Perry Township (part 2 of 3)

At just what time in the history of the township the desire for public education began to be put into practice is not known. As early as 1836, a cabin on the farm of Junius McMillen, in the east part of the township, was occupied for school purposes, and the services of Miss Susan Hanley were secured as teacher for that term, which comprised son Martin, Junius McMillen, William Essley, Philip Stoner, Aaron Mote and Francis Harris, whose children attended the school, and paid $1.50 for each scholar.

Campbell was the teacher, and conducted a very good school. In the same winter a school was conducted in a cabin on the farm of Havilla Green, which received the name of the " Green Schoolhouse." The first term in the house was taught by Robert Wharton. By this time the township had been divided into school districts, but the funds for the maintenance of the school were still contributed by those whose children attended them. About the-year 1840, the money derived from the sale of lands in the school section created a public fund, and while it was sufficient to meet the current expenses, public education was as free as under the present system; but this fund was limited, and nearly every year became exhausted before the close of the term, in which event it was usual for the patronsof the school to contribute a sufficient amount from their own funds to meet the expenses for the remainder of the term. or a number of years, all the schoolhouses were log buildings, and, as late as 1852, some of these were still standing, and were converted into free schools, under the provisions of the public school law, which came into action in 1852. The old districts remained as at first established, and new ones were located. The new system marked an important epoch in the history of public education in the township, and instead of the meager advantages that characterized the schools prior to that date, a course of study was adopted that was calculated to prepare the student for action in any ordinary business of life. A standard of qualification was established, and teachers were selected after a rigid examination.

Number of white pupils admitted within the year, 378; average attendance, 227; length of school term, 104 days; number of white teachers employed - male, 6; female, 5; average compensation per day - male, $1.83; female, $1.56; number of brick schoolhouses in township, 3; number of frame schoolhouses in township, 8; estimated value

Amount on hand September 1, 1879.............ccccccsccsveesovcccces $1,110 16 Amount received in February, 1880............ccececcsccccccsecscesses 860 73 Amount-recerved: in JUNG; POG 6c cs cekscoc ce Risks ccdccccchcwcsecaee 1,160 95

ORD a cass nai ta vest caKe coed ane hig Casa eecavas ob he pas in cone $3,181 84 Amount expended since September 1, 1879..............ceescesceees 1,949 70 Amount on hand at date of report.......cccccccoccccssccscscccoesecces $1,182 14

Amount on hand September 1, 1879.........cesccccccsescccccccecccecs $636 18 Amount received within the year..........ccceccscsessesceccesseccssccs 902 53

PRE sass Syne gohan s ai ceaeacnwsccns wisdiees Remade ie ok awa beastie aan $1,538 66 Amount expended since September 1, 1879...........ccscesccesceees 780 12 Amount on hand at date of report..........sssscccccscscccccscccececce $758 54

As will. be seen by reference to the events of the early settlement, the mill erected by Francis Harris,in 1831, was the first. This mill was of the rudest style of architecture, and a harmonious rudeness characterized allof its appointments. or the first few years after its erection, but little wheat was brought to it - corn being the principal product of the times. In time, however, there came a demand for flour, and a second set of bowlders was taken from the river and dressed into the semblance of buhrs.

Harris continued as proprietor of the mill for a period of eight years or more, at the end of which time he sold it to Frederick Carter, Caleb Carter and Thomas Johnson. In 1847, the firm of Carter & Johnson erected a flouring and saw mill on the same site. It wasa frame building, and had two runs of buhrs. Within three years after its erection, the mill was sold to Charles and George Carter, and a short time subsequent to this sale, it was destroyed by fire.

The Carter Brothers erected another mill on the same site immediately, and operated it successfully for a number of years. George Carter died in the meantime, 'and his brother Charles purchased his interest in the establishment, conducting the business alone. In 1860, he dug the race that conducts the water to the present mill, about a quarter of a mile west of the former building, and upon this site erected a saw-mill,

Shortly after the close of the late war, he erected the present mill, which is situated immediately south of Eaton. This is a frame building, 45x50 feet, four stories high. The race has a fall of ten feet, operating two turbine wheels. It has two runs of buhrs, with a capacity of about ten bushels per hour. It is operated by the firm of C. Carter & Sons.

Studebaker. It is situated on the Mississinewa, west. of Eaton, and this stream was the sole dependence. of the original mill for propelling power. The present mill, however, is supplied with steam power, which is employed in case of a failure of the water supply. _ The first mill erected on this site was a saw and oil mill. Large quantities of linseed oil were here manufactured by the proprietor, Mr. Studebaker, and formed a large part of the cargoes which every spring went down the river to Peru.

David Studebaker sold the mill to William Mitchell, about the year 1852. Mr. Mitchell added a carding-machine, and carded rolls in connection with the manufacture of oil, continuing the business for severa] years, and finally selling the establishment toGeorge Younce. In 1863 it was sold by Mr. Younce to the present proprietor, Michael Hyland, who made extensive improvements, increasing the usefulness of the mill. Among other things, he erected another building and added two sets of machinery for the manufacture of blankets, yarns, cassimeres, jeans and other woolen goods, for which he has always found a good demand in the home market. Both buildings are frame. The flouring-mill is 45x27 feet, two stories high, and the building in which the woolen mill is operated is 80x26 feet, containing five first-class looms. Mr. Hyland associated his son with him as partner, and the mill is now eonducted under the firm name of Hyland & Son.

Here, as in other pioneer settlements, some years elapsed before there was any place especially set apart for the interment of the deceased members of the community. Those who died were buried upon their own farms, and, in many instances, their friends and relatives who died subsequently, were laid torest beside them. Thus, there eame to be a number of private burial places in the township within afew years after its settlement, which, however, were never cemeteries in the full sense of the word.

inter the remains in a portion of his land, south of Eaton, with the privilege of founding at that place a public cemetery. Subsequently, negotiations were concluded with James Long for a tract adjoining, and, at a later date, two acres more were added. A substantial fence was constructed around the grounds, a large part of the work being performed by Mr. Martin, and the County Surveyor was employed to lay off a number of lots, from the sale of which the money was derived to pay for the grounds.

Among the occupants of this hallowed precinct are many whose hands early helped to shape the destinies of the township, and whose names are inseparably interwoven with its history. .

About half a mile west of the German Baptist Church, a cemetery was established about the year 1845, the ground for this purpose having been purchased of David and George Studebaker and others. In 1865, an adjacent tract was purchased and the cemetery enlarged.

Although the property of the church, it is still a public burial ground, and, like the cemetery at Eaton, contains the remains of many of the pioneers and once leading citizens of the township. |

Mount Zion Methodist Episcopal Church - About the year 1883, seven or eight adherents to the tenets of this denomination met at the house of John Ginn, and under the pastorial labors of Rev. Robert Burns were united as a class of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Nearly at the same time, another class of the same denomination was organized at the house of Tristam Starbuck, and the two classes met regularly at their respective places for several years. Finally they united, and Richard Craw, one of the members, donated them a lot from his farm, upon which they erected a log church, giving it the name of Mount Zion.

