Dalton Township

Dalton Township

The township of Dalton was formed from Perry in 1847, and lies in the north-west corner of the county. It is four miles square, containing an area of sixteen square miles. Of the lands comprised in this township, only a narrow gore, about three-fourths of a mile wide on the south line, and coming to a point about three miles north, on the Perry line, lies within the Twelve Mile Purchase; consequently none but this was ready for sale to settlers until 1822. Several families, however, settled west of that Purchase several years prior to the sale by the Glovernment.

Aquila "West settled on the farm now owned by Lyndsey Dennis, near the town, as early, probably, as 1818 or 1819. He removed some years after from the county. James Lindley settled, soon after West, south-east from town, on West Kiver, where Jesse Fonts now resides. He removed from the township, and died. Seth Mills, from Tennessee, settled on the farm now owned by Isaac W. Beeson. These, and some in other parts of the township, settled before the lands were offered for sale.

Joseph Davis, from North Carolina to Ohio, in 1808, removed, in 1823, to the farm on which he now resides, near town. Charles Burroughs, from Virginia, purchased a mile and a half north of town, in 1822, and settled permanently half a mile north of town, in 1826, where he now resides. Isaac W. Beeson, from North Carolina, settled early near Franklin, and in 1835 where he now resides, near and west of Dalton. Isaac Reynolds, from North Carolina, settled near Franklin, on land bought by his father of Sampson Smith, now owned by Wilson Reynolds. Nathan Baldwin, from North Carolina, near town, in 1880 or 1831, where he still re- sides. Thomas E. Beeson, from Korth Carolina, son of Isaac Beeson, about 1831, one mile east of town. Pleasant Harris, from K'orth Carolina, near Franklin; land now owned by Thomas and. Wilson Dennis; had. settled early in New Garden; came to Dalton before the land, sales ; removed to Iowa, and died there. Benj. F. Beeson, from North Carolina, near Franklin ; land now owned by John Bering, Thomas Is^icholson, and others. Thomas Antrim, from Tennessee, about 1820, three-quarters of a mile north of towm; land now owned by Charles Burroughs and Isaac Covalt. Samuel Beeson, half a mile east of Dalton, about 1826; died there, aged about 94 years. Land tirst settled by Wm. Main.

In the north-western part of the township, Andrew Starbuck settled where widow Tinkle lives. Thomas Burroughs, from Virginia, father of Charles, on land sold to Joseph Routh, now owned by Col. Thompson. In the north-east quarter of the township, Wm. Maudlin and Wright Spradlin settled on the county line, and still reside there. Dempsey Thornburg, where he now resides. George M. Lee, where George M. Jordan lives. Isaac Routh, from Tennessee, where a widow Routh now lives. Routh removed to Wells county, and died there. Henry Mills, on the farm lately owned by James Lumpkius, who died there in 1870. Henry Thornburg, from Tennessee, about 1820, died on his farm, now owned by Richard C. Cheeseman. Sophia Williams, before land sales; land descended to her sons, Henry and Joseph ; now occupied by Henry, and by JSTathan Dennis. Enoch Gardner; land now owned by Wesley S. Leadbetter. Joseph Brewer, a native of I^orth Carolina, from Tennessee, on land now owned by John W. Jordan.

In the south-east part of the township, were the following : Wm. Wright, on Perry line ; land now owned by Jesse Weaver. Charles Howell, from North Carolina, before land sales; land now owned by his sons, Larkin and Joseph, and John H. Thornburg. He lives with Joseph. He and Henry Williams are the only men living who settled in the township before the land sales. Isaac Macy, from Tennessee; land now occupied by his widow and heirs. John Aaron Locke, from Perry, settled where he now resides. Jacob Bales, from Ten- iiessee, on "West River before land sales, on land now owned by Ricbard C. Cheeseman. George Petro, a blacksmitb, probably tbe first in tbe township, on land owned by Richard C. Cheeseman. John Strode, on land now occupied by George Pierce. James Strode, from Kentucky, adjoining his son John; died on the farm, now occupied by his widow and Thomas Beeson. Wm. Thoruburg, Sen., from Tennessee, an early settler on "West River; land now occupied by Thomas E. Thornburg. Lewis, Henry, and Larkin Thornburg, sons of Henry, Sen., removed to Iowa, where Larkin died. The farm of Henry is now owned by Richard 0. Cheeseman ; that of Lewis, by !N"athau W. Strode ; and that of Larkin, by J. A. Locke. John Evans, a Baptist minister, settled on laud now owned by Samuel Brown. Abraham Tout, from Tennessee, who died of a cancer, on land owned by Cornelius Thornburg and Jesse W. Locke. John Barr, a native of Scotland, on land now occupied by his widow and son John. Joseph Keever, from Ohio, on land owned by Jackson Keever and David Fleming's heirs. Martin Keever, adjoining his brother Joseph ; was killed by lightning seven or eight years ago. His heirs still reside there. Jesse Osborn, from Tennessee, on land lately owned by Seneca Keever, now by Samuel Brown.

In the south-iuest quarter of the township, Jonathan Evans, settled on land now owned by Joseph Weaver. Joseph Johnson, from North Carolina, about 1820, a mile south of Franklin; died there; present owner, Branson Dennis. John Smith, from Pennsylvania ; present owners, B. Dennis, J. G. Allen, Wm. Baldwin. Peter Smith, from Tennessee, about 1822; died on his farm about three years ago ; his wife a year before. His son-in-law, James Con away, resides on the farm. Aaron Lesh, from Ohio, about the same time as Smith ; present owner, Martha i^ewcomb. Thomas Richardson, on land now owned by Abraham Smith. Thomas Marshall, from Tennessee, before land sale?; died on the farm, now or lately owned by John and Alexander Ditch, and occupied by John. Stephen Lear, from Ohio, where Levi Harter now lives. Daniel Ulrich, from Ohio, son of John Ulrich, of Jefferson township, about 1824, in the south-west corner of the township, adjoining the White Branch Woolen Mills. Benj. Beeson, from North Carolina, bought of Lear one mile south of Franklin, where

Levi Harter resides. Sons of B. Beeson are Isaac W., Benjamin F., Silas H., Ithamar, Charles 0., who resides at Kew Buffalo, Michigan, and has a son Jehu, at Anderson, Madison county.

