Delaware Township (part 1 of 3)

Delaware

Delaware lies just south of the northeast corner township of the county. Niles forms its northern boundary, while a portion of Randolph County bounds it on the east. Its southern boundary is formed by the north line of Liberty, and its western boundary by the east line of Hamilton. numbers, 19,200 acres.

good natural drainage - while the soil is of the usual varieties - clay, black loam, ete. It is uniformly fertile, and yields largely of all the fruits, cereals, etc., common to this climate. The Mississinewa River enters the township about a mile south of the northeast corner, and for a distance of more than two miles its course is nearly west. changes to a southwest course, and flowing thus to a point in Section 16, time to the northwest, the stream leaving the township at a point in Section 5, and continuing its northward course. Its banks afford some picturesque scenery, but nothing grand or imposing. Its tributaries are Mud Creek, which drains the eastern part of the township, and corner of Section 11; Campbell Creek, which flows through the southern part, and changing its course from west to north, discharges into | Besides these there are |

There is but a comparatively small amount of timber now standing, the larger part having been cleared away during the progress of agricultural pursuits in the past half-century. Along the banks of the river may still be seen some fine specimens of forest trees, and the same is true of some of the large farms; but the smaller tracts have been almost denuded of timber, and finely cultivated fields cover the ground once occupied by it. |

The prevailing varieties were oak, ash, walnut, beech, maple, ete., and stood a solid and seemingly impregnable phalanx against the ax of the pioneers who first penetrated the wilds for purposes of improvement.

Early Settlement

Before the lands of this township were placed in market, and white men began to settle upon them, John Boyles took up his residence among the Indians, by whom the land was then held. His object in settling among these wild people is hard to guess, as, from all accounts, he did not belong to that class known as Indian traders. Living among these people, he contracted some of their habits, and fell naturally into their mode of living. It was said of him by a recent writer, that "he was as much like an Indian in his habits as a white man could be, and the terrible scars that covered his neck and person, he said, were received in fights with the Indians."

His relations with the tribes were evidently not of an amicable nature, as the cabin in which he lived was fortified against their attacks by being completely surrounded by a stockade of heavy timbers, placed endwise in the ground. He was a married man, and had his family with him in the wilderness. His residence in this locality, it is said was first discovered by Thomas Kirby and a companion, who, in 1828. passed through this township on their way to an Indian agency near Logansport. On this occasion they met a man carrying a mattock, who, in reply to their interrogations, said that he was digging a mill-race for John Boyles, on the Mississinewa, and was then going to West River, to have his, mattock sharpened.

~ It is not known how long Boyles had been living here prior to the year 1828, as he was of an uncommunicative disposition, and, so far as is known, never favored any ore with an account of his settlement, or the circumstances that led to it.

When he found that his retreat was rapidly being invaded by settlers, instead of seeking a more remote location, where the same experi ence would be repeated in time, he wisely determined to turn their

| structed his dam, and had the race dug, but, upon its completion, found The surface is only slightly undulating- - scarcely sufficient to afford |

_ the water to run up to the place he had chosen for the site of the building. | Disgusted with this discovery, he built a log pen, right in the water, and close up to the dam. Filling this, for a depth of several feet, with _ stones to keep it from floating away, he spread a layer of dirt over them Here it

There was then little wheat to be ground, and his machinery, which was constructed with a view to grinding corn only, was quite equal to the occasion, and although such a rude affair, the mill was a convenience fully appreciated by the settlers, who, without it, would have been com-

_ pelled to make long journeys, or have the alternative of grinding their flowing in a direction nearly due north, joins the river at the northeast -

On the 25th day of July, 1832, Boyles entered the tract of land in the northeast quarter of Section 7, upon which his mill was situated, and opposite which the present Black Mill stands. Although of a surly

_ disposition generally, it is said he was very accommodating to his customers, and treated them kindly. He continued his milling operations for several years, and in the

Late in 1827, or early in 1828, Andrew Kennedy settled with his family on the land where the village of Albany is now situated, in Section 2. It is probable that he only occupied the land by the right of possession, as we learn that the same tract was subsequently entered at the Government Land Office by William Venard, in October, 1832. Mr. Venard took immediate possession of the land, after paying Mr. Kennedy for the improvement made thereon by him, and, in 1833, subdivided it into town lots and founded the village of Albany.

Mr. Venard was accompanied by his brother, Francis, who, in Octo ber, 1833, entered a tract of land in Section 3. They were both worthy citizens, and were identified for many years with the interests and improvements of the township. Both moved to the West in later years.

After being thus dispossessed, Mr. Kennedy sought another location in the township, and, in November, 1835, entered a tract_of land in Section 15, where he cleared and improved a farm. He was an honest, hardworking man, and remained in the township until death.

Some time in the year 1830, David Jones settled upon a tract of land in Section 2, which he entered November 30, 1831. At the first-election after the organization of the township, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and he and Benjamin Drummond filled that office jointly for several years. Both afterward resigned. Probably the next settlers were James Dean and Absalom and Solomon Boots, who came in 1832, and settled upon the lands which they afterward entered. Each made extensive improvements, and were always regarded as being among the best citizens. Solomon remained on his farm until he died, while Absalom moved to one of the Western States, and James Dean after ward moved to Muncie. |

Joshua Bantz, Joseph O'Neal and Lewis Stoner came in 1832, and like their predecessors, lent cheerful hands to the development of the township, remaining for many years and witnessing its growth and improvement. In the spring of 1834, Reuben Strong came with his entered for him by his son, John W., in October, 1832. He died on this farm about eighteen months after his arrival, and the improvement of the farm and support of the family devolved upon his sons, who fulfilled the duty nobly. They are both respected farmers of the township. Alfred B. owns and occupies the homestead, while John W. owns the farm adjoining him on the south.

In March, 1834, William Black and wife came from Clark County, Ohio, and settled upon their present farm in Section 4. He had entered his land in the preceding year.

The brick house in which he resides was erected in 1852, and is one of the oldest in the township. The brick used in its construction were manufactured by himself from the clay on his farm.

Mr. Black succeeded him as the incumbent of that office. The present townships of Niles and Union were within his jurisdiction, and nearly all the settlers as far north as the Salamonie River, came to him to make out the necessary affidavits for land entries. Tiring of so much work for a little compensation, he followed the example of his predecessor and resigned. His suecessor was Uriah Pace, who served four years.

James Orr, Sr., came to the township in 1838 with his wife and five children - Joseph, Margaret, Samuel, Martha and James. He emigrated from the North of Ireland to Greenbrier County, Va., in 1821; to Greene County, Ohio, in 1836, and finally to Delaware County, Ind. At the time of his arrival here he purchased 320 acres of land, located in the townships of Liberty and Delaware, and erected his house in Section 27, the south border of Delaware Township.

Memoranda Of Land Purchases

From a copy of the original tract book the dates of many of the early settlements in this township can be established with tolerable accuracy. In some instances the date of settlement preceded the date of purchase two or three years, but these were rare. In a majority of cases the settlers came with the money to pay for their lands, which, being Government property, were placed within the means of all - the prices ranging from $1.25 to $1.50 per acre; and generally the settler purchased his land in the same year in which he located upon it. There were some who purchased large tracts at the low rate at which the lands were then sold, holding them for an advanced price, after the Government lands should all be taken up. This was especially true of Sections 8, 19 and 22, which were purchased almost exclusively by capitalists who never came to live upon their possessions. In the following list of land entries, we give the names of those only who were actual settlers. The several sections were entered \by the 2, aptly persons:

Sec. 18. William Custer, November 14, 1833; A. Custer, September 21, 1836. The balance of this section was purchased by persons who never came to live on the lands.

A settlement having been formed near Smithfield at an earlier date than in this township, that town became quite a trading-point for the settlers in Delaware, and the first road through the latter township was laid out from Deeds' Mil] to the village of Albany. This road was probably opened soon after the village was founded, as it was a new road, and greatly obstructed by trees and underbrush when Reuben Strong came to the township, in 1834, and he was compelled to cut his way over a portion of the route. It had a rambling, irregular course, one of. the early settlers of Delaware County, was born October 27, 1817, in Butler County, 'Ohio. His grandfather, Robert Thompson, was of Scotch parentage, and settled in the Colony of Virginia prior to the American Revolution. David Thompson, the son of Robert and father of our subject, was born September 12, 1771, in Amherst County, Va. During Gen. Wayne's expeditions against the Indians of the Northwest, he distinguished himself as a brave soldier, and was rewarded by a letter of grateful commendation from the Captain of the company in which he served. This document we deem worthy of reproduction in connection with the biography of his son. It is in the following words:

The bearer hereof, David Thompson, has served as a Corporal in my company of riflemen, in the Army of the United States, from which he has obtained -an honorable discharge. But in justice to the said Corporal, for many services he has rendered the public, I consider it my duty, and am fully warranted tosay, that his conduct has uniformly met with my approbation, as well as that of all other officers who had an opportunity to know him.

Corporal Thompson was employed in reconnoitering the Indian country, and paths leading to and from their several towns and villages, as well as being constantly in advance of the army during the campaign. While thus engaged, he assisted in taking seven Indian prisoners - all warriors except one - from their towns and villages, in order to gain information for our army. In accomplishing this great object, several skirmishes ensued, in which he behaved in a brave.and soldier-like manner, and when the garrison of Fort Recovery, which I had the honor to command, was attacked and surrounded by nearly two thousand savages, this Corporal Thompson made an escape through them with intelligence 'to the Commander-in-Chief, who was twenty-four miles distant from the place. For this service, I now beg leave to return him my sincere thanks, and hope that all good people, who are friends to their country, may receive and treat with respect the said David Thompson, a reward which he has merited.

