Miami County, Indiana - Chapter 18, 1887

Chapter 18

RICHLAND TOWNSHIP is situated in the tier of townships on the eastern border of the county, and includes a superficial area of about thirty-eight square miles, or 24,320 acres. It Hes a little north of the central part of the county and is bounded as follows: Perrv Township on the north, Wabash Countv on the east, Erie and Peru Townships on the south, and the townships of Jefferson and Union on the west. Eel River flows through the township from northeast to southwest, and receives in its course a number of tributaries; chief among which is Flower Creek. The latter flows in a southerlv course through the central part of the township and empties into the river near the village of Chili. The country adjacent to the river is somewhat broken, while the other parts of the township are pleasantly diversified; level lands and gentle undulations alternating. The soil varies in structure; the land lying along the streams being the most productive. It contains a large per cent of vegetable matter, with a mixture of light sand and porous clay, containing in every respect the highest elements of fertility. The other portions of the township are also highly productive, and no more appropriate name than " Richland" could possibly be thought of as a designation for the township. The citizens are an intelligent, thrifty class of people, who have carried the science of agriculture to a degree of comparative perfection.

Pioneers. - A little more than half a centurv ago, tlic territorjembraced within the present limits of Richland, was a wilderness undisturbed by the presence of white men. Predatory savage tribes were the onl}' inhabitants, and w-ild animals, both fierce and numerous, lurked amid the den.se forests, the dark retreats of which afforded them secure hiding places. Occasionally a few hunters and trappers, lured by a love of adventure, and the abundance of of game, visited the countrj', but made no attempts-at improvements bej^ond erecting a few temporary habitations, spending all their time in the enjoyment of their favorite pursuits. They were sojourners, rather than settlers, the s]iume that crested the wave of advancing civilization; and having a large region wherein to choose, soon drifted to other localities. The year 1836 witnessed the arrival of the first actual settlers, conspicuous among whom was David Williams, who built his cabin upon what is now known as the Davis farm. The Long family came about the same time, and located in the northwestern part of the township, in Section 14, where John Long, the oldest living settler at this time, still resides. James Long, a brother of John, settled where Charles Long now lives, and before the close of 1836. William Jones was living in the same part of the township, on the farm owned and occujiied at this time b}- Joseph Norris. So far as known the above were the onlv residents of Richland ]irior to 1837.

In the latter year, however, a number of substantial settlers sought homes in the new countrv, among whom were Robert Miller, who located where his sons live, in the eastern part of the township; James Conner, on the Wilson farm; John Ellison, in the northeast corner, where the widow Smith now lives; Allen Lockridge, in the same locality; Edmund I. Kidd, a short distance south of the Miller place: John Conner, on the Holinshade farm: Moses Martindale, where his descendants still reside; Daniel Ward, on the James Holinshade farm; Martin Scruggs, on the Baltimore place: Jesse Martindale, on the present site of Chili village: Richard Miller, brother of Robert Miller, near the village of Paw-Paw. of which he was proprietor: Alvin Riddle, east of Paw-l'aw: William Bish, a short distance north of Chili, and Thomas Smith, on the Bish farm. The following two years settlements were made by Henry Norris. east of I'aw-Paw village: Amos Murphey, in the eastern part of the township; Mr. House, on the N. (j. Miller farm, near Paw-Paw: Samuel Rank, in the northeast corner, on Eel River; John Miller, where his widow lives, not far from Paw-Paw; R. C. Harrison and Robert Watson, on the eastern boundary of the township: Mr. Finlev, on Eel River, in the northern part of the township; Jostph Clark, in the same locality; J. D. Cox, one mile south of Paw-Paw; a Mr. Venamong, on the James Holinshade farm; Mr. Griff}', on the Speck place; Michael Taylor, where he still resides: Jacob Peer, on the Hagev farm; Samuel Hart, on the Brower farm; Reuben Overman, on what is known as the Latta farm; Samuel Fisher, east of Chili; Caleb Petty, south central part, where he is still living; David Marquis, Willis Hill and Alanson Dowd, in Section i of Township 28 north, Range 4 east; Solomon Hobaugh, in Section 10; David Graham and lienjamin Baltimore, Section 13; Peter Woolpert and Benjamin Griffith, Section 14; Enos Baldwin and John Sellers, Section 23, and others, whose places of settlement were not learned. Additional to the above, the following settlers made improvements in \'arious parts of the township in an early day: Samuel Jameson, Lewis King, Watson Monteith, James Jones, Samuel Heilman, Ezekiel Reed, Joseph Hall, Joseph Clark, Thomas Black, Josiah and William Petty, Air. Riddle, Thomas Smith, David Marquis, James Tracv, Samuel Davis, Andrew Wolfe, Jonathan Fisher, Benjamin Guire, Andrew Ilann, Jacob Lander, James Holinshade, Reuben K. Charles, Amos and James Wooley, Jesse Murphey and Willis Hill. The above, doubtless, comprise the majority of the early settlers of Richland, although there mav ha\'e been others entitled to mention whose names our informants failed to give us.

