Dudley Township

Dudley Township

Dudley, th<- Bret township called into being by the fiat of the Comn.i-i.HHT-. -inn. - II. 1833, began at "the southeast corner of Henry county, of which it is a part," and winning thence west M the count} line dividing Henry, Payette and Rush counties, nine and one-fourth miles from the present east line of the county, and was sfa miles in width. It consequently contained :it least fifty-five and one-half sections of hind, and comprlsed all of its present limits and about four-fifths of the pre* ni tnu oshlp of Franklin.

\ round of log rollings, house raisings, and similar "bees" occupied much of their time, and talk with one of these veterans and you will very likely he told that they enjoyed them- - and fell as hopeful, contented, and happy as at any period since.

"Friends' Meeting House," a hewed log edifice, which the writer remembers as standing about one mile southeast «.i the present Bite of Hopewell Meeting House, was erected in ls-j;( or 1834, and was, no doubt, the first attempt at church architecture in the township or in the county.* The congregation had been in the habit of worshiping at the house of Win.

Dudley was the gateway of the county, as three principal thoroughfares from the east and southeast led through it. It presents, perhaps, less variety of surface than any other township in the county, being almost, entirely table land, lying on "the divide" between Flatrock and West River, with perhaps two-thirds of its surface finding drainage to the latter.

The passersby of early days regarded it as most unpromisingly wet. Although very little of it can be termed is now seen to be sufficiently undulating to permit the most complete drainage of almost every acre, and under improved culture the large average crops and general fertility stamps it as one of the best bodies of land in the county.

Dudley of to-day is five and a quarter by six miles in extent, an 1 thus contains about 19,000 acres ; divided into 191 farms, an average of about 103 acres each ; supporting an almost exclusively rural population of 1,348 souls, about 43}., per square mile, divided between 268 families and 267 dwellings. Of this number but 13 are foreigners - less than one per cent, while the natives of the "Old North State" number 126, or nearly ten per cent, of the whole population. The value of the lands and improvements for 1870 was $542,120. The town lots and improvements were valued at $6,300, and the personal property at $249,970, making a total of wealth of $798,590.

The first election was ordered to be held at the house of Mr. Paul, on Saturday, July 6th, 1822, for the purpose of electing one Justice of the Peace, and William McKimmy was appointed Inspector. William McKimmy and Garnett Hayden were appointed first Overseers of the Poor for Dudley township, and Richard Pearson and Robert Thompson "Fence-viewers." The elections were afterward held at Benjamin Strattan's for a number of years ; about 1840, at Daniel Reynolds' ; then at New Lisbon. Soon two polls were opened - one at New Lisbon, twcnt\ -live years ago, vie witli the world, tlie township bftS Dear thirty mllet of line turnpike, splendid and well drained farms and farm houses that vie with the best.

The n< grand division named in order, on the public records, was to be known and designated by the name and style <ii Wayne lownship. It was originally six miles from north to south, and eleven in length from east to west, including all that territory west of Dudley. It thus included in its fair domain about 12,000. acres of very valuable land, much of it to-day the most valuable in the county. Its first boundaries included one-fifth of the present townstdp of Franklin, all of Spiceland, and i --ixth of Greensboro. Although thrice shorn of a portion of it* "independent jurisdiction," its present area is a

W.n Hi- township bad, at the date of its organization, from thirty to forty families, though the very choice lands, line springs, and abundant water power of Bine River, Buck and Montgomery creeks, marked it for rapid settlement. A village was projected at the mouth of Mongomery's Creek, on the . oiinty line, as well as "old State road," at once. This became the emporium of trade for the region round about, and rejoiced in all the metropolitan splendors of a "one-eyed grocery" and dry goo - -tore kept, by Aaron Maxwell. This "Chamber of

Commerce," in 1822, consisted of a very indifferent log cabin, with a wide fire place, flanked on one side by a rude table, where Mrs. Maxwell compounded "red bread," ami on the other by a barrel of whisky and about as m uiy bolts of calico, etc., as coidd be piled upon a chair.

Raccoon pslts seem to have been the principal circulating medium, and several years afterward, when the stimulus of sharp competition had taxed the energies of the merchant princes of the day, the old ladies were at times under the necessity of sending by the mail boy for a little tea. or other luxury,and young ladies in quest of a bridal trosseau woidd mount theii palfreys and make a day's journey to Connersville for the outfit.

The Methodists had preaching at West Liberty, in a very early day, perhaps as early as 182:?, Rev. Constant Bliss Jones officiating. The preaching was held at Mr. Ilatton's private house for some time. Jones was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Brown, who seems to have resided at AVest Liberty. Mrs. Eliza Jones (then Miss Cary,) taught a school, in 1825 and 1S2G, and was the first female teacher in those parts. She, with Mrs. Peggy Jones, the minister's wife, organized the first Sabbath school in the township, perhaps in the countj-.

At the first meeting of the Board of Commissioners, an election was ordered to be held at the house of Joseph Watts, July 6th, for the purpose of electing the one Justice of the Peace for the township. Abraham Ileaton was appointed Inspector, and seems to have been elected the first Justice. In August, Elijah McCray and E. Hardin were appointed Constables of Wayne township, until the February term, next in course. In November, Daniel Priddy was also appointed Constable. Ebenezer Goble and Samuel Furgason were appointed Overseers of the Poor, and Daniel Ileaton, Shaphet McCray, and Jacob Parkhurst first "Fence- viewers in and for Wayne township," and Abraham Ileaton was also appointed Superintendent of the school sections in Wayne township. The elections in this township were afterward held at Prudence Jackson's house, till 1825; changed to Solomon Byrkett's, in

Abraham Beaton seems t«> have had, at this earlj day, a mill erected at the month <-(' Buck Creek, a few rode south of" whit haa i«>r man] yean been known as the "White Mill." John Anderson, afterward "Judge Anderson," then a fresh arrival, dng tin- race and, receiving $100 for the samfe, walked to Brookville ami entered a part of the present sit.- of Kaysville.