Certified under my hand and seal at Staunton, in the State of Virginia, the 29th day of October, 1795. ALEX GIBSON, - N Captain in the Tenth Legion.

in the Fourth Sub Legion, has served in the above Legion, and in Capt. Gibson's company, for the space of three years, and is, for the reason below mentioned, discharged from the said Legion, he having received his pay up to the 1st of Janudry, 1795, clothing of all kinds, and all other just demands from the time of his enlisting in the Legion to the day of his discharge, as appears by the following receipt. * Me: * | eee ee * * #¥ *

_ He is. discharged, having faithfully served the full term of time for which he engaged. To prevent any ill use that may be made of his discharge' BY its falling into the hands of any other person whatsoever, here follows the descrip= tion of gid David'Thompson: ' 7

Mrs. David Thompson

He is twenty years of age, five feet eleven inches tall, dark comp\exion, black hair and black eyes ; born in the county of Amherst, in the State of Virginia; a farmer.

2 WILLIAM CLARK, Lieutenant Acting, Sub Legion, Major and Inspector to the Fourth Sub Legion. Ant' y WAYNE. To whom it may concern, civil or military.

After the treaty of Greenville, August 8, 1795, when the troops were disbanded, Mr. Thompson settled in the Western part of Virginia (now West Virginia), and there formed the acquaintance of Miss Mary Swope, whom he soon afterward married. She was born September 21, 1775, in the old fort in Monroe County, Va. In 1817, Mr. Thompson removed with his wife and

David, the son and the subj ect of this biography, worked on the farm from the time he was able to pull weeds or make himself useful in any way, until he was married; acquiring, in the meantime, a limited education in one housekeeping on a rented farm in the northern extremity of Henry County, and in the winter of 1838-39 moved to Salem Township, Delaware County, where Mr. Thompson purchased eighty acres of land. In 1840, he purchased a quarter-section of land in Washington Township, and located upon that tract shortly afterward. In clearing and improving this land, he spent the years of his early manhood's vigor, and made it his home until 1872, when

'Inthe meantime, six children came to bless his wedded life, and all grew to honorable and useful maturity, save one, George, who is deceased. Alzina is the wife of George W. Beuoy, of Washington Township; Amanda is the wife of G. W. Stephenson, a prominent merchant of Muncie; Martha J. 1s

- In all his dealings with the world, Mr. Thompson has proved himself a man of pure character. He has never descended to trickery, nor would he ever take 2 mean advantage ina trade. By "tis open-hearted dealing with his fellows, he has gained the confidence and good wili of all who know him, and his memory will live long in the hearts of many to whom he has rendered substantial aid in time of need. He has been a member of the United Brethron Church for forty years. In polities, he acts independently, affiliating with and was evidently not laid out by a surveyor. About the year 1840, however, the line was surveyed and straightened, and the road is now in use. It traverses the township in a north and south line, forming the western boundary of Sections 12, 13, 24 and 25.

All the records from which could have been gleaned the necessary information touching the early roads, as well as other early matters, were destroyed by fire while in the possession of Benjamin Lockhart, Trustee of the Township. The oldest record now extant begins with the year 1853, and the first road therein mentioned was one for which a petition was presented to the Trustees at a meeting of the board, held on the 3d day of June of that year. The proposed road was to begin at the Albany State road and run south on the section line to the road leading from Sheller's shop to the county line. Joseph Godlove, John Shaffer and Samuel Thomas, the committee appointed to view the road, reported to the Trustees June 25, 1853, that in their judgment the road would be a public benefit, and it was accordingly ordered opened.

Four years elapsed before another road was located. At a meeting of the Trustees, held April 11, 1857, John Godlove presented a petition for a road, "commencing at the county road running up the north side of the Mississinewa River, where said road crosses the line dividing Sections 8 and 17, and Sections 9 and 16, in said township, thence east on said line till it strikes the road on the bank of the Mississinewa." Abraham Cline, Alfred R. Lee and Benjamin Jones, were the committee appointed. to view the road, and, upon their favorable report at the next meeting of the Trustees, it was ordered that the road be opened.

At a meeting of the Trustees, held May 9, 1857, it was ordered that a road be opened in response to a petition presented by Jefferson Walburn, described as follows: "Commencing at or near the residence of Edmund Brammer, thence to run north on a line dividing the lands of D. Fishburn's heirs, and E. Brammer's, and also dividing the lands of Jefferson Walburn and H. Hatfield's heirs, to the corner of the lastnamed lands, north of the prairie; thence northerly till it intersects the

March 27, 1858, Jacob Dowell presented a petition for a road to run from White Chapel directly south, and terminate at the end of the lane dividing the lands of James Orr and Anthony Shroyer. This route was viewed by a committee of three men, upon whose recommendation the Trustees ordered that the road be opened. In 1859, the township was divided into ten road districts, the boundaries of which still remain as they were established at that time.

Merchants And Physicians

In the year 1834, Granville Hastings brought the first stock of merchandise to the township, and kept his store in a building near the present site of the Zehner Mill at Sharon. He came from Wayne County, Ind., where he had probably been engaged in milling operations for the erection of a mill at this point, and he had among other articles of trade a quantity of flour - an article which, in those days, was regarded as quite a luxury. He employed a number of men to dig a race and construct a dam for him, paying them a barrel of flour for a month's work. He succeeded in completing his saw-mill, and putting it in operation, but died before the completion of the flouring-mill. He carried on a limited mercantile trade while he lived, but, it is thought, sold all his goods before he died.

The first store at Albany, and the second in the township, was opened in 1836 by Uriah Pace, in a little log building that has long since been razed to the ground. Shortly after this, or nearly at the same time, John Mitchell opened a little grocery, and his establishment was the first in the town at which the lovers of strong drink found the opportunity of quenching their thirst. Little is known of him, except that he finally left the village, after conducting a trade not altogether devoid of profit to himself. ah

In 1838, William F. Krohn came to Albany and opened a stock of general merchandise in a building which stood upon the lot now oceupied by the residence of Leander Blake. He was an enterprising merchant, and kept a good stock, much better than was usually to be found in a village store of that day. He condueted a good trade for a number of years, and died at Albany after having sold out his stock.

In 1841 ot 1842, Jacob Powers brought a good stock of merchandise to the village, and after carrying on a good trade for a year or two, sold his stock to his clerk, Abraham Shank, who continued the business about a year longer, after which he went away.

About the year 1846, Abel, Elisha and Samuel Bergdoll opened a store at Albany, but retired from the business several years later. Of the merchants now in business at Albany, B. F. Carey and Benjamin Lockhart have been longest identified with the trade.

The first physician at Albany, or indeed in the township, was Dr. Isaiah Templin, who located about the year 1845. He enjoyed quite a successful practice for a number of years, and finally went to the State of Iowa. Dr. James H. Powers has enjoyed a successful practice in this township and vicinity for over thirty years, and is still actively engaged in the practice of his profession.

Among the early merchants of the village were Thomas and Allen Lewis, A. Allegree and Ezra Maynard. In Ezra Maynard's store was kept the first post office in the township, and Mr. Maynard was the Postmaster. ;

The mill already referred to as having been erected by John Boyles was the first in the township. On the opposite side of the river, in 1838, John Black erected his mill, after purchasing the site from Boyles. The latter was a good mill, and was supplied with the best machinery then to be obtained. It had one run of buhrs for wheat and one for corn. Here the proprietor conducted a_ good trade, until he found that the capacity of his mill was no longer equal to the requirements of his patrons, and, in later years, he erected the present mill on the same site. -

This is a four-story frame building, and is supplied with the best milling machinery. It has three run of buhrs, and is operated by a Leffell turbine wheel. In addition to this, it is supplied with a boiler and engine, and all the appointments necessary for running by steam, in the event of a failure of the water supply.

Mr. Black continued to operate the mill until his death, which took place about eight years ago, since which time it has been operated by his son Andrew.

At the present site of the Zehner Mill, within the limits of the village of Sharon, the building begun in 1835 by Granville Hastings was completed by some one whose name cannot now be ascertained. It was afterward sold to Joseph Godlove & Son, by whom it was operated for several years, and finally sold to John Shafer, who continued the business until 1856. In that year, Benjamin Zehner, the present proprietor, purchased the mill of Shafer. In 1864, Mr. Zehner erected the present mill on the same site. - It is a frame building, three stories high, with a basement, and has four run of buhrs. It has two turbine wheels - one of the Smalley patent, and the other of Springfield, Ohio, patent. Like the Black Mill, in the northwest part of the township, it is supplied with all the appliances for being operated by steam power. It is conducted as a custom mill. Attached to its other machinery is a circular

There are, in addition to these, two other saw-mills in the township at the present time, one on the Jones farm, in Section 15, and the other at Albany. The latter was purchased by B. F. Binegar about the year 1872, and moved to its present location from the adjoining township of Hamilton. It has a double circular saw, and is operated by steam.

At Albany there is a flax-mill, owned and operated by Isaac Mann. The building was erected by James Boyce, and subsequently sold by him to the present proprietor. Mr. Mann employs from six to eight operatives about the mill, and sells the tow at Muncie. :

The Alban y Methodist Episcopal Church. - While the township was yet sparsely settled, ministers of the Methodist Episcopal Church were sent out as missionaries by the Conference, and held services at private houses throughout the settlement. About the year 1835, a class of this denomination was organized at the house of Jacob Pendroy, and continued to meet at his house and at the houses of other members of the class for three or four years. A log house was then erected upon a portion of John W. Strong's farm, for the combined purposes of church

The first meeting was held in the Masonic lodge-room, and, on the evening of institution, six candidates were initiated into the mysteries, of the order.

