Delaware Township (part 3 of 3)

Mr. Stafford has been largely interested in and identified with the growth of the city of Muncie, having made a large purchase of real estate in 1887, which was laid out in city lots and known as "Winton addition." He has since kept up his interests in Muncie by subsequent purchases, which have been profitable. He has just completed a large cracker factory, which will be one of the solid business industries of the city.

^^y^ILLIAM HENRY STAFFORD. - Ms I The subject of this sketch is a native of the county and township in which he lives, and is a man in the full vigor of life. His neighbors and friends esteem him because of his honest and manly qualities. Mr. Stafford was born February 4, 1848, being the youngest son of Ralph Stafford, previously mentioned in this volume. The boyhood of Mr. Stafford was spent on the home farm, and at the age of eight years he removed with his parents to the place where he now resides. His educational advantages were reasonably good, and he profited by them. As a dutiful son, he remained with his 1 father during the latter's declining }^ears, tak- ing charge of the farm in 1879. Prior to this time he had conducted it for a share of the proceeds. In the year 1889, he purchased the remaining portion of the farm, which gave him 236 acres in all of valuable land, well and substantially improved, and all in one body.

Mr. Stafford was married in this township ( Delaware) May 18, 1879, to Miss Lucinda J. Knox, a native of the township and county; born Fel)ruary 20, i860, and daughter of John and Madeline (Berry) Knox, residents of Hamilton township, this county. To this maniage, one child, Nora Edith, has been born, whose birth occurred March 18, 1884, a very bright and promising child. Mr. and Mrs. Stafford are members of the Methodist church. In politics he is a republican, and always takes an active part in the campaigns as they occur.

When Mr. Stafford was a lad of thirteen, he ran away from home, in 1863, to Indianapolis, to volunteer in the army, was examined and accepted, but as he was about to take the oath his father stepped in and vetoed the proceedings, and the patriotic lad was returned to his mother.

LFRED B. STRONG - The prominent citizen whose name introduces the following sketch, owns and operates one of the finest and largest farms in Delaware township. By a proper rotation of crops, the land has been brought to a high state of cultivation, and the abundant harvests bear evidence of the thrift of the manager The father of A. B. Strong was Reuben Strong, a native of the state of Vermont.

Reuben Strong was twice married, the first time in Greene county, Ohio, to Anna Wilson, who bore him four children: Rhoda, widow of Martin Boots, residing in Randolph county, Ind. ; John W. , a citizen of the county of

Delaware; Catherine, who married George Mills, and Benjamin, the last two deceased. The second marriage was consummated with Barbara Boots, of Virginia, mother of the subject. Reuben Strong and family moved to Delaware county, Ind., from Ohio, in 1834, and resided here until his death. Upon coming here, Mr. Strong, entered 600 acres of land in the w'oods, erected a log hut and began the clearing of the land. He had made great plans for the future, but passed from the scenes of earth after a residence of only eighteen months in his new home. His death occurred August 25, 1835, his remains were laid to rest in a private ground upon his own land. The wife and mother realizing that she had a family to rear, remained upon the farm and conducted affairs. Her death occurred in June, 1861, and she was buried by the side of her husband. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and both have the reputation of good and worthy people. The family consisted of eight children, as follows: Alfred B., the subject of this sketch; Lydia, deceased; Elizabeth, deceased; Melinda, deceased; Minerva, a resident of Randolph county; Mary, the wife of E. Bartlett, living north of Albany; Napoleon, deceased; an infant, deceased.

