Wayne County, Indiana - Biographical sketches (7 of 15 so headed), 1884

Baldwin. He was born in Guilford County, N. ©., May 16, 1811. of English descent, and was educated at the log cabin subscription schools. He was reared a farmer, which occupation he has followed through life. He was married Feb. 21, 1830, to Melinda Hinshaw, of Randolph County, N. C., and the following fall came to Green's Fork, WayneOo., Ind., and in the spring of 1832 he purchased his present farm, then a dense wilderness, but now in a high state of cultivation. He had seven children by his first wife. of whom three are living - William, Mary and Newton. Henry, Jesse, Seth and Hannah are deceased. His wite died Feb. 2, 1854, and he was again married July 27,1856, to Rachel Reynolds, of Wayne County. Two children were given to this union - Melinda E. and Eliza J.

George W. Bales, tarmer and stock-raiser, was born in Henry County, Ind., June 4, 1848, 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 brother. In 1869 he bought eighty acres of land on section 23, Dalton Township, but subsequently moved to his present home, which is land entered by his 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 - Viretta, 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 whose 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.; Zsaae W., whose sketch follows this; Will- zam, 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 Franklin. 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 George Shaffer and moved to Iowa. Silas M., who came to Franklin about 1823, was a prominent business man and the first physician in Dalton Township, having a large practice. He married first Rhoda Hubbard, second, Charity Ventres (by whom he had two children - Melvina and Louisa), and third, Nancy Lumpkins. Kachel came to Franklin with her father, but never married. J/thamar came to Franklin about 1824; was Justice of the Peace many years. He married Polly Bales, by whom he had six children - Oliver, 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 Towa, and from there to New Buffalo, Mich. He has three children - William, Jehu and Luvina. Auth married James Maulsby, now of Danville, Ind., and had one son - Silas B. Benjamin Beeson's brothers and sisters were as follows - -/saae, who came to Wayne County abont 1828, and settled one mile east of Dalton. He had twelve children - Hezekiah, Zachariah, 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, Elina and Isabel. Billy, who settled one-fourth mile south of Franklin in 1827, and had children as follows - Jonathan, Seth, Eunice, Elizabeth, Y ancy, Charity, Melinda and two others. /Zennah married Sammy Lamb. Isabel married William Chamness,and settled one mile northwest of Dalton. She had seven children-- William, Joshua,Joseph, Isaac,Mary,Jesse, and Hannah. Zlizabeth married Jesse Wilson and had three children - Isaac; Elizabeth, who mar- ried Thomas Dennis,and lived one-half mile south of Dalton; Rachel, who married David Pidgeon, and lived two and onehalf 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 respected, 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 17, 1843, on the old homestead on which he now resides, one-half mile west of Dalton, Wayne Co., Ind. Heis of medium stature (five feet, ten inches), and weight (150 pounds), fair complexion and gray eyes. He isa member of the Society of Friends. He was married Oct. 14, 1865, to Olinda Lamb, daughter of Thomas and Elvira (Finch) Lamb. They 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 many generations the eldest son of the eldest son has been named Benjamin and Isaac, alternately. Benjamin 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 of better roads in the neighborhood, he has devoted much time aud 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 construction, 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 sufficient evidence of his enterprise 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 scarcely missed a meeting since its organization; has a good building of its own, a good membership and attendance, and is doing much for the education and improvement of its members. For the purpose of encouraging the agricultural interests of this section of the county, a few kindred spirits organized the Wayne, Henry and Randolph County Agricultural 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 Zndiana Farmer sent a representative 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 first term, but became dissatisfied with his administration, and for several years was a member of the National Central Committee of Wayae 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 emplover of labor. Great improvements have been made in all property he has controlled.