Besides those already mentioned, who settled near Dalton and Franklin, the following maybe added : Zachariah Beeson, one mile north of Dalton, in 1824; was a gunsmith, and had a corn-cracker and a saw-mill ; land now owned by John Payne. Hezekiah Beeson, from North Carolina, an early settler near Franklin ; sold to Wm. Beeson ; land now owned by George JSTicholson and others. Isaac Beeson, from ISTorth Carolina, one mile east of Dalton, about 1831 ; name of present owner not learned.

The first Tannery m the township was built by Benj. F. Beeson, who settled near Franklin. It was afterward carried on by Jesse Evans, who now resides in Iowa.

The first Grist-mill was built in 1824 or 1825, by Charles Stout, from North Carolina, near Lindley's farm. Seth Mills built the next at Dalton, about the year 1826. Pleasant Harris and Tense Massey, about the same time, built the first saiomill near Franklin. Benj. F. Beeson, soon after, built a gristmill on Mill Branch, half a mile south of Franklin ; and near the same place an oil-mill was built by Beeson Brothers. Jesse Baldwin also built an oil-mill near Dalton, about the year 1832 or 1833. In 1837, the Dalton Steam llill Comjmny built on Nettle Creek a steam saw-mill and a grist-mill. Both were burned about the year 1848. The saw-mill only was rebuilt. In 1840, Beeson Brothers built a grist-mill in the }ilace of their old saw-mill. About 1850, James Maulsby built a grist-mill a little below the site of the old grist-mill on Mill Branch. The old grist-mill and oil-mill are both gone.

Henry Thoruburg built on West Piver, some thirt}' years ago, a saw-mill; also at the same place a Carding 3Iachinc, which run about twenty years.

The first llerchant in the township is said to have l)een Benj. F. Beeson, at Franklin ; others say Hezekiah Beeson. Aaron Mills is named as an early mercliant at Dalton. Charles Beeson is known to have traded at Franklin in 1830. Also, Silas, Lewis, and Aaron Lesh, Oliver and Joseph Williams, Silas B.

Maulsby, Benj. B. Beeson, Wm. Thornbiirg, and "Wm. and Enos Canaday, are said to have traded at Franklin. At Dalton, between 1838 and 1845, John W. Williamson, Jehu T. Elliott, and Henry D. Root ; and at different times, Joseph Ruth, J. and D. Canaday, David and William Chamness, Robert Lumpkin, and Thomas McCracken. Present merchants at Franklin : John Macy, dry goods ; Millikin Hockett, groceries. At Dalton : Wm. S. Chamness, Riley Chamness, both dry goods.

Dr. Silas Beeson, the first resident Physician in the township, settled at Franklin about 1830, and died there. Later, were Henry Carver, Erhart, and Patterson. John W. Smith (botanic) was the first at Dalton, in 1836. Later, were Wm. Dickey (1840), Drs. Simmons, J. R. Brown, Guinther, Windle, Showalter, and the present physician, John Stonebraker.

The Whife Branch Woolen Mills are on the White Branch stream, two miles south of Franklin. A building was erected by Daniel Ulrich for a grist mill, but he put into it machinery for a woolen factory. In the year 1854, it was bought by Wm. and Josiah Test. The establishment has since been much enlarged by the erection of buildings and the increase of machinery. The present proprietors are Wm. and Rufus Test, and Josiah V. Jones, [Test Brothers & Jones.] It has two sets of machines, and two roll-cards, and nine looms. The goods manufactured are jeans, satinets, cassimeres, flannels, blankets, and yarn. Custom work, as carding, spinning, and cloth-dressing, is also done at this establishment.

The first School-house in the township is said to have stood where Dalton now is, and Luke Wiles to have been the first teacher. Although the common schools in this township are probably not inferior to those of other townships of the county, there is no high or graded school in it, owing, probably, to the fact that it has no town of sufficient population to require or sustain one.

The earliest Religious Society in the township was that of the Friends, who organized a meeting about the year 1827 or 1828, at West River, and held their meetings at first in a log house. Another was formed a few years later at Franklin, where they built a frame house. Both meetings still exist. Here, as at some other places, the antislavery as^itation caused a temporary disunion. No other division has existed here. Absuloni Dennis, Miles Mendenhall, Mahlon.Chamness, and Mahlon Dennis are among the names of residents who have been preachers.

The 3Iethodists, at a later date, formed a chiss at Dalton, and had preaching for a short time. None has existed here for many years. A church, a portion of whose members reside in this township, was formed about forty years ago, and built a meeting-house a mile and a half north of Dalton, on the north side of Randolph county line. This society still exists.

The Ba2:)tists also had in Dalton a society and a meetinghouse, and had preaching a part of the time. James Austin was their first preacher. A church, formed by a union of two or more smaller ones, many years ago built a meeting-house a little north of the line of Randolph county. Into this church the societ}^ at Dalton was merged.

The United Brethren have had a society and a meeting-house, about two miles east of Dalton, about twenty years. Ab. Tout gave the land for the grave-yard, Lewis Weaver the ground for the church. Earl}- members of this church were Jeannetta Barr, afterward wife of AVm. jSIarshall, and her sister Mar\% wife of Abraham Smith ; Henry Bailes, John Bailes, Lewis Bailes, AYm. Linley, [now a Danker preacher.] They have had as preachers. Dr. Richardson, Daniel Stober, John Brown, Alexander Carroll, and perhaps others. Their present preacher [1871] is James M. Cook.

The Town of Dalton was laid out by Tense ^Nlassey and Joseph Davis, pro[)rietors, and Joseph Davis, survej'or. The plat bears date January 25, 1828. An addition was afterward made by Joseph Davis, and, in 1836, another by Nathan Baldwin.

The Town of Franklin was laid out by Benj. F. Beeson and oilas II. Beeson. The plat, signed by them as pro[U'ietors, and Thomas Stanford as surveyor, was recorded January 7, 1832.

Isaac Macy and Wm. Davis were the first Justices of the Peace of the township after its organization. The present justices are "Wm. Chamness and John AV. Macy.