At the time of his death Mr. Strong had amassed a fortune for those days, was the owner of much stock and of 680 acres of land. He was a man who always took a prominent position wherever he lived, and served as justice of the peace in this county, as he had done for many years in his old home in Ohio. One of the characteristics of Mr. Strong was his straightforward way of doing things. He believed a thing was right and said so; one of his earnest desires being the suppression of intemperance. His voice was ever heard in favor of any and all things for the benefit of the community. Being a hard working man, he expected much from others and he knew how to manage his finances so that he left his family in affluence. Alfred B. Strong was born in Greene county, Ohio, Februaiy 9, 1817, and was reared on the home farm, but received only a limited education. He remained with his mother until her death, and then bought out the other heirs, and now owns 463 acres of well improved land. He was married May 20, 1841, in Delaware township, to Miss Mary Sharin, born in Irwin, Ohio, and a daughter of George and Nancy (Hughes) Sharin, natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland, respectively, who also were pioneers of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Strong had a family of six children, as follows; Reuben, deceased; Nancy J., deceased; John, deceased; George, James, and Laura, the wife of Gordon Smith, of Jay county, Ind.

The pleasant home of Mr. Strong was visited by the hand of affliction, January 8, 1873, when the mother of the family was removed by death. She had been a good woman, affectionate wife and mother, and a good neighbor and a consistent member of the Methodist church. Politically, Mr. Strong is a republican, and his first vote was cast for William Henry Harrison.

APOLEON B. STRONG. - The following record is prepared for one who has passed from the scenes of this life, but who is yet tenderly remembered by a large circle of friends. His descent can be traced back to his great-greatgrandfather, Noah Strong, who was born July 30, 1752, in Salisbury, Conn. Napoleon B. Strong's birth occurred in Greene county, Ohio, September 18, 1830. He was a son of

Reuben and Barbara (Boots) Strong, of German extraction, who reared the following children: John, Cynthia, Benjamin, Alfred, Elizabeth, Malinda, Minerva, Mary, the subject of this mention being the youngest member of the family.

Of the early life of the subject but few records are accessible. His marriage with Miss Catherine Woolverton took place February 14, 1858. She was the daughter of Abner and Abigail (Keever) Woolverton, natives of Germany and Ireland. These parents reared the following family: Catherine, Mrs. Strong; Mary, deceased; Eva, the wife of George Andrews; Jane, deceased, and Sarah, the wife of James Manor. After his marriage, Mr. Strong settled on the fine farm now ably managed by his widow, where he lived all of his days and upon which his death occurred February 14, 1871. He was a good man, was a very active member of the Methodist church, of which Mrs. Strong was also a member, but upon the organization of the Christian church at Albany, Mrs. Strong united with the latter. Mr. Strong's remains lie in the Strong cemetery, where a fine monument marks the last resting place of this worthy man. He had been interested in public affairs and voted with the republican yarty. He came to this county at an early day and endured many hardships and witnessed much of its wonderful growth.

Mrs. Strong also remembers many interesting events of pioneer life, as her parents were early settlers in their neighborhood, the father conducting a saw mill, and also preaching, as they were devout people, and earnest members of the Christian church. The early meetings were held at the home of the parents of Mrs. Strong. Mrs. Woolverton was an expert weaver and was one of those capable and efficient women of whom we love to read. Mr. and Mrs. Strong had three children; Sarah L. , wife of J. S. Manor; Elmer A., a farmer, and Emma. The fine farm of Mrs. Strong contains 138 acres of well improved land.

EORGE W. SYPHERS, a leading business man of Albany, Ind., was born in Pendleton county, Va. , April 5, 1827. His father, William Syphers, was a native of the same state, and there married Eva Kibler, who was born in the town of Woodstock. William Syphers was, by occupation, a cooper, which trade he carried on in connection with farming both in his native state and Ohio, having moved to the latter in 1 833, settling in Champaign county. In 1841 he removed to Adams county, Ind., where the death of himself and wife subsequently occurred. William Syphers served in the war of 1812, was a man of sterling worth and strict integrity, a democrat in politics, and an active member of the United Presbyterian church. His wife, also a member of the same denomination, is rembered as a woman of many excellent traits of character, a kind mother, a faithful friend, and a most exemplary Christian.