[mmedlatelj alter the organization of the township was effected, the Commissioners ordered the location of a road "to commence at tin- town of New Castle, ami from thenee the Dearest and besl waj to Abraham Heaton's mills, ami from thence to the count] line, where section thirty-three ami thirtyfour corner in township sixteen and range nine, on the line dividing fifteen ami sixteen." The terminus was West Liberty, and the mute selected was the river route from New Castle via Teas1 mill, the stone quarry, and Elm Grove. This was the id ordered in the county, the first being from New Castle via John Baker's and David Thompson's, on Symons' Creek, to the count] line, on a direct course, to shook's Mill, in Wayne county, which Bhows of what importance the opening of the '-< racker line" was to the early settlements. Not to he wondi red at either, since l*going t<> mill" required about two to fcur day- out of the month.

Wayne is the most populous and wealthy township of the count] to-day. According to the recent census, its area is divided into 306 farm-: an average of about 103 acres each. It has a population of 3,331, or about 100 per square mile. The vain.- of lands ami Improvements tor 1870 was 1684,710; of town lots and Improvements, 3433,120; while personal property foots up to the snug little sum of $692,540, making atotal of $1,7S4,370.

Knlghtstown, Kaysville, and Grant and Elizabeth Cities, 330 of it- 680 families residing in Knightstown alone. Dudley and Wayne, with the townships carved out of them, constitute the First Commissioners1 hi-triet, as they always have.

Source changes here: from History of Henry County, Indiana : Together with Sketches of Its Cities, Villages, and Towns ... Also a Condensed History of Indiana, Embracing Accounts of Pre-historic Races, Aborigines, Winnebago and Black Hawk Wars, and a Brief Review of Its Civil and Political History., published 1884; 7,084 words in this source stream.

Dudley Township

Dudley Township was the first township formed in Henry County. It was erected by the commissioners June 11, 1822. Wayne and Henry townships were formed the same day, but Dudley precedes them upon the records. As then laid out Dudley included all of its present territory, and all that is now Franklin Township, excepting one tier of sections on the west. The first election was ordered " at the house of Mr. Paul, on the 6th of July next [1822], for the purpose of electing one justice of the peace."

It was also further ordered that William McKimmy be appointed Inspector for said township. William McKimmy and Garnet Hayden were the first Overseers of the Poor, and Richard Pearson and Robert Thompson, Fence Viewers. Elections were afterward held at the house of Benjamin Stratton for twenty-four years, then at Daniel Reynolds's. The township has now two voting places. New Lisbon and Straughn.

John Huff and a man named Carter are supposed to have been the first settlers of Dudley Township. They were here as early as 1820. Huff lived near the junction of the Hew Castle and Dublin and the Hopewell and Flatrock turnpike roads, and Carter about three-fourths of a mile west of the site of Hopewell meeting-house.

Charles Smith lived on the State road in 1822, and William White, a noted horse jockey, north of that road. Merriman Straughn was an early settler near the town now called after his name. Richard Ratliff, father of Cornelius Ratliff, who for man^ years was a very prominent citizen, and Hathan Ratliff were among the earliest settlers. The latter was Richard's son. H^ was a noted hunter and trapper. After residing a number of years in the township he removed and settled on the Blue River. He was found dead in the woods, having gone out to look after traps which he had along the stream. Jonathan Ratliff, his brother, was also an early settler. Daniel Paul, Josiah Morris, William Mc- Kimmy, William Owen, William Maudlin, Elisha Shortridge, Richard Thompson, Richard Hawley, Jesse Bundy, Jonathan Bundy, Thomas Leonard, Joseph R. Leaky and Thomas Gilbert were among the earliest settlers. It is estimated that the population of the township was less than 150 in 1822. . William Charles , was an early settler near the State road, and there the first meeting of Hopewell church was held. Thomas Bell was an early settler where Marcellus Symons now lives; Jesse Bundy, in the northern part of the township; Robert and William Hester; John Paxson, a blacksmith; Henry Palin; l^eter Winslow (colored) and his sons - Joseph, Hathan and Daniel, the latter a preacher; Samuel Stewart and John Brajway, in the western part, were all early settlers. *

Benjamin Stratton, from Ohio, came to Richmond, Ind., in 1819, and thence, in 1825, to the farm, on part of which his son Joseph, an aged and respected citizen, now lives. Ephraim, another son, also resided in the township. Caleb Cope, a son-in-law of Benjamin Stratton, was an early settler. He was noted as a '' coon hunter," and was also a schoolmaster. It is said that he was not fond of work, but he would chop on a big tree all night if there was a prospect of securing a raccoon by so doing. William Walters and Jackson Smith's father were early settlers on the State road. The Macys and other Friends were early settlers, but not among the first, in the vicinity of Hopewell meeting-house.

Sampson J^ation, father of William Nation, of New Lisbon, came from Kentucky and settled in the northeast part of the township in 1822. Other early settlers in the same neighborhood were Thomas Leonard and Joseph R. Leahy (already mentioned), Jacob Swafford and John Yan Bu shirk. The widow of Yan Buskirk is still living. Benjamin Dennis settled in the eastern part of the township prior to 1822.

