Monroe Township (part 5 of 5)

comparatively late date ; and it is no more than likely that they should have been stretched somewhat in the various tellings to which they had, in the course of years, been subjected.

J. Paxson, Union City

" At Canal Dover, Ohio, a merchant proposed that I be his clerk. I was surprised at the offer, but ' took up ' with it, and held it till he sold out (two and a half years). At Union City I was putting up a store for Benjamin Hawkins. He bought goods at Cincinnati, and came and put the bills into my hands, saying, " When the goods come, I wish you to ' open them out ' and go to selling them." I was astonished, for 1 was at the first of it ; but I took him at his word, and when the goods were " hauled " from Greenville (for the railroad was not in running order yet) I went to work. Afterward we agreed for my wages, and I stayed with him for some years. . But he left, and I concluded to set up for myself I chose the boot and shoe trade. I went to Cleveland and bargained for $800 or $900 worth ; I could pay only part cash. Said the dealer, " That is a pretty large bill;" "yes, but I need them. If you prefer, I will let you take a note I have for a farm I sold ($550)." " Well, leave it." I did so ; soon sold out, so as to need a new supply, sent cash in part payment of the debt, and for the new stock,. and soon, when that note came due, he sent it to me to collect, which I did, and paid him. From that time I could always get whatever I wished. My store was the first of the kind in the city, and, of course, it is the oldest in the town. I carry now $10,000 to $12,000 worth of goods, making large sales annually, and have been mostly without a partner."

Note. - His failing health and feeble strength made him take in a partner a few years ago, and finally to sell out entirely in 1880, the firm being now Gordon & McKee, and still later, Gordon & Thomas.

William Stanton, Stony Cpeek

" We passed through Cumberland Gap ; they hailed us, but allowed us to pass. At Cumberland Ford we encountered ZoUicofter's army. We asked to pass their lines ; Zollicoffer said, "No; you may get through, perhaps, but not here." I said, " We will not harm you ; we have property North, and we wish to go to it." But still he said, "No." So we turned back through the Gap into Powell Valley, taking a circuit of thirtyfive miles. We crossed Cumberland Mountains by terrible roads. It was a whole day's travel over a track but little used. But we met no army nor any soldiers. There were eight wagons in company ; four stopped in Tennessee, turning aside to a settlement of Friends there. These stayed in Tennessee till spring. The other four wagons came directly forward through Kentucky.

We crossed the Ohio River at Madison. People welcomed us in a very friendly manner, one old blind man remarkably so. The people wished to make a dinner for us, but we could not stop. We stayed an hour or two, and when we started we found in each wagon nice things - pies, cakes, etc., as tokens of good will. There were about twenty persons in the company, my family having seven in number. We came through Rush County, Ind., to see relatives there, then to West River, where we stayed two months, at Absalom Dennis'. Afterward we came to Mark Diggs', arriving there in January. The main trip took us seven weeks. We got through safe and sound, thankful to find at last a quiet haven afar from storm and tempest, and a peaceful home among friends in a land of safety."

" Away from slavery." That refrain has been sung for three-quarters of a century, and solemnly, mournfully marching to its steady chorus has been the ceaseless movement of the endless column, leaving the southern plains and valleys, crossing the mountain heights, and threading the yawning "gaps," crossing the beautiful river and spreading itself at length like a fertilizing flood over the virgin Western plains. What wonder that, under the weakening power of tliis dcplotive process, the Southern land should become enfeebled and decrepit, as though worn out with deadly infirmity. This avalanche of human beings poured in a limitless flow upon these widespread plains li.is been like the vital current giving life to the new created body politic. And what we have gained they have lost, and what a loss ! Why may the process now not be reversed - that as the mighty virgin West once received her life and strength through the emigration thither of the best and worthiest of the dwellers in the Southern clime, so now the West may, now and in future years, give back to the depleted and enfeebled South, depleted by a process of impoverishment extending through several generations, and enfeebled and well-nigh exhausted by a long and bloody and disastrous war - by hundreds and by thousands - the worthy and vigorous descendants of the sturdy pioneers who fled, years ago, from the plague and curse of the Southern land - the institution of human slavery? Slavery is gone, and the emptied and impoverished South-land cries out to the wealthy and populous North and the hardy and vigorous West to send from their abundant and overflowing population to restore her waste and desolate places, and (o renew the prosperity of the elder, ancient time.

For years the settlements seemed to find White River an impassable barrier. For half a generation after settlers had begun to pour into the southern half of the White River Valley, scarce a solitary pioneer had ventured across the stream into that uncouth wilderness. In fact the first entry within the bounds of Monroe Township was not made until seventeen years had passed away aft^r the first entry in the valley of White River. The entries, even at that time, throughout that region, were few and scant enough, as given below:

John Rody, S. E S. E. 17, 20, 12, 40, April 10. 183:5; Jeremiah B. Reed, N. E. S. E. 34, 21, 12. 40, October 21, 1833; Philip Baughn, W. S. E. 20, 21, 12, 80, June 10, 1834; Morgan Mills, S. E. S. E. 8, 20, 12, 40, October 2, 1834; Bernard Kerr,W. N. AV. 35, 21. 12, 80, August 5, 1834: Joseph Smith, N. W. S. W. 2, 20, 12, 40, Junuai-y 22, 1835; Henry Rash. N. E. S. E. 17, 20, 12, 40, March 23, 1835; Abraham Gai-st, S. E. 14, 20, 12,80, June 17, 1835. Monroe wtis mostly taken between 1835 and 1838 inclusive, chietiy during the years 1836 and 1837. Two entries, fort\' acres each (as above), were made in the 1833, three in 1834 and three in 1835 to June 17. Eight entries, embracing 440 acres - five forties and three eighties - comprise all the entries up ti.i June 17. 1835, throughout the entire extent of Monroe Townshiji. It may be intere.'-.ting to know where these eight pioneer entries were: John Rody. one mile south of Morristown. forty acres; Jeremiah B. Reed, on West Branch of Elkhorn. five miles northwe.st of Farmland, forty acres; Philip Baughn, on same branch of Elkhorn. one and a half miles below Reed's, eighty acres; Morgan Jlills, onehalf mile north of Morristown, forty acres: Bernard Kerr, on Elkhorn, right below Reed's, eighty acres; Joseph Smith, at the IMothodist Episcopal Church, on AVest Branch of Elkhorn, above Reed's, forty acres: Henry Rash, just south of Morristown, forty acres; Abraham Garst, one mile southwast of Farmland, and one and a half miles northea.st of the month of Cabin Creek, eighty acre.s. Three of them were near Morristown - one north and two south of it. Four were above the West Branch of Elkhorn to its junction with the East Branch. One was southwest of Farmland. About that time it would seem that several had come in. perhaps selecting their claims and settling previous to making entries of their land. From one who came in in 1835, we obtain the following statement of settlers living in the region in 1835: Jeremiah B. Reed, near Rehoboth Meoting-House; James Howry, north of Rehoboth; Mr. Carr, north of Rehoboth, on the Isaac Thornburg place; Samuel Smith, on the Adams farm, north of Rehoboth; Philip Booker, across from Abram Hammer's; Isaac Gairinger, on the State roiid, north and south; Jonathan Flood, in 183(5, near Hopewell Church, a Prott>stant Methodist minister; John F. Wood, William Wood, in northwest corner of township: Moses Marks, north of Parker; John Baughn, in the edge of Delaware County, who was married twice, and has had twenty-six children - sevont<'en by his first wife and nine by the second - and is still living, seventy-three years old; John B. Mills, north of Shiloh, date not known; Andrew (^ortner, west of Shiloh, date not given. Other settlers on Elkhorn, northwest of li'annland were: Messrs. Hammer, Booker, Adams, Qarringer, MoCarney, Peter Hester, etc., etc. Eli Hiatt came in and settled one-half mile south of Farmland in 1830. Isaac Garringer "planted his stakes" on Elkhorn, three miles northwest of Farmland, about the same time. Peter Hester came on Bush Creek in 1S30, perhaps the first on Bush Creek. Mr. Bowera bought out Mr. Hester soon after. On Elkhorn, in 1836 (or thereabout), were Jonathan Reeples, Jeremiah Reed, Abraham Hammer, Joseph Smith (where Harrison Morris now lives), Mr. Carr (where Isaac Thornbiug now resides). Philip Booker came on Bush Creek about the same time that Peter Hester did. Henry Adams settled near Abraham Hmnmer's in 1835. Alfred McCarney, one and a half miles north of Hammer's, 1835; Jacob Wright, one-half mile south, 1835; Jacob Windermaker, onehalf mile north of Rehoboth. John Craig came in 1845; resides now at Reholxjth. Joseph Howrey, east of Rehoboth; Joseph Smith, an old man, south of Rehoboth; James Wood, Mr. Sawyer and William Wood, northwest part of the township; Peter Hester, William Vineyard, William Paxson, Henry Saley, Mr. Ovorhulser, William Gray and Eli Jamagin (the last throe in Green Township). In fact, Green Township was settled before Monroe, (»40 acres being settled in 1832. in six entries; thirteen entries made in 1833, comprising 5120 acres; seven entries made in 1834, including 6lK) acres; and eight euti'ies in 1835, covering some 400 acres - or thirty-four entries in all, with about 2,- 500 acres; or, in both townships, forty-two entries, with 3,000 acres. And of the whole number, only five contained 1(50 acres, and they were all in Green Township; twenty-two were forty acres each, and fifteen were eighty acres each.

Monroe Township lies between AVhite and Mississiuewa Rivers. except a slight fraction of the extreme southeast corner, which is south of Wliite River. Most of tlie township slopes toward the Mississinowa, u|)on the headwaters of Elkhorn, Bush and Cam[>l)ell Creeks, affluents of that river. Bush Creek is in the northeast. Elkhorn in the north and Campbell in the northwest. The township has Green Townshij) on the north, Franklin and White River on the east. White River and Stony Creek on the south, and Delaware County on the west. It lies in Townships 20 and 21 north, Ranges 12 and 13 east, with sections as given below:

Monroe contains twenty-foiu: sections and eleven parts of sections, being four and a half miles from north to south, and six and five-eighths miles east and west, embracing about 19,0(X) acres. The greater part lies in the Mississiuewa Valley, only one mile wide at the southern part, draining to White River, and even that has scarcely any streams - only Big Run on the east side of the township, and Phillips' Run in the extreme west, being large enough to find a place on the county map.

The Mississinewa Valley seems well occupied by streams. Campbell Creek, Mud Creek, Bush Creek, Elkhorn (with several branches) and some others draining and watering the northern part of the township.

The township, like much of the county, in level, or moderately roUing.oomprisin;^ a fine body of land, which, though late in settlement from difiSoulty of access, has richly rewarded its hardv and enterprising settlers. The surface was originally covered with a heavy growth of timber of the kinds common in the region, much of which still remains, to furnish, in these latter days of increased demand and improved market facilities, a rich source of wealth to the present owners of the farms located in the township. The experience of the early settlers has lioen akin to that of those who braved the hardships and the perils of the earlier settled portioQs of the county, with the exception, in fact, that no Indians wore found roaming the wilds at this later period. The native occupants had left the region long years before, and only wild animals remained in the tangled woods to give activity and sustenance, and pleasure and sport as well, to the wide-awake men and boys who first penetrated that backwoods region and made their homes within its bounds. The condition of that country was, indeed, for many years, primitive enough. The soil, in truth, was fertile, and abandant crops rewarded the puorgetic settlers; but the facilities of transportation were but meager, and the inhabitants had to be contented with what they could themselves produoe. and but a scanty supply of " foreign " luxuries.