Isaac W. Beeson was born in Randolph County. N. C., Dec. 19, 1789, the eldest son of Benjamin and Margaret (Hockett) Beeson. He 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 past middle age. He acquired a good education tor the time and taught school at different times. He learned the trade ota 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 fuur 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, usually 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 escapes, 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 became 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 Brookville, 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, in the same manner, visited his possessions in the wilderness of Indiana. Many interesting incidents occurred while making 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, he went out to sleep in his cart, and finally went to a large wood and passed the night. On returning in the morning he found that his cart and the neighborhood had been thoroughly searched for him. He learned afterward that the place was a rendezvous for the rogues of that mountain country. Old " Foxy," his horse, sometimes failed to see the propriety 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 mountain side several hundred feet, and came near tumbling into the Kanawha River. But, strange to say, old '"' Foxy" was ready for bnsiness, having only a few bruises and being minus a large quantity 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 mercantile business, handling everything 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-mili, ete. The town becume 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 sevurity. During all this time the old attachment between himself and Mary Branson existed, and in the fall of 1887 she left home 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 having perfect freedom of belief in regard to forms, ceremonies, ete. 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 services 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 expenses, in lieu of taxes. These views were advanced by him long before the Rebellion, and MSS. left show that he was au original thinker and a writer of much ability. In financial matters his judgment:was good, having acquired quite a competence. Of a quiet disposition he never sought public favor in the way of office; woald usually suffer heavily rather than go to law, believing in arbitration, both between individuals 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 Randolph 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. ©., 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

A., daughter of James and Mary (Roe) Strode, natives of Kentucky, who were among the early settlers of Wayne County. 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 resided since his marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Beeson were the parents of two children - Sarah A. and Mary E. Mrs. Beeson died Jan. 22, 1883. She belonged to the United Brethren church. Mr. Beeson was reared in the Society of Friends, but when twenty-three years of age joined the Christian church in Blue River Township, Henry Co., Ind.

James E. and John E. Brown, millers and farmers, Dalton Township, are the twin sons of John P. and Annie (Sheppen Brown, the former born in Butler County, Ohio, Nov. 16, 1827, and the latter July 2, 1822. They came to Fountain City, Ind., with their Hecate About the year 1837, where they were Parie 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 Merom, 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 brothers had about $700 on with whieh 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 Elizabeth, danghter of Elijah and Elizabeth (Smith) Clark. They have had two children - Birda, born in Montgomery County, Sept. 5, 1872, and Nellie, born in Wayne County, April 17, 1876. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal 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.

the third son of William and Annie (Reynolds) Chamness. He was reared on a frontier farm and educated in the subscription schools. He resided with his parents till his marriage, which took place Dee. 2, 1868, with Ruth Lamb, born Oct. 20, 1842, and daughter of Miles and Nancy 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. Chamuess moved on his present farm, which contains eighty acres of well-improved land. Politically he is a Republican. Mrs. Chamness is a member of the Wesleyan Methodist church.

William Chamoness, fifth child of William and Isabel (Beeson) Chamness, was born June 26, 1802, in Randolph County, N. ©. 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 - Mahala 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 oftices of responsibility.

Nehemiah Cheesman, deceased, was born in the year 1804 in New Jersey, and when twelve years old went with his parents to New 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 andThomas. After his marriage 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 months. He taught school for a time, after which he purchased a farm in Dalton Township, on which he built a flour- ing 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 OC. Cheesman, son of Nehemiah Cheesman, was born near Centreville, Wayne Co., Ind., Oct. 4, 1829. He spent his youth in assisting his father on 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 married May 26, 1860, to Sarah F. Thornburg, born Aug. 30, 1831, in Wayne County, a daughter of Jesse and Margaret Thornburg. They have had nine children, six still living - Rebecca C., Helen M., Mary J., Wallace, Harry T. and Edward M. After his marriage his father gave him a half-interest 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 Township, 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. O., and when four years old was brought by his parents, Thomas and Elizabeth (Wilson) 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 age. May 20, 1840, he was married to Elma Reynolds, daughter of Job and Phoebe (Hocket) Reynolds, who came to Wayne County from Randolph County, N. C., in 1839. They had a family of six children, four now living - Louisa, Pheebe Jane, Wilson and Job. Sarah and Margaret are deceased. 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 purchased the farm where he has since resided, with the exception of a time spent in Spiceland for the purpose of giving his children better educational advantages. In connection with his farming pursuits Mr. Dennis has been extensively engaged in milling, running a saw-mill about fourteen years and a flouring mill two years. He is a member of the Society of Friends.