Richard Hawley, a native of Pennsylvania, settled in this township in 1822. He died in 1839, aged forty-four. He was a good type of the pioneer settler, noted for his activity and feats of strength at log rollings. His sons Eli and Charles are old residents of the township. The Hawley family moved here from Richmond, where Mr. Hawley had been for about a year previous. He hired a man to move his effects with an ox-team, and after paying him had but 75 cents left. They lived three days as best ihey could until a cabin could be completed. Then there came up a rain, and as no door had yet been cut through the logs, crawled under and got inside. To make an opening for egress and entrance they piled firewood against the green logs, and kindling a fire burned a hole through. Soon after, Hawley cut his foot and was confined to the house for several weeks, during which time he was unable to provide for his family, except by a novel method of hunting. He had an old flint-lock musket the lock of which was out of order. Wild turkeys were so plenty that they often came near the house, and Mr. Hawley, watching through the cracks, would notify his wife when they approached. She would then apply a fire coal to the gun to touch it off, while he aimed it. In this way he managed to secure several supplies of game. Such was one of the many expedients to which the pioneers were obliged to resort.

The township not having any large streams, had no mills early. The settlers were obliged to go either to Yandalia, east of Dublin, or to some other part of Wayne County to procure flour or meal. Some even went to Connersville. The first mill of any kind in the township was a saw-mill built by Abijah near New

The low lands of this township were slowly taken up. As late as 1840 many tracts remained unimproved. The township is now very wealthy and prosperous. In 1880 its population was 1^544.

New Lisbon

This old village is situated in the northeastern part of Dudley Township, on the Fort Wayne, Cincinnati & Louisville Railroad. It was located in 1833 by James Donaldson and William Crane, and called Jamestown, after the former. A postoffice with the name New Lisbon was established about 1838. The town was incorporated in 1880, and the census of that year showed a population of 187. It has grown some since, and now has about 260 inhabitants.

The first building erected in the place was a store, by Rufus Crane, who was the first merchant. Other early settlers were Aaron Yore, a cooper, and John and Isaac Ware, blacksmiths.

There was a steam saw-mill at Jimtown," about 1837, one of the first introduced into the county. It was a veritable ''wonder to the natives," and people came from miles around to see it work. Another, cotemporaneous with it, was located near Hopewell meeting-house, for a time. It was owned by Daniel Reynolds and A. L. Please. It used about five cords of wood per day as fuel. These saw-mills were doubtless the first establishments run by steam in Henry County.

The first physician in the place was Dr. Benjamin Harrison, who died here after about two years' practice. Many others have practiced in the town a short time each. Dr. Wm. H. Castor, a good and successful physician, resided here for fourteen years or more. The present practitioners are Dr. S. Pickering and Dr. C. K Gibbs.

The present business interests of the town include the large drain tile factory of Johnson & Sullivan; the saw-mill of Sloniker & Miller; two blacksmiths and one wagon-maker; the general store of Mrs. O. Wiseman, and the drug, variety store and postoffice of E. W. Walradth.

The town of Straughn, on the main line of the C., St. L. & P. Railroad and the old National road, is a young but thrifty village. It was laid out in 1868, by John L. Starr, on land formerly owned by Merriman Straughn, an early settler. An addition to the town plat was made soon after by John Hazelrigg.

The first house in the town was erected in 1868 by Benjamin Hayden. The first merchant was John L. Starr. The postoffice was established in 1868. The Postmasters, to date, have been:

The town was incorporated in 1882. It now has about 250 inhabitants. Among the business interests are the drain tile factories of Johnson & Sullivan and Dennis & Charles, the saw-mill and planing-mill of Edwin Peynolds, the dry-goods store of E. M. Brittanham, and the groceries of J. L. Willis and E. R. Colburn. The town has a school, two churches and one physician - Dr. Weekly. Reynolds's mill was moved hither from Prairie Township and erected in 1873. The town is improving quite rapidly.

Probably the first school-house in Dudley Township was that which stood on the corner of Thomas Leonard's land. It was a log structure, of the old-time pattern. Here a school was taught as early as 1827. Thomas Leonard and Robert M. Cooper were among the earliest teachers. Later a school was started at Hopewell meeting-house.

In the western part of the township Caleb Cope taught the first school about 1830, in John Brad way's cabin. Later, a log schoolhouse was erected in the same neighborhood.

Soon after Hopewell meeting was organized a school was established under the auspices of the meeting, which continued to fiourish until recently, ranking among the best country schools of the county. William Johnson was a teacher at Hopewell about 1835. He was succeeded by John M. Macy, Robert Hall. Solomon Hastings anrl others. Cyrus Hodgin taught in the new twostory school-house for two or three years. About 1877 Hopewell school-house became the property of the district and one of the township schools is now kept in it. In the Hopewell school the higher branches were taught, and the institution had an excellent reputation.

Religious Organizations

Hopewell Meeting. - The oldest Friends' meeting in Henry County is the Hopewell meeting. The first Friends' meeting was held at the house of William Cha^s, near the State road. About 1823 a meeting-house of hewed logs was erected on the land of Richard Ratliff, about three-quarters of a mile southeast of the present church. Among the leading early members were Joel Gilbert, Sr., Thomas Gilbert, Josiah Gilbert, Benjamin Stratton,

Eobert Parker, John Hall, Thomas Bell, William Maudlin, Aaron Bogfijs, Benjamin Dennis, 'Eichard Hawley, Geo. Stanley, Elisha Hammer, Christopher Hiatt, John Symons, Jonathan Eatliff, Jesse Bundy, and their wives, and Elizabeth EatlifF. James Macy, Sr., is one of the oldest living members. The second meeting-house, a frame building, was built about 1838, where the present house stands. The new meeting-house, also a frame, was built in 1878 at a cost of about $1,600. The first minister of Hopewell meeting was Eachel Bundy; later, Mordecai M. Gilbert became a minister. Tim present ministers are Mordecai M. Gilbert and Thomas Henley. The Trustees are Morris Eeynolds and Harve}^ Gilbert. - Hopewell meeting has nearly 300 members.

