Liberty Township (part 1 of 2)

Liberty Township

children were Araminta, Temperance, Maria, Sarah, Mahlon and Roswell, all of whom survive him. David Stout settled at Smithfield in 1828, and erected the first mill in the township, and about the same time John G. Deeds settled at the same point, and erected the second mill.

This is one of the central townships in the tier which forms the eastern limit of the county. It is six miles long and six miles wide, its area, therefore, being in round numbers 23,040 acres. It is bounded on the north by the township of Delaware, on the east by a portion of Randolph County, on the south by Perry Township, and on the west by Center.

The surface is generally level, broken only by the valleys of the streams which traverse it. These streams are, with one or two excep tions, unimportant brooks or branches, tributaries of White River, which flows in a westerly course across the southern portion of the township. None of them are of sufficient magnitude to afford propelling power for machinery, and during very dry seasons their course across the township is only recognizable by their deserted beds. When the opposite extreme prevails, and there is an abundant rainfall, their narrow beds are quickly filled, and for the tiue being, these little streams, usually so insignificant, become roaring torrents, rushing impetuously toward their respective outlets, the Mississinewa and White Rivers. > malarial diseases which, half a century ago, were so common. In these later days, however, scientific farming has opened up a medium of egress for the water left in the depressed places by the receding streams, and the modern system of underdraining has been both the means of conveying away the waste water and redeeming lands otherwise useless. The soil in the vicinity of the river is of a sandy nature, but in other places it is almost wholly clay. It is quite rich and well adapted to the successful cultivation of all the varieties of fruit and grain common

Early Settlement

The first settler in a region as wild as this was in the earlier part of the present century. was one who deserved the praise which has been accorded to the pioneers of the West, by a grateful posterity; but it is a fact much to be regretted that, while our early settlers were carving enduring monuments to their memories from the forests among which they began their labors, they viewed the importance of their task so lightly as to leave no records from which a history of their settlement and movements might be made, and the information touching this subject can only be gleaned from the storehouses of memory.

At least sixty years have now elapsed since white men first began settling within the limits of Liberty; but the first were " squatters," whose only mission was the extermination of the game then so abundant.

They owned no land and did nothing that identified them with the history of the township, and their names passed from memory as their forms passed fom this locality before the advance of civilization, which followed the advent of our pioneers a few years later. - -

The first tract of land was entered at the Government land office at Fort}Wayne, by William Blunt, Sr., on the 9th day of December, 1822. The land then entered was a portion of Section 28. Mr. Blunt was probably the first permanent settler in the township. He cleared and improved a large farm, and was long a valued and useful member of the community. On the 16th day of December, 1822, Wilder Potter entered a tract of land in the same section (28), and cleared a portion of it. The remainder he sold to settlers who came to the township at a later date. The east half of the southeast quarter of Section 22 was entered by David Branson, December 11, 1823. Alanson Ashley and Henry Bolton entered land in Section 30, May 31, 1823. Both were industrious and respected members of the community. Mr. Ashley afterward became identified with other localities. James Jackson, formerly a citizen of Portsmouth, Ohio, entered a tract of land in Section 21, October 1, 1827. His farm was the east half of the northeast quarter of this section, and upon this farm he made his home until death. . His from Clark County, Ohio, accompanied by his wife and seven children, viz., Jacob, John, Elizabeth, Samuel, Jane, James and Rebecca, four of whom survive him and reside in this county. About the year 1830, his daughter Rachel was born, and was one of the first white children born in the settlement. He improved the farm which he had entered, making it his home until death. In November, 1830, John Moore came from Portsmouth, Ohio, and entered a body of land lying partially in Center and partially in Liberty. To this he added another tract, by purchase, making his possessions several hundred acres. His journey from Ohio was accomplished by the usual method of travel in those days, i. e., in wagons, containing the family and household goods. The children who accompanied him were Cynthia, William J., Philip, Levi, J emima, J. Spencer, Charles Wesley, Joseph and Milton. His son Enos was born February 15, 1834. His uncle, John Moore, had preceded him, having located here in 1829.:

A copy of the tract-book, now in the Auditor's office at Muncie, gives the following names as the purchasers of the several sections of land in the township, together with the date of entry. Some were not actual settlers, aud for this reason we omit their names from what is designed as a list of pioneers. |

Sec. 12. Pete? Clyne, August 19, 1836. (The remainder of this section was purchased by non-residents, and by persons heretofore mentioned in this list. The same is true of Section 11).

'Sie 34. This section was purchased by Michael G. Canin: Abel Robinson, Hilda Adkins and Sarah Holloway, none of whom were'settlers in the township. |

The early settlements were made near the river, in the southern portion of the township, and for several years the rush of emigrants was to that point. The northern portion was very sparsely populated until after the desirable lands had nearly all been purchased. David Ribble He came from Montgomery County, Va., in September, 1830, and purchased 400 acres of land of Wilder Potter, the new home by his wife and six children, viz., Elizabeth, Martin, Christopher, Nancy, William and John, all of whom survive him. He was an industrious farmer, and a good citizen, and occupied the posi-

In the north part of the township one of the earliest permanent settlers was John W. Baughn, who came in the year 1836 and purchased the farm upon which he still resides, in the northeast corner of the township.

Later in the same year William Wood purchased and settled on a tract of land west of Mr. Baughn, and Alexander Thorp purchased and settled on a farm in the same section.

Joseph and Samuel Orr were among the early settlers of this township. Their father, James Orr, Sr., purchased land and settled in Delaware Township in 1838, and, in the same year, his sons purchased land in Section 34, Liberty Township. Samuel served in the Union army during the late war, and made a noble record as Lieutenant Colonel of the Eighty-fourth Regiment. He had previously been elected to the State Legislature, in which capacity he served with honor to himself and credit to his constituency. He died in 1576, and his son, Capt. James H. Orr, now oceupies the old homestead.

Samuel and Philip Lewellen settled near him in the same year. There were many more who settled here in the years intervening between 1835 and 1840, but their names are not now at hand.

Among the early events that occurred in this township it is probable that none were more interesting than the fact that the first election in Delaware County was held here. This was the Presidential election of 1824, when Adams and Jackson were the opposing candidates. At this time Delaware County had no distinct civil existence, being still within the territorial area of Randolph County. The election was held at the cabin of William Williams, and a Mr. Sample, of Georgetown, Randolph County, acted as Inspector of the election. the Deputy Sheriff at that time, carried the ballots and tally-sheets to Winchester, the seat of justice. The total number of votes, it is said, did not exceed twenty. The house where the election was held was also a post office, and in its appointments was quite in harmony with

One of the first steps taken to secure the advancement of the township's interest was the location of public highways. The first road that traversed the township was the State road from Windsor, in Randolph County, to Muncie, in a course nearly due west. This road was laid out, and in fair condition for travel, when Samuel Simmons first came to the township in 1829.

Another early laid-out road was the one from Windsor, through Smithfield, to Muncie. It was surveyed and located at the expense of Randolph and Delaware Counties, on the south side of White River. From this road another branched off near the Parker Truitt farm, running in a northwesterly course to the town of Granville, in this county.

The State road from Greenville, Ohio, through Winchester and Muncie to the west, was also one of the early roads, and one by means of which a large tide of emigration sought the settlements of the Western States. It was extensively traveled as early as the year 1830.

The road from Muncie to Marion, Ind., was laid out soon after the early settlement of the township began, and from time to time, as occasion required, roads were located from one point to another within the township, to facilitate local travel and communication. In later years several of the principal roads were converted into turnpikes which have proved of great benefit in seasons when the other roads have been almost impassable. The Smithfield and Albany Pike runs north through the central part of the township, from Smithfield through Selma, terminating at the town of Albany; the Junction Pike traverses the entire length of the township in an east and west course, and forms the bound- ary line between Liberty and Perry; the Smithfield and Burlington Pike runs from Smithfield in a southerly course, to New Burlington, in Perry Township, and another pike leads from Smithfieid to Muncie.

Early Merchants

Jeremiah Fenner kept a stock of general merchandise at Smithfield at an early day. He was probably the first merchant in the township. He remained four or five years, and finally sold his stock and good will to Mr. Garrison. Thomas Leonard opened a store a few years later, and remained in the village until his decease, after which William Lewis engaged in business at the same stand.

At Selma, Joseph Babb kept the first store, and after a short time sold out to Wm. J. Moore, who continued the business for a number of years,

Probably the oldest cemetery in the township is one which is located about half a mile west of the site of Mount Tabor Methodist Episcopal Church. The deed to this land has been either lost or mislaid, and we are unable to give the donor's name. :

About the year 1840, the bodies were removed from this place, and re-interred in the cemetery previously donated for the purpose by John Guthrie and William Payton, at the point where Mount Tabor Church was subsequently erected.

About the year 1839, a young son of John W. Baughn died, and was buried on the home farm in the northeast part of the township. About a year later, Mr. Baughn donated that portion of his farm for a public burial-place, for which purpose it has ever since been used. Mount Pleasant Methodist Episcopal Church was erected on this ground at a later date. -

Much progress had been made in other directions before even a partial system of public education was adopted in this township. As late as the year 1831,the township was still without schools, and in that year William J. Moore was sent by his father to Wayne County, Ind., where his uncle resided- - the object of his visit being to attend one of the schools of that county. Upon his arrival, he found the school closed, and was compelled to trudge home through the mud, "no wiser than he went." How far this circumstance was instrumental in the inauguration of public schools we do not know, but it is certain that the first school was founded by his father, John Moore, within a short time after the return of his son. A short time previously, he had purchased of William Downing an eighty-acre tract of land adjoining his own, upon which there was a rude log cabin. The latter he removed to the south end of the tract, and converted it into a schoolhouse, and a subscription was made up by parents whose children attended the school. Samuel Collier, of Muncie, was the first teacher, and remained two months.