The'lodge has continued to prosper since its organization, and now owns the hall in which its meetings are held. It is free from debt, with a cash surplus in the treasury. The officers for the present term are: B. W. Wingate, N. G; Manaen Vincent, V. G; J. R. Stafford, Seeretary; Isaac Mann, Treasurer; D. M. Bell, C.; J. O. Sheron, I. G.; M. S. Whitehair; 0, G.; Adam Boots, R. S. N. G.; Lafe Chamberlain, L, S.N. G.; RB. A. Maxwell, R. S. Vv. G.; David Nihart, L. S. Ve

In the meantime, they received accessions to their numbers, and, in that year, urged by the Pastor, Rev R. J. Parrott, they began the erection of the present neat brick church. Rey. Parrott was recognized as the master spirit in this undertaking, and its success was largely due to his earnest efforts.

Rey. R. J. Parrott continued as Pastor of the church for two years after its completion, and was succeeded, in 1878, by Rev. J ames Leonard. Mr. Leonard was succeeded, in 1879, by Rev. D. C. Woolpert, the present Pastor,

The church now has a membership of about one hundred souls, and a well-attended Sunday school, of which J. O. Lewellen is the Superintendent.

Delaware Methodist Episcopal Chapel. - In 1876, Andrew Black donated a lot in the northwest part of the township, upon which this edifice was erected in the Same year, at a cost of about $1,200. The class was organized several years previously, by members formerly eonnected with the churches at Granville and Albany, but they worshiped in temporary places until the church was completed. This is a neat frame building, pleasantly situated on the Albany Pike. The class meets every Sunday, and once in three weeks the church is visited by Rey. D. C. Woolpert, of Albany, who conducts divine service.

In 1850, William Black executed a deed to the County Commissioners, giving a portion of his farm to be used as a public burying-ground. The first corpse interred here was a young son of Joseph Stafford, and the second was Mr. Stafford's wife.

The cemetery near Union Chapel, on the land of J ohn Pittenger, was donated at an early day, and is still used as a place of interment, and there is a cemetery on the land belonging to Mrs. Sellers and Joseph Godlove, which was donated to the township by both, and is likewise a public burying-ground at present.

It has been said that the first school in the township was taught by Joseph Godlove, in his kitchen. It is not known, however, whether his efforts to instruct the youth of his neighborhood were contributed as a labor of love, or whether he offered them the benefit of his knowledge in consideration of money subscribed by the parents. It is related, by the writer quoted elsewhere in this chapter, that, at Christmas, the boys, boys, finding persuasion unavailing, determined to employ force, and, taking him to the river, cut an opening in the ice, preparatory to " duckine" him. The master, convinced of the sincerity of their intentions, commended their bravery, and was released upon his promise to accede

White Chapel (Methodist Episcopal). - About thirty years ago, a Methodist class was organized in the eastern part of 'the township, and, about five years later, erected a church three and a half miles southwest of Albany. This building was occupied until 1875, when it was succeeded by the present church, erected on land donated for the purpose by Alfred R. Lee.

time. These were a knowledge of reading, writing and arithmetic, as far, at least, as the " rule of three," and unlimited knowledge of the use of the rod.

In the winter of 1836, the cabin in which William Venard first settled was converted into a schoolhouse, and the term was conducted by a man whose name has been forgotten.

In the following year, the first house erected expressly for school purposes was built on the farm of Adam Keeyer. This was a hewed-log building, and was greatly superior to the buildings in which the schools had been taught in former years. It was important, too, as being the first representative of the free-school system in the township, for, in

Independent Order Of Odd Fellows

Heart and Hand Lodge, No. 361, was organized at Albany March 15, 1871, with the following charter members: Horatio J. Lockhart, Otho Dowden, John McNelly, William R. Johnson, H. , Nicholls, Adam J. :

Boar

This was the manner of conducting the public schools until the present free-school system was inaugurated, conformably to the provisions of the revised constitution of 1851. The first houses under the new system were erected in 1855, in Districts No. 2, 6 and 8, respectively. At a meeting of the Trustees, held June 30, 1855, it was agreed that Enoch Current and John W. Bortsfield should build the schoolhouse on the farm of Abner Woolverton, also the house on the farm of James Orr, for the sum of $275 each, and that John H. Ellis built the house on the land of Samuel P. Anthony for $290.

Male, Female. Total

Ten years later (September, 1869), the enumeration showed an inerease of only twenty-two children of school age. At that date, there were 224 males and 203 females, or a total of 427. The following is an extract from the Trustees' report to the County Commissioners, March 6, 1860, showing the amount received and paid out of the school funds and other township funds, during the preceding year:

Receipts

In June, 1864, the Trustee contracted with John Bone to erect a schoolhouse in District No. 5, for $475, and, from time to time thereafter, the record shows the erection of new houses in the several districts, to replace the buildings worn out from long use.

There are ten schoolhouses in the township at the present time, the following-named persons being the teachers for the ensuing term: District No. 1, J. O. Lewellen; District No. 2, Miss Jennie Woolpert; District No. 4, Miss Kessler; District No. 5, Miss Anna Murphey; District No. 6, Mr. Polhemus; District No. 7, Flavius Sparks; District No. 8 F .M. Hurtt; District No. 9, Arthur Pershing; District No. 10, Stephen Richey. As yet, there is no teacher engaged for District No. 3.

From the report of the Township Trustee for the year ending August 31, 1880, we copy the following statistics regarding the schools of Delaware Township:

Number of white pupils admitted into schools within the year - males, 203; females, 180; total, 383; average attendance, 270; number of districts in which schools were taught within the year, 10; number of district graded schools, 1; length of school in days, 105; number of white teachers employed - males, 8; females, 3; total, 11; average compensation of teachers per day - male, $1.88}; female, $1.83; number of brick schoolhouses, 8; number of frame schoolhouses, 2; estimated value of all schoolhouses, $12,000; estimated value of school

Account Of Revenue For Tuition

Amount on hand September 1, 1879........... ccsceseceeesveneeeees $1,197 81 Amount received in February, 1880 ............cccccscceeeeceeeseees 1,005 83 Amount received in June, 1880....... .-.c.ccsceccsessseeeereneeecees 1,565 15 Miscellaneous receipts.......ceccseeecseeeececeeccrseeecceceeeeeensceeess 3 00

Total........ iccvccndsedla¥ephgaWolgex'kscdb sass csadsdiecaeseaievense $3,771 79 Amount expended since September 1, 1879.......0+.seeeeseesseees 2,167 05 Amount on hand at date of report.......cescecccececsecereeeeeeceeees $1,604 74

Account Of Special School Revenue

Amount on hand September 1, 1879......ccesseseeceeeeeeereeeeeeens $1,419 61 Amount received within the year,.........sseccesseseeeeesseeeeseness 711 06

Albany. - This village is situated in the northeast part of the township, on the east half of the southeast quarter of Section 2. The land on which it is situated was originally owned by William Venard, who laid out the village in 1833. The early mercantile establishments have received due attention in another part of this chapter, and, as an item of present interest and possibly future value, we present a summary of the business firms of the present: Samuel B. Murphey is the proprietor of the hotel; Lockhart & Stright and R. M. Ball are the respective proprietors of dry goods and grocery stores; M. J. Boots and Joseph Lafever are the village druggists; while David Nihart and B. F. Carey are proprietors of grocery stores. The resident physicians of the village are Dr. James Powers, Drs. Murray & Sayers, Dr. S. E. Munsey and Dr. Joseph Lafever. The village blacksmiths are Maxwell & Krohn, Joseph Hunt, and Rees & Dowden. H. KR. Hawley deals in hardware, and the Foster Brothers are the village boot and shoe makers.

Clifton (Sharon Post Office) - This is a small hamlet, situated in the southwest quarter of Section 16. It has no mercantile establishments, and its inhabitants are engaged chiefly in agricultural pursuits. Joseph Zehner is the Postmaster at this point, and J. Valentine is the black-~ smith.

Population

The population of Delaware in 1850 was 934, and, during the next ten years, the increase was only 137 - the total population in 1860-being 1,071. In 1870, the total number of residents was 1,210, of whom 1,197 were natives, and 13 of foreign birth. In 1880, the total popu lation is stated at 1,301.

Nememiah Burden

Mr. Burden is one of those who have literally " grown up " with this county, having settled here at an early day in its history, and kept pace with the improvements of intervening years.

maiden name was Elizabeth Pangborn, was the daughter of a Revolutionary soldier, who received a land warrant from the Government for his services. The parents settled in Anderson's Fork, Greene Co., Ohio, about the year 1820, when the subject of this sketch was about seven years of age. He attended the district schools of that county, securing a fair English education, and, as he grew to manhood, adopted the pursuit of farming, to which, in fact, he had been reared.

