Hamilton Township

Hamilton Township

AMES FLINN is descended, paternally, from Irish ancestry, and traces his family history back through several generations to the old country. Sevaral members of the family came to the United States in an early day, and John Flinn,the subject's father, was reared amid the exciting scenes of pioneer life in Virginia, and his career was more like a romance than reality. When but six years of age the section of Virginia where his parents lived was raided by the Indians, and in the massacre which followed, his father was killed, and he, himself, mother and two sisters were taken prisoners by the savages, who took them west to Indiana. The mother remained with the Indians until her death, and the celebrated Daniel Boone was instrumental in securing the release of the two sisters, but John continued to live with the savages until he grew to manhood. Shortly after his capture, he was adopted by an Indian chief by the name of Black Jacket, who not only treated him well but allowed him many privileges not enjoyed by other members of the tribe. Upon one occasion he was sent out on a hunt, and while absent from the encampment decided to go back east and look up his relatives, if living. Accordingly, he started out on his long and perilous trip and eventually succeeded in reaching the old home and finding his relatives, but having been absent so long he almost concluded that he was not a white man, and after a short stay went back to his Indian friends, with whom he remained a number of years longer. The longer he stayed with them, how- ever, the less satisfied was he with his condition, and finally carried into effect a resolution to leave the tribe permanently, which he eventually did, going to Ft. Wayne and engaging as salesman with Messrs. Murray & Johnson, who kept a public store at that place. At the time of engaging with this firm Mr. Flinn could speak fluently nine different Indian languages, which fact made him a very valuable assistant, as nearly all the trading was done with the various tribes of northern Indiana. His employers paid him a salary of $50 per month, and he remained with them some years. Finally, however, he went to Ohio, and upon his return to Ft. Wayne for the purpose of getting some goods which he had left there, he was induced, by his former employers to accompany Gen. Harrison, and act as interpreter in the treaty made with the Indians in 1812. Shortly after this he was again captured by the savages, but within a short time succeeded in effecting his escape, after which he returned to Ohio, settled down in Miami county, where he subsequently married Miss Anus Priest, who bore him fourteen children, all of whom grew to be heads of families.

James Flinn was raised on his father's farm in Miami county, Ohio, and shortly after his marriage, in 1836, to Miss Mercy Taylor, he moved to Indiana and settled in Delaware county, where he purchased 120 acres of land. He has always followed farming for an occupation and by a long life of industry has accumulated a competence in worldly goods, being the possessor, at this time, of a fine farm upon which his declining years are being passed. To his first marriage, already referred to, there were seven children born. The living are, John, who resides in Iowa; Ellen, wife of John Shideler; Sarah, wife of Israel Kerschner; and Cynthia Ann, wife of Samuel Stafford. His wife dying and leaving him with a large family, Mr. Flinn subsequently, April 22, 1880, married his present wife, Mary A. Rish, daughter of Henry and Esther Kerchner, natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Flinn is the eldest in a family of fourteen children and is highly respected by all who know her. Mr. Flinn's political training has been with the democratic party, and it is a fact worthy of record that of the twelve brothers, of which he is one, six were republicans and six democrats. Mr. and Mrs. Flinn are members of the Christian church, in wnich they are highly respected.

ENNIS HEFFNER is decended paternall)^ from German ancestors, his father, Lawrence Heffner, having come to the United States when a boy of six years and located with his parents in the state of Maryland Subsequently, he ventured further west, going to Butler county, Ohio, thence to Clarke county, the same state, and later, 1849, became a resident of Delaware county, Ind., where he purchased 120 acres of land. Lawrence Heffner and his wife, Charlotte, had a family of six children, namely: Mary, wife of Philip Dick; Dennis;

Catherine, wife of Henry Snyder; John; Perry, deceased, and Ezra, deceased. The mother of these children died in 1858 and the father on the 3d day of November, i860.