In the winter of 1832-33, a cabin on the farm of Asahel Thornburg was converted into a schoolhouse, and Anderson R. East taught there during that and the succeeding winter. In 1839, Amos Meeks taught in a cabin in the northeast part of the township, near the Albany road.

The earlier suhools were taught by subscription, and the first steps . toward the establishment of free schools were taken by appropriating the Congressional fund of the township for the maintenance of public instruction. When these proved insufficient to meet the expenses of a term (which was not unfrequently the case), private contributions were

Trustees of Liberty availed themselves of its provisions as soon as practicable, and disbursed the apportionment of the public fund allotted to the township, for the maintenance of free schools. For a number of years, the old buildings were made to do duty under the new regime, until the accumulated funds warranted them in erecting new and better houses. These appeared one by one, until all the districts were finally Supplied. Acbetter system of instruction was the result, and the schools have had a marked effect for good upon the moral health of 'the community. : | :

The school building at Selma was erected in 1868, at a cost of $6,000. It is a brick building, 30x60 feet, two stories high, with a vestibule in front, in which the stairway is built. It contains four rooms, fourteen feet high, and thirty feet square, but the rooms on the ground floor are all that have, as yet, been occupied for school purposes. Clayton Murray was the first Principal of the school, and served in that capacity one term. He was succeeded by Daniel K. Shields, who also served one term. Noah Branson served one term, A. J. Wells, two terms, - - Southard, one term, and William McDonald, one term, when A. J. Wells was re-appointed and served one term. J acomiah the present incumbent, has occupied that position for four consecutive years. He is ably assisted by Miss Mollie Spangler, who has attained great success in the introduction and successful practice of the Grube method of teaching arithmetic.

Number of white pupils admitted within the year, 469; average attendance, 288; length of school term, 115 days; number of white teachers employed - amale, 9; female, 3; total, 12. Average compensation of teachers per day - amale, $1.92; female, $1.70; number of brick schoolhouses in the township, 11; estimated value of schoolhouses, grounds, ete., $14,000; estimated value of school apparatus, $300.

Account Of Revenue For Tuition

In the early days when religious privileges were the exception in this locality, little attention was given to denominational preferences. The traveling ministers, who came at rare intervals, were always greeted warmly by the entire community, and heard with that appreciation that can only be known to the sincere Christian, long debarred from the offices of his church.

Probably the first religious meetings were conducted by ministers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, some of whom visited the township as early as the year 1829, preaching at private houses. Ministers of the Evangelical Association, or "New Light," denomination, were also among the early visitors, and usually preached at the house of Cornelius Van Arsdoll.

The organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church was accomplished almost imperceptibly. The Methodist ministers came more frequently than those of any other denomination, and the members of this church naturally drifted together, and were banded in what may be termed an indefinite organization. Even when there were no mjnjsters to conduct the public services, private prayer meetings were held at the homes of some of the members, and thus the class was formed without. any preliminary formalities. They worshiped at private houses until 1842. A short time prior to that date John Goff settled in the southern part of the township, and began at once to erect a house of worship for the society, and was assisted in felling and dressing the logs by several young men of the neighborhood. When the house was completed he presented it to the society, and it was dedicated by Rey. John Burt. It was known as Goff's Chapel, in honor of its founder. It was occupied as a place of public worship for a period of ten or eleven years.

south of the site of the log building, and upon this was erected the frame house of worship now known by the name of Mount Tabor Church. This organization has been maintained, and the church now has a large and increasing membership. Services are regularly conducted by the Pastor, Rev. Mr. Carey, of New Burlington. :

1833, but there are no records extant from which this date can be established. 'Thomas Leonard, a local preacher and resident in the township, organized the class, and the meetings were held at his residence for several years. In 1842 or 1543, the society erected its first house of worship. This was a frame building, and stood just north of the village. Several years later, the building was destroyed by fire, and they were compelled to return to the primitive mode of worship at private houses, until sufficient funds could be accumulated to erect a new house. This occupied a period of three or four years, at the end of which time the present frame church was erected at Smithfield. Services have been conducted ever since, and the church is now in a prosperous condition.

Mount Pleasant Methodist Episcopal Church - As early as the year 1837, Rev. Wade Posey held religious services in the northeastern part of the township, but there was no organization. The first Methodist Episcopal class in this locality was organized in the year 1838, under the leadership of Rev. John Hull. The meetings of the class were held at the houses of William Wood and other members for several years. In the meantime (1839), John W. Baughn, one of the members, donated to the society one acre of ground for a cemetery and building lot, and, in 1842, they erected their first house - a log structure - on the south side of the public road, in the cemetery lot. This building was used until 1864, when the present frame church was erected on the opposite side of the road. The church has prospered

Selma Methodist Episcopal Church. - The class was organized about the year 1850, and worshiped at a schoolhouse at Selma until 1856, when they erected their present church. This is a frame building, quite plain in exterior appearance but handsomely furnished within. The parsonage is also a part of the church property, and is valued at $2,000. The organization of the church at Selma drew largely from the membership of the Smithfield church, as, prior to that date, the majority of Methodists at Selma were identified with that church. Selma Circuit was formed in 1853, and included the church at Smithfield, both of which are still supplied by one Pastor. The present membership of the church at Selma is eighty-five. |

The Pastor in 1855 was Rev. Michael Black, who was succeeded in the following order: Rev. N. A. Phillips, Rev. Clark Skinner, Rev. J. B. Birt, Rev. S. H. Rhodes, Rev. Thomas Barnett, Rev. J. F. Pierce, Rey. S. H. Rhodes (re-appointed), Rev. F. A. Sale, Rev. E. S. Preston, Rev. T. Sells, Rev. B. A. Kemp, Rev. William H. Pierce and Rev. M. A. Teague.

The Sunday school, of which Nathan Shroyer is the present Superintendent, is in a prosperous condition, with an average attendance of 100 officers and scholars.

Olive Branch United Brethren Church - This house was erected in 1853, upon a lot in the town of Selma, purchased of William J. Moore. The ground was purchased and the church erected by the Methodists and United Brethren jointly, and was occupied alternately for religious purposes by each denomination, until the former were prepared to erect a house for their own use. The Trustees, at the time the church was erected, were John Hortsfield, Sr., Jacob Dickover and Christian Sholty. Among the earliest United Brethren ministers was Rev. John Smith, who was followed by others at irregular intervals. The

The White River Missionary Baptist Church - This church is located one mile east of Selma, on land donated-for the purpose by Samuel T. Shrack. The house cost $1,200, and was dedicated by Rev. C. B. Kendali. A. J. Bullock, J. A. Fowler.and D. C. Winget are the Trustees at the present time. z

Independent. Order of Odd Fellows, Selma Lodge, No. 189. - On the evening of June 25,1857, Special Deputy Grand Master John C. Helm, with the other grand officers, met for the purpose of instituting this lodge, which was duly chartered by the Grand Lodge of Indiana May 21, 1857. The members named in the charter were: John Truitt, 5. J. Williams, J. Lewellen, J. W. Friar, F. H. Brown, M. Study, L. Smith, J. C. Imley, W. J. Moore, A. J. Gissell, S. A. Smith, N. W. Black and

After tie transaction of some routine business, the following officers were nominated, and, as there was but one candidate for each office, they were, upon motion, elected to the respective offices for which. they were nominated. John Truitt was elected N. G.; F. M. Brown, V. G.; W. J. Moore, Secretary; and John W. Friar, Treasurer. The Noble Grand then appointed the following officers: Samuel J. Williams, W.; Josephus Lewellen, C.; S. A. Smith, I. G.; N. W. Black, KR. S. N. G.; John Simmons, L. 8. N. G.

In 1860, a private stock company erected a lodge-room over the drug store now owned by Eugene Johnson, and rented it to the lodge. From time to time, however, portions of this stock were purchased by the order, until the lodge finally owned tke hall, in which its regular meetings are held every Saturday evening.

It has continued to prosper since its organization, and is now in excellent working order, free from debt, with a comfortable surplus in the treasury. It has an active membership of fifty-four, and a dormant membership of twenty-six.

Selma Encampment, No. 64, is now working under a charter granted May 15, 1860. The petition for charter was signed by John Truitt, S. J. Williams, J. Calvert, H. Marks, Job Swain, Joshua Truitt and C. P. Streator. The officers for the present term (1880) are: E. J. Pemberton, C. P.; W. N.Scott, H. P.; James L. Hutchings, 8S. W.; T. E. Harrington, J. W.; M. M. Moody, 5.; E. C. Goff, T.

John H. Payton, 5. W.; and Andrew H. Hoover, J. W. The meetings were first held in the second story of the building now occupied by ©. W. Moore's boot and shoe store, but, at a subsequent date, the lodge erected the building in which its meetings are now held. _ It is in good working order, and financially prosperous.

The officers for the present term are: John W. Current, W. ML; D. M. Ribble. 8S. W.; Clark Shroyer, J. W.; Samuel Shroyer, tes BO James Truitt, J. D.; John F. Dynes, Secretary; William Hannah, Treasurer; Samuel Dickover, Tiler.