Tn 1835, he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret H. Campbell, and came to Delaware County, Ind., settling in Section 13, Delaware Township. His cash capital was 18 cents, and his wife and rifle his only near companions in the woodland in which he settled. The latter played an important part in his pioneer experience, and next to his ax, was the most valuable instrument in his possession. Its stock bore 250 notches, each one indicating a deer slain by a shot from its trusty barrel, and two wolves that came prowling about his premises, were killed by the same faithful servant. Once, when out without his rifle, Mr. Burden nearly became a victim of bruin's fatal embrace - only a fence separating them; but he eseaped upon the timely arrival of some dogs, who chased the bear away. His pioneer days were replete with incidents like these, and hard labor in clearing and improving his land made up the balance of his life. Each year witnessed some new improvement in his forest farm, and his home was made happy by the presence of bright, happy children, the fruits of a happy married life. Of these, one, James C., is deceased; Christena D., Elizabeth C., Angeline D., Catharine C., William J. and Julia C. now survive. In 1873, the wife of his youth died, and on the 6th day of August, 1874, Mr. Burden was married to Mrs. Elizabeth Mayers, daughter of John Pittenger, one of the early settlers of this county. She was born June 10, 1826, in Greene County, Ohio, and, in 1830, removed with her parents to La Fayette, Ind. - Six years later they came to Delaware County and settled in Delaware Township.

Her life is full of incidents of pioneer days, and it is interesting to listen to their recita| by her; how she wove flannel at 6 cents, and jeans at 10 cents per yard, to secure money for the necessaries of life.

In the later years of their life, this worthy couple enjoy a compe- -tence well earned by hard work in earlier days; and in addition they have the love and confidence of all who know them. |

In matters political, Mr. Burden adheres to the principals of the Democratic party, but takes no active part in political affairs, beyond voting for his candidates, and speaking an occasional good word in their favor. He attends the services of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and although not a member of any religious denomination, contributes freely to the support and spread of the Gospel. His wife has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for thirty-five years. ) ; |

In the winter of 1864, the Nineteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry was at home on veteran furlough, and, in February of that year, he enlisted as a recruit in Company K. of. this regiment, returning with them to the field, as a part of the Army of the Potomac, and participating with them in all their engagements, from the battle of the Wilderness, May 5, 6 and.7, 1864, to-the surrender of Lee's army at Appomattox, April 9, 1865. Chae

He served eighteen months and fifteen days, and was mustered out of service at Louisville, Ky., J uly 18, 1865. - Although actively engaged during this time, and often in the thickest of the fray, he was never engaged in the practice of his profession, and, about two years later, removed to Albany, in this county, where he still continues to practice. He graduated at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Keokuk, Iowa, June 19, 1877, thus completing the theoretical part of his education.

John W. Strong

is one of the pioneers of Delaware Township. He is the son of Reuben and Anna Strong, and elder brother of Alfred B. Strong. He,was born September 10, 1806, in Greene County, Ohio, and was reared on a farm.

He acquired a common-school education in his native county, and, as he grew to manhood, adopted the pursuit of farming, at which he has ever since been engaged, with marked success. He has accumulated a large estate, and is recognized as one of the leading farmers of his township. |

November 18, 1834, he married Miss Clarissa Rohrbaugh, and, in the following December, settled in Delaware County, Indiana. Delaware Township was then almost an absolute wilderness, and the fine farm which he now cultivates has been cleared and improved by himself. He has been prominently identified with many of the public improvements of the township and county, and is an enterprising, wide-awake man. He has never been an aspirant for office, and, with the exception of two years as Trustee of the township, has held no public positions.

For over forty years, Mr. Strong and wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and their religion is exemplified in their daily lives. They are upright and honest, and are honored and esteemed by all who know them.

Alfred B. Strong

son of Reuben and Ann Strong, was born February 9, 1817, in Greene His father was a native of Vermont, and was one among the earliest settlers of the county in which our subject was born.

Alfred was reared on a farm, and acquired a fair English education by attending the common schools of that county. At the age of seventeen years (in April, 1834), he came to Delaware County, Indiana, and settled near the village of Albany, in Delaware Township, where, by a life of industry, he has accumuiated a large estate. The inclinations of his early life led him to adopt the vocation of farming, and in this pursuit he has attained all one could desire - success.

On the 20th day of May, 1841, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Shearon, who was born April 14, 1824, in Guernsey County, Ohio. Six children blessed this union, namely: Reuben T., Nancy J., John H., George R., James A. and Laura - of which number, one, John H.,is now deceased. On the 8th day of January, 1873, the loving wife and mother was called from earth by death, leaving a veid in the home circle that can never be filled.

son of David and Eve Ann Woolverton, was born October 20, 1815, at Middletown, Butler Co., Ohio. In 1820, he removed to Preble County, in the same State, where he grew to manhood.

March 13, 1834, he was united in marriage, in that county, to Miss Abigail Keever, and, in October. following, came to Delaware County, Indiana, where he has ever since made his home.

Accustomed from childhood to the duties of farming, he chose that pursuit as his occupation in life, and that he has made it a great success is a self-evident fact. Through the trials, privations and hardships of pioneer life, he ever maintained a stout heart, and the labors of those early days bore rich fruit in later years, and his worldly wealth accumulated by degrees, until it amounted to a competence, placing him and his family above the possibility of want. :

March 11, 1864, Mr. Woolverton was united in marriage to Miss Rachel Vanarsdell, whose father was one of the earliest settlers of Delaware County, and whose brother, Isaac, was probably the first white child born in this county. Three children have blessed his second marriage, namely: Dorie, David and H. Abner

Mr. Woolverton united with the Christian Church at an early age, and, for more than thirty-five years, has served as an Elder of that denomination. In politics, he is. an uncompromising Republican. A

: gentleman of sterling fqualities, a ighbor, nid Catherine, Eva A. and Sarah - were left to mourn the loss of a mother. radii good neighbor, an indulgent father

LOCATION - -BOUNDARY - -NATURAL FEATURES. his "clearing." Mr. Russell gave him a yoke of oxen for his labors on the land, after which he took up a temporary residence on the present Vick farm, where he remained until again dispossessed by having the land purchased by another. The same experience was repeated year after year, and still his fortunes did not improve sufficiently to enable him to purchase a home, at least so long as he remained in this county. Each time he was thus dispossessed, he moved farther north, and finally settled in the adjoining county of Blackford, where all trace of him is lost. His step-son is said to have been fond of the chase, and a successful bear and deer slayer, yet, withal, an industrious man, and a valuable assistant to'his step-father in the labors incident to the home life. » Owen Russell, who came to occupy the land on which Boggs first settled, was a native of Virginia, from which State he removed to Allithrough the central portion, and leaving the township at the northwest | 2nce, Ohio, and during his residence in that place, married Elizabeth corner. | Sumpter. In October, 1820, he started with his wife and six children The timber that covered the ground prior to the early settlement, for the home in Indiana, his household effects being packed in a wagon was similar to that in other portions of the county, consisting principally drawn by two yoke of oxen, with one yoke of which he subsequently reof oak, ash, beech, maple, walnut and poplar. munerated Boggs for his improvement. The wagon containing his family was drawn by two horses. Nineteen days after leaving home, he reached a point two miles north of Muncie, and moved his family into a cabin owned by Joseph Bennett, where they remained during the winter of | that year. In the meantime the father erected a cabin on his own land, into which the family moved in the following spring. The land which he entered is now owned and occupied by Henry Hamilton.

Mr. Russell was an energetic man, a good farmer, and accumulated a competence. He was a leader among his fellows in the early days, but never held any official positions. He finally sold the old home farm and purchased one in Center Township, upon which he resided until his disease. Of the children who came with him to the home in the forest, Joel alone now survives. He is a farmer well known and respected.

Late in the fall of 1829, Adam Shaffer, with his wife and one child, came to the township and settled upon a tract of land, one and a quarter miles west of Russell, where he cleared and improved a farm. He was a hardy backwoodsman, made of just such material and possessing just such characteristics as. were essential to success in the undertaking in which he engaged. He lived to reap an adequate reward from his labors, and died on the farm which he had cleared and improved.

After the arrival of these pioneers, the township settled very slowly for several years, and no entries of land earlier than 1831 appear in the tract book, with the exceptions previously mentioned. The tract entered in that year was in Section 74, and Samuel Massey was the Peter Williamson was probably the next settler, as his date

Hamilton is situated in the north part of the county, and embraces an area of thirty square miles. Union Township bounds it on the | north, Delaware on the east, Center on the south, and Harrison on the west.

Hamilton

; an individual existence until a comparatively late day, and the early pioneer incidents are so closely allied with those of the original townships that, to separate them and assign to the history of this township only those 'events which transpired within its present limits, is a task by no means easy; and this is rendered still more difficult by the loss of the earlier records, of which, if ever kept, have been mislaid, and their

It is stated by Joel Russell that the first white settler of the township was Andrew Elliott Boggs, formerly a citizen of the State of Ohio, where he lived in comfortable circumstances and was reputed wealthy. ) He was evidently a man of some mark in his old home, as he represented that district in the State Legislature of Ohio, and held other positions of honor and trust. He has engaged in enterprises in that State, which proved unfortunate, and he saw the accumulations of a lifetime swept away. To amend his shattered fortunes, he repaired to the new lands of the West, but seemed pursued by a relentless fate, and all his efforts to regain what he had lost were unavailing. He did not possess the means to purchase the land upon which he settled, and was driven from point to point as settlers arrived and entered the lands upon which' he had no claim more valid than the "squatter's" title. He was an enterprising man, and always made a small " improvement " , and erected a cabin on the land where he located. At what date he first settled: here is not known; but in the spring of 1829, he was living

| log hut erected by himself and step-son on the land entered by Owen : Russell in that year. He had cleared a small piece of ground here, and was trying to earn subsistence for his family from the products of of purchase is October 2, 1831. James Nottingham purchased a tract of land in the adjoining section (25) one day later. ° | There were no roads through the township at that time, and no means of communication between the settlers, each family being almost as completely isolated as though they were the sole tenants of the woods; for in very few cases did the lands of the scattered settlers adjoin those of their neighbors, and even when such was the case, the

1836 - George Leard and William Baldridge, Section 1; Jackson Green, Isaac Shideler, William Martin and William McCormick, Section 2; Thomas Errell, Section 3; Alvin Sleeth, Section 4; Henry Shaffer and Stephen R. Davis, Section 10; James McCormick, Sr., Section 11; Waitsell W. Carey, Section 13; Elijah Reeves and Samuel Martin, Jr., Section 23; Stephen Norris, Section 28; Lewis Moore, John Miller and William P. Williams, Section 30.