Baptists. - The Baptists of this township organized and built a log church about the same time Hopewell meeting was formed. The church was used for several years as a school-house. The organization went down years ago. The house stood about one and one-half miles northeast of where Daniel Paul settled.

Salem U. B. Church. - This congregation was organized about 184:2, and immediately a log church was erected on land now owned by Thomas W. Smith, about one and one-half miles southeast of where the present church stands. Caleb Witt was the first minister and organized the society. Ear 1}^ members were: Chas. W. McGath, Wayne Smith and wife, Micajah Maudlin and wife, Charles Paxson, Paul Coffin, Eli Maudlin, John Stiggleman, Thomas B. Scott and their wives. Among the early ministers were Caleb and Joseph Witt, John Yardeman and Thomas Evans. The present house of worship was erected in 1860 at a cost of about $1,000 The society now has about eighty members, and the Sabbathschool about forty. The present Trustees are: C. P. Hawley, Joseph Eiggle and C. W. McGath; Class-leader, Eli Hawley.

At Beech Grove a church was erected some years ago by the Free Methodists. The United Brethren afterward met there. Their organization has now gone down and the building is only used for occasional preaching.

New Lisbon Churches. - The first church in Hew Lisbon was organized by the Methodists who erected a house of worship about 1835. Three or four years later the Christians built a church. Neither of these organizations is now in existence. The United Brethren society built a church in 1864: at a cost of about $2,200. The congregation was organized a short time before by P. S. Cook, tlie first pastor. Alexander Floyd was the minister who was in- strumental in building the church. The church started with about twenty members and has now about sixty. The present pastor is W. A. Ohler. Trustees; John EafFens barge r, Enos Shaffer and Jasper Matney. The Evangelical Association organized a church in New Lisbon and erected a house of worship in 186L The congregation has never been large.

Straughn Christian Church. - The ''New Light" Christians who now worship at Straughn organized at the Macedonia schoolhouse south of that town and there met for two years. In 1868 they erected a frame church at a cost of about $1,800, which in 1881 was moved to the town of Straughn. The congregation was organized by Elders Duncan and Eddings. The first Deacons were John L. Starr and Dempsey Jenkins. There were about twentyfive members at first; the present membership is about eighty. Elder Duncan was the first pastor. The present is Elder Kemp. The church officers are: Wm. Gauker and Edwin Eeyimlds, Deacons; Amos Stevenson, Secretary.

Straughn M. E. Church. - In December, 1881, a Methodist Episcopal class, consisting of nine members, was formed at Straughn by Eev. E. S. Boston, who began preaching at this place May 1, 1881. N. S. McMeans was the first Class-leader. The house of worship, a neat frame building, was erected in 1882, and dedicated June 24, 1883. Its cost was $1,569. The present membership is seventeen. The Trustees are: N. S. McMeans, W. O. Bogue, Leonard Scott, Eli Smith and Samuel Watson; Classleader, N. S. McMeans; Pastor, Eev. E. E. Small.

Biographical

Jesse Ballard^ farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Franklin Township, Henry Co., Ind., Aug. 4, 1840, the third son of ^^^oman^ anS^ Elizabeth (Paul) Ballard. His youth was spent on the farm and in the district school. July 4, 1863, he enlisted in the war of the Eebellion in Company K, One Hundred and Eighteenth Indiana Infantry. His term of enlistment was six months, but he served eight months. After his return home he went to Grant County, Ind., and engaged in agricultural pursuits, and while there was married, Nov. 9, 1864, to Alice Shinholtz, a native of Virginia, who came to Indiana with her parents when eight years of age. After his marriage Mr. Ballard returned to his native county and settled oh his farm in Dudley Township He has eighty acres of finely cultivated land, with good farm buildings. Mr. and Mrs. Ballard have had six children - Marion Grant, Lizzie J., Ida Ellen, Bosetta May, Pearl Estella, and Jennie Lillian. Politically Mr. Ballard is a Democrat.

Joseph Ballard^ farmer and stock-raiser, Dudley Township, was born in Franklin Township, Henry Co., Ind., Hov. 8, 1842, a son of Moman and Elizabeth (Paul) Ballard. He received a medium education in the common schools, remaining with his father till manhood. Aug. 11, 1862, he enlisted in Company I, Sixtyninth Indiana Infantry. He was sent with his regiment to Kentucky, after the battle of Kichmond, where he was taken ill and became unable to perform the duties required. He was transferred to the invalid corps, remaining there till his discharge, Oct. 31, 1863. After his return home he remained with his father till his marriage and then moved to Dudley Township, where he now has a fine farm of eighty acres. He was married March 3, 1864, to Haney Ann, daughter of Samuel Shihler. They have three children - Minnie, now Mrs. Marcellus Symons; Angie Yiola, and William M. Politically Mr. Ballard is a Democrat.