Clark, T. E. Harrington, Samuel Fielder, C. W. Moore and W. A. Goings. Dr. Clark Skiff was their leader, and continued in that capacity for more than a year." After a. few years, the band began to suffer from the withdrawal of some of its members, and, in October, 1878, it was re-organized, or, rather, its present organization was effected.

At the band tournament held at Muncie June 4 and 5,:1875, this band was the successful competitor for one of the cash prizes awarded for superior execution, ete., and they have succeeded in pkeeing up an excellent organization ever since.

7 468 | at | | L sTaTistics - 1879, oe ers in April, 1881: . AGRICULTURA s am f a | eee ae E das, G. W. Fertich, alto; J acob Wheat, 3,010 acres, 59,200 bushels; corn, oe 0 wie Pi ip omg fa | =: ones alto; J. W. Skiff, baritone; J. EB. Fertich, bass drum; 8S. J. Will- els; oats, 650 acres, 19,380 -bushels; rye, at sede a pee ' S; x | iams, B flat: D. M. Ribble, B flat; John W. Clark, tenor; J. N. Orr, tenor; Trish potatoes, 65 acres, 6,450 bushels; flax, 550 acres, res nme : er, | ' C. E. Skiff, tuba; John Boots, snare drum; Frank Scott, cymbals. 8,210 oe seed; meadow, 1,250 acres, 1,345 tons o ay; pasture | | land, 4,030 acres. a | VILLAGES. Eas | | 'mithfield is the oldest village, and therefore entitled to the first | a. a article. The name was given to a small collection of Bes JOHN HOLBERT i388 houses which stood here long before the town was surveyed and laid was born in Hagerstown, Washington Co., Md., February 17, 1822. out into town lots by the original proprietors, David Stout and William | He acquired a limited education at the Hagerstown Academy; but the Duncan. Opportunities for educating, during his youth, Wen: ey different It is pleasantly situated on a level upland overlooking White River, | from those enjoyed under the present free-schoo] system, and J ohn, of which here meanders among shady woods and fertile fields, making a course, was a sufferer thereby. His parents poor, and tuition expensive, picture charming to the eye. they were unable to prolong his attendance at school, and hence, at the A substantial iron bridge spans the river at this point, on the pike age of seventeen, he was apprenticed to a tailor in the village of Han- . 1 leading to Burlington. ; cock, of his native county. Serving full time in that situation to the | Smithfield is one of those quiet hamlets so often seen at this ase, | satisfaction of al] parties concerned, he went forth among strangers as which have relapsed from a more favorable condition; for this was once | » journeyman tailor. a point of some consequence, well known to emigrants of earlier days. Wending his way westward, finally, in 1846, he found himself in Its merchants had a good trade, as had also its blacksmiths and other Butler County, Ohio. About that time, a call being made upon Ohio to ! mechanics. But time diverted its trade to other centers, and it became | furnish three regiments for service in Mexico, young Holbert responded | the quiet village that we see to-day. At the pr esent, its mercantile by enlisting as a private soldier in the First Ohio Volunteers, Capt. | interests are represented by one store, kept by J. K. Norris; Daniel John B. Weller's company, Second Rifles. Serving his term of one | Williams is the village blacksmith, and William Miller is the proprietor year, he was honorably discharged at New Orleans, and returned to . of a flouring-mill, situated on the bank of White River, its machinery Butler County, Ohio, in the fal] of 1847, ie | being propelled by power from that stream. Here, in the village of Monroe, he associated himself with the order - ty 'a Selma is a station on the Cleveland; Columbus, Cincinnati & Indi- | of Odq Fellows, Lodge No. 89, State of Ohio. He wedded Miss Mary principal trading-point for a large scope of country, and its stores are license at Lebanon, in the adjoining county of Warren. He now opened

| | | Hervet & Clark are the proprietors of the dry goods store; D. M. | the Same until late in the year 1850. Moving then to Smithfield, Delaa Ribble is the dealer in hardware; L. R. Black & Co. have quite an ware Co., Ind., he renewed his vocation and continued to pursue the extensive stock of drugs; John W. Goings is the proprietor of a dry Same up to the fall of 1863, when he enlisted in Company K (Capt. goods store, while J oseph Orr has a stock of dry goods and groceries; Williams), Nineteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Joining his regi- N. Patrick deals exclusively in groceries; T. E. Harrington is the Pro- | ment at the front, he was in active service until March 25, 1865. prietor of a restaurant; C. W. Moore deals in boots and shoes; N. BE. Upon that, to him, memorable day, in the engagement at Hatcher's Black has a carriage-shop; and W. N. Scott is the proprietor of the Run, near Petersburg, Va., he lost his left leg - the same being ampusteam saw-mill. The physicians are Dr. ©, Skiff, Dr. F. R. Stiers and tated upon the field. Following this, he was conveyed to City Point, Dr. A. H. Good. 7%, L. Simmons and Henry ©. Knapp are the village | where he was placed on board ship and transferred to Philadelphia for i blacksmiths; John H. Hoover, cabinet-maker and undertaker; Samuel treatment, Finally, in August following, he was discharged, at Chest. S. Dunkel, brick manufacturer; Samuel Dickover carpenter; E. P. | nut Hill Hospital, Pennsylvania, and returned to civil life and to the en. Boots, pump manufacturer; L. ©. Roseboom, boot and shoe maker. joyment of his family. | Mrs. Maggie Black is the village milliner; and James T,. Simmons, By 1 ; William Miller and William Goings are the grain-dealers. Josiah Mr. Holbert for life, grantiug him, in quarterly payments, at the rate Meeks is engaged in the purchase and sale of live stock, and James L. | of $24 per month; and for its generous beneficence he feels deeply Simmons is P ostmaster, railroad agent and operator. grateful. At the re-unions of the old N ineteenth Regiment, since the

POPULATION. | Company K - thus conferred as an act of respect by his old army com- - The United Census of 1850 states the population of Liberty at 1,171 rades. souls. In 1860, it was 1,525, and in 1870 it was 1,639. O£this num- In 1866, the year succeeding his return to Selma and to civi] life,

~ ber, 1,625 were natives, and 14 were of foreign birth. In 1880, the the good people of Liberty elected him Township Trustee, continuing census returns show a total] population of 1,649, an increase of only ten | him as such, without Opposition, for six successive years, and with in ten years, , entire satisfaction to his constituency. In 1872, the Republicans ia. ie SxPorrrvnes - 1870, elected him Treasurer of Delaware County by a satisfactory majority, Amount expended on BOOGS, cscs tng meledbdven tiaeedas ¢icige ue $275 and, in 187 4, they re-elected him tothe: same position, by a majority Amount paid Supervisors.................. tobe Sn eiade ev sewusdd tye sec ece ee 80 il Bakistcn ~ Amount paid for building new schoolhouses................ >a sec aheaee 2,517 ogae y Re " actory. : Ayount paid for repair of schoothouses ........ 388 He is still a member in good standing of the order of Odd Fellows; Pca ia a ae TOTES attains: 226 has passed all the chairs, both in subordinate and encampment lodge of P Z Amount paid to teachers....., PSTVSENEN DA AAS 69° cov cssasasannccns abinnewn sansa 3,902 Selma; elected representative to the Grand Lodge and Grand Encamp- BL Amount paid Trustee for Services,........... saa op crease hae b'sic scotty 222 ment of the State of Indiana, being @ member of both; has a comfortable : Amount paid for all other Wi neh nt ag R E 252 ; ; ae oe Rigi. 25 home in the west part of Liberty Township; is a good citizen, and es- Be ay Bote) ses. cc Piss insiiniiteancecte.. 55 5 $7,862 teemed by all who know him, county, as it is the central one of thethree townships which form is another, and in a direct line with this, on the farm belonging to Mrs. the southern boundary. Center Township bounds it on the north, Perry on hd the east, a portion of Henry County on the south, and Salem Township on the west. Buck Creek is the principal stream. It flows from southeast to 7 es a. . . e > as = - s . . .

northwest, in a ps course, finding an outlet in White River, near large mulberry trees were growing when the locality first became settled Yorktown. No- ame Greek, in the western part of the township, flows by white men, and for many years it was known as "Mulberry Hill." mn a northerly direction, forming a confluence with Bell Creek in Salem | The uniform character of these mounds, and their close resemblance Township. Flat Spring Creek has its source in a series of springs in to what are recognized as ancient earthworks, perhaps entitle them to a the southeast part of the township, and, flowing nearly west, discharges | place in that category, although they have hitherto escaped the attention into Buck Creek. Juba Branch is a small stream in the northeast cor- of our archeologists.