Charles Burroughs was born in Frederick county, Virginia, December 20, 1794. He removed with bis father to Warren county, Ohio ; and in 1814 to Washington township, in this county. In 1822 he purchased land a mile north of where the town of Dalton now is, and settled on it permanently in 1826. He married in August, 1826, Jane Harris, daughter of Pleasant Harris, who was born July 26, 1811. They had fourteen children, as follows : 1. John C, formerly a practicing physician in Henry county, now a farmer in Harrison. 2. Abigail, who married Thomas B. Williams, and died in Economy in 1870. 3. Francis M., who married Emily Eouth, and died in Wells county, June, 1862. 4. Jonathan 31., who married Eleanor Thornburg, was 1st Lieut, in Company C, 9th Indiana Eegimeut, and died from wounds received near Franklin, Tennessee. 5. Hannah, who married Robert Lumpkin, and died in Randolph county. 6. James 31., who married Adaliza Gilmore. 7. Arminta, who died at 4. 8. Letty, who married Beuj. Hunt, and resides in Kansas.

William Chamness, from North Carolina, came to Dalton township [the date and the place of settlement not ascertained.] He had six sons, who settled in and near Wayne county : 1. Nathan, who lives one mile west from the town. 2. Jose2)h, who resides one and a half miles north-west from town. 3. Isaac, who settled in Randolph county. 4. William, who settled one and a quarter miles north-east from town. 5. Joshua, who lives in Randolph county. 8. Jesse, who settled a mile north-west from town.

Sons of Nathan Chamness are, William S., a merchant of Dalton ; David, who resides with his father. Riley, son of William, is also a merchant in Dalton. Jehu, also a son of William, is a wagon-maker. Larkin resides three-quarters of a mile east, and is a farmer. Seth resides in Richmond.

county and mavried, May 31, 1807, Catharine Farsner, who was born Jan. 15, 1787. He removed to Ohio in 1808, and thence, in 1823, to the pkice where he now resides, near the town of Dalton. His wife died in September, 1870. Tlieir children were : 1. Nathan, who married Hannah Moore, removed to Henry county, where he died, Jan. 1, 1870. 2. WiUicim., who married Abigail Wright, removed to Howard county, and died there. 3. Mary, wlio married David Baldwin, and resides in Hamilton county. 4. ^l?nia, who married, first, Xewton Baldwin ; second, Daniel Thornburg, 5. George, who married Charlotte Baldwin, and removed to Grant county. 6. John, who married Caroline Chamness ; resides on the homestead. 7. Edwin TF., who married Kezia Baler, and lives in Randolph county. 8. Lewis, who died at 10.

Source changes here: from History of Wayne County, Indiana : Together with Sketches of Its Cities, Villages and Towns, by Inter-state Publishing Company (Chicago, Ill.), published 1884; 10,178 words in this source stream.

Dalton Township

Dalton Township is in the extreme northwestern corner of the county, and is next to tlie smallest township in the county, Webster being the smallest. It is tour miles square, having sixteen sections, or 10,240 acres of land, of which 9,945.42 acres are found on the assessment-roll. The real estate of the township was valued at $303,550 in 1882; personal property, $150,860; total, $454,410.

Its population since 1850 has been as follows: 1850, 855; 1860, T89; 1870, 766; 1880, 746 - not a very alarming decline, yet surel}'' and steadily, which is not a hopeful sign. It was formed from Perry Township in June, 1847, and its voting precinct was Franklin. The township lies nearly all west of the Twelve-mile Purchase, except a small strip on the east side. There were quite a number of settlers staked out their claims previous to the land coining into market, which was not till the fall of 1822, while its settlement was retarded on that account, as most settlers preferred to secure their lands by actual purchase before making improvements. Among the early arrivals was Aquilla West, who was in fact the first settler in the year 1818, on land now owned by Lindsey Dennis, near the town or village of Dalton. After the land sal& he removed, being unable to purchase. James Lindley settled on West River, where Jesse Fonts now lives. He removed to Howard County in about 1850. Others were Seth Mills, Thomas A^utrim, a Mr. Blount, who left before the land sale - Thomas Burroughs, who settled next to Randolph County line; Sampson Smith, Pleasant Harris, Benj. F. Beeson, who settled at Franklin; Thomas Marshall, Stephen Lear, Joseph Johnson, Peter Smitli, and perhaps a few others who, as squatters, had taken possession of nearly all the best land of the Nettle Creek Yalley within the township before the landsale l)y the Government. Quite a number also settled in the valley of West River: Isaac Ruth, Henry Mills, Henry Thornburgh, Sr., and fonr sons, Sopiiia Williams, a widow, and her three sons - Henry, Matthew and Joseph, Joseph Brewer, Wm. Wright, across the line, Charles Howell, Isaac Macy, Jacob Bales, George Petro, a blacksmith (probably the first in the township), James Strode, Wm. Thornburgh, Sr. These took possession of nearly all the best land in the West River Valley, most of them buying the land they had improved, at the land sale in the fall of 1822.

Other early squatters off from the valleys were: Jesse Osborn and a man by the name of Charles Stout, who built the first grist-mill in the township, on West liiver - the present Brown Mill--in 1824-'5.

Those who came soon after the land sale were Joseph Davis, Dan'l Uirich, Chas. Burroughs, Zachariah Beeson, Anthony Reynolds, Isaac Reynolds, Jno. Deering, Thomas Nicholson, and Thos. Antrim. Most of these named came from North Carolina, Tennessee and Pennsylvania.

Others who came soon after the land sale were Tense Massey, Dempsey Thornburgh, Joseph Routh, Andrew Starbuck, Wm.Chamness, Esq., Sam'l Turner, John Lee, Enoch Gardner, Isaac Cavalt, John Evans (a Baptist preacher), Abraham Tout, Jonathan Evans, Jno. Smith, Aaron Lesh, Wright Spradlin, Geo. M. Lee, Benjamin Beeson, Wm. Beeson, Jae. Brewer. Nathan Baldwin and Wm. Maudlin came in 1831; Samuel, Isaac, Isaac W. and Thomas E. Beeson about the same time; also Thomas Dennis and family, Isaac Macy, from Tennessee, Wm. Wright and Jesse Weaver.

The townshi}3 is well watered, on the east being the West Branch of Whitewater, entering the township about one mile south of the northeast corner, and flowing south through the township, and Nettle Creek on the west, entering from the north, a mile east of the west line, and running due south. These streams have numerous small branches. Agriculturally speaking the land is of a good quality, and a half century and upward still finds it of sufficient productive quality as to well repay the husbandman. It is an agricultural township, and the farmers are all in good circumstances, and good citizens.

Dalton Founded

The town of Dalton was laid out by Tense Massey and Joseph Davis, proprietors, and Joseph Davis, surveyor. The plat bears date Jan. 25, 1828. An addition was afterward made by Joseph Davis, and, in 1836, another by Nathan Baldwin.