George W. Syphers, the immediate subject of this sketch, was reared on the home farm, receiving a good education which enabled him to engage in teaching, a profession he followed very successfully for a number of years. He taught his first term of school in Wiltshire, Ohio, and his popularity as an instructor is attested by the fact that he continued in charge of the same school for twelve consecutive terms. On retiring from the educational field, he accepted a clerkship in a dry goods house at Monmouth, Adams county, Ind., where he remained one year, after which he was similarly employed in Wiltshire, Ohio, for a period of eighteen months. Disposing of his interest in that town, at the request of his father, he returned home and managed the place for eight years, thence removed to Salem, Ind. , and purchased land one and one-half miles north of the town, upon which he founded a village and engaged in the general trade in partnership with a brother. This relation continued until 1883, at which date he removed to Albany, where he has since carried on a successful business in the retail grocery line.

Mr. Syphers was first married in Decatur, Adams county, Ind., in 1859, to Miss Sarah Davey, a union blessed with the birth of the following children; Willis, Amy, Alice, Minnie, Annie, Maynard, James E. and Eddie. The mother of these children departed this life June 2, 1871, and January ii, 1872, Mr.

Syphers married Elizabeth johnson, in Noble county, Ind., who died December 9, 1874. On September 22, 1876, Mr. Syphers and Mrs. M. J. Mills were united in the bonds of wedlock in Belmont county, Ohio, the result of which union was the birth of one child, Clarence L. Syphers. Mr. Syphers is a worthy and energetic citizen, fully alive to all that has a tendency to improve the town or community. He is treasurer of the German Mutual Fire Insurance company, of Indianapolis, and in politics is a supporter of the prohibition party, believing that the liquor traffic can be suppressed only by national and state legislation. He is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in every respect a representative citizen, and a notable example of the self-made man.

Othoeic Henderson Tindall

OTHOEIC HENDERSON TINDALL, the well known resident and official for whom this sketch is prepared, was born in Van Wert county, Ohio, March 21, 1853, a son of Henry and Sarah E. (Miller) Tindall, the latter a native of Parkersburg, West Va. , and the former of Beaver county. Pa. These parents were married in Van Wert county, both having been previously married. Henry Tindall engaged in farm- ing until his death in November, 1884. In his political faith he was a republican, and during a long life accumulated some seven hundred acres of land in Van Wert county, Ohio. His reputation was that of a man of the strictest integrity, and both he and wife were members of the United Brethren denomination. His widow now resides with her son, the subject of this sketch, at Albany.

Otholic Henderson Tindall was reared on the home farm and early became inured to hard labor, remaining with his parents until he had reached his majority. P'or one year he farmed the old homestead and then bought land in Adams county, Ind. , where he remained nine months, selling this tract to purchase property in Willshire, Van W ert county, Ohio. He took charge of the old homestead for three years, paying a money rent of $300 per year, and later went to the town of Van Wert, where for one year he was engaged in the insurance business.

His next business venture was the purchase of forty acres of land, in the county of Van Wert, where he remained one year, following which he bought eighty acres in Adams county, Ind., where he remained two years, selling it at the end of that time and locating in the town of Albany, where for a period of six months he was engaged in mercantile pursuits. Having been made constable, he afterward engaged in other occupations. His term of service as constable was two years, and he served as deputy sheriff under O. H. Swain for four years. Later he went into the timber business and afterward engaged as tie contractor for the L. E. & W. R. R., until July, 1891, at which time he became identified with the Creamery Package Manufacturing company of Portland, Ind. , with which he has since remained.

Stove, born in Van Wert county, Ohio, December 22, 1853, a daughter of William and Sarah (Widmer) Stove, of German and English ancestry. Seven children have been born of this marriage - William, deceased; Henry Frazier; Amos; John H. ; Birdie; Arlie and Bessie. The eldest son is the telegraph operator on the C. & E. R. R. , at Spencerville, Ohio.

Mr. Tindall is a man of considerable means and has had a very successful business career. He owns ten shares in the Albany Land company and four shares in the gas wells.