Dennis Heffner was born in Frederick county, Md. , March 27, 1820, was raised a farmer and received a limited education in the country schools, which he attended but few months during the winter seasons. He is a man, however, with much general information and intelligence, and by attentive observation and much mingling with his fellow men, has become quite well informed. For a number of years a farmer, he has been successful in that useful vocation to a goodly degree, and is now in the enjoyment of a comfortable competence, the result of many years of economy and labor. At the age of twenty-one he learned the cooper's trade, which he followed for some time, but since i86i, upon his removal to Delaware county, he has been engaged in the pursuit of agriculture. November 9, 1847, he was marrird to Sarah Coffett, daughter of George and Sarah (Rogers) Coffett, the father a native of Virginia, of German descent, and the mother born in Kentucky of Irish parentage. Mrs. Heffner is one of a family of seven children, three of whom are now living beside herself: Henry, Joseph and Ellen, wife of John Shafer. George Coffett died in 1879 and his wife in 1862, and both are buried in Clarke county, Ohio. The following are the names of the children born to Dennis and Sarah Heffner: Elizabeth, wife of William Dick; Mary E., Sadie E. and Lawrence, living; those deceased, were Amanda, Matilda, Charlotte and Millie. Politically, Mr. Heffner is a democrat, and with his wife, he belongs to the Christian church.

OBERT A. JOHNSON, a prominent farmer and the present efficient trustee of Hamilton township, is a native of Indiana, born in the county of Randolph on the 20th day of April, 1853. His father, Josiah Johnson, was also a native of the Hoosier state and of German lineage. Many years ago Josiah Johnson moved from Wayne to Randolph county, and there married Nancy Allen, who bore him three children, namely: Ellen, wife of William A. Kimball:

George W., who resides with his widowed mother in Wayne county; and Robert A., whose name introduces this biography. In In early life Josiah Johnson followed the carpenter's trade, but later, on account of a severe attack of rheumatism, which prevented active exercise, he followed, for some years, the shoemaker's trade. He died July 22, 1863, in Wayne county, where his widow is still living.

Robert A. Johnson, at the early age of thirteen years, was obliged to rely upon his own resources for a livelihood, and since that time has had little or no assistance in the struggle of life. He worked at different kinds of employment, and in 1869 went to Illinois, where, for some time, he was occupied as a farm laborer; he remained in that state about ten months, returning to Indiana at the end of that time, and attending school for a limited period in Wayne county. In the spring of 1870 he again went to Illinois, where he remained until the following fall, at which time he went further west, locating first in Neosho county, Kan. , thence to the county of Sumner, in the latter o^^ which he purchased, in 1871, 160 acres of land. He was a resident of Kansas for a period of three years, at the end of which time he returned to Indiana, and since 1883 has been a resident of Hamilton township, where he owns a good farm, purchased in the last named year. In addition to his farming interests Mr. Johnson is extensively engaged in the manufacture of drain tile, having a large factory on his place, the products of which have a wide sale in Delaware county. Politically Mr. Johnson is a republican, and as such was elected, in 1890, trustee of Hamilton township, the duties of which position he has since discharged with credit to himself and satisfaction to all concerned.

Mr. Johnson has been married three times, first in Sumner county, Kan., on the i6th day of January, 1872, to Hatty Goodell, daughter of John and Gora Goodell, to which union one child, Harland D., was born. The death of Mrs. Johnson occurred on the 23d of December, 1875, and in January, 1877, Mr. Johnson married his second wife, whose maiden name was Edith Bookout, daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Lumpkins) Bookout. Shortly after this marriage, Mr. Johnson located in Randolph county, where he followed contracting and building about two years, and later located in Delaware county, at the date above mentioned. His second wife dying in 1880, on the 2d of July, 1882, he married his present companion, Laura Murray, daughter of James and Catherine (Taylor) Murray, who were among the old settlers of Henry county, where they still reside. The result of the last union has been five children, whose names are as follows: GuyB., Clyde C. and Coma A, twins; Frank N. and Ruby, the last named deceased. Mr. Johnson is a member of Welcome lodge K. of P. , of Muncie, and is one of the leading men of Hamilton township.