Among the early and prominent members of this church were Martin Brandt and wife, James Rutherford :and wife, John Gothrup and wife, Leonard Cline and wife, Philip Keller and wife, Richard Craw and wife, William Craw and wife, John Craw and wife, Tristam Starbuck and wife, and Mrs. Isaac Cox.

They continued to use the log church until 1867, in which year they erected their present brick house of worship, at a cost of about $2,000. The church was then under the pastoral care of Rev. John F. Pierce, and the dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. George Bowers, who had administered to the class, years before, in the capacity of an itinerant or missionary. He was assisted by the Revs. Bradshaw, Hull and remained one year. His successor was Rey. D. F. Stright, who also remained one year. Rev. John W. Lewellen succeeded him, and remained for an equal period, at the close of which he was followed by Rev. William H. Pierce, who remained two years. Rev. Ramsey is the present Pastor.

The Christian Church of Eaton. - In 1839 or 1840, fifteen or twenty members of this denomination formed an organization at the house of Robert Long, east of Eaton, and from this organization grew the Eaton Christian Church. The meetings were held first at private houses, and afterward at a schoolhouse near the residence of John Babb. During the warm summer months, the meetings were held in the groves, and during the protracted meetings, when the attendance was usually too large to be accommodated in the cabins, they went to Granville.

Among the early ministers were Elder Ebenezer Thompson, Elder Montfort and Elder Amos Wilson. Elder George H. Babb was the first regular Pastor. He was installed shortly after the organization of the society, and continued until about the year 1855, when he was suc. ceeded by Elders Benjamin Martindale and Samuel Hendricks, who preached alternately once a month. Elders Elijah Martindale and Thomas Wiley were also identifled with the society in a pastoral relation during this period. In the year 1856, Elder Trowbridge was installed as Pastor, and remained only about six months, during which time he and Eider Benjamin Martindale preached alternately. In 1858, Charles Carter donated to the society a lot, upon which, in the same year, they completed their present neat frame church, at a cost of about $1,000. At the time of its erection the society was without a Pastor, but at the dedicatory services there were a number of ministers present, prominent among whom were Elders Richardson, Lot Green, E. B. Thompson, Benjamin Martindale and Aaron Adams, all of whom took part in the ceremonies and delivered addresses pertinent to the occasion.

Elder Barney O. Polly was the first Pastor chosen after the completion of the church, and remained about a year. We are unable to give the succession of Pastors from the close of his ministry. The church has prospered since its earliest inception, and is now in a spiritually healthy condition. It has a membership of about seventy-five souls, and is now under the pastoral care of Rev. Andrew Younce. A union Sunday school is conducted in connection with the church, and has an attendance of about fifty scholars. William H. Younce is the Superintendent. |

The German Baptist Church - The society was organized in 1840, at the house of Jacob Gump, where the meetings were held for a number of years following. Elder John Younce, the first Pastor of the society, preached to them at irregular intervals.

Fifteen years after organization, they purchased a lot of James Long, upon which, in the same year (1859), they completed their present house of worship, a frame edifice, at an expense of $1,200. The church is situated half a mile west of Eaton, on the river road.

For several years after organization, the church had no regular Pastor, and services were not conducted at regular periods. Elder George Studebaker was probably the first regularly installed Pastor, and during the years intervening since the close of his ministry, that relation has been occupied bythe following-named Elders: Benjamin Bowman, David Studebaker, John 8S. Studebaker, John U. Studebaker, Christian Davis, Isaiah Howard, William Deeter and Samuel Younce.

The Incorporated Town Of Eaton

The church has prospered steadily since its organization, and now has a membership: of more than three hundred souls. Elders George Studebaker, John U. Studebaker and Willjam Deeter are the officiating Pastors at this time. The Sunday school has an average attendance of fifty scholars. William Deeter and J. B. Rarick are the Superintendents. THE INCORPORATED TOWN OF EATON.

Eaton is situated on the right bank of the Mississinewa River, twelve miles north of Muncie, in one of the most fertile regions of Delaware County. The limestone quarries at this point are regarded as being among the finest in the State - the stone which here crops out belonging to the Niagara group. Eation is a very young town. In

1870, when the Fort Wayne, Muncie & Cincinnati Railroad was completed, it contained but four or five families, of which there are now but a few representatives left, William H. Younts, Dr. B. F. Youngs and Serena E. Carmichael, being the principal ones.

It has made .rapid progress, however, and now ranks as the second town in Delaware County, as regards both population and business. I, contains two large flouring-mills within its corporate limits, of which more extended notices will be found elsewere in this chapter - one a water-mill, the other so arranged as to be operated by water or steam. Charles Carter & Sons are the proprieters of the former, and M. Hyland & Sons of the latter. There are two hotels, of which George W. Thompson and Mrs. Keller are the respective proprietors; E. Carmichael, John Dragoo and R. Brandt, Carter & Co., are the dealers in dry goods and groceries; A. N. Foorman is proprietor of the meat-market, and adealer in general merchandise; Eli Foorman is proprietor of the drug store; S. W. Thomas, deals in hardware and stoves; Edward Shideler, proprietor of a boot and shoe store; W. A. Blair is the furniture dealer and undertaker; John D. Shaffer and John Sherry, shoemakers; C. O. Gunkle, wagon-maker and blacksmith; 5. W. Black, wagon-maker; R. M. Morris, blacksmith, and John D. Huffman, harness-maker, are the representative mechanics of the place. William H. Younts is the Town Attorney, while Drs. J. W. Sage, B. F. Youngs, J. C. Ginn and A. Stradlie, are the practicing physicians.

There are two churches and one schoolhouse in the town. The Methodist Episcopal Church is at present under the pastoral care of Rey. J. L. Ramsey who has been its Pastor for two years. The.Christian Church has no regular Pastor at present, but is supplied by ministers from abroad. Both churches have flourishing Sunday schools working in connection with them. W. A. Blair is Superintendent of the Methodist Episcopal Sunday school, and R. M. Carter, of the Christian.

The first census of the town was taken May 6, 1873, and proved the population to be but 155 souls, while, by the census of 1880, it is 327, an increase of 169. }

The Act Of Incorporation

Immediately after taking the census in 1873, a petition was framed and presented to the Board of County Commissioners at their meeting in June of that year, praying for the incorporation of the town, agreeably to the laws of the State. The Commissioners ordered an election to be held in the town, to take the sense of its citizens upon the question. An election was held accordingly July 5, 1873, and twenty-eight ballots cast, every one of which was in favor of incorporation, and not an opposing vote was cast. Subsequent action by the Commissioners, at their session in September, 1873, carried out the will of the citizens, thus unanimously expressed, and, on the 10th day of September, 1873, Eaton was declared duly incorporated. The first election for town officers was held September 20, 1873. The result of the first and subsequent elections is shown by the following list of officers, compiled by W. H. Younts:

The increase of immigration during the years intervening between the close of our period of early settlement and the year 1850, must have been considerable; for, at the date last named, the census returns show the population to have been 1,012 - all white people, and during the next decade there was an increase of only fifty-two, as the census returns for the year 1860 showed a population of 1,064. In 1870, the population was 1,244, an increase of 180. Of this number, 1,243 were white, and one colored; 1,217 were natives, and twenty-seven of foreign birth. The increase during the past decade is 134, the census returns for 1880 showing a total population of 1,408.