OHN N. WINGATE. - Among the prominent farmers of Delaware township the name of John N. Wingate is entitled to specific mention. Mr. Wingate was born in Highland county, Ohio, April 4, 1830, and is a son of Philip and Mary Wingate. The father was born in the state of Delaware, in 1791, and was married, in 1822, in Highland county, Ohio, to Mary Anderson, and for a number of years worked at the carpenter's trade. He came to Indiana a number of years ago, moving his family and household effects in one small cart, and the sum total of his available wealth, on reaching his destination, was twenty-five cents in money. He worked at his trade until 1843, at which time he became a resident of Delaware township this county, where his death occurred in 1872. He was the father of thirteen children, five of whom are living at this time. He belonged to the Methodist church, was originally a whig in his political belief, and later became a republican, the principles of which party he advocated until his death.

parents to Delaware county, Ind., remaining with his father until attaining his legal majority. While still young, he developed considerable skill as a mechanic, and at the age of twenty, began working at the carpenter's trade, which calling he followed until 1865, when he engaged in agricultural pursuits on the farm where he has since made his home. Mr. Wingate is a notable example of what a young man, without any assistance from friends or fortune, can accomplish, with the aid of well directed energy and wise business foresight. From a small beginning, he has increased his share of this world's wealth, until at this time he is the fortunate possessor of 270 acres of fine land, which has been developed into one of the best, and one of the most successful farms in the county of Delaware. His early education was limited to a few months each winter in the common schools, and he is in the true sense of the word a self educated man, his fund of practical knowledge having been attained by years of intelligent observation and business association with his fellow men.

His first marriage was solemnized February 25, 1855, in Ohio, with Amanda M. Black, who died January 27, 1861, leaving two children, Theodore W. , a farmer residing in Michigan, and Robert N., a resident of the town of Alban}^ Delaware county. On the 23d day of October, 1863, Mr. Wingate took a second wife, Mrs. Charlotte R. Wilson, widow of the late Morgan Wilson, and daughter of James R. and Eve Black. By her previous marriage, Mrs. Wingate had two children: Anthony M. Wilson, of Nebraska, and James R. Wilson, deceased. The following are the names of the children born to her marriage with Mr. Wingate: Clara E., wife of Richard A. Jones;

Arthur M., Eldora, Clayton B., Lillie Dell, Maud P. and Laura. Mr. Wingate is a democrat in politics, and at one time served as trustee of his township. He is a member of the L O. O. E. lodge. No. 361, and is a share holder and prominent factor in the Albany Land company. Mrs. Wingate is a member of the Delaware Chapel Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Wingate's residence of fifty years in this community has acquired him many friends and is well respected as a substantial and honored citizen.

EORGE W. WHITEMAN. - Lew men in Delaware county have had a more interesting and varied experience in life than the gentleman whose brief biography is presented herewith. George W. Whiteman was born near Brighton, Sussex county, England, and is the son of Charles and Harriet (Clark) Whiteman, both parents natives of the same country. By occupation, Charles Whiteman was a railroad contractor. He laid out the Lewis and St. Albans canal in 1846, assisted in the construction of the same, and was made superintendent after its completion. During the great excitement growing out of the discovery of gold in California, he, with thousands of his countrymen, was attracted to that far off country, and for two or three years he participated in the search for hidden treasures and took part in the exciting scenes of those times. After living an adventurous life in California for some time, he returned to England and again entered actively into the business of railroad contracting, building the branch road from Maidestone to Sherness, in Kent, and the London and Charring Cross railway, which latter work included the removal of the old suspension bridge across the river Thames, erected in the time of George HI. Subsequently, he concluded a contract with the Brazilian government for the construction of a railroad from Rio Janeiro to a point in the interior, and after completing the same, went to San Francisco, Cal., where he rejoined his family, which had just arrived from England, this being about the year 1854 or 1855. After remaining for a limited period in California, Mr. Whiteman returned to England, leaving George W., the subject of this sketch, then a boy of about fourteen, an apprentice in the Eureka foundry and machine shops of San Erancisco. This appears to be the first introduction that George W. had to active life, and he remained in the above shops for three years, going, at the end of that time, to the city of Sacramento, where, for eight years, he was employed in the repair shops.