The fact that there are gravel-beds, more or less extensive, in each, has led to the opening of one of them (the central mound on the Lenox The soil presents the usual variety. Along Buck Creek and its farm) for the repairing of the roads. During the progress of these vicinity, it is a wet, loamy prairie. Here, too, occurs the only impor- excavations, human bones have, from time to time, been exhumed. Sevtant deviation in the character of the surface. While in nearly all eral years ago, a skeleton of gigantic proportions was unearthed, and other localities it is a level upland, it is here of a gently undulating bones have been found in several different parts of the mound. No character, terminating in sheer bluffs along the margin of the stream, charcoal - usually a part of the contents of these ancient earthworks - some of which are as high as forty feet, and quite steep. has ever been discovered, and there has been a marked scarcity of stone Toward the central and northern, as well as the northeastern, por- implements - only one of these having ever been found. This was dug tions, the soil is composed principally of clay and black loam, witha | UP in 1873, by two sons of Isaac Lenox. It was heavy at one end and sub-stratum of blue clay five or six feet below the surface. In the smoothly polished, resembling what is conceded by archeologists to southeast, the soil is almost entirely composed of clay, and, the surface have been used for a pestle. It differed from these only in one particbeing level, a large amount of ditching and underdraining has been ular. In the heavy end- - which was five or six inches in diameter - - a rendered necessary to its successful cultivation. The same is true of hole had been bored about-an inch deep, and about three-fourths of an nearly every quarter of the township, as land sufficiently undulating inch, or perhaps an inch, in diameter. It was used by the family for to afford natural drainage is the exception. Large sums have been | cracking hickory-nuts, and was finally lost. expended in this improvement, and thousands of acres have been bene- The theory of the artificial construction of these mounds seems to be fited and rendered more fertile in consequence. strengthened by the character of the soil of which they are composed. Of the timber which once covered the soil, red, white and burr oak, It is very loose and light, as far down as it has ever been penetrated, hickory, beech, sugar-maple, etc., were the prevailing varieties. A half- | and is altogether different from the soil of the surrounding country. century of civilization has resulted in the disappearance of much of this | From this fact, too, we may safely conclude that the altitude of the timber, especially such as could be utilized in the economy of the farm, mounds is less now than at the date of their completion, the tendency and oak, ash and walnut are now at a premium, from their scarcity. of the loose material being to blow away in times of high wind, and thus, little by little, reducing the height.

Perhaps, in a manner as gradual, their builders passed from the face of the earth, or, perhaps, overcome by the savages of the North, they retreated toward the South, from which direction the abundance of their works proclaim them to have proceeded. In either event, we can only certainly know that they have vanished from the localities that once echoed to their tread, and that a race of red men, totally different in their habits, succeeded them, only to be dispossessed, at a later day, by the agriculturist, whose plowshare turns the sod of the once hallowed burial-ground, and whose industry makes "the wilderness to blossom as the rose." |

The Mounds

Evidences of an ancient people exist in many localities in the valley of the Mississippi and its tributaries - a race whose existence antedated the Columbian period, and who left no traces of their origin or destiny. Their history is lost to the world, and all attempts to penetrate beyond the few unsatisfactory relics we occasionally find, result in conjecture or confusion. They were evidently a different race from the North American Indian, as their works proclaim them to have been less nomadic in their habits, and more disposed to erect permanent habitations.

To them has been given the name of the " Mound- Builders " - the most appropriate, perhaps, as the numerous earthen mounds at various points west of the Alleghanies are the most enduring Monuments to their memory, and the most substantial tokens of their former existence.

In Section 35, Township 19 north, Range 10 east, there are five of these earthen mounds, four of which are on the farm of Isaac Lenox, and lying within an eighty-acre tract. The first is situated at the northern extremity of the tract, and is divided about equally by the line between his farm and that of Valentine Carmichael. It is about twenty feet above the level of the ground surrounding it, and is quite steep on the sides facing the north and northwest.

At a distance of twenty rods from this, and in a direct southwest line, rises another mound, identical in construction with the first, excepting that it presents its steepest declivity on the west side. This mound is fully twenty-five feet high. Southwest of this, in a direct line, rises

In the fall of 1821, Monree received its first 'white resident. This was Jonathan Mills, who was formerly a citizen of Greene County, Tennessee, from where he removed to Greene County, Ohio, in 1814 or 1815. In 1819, he settled in Wayne County, Indiana, where he remained until his removal to this township. He was a thorough specimen of the backwoodsman, and dreaded a thickly settled neighborhood, often remarking that he did not want to awaken in the morning to hear the crowing of any one's chickens but his own.

He was fond of the chase, and never cleared more than just enough land to raise the necessaries of life for his family, and, in every instance, when his neighborhood began to be settled, he sought a new location. He never communicated his intentions to any one, but, after sett)' his accounts with his creditors, would pack up and leave without ceremony. |

In the summer of 1821, he visited his brother-in-law, Valentine Gibson, then residing in Randolph County, Indiana, and, after his return, he decided upon his removal. The first intimation his relatives had of this event was in the following spring, when they made their regular trip to Crull's mill, in Wayne County, and were informed by Mr. Crull that Mills had gone away during the preceding fall. Four years later, his kinsmen, Garrett, Boater and Robert Gibson, came to the township to locate land, and learned the whereabouts of Mills through Judge Lewis Rees, then residing in Perry.

About the year 1830, Mr. Mills again concluded that civilization was making its way too rapidly into. his domain, and left as unceremoniously as he came. When next they heard tidings of him, he was living near Anderson, Ind., and, several years later, they again heard from him, and learned that he was living at or near South Bend. After this, his place of residence was never discovered by his relatives, and it is not known where he died, or what became of his family.

In many cases, the settlers were not able to purchase their lands immediately upon their arrival, and held their claims by a pre-emption law, or what has been designated as " the squatter's right," until they were able, by the sale of coon-skins and other marketable articles, to

The right of "squatter sovereignty" was one that was held in high respect, and when, occasionally, a speculator purchased a tract upon which a claim had been made, and improvements begun, he found himself in a very unpleasant position; and, should he attempt to make the plzee his home, he soon found that his neighbors were his enemies, and the place too uncomfortable to live in.

In many cases, a number of years elapsed between the date of settlement and the date of purchase, and often extensive improvements were made while the settler was yet without a title to his home. The Mansfields were identified, for a number of years, with the history and improvements of this township, but afterward moved away - James to Center Township, and John to Perry, where his name occurs in connection with the early mercantile interests of that township. He served in

_ The next settlers in the township were William, Garrett and Robert Gibson, who settled, in the fall of 1826, on the tracts which each entered at a subsequent date. They were all married men, and had families, excepting Robert, who was married at a later date to Miss Sarah Heaton, in Randolph County. They were all good citizens, and all remained in the county until their decease.

Valentine Gibson was the next. He came from Randolph County, Indiana, in: the spring of 1827, and settled upon a tract of land which has since been divided, and is now owned by Lewis Rees, John Lenox

_ and others. At the time of his arrival, he had eight children, viz.: Elisha, Anda, Malinda, Absalom, Sarah, Louisa, Asahel and Mary; and five were born in this township. He was an industrious man, 'and spent: the remainder of his life in the improvement and cultivation of his farm. His son, Anda, was a lad sixteen years of age at the time of his father's arrival. He grew to maturity here, and is still an honored and respected citizen of the township. ,

About the year 1828, Isaac Branson, formerly of Randolph County, Indiana, settled upon the land which he_entered at a later date. When he came, he found the following families living here, in addition to those already mentioned: Amasiah Beeson, John Crum, John Lenox, Henry Taylor and John Hodge. They had evidently all been living here for several years at that time, as each had made clearings more or less extensive on their lands, and instituted other improvements.

; MEMORANDA OF LAND PURCHASES. As a more concise manner of presenting a full list of the early settlers, we have referred to the county tract-book for the dates of entry, which are as follows: :

After the year 1837, there was no more Government land in the township, all having been entered by the settlers whose names appear in the foregoing list. Not many years later, settlements began to be made on the school section, which was sold out in small tracts by the township authorities. After the first break was made in the wilderness, others were not long in following the lead of the few hardy pionears who first began the work, and, before the date which closes our momorandum of land purchases, there was a thrifty little colony here, and many important improvements had been instituted and carried out. Orchards had been set out, ground cleared, and crops raised and garnered, and the discomforts of the backwoods overcome to a great extent. .

Rude cabins as yet were almost without exception. the prevailing style of architecture and all the appointments of the household were in keeping with the times. Later years witnessed many improvements, and superior buildings took the place of the log cabins of earlier days.

The following memorandum from the tax duplicate of 1840 is valuable, as it shows the property-owners of the township at that date, and the amount of taxes paid by each. The list is as follows:

In 1831, the first death in the township occurred, the victim being a child of Garrett Gibson. The body was taken to the Rees Cemetery, in Perry Township, for interment. The first death of an adult person was

His remains were taken to his former home in Wayne County, Indiana. About the year 1833, the first cemetery was established, on land donated for the purpose by one of the brothers Beeson, in the northeast part of the township, near the Christian Friends' meeting-house. The first interment at this point was one of Mr. Beeson's children. It is still used as a public burial-ground, and is quite thickly dotted with the marble headstones that mark the last repose of loved ones.

The cemetery on the Mansfield farm was first consecrated by the -nterment of one of their family, and, after a few years, that corner of the farm began to be used for burial purposes by others of the neighbors in the immediate vicinity, but was never formally donated to the township for a public cemetery. The property is now owned by Miles Harrold.

The Tomlinson Cemetery was established, like that on the Mansfield farm, by being first consecrated by the death of one of the family. About the year 1835, it was formally donated as a public burial-ground, and contains all that is mortal of many who were identified with the early settlement and improvement of the township.

For a period of several years following the first settleinent, one of the greatest inconveniences under. which the settlers labored was the remoteness of mills at. which they could have corn ground. Crull's mill, in Wayne County, was one of the nearest, and the one that received the greatest amount of patronage from residents of this locality.

In 1831 or 1832, Amasiah Beeson erected a small mill on his farm, and turned the water of Buck Creek into the race, turning an old-fashioned, central-discharge wheel. He supplied it with a good set of buhrs for grinding corn, as that was the staple commodity of the time, there being but little wheat raised. Subsequently, however, he added a ran of buhrs for grinding wheat, and always set his customers to work at shaking the bolting-cloth when they brought wheat to be ground.