Tlie first store in the township was at Dalton, kept by Aaron Mills, and one started soon after at Franklin by Benj. F. Beeson. The first tannery in the township started by Benj. F. Beeson. The first grist-mill, in 1824, by Chas. Stout. Seth Mills erected the next flouring mill at Dalton in 1826, and a saw-mill was put up about the same time by Pleasant Harris and Tense Massey. In 1828 Benj. FBeeson erected a grist-mill on Mill Branch, and the Beeson Bros, an oil-mill a year later. In 1832 Jesse Baldwin built another oil-mill. The Dalton Steam-Mill Company, was organized with a capital stock of $10,000, and in 1837 erected on Nettle Creek a steam flouring mill, and also a saw-mill. These mills were destroyed by fire in 1848, and the saw-mill only rebuilt by Isaac Reynolds, who ran it until 1879. The Beeson Bros, erected a grist-mill on the site of their old oil-mill in 1840, and James Maulsby a grist-mill in 1850, on Mill Branch. The first oil and grist mills spoken of are gone. In 1853 Henry Thornburgh built a saw-mill, and a card-machine was also started. They disappeared a decade ago.

Business Interests

The village of Dalton lias at this time two general stores and one grocery. It has two blacksmith-shops, one gunsmith, one wagon-sho)3, one steam saw-mill, built on the site of the old Dalton Steam-Mill Company's mill. The mill of Reynolds was torn down at the above date and a new one erected by Riley Chamness.

Besides the store kept by Aaron Mills other merchants followed. Between 1838 and 1845 there were John W. Williamson, John T.Elliott and Henry D. Root; and at different times Joseph Ruth, J. and D. Canaday, David and William Chamness, Robert Lumpkin and Thomas McCracken, and since 1870 Wm. S. Chamness and Riley Chamness, both general stores.

John W. Smith (botanic) was the first physician at Dalton, in 1836. Later were Wm. Dickey (1840), Drs. Simmons, J. R. Brown, Guinther, Windle, Showalter and John Stonebraker.

Dalton had a population in 1870 of seventy-three, and of sixty-four in 1880. There has been no growth of the town in the past quarter of a century, and the population is now supposed to be only about sixty-five.

Franklin

The town of Franklin was laid out by Benj. F. Beeson and Silas II. Beeson. The plat, signed by them as proprietors, and Thomas Stanford as surveyor, was recorded Jan. 7, 1832.

The town was platted in 1830. The first merchant, as above stated, was Benj. F. Beeson, and in 1839 Chas. Beeson was a leading merchant. The village has remained, like Dalton, at a stand-still. Following the Beesons were Silas Lewis, Aaron Lesh, Oliver and Joseph Williams. Silas B. Manlsbj, Benj. B. Beeson, Wm. Thornburgh, and Wm. and Enos Canaday are said to have traded at Franklin. And still later, in the seventies, John Macy, who ran a dry-goods store, and Millikin Hockett, a grocery house. Dr. Silas Beeson, the first resident physician in the township, settled at Franklin about 1830,and died there. Later were Drs. Henry Carver,Erhart and Patterson. It has now (January, 1881:) one grocer}-, a blacksmith and wagon shop, one undertaking establishment, postoffice, and about sixty-five inhabitants.

" The White Branch Woolen Mills are on the White Branch stream, two miles south of Franklin. A building was erected by Daniel Ulrich for a grist-mill, but he put into it machinery for a woolen factory. In the year 1851 it was bought by Wm. and Josiah Test. The establishment has since been much enlarged by the erection of buildings and the increase of machinery. Later its proprietors were Wm . and Rnfus Test, and Josiah Y. Jones (Test Brothers & Jones). It has two sets of machines and two roll-cards, and nine looms. The goods manufactured are jeans, satinets, cassi meres, flannels, blankets and yarn. Custom work, as carding, spinning, and cloth-dressing, is also done at this establishment.

The first postoffice in the township was established in Franklin in the year 1832, and was called Palmyra. It was not long afterward removed to Dalton, but not until after a bitter fight had been waged. The name was changed to Dalton, and so remains. Another office v/as at last secured by Franklin, it being established in 1876, and called Nettle Creek postoffice. The office still remains.

The "West River Church, Quakers or Friends, was established in 1825, and in 1826 they erected a place of worship. Henrj' Thornburgh, Sr., was a leading spirit in the church. This building was of logs.

The Nettle Creek church, of the same denomination, was organized in a school-house a few years later, or in 1828. Its leading spirits were Thomas Antrum, Jos. Davis, Zachariah Beeson and others. This church was near Franklin. The anti-slavery ao^itation caused a division at one time. Among the preachers were Revs. Miles Mendenhall, Mahlon Chamness and Mahlon Dennis. There are very few of the denomination now in the township. The same can be said of the Dunkards.

Baptist Church

The society had an existence for a few years in Dalton, its first organization being in 1835. The society held its meetings in a log house, having no church building. Afterward there was erected a frame church over the line in Randolph County, and the Dalton society united with them. Jas. Austin was the first preacher while in Dalton Township.

United Brethren

The LTnited Brethren have had a society and a meetinghouse, about two miles east of Dalton, about twenty years. Ab. Tout gave the land for the graveyard, Lewis Weaver the ground for the church. Early members of this church were: Jeannetta Barr, afterward wife of Wm. Marshall, and her sister Mary, wife of Abraham Smith; Henry Bailes, John Bailes, Lewis Bailes, Wm. Linley (now a Dunkard preacher). They have had as preachers. Dr. Richardson, Daniel Stober, John Brown, Alexander Carroll, Jas. M. Cook and others.