In 1862 the subject engaged in the construction of machinery at Sacramento, remaining there several years and afterwards worked as machinist and firemen at different places until 1868, in which year, he and some companions made an extensive tour of the southern states. Later he engaged with the Kansas Pacific R. R. , and during the winter of 1869-70, was employed between Et. Wallace and Denver in the capacity of locomotive engineer. In the spring, he crossed the mountains, and ran from Ogden to Terrace on the Central Pacific, and for some time, following the fall of 1871, was engaged by the Boston Rolling Stock company on the Santa Ee road. This company was then building west of Emporia, Kan., and Mr. Whiteman had charge of the engines and car department on the line between that city and Wichita. Later he ran an engine on the Missouri Pacific out of St. Louis until the spring of 1872, at which date, by invitation of a former friend, whom he knew in the west, and who in the meantime had located at the town of Albany, Ind. , he paid a visit to the latter place. Subsequently Mr. Whiteman again went west to Colorado, and was engineer on the Denver and Black Hawk railroad for one year, then engaged on the Salt Lake division of the Central Pacific, remaining with the same a few months, when he returned to the little town of Albany, Ind. , the attraction being a fair maiden whom he had met on his previous visit and who afterwards became his wife.

Remaining in Albany until the spring of 1874, Mr. Whiteman engaged with the I., B. & W. R. R. in their shops at Urbana, Ohio, and about three months later, went to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and ran until 1882 on the Burlington & Cedar Rapids road. In the latter year he had a collision at Rockford and was sick for some time thereafter. Prior to this he was made engineer of the locomotive used to draw the pay car and officers, and ran the same for about two years. Owing to seriously impaired health he retired from the road in 1882, and for one year was engaged in the grocery business at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, suffering a loss by fire at the end of that time. This disaster was followed by three months' sickness, and upon his recovery Mr. Whiteman returned to Albany, Ind., in the hope of recuperating his health and building up his shattered fortune. Eor two years he was not able to engage in business, but in 1885 he opened a drug house, which he has made successful. Mr. Whiteman cast his first vote for Gen. Grant, but now he is a democrat.

The marriage of Mr. Whiteman took place August 23, 1873, to Miss Juliana McCamish, who was born in Iowa, September, 1853, the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Bergel) Mc- Camish, natives of Virginia. Six children have been born to this union - George R. , a telegraph operator at Muncie; Blanche, Charles, Gertrude, Lenora and Harriet. The family are members of the Methodist church. Mr. Whiteman is fraternally connected with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and is a member of Crescent lodge. No. 25, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, A. E. & A. M. In his business relations, in Albany, he is much esteemed, and is a member of the Albany Land company, secretary of the Building and Loan association and president of the Co-operative Gas company.

ACHEL WOOLVEKTON - As early as 1820, settlers were making homes along the White river, in the state of Indiana, and among those who came at that date were the parents of the subject of this mention. The grandparents came from Ireland in an early day, but the father and mother of Mrs. Woolverton had grown up in Ohio and Pennsylvania respectively, and came to Delaware county, Ind., in April of the above year, and settled near Muncie. Here her father entered one hundred and sixty acres of land, and here she lived until her marriage. After that event she and her husband settled on a farm of 200 acres, one mile east of Albany, where they remained until the death of Mr. Woolverton, April 13, 1889.