Mills and Other Industries. - It is difficult at this day to imagine a state of society where even the commercial means of social progress must be invented and set in motion, but the pioneer found this fact a very prominent and practical one in his early experience. The supplies brought into the country by the immigrant were occasionally \ys the closest economy, made to> last until the growing crop or garden could supply the necessities of the family. For several years, in some of the settlements, the people were obliged to rely almost altogether upon their own resources. The nearest point where flour could be got or wheat ground was the Burrell Daniels mill, on Eel River, west of Mexico, a trip to which through the forests in the absence of roads was an undertaking of no little difficulty. A temporary supply of grain was occasionally secured from some older settler who had harvested a crop, which sufficed until the growing' corn became of sufficient size to eat. When the kernel was sufficiently firm, the grater was brought into requisition, and a sort of head or p(jrridge made. The grater often got the name of " blood mill '" from the mishaps which frequently befell the fingers of the operator. This simple machine was made by perforating the bottom or sides of a worn-oiU tin pan with numerous small holes, which were punched with a nail or similar instrument, and upon the ragged edges of these perforations, the immature corn was rubljed until little but the (.ob remained. When the grain became hard and the grater no longer effective, the mortar was brought into requisition. This consisted of a large block or stump, in which a kettle-shaped excavation was made by burning or scraping. A pestle was made of a heavy pole, to the end of which was often tixed an iron wedge. This was suspended to a sweep, such as was formerly used at wells, the lower end of which was fixed to the ground bv stakes, converting it into a spring pole. Many of the cabins had the burning block, and among the earlier sounds about the domicile was the monotonus proceeding of the frontier mill. The machine furnished several grades of meal from fairlv line to simplv cracked grains, and this was separated by sei\'es, some of which were constructed with a deer skin tightly stretched on a frame and punctured with small holes. The finer part of the meal was transformed into the " dodger,'" which was baked upon the hearth, while the coarser product was served up as hominy. .

Although the stream afforded good sites for the construction of water mills, the necessary machinery and mechanical skill were for a long time wanting. The first grist mill within the borders of Richland was built on what is now the J. C. Davis farm as earlv as 1841 bv one George Goud\', who operated it with good success for sever;il 3'ears. The mill building was a frame structure, supplied with fair machiner\', and received its motive power from the waters of Eel River. It passed through the hands of various parties, and ceased operations about the vear 1883. The last proprietor was a Mr. Zevner. Another flouring mill was built a few vears later on Eel river, above the town of Chili, b\ William McCallv, which is still standing, operated at this time bv Jacob Myers. It has been repaired and is now doing a fairly successful business. About the year 1846, John Lcng built a saw mill on Flower Creek, near Chili, which was subsequentK converted into a mill for grinding grain bv William McCollev, who operated it several years. The machinery was afterwards moved from the countr}-, and the old building llnally fell into decay. Messrs. Daniels & Burns built a large frame flouring mill on Eel Rivei", near the northeast corner of the township, about the year 1858. It was operated by Daniels & Burns several years, and afterwards b}- L. Patterson, who did the last grinding in 1879 or '80. One of the first early saw mills in the township was built by Samuel Rank about 185CJ, and stood on the site of the Daniels flouring mill. It was in operation for several years and did a fairly successful local business. A still earlier mill for the manufacture of lumber was built on Paw- Paw Creek, one-half mile west of Paw-Paw village, some time in the forties, by Robert Miller, who operated it quite extensively for a number of years. It subsequently passed into the hands of other parties and ceased operations about the year 1874. Jonas Hoover was the last proprietor. A saw mill was built on Eel River, opposite the village of Chili, some time in the fifties, by William Miller. It manufactured a great deal of lumber, but was allowed to fall into disuse about the vear 1870. Another early industry of the township was a carding machine erected by Mr. Martindale on Flower creek, near Chili, prior to 1846. It ran several years as a woolen factorv, but, not proving remunerative, was subsequentlv remodeled and supplied with machinery for the manufacture of flour and meal. It fell into decay many )-ears ago, and but few vestiges now remain to mark the spot upon which the building stood. There have been several steam saw mills in the township at different times, and the lumber business has for vears been an impiortant industry.

Township Organization. - Richland Township was organized and set apart as a separate jurisdiction on the 6th dav of November, 1837. "The following August, 1838, an election for the purpose of chosing the officers necessarv to put the township machinery in motion was held at the residence of David Williams. Edmund I. Kidd and Martin Scruggs were chosen the first Justices of the Peace: Moses Martindale. Thomas Smith and Da\id Williams, Trustees.

Early Events. - "Among the first marriages celebrated in the tow nsliip was that of Willis Buck to a daughter of Robert Watson, in 1839. '^^'^ same vear w'as solemnized the marriage of Edmund Blackman and a Miss Williams, daughter of David Williams. The first death, so far as known, was that of a daughter of Richard Miller, which occurred some time in 1839. Among the first births of the township was that of Richard Miller, son of Robert and Rebecca Miller, born in the vear 1838. The oldest burving ground in Richland is the Chili cemeterv. where rest manv of the pioneer settlers of the countrv. The Paw-Paw graveyard was consecrated to the burial of the dead in 1840, and the first person interred therein was Margaret, daughter of Richard and Amy Miller."

Ciiiirches. - Among the early pioneers of Richland were many pious men and women, consequentlv its religious historv dates from the period of its first settlement. The first meeting was held at the cabin of Robert Miller in 1837, bv ministers of ' the Methodist Church. Among the earliest whom are remembered were Revs. Beswick. Truslow, Ravmond. McFarland and W^estlake. The same vear public services were held at John Long's residence, where in 1 838 was organized a small class, out of which, subsequently, grew the organization at Chili. The Paw-Paw Church in the eastern part of the township was organized about the year 1839, and among its early members were Robert Miller, Rebecca Miller, E. I. Kidd and wife, Ellen Kidd, J. D. Cox, John Ellison and wife, Richard Miller and wife, John Miller and wife, Robert Miller, Allen Lockridge and wife, and others, whose names were not learned. Revs. Webster, Anderson, Holliday and Bradshaw were earh' pa.stors. School houses and private residences were used as meeting places until 1842, at which time a neat frame temple of worship was built on the land of Richard Miller, a short distance from Paw- Paw village. This house has been thoroughly remodeled, and at this time is one of the best country church edifices in the count}'. The church was formerly the head of the Paw-Paw circuit, but is now a point on the circuit of Roann. The society has been a potent factor for good in the community, and although not so strong as in former vears, is still in a prosperous condition, with an active membership of 50. The otlicers at this time are: J. M. Jones, Class Leader; J. C. Miller and J. M. Jones. Stewards; A. E. King. T. C Miller, J. D. Cox, J. M.Jones and J. C. Miller, Trustees.