Charles Carter

George Carter, the paternal grandfather of this gentleman, was a native of England, but came to America prior to the Revolution. He was a forgeman by trade, and a man of remarkable physical strength. His wife, to whom he was married in England, bore him one son, George, who was the father of Charles. They settled in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, where both died. George Carter, Jr., followed the trade pur sued by his father, and, in 1819, moved to Ohio, where he was chiefly engaged in farming. In Pennsylvania, he married Miss Johnson, a lady of Dutch and Irish antecedents. Her father was of the same antecedents, and her mother, whose maiden name was Montgomery, was the daughter of a very wealthy Irish family. Miss Johnson's grandmother Montgomery was lost in the ocean during her voyage to America, and her husband subsequently married a young wife. Unpleasantness between the step-mother and the daughter drove the latter from. home; and, at Bowling Green, Penn., she married Mr. Johnson, a good, though impecunious young man. The children of this union were two daughters, Fanny and Nancy, and seven sons, John, Thomas, George, Charles, Frederick, James and Caleb.

Charles, the fourth son, was born in February, 1810, in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, and moved to Athens County, Ohio, with his parents, in 1819, where he received a common-school education. He assisted his father in the labors incident to farm life until 1832, and, in August of that year, was united in marriage with Mary A., daughter of James and Mary Wylie, of Franklin County, Ohio.

of Irish descent. Mr. Wylie was a practicing physician in Virginia, and was noted for his lavish expenditure of money. His father, who was very wealthy, lived between Fredericksburg and Georgetown, Va., and kept a tavern, at which President Madison stopped overnight, after leaving Washington before its occupation by the British, in the war of 1812. .

where he died and was buried. His wife died at Eaton, Delaware Co., Ind. His brother, who remained in Virginia, inherited the home estate, which was unclaimed after his death, as it is believed he left no heirs. _ In 1848, Mr. Carter, with his wife and family, came to Delaware County, Indiana, and settled at the village of Eaton, in Union Township, where he erected a flouring and saw mill on the banks of the Mississinewa River, and conducted this business in connection with farming. Subsequently he became identified with the early mercantile interests of Eaton, and, in all his pursuits in life, he has been successful.

During the earlier years of his life, he made repeated trips to New Orleans by flat-boat, trading along the coast. Subsequently, he crossed the Isthmus of Panama, visiting California, Oregon, and other points on the Pacific Slope; and, in the prosecution of live-stock operations, he has frequently driven cattle across the mountains. 'Thus, by experience and travel, he has gained a good practical education, and, in all his transactions, he has never permitted himself to be victimized, nor has he ever been guilty of low cunning or sharp practice in his dealings with others. His native nobility of character has won him many friends, and he is honored by all who know him.

He lived happily with his wife until 1869, when she died. In 1870, he was united in marriage with his present companion, Miss Elizabeth Cass. His family consisted of seven children, viz.: Margaret, James, Charles, George, Elizabeth, Thomas Jefferson and Monroe, of which number Margaret, James and Elizabeth are deceased.

Thomas Johnson

Mr. Johnson was born in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, in the year 1814, and, at about the age of three years, removed with his parents, Caleb and Rosanna (Tropp) Johnson, to Athens County, Ohio. His mother lived to be almost one hundred years old.

About the year 1838, he came to Delaware County, Indiana, and, in the winter of that year, formed a partnership with Frederick and Caleb Carter, and constructed a flat-boat. Loading this with pork and flour, they floated down the Mississnewa to the Wabash, thence to the Ohio, and finally to the Mississippi, disposing of their cargo at Memphis, Tenn., at a fair profit, and returning home on foot. This was a method with which Mr. Johnson was quite familiar, having made several similar trips while a resident of Athens County, Ohio.

In August, 1842, he married Miss Ruth Agnew, with whom he lived happily until her death. The children by this marriage were John and Andrew (twins), Caleb, Maria J. and Minerva. March 1, 1877, he was married to his second wife, Miss Susan Miller. They are the parents of one son - Charles.

During a period of about forty-two years, Mr. Johnson has been a resident of Delaware County, and has kept his place in the foremost ranks in the march of improvement, ever ready to contribute time and money to enterprises designed to promote the public good of the county. By an energetic and industrious life, he has accumulated a competence in worldly goods.

While he is not identified with any religious denomination, he is generous with his contributions to the support of all, and attends the services of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which his wife is a member. Upon the political issues of the times, he was long identified with the Republicans, but recently cast his lot with the National, or Greenback, party. At one time he was the independent candidate for the office of County Commissioner, and was only defeated by twentyeight votes.

Obituary

pressed in its closing sentence, the pioneer, whose career forms the subject of this sketch, has been suddenly called from the shores of time, from the embrace cf his loved ones, to the untried realities of eternity. The thread of life was severed on the 14th day of October, 1580, and a large circle of friends and relatives are left to mourn his loss.

William Austin Long

was born November 16, 1815, in Clinton County, Ohio, where he passed the days of his boyhood and youth. In the twenty-second year of his age, April, 1837, he left home to seek his fortune in Indiana. He came at once to Delaware County, and was one of the early settlers of Union Township, with whose interests and improvements he has ever since been identified.

His early life was passed upon the home farm, and, being familiar with the details of farming, he chose that pursuit as his occupation in life, and prosecuted it successfully. He became identified with the mercantile interests of the town of Eaton, by forming a partnership with his nephew, Lemon Long, in the hardware and grocery trade, but closed out the business in June, 1880, after the death of his partner.

He has long been recognized as one of the leading citizens of the township in which he resides, and has ever stood ready, with time and means, to assist and encourage enterprises designed to advance the best interests of the community. For forty years, he has been a member of the Christian Church, and has led an exemplary life. In politics, he was formerly a Whig, and cast his first vote for William Henry Harrison in 1840. He united, however, with the Republican party tpon its organization, and has since been identified with it.

He is highly regarded by all who know him as a man of sterling integrity, a good neighbor, and a social, genial friend. He has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Anna McLaughlin, to whom he was married October 28, 1841. The fruits-of this union were seven children, viz.: Lucetta, America D., John W. and Martha (twins), Volney W., Mary L. and Julia A. - all of whom are 'now living save Volney W. He was married to his second wife, Mrs. Sarah Hinton, April 26, 1865.

Among the pioneers who had the courage to cast their fortunes in the heart of the wilderness, and the energy to wage deadly warfare with its giant trees, standing in formidable and defiant array, was the subject of this sketch. He was born September 28, 1808, in Mason County, West Virginia, and, while yet an infant, removed with his father, Archibald McClaine, to Greenup County, Kentucky, settling mear Greenupsburg, the county seat. About ten years later, the family removed to Athens County, Ohio, where John grew to manhood, working, in the meantime on his father's farm, until he reached the age of twenty-one years. He married Miss Celia Weatherbee, and he and his pride decided to move farther west, where lands were cheaper than in Ohio, and accordingly they settled in Wayne County, Indiana, near Richmond. Learning of the good quality and low price of lands in Delaware County, Mr. McClaine decided to remove hither and purchase a tract of land direct from the Government. So, in 1835, he purclrased a tract in Section 13, Union Township, to which he removed in 1836. Here he spent the best days of his early manhood, in the labor of clearing and improving his farm, and here he has prosecuted the vocation of farming for nearly forty-five years, enjoying, in the "sear and yellow leaf" of his life, a competence well earned by years of toil.