In 1840, there were only 118 free holders in the township, according to the tax duplicate for that year, and a number of these were non-residents, who had purchased lands for speculation. How many of the following-named persons belonged to the latter class, it is impossible to say. In the subjoined list, the figures on the right represent the amount of tax paid by each:

In 1835, lands were purchased by Henry Huddleson, in Section 12; | Reeves, Thomas...........0.e..e.c0e+ 2 23 | Stiffler, Joseph. ........ .ccccccocneceee } 72 Samuel R. Collier and Abraham Slover, in Section 27; Josiah D. Will a LL RRE S* SE R e a aR 10. 82°}. Sonaker, Teed... .c3sccscsoceoecceece 76 : : OR "Wi , Robertson, Stanley L................ 4-41 | Gtaflord, Jobi....scesissciccisaacibcs 8 45 ae ens Deas on 29; and William te pope. onze Russell, William.................0... 1 8: j;Parder, Joshua. .cs ssh ister ova 6 17 si Collins, Samuel Moore and Isaac Freeman, in Section 30. The thsicees, SS aa ie Spee 4:25 '| Totrner) FsGae,. i scistewes esos ccc 1 15 dates of purchase establish with tolerable ee INE Of aerivel | ie in kee 5°87 -| Bracy, Noah. ..:0.vecees.cicck 4 18 of these settlers, as the lands were nearly always entered but a short ie ee io Thomas, John MEARE Geesivcess tee 1 72 time prior, or a short time subsequent to their occupation by the claim- Randall, Isaac...........00.6sec.0000. 60 Williams, J - bg erPehtetdi<tobu. sue : i ants. If this precaution were neglected, there were not wanting those Richards, MPU Sickie aeccncces> 6 a Williamson, CLEP. osscceccescsceceee :

Ten years later (1850), the United States census showed a total population of only 462 souls - the smallest population of any township in the county. ue ee

The increase during the next ten years, however, was as great, perhaps, as that of any of the neighboring townships, the number of inhabitants in 1860 having become 861, an increase of 389 since the former census. In 1870, there were living in the township 1,080 native American citizens, and forty-nine of foreign birth, and the census returns for

Early Events

In a new settlement the occurrence of events that, until then, were without parallel, are marked by an unusual interest, and live long in the memories of their witnesses, coming naturally to the surface in a review of the olden times by one of the surviving members of the pioneer community; and although subsequent events, transpiring in the same locality, may be of more consequence, and fraught with more important results, they are sometimes suffered to perish from memory, while the first of their kind live,

This is true in the present instance. The date of the first marriage, the first birth of a white child, and the first death in the settlement, can be stated with accuracy. These were, of course, important, as illustrating the dawn of civilization in the wilderness, and the introduction into its gloom of customs and events which had their counterparts in the older settled localities from which their participants had come; but the date of the first election, the officers chosen at that time, and other equally important questions affecting the civil existence of the township, could not be obtained with accuracy from any of the old settlers interviewed during the collection of material for this history. 2

In 1830, Owen Russell set out the first orchard in the township, having purchased 100 seedling trees ata nursery in Wayne County, Ind., and fully one-half of this number are still fruitful trees. To the log cabin in which he first lived, Mr. Russell put up a framed addition, This was really the first frame

The first white child born in the settlement was Riley, son of Adam Shaffer. The date of his advent into this world was the year 1831. In the following year the dark pall of death was first thrown over the settlement. Charles Hopkins, who came with the family of Owen Russell, was in delicate health when he came, and his malady subsequently developed into consumption, from which he died in 1832. The township then contained no cemetery, and his remains were taken to Muncie for interment. For several years later the deceased members of the community were buried on their own farms or in the cemetery at. Muncie. In 1840, Thomas Reeves donated a portion of his farm for which he executed a deed "to the Clerk of the Court," and his successors in office forever, for the use of the public as a burial ground." This was the first in the township and has ever since been used for the purpose prescribed in the deed. .

Organization

In 1833, Esquire John Marshall, of Muncie, was sent for to perform the first marriage ceremony in the township, at the house of Owen Russell. The contracting parties were James Nottingham and Miss Elizabeth, daughter of the host. ORGANIZATION.

The act erecting Hamilton into a civil township was passed by the Board of County Commissioners in 1838, but there are no records from which can be ascertained the proceedings of the first town meeting, or the Board of Trustees by whom the township buisness was transacted- The Trustee's office contains no records earlier than 1853. The constitution of the State, as revised two years previously, made the keeping of records oblligatory upon the Township Clerk, and these records have held by the Trustees April 11, 1853. The members present were Stephen R. Martin, Aaron Moore and Jacob H. Slonaker, Trustees, and A. J. Green, Clerk. Stephen R. Martin was chosen President of the board for a term of three years, and Samuel Strohm (who had been previously elected), took his seat as a member of the Board of Trustees. April 16, 1853, the board met, pursuant to adjournment, and transacted no further business than to levy a tax of 10 cents on each $100 of taxable property, for township purposes. ~ At the next meeting, May 20, 1853, we find the first record of money paid for school purposes. At this meeting, William N. Jackson was allowed $41.30 for services as teacher in District No. 5. Money was then disbursed for other purposes as follows: To John Robinson, for services as Trustee, $2; to George Northeutt, for services as Township Clerk, $9; to Jonathan Martin, for teaching school in District No. 2, $23.70; to John Hattield, for teacher in District No. 1, $9.10; Jacob H. Slonaker, for services as Trustee, $1.75; Isaae Shideler, Township Treasurer, $3.25; to Isaac Freeman, receiver of Wilson F. Steen, teacher in District No. 4, $18.95; to Stacie A. Haines, teacher in District No. 7, $60; to Isaac Freeman, for services as School Trustee, $1.25; to John B. Armstrong, 6 for extra labor as Supervisor; to Seth R. Martin, $1; Levi Beal, $4.29; Alexander Snider, $5.25; and William McCormick, $2.25, for services as Supervisors.

ordered a meeting of the qualified voters of the township, to act upon the proposition of raising a fund by taxation for the building and repair of schoolhouses. . The total. number of votes cast was twenty-nine, of which number twenty-two were in the affirmative. Immediately after this decision, the Trustees ordered a tax of 50 cents on each $100 of taxable property, and an equal amount on each poll to be continued for three years.

At the next meeting, held August 27, 1853, the only business transacted was the disbursement of money due the Road Supervisors. At an election held April 10, 1854, Aaron Moore was elected Trustee for a term of three years; Jacob H. Slonaker, Treasurer; and Andrew J. Green, Clerk. The following Supervisors of Roads were elected: Robert Mansfield, District No. 1; David Pixley, District No. 2: Samuel Drake, District No, 8; John Cullen, District No. 4; John Stradling, District No. 5; John Freeman, District No. 6.

At the same meeting (April 10, 1854), there was a tax of 2 cents on $100, and 1 cent on each acre of land, levied for road purposes, to be paid in work by the residents of the several road districts. The following list of names returned for taxation, shows the residents of the districts at that date:

During the year 1855, the Trustees entered into contracts with the following persons, to build schoolhouses at the locations designated: William N. Jackson contracted to build a frame house (location not designated), for $312.50; Amos Wilson contracted to build one frame house "at the corner of Section 5," for $325, and Lewis Smith contracted to build a similar structure in Section 11, for $312.50. In July, 1856, a contract was awarded to George W. Miller, for building a frame schoolhouse in District No. 2, $312.50, and, in May, 1860, to John H. Collins for building one at the southwest corner of the northwest quarter of Section 27, for which he received $312.50. The record of this board closes with the year 1860, at. which time the law was so amended as to relegate its duties to one Trustee, who was invested with al) the authority of the former board. The present incumbent of this office is Duncan Williams.

We have been able to gather but a limited amount of information touching the early schools of this township. The system possessed all that element of erudeness that, with a few exceptions, characterized our pioneer schools. Whenever a deserted cabin could be secured, and a man with the requisite qualifications of a " schoolmaster " could be employed, a subscription was made up by the settlers to remunerate him' for his services. . These have passed into history under the title of "subseription schools." They were the outgrowth of the times in which they existed, and their imperfections and the limited means afforded by them for the acquisition of kndwledge, led, perhaps, moredirectly than any other consideration, to the establishment and perfection of the educational system now in vogue, and which has shed such a benign influence over the public morals, and elevated the standard of public intelligence. In this township the first public school was taught by Joseph Custer, in the winter of 1838-39. The cabin in which he taught stood on the land of Thomas. Reeves. It was used as a schoolhouse during the week, and was also the place where the early religious meetings were held.