Chili M. E. Church was organized at the residence of John Long in 1838 or '39, from which date, until some lime in the forties, meetings for public worship were held at the houses of different members. The earl\' history of the societv is somewhat obscure, owing to the absence of anything like an authentic record. But from the oldest member now living we learn that Frederick Long, Moses Martindale and Samuel Woolpert, with members of their respective families, were among the first to identify themselves with the organization. For several years the growth of the society was somewhat slow, but as the settlers increased it began to take on new life, and, early in the forties, the propriety of erecting a house of worship began to be discussed. The undertaking, once inaugurated, was in due time prosecuted to completion, and, about the vear 1845, a frame building was erected in Chili, a short distance from the spot occupied by the present edifice. Beginning with the year 1S43, the following were among the pastors of tlie church until within a comparati\ely recent date, viz: Allen Skillman, Paul Jones, O. P. Boyden. Jacob Colclazer, D. F. Strite, George Guild, P. J. Beswick, Mr. Hazen, Arthur Badley, P. F. Milner, John Davis, William Reeder, J. C. Medsker, Mr. KicCaster, S. Woolpert. R. H. Calvert, S. P. Stephens, J. C. White, A. V. Garrell, H. J. Lacy, R. Buchanan, A. S. Lakin, Lewis Roberts, W. J. Vigus, Enoch Waymire. W. J. Martindale, Samuel Lamb, William Comstock, V. M. lieamer, John Birt, David Thompson, P. Carland. James Leonard, C. E. Disbro, R. J. Parrott, W. R. Jordan. F. A. Robinson. James Johnson, J. II. Ford and George Mill. The present substantial brick temple of worship, the largest and most commodious church edifice in the township, was finished and formalh- dedicated in the year 1866. The mem-

Chili Baptist Church. - The history of this or<janization dates from about the year 1856; altliouijh meetings bv ministers of the Baptist denomination were held at different places throughout the township several years prior to that time. The original membership was quite small, and for a number of years a neighboring school house and the school building of Chili were used as places of public worship. The society continued to increase to such an extent that a house of worship became necessary, and measures for providing the same were inaugurated in 1S77. The following year the present building, a handsome frame structure 36x60 feet in size, was completed at a cost of $2,000. It stands in the western part of the village and is a credit to the conijreijation. Among the first pastors of the church was Rev. J. Barrett, a man of scholarly attainments and great personal popularit\-. His labors were greatly blessed, and the evidence of his devotion to the cause he represented will long be remembered by his people. The ne.xt pastor was Rev. P. Rowden, D. D., one of the most brilliant Baptist ministers of Northern Indiana. During his pastoral the .societ\' increased in numbers and unusual interest was manifested through the agency of his extraordinary pulpit efforts. Rev. E. J. Delp ministered to the church with great acceptance for some lime, as did also Rc\'. J. B. Bair. The pastor in charge at this time is Re\'. Mr. Graham. The membership numbers about 130, and the society is in every wa^' in a healthy condition and prosperous, indicating that the pastor and people are mutually satisfied with existing relations. The officers are: E. S. Landis, clerk; Evan Bell, James Holinshade. Samuel Griffith and N. C. Hall, deacons.

Village of Chili. - It is not e.xpected that the simple narrative of these pages will be anything more than a mere record of the events pertaining to the founding and development of this quiet little tow'n. The village of Chili is beautifully situated on the nortli bank of Eel River, three miles east of Denver, and is surrounded bj- a region of country which, in point of fertility and improvement, is second to no other part of Miami Count\'. The events wliich led to the birth of the town originated in the general desire on the part of the early settlers in the vicinity for a trading point, anil we may also say a desire on the part of the founders to realize a little fortune from the sale of lots, as the admirable location promised much for the future welfare of the proposed city. The area embraced within the original plat lies in the northeast quarter of Section 24, Township 28 north, range 4 east, and comprised a part of the land purchased from the government by Jesse Mendenhall, who had the village surveyed in October, 1839, and recorded under the name of New Market. The plat shows 22 lots and six streets, viz: Broad- way, North, Third, Soutli, Bluff and Lime; tlie first four running East and West, and the other two North and South. Among the tirst residents within the present limits of the village, was Daniel Lander, who built a small store building, which is still standing, occupied at the present time by George Hammond. Mr. Lander was a ruling spirit in an early day, holding the otlice of Justice of Peace, and was also the first Postmaster of the town. Lemuel Osborne was an earh* settler also. He built a residence near the present site of the Baptist Church, and was one of the first mechanics of the place. The house in which he resided is still standing, occupied at this time by J. C. Belew. John Belew came to the village when it was but a mere opening in the surrounding forest, and engaged in the manufacture and repair of saddles and harness. The first business man was the present veteran merchant, N. C. Hall, who bought a geperal stock of goods in 1845, and offered the same for sale in a little log cabin that stood on the spot now occupied by the residence of Parvin Fike. Mr. Hall earlv acquired the reputation of an honest, fairdealing business man. and with the exception of eight years, has been identified with the commercial interests of the town from the date of his arrival until the present time. Mr. Belew sold goods in an early daj', engaging in the trade a little later than than Hall, and continuing for a limited period. The ne.xt business men were probably Messrs. Guy & Norris, who ran a general store, as partners, for a short time. Among other business men, from time to time, were the following: Mr. Moffatt, Hurst, Lash, William Connor, Mr. Sargent, Samuel Kessling, Adam Await, D. Sturgis and George Await.