The " Beo-Line " Railroad, the pioneer road of the region, and almost of the State, has done wonders for this section; and the steady growth of the two towns. Farmland and Morristown. has raised up for the region a good and substantial market for the surplus products of the farm, and furnished the residents with ready means of obtaining all needful supplies of commodities from abroad. Within a few years past, the construction of pikes has been entered upon, and the next ten years will doubtless witness a grand transformation in this respect, by which time it is to be hoped the traditional " dirt road," with its fathomless seas of mud, wi'l have come to be a thing of the ,>ast.

As to intellectual anrl moral improvement, this region was on a par with the rest of the county. Log churches and private cabins furnished the pioneer preachers the opportunity of ex pounding the words of life to the assemblies of that early day, and the " greased paper " sohoolhonse.s. with spilt-pole benches, puncheon desks and floors, and wide-mouthed, back-wall chimneys, opened their doors to receive the urchins from the rude cabins of " auld lang syne," which said urchin, now grown up into active life, are the stirring men and the loving women of the busy, bustling, present day. All over that townhip, as elsewhere, throughout the county, are now found the neat frame or brick churches, the successors of the log meeting-huusesot fortyfive and forty years ago, in which the early settlers worshiped the " God of their fathers," not less acceptably, indeed, in their deerskin hunting-shirts and their homespuu clothing, and with their bare feet or their moccasins, than do their more stylish, but not more sincere and loving children and grand-children of the modern tiijie.

The first school in the southwest part of Monroe is mentioned in the account of Thomas Wallace. In the northwest part of the township, on Campbell Creek. Jacob Jones came in 1S8S, three miles north of Parker. At that time. James and William Wood and George Burkett had already settled in the same region, coming in 183(i.

The first school in that region was in Delaware County, in 1S39, one and a half miles west of Mr. Jones'. The first school in that neighborhood in Handolph was taught by old Mr. Flood, a brother to Rev. Jonathan Flood.

The first meeting-house in the neighborhood was in Delaware County, built in 1S41; but there was a log house used for meetings before that, and the first Sabbath school was held in the log house, Jacob Jones being Superintendent thea, and also after the new house was built. The society is there still, and the house, too. The church is strong and vigorous, with many m:>mb[jr3. A large^cemeteryis iu conneoUou with the meetinghouse. The first parson buried there was an old mnn. a soldier of 1SI2, by the name of Lewallvn. in 18-11. Amos Meoks came in 1839, and died in 187G.

Morristowk, Paekeb Post Office

Location, Sections 16 and 17, 20. 12, in the western part of Monroe Township, near Delaware County line, on the Bee-Line Railroad. William E. Harris, Joseph. Lewis, Allen W. Lewis, proprietors. T. C. Packett, surveyor. Recorded November 15, 1851. Eighty lots. Streets - Franklin, Main, Fulton, north < and south; Howard, Railroad, Washington, east and west. Lots eight rods by four rods. Streets four rods wide, except Railroad street, 104 feet, and Fulton street (at the edge of the town) two rods wide.

Morristown (Joha Jones' Addition) - John Jones, proprietor. Eight lots. Recorded April 2, 1857. Location, upon the Bee- Line Railroad, west of Farmland. Distances - Arba, thirty miles; Bloomingsport, twenty-five and a half miles; Lynn, 1 twenty-three and three- fourths miles; Ridgeville, sixteen miles; Farmland, four and a half miles: Fairview, eight miles; Wind- ! sor, two and a half miles: Losantsville, twelve miles; Winchesj ter, thirteen miles; Huntsville, fifteen miles; Union City, I twenty-two and a half miles; Deerfiehl, eighteen miles. I Morristown seems to have been laid out some months before Farmland was, November 15, 1851, and Farmland July 28, 1852. I Nevertheless, the younger town has outstripped her elder sister. : I The tirst store in Morristown was owned bv Andrew Devoss i and Milt(m Harris. ! The first smith shop was by Joseph Thornburg.

Drug stores - Edward Reece and Noah Baslev, during the war: Chriss & Petty, Baughn & Potty, Petty, Petty & Friddle, Shaw & Williamson. Fertich, Wood & Rynard.

Grain-dealers have been Dpvoss & Harris. Jacobs, Thorn- ,; burg, Brotherton, Jacobs & Barger, Lumpkin & Liiisay, Dotson, Daugherty, S'!ott & Meeks, Hinchman & Bowersox.

ious parties - Daugherty & Howard, Howard & Huston, Howard & Brother, A. Shaw & Company. Tho mill is now run by J. H. Bowersox. The propelling jwwer is uteam.

Parker is a small but, somewhat energetic place, injured somewhat by being so close to Farmland on the east and Selma on the west. However, it holds a share of the business. There are three religious societies - Methodist, Christian and Friends.

Location, Section 13, 20, 12, and Section 18, 20, 13, on Bee- Line Railroad, west of Winchester, one mile north of White Kiver, in Monroe Townsliip. Recorded July 28, 1852. Henry D. Huffman, William Macy, proprietors. One hundred and fiftytwo lots. Streets - Mulberry, Main, Plum, north and south: William, Railroad, Henry, east and west.

Macy & Groom's Addition - David Macy, Robert H. Grooms, jiroprietors. Grooms, five lots, south; Macy, t-ight lots, east. Location, south and east of Farmland. Recorded Jan. 24, 1802.

The first store was owned by Jonatlian and Aaron Macy, standing where Stanley's store now is. Jonathan Macy is dead, and Aaron Macy resides at Earlhaiu, Iowa.

J. Macy & Sons had a tin shop in 1855, which has continued ever since, being now owned by David Macy. Another tin slio)) was staj-ted in 1851, by Lndwic. Jonathan Macy started also a smith shop, hiring hands to run it.

Jonathan Macy sold his dwelling house for a hot*l. The proprietor kept a good house. His wife was a good manager, and'he let her control the business, which was indeed a sensible

The first grain-buyers wore Miller & Ford and Macy & Sons The latter <)uit. but 'Miller & Ford kept on. Stanley Robbins also undertook the business. Before the war, Thornburg & Burris bought grain for three or fom- years, and quit.