Lindsey Dennis, third son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Wilson) Dennis, was born in Randolph County, N. C., March 8, 1822. When an 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 le 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 wellimproved 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 Way;ne County, and was one of the pioneers who felled the forests and reduced the wilderness to one of the finest farming districts in the State. He belonged to the Society of Friends and for the last thirty years of his life was one of 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 oversight. He had the confidence of the entire community 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 sides of a question, enthusiastic for every phase of the right as he understood 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, moid, and uplift 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 withont ostentation or affectation; 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.

Osborn Dennis, son of Nathan and Mary (Lamar) Dennis, was born Sept. 4, 1842. He resided with his parents on afarm until he arrived at manhood. His education was common-school, academic, and one and a half years in the Illinois State University. He belongs tothe 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, he 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 County; 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 integrity and uprightness of life, and has yielded quite an influence 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, N.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 farming until his removal to Wayne County, Ind., landing Oct. 1, 1822, in the city of Richmond, Ind., the journey being made with a four-horse team, and taking six weeks to accomplish 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 Washington, where he resided until Oct. 1,1831. He then purchased the farm in Daltun Township of Pleasant Harris, which has long been known as the Dennis homestead, first buying 154 acres, to which he soon added eighty acres inore. He was married March 24, 1813, to Elizabeth, daughter of Jesse and Elizabeth Wilson. They were the parents of ten chiidren, eight of whom were reared to maturity, and seven now living - Wilson, Lucinda, Branson, Cynthia, 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. Sle 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 of cancer of the stomach, producing great suffering, which she bore with Christian fortitude. Mr. Dennis was-an active member of the Suciety of Friends, and a staunch anti-slavery man, who could not bear the idea of rearing his children in the midst of slavery. He also performed the duty of enlisting the personal property and polls for taxation in the spring of 1839 in the western part of Wayne County, embracing that part ineluded 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, 1539, 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 subscription school. He being the eldest son, the work of clearing 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. Davidson, 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 twentynine days. June 23, 1858, Mr. Dennis was married to Lydia, daughter of Isaac and Tamar (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 appointment has filled several of those trusts incident to executors, administrators, commissioner and trustee, from the year 1839 up to the present. At no time since 1839 has he been free from the duties requisite to such trusts. ` He and his wife are active members of the Society of Friends.

William H. Harris is the eldest son of Obadiah and Elizabeth (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 business 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 Dalton in September, 1874, and has been Postmaster of the place since 1876. He was married Oct. 3, 1856, to Sarilda, daughter of James and Naomi (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 farming till his death, which occurred Jan. 1, 1881.

George M. Jordon, retired farmer, section 24, Dalton 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 respectively. William Jordon came to Wayne County with his 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 Township 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, 1878, aged eighty-six years. Of his eleven children seven survive - George M., John W., Rachel, Russell, 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 County, Ind., in 1822 and settled near Hagerstown. Mr. and Mrs. Jordon have had seven children, of whom four are living - 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. Jordon; farmer and stock-raiser, section 24, Dalton Township, was born in Dalton Townshin, Wayne Co., Ind., Jan. 1, 1847, ason 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 Methodist 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 Noy. 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 thirtythree. His father, who was a teacher in the public schools, 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 livea 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 fur 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 engagements of the Atlanta campaign, and was with General Stoneman at the time he made his raid around Atlanta to Macon, Ga.; was taken prisuner at the time 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 ont through the prison gates of Andersonville, and one of but few of his comrades who lived through the horrors and eruelties of Andersonville Prison. He was released with about 2,000 others, at Baldwin Station, Fla., 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 Ang. 21, 1867, to Alice Billheimer, 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.