The first physician to locate in the town was Dr. W.J. Chamblin, whose arrival antedates the year 1847. After him came from time to time the following medical men, viz: Drs. Beckner, Robbins, J. Q. A. Robbins. IVIiranda and others. At this time thereare two resident phvsicians, viz: Drs. D. Ridenour and J. C. Wait. The earlv mechanics were Lemuel Osborn, cabinet-maker; Mr. Await, wood-workman; John DeBolt, shoe-maker; Frederick Gilbert, Henry Fike and John Shilling, blacksmiths. The first hotel was kept bv Thomas Otter. For many vears Chili sustained the reputation of one of the best trading points in Miami County, but with the advent of the railroad and the consequent building up of Denver, three miles distant, its prosperity began to decline. It is still, however, a place of considerable local importance, and in consei|uence of its location in the midst of a fine agricultural district, is destined always to enjoy a fair proportion of the current trade. Its population does not probably exceed 300. There are two prosperous church organizations, Methodist and Baptist, sketches of which have already been given, and a tine two-story graded school building, one of the best in the count)-. There are at this time two good general stores kept by N. C. Hall and and T. P. Svvigart, and one drug store kept by Harrison Gilbert.

The mechanics are Frederick Gilbert and John Shilling, shoemakers; Amos Wilkinson and George Hammond, carpenters; Henry Oden, shoe-maker; Parvin Fike, carpenter and wagon-maker. The only hotel in the place is kept by George Williams. Mr. McDonald operates a large steam saw-mill near the railroad, and is in the enjoyment of a very prosperous lumber business. John Fetrow is the gentlemanly railroad agent and Mrs. Lottie Await attends to the duties of the postoffice.

Chili Lodge, JVo. J02, J. O. O. 7^, was instituted about the ytta.v 1867 or '68 with five charter members. Among the early officers were William Tubbs, N. G.: William Beecher, V. G. ; A. B. Andrews, Secretarv; M. Hurst, Permanent Secretary. A large liall was erected in 1872, and at one time the lodge had a membership of over fifty. It is not nearly so prosperous as formerlv. there being at this time not to exceed twenty names upon the records. The oflicers for 18S6 are as follows: C. Latta, N. G.; J. C. Wait, V. G.; S. O. Bigley, Secretary: D. G. Woolpert, Permanent Secretary, and R. N. Norris, Treasurer.

C/iili Lodge, A^o. 568, P. & A. M., was organized September, 1882, with the following charter members: N. C. Hall, J. W. Fetrow, H. W. Baltimore, John C. Belew, David Ridenour, James Davis, J. Q. A. Robbins, W. Huddleston, John Thompson and Joseph Asphalt. The first officers were: J. Q. A. Robbins, W. M.: J. C. Belew, S. W.: David Ridenour, J. W.; James C. Davis, Secretary: H. F. DeHaven, S. D.: John W. Fetrow, J. D., and John Thompson, Tyler. The lodge is in the enjoyment of a reasonable degree of prosperity, and at this time has an active membership of nineteen. Present officers - J. C. Belew, W. M.; John W. Fetrow, S. W.: Joseph Asphalt, J. W.; David Ridenour, Secretary: William Watson, Treasurer: H. F. DeHaven, S. D.; John Thompson, J. D., and James Davis, Tyler.

Paw-Paw. - The village of Paw-Paw, situated in the eastern part of the township, was founded by Richard .Vliller, who established a trading post upon the present site, so long ago, perhaps, as 1840. His place of business in time became the nucleus of quite a thriving settlement, and to further the interest of the locality, he with Joseph Hall, emplo3'ed a surveyor and laid out a plat of twenty-four lots, the record of which bears date of April, 1847. The town thus started soon attracted the usual number of mechanics and artisans, and within a short time several shops of different kinds were in active operation. Among the first workers to plv their trades in the place were James Wright, blacksmith: B. Vandergriff, Alvin Kite and George King, wagon-makers; George Brown and Lawson Hum- phreys were the cabinet-makers of the town, the latter of whom did quite a successful business for several years. An' early industry was a tannery, operated by Richard Miller. It was subsequently run bv J. I). Bolton, who did a good business. J. Jones was the first physician of the place, and the last one to practice his profession here was Dr. Wm. tlill. Richard Miller carried on a general mercantile business for a number of jears, and was succeeded by Daniel McCahan. William Miller was, perhaps, the next merchant, after whom came in G. B. Miller, John Armantrout and Daniel Rep. The town continued to be a good local trading point until the completion of the Eel River Railroad through the country, a couple of miles distant, which proved its death blow. The mechanics who had ventured to the place in prosperous days now quietly departed for more promising fields. The last merchant disposed of his merchandise, and within a short time the epitaph of ancient Carthage was written for Paw-Paw. Through the instrumentality of N. G. Miller, who purchased the lots from time to time and removed the buildings, the plat was finally vacated, and the greater part of the town that once gave much promise has been conxerled into a cultivated tleld. A few dismantled dwellings and other buildings, time stained and bearing every evidence of decay, are all that now remain to mark the spot where once stood the beautiful and prosperous little town of Paw-Paw.