Biographical

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

George W. Bales^ iarraer and stock-raiser, was born in Henry County, Ind., June 4, 1843, the youngest child of Aaron and Susannah (Russell) Bales, natives of Tennessee, who removed to Union County, Ind., in an early day, and from there to Henry County. When he was three years of age his father died, and when quite young the care of the farm devolved on him and an older bi'other. In 1869 he bought eighty acres of land on sectior\ 23, Dalton Township, but subsequently moved to his present home, which is land entered by liis father-in-law, in 1837. He owns 160 acres of good land, all well improved. Mr. Bales was married May 4, 1864, to Lucy Jane, daughter of Wright and Fanny (Weaver) Spalding. They have had six children - Yiretta, Josephine, Oliver, Edmund (deceased), John H. and Lewis (twins). Mr. and Mrs. Bales are members of the United Brethren church. Benjamin Beeson was born in Randolph County, N. C, about 1765, a son of Isaac Beeson, whose ancestors trace back to two brothers who came from England to Pennsylvania, with Penn's colony, but vfhose descendants all removed to North Carolina at an early day. His mother was of Irish descent. He was married about 1786, to Margaret Hockett, and about 1826 came to Wayne County, Ind,, and settled one mile south of Franklin. Their children were - Hannah^ who married Seth Hinshaw and lived at Greensboro, Henry Co., Ind.; Isaac W., whose sketch follows this; Will- iam^ who married Rachel Newman and had one son, Jehu, who was a Union refugee two years in the South, but escaped and came to Indiana in 1864, and settled in Plainfield; Margaret^ married Jesse Baldwin, came to Indiana about 1824, and lived one mile southwest of 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 Greorge Shaffer and moved to Iowa. Silas II., who came to Franklin about 1823, was a prominent business man and the lirst physician in Dalton Township, having a large practice. He married tirst Rh^da Hubbard, second, Charity Ventres (by whom he had two children - Melvina and Louisa), and -third, Nancy Lumpkins. Rachel came to Franklin with her father, but never married. Ithamar came to Franklin about 1824; was Justice of the Peace many years. He married Folly Bales, by whom he had six children - 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 Iowa, and from there to New Buffalo, Mich. He has three children - William, Jehu and Luvina. Ruth married James Maulsby, now of Danville, Ind., and had one son - Silas B. Benjamin Beeson's brothers and sisters were as follows - Isaac., who came to Wayne County about 1828, and settled one mile east of Dalton. He had twelve children - Hezekiah, 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, Elma and Isabel. Billy., who settled one-fourth mile south of Franklin in 1827, and had children as follows - Jonathan, Seth, Eunice, Elizabeth, Yancy, Charity, Melinda and two others. Hannah married Sammy Lamb. Isabel married William Chamness,and settled one mile northwest of Dalton. She had seven children - William, Joshua.Jose])h, l8aac,Mary,Jesse, and Hannah. Elizabeth 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 IT, 1843, on the old homestead on which he now resides, one-half mile west of Dalton, Wajne Co., Ind. He is of medium stature (five feet, ten inches), and weight (150 pounds), fair complexion and gray eyes. He is a member of the Society of Friends. He was married Oct. 14, 1865, to Olinda Lamb, daughter of Thomas and Elvira (Finch) Lamb, The}' have four children - Isaac Francis, born Aug. 13, 1866; Mary Lenora, born Jan. 23, 1868; Edward Orton and Frederick Loton (twins), born July 3, 1877. For nxany generations the eldest son of the eldest son has been named Benjamin and Isaac, alternately. 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 ol better roads in the neighborhood, he has devoted much time and attention, as well as means, to their construction. He assisted, financially and otherwise, in the construction of the Dalton Turnpike,of which he has been Treasurer since its 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 sufiicient 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 n meet'inor since its organization; has a good buildiii"- of its own, a good membersiiip and attendance, and is doing much for the education and improvement of its 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 Indiana 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 tirst term, but became dissatisfied with his administration, and for several years was a member of the ISTational Central Committee of Wayne County, though he often voted independent of party. Financially he has been successful, is the largest tax-payer in the township, owning at the present time over 800 acres of land within its limits, being industrious and a large employer of labor. Great improvements have been made in all property he has controlled.

Isaac W. Beeson was born in Randolph County, JN". C, Dec. 19, 1789, the eldest son of Benjamin and Margaret (Ilockett) Beeson. Fie was of medium height (five feet, eight inches), and weight (145 pounds), fair complexion, dark hair and light-brown eyes. He was not very robust, but, being very temperate in his habits, enjoyed fair health till past middle age. He acquired a good education for the time and taught scliool at different times. He learned the trade of a wheelwright when young, which he followed as occasion required as long as he lived, though he lived to see this once flourishing business obsolete, except for slight repairs. For many years he made it a point to lay up $100 a year from his trade, and in those times it required great industry to do so. The greater part of four years was spent in settling his brother William's estate, which was scattered over North and South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee and Georgia, he being a great trader. This he did traveling alone on horseback, 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 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 liis possessions in the wilderness of Indiana. Many interesting incidents occurred while makiiiii; these journeys. On one occasion, while traveling through Virginia, he ventured to put up with a settler, but the conversation and actions of the family not suiting him, lie went out to sleep in his cart, and linall}^ went to a large wood and passed the night. On returning in the morning he found that iiis cart and the neighborhood liad been thoroughly searched for liim. He learned afterward that the place was a rendezvous for the rogues of that mountain country. Old "Foxy," his horse, sometimes failed to see tlie 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 business, having onl}^ a few bruises and being minus a large quantitj^ of hair. He gave no more trouble, however, during that trip. At this time, 1828, there was quite a rush to Indiana from the older States, and many a race was made to Brookville and Indianapolis for "Congress land." Mr. Beeson entered several tracts in different parts of the State, and again returned South before winter. In the spring of 1833 he took his last view of the red gullies and sedge fields of his native State, and settled near Franklin, Wayne Co., Ind., where his father and several brothers had preceded him. The firm of Beeson Brothers, composed of S. H., B. F, and Ithamar Beeson, were doing a large mercantile business, liandling everj^thing from a drove of hogs to a coon skin, and furnishing goods to a large section of country. They also ran a tan-yard, grist-mill, etc. The town became widely known as " Beeson Town." Times were flush and speculation ran wild; every body seemed to be getting rich. But the end came; the bottom fell out of prices, as it were; pork sold for $1.25 per hundred, net; confidence was gone; and the Beeson Brothers found their business and fortunes hopelessly wrecked, Isaac W. losing heavily as security. During all this time the old attachment between hiinself and Mary Branson existed, and in the fall of 1837 she left home and friends in North Carolina to join her fortunes with his. She arrived in Wayne County safely, and Feb. 27, 1838, they were married. An only son, Benjamin B., was born to them, March 17, 1843. Mr. Beeson took an active interest in the political and religious questions of his day. A member of the Society of Friends, he took sides with the anti-slavery ring. His views in church matters were of the most liberal kind, taking the ground that all Christians should become one brotherhood and one church, uniting on the vital principles of Christianity, but ha\ing perfect freedom of belief in regard to forms, ceremonies, etc. In politics he held that the people should govern in all things, direct; that all officers should be deemed servants, and receive wages only for 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 view's were advanced by him long before the Rebellion, and MSS. left show that he was an original thinker and a writer of much ability. In 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; would 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. C, and in 1845 he came with his parents to Park County, Ind., where his father died three years later. He then lived with his mother in Henry County till about 1863, when he came to Wayne County, and was married April 5, 1863, to Deborah " 29

A., daughter of James and Mary (Roe) Strode, natives of Kentuckv, who were among the early settlers of Wayne Countv. They first lived several years in Jefferson Township, and about 1830 removed to the Strode homestead, where they spent the rest of their lives, and where our subject has 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 i-earyd in the Society of Friends, but when twentj^-three years of age joined the Christian church in Blue River To.vnship, Henry Co., Ind.