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, N. C, a son of John Locke, a soldier in the Revolutionary war. His mother was Damaris (Mills) Locke, a native of Stokes County, N. C. His parents were married in Jefferson County, Tenn., June 6, 1808, andin 1815 came to the Northwestern Territory, and settled in Perry Township, Wayne Co., Ind., on land entered from the Government. William Locke was aman 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 Richmond, 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 benefit to his township. He died Nov. 3, 1868, his wife having preceded him ten years. They were the parents of ten children, six bornin Wayne County. Joln A. was reared on a pioneer farm and was educated in the primitive log schoolhouse. 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 seven 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 wife are members of the United Brethren church. His son William and his sonin-law Caleb Lamb were soldiers in the late civil war. William 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 x 40 feet, on Mr. Locke's farm, our subject being the largest donor.

ship, Wayne County, April 15, 1835, the fifth son of James and Sarah (Thornburg) Lumpkins, the former a native of Virginia, 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 year. They then moved to Dalton Township and purchased the farm now occupied by our subject, where they passed the rest of their days. Our subject received acommon-school education and resided with his parents till he attained his majority. He then purchased lands in Dallas County, Iowa, where he resided two years, when he sold out and returned to his native county. He was married Sevt. 9, 1858, to Rachel J., daughter of John W. Jordon, of Perry Township. Of their nine children seven survive - Mary O., America J., Robert H., Sarah M. F., James, John O. 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 Mendenhall, was born in Guilford County, N. O., 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 Hubbard, a noted school-teacher and preacher in the Friends' society, of which they were both members. After their marriage they remained in their native State and county till 1825, when, with three children, they removed to Indiana and located 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. Mendenhall bought a farm two or three miles from Washington in the '* Beech Flats," in the woods. They endured all the hard- ships of pioneer life, clearing up and improving 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 Perry 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. Mendenhall was a modest, unassuming man, bat his honesty and integrity were known byall who knewhim. He early tanght his children lessons of prudence and economy which have been useful to them in their later years. Mr. and Mrs. Mendenhall were active members of the Society of Friends, often riding twenty miles before eleven o'clock, horseback, in severe cold weather, to attend Quarterly Meeting. He was politically a Whig, and a friend and sympathizer of the colored 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-five days, having since his sixtieth year enjoyed better health, and been able to attend to his farm duties. Mrs. Mendenhall is still living, 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 Thornburgh, section 24. Dalton Township, was born 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, subsequently 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

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. Thornburgh 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, wife of L. Dennis, of Dalton Township; Walter, of Carthage, Mo.; Zurilda, wife of S. Hutchins; Seth M., of Henry County, Ind.; William R., of Dalton Township; Thomas E., of Delaware County, Ind. Mary J., Rachel, John and James are deceased. Mrs. Thornburgh died Sept. 23, 1880, after a married life of nearly threescore years. Mr. Thornburgh and his wife were members of the Society of Friends from early childhood.

John Henry Thorndurg, 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 education. 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 engaged in farming, also dealing extensively in live-stock. Mr. Thornburg has served as Township Trustee eleven years, aud 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. 17, 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 removed with his father to Wayne County, Tenn. He was married in 1794 to Nancy Manlby, also a native of North 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 tract of land, residing here till his death, engaged in farming and tanning. He built a tannery on his farm, the marks of tue 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 Township, 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, Christinaand Catherine. John and Susannah are deceased. His wife died in 1828, and in 1829 he married Mrs. Catherine (Clapper) Hoover. Six children were born to them - David, Martin, Elizabeth, Annie (deceased), 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 remarkable extent. He has been an active member of the German Baptist church for many years. His wife died in June, 1863.