Woolcytown. - In the year 1846 Amos Wooley and his sons, William, J. N. and Amos, Jr., came to Richland and located near the northwest corner of the township, a couple of miles from the present site of Denver. The Wooley brothers were mechanics, and a short time after their arrival they started a a blacksmith and wagon shop on their place, which, at that time, was the center of a very thriving settlement. They did well at their respective vocations, and, the locality being remote from any trading point, it was finally determined to bring a store to the place. Accordingly, in 1850, William Harp, a son-in-law of the elder Woolev, opened out with a miscellaneous assortment of merchandise in the upper room of J. N. Wooley's wagon shop. Encouraged by the success of his venture, he subsequently erected a good frame store building, in which he carried on a thriving business until about the year 1865. He left the place that J'ear, moving his stock of merchandise to the village of Five Corners, in what is now Allen Township. The ne.xt vender of goods was one Abraham Leedy, who. though not so successful as his predecessor, did a reasonabl\- prosperous business, until the growth of neighboring villages interfered with the success of his trade. His was the last mercantile establishment in Wooleytown. W. W. Fetrow and Levi Hill worked at the blacksmith's trade for some time in the village, and J. M. Hoof- man earlyacquired considerable reputation as a manufacturer of looms for the weaivng of- all kinds of common woolen fabrics. Another industry of this place was the shop of Peter Hand & Son, manufacturers of grain cradles, which at one time had quite an extensive sale throughout Miami and adjoining counties. Wooleytown, like the villages of Chili and Paw-Paw, saw its best days before the advent of the railroads, upon the completion of which its star sank behind the horizon, never again to become visible. No plat of the place was ever made, and at this time its site is difficult to distinguish from the surrounding country.

Anson, a paper town in Sections 14 and l5, 22 and 23, of Townships 27 and 28, North Range 4 East, was laid out in May, 1853, by Benjamin Griffith, Michael Taylor, EH Freestone and Thomas Jameson. The site is a short distance east of Denver, and the town was projected for the purpose of securing the I., P. & C. Railroad. The road being surveyed through the countr}- a short distance west, no efforts were made to improve the town, and the plat was subsequentlv vacated. The physicians of the village were Drs. Baker and GritTith.

Biographical Sketches

THOMAS BLACK, an old and highly esteemed citizen of Miami County, is a native of Preble County', Ohio, and dates his birth from November 21, 1812. His parents, Daniel and Elizabeth (Deem) Black, were natives of Penns3lvania and Kentucky, respectiveh', born as follows: The father born September 2, 1776, and the mother was born November 6, 1783. They were married in Keptuckj', April 25, 1802, and subsequentlv settled in Butler County, Ohio, and later moved to Preble County, Ohio, where they afterwards resided until their respective deaths, which occurred as follows: The father died March 16, 1863, and the mother June 4, 1867. They were the parents of four children, viz: John, David, Uri and Thomas, our subject, the Youngest member of the family. He was married in Preble County, Ohio, August 21, 1838, to Barbara, daughter of John and Catherine (Siler) Craft. She was born in Preble County, Ohio, March 25, 1814. In the fall of 1843, Mr. Black moved to Miami County, Indiana, and settled upon the farm where he now resides, in Richland Township. He owns 158 acres of line and well-improved land. He has had born to him eight children, viz: William H., born November 14, 1841, John, born March 10, 1844: Malissa C, born May 8, 1846 (deceased); Clementine, born August 20, 1848 (deceased); Deem, born

June 20, 1852 (deceased); Thomas F., born March 22, 1855, and two whicli died in infancy and not named. Mr. Black is a hi<rhlj' esteemed and enterprising citizen.

Joseph L. BROWER is a native of Miami C6unty, Indiana, son of the old and highh' esteemed pioneers, Noah and Sarah (L\- brook) Brower, who were natives of Ohio and Indiana respectively. Noah Brower was a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Teal) Brower, who settled in Miami County, Indiana, in a very early day. They were the parents often children, viz: Aaron, Joseph, Noah, Mary, Rebecca, Elizabeth, x\braham, Sarah, Susannah and Jacob. Noah, the father of our subject, was born in Preble Count\-, Ohio, Januarv 28, 1817. He came to Miany Count}-, Indiana, about the year 1836, and was married in Jefferson Township, this county, May 3,1840, to the above Sarah, daughter of Balser and Mary (Eikenberr\-) Lybrook. She was born in Union Countv, Indiana, March 28, 1823. After Noah Brower's marriage he settled near Mexico, Indiana, and for a number of vears carried on tanning. He afterwards purchased land near Mexico, upon which he settled and resided for eighteen years. He then purchased a farm near Denver, Indiana, upon which he resided until death, July 22, 1877- His wife survived him until Januarv 3, 1885. The}- were the parents of four children, viz: Mariah, born August 2, 1841; Joseph L., born May 22, 1845; Balser J., born September 14, 1856; and Albert C, born Mav 21, 1S61. Joseph L. Brower was married in Richland Township, this countj% November 17, 1867, to Samantha O., daughter of Benjamin F. and Catherine C. (Woole\') Kirby. She was born in Richland Township, October 24, 1848. In about the year 1874, ^^^- Brower settled upon his present farm in Richland Township, where he has since resided. He owns 170 acres of fine land, which is well improved and under a high state of cultivation. He has had born to him eight children, viz: Almedia M., born October 10, 1868; Deo O., born August 13, 1870; Noah B., born February 22, 1873; Nettie M., born January 4, 1875; Grace M., born December 27, 1876, and died June 6, 1878; Clarence A., born July 27, 1879, and died August 3, 1881; Sylvia I., born July 10, 1881, and Sarah E., born September 20, 1884. Mr. Brower and wife are members of the German Baptist Church, in which he has been a minister since the year 1880.