Mr. Beeson operated the mill for a number of years, and finally sold it to Alfred Moore. By him it was conveyed, at a later date, to Aquilla West, and was operated by the latter gentleman for a number of years, and the buhrs were finally sold to a firm who were erecting a mill on the Mississinewa, after the frame-work of this one was decayed and half ruined.

About thirty years ago, Clark& Goble erected a saw-mill on land then owned by Anda Gibson. It was operated by steam power, and had a sash-saw, capable of cutting up from twenty-five hundred to three thousand feet of timber per day. It passed through the hands of various owners, and finally to the possession of the present proprietor, Jeremiah West. The mill has not besn in operation for several years past.

At McCowan's Station there are two saw-mills in operation at the present time, conducted by William Hiatt and A. J. Nottingham, respectively, but there are no flouring-mills in the township.

date of organization of the township can be determined; nor can it be established by the County Commissioners' records, as the earlier volumes were destroyed by fire some years ago. Probably the erection of this territory into a civil township occurred not later than the year 1830 or 1831, but the oldest records in the Trustee's office are of the year 1853. In the preceding year, three Trustees were elected after the adoption of the revised constitution of the State, to attend to the civil and school affairs. They were assisted by a Clerk and Treasurer until 1860, when the offices of Clerk and Treasurer were abolished, and their duties relegated to one Trustee instead of three.

The first road through the township had its beginning at Muncie, and was surveyed along the east side of Buck Creek, to a point near the farm of Anda Gibson, where it intersected the New Castle road near Luray, Henry County. The order for its location and opening was passed by the County Commissioners in 1829 or 1830. A draft for labor was made upon all the able-bodied men and boys along the line, and it is said they responded to the call with a hearty good will.

About the year 1837, the New Castle and Marion road was surveyed and laid out by the authority and at the expense of the State. It passes from New Castle, in Henry County, directly north through the township, to Muncie, and thence north to Marion, in Grant County.

Some years ago a stock company graded and graveled the road from Muncie to William Watson's farm, but finally suffered it to get out of repair, and for several years it has been neglected, and the collection of toll abandoned.

In 1853, there were nine road districts in the township, laid out by the local authorities, and Supervisors appointed for each district. Ata session of the Trustees, held June 25, 1853, the following sums were ordered puid to the Road Supervisors for their services:

Thomas Shaw, Supervisor in District No. 5, $2; Joel Brown, Supervisor in District No. 6, $2; Patrick Carmichael, Supervisor in District No. 7, $1.87; William Hightower, Supervisor in District No. 8, $3.50.

At a subsequent meeting of the Trustees, held February 26, 1855, Lewis Rees presented a petition, signed by the requisite number of freeholders, praying for a change in the road running from Muncie to " Masterson's Machine " - "the change to commence at the northeast corner of John Lenox's farm, thence north seventy rods, thence west till it intersects the old road at Adam Losh's cabin." - 3

At the same meeting a petition, duly signed, was presented by Jacob Bowers, praying for a change in the road running through Ananias Heinecker's, George Clevenger's and Jacob Bowers' farms, "the change to commence on the east side of said Heinecker's farm, where the road erosses the section line, thence running due north to the road leading from Esquire Bowers', Buck Creek, and vacating so much of said road commencing at Samuel Clevenger's east line, and running through Jacob Bowers' and George Clevenger's lands to said Heinecker's."

The committee appointed to view these roads and decide upon the propriety of granting the petition, reported favorably at the next meeting of the board, and both roads were accordingly ordered to be located agreeably to the request of the petitioners.

At various times between this date and 1860, roads were laid out and opened in response to petitions from the citizens, until the township was finally well supplied with convenient avenues of export for its products.

The first stock of merchandise in the township was kept in a little log cabin on the farm of Enos Strawn, as early as 1845. There was but little cash in the settlement, and the proprietor was compelled to exchange his goods for such articles as furs, poultry, ete., or the products of the spinner's looms - commodities which could ultimately be converted into cash or more goods; but the prevailing system of barter and trade proving unprofitable, the goods were moved to another locality by the proprietor, and the enterprise abandoned.

Several years later, Charles McCowan erected a frame building at the junction of the Yorktown and New Burlington and New Castle and Marion roads, in which a stock of goods was exposed for sale by Mr. Ralstead. Although his trade was more profitable than that of his predecessor, it was not sufficiently extended to justify him in remaining, and after a short time he followed the example of the pioneer in his line, and moved away. The next attempt at merchandising was at

In the winter of 1830-31, William Abrams taught the first school in the township, in a log cabin on the farm of Robert Gibson, and for a small stipend imparted the rudiments of an education to his neighbors' children. Two years later a deserted cabin on the farm of Samuel Heaton was occupied for the same purpose, and Mr. Corneel taught the school during the winter of that year. Schools were taught thereafter wherever a deserted cabin could be found until 1838. In that year the first. schoolhouse was erected on the farm of Peter Olum. This was a hewed-log structure, and the rudeness of previous " temples of learning" led the children to regard this as a very fine edifice indeed. Hitherto the schools had been supported entirely by private subscriptions, but, shortly after the erection of this building, the appropriation of the public funds of the township enabled them to conduct a free school for about two months of the term, and private subscriptions made up the necessary amount for the remaining month.

tion whether or not a tax should be levied for the erection of free schools. A personal canvass of the township was made several days previously, by both the friends and the enemies of the proposition, and, on the day > of election, they assembled at the polls in full force. Promptly at the time allowed by law, the polls were declared closed, and not a minute be opposed to the system of free schools, were descried coming up to vote. The ballots, when counted, exhibited a majority of two votes in favor of the measure, and very soon thereafter was inaugurated one of the most signal of the public improvements in the township. ,

School districts were immediately established, beginning at District No. 1, in the northeast part of the township. District No. 3 was probably the first in which a schoolhouse was erected, for, by reference to the Trustee's records, we fmd that, at their meeting held May 21, 1853, Solomon Clevenger was allowed $12.97 " for finishing a schoolhouse in District No. 3." At this time, there were six schoolhouses in the township, five of which were relies of the old system of " subscription schools," and were converted, upon the introduction of the new regime, and used until they could be replaced by better buildings.

At the April meeting of the Trustees, 1554, Lewis Rees was allowed $224 for building a schoolhouse in District No. 1, and, March 31, 1854, Daniel Courtney was allowed $224 for building Schoolhouse No. 4. At the September meeting, 1856, Daniel Courtney was allowed $7/25 "for building schoolhouses," but the record does not indicate the districts in which they were erected.

The total amount paid for school affairs by the Treasurer, from the Ist day of April, 1854, to the 31st day of March, 1855, was $664.50, and the balance left in the treasury was $48.19. In 1853, the amount paid for teachers' salaries was $178.114, as follows: John N. Breenson, $37.66; John H. Heath, $46; Solomon Hodson, $49.08; Robert Mansfield, $45.373.

As the old log schoolhouses began to decay, they were replaced by substantial frame buildings, and, from year to year, new houses were erected, until each of the nine districts of the township were supplied. In two districts, the frame houses have been replaced by neat brick buildings.

Number of white pupils admitted into schools within the year, 408 ; average attendance, 2883; length of school taught, in days, 140; number of white teachers employed - amales, 6; females, 3; total, 9; average compensation of teachers per day - male, $2; female, $1.80; number of brick schoolhouses in township, 3; number of frame. schoolhouses in 'township, 6; estimated value of schoolhouses, grounds, ete., $4,800; estimated value of school apparatus, $150.

Amount received in February, 1880.........:ce.ceeeeceereeeeeee reece 856 59 Amount received in Jume, 1880..........ceeseeeeeseneeeneneeeeeseeeees 822 53 Miscellaneous receipts... .ccceccscecenecneseeeueeseereceneneseseaeesecet aes 500 00

Account Of Special School Revenue

Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church. - The first religious services in the township were held by the Methodists. Revs, James Havens, John Null, John Birt and others preached at private houses as early, perhaps, as 1828. The first organization, however, was formed about the year 1530, and the class then organized continued to meet at the houses of Boater Gibson and other members of the class for a number of years. Subsequently, a log house of worship was erected within half a mile of the present church, and occupied until 1869 or 1870. The present frame church was completed and dedicated at that time. Regular services have been continued by the society since its organization, and the church is now in a prosperous condition. Rey. A. J. Carey is the present Pastor. ;

_ The Christian Friends' Society - In 1832 or 1833, this reformed order of the Society of Friends formed their first organization in the township, at the house of Valentine Gibson, and met at private houses for two years. At the end of that time, they erected a log meeting-house on a lot donated from the Beeson farm. They used this as a house of worship until it began to decay, and then erected a hewed-log house in its stead, which they occupied until about fifteen years ago - the date at which the present brick church was completed. This church is also used by the Christian denomination in the east part of the township.

Mount Zion Methodist Episcopal Church. - In the year 1863, John W. Heath and Thomas W. Tuttle donated a lot in the northwestern part of the township, upon which a neat frame church was completed in the Same year, at a cost of $1,200.

The class was organized about forty-five years ago, and held meetings at private houses - principally those of John McClintock, John Brown and Ralph Heath - for a period of fifteen years, their first house of worship (a log structure) having been completed about thirty years ago. This building was located on the farm of Jesse McKimmey.

The present house of worship is 40x60 feet. It was remodeled, at an expense of $700, in the fall of 1879, and is now a very handsome church. It has a membership of about one hundred and fifty souls, and is under the pastoral care of Rev. Milton Wayman. D. R. Armitage, Monroe West and A. W. Ross are the present Trustees; Clark Gibson, Harvey Reed and Dayid Lykins, Stewards. '

Corinth United Brethren Church - This church was erected in 1865, on land donated by Joel R. McKimmey. Theclass was organized about twenty years prior to that date, but the meetings were held at private houses and a schoolhouse in the neighborhood until the church was completed. Rev. Mr. Rutherford was the Pastor at the date of its completion, and Bishop Edwards preached the dedicatory sermon. The church has prospered since its organization, and has a large and increasing membership. Rev. Mr. Cook is the present Pastor.