Abner Woolverton, the husband of Rachel Woolverton, was born October 20, 1815, near Middletown, Butler county, Ohio, a son of David and Eva Woolverton, of whom he was the eldest child. The others were: Theresa, the wife of Dudley Harris; Eva, the wife of John Sniter; Jane, the wife of John Neal; Kate, Isaac, John; and Ella, the wife of Frank B. Banker. In 1820, Abner accompanied his uncle to Preble county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood, and in 1834, he was married to Miso Abigail Keever, who died August lO, 1863. Mr. Woolverton afterward married Miss Rachel Van Arsdoll, March ii, 1864, at Mrs. Woolverton's home, near Muncie, where she had lived from childhood.

named. He settled in the woods and built one of the first log cabins that was built in that part of the country. The whole country was sparsely settled and Mrs. Woolverton's brother, Isaac, was the first white child born in Delaware county. Mr. Woolverton was a member of the Christian church, in which he was a minister for nearly forty years. Financially, he was a successful man, and when he was called away from life he was mourned by many. He was a kind husband and, a fond and loving father. He left three children by his first marriage and three by his second, they being as follows: Catherine, wife of N. B.

The father of Mrs. Wolverton was a preacher in the Christian church, and the Indians used often to come to be a part of his audience. They respected the family and never in any way molested them. Mrs. Wolverton's family can relate many interesting reminiscences of pioneer life. When her father first settled on the land purchased from the government, he did not even have a cabin for shelter. The first night the family slept by a log fire in the open air with no protection but the hazel brush, and the next day he, with the help of another emigrant by the name of Makeprice, constructed a temporary shed of saplings, which, being too small to accomodate both families with their goods, a part of the latter were, for the time, protected from the rain by a covering of bark. Mrs. Wolverton remembers very well the many and uncermonious visits paid the family by their Indian neighbors, particularly of one old squaw that they called Sally, who thought much of Mr. Arsdoll and his family. When her brother Cornelius was two years old, Sally begged the favor of taking him home with her to her wigwam, indicating to his mother by pointing to the sun at what hour she would bring him home. The child was promptly returned at the time promised but old Sally said she "much scared, " thought she had "choked white pappoose almost to death." She had given him a toothsome mess of venison on which the child had choked.

The brothers and sisters of Mrs. Wolverton were: Thomas, a farmer of Racket; Mary, wife of William Brown; John; Nellie, wife of Henry Mulkins; William, deceased; Martha, wife of Christopher Ribble; Isaac, Cornelius, Jane, the wife of Francis Wilkins; Lucretia, wife of Charles Hallock.

Mrs. Woolverton has at present a farm of io6 acres of good and well improved land, and also owns a nice home in Albany where she and her family now reside. The family is one of the oldest and best known in Delaware county.

ISAAC WORLEY, a substantial citizen of Delaware township, was born in Fayette county, Ind. , February 27, 1827; being the son of Moses and Sarah (Harmon) Worley. The father was born in Scioto county, Ohio, the son of Anthony and Mary Worley, of the same county and state, and the grandfather was engaged in farming all his life, and reared a large family of children. The father was married in Scioto county, Ohio, and a short time after came to Fayette county, being one of its earliest pioneers. He engaged at once in clearing up a home; then in the fall of 1836 moved to this county and located on 1 20 acres in this township, which he bought from a relative, paying $350 for it.

The land was covered with trees, which he began at once to chop away and clear and burn the brush; building a log cabin with an old fashioned stick chimney; the house being eighteen feet square, with an end cut out for a fire place; the door was of clapboard, and the log cut out on the side and pasted over with greased paper, was its window. The roof did not always keep out the rain, and the floor was made of puncheons. This worthy man and his wife were the parents of seven children, namely: Mary J.,

Emily, Louise, all deceased; Isaac; Anthony and Sarah E., deceased; Margaret, wife of M. Boland, retired, of Muncie. The father died October, 1864, and the mother, seven or eight years previous to that date. They were identified with the Methodist church, and were good and pious people. He was an old line whig of the Clay school. He was a hard working man, and a good manager, and had the respect of all who knew him.

Isaac Worley was reared on the farm which he now owns, and his early life was required to do hard labor. He was but nine years old when he cam.e to this county, and his work began thus early. The schools taught but short terms, and he was not always able to attend them. He remained with his father until he was twenty-one, and then engaged in farming the old hom.e place on his own account, and with the exception of three years, which he spent in Illinois, he has lived there ever since he first came to this county.