JOHN C. DAVIS (farmer, stock raiser and grain dealer), of Richland Township, was born in Madison County, Ohio, September 8, 1838. His parents - Samuel and Zuba (Patterson) Davis - were both natives of Ohio, and were imited in marriage in Guernse}- County in September, 1837. They subsequently settled in Madison County, Ohio, where the mother died, November 9, 1839. The father subsequently married Martha Smith, and in 1852 moved to Miami County, Indiana, settling upon the same farm on which our subject now resides, in Richland Township, Section i6. He died August 19, 1866. He was the father of seven children, viz: John C, by Miss Patterson, and Isaac M., James J., Joseph T., Eliza J., Mary C. and Alice E., by Miss Smith. John C., our subject, the eldest member of the family, came with his parents to this county in 1852, and has resided here ever since. He was united in marriage in Richland Township, September 20, 1868, to Julia A., daughter of Reuben C. and Judith A. (Keever) Harrison. She was born in Randolph County, hidiana, June 21, 1834. Soon after Mr. Davis' marriage he settled upon his present farm. He owns at present 300 acres of fine and well improved ^nd. Mr. Davis was elected to the office of Commissioner of Miami County in 1876, and re-elected again in 1882. He was a member of the Board of Commissioners when the County Asylum was built; also when the Wabash bridge, of Peru; the Dennison mill bridge, the Pettysville bridge and a number of other small bridges were constructed. Mr. Davis is an intelligent and enterprising man, and one of Richland's representative citizens.

DAVID FOUTS, son of Michael and Sarah (Brower) Fouts, was born in Preble County, Ohio, April 22, 1831. He came with his parents to this countv in 1837, and has resided here ever since. He was married in Richland Township, this county, February 18, 1858, to Mary J., daughter of Benavil and Sarah (Keim) Derek. She was born in Perry County, Penns3lvania, May 26, 1839. After his marriage Mr. Fouts settled in Richland Township, Section 8, where he resided until the spring of 1882, when he settled upon his present farm, in Section 18, Richland Township, where he has resided since. He owns at present 240 acres of land. Has had born to him five children, viz: Andrew, born November 30, 1859: George L., born November 2, 1863; Sarah E., born November 4, 1866; Lewis E., born October 15. 1870, and Or'en, born November 18, 1884.

SAMUEL T. GRIFFITH was born in Wayne County, Indiana, June 26, 1833. His parents, Benjamin and Martha (Martindale) Griffith, were natives of Virginia and Ohio, respectively. They settled in Wayne County, Indiana, in an early day, and from thence moved to Cass Countv, Indiana, in 1835, and in 183610 Miami Count}^ Indiana, settling in Richland Township. They were the parents of seven children, viz: Azel, William, Moses, Samuel T., Harrison, Sarah A., and Martha J. Samuel T. Griffith came with his parents to this county in 1836. He was married in Richland Township. July 27, 1856, to Mary A., daughter of Jesse Wilkinson. She was born in Miami Count}-, Indiana, March 4, 1837. After Mr. Griffith married he settled upon the same farm on which he now resides. His wife died August 9, 1872, having borne him three children, viz: Jesse W., born April 12,

JAMES HOLLENSHADE, one of the pioneers of Miami County, is a native of Montgomery Count}-, Ohio, and born July I, 1812. His parents, James and Catharine (Weist) Hollenshade, were natives of Ireland and Pennsylvania, respectively. The father was born in County Down, Ireland, in June, 1770. He was one of five children born to Tites and Jane Hollenshade. He immigrated to the United States in about the year 1792, landing at Norfolk, Virginia, and from thence went to Baltimore, Maryland, and subsequently to York County, Pennsylvania, where he was married to Catherine Weist. In 1809 he moved to the State of Ohio, where he resided until death, which occurred in Preble County, March 25, 1840. His widow subsequently moved to Jersey County, Illinois, where she died July 12, 1855, '^^ ^^^ '^g*^ of seventy-four years, seven months and twenty-two da\'s. They were the parents of six children, viz: John, Jane, Jacob, James, Nancy and Margaret. James Hollenshade was married in Preble County, Ohio, January 29, 1835, to Elizabeth, daughter of John and Barbara (Sherer) Spacht. She was born in Preble County, Ohio, October 30, 1812. Aftei- their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Hollenshade settled near Eaton, Ohio, where they resided until 1850, when they moved to Miami County, Indiana, settling upon the same farm on which he now resides, in Ricliland Township, Section 23. Mr. Hollenshade owns at present 230 acres of fine and well-improved land. His wife died June 8, 1872; and on April 16, 1874, he married Anna E., daughter of Absalom and Rebecca (Homes) Boicourt. She was born in Decatur County, Indiana, June 27, 1848. Mr. Hollenshade has had born to him five children, viz: Catharine, born October i, 1837, and died August 6, 1857: Mary B., born May 27, 1840: Jacob M., born March 28, 1842; Elizabeth M., born January 22, 1846, and died September 17, 1871, by his first wife; and Jesse L., born October 21, 1876, by his last wife: also one adopted child, Bertha W., born September 2, 187 1.

9, 1814. His parents - Justis B. and Sally ( Wainwright ) King - were natives of Massachusetts, and from thence, in 1817, moved to the State of Ohio. They were the parents of seven children, viz: Mary, David W., Jane L., William H., Clarissa A., Timothy L. and Artelissa E. Timothy L., our subject, accompanied his parents to Ohio, and was married in Portage County, that State, September 9, 1835, to Mary M., daughter of Levi and Lydia (Chapman) Wright. She was born in Tioga Count}-, New York, January 15, 1818. After Mr. King's marriage, he first settled in Portage County, Ohio, where he resided until the fall of 1S39, '^'^ which time he moved to Miami Count}', Indiana, settling upon land in Erie Township. In March, 1846, he settled upon the farm where he now resides, in Section 32, Richland Township. He owns at present seventy-six acres of fine and well improved land. Has had born to him eleven children, viz: Riley G., born December 24, 1836; Austa I., born September 19, 1838; Lydia J., born March 31, 1841, and died May 27, 1869; Wilham W., born July 6, 1843. and died July 6, 1865: Albert E., born January 13, 1846: Florence E., born March