Jonathan Macy began a hardware store in 1807, continuing four years. He sold out to Siiaw & Johnson In two years, Shaw bought Johnson out, and sold an interest to Wood, and in two years more, Shaw sold his share to IMarks, and tho establishment is Wood & Marks.

The first physician was Dr. Keener, in 1850. Since then have been Pleasant Hunt. Dr. Davis, Dr. Smith, Dr. Rogei-s, [moved to ^lorristown |. Dr. Keener is there still.

Mills - One grist-mill was burned, and another has been set up by Stanley & Harbour. Sawmill, one was owned by J. E. Willson. It has been removed, but there is one half a mile north.

Barber shops - "Bob" Fletcher (colored), had a shop for many years; he became dissipated, got into the " calaboose," and " cleared out." Mr. Spiliars (white) has had a shop for two

Distances - Morristown, four and a half miles; Fairview, ten and four-fifths miles; Ridgoville. twelve miles; Winchester, nine miles; Union City, twenty miles; Spartansburg, twenty- one miles; Lynn, nineteen and a half miles; Windsor, five and fourfifths miles; Huutsville, eleven miles; Bloomingsport, eighteen miles; Losautsville, thirteen and a half miles; Ai'ba, twenty-six miles; Pittsburg, twenty-two miles; Deerfield, fourteen miles.

Fannland was organized as a town in 1807, with five wards, and officers as follows: Trustees. Pleasant Hunt, C. H Stanley, J. A. Henning, Aaron Shaw. L. W. Jouls; Assessor and Marshal, Lynn Thornburg; Clerk and Treasurer, S. T. Botkin. Ordinances adopted July 9, 18()7. Liciuor license fixed at from §50 to $100, and shows from $2 to $8, July 15, 1807. Racing in streets was fined from §3 to $10. Tearing down notices, etc., $\ to S3, May 18, 1863. Pitching horseshoes forbidden; penalty, $1 to $5. September. 18G9, show license raised to $10.

nry II., .lose]ihinc, Olive M., Ann B., Kua E., Florence E., Mary L. and in Carlos. Tlie parents of ,Mra. Connor formerly came from Obio, Higbd County, and they came to this county at an early date. Mr. Connor was icated in the old time schoolhouse of this county, and out the first road oiigh Faruiland from north to south. He is a member of (he Church of ends. Owns a good larm of I'M iiores. Republican in politics, and, longli a pioneer, is vigorous, industrious and a good citizen.

-James S. Davis was bor in infancy removed witn hii same State. His father was during the greater part of the time, teaching school in ihc winter. I'ntil thirteen years of age, James remained near Springfield, Ohio, receiving in the meantime, the benefits of the common schools of that locality. In IS.jl, being then thirteen years of age, he came to Randolph County, Ind., with his parents, luid from that time until he attained his majority he was engaged as a farm hand during the farming season, attending school in the winter. In the fall of li^jS, he went to the State of Missouri, where he remained a year, returning to his home near Farmland at the end of that time, and entering Liber College, ill .lay County. He taught school in the latter county during the ensuing winter, and in the spring of 1861, enlisted in Company C, of the Nineteenth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry. But the part he might have taken in delense of till-- I nion, and f.)r which his patriotism inspired him, was prevented by sicknogs. He wiLs taken ill soon after the regiment reached Washington City, and wiiuu their removal was ordered he was declared unable to accompany them, jiiiul by Mr-;. ( 'ileti Smith, whose husband was Secretary of the Interior at that liiii". i: I i- I. kill 1 i Mio Secretary's home, where he remained during conv:ili-' 1 1 'ii seven months after his enlistment, he was discharged

NATHAN E. GRAY, Farmland, was born April 21, 1841, in Randolph County, this State. His father, Edward Gray, was a native of Franklin County, Va. The family emigrated to Ohio in 18.J1, and from thence to this, Randolph County, where they now live. Mr. Nathan E. Gray was married to Luoinda H. Ross, September 13, 1866 ; they have five children - Nancy M., Laura B. and Sarah Olive, who are twins, Eliza L. and Charles E. Mrs. Gray was born in Holmes C'ounty, Ohio, in 1842, and came to this State in 186-"> to engage in school teaching. Mr. Gray was educated in the common schools of the State, wliich did not, at that time, afford the best facilities for aciiiiiring an education. The mother and father of Mrs. Gray were originally from Butler County, Penn.. where they were born respectively in the years 1807 and 1802. Mr. and- Mrs. Gray are members of the Methodist Church, and are considered worthy citizens. He followed fanning until two years last past, when he engaged in the furniture and undertaking business in Farmland. He is a Republican in politics, and is considered a conscientious, law-abiding citizen.

the Methodist Episcopal Church, as is also his wife. He is identified with the Masonic fraternity at Farmland, having attained the .Master Mason's degree. He ia enterprising and public-spirited, and a worthy and highly respected citizen of the community in which he resides.

FLORIN V. FLOOD, farmer, V. 0. Farmland, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, December 10, 1843 ; he removed (o this county with his parents

. , Nora C. , Sarah E. , Nancy N. and Julii cated in the common schools of the county, and has gained much useful information by reading. He enlisted in Company C, Nineteenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer lufintry, participating in the terrible conflicts around Petersburg, where he received a painful wound in the right arm, on the Wlh of June, 1864. He is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, of Farmland Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 208, and a Republican from principle.