IT. 0. Bogue was born in Washington County, Ind., in 1825, a son of Aaron and Elizabeth (Evans) Bogue, natives of North Carolina, his father born in 1790, died in 1855, his mother born in 1797, died in 1879. His father came to Indiana in 1812, and during the war settled in Washington County where he suffered many hardships and privations and where he was married and remained till 1829, when he moved to Henry County, and located on the farm now owned by W. O., on section 35, Dudley Township. His family consisted of three children - Benjamin E., W. O., and Sarah A., now Mrs. William Puntney, of Iowa. W. O. Bogiie has made Henry County his home since 1829, with the exception of two years spent in Wabash County. He has made farming his principal vocation through life, and now owns 125 acres of excellent land. He was married in 1849 to Lucinda Cqxen, a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, born in 1833. She died in 1855 leaving two children - Oliver H., an attorney of Wabash, Ind., and Frank, died aged fifteen years. In 1858 Mr. Bogue married Mary A. Holland, who was born in 1836. They have had three children - Flora M., Marshall G. (deceased) and Gertrude. Politically Mr. Bogue is a Bepublican. He and his wife are members of the Society of Friends.

Edmund Bare, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Franklin County, Ind., born April 10, 1845, a son of John J. and Mary Ann (Cassady) Dare. His father was a native of Zanesville, Ohio, born in 1809. His mother was a native of New Jersey, a daughter*^ John Cassady, an early settler of Franklin County. His grandfather, Abiel Dare, moved with his family to Franklin County, Ind^ in 1812, and was soon after drafted into the war of 1812. He died in Franklin County, leaving his wile with seven children to rear and educate on a frontier farm. John J. Dare, died in Franklin County in 1869 and his wife two years later, in 1871. Five of their eight children are living. Edmund Dare received his early education in the common schools, taking a course at Brookville College and Cincinnati. It was his desire to enter the legal profession, and his father sent him to school to make the needful preparation, but subsequently buying more land, Edmund was obliged to return home and assist in its cultivation. His father died before the land was paid for, but before his death divided it equally, with the understanding that they pay the indebtedness. This they did and as a result Mr. Dare has never resumed his legal studies. He was married Oct. 2, 1874, to Eva, daughter of Dr. C. N. Gibbs, now of this township. They have two children - Oakley L. and John J. Mr. Dare came to Henry County in the spring of 1875 and bought the farm where he has since resided containing ninety acres of well-cultivated laud.

Solomon Elliott was born in Wayne County, Ind., Dec. 2, 1819, the fifth of eleven children of Jacob and Mary (Peelle) Elliott,nati ves of North Carolina, his father born in 1793 and his mother in 1790. His parents were married in 1810, and in 1815 moved to Wayne County, Ind., and located near Centreville, remaining there till 1822 when they moved to a farm of 160 acres near Dublin, where the mother died Dec. 18, 1853, and the father Oct. 27, 1868. They were members of the Society of Friends. In politics he was a Republican. Their children all lived till maturity, and seven are now living - Absalom, of Hamilton County, Ind.; Rhoda, widow of Nathan Gilbert; Solomon; Catharine, wife of M.M. Gilbert; Exum, of Dublin, Ind.; Rachel, wife of James McCoy, of Dublin; Mary, wife of T. B. Pearson, of Florida. .The deceased are - Jonathan; Guiana, wife of Stephen Marshall; Mark, and Ruth, wife of C. B. Eidson. Solomon Elliott remained in Wayne County till 1842, when he came to Henry County and settled on the farm where he now lives, in Dudley Township. He owns 170 acres of fine land, all well improved. He is one of the earliest settlers of the township, and the only one living of the old settlers that owns property within its limits. Politically he is a Republican. He has served as Town- ship Trustee three years. Sept. 30, 1841, he married Penelope Morris, a native of Wayne County, Ind., born Aug. 12, 1823, a daughter of Jonathan and Abigail Morris. They had a family of nine children, eight ot whom are living - Franklin has been a missionary of the Friends Society in Indian Territory four years; he served three years in the late war in Company A, Thirty-sixth Indiana Infantry; he was wounded twice, - at Stone Piver, and Chickamauga, - and ^as a prisoner a short time; Martin L. resides in Jasper County, Mo.; Emma F., wife of Reuben Peelle of Clinton County, Ohio; Charles M., died aged one year and ten months; L. M. H. and Laura C., wife of William Mills, reside in Dudley Township; Amanda is teaching in Clinton County, Ind. ; Anna M. 'and Milo are at home. Mr. Elliott and family are members of the Society of Friends. Mrs. Elliott died Dec. 26, 1883.

Charles M. Gilbert^ son of Jeremiah and Mary Gilbert, was born in Henry County, Ind., Feb. 8, 1854. When twenty years of age he commenced to work at the carpenter's trade, which with contracting he has since followed, and at the same time has carried on farming. He was married in 1876 to Elizabeth Coate, daughter of Jonathan and Elizabeth Coate. They have four children - William, Nora, Ray and Lora. Politically Mr. Gilbert is a Republican. He has served as Township Assessor and since 1882 has been Trustee. He and his wife are members of the Society of Friends.

Joel Gilbert^ deceased, was born in North Carolina in 1793. In 1824 he came to Indiana and spent one year in Wayne County, and in August, 1825, he came to Henry County and settled on land entered from the Government,on section 23,Dudley Township, where he remained till his death in 1870. He was married in North Carolina to Lydia Morgan, a native of that State, born in 1786. She died in 1845. They had nine children; but three are living - Joe4 Lydia, wife of Cyrus Kendall; Mordecai M. The deceased are - Aaron; Abigail, wife of Cornelius Ratliff, of. Grant County, Ind.; Millicent; Pennina, wife of John Cook; Nathan and Jeremiah. Mr. Gilbert and his family were members of the Friends' Society of which he was an Elder many years.