About two years later a cabin was erected especially for school purposes, on the farm of George Shaffer. This also served the purposes of a church to some extent as, whenever a minister of the Gospel made his appearance in the settlement, he was invited to preach at this house, whither the residents all repaired, whatever might be

"their religious creeds. _ An account of each new schoolhouse erected thereafter, or the schools conducted by each teacher subsequently employed, would be but a repetition of its predecessor, at least so long as the old method of conducting schools continued in force. .

The school system did not begin to have the form of an organized 'nstitution until after the passage of the law creating a fund for the establishment and maintenance of free schools; and it is a fact-much to the credit of the residents of Hamilton, that the first proposition to levy a tax in the township for this purpose was so cordially sustained - only seven votes being cast against it, while twenty-two were cast in its favor. .

It is probable that the old log buildings still standing as relics of the "subscription " system were converted into free schools upon the adoption of the new law of 1851-52; for, until 1855, the record shows no account of schoolhouses erected. In that year, however, $1,262.50 were paid from the township treasury, for this purpose alone - this amount having been disbursed for the erection of four schoolhouses; an

In 1553, $129.35 were paid for teachers' salaries in three school districts of the township, and, in 1854; $274.36 were paid to the teachers of schools in five districts, for terms of three months each.

The following statement of the condition of the public schools in Hamilton Township, for the year ending on the first Monday in April, 1854, was duly rendered and filed with the Auditor of Delaware County:

Total number of children between the ages of five and twenty-one years, 2/5; number of males between the ages of five and thirteen years, 91; number of males between the ages of thirteen and twenty-one years, 53; number of females between the ages of five and thirteen years, 80; number of females between the ages of thirteen and twentyone years, 46; number of children who have attended school during the past year, 225; number of males between the ages of five and thirteen years attending school, 73; number of males between the ages of thirteen and twenty-one years attending school, 50; number of females between the ages of five and thirteen years attendng school, 63; number of females, between the ages of thirteen and twenty-one years, attending school, 39; average daily attendance, 122.5; number of teachers employed, 5; number of schools, 5; number of male teachers, 4; number of female teachers, 1; average wages of male teachers per month, $19.443; average wages of female teachers per month, $15.334; length of term, 62 days; amount of expense for instruction during the year, $279.36; amount of public funds appropriated to the township, $318.12; amount charged by township officers for managing the educational affairs of the township, $33.

A report of the same subject by the Township Trustee, for the year ending August 31, 1880, shows the following condition of educational affairs within the township:

Number of white pupils admitted within the year, 381; average daily attendance, 208.8; total number of districts in the township, 11; length of term, 143.9 days; number of male teachers employed, 10; number of female teachers employed, 8; number of brick schoolhouses,

5; number of frame schoolhouses, 6; estimated value of schoolhouses, $5,500; estimated value of apparatus, including globes, maps, charts, ete., $200; number of volumes in Township Library, 150.

Cowing; District No. 7 (Weir Schoolhouse) - Clara Dombaugh; District No. 8 (Abbott's Schoolhouse) - Samuel Dragoo; District No. 9 (Pleasant Valley Schoolhouse) - James Lewis; District No. 10 (Royerton Schoolhouse) - Robert Monroe; District No. 11 (Shideler Schoolhouse) - Robert Stafford. CHURCHES. Royerton Christian Church - Until 1852, the meetings of this denomination were conducted at irregular intervals, and under no form of organization, by ministers who passed through the township en route to other points. In that year, however, under the ministerial offices of Elder Henry Grist, the society was organized at Center Schoolhouse. Among the original constituent members were John Strohm, Melissa _ Strohm, Rebecca Parker, Susanna Parker, Vincent Garner, Samuel S. White and Mary White. ;

The schoolhouse continued to be the place of worship for a number of years; but, having no regular Pastor, the interest Of come Ot the members began to wane, and the meetings were discontinued. In 18% 0, however, through the efforts of Elder Andrew Younce, the organization was revived and sprang into new life. Meetings bigs held at the schoolhouse for another year, at the end of which er John Royer donated the lot upon which the present house of worship was erected, before the close of the year 1871.

This edifice was dedicated by Elder George Thompson, and Elder Jacob Vincent was installed-as Pastor, remaining one year. At the end of: that time he was succeeded by Elder Andrew Younce, who remained two years, and was followed by Elder Ward, who remained only a few months. Elders Oliver and Tyne Carmichael preached alternately during the next year, since which time the church has been without a regular Pastor. |

The Village of Royerton. - In 1870, John Royer set apart forty acres from his farm and divided it into town lots, one of which he reserved as a site for a schoolhouse, and another for a church. During the preceding year, Mr. Royer kept a store and post office at this point. The store is kept at the present time by Alvin Dearth, who is also the Postmaster. The village contains one saw-mill, with a run of buhrs for grinding corn, owned and operated by George Johnsonbaugh, and one tile-factory, owned and operated by Abbott & Dearth.

The Village Of Shideler

was founded in 1871, by Isaac Shideler, the original owner of the land upon which it is situated. He was the Postmaster and store-keeper, in which occupation he still continues. Both villages are stations on the Fort Wayne, Muncie & Cincinnati Railroad.

John A. Willson

On page 237 in this volume will be found a biographical sketch of Volney Willson, the father of the gentleman whose life is outlined in this article. John A., his eldest son, was born at Muncie, Ind., September 8, 1845, and grew to manhood in the community of which he is now a respected member. He acquired a good common-school education at the Delaware County Seminary, under Prof. Clarkson, and afterward attended school at Aurora, Ill., finishing with a commercial course at the Bryant & Stratton Commercial College in that city. After three years spent thus in completing his education and acquiring a knowledge of business, he returned to Muncie and accepted a position as clerk in the store of James McCulloch, and was subsequently associated with John Oakerson, a merchant of this city in the same capacity. He was thus engaged two years, and then entered the service of his father, assisting him in the management of his agricultural and live-stock interests, until the fall of 1868. In October of that year he was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Elliott, of Booneville, Mo. In January, 1869, he removed to Cooper County, Mo., where he was engaged in

Capt. McClellan is of Scotch ancestry. His great-grandfather, Benjamin McClellan, was a native of Scotland, and having emigrated to America, at an early day, became cone of the primitive settlers at Georgetown, Ky. William McClellan, son of Benjamin, and a native Kentuckian, was born in 1780. Growing to maturity, he married Miss Katie Criswell, and in 1816, after the birth of three children, they moved to Greene County, Ohio. Here he settled upon land

County, he is mentioned as having been the first school-teacher in the then hamlet of Xenia. He boarded and lodged at home, while his school was eight miles distant, and he walked this distance, twice each day, carrying his rifle with him as a defense against the Indians and wild animals. 'He died in 1863, at the was born in Greene County, Ohio, December 5, 1817, and enjoyed the advantages of a good primary education at the hands of his father, who was an educated man. In addition, he enjoyed the privileges of the common schools, when not engaged with his father upon the farm. In 1836, he married Miss Harriet Beemer, and within a short time thereafter, engaged with his father-in-law, Frederick Beemer, in a saw-mill at Cedarville, Ohio. He was thus engaged until February, 1849, at which time he came, with his family, to Delaware County, ind. Following his arrival, he located upon the farm, where he still resides, in

For a period of thirty-two years, he has been a faithful tiller of the-soil in Delaware County, and has been highly respected as a citizen of Tay He has reared a family of nine children, who have honored him by taking their place, severally, among the best citizens of the county. His children were William A., Frederick H., John F., James M., epeppn' Ke Julia F., George E., Charles A. and Katie B., all of whom nw reside in this county excepting Frederick H. and Katie B., who are deceased. . ;

William A., the oldest son, and the subject of this biography, was born June 27, 1837, at Cedarville, Greene Co., Ohio, and accompanied his parents to Delaware County, Ind., in 1849. He yas the advantages of a good English edu= cation, and continued to assist his father about the farm until the s ring of 1859. He then engaged as a clerk in the grocery store of his uncle, G. Beemer, at Muncie, and remained in his employ until August, 1862. -The exigencies of the times demanding patriotic services, he abandoned his position and assisted in recruiting Company D, of the Eighty-fourth Regiment Indiana Volunteers. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant of this company August 14, 1862, and promoted to the position of First Lieutenant on the 6th of January, 1868. On the 28th day of February, 1865, he was again promoted to the rank of Captain, and was finally mustered out with his regiment on the 14th of J une, 1865. He was with his regiment, principally, during its eventful and gallant career, and acted a soldierly part throughout the war. :

Returning from the army, he resumed his position as clerk in his uncle's store, remaining thus renee up to December, 1868. He then withdrew to occupy his present farm of 168 acres, in Hamilton Township. This land he had urchased in the spring of 1865, prior to the close of his mi tary life, but did not uild his residence until the fall of 1868, just previous to his occupying the same.