EORGE JONSONBOUGH (deceased). - Among the departed citizens of Delaware county, held in grateful remembrance by a large circle of relatives and friends, the name of George Jonsonbough is deserving of special mention. The ancestors of Mr. Jonsonbough were natives of Pennsylvania, in which state his father, John Jonsonbough, and mother, whose maiden name was Hannah Wise, were both born. They were married in Wayne county, Ohio,- January 29, 1828, and later moved to Indiana, locating in White county, where Mr. Jonsonbough followed his trade of coopering until his death in September, 1878. His wife died a number of years previous, having been called to her final rest on the 21st of November, 1846. John and Hannah Jonsonbough reared a family of eight children, whose names are as follows: George, whose name introduces this sketch; Daniel; Elizabeth, deceased;

George Jonsonbough was born in Wayne county, Ohio, January 25, 1829. When sixteen years of age he began to learn the trade of carpenter and builder, in which he soon acquired great proficiency, and at which he worked for some time in his native state and in Indiana. In 1867 he removed to Royerton, purchased the first lot that was sold in that town, and erected a dwelling thereon, and for some time operated quite successfully a saw mill, which was extensively patronized by the citizens of Royerton and vicinity. He was a man of sterling integrity and was highly respected in the community where he resided. His death occurred on the 24th day of April, 1888, and Union cemetery of Delaware county is his final resting place. Mr. Jonsonbough was married on the 22d day of August, 1857, to Louisa Gline, daughter of Abraham and Massey Cline, natives of Ireland and Virginia respectively. Mrs. Jonsonbough was one of a family of nine children, as follows: Jane, Elizabeth, Jemima, Amanda, Mahlon L. , Eli B , Mary E., Sarah J. and Louisa. The mother of the above children died September 14, 1855, and Mr. Cline afterward married Hannah Hatfield, to which union three children were born: Marth A., Emmery and Flora. The father and mother of these children died August 30, 1 866, and October 30, 1892, respectively. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Jonsonbough were born seven children: Sarah A., April 7, 1859, wife of Eli Studebaker; Elmer E., January 9, 1862; Ira A., January 7, 1865; Henry K., June 20, 1870; Leotis, March 31, 1875; James and Maggie, deceased.

It will thus be seen that the Jonsonbough family were among the pioneers of Delaware county, and that the family has always maintained a high standard of respectability.

ATTHEW McCORMICK was born rine (Stifler) McCormick, of Irish 25, 1833, son of William and Cathein Bedford county, Pa., September and German descent, respectively, and both natives of Pennsylvania. William McCormick was, by occupation, a cabinet maker, and worked at that trade in his native state until 1837, at which date he moved to Delaware county, Ind. , and entered 160 acres of land in Hamilton township, and began farming, which he followed the residue of his days. He died in 1855, and his wife followed him to the grave on the 4th day of October, 1881.

Matthew McCormick was the second in a family of nine children, and since early boyhood, has been a resident of Delaware county in the growth and development of which he has alw^ays taken an active part. His early education was almost entirely neglected, but, possessing a strong practical mind, which rises above environments, he has since become well informed upon current events, and has been called to fill important official positions by his fellow citizens. Shortly after attaining his majority, in company with other spirits as daring as himself, Mr. McCormick joined the exodus of gold seekers and went to California for the purpose of improving his fortunes. He went to that far off state via the New York and Panama route, and was thirty days making the voyage from New York city to San Francisco. On reaching his destination, he found employment for some time in the mines, operated a claim of his own for several months and then returned to Indiana and resumed farming, having been absent from 1854 to 1856. For a short time after his marriage, which was consummated June 21, 1856, with Miss Eliza A. Lefter, daughter of Philip and Mary (Stadbrook) Lefter. Mr. McCormick had charge of the home farm, but subsequently purchased a place in Hamilton township, where he resided until

March, 1893, when he removed to Shideler. He 'entered the army, in 1864, as a member of the Forty-second Indiana infantry, and was with his command in the Atlanta campaign, was present when the confederate Gen. Johnson surrendered his forces, and was mustered out by the department of war at Louisville, Ky. , in 1865, receiving his final discharge at Indianapolis, Ind. Politically Mr. McCormick is an ardent supporter of the republican party, and as such has been three times complimented by being elected to the office of county commissioner, the duties of which he discharged with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. Fraternally he is member of the G. A. R. post of Eaton, Ind. , and in religion belongs to the Christian church, with which religious body his wife is also identified. Mr. and Mrs. McCormick are the parents of the following children: Amelia and

March 24, 1868, wife of Ralph H. Clark; Evaline, April 15, 1870; William, born July ii, 1874, and died February 9, 1875. Mr. Mc- Cormick now owns 160 acres of land, and is one of the leading men of this county. He is now president of the board of county commissioners. Evaline, the youngest daughter, has been a teacher, for three years, in Muncie schools.