West's Chapel, Methodist Episcopal. - The class was organized in 1867, and, in 1869, received a donation of ground from John Fuston, upon which they erected their present house of worship in the same year.

Rev. Eli Rammel was the Pastor at that time, and remained two years. His successors have been Revs. John Pittenger and F. A. Fish, 1872; John Pierce, 1873; Rev. John Kane, 1874; Rev. A. G. McCarter, 1875; Rev. J. W. McDaniel, 1876; Rev. D. G. Woolpert, 1878; Rey. Thomas Sells, 1879; Rey. Milton Wayman, 1880. |

Church of Christ, Mount Tabor. - Services were held here at an early day by ministers of this denomination, but only at irregular intervals, and without organization. The first society was organized in 1870, and, in the same year, Jacob Bowers, one of the members, donated a lot, upon which the present church was erected, and dedicated in November, 1870, by Rev. G. W. Thompson, the Pastor in charge at that time. It is a frame building, and cost $2,000. :

Mr. Thompson remained until the close of the year '1870, and was succeeded as follows: Rev. Samuel Matthews, Rev. William Trowbridge, Rey. John A. Mavity, Rev. Daniel Franklin, Rev. Charles Blackman. There were intervals during this period in which no services were held.

United Brethren (McCowan Class). - This society was organized in 1874, at McCowan's Station, by Rev. M. R. Harris. The meeting for | organization was held in a warehouse belonging to the Fort Wayne, Muncie & Cincinnati Railroad Company, and this building afterward became their regular place of meeting, and was used as such for more than a year. They subsequently met at private houses, and, in 1879, made arrangements to occupy a building in which a wagon-shop had formerly been conducted, and in which their meetings are now held. The church now in course of construction will be occupied by this denomination jointly with others, according to the terms of the will of the late Charles McCowan. Rey. Cook is the Pastor now in charge of the class; Michael Wright is the Class-leader; John Rinker, Elder Steward; and Mrs. Jane Wright, Class Steward.

Union Church, MeCowan's Station - On August 29, 1872, Charles McCowan executed his last will and testament, and, among other bequests, made the following:

"Item 3 - I give, devise and bequeath $6,000 to Jacob Stiffler, George Houck and Andrew J. Fleming (Trustees), to be used by them in the erection of a two-story brick building, in the town of McCowan."

It was further stated that one story should be finished for a school, and the other for a church. Work was begun immediately, but was afterward suspended until the summer of the present year (1880). The building is now under cover, and well along toward completion. I¢ will be occupied by all the religious organizations who choose to use it, and the lower story will be used for a township graded school.

Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Cowan Lodge, No. 56 /, was organized October 3, 1878, and worked under dispensation for thirteen weeks, at the end of which time it received a charter from the Grand Lodge of the State. The charter members were: J. W. Houck. J. W. J ones, J. W. Polan, J. H. Abbott, J. H. Hartley, C. M. Kiger, T. J. Cheesman, Shem Bowers, H. P. Brown, Samuel Brown and Peter Quirk.

On the night of institution, four candidates were initiated, and, in 1879, two were admitted to the lodge by initiation, and one by card. The active membership of the lodge is reduced to eight at the present time.

Res.Of Darlin M.Tutt Monroe Tp De Laware Co.Ind

The officers are: S. W. Heath, President; L. B. Fleming, Vice President; J. Swearingen and Mattie Veal, Secretaries; Charles Houck, Treasurer; William Neff, Marshal; Joe Clevenger and Charles Johnson, Ushers; John Hartley, Marion S. Tuttle and John 5. Clevenger, Execu-

Cowan Post Office (Me Yowan's Station). - This is a station on the Fort Wayne, Muncie & Cincinnati Railroad, and is located near the center of the township.

H. Clay Haymond and,Dr. D. L.. Trowbridge are the proprietors of the two village stores; Charles Johnson is the village blacksmith; Willam Hiatt and A. J. Nottingham are the respective proprietors of the ) saw-mills; John Hartley owns and operates the tile-factory; Dr. soe Trowbridge and Dr. Pryor are the resident physicians: and William Neff is the village carpenter. H. Clay Haymond is the Postmaster, and agent for the Fort Wayne, Muncie & Cincinnati Railroad. Richwood Post Office is a small hamlet in the west part of the township. There is a store at this point, kept by David Lykins; Elias Good is the Postmaster and toll-gate keeper, and David Lykins, Jr., has the blacksmith-shop. | Pleasant Hill is a small village in the extreme southern part of the township, on the line dividing it from Henry County. There is a general merchandise store at this point, owned by Lewis L. Hickman. Macedoniais a small village in the sotitheast part of the township. William Suit is the proprietor of the store at this point, and Mr. Gross is the village blacksmith. Lo

In 1850, the population of Monroe, according to the United States Census returns, was 720. Ten years later, it was 1,119. In 1870, there were 1,236 native American citizens in the township, and 11 of

Mr. McCowan was an early settler in Delaware County, and a man of generous instincts. As fortune smiled upon him, he invested his means in enterprises which would benefit others as well as himself; and the handsome edifice at the village of Cowan is an enduring monument to his name and public spirit. He was born in Union County, Indiana, in 1814, and came to Delaware County in 1831. He had no means, and was dependent upon his own resources and labor for whatever degree of success he attained in the world. He worked as a farm hand in the employ of Thomas Kirby for a number of years, and, during his life, Mr. Kirby was always his friend and adviser. He worked hard, and from his earnings he always made it a rule to save a portion, at least. As his surplus accumulated, he invested it in land, and purmarried Miss Susan Wright, an estimable lady, who survives him.

Rev. John 8S. Tuttle

was born January 29, 1804, in Clinton County, Ohio, where he received his education and grew to manhood. In the twentieth year of his age (June 3, 1823), he married Hannah Hale. Thirteen years later (October, 1836), he came to Indiana, in the prime of a vigorous manhood, to

County. He settled in the west part of Monroe Township, and there cleared and improved a farm, upon which he lived during the residue of his life. He was a noble Christian gentleman, and was a prominent minister of the Protestant Methodist Church. He was kind of heart, a good neighbor, and all who knew him united in pronouncing him a good man. He was the friend of all public improvements, and every enterprise that had for its purpose the moral or commercial well-being of the community, was sure to receive his encouragement and co-operation. He took an active, though unselfish, interest in political affairs, and labored earnestly for the success of his party in all its campaigns. He died April 4, 1872, in the sixty-ninth year of his age, deeply lamented by those who had known and loved him in life.

Source changes here: from A Portrait and Biographical Record of Delaware County, Indiana :, published 1894; 4,823 words in this source stream.

Liberty Township

mission by Gov. Morton as major in the Nineteenth Indiana cavalry, which position he declined, as his physical condition was such that he was unable to go into active service. In 1864, he was transferred to the Ninety-fourth company V. R. C. , in which corps he served until the expiration of his term of service, when he was mustered out as first sergeant of the Twentieth company Second battalion V. R. C.

Prior to his enlistment the doctor engaged in the study of medicine and was kept much of the time in the medical department of the army, and was from time to time, in the absence of the commander, in charge of the soldiers' home in Indianapolis. Upon his return to Wayne county, he completed his medical studies under the able instruction of Drs. P. H. Jamison, of Indianapolis, and J. B. Clark, of Economy, Ind. In 1867 he commenced practice in Bloomingsport, Ind., and continued there for fourteen years, and in 1880, located at Selma, where he has since enjoyed a large and lucrative practice. He has many of the gifts which go so far to make a successful physician, for nothing is truer than that in many cases of illness the administration of medicine is the least part of a physician's art of curing.

Dr. Good is a member of the Delaware county Medical society and has been called upon to fill many of the offices of this body. He also is a member of the Indiana State Medical society and the American association. In the District Medical association he has been chairman and secretary and is noted for his skill and wise manner of treating difficult cases. Dr. Good is a member of Gol. S. J. Williams post. No. 267, G. A. R. of Selma; a member of Selma lodge. No. 189, I. O. O. F. , and also of Selma encampment. He has found time from his labors and studies to acquaint himself with business interests, and is a charter member, a director and treasurer of the Citizens' Land, Gas and Improvement company of Selma, Ind.

Dr. Good was married in 1866, at Economy, Ind., to Miss Nannie, daughter of Charles Green, of Ohio. Mrs. Good died in 1878, leaving four children, who are named as follows: Magnolia G. , the wife of Homer K. Lewis; John B., deceased; Lillian M. and Edna L. In 1879 Dr. Good married Miss Sadie Personette, daughter of Dr. L. D. Personette, of Wayne county, Ind. In examiner by President Harrison, and is a member of the board of health of Delaware county. His family are members of the Methodist church and are among the most respected residents of the county.