DANIEL KING is a native of Baden, Germany, born December 10, 1830. His parents were Daniel and Mary (Shrinear) King, both nati\es of Germany, and were born as follows: The father in the year 1802, and the mother in the year 1808. They were the parents of five children, viz: Mary, Frederick, George, Margaret and Daniel, our subject, the eldest member of the faniil}-. He emigrated to the United States in 1853, landing at New York City, and from thence, moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, and in 1854, to Miami Counts-, Indiana, where he was married, December i, 1861, to Mary King. She was born in Baden, Germany, November 15, 1838, and was a daughter of Martin and Solomo (Zear) King. After our subject's marriage, he settled near Stockdale, in Perry Township, where he resided until the spring of 1865, at which time he moved to a farm in the same township, where he resided until the spring of 1884. He then settled upon his present farm in Richland Township, Section 24, which he had purchased in 1880. He owns at present 281 acres of fine and well impro\edland, 121 acres in Richland Township, upon which he resides, and 160 acres in Perry Township. He has had born to him nine children, viz: Freeda, born September 15, 1862; Minna, born January 6, 1865: Adelena, born February 20, 1867; Lizzie, born March 28, 1869: Mary I.,

Bicx5Raphical Sketches

CHARLES M. LONG was born in Union County, Indiana, September 27, 1S32. His parents, John and Margaret (Martindale) Long, were natives of North Carolina and Kentucky, respectively. The father was a son of Frederick and Rachel (Starr) Long, also natives of North Carolina. The_v emigrated to Union Count\', Indiana, in 181 2. They were the parents of seven children, viz: Sarah, Elizabeth, John, Henry, Ann, Joseph and James. John Long was born in Surrey County, North Carolina, April 25, 1807. He was married in Wayne County, Indiana, October 22, 1829, to the above Margaret Martindale, who was born in Kentucky, May 29, 1808. In 1836 Mr. John Long moved to Miami County, Indiana, and settled in Richland Township, where he has since resided. He is the father of seven children, viz : Anna, Charles M., N'ancy J., Amos, John W., Wilhelm H. and Margaret E. Charles M., our subject, came with his parents to this count}- in 1836. He was married at Chili, Indiana, August 26, 1855, to Lentha A., daughter of Daniel and Amelia (Chandler) Griswold. She was born in Windsor County, Vermont, July 28, 1836. After his marriage, Mr. Long settled upon the same farm on which he now resides in Section 14, Richland Township. He owns at present 320 acres of tine and well improved land. He has had born to him nine children, viz: Clara A., born August 7, 1856, (deceased); Flora M., born February 5, 1859: Archibald J., born May 10, 1861; EHle A., born October i. 1863, (deceased); Charles W., born May 26, 1866; Emma I., born October 6, 186S; John F., born April 29. 1872; Uly C, born October 27, 1874, and Wiltie C. born March

NEWEL G. MILLER, one of Miami County's substantial and enterprising citizens, was born in Fayette County, Indiana, February 28, 1834. ^^^^ parents, Richard and Amy (Cox) Miller, were natives of North Carolina and Kentucky, respectively, and were born as follows: The father in the year 1802, and the mother in 1813. They were married in Fayette County, Indiana, and from thence, in 1839, moved to Miami County, March

11, 1861. His widow still survives, and resides at Paw-Paw, Indiana. Seven children were born to Richard and Amy Miller's union, viz: Amanda M., Robert S., George B., James B., John C. Millard F., and Newel G. The subject came with his parents to this county in 1839, and has resided here ever since. He was married in ErieTownship, this county, May 22, 1854, to Margaret, daughter of William and Catharine (Lockridge) Ptomey. She was born in Henry County, Indiana, December 25, 1832. After marriage Mr. Miller settled ujion a part of the same farm on which he now resides. He owns, at present, 280 acres of fine and wellimproved land. He has had born to him five children, viz: Theodore (deceased), Amanda M., Marion F., Otto B. (deceased), and Florence E. (deceased).

JOHN C. MILLER was born in Miami County, Indiana, May 8, 1840. His parents, Robert and Rebecca (Cox) Aliller, were both natives of Kentucky, and were born as follows: The father in Scott Countv, September 16, 1806, and the mother in Lewis Countv, March 11, 1804. Robert Miller was a son of John Miller, who was a native of South Carolina, where he married Margaret Miller, who was a native of Ireland. After their marriage they settled in North Carolina, and from thence in 1800 moved to Scott Count}-, Kentuckv, where thev resided until 1818, wTien they moved to Favette County, Indiana. They were the parents of thirteen children, viz: Nancy, Susan, Jane, Richard, John, Robert, Mary, Rebecca, Mahala, James, Alfred, Nathaniel and Eliza. Robert Miller and Rebecca Co.x were united in marriage at Connersville, Favette County, Indiana, July 22, 1828, and, in 1837, moved to Miami Countv, Indiana, settling in Richland Township, where he entered land, and where he resided until his death, which occurred August 29, 1884. His widow still survives and makes her home with her children. Ten children were born to this union, \iz: Henry C, Samuel C, liliza A., Sarah E., Mar}- F. (deceased), Richard K., John C, Mary F., James C. and Thomas C. John C, our subject, was married in Richland Township, this county, February 13, 1861, to Philena, daughter of Joseph and Delilah (Keeverj Burk; she was born June 6, 1839. After his marriage, Mr. Miller settled upon land in Richland Township, Section 21, a part of his father's old homestead, where he engaged in farming, and where he resided until the spring of 1864, at which time he removed to Peru, Ind., and engaged in the mercantile business. In the fall of 1866, he returned to Richland Township, and again engaged in farming until 1871, when he removed to Peru for the purpose of educating his family, carrying on farming in the meantime. In February. 1874, he again removed to Richland Township, and settled upon his present farm in Section 21. He owns at present 192 acres of fine and well improved land. Has had born to him three children, viz: Clarence G., born November 21, 1861, and died April 11, 1862; Nellie, born September 3, 1863, and Mary L., born July 2, 1865; also a boy whom he has raised from infancy - Charles Baker - born Ma\' 20, 1876. Mr. Miller and famih' are members of the M. E. Church. They are an intelligent famil}-, and are highly esteemed b\' all who know them. Mr. Miller is an enterprising man, and makes a specialty of raising and breeding short-horned cattle and fine stock.