HARON MOORE (deceased). - Few residents of Hamilton township were as widely and favorably known as the late Aaron Moore. He was the son of Lewis and Patience (Truitt) Moore, natives of Ohio, who came to Delaware county in the fall of 1829, settling in the township of

Aaron Moore Mrs. Mary A. Moore

Centre, the former dying November 20, 1841, and the latter in 1874. They were the parents of ten children, of whom the following are now living: Parker, of Centre township; Rhoda, wife of Lloyd Wilcoxon of Muncie; Lewis, who lives in Illinois, and Patience. The names of the deceased are as follows: Nancy, John, Aaron, Amanda, Sarah and Mary.

Aaron Moore was born in Scioto county, Ohio, August 22, 1819, and grew to manhood on the farm, acquiring, in the meantime, a practical education in the common schools. He was married October 28, 1843, to Mary A. Truitt, and immediately thereafter located on 120 acres of unimproved land, from which he cleared a valuable farm and to which he subsequently added an additional seventy acres, making his home place one of the best in Hamilton township. He followed agricultural pursuits all his life and met with most flattering success, acquiring thereby a comfortable competence, which with an unblemished name he left to his descendants Mr. and Mrs. Moore had a family of six children, two of whom are now living: Lewis and Florence, the latter born October 24, 1856, and who in 1885 was married to W. T. Minton. Mr. and Mrs. Minton have one child, Lucy, born June 21, 1886. They reside on the home place and are among the highly respected residents of Hamilton township. The following are the names of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Moore who have passed from life: George; Naomi, left one child; Mary E. Brook, born February 3, 1881; Sarah, and Julia.

Mr. Moore was one of a class of men who are rapidly passing from this region, and possessed, in a marked degree, the characteristics which distinguish that class, namely, industry, economy, good business foresight and a high sense of moral obligation to the community. He was for years a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he held the position of class leader and Sunday school superintendent, and was always identified with the moral and spiritual advancement of his neighborhood. Politically he supported the democratic party, and at one time held the office of trustee of his township. The death of this good man occurred June 25, 1873, and his body was laid to rest in the family plat of the Moore cemetery, followed to the grave by a large concourse of sorrowing relatives and friends.

Mary A. Moore is the daughter of George and Frances (Waldren) Truitt, both parents natives of the state of Pennsylvania. George Truitt went to Ohio at the age of fourteen, where he lived until his majority, and in 1820 was united in marriage with Miss Truitt, who bore him six children ; Mrs. Moore, being the eldest of the number, was born April 16, 1822, in Adams county, Ohio. The names of the other members of the family are as follows: Miner, deceased; Rhoda, wife -of Samuel Cecil, a farmer of Centre township; Joshua, who resides in Muncie, and William, deceased. The mother died in 1836, and the following year George Truitt took to wife Mary Waldren, who bore him one child, Caroline, who died some years agoT The father died January, 1872, at an advanced age. Lewis, the eldest son of Aaron and Mary A. Moore, was married, in 1874, to Miss Ophelia G. Cones, and now resides upon the home farm. He is one of the prominent citizens of the community and one of the representative farmers of Hamilton township. He first attended the common schools of Delaware county, and later spent three years at Wabash college at Crawfordsville, Ind. , where he intended to complete the regular collegiate course, but on account of the death of his father he abandoned that idea. At nineteen years of age he enlisted in company B, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Indiana volunteer infantry. For three years he

AMES POWELL, an old and honored resident of Hamilton township, is a native of Hampshire county, Va., where his birth occurred on the 2d day of June, 1809. His father, William Powell, was born in New Jersey, of English parentage, and the mother, whose maiden name was Sarah Cooper, was a descendant of an old Swedish family, that settled many years ago in Virginia, where her birth occurred. William Powell was a farmer and blacksmith, both of which callings he followed in Virginia until the year 1818, at which time he emigrated to Ohio, thence, three years later to Wayne county, Ind., where he died in the year 1863. His wife died several years previous to that date, and both are remembered as prominent pioneers of Wayne county.