James E. and John E. Brown^ millers and farmers, 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 parents about the year 1837, where they were married June 24, 1848. John P. was a tailor by trade, but since his marriage he has followed farming. Our subjects were born May 15, 1851, in Fountain City, Ind.; were reared on a farm, and educated in the common schools. James E. also attended the Union Christian College at 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 each, with which they purchased the flouring mill in Dalton Township, Wayne County, James E. attending to the mill while John engaged in farming, and by their industry and strict attention to business they are now worth $10,000. John E. was married Dec. 10, 1871, to Elizabeth, daughter of Elijah and Elizabeth (Smith) Clark. They have had two children - Birda, born in Montgomery County, Sept. 5, 1872, and Nellie, bora in Wayne County, April 17, 1876. He and his wife are members of the Methodist 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 sou of William and Annie (Eejnolds) 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 Dec. 2, 1868, with Ruth Lamb, born Oct. 20, 1842, and daughter of Miles and Najicj Lamb, of Henry County, Ind. They have two children - Lettie M., born Sept. 19, 1869, and Oliver P., born Jan. 19, 1877. In the spring of 1869 Mr. Chamness moved on his present farm, which contains eighty acres of well-improved land. Politically he is a Republican. Mrs. Chamness is a member of the Wesleyan Methodist church.

William Chcmmess^ fifth child of William and Isabel (Beeson) Chamness, was born June 26,1802, in Randolph County, N. C. He was educated in the subscription schools of his native county, and in 1823 came to Wayne County, where he entered eighty acres of Government land, which he cleared and cultivated. He was married in 1825 to Annie, daughter of Ebenezer and Rachel (Green) Reynolds, natives of North Carolina, who came to Wayne County in 1819. They were the parents of six children, four still living - Jahen, Riley, Larkin and Seth. Those deceased were - Maliala and Isom. Mr. Chamness followed farming through life with success, and has given his children a good practical education. He served as Magistrate for twenty years, besides holding other local offices of responsibility.

Nehemiah Gheesman^ deceased, was born in the year 1804 in New Jersey, and when twelve years old went with his parents to JS[ew Lebanon, Ohio, residing there one year, and in 1817 came to Wayne County, Ind., locating near Richmond, where he grew to manhood. He was married in 1828 to Rebecca Cornelius. They were the parents of four children - Richard C, Elizabeth, David and Thomas. After his 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 mouths. He taught school for a time, after which he purchased a farm in Dalton Township, on which he built a flour- in^ mill, following farming and milling till 1856. He then manufactured lumber near Hagerstown about two years, after which he engaged in the mercantile business and kept hotel. His death occurred April 19, 1882, after a long and useful

Richard O. Cheesrnan, son of Nehemiah Cheesman, was born near Centreville, Wayne Co., Ind., Oct. 4, 1829. He spent his youth in assisting his father » n the farm and in the mill. He was educated in the common schools, and lived with his parents till he attained his majority. He was married May 26, 1860, to Sarah F. Thorn burg, born Aug. 30, 1831, in Wayne County, a daughter of Jesse and Margaret Thornburg. They have had nine children, six still living - Eebecca C, Helen M., Mary J., Wallace, Harry T. and 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. C, 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 Elrna Reynolds, daughter of Job and Phoebe (Hocket) Reynolds, who came to Wayne County from Randolph County, N. C, in 1839. They liad a family of six children, four now living - Louisa, Phcebe Jane, "Wilson and Job. Sarah and Margaret are 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 tiie farm where he has since resided, with the exception of a time spent in Spicelaud for the purpose of giving his children better educational advantages. In connection with his farming pursuits Mr. Dennis has been extensively 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, ]>[. C, March 8, 1822. When ah infant his parents removed to Wayne County, Ind., where he attended the subscription schools. He was reared on the farm and resided with his parents till he grew to manhood. He. was married Nov. 24, 1841, to Irena, eldest daughter of Dempsey and Jane (Mills) Thornburgh, of Dalton Township. They have had seven children - Martha J., Melinda, Cynthia, Mariam (deceased), Dempsey T., Mary Ann and Oliver L. After his marriage Mr. Dennis settled on a farm in Henry County, residing there one year, when he sold out and purchased the farm where he has since made his home. He has helped each of his children in getting a home and has eighty acres of 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 Wayne 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 communitv as few men ever get it; and his counsel was in demand on all important subjects, both in and out of church circles. He espoused the cause of the slave and was a conductor on the now historic underground railroad, and yet he did not join in with the separatists on the ground that they inconsistently neglected other matters of the law of like if not of equal importance. Gifted with the ability to see all'sidesof a 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, mold, and uplifc community, not to disturb it or lead it in lines. He never lost an opportunity to build up the educational interests of his neighborhood and family; he got up at two o'clock one winter morning and walked a mile and a half with one of his boys, and they sawed five large ash logs that his boy might not miss his morning lesson in algebra at the district school. It is with pleasure that we record that during twenty years of daily intercourse with him we never saw him lose his temper. His religion, complete from whatever standpoint, was without ostentation or 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.