MATTHEW W. DIGGS, harness and saddlery. Farmland. Matthew W. Diggs was born June 20, 1840, in this couuty. His father, Armsbce, originally came from Guilford County, N. C, where ho was born June 18, ITIl.'J. The father of Mr. Diggs settled in Randolph County in 1817. He settled on the farm on which he lived at the time of his death, he having cleared it from a wilderness to a cultivated and pleasant home. Mr. Diggs was married. May 4, 186M, to Ruth Diggs, who was born January 3, 183;). He was educated in tlir common schools of this county ; followed the occupation of farming until 186' when he engaged ia harness and saddlery, in Farmland. His stock is we., selected ; worth Sl.-'JOO, his sales reaching $3,-500; is a m,ember of the Methodist Episcopal Church, I. 0. 0. F., No. 208; ardent temperance man. and a Re publican. He owns two town lots on which is ono dwelling and a business father was born in the State of New York in the year 1798, and his mother was "born in New Jersey, 1799. They lived in Newark, N. J., until the year 1832, when they removed to this State and settled in Henry County. They lived here for about ten years, when they removed to Franklin (bounty, Ohio, where Mrs. Halliday (Ellas' mother) still lives, and where William died August, 1862. Elias was eight years of age when his parents came to this State. At the age of fourteen, he entered the store of Mark E. Reeves, of Washington, Wayne Co., Ind., where he remained for eight years in the capacity of a clerk. He was married to Jane Ringo, daugliter of Peter and Margaret Ringo, of Centerville, Wayne Co., Ind., in the year 1846. After marriage, he entered into the general mercantile business in Washington, Wayne Co., and remained until 185'i, when he removed to this county, and settled in Maxville, where he again entered the goods business, lie remained here until 18Gl,when he was elected to the office of County Treasurer, and re-elected in 1863. As a business man, Mr. Halliday displayed that tact and enterprise which has characterized him through life. He was careful to look after his business in detail, and was eminently successful. After his term of four years as County Treasurer expired, he purchased a piece of land (30 acres) adjoining Farmland, and moved on it, where he still resides, lie is owner and proprietor of 32-5 acres of excellent land situated in M III >- In .ill] ihis county. In addition to farming, Mr. Halliday is et- .111 liuying and shipping all kinds of stock. He was first "I County Commissioner in the year 1876, and has hehl I I I It I ,1 ii-ly ever since, his term expiring next December. .\s n c.jui.,> ..;ii.:i ril, Ut liii.s served the people faithfully and honestly, and will retire from olHce with the universal .iudginent, " Well done, good and faithful a cost of $3-5,O0O,'and five excellent iron bridges at a cost of §20,000, besides many other acts of interest to the county. Mr. Halliday is over alive to the best interests of the county, and he has done much to bring Randolph to the front rank as one of the best counties in the State. .\Ir. and Mrs. Halliday are the parents of seven children, of whom five are now living. Their two sons, William R. and Waldo M. are both married, and reside in Lynn, this county, where they are engaged in a general mercantile business. They also have a daughter married and living in Farmland; the other two sons arc at home with their parents, .Mr. H. has a fair education notwithstanding his early advantages were very poor. He is a stanch Repuulican, and is a member of both the orders of F., & A. M., and I. 0. 0. F. He and his good wife have been acceptable members of the M. E. Church for over thirty years. Mr. Halliday is one of Randolph County's substantial, honored and useful citizens, of the strictest integrity and honesty of purpose. He and his family are hon. ored and respected by all who know them.

DEMPSEY C. HARBOUR, merchant, Farmland. Dempsey C. Harbour was born, September 13, 1854, in this county; his father, Elijah E. Harbour, wiis born in Fayette Counly, Ohio, October 16, 1831, and came to this eounty in 1H3.3. Mr. Harbour w.as married to Alice Branson September 13. I.STil, to whom one child was born, Branson E. His wife deceased April 26, 1S78. and he was married the second time to Edith A. Stanley, September Iti, 1880. His wife's father. Pleasant A. Stanley, was born in Union County, Ind., in 1827 ; moved to Ihis county, and has been dead six years at this date. Jlr. Harbour was educated in the graded schools of this county; he has followed the mercaniile business from boyhood; is a member of the M. E. Church ami of Farmland Lodge, No. 208, A., F. & A, M. He is a Republican in politics, ii member of the firm of Stanley & Harbour, general merchandise, and is affubic in conversation, courteous in business and honest in his dealings.

HENDERSON UINCHMAN, hotel and railroad agent, Parker. This worthy gentleman was born January '.», 1831, in Rush County, Ind. He moved to .Madison County, this State, .at six years of age; from thence to Delaware Couuty, in October, 186.5, and located in this county in April, 1 870. He was united in marriage to Emily Miller December 27, 18.5,5, who was born December 11, 1836. Mr. H. was educated in the common schools of Madison County, this State. He has followed farming, milling, merchandising, hotel keeping, and at present is railroad agent of the Bee Line at Parker; he is a member of the Christian Church, of the I. 0. 0. F.. Parker Lodge, 170; he has five children living - Elnora A., Harriet, Minnie, William and Mary B. Mr. H. owns '.he hotel at Parker, and does a thriving business.

JOHN A. JONES, farmer, P. 0. Parker, was born August 22, 183-5, in Virginia, and came to this county in September, 1838. His father, Jacob Jones, was born January 1, 1797, and came to this county at an early period in its history. Mr. J. was married to Martha J. Williams January 9, 1858, who was born August 5, 1840. They have eight ohildren - Laura' A., born

Septemhcr 27, IKKI ; .lames L., Juue 3, 1864; India 0., November 20, 1867 ; - .laoob M., February 20, 1S69 ; CorJeliarJ., May 24, 1872; Richard H., Maroh 5, 1874; John 0.,"February 11, 1876; and Mary, May 18, 1879. Mr. J. was educated i" the common schools of his county, and has been very successful in farming. In 1862, he was elected as Justice of the Peace of Monroe Township, and still holds the position at this period. He is is a member of the M. E. Church and of Selma Encampment. No. 64, and of Tarker Lodge, No. 170, I. 0. 0. F. He owns a fertile farm of 30!) acres of land, which is well cullivnted and supplied with good buildings. He is a Republican in politics and a