James Powell remained with his parents until seventeen yeai'S of age, when he began working at the blacksmithing trade for John Clark, of Richmond, Ind., and later effected a co-partnership with his father in the same business, which they carried on for some years near the town of Hagerstown. On the 2d day of May, 1830, he married Emma Hancock, daughter of Joseph and Susanah (Millman) Hancock, of Montgomery county, Ohio The fruit of this union was thirteen children, of whom ten grew to be heads of families, namely: Sarah, wife of Thomas Dean; Vashti, wife of Benjamin Shaw; Elvira, wife of T. Bonner; William, Ennis, John, Anna, wife of Jonathan Shaw; Samuel; Mary, wife of David Watson; Emily, wife of J. T. Julian. After his marriage Mr. Powell worked at his trade about one year in Wayne county, and in the year 1 846 became a resident of Delaware county, settling near the town of Shideler, where he purchased seventy acres of wood land, upon which he at once erected a cabin and a blacksmith shop. He cleared a farm, and in the meantime worked at his trade, and eventually succeeded in placing himself in very comfortable circumstances. His grandson, Robert N. Powell, is now tilling the old home farm and looking after his grandfather's interest. In 1861, Mrs. Powell died, and in 1863 Mr. Powell married his second wife, Eliza J. Bounds, who difd in December, 1890. For many years Mr. Powell has been a member of the United Brethren church, of which denomination he is a local minister. He cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson, but of late years has affiliated with the republican party.

AVID SIMONTON was born in Athens county, Ohio, October 9, 1821, the son of David and Anna (Ross) Simonton, both parents natives of the same state. David Simonton remained in Ohio until 1832, at which time he came with his mother to Delaware county, Ind., his father having died ten years previous to that date. He began life in obscurity and his early surroundings were of the most discouraging nature. Amid the stirring scenes of pioneer times the years of his early youth and manhood were passed, and by the most rigid economy he succeeded in purchasing forty acres of land, which he paid for by saving a part of his meager earnings of thirty-seven cents a day. From this piece of unbroken forest he cleared a farm, and, as circumstances would permit, purchased additional land, until finally he became one of the largest and most prosperous owners of real estate in the county, being at one time the possessor of over 500 acres of valuable land, all of which was gained by his own unaided efforts. In time he became quite wealthy, and by judicious investments succeeded in laying a foundation for a very handsome fortune. To his great credit, be it said, that not one cent of his possessions was obtained through any but the most honorable means, and it is stated that no poor man ever went to him for aid but what the favor was granted. At the time of his death, it was ascertained that there were outstanding accounts to the amount of $5,000 against certain parties whom he had generously aided and from whom he never expected a return of the money loaned. In addition to his large tracts of real estate in Delaware county, he was the possessor of much valuable personal property, and at the time of his death had on interest over $25,000. Mr. Simonton was a firm believer in the religion of the Bible, and for many years was an active member of the Christian church, in which he held the office of deacon. The death of this excellent man occurred in 1885, and his memory is gratefully cherished not only by his immediate family, but by a large number of friends whom he aided in times of distress and financial embarrassment. Mr. Simonton's first marriage was solemnized in 1844, with Mrs. Mary A. Shannon, which union was blessed with the birth of four children; John R. ; Elizabeth, wife of Henderson Cates; Sarah A., and Maria }., the last two of whom are deceased. The mother of these children departed this life in the year 1852, and subsequently Mr. Simonton married Minerva Burt, daughter of John and Mary A. (Thompson) Kain, natives respectively of Kentucky and Pennsylvania. To this second marriage, five children were born, only one of whom, Mrs. Mary Studebaker, is living at this time. By a previous marriage with Joseph Burt, Mrs. Simonton had two children; Mandy and Ludlow, deceased. Mrs. Simonton was born in Fayette county, Ind. , September 5

Rev. George Studebaker, who married the only living child of Mr. and Mrs. Simonton, was born in Richland county. 111., July 17, 1861. After receiving a good education, he began teaching, at the age of twenty, and followed that profession for several years longer with gratifying success. On the 14th of May, 1879, he united with the German Baptist church, was chosen a minister of the same in 1881, since which time he has devoted the greater part of his time to preaching the gospel, in which good work he has been greatly blessed. His marriage with Miss Simonton was consummated June 10, 1882, and their home is now gladdened by the presence of one bright child, Mark E., who was born January 21, 1888. Their first child, born October 4, 1883, departed this life on the 21st day of December, 1884.