ENON FAMILY. - The biographer takes pleasure in mentioning, among the prominent families of Liberty township, Delaware county, Ind. , the Lenon family, which has been prominenty identified with the interests of the county for many years. Peter Lenon was born near Lima, Ohio, in 1820. He was reared a farmer, and when yet a young man, came to Indiana, locating in Delaware county, and purchasing land in Perry towmship, consisting of a tract of 160 acres. This he improved, and subsequently purchased a tract of 320 acres, where his two sons, Orrin S. and Alonzo R. , now reside and where he lived until his death in 1881. He married Miss Ann Jane Stanley, of Indiana, who survives him and resides in Liberty township. By this union they became the parents of five children; George L. , James M., Walter, deceased, Orrin S. and Alonzo R. In his political views, Mr. Lenon

Mass. The second Mrs. Lewis was Mrs. Eliza Mix, who died in 1854, by whom he had a family of three children: Cornelia A., the wife of Frank M. Brown, of Lafayette, Ind. ; Mary L. , the wife of George Denny, of Dayton, Ohio, and Lorinda, the wife of John L. Moore, of Indianapolis, Ind. The third Mrs. Lewis was Miss Margaret Dynes, whose death occurred in 1865, and the present Mrs. Lewis was Miss Mary S., the daughter of Conrad Kurtz, of Greene county, Ohio. She survives her lamented husband and resides on the old homestead, a fine property of 387 acres of land in a high state of cultivation, and a commodious residence erected by Mr. Lewis thirty years ago. By this marriage two children were born, Homer R. and Harriet.

Mr. William Lewis ended his life of usefulness on the 26th of January, 1892, having been an invalid for the greater part of his life, notwithstanding which he was a man of very active habits of life. The immediate cause of his death was la grippe, followed by pneumonia, which ended his life after a short illness of a week. Miss Harriet Lewis was born October 3, 1868, at Hartford, Conn. She was educated in the common schools, the high school at Selma, and later took a course of study in the Conservatory of Music at Chicago. She was married at her home June i, 1893, to Dr. E. D. Clark, of Economy, Wayne county, Ind., where he is engaged in practice with his father, who has been in practice in this locality all his life. The family is an old and prominent one in Wayne county. Dr. E. D. Clark is a graduate of Bellevue college hospital of New York, and is highly regarded as an able and competent physician.

Homer Lewis was born at the family homestead, in Liberty township, Ind., July 19, 1866, and was educated in the common schools. He now resides on the old place and attends to the great farming interests of the extensive estate left by his father. In 1891 he was married to Miss Magnolia, the daughter of Dr. A. H. Good, whose sketch is presented in this volume. Politically he is a republican, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. The family is one well known and highly esteemed in the county, and has been prominent in the affairs of Liberty township.

ILLIAM JACKSON MOORE. - Few of the early settlers of Delaware county were as widely and favorably known as the late William Jackson Moore, a brief epitome of whose life is herewith presented. Mr. Mooi'e was an Ohioan by birth and a descendant of a sturdy Scotch family, a number of the representatives of which became residents of the New England states at an early period of the country's history. The parents, John and Nancy (Jackson) Moore, moved from their New England home to Ohio many years ago, settling in the county of Scioto, where the birth of William J. occured on the 14th day of June, 1813. The subject was reared a farmer, received a common school education, and on arriving at manhood's estate began the pursuit of agriculture, to which he devoted his attention until his thirty-ninth year. In early manhood he accompanied his parents to Delaware county, Ind., locating about three and one-half miles east of Muncie, in the townsihp of Centre, where the mother died in 1838, and the father in 1 840.

After the death of his father, Mr. Moore settled the estate, and continued farming until 1852, at which time he erected a large saw mill at the town of Selma, Ind., and engaged in the manufacture of lumber. Subsequently, he opened a general mercantile business in Selma, and was also engaged for some time as carpenter and builder, his skill as a mechanic having been utilized in the erection of a number of dwellings and other buildings in various parts of Delaware county. Shortly after moving to Delaware county, Mr. Moore was employed as a teacher at Selma and did much toward awakening an interest in matters educational. Mr. Moore was married August 13, 1835, to Miss Sarah Wilcoxon, daughter of Lloyd Wilcoxon, one of the early settlers of Delaware county, and a family of four sons and four daughters were the fruits of the union: their names are as follows: Louisa, widow of

Dr. Clark Skiff; Asbury, a cabinet maker of Bellefontaine, Ohio; John L. , wholesale merchant of Indianapolis; Elizabeth, wife of Henry Burt; William R., secretary of the Delaware County Building, Saving & Loan association of Muncie; Charles R., dealer in boots and shoes, Winchester, Ind. ; Sarah A., and Cynthia E., wife of John Clark, of Selma.

In many respects Mr. Moore was much more than an ordinary man, and to him is the township of which he was an honored resident for so many years greatly indebted for much of its present prosperity. He took an active and prominent part in the building of the Big Four railroad through Delaware county, and as local agent of the same at Salem was instrumental in developing a large business at that village and making it one of the best trading points in the county. His intelligence and superior business qualifications made him a very useful man in the community, and he was frequently consulted in the settlement of estates. He served as justice of the peace for several terms and proved a model dispenser of justice. In early life he united with the Methodist church, of which he was an honored and consistent communicant for over a halfcentury - his wife and the majority of his family also belonging to the same denomination. Fraternally he was a member of the

Masonic and Odd Fellows orders, the principles of which he exemplified in his every day life and conversation. He departed this life on the 1st day of September, 1893, at the ripe old age of eighty years. His wife, who had been his faithful helpmate for so many years, preceded her husband to the grave January 12, 1893, at the age of seventy-six.

^APT. WILLIAM H. MURRAY, exauditor of Delaware county, is the second son of Cornelius B. and Lucinda (Burroughs) Murray. The father is a native of Westmoreland county. Pa., and the mother was born near the town of Pendleton, Madison county, Ind. Cornelius and Lucinda Murray were married in the year 1836, in the county of Randolph, Ind., to which part of the state Mrs. Murray's parents had previously removed. About two years later (1838) they settled upon a farm near Blountsville, Henry county, wdiere, on the i ith day of January, 1840, William H. Murray was born. Mrs. Murray departed this life in 1873, after which Cornelius B. Murray moved to Hagerstown, Wayne county, where he still lives, aged eighty-two years.

William Murray, grandfather of Capt. William H., was of Irish parentage and a native of Pennsylvania. His father, great-grandfather of William H., was a native of Ireland, came to America in the time of the colonies and fought valiantly in the struggle for American independence. William H. Murray was reared upon the home farm near Blountsville up to eighteen years of age, receiving the educational advantages afforded by the common schools of that period. His father having given him freedom to do for himself at the above age, he first sought higher educational attainments with the object of entering the teacher's pro- fession in view. For some time he was a student in the Blountsville academy, where he pursued his studies until the breaking out of the rebellion, at which time, in i86i, July 14, he laid aside his books and entered the service of his country as a member of company K, Nineteenth Indiana volunteers, with which he served during the war, re-enlisting January i, 1864. Entering the army as a private and passing up through the various grades of noncommissioned officers, Mr. Murray, on the 2d of July, 1863, was promoted second lieutenant of his company for gallant conduct at the battle of Gettysburg, and the following year was commissioned a first lieutenant. By reason, however, of his regiment consolidating with the Twentieth Indiana volunteers, he was never mustered in with said rank- of first lieutenant, but at the close of the war he received a commission as brevet captain from Gov. Morton, of Indiana.

It would far transcend the limits of a sketch of this kind to give in detail an account of Capt. Murray's military career, as he saw much active service and participated in some of the bloodiest battles of the war, among which may be mentioned Lewinsville, Rappahanock Station, Second battle of Manassas or Bull Run, and South Mountain. In the engagement last named he was dangerously wounded in both hips by a minie ball, disabling him to such an extent that he was compelled to remain for two months at the hospital at Middletown, Md. As soon as he was able to travel, he returned home, but after a short time rejoined his command in time to take part in the battle of Fredericksburg, fought on the 1 2th and 13th days of December, 1862. Subsequently, on account of his wound, he was placed on detached duty until more fully recovered, serving as clerk in the quartermaster department, in preference to again entering the hospital. Hero-like, and without being reported for duty to his company, and w'ith a musket borrowed from a disabled soldier, he voluntarily rejoined his regiment to help fight the great battle of Gettysburg, in which he took part from the firing of the first gun until the retreat of the enemy, displaying such praiseworthy conduct that at the instance of his lieutenant. Col. W. W. Dudley, he received his first promotion, as above noted, of second lieutenant. Subsequently he accompanied his command throughout the operations of the army, took part in a number of engagements, including the battle of the i Wilderness, w'here he was again severely i wounded in the right leg on the first day of that terrible conflict. May 5, 1864. Having been removed to Washington on account of his wound, he was furloughed home for sixty days, and at the expiration of that time was granted an extension. Finally recovering sufj ficiently, he returned to the front, joined j his command near Yellow Tavern, and took part in the siege of Petersburg. He I remained at his post until September 14, 1864, when, by reason of physical disability caused by his various wounds, he was honorably dis- ! charged from the service. Returning home, i he settled in Selma. Delaware county, and on i February 16, 1865, was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Orr, daughter of Hon. James Orr, of Liberty towmship, alternately pursuing the vocations of farming and teaching in the public scools until April, 1870, when he engaged j in the mercantile business at the town of Selma, where he conducted a very successful business until October, 1878, at which time he he was elected auditor of Delaware county, discharging the duties of that position in a highly creditable manner for a period of four years. At this time Capt. Murray is living a life of retirement on his beautiful farm in Liberty township. He still owns business property in Selma and Muncie, and his life has been one of great activity. In the language of another, the following is a brief statement of his standing in the community since earl}' boyhood: "An industrious, studious boy; an ambitious, self educated youth; a patriotic, valiant soldier; an earnest, successful man of business, an efficient, faithful servant of the public; liberal and enterprising beyond his means; happy in his domestic relations, he is a genial associate and enjoys the esteem of a large circle of friends." Mr. and Mrs. Murray are the parents of the following children: Lulu M., James O., Don P. , Maggie, Arthur L. , Edna K. and Robert F. Lulu M. is the wife of John E. Reed, deputy clerk of the Delaware circuit court; James O. is a successful merchant, and Don P. recently graduated with high honors from the Medical college of Indiana, and is now a physician with a lucrative practice. The other four children live at home with their parents.