He was married on the ist day of July, 1868, to Miss Lydia y% Blackford, of Delaware County. Five children have comegto bless this union - Harry J., born January 31, 1862; Ney, born February 17, 1866; Wilbert E., born August 24, 1878; Bessie Katie, born October 8, 1875, and Robert H., born September 16, 1879

_. Capt. McClellan is a man of sterlin qualities; one who, by his 'upright life, genial and hospitable nature, and a force of character, has won may warm personal friends and admirers. in politics, he acts with the Democratic party. In the progress of public improvements, and in the interests of public schools, he ws an approving influence. Aside from the management of his farm, he is extensivel ep loys by the county in the locating andl Gonstractinn of ditches and gravel ro He is, indeed, an honored and respected citizen. * was born November 9, 1832, in Adams County, Ohio. This locality was likewise the birthplace of his fa.her, Josiah D. Williams, who was born October 21, 1800. John Williams, the grandfather of the subject of this biography, had emigrated hither from the eastern shore of Maryland at an earlier date, accompanied by his wife and a family of small children. He was a farmer, and remained in Adams County, devoting his time to agricultural pursuits, until his death, which occurred about the year 1858. Josiah D., his son, remained at home, assisting 'his father about the farm, until he was married, having, in thc meantime, acquired a common-school education. On the 27th of Deceinber, 1821, he wedded Miss Emily, daughter of Solomon McCall, a native Scotchman, who had emigrated to the Ohio Valley among the early settlers. The McCall family have since become numerous, and still reside, in large part, in the valley of the Ohio, being identified with various trades and professions. Emily, the mother of our subject, was born April 6, 1800. Seven children followed her marriage with Mr. Williams, viz.: Maria, William McCall, John W., Mary, Duncan, Martha and Sarah J., all of whom were born in Adams County, Ohio, and the four youngest of whom are now living.

Hearing favorable reports as to the quality and price of lands in the wilds of Indiana, Mr. Williams came to Delaware County in the fall of 1835, and entered a tract of 160 acres in Hamilton Township, this being the farm upon which his son Duncan now resides. Returning to his family in Ohio, he brought them, one year later, to this tract, arriving on the 80th of September, 1836. Once settled at their new home, the father went to work diligently to clear and improve the land, while his devoted wife did well her part in the economy of the he family were devout Christian people, and active workers in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the father was prominent in helping to establish the first class of that denomination in their neighborhood. In politics, he adhered to the principles of the Democratic party ; and while not a politician, yet, at the time of his death, he was serving his tenth year as Justice of the Peace for Hamilton Township. He always bestowed his influence and support in behalf of public enterprises, and toward the maintenance of common schools. He died December 11, 1855, his life, perhaps, having been shortened by the severe hardships and wi pet ob of pioneer life. He was a man of the strictest inteygrity, a) his word was on as being as good as his bond. His fair dealing, wel his honesty of word and purpose won for him universal confidence and esteem in his community. :

His son Duncan grew up on the farm of his father, assisting him in the summer and attending the common schools of his neighborhoo during the winter, until the fall of 1850, when he entered the Seminary at Muncie, where, during two years, he pursued his studies with commendable results. Following this, he taught two terms of school in Delaware County, and, on the 28d of

Robert Clark, of this epg Five children have blessed their home, namely Lucy, William K., Emma F., Z. Gertrude and Robert J., of whom all now sur vive save William K. ;

After his father's death, Duncan purchased the interest of the other heirs of the estate, thus retaining the old homestead, upon which he still resides. Hus mother was a member of his home circle until her decease, Januar 20, 1878. Like his father, Mr. Williams is a zealous adherent to the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is joined by his family. He has clung to the he confidence reposed in him by the community in which he resides is attested wy his being cmlod to serve them in the important office of Township Trustee. e sense, and he became engaged as a dealer in live stock, a field in which he met with flattering success. His annual sales of horses and mules have been quite extensive, and have returned him a handsome compensation. He is energetic in the prosecution of his business, and possesses a

| sharp practice on the part of others, while he i 'ded in hi time, he soon afterward located upon the farm where he*now resides in | P wale he 1s guided in his dealings by a sense of honor and justice which prevents him from practicing upon others anything to which he himself would refuse to submit. Among all who know him he is recognized as a man of sterling worth and integrity. Genial and hospitable in his home, and honest and upright in his dealings with the world, he has won the confidence and regard of all with whom he has been associated. His farm is one of the finest in the county, and his beautiful residence and tastefully

Source changes here: from A Portrait and Biographical Record of Delaware County, Indiana :, published 1894; 24,248 words in this source stream.

Delaware Township

OHN BANTZ. - Among the prominent citizens of Delaware township, Delaware county, Ind., who did much toward the improvement and openingup of this part of the county, was the subject of this biographical sketch. For nearly fifty years he spent his life among this people and was well known and highly esteemed for those qualities which characterize the good neighbor, kind friend and reliable citizen.

John Bantz was born in Preble county, Ohio, February 3, 1831, a son of Joshua and Elizabeth (Bremer) Bantz, natives of Ohio and Maryland, respectively. They were farmers by occupation and remained in the state of Ohio until 1838, when they removed to Delaware county, Ind., and purchased the property upon which the widow of the subject of this sketch now resides. -The original purchase consisted of 160 acres, and Mrs. Bantz is now the owner of 134 acres. Joshua Bantz died July II, 1875, his wife having passed away in 1864.

John Bantz was reared on the home farm and received the education of the common school, never having removed from the township. He was married July 18, 1853, to Miss Rebecca M. Hobbs, daughter of William and Sarah (Chalk) Hobbs, natives of Greene county, Ohio, to which part of the country the ancestors of the family came from Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Bantz had a family of eleven children, seven of these now living, as follows: Isabella, the wife of N. Brinson; James; Nancy G. , wife of Stephen Gray; Catherine, wife of William Marks; Milroy; Emma, wife J. Bartlett, and Grant.

and he was much lamented by a large concourse of friends. He was a democrat in his political faith and had abl)^ acted as supervisor of the township. Mrs. Bantz, with the assistance of her son. Grant, has carried on the farm, very successfully, since his decease. It consists of over 130 acres of some of the finest arable land in the county and has excellent improvements.

HNDREW black is a prominent citizen of Delaware township, where he has a fine home, and is surrounded by all that is calculated to make life pleasant. He was born in Clarke county, Ohio, March 9, 1837, and is the son of John and Margaret Black. His father was born in Montgomery, county, Va. , November, 1805, and was the son of Andrew and Susan (Ross) Black, both natives of Virginia, their ancestry being Scotch-Irish. The family emigrated from Ireland to America, in an early day, and settled in Virginia, where descendants still reside. The mother of Mr. Black was born in Clarke county, Ohio, January 25, 1809; she was the daughter of George and Catherine (Fair) Stafford. John Black and Margaret Stafford were married in Clarke county, February 28, 1828, and located near New Carlisle in the same county. The husband engaged in the tanning business, which trade he followed until 1837, when he came to Indiana and located upon the land in Delaware county which his son, Andrew, now owns. The house he built in 1840 is still standing. John Black engaged in the milling business and farming when ,he came here, purchasing a tract of forty acres, which he improved and added to until at the time of his death he owned seven tracts, each consisting of eighty acres. He also owned the fine mill, which he built in

1847, and operated until his death; doing a lucrative business in the manufacture of both lumber and flour. He died June 30, 1868, and was buried in the Black cemetery. His widow lived until June 13, 1876. They were members of the INIethodist church, and devoted to its teachings. In politics Mr. Black was a republican.

Andrew Black was reared on a farm, and also learned the trade of milling, taking charge of his father's mill in 1848, and running it until 1^51, at which time he took charge of the home farm, cultivating the same until 1865. In the latter year he again took charge of the mill, and has ever since operated it with success and financial profit. Mr. Black owns 365 acres of land of the old homestead as well as his mill property, his entire wealth being the result of hard work and good management. The mill makes twenty-five barrels per day, and does corn and feed grinding, beside turning out a large amount of lumber.

Mr. Black was married May 22, 1851, in this township, to Mary E. Fishburn, born in Greene county, Ohio, August 28, 1832. She was the daughter of David and Catherine (Graves) Fishburn. By this marriage he became the father of six children, namely; David A., of this township; Margaret E., wife of Henry Brammer; John E. ; Martha, wife of Andrew Clark; Catherine A., and Clara, deceased. The mother of these children died October 6, 1866, and on the 25th of February, 1868, Mr. Black was married in Greene county, to Christine Peterson, whose birth occurred in the same county and state, November 24, 1837. The fruits of the latter union are three children, namely: Mary, wife of W. Bryant;

AVID A. BLACK is a native of Delaware township, is an excellent farmer, is a prominent man in his community, enjoying the confidence of his neighbors and friends, and setting an example in the matter of good farming, worthy of imitation. He was born March 28, 1852, being the son of Andrew Black, whose sketch appears above. His boyhood was passed on the home farm and in his father's mill, being employed in the latter for seven years, after which he engaged in the pursuit of agriculture on his own responsibility. His first property he bought in 1883, being the farm upon which he now lives, consisting of eighty acres highly improved, beside which he has eighteen acres in the town of Albany. What knowledge of books he received came through the common country school, and work too often interfered with his educational training. Mr. Black was married in March, 1875, to Lucette Thomas, born in this township December 22, 1852. She is the daughter of George W. and Gatherine (Price) Thomas, natives of Ohio, and pioneers in this county. The fruits of this marriage were Gyril A., deceased, Erederick O., John F., and an infant, deceased. The mother of these children died March i i, 1882. Mr. Black was next married in December, 1884, to Margaret C. Thomas, the sister of his first wife. She was born in Wheeling, this county, April 27, 1867, and has borne her husband three children, namely: Walter Ray, Leroy E., deceased, and Carl. Mr. and Mrs. Black are members of the Methodist church. In politics he is a republican. He has social impulses, and is a member of the Masonic order. Beside w'lLLIAM BLACK (deceased) - was m m \ a man of extraordinarily excellent character, respected by all who knew him and his death caused general regret among his entire acquaintance, the universal sentiment being that a worthy and a good man had been called away. He was born in Clarke county, Ohio, August 13, 181 i, being the son of Andrew and Susan (Ross) Black. The father, Andrew Black, was born in Giles county, Va. , in 1785, and came west with his parents, John Black and wife, to Clarke county, Ohio, where he remained until the death of his parents. The parents of William Black were married in Virginia; the}^ reared a family of ten children, namely: John, Samuel, Mary, James, William, Thomas, Jane, Andrew, Edward and Susan. Andrew Black served six months as a soldier in the war of 1812, and in politics he was a whig. He was very successful in his business affairs and left a handsome competence at his death, which occurred in October, 1854, his wife having departed this life in September, 1845. This busy and worthy man was a tanner as well as farmer, and he succeeded in whatever he undertook.