Oshorn Dennis^ son of Nathan and Mary (Lamar) Dennis, was born Sept. 4, J 842. He resided with his parents on a farm until he arrived at manhood. His education was common-school, academic, and one and a half years in the Illinois State University. He belongs to the Society of Friends, having filled many stations in said society to the full approbation of his friends. He was appointed to the office of an Elder in 1879, which position he still holds, the duties of which he has discharged faithfully. Feb. 6, 1868, lie was married to Louisa Canada. The fruits of the union were three children - Mary E., was born Dec. 12, 1868, in Randolph County, Ind.; George P., was born Dec. 3. 1871, in Wayne Connty; Osborn Earl was born March 24, 1880, in Wayne County. The subject of this sketch has' followed the professions of farming and school teaching, having only missed teaching two years during the past twenty-two years. Has always been a man of good moral character, honest 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, ]S. C. In his early life he followed farming until he was near twenty years of age, when he commenced to learn the potter's trade, which he followed with that of farming until his removal to Wayne County, Ind., landing Oct. 1, 1822, in the city of Richmond, Ind., the journe}' being made with a four-horse team, and taking six weeks to 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 rebided until Oct. 1, 1831. He then purchased the farm in Dalton Township of Pleasant Harris, which has long been known as the Dennis homestead, first buying 154 acres, to which he soon added eighty acres more. He was married March 24, 1813, to Elizabeth, daughter of Jesse and Elizabeth Wilson. They were the parents of ten children, eight of whom were reared to maturity, and seven now living - Wilson, Lucinda, Branson, Cjnthia, Lyndsey, Miriam C, William (who died in infancy), Elizabeth, Thomas, and Malinda, who died at the age of seven years. Miriam C. died April 2, 1880. She was first married to Josiah Test, and afterward to Jacob Pickering, with whom she lived a few days over ten years. Her disease was that ot" cancer of the stomach, producing great suffering, which she bore with Christian fortitude. Mr. Dennis was an active member of the Society of Friends, and a staunch anti-slavery man, who could not bear the idea of rearing his children in the midst of 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 included in townships 16, 17 and 18, congressional, in range 12, east. He also was appointed Treasurer of the county the same year, being actively engaged in the duties thereof when taken with the illness which terminated fatally Sept. 4, 1839, on the Dennis homestead. His wife occupied the homestead until May 21, 1863, when she bade farewell to all transitory things here below.

Wilson Dennis, farmer and stock-raiser, eldest son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Wilson) Dennis, was born June 1, 1814, in Randolph County, N. C and when eight years of age came with his parents to Wayne County, Ind. He was reared on a frontier farm and educated at the log cabin subscription scliool. 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. Davidcon, and resides on the east line of Henry County. William died when twenty-two months old; Susan died June 27, 1861, aged eight years, seven months and eight days; and Mary Jane died in infancy. Rachel Dennis died Jan. 17, 1857, aged twenty-nine years, six months and twentynine days. June 23, 1858, Mr, Dennis was married to Lydia, daughter of Isaac and Taraar (Hawkins) Reynolds. They have had three children - Sarah, Clarkson and Isaac L. During several of the winters from 1835 to 1850 Mr. Dennis taught school. He settled on his present farm in 1848, where he has since followed farming with success, and also by 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 tlie 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 Obadiali 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 Dal ton in September, 1874, and has been Postmaster of the place since 1876. He was married Oct. 3, 1856, to Sarilda, daughter of James and 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. Jordan^ retired farmer, section 24, Dal ton Township, was born April 26, 1813, in Boston Township, Wayne County, eldest son of William and Mary (Mc- Lelland) Jordon, natives of Pennsylvania and Ireland 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 Townsliip and entered land in Perry Township, which is now owned and occupied by his grandson, T. J. W., where he resided till his death, which occurred Sept. 21, 18Y8, aged eighty-six years. Of his eleven children seven survive - George M., John W., Rachel, 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 Countj', 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. Jordoji, farmer and stock-raiser, section 24, Dalton Township, was born in Dalton Township, Wayne Co., Ind., Jan. 1, 1847, a son of John W. and Catherine (Davidson) Jordon. He was reared on a farm and educated at the common schools, after which he engaged in teaching in the winter and farmed during the summer seasons till he was twenty-five years ^old. He was married Oct. 10, 1872, to Lizzie, daughter of Wilton and Rachel (Thornburg) Dennis, of Dalton Township. After his marriage he settled on the old homestead, where he has 167 acres of highly cultivated land. Mr. and Mrs. Jordon are active members of the 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 Nov. 23, 1842, in Wayne County, Ind., and settled soon after in Henry County, Ind., on a farm, on which they lived until death. His mother died June 7, 1852, at the age of 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 live a religious life. He deceased May 10, 1860, at the age of forty-one years. Nathan Lamar was born in Henry County, Ind., Sept. 1, 1843. His early life was spent on the farm of his father. His schooling was derived chiefly from the district schools and the assistance of his father. Farming has been his special profession, although he has been engaged in teaching in the fall and winter terms of school for the past seventeen years. At the age of twenty he enlisted in Company B, Fifth Indiana Cavalry, to serve as a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, for three years or during the war, and was actively engaged in the principal engagements of the Atlanta campaign, and was with General Stoneman at the time he made his raid around Atlanta to Macon, Ga.; was taken prisoner at the titne of Stoneman's defeat and surrender near Macon, Ga., July 31, 1864, Stoneman and his principal officers being taken at the same time. He was confined as a prisoner of war nine months, most of the time at Andersonville, being one of the last squad of prisoners that ever passed out through the prison gates of Andersonville, and one of but few of his comrades who lived through the horrors and cruelties of Andersonville Prison. He was released with about 2,000 others, at Baldwin Station, ^la., by the prison commander Wirz, without being exchanged, the war being about over, April 30, 1865. It was sixteen miles to the nearest Union post at Jacksonville, Fla., and a great number died on the road between Baldwin Station and Jacksonville. He got to the Union lines at Jacksonville May 1, 1865. The horrors of the rebel prison are familiar to all. He was honorably discharged June 16, 1865, at Camp Chase, Ohio. He was married Aug. 21, 1867, to Alice 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, JST. C , a son of John Locke, a soldier in the Kevolutionary war. His mother was Damaris (Mills) Locke, a native of Stokes County, JS". C. His parents were married, in Jefferson County, Tenn., June 6, 1808, and in 1815 came to the Northwestern Territory, and settled in Perry Township, Wayne Co., Ind., on land entered from the Government. William Locke was a man of untiring energy, and although he started in life with nothing he accumulated property till he was the owner of 1,900 acres of fine land, thus being able to give each of his children a good home. He opened the first store and established the first tannery in Perry Township, and was one of the organizers of the first bank in Hichmond, being one of the Directors. He was a member of the Society of Friends, and was an earnest worker in the cause of Christianity, as well as any enterprise of benefit to his township. He died Kov. 3, 1868, his wife having preceded him ten years. They were the parents of ten children, six born in Wayne Count3^ John A. was reared on a pioneer farm and was educated in the primitive log schoolbouse. When he was eighteen years of age, Aug. 24, 1837, he married Charity, daughter of Jesse Brooks, who came to Indiana from North Carolina in 1836. They had a family of sevea children - Cecilia D., Jesse W., William M., Mary Ann, John A., Jr., Orlando B. and Charity Emma, the latter deceased. Mr. Locke has a fine farm of 200 acres, on section 35, and is one of the representative men of Dalton Township. He has served in various offices of trust in the township, and was Magistrate ten years. He and his wile are members of the United Brethren church. His son William and his 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 x40 feet, on Mr. Locke's farm, our subject being the largest donor.