ON. JAMES ORR was born near the town of Omagh, county Tyrone, Ireland, February 25, 1815. His parents were James and Elizabeth (Jamison) Orr, both members of very large families, the ancestors of which lived in the Emerald Isle for many generations. They were protestants, and were active for many years in their opposition to the prevailing church of Ireland. Mr. Orr's parents were substantial farmers, and leading members of the Presbyterian church of the town where they resided. In the year 1821, James Orr and family, consisting of the wife and six children, emigrated to the United States, taking ship at Londonderry, Ireland, for St. John, New Brunswick, thence to Baltimore by water, and from the latter place, moved in wagons to West Virginia, locating at what is known as White Sulphur Springs,

Greerbrier county. They lived in what is known as the "Tuckahoe Draft" during the winter of 1821, and the following year moved to Monroe county, the same state, where they resided for a period of five years. The life work of Mr. Orr, Sr. , was that of farming, but he added to his income by teaching school, having been a man of good mental attainments and education. The family moved to Ohio in 1836. locating in Greene county, near Xenia, where they remained until 1838, at which time Mr. Orr moved to Delaware county, Ind. , selecting a home in what is now the township of Delaware. As noted above, the family of James and Elizabeth Orr consisted of six children. The eldest, Joseph, married in Greene county, Ohio, Mary Hopping, and died, on his farm in Liberty township, Delaware county, Ind., in March, 1881; his wife died August 26, 1885. The second child, Margaret, married Robert Dean, a prominent citizen of Greene county, Ohio, and died there in 1859, her husband departing this life a short time previous to that date. The second son, Samuel Orr, a farmer by occupation, was lieutenant colonel of the Eighty-fourth Indiana infantry during the late war, and also represented Delaware county three times in the state legislature as a whig. He was twice married, his first wife having been Jane Moore, of Xenia, Ohio, and his second wife, Mrs. Jane Morrison, whom he married in Muncie, Ind. ; he died November 19, 1876. Hon. James Orr is the fourth in order of birth, after whom came Martha, wife of John Jones. She moved to Kansas with her husband many years ago, in which state they both died. The youngest member of the family, William Orr, died when a young child at the family home in Virginia.

Hon. James Orr passed his youthful years in Virginia and Ohio, and grew to manhood possessed of a vigorous constitution and great bodily strength. He was early taught the principles of industry, perseverance and economy, which made him so successful in all his undertakings in after life; in 1836 he moved with his parents to Greene county, Ohio, thence, in October, 1837, came to Delaware county, Ind, He remained here but a short time, returning, in the fall of the above year, to his former home in Ohio, where, on the i ith day of January, 1838, he was uuited in marriage to Julia Ann L. Hopping. Within a short time after his marriage, Mr. Orr returned to Delaware county, and has been an honored resident of the same every since and one of its most substantial and well known citizens. Agriculture has been his life work, in which useful calling his success, always very encouraging, has placed him in the front rank among the representative farmers of Delaware. He has, at different times, been called to fill prominent official positions, having been elected commissioner of Delaware county in 1844, i and served five years. In 1853 he was elected j representative to the general assembly from this county, re-elected in 1861, and in 1871 was elected joint senator for the counties of Delaware and Madison, in which body he served two sessions. Politically, Mr. Orr was a whig until the organization of the republican party, since which time he has been a stanch supporter of the latter. In religion Mr. Orr is a member of the United Presbyterian church, in which he is highly respected and in which he has held different official positions. Mrs. Orr, who is remembered as of most excellent Christian character, departed this life on the 30th of April, 1869; she bore her husband eight children, namely; William, James D., Margaret J., Samuel, Joseph N., Charles M., Elizabeth M. , and Mary R. ; of these, five are yet living.

early age of fifteen. While still young, before attaining his majority, he began taking an active interest in political matters and acquired considerable reputation as a campaign speaker. He began the study of law in 1868 with Thomas J. Sample of iSIuncie, finished his legal course at the Indianapolis Law school, after which he began to practice his profession in partnership with his preceptor. At the breaking out of the war he entered the army, enlisting in the Nineteenth Indiana volunteers, - being made lieutenant of company K. He participated in a number of battles in which his command was engaged, was shot through the lungs at Antietam, the effects of which necessitated his retirement from the service for a time. After being sufficiently recovered, he rejoined his command, from which time until the close of the war he took part in a number of active campaigns and bloody battles. He was commissioned second lieutenant in July,

1862, became captain of his company September 18, 1862, was made major August 4, 1864 and upon the consolidation of the Nineteenth with the Twentieth regiment was appointed colonel Col. Orr was married November 18, 1862 to Margaret J. Small, who bore him one child, a daughter, wife of Charles P. Campbell of Chicago. IMargaret J. Orr, married William H. Murray, who lives near Selma. James "D. Orr, second son of subject, was born April 5, 1841. He was a farmer by occupation, served in the late war in the Onehundred and Thirty-fourth Indiana infantry, and married December 20, 1864, Mary L.

Baldridge, who bore him two children; Marj' A., and Julia M. James D. Orr died in the year 1876. Samuel Orr, born November 3, 1846, married Mary Jane Goings August 6, 1868; his wife died in February, 1884; he died in 1871, Joseph N. Orr was born February 18, 1849, married Miss Mamie Simmons, who bore him three children: Bertha, James G. and Nellie. He is a prominent merchant of Selma, where he has carried on an extensive business since 1871. Charles M. Orr was born August 3, 1 850; married July 15, 1875, Kate Sayers, and is now in the United States postal service. Elizabeth M., born April 20, 1853, married Dr. Fertich of Dunkirk, Ind., and is the mother of six children. Mary R. Orr was born August 9, 1857, married Lewis S. Sparks March 30, 1875, has three children.

Hon. James Orr married for his second wife, June 30, 1870, Miss Martha J. Campbell, daughter of Samuel G. and Elizabeth Campbell, old citizens of the town of Selma.

CLARK SKIFF (deceased). - I I Many of the brightest minds and the P leading thinkers of the last century have been found in the medical profession, and in the life of Dr. Skiff could be found an example illustrating these facts in a local sense in the practice of his profession in Delaware county, Ind His birth occurred near Wilmington, in Clinton county, Ohio, January 16, 1826; son of John and Lucretia Skiff, natives of New York state. The boyhood days of Dr. Skiff were passed upon the farm in his native commonw'ealth, where he was a student in the common schools. He began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. Hubble, of Amelia, Ohio, at which place he practiced his profession for some time, having attended lectures and graduating from the Eclectic Medical institute, of Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1854 Dr. Skiff located at Selma, Ind., where he established an extensive practice and made for himself a reputation that lives beyond his death. He was a man generally well appreciated, and his friends were numerous. The practice of medicine, which he loved, he continued until forced, by failing health, to abandon it. He was an active member of the Medical association; kept fully abreast of the profession, and was always regarded as a true physician. In politics. Dr. Skiff was an earnest republican, and a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows societies. His first marriage was with Miss Catherine Smith, of Clinton county, Ohio. Mrs. Skiff died in 1853, leaving a son, John Skiff, now of Lebanon, Ind. November 18, 1855, Miss

Louisa Moore became the wife of Dr. Skiff. To this marriage relation, there is one son, Charles Eberle, an enterprising farmer of Liberty township, this county. Mrs. Skiff is the daughter of William J. Moore (one of the early settlers of Delaware county), and was born in Liberty township, this county, January 13, 1837. She resides at Selma, and has a comfortable home. Mrs. Skiff is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and is regarded as a woman of rare worth throughout the community. Dr. Skiff united with the Methodist Episcopal church in 1880 and lived a devoted Christian the remainder of his life, an untiring worker in the church. The death of Dr. Skiff occurred October 12, 1888.

^ILLIAM HENRY WILLIAMS, township trustee and leading citizen of the town of Selma, is the son of the late gallant Col. Samuel J. Williams, who was killed in the late war while leading his regiment, the Nineteenth Indiana, in the battle of the Wilderness. Col. Williams was born in Montgomery county, Va. , and while quite young, was brought by his parents to Delaware county, Ind., where he grew to manhood. Reared on a farm, his early educational training embraced the studies usually taught in the common schools of that period, but he obtained his principal knowledge of books by private study and wide reading after attaining his majority. At the early age of eighteen, he was united in m^arriage with Lorena Davis, who at that time was but seventeen years old, to which union one child, Lorena, wife of Luther Harris, of Muncie, was born. Mrs. Williams dying. Col. Williams afterward, when twenty-two years of age, was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Shroyer of Delaware county, who bore him five children, the subject of this mention being the oldest in point of birth. The next oldest child, Parthena, was born in 1854 and married W. P. Dunkle, a carpenter and builder of Selma; Mary E., was born in 1856, married A. C. Martin, and is the mother of six children, five of whom are living; her husband died in January, 1891; Samuel J., the next in order of birth, is general freight agent of the M.,K. & T. R. R. , with headquarters at Parsons, Kansas. The youngest member of the family, Cassius, was born in i860, and departed this life in the year 1874.