HLEXANDER snider is one of the largest farmers of Delaware county, as well as one of its most progressive and enterprising citizens. He is the son of Joseph and Catherine (Stemtebaker) Snider, natives, respectively, of Pennsylvania and Ohio, and descendants of old and highly respected German families. Joseph and Catherine Snider were married in Ohio, and came to Indiana as early as 1835, settling in Union township, where Mr. Snider purchased 140 acres of land and engaged in farming.

parents to Delaware county when but nine years of age, and here grew to manhood on the farm, where he assisted his father and began life, on his own responsibility, as a tiller 1 of the soil. His early educational advantages were quite meager, attending the schools of the country on an average of about four weeks each year, but being of an inquiring mind and an intelligent observer, he has since become the possessor of a fund of practical knowledge such as schools and colleges fail to impart. On the 15th day of March, 1849, he was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Sharp, daughter of Absalom and Rachael (Beezly) Sharp, natives of Indiana and Ohio, respectively. After marriage Mr. Snider engaged in farming on a tract of 80 acres which he purchased, and to which he has added from time to time until he now owns 2 I 5 acres of valuable land, beside having given to each of his children a good home. Mr. | Snider had been very thrifty in his dealings, and by the e.xercise of rare business tact, has accumulated a comfortable fortune, being the largest tax payer in Hamilton township, and among the wealthiest farmers in the county. He is a public spirited man, and uses his influence in behalf of all enterprises having for their object the welfare of the community, and stands deservedly high in the estimation of his neighbors and fellow citizens. Politically he is a republican, and for many years has been a deacon in the German Baptist church, with which his wife is also identified. He is one of a family of nine children, all of whom grew to beheads of families, and became worthy people. The following are the names of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Snider: John A., whose birth occ' rred January 7, 1850, married Elizabeth Jonsonbourgh, and is located in Hamilton township; Rachael B., born July 30, i860, the wife of Jacob Raric, and is also a resident of the township of Hamilton.

It is to the men of Mr. Snider's caliber that a country owes its growth and prosperity, and such as he are always made welcome wherever new settlements are made by the pioneers.

HOMAS STAFFORD, of Hamilton township, is a native of Clarke county, Ohio, and dates his birth from the 1st day of January, 1819. His father, Thomas Stafford, was born in Ireland, and his mother, whose maiden name was Catherine (Williams) Stafford, was a native of Virginia and a descendant of an old and highly respected German family of that state. Thomas Stafford, Sr., came to the United States at the age of ten years, with his parents, and passed the early years of his manhood in Virginia, subsequently moving to Ohio, where he remained until his death, which occurred at the advanced age of eighty-two years. Mrs. Stafford departed this life at the age of fifty-two, and was the mother of twelve children, all of whom became heads of families and four of whom are living at this time, namely: George W. , of Clarke county, Ohio; Thomas, of Delaware county, Ind. ; Henry W. , a resident of Clinton county, Ind, , and Lucinda, wife of Michael Snyder, who also resides in the county last named. Thomas Stafford, Sr., followed farming all of his life, and was a very successful man, having accumulated a valuable tract of land consisting of 320 acres in Clarke county, Ohio.