ship, Wajne 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 yesir. They then moved to Dalton Township and purchased the farm now occupied by our subject, where they passed the rest of their daj's. Our subject received a common-school 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 countv. He was married Seot. 9, 1858, to Rachel J., daughter of John W. Jordon, of Perry Township. Of their nine children seven survive - Mary C, America J., Llobert H., Sarah M. F., James, John C. and William A. Those deceased are - Charles and Orin. After his marriage he lived ten years on the farm now owned by William D. Jordon, after which he lived three years on the S. M. Jordon farm. He then purchased the old homestead, containing 314 acres of well-improved land, where he has since resided. William Mendenhall^ son of Daniel and Deborah Mendenhall, was born in Guilford County, N. C, Sept. 7, 1798. He was married in 1819 to Rebecca, daughter of Joseph and Hannah Coffin. They were both reared on a farm and were principally educated in a school taught by Jeremiah Hubbard, a noted school-tea clrer 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 impruving their farm. At that time the settlers assisted each other in their work, and one spring Mr. Mendenhall attended fifteen log-rollings in succession. They had trouble in keeping their stock, as the grain that was raised was needed in the family, and the stock could not run in the woods on account of the danger of their getting poisoned. The land was poor and the *crops uncertain, and in 1833 they moved to Perrv Township, two miles west of Economy. This was a much better farm, and was partly cleared. They were very energetic, and although Mr. Mendenhall was never very strong, they were enabled to give their children a common-school education. Their clothes were homespun and their shoes home-made, each child having one pair a year, going barefoot in the summer. Mr. Mendenhall was a modest, unassuming man, but his honesty and integrity were known by all who knew him. He early taught his children lessons of prudence and economy which have been useful to them in their later years. Mr. and Mrs. 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-live 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 Thornl) urgh. section 24, Dalton Township, was borh Oct. 27, 1801, on the banks of Lost Creek, East Tennessee, a son of Walter and Mary (Baldwin Thornburgh, natives of North Carolina, of English descent, who came to Wayne County, Ind., in 1819, and settled on 160 acres of Government land in Perry Township, 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. Thorn burgh settled on the farm where he now resides. It was at that time heavily timbered, but he has lived to see it one of the finest farms in the township. Mr. and Mrs. Thornburgh had a family of twelve children, eight of whom are still living - Irena, wile of L. Dennis, of Dalton Township; Walter, of Carthage, Mo.; Zurilda, wife of S. Hutchins; Setli M., of Henry County, Ind. ; William K., of Dalton Township; Thomas E., of Delaware County, Ind. Mary J., Rachel, John and James are deceased. Mrs. 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 earl^^ childhood.

John Henry Thomburg, fifth son of Lewis and Lydia (Macy) Thornburg, was born in Dalton Township, Wayne County, Ind., Oct. 13, 1839. He resided on the farm with his parents till manhood, receiving a common-school 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 eiigaged in farming, also dealing extensively in live-stock. Mr. Thornburg has served as Township Trustee eleven years, and Assessor four years. He has had a family of ten children - Leonora F., Lewis M., Lawrence D., Curtis A., Charlie R., Frank R., Emma F., Maurice E., Nellie, Maud and Earle. The latter died Sept. IT, 1883, aged three months. Mr. Thornburg is a member of the Society of Friends, and Mrs. Thornburg, of the United Brethren church. Mr. Thornburg's father, Lewis Thornburg, was the second son of Henry and Nancy (Maulby) Thornburg, and was born Feb, 2, 1802. His wife was Lydia, daughter of Barachiah Macy. Of their twelve children, five are still living - Colman, Orlando, Isaac, Lewis and John Henry. In 1862 Mr. Lewis Thornburg removed to Dallas County, Iowa, where he still resides. His wife died in 1870. Henry Thornburg, grandfather of the subject of our sketch, was born in North Carolina, June 26, 1773, and when a boy removed with his father to Wayne County, Tenn. He was married in 1794 to Nancy Maulby, also a native of ISTorth Carolina, born Nov. 21, 1771. To them were born eight children, all of whom lived to be over fifty years of age, and four of whom are still living - Lewis, Ellinor, Rachel and John. Lydia, Sophia, Larkin, Henry and an adopted son, William, are deceased. In 1819 he removed to Wayne County, Ind., and entered a ti'act of land, residing here till his death, engaged in farming and tanning. He built a tannery on his farm, the marks of the old vats being still visible. He died at the age of eighty-nine years and his wife, aged ninety-seven. They were members of the Society of Friends. Daniel Ulrich^ retired farmer, section 4, Dalton 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, Christina and 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.

Source changes here: from Memoirs of Wayne County and the City of Richmond Indiana, by Hon. Henry Clay Fox, published 1912; 175 words in this source stream.

Dalton Township

Dalton Township

Dalton township is located in the northwestern portion of the county. It is next to the smallest township in the county, with an area of sixteen square miles. It was formed from Perry township in 1847. The land was nearly all west of the Twelve Mile Purchase and consequently was not ready for sale to settlers before 1822. Among the earliest settlers was Aquilla West. Soon after came James Lindley, Seth Mills, Joseph Davis, Isaac Beeson, Isaac Reynolds, Charles Burroughs, Henry Thornburgh, and others. Most of the settlers came from North Carolina, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania, and many of them were Quakers. The town of Dalton was laid out in 1827 or 1828. The first store in the township was kept by Aaron Mills, and the first grist mill was built near Lindley's farm, in 1824 or 1825, by Charles Stout.

The town of Franklin was laid out about 1830. The first church in the township was the Friends,' which was established in 1825 or 1826. It was followed by the United Brethren, Methodists and Baptists.