Miami County, is a native of Surrey County, Nortli Carolina. His parents, William and Mary ( Cogshell ) Petty, were both natives of the same State. William Petty was a son of Zachariah and Nancy Petty, who were amon<r the early pioneers of Surrey County, North Carolina. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom 6 were sons, viz: Daniel, Josiah, Williams. Dotson, Elisha, Elijah and William, the father of our subject. William Petty was born in Surry County, North Carolina, May 11, 1787. Me was married October 8, 181 2, to the above Mary Cogshell, who was born in North Carolina, March 21, 1792, and was a daughter of Peter and Mary Cogshell. In 1825, William and Mary Petty moved to Wayne Count}-, Indiana, and from thence, to Miami County, Indiana, in 1837, where the\' resided until their deaths, which occurred as follows: The mother, September 25, 1869, and the father, February 3, 1872. They were the parents of thirteen children, viz: Daniel, born August 3, 1813; Caleb, born August 25, 1814: Zacariah, born Jannar\- 5, 1816: William A., born August 4 1817: Marv A., born June 22, 1819; Nancy C, born October 9, 1821: Millv M., born May 20, 1823; Thomas S., born March 25, 1825 ; Jonathan E., born April 28, 1827; Aaron N.. born March 3, 1829; Rachel, born March 16, 1831 : Zeno, born July 13. 1833, and Eliza J., born March 23, 1837. Caleb Pett\' came with his parants to Wavne County, Indiana, in the fall of 1836, and later, to Miami County, where he has since resided. He was married in Richland Township, March 18, 1847, to Matilda, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Basset) Swisher. She was born in Riple\- County, Indiana, August to, 1823. Immediately after Mr. Pett\'"s marriage, he settled upon his present farm, in Richland Townsliip, Section 29. He owns 160 acres of fine and well-improved land. He has had born to him ten children, viz: Samantha J., born June 30, 1849; George W., born October 7, 1850: Francis M., born April 17. 1853, and died February 24, 1861; Mary E., born Februar\- 7, 1855, and died February 21, 1861: Eliza A., born September 23, 1857, and died February 21, 1861: Malinda A., born February 25, i860; Phebe L., born November 23, 1863: Margaret, F., born December 22, 1865, and died February 1, 1867; Dora B., born December 12, 1867, and died October 4, 1883, and an infant daughter, the eldest member of the family, which died young and not named. Mr. Petty and wife are members of the Baptist Church.

RUDOLPH STONER is a native of Switzerland, burn Januar\- 12, 1820. His parent.s - Rudolph and Catherine ( Greenizer) Stoner - were also natives of Switzerland, where the mother died in 1826. The father subsequently married Susan Marmot, and emigrated to the United States in 1832, landing at New York City, and from thence in the same year moved to Tuscarawas Count\-, Ohio, where he resided until his death in the year 184 1.

He was the father of twelve children, viz: Rudolph, Catherine, Susan and Mary (by his first wife), and Jacob, Lizetta, Rosie, Louisa, Frederick, Mary and a pair of twins which died in infancv (by his last marriage). Rudolph Stoner came with his parents to Tuscarawas Count}-, Ohio, in 1832, where he resided until 1843, when he moved to Miami County, Indiana, and the same year entered eighty acres of land in Wabash County. He then returned to Ohio, and the followin<r year returned to Miami County. Indiana, and in 1846 purchased a claim on a part of the same farm on which he now resides. June 18, 1846, he married Margaret,, daughter of Obediah and Eve (Kent) Patterson. She was born in Holmes County, Ohio, May 13, 1826. In April, 1847, Mr. Stoner settled upon his land on which he had taken a claim in 1846, where he has since resided. He owns 160 acres of fine land, which is well improved and under a high state of cultivation. His wife died October 11, 1882, having borne him ten children, viz: John, born February 26, 1848 (deceased) : James A., born April 21, 1849: Benjamin F., born December 10, 1852; Martin V. B., born April 25, 1855 (deceased); Watson, born May 16, 1857; William, born November 29, 1859 (deceased); Ida M., born January 7, 1862 (deceased): Mary C., born January 26, 1864 (deceased), and two which died in infancy.

BENJAMIN E. WILSON, farmer and stock "and grain dealer, of Miami County, is a native of Highland County, Virginia, born Januar\^ i, 1839. His parents, Abraham M. and Esther (Fleisher) Wilson, were natives of Highland County, Virginia; also, where the mother died. The father subsequenth' married Mrs. Ingals Shirley, and, in 1850, moved to Miami County, Indiana, where he resided until 1872, when he moved to Osage County, Kansas, where he still resides. He is the father of twelve children, viz: Sarah A., Benjamin E. and Eliza, by first wife, and George, Samuel B., Harrison F., Hannah, Elizabeth, Jarred M., John E. James and Mary, by last wife. Benjamin E., our subject, came with his parents to this county in 1850, and has resided here ever since. He was married in Richland Township, this county, January 14, 1864, to Mary B., daughter of James and Elizabeth (Spacht) Hollenshade. She was born in Preble Count\'. Ohio. May 27, 1840. After Mr. Wilson's marriage, he settled upon the farm on which he now resides. He owns at present 609 acres of fine land, which is well improved and under a high state of cultivation. He has had born to him four children, viz: Charles E., born December 10, 1864: Rosie E., born March 12, 1867: James J., born January 9, 1869, and Leon T., born June 8, 1883. Mr. Wilson is a member of the Odd Fellows' Order.