Thomas Stafford, Jr., for whom this sketch is prepared, was reared in his native county and state and was there married on the 20th day of January, 1846, to Matilda J. Black, daughter of Samuel and Malinda (Mitchell) Black, parents natives respectively of Virginia and Ohio. Having definitely decided upon adopting the pursuit of agriculture as his life work, he began the same in Clarke county, Ohio, and five years after his marriage, thinking to improve his fortune further west, he emigrated to Indiana and settled in Delaware county, where he purchased a tract of land consisting of 240 acres, upon which he at once erected a small cabin and began clearing a farm. From the days of his boyhood Mr. Stafford has practiced habits of industry which have borne rich fruit, and ever since locating in this county his financial condition has continually improved, having at one time been the possessor of 400 acres of as choice land as lies in the central part of Indiana. He has risen to his present independent position by his own exertions and the competence he enjoys is the reward of untiring labor and courage in the battle with the world. He has been liberal with his children, assisting each to a good farm, and is now passing his declining years practically retired from the active duties of life and in the enjoyment of well earned and highly appreciated quietude. To bless their wedded life there were five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Stafford, namely; Sylvester, a prosperous farmer who has charge of the home place; Samuel, a \\^ell known resident of Hamilton township; Joseph, a farmer of Delaware county; Laura E , wife of Charles Spencer. As members of the Methodist Episcopal church, Mr. Stafford and his estimable wife have lead consistent Christian lives, and by the practice of the religion they profess, have been the means of accomplishing great good in the community.

OBERT W. STRADEING, one of the progressive farmers of Hamilton township and a member of one of the old and highly respectable families of Delaware county, of which he is a native, was born in the township of Hamilton, March 20, 1858, the son of Rhodes and Rachel (McCormack) Stradling. Rhodes Stradling was a native of Ohio and came with his parents to Indiana when a boy, and here married Miss McCormack, who bore him two children, namely: Willie Ann, wife of Cornelius B. Price, and Robert, whose name opens this sketch. Rhodes Stradling was a prosperous farmer, and at the time of his death, which occurred in 1861, was the owner of 240 acres of valuable land in Hamilton township. As a member of the Methodist church, he had for many years lived a most excellent Christian life; in politics he wielded an infiuence for the republican party, and his death was felt to be a great loss to the community in which he had so long resided. Mrs. Stradling afterward re-married, and is still a resident of the township of Hamilton, being now Mrs. N. Poland.

Robert W. Stradling was but five years old when his father died, and with the exception of three years spent with his grandfather in Muncie, passed his life upon the farm. He was married February 16, 1877, to Mary E. Weir, daughter of Even and Louisa (Williamson) Weir, the father, a native of Pennsylvania, of Irish descent, and the mother of Ohio, where s-he was born of German parentage. After marriage Mr. Stradling located about three miles from the village of Royerton on a farm of eightyfive acres, and in 1879 removed to his present place, about one quarter of a mile of Royer- I ton, where he owns a valuable farm of 180 I acres, upon which there is some of the best I improvements in the township. Mr. Stradling is one of the progressive men of Delaware county, a representative farmer, and a man whom his neighbors and friends all unite in praising. Politically he is a republican, and while not a member of any church, gives cheerfully to aid all religious movements, and is a liberal friend of everything that has a tendency to advance the moral well being of the community. Like his father. Mr. Stradling posess- I es excellent business qualifications, and by I careful management and wise foresight has i succeeded in accumulating a goodly portion of this world's goods. Mrs. Stradling is a member of the United Brethren church, and has been a very valuable helpmeet to her husband during

Huldah L. , Lillian L. , and Jesse W. Mrs. Stradling is one of five children, namely; Mrs. Emma Sheets; Julia; wife of Benjamin Boyd; Rose, wife of Lawrence C. Kins; Thomas Weir and herself. The mother died in 1870; the father is still living in this county.

AMUEL R. THOMAS. - Among the pioneers who had the courage to cast their fortunes in Delaware county, was William Thomas, who moved to this part of Indiana from the state of Ohio as early as 1834 and purchased 160 acres of land in what is now Hamilton township. He cleared a good farm and became a leading citizen in the community in which he resided. He married, in Ohio, Louise Batteral, and was the father of six children when he came to this state. The names of the children of William and Louisa Thomas were as follows: Nancy, wife of James Abbott; Lydia, wife of George Fetteral; James, John, Cordelia and Samuel K., whose name introduces this biographical sketch. Of the above number James, John and Cordelia are deceased. The father departed this life in February, 1863, and the mother only a few days previous to that date.