The subject of this sketch was reared upon the home farm, remaining there until he was twenty-three years old, when he came to this county and entered a half section, and also forty acres, where his family now lives. He came here first in 1829, but did not enter the land until his second visit, in 1832. Immediately after his second visit he erected a log cabin, eighteen by sixteen feet, having but one room and a puncheon floor, with a clapboard door and roof. A handsome brick residence now occupies the place of that primitive log cabin. There were no neighbors between Mr. Black's place and Fort Wayne and he did not often see visitors at his house in those early days. Mr. Black was a justice of the peace and his bailiwick embraced a very large territory. Game was abundant - deer and wolves, especially. Bringing along from Ohio plenty of provisions, clothing, etc., they were not so limited as some others as to food and raiment, their stock lasting until the land yielded of its increase. The work was hard, but their courage was great, and Mr. Black's hands and those of his help at home cleared 240 out of 300 acres, changing a great forest into blooming fields that yielded immense harvests of golden grain year by year.

Stafford, and came to this county overland with a horse team of his own and with a hired ox-team, making the journey in eight days. This young couple left a home of comfort and luxury, and entered the great primeval forest to brave every peril and privation pertaining to a frontier life. For years there was no school house, no physician, no store, no neighbor, no anything, but the wolves that howled by night, the great trees through which the mournful winds sighed and groaned, and hard work every day and all the time. Such privation was necessary in order to prepare the way for the present civilization. Fora period of nearly sixty years Mr. Black lived here and saw the forests disappear and flowers smile in the sunlit places where once the dark shadows lay at noontime; saw settlers come one by one and cheerily take up their burden; saw log cabins spring up here and there to give way presently to fine residences; saw the country thickly settled and prosperous; saw himself surrounded by grown up children who loved him ; saw himself surrounded by every comfort and luxury and honored and respected by his neighbors, and then finally he died, at a good old age, May 31, 1891. His remains lie in the Black cemetery and a handsome monument marks the spot and tells the passerby of the brave old pioneer.

Mr. Black was a sincere Christian and a member of the Methodist church. In politics he was a republican, and his faith in that party was so strong that he worked for it with all possible zeal. He filled the offices of justice of the peace, township trustee and other township offices, and always to his own credit and to the good of the community. His success was the result of honest and hard labor, self performed, as he received no assistance from any one. Since his death his estimable widow, whom everybody loves for her many good qualities, has remained upon the homestead, carrying on the fanri intelligently and profitably.

This patriarch and pioneer was the father of ten children, namely: Margaret J., wife of Cyrus St. John, of Albany; Susan E., wife of William Pace, of Indianapolis; James E., a carpenter of Eaton, Ind. ; Catherine E., wife of Aaron Brammer; Martha A., deceased; Marietta, wife of John Richey; Seline E., deceased; Sarah H., deceased; Ruth, wife of George Younts, and William H., at home. The mother of these children, all of whom are highly respected and useful members of society, is a sincere and devout Christian woman and has proved herself to be a kind and devoted wife, a sensible and loving mother and a good neighbor and friend. All who name her speak in her praise and wish that every one of her declining days of life may be peaceful and happy.

This family, in all its branches, proximate and ultimate, has maintained its respectability wherever known, and this township of Delaware may well feel proud of them as its citizens.

AVID E. BRAMMER. - All over this great country are men living quiet and unostentatious lives, wearing the simple garb of the agriculturist, but who bear marks, never to be effaced, of the years of the late war, and who showed to the world, at that time, of what material the loyal man is made. Perhaps the day will never come when these heroes will obtain their just due, but a record like this cannot pass by without at least a brief sketch of some of the most worthy. David E. Brammer was born in Lawrence county, Ohio, October 22, 1842, a son of Roland and Catherine (McCorkel) Brammer. Both parents had descended from old and highly respected Virginia families. They married in Lawrence county, Ohio, where they remained all their lives, the father dying June 6, 1882, and the mother mother February 23, 1859. The father was aged seventy-three years, one month and twenty-eight days at the time of his death, but the mother had barely passed her forty-sixth year when called to her final rest. They were the parents of the followingchildren: Robert, deceased; Edmund; Mahala, deceased; Andrew; Elizabeth, deceased; William, David; Amanda, deceased, George, Thomas, Jacob and Henry. Mr. Brammer was a' well known and influential man in his locality, having served as deputy sheriff for several years, and also as constable at different times. He was a worthy citizen, and in early life was a strong whig, later becoming a republican. The family were reared in the faith of the United Brethren church, in which Mr. Brammer was much esteemed, and was a notable example of the moral and upright Christian gentleman.

David E. Brammer was reared on the home farm, but after the death of his beloved mother he began to work away from home by the month, and, in i860, went south to take the job of deadening timber and of chopping roads through the swamps. This, although very laborious, was profitable work, but the troublous times came on, and in May, i86i, he returned north. Here he engaged in general work until September i 5 of the same year, when he enlisted in company K, Second Ohio volunteer cavalry for three years or during the war, serving until May 25, 1865, and participating in a number of battles. At the battle of Stony Creek he was taken prisoner; was sent on to Petersburg, where he was confined two weeks; thence to Richmond, where he was incarcerated in the infamous Libby prison for twenty-one days, only to be succeeded by an imprisonment still worse, at Andersonville, where a wretched existence was dragged out for nine months, before being paroled. At Black river they were kept seven days, and then were taken aboard of the ill-fated steamer Sultana, he being one of the unfortunate soldiers who were on board when that steamer burned and blew up. His hair was burned from his head, one leg was broken, and he suffered untold agony from scalding. One thumb was so badly scalded that the nail dropped off. For seven weeks he was cared for in the hospital in Memphis, and was then able to be transported to Camp Chase, Ohio, where he remained two days and then went on home to stay. It is well for agitators to read such tales that they may know what war costs.

After his recovery, Mr. Brammer engaged in farming by the month, but later went south and engaged at steamboating from New Orleans to Shreveport, La. , making several trips as far as Jefferson, Tex., and one as far as Roland, Tex. This occupation he followed one winter, but came to Indiana in March, 1866, locating in Delaware county, where he engaged in working by the month, for five months, and purchased his first piece of property in 1870. This was a tract of sixty acres, which he bas since increased, until he now owns 240 acres of valuable land, well improved, upon which he resides in great comfort. Mr. Brammer was married August 5, 1867, in Delaware county, to Miss Sarah Brammer, born in this county, daughter of Edmund and Nancy (Hatfield) Brammer, and three children have been born of this union: Emma Z. , deceased; Nancy C., wife of Robert Cultiez, and Martha B., wife of Franklin Peterson. Mrs. Brammer is an excellent woman, and a valued member of the Baptist church. Mr. Brammer is a republican.

ENLEY BRAMMER comes from an old and highly respected family and reflects credit on the same. He is a native of Delaware township, where he was born February 20, 1841 ; being the son of Edmund and Nancy (Hatfield) Brammer. The father was born in Patrick county, Va. , January 7, 1801; the son of Edmund and

Mary (Lee) Brammer, the mother an aunt of Gen. Robert E. Lee, the great Confederate chieftain. The father of Henley Brammer was but one year old when his parents crossed the mountains, and located in Cabell county, W. Va. , where he remained until his eighteenth year, after which the family moved to Lawrence county, Ohio, where the parents died. Pie then married, went to Fayette county, Ohio, and engaged in farming; remained there until 1836, and then moved to this county, where his death occurred June 18, 1889. The mother of the subject departed this life January 10, 1872. This worthy couple had ten children, namely: Roland, Mary, Rachel

(deceased), Malinda (deceased), Rebecca (deceased), Elizabeth, Mahlon, Sarah A., Aaron and Henley. Edmund and Nancy Brammer were firm believers in the doctrines of the Baptist church, and followed its teachings; Mr.

Henley Bramrner was reared upon the home farm, and now owns a portion of that estate, i8o acres of fine land, well improved. Owing to an accident which resulted in the loss of his left eye at the age of seventeen, his education was somewhat limited, but he has since become the possessor of a fund of practical knowledge both from books and from contact with his fellow men in the business relations of life. He remained at home with his father until the death of the latter, since which time his attention has been devoted to the work of the farm in the township where he now resides. He was married December 13, 1866, to Selina E. Black, born in Delaware county, April 19, 1846; the daughter of William Black, whose sketch will be found elsewhere. Two children were born to this union, namely: an infant, deceased, and William E. Mrs. Bramrner died Eebruary 2, 1875, 3.nd November 18, 1876, Mr. Bramrner took to wife Margaret D. Black, daughter of Andrew Black, previously mentioned in these pages. By this union there have been born ten children, namely; Charles, Mary A., Andrew L. , deceased, Frank, Selina E., Thomas A., Harry and Anna, twins, David E. and Josephine B. In politics Mr. Bramrner is a democrat. He is a kind neighbor, a good friend, and an honest, upright citizen.