. Farmland. James M. Keener, M. D., ( County, Tenn. His father, Jonathan, was born in West Virginia, in April, 1 780 ; moved to Tennessee at an early dale and removed from thence to this county in 1829. Dr. Keener was united in marriage to Juliet Johnson April 29, 1856. They have one child, Attie J. Jacob Johnson, the father of Mrs. Keener, was born in New Jersey March 24, 1777, from whence ho moved to Dayton, Ohio, and from thence to this county in 18.30 ; her mother, formerly Mary Edwards, was born February 6, 1780, in Morristown, N. J., hi.storio for its glorious scenes of the patriot cause of the Revolution Dr. Keener was educ.vted in the old log schoolfaouses that nestled here and there amidst the Wilds of Indiana ; he studied medicine for three years under the tutorship of Dr. Bodkin, of Winchester, and soon after, by his indomitable will and close application, built up a lucrative practice: he praoe when the county was a wilderness, the Indian

Christian Church and of the A., F. & A. M., No. 308, of Farmland; his father was a soldier of the war of 1812, fought under Gen. Jackson, where he learned to early love the principles which Old Hickory taught. Dr. Keener inherited the politics of his father, but is now an earnest, consistent Republican. Although now sixty-three years of age, he is robust, inuscular and active as many of much younger years; has a good practice, and is recognized as a leading physician and worthy citizeu.

ANDREW J. LEVERTON, blacksmith. Farmland, was born September 27, 1810, in Maryland, and came to Indiananolis, Ind., in March, 1860; from tliRnce to this county in .lanuary, 1869. He was married to Martha J. SomerviUe, December 27, 1873, who was born January, 1852. They have one child, horn September 29. 1880. His father, Arthur Levei'ton, was born in Maryland March 17, 1802; emigrated to Indianapolis in 1860; from thence to Wayne County, Ind., in 1863, and deceased July 4, 1880. The father of Mrs. I.everton, Robert Somerville, was born September 18, 1818, and still resides in this county. Mr. Leverton was educated in the common schools of Maryland, and is now engaged in blacksmilhing in Farmland. He is a Republican in politics, a member of the Christian Church, and faithful in business.

COLUMBUS W. LEWIS, livrmer, V. 0. Farmland, was born in Wayne t'oiinty, Ind., May 19, 1818 ; he came to this county in 1824, and married, at an early dale, Jane L. Neely, to whom six children were born, of whom two are living - Charlotte iVf. ond Salina .\I. He lost his first wife by death, and i*as married the second time to Malinda A. Segraves, formerly Spence, November 1, 1877. Her father came to this county in 1845. The father of Mr. Lewis, Richard Lewis, was b<,rn in North Carolina in 1786, removed to Wayne County, Ind.. in 1811. He held the pcsition of Captain under Gen. Harriscin, and was engaged in the Indian wars of 1811-12. Mr. Lewis was educated in the old log cabin schoolhouso of pioneer days, and has folhiwed farming for a living. He is a member of the Christian Church, a Republican in politics, .and, at this date, the cares of sixty-four years seem to hang but lightly on the frame of this early pioneer.

HARVEY A. McNEES was born in Randolph County, Ind., August 9, 1838. He obtained a fair common-school education, and launched out in the cold world while quite young. He was engaged for many years in clerking in a dry goods and notion store. When Sumter was attacked and the flag dishonored, he enlisted for the defense of the Union in Company K, Nineteenth Regiment of Indiana Volunteer Infantry. In August, 1863, after having served some over two years, he had a sunstroke which incapacitated him for further military duty, and he was accordingly discharged. Since he retired from the army, he has been engaged in various occupations. He was married in March, 18U4. At present, be is a resident of Farmland, Randolph Co., Ind.

W. V. MACy. William P., son of David Macy, was born in Henry County, Ind., October 20, 1837. He was reared on a farm, attending the district schools in the winter and assisting his father during the balance of the year. When thirteen years of age, ho accompanied his parents to Howard County, Ind., where his father w;is engaged ia mercantile pursuits at the town of West Liberty. The son occupied the position of clerk in his father's store, and in his sixteenth year removed with his parents to Randolph County. His father opened a dry goods store at Farmland, in connection with which he operated a tin store. The latter eslalilisliment was afterward purchased by the son, and conducted successfully for about two years, at the end of which time ho purchased a farm southwest of Farmland, and engaged in agribnltural pursuits. Subsequently he purchased and removed to a farm on Bear Creek, in Franklin Township, but about four years later returned to Farmland, and again engaged in the tin business. About this time, however, he was appointed by the Treasurer of Randolph County to collect delinquent tares, and the greater portion of his lime wis employed in the duties of this position. In 1870, he purchased thu tivation and improvement. Mr. Macy is one of that class of men whose energy and untiring industry have proved the key to success. He began life without eipilal, and by hard work and good management has accumulated a comfortable furlune, and now ranks among the we.althy and

His possessions are the accumulated results of years of honest toil, and no sudden favor of fortune has ever transpired to augment his success. He occupies a high place in the regard of all who know him, and is recognized as one of the best citizens of the community in which he resides.

He was married, in 18-50, to Demiss K. Hooglnnd, daughter of Isaac Hoogland, an early settler and highly respected citizen of Randolph County. The bride of his youth was the companion and helpmeet of the years that followed, and still lives to share with him the prosperity that has crowned his labors. They are the parents of nine children, all of whom, save John C, now survive. Emma V., the eldest, is the wife of Friink L. Shaw, and lives in Monroe Township; Charles C. married Elizabeth A. Stump, and lives in Green Township; Effie L. married E. S. West, and also lives in Green Township. Rosa F., Mary L., Eddie E., Sallie I. and Lulu H. remain at home.

Mr. Macy is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Farmland, and has advanced to the Master Mason's degree. In politics, h« is an enthusiastic Republican, but has never aspired to office, and never occupied an elective position. He is a member of the M. E. Church, and his family are members of the same

Judge Peter S. Miller

JUDGE PETER S. MILLER. Peter S. Miller was born at Farmersburg, Dauphin Co., Penn., on the 6t:: of February, 1808. He was the son of Peter and Catharine (Schneiderl Miller self-reliant, and developed within him the qualities oi true manuooa. «e nrsi, found employment in a large merchant mill, known as the " Burkley Mills," where be remained several years, acquiring in the meantime a thorough knowledge of the miller's trade. Subsequently, he accepted a position in a dry goods store, where he remained uotil nineteen years of age; he then a«so- - ciated himself with Peter Segar, and together they erected a steam flouring mill, which they conducted successfully for several years. In 1839, having sold his interest in this mill, Mr. Miller came, with his wife and family, to Indiana, and located in Randolph County, where he continued to reside until his deceose. He purchased the properly known as the Bales farm, about a mile above the mouth of Cabin Creek. On this property there was an old grist mill, which he repaired and put in operation, running it successfully for about five years, and finally selling it to V^illiam R. Marine, from whom it passed to John Bond and Zimri Bond, and is now known as the " Bond Mill." The farm consisted of 240 acres, and after selling the mill Mr. Miller gave his attention entirely to the improvement of this estate, and proved himself an excellent farmer. During his residence on the farm, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and at the expiration of bis term was elected Judge of the Probate Court of Randolph County. In both positions he discharged his duties with eminent ability and to the satisfaction of his constituency. After serving four years on the Probate bench, he resumed the pursuit of farming, but in 18-52 erected a storeroom at Farmland, and embarked in mercantile pursuits there with D. R. Ford, under the firm name of Miller & Ford. About twelvo years later, Mr. Ford was succeeded in the firm by John Oakerson, and at a still later date Judge Miller sold his own interest to Thomas Kearns, and accepted the office of Postmaster and agent of the "Bee-Line" Railroad at Farmland. Two years later, he purchased a halt-interest in the drug store of Dr. Henning. Shortly afterward, he purchased the interest of his associate, and erected a storeroom of hii own. At a later date, he associated L. A. Gab'n with him as a pailner, and, after conducting a successful mercantile businoib for about four years, determined to abandon merointile pursuits and retire to his farm. In 1866, he purchased a farm adjoining Farmland, upon which he erected a comfortable residence. Here he resided, surrounded by his family, good man, in the best sense of that term. Throughout his life, he was a hard worker - energetic, industrious and enterprisinir, and in his business transactions scrupulously honest. He was the friend of progress and public improvement, and all enterprises inaugurate! with the view of promoting the public welfare were sure of his encounigemen: and support; he was one of the first friends of the Indianapolis & Bellefon taine (now C, (,\, C. vSi I.) Railroad, and served as a Director until the changi in the organization of the road. Politically, he was at first a Whig, but upon the organization of the Republican parly he embraced its principles, and was, until his death, one of its unwavering adherents. He w.as identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and was an active and zealous member of that fraternity. At the ago of nineteen years, on the 26lh of September, 1827, Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Miss Catharine Moyer, daughter .<f Jacob and Citharine Moyer, of Berks County, Penn. By this union they were the parents of thirteen children, viz.: Mor'an, Mary Ann, Catharine, Francis, James, Elizabeth, Maria L., Caroline, EUsha A., Abigail, Rachel, Kllen and Matilda, of whom nine survived their father and are now married. Tli. mother still resides at the old homestead, loved and respected by all who know her.

JOHN A. MOORMAN was born Aug. 19, 1820, in Richmond Co., North Carolina- His father, Carlton Moorman, was a native of the same county, and grew to manhood there. In 1819, he married Misi Rebecca Webb, a native of North Orolina, and in April, 1822, oime with his wife and son to Indiana, identifying himself with the pioneer history of Randolph t'ounty. They located near the present site of Farm'aad, at a time when the region was almost completely a wilderness, and educitional and religious privileges limited. The father was possessed of ample means, and gave his children access to nil the sources of instruction then extant in the neighborhood. During the boyhood of his son John, these sources of information were never more than country schools of the crudest order, and the latter is indebted to his own studious mind, more than to schools, fjr a fund of information and a store of knowledge. At the age of sixteen years, the subject, of this sketch accepted a position in the store of Goodrich Brothers, at Winchester. He remained with this firm about

Source changes here: from Past and Present of Randolph County, Indiana : with Biographical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families, by Smith, John L., Writer on Local History, published 1914; 1,765 words in this source stream.

Monroe Township

Thus the county remained for almost seven years, when Monroe township was organized February 18, 1846. Monroe township was an exception in its organization to the usual rule. Heretofore, townships had in the main been organized by the division of one township, but Monroe was made up of parts of White River, Green and Stoney Creek townships. The petition was received and the order made on the i8th day of February, 1846, as follows :

"Received the petition of Sundry Citizens of White river Township and Green Township and Stony Creek Township in Said County praying the formation of a new Civil Township in Said County to be formed out of Territory belonging to the above named Civil Townships to be Known and deisignated by the name of Monroe Township.

at this their March term aforesaid that Monroe Township be and the Same is hereby formed out of and Compresid of the following Territory within the following meets and bounds, to wit: commencing at the South East Corner of Section Seventeen Township No. twenty North of Range No. thirteen East * * * Thence West on Said Section line to the County line Thence North along said County line to the center of Section twenty-nine Township No. 21 N. of Range No. 12 East thence East on the Said center Section line through the center of Sections twenty-nine Section twenty eight Section twenty seven Section Twenty six and Section tweny five of Township No. 2 1 N. of Range 12 E and Through the center of Section thirty and Section twenty nine in Township twenty one North of Range No. thirteen East to the north and South line dividing Sections twenty nine and twenty eight in Township and range last menioned thence South on Said Section line to the place of Beginning.

"Ordered by the Board of Commissioners that the School house known as Edward O. Haymond School House be and it is hereby made the place of holding Elections in Monroe Township."

pointed inspector of Elections in Monroe Township to Serve until the Annual Township Election on the first Monday in April and until his Successor is elected and qualified."

The organization of West River township in 1835 made it long and narrow, being four miles wide and eight miles long. This left Washington township six and a half miles wide and eight miles long, being two very unequal townships. An effort was made to adjust this difference in 1849, when the county commissioners, "Received the petition of Sundry Citizens of West River and Washington Townships presented by Miles Hunt their Attorney, praying for one mile of territory to be taken from the West Side of Washington township and attached to the east side of West River township." This, however, was not agreeable to all, for the same record says: "To which Thomas Philips by Wm. A. Peelle his attorney filed a remonstrance to said petition and the Board after hearing the argument of Counsel took case under advisement." Mr. Hunt lived in West River township and Mr. Philips in Washington, which might explain their positions in this matter. Neither, however, desisted in their intentions, for in the last term (December 7, 1849), they again attempted the same thing with the following result :

"Now here comes Miles Hunt and Divers others Citizens of West River and Washington Townships and present their petition which is in words and figures following towit : from which it appears that Said petitioners disire to have two miles detached off of and from the West Side of Washington Township & attached to West River Township - Also comes Thomas Philips and Divers other citizens of Washington Township and remonstrate against the prayer of said petition, whch Said Remonstrance is in the words & figures following to wit: (here insert) - Whereupon the board after due consideration and deliberate overrule the prayer of Said petition, & direct that the Township boundaries be undisturbed." (Note. - The original petitions and remonstrances are not to be found in the records. )

But the movement was not to be stopped, nor were the commissioners to be released from further attempts to change the boundarie:. of these townships. In the June term, 1850, on the moi'ning of Friday, the 7th. "The Board met pursuant to adjournment present the Honorable Abraham Adamson, John M. Lucas and Emson Wright Esqrs. members of Said Board," and "Received the petition of Sundry Citizens of West River and Washington TownshijDs praying that a certain portion of territory may be detached from Washington Township and attached to West River Township for Civil purposes.

"It is therefore Ordered by the Board that the following territory be and the same is hereby attached to the east side of West River township, to vvit: Sees. 11, 14, 23, 26 & 35 all of T 19 N. of R 13 E and Sees. 2, 11 & 14 all of T 18 N. of R. 13 E all of' which the Township officers and others Interest in the execution of the laws in West River and Washington township will Severally take notice."

Thus Washington township was to rest from "line troubles," until 1856, when the disease broke out in the east part of the township, at which time an attempt was made to organize a new township, by presenting the following petition : "To the Honorable Board of County Commissioners of Randolph Count}^ :"

"Your petitioners, citizens, residents, householders, freeholders and voters of Washington and Greensfork Townships in Said Randolph County, would show to your honorable body that from the present size and Shape of the said Townships of Washington & Greensfork they labor under great inconvenience and are put to great trouble in the transaction of their township business, as well as to exceeding great inconvenience in the discharge of their duties, and in the exercise of their rights as voters. They therefore ask your honorable board to create for them a new township giving it Such name as you may See proper & conferring upon it all the corporate powers of and pertaining to civil townships under the laws of the State, - Said township to be created by detaching one Mile and a half off of the East side of Washington township, and Two Miles and a half off of the West Side of Greensfork township excepting as to the north end of Greensfork for one Mile North & South they only ask that one mile and a half be detached. From the territory so proposed to be detached as aforesaid (see the map accompanying petition) they respectfully ask that a civil township be organized as aforesaid &c." Signed by William Norton, Sr. and one hundred and thirty-five others, many of whom were prominent citizens in the county. "And thereupon Jeremiah Horn by James Brown his attorney, files a remonstrance against granting the prayer of said petition," said remonstrance being as follows:

"Whereas a petition is about to be - presented to the Bord of County Commissioners praying for the formation of a New Township to be Stricken off of Washington & Greenfork Townships, Taking off of Washington Township one & one half miles & two & one half miles off of Greensfork Township, leaving Greensfork Township three & one quarter Miles wide and Seven Miles long Completely destroying the geographical form of the Township and deranging the School districts as they are now formed it will be attended with a Verry Considerable expense to the County now and hereafter, will anually, take from the School & Township fund the amount paid a new Sett of Township officers Therefore we the undersigned Citizens and Voters of Greensfork Township remonstrate against any Such division of the Township as set forth in the Petition, Considering it unnecessary & uncalled for seeing no local Matter to Warrant any such divission We therefore pray that your Honorable Bord will not grant the prayer of Said Petioners." Signed by Thos. Hough and one hundred ninety-four other citizens.

A similar remonstrance was received from the citizens of Washington township, signed by Strother Brumfield and twenty-two others. Evidently almost all of the voters and freeholders of the district affected had signed either the petitions or remonstrances, and it must have been a relief to the commissioners to have been able to make the following entry :

"In the case of the petition of Sundry citizens of Washington Township and Grens-Fork Township. The Board after receiving Sundry remonstrants against granting the prayer of said petition for establishing a certain Township therein prayed for. The Board by the agreement of all parties continue the case until the next term of this Board. And the Board Adjourned until to morrow morning 9 O clock." This matter was evidently dropped on the part of both petitioners and remonstrators, as no other action was ever taken by the Board of Commissioners.

This attempt however, was not to be the last one, on the part of the citizens of these two townships to change the boundary line. The inconvenience of having a township line within half a mile of the principal town of another township are too great to go tmnoticed and as late as May 22, 1889, an attempt was made to change the line by having the County Commissioners act upon the following petition which recites excellent reasons for the change desired and let us predict here that the time will yet come when such a change will be made and made for the reasons recited in this petition :

W'e the undersigned \^oters and free holders owners of the land afifected by the granting this petition do most respectfully pray arid ask tb have the township line dividing Greens fork and Washington townships moved onehalf (J4) mile east of the present line dividing said Greensfork and Washington townships it being a section line. By said township line being located where it now is we suiifer. great inconvenience thereby many having to attach to Washington township for school purposes and on election days have to travel from four to six miles otherwise we would have to go the short distance of one half to two miles and believing it would not cause any hurtful damage to either Greensfork or Washington townships in their social or geographical territory all this we ask your Honorable body to consider and grant.

In June, however, of the same year this petition was "dismissed for want of being signed by majority of the interested voters of the townships afifected. June terrii, 1889. John R. Phillips, P. B."