Samuel K. Thomas was reared on the home farm, and since 1834 has been a resident of Delaware county, the history of which would be incomplete without an appropriate mention of his name. His early educational training was of the most limited character, attending school but a few months in the winter season during the years of his minority, and on reaching his twenty-first year, he began working for his father on the home farm and continued looking after the latter's interest until about the age of thirty. In November, 1861, he was united in marriage with Sarah Cochran, daughter of Hiram and Betsy Cochran, of Ohio, and one year later located where he now lives in Hamilton township, purchasing a piece of unimproved land, which has since been developed into one of the finest farms in Hamilton township. Mr. Thomas has made a careful study of the science of agriculture and has been rewarded by having his efforts, in this direction, crrowned with the most flattering success. His place is a model in nearly every respect, and among the many improvements on the same are a large and commodious brick residence and a very fine barn, in which are stowed all the modern appliances of agriculture. In January, 1881, Mr. Thomas suffered a great bereavement in the loss of his wife, who died that year, leaving one child. Three years later Mr. Thomas was united in wedlock to Miss Sarah A., daughter of Moses and Sarah (Bonner) Ashcraft, both parents natives of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas ai'e faithful members of the Christian church, and politically he is a supporter of the principles of the republican party. Mrs. Thomas is one of the family of six children, the names of her brothers and sisters being as follows: Amos, deceased; James, a resident of West Virginia; Daniel, a farmer of Delaware county, Ind. ; Rebecca, wife of Jacob Powell, of Wilson county, Kan., and John J. Ashcraft, who resides in West Virginia.

OHN D. WHITE, son of John and Hannah (McDaniels) White, was born in Butler county, Ohio, January 20, 1816. John White, Sr., was a native of Pennsylvania, where he was born in 1789, and the mother's birth occurred in Virginia in 1791. After their marriage, this couple moved to But- ler county, Ohio, and in 1817 immigrated to Indiana, locating in Franklin county, where, in 1826, Mr. White purchased from the government 126 acres of land. He died in 1859, and in 1870 his faithful wife, who had been his helpmate through so many long years of struggle, was called to her rest in 1870. John and Hannah White had a family of ten children, eight of whom lived to have families of their own, si.x of the number now living, namely; Thomas N., retired farmer of Decatur county, Ind. ; Abigail, the wife of O. Reed; John D., Isaac, of Decatur county, this state; Hannah J., wife of William Eddings, and Samuel S., a resident of the state of Kansas.

John D. White lived with his parents until his marriage, which occurred December 3 1 , 1835, with Louisa Earl, daughter of James and Nancy (Ward) Earl, after which event he engaged in farming for himself in Decatur county, where he lived until his removal to the county of Delaware in 1869. He has given the best energies of his life to his chosen calling of agriculture, and financially has met with gratifying success, owning at this time a well improved farm in Hamilton township. By his marriage with Nancy Ward, Mr. White became the father of the following children: Thomas, deceased; Mary, deceased; Robert; Isaac; John N. ; Mary J., wife of Charles Tingle; Nancy L. , wife of Joseph Campbell, and Thomas R. In the year 1853, death invaded the home of Mr. White, and took thence his companion, and later he was united in marriage to Anna Earl, of Indiana. Mrs. White was born in Franklin county, Ind., and has borne her husband the following children: Elizabeth, wife of John Turner; Hannah J., wife of Ephraim Colvin; America, wife of Joseph Shaffer; Hester, wife of George Rusler; Samuel D., Edda N., Joseph E., and James O., the last named not living. Mr. and Mrs. White are well known and highly respected citizens, and have endeared themselves to their friends and neighbors by their many kindly acts and words of encouragement. For a number of years they have been members of the Christian church, and their lives have indeed been exemplary.

H'DAM WILLIAMSON. - The ancestors of the gentleman whose sketch is herewith presented were natives of Germany, from which country his paternal ancestors emigrated to the United States many years ago, settling in one of the eastern states, subsequently moving to Ohio. His father, Peter Williamson, was born in 1802, and in 1827 married Rosanna Shafer, the daughter of a German emigrant who came to this country in the year 1820. Peter Williamson owned a farm in Ohio, which he disposed of in 1834, and moved to Delaware county, Ind., where he purchased 320 acres of land, adding to the latter tract an additional eighty acres, thus making a good home, upon which his death occurred in 1870.

John Adam Shafer, the maternal grandfather of Adam Williamson, accompanied by the mother of Mrs. Rosanna Williamson, left Germany on the 19th of September, 1819, with the object of comin