160 acres,
on^e mile east of his home place, for which he paid $6a per
acre He with a number of others chartered a bank at
Hac^erstown, known as the Citizens Bank, with a cash capital
of $50 000 He was a Director of the bank, and for two years
President, and has been connected with it from its organiza-
tion in 1871 until its close in 1880. His son J. W. was also
a stockholder. Director and Cashier, and when the bank closed
he purchased the bank furnishing and organized a banking
and exchange business, known - ^^^^^^^^^rf. t Ford
Hagerstown, the firm name being J. W. Brooks & S. J. Ford^
The former retired from the firm in the fall of 1880. In 1879
he, with a number of others, organized a life insurance asso-
ciation, incorporated as the Provident Life Association ot _
Richmond, Ind., he being Yice-President and Treasurer. He
was connected with it till in 1881, when he resigned Mr
Brooks was one of the original organizers and stockholders
of the "Richmond Industrial Association," organized May
382 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
12, 1870, at Ricl)in:>nd, Ind., and was a m3mb3r of its first
Board of Directors, and served for several yeirs.
John Brooks, Jr., second son of Matthew and Rhoda
(Yeal) Brooks, was born Feb. 11, 1836, in Wayne County,
Ind. His parents were natives of North Carolina, the father
born in 180S, of Welsh, anl the mother in 1812, of Eng-
lish, descent. Tiiey came to Wayne Cjunty in 1831 and
reared two sons — Asa S., living in Randolph County, Ind.,
and John. The father died in 1807, and the the mother re-
sides with our subject. He was educated at the common
schools, and followed farming in Wayne County till 1857,
and in November of that year bought a farm for $2,600,
where he farmed six years, when he sold it for $3,500. He
then paid $7,000 for a farm on Whitewater River, where
he followed farmino: and stock-dealing ten years, when he
purchased a farm near Winchester (still retaining his home
farm), paying for it $9,900, where he resided till 1880, when
he bought the farm where he now resides in Wayne County,
for which he paid $8,000. He still owns his two farms in
Randolph and is one of the most successful farmers and stock-
dealers in Randolph and Wayne counties. Dec. 12, 1855, he
was married to Susan, daughter of William and Susan (Corne-
lius) Beall. They have had five children born to them-William
M., and Milton F., of Randolph County; Luther S., at home;
Arsula R., wife of Harvey H. Hiatt, of Randolph County, and
an infant, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Brooks belong to the
United Brethren cliurch. Mr. Beall, father of Mrs. Brooks,
was born in Bourbon County, Ivy., in 1802, and came to
Wayne County, Ind,, in 1816, where be was married in 1820
to Susan Cornelius. She was born in North Carolina, in
1795, and came to Wayne County at an earlj^ day. They
rjared six children — Curran, Hannah A., Brutus, Amanda,
Marian (deceased) and Susan. Mr. Beall died in 1850 and
his wife died in 1876.
Rhodes William Bunnel, M. Z?. , eldest son of Dr. William
W. and Olinda (Ball) Bnnnel, was born Dec. 4, 1825, in
Clay Township, Wayne Co., Ind. His father was born
near Maysville, Ky., in 1795, and when fourteen years old
removed with his parents to Warren County, Ohio. He was
CLA.Y TOWNSHIP. 383
married in August, 1822, to Olinda Ball, who was born in
"Warren County, Ohio, in 1800, a daughter of Calvin and
Christina (Eulas) Ball. They reared a family of live children
— Monimia, Rhodes W., Julia A., Horace M. and Eulas S.
Monimia and Horace are deceased. Dr. William W. Bunnel
received a liberal education, graduating from the Ohio Medi-
cal College, and soon after his marriage began the practice of
his profession in Washington, Wayne Co., Ind. Mrs. Bun-
nel aided him by teaching school in the village of Washing-
ton. Dr. Bunnel was the leading physician of the township
till his death. He died from cholera in 1852. His widow
survived him till 1872. Our subject, Rhodes W., was reared
in Washington, Wayne Cjunty, where he received his early edu-
cation. He read medicine under his father, and graduated
from the Ohio Medical College in 1848. He immediately be-
gan to practice medicine in Dalton, Wayne County, in partnei'-
ship with Dr. Dickey where he remained one year. From 1850
till 1852 he was engaged in gold mining in California, when he
returned to Washington, Ind., where he has since been suc-
cessfully engaged in tlie practice of his profession. Nov. 31,
1861, he was married to Jane L., daughter of Newton and
Emily (Pease) Loomer. Five children have been born to
them — Newton L., of the State University, Bloomington,
Ind.; Monimia J., Chauncey R., Larone A., and a son who
died in infanc}'. Dr. Bunnel is a charter member of Acacia
Lodge, No. 242, A. F. & A. M., Washington, Ind., and has
been Master of tlie lodge nearl}^ all of the time since its
organization. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic
party.
Allen Kelly Daugherty^ dealer in groceries and general
merchandise,. Washington, Wayne Co., Ind., was born in
Rockingham County, Ya., Dec. 10, 1840, a son of Yalentipe
and Mary (Kelly) Daugherty. His father was born and
reared in the same county, and his mother a native of Lan-
caster County, Pa. They married in Pennsylvania and
reared their family, consisting of six sons and five daughters,
in Rockingham County. Allen K. was reared to manhood
in the Shenandoah Valley. His youth was spent on a farm
and attending the subscription schools, and when seventeen
384 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
years old, lie went one year to a college, near Stanton, in the
Shenandoah Valley. He then taught school two terms in
his native county, after which he returned to college for six
months. In the winter of 1860-'61, he taught a term in his
native county, when he joined the Federal army with three
friends. They rode two nights and entered the Federal lines
at New Creek, Ya., after which he went to Jackson burg,
Wayne Co., Ind., where he volunteered in the Fifty-fourth In-
diana Infantry, Company I, as first Duty Sergeant, for three
months. In a short time he was promoted to Orderly Ser-
geant, and served as such during his time of service. For a
time he was on duty at Camp Morton, near Indianapolis,
guarding prisoners of war. He, with his command, was en-
gaged in battle with Morgan's forces, near Green River
Bridge, and also near Elizabethtown. He was discharged at
Indianapolis, in September, 1862, and soon after engaged in
the cooper's trade at Washington, Wayne County, at which he
worked two years. In the summers of 1864 and 1865 he
taught school in Washington, after which he engaged in his
coopering until 1870. In March, 1870, he established his
present mercantile business, and is now one of the leading
merchants of the place. He was married Nov. 29, 1863, to
Martha A. Coffin, a native of Indiana, and daughter of Jona-
than and Martha (Parker) Coffin, who came from North Car-
olina in an early day. Mr. Coffin represented his county in
the Legislature of North Carolina a number of years. Mr.
and Mrs. Daugherty have two children — Francis L. and
Charles H. Mr. Daugherty is a member of Greensport
Lodge, No. 184, I. O. 0. F., and of Ellsworth Post, No. 200,
G. A. R., both of Washington. He has served as Justice of
the Peace of Clay Township, since 1878, by re-election.
'Hon. Branson Lewis Harris was born in Green Township,
Wayne Co., Ind., April 21, 1817, a son of James and Naomi
(Lewis) Harris. He lived on the home farm till he was
twenty-two years old, after which he farmed for himself on
rented lands till 1843. He then bought a farm in Green
Township, where he followed agricultural pursuits till Feb-
ruary, 1854, when 'he purchased his present farm of 275
acres. His farm is in a high state of cultivation and his
CLAY TOWNSHIP. 385
farm buildings are good. Sept. 9, 1839, be]was married to
Martha Young, who was born March 23, 1817, only daughter
of Jesse and Ruth (Martindale) Young, the former deceased.
They have two sons — Addison C, born Oct. 2, 1840, a prom-
inent lawyer of Indianapolis, and Alonzo M., born Sept. 13,
1845, living on the old homestead. Addison was a member of
the State Senate, from Indianapolis, during the session of
1877, and at the same time Mr. Harris was in the House of
Representatives. Mr. Harris was Justice of the Peace of
Green Township three years, and while holding that position
was elected by the Whig party to re[)resent the county in the
State Legislature of 1853. From 1856 till 1859 he was Trus-
tee of Clay Township, and superintended the construction
of the first public school buildings in Clay Township. He
was Township Trustee two years during the civil war. In
1875 he was elected to the State Legislature by the Repub-
lican party of Wayne County, and was re-elected in 1877.
Mr. and Mrs. Harris are members of the Christian church,
of which he is Elder and Deacon. His parents were natives
of Guilford County, N. C, and settled in Wayne County in
an early day, where they were married. They had a family of
seven children — Branson L. ; Winston E., of Wayne County;
Addison R., deceased; Milton R., minister of the United
Brethren church, of Delaware County; Allen M. , of Wayne
County; Hannah, deceased; Sarilda, wife of W. H. Harris,
of Wayne County. Our subject's father followed farming
through life. He was a member of the Friends' church
until the war of 1812, in which he was a soldier. He joined
the Methodist Episcopal church a few years before his death.
He was Justice of the Peace of Green Township two terms,
and died July 20, 1854, in his sixty-second year. His wife
died in her seventy-fourth year, May 14, 1870.
Daniel Webster Harris^ farmer and stock-dealer, was born
in Randolph County, Ind., Dec. 18, 1849, the second son of
Milton R. and Matilda (Bradbury) Harris. His grandfather,
James Harris, came from North Carolina and settled in
Wayne County, Ind., where Milton R. was born and reared.
Milton R. Harris afterward settled in Randolph County,
where he had four children born to him — Corwin, Daniel W.,
386 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Sarilda J. and Laura I. Corvvin died at the age ot five and
Sarilda J. at the age of two years. He soon after removed
to Wayne County, where six more children were born to him
— Clara E., Mary N., James W. and Willie (twins; the lat-
ter died in infancy); Moses E. and Leota A. The mother
died Dec. 6, 1872, and Mr. Harris married Mary (Wright)
McCowan, of Dalaware County, Ind., three children being
the result of their nnion— Charles, Hayes and Cora. Milton
R. Harris is a minister of the United Brethren church.
When five years of age Daniel W, moved with his parents
to Wayne County, where he was reared on the farm and at-
tended tlie common schools. After he grew to manhood his
father removed to Delaware County and still engaged in ag-
ricultural pursuits and the ministry. Daniel W. remained
on the farm in Wayne County, where he has since been en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits. He was married April 24,
1872, to Lucetta J., daughter of William and Mary (Smith)
Hall, of Yigo County, Ind. They have four children —
Walter M., Mary M., William C. and Frank A. Mr. Harris
and wife are members of the United Brethren church. Mr.
Hall was reared and first married in England to Eliza Brig-
ham, by whom he had seven children — Mary, Robert W.,
Aneliza, Emma, Thomas, Elizabeth and Megginson; Eliza-
beth and Thomas deceased, the latter at Libby Prison while
retained as a Union prisoner. William Hall was again mar-
ried at Terre Haute, Ind., Oct. 6, 1847, to Mary E., daugh-
ter of Joseph and Jane Smith, who was reared in Ross
County, Ohio. This union was blessed with eleven children
— Joseph, Walter, Lucetta J., Ella E., Charles E., Jenetta J.,
Matilda A. and three others who died unnamed. Mrs. Mary
E. Hall died S3pt. 10, 1876. William Hall died Sept. 28,
1880.
George Gillespie Ilindman, farmer and stock-dealer. Clay
Township, was born in Butler County, Ohio, Jan. 26, 1823,
eldest son of William and M-artha (Gillespie) Hind man, natives
of Westmoreland County, Pa., and Warren County, Ohio, re-
spectively. They were the parents of six children, four of
whom are still living — Gillespie, Simuel, William and George
G. When our subject was six years old his parents moved
CLAY TOWNSHIP. 38Y
to Montgomery County, Ohio, residing there five years. They
lived in Shelby County, Ohio, six years, when they moved to
Wayne County, and settled in Clay Township, in 1839, where
they died a few years later. After he attained his majority
George G. worked as a farm-hand, and by industry and econ-
omy was soon able to purchase land, and became one of the
leading farmers and stock-dealers in the township. Reverses
in trade, however, crippled him, and he was obliged to begin
life over again. He now owns a fine farm of over 200 acres.
He was the principal man in building the turnpike from Wash-
ington to Hagerstown, and was Pj-esident of the company a
number of years. He is a Republican in p'^litics, and was
elected to the office of County Commissioner by a large ma-
jority in the fall of 1882, and is still holding that position.
He was married Feb. 20, 1845, to Mary E., daughter of Jesse
and Margaret (Warren)Thornburg, who came from Tennessee
to Wayne County in an early day. They have had ten chil-
dren—Archibald K., of Wayne County; Francis M., of Ma-
rion County, Ind.; Martha, wife of J. Horney, died at the
age of twenty years; Clara M., wife of Joseph Cary, of Cam-
bridge City, Ind.; Laura J., wife of J. Rickey, of Cambridge
City, Ind.; Sarah J., wife of Jacob Taylor, of Wayne County;
William S., of Hagerstown; George W., died at the age of
eighteen months; George T. and Alice, at home. Mr.
and Mrs. Hindtnan are members of the Christian church, of
which he is Trustee.
Andrew Homey was born Dec. 20, 1835, in Wayne County,
Ind., and is the third son of Stephen and Nancy (Williams)
Horney, who were natives of Guilford County, N. C. His
father came to Wayne County about 1815, where he was
married to Nancy Williams, who came to Richmond in 180T
with her parents. They reared a family of nine children —
Rebecca, John (deceased), Absalom (deceased), Sarah, An-
drew, Esther, Mary A., Jesse, and Martha (deceased). Ste-
phen was a farmer by occupation, and died in Wayne County,
aged eighty years. His wife is still living, aged eighty-one
years. Andrew obtained a common-school education. He
was reared a farmer, and has always followed that avocation,
and at present owns a well-cultivated farm of 120 acres, with
388 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
a first-class residence. He was married Sept. 5, 1858, to Sa-
rah J., dangliter of R )bert ani Lydia (Brovvn)Franklin, who
were early settlers of "Wayne County, where they reared six
children — Clarissa (deceased), Elizabeth, Henry, Sarah, Samuel,
and Eobert (deceased). Mrs. Franklin died at the age of fifty
years. Mr. Franklin is yet living, and is eighty-three years
of age. Mr. and Mrs. Horney have eight children — Henry
C, Emily J. (wife of Charles Linderman, of Wayne County),
Matilda, Martha, Olive (wife of Robert B^eson, of Wayne
County), Lydia, Sadie and Walter S. Mr. Horney and wife
are members of the United Brethren church, and he has
served his church as Trustee.
Andrew Thomas Kepler^ youngest son of JPeter and Eliza-
beth (Shafer) Kepler, was born May 12, 1821, in Wayne
County. When he attained his majority he purchased 196
acres where he now resides. In 1866 he purchased the
Green's Fork grist and saw mills, which he operated in con-
nection with his farming pursuits until 1868. He then sold
the mill, but the parties failing to keep their contract, he
took charge of it in 1870, and in 1873 again sold it. In 1876
he again became sole owner, and has since operated the mills.
The first grist-mill on the present site was erected in 1859-'60,
by Samuel Boyd. It was destroyed by fire, and re-built by
Mr. Kepler in 1878, at a cost of $7,500. He has all the mod-
ern machinery for manufacturing the new process flour, and is
now doing a large custom business, also owning a tine farm
and first-class residence. He was married Jan. 28, 1818, to
Mary, daughter of John and Mary (Savage) Fertich, natives
of Pennsylvania, of German ancestry. They moved to Wayne
County, Ind., in 1832, where the father died, aged seventy-
one years. Mrs. Fertich is living, in her eighty- fourth year.
Mr. and Mrs. Kepler have two children — Amanda E., wife of
Levi C. Waltz, of Wayne County, and Charl6s B., of Wayne.
Mr. Kepler is a member of the German Lutheran church, and
his wife belongs to the Disciples church. Mr. Kepler's an-
cestors were originally from Germany. His parents were
born in Maryland, and settled in Wayne County, Ind., in
1820, and his father rented a mill, which he operated one year.
The next year he purchased the farm now owned by Alonzo
CLAY TOWNSHIP. 389
Kepler, where he resided frum 1821 until his death, at the
age of sixty-six years. His wife died in 1834, aged fifty
years. They had five children — John, Peter, Andrew T.,
Margaret (deceased), and Catherine.
Rev. Rees D. Laufmaii, son of John and Mary Laufman,
was born in Perry County, Ohio, July 25, 1810; received a
fair common-siehool education. Sept. 15, 1861, he enlisted in
Company G, Thirty-second Ohio Infantry, participating in
Green Briar, Allegheny Mountain and Harper's Ferry, where
the command was surrendered as prisoners of war by Gen-
eral Miles, paroled and sent to Chicago via Baltimore, Md.
They were exchanged in the spring of 1863 and placed in the
Seventeenth Army Corps. They were in the following battles
in the investing of Yicksburg, viz. : Port Gibson, Thompson
Hills, Jackson, Champion Hills, and the long siege of Yicks-
burg. He was wounded in the memorable charge at Yicks-
burg, and before fully recovering from the effect of the
wound was prostrated with the congestive fever and sent to
Lawson Hospital, St. Louis, Mo. After the fever had been
subdued sufficient for his removal, he served as medical
nurse until the close of the hospital, being in the hospital
the three winter months, when he rejoined his regiment at
Yicksburg, and with them participated in the second battle of
Champion Hills, Big Shanty, Kennesaw Mountain siege and
capture of Atlanta and the battle of Jonesboro, Ga. ; was
discharged soon after by reason of expiration of term of ser-
vice. He came to Wayne County, Ind., in the spring of
1865, and was married Feb. 28, 1866, to Jane D. , daughter of
Jonathan and Mary Ann Baldwin. They have had four
children — Wm. L., born Jan. 5, 1867; Mary A., born Dec.
8,1870; Albert W., born April 9, 1876, and Laura B., born
Oct. 13, 1878. Mr. Laufman owns and farms 150 acres of
well cultivated land one mile northeast of Washington. He
has taught six terms of school, and has been a minister of
the Methodist Episcopal church since 1867.
James WiUlam Martindale^ only son of John and Lydia
(Hatfield) Martindale, natives of Ohio, was born in Washing-
ton, Wayne Co., Ind., Dec. 5, 1829. His maternal grand-
father, Thomas Hatfield, was born in Kentucky, and settled
390 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
in Washin<rton in 1812, and first laid out the village. His
paternal grandfather, James Martindale, came from North
Carolina to Ohio in an early day and in 1809 came to Clay
Township, Wayne Co., Ind., and was the first settler on
Green's Fork, near Washington. He had four children, two
daughters, Martha and Rebecca, by his first wife, and two
sons, John and William, by his last wife, Elizabeth Adington.
He died at about the age of seventy years. John Martin-
dale, father of our subject, was born in Ohio in 1810, and
died when forty-one years of age. His wife still survives,
in her seventy- fifth year. They had three children — James
W., Sarah and Adeline. James W., whose name heads this
sketch, was reared on the farm, and now owns a portion of
the farm entered by his grandfather. Oct. 20, 1848, he was
married to Lydia King, a native of Dublin, Wayne County,
and a daughter of Isaac and Anna King. Mr. King built
the first house at Dublin. He subsequently removed to Rush
County, Ind., where he died, after which his wife removed to
Wayne County and died in Richmond in August, 1881. Mr.
and Mrs. Martindale have three children, all living in Wayne
County — John, Emma (wife of Alpheus Baldwin) and Eden
S. Mrs, Martindale and three children are members of the
Friends' church. Mr. Martindale has served as Trustee of
Clay Township six years, and in June, 1875, he was ap-
pointed County Commissioner, and was elected by tlie Repub-
lican party the following year, holding that ofiice seven years
by re-election.
Ahner Nicholson, second son of Andrew and Sarah (Lamb)
Nicholson, was born in -Wayne County, Ind., Sept. 8, 1838.
He was educated at the common schools, and was reared on a
farm. He has followed farming pursuits through life, and at
present owns an excellent farm of eighty acres, and a com-
fortable residence. He was married in 1858 to Adaline M.,
daughter of Nathan and Minerva (Lewis) Wilson, early set-
tlers of Wayne County. They have had three children —
Charles E., Elmer E., and a daughter who died in infancy.
Mrs, Nicholson is a member of the Disciple church. Mr.
Nicholson's parents were natives of North Carolina, and
came with their parents to Wayne County with the early set-
CLAY TOWNSHIP. 391
tiers. They were married in this county and reared a family
of seven children — Luther, was a soldier in the late war in the
Thirty-sixth Indiana Infantry, and died from a disease con-
tracted in the army; Charles W. ; John, was also a soldier in
the Thirty-sixth Indiana Infantry ; Evaline ; Cornelia, de-
ceased ; Julia and Abner. The mother died when sixty-two
years of age. The father is living, at the age of sevety-nine
years.
Albert Orlando Pierce, youngest son of Francis and Re-
becca (Page) Pierce, was born in Wayne County, Ind., June
2, 1839. He worked on the farm till eighteen years of age,
when he began working at the cooper's trade during the win-
ters and farming during the summers. Aug. 18, 1861, he
enlisted in Company D, Eighth Regiment Indiana Infantry,
as a private for three years. He was engaged with his regi-
ment in the campaigns through Arkansas and Missouri, and
was discharged at Middlebrook, Mo., March 25, 1863. He
then engaged in farming in Madison County, Ind., till 1880,
when he purchased his present farm of 200 acres, where he
now resides. He was married Dec. 10, 1863, to Elizabeth,
daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth (Williams) Pike, whose
parents settled in the county in an early day. This union was
blessed with five sons — John H., Edmund W., Robert P.
(deceased), Stephen F,, and Mark (deceased). Mrs. Pierce
died March 25, 1883. She was a member of the Christian
church. Mr. Pierce belongs to the First Christian Church,
and in palitics is a Republican. His father was of Eng-
lish parents, and was born and reared in New York, and
came to Richmond, Ind., when a young man. He was mar-
ried in 1831 to Rebecca Page, a native of New Jersey, of
Welsh descent, who came to Richmond in 1825. After their
marriage they resided in Pickaway Countj', Ohio, nearly
eight years, when they settled in Milton, Wayne Co., Ind.
They had twelve children — John, died in infancy; John and
David (twins), both deceased ; Francis N., Edmund G., Al-
bert 0., Margaret, Amanda (deceased), Minerva, Almira,
Emma (deceased), and a daughter who died in infancy. Mr.
Pierce spent most of his life in mechanical pursuits, but his
later years were spent in farming. He died in 1881, aged
392 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
seventy-five years. His wife is yet living, aged sevety-seven
years.
Charles L. Stutson, farmer, second son of Dr. Jennett and
Bethia (Wan) Stutson, was born in Zanesviile, Muskingum
Co. Ohio, Feb. 2, 1837. His parents afterward removed to
Madison County, Ohio, locating in West Jefferson. His
father was a prominent physician and large land-owner; was
also proprietor of a grist-mill, and an extensive pork-
packer. Charles received a good business education at the
hio-li schools of his native town. His youth was spent in
workino- on the farm in summer and in assisting his father in
packing pork or in the mill. After he grew to manhood he
eno-ao-ed in stock dealing, and was for two years associated
with Washington Marks, a prominent stock dealer of Madi-
son County. He was then associated a number of years with
Alexander Wilson, when the latter retired from active busi-
ness and Mr, Stutson carried on the business alone until
18Y8, when he settled on his farm, two miles northeast of
Washington, Wayne County. He was married Jan. 11,
1877, to Sarah J., daughter of Jesse and Rebecca (Cog-
shall) Cates, early settlers of Wayne County. Mr. Stutson
enlisted during the late war in the One Hundred and Thir-
teenth Ohio National Guards, and served three months,
prijicipally at New Creek, W. Ya. He is a member of
Webb Lodge, No. 42, A. F. & A. M., and Woodard Lodge,
No. 212, L O. O. F., and also belongs to Chapter No. 4, R.
A. M., all of Richmond, Ind.
Alfred Underhill, deceased, was born in Jefferson County,
East Tenn., May 2, 1811, and in 1816 moved with his
parents, John and Jane (Jones) Underhill, to Wayne County,
Ind. They settled near Economy, and reared twelve chil-
dren, of whom only three survive — Armina, Jessie and Jane.
Those deceased are — Hannah, Lemuel, Alfred, Belinda, Emily,
Elvira, Julia A., Clarkson and John. Their father was a
cripple, and taught school during his life. Alfred was reared
on a farm, and received a good business education from his
father. After he grew to manhood he taught school five
years. He was married Sept. 27, 1836, to Hannah, daughter
of Joel and Elizabeth (Maxwell) Hayworth. They were the
CLAY TOWNSHIP. 393
parents of five children — Lizzie, wife of Captain Joseph F.
Floyd, of Florida; Anna M.; Mary and Sarah (twins), the
former married to Dr. J. R. Brown, of Wayne County, and
the latter to Captain J3. F. Brown, of Union Connty, Ind.;
Olive, died at the age of twenty-one years. After his
marriage Mr. Underhill again taught school four winter
terms and farmed during the summer, after which he
followed larming exclusively till his death, July 7, 1876.
He was a member of the Society of Orthodox Friends.
Mrs. Underhill belongs to the Society of Friends, and
is an Elder of the society. Her parents came fromi
Tennessee to Union County, Ind., in 1818, where they
reared a family of thirteen children-, of whom six are living
— Mary, Hannah, Laban, Richard, David and Eli. John,
Jonathan, Anna, Elizabeth, Jonathan, Joel and Sarah are
deceased. Mr. Hayworth was born April 17, 1786, and his
death occurred Dec. 4, ]86J:. His wife died July 30, 1866.
She was born Jan. 9, 1791.
Henry Williams^ youngest son of Absalom and Mary
(Cook) Williams, was born in Wayne County, Ind., July 23,
1837, on the farm where he now resides. His parents were
born in Guilford County, N. C, Jan. 12, 1775, and Feb. 5,
1800, respectively, and his father came to Wayne County,
Ind., in 1807, and lived where the eastern part of Richmond
is located until 1815, when he settled in Clay Township, and
entered 320 acres of land. His first wife was a daughter of
William Harvey. They had nine cliildren — Mary, born
Sept. 20, 1797; Richard, born Jan, 7, 1800, and died at the
age of thirteen years; Nancy, born in 1802; Rebecca, Jan.
11, 1805; William, Oct. 20, 1807; Elizabeth, May 30, 1811;
John, May 31, 1814; Isaac, Dec. 27, 1817, and Absalom,
Sept. 6, 1820. His second wife was Hannah, widow of
Joshua Williams, who died shortly after her marriage. He
was again married to Mary Cook, by whom he had two
children — Sarah J., born Jan. 7, 1840, and Henry, our sub-
ject. Mr. Williams died Feb. 5, 1868, and his last wife died
Aug. 20, 1879. Henry was reared on a farm, receiving only
a common-school education. He is a well-read man, and has
a well-filled library. He has made farming his principal oc-
26
394 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
cnpation tlirongli life. He was married Auir- 28, 1873, to
Mrs. Nancy J. Cook, widow of Temple Cook, and daughter
of William and Mary (Brown) Fry. Mrs. Williams had two
children by her former husband — Minnie C. and Henry A.
Cook. Mrs. Williams was born Oct. 3, 1838. Mr. Williams
is a niember of the United Brethern church. Mrs. Williams
belongs to the Society of Orthodox Friends.
Oscar Leiols Wilson, farmer and minister, was born Aus^.
11, 1853, in Wayne County, Ind. He was reared on a farm,
and received his early education at the country schools, after
which he attended the college at Spiceland, Ind., about one
year. He followed farming until 1877, when he entered the
ministry of the United Brethren church, and in 1878 and '79
traveled in the Osage Conference in Kansas, since which he has
been traveling in the Whitewater Conference. He is a mem-
ber of the Sugar Grove class of the United Brethren church.
He was married in July, 1874, to Sarah, daughter of Ithamer
and Margaret (Fox) Lamb, early settlers of Wayne County.
They have three children — Alonzo, Eva and Correl. Mrs.
Wilson is a member of the United Brethren church. Her
parents were reared in Wayne County, arid had one son and
six daughters born to them, of whom the following survive —
Sarah, Yirena, Louisa, Martha, Esther and Joseph. Our
subject's grandfather, Samuel Wilson, and his wife were
reared iu North Carolina, of English ancestry, and were
among the first settlers of Clay Township, Wayne Co., Ind.
They had a family of seven children. Their son N^ithan
was married in Wayne County to Minerva Lewis, by whom
he had four children, of whom only two survive — Oscar L.,
our subject, and Adaline, married to Abner Nicholson. The
father followed agricultural pursuits through life and died.in
Wayne County aged forty-five years. His wife survived him
twenty-six years and died at the age of sixty-eight years.
They were members of the United Brethren church.
CHAPTER XI.
FRA.NKLIN TOWNSHIP.
Organization.- -Settlement. — Early Events. — First Mills.
— Churches. — Town of Whitewater. — Its Origin and His-
tory. — First Merchants, Etc. — Bethel. — A Prosperous
Village. — Biographical.
This township is in the northeastern corner of Wayne
County, tlie State of Ohio adjoinin;^ it on the east, and Ran-
dolph County on the north. It is seven miles in length,
north and south, by four east and west, and contains much
excellent farming land. The principal stream is the Middle
Fork of the Whitewater, in the eastern part of the township.
Franklin was formed from a portion of New Garden in May,
1834. The first election was held at the town of Hillsboro,
now Whitewater.
Isaac Commons is supposed to have been the first settler.
He came from North Carolina and settled near the southern
line of the township about 1809. Robert Morrisson soon after
settled on the next farm north, which he sold Henry Palen.
Joseph Ashton bought the farm from Palen. John Nichol-
son, Barnabas Boswell and Isaac Hiatt settled early in the
same neighborhood. Excepting Nicholson and Ashton, all of
the above were North Carolina Friends.
Among the early settlers of the southeastern part of the
township, who came a little later than those above mentioned,
were John White, on section 2 ; James Wickersham ; Ben-
jamin Elliott, from North Carolina, on land later owned by
his son; John Zimmerman, from Pennsylvania, on the State
line ; Charles Teas, from Delaware, on the Townsend farm ;
Dr. John Thomas, on the south line of the township, and
Edward Barton, on land afterward occupied by his descend-
ants.
395
396 HISTOKY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
The early settlers of the southwestern part of the town-
ship were: Micajah Jones, from North Carolina, on section 33;
John Simmons, Thomas Fisher, from the same State, and
Daniel Fisher, on the same section ; Joseph Brown, from
Pennsylvania; John Venard ; Edward B. Hunt, from North
Carolina; Elijah Mundin; Mesheck Llewellyn, on a farm after-
ward owned by Wm. Star buck; Paul Swain, from North Car-
olina; Benjamin Harris and William Starbuck, from North
Carolina; Jonathan Grave, from Delaware; and John P.
Thomas, on the south line, where his sons now own.
During the war of 1812 the settlers generally left their im-
provements to escape danger from the Indians. Aftt.r the
war the progress of settlement. was more rapid. Job Elliott,
from North Carolina, settled a mile south of Whitewater in
1815; Stephen Elliott was an early settler on land adjoining
the town; Wm. Hunt, from North Carolina, on land adjoin-
ing the town on the east, on land afterward owned by John
Unthank; Henry Newton, an Englishman, on the State line;
Jonathan Commons, on the State line ; Thomas Mason, from
North Carolina, in 1816, near Whitewater; Samuel Williams,
from North Carolina, near town in 1818. Gabriel Harrell,
from North Carolina, settled a half mile southwest of town;
Nathan Jones, from North Carolina, entered the land later
owned by Peter Blose and C. C. Hunt; Thomas Mason, Ji*.,
three-fourths of a mile north of Whitewater; Kichard Bunch,
on the Stephen Bunnell farm; Elihu Hunt, from North Car-
olina, a mile northwest of Whitewater; Heni'y Garrett and
Benj. Parker, from North Carolina.
In the western part of the township: Wm. Fulghum,
from North Carolina; Lemuel Chance, from the same State,
on section 16; Charles Thomas, on the Jonathan Marine
farm, and Edward Fisher, near the west line, both from
North Carolina; Andrew Starbuck, on section 22, from North
Carolina; Isaac Pyle, on section 27; Joshua Brown, from
Pennsylvania;George Blose, from Ohio, and Wm. Hunt were
all early settlers.
In the northwest part of the township Jesse Overman, Wm.
Nixon, Samuel Henderson and Thomas Simons were early
settlers.
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 397
Tlie Harlan settlement, now Bethel, was beo^uii in 1817 by
James Harlan and his sons, from Kentucky. Nathan Elliott
removed to this settlement in 1817. John Thompson and
John, Joseph, Nathan, D ivid and Wm. H. Anderson settled
in tlie same neighborhood about 1817.
Win. Addleman, from Pennsylvania, settled one and one-
half miles northwest of Whitewater in 1819. He cut a huge
tree on his farm soon after arriving and built a camp against
the trunk, and there lived with his wife and six children several
months until he erected a cabin. Tne tree measured seven feet
and seven inches across the stump, and was over seventy seven
feet from the butt to the lower limbs. John M. Addleman set-
tled in 1826 a mile and a half north of Wiiite water. He
served as a Justice of the Peace. Joseph P. Addleman, Na-
than White, James White, Robert Starbuck, and Cornelius
Yanuys, a blacksmith, were earl)' settlers.
The road known as the " Quaker trace," from Richmond
to Fort Wayne, was opened by Paul Swain, Wm. Simmons,
Thomas Roberts, Daniel Fisher, Nathan and Henry Hunt,
of this township; Abraham Ashley, Euos Grave, of Wayne
Township, and many otiiers. Grave surveyed the road.
Wm. Starbuck, about 1817, built the first saw-mill, near the
southwest corner of the township. Another early saw-mill
was built by Henry Newton and John Unthank, about 1825.
James White built another at an early date.
Valentine Harlan, in 1829, built a grist-mill above James
White's saw-mill. Wm. Addleman, Jr., and Stephen Elliott
built another a short distance north of Whitewater, in 1837.
Dr. John Thomas was the first physician. He lived in the
southern part of the township, and had a large practice. He
carried his medicines in a bladder, instead of a saddle-bag.
Early physicians at Whitewater were: Drs. John H. Bruce,
Azel Owens, R. G. Brandon, Robt Hamilton, Wm. Williams,
Wm. Commons, Robt. Fisher, Harlan HirrisDu and others.
CHURCHES.
The earliest religious society in the township Wi*s that ot
the Friends, who built a log meeting-house two miles south
of Whitewater, near the site of the present brick house on the
398 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
turnpike. Isaac Commons, Job Elliott, Wm. Hunt, Joseph
Ashton, John J^icholson, Jeremiah Cox, Jr., and Luther
Tillson were early members.
The Christian church at Bethel was formed in Augus^,
1821, under the ministration of John M. Foster. Meetings
were first held in the dwelling of Valentine Harlan, after-
ward in a school-house; next in a large log meeting-house
half a mile east of Bethel, where the graveyard is, until the
present house in Bethel was built. Since the pastorate of
Mr. Foster this church has enjoyed the ministerial services of
Valentine Harlan, 2d., Eli Harlan, Hosea C. Tillson, Josepii
G. Harlan, Hardin Harrison, Henry Polly and others.
The Episcopal Methodists organized a church near Jesse
Hunt's, in the southwest part of the township, about the year
1830. Edward Starbuck, Hugh Stevenson, Joseph Hender-
son, and Joseph Whitacre were early members. Tlie organi-
zation was given up about 1865.
The Methodist Episcopal church was formed at Whitewater
about 1831 to 1832. Among its early members were: William
Boswell, Thomas K. Peeples, Wm. Brown and their families,
and Margaret Addleman. It was in the Centreville and Will-
iamsburg circuits. The congregation at first met in a log
house, near where the present house was built in 1854-.
The Wesleyan Methodists organized a church about 1854.
and built their present house of worship near the site of the
old house of the Episcopal Methodists. Early members were:
Edward Starbuck and Edward, his son, Jacob and M
Brown, Elijah Roberts, Elias Chenoweth, Ambrose Roberts,
with the families of most of them. Edward Starbuck, Jr.,
was a local preacher. Among their preachers have been John
W. Johnson and Daniel Worth.
A Christian church at Whitewater was formed in 1867.
Early members were: James M. Gist, Jesse T. Hunt, Wm. R.
Winsor, Henry W. Thomas, Wm. L. Robinson and their
wives; Sally White, Aleda Harney, Milesia Addleman. Their
permanent place of worship is the lower story of the Academy
building. Their preachers have been: Mr. Buff, who had
preached before the organization, Wm. D. Moore, Joseph G.
Harlan, Edward Fenton and others.
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 399
WHITEWATER.
Whitewater, an incorporated town of about 200 inhabit-
ants, is situated near the Middle Fork of the Whitewater, on
the Richmond and Whitewater turnpike. Tlie town was laid
out by Stephen Elliott and John White, and plat recorded
Nov. 12, 1828. An addition was made by Stephen Elliott in
1832. The town was first called Hillsboro, and it was known
by that name until recently, when the name was changed to
Whitewater.
The first merchant in Whitewater was John D. Price. He
sold out to Stephen Elliott, who kept on the southwest cor-
ner. Elliott sold out to John H. Bruce and Jonathan D.
Gray. Thomas Morton, from Miami, Ohio, was an early
merchant on the northeast corner. Wm. B. Sheneck started
a store about 1S39 and continued several years. T. J. Ferguson
began in 1844.
Whitewater postofiice was established in 1832; Jonathan D.
Gray, the first Postmaster.
The town now has three stores — one, a general store, kept
by Nathan Gi'ave; two groceries, by Wm. Robinson and Hi-
ram Surplice. The practicing physicians are: Drs. Wm.
Williams, James Courtney and W. T. Griffiths. Black-
smiths: Thomas White, Hiram Gist, A. Jackson. Chair-
maker, Charles Wolverton. The town has two churches,
Methodist and Disciples, and lodges of Odd Fellows and
Masons.
BETHEL.
The village of Bethel, situated in the northern part of
Franklin Township, has about 125 inhabitants. It was laid
out in 1850 by Elihu Harlan and Joseph Anderson. Bethel
is a small bwt prosperous village, wealthy and surrounded by
a good farming country. Its people are distinguished for
thrift and morality.
Wm. McFarland opened the first store in Bethel in 1845,
on the northeast corner. Edward Osborne, of Newport, soon
afterward started a store which was kept by Joseph Unthank.
Later merchants were: John A. Unthank, Walker Yeatman,
Jesse Richards, Jacob and Howard Harlan, Morgan &
Henderson, and others.
400 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Bethel p -stoffice was established ill 1850; Wm. E. Hind-
man, the iiist Postmaster.
The village contains two stores — one general store, kept by
Harlan & Wiley, and one grocery, kept by Lafayette "White.
There is also a Disciples' church and a Masonic lodge.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Joseph P. Addleman was born Sept. 6, 1819, in Chester
County, Pa., a son of John M. and S.irah (Whitaker) Addle-
man, the formsr born April 14, 1790, and the latter in 1796.
His parents were married Nov. 24, 1813, and when he
was seven 3'ears old moved to Wayne County, where
h'j was reared on a frontier farm and educated at the
subscription schools. He was married July 10, 1845,
to Catherine, daughter of Jesse and Ellen Townsend,
early pioneers of Wayne County. They liave had six
children, of wliom only two survive — Thomas J. and
Charles A. Tiie deceased are — Milton D., Samantha Jane,
Jesse W. and Id i. After his mvrriage he lived on a farm
four years, after which he carried on the mercantile business
in Whitewater for seven years. In 186L he removed to the
farm where his grandfather settled in 1828, where he followed
agriculturcil pursuits with success, and now has a line farm of
178 ac:es of well-cultivated land. His great-grandfather,
John Michel Addleman, was born Sept. 15, 1723, a son of
Martin Addleman, and came from Germany to America, May
24, 1752, because of the law forb'dding his marriage with the
lady of his choice, whom he married on board the ship. Hav-
ing no money, his services were sold to pay for their passage
here. He worked at the shoemaker's trade in Philadelphia
till the debt was paid, after which he followed farming in
Chester Count}'^, Pa., the rest of his life. His second son,
Joseph, married Sarah Pierce by whom he had ten children.
In 1826 his children — John M , Cileb and Orpha (now wife
of Isaac Pyle), came to Wayne County, Ind., and Joseph,
with the rest of the family, came in 1828 Joseph settled on
what is known as the Addleman farm in Franklin Town-
ship, which is now owned by our subject. Here he passed
tlie remainder of his days. His son John M. settled one
FKANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 401
and a half miles northwest of Whitewater where he lived
ti'i 1856 when he removed to the village of Whitewater,
where he died, aged eighty-three years. His wife died about
ten days later aged seventy years. They were active mem-
bers of the Episcopal church. They were the parents of
thiiteen children, eight of whom survive, seven living in this
county and one in Randolph County, Ind. John M. in con-
nection witii his farming pursuits worked at nnsonry, car-
pentering and coopering. He was Justice of the Peace eight
years. William, the youngest son of Joseph Addleman,
was elected to the Legislature from Wayne County, Ind.
Barnabas Barton was born in Franklin Township, Wayne
Co., Ind., March 2, 1831, the eldest child of William and
Lurana (Boswell) Barton. He received a common-school
education and remained with his father on the farm till his
marriage, Aug. 17, 1854, to Mary, daughter of Jacob and
Maha!a Adlleman. To them were born two daughters —
Anna E., wife of Hamilton Chenoweth, and Florence A.,
wife of Isaac Chenoweth. After his marriage Mr. Barton
resided on a farm in Wayne Township for one year. During
the late war he enlisted in the Fifty-seventh Ohio Infantry,
but on reaching Indianapjlis he was honorably discharged
on account of disability. He then resided in Whitewater
ten years, and in 1873 he went to Kansas, bat at the end of
two years he returned to this county. In 1881 he erected a
fine residence on his farm which he had purchased during the
war, to wliich he removed and has since carried on farming
and stock-raising. His wife died Feb. 4, 1882. Siie was a mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Barton belongs to
the same church. His father was a native of Maryland, of
English descent, and a son of Edward and Ann Barton, who
settled on section 1, Franklin Township, among the early
settlers. Our subject's mother was a daughter of Barnabas
and Jane Boswell, natives of Xorth Carolina, who came to
Wayne County in an early day. To William Biirton and wife
were born seven children, four of whom survive. William
Barton was a successful farmer, and was the ownsr of a large
property. He died April 7, 1877. His wife died in 1844.
402 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
William E. Barton was born Dec. 9, 1815, in Caroline
Contitv, N. C, the eldest son of Andrew and Eliza (Kelly)
Barton, who were natives of Maryland, of English ori-
irin. Ilis mother died when he was five years of age, and
in 1823 he came to Wayne County with his father, who lived
in Franklin Township until his death. On reaching his? ma-
jority he worked out for a year, and Jati. 10, 1838, he was
married to Phoebe Webster, a native of Berks County, Pa.,
who came with her parents to Indiana when eight years of
age. Six children have been born to them, three of whom
survive. After his marriage Mr. Barton bonght the farm
where he still resides, and which contains 174 acres of ex-
cellent land. He has been actively engaged in the cause of
Christianity for tifty-three years, and for thirty years was a
local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mahlon H. Bond was born in Wayne Township, Wayne
Co., Ind., Nov. 2, 1818, the third son of Joseph and Sarah
(Mendenhall) Bond, who were natives of Guilford County, N.
C. Joseph Bond was a son of Edward Bond, who came to
Wayne County about 1809 on a prospecting tour, and the
following year Joseph moved with his wife and purchasid a
farm of eighty-six acres of uncultivated land in Wayne
Township which he cleared and soon liad a fine farm. He
built a saw-mill a few years later which he operated in con-
nection with his farming till his death in 1864. He had nine
children, of whom only four survive. Mahlon H. spent his
youth in helping his father clear the frontier farm and
running the saw-mill. He was educated at the subscription
schools. On reaching his majority he engaged in carpenter-
ing and building for several years. *He was married in 1839
to Susan, daughter of Ellis and Rnchel Mullen. They were
the parents of live children, three of whom survive. In 1819
his wife died, and in 1851 he was again married to Martha
P. Bennett, a native of Pennsylvania, who came with her
father to Wayne County, Ind., in 1837. To this union were
born four children, two of whom survive. After his mar-
riage with Miss Mullen Mr. Bond resided on his father's
farm about three years, after which he was engaged in farm-
ing and carpentering in Huntington County, Ind., for four
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 403
jears. He then returned to this county and is now engaa^ed
in fanning and manufacturing lumber. He has also invented
a derrick for raising large buildings. Mr. Bond enlisted Aug.
16, 1862, in Company I, Eighty-fourth Indiana Infantry. He
participated in the battle of Franklin and served till the close
of the war, when he returned home. He settled on his pres-
ent home in 1871. He is a member of the Society of Friends.
James R. Bowen was born in Randolph County, Ind., July
22, 1843, a son of James C. and Elizabeth (Jeffery) Bowen.
His father was a native of Ohio and moved to Handolph
County, Ind., in an early day. His mother was a native of
New Jersey and removed with her parents to Randolph
County, Ind., when two years of age. He remained with his
parents till manhood, receiving his education in the common
schools. W"hen twenty-three years of age he began working
at the carpenter's trade, continuing it three years. He was
married Sept. 8, 1867, to Emily B., daughter of Jonathan and
Piety (Bogue) Marine. After his maninge he settled on a
farm in Randolph County, but a year later moved to Wayne
County and settled in Franklin Township where he now re-
sides. He and his wife are members of the Society of Friends.
They have had two children; but one is living — Myrtle.
Ellas Chenoweth^ farmer and stock-raiser, was born in War-
ren County, Ohio, Feb. 24, 1823, the eldest son of Jacob and
Charlotte (Cabe) Chenoweth. His father was a native of Vir-
ginia and of English origin, a son of William and Catherine
Chenoweth. He came to Warren County, Ohio, about 1813,
and engaged in farming. His wife came to Warren County
two years later. She was a daughter of Elias and Sarah Cabe,
and is of Irish and English origin. They were the parents of
five children, four of whom survive. Jacob Chenoweth died
in 1828, and in 1835 his widow married Jacob Jennings.
They came to Wayne County, Ind., in 1843 and resided in
New Garden Township for thirty years. At present they are
making their home with our subject. Elias Chenoweth was
reared on a farm and educated at the common schools. On
coming to Wayne County he settled in Franklin Township,
near his present home. He was married Jan. 2, 1845, to
Mary M., daughter of Isaac and Orpha (Addleman) Pyle,
404 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNl'Y.
early settlers of Wayne County. Tiieir children are —
Amanda M., A-in Eliza, William S., Jacob H., Isaac P.,
Elias L. and Mary S. Mr. Clienoweth has been very suc-
cessful in his fanning pursuits and at present owns XQQ acres
of well-cultivated land. Politically he is a Repnblican, and
lie and wife belong to the Wesley an Methodist church.
Henry N. Dtiffec^ farmer and stock-raiser, was born in
Franklin Township, Wayne Co., Ind., Feb. 19, 1846, young-
est son of John and Elizabeth (Garrettson) DufFee. He re-
ceived his education in tiie common school and resided with
his parents till their death. Hj still resides on the old home-
stead, which contains 112 acres of well-cultivated land. April
12, 1883, he wis married to Mary J., daughter of William
and Susannah (Towns3nd) Newbirn, of Wayne County.
They are members of tho Christian church. O.ir subject's
father was a native of Chester County, Pa., and of Irish
origin. He is a son of Alexmder Duffee. He was married
in Preble County, Ohio, to Elizabeth, daughter of Gideon
and Margaret Garrettson. She was a native of Maryland, of
Scotch and Irish descent. They reared five sons to maturity,
of whom four still survive. After his marriage John Duffee
settled on the farm where our subject resides. He followed
shoemakiiig till his death, which occurred Sept. 12, 1882,
aged nearly seventy-seven years. His wife survived him till
March 25, 1883, when she died at the age of seventy-six years. '
Edward Fisher^ deceased, was one of the earliest settlers of
Wayne County, Ind., coming here with his father in 1810.
They first settled on what is now the Judge Perry farm.
He was born in Guilford County, N. C, Dec. 3, 1805, a son
of Daniel and Demaris (Starbuck) Fisher, and a grands'jn of
Daniel Fisher, who died in North Carolina in 1795, and Will-
iam Starbuck. He was but five years of age when his pa-
rents came to the Territory of Indiana, and like all boys
reared in the new country, his advantages for an education
were limited. He remained on the farm with his father till
manhood, and then entered land a mile north of the home-
stead, which is still in the family, being a part of the farms
owned by his sons Ellis N. and Theodore F. In his father's
family were thirteen children, all of whom lived to man and
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 405
womanhood. In June, 1837, Mr. Fisher married Phoebe
Bunker, daughter of Abraham Bunker, a descendant of the
Nantucket Bunkers, who were of French origin. Alter his
marriage he settled on the farm in Franklin Township, where
his wife died in 1875, aged sixty-nine years. Mr. Fisher died
in March, 1882, aged seventy-five years. They were ii;ioni-
bers of the Society of Friends. To them were born six chil-
dren — Ellis JST. , Daniel B., Esta J. (deceased), Alexander H, ,
Anna and Theodore F.
Ellis iV. Fisher^ the eldest son of Edward and Fhoebe
(Bunker) Fisher, was born in Franklin Township, Wayne
Co., Ind., Jan. 7, 1839. When fifteen years of age he began
learning the mason's trade, and served an apprenticeship of
three years. March 31, 1859, he was married to Abigail
Hunt, daughter of Jesse and Catherine Hunt, early settlers
of Wayne County. In 1861 he moved to Huntington County,
Ind., and Dec. 8, 1863, enlisted in Company A, Thirteenth
Indiana Cavalry, serving till the close of the war. He re-
turned to Huntington County, but in 1865 moved to Illinois,
where he lived six years. In 1871 he returned to Wayne
County and bought a part of the old homestead, wiiere he has
since resided, although he works at his trade in connection
with attending to his farm. He has eighty-seven acres of
well-improved land with a good residence and farm build-
ings. He and his wife are members of the Society of Friends.
They have seven children — Corwin C, Albert N,, Phoebe C,
Bertha, Emma J., Burhard H. and Frederick.
W. B. Graham, M. D., was born June 26, 1843, in Preble
County, Ohio, the eldest son of A. S. and Mary E. (Penland)
Graham. His father was a son of William Graham, and of
Irish and Scotch descent, and his wife was a daughter of Peter
and Rachel (Henry) Penland, who were among the first set-
tlers of Preble County, Our subject's parents resided in
Preble County, Ohio, till 1853, and spent the rernainder of
their days in Decatur County, Ind. W. B. came with his
father to Decatur County, and being the eldest son and his
father being in poor health the greater part of the farm work
devolved upon him. In August, 1864, he enlisted in the
late war, serving till its close. He was on active duty nearly
406 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
all the time and was honorably discharged in June, 1865. He
then returned to Decatur County, where he remained a few
months, and then removed to Preble County, Ohio, and en-
gaged in farmitig. He was first married March 22, 1870, to
Emm I Price, of Preble Cninty, who died fo.tr months after
her marriage. After his wife's death he began improving
his education, and spent three terms at the academy at White-
water. He began to study medicine in 1870, and attended
the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, Ohio, in the win-
ter of 1873-'74:, and received his certificate in June of the
latter year, after which he practiced over six months at Au-
burn, Djcatur Co., Ind. He then followed farming in the
same county for one year, when he located near Middlebury,
Wayne Co., and in connection with his farming pursuits he
built up a good practice. At the end of a year he removed
to the village of Middlebury, residing there till 1882, when
he purchased the farm where he has since resided. His farm
contains eighty acres of well-cultivated land and in connection
with his profession he is engaged in farming and stock-rais-
ing. His second marriage took place Sept. 22, 1874, with
Elmira Cox, a daughter of Robert Cox. She died July 29,
1881, and he was again married Aug. 23, 1883, to Susan
M., only daugliter of Thomas and Susan Wesler. Dr. Graham
is a member of the Lutheran church.
J. C. Graves was born in Wayne County, Ind., Jan. 26,
1824, the youngest of ten children of Jacob and Anna Stroud,
who were born, reared and married in Delaware, and in 1816
they removed to Indiana. They settled in Wayne Township,
where Jacob followed farming and worked at the tailor's
trade the remainder of his life. He died, in April, 1862, and
his wife died in June, 1849. They were active members of
the Society of Friends. Our subject was reared on a frontier
farm and received his education at the subscription schools.
Nov. 11, 1845, he was married to Elizabeth, daughtei of
David and Mary (Wilkes) Moore, who were pioneers of
Wayne County. They have had five children — Nathan, Alva,
David E., Alfaretta, and Ann Eliza, who died at the age of
eleven n onths. After his marriage Mr. Graves purchased a
farm in Franklin Township, residing on it twenty-eight years.
FKANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 407
Since 1874 he has made his home in tlie village of White-
water. He and his wife belong to the Christian church.
Nathan Graves^ eldest son of J. C and Mary (Moore)
Graves, was born Nov. 4, 1848, in Wayne Township, Wayne
Co., Ind. He was educated at the common schools and lived
on the home farm until he grew to manhood. He was mar-
ried Aug. 27, 1870, to Sarah M. , daughter of Henry Blose.
They have had six children born to them — Barbara E. (de-
ceased), Early F., Dessie C, Effie F. and Zonia M. After his
marriage Mr. Graves followed farminir in Franklin Township
for eight years, and in 1879 he removed to the village of
Whitewater, where he has since carried on a thriving mer-
cantile business. Mr. Graves is a member of the Christian
chnrch, and politicalh' is a Republican.
Z^aywZ'Zr.(;/sZ?/, farmer an I stock-raiser, wai b^rn Aug. 3,
1850, on the farm where he now resides, in Franklin Town-
ship, Wayne Cl>., Ind., anl is the eldest sun of Josiah
and Rachel (Overman) Haisly. In early life he attended the
common schools, and completed his education at Earlham
College, Richmond, Ind. Dec. 19, 1873, he was married to
Be'ile Britton, a daughter of Daniel and Louisa Brittou, of
Randolph County, Ind. To this union have been born five
children — Edwin E., Frank, Gertrude, Vernon and Nellie.
After our subject's marriage his father removed to Arba,
Randolph Co., Ind., where he died. Mi". Haisly still resides
on the old homestead, which contains ninety-seven acres of
well-cultivated land. He has erected a tine residence which
is surpassed by none in this part of the county. He is a
member of the Friends' Society, and politically he is a Re-
publican.
E llh It Harlan, ^eQ,Q2iQQ(\, was prominently identified with
the early history of Wayne County. He contributed largely
toward its development, both of money and time. He was a
liberal man and was foremost in the furtherance of all lauda-
ble enterprises. He was b^rn in South Carolina in 1789, a
son of James and Edith (Howard) Harlan. His parents re-
moved to Barron County, Ky., when he was a child, and he
was reared and married in that county. In 1817, with his
brothers and their families, he came to Wayne County, and
408 HISTURY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
enterod 'l60 acres of Government land on section 12,
Franklin Township, on the present site of Bethel. Besides
cleariiii'- and improving liis farm he manufactured various
kinds of farming utensils that could be made of wood. He
was a natural mechanic, and any tiling required by the farmers
could be made by him. He was energetic and a good man-
ager, and accumulated a good property. He was married in
Barron County, Ky., in 1810, to Annie Girt, daughter of
Joseph hud Hannah (Breed) Girt, and granddaughter of Ben-
jamin Girt. They had a family of eleven children. Ten
grew to maturity, and four sons and four daughters are living.
Mr. and Mrs. Harlan were members <>f the Christian church.
Politically he was first a Whig and after the organization of
the Republican party was an active worker in its ranks-. He
died May 8, 1872, aged eighty-two years. His wife died
the same year, aged eighty years. They lived a peaceful
married life of over sixty-one years.
James T. Harlan is a descendant of one of the earliest
settlers of Wayne County. His -father, Joshua Harlan, was
born in Barron County, Ky., July 6, 1791. His mother,
Margartt Thompson, was born in East Tennessee, Oct. 28,
1793. They were married May 13, 1813, and in the spring of
1817 came to Wayne County and entered the land on section
12, Franklin Township, where their son John now lives. The
mother died Dec. 10, 18.7, and the father Sept. 9, 1878. They
had a family of four children — Mary (deceased), James T.,
John T. and Jane. They were for many years active mem-
bers of the Christian church. James T. was reared a farmer,
and has always followed that vocation. He now owns 146
acres of good land, well improved, with good residence and
farm buildings. He was married June 7, 1838, to Margaret,
daughter of David and Nancy (Doughlit) Wolf. Her father
was a native of New Jersey, but moved to Wayne County in
1829. Mr. and Mrs. Harlan have two children — David and
Anna J., both living near their parents. They are members
of the Christian church.
Joseph G. Harlan, the oldest son and fourth child of Elihu
and Annie (Girt) Harlan, was born in Franklin Township,
Wayne Co., Ind., Oct. 14, 1818. His early education was
FKANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 409
limited to the subscription schools. He remained with his
parents till twenty years of age, when his father gave him his
time and he went to learn the carpenter's trade, serving an
apprenticeship of one year. He worked at his trade eleven
years, and then moved to a farm one mile north of Bethel,
where he lived till 1872, when he moved to Bethel, and has
since been living a quiet, retired life. Nov. 7, 1839, he was
married to Mary Ann Porch, daughter of Michael and Esther
(Cassidy) Porch. Mr. Porch came to Wayne County from
New Jersey in 1826. Mr. and Mrs. Harlan have four chil-
dren — Martha, Levi, Wickliffe and Milton. They are mem-
bers of the Christian church. Politically he is a Republican.
Nathan Harlan^ third son of Elihu and Annie (Girt) Har-
lan, was born Sept. 16, 1831, in Franklin Township, Wayne
County. He was educated in the common schools, and lived
on the home farm till he grew to manhood. He was married
Jan. 18, 1849, to Sarah, daughter of Isaiah and Hannah
(Stuart) Tilson, Of their five children four still survive —
Leonidas, Phoebe Ann, Josephine and Elmer N. Oliver is
deceased. Mr. Harlan followed agricultural pursuits about
five years, after which he carried on the mercantile business
at Bethel successfully for twenty-five years. In 1882 he re-
tired from his mercantile pursuits, and now resides on the old
homestead. In 1870 he was elected Township Trustee, which
position he held for eight years. In 1878 he was elected by
a large majority to represent his county in the Legislature,
which office he ably filled. Mr. Harlan and wife are mem-
bers of the Christian church.
Stephen Harlan^ dealer in wagons, carriages, etc., was born
in Franklin Township, Wayne Co., Ind., Aug. 13, 1834, fourth
son of Elihu and Annie (Girt) Harlan. He was reared on a
farm and educated at the common schools. In 1857 he en-
gaged in the mercantile business in Bethel, which he fol-
lowed till 1861. Sept. 10, 1861, he enlisted in the Thirty-first
Indiana Infantry as a musician, serving in that capacity until
March 5, 1862. He was then engaged as sutler for two years,
and in 1864, soon after the surrender of Yicksburg, he re-
turned home. He then engaged at carpentering several
years, when his eyesight becoming impaired, he was unable
37
410 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
to work at the trade, and has since been engaged in his pres-
ent business, in which he has been highly successful. Sept.
11, 1855, he was married to Delana Chance, a native of Wayne
County, who died in 1856. Mr. Harlan is a member of the
Christian church, and politically he is a Republican.
Thomas Healy was born in County GruUiver, Ireland, in
1807, a son of Thomas and Catherine (Kempsey) Healy. His
mother died when he was a child. He remained with his
lather till the latter's death. In 1843 he came to the United
States, landing in New York in June. He immediately went
to Philadelphia and was employed on a farm in Chester
County, Pa., where he remained twelve years. He then
moved to Hamilton County, Ohio, and rented land six years;
then bought some land in Preble County, Ohio, and remained
there nine j'ears. In 1869 he bought the farm in Franklin
Township, Wayne Co., Ind., where he now resides. He
owns 120 acres of fine land, well cultivated. He is an indus-
trious, energetic man, and has accumulated a good property.
He was married in Chester County, Pa., in 1850, to Celia
Pentecost, a native of County Gulliver, Ireland, who came to
America in 1845. They have one daughter — Delia, now the
wife of Michael Norton, and resides on the homestead with
her parents. They have had two children — Thomas (de-
ceased) and John.
Nathan Hill^ third son of Aaron and Piety (Arnold) Hill,
was born in Randolph County, Ind., Feb. 11, 1840. He re-
ceived a common-school education, remaining with his par-
ents on the farm until he grew to manhood. On attaining
his majority he engaged in farming on his own account,
which occupation he still follows, together with stock-raising.
He was married Dec. 20, 1867, to Abbie, daughter of Corne-
lius and Lydia (Mills) Longfellow. They are the parents of
tour children — Clara May, Alice, Anna and Leona. After
his marriage Mr. Hill settled on a farm in his native county,
where he resided eight years. In 1875 he removed to Wayne
County and settled in Franklin Township on his present
farm, which contains eighty-four acres of well-cultivated land.
Mr. Hill and family are members of the Societv of Friends.
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 4J1
Noah S. Ilunt^ eldest son of William and Elizabeth (Ped-
rick) Hunt, was born in Franklin Township, Wayne Co.,
Ind., March 6, 1830. He was reared on the home farm till
he grew to manhood, and received his education in the com-
mon schools. Jan! 3, 1849, he was married to Esther,
daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Hunt, of Hancock County,
Ind. They are the parents of four children — Amanda, Will-
iam H., Alonzo and Yolley D. Mr. Hunt has a farm con-
taining forty acres of well-cultivated land, on which he has
resided since his marriage. He is a member of the Wesleyan
Methodist church, and politically he is a Kepublican.
Abraham D . Jefferis^ farmer and stock-raiser, was born in
Franklin Township, Wayne Co., Ind., March 8, 1829, the
youngest son of Joshua and Sarah W. (Balentine) Jefferis.
His youth was spent in assisting his father on the farm and
attending the common school. When railroads were few he
was engaged during the winter in driving a team for his
father from Cincinnati to Wayne County. Jan. 3, 1850, he
was married to Mary, daughter of William and Mary (Moon)
Williams, early settlers of this county. They have five chil-
dren — Josephine, wife of James B. Joy, a farmer of Franklin
Township; Mansfield, a farmer and school teacher of Frank-
lin Township; Alice; Sarah, wife of William A. Morrow, a
farmer of Wayne Township, and Elenora, wife of William A.
Clements, a merchant of Fountain City. After his marriage
Mr. Jefferis settled on the old homestead, where he has since
been successfully Engaged in agricultural pursuits. He and
his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
William. C. Jefferis was born April 27, 1822, in Wayne
County, Ind., the eldest son of Joshua and Sarah (Balentine)
Jefferis, the former a native of Chester County, Pa., born
Dec. 25, 1795, of English descent, and the latter a native of
County Derry, Ireland, of Scotch descent. They were mar-
ried in 1819 in Chester County, Pa., and in 1821 they came
to Wayne County, Ind., and purchased 300 acres of partially
improved land in Franklin Township (then New Garden) and
156 acres in New Garden Township. Joshua followed agri-
cultural pursuits in Franklin Township till his death in Feb-
ruary, 1876. To him and wife were born three children —
412' HISTORY OF WAYNE COCTNTY.
Martha W., William C. and Abraham D- Mrs. Jefforis died
in Mirch, 1851. She belonged to the Presbyterian chnrch,
and \.r. Jeiferis belonged to the Society of Friends. William
C. was reared on the farm and educated in the subscription
schools. He was married April 20, 1843, to Esther Starbuck,
a native of Wayne County, and a daughter of William Star-
buck, one of the first settlers of the county: Mrs. Jefferis died
in June, 18i7, leaving two children — Martha E., and Albert,
who enlisted in the late war, and after serving over three
years was killed at the battle of Franklin, Tenn., in Novem-
ber, 1864:. In January, 1852, Mr. Jeiferis was again married
to Elizabeth, daughter of John S. Hunt, by whom he has had
two children — Yiola and Esther. Since his marriage Mr.
Jeiferis has followed agricultural pursuits in Franklin Town-
ship with the exception of the time spent in the army. He
enlisted in Julj', 1862, in Company B, Fifth Indiana Cavalry.
He lost his right arm in July, 1864, at the battle of Kenne-
saw Mountain, after which he received an honorable dis-
charge and returned home. Mr. Jefferis was elected to repre-
sent the county in the Legislature in 1856, and re-elected in
1858, serving two terms. In 1865 he was appointed Internal
Revenue Inspector for the Fifth Congressional District, and
after serving a year and a half in that capacity he resigned
and resumed his farming and stock-raising.
Jonathan Marine, S}\, deceased, was one of the earliest
settlers and most prominent men of his day, in New Garden
Township. He was born in North Carolina, Feb. 15, 1780, a
son of Jonathan and Mary (Charles) Marine, natives of Mary-
land, of Irish descent. He was married in North Carolina,
Nov. 16, 1800, to Hannah, daughter of Zachariah and Molly
Moorman, also a native of North Carolina. In 1811, with his
wife and five children, he came to Indiana and settled on
what was known as the " New Purchase," now New Garden
Township, on a tract of land now owned by his son Billy.
The county was then a dense wilderness, with very few white
settlers, and the land all unimproved. He erected a pole
cabin as a shelter for himself and family, and afterward
entered the land from the Government, paying $2.25 an acre
for it. He was remarkably successful in his undertakings
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 413
and his family received the benefit of his success. Although
kind and generous to his own family he was not unmindful
of the wants of others, but was liberal and thoughtful toward
all needy, both of the white and red population, none being
denied who asked assistance of hitn. He was one of the
leaders in the organization of the New Garden Meeting of the
Societ}' of Friends. While yet in the prime of life, in June, 1827,
he was taken ill with a fever which caused his death. His widow
survived him many years after, dying Nov. 5, 1861, aged
eighty one years. They were the parents of nine children,
eight of whom lived to maturity. Five lived to be over
seventy years of age and three are still living — Jonathan. Jr.,
Ruth and Billy.
Jonathan Marine^ Jr.., retired farmer, is the oldest living-
native of New Garden Township. He was born March 4,
1813, a son of Jonathan and Hannah (Moorman) Marine. He
was reared on a frontier farm, and received his education in
the subscription schools. His education was necessarily lim-
ited as schools at that day were few and the teachers but illy
qualified to give instruction. When he was fourteen years
of age his father died and his mother was thus left a widow,
and Jonathan being the oldestat home necessarily had the care
of mother and farm and two younger children. He remained
with his mother till manhood. Dec. 25, 1833, he was married
to Piety, daughter of Benjamin and Leah Bogue, and soon after
settled on a farm near Fountain City. He remained there till
1850, when he bought the farm where he now resides, in Frank-
lin Township. He has been a successful business man and a
prominent man in the township. He is an active member of
the Society of Friends, as was also his wife. Mrs. Marine
died May 2, 1868. Mr. Marine had five children; one, at the
age of twenty-three years, was drowned.
Moorman W. Marine was born Sept. 8, 1841, in New
Garden Township, Wayne Co., Ind., the second son "of Jona-
than and Piety (Bogue) Marine. He was reared on the home
farm till he grew to manhood and received his education in
the common schools. At the breaking out of the late war he
was one of the first to go out in defense of the Union, He
enlisted Nov. 11, 1861, in Company C, Fifty-seventh Indiana
414 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Infantry, and immediately went South and joined the army of
the Cumberland. He participated in many skirmishes and
hard-lough t batth>s, among which may be mentioned the
battle of Pittsburg Landing. In the winter of 1863 he
was taken seriously ill and was in the hospital several weeks.
He was afterward assigned to duty in tiie hospital remain-
ing there till the expiration of his term of service, when
he was honorably discharged, Nov. 21, 1861:. He then
returned home and has since been engaged in farming
and stock-raising. He was married Sept. 25, 1866, to
Mary J., daughter of John and Abigail (Cramer) Keever,
natives of Ohio and New Jersey respectively. They have
had five children — Norma M., Jonathan F., Emma L., Ros-
coe C, and Clara K., who died in infancy. Mr. Marine has
resided on his present farm since his marriage.
Nathan W. Martin^ eldest son of Benjamin L. and Sarah
(Chrismond) Martin, was born Oct. 5, 1833, in Chester
County, Pa. When ten years of age he came with his parents
to Wayne County, and at the age of seventeen he went to
Centreville and served as an apprentice at the harness-maker's
trade nearly three years. He then engaged in boating on the
Ohio and Mississippi rivers, from Cincinnati to New Orleans,
for about two years, after which he worked on a farm for
William Parney, for eight years. He then spent several
months in Iowa, prospecting, etc., when he returned to
Wayne County and was again employed by William Parney,
with whom he lived till his marriage. He was married
Marcli 4, 1860, to Arteliza, daughter of Alexander and Nancy
(Russel) Cheesman, who were among the first settlers of
Wayne County. He then resided on a farm in this county
sixteen years and in 1876 he purchased an excellent farm of
160 acres, where he has since followed farming and stock-
raising. To Mr. Martin and wife have been born five chil-
dren — Elmira, Martha, Sarah C, Alexander W., and one who
died in infancy. Mr. Martin is a Republican in politics.
Mrs. Martin is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Benjamin Moorman is one of the prominent men of Frank-
lin Township, and has been from its earliest settlement one
of the most industrious and influential citizens, assisting in
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 415
clearing away the forests and in building up its homes and
public institutions. He was born in Richmond County, N.
C, Aug. 21, 1809, the eldest of seven sons, of John and
Sarah (Smith) Moorman, and a grandson of Archelaus and
Nancy Moorman. In 1816 his parents and grandparents
came to Wayne County and entered land on section 10,
Franklin Township, erected log cabins and began clearing
frontier homes. His grandfather died at the age of eighty-
four years, and his grandmother three or four years previous.
His father lived to be ninety-two years of age. Archelaus
Moorman was a prominent member of the Society of
Friends. Benjamin Moorman lived with his grandparents
from infancy and inherited their homestead where he has
now resided sixty-eight years. He was married Jan. 19,
1837, to Anna Turner, who was bjrn May 11, 1812, a daugh-
ter of John and Rath (Morrison) Turner. They have no
children, but several children have found a good home under
their roof — Ruth Frazier, now Mrs. Davis Pyle; Eli Turner;
John and Emma Turner, the former now deceased; Morrison
Rich, son of Emma (Turner) Rich. John Turner now lives
with and cares for them in their old age. Mr. and Mrs.
Moorman are members of the Society of Friends.
Richmond Moorman^ farmer and stock raiser, was born in
Richmond County, N. C, Sept. 12, 1817, the youngest son of
Tarlton and Hannah (Way) Moorman. Wlien he was an
infant his mother died, and his father afterward married Re-
becca Webb, and in March, 1822, they came to Randolph
County, Ind., where our subject was reared on a frontier
farm. His youth was spent in assisting his father in clearing
and improving his farm, and in attending log cabin subscrip-
tion schools. He was married March 20, 1839, to Mary
Morris, born Dec. 1, 1818, in Wayne County, Ind., and a
daughter of Jehosaphat and Sarah (Hill) Morris. They have
had nine children, eight still living — Harriett, James M. ,
Sarah, Levi, Peninah, Nancy H., Joel H. and M. Alice. Jesse
died in childhood. Soon after his marriage Mr. Moorman
settled on a farm in Randolph County where he followed
agricultural pursuits till his removal to Wayne County in the
spring of 1859. He then bought a farm in New Garden
416 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Townsl)ip, where he resided three years, when he purchased
the farm where he now resides in Franklin Township. Mr.
Moorman has accumulated a good property hy his own in-
dustry and economy. His farm contains 158 acres of im-
proved land. He and his family are members of the Friends'
society. During 1880 and 1881 Mr. Moorman and family
resided in Fountain City.
Harrison Nichols, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in
Eush County, Ind., Nov. 1, 1839, a son of Rev. William and
Sarah (Cook) Nichols, the former a native of Franklin
County, Ind., and the latter of Virginia. He received his
early education in the common schools, and later attended
Hartsville University in Bartholomew County. He was
married May 24, 1860, to Emm Simmonds, of Rush County.
They have had five children — LeRoy, Thaddeus, Sadie,
Sudie and Orr. The latter died at the age of two and a half
years. After his marriage Mr. Nichols settled on a farm in
Rush County, remaining there fifteen years. In October,
1875, he moved to Wayne County and bought a farm in
Franklin Township. He owns 100 acres of good land, well
improved, with comfortable farm buildings. Politically he is
a Republican.
Nathan S- Overman^ farmer and stock-raiser, was born in
Preble County, Ohio, July 14, 1822, eighth child of Jesse
and Kesiah (Stubbs) Overman. He received his education in
the subscription schools, and lived with his father till he
grew to manhood. He was married Nov. 20, 1844, to Anna
P., daughter of Frederick and Piety (Parker) Fulgliam, who
were of French and English descent, and came from North
Carolina to Randolph County, Ind., about 1821. Of the
seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Overman, four are liv-
ing— Lindly F., Jonathan J., William A. and Rallie L.
Those deceased are — Ruth, Anna J., Oliver M. and Nathan
Albert. After his marriage Mr. Overman lived three years
on his father's land, after which he entered 160 acres of land
in Miami County. At the end of a year he returned to
Wayne County, having traded eighty acres of unimproved
land in Miami County for forty acres in Wayne County,
where he resided till 1856. He then sold out and purchased
FKANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 417
a farm of 110 acres of well-cultivated land, where he has
since followed agricultural pursuits. He and wife are
members of the Society of Friends. Our subject's father
was the son of Ephraim and Rachel (Small) Overman, who
were natives of Virginia, and of German descent. He was
born in Yirginia, and when a child moved with his parents to
North Carolina. Previous to 1810 he moved with his parents
to Indiana, where he was married to Kesiah Stubbs, who died
in 1835. They had a family of fourteen children, of whom
eight sons and two daughters still survive. He began life
in limited circumstances but by hard work and good manage-
ment he accumulated a large property and was enabled to give
his children a start in life. He died in 1869, aged eighty-
eight years. He and family were active members of the
Society of Friends. Our subject's grandfather, Ephraim
Overman, was a millwright by trade. He came to Indiana
in a very early day and entered land where a part of Rich-
mond now stands. He was elected by the people to represent
the county in the Legislature for several terms. He died at
the age of seventy-five years. His wife survived him many
years, and died at the advanced age of over ninety-nine years.
They were members of the Friends' society.
Davis 8. Pyle was born in Franklin Township, Wayne
Co., Ind., Oct. 26, 1843, a son of James and Ann (May) Fyle.
When he was seven years old his father died, and he lived with
his mother till one year previous to her death. He was married
March 17, 1870, to Mrs. Rnth Jones, a daughter of Kathan
and Mary (Turner) Frazier, who were early pioneers of Wayne
County. They have had five children, two still living — Jane
M. and Jessie L. Anna L., Arthur M. and Freddie are de-
ceased. After his marriage Mr. Pyle lived one year on the
land entered by his wife's grandfather, after which he resided
one year on the old homestead. He then removed to Ches-
ter, where he followed farming one year, and in 1873 he
rented his present farm, which he afterward purchased, and
which contains eighty acres of improved land. He is a mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics he is a
Republican. His father was a native of Chester County, Pa.,
and came with his parents to Wayne County, Ind. , when a
418 HISTORY OF WATNE COUNTY.
child. He toUowed farming through life, and died Oct. 26,
1850. His wife was born in Monroe County, Ind., and came
to Wayne County one year before her marriage. She died
May 12, 1872. They were the parents of seven children, our
subject being the third son. Two children are deceased.
Isaac Pyle, eldest son of Isaac and Orpha (Addleman)
Pyle, was born Aug. 18, 1813,' in Chester County, Pa. When
thirteen years of age he came with his parents to Wayne
County, Ind., where his youth was spent in helping his father
on the farm and attending the subscription schools. When
seventeen years old he began learning the plasterer's trade,
serving as an apprentice three years, after which he worked a
year at $16 per month. He then engaged in the same busi-
ness for himself for thirty-seven years. Oct. 3, 1839, he was
married to Elizabeth, daughter of John and Ruth (Morrisson)
Turner, and to them have been born nine children — Ruth T.
(deceased), Mary Jane, Orpha A., Isaac M., John T., Albert
F. (deceased), Sandford C. (deceased), Elizabeth A. and
Byron C. Since his marriage, Mr. Pyle has resided on his
present farm, and in connection with his trade has carried on
his agricultural pursuits, and now owns 115 acres of well-
cultivated land. Mr. Pyle was reared in the Episcopal church,
but afterward joined the Methodist church. His parents were
natives of Chester County, Pa., his father a son of Ebenezer
Pjle, of English descent, and his mother a daughter of Jo-
seph and Sarah (Pierce) Addleman, of German descent. They
were married in Pennsylvania, and were the parents of ten
children. They came to Wayne County in 1826, and settled
in Franklin Township, where Isaac followed farming and
blacksmithing very successfully. He died at the age of about
forty-five years; his wife survived him about thirty years.
James J. Rhodes was born Oct. 31, 1833, in Preble County,
Ohio, the youngest son of Samuel F. and Jane (Jones)
Rhodes. He was ten years old when his parents moved to
Wayne County, Ind., and at the age of eighteen years he left
his home to learn the saddler and harness-maker's trade at
Whitewater. He served an apprenticeship of two years, after
which he worked as a journeyman till 1857. He then carried
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 419
on the business for himself till the breakinoj out of the war.
He enlisted Nov. 18, 1861, as a private in Company C, Fifty-
seventh Indiana Infantry, and served for three years. He
was honorably discharged Nov. 19, 1864. He was
married March 20, 1858, to Lydia, daughter of A. B. and
Nancy (Perkins) Elliott, by whom he had two children —
James E. E. and one who died in infancy. Mrs. Rhodes died
Jan. 13, 1865, and Dec. 13. 1866, Mr. Rhodes married Mrs.
Susan (Sasser) Call, a daughter of William Sasser, of Ran-
dolph County, Ind. They were tlie parents of seven chil-
dren — Oliver M., Orville E., Samuel A., and four who died in
infancy. After his return from the war Mr. Rhodes worked
at the millwright's trade and in a saw-mill nearly two years.
He has followed farming and stock-raising on his present
farm since his marriage in 1866. In politics he is a Repub-
lican, and he and wife belong to the Christian church. His
father was born in Vermont, June 22, 1787, the youngest of
eleven children of Hezekiah Rhodes, who came from Ger-
many and served in the Revolutionary war with three of his
sons. The family settled in New York State when Samuel
was a boy, and in 1805 the latter came to Cincinnati, Ohio.
In 1811 he married a daughter of James and Jane (Lee)
Jones, the former a Captain in the war of the Revolution,
who died while in the service. Samuel Rhodes served an
apprenticeship of seven years at the boot and shoemaker's
trade, and afterward became prominently identified with the
business interests of Cincinnati as a tanner and a boot and
shoe manufacturer, which occupation he followed till 1825.
He then resided on a farm in Preble County, Ohio (where
the town of El Dorado is now situated), until 1843, after
which he moved to Whitewater, Ind., residing there till his
death, July 5, 1860, at the age of seventy-three years. In
politics he was a Democrat. His wife died Dec. 17, 1862.
They were members of the Universalist church. Of their
eleven children nine lived to maturit}^, and two sons and two
daughters still survive.
Robert Riley is a native of County Armagh, Ireland, born
in July, 1833, a sou of William and Elizabeth (Taylor) Riley.
His mother died when he was four years old, and his father
420 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
two years later. He lived with relatives till eighteen years of
age, and then came to the United States, landing in New
York, May 1, 1851. His entire fortune at that tinie consisted
ot one English guinea. He went up the Hudson River and
found employment on a farm; remained there a year and then
came West as far as Preble County, Ohio, where he remained
a year. In the spiking of 1853 he came to Wayne County,
Ind., and worked on Mr. Henley's farm, near Richmond, till
1858. April 8, 1858, he was married to Esther Ann Lloyd,
a native of Wayne County, and soon after went to Jay
County, but remained only four months. He returned to
Wayne County, and the following spring settled on the farm
where he still resides. His wife died July 9, 1866, aged
nearly twenty-seven years. Their only child, William, died
at the age of two weeks. Jan. 15, 1871, he married Julia A.
Pett}', a native of Fountain City. They have had four chil-
dren; but two, Lucy Ann and Andrew, are living. V^irginia
and Augustus are deceased.
Joshua Skinner was born April 14, 1831, in Franklin
Township, the second son of Joseph and Didiama (Eliot)
Skinner, natives of North Carolina, the former born Feb. 10,
1797, and the latter born Oct. 21, 1802. They emigrated to
Wayne County, Ind., about 1817, and were married Oct. 19,
1821. They were the parents of ten children — Sarah, Mary,
Gilbert, Joshua, Rachel, Benjamin, Lot, Noah, John (de-
ceased) and Cornelius. Joseph Skinner followed farming in
Franklin Township, in which he was very successful. His
death occurred July 20, 1882, at the advanced age of eighty-
live years. His wife died April 30, 1879. They were active
members of the Friends' society. Our subject was reared on
a frontier farm remaining with his father till he grew to man-
hood, and his education was obtained at the loij cabin sub-
scription schools. He was married to Abigail, daughter of
Joseph and Annie (Sullivan) Hiatt, pioneers of Wayne County.
Of the six children born to them, four survive — Angeline,
William F., Emma J. and . John K. and Daniel are de-
ceased. Mr. Skinner has resided on his present farm since
his marriage. He and family are members of the Society of
Friends. Politically he is a Democrat.
FBANKLTN TOWNSHIP. 421
John R. Smith was born Jan. 1, 1813, in Montgomery
County, Pa., the eldest son of John and Treathea (Roberts)
Smith, who were natives of the same county and State, the
former of German and the latter of Welsh descent. He was
reared on his father's farm in Chester County, Pa., and when
seventeen years of age he began to learn the blacksmith's
trade, at which he served an apprenticeship of eighteen
months. His health failing him he returned to farming,
working out for six years. In May, 1839, he came to Wayne
County, Ind. March 3, 1842, he was married to Sarah Ann,
daughter of Jane and Elizabeth Frame, who came from Ches-
ter County. Pa., in September, 1831. Thej^ have had eleven
children — Tacy E., Caldwell G., James F., LydiaE., Maris F.,
Mary E.,Thomas A., Charles F., Willie (deceased), Ellis C. and
Sarah J ane. After his marriage Mr. Smith rented land in
Wayne Township about fourteen years and in 1856 he pur-
chased his present farm in Franklin Township, which contains
seventy-eight acres of land in a high state of cultivation.
Hirmn Suplee was born in Chester County, Pa., April 6,
1816, a son of Peter and Rachel (Hollowell) Suplee, natives
of Pennsylvania, of English descent. He was reared on a
farm till seventeen years of age when he went to learn the
wagon and carriage maker's trade. He served an apprentice-
ship of three years and three months, after which he worked
one year as a journeyman. In April, 1837, he came to Wayne
County and was successfally engaged in the manufacture of
wagons at Hillsborough (now Whitewater) for fifteen years.
He then operated a steam saw-mill until 1866, and in 1867
he embarked in the mercantile business, wliich he followed
till October, 1883, in connection with his other pursuits. He
was married April 4, 1840, to Mary Moore, who died Jul^' 24,
1877, aged fifty-nine years. She was a member of the Meth-
odist Episcopal church. Of the eight children born to Mr.
and Mrs. Suplee, three only survive — Jonathan F., Sarah
Jane and Mary C. Ann Elizabeth died at the age of eleven
months; Phoebe E., at the age of sixteen years; Rachel T., at
the age of one year, and two died in infancy. In 1839 Mr.
Suplee was elected Constable and held that office several
years. In 1856 he was elected to the office of Magistrate,
422 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY,
which position he held for twelve years, and in 1878 he was
elected Township Trustee, holding that office four years. In
politics Mr. Snplee votes the Republican ticket.
David R. Taylor, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in
"Wayne County, Ind., Dec. 16, 1822, the youngest son of Joel
and Anna (Railsback) Taylor, his father a native of Virginia
and his mother of North Carolina. They were among the
first settlers of Wayne County. When he was three years
old his father died. He remained with his mother till
fourteen years of age and then began working for himself by
the month. Although he received low wages he was econom-
ical and industrious and saved enough to buy some land in
Miami County, which he afterward sold at an advanced price.
Sept. 25, 1847. he was married to Sarah A., daughter of Eli
and Mary Bond. He rented land of Mr. Culbertson for a
year, and then removed to a farm belonging to Isaac Lamb,
where he lived three years; then lived seven years a half mile
south of Webster. He then bought sixty acres in Wayne
Township and lived there till 1865, when he sold it and
bought his present home which consists of 100 acres, all well
improved. Besides his home in Franklin Township he owns
118 acres in New Garden Townsiiip and eighty-seven acres
in Wayne Township. His wife died Nov. 23, 1853. They
had two children — Virginia and William Henry, the former
deceased. Sept. 21, 1856, Mr. Taylor married Elizabeth A.,
daughter of Shapley and Elinor (McConn aha) Barnes. They
have two children — James S., born June 3, 1857, and Thomas
C, born Dec. 2," 1859. Mrs. Taylor is a member of the Bap-
tist church.
Henry W. Thomas was born on the farm where he resides
March 2, 1818, the eldest son of James P. and Ann (Wilkins)
Thomas, and grandson of- Dr. John Thomas, one of the first
physicians of Wayne County. The latter was a native of Del-
aware, of Welsh descent. He came to this county in 1816
settling on the farm where our subject now lives, and entered
an adjoining tract of Government land which he cleared and
improved. He at the same time followed his profession and
built up a large practice. He died at the age of nearly eighty-
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 423
eight years. Of his eight children only one survives — Mrs,
Allen Brown, who is in her ninetieth year. James P.
Thomas was married in Delaware, and in 1817 he came to
"Wayne County and followed farming on the land entered by
his father. He died in 1847, aged fifty-two years. His wife
died in 1880, aged over eighty-four years. They were the
parents of ten children, fi.ve of whom still survive. Oiir sub-
ject was married Sept. 19, 1839, to Mary, daughter of Caleb
Addleman, a pioneer of Wayne County. They were the
parents of five children; two survive. His wife died in 1850,
and in 1851 he married Susannah Addleman, a sister of his
first wife, who died in 1859. They had two children, both
deceased. In 1860 he married his present wife, whose maiden
name was IMancy Alexander, a daughter of James and Mary
(Parks) Alexander. Mr. Thomas's farm contains 150 acres of
highly cultivated land. He and wife are members of the
Christian church.
John W. Thomas is Ihe second son of James P. and Ann
(Wilkins) Thomas and grandson of the late Dr. John Thomas,
who settled in Franklin Township in 1810 and was one o±
the first physicians of Wayne County. John W. was born in
Franklin Township, Wayne Co., Ind., Dec. 16, 1821. He
was educated at the subscription schools, and lived with his
parents till he grew to maturity. He was married Nov. 16,
1843, to Elizabeth McPherson, of this county, who died Nov.
17, 1881. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom
only three survive — Hannon C, Sarah A. and Joseph H. Mr.
Thomas worked at wagon-making for two years after his
marriage, since which he has followed farming and stock-
raising on a part of the old homestead.
William H. Toivnsend, farmer and stock-raiser, was born
on the farm where he now resides- May 13, 1841, the third
son of Jesse and Ellen Townsend. His youth was spent in
assisting his father in his agricultural pursuits and in attend-
ing the common schools. He was married Dec. 13, 1862, to
Mary J. Packer, a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, and to
them have been born six children — Albert A., Ellen J.,
Johnny (deceased), Charles G., Emma L. and Jesse E. Mr.
Townsend is probably one of the most successful farmers of
424 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Franklin Township, and has made his property by his own
o-ood management. He has 200 acres of land under a hi^h
state of cultivation.
Eli Turner^ farmer and stock-raiser, was born Aug. 27,
1826, in Pitts County, N. C, and is the eldest son of Joshua
and Eliza (Tice) Turner, who were also natives of North
Carolina. Our subject's mother died in 1831 and his father
moved with his family to Indiana in 1834 and first settled on
Green's Fork, where he followed farming a short time. He
then removed to Franklin Township, where lie resided sev-
eral years. Eli Turner found a home with Benjamin Moor-
man, with whom he lived till he grew to manhood. He was
married Aug. 5, 1858, to Gulielma, daughter of Samaei
Edgerton, and to them were born six children — Ruth Ann,
Samuel, Mary Jane, Louisa Ellen, Franklin and Elizabeth
Yiola. He continued to reside with Mr. Moorman until he
purchased the farm where he now resides, in 1860. Mr.
Tamer has by his own industry and economy accumulated a
good property, and now owns an excellent farm of 106 acres.
He and his wife belong to the Society of Friends.
John G. Wesler, contractor and builder, was born in Frank-
Im Township, Wayne Co., Ind., Sept. 12, 1836, the eldest son
of Thomas and Susana (Conkle) Wesler. His father was
born in Chester County, Pa., April 13, 1799, and came to
Wayne County in 1832. His mother was born in Philadel-
phia, Pa., Aug. 9, 1806, and came to Wayne County in 1833.
Jan. 30, 1834, they were married and settled on a farm on
section 3, Franklin Township. The mother was thrown from
a buggy and killed Sept. 30, 1878. The father died May 4,
1881. They had a family of four children — John C, George
W., the latter was killed by the explosion of a boiler in
Randolph County, March 4, 1882; Susanna M., married
William B. Graham Aug. 29, 1883, and one died in infancy.
John C. was reared on a farm, residing with his parents
until sixteen 3'ears of age when he went to learn the ma-
son's trade. When eighteen years of age he took the con-
tract to build the school-house on section 3. He followed
contracting and building twenty years. In 1875 lie returned
to his farm, where he has since resided. Dec. 12, 1858, he
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 425
was married to Mary, daugliter of John and Patsey (Horn)
Davis, who was born in "Wayne County, N. C, Dec. 7,1841,
and came to Wayne County, Ind., with her parents in 1855.
Of their four children but one is living: — "William H. Elnora
died Oct. 1, 1873, aged twelve years; Yiola and Charley E.
died in infancy. Mrs. Wesler died Nov. 5, 1875, and Oct. 4,
1877, Mr. "Wesler married Annie B. Parrish, who was born
in Ohio, Jan. 30, 1854. They have two children — Olive
May, and Louie B. Mr. and Mrs. Wesler are members of the
Methodist Episcopal church.
Martin Wiley is a native of Franklin Township, Wayne
Co., Ind., born Jan. 4, 1830, the youngest son of Edward and
Nancy (Braden) Wiley, natives of West Virginia, who, when
children j went with their parents to Kentuck}-, where they
were reared and married. They afterward came to Indiana,
where the father died May 17, 1850, aged sixty-five years,
and the mother June 17, 1875, aged eightj^-one yeais and six
months. Mr. Wiley spent his early life on the farm and in
attending the common schools. He remained at home till
his marriage and then bought forty acres of land a half a mile
north of Bethel, where he resided four years. He then lived
four years in Randolph County, when he bought the old
homestead where he resided, with the exception of two years
spent in Union City, till the fall of 1882, when he removed to
Bethel. Mr. Wiley is a popular man in the township. He
has served four years as Magistrate, and since 1880 has been
Township Trustee. He was married Feb. 24, 1850, to Eliza-
beth, daughter of Cornelius Yanmyer. They have three
children — Nancy M., Cornelius E. and Abraham L. Mr. and
Mrs. Wiley are members of the Christian church. Politi-
cally he is a Republican.
Peter H. Wright is one of the prominent and successful
pioneers of Wayne County. He was born in Carroll County,
Md., March 3, 1810, the eldest son of William and Celia
(Wright) Wright, natives of the same county, of English de-
scent. His parents removed to Wayne County, Ind., in 1825,
and located in Clay Township. His father was by trade a
wagon-maker, and he early learned the use of tools. When
twenty-two ye^rs of age he left home and began to work at
28
42(> HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
the carpenter's trade. The first year he worked by the
month and then opened a shop of his own, continuing to work
at hi8 trade till 1842, when he bought 200 acres of partially
improved land on section 4, Franklin Township, which he
added to from time to time till he owned 500 acres. He now
owns 390 acres, having given the rest to his children. He
was married June 15, 1837, to Catherine H., daughter of
Joseph Morlatt. To them were born ten children; six are liv-
ing — Enos, Levin, Mary R., Sarah, Andrew, Catherine. The
deceased are — Ann, Basil B., Peter and William. Mrs.
Wright died in April, 1854. Oct. 29, 1856, Mr. Wright mar-
ried Mrs. Ann Joties, widow of Elihu Jones, and daughter of
Joseph Bond. The}^ have four children — Thomas, Edward,
Charles and Ellen. Mrs. Wright has four children by her
former marriage — Jesse E., Martha, Amos and Joseph B.
Mr. and Mrs. Wright are members of the Society of Friends.
Samuel Wright, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in But-
ler County, Ohio, Nov. 13, 1828, a son of John and Elizabeth
(Stewart) Wright, his father a native of Virginia and his
mother of Ohio. In 1831 they moved to Wayne County,
Ind., and settled in Franklin Township, near Bethel, where
his father died; his mother still resides in Bethel. Mr.
Wright remained with his parents until his marriage, when
he removed to Ohio and lived one summer. He then lived
on the old homestead three years; afterward, on the farm cor-
nering the old homestead two years, and in^Randolph County
two years, and then ba-ck on a farm joining the old home-
stead, and remained fourteen years. In 1873 he bought his
present farm of eighty acres, good, well-cnltivated land; he
has a good residence and comfortable farm buildings. Feb.
1, 1849, he married Sarah, daughter of Nathan White, an
early pioneer of the county. Nathan White's father was born
in Scotland; was in the war of Scotland. Samuel and Sarah
Wright have had four children — Elizabeth and Martha Ellen
are still living; George Y. and Kebecca J. are deceased. Mr.
and Mrs. Wright are members of the Christian church.
S. K. Cojield, fourth son of Robert and Amanda (Wallings-
ford) Cofield, was born in Ohio County, Ind., Oct. 6, 1838.
When he was but twelve years of age his fathW died, and he
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 427
was. left to care for and assist his widowed mother, with
whom lie lived until his enlistment in war of the Rebellion.
He enlisted in the United States service as private Aug. 11,
1862, in Company B, Eighty-third Indiana Infantry. He
was appointed First Sergeant Sept. 4, 1862; promoted to
First Lieutenant Nov. 5, 1863, and to Captain Sept. 12, 1864.
He was almost three years in active service; was in twenty-
two engagements. Those most noted were the charges made
at Vicksburg, May 19 and 22, with Sherman's cor[)S in his
march from the Mississippi to the sea, and thence to Wash-
ington. Captain Cotield passed through three years of
danger and hard fighting, receiving but one wound that
left a scar, which he received at Dallas, Ga. After the
close of the war he returned to the home of his childhood,
being welcomed back by a kind mother. Our subject married,
Sept. 3, 1865, Mary A. Barker, daughter of Zachariah and
Mary Barker. They have had three sons — Frank L., Kearney
D. and Bert.
H. O. Tillson. — The father of our subject, Luther Tillson,
was born eight miles from Plymouth, Mass., in 1766, a son
of Isaiah Tillson. From his twentieth to his twenty- sixth
year he was a sailor on the ocean. He then went to Ver-
mont, near Woodstock, and worked for his uncle, Daniel
Perry, on the farm. The next year he married Mehitable
Palmer, the daughter of an ingenius mechanic of Irish de-
scent. He struggled with poverty till 1802, when he moved
with his uncle to Ohio, landing at Cincinnati Dec. 25. The
next year Mr. Perry bought the section of land of Congress,
where is now the town of Summerville, Butler County, and
sold Mr. Tillson 160 acres at Goverment price, giving him his
own time to pay for it, without interest. He was so poor that
he was obliged to work by the day to get bread for his fam-
ily, and clear his own land at night. He sometimes walked
thirty miles to buy bread-stuff, worked a day for a bushel of
corn, and carried it home on his shoulder. In 1816 he sold
his land, paid his uncle, and came to Whitewater, and bought
three half (fractional) sections of land, in all 686 acres, on
the State line, adjoining Wayne Countj^, and the next year
moved his family to the new home. All the necessities of
the family, such as milling, blacksmithing, schooling, and
428 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
tradiiit; of all kinds, was mostly obtained in Wayne County.
Mr. Tillson's constitution was much broken by the hardships
endured in the new country. In 1817 his cares were in-
creased, his faithful companion losing her mind. Although
she lived nine years her mind was never fully restored, and
she several times tried to take her life. In 1820 Mr, Tillson
joined the Society of Friends at Woodbury meeting-house,
Franklin Township, and became a prominent member. His
wife died in March, 1826, and in July, 1827, he was laid by
her side in the Friends' cemetery, at Woodbury. He had
married again, Elizabeth Mitchell, and to his widow he
willed all his personal property. Mr. Tillson had a family of
ten children ; one died in Vermont ; the others were —
Leonard, Gershom P., Isaiah, John, Oliver, Hosea C, Ira,
Laura and Lucy. He taught his children to be strictly hon-
est and punctual to all their promises, and in their sales to
give good measure and weight, telling them that nothing was
lost by giving good measure. He gave each of his sons
eighty acres of wild land. H. C. being at the time a lame
boy was given the old homestead. All the sons married and
settled on their land save Ira, who died when sixteen years of
age. They were all natural mechanics, and their genius was
of benefit to their neighbors. Two of them became local
preachers — Oliver, of the Methodist Episcopal, and H. C, of
the Christian. The two latter are the only ones who became
residents of Wayne County. H. C. Tillson traded the home-
stead to his brother John for the latter's wild land and $400,
the deed to be made when H. C became of age. In 1831 he
was married to a daughter of the Anderson family. Their
children are all dead except the eldest son, who lives in Ohio.
His wife died, and in 1855 he married a daughter of Elihu
Harlan. They have four daughters — Hannah Etta Anderson,
Ella, Olive and Minnie. H. C. Tillson is now in the seventy-
fourth year of his age, and has lived in Wayne County
twenty-six years. He is the only one left of his father's fam-
ily. He has been one of the foremost in advancing the inter-
est of his adopted State and county, and is still doing all he
can to build up and better the condition of society, physic-
ally, morally and spiritually.
CHAPTER XII.
DALTON TOWNSHIP.
Location and Organization. — Date of Existence, — Area
AND Valuation. — Population. — The Steady Loss. —
Aquilla West in 1818. — Other Pioneer Arrivals. — Its
Wealth of Soil, Water and Drainage. — Village of
Dalton. — When Founded. — Its Business and Profes-
sional Men. — Franklin. — Its History Condensed. —
Churches. — Biographical.
location and organization.
Dalton Township is in the extreme northwestern corner of
the county, and is next to tlie smallest township in the county,
Webster being the smallest. It is tour miles square, having
sixteen sections, or 10,240 acres of land, of which 9,945.42
acres are found on the assessment-roll. The real estate of
the township was valued at $303,550 in 1882; personal prop-
erty, $150,860; total, $454,410.
Its population since 1850 has been as follows: 1850, 855;
1860, T89; 1870, 766; 1880, 746— not a very alarming de-
cline, yet surel}'' and steadily, which is not a hopeful sign. It
was formed from Perry Township in June, 1847, and its vot-
ing precinct was Franklin. The township lies nearly all west
of the Twelve-mile Purchase, except a small strip on the east
side. There were quite a number of settlers staked out their
claims previous to the land coining into market, which was
not till the fall of 1822, while its settlement was retarded on
that account, as most settlers preferred to secure their lands
by actual purchase before making improvements. Among
the early arrivals was Aquilla West, who was in fact the first
settler in the year 1818, on land now owned by Lindsey Den-
nis, near the town or village of Dalton. After the land sal&
he removed, being unable to purchase. James Lindley settled
439
430 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
on West River, where Jesse Fonts now lives. He removed
to Howard County in about 1850. Others were Seth Mills,
Thomas A^utrim, a Mr. Blount, who left before the land sale —
Thomas Burroughs, who settled next to Randolph County
line; Sampson Smith, Pleasant Harris, Benj. F. Beeson, who
settled at Franklin; Thomas Marshall, Stephen Lear, Joseph
Johnson, Peter Smitli, and perhaps a few others who, as
squatters, had taken possession of nearly all the best land of
the Nettle Creek Yalley within the township before the land-
sale l)y the Government. Quite a number also settled
in the valley of West River: Isaac Ruth, Henry Mills,
Henry Thornburgh, Sr., and fonr sons, Sopiiia Williams, a
widow, and her three sons — Henry, Matthew and Joseph,
Joseph Brewer, Wm. Wright, across the line, Charles Howell,
Isaac Macy, Jacob Bales, George Petro, a blacksmith (proba-
bly the first in the township), James Strode, Wm. Thorn-
burgh, Sr. These took possession of nearly all the best land in
the West River Valley, most of them buying the land they
had improved, at the land sale in the fall of 1822.
Other early squatters off from the valleys were: Jesse Os-
born and a man by the name of Charles Stout, who built the
first grist-mill in the township, on West liiver — the present
Brown Mill--in 1824-'5.
Those who came soon after the land sale were Joseph Davis,
Dan'l Uirich, Chas. Burroughs, Zachariah Beeson, Anthony
Reynolds, Isaac Reynolds, Jno. Deering, Thomas Nicholson,
and Thos. Antrim. Most of these named came from North
Carolina, Tennessee and Pennsylvania.
Many of these named have descendants now living; in the
township. The majority were Quakers.
Others who came soon after the land sale were Tense Mas-
sey, Dempsey Thornburgh, Joseph Routh, Andrew Starbuck,
Wm.Chamness, Esq., Sam'l Turner, John Lee, Enoch Gard-
ner, Isaac Cavalt, John Evans (a Baptist preacher), Abraham
Tout, Jonathan Evans, Jno. Smith, Aaron Lesh, Wright
Spradlin, Geo. M. Lee, Benjamin Beeson, Wm. Beeson,
Jae. Brewer. Nathan Baldwin and Wm. Maudlin came in
1831; Samuel, Isaac, Isaac W. and Thomas E. Beeson about
the same time; also Thomas Dennis and family, Isaac Macy,
from Tennessee, Wm. Wright and Jesse Weaver.
DALTON TOWNSHIP. 431
Isaac Macy and Wm. Davis were the first Justices of the
Peace of the township after its organization.
The townshi}3 is well watered, on the east being the West
Branch of Whitewater, entering the township about one
mile south of the northeast corner, and flowing south
through the township, and Nettle Creek on the west, enter-
ing from the north, a mile east of the west line, and
running due south. These streams have numerous small
branches. Agriculturally speaking the land is of a good
quality, and a half century and upward still finds it of suf-
ficient productive quality as to well repay the husbandman.
It is an agricultural township, and the farmers are all in
good circumstances, and good citizens.
DALTON FOUNDED.
The town of Dalton was laid out by Tense Massey and
Joseph Davis, proprietors, and Joseph Davis, surveyor.
The plat bears date Jan. 25, 1828. An addition was af-
terward made by Joseph Davis, and, in 1836, another by
Nathan Baldwin.
Tlie first store in the township was at Dalton, kept by
Aaron Mills, and one started soon after at Franklin by
Benj. F. Beeson. The first tannery in the township started
by Benj. F. Beeson. The first grist-mill, in 1824, by Chas.
Stout. Seth Mills erected the next flouring mill at Dal-
ton in 1826, and a saw-mill was put up about the same time
by Pleasant Harris and Tense Massey. In 1828 Benj. F-
Beeson erected a grist-mill on Mill Branch, and the Beeson
Bros, an oil-mill a year later. In 1832 Jesse Baldwin built
another oil-mill. The Dalton Steam-Mill Company, was or-
ganized with a capital stock of $10,000, and in 1837 erected
on Nettle Creek a steam flouring mill, and also a saw-mill.
These mills were destroyed by fire in 1848, and the saw-mill
only rebuilt by Isaac Reynolds, who ran it until 1879. The
Beeson Bros, erected a grist-mill on the site of their old
oil-mill in 1840, and James Maulsby a grist-mill in 1850, on
Mill Branch. The first oil and grist mills spoken of are gone.
In 1853 Henry Thornburgh built a saw-mill, and a card-ma-
chine was also started. They disappeared a decade ago.
432 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
BUSINESS INTERESTS.
The village of Dalton lias at this time two general stores
and one grocery. It has two blacksmith-shops, one gun-
smith, one wagon-sho)3, one steam saw-mill, built on the site
of the old Dalton Steam-Mill Company's mill. The mill of
Reynolds was torn down at the above date and a new one
erected by Riley Chamness.
Besides the store kept by Aaron Mills other merchants
followed. Between 1838 and 1845 there were John W. Will-
iamson, John T.Elliott and Henry D. Root; and at differ-
ent times Joseph Ruth, J. and D. Canaday, David and Will-
iam Chamness, Robert Lumpkin and Thomas McCracken, and
since 1870 Wm. S. Chamness and Riley Chamness, both
general stores.
John W. Smith (botanic) was the first physician at Dalton,
in 1836. Later were Wm. Dickey (1840), Drs. Simmons, J.
R. Brown, Guinther, Windle, Showalter and John Stone-
braker.
Dalton had a population in 1870 of seventy-three, and of
sixty-four in 1880. There has been no growth of the town in
the past quarter of a century, and the population is now sup-
posed to be only about sixty-five.
POSTMASTERS.
The postoffice was first known or named Palmyra, and
Silas H. Beeson was appointed Postmaster May 25, 1835. He
was succeeded July 26, 1837, by Isaac W. Beeson; then John
W. Smith, Feb. 13. 1838; Charles Burroughs, April 23, 1840;
Wm. Davis, May 30, 1842; Samuel Mitchell, April 15, 1846;
Isaac Reynolds, April 6, 1847; Wm. O. Arment, July 31,
1848; Henry D. Root, Oct. 30, 1850 ; Clarkson Reynolds,
Jan. 20, 1853; John B. Routh, Jan. 30, 1854; Clarkson
Reynolds, March 7, 1855; Wm. S. Chamness, Aug. 22, 1855.
FRANKLIN.
The town of Franklin was laid out by Benj. F. Beeson and
Silas II. Beeson. The plat, signed by them as proprietors,
and Thomas Stanford as surveyor, was recorded Jan. 7, 1832.
DALTON TOWNSHIP. 433
The town was platted in 1830. The first merchant, as above
stated, was Benj. F. Beeson, and in 1839 Chas. Beeson was a
leading merchant. The village has remained, like Dalton, at
a stand-still. Following the Beesons were Silas Lewis, Aaron
Lesh, Oliver and Joseph Williams. Silas B. Manlsbj, Benj.
B. Beeson, Wm. Thornburgh, and Wm. and Enos Canaday are
said to have traded at Franklin. And still later, in the sev-
enties, John Macy, who ran a dry-goods store, and Millikin
Hockett, a grocery house. Dr. Silas Beeson, the first resi-
dent physician in the township, settled at Franklin about
1830,and died there. Later were Drs. Henry Carver,Erhart and
Patterson. It has now (January, 1881:) one grocer}-, a black-
smith and wagon shop, one undertaking establishment, post-
office, and about sixty-five inhabitants.
From " Young's History " the following is taken:
" The White Branch Woolen Mills are on the White Branch
stream, two miles south of Franklin. A building was erected
by Daniel Ulrich for a grist-mill, but he put into it machin-
ery for a woolen factory. In the year 1851 it was bought by
Wm. and Josiah Test. The establishment has since been
much enlarged by the erection of buildings and the increase
of machinery. Later its proprietors were Wm . and Rnfus
Test, and Josiah Y. Jones (Test Brothers & Jones). It has
two sets of machines and two roll-cards, and nine looms.
The goods manufactured are jeans, satinets, cassi meres, flan-
nels, blankets and yarn. Custom work, as carding, spinning,
and cloth-dressing, is also done at this establishment.
"The first school-house in the township is said to have
stood where Dalton now is, and Luke Wiles to have been the
first teacher."
The first postoffice in the township was established in
Franklin in the year 1832, and was called Palmyra. It was
not long afterward removed to Dalton, but not until after a
bitter fight had been waged. The name was changed to Dal-
ton, and so remains. Another office v/as at last secured by
Franklin, it being established in 1876, and called Nettle
Creek postoffice. The office still remains.
434 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
CHURCHES.
The "West River Church, Quakers or Friends, was estab-
lished in 1825, and in 1826 they erected a place of worship.
Henrj' Thornburgh, Sr., was a leading spirit in the church.
This building was of logs.
The Nettle Creek church, of the same denomination, was
organized in a school-house a few years later, or in 1828. Its
leading spirits were Thomas Antrum, Jos. Davis, Zachariah
Beeson and others. This church was near Franklin. The
anti-slavery ao^itation caused a division at one time.
Among the preachers were Revs. Miles Mendenhall, Mahlon
Chamness and Mahlon Dennis. There are very few of the
denomination now in the township. The same can be said
of the Dunkards.
BAPTIST CHURCH.
The society had an existence for a few years in Dalton, its
first organization being in 1835. The society held its meet-
ings in a log house, having no church building. Afterward
there was erected a frame church over the line in Randolph
County, and the Dalton society united with them. Jas.
Austin was the first preacher while in Dalton Township.
UNITED BRETHREN.
The LTnited Brethren have had a society and a meeting-
house, about two miles east of Dalton, about twenty years.
Ab. Tout gave the land for the graveyard, Lewis Weaver the
ground for the church. Early members of this church were:
Jeannetta Barr, afterward wife of Wm. Marshall, and her sis-
ter Mary, wife of Abraham Smith; Henry Bailes, John
Bailes, Lewis Bailes, Wm. Linley (now a Dunkard preacher).
They have had as preachers. Dr. Richardson, Daniel Stober,
John Brown, Alexander Carroll, Jas. M. Cook and others.
A Methodist class was formed in Dalton for a short time,
but it soon ceased to exist, and there is no M. E. church in
the township.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Nathan Baldwin, retired farmer, section 27, Dalton Town-
ship, is the second son of Jesse and Hannah (Mendenhall)
daltojSt township. 435
Baldwin. He was born in Guilford County, N. C, May 16,
1811. of English descent, and was educated at the log cabin
subscription schools. He was reared a farmer, which occu-
pation he has followed through life. He was married Feb.
21, 1830, to Melinda Hinshaw, of Randolph County, K C,
and the following fall came to Green's Fork, Wayne Co., Ind.,
and in the spring of 1832 lie purchased his present farm, then
a dense wilderness, but now in a high state of cultivation.
He had seven children by his tirst wife, of whom tliree are
living — William, Mary and Newton. Henrj, Jesse, Setli and
Hannah are deceased. His wife died Feb. 2, 1854, and he
was again married Jnl}^ 27, 1856, to Rachel Reynolds, of
Wayne County. Two children were given to this union —
Melinda E. and Eliza J.
George W. Bales^ iarraer and stock-raiser, was born in
Henry County, Ind., June 4, 1843, the youngest child of
Aaron and Susannah (Russell) Bales, natives of Tennessee,
who removed to Union County, Ind., in an early day, and
from there to Henry County. When he was three years of
age his father died, and when quite young the care of the
farm devolved on him and an older bi'other. In 1869 he
bought eighty acres of land on sectior\ 23, Dalton Township,
but subsequently moved to his present home, which is land
entered by liis father-in-law, in 1837. He owns 160 acres of
good land, all well improved. Mr. Bales was married May 4,
1864, to Lucy Jane, daughter of Wright and Fanny (Weaver)
Spalding. They have had six children — Yiretta, Josephine,
Oliver, Edmund (deceased), John H. and Lewis (twins). Mr.
and Mrs. Bales are members of the United Brethren church.
Benjamin Beeson was born in Randolph County, N. C,
about 1765, a son of Isaac Beeson, whose ancestors trace back
to two brothers who came from England to Pennsylvania,
with Penn's colony, but vfhose descendants all removed to
North Carolina at an early day. His mother was of Irish
descent. He was married about 1786, to Margaret Hockett,
and about 1826 came to Wayne County, Ind,, and settled
one mile south of Franklin. Their children were — Hannah^
who married Seth Hinshaw and lived at Greensboro, Henry
Co., Ind.; Isaac W., whose sketch follows this; Will-
436 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
iam^ who married Rachel Newman and had one son,
Jehu, who was a Union refugee two years in the South,
but escaped and came to Indiana in 1864, and settled
in Plainfield; Margaret^ married Jesse Baldwin, came
to Indiana about 1824, and lived one mile southwest of Frank-
lin. Her children.were — Franklin Urbane, Elwood, Isaac and
Nereus. Benjamin F.^ who came to Franklin in 1818, was a
very large man, a good business man and greatly respected,
he married Rachel Bales and had one daughter, Luzena, who
married Greorge Shaffer and moved to Iowa. Silas II., who
came to Franklin about 1823, was a prominent business man
and the lirst physician in Dalton Township, having a large
practice. He married tirst Rh^da Hubbard, second, Charity
Ventres (by whom he had two children — Melvina and Louisa),
and -third, Nancy Lumpkins. Rachel came to Franklin with
her father, but never married. Ithamar came to Franklin
about 1824; was Justice of the Peace many years. He
married Folly Bales, by whom he had six children — Oli-
ver, Lewis, William H., Margaret, Sarah and Cynthia E.
Asenath never married. Charles came with his father to
Wayne County and married Cynthia Baldwin. He lived one
mile north of Franklin until about 1855, when he removed to
Iowa, and from there to New Buffalo, Mich. He has three
children — William, Jehu and Luvina. Ruth married James
Maulsby, now of Danville, Ind., and had one son — Silas B.
Benjamin Beeson's brothers and sisters were as follows — Isaac.,
who came to Wayne County about 1828, and settled one mile
east of Dalton. He had twelve children — Hezekiah, Zacha-
riah, Benjamin, Jesse, Elwood, Newton, Margaret, Zeruah,
Mildred, Louisa, Mareb and Mariah. Samuel, who settled
one-half mile east of Dalton in 1827, and had five children —
Isaiah, Wade, Samuel, Elma and Isabel. Billy., who settled
one-fourth mile south of Franklin in 1827, and had children
as follows — Jonathan, Seth, Eunice, Elizabeth, Yancy, Charity,
Melinda and two others. Hannah married Sammy Lamb.
Isabel married William Chamness,and settled one mile north-
west of Dalton. She had seven children— William, Joshua.Jo-
se])h, l8aac,Mary,Jesse, and Hannah. Elizabeth married Jesse
Wilson and had three children — Isaac; Elizabeth, who mar-
^S VffArC.Kbevoete^
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<i2^
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DALTON TOWNSHIP. 437
ried Thomas Dennis, and lived one-half mile south of Dalton;
Rachel, who married David Pidgeon, and lived two and one-
half miles northwest of Dalton. Benjamin Beeson, like his
ancestors, was a strict. Friend and the head of Providence
Meeting in North Carolina several years. He was much re-
spected, and died at an advanced age. He was buried by the
side of his wife in West River Graveyard, two and a half
miles east of Dalton, though their exact resting place is not
known.
Benjamin B. Beeson^ only son of Isaac W, and Mary
(Branson) Beeson, was born March IT, 1843, on the old home-
stead on which he now resides, one-half mile west of Dalton,
Wajne Co., Ind. He is of medium stature (five feet, ten
inches), and weight (150 pounds), fair complexion and gray
eyes. He is a member of the Society of Friends. He was
married Oct. 14, 1865, to Olinda Lamb, daughter of Thomas
and Elvira (Finch) Lamb, The}' have four children — Isaac
Francis, born Aug. 13, 1866; Mary Lenora, born Jan. 23,
1868; Edward Orton and Frederick Loton (twins), born July
3, 1877. For nxany generations the eldest son of the eldest
son has been named Benjamin and Isaac, alternately. Ben-
jamin B. Beeson, like his father, has devoted the most of his
time to his home and farm, although now engaged in
the goods business at Dalton. Realizing the need ol
better roads in the neighborhood, he has devoted much time
and attention, as well as means, to their construction. He
assisted, financially and otherwise, in the construction of the
Dalton Turnpike,of which he has been Treasurer since its con-
struction, in 1876. He has also been Secretary and Treasurer
of the Hagerstown and Bluntsville Turnpike the past six years
and through his influence it has been made one of the best
roads in the county. The two miles and over of free gravel
roads adjoining his premises are sufiicient evidence of his en-
terprise in this respect. Seeing the great need of co-operation
and improvement among farmers,he became a charter member
of Nettle Creek Grange, No.735, of which he is still a member.
He has represented the grange in the County Council, and
the county in the State Grange. No. 735 is one of the few
granges that has stood the* storms of many winters. It has
438 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
scarcely missed n meet'inor since its organization; has a good
buildiii"- of its own, a good membersiiip and attendance, and
is doing much for the education and improvement of its mem-
bers. For the purpose of encouraging the agricultural inter-
ests of this section of the county, a few kindred spirits
organized the Wayne,Henry and Randolph County Agricult-
ural Association in September, 1880, of which Mr. Beeson is
President. Despite many disadvantages, this society has
been very successful and gained an enviable reputation among
societies of its kind. The Indiana Farmer sent a represent-
ative to the fourth annual exhibition, held at Dalton, Ind.,
Sept. 4-7, 1883, from whose report we quote as follows: "Can
a fair be made a success without racing and its attendant
evils? This question has often been asked, but has been
left to the managers of Dalton fair to answer that it can. The
present is the fourth exhibition made by the society, and
though racing, side-shows, games of chance, and everything
of that class, so prominent at other fairs, are banished from
the grounds, yet their fairs have increased from year to year,
both in attendance and display. Much of the success is due to
the energy of B. B. Beeson, the President, and Joel Replogle,
Secretary." Politically, the sympathies of Mr. Beeson are
with the producer and against monopolies, rings and party
corruption. He heartily supported the administration of
Lincoln, and the election of Grant for his tirst term, but be-
came dissatisfied with his administration, and for several
years was a member of the ISTational Central Committee of
Wayne County, though he often voted independent of party.
Financially he has been successful, is the largest tax-payer in
the township, owning at the present time over 800 acres of
land within its limits, being industrious and a large em-
ployer of labor. Great improvements have been made in all
property he has controlled.
Isaac W. Beeson was born in Randolph County, JN". C,
Dec. 19, 1789, the eldest son of Benjamin and Margaret
(Ilockett) Beeson. Fie was of medium height (five feet,
eight inches), and weight (145 pounds), fair complexion, dark
hair and light-brown eyes. He was not very robust, but,
being very temperate in his habits, enjoyed fair health till
DALTON TOWNSHIP. 439
past middle age. He acquired a good education for the time
and taught scliool at different times. He learned the trade
of a wheelwright when young, which he followed as occasion
required as long as he lived, though he lived to see this once
flourishing business obsolete, except for slight repairs. For
many years he made it a point to lay up $100 a year from his
trade, and in those times it required great industry to do so.
The greater part of four years was spent in settling his
brother William's estate, which was scattered over North and
South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee and Georgia, he being a
great trader. This he did traveling alone on horseback, usu-
ally starting with a pair of saddle-bags and one large wheel
and two small ones, which were sold at the first opportunity.
During this time he had many adventures, mishaps and es-
capes, the details of which are lost. William was his favorite
brother, and he always spoke in the highest terms of his
brother William's ability and integrity. Early in life he be-
came devotedly attached to Mary, daughter of Joseph and
(Pickett) Branson, which was reciprocated, but,
owing to interference of relatives, the intimacy was kept up
only at rare intervals during his stay in " The Old North
State." In the spring of 1822 he started for the then Great
West. His outfit for the journey was one horse, a rustic
cart, a skillet, a small pot for boiling vegetables, a tin pan or
two, an outfit of pewter dishes for one, an ax, and a small
supply of provisions, all of which, except the provisions,
served for many other like journeys. He usually traveled
alone and slept in the cart, seldom keeping company with other
travelers. He landed in Wayne County, Ind., about eight
weeks from the time of starting, in good spirits, but, like his
outfit, worn and looking rather seedy. He examined the
country pretty thoroughly, attended the land sales at Brook-
ville, and made a number of entries, among others 240 acres
of the land in Dalton Township, where he lived and died, and
where his son, Benjamin B. Beeson, now resides. In those
days hilly land with springs and running water was most
sought after, the "flats" being regarded as worthless. Toward
the fall of the same year he wended his way back to the
sunny South and worked at his trade till 1828, when he again,
440 HISTORV OF WATNE COUNTY.
in the same manner, visited liis possessions in the wilder-
ness of Indiana. Many interesting incidents occurred while
makiiiii; these journeys. On one occasion, while traveling
through Virginia, he ventured to put up with a settler, but
the conversation and actions of the family not suiting him,
lie went out to sleep in his cart, and linall}^ went to a large
wood and passed the night. On returning in the morning
he found that iiis cart and the neighborhood liad been thor-
oughly searched for liim. He learned afterward that the
place was a rendezvous for the rogues of that mountain coun-
try. Old "Foxy," his horse, sometimes failed to see tlie pro-
priety of climbing so many mountains. On one occasion he
backed off the road until the cart became his master, and cart,
horse and all went bumping and dragging down the mount-
ain side several hundred feet, and came near tumbling into
the Kanawha River. But, strange to say, old "Foxy" was
ready for business, having onl}^ a few bruises and being
minus a large quantitj^ of hair. He gave no more trouble,
however, during that trip. At this time, 1828, there was
quite a rush to Indiana from the older States, and many a
race was made to Brookville and Indianapolis for "Congress
land." Mr. Beeson entered several tracts in different parts
of the State, and again returned South before winter. In
the spring of 1833 he took his last view of the red gullies and
sedge fields of his native State, and settled near Franklin,
Wayne Co., Ind., where his father and several brothers had
preceded him. The firm of Beeson Brothers, composed of
S. H., B. F, and Ithamar Beeson, were doing a large mercan-
tile business, liandling everj^thing from a drove of hogs to a
coon skin, and furnishing goods to a large section of country.
They also ran a tan-yard, grist-mill, etc. The town became
widely known as " Beeson Town." Times were flush and
speculation ran wild; every body seemed to be getting rich.
But the end came; the bottom fell out of prices, as it were;
pork sold for $1.25 per hundred, net; confidence was gone;
and the Beeson Brothers found their business and fortunes
hopelessly wrecked, Isaac W. losing heavily as security.
During all this time the old attachment between hiinself and
Mary Branson existed, and in the fall of 1837 she left home
DALTON TOWNSHIP. 441
and friends in North Carolina to join her fortunes with his.
She arrived in Wayne County safely, and Feb. 27, 1838, they
were married. An only son, Benjamin B., was born to them,
March 17, 1843. Mr. Beeson took an active interest in the
political and religious questions of his day. A member of
the Society of Friends, he took sides with the anti-slavery
ring. His views in church matters were of the most liberal
kind, taking the ground that all Christians should become one
brotherhood and one church, uniting on the vital principles
of Christianity, but ha\ing perfect freedom of belief in re-
gard to forms, ceremonies, etc. In politics he held that the
people should govern in all things, direct; that all officers
should be deemed servants, and receive wages only for servi-
ces rendered; that all money should be made or issued by
the Government and loaned to the people at a low rate of
interest, said interest to be used for improvements and ex-
penses, in lieu of taxes. These view's were advanced by him
long before the Rebellion, and MSS. left show that he was
an original thinker and a writer of much ability. In finan-
cial matters his judgment was good, having acquired quite a
competence. Of a quiet disposition he never sought public
favor in the way of office; would usually suffer heavily rather
than go to law, believing in arbitration, both between indi-
viduals and nations. He lost his companion Oct. 10, 1851,
and never again married. She was a woman of kind and
benevolent disposition — one of the few who had no enemies.
Although his health was poor at this time he survived her
twenty years, and died of an attack of pleurisy, Nov. 26,
1871, aged eighty-two years, and was buried in the Friends'
graveyard at Nettle Creek, near his faithful partner in life's
joys and sorrows.
Thomas Beeson^ farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Ran-
dolph County, N. C, a son of Isaac K. and Rebecca (Lamb)
Beeson, natives of the same county, of English origin. When
a child his parents removed to Guilford County, N. C, and
in 1845 he came with his parents to Park County, Ind., where
his father died three years later. He then lived with his
mother in Henry County till about 1863, when he came to
Wayne County, and was married April 5, 1863, to Deborah
" 29
442 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
A., daughter of James and Mary (Roe) Strode, natives of
Kentuckv, who were among the early settlers of Wayne
Countv. They first lived several years in Jefferson Township,
and about 1830 removed to the Strode homestead, where they
spent the rest of their lives, and where our subject has resi-
ded since his marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Beeson were the par-
ents of two children — Sarah A. and Mary E. Mrs. Beeson
died Jan. 22, 1883. She belonged to the United Brethren
church. Mr. Beeson was i-earyd in the Society of Friends,
but when twentj^-three years of age joined the Christian
church in Blue River To.vnship, Henry Co., Ind.
James E. and John E. Brown^ millers and farmers, Dal-
ton Township, are the twin sons of John P. and Annie (Shep-
pen Brown, the former born in Butler County, Ohio, Nov.
16, 1827, and the latter July 2, 1822. They came to Fount-
ain City, Ind., with their parents about the year 1837, where
they were married June 24, 1848. John P. was a tailor by
trade, but since his marriage he has followed farming. Our
subjects were born May 15, 1851, in Fountain City, Ind.;
were reared on a farm, and educated in the common schools.
James E. also attended the Union Christian College at Me-
rom, Ind., a short time. In 1870 he began learning the
miller's trade, serving an apprenticeship of five years. John
E., on leaving school, engaged in farming. In 1875 the broth-
ers had about $700 each, with which they purchased the
flouring mill in Dalton Township, Wayne County, James E.
attending to the mill while John engaged in farming, and by
their industry and strict attention to business they are now
worth $10,000. John E. was married Dec. 10, 1871, to Eliza-
beth, daughter of Elijah and Elizabeth (Smith) Clark. They
have had two children — Birda, born in Montgomery County,
Sept. 5, 1872, and Nellie, bora in Wayne County, April 17,
1876. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Epis-
copal church. James was married May 17, 1877, to Helen M.,
daughter of R. C.^and Sarah (Thornburgh) Cheesman. They
were the parents of one daughter — Laura, born March 29,
1878, and died Nov. 17, 1881.
Larkhi Chamness^ farmer and stock-raiser, was born in
Dalton Township, Wayne County, Ind., June 19, 1829, and is
DALTON TOWNSHIP. 443
the third sou of William and Annie (Eejnolds) Chamness.
He was reared on a frontier farm and educated in the sub-
scription schools. He resided with his parents till his mar-
riage, which took place Dec. 2, 1868, with Ruth Lamb, born
Oct. 20, 1842, and daughter of Miles and Najicj Lamb, of
Henry County, Ind. They have two children — Lettie M.,
born Sept. 19, 1869, and Oliver P., born Jan. 19, 1877. In
the spring of 1869 Mr. Chamness moved on his present farm,
which contains eighty acres of well-improved land. Politi-
cally he is a Republican. Mrs. Chamness is a member of the
Wesleyan Methodist church.
William Chcmmess^ fifth child of William and Isabel (Bee-
son) Chamness, was born June 26,1802, in Randolph County,
N. C. He was educated in the subscription schools of his
native county, and in 1823 came to Wayne County, where he
entered eighty acres of Government land, which he cleared
and cultivated. He was married in 1825 to Annie, daughter of
Ebenezer and Rachel (Green) Reynolds, natives of North
Carolina, who came to Wayne County in 1819. They were
the parents of six children, four still living — Jahen, Riley,
Larkin and Seth. Those deceased were — Maliala and Isom.
Mr. Chamness followed farming through life with success,
and has given his children a good practical education. He
served as Magistrate for twenty years, besides holding other
local offices of responsibility.
Nehemiah Gheesman^ deceased, was born in the year 1804
in New Jersey, and when twelve years old went with his par-
ents to JS[ew Lebanon, Ohio, residing there one year, and in
1817 came to Wayne County, Ind., locating near Richmond,
where he grew to manhood. He was married in 1828 to
Rebecca Cornelius. They were the parents of four children
— Richard C, Elizabeth, David and Thomas. After his mar-
riage Mr. Cheesman engaged in the mercantile business in
Centreville for three years, when he sold out and purchased
a farm in Henry County, residing there some time. His wife
died in 1832, after which he sold his farm and engaged in
surveying St. Joseph and La Porte counties, Ind., for six
mouths. He taught school for a time, after which he pur-
chased a farm in Dalton Township, on which he built a flour-
444 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
in^ mill, following farming and milling till 1856. He then
manufactured lumber near Hagerstown about two years, after
which he engaged in the mercantile business and kept hotel.
His death occurred April 19, 1882, after a long and useful
life.
Richard O. Cheesrnan, son of Nehemiah Cheesman, was
born near Centreville, Wayne Co., Ind., Oct. 4, 1829. He
spent his youth in assisting his father » n the farm and in the
mill. He was educated in the common schools, and lived
with his parents till he attained his majority. He was mar-
ried May 26, 1860, to Sarah F. Thorn burg, born Aug. 30,
1831, in Wayne County, a daughter of Jesse and Margaret
Thornburg. They have had nine children, six still living —
Eebecca C, Helen M., Mary J., Wallace, Harry T. and Ed-
ward M. After his marriage his father gave him a half-inter-
est in the grist-mill in Dalton Township, where he was
engaged one year, after which he traded his interest for a
farm near Hagerstown, residing on it one year. He then
purchased the old homestead, where he has since followed
farming. He has also been extensively engaged in dealing
in stock and packing pork. He had 100 acres of land, but
has given part of it to his children. He has at present a fine
farm of 350 acres of well-cultivated land. Mrs. Cheesman
is a member of the United Brethren church.
Wallace Cheesman^ farmer and stock-raiser, section 26,
Dalton Township, was born March 13, 1861, in Dalton Town-
ship, Wayne Co., Ind., and is the eldest son of Richard and
Sarah (Thornburg) Cheesman. He received his education in
the common schools, and resided with his parents on the
farm till he grew to manhood. He was married March 13,
1881, to America J. Lumpkins, a daughter of Rufus M. and
Rachel (Jordon) Lumpkins. They are the parents of one
daughter — Ora May, who was born Oct. 13, 1882.
Branson Dennis^ farmer and stock-raiser, was born May
10, 1818, in Randolph County, N. C, and when four years
old was brought by his parents, Thomas and Elizabeth (Wil-
son) Dennis, to Wayne County, Ind,, where he was reared
on a farm, receiving his education in the subscription schools.
He resided with his parents till he was twenty-two years of
DALTON TOWNSHIl'. 445
age. May 20, 1840, he was married to Elrna Reynolds,
daughter of Job and Phoebe (Hocket) Reynolds, who came
to Wayne County from Randolph County, N. C, in 1839.
They liad a family of six children, four now living — Louisa,
Phcebe Jane, "Wilson and Job. Sarah and Margaret are de-
ceased. After his marriage Mr. Dennis lived three years on
a farm in the southeast quarter of section 3, Dalton Township,
and then moved to the farm in the southwest quarter of the
same section, residing there until about 1857, when he pur-
chased tiie farm where he has since resided, with the exception
of a time spent in Spicelaud for the purpose of giving his
children better educational advantages. In connection with
his farming pursuits Mr. Dennis has been extensively en-
gaged in milling, running a saw-mill about fourteen years
and a flouring mill two years. He is a member of the Soci-
ety of Friends.
Lindsey Dennis, third son of Thomas and Elizabeth
(Wilson) Dennis, was born in Randolph County, ]>[. C,
March 8, 1822. When ah infant his parents removed to
Wayne County, Ind., where he attended the subscription
schools. He was reared on the farm and resided with his
parents till he grew to manhood. He. was married Nov. 24,
1841, to Irena, eldest daughter of Dempsey and Jane (Mills)
Thornburgh, of Dalton Township. They have had seven
children — Martha J., Melinda, Cynthia, Mariam (deceased),
Dempsey T., Mary Ann and Oliver L. After his marriage
Mr. Dennis settled on a farm in Henry County, residing
there one year, when he sold out and purchased the farm
where he has since made his home. He has helped each of
his children in getting a home and has eighty acres of well-
improved land left. He and wife are members of the
Society of Friends.
Nathan Dennis, born in North Carolina, March 13, 1815;
died at his home in Dalton Township, Wayne Co., Ind.,
Jan. 26, 1872. He removed with his parents about 1833 to
Wayne County, and was one of the pioneers who felled the
forests and reduced the wilderness to one of the finest farm-
ing districts in the State. He belonged to the Society of
Friends and for the last thirty years of his life was one of
446 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
the leading members of Springfield Monthly Meeting. He
was for several years clerk of that body and for more than
twenty years clerk of the meeting for ministry and over-
sight. He had the confidence of the entire communitv as
few men ever get it; and his counsel was in demand on all
important subjects, both in and out of church circles. He
espoused the cause of the slave and was a conductor on the
now historic underground railroad, and yet he did not join
in with the separatists on the ground that they inconsistently
neglected other matters of the law of like if not of equal
importance. Gifted with the ability to see all'sidesof a ques-
tion, enthusiastic for every phase of the right as he under-
stood it, consistent as the brook in his meadow which sought
its home, the sea, by the most accessible and so the most
practicable route, progressive but not imperious, he was a
man to educate, mold, and uplifc community, not to disturb
it or lead it in lines. He never lost an opportunity to build
up the educational interests of his neighborhood and family;
he got up at two o'clock one winter morning and walked a
mile and a half with one of his boys, and they sawed five
large ash logs that his boy might not miss his morning lesson
in algebra at the district school. It is with pleasure that we
record that during twenty years of daily intercourse with him
we never saw him lose his temper. His religion, complete
from whatever standpoint, was without ostentation or affecta-
tion; rich in faith and grace yet not less rich in good works,
whether he is to be tried by the first commandment of the
decalogue or by the test that enrolled Abou Ben Adhem at
the head of the list, his claim for a place will still be most
generously granted by those who know him best.
Oshorn Dennis^ son of Nathan and Mary (Lamar) Den-
nis, was born Sept. 4, J 842. He resided with his parents on
a farm until he arrived at manhood. His education was
common-school, academic, and one and a half years in the
Illinois State University. He belongs to the Society of
Friends, having filled many stations in said society to the
full approbation of his friends. He was appointed to the
office of an Elder in 1879, which position he still holds, the
duties of which he has discharged faithfully. Feb. 6, 1868,
DALTOJSr TOWNSHIP, 447
lie was married to Louisa Canada. The fruits of the union
were three children — Mary E., was born Dec. 12, 1868, in
Randolph County, Ind.; George P., was born Dec. 3. 1871, in
Wayne Connty; Osborn Earl was born March 24, 1880, in
Wayne County. The subject of this sketch has' followed the
professions of farming and school teaching, having only
missed teaching two years during the past twenty-two years.
Has always been a man of good moral character, honest in-
tegrity and uprightness of life, and has yielded quite an in-
fluence in the community in which he has resided.
Thomas Dennis, deceased, son of William and Delilah
(Hobbs) Dennis, was born Nov. 4, 1791, in Randolph County,
]S. C. In his early life he followed farming until he
was near twenty years of age, when he commenced to
learn the potter's trade, which he followed with that of farm-
ing until his removal to Wayne County, Ind., landing Oct.
1, 1822, in the city of Richmond, Ind., the journe}' being
made with a four-horse team, and taking six weeks to accom-
plish the journey. He first located near Dublin, but the
wolves being so troublesome he went to Perry Township,
near Economy, where he wintered, purchasing during that
time ninety acres on Green's Fork, one mile south of Washing-
ton, where he rebided until Oct. 1, 1831. He then purchased
the farm in Dalton Township of Pleasant Harris, which has
long been known as the Dennis homestead, first buying 154
acres, to which he soon added eighty acres more. He was
married March 24, 1813, to Elizabeth, daughter of Jesse and
Elizabeth Wilson. They were the parents of ten children,
eight of whom were reared to maturity, and seven now liv-
ing — Wilson, Lucinda, Branson, Cjnthia, Lyndsey, Miriam
C, William (who died in infancy), Elizabeth, Thomas, and
Malinda, who died at the age of seven years. Miriam C. died
April 2, 1880. She was first married to Josiah Test, and
afterward to Jacob Pickering, with whom she lived a few
days over ten years. Her disease was that ot" cancer of the
stomach, producing great suffering, which she bore with
Christian fortitude. Mr. Dennis was an active member of
the Society of Friends, and a staunch anti-slavery man, who
could not bear the idea of rearing his children in the midst of
448 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
slavery. He also performed the duty of enlisting the per-
sonal property and polls for taxation in the spring of 1839 in
the western part of Wayne County, embracing that part in-
cluded in townships 16, 17 and 18, congressional, in range
12, east. He also was appointed Treasurer of the county the
same year, being actively engaged in the duties thereof when
taken with the illness which terminated fatally Sept. 4, 1839,
on the Dennis homestead. His wife occupied the homestead
until May 21, 1863, when she bade farewell to all transitory
things here below.
Wilson Dennis, farmer and stock-raiser, eldest son of
Thomas and Elizabeth (Wilson) Dennis, was born June 1,
1814, in Randolph County, N. C and when eight years of
age came with his parents to Wayne County, Ind. He was
reared on a frontier farm and educated at the log cabin sub-
scription scliool. He being the eldest son, the work of clear-
ing the land devolved on him in a measure, and he assisted
in clearing and improving three heavily timbered farms, and
helped to support his widowed mother and family till 1847.
He was married Oct. 21, 1847, to Rachel, daughter of
Dempsey and Jane (Mills) Thornburgh. Three of their six
children are living — Lydia, married Sylvester Billheimer, and
resides in Franklin, this county; Elizabeth, married William
D. Jordan and lives on West River; and Thomas, married
Zenorah E. Davidcon, and resides on the east line of Henry
County. William died when twenty-two months old; Susan
died June 27, 1861, aged eight years, seven months and eight
days; and Mary Jane died in infancy. Rachel Dennis died
Jan. 17, 1857, aged twenty-nine years, six months and twenty-
nine days. June 23, 1858, Mr, Dennis was married to
Lydia, daughter of Isaac and Taraar (Hawkins) Reynolds.
They have had three children — Sarah, Clarkson and Isaac L.
During several of the winters from 1835 to 1850 Mr. Dennis
taught school. He settled on his present farm in 1848, where
he has since followed farming with success, and also by ap-
pointment has filled several of those trusts incident to execu-
tors, administrators, commissioner and trustee, from the year
1839 up to the present. At no time since 1839 has he been
free from tlie duties requisite to such trusts. He and his
wife are active members of the Society of Friends.
DALTON TOWNSHIP. 449
William H. Harris is the eldest son of Obadiali and Eliz-
abeth (Bales) Harris, and a grandson of Obadiah Harris, who
came from North Carolina to Wayne County in 1810, where
he was for many years a pioneer minister in the Society of
Friends. The latter afterward purchased land in Randolph
County, where he died, in his eighty-sixth year. William H.
was born in Randolph County, Ind., March 22, 1830, where
he was reared on a farm and educated at the common schools.
He lived at home till he was twenty-two years old, when he
clerked in a general mercantile store in Randolph County
two years. He then purchased the stock and engaged in busi-
ness there till 1856, and, with the exception of three years,
has followed the business ever since. He has carried on a
good business since coming to Dal ton in September, 1874,
and has been Postmaster of the place since 1876. He was
married Oct. 3, 1856, to Sarilda, daughter of James and Na-
omi (Lewis) Harris, early settlers of Wayne County. They
have had five children, all deceased — Lula C, born Jan.
21, 1858, and died Aug. 27, 1863; William E., born March
13, 1862, and died Aug. 9, 1863; Branson S., born Sept. 11,
1865, and died Oct. 3, 1867; John M., born Feb. 3, 1868,
and died Feb. 12, 1869, and India M., born Nov. 22, 1869,
and died July 15, 1870. Our subject's father was born in
1808 in North Carolina, and when two years old moved with
his father's family to Wayne County, Ind. He lived on the
home farm till he grew to manhood, and was married in 1828
to Elizabeth Bales, a native of Highland County, Ohio, and a
daughter of Curtis and Elizabeth (Evans) Bales, who came to
Wayne County when Mrs. Harris was a child. Of the eight
children born to this union five still survive. Mrs. Harris
died in 1853. After his marriage, Mr. Harris was engaged
for many years in farming and blacksmithing in Randolph
County, and in 1863 moved to Iowa, where he followed farm-
ing till his death, which occurred Jan. 1, 1881.
George M. Jordan^ retired farmer, section 24, Dal ton
Township, was born April 26, 1813, in Boston Township,
Wayne County, eldest son of William and Mary (Mc-
Lelland) Jordon, natives of Pennsylvania and Ireland re-
spectively. William Jordon came to Wayne County with his
450 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
father's family in 1808 and entered Government land, where
he resided till the breaking out of the war of 1812, in which
he served fifteen months. He was married in 1812, and in
1815 sold his land in Boston Townsliip and entered land in
Perry Township, which is now owned and occupied by his
grandson, T. J. W., where he resided till his death, which
occurred Sept. 21, 18Y8, aged eighty-six years. Of his eleven
children seven survive — George M., John W., Rachel, Rus-
sell, William A., Wiley S. and Nancy L. ; Jane, Margaret,
James R. and Elizabeth A. are deceased. Mrs. Jordon is
still living at the advanced age of ninety years. George W.
lived on the farm with his parents till he grew to manhood.
He was married Nov. 22, 1832, to Barsheba R., daughter of
Samuel Pollard, a native of Kentucky, who came to Wayne
Countj', Ind., in 1822 and settled near Hagerstown. Mr. and
Mrs. Jordon have had seven children, of whom four are liv-
ing — Mary R., William R,, Wesley S. and Sarah E.; Samuel
P., Henry C. and John C. are deceased. After his marriage
Mr. Jordon settled on the farm where he has since followed
agricultural pursuits very successfully.
William. D. Jordoji, farmer and stock-raiser, section 24,
Dalton Township, was born in Dalton Township, Wayne
Co., Ind., Jan. 1, 1847, a son of John W. and Catherine
(Davidson) Jordon. He was reared on a farm and educated
at the common schools, after which he engaged in teaching
in the winter and farmed during the summer seasons till he
was twenty-five years ^old. He was married Oct. 10, 1872, to
Lizzie, daughter of Wilton and Rachel (Thornburg) Dennis,
of Dalton Township. After his marriage he settled on the
old homestead, where he has 167 acres of highly cultivated
land. Mr. and Mrs. Jordon are active members of the Meth-
odist Episcopal church. They are the parents of two children
—Nellie F. and Frank W.
Nathan Lamar resides near Dalton, Wayne Co., Ind. His
parents, Samuel and Judith (Baldwin) Lamar, were married
Nov. 23, 1842, in Wayne County, Ind., and settled soon after
in Henry County, Ind., on a farm, on which they lived until
death. His mother died June 7, 1852, at the age of thirty-
three. His father, who was a teacher in the public schools,
D ALTON TOWNSHIP. 451
during several of the winter terms, within the last twelve
or thirteen years of his life, took special pains to educate
his children and to train them during his short stay with
them to live a religious life. He deceased May 10, 1860,
at the age of forty-one years. Nathan Lamar was born in
Henry County, Ind., Sept. 1, 1843. His early life was
spent on the farm of his father. His schooling was
derived chiefly from the district schools and the assistance of
his father. Farming has been his special profession, although
he has been engaged in teaching in the fall and winter terms
of school for the past seventeen years. At the age of twenty
he enlisted in Company B, Fifth Indiana Cavalry, to serve as
a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, for three years or during
the war, and was actively engaged in the principal engage-
ments of the Atlanta campaign, and was with General Stone-
man at the time he made his raid around Atlanta to Macon,
Ga.; was taken prisoner at the titne of Stoneman's defeat and
surrender near Macon, Ga., July 31, 1864, Stoneman and
his principal officers being taken at the same time. He was
confined as a prisoner of war nine months, most of the time
at Andersonville, being one of the last squad of prisoners
that ever passed out through the prison gates of Anderson-
ville, and one of but few of his comrades who lived through
the horrors and cruelties of Andersonville Prison. He was
released with about 2,000 others, at Baldwin Station, ^la.,
by the prison commander Wirz, without being exchanged,
the war being about over, April 30, 1865. It was sixteen
miles to the nearest Union post at Jacksonville, Fla., and a
great number died on the road between Baldwin Station and
Jacksonville. He got to the Union lines at Jacksonville
May 1, 1865. The horrors of the rebel prison are familiar to
all. He was honorably discharged June 16, 1865, at Camp
Chase, Ohio. He was married Aug. 21, 1867, to Alice Bill-
heimer, of Dublin, Ind. He has served as the Assessor of
Dalton Township since 1873, with the exception of one year,
1875. His present term of office will expire April, 1886. His
children are — Willie (who died in infancy), Frank S., Effie L.,
Mary F. , Nellie M. and Frederick C.
452 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
John A. Locke, farmer and stock-raiser," was born in Wayne
County, Ind., May 22, 1819. His father, William Locke, was
a native of Granville County, JST. C , a son of John Locke, a
soldier in the Kevolutionary war. His mother was Damaris
(Mills) Locke, a native of Stokes County, JS". C. His parents
were married, in Jefferson County, Tenn., June 6, 1808, and
in 1815 came to the Northwestern Territory, and settled in
Perry Township, Wayne Co., Ind., on land entered from the
Government. William Locke was a man of untiring energy,
and although he started in life with nothing he accumulated
property till he was the owner of 1,900 acres of fine land,
thus being able to give each of his children a good home.
He opened the first store and established the first tannery in
Perry Township, and was one of the organizers of the first
bank in Hichmond, being one of the Directors. He was a
member of the Society of Friends, and was an earnest worker
in the cause of Christianity, as well as any enterprise of bene-
fit to his township. He died Kov. 3, 1868, his wife having
preceded him ten years. They were the parents of ten chil-
dren, six born in Wayne Count3^ John A. was reared on a
pioneer farm and was educated in the primitive log school-
bouse. When he was eighteen years of age, Aug. 24, 1837,
he married Charity, daughter of Jesse Brooks, who came to
Indiana from North Carolina in 1836. They had a family of
sevea children — Cecilia D., Jesse W., William M., Mary
Ann, John A., Jr., Orlando B. and Charity Emma, the latter
deceased. Mr. Locke has a fine farm of 200 acres, on section
35, and is one of the representative men of Dalton Township.
He has served in various offices of trust in the township, and
was Magistrate ten years. He and his wile are members of
the United Brethren church. His son William and his son-
in-law Caleb Lamb were soldiers in the late civil war. Will-
iam participated in eleven hard-fought battles, and at the
second battle of Bull Run was severely wounded and taken
prisoner. They are building a church of the United Brethren
in Christ 30 x40 feet, on Mr. Locke's farm, our subject being
the largest donor.
Rufas M. Lumpklns, farmer and stock-raiser, section 26,
Dalton Township, was born in what is now Dalton Town-
DALTON TOWNSHIP. 453
ship, Wajne County, April 15, 1835, the fifth son of James
and Sarah (Thornburg) Lumpkins, the former a native of Vir-
ginia, and the latter of Tennessee. They came to "Wayne
County, Ind., in 1818, and resided three years in Perry
Township after which they lived in Jefferson Township one
yesir. They then moved to Dalton Township and purchased
the farm now occupied by our subject, where they passed the
rest of their daj's. Our subject received a common-school edu-
cation and resided with his parents till he attained his ma-
jority. He then purchased lands in Dallas County, Iowa,
where he resided two years, when he sold out and returned
to his native countv. He was married Seot. 9, 1858, to
Rachel J., daughter of John W. Jordon, of Perry Township.
Of their nine children seven survive — Mary C, America J.,
Llobert H., Sarah M. F., James, John C. and William A.
Those deceased are — Charles and Orin. After his marriage
he lived ten years on the farm now owned by William D.
Jordon, after which he lived three years on the S. M. Jordon
farm. He then purchased the old homestead, containing
314 acres of well-improved land, where he has since resided.
William Mendenhall^ son of Daniel and Deborah Men-
denhall, was born in Guilford County, N. C, Sept. 7, 1798.
He was married in 1819 to Rebecca, daughter of Joseph and
Hannah Coffin. They were both reared on a farm and were
principally educated in a school taught by Jeremiah Hub-
bard, a noted school-tea clrer and preacher in the Friends'
society, of which they were both members. After their mar-
riage they remained in their native State and county till 1825,
when, with three children, they removed to Indiana and lo-
cated in Wayne County. They made the journey of 600
miles with a little one-horse wagon, Mrs. Mendenhall driving
and carrying an infant in her arms, and Mr. Mendenhall and
a man named Joseph Nichols walking all the way. They had
$40 when they left North Carolina, but after a journey of
six weeks it was about exhausted. They reached Wayne
County in September, and after stopping a short time with
his brother Elijah, who lived near Washington, Mr. Menden-
hall bought a farm two or three miles from Washington in
the " Beech Flats," in the woods. They endured all the hard-
454 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
ships of pioneer life, clearing up and impruving their farm.
At that time the settlers assisted each other in their work,
and one spring Mr. Mendenhall attended fifteen log-rollings
in succession. They had trouble in keeping their stock, as
the grain that was raised was needed in the family, and the
stock could not run in the woods on account of the danger of
their getting poisoned. The land was poor and the *crops
uncertain, and in 1833 they moved to Perrv Township, two
miles west of Economy. This was a much better farm, and
was partly cleared. They were very energetic, and although
Mr. Mendenhall was never very strong, they were enabled to
give their children a common-school education. Their clothes
were homespun and their shoes home-made, each child having
one pair a year, going barefoot in the summer. Mr. Menden-
hall was a modest, unassuming man, but his honesty and
integrity were known by all who knew him. He early taught
his children lessons of prudence and economy which have
been useful to them in their later years. Mr. and Mrs. Men-
denhall were active members of the Society of Friends, often
riding twenty miles before eleven o'clock, horseback, in se-
vere cold weather, to attend Quarterly Meeting. He was
politically a Whig, and a friend and sympathizer of the col-
ored man. After the formation of the Republican party he
was one of its strong adherents. He died Oct. 2, 1880, aged
eighty-two years and twenty-live days, having since his
sixtieth year enjoyed better health, and been able to at-
tend to his farm duties. Mrs. Mendenhall is still liv-
ing, in her eighty-third year. They had a family of eleven
children, three sons and eight daughters. One daughter died
in infancy, the rest grew to maturity.
Dempsey Thornl) urgh. section 24, Dalton Township,
was borh Oct. 27, 1801, on the banks of Lost Creek,
East Tennessee, a son of Walter and Mary (Baldwin
Thornburgh, natives of North Carolina, of English descent,
who came to Wayne County, Ind., in 1819, and settled on
160 acres of Government land in Perry Township, subse-
quently adding to it till they had 800 acres. After getting
their children provided for they went to Economy, where he
opened the first store in the place. Our subject was married
DALTON TOWNSHIP. 455
Dec. 22, 1822, to Jane, daughter of John and Mary (Davis)
Mills, who came from Tennessee in an early day, first settling
in Ohio, and in 1819 came to Wayne County. After his
marriage Mr. Thorn burgh settled on the farm where he now
resides. It was at that time heavily timbered, but he has
lived to see it one of the finest farms in the township. Mr.
and Mrs. Thornburgh had a family of twelve children, eight
of whom are still living — Irena, wile of L. Dennis, of Dal-
ton Township; Walter, of Carthage, Mo.; Zurilda, wife of
S. Hutchins; Setli M., of Henry County, Ind. ; William K., of
Dalton Township; Thomas E., of Delaware County, Ind.
Mary J., Rachel, John and James are deceased. Mrs. Thorn-
burgh died Sept. 23, 1880, after a married life of nearly three-
score years, Mr. Thornburgh and his wife were members of
the Society of Friends from earl^^ childhood.
John Henry Thomburg, fifth son of Lewis and Lydia
(Macy) Thornburg, was born in Dalton Township, Wayne
County, Ind., Oct. 13, 1839. He resided on the farm with
his parents till manhood, receiving a common-school educa-
tion. Jan. 10, 1861, he married Mary A., daughter of John
A. and Charity (Brooks) Locke. After his marriage he settled
on his present farm in Dalton Township. He has sixty-four
acres of fine land, and is eiigaged in farming, also dealing
extensively in live-stock. Mr. Thornburg has served as
Township Trustee eleven years, and Assessor four years. He
has had a family of ten children — Leonora F., Lewis M.,
Lawrence D., Curtis A., Charlie R., Frank R., Emma F.,
Maurice E., Nellie, Maud and Earle. The latter died Sept.
IT, 1883, aged three months. Mr. Thornburg is a member of
the Society of Friends, and Mrs. Thornburg, of the
United Brethren church. Mr. Thornburg's father, Lewis
Thornburg, was the second son of Henry and Nancy (Maulby)
Thornburg, and was born Feb, 2, 1802. His wife was Lydia,
daughter of Barachiah Macy. Of their twelve children, five
are still living — Colman, Orlando, Isaac, Lewis and John
Henry. In 1862 Mr. Lewis Thornburg removed to Dallas
County, Iowa, where he still resides. His wife died in 1870.
Henry Thornburg, grandfather of the subject of our sketch,
was born in North Carolina, June 26, 1773, and when a boy
456 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
removed with his father to Wayne County, Tenn. He was
married in 1794 to Nancy Maulby, also a native of ISTorth
Carolina, born Nov. 21, 1771. To them were born eight
children, all of whom lived to be over fifty years of age, and
four of whom are still living — Lewis, Ellinor, Rachel and
John. Lydia, Sophia, Larkin, Henry and an adopted son,
William, are deceased. In 1819 he removed to Wayne
County, Ind., and entered a ti'act of land, residing here till
his death, engaged in farming and tanning. He built a tan-
nery on his farm, the marks of the old vats being still visible.
He died at the age of eighty-nine years and his wife, aged
ninety-seven. They were members of the Society of Friends.
Daniel Ulrich^ retired farmer, section 4, Dalton Town-
ship, was born in Bedford County, Pa., Sept. 23, 1794, a son
of John and Christina (Brombaugh) Ulrich, who were natives
of Pennsylvania, of German descent. His youth was spent
in assisting his father on the farm and working in his father's
saw, and carding mill. He was married in 1816 to Catherine
Holsinger, of Pennsylvania, by whom he had five children,
three now living — Samuel, Christina and Catherine. John
and Susannah are deceased. His wife died in 1828, and in
1829 he married Mrs. Catherine (Clapper) Hoover. Six chil-
dren were born to them — David, Martin, Elizabeth, Annie (de-
ceased), Rosanna and Daniel D. Mr. Ulrich and his father
came to Wayne County, Ind., with their families in 1822,
and settled on the land where our subject now lives. They
purchased 800 acres of Government land. His father died
about thirty years after coming to this county. Mr. Ulrich
is now eighty-nine years of age and has retired from active
life, but still retains his mental and physical vigor to a re-
markable extent. He has been an active member of the
German Baptist church for many years. His wife died in
June, 1863.
CHAPTER XIII.
GREEN TOWNSHIP.
Where Located. — Bound aky Lines. — N^umber of Acres. —
First Election. — Its Water Supply. — Population. — Val-
uation. — Comparison of Wealth. — Early Settlement. —
lONEERS. — Sundries, Relating to Business. — Williams-
burg. — When Founded. — By Whom Platted. — Location.
— Population. — Business of 1870 and 1884. — Churches
and Lodges. — Biographical.
where it is located.
This is in the north tier of townsliips, and is the central one,
it being eight miles on each side from the east and west
county lines. It is bounded on the north by Randolph
County, on the east by New Garden and Webster townships,
on the south by Webster, Centre and Clay townships, and on
the west by Clay and Perry townships. It is five miles
square, with an addition on the south side of three and one-
half sections, extending in the center two miles south of the
square, the last mile being a half section. Just why this
county of Wayne has been cut into townships out of all reason-
able shape is hard to determine. The cultivation of symmetry
has not been chronic. The area thus covered is twenty-eight
and one-half square miles, or 18,240 acres of land. Of this
amount 18,182.68 acres are found on the assessment roll,
which shows a closer assessment, or more arable land, than
many other townships in the county. The township was or-
ganized November, 1821, and the first election was held at
the house of Seth May. It is a good township of land and
the farmers have placed themselves in an independent posi-
tion financially.
The principal stream in the township is Green's Fork,
30 457
458
HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
named after John Green, a somewhat noted Indian who
adopted an English name and was vvell-lcnown by the early set-
tlers. It enters the township in the northeast corner and
flows southwesterly through the township. It has quite a
number of small tributaries on its west side, all rising withiui
the township, and one branch on its east bank. On the west «
side of the township Morgan's Creek enters from the north
and traverses nearly the entire west side of the township.
"Williamsburg is the only village, and is in the south-central
part of the township, mostly on the southeast quarter of sec-
tion 6.
The township had a population in 1850 of 1,532; in 1860,
1,319; in 1870, 1,293; in 1880, 1,189, showing a steady de-
cline each decade for the past thirty years.
The assessed valuation of the township, Jan. 1, 1883, was:
On real estate, $612,235; personal property, $346,960; total,
$959,195, there being but four townships in the county that
has a greater aggregate of wealth, and these, with the excep-
tion of Jackson Township, are considered considerably larger.
Taking area and population together. Green is the richest
township in the count3^
COMPARISON.
Green assessed.
Jackson
Centre
Washington.. . .
Wayne
AREA, ACRES-
18,182.68
16,673 77
26,837.08
26,511.98
31,216.32
POPULATION.
1,189
5,294
2,307
2,015
4,586
WEALTH.
959 195
1,808,317
1,591,667
1,719,549
3,341.270
Richmond not included in Wayne Township.
ITS EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The first settler who is credited with locating in this town-
ship was John Lewis, from T^Torth Carolina, who settled on
section 7, in the year 1810. His son Joseph now lives upon
and owns the homestead. Richard Lewis, then past the age
of twenty-one years, came with his father, and these two
were without neighbors until the spring of the following year.
Henry Way then came and settled on section 5; Seth Way, on
section 6; Paul Way, on section 29, now owned by his son
GEEEN TOWNSHIP. 459
Joseph — all from Korth Carolina; Joshua Craiior, on section
S, his son Milo succeeding him and living on the original
farm; Reuben Joy, on section 32, northeast of Williamsburg.
These all came during the last mentioned year.
In the southeast part of the township Joseph Comer,
where now Joseph Comer, his son, resides; Joseph Palmer,
where Daniel Palmer resides; Henry Gower, and James Ir-
win; first settler on their lands; Thomas Teagle, where now
a son resides. Joseph Evans, from JS'ew Jersey, entered sev-
eral quarter-sections on sections 18 and 19; John Catey, from
New Jersey, also several quarter sections, Joseph Personett,
from Maryland, settled on land now owned by Benj. B. Bev-
erlin. Wm. Beverlin, from Virginia, settled as earJy, proba-
bly, as 1812, on section 8, now owned by his son Thomas, and
John Catey, where the latter now resides; Jesse B icon, from
New Jersey, on section 8 and northwest quarter of section 9;
Henry Catey, from New Jersey, where Samuel Catey resides,
one and a half miles southeast from town; Thomas Bond,
south line of township, land now owned by his heirs.
In 1814 John Green came from North Carolina and settled
on section 30, and was accompanied by Joseph Ladd
and his son, William Ladd, the latter locating on section
36. Joseph Ladd settled on the northeast quarter of
section 31, and Amos W. Ladd, on section 35. Benjamin
Hutchins came from the same State, and settled one and
a half miles north of Williamsburg, or where it now
stands, also in 1811:, and Thomas Hutchins, a half mile south
of him, on section 31. Benj. Hutchins afterward removed
to the farm, near the United Brethren meeting-house. John
Hutchins settled a mile northwest from town.
In the northeast part, Daniel Charles, about 1816, settled
on section 28; land now owned by Henry Charles and Han-
nah Blair. In 1816, from North Carolina, came Abel Lomax.
His land is now owned by James Frazer's heirs, section 32;
Elijah Wright, where Alexander Wright lives; Jeremiah
Stegall, on section 30, on land owned by Alexander Stegall;
Wm. Cook with his sons, Cornelius and James, about four
miles northwest from town, on section 25; land now owned
by his heirs and descendants.
460 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Henry Study, a native of Maryland, in 1818, a mile west
of town wliere his son John resides, on the northeast quar-
ter of section 7. Mr. Study is said to have had the first iron
mold-board plow in Wayne County.
Charles Spencer, a native of Connecticut from Pennsyl-
vania, in 1819, settled where he now resides, one and one-half
miles south of town. He is said to have made, in 1820,
the first pegged shoes ever made in Wayne County, and
in 1821 the first iron mold-board plow.
Henry Catey, a native of Germany, from New Jersey in
1821, settled one and one-half miles southeast from town,
where he resided until his death in 1850, aged about eighty
years. John, his son, now lives one and one-half miles south
of town.
Anthony Chamness, a native of North Carolina, settled on
section 7; his son Joshua now has the homestead. Joshua
Murphy settled where Harvey Harris lives, also from North
Carolina, as was Jacob Cook, who located on section 33. Eleazer
Smith was another North Carolinian, and settled on section
20, his farm now being owned by his son, William D. Smith.
Valentine Pegg came from the same State and made his home
on sections 19 and 20, and John Pegg, on section 21, now
owned by his son John. A good many North Carolinians
made their homes in this township. Others of the early settlers
were Drury Davis, on section 12; Jesse Young, section 18;
Samuel Ball, on section 13; Charles Spencer, on the same
section, also John Cain; Benj. Satterwaite on section 18;
Henry Oler, section 11, now owned by his son Henry; Luke
Dillon, on section 2; as was also Joshua Ballenger and Benj.
Ballenger. The sons of Henry Study, Sr., viz.: Henry,
Joseph, David and Isaac, all located on lands embraced in
sections 26 and 35; a Mr. Elliott, on section 35, and Nathan
Riley, an Ohioan, on section 36. Jesse Baldwin came from
North Carolina, and located on section 26; John Beard, on
section 23, and came from Maryland. In later years section
23 was owned by E. and J. T. Cates, Geo. W. Scantland and
Peter Hardwick. John Saintmeyer purchased his homestead
on section 35, and his sons now occupy the farm; Washing-
ton Cranor, on the Cranor farm. George Johnson located in
GREEN TOWNSHIP. 461
the east part of towiisliip at present owned by Thos. Edwards,
and Levi Jessap, on sections 9 and 16, some two miles sonth-
east of Williamsburg. William Trotter and Hugh L. Macy,
settled on section 28, and Jeremiah Thorp, from Tennessee, on
section 20. There are a few others of the early settlers that
could be mentioned but space is limited.
SUNDRIES.
The first wagon -maker was Win. Richter.
The first school in the township was kept by Joseph Lewis,
in a log house on his father's farm.
The first blacksmiths in the township were William Under-
hill, below town, and Joseph Way, one and one-half miles
northeast from the town. Also, Kanan Roberts and Moses
Davndson were early blacksmiths.
Richard Lewis, the first Justice of the Peace. Other early
Justices were Barnabas McManus, Joseph Ladd, John Green,
Joseph Lewis, Samuel Johnson.
It has no railroad, but a proposed line if ever built would
pass through the west side of the township.
Abel Lomax served two or more years as Representative,
and a term of two years as Senator in the Legislature; and Jo-
seph Lewis as a Representative, at the session of 1845-'6.
A fort and block-house were built during the war of 1812,
on the farm of John Lewis, by John, Joseph and Richard
Lewis, Joshua and Thomas Cranor, Setli Way and others.
About three miles northeast from this another, on land now
owned by Thompson Smith, was built by William Whitehead
and others, and called the " Whitehead block-house."
The Friends formed a society a few years later, and built
a log house about three and one-half miles northeast from
town. After an existence of about fifteen years the society
was discontinued.
Wm. Johnson built the first grist-mill about the year 1818,
where the present mill in Williamsburg stands. A year
or two later Stacey B. Catey built a saw-mill one and one-
half miles below town, where also a grist-mill was built.
About the same time Reuben Joy built a saw-mill one and
one-half miles above town; and a few years after Hugh
462 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Johnson built a grist-mill ; both are now owned by Jesse
Rej'nolds. ^
The Baptists pi'obably {'ormed the first church in the town-
ship, which was organized Nov. 21, 1818, about three miles
north of town. Among the first members and those who
joined soon after were: Isaiah Case, Benj. Jones, Eleazer
Smith, and their wives; James Martin, Haimah Case, Polly
McQuary, Jeremiah Swafford, Sarah and Rebecca Potter,
David Frazer, Margaret Shoemaker, Nathaniel Case and John
Stigleman and their wives. Rev. William Oldham, from
Salem church, Rev. ~ — - Martin, from Elkhorn, and others,
ofliciated at the organization. In June, 1819, Benj. Jones
and Nathaniel Case were ordained Deacons. In December,
1819, Rev. Isaac Cotton became their minister, and contin-
ued his pastoral labors about twenty years. He was suc-
ceeded by Nathaniel Case about six years, and Andrew Baker
some ten or twelve years. Henry Rupe, Mr. Lyons, and
others have supplied the church at different times. Meetings
were first held in a log honse.
The church is located near the section line between sections
28 and 29 and on the northwest quarter of section 28. A
frame building was erected in 1830, which continued in use
until about 1860, when a substantial brick edifice was built
and neatly finished.
WILLIAMSBCTKG.
The town of Williamsburg is the capital of Green Town-
ship and is the only town within its limits. It is situated
on the south half of the east half of the southeast quarter of
section 6, and was platted March 16, 1830, by Wm. Johnson,
the survey beinff made on that date by John Frazier. The
plat and survey was made of record March 23, 1830.
It lies in the midst of a splendid agricultural country, and
notwithstanding that the township has decreased nearly thirty
percent, in population the last third of a century, the village
has continued to grow, slowly to be sure, but is the only town
in the county that has gained in the face of a declining town-
ship to the number it has.
Its population in 1850 was 219; in 1860, 234; in 1870, 248;
in 1880, 273.
GEEEN TOWNSHIP. 463
It has an assessed valuation, real and personal, of over $100-
000, and there is no healthier town in the county of Wayne.
The first merchant in Williamsburg was (name lost), who
commenced trade about the year 1831, prior to which time
the inhabitants were supplied at Richmond. Of those who
have since traded for longer or shorter periods were: John
Pennington, Joshua and Thomas Cranor, Stephen and Samuel
Johnson, Stephen Coffin, eight or ten years in the firms of
B. & S. Coffin and And^-ew Purviance & Co., Pleasant Un-
thank and Griffin Davis, afterward Davis alone.
Dr. Curtis Otwell was the first resident physician, the in-
habitants having been previously served chiefly by Dr,s. War-
ner and Kerl, of Richmond, Waldo, of Jacksonburg, and Way,
of Newport. After Otwell, George Blair.
BUSINESS OF 1870.
The business interest of the town has never been very large.
In the year 1870 there were three general stores kept and
owned respectively by Jas. L. & Asher Pearce, Griffin Davis
and William Campbell; grist and saw mill, by JesseReynolds;
carriage and wagon shops, by Wm. Richter and Reynold
Bros. ; blacksmiths, Elias and John Roberts and the Richter
Bros.; physicians. Dr. L. P. Taylor and Dr. Jno. T. Cheno-
weth, and the usual number of mechanics and artisans. The
growth of the town has not been such as to increase the
volume of business to any perceivable extent.
THE BUSINESS INTERESTS OF 1883.
Merchants: James L. Pearce, Asher Pearce, Wm. P. Camp-
bell, O. G. Davis. Grocerynien, Roberts & Saintmeyer. Drug-
gist, Oscar R. Baker. Saddler, John T. Smelser. Shoe store,
Yernon Reynolds. Tailor, Thomas J. Neal. Plasterer, Geo.
Roberts. Planing mill, Reynolds Bros. Hotel, B. H. Rey-
nolds. Carriage manufacturers, Richter Bros. Undertakers,
John A. Stanley, O. G. Davis. Blacksmiths, Geo. Sheppard,
Elias Roberts.
Mills: Grist-mill, C. Y. Ryland, proprietor; saw-mill,
Woolley & Son, proprietors.
Postmasters: John Hough, about 1832. Fernando H. Lee,
464 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
April 1, 1837. Moses Davisson, Sept. 16, 1839. Samuel
Johnson, Nov. 27, 1849. Joseph F. Reynolds, June 12, 1862.
Wm. P. Campbell, May 18, 1863. James R. Elliott, Sept.
24, 1863. James L. Fearce, Dec. 2, 1864. The latter is still
Fostmaster, having been in continuous service for nearly
twenty years.
CHURCHES.
The United' Brethren organized a church about the year
1845. After a few months' preaching, a class was formed,
of which the following named persons were members: James
Jester and Lucretia, his wife; Benj. Harris and Lydia, his
wife; Samuel Johnson and Catharine, his wife; Herbert
C. Fierce and Margaret, his wife; Susanna Cranor, James
and Fhebe Stevenson. Their first meetings were held
in private rooms in Williamsburg, afterward in a school-house,
three-quarters of a mile east of town. Their present house,
about half a mile northeast from town, was built about the
year 1855. Their first preacher was Rev. Isaac Robinson,
who was succeeded by the Revs. Wm. Ault, "Wm. Kendrick,
Robert Morris, Thomas Evans and the Rev. Mr. Smith, the
present pastor.
A Methodist Episcopal Church and society was formed in
the year 1818. Among its first members were Abel Lomax,
Henry Study, Joshua Ballenger, Nathan Riley, and their
wives. Their first church was a log house, where that of the
United Brethren now stands, about half a mile west of town.
A brick house was afterward built in its place. In 1851
their present church building in town was erected. Their
ministers have been: Revs. Joseph Tarkington, Miltideus
Miller, John Kiger, John Bnrt, Mr. Morrison, Caldwell Rob-
bins, John Metzker, Benj. Smith, Asahel Kinnan, Ner Phil-
lips, George Newton, Abraham Gorrell, Lewis Roberts, John
F. Pierce, and their present pastor, the Rev. Mr. Peck.
I. o. o. F.
An Odd Fellows Lodge, the Chlnharorer, No. 120, was
instituted Nov. 25, 1852, on application of Wm. Silver, Wm.
Brown, James H. Stanley, D. Dinwiddle and Abel Evans.
GKEEN TOWNSHIP. 465
Its officers were: Wm. Silver, IST. G*; James H. Stanley, Y.
G.; James Smith, Rec. Sec; Sylvester Hollister, Treas. Of-
ficers in 1872: Samuel Catey, N. G.; Danley Palmer, Y. G. ;
Addison C. Reynolds, Rec. Sec. ; Barzillai H. Reynolds, Per.
Sec; Joseph D. Cranor, Treasurer.
BIOGKAPHICAL.
£sra £alle7igfer, farmer and dealer in stock, near Williams-
burg, was born in Green Township, Wayne Co., Ind., Dec.
20, 1836. He was reared on a farm, and obtained a good
business education in the schools of his native village, Will-
iamsburg. He remained at home till he grew to manhood,
and has followed farming through life. He is one of the
successful farmers and stock-raisers of his township, making
a specialty of line hogs. He was married March 4, 1858, to
Martha, daughter of George and Martha Debilbiss, of Lick-
ing County, Ohio. Her parents are of French descent. Mr.
and Mrs, Ballenger have had three children — Will E., dry
goods merchant in Cambridge City, Ind.; Harry M., died at
the age of fifteen years, and Izzie B., aged fifteen years.
Mr. Ballenger has been a member of the Board of Education
of Williamsburg a number of years. He is a member of
Chinkarorer Lodge, No. 120, I. O. O. F., and of Encampment
No. 74, Williamsburg. He is also a member of the Grand
Encampment of the State. Politically he is a Republican.
His grandparents, William and Anna (Sharp) Ballenger, were
born, reared and married in Virginia, and afterward lived in
Kentucky, where Charles B., our subject's father, was born Feb.
17, 1810, and when he was twelve years old his parents removed
to Green Township, Wayne Co., Ind. William Ballenger
entered the Revolutionary war at the age of eighteen years,
and served till its close. He died in 1825. His wife died
soon after coming to Wayne County. Charles B, began
learning the wheelwright's trade at the age of sixteen, at
which he worked seven years. The rest of his life has been
spent in farming, which he has followed with much success.
He was married June 3, 1830, to Eliza Scovell, born March
10, 1812, and died Aug. 4, 1881, a daughter of Orr and Mary
Scovell. Seven children were born to them — Data, died when
4^66 HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.
four years old ; Sylvester,, was an attorney at law at Cambridge
City, Wayne County, where he died at the age of forty-
one years; Ezra, our subject; Martin, was killed by lightning,
May 27, 1873; Charles, an attorney at law in Indianapolis,
who died March 10, 1880; Sarah J., wife of Daniel Bradbury,
of Indianapolis, and Mary A., wife of Lafayette Coggshall,
of Green Township. '
Oscar Rowan Baker^ ox\\y son of Jacob and Yiletta (Swain)
Baker, was born at Centreville, Wayne Co., Ind., Sept. 21,
1854. He attended the country schools, and afterward com-
pleted his education at Spiceland College, Henry County,
Ind., graduating in 1880. During his college course he
taught school nine years. When through his college course
he purchased his present drug store, succeeding Dr. Helm in
the business. He was married Aug. 8, 1878, to Mary,
daughter of Jonathan and Ellen (McWhinney) Aydelott, of
Preble County, Ohio. They have three children — Viletta E.,
Frank T. and Kate. Mrs. Baker is a member of the Chris-
tian church. Politically Mr. Baker is a Republican. His
grandparents were of German ancestry, and were reared in
Pennsylvania. His father was born in Pennsylvania, Dec.
31, 1827, and when quite young moved to Montgomery
County, Ohio, remaining there a number of years, after
which they resided a short time in Wayne County, Ind.
They then returned to Ohio, but Jacob, on attaining his ma-
jority, returned to Wayne County, Ind., where he married
and carried on the shoemaking business at Centreville a num-
ber of years. He then moved to Washington, Wayne
County, where he has since carried on shoemaking.
Joh7i Bean, youngest son of Samuel and Catherine (Myers)
Bean, was born in Lebanon County, Pa., Jan. 17, 1816.
When he was seven years of age his parents moved to War-
ren County, Ohio, and there he received a common-school
education, and was reared to the life of a farmer. He was
married in December, 1842, to Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph
and Amy (Hormel) Evans. She was born Nov. 3,1824. In
1850 Mr. Bean moved to the farm where he now lives. He
has 200 acres of land, which he has improved from a forest,
having it under a good state of cultivation, with a comfort-
GREEN TOWNSHIP. 467
able residence and good farm buildings. He is one of the
practical farmers and successful stock and business men of
the township. He is public-spirited and a liberal patron of
all home enterprises. Politically he is a Republican. He
has served the township as Trustee. He is a member of
Green's Fork Lodge, No. 148, and Belli s Encampment, No. 71,
I. O. O. F,, and has passed all the chairs in both bodies. He
and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church,
of which he is Trustee. To them have been born six chil-
dren — Rosetta, wife of George W. Stiggleman; Amy A.,
wife of Robert Estep, of Grand Travis County, Mich; Oliver
H., died at the age of seven years; Georgiana C, wife of I.
F. Moreman; Mary E., widow of A. J. King, and Nena E.
Mr. Bean's parents were of German descent. His father
died at the age of seventy- -live years, and his mother at the
age of seventy years. Their children were — Henry, of War-
ren County, Ohio; Elizabeth, widow of John Stoner, of Mont-
gomery County, Ohio; Maria, widow of John Lilly, of Cham-
paign County, 111.; Samuel, of Lebanon, Ohio; Catherine,
wife of David Whitman, of Warren County, Ohio; Nancy,
wife of Enos Black, of Dallas City, 111.; John; Sarah, wife
of Adam B. Hathaway, of Warren County, Ohio; Mary, wife
of Henry Banty, of Warren County, Ohio; D. Susan, de-
ceased; Lydia, wife of Joseph Ludlum, of Wayne County,
Ind. Mrs. Bean's parents were of Welsh descent. Their
children were — George W., deceased; Mis. Bean; Japhet;
Emily, wife of Amos Crane, and Elias, of Warren County,
Ohio.
Nathan Irvin Bond., blacksmith, was born in Randolph
County, N. C, Aug. 8, 1816, of English descent. When
three years of age he came to Indiana with his mother, who
settled in Webster Township. At the age of seven years he
was apprenticed to Stephen Macey, of Preble County, 