Mordecai M. Gilbert was born in North Carolina, Sept. 5, 1824, a son of Joel and Lydia (Morgan) Gilbert. He was reared and educated in Henry County7T[nd. , residing with his parents till manhood. He now owns a farm of 120 acres in Dudley Town- ship. In 184-5 he was married to Martha Bundy, a native of Henry County, born in 1828. To them were born five children - Abel, born in 1846; Rachel, born in 1849, died in 1855; Esther, born in 1852, wife of W. P. Binford, of Hancock County; Jeptha, born in 1856; Wilson, born in 1859, died in 1863. Mrs. Gilbert died in 1863. In 1864 Mr. Gilbert married Mary Moore, who was born in 1830 and died in 1880. They had two children - Alfred and Albert, twins, born in 1867. The latter died in 1868. In 1881 Mr. Gilbert married Catharine, widow of Thomas Gilbert^ and daughter of Jacob Elliott. She was born in Wayne County, Ind., in 1821. She has three children by her first marriage - Jonathan N., Oliver, and Anna, wife*of N. A. Moore. Politically Mr. Gilbert is a Republica,n. He and his wife are members of the Society of Friends.

Josia/i T. Lewis^ farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Highland County, Ohio, born July 10, 1819, the eldest of nine children of Nathan and Rachel (ThWas) 'Lewis. His father was a native of

Bedford County, a^soa of Evan Lewis and a grandson of ^^ouis Lewis, who came from Wales and settled in Jamestown, Va., - in 1650. lie was a noted man of his day, and held an appoint- "^ment from the King in the colonial government. His mother was a daughter of Josiah T. Thomas, a native of North Carolina, who died when she was a child. Her mother afterward married Elisha Johnson, and in 1806 they moved to Ohio, and settled near Hillsboro, in Highland County. In 1811 Nathan Lewis emigfrated to Ohio, and lived in Cincinnati several years. He was married to Rachel Thomas in September, 1818, in Waynesville, Ohio. Both were consistent members of the Society of Friends, and they were married by order of their society. In the spring of 1822 they moved, with their family, to Randolph County, Ind., and in 1825 to Wayne County, locating near Richmond. In 1842 they came to Henry County, and settled in Dudley Township, where the father died in 1847, aged fifty-six years, and the mother in 1881, aged eighty-seven years. Josiah T. Lewis, was married Nov. 9, 1848, to Juliann Heacock, a native of Pennsylvania, born near Philadelphia March 12, 1830, a daughter of Nathan and Eliza Heacock, who came to Henry County, Ind., in 1837, and settled in Knightstown. After his marriage Mr. Lewis bought his present farm, which he now has under a good state of cultivation. In his early life his educational advantages were limited, but being ambitious, he applied himself to study and became prepared to teach, a vocation he followed in connection with farming fifteen years. He has taken a great interest in educational matters, and has held many responsible offices for the promotion of the cause. To Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have been born seven children; but three are living - Mary E., Marcus A. and Charles A. Hathan H., Sarah J., O. W. and an infant are deceased. Politically Mr. Lewis is a Kepublican.

James Macy^ Jr., son of James and Anna Macy, was born in Henry Connty, Ind., Sept. 26, 1840. He worked on the farm with his father till manhood, and then began working at the blacksmith's trade, which he followed four years. He was then in the saw-mill and lumber business thirteen years, and since then has been engaged in farming. He owns a fine farm of 100 acres on section 14, Dudley Township. He was married in 1869 to Miriam^ Pidgeon, a native of jH^nr^^o^ty, born July 3, 1844, a dau^ter of David, and Eachffi^idgicm.^'^They have seven children - Kachel ^TpMary E.7'Malinda J., Oliver L., Luella, Dora E. and Holland W. Politically, Mr. Macy is a Kepublican. He and his family are members of the Society of Friends. \

Phineas Macy., farmer and stoc^-ra1ser, was born near Liberty, Union Co., Ind., Aug. 19, 1833^'Phe eldest son and fourth of ten children of James and^Anna (^Mendenhall) Macy. His father was a native of Guilford County, H. C., born Aug. 29, 1805, and camd^ with his parents to Indiana in 181^9^. ^is mother was a native of Miami County, Ohio, born in 1805, and was married in: her native county%bbhSk 1823, and came with her husband to Indiana. When Phineas was two years of age his parents came to Henry County, and settled in Dudley Township, wh^re he was reared and educated. He was married June '26^1852, \lo Bettie Ratliff, a daughter of Cornelius Ratliff, wfeio "was oiie of ike first to enter a farm in Dudley Township. They fiave a family of four . : children - Mary M., Rachel, John W. and Joseph R^ Mr. Macy \ has a fine farm of 150 acres, all well improved. He and his family^-r are members of the Society of Friends. Politically he is a Republican.

Alonzo Mills, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Randolph County, Ind., born Jan. 25, 1852, a son of John D.andHuldah (Mendenhall) Mills, of Franklin Township. When he was four years of age his parents moved to Wayne County, and nine years later to Miami County. In 1871 they came to Henry County, and located in Franklin Township. Alonzo Mills received a good edu- cation in the common schools, remaining with his parents till ns marriage. He then bought the farm where he resides, in Dud^y Township, containing eighty acres of fine, well-improved land e is an enterprising young man, and is surrounding imse an family with all the comforts and conveniencies of the present day. He was married Feb. 20, 1879, to Emma, daughter of Samuel and Hannah Binford. To them has been born one son - Koscoe O. Mr. and Mrs. Mills are members of the Society of Friends. Folitically, he is a Eepuhlican. . t-u f

Nathan Nicholson, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Liberty Township, Henry Co., Ind., March 24, 1843, a son of William and Ruth (Bond) ^cholson. His early life was spent on the farm ot his fathe7 When eighteen years of age he enlisted in the war of the Rebellion, Aug. 27, 1861, in Company 0, Thirty-sixth Indiana Infantry. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Stone River and Ohickamauga. At the latter battle he was wounded in the head and disabled for a short time. After his recovery he joined his company and participated in the battle of Lookout Mountain, and was with Sherman from Chattanooga to Atlanta. After serving three years he was discharged in September, 1861, and returned home. He attended school for a time. Sept. 24, 1^, he was married to Lizzie, daughter of Samuel Leonard, an early seL tier of Dudley Township. After his marriage he engaged in agricultural pursuits, and now has a good farm of 200 acres of well cultivated land. For ten years he engaged in teaching during the winter months. His wife was also a teacher before her marriage. To them have been born two children - Pearl and Lawrence. Politically Mr. Kicholson is a Republican.

Charles Smith was born in Virginia in 1775 and died in Henry County, Ind., in July, 1846. In his early life he went to Kentucky and there married Betsey Noble, a native of that State, born in 1785 In 1823 he moved to Henry County, Ind., and entered eighty acres of land in Dudley Township, where he lived the remainder of his life. In early life he worked at the hattePs and blacksmith's trades, and in later life followed farming. Politically he was a Democrat. He served as Trustee of Dudley Township, and for several years was Justice of the Peace in Kentucky. He and his wife were members of the Christian church. Their children were four in number, three born in Kentucky and one in Henry County, Ind. - Rebecca, born Nov. 14, 1818, deceased wife of Isaac Brittingham, of Fayette County, Ind.; Jackson Smith;

Jackson Smithy second son of Charles and Betsey (Noble) Smith, was born in Kentucky, May 22, 1820. He has always given his attention to agricultural pursuits, and now owns a beautiful home of 160 acres, eighty acres in Fayette County and eiglity in Henry County. Dec. 4, 1845, he married Elizabeth W^ers, a native of Clinton County, Ohio, born Dec. 21, 1828, a daughter of William and PermeliaJValters. They have had four children - Jackson, born Dec. 3, 1846, was married Nov. 23, 1871, to Alice Scott; Elmira, born Aug. 25, 1848, was married Feb. 14, 1867, to Leander Starr, who died, and March 14, 1877, she married Edwin Beynolds; Susannah, born March 17, 1850, died Sept. 20, 1866; Mary Emma, born Oct. 24, 1862, was married Jan. 13, 1881, to John Gebhart. Politically Mr. Smith is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Christian church.

John Stiggleman^ farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Montgomery County, Ya., born Jan. 28, 1817, a son of John and Frances (Wade) Stiggleman. His grandfather, Philip Stiggleman, emigrated from Germany in an early day and settled in Virginia.

In 1819 his father left his native State, and with his family moved to Indiana, locating two miles north of Centreville, in Wayne County. He subsequently moved two miles north of his original place of settlement, where he cleared and cultivated a farm of 240 acres, residing there till his death, Aug. 18, 1866, aged seventy-nine years. His wife survived him seven years and died at the same age lacking five days. Our subject was reared and educated in Wayne County, remaining with his parents till manhood. April 19, 1838, he was married to Phoebe Walters, a native of Virginia, born October, 1816, a daughter of William/*>^ Walters, who came to Wayne County in 1833 or 1834. To them were born eight children: but three are living, the eldest and youngest two - Martin L., Melissa and Sarah Ellen. The deceased are Samantha J., Martha Ann, Francis, Elizabeth and Elijah W. Mrs. Stiggleman died Feb. 11, 1859. Feb. 21, 1860, Mr. Stiggleman married Clementina Scott, a native of Virginia, a daughter of Thomas Scott. To them have been born four children - Marcus Lafayette, Eebecca (deceased), Ida V. and Mary Etta. In the spring of 1844 Mr. Stiggleman came to Henry County and bought his present farm. He had but $400 when he eame to the county, but has been successful, and has now one of the finest farms in the county. He has had to battle with adverse circumstances through life, and owes his success to perseverance and an indomitable will, being determined to succeed although fate seemed against him. 'When but five months old his left hand was so badly burned as to render it almost useless, and when six years old his right hand was cut nearly off, thus making both hands weak and unfitted for hard work. Politically Mr. Stiirgleman is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the LTnited Brethren church.

Philip Stigglernan^ farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Montgomery County, Ya., born March 22, 1819, a son of John and Frances (Wade) Stiggleman. He was an infant when his parents moved to Wayne County, Ind., and was there reared and educated. His youth was spent in assisting his father on the farm and working at the millwright's trade. He was married Dec. 16, 184:1, to Jane Woody, a daughter of Joseph and Sarah Woody, who were among the earliest settlers of Wayne County, from North Carolina. He worked at his trade two years after his marriage, and then moved to Alton, 111., where he remained one season, when he returned to the old homestead in Wayne County. In April, 1816, he bought the farm in Henry County, where he has sinceresided. He has worked at the carpenter's trade in connection with carrying on his farm. To Mr. and Mrs. Stiggleman have been born five children - John served three years in the war of the Hebellion, and three months before his term of enlistment expired was shot in the knee atKennesaw Mountain; Emily, now Mrs. W. Cartwright; Alfred; Solomon; Mary Ellen, now the wife of Dr. Oscar Guyer. Politically Mr. Stiggleman was a Democrat, but since 1858 has affiliated with the Pepublican party.

John M. Swafford^ one of the few pioneers who was identified with the early interests of the county, was born in Bandolph County, N. C., Sept. 8, 1822, a sou of Jacob and Abigail IHammerl Swafford, natives of North Carolina, of Scotch and Irish descent. In 1826 his parents came to Indiana and entered land in Dudley Township, built a small cabin and began making a farm. Jacob Swafford was one of the most prominent of the early settlers, and was honored with many local offices of trust. He was Magistrate for fifteen consecutive years, and for several years held the office of Town Assessor and Deputy County Assessor. Politically, he affiliated with the Whig party. He was an active member of the Christian church. He accumulated a large property, and when his children grew to maturity was able to assist them to begin life for themselves. He died in 1857, aged nearly sixty years. His widow IS still living, aged nearly eighty-nine years. John M. Swafford was reared on a frontier farm, receiving his education in the subscription schools. When nineteen years of age he began teaching. He was married March 24, 1842, to Mary A. Taylor, daughter of Eev. David and Susanna (Simpson) Taylor, of North Carolina, who came to Henry County in 1828, and entered land in Dudley Township. After his marriage Mr. Swafford settled on forty acres of land on section 9, Dudley Township, which his father had previously purchased. In 1863 he went to Iowa, but a year later returned to Indiana and located on the old homestead, where, with the exception of a year spent in Huntington County, he has' since resided. He has won the confidence and esteem of his fellowcitizens, and has been honored with the office of Magistrate sixteen years. He was appointed Postmaster by President Lincoln, and filled the position ten years. He has, in connection with farming, dealt extensively in grain, and has also been agent at New Lisbon for the Fort Wayne, Cincinnati & Louisville Eailroad. Mr. and Mrs. Swafford have had nine children; but six are living - Catherine, N ancy J., Henry C., Jacob M., David T. and John C. F. The deceased were - Ellen, Abigail and Albert L. Mr. Swafiord is, politically, a Eepubliean. He and his wife are members of the Christian church. Mrs. Swafford's parents removed to Iowa, where her mother died. Her father afterward moved to Missouri', and there spent the rest of his days, living to the age of nearly eighty -six years.

James L. Tweedy, son of Jonathan and Phoebe Tweedy, was born in North Carolina in 1830. When he was two years of age his parents moved to Wayne County, Ind., and the following year came to Dudley' Township, Henry County, where he was reared and educated. He now resides on section 24, where he has a fine farm of 160 acres, and is engaged in farming and stock-dealing. He was married in 1852 to Sarah Bra_dway, a native of Union County, Ind., born in 1828, a daughter of Josiah and Alice Eradwav They have had four children - Albert, Mary, Alice B. (wife of WlTliam" A. Smith) and Eddie, the two eldest deceased. Politically Mr. Tweedy is a Eepubliean. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren church. He has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school fifteen years.

'' Jonathan Tweedy is a native of Perquimans County, C., born October, 1807, a son of James and Elizabeth (Ellmtt) Tweedy, natives of North Carolina, the father born in 1783, and the mother in 1785. He was married June 14, 1829, to Phebe Lacy, native of the same county, born Dec. 11, 1811. In 1832, with his father's family, he came to Indiana, and settled in what is now Dudley Township, Henry County, where his father entered eighty acres, and he sixty acres, on section 3. The country was heavily timbered; not a tree had been cut by a white man. His father spent the rest of his life in Henry County, and died at the age of eighty years. His mother survived her husband two years. Mr. Tweedy improved his land and has since added thirty acres to his original farm. He has been a resident of the township fifty-two years, and is one of its most enterprising citizens. His wife died Dec. 14, 1883, aged seventy-five years. Their children were nine in number, three are deceased - William, Joseph and Aaron. Those living are - James L., Sarah E., Elizabeth, Anna, Each el and Emily. Politically Mr. Tweedy is a Pepublican. He, as was his wife, is a member of the Christian church.

Cornelius C. Weaver^ farmer and shoemaker, was born in Wayne County, Ind., July 3, 1832, the youngest of four children of"^ Christopher and Sarah (Shidler) Weaver, natives of Ohio, of German descent. The father died before our subject's birth, and his mother soon after came to Indiana, and purchased eighty acres of land in Jackson Township, Wayne County. She was a woman of rare energy and business ability, and by the time her sons were old enough to assist her had her farm well cultivated. She subsequently married Casper Bqyen, by whom she had sftvp.n p.hiMppn. She died in 1 8 807^ge(T^ven ty-three years. When Cornelius C. Weaver was fourteen years of age he began to work at the tanner and courier's trade and served an apprenticeship of five years. On account of his health he was obliged to abandon the trade, and then learned boot and shoe making, serving as an apprentice three years. He worked as a journeyman a time and then embarked in business in Cambridge City. A year later he went to Lawrenceburg, Ind., and worked three years, losing in that time only three days. In 1852 he went to Illinois. In 1861 he was among the first to enlist in the service of his country. He entered the ranks as a private soldier, but was elected by his companions First Lieutenant of Company B, Eighteenth Illinois Infantry. After a year and a half of service as Lieutenant he was promoted to Captain of tke company, and served till the expiration of his term. He returned to Illinois, but soon after returned to his native county. He was married Jan. 2, 1866, to Louisa K., daughter of David and Mary Keller, of Maryland, who came to Indiana in 1856. In 1867 Mr. Weaver came to Henry County and settled in Dudley Township, where, in connection with farming, he works at his trade in the winter. He also pays special attention to vegetable gardening and the culture of bees. Politically Mr. Weaver is a Kepublican- He has served as Justice of the Peace since 1871. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical Association. They have a family of five sous - Edward W., Charles E., Fred W., John W. and Frank.