He has been a prominent and highly respected citizen of his township from the first; and, although not identified with any religious denomination, his life is full of the true spirit of Christianity which has so characterized his dealings with the world, that all unite in pronouncing him one of " God's noblest works " - an honest man.

as marked a degree, of its pioneer women. Their earnest, willing assistance, their fortitude, and their words of encouragement in the struggle with the wilderness, and the hardships of life in its midst, had much to do with cheering the hearts of their sturdy husbands. They had their own burdens to bear, and at the same time shared those of the companions with whom they had linked their destinies by the ties of matrimony; and, if their influence upon the development of the country was quiet, it was none the less potent, and quite as commendable as the trying physical labor of their husbands, by whose hands the forests were cleared away and the wilderness transformed into fertile fields.

~ One of this class was Celia, the wife of John McClaine. She is the daughter of John and Elizabeth Weatherbee, and was born September 11, 1813, in Athens County, Ohio. At the age of sixteen years, in 1829, she gave her heart in marriage to the companion whose life, by a kind Providence, she is still spared to bless. She has ever been a true helpmeet to him, and, by her economy and careful' management, has contributed greatly to his worldly prosperity. She is a devoted wife and mother, a kindly, helpful neighbor, and has endeared herself to the hearts of all who know her. -

This worthy couple were the parents of twelve children, named, respectively, James, Rhoda, Elizabeth A., Archibald, John, Charles, William H., George W., Joseph, Lydia J., Sarah A. and Samantha. Lydia is the wife of W. H. Younts, attorney, at Eaton, Ind.; Rhoda was killed, in 1849, by a limb that fell from a tree in the woods, near the present site of the father's residence; James, Elizabeth A., J oseph and Sarah A. are also deceased. ;

Dr. John E. Van Buskirk

William Van Buskirk, the father of our subject, was born March 5, 1803, in Hampshire County, Virginia. He was married, January 2, 1834, to Miss Mary Lovett, a native of Alleghany County, Maryland, a lady who was highly esteemed by all who knew her for her Chrstian graces. She was naturally talented, and possessed a fine command of language. She wielded a great mfluence in social and religious circles', and ministers often spoke of her as the itinerant's friend. Both herself and husband were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and, that their children might be reared under the proper influences, they never omitted family worship in the household. The mother died November 3, 1873, and the father, December 18, 1877.

They had four children, as follows: Ann Eveline, born October 7, 1834, in Hampshire County, Virginia, was married to Jonathan Lewis January 10, 1856, and died April 10, 1873; Wiliiam H. was born July 18, 1836, in Hampshire County, Virginia, and died April 10,.1864; John E., the subject of this memoir, was born March 29, 1840, in Wayne County, Indiana. The "stormy month" marked the three great periods of his life; for, on the 14th day of March, 1865, he was married to Miss Emma, daughter of Kaiser and Esther McNeer, and on the 25th day of March, 1873, he died. Zachariah T., the youngest son, was born September 16, 1849, in Henry County, Indiana, and died in January, 1874.

In early life, the Doctor formed the purpose of studying the science of medicine, but his advantages were limited, and he was obliged to depend largely upon study in his hours of leisure from farm work. By this means, and an occasional course in select or high schools, he prepared himself for the vocation of school-teaching, and thus procured the means with which to pursue his medical studies. He was a very successful and competent teacher. The last school he taught was at Huntsville, Madison Co., Ind., in the winter of 1863-64, where he formed the acquaintance of his wife.

In March, 1864, he began his medical studies in the office of Dr. W. P. Brickley, at Huntsville, Ind. (now a practicing physician in the city of Anderson), but had been reading medical text-books, at leisure, for two or three years prior to entering regularly upon his studies. He attended lectures at the Physio-Medical College of Cincinnati during the winter of 1864-65. He had almost finished the course, and in bis weeks longer would have graduated; but, on account of impaired health, he was compelled to return home without graduating. He declined to accept a proffered diploma from the Faculty of the college, expecting to return within a year or two and attend another winter course. The consummation of this design, however, was prevented by his large practice, which he never found time to leave.

" Cincinnati, Ohio, October 23, 1868. a Receivad the sum of one hundred dollars in full, for lectures and graduation in Physicians' Medical Institute, session of 1865-66. William H. Cook, Dean."

In the spring of 1865, he purchased the stock of drugs of his preceptor, and formed a partnership with Dr. G. N. Davidson, and practiced at Huntsville until November of the same year, when he went to attend another course of lectures. Upon his return, he accepted an offer to sell out, and was solicited by friends to settle at Eaton, in Delaware County, where there was a good prospect for a physician of that school. After some consideration, he decided to do so, and located at that point in 1867, remaining there until his decease. His practice increased until it became too great for his physical strength, and he died in the prime of manhood and at the zenith of a prosperous professional life.

He was a man of fine talent, and, to his own mind, his education was never completed. He was continually receiving lessons from his surroundings, and endeavoring to utilize passing events to the advantage of himself and others. He was conscientious to the extreme, and exemplified his religion in his daily life. He was strict in his habits, and never used any intoxicating liquors as a beverage, or any vulgar or profane language. He was an active and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, having united with that denomination when fourteen years of age. |

In his own household, not even the healing influences of time avail to assuage the pain of separation in the heart of the devoted wife and loving children, of whom there are two - Corwello K. and Hettie May. His wife is a noble woman, and a fit companion for a good man. We append a short sketch of her life: She was born September 13, 1842, and, at an early age, was deprived by death of a mother's care and guidance, but was reared by aunts, under the influence and precepts of the Society of Friends. Her father, Kaiser McNeer, was a highly respected citizen of Madison County, Indiana, and her 'mother, Esther McNeer (nee Williams), was the daughter of William Williams, one of the earliest settlers of that county, and the first who ever engaged in the nursery enterprise there. The mother died May 24, 1847, and the father September 25, 1875.

The daughter was united in marriage to Dr. Van Buskirk March 14, 1865, by Rev. W. P. Armstrong. She is deeply beloved among a large circle of friends, and her influence is always for good.

William Henry Younts

The ancestors of this gentleman were of German descent, and spelled their name Younce. It has been Anglicized, however, by various members of the family, to its present form. His grandfather, Philip Younce, was a native of Ashe County, North Carolina, where he married Margaret Byrkett, and subsequently removed to Miami County, Ohio. He was among the earliest white residents of that county, and served as a soldier in Wayne's expedition against the Indians of the Northwest, which terminated with the treaty of Greenville, August 3, 1795. He died in Miami County in 1864, having served for fifty-two years as an Elder in the German Baptist Church. His wife died in 1862.

Albany

ee ., Joseph W., Daniel H. and Alice - all of whom now survive. Union, at Matagorda, Texas, November 24, 1865, and Charles A. was killed at Okolona, Miss., February 22, 1865, in the service of the same cause. The daughters, with one exception, are married - Elizabeth, to George W. Smith; Mary ©., to John Miller; and Alice, to Albert Mills. :

The father devoted his time to agricultural pursuits, remaining in his native county until 1856. In that year he came to Delaware County and purchased a farm in Union Township where he died February 9, 1878. He was a member of the German Baptist Church, and an honest and highly respected citizen. His wife survives him.

William H., the eldest son, was born March 21, 1835, in Miami County, Ohio. His youthfui days were passed in the performance of farm laber at home, and he never enjoyed the privilege of attending school, with the exception of about three months; yet he prepared himself for the vocation of school-teaching by a system of diligent study at home, and, when he came to Indiana in 1856, he entered at once upon that line of work in Delaware County, and has been thus engaged, with a few intermissions, every winter since that date.

In the twentieth year of his age - September 21, 1854 - he married Miss Ann M. Lowery, niece of the late Judge Lowery, of the Supreme Bench of Ohio. On the 15th day of February, 1864, his wife died, leaving one son, George W., who still survives.

Washington

From the ranks Mr. Younts was successively promoted, for meritorious services, to the office of Acting Assistant Adjutant General of the Army of the Shenandoah, with the rank of First Lieutenant. He was mustered out of the service with his regiment, at Columbus, Ohio, September 13, 1865, and returned to his home in this county." On the 22d of May, 1866, he was wedded to his present companion, Lydia J., daughter of John and Celia McClaine, whose biographies appear elsewhere in this volume.

He resumed the occupation of school-teaching, and, in 1868, began the study of law. In 1869, he was admitted to the bar of Delaware County, and began the practice of his profession at the town of Eaton. The position he occupies as an attorney has been gained by unremitting effort on his part, and his limited educational advantages entitle him to the more credit, and mark him as one of the self-made men of the county. :

In his social relations, he is esteemed as much for the frank, honest goodness of his nature as he is amongst the teaching fraternity for his ability; and in this sphere the honors are shared by his wife, who is a lady of an amiable, kindly disposition. Although not a member of any church, Mr. Younts adheres to the tenets of the Christian religion, and contributes cheerfully to the support of the church and the spread of the Gospel.

Location And Boundary

LOCATION AND BOUNDARY. \ ASHINGTON is the northwest corner township of Delaware County. A portion of Grant County bounds it on the north, Union Township on the east, Harrison Township on the south, and a portion of Madison County on the west.

The general nature of the surface is flat, except in the vicinity of the principal streams, where it is broken by picturesque hillocks, sloping gently upward from the level lands surrounding, and in some snstances terminating in bluff banks, forming a natural defense against the overflow of the river and its tributaries. |

There is a marked diversity of soil - black loam, underlaid with clay, and clay with a substratum of sand being sometimes found on the same farm. As we approach the vicinity of the streams - especially the Mississinewa River - this admixture of sand becomes a more prominent feature. Throughout the township the soil is uniformly fertile, but a oreat, amount of underdraining has been rendered necessary by the extreme flatness of the country, and notwithstanding the extent of this improvement, there are still some lands whose usefulness is materially impaired during wet seasons by the absence of tile. A thorough system of ditches, while they have been of great benefit, have yet proved

The pioneers who formed a colony along the river in the early days, were confronted by forests in which black. and white walnut, red elm, gray, blue, and black ash, maple, beech, red, black, white and burr oak, poplar, cottonwood and sycamore were the prevailing varieties. In the process of clearing lands for cultivation a large amount of valuable timber was treated as useless material, and met an inglorious fate in the log-heap. Fine walnut timber was used for fence-rails, and other materials now equally valuable, was quite as little esteemed; and many years elapsed before a timber-market was opened by the introduction of the saw-mill enterprise.

The principal streams of the township are the Mississinewa River, which flows throngh the northeastern portion; Lick Creek, which joins the Mississinewa above Elizabethtown; Pike Creek, which flows in a northwesterly direction, forming a confluence with the Mississinewa near the town of Wheeling. Besides these there are several minor streams or branches of little consequence.

In 1823, David Connor entered a tract of land in Section 15, and, in the same year, a man by the name of Broderick came and settled on the land. He was not a pioneer in the true sense of the word, although he was probably the first white man who located permanently within the limits of this township. The extent of his pioneer labors was the clearing of a small space near his cabin, upon which he set out an orchard. His occupation was that of a trader, and with a few articles of merchandise, some notions, and a stock of ammunition and whisky, he carried on a successful traffic with the Miamis, Delawares and Pottawatomies, who inhabited this neighborhood at that time.

For a period of three years, he was the only white resident in the township. Then, the term for which he had engaged the land having expired, he was followed by Robert Sanders, who came from Connersville, Ind., and engaged in the same business, on the same tract of land, after which Mr. Broderick removed to another locality.

At a later date, Mr. Sanders became a tiller of the soil, and cleared and improved a farm; but at first his time was devoted chiefly to his traffic with the Indians. He kept the first tavern in the township, on the Government road, and derived a considerable revenue from this source. He adopted the vocation of farming, and was an industrious member of the community for many years.

In the early part of the year 1829, William Heal started on foot from his home in Muskingum County, Ohio, to select and enter a farm in Indiana, and finally a dete the tract in Section 15, which he entered at the Fort Wayne Land Office on the 12th day of September of the same year. He returned to Ohio for his family, and; with three two-horse wagons, they set out on their journey.

At Columbns, Ohio, they formed the acquaintance of Thomas Littler, who, with his family, was en route from Virginia to the prairies of Illinois. The two families became companions on the journey, and as Mr. Heal was the first to reach his destination, reluctant farewells were about to be exchanged, when Mr. Heal suggested to his friend that this would be quite as good a location as the point upon which he had decided. Pleased with the location, and unwilling to sever a friendship so firm as that which had been formed between the two families, Mr. Littler went to Fort Wayne and entered land adjoining Mr. Heal.

These two were the first real pioneers of the township. Their entire attention was occupied in the development and improvement of their respective farms, and their labors were bestowed upon this object with an energy that brought about rich results. Both improved large farms: Mr. Heal occupied his during the remainder of his life; Mr. Littler sold out in 1865, and removed to the State of Iowa, where he still resides.

In the spring of 1830, Joha Graham came to the township and leased a small tract of land of William Heal. He was a millwright of fine attainments, and formerly resided in Guernsey County, Ohio. Some place near Winchester, Ind., he procured a pirogue, or " dugout," and floated down the Mississinewa with his family and the articles of furniture he possessed. It is by no means discreditable to him to say that he was very poor when he came to the settlement, but he came with the determination to better his fortunes, and he succeeded in the effort. During the three years that he lived on the land of Mr. Heal, he saved his money, and finally entered a tract of land in Grant County. After he became a freeholder his fortune began to improve, and before he left the scene of his struggles with poverty, he was a man of wealth. Ata later date he sold his property, and removed to Wisconsin, where he erected a mill. He died while visiting some of his former neighbors in Grant County, about' the year 1861. He was buried in Olive Branch Cemetery. John Dille and his sons, Cephas and Silas, came with their families in the summer of 1830, and settled upon a tract of land in Section 12, entered by the father in 1829. They cleared and improved farms upon which they resided until death.

In the fall of 1830, Joseph Wilson, from Guernsey County, Ohio, entered the north half of Section 12, where he developed a fine farm, making it his home until death. :

In the same year (1830), Eli Lansing settled on a tract of land in Section 11, and Thomas Wharton, John Ginn and James Watson settled in Section 12. Thomas Reynolds entered land in Section 13, and settled upon it in the same year. |

Up to this time the settlements had nearly all been made along the bank of the Mississinewa - induced by the inviting appearance and the well-known fertility of the bottom-lands - and the work of improvement in the interior of the township was inaugurated about the year 1832. Some time during that year, Thomas Beouy and John Dunn entered land and settled near the center of the township, and cleared large farms, which they cultivated until death.

John K. and Thomas Wharton came about the same time, and settled upon land in Section 14, from which they developed fine farms. David Buoy entered land in Section 15, in 1832.

Samuel Carmen settled on a tract of land in Section 22, in the year 1833, and Samuel Moore, John Dunn and James Ashcroft settled at various points in the township in the same year.

In 1834, the. settlers were William Wharton, William Richardson and. John Kain. There were others whose experiences would perhaps add interest to the details of the settlement, but their names are not now at hand.

Early Roads

a Government road that had been cut out from Columbus, Ohio, to the prairies of the West. It passed through a portion of this township, through the towns of Marion and Logansport, and thence west. It was scarcely more than an opening in the woods, and had but little appearance of a national highway, although it was extensively traveled by emigrant trains. During wet seasons, it was used more as a guide to woods on either side, in search of solid ground. The extensive travel over the road only served to cut the ruts deeper every day, and there was no civil government at that time - at least in this locality - to keep it in repair. A tavern on the route was the first attempt made to. ameliorate the condition of the emigrants. From Columbus west there were a number of such institutions, and, about the year 1826 or 1827, ~~ Robert Sanders embarked in the same enterprise. His house was a double log cabin, and was never devoid of guests. Often his patrons were so numerous, that they were compelled to sleep on the floor, rolled in blankets. The property upon which the tavern was situated, was purchased by William McCormick, who came and took possession in 1831, superseding Sanders as proprietor of the tavern. Sanders immediately entered eighty acres adjoining McCormick on the east, and cut a by-road at his own expense, in such a manner as to shorten the distance about a mile, thereby diverting custom from MeCormick's tavern to his own. Both gentlemen were long identified with the tavern keepers of this road, and are remembered by many of the early settlers of our Western States.

Mowry H. Thompson also kept tavern on this road, about a mile south of McCormick. All received their proportion of patronage, and only abandoned the enterprise after it ceased to be profitable. The course of the old road is almost unknown to-day, except where the Surveyor's lines proved it to be right. This is the case in this township, where it varies but little from the old route.

The second road was surveyed about the year 1830, from Muncie to the old Government road, intersecting the latter at a point near the farm of Robert Sanders. It was eighty feet wide, and was surveyed and cleared at the expense of the State.

About the year 1833 or 1834, a road was laid out from the junction at Sanders' farm, running east through the presentyaita. of Eaton and Albany, and terminating in Randolph County, Ind.

The road from Muncie to Wheeling was the first post-route in the township. William McCormick was the first Postmaster, and kept the office at his house. It was known as the Cranberry Post Office, and retained that name until it was removed to Wheeling, at a later date. At first the mail was carried on horseback from Muncie to Logansport, and ufterward by a mail-hack or stage. The latter is still the method of conveyance employed between Muncie and the towns to the north.

As the township became more generally populated, county roads were laid out one by one, to facilitate the transportation of farm goods to market, and there is now a road on every section.

Early Births, Marriages And Deaths

In a new settlement these events possess a peculiar interest, and confer a degree of notoriety. Death's first victim becomes a martyr, and the first native white child a hero "to the manor born;" and their names are justly commemorated by their fellow-citizens, and find a place in the history of the locality in which they lived.

John W., son of William and Oliver Heal, was the first white male child born in the township. The date of his birth was February 12, 1831. About the same time, Mary Graham, the first female white child, and daughter of John Graham, was born at the home of her parents, on William Heal's farm. John W. Heal grew to manhood in this township, and is nowone of its respected citizens. His farm lies adjoining that of his brother David. Mary Graham removed with her parents to Grant County, Ind., and afterward to the West.

In January, 1831, the first marriage ceremony was performed at the house of Robert Sanders. His daughter, Nancy, and Nathaniel McGuire, were the contracting parties, and the matrimonial knot was reed by a Justice of the Peace from Muncie. In 1834, his house was a ft cond ime arranged for the celebration of a nuptial ceremony. On Bi occasion his daughter Amelia bestowed her heart and hand upon " Osiah MeVicker. The first death was that of Robert Wharton. He "ame to the township in 1830, and had only succeeded in getting the 'improvement of his farm fairly under way, when he was called from "arth in 1831. There were at that time no cemeteries in the township, "nd his remains were consigned to rest in a corner of his own farm, Which was still further consecrated by the burial of his son, and James 'Watson, within a few weeks after his own demise.

The first cemetery was donated to the township in the year 1836, by _ William.Heal. It contains one acre, and is located north of the site of his residence, and was called the Olive Branch Cemetery. The first corpse buried -here was that of John Watson, who died in 1837. The remains of the donor and his wife, Olive, are also among the occupants of this silent city.

J. Wilson set apart one acre from his farm near Elizabethtown, and, in 1836 or 1837, donated it to the township for a cemetery. His wife, Elizabeth, died in 1838, and was the first occupant of the inclosure thus consecrated.

Mrs. Olive Heal and Mrs. Martha Jobes were the first weavers in the settlement, and perhaps the only persons who made the products of their looms a pecuniary enterprise. The neighbors brought their wool to the ladies, who manufactured it into "homespun" jeans, charging a certain amount per yard for their work. This article became quite a useful commodity in the settlement, and to some extent a medium of trade. It was taken by the local agents in exchange for merchandise, and found its way to the Cincinnati market, where it was sold for cash, or exchanged for more goods.

Thomas Dunn, who came to the township in 1832, was the first carpenter. His first work was the erection of a frame barn on the farm of Benjamin Reasoner, in Blackford County, Ind., and soon after that date he erected a similar building for Thomas Wharton, in this township. He was a skilled workman, and his services were in great demand.

About the year 1835, Peter Culp settled in the township, and erected a blacksmith's forge in the southeast corner of Section 12. He had formerly worked at the trade in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was unusually proficient. He proved a valuable acquisition to the settlement, and derived a fair revenue from his labor. The hinges for the door of Olive Branch Methodist Episcopal Church were manufactured by him, as were many of the agricultural implements which may now be found in the stock of any hardware dealer, but for which, in those days, the farmer depended upon the skill of a neighboring mechanic. He subsequently removed his shop to Grant County, where he continued his trade unti] death.

Pioneer Stores

The first stock of merchandise was opened and exposed for sale in 1834 or 1835, on the farm of Joseph Wilson. Uriah Powers was the first merchant, and his establishment was located in a hewed-log house erected for the purpose. About the same time a similar establishment was kept by Jacob Powers, on his own farm, and another by Jacob Newberger, on the farm of Robert Sanders. Mr. Newberger kept his stock in a portion of Mr. Sander's dwelling. :

There. was but little money in the settlement, and, really, little need of it. Furs and hides, butter and eggs, and other farm produce were the medium of trade, and the substitutes for currency. In exchange for these the farmer received such articles of merchandise as he desired, and the merchant hauled them to Cincinnati, there converting them into cash or more goods. |

About 1840, the canal was completed to La Gro, Ind., and the farmers began hauling their grain to that market, receiving cash payment for it. About this time, too, Fort Wayne became a great hog market, and a large amount of money was derived by the farmers of the township from the sale of their hogs. Money began to circulate and to be exchanged for merchandise, and the homespun and farm produce became possessed of a cash value, and no longer stood in lieu of cur-

Other Early Enterprises

About the year 1832, William Heal constructed a brick kiln on his farm - the first of its kind in the township. He did not, however, make this a speculative enterprise. His object was to manufacture only a sufficient number of brick for his own use. The kiln contained 7,000 brick, about four thousand of which were used by him in constructing chimneys for a two-story house which he erected about that time. He sold the remainder to Thomas Littler for a similar purpose, and then destroyed the kiln. He was a practical brick and stone mason, and often superintended the construction and burning ofother kilns in the township.

About the year 1835, Uriah Powers erected the first distillery in the township. It was situated near the flouring-mill in which he was then interested, and was operated by hand-power. Its capacity was limited, as was also the sale for the article manufactured. He afterward abandoned the enterprise, and converted the distillery into a dwelling.

About the same time, James Hamilton started a small distillery within a mile of the Powers' still. This passed through the hands of various owners, and proving scarcely self-sustaining, was abandoned.

One hot day in August, about ten years ago, it took fire and burned. This was supposed to be the deed of an incendiary, but the person arrested was promptly acquitted. Owing to the close proximity of mills in Grant County, the early settlers suffered but little inconvenience for want of the facilities for reducing their wheat to flour. The first home mill was erected by Jacob Powers in 1835 or 1836. It was erected on the bank of Pike Creek, in the northeastern part of the town ship, and received its motive power from the stream on which it was situated. A saw was attached to its machinery, and it was considered a first-class mill. Mr. Powers sold the mill to John Henley, who added a tan-yard and carding-mili. After his decease the property passed to his heirs, by whom the business was continued for a number of years, and finally abandoned.

In 1835 or 1836, a flouring and saw mill was built near Elizabethtown by Uriah Powers and Joseph Wilson, Jr. It was a substantial frame building, and was situated on the bank of the Mississinewa, from which stream it received its power. The first run of stones were native "nigger-heads," or bowlders, taken from the river and dressed down. It is said that they made good flour.

Subsequently the firm changed to Powers, Polsley & Rockenfield, and improvements were made in the machinery. Two runs of buhrs for wheat and one for corn were put in to replace the old dressed bowlders and increase the utility of the mill.

Mr. Rockenfield subsequently sold his interest to Mr. Powers, by whom the mill was operated until his decease, shortly after which it was sold to the present owners, Dunn & Son. It is a first-class custom mill.

Eli Lansing erected a flouring-mill on Pike Creek, about the year 1836. It had one run of buhrs, made of "nigger-heads," and ground flour, corn and buckwheat, all on the same stones.

It was operated by a wheel designed and patented by the proprietor, but which was so much like the Parker wheel, that Parker afterward collected a royalty from all the mills using the Lansing patent. Lansing operated this mill until it outlived its usefulness, after which he abandoned it. ,

The first steps toward the education of the children of the township were taken about the year 1833. Mrs. Olive Heal converted a room of her home into a schoolroom, and for the sum of $1.25 per scholar, undertook the instruction of her neighbors' children. She was thus employed during two winters, and after she retired from this occupation the township was without a school until the year 1838. In that year William Wharton was employed as a teacher, and had his school in the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1839, the first schoolhouse was erected, and Ezra Maynard engaged as teacher. The second schoolhouse was erected at Wheeling in 1840, and, during the next three or four years, similar buildings were erected at various points in. the township. As was usual at that time, all the schools were maintained by subscription, assisted by an appropriation from the public funds of the township. This appropriation, however, was only sufficient to maintain the school for about thirty days, or one third of the term; but while the funds lasted, tuition was free, and the money for the balance of the term was made up by private subscription. About the year 1853, the provisions of the act 1851-52, relative to the establishment of free schools, were adopted. The old buildings were used for a number of years, and afterward replaced, one by one, by better houses. - The district schools of to-day are well-managed institutions, and are presided over by teachers of acknowledged ability. The total number in the township is twelve - three of which are substantial brick buildings, the balance frame.

Number of white pupils admitted "within the year, 530; average attendance, 2673; length of school term, 140 days; number of brick schoolhouses in township, 3; number of frame schoolhouses in township, 9; estimated value of schoolhouses and grounds, $5,700; estimated value of school apparatus, $240.

Methodist EpiscopaltIn the year 1830, the first religious meeting in the township was held at the house of William Heal. The services were conducted by Rev. Robert Burns, a missionary of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 7

On this occasion a class was organized, consisting of William Heal and wife, Thomas and Susannah Littler, and Mrs. Martha Jobes. Regular meetings were afterward held at the house of Mr. Heal, and the class received some additions to its numbers. In 1837, Thomas Littler donated an acre of ground from his farm, upon which the society erected a hewed-log house of worship, twenty-four feet square, and called it Olive Branch Church, in honor of Mrs. Olive Heal, one of its most active and earnest members. The log building served the purpose for which it was erected, until 1863. By that time the congregation had so increased that the little church was too small for its accommodation, and the present house of worship was erected. The latter is situated in the southern extremity of Grant County, and just across the line dividing that county from this. The church has been prosperous ever since its organization, and is now in a flourishing condition. Rev. J. L. Ramsey is the present Pastor.

Wheeling Church - The Methodists organized a class in Wheeling } 1839 or 1840, and held meetings in the schoolhouse at that town unt 1871. In that year they erected a brick church in the east part of t] town, at a cost of $1,800. The present membership is about fift Rey. J. L. Ramsey is the present Pastor.

Presbyterian. - In 1833, Rev. Robert Irwin conducted services at th house of Joseph Wilson, and on the same day the first Presbyteria organization in the township was formed. Among the first member they removed, after selling the house at Elizabethtown. have a prosperous church at this point. Harmony Baptist Church was organized in June, 1834, at the house

William McCormick and wife, Thomas Buoy and wife, John Rich- ee ards and wife, William Hollis and wife, and Mrs. David Buoy were i. among the first members, and Rev. Abraham Buckles and Elder Willis a For several years the society worshiped | at the house of Mr. William McCormick, and subsequently erected a | house of worship in the southern part of Grant County, where they still |

Mississinewa Valley Church was organized December 22, 1861, with seven members, viz., Alfred Campbell and wife, J. W. Hannon and wife, M. H. Thompson and wife, and Harriet Rigdon. The council con sisted of delegates from Muncie, Granville and Pisgah Churches, and the ministers were Revs. Abel J ohnson, Jas. E. Ellison and John Forest.

July 12, 1862, the church applied for membership in the Judson Association, and was received at their next meeting. Rey. Ellison served as Pastor of the church for three years, and was succeeded by Rev. McKee, of Muncie, who served only three months. Rev. Howell, of Granville, was then called to fill the place. Alfred Campbell was licensed to preach, on March 9, 1867, and was called as a supply to the church. In November of the same year, the church called for his ordjnation, which took place in February, 1868. Shortly after his ordination, he was called to the pastorate of the church, and has served in a pastoral relation, with brief intermissions, ever since. In April, 1868, Rev. Joseph Nicholson was invited to preach for the church one-fourth of the time, and acted in this relation for little less. than a year.

In February, 1869, Rev. Bennett, of Muncie, assisted Mr. Campbell in conducting a protracted meeting, during which there were fourteen accessions to the church.

In 1578, they erected their present house of worship, on land donate by Samuel Knight. The building is frame, 24x36 feet, and cost $400. It was dedicated October 13, 1878, by Rey. Storm, who remained three weeks with the congregation. |

In 1879, Mr. Campbell was again chosen Pastor, and still stands in that relation to the church. In 1873, a Sunday school was organized in connection with the church, and J. W. Hannan was the first Superintendent. The school is discontinued during the winter, but re-organized every spring. It has now an attendance of forty scholars. B. H.

_ New Corner Methodist Protestant Church - The class was organized in the year 1854 or 1855, at the house of James Burgess, by Rev. Joseph Boxley. For several years after the organization the regular meetings were held at the house of Mr. Burgess. In the meantime new members were added to the class, and the place for holding meetings was changed - to the sehoothouse, where they worshiped until 1870. Rev. James Harrison was the Pastor at that time, and took an active part in securing a bermanent house of worship for the congregation. A lot was purchased in the town of New Corner, upon which the present church was erected in the same year, at a cost of about $900.

New Corner United Brethren Church. - In the year 1874, twelve 'nembers of this denomination met at the shop of Frederick Huber, in the town of New Corner, and organized a class under the ministrations of Rey. Arthur Rector. Two years later they purchased a lot of Fredrick Huber, upon which they erected their present house of -worship - completing it before the close@£ the year 1876. It is a frame building, and was completed at a cost of $600. . =p ,

Mr. Rector remained three years, and was succeeded by Rev. William Mosier. Mr. Mosier continued as Pastor of the church for one year, and was succeeded by Rey. William Hall, who also remained one year. His successor was the present Pastor, Rev. T. J. Halstead. The church now has a membership of twenty-three. The church officers are: I'. Huber, Jackson Brock and Jackson fLosh, Trustees; Charles Rector, Class-leader, and F. Huber, Steward.

In 1871, the lodge added a story to the schoolhouse, which they fitted up for a lodge-room, and in which the regular meetings are now held every Saturday evening.

The present membership of the lodge is thirty-nine. The present officers are: Joseph Clark, N. G.; Henry LL. Watson, V. G.; John Clark, R. 8.; R. H. Trout, P. S.; Eli Hamilton, Treasurer.

New Corner Lodge. No. 425, I. O. O. F., was organized August 20, 1873, under a dispensation granted by the Most Worthy Grand Master of the State of Indiana. The original members were: J. W. Hannan, W. F. Null, Jesse Meyers, Adam Moody, B. F. Beouy, J. T. Broyles, M. V. Rhodes, Joseph Burgess, B. H. McKinley, Benjamin Bartlett, Samuel Gruver, John McKinley, David Vannata, Thomas Stubbs, Ezra Woodring Madison Bryar and J. H. Boyle. The first officers of the lodge were: J. W. Hannan, N. G.; B. F. Beouy, V. G.; Adam Moody, R.S.; W. F. Null, P. S:; Jesse Meyers, Treasurer. The lodge continued to work under dispensation until November 20, 1873, when it received a charter from the Grand Lodge of the State. During the year 1875, the order erected the neat brick building in which the lodge meetings are held on Saturday evening of each week.

The officers for the present term are: James Hendricks, N. G.; William Winton, V. G.; J. W. Hannan, Secretary; August Ebenstein, Treasurer. The lodge is in good working order, and has an active membership of thirty-five.

New Corner Lodge, No. 134, Daughters of Rebecca, was organized in 1878, in the room occupied by New Corner Lodge, No. 425. The first officers were: J. W. Hannan, N. G.; Mrs. R. A. Hannan, V. G.; Mrs. I'. S. Clemens, Secretary. '

The lodge is now in good working order, and has an active membership of twenty. The present officers are: Mrs. F. 8. Clemens, N. G.; Mrs. Maggie Anderson, V. G.; J. W. Hannan, R. S.; Mrs. 8. J. Needham, P. S.; Mrs. R. A. Hannan, Treasurer.

Wheeling Lodge, A., F. & A. M., was organized at the village of Wheeling, with the following charter members: Jacob C. Polsley, Liberty Ginn, John H. Rutter, John W. Pugh, James Lyon, William Adsit, Lorenzo Watson, Jesse Nixon, John W. Frey, and John T. Gothup. This meeting was held November 10, 1859, and the first stated meeting of the lodge was heldon the 12th day vf December following. The first officers were: J.C. Polsley, W. M.; John W. Pugh, S. W.; Liberty Ginn, J. W. At the session of the Grand Lodge in May, 1860, a charter was granted to this lodge, which until that time had worked under dispensation.

They worked harmoniously until 1865, when disaffections arose among the members, culminating in the surrender of the charter on the 3d day of March, 1866.

In October, 1865, a meeting of Masons was called atthe house of John C. Polsley, in Elizabethtown, for the purpose of organizing a new lodge.

The petitioners for the. second dispensation were twenty-four in number, viz., H. D. Reasoner, Otho Hardy, James Lyon, John T. Gothup, J. W.. Pugh, George W. Stephenson, J. §. Kirkwood, William Cox, G. W. Thomas, William Adsit, John Frey, Obediah Fiinn, Joseph Hin. ton, James C. Stephenson, W. F. Reasoner, J. E. Deviney, William T. Wright, Benjamin Nixon, Amos W. Kirkwood, J. C. Polsley, Lewis Bernard, C. A. Harper, Mahlon Pugh and David M. Kirkwood: and the officers of this lodge were: J. C. Polsley, W. M.; G. W. Thomas, S. W.; and Lewis Bernard, J. W. :

On January 27, 1866, the lodge met in the former hall of Wheeling Lodge, No. 265, and, from that time until June 1 9, 1866, worked under dispensation. At the date last named they received the charter, by virtue of which the lodge is still working.

The membership at one time was fifty-six, but in consequence of some of its members having been demitted, it is now reduced to _twentyone. The officers for the present term (1880) are: J. §, Kirkwood, W. M.; J. F. Wright, S. W.; Henry Hazelbaker, J. W.:; Joseph Hinton, Treasurer; W. F. Reasoner, Secretary; Henry Hire, S. D.; Benjamin Nixon, J. D.; E. H. Spencer, Tiler; Mark Powers and William Cox, Stewards. .

The remains of this town on the Mississinewa indicate the site of a place that once aspired to the honor of being a county seat. It was rumored that a new county was to be formed from portions of Grant, Delaware and Jay Counties, which would make the site of Elizabethtown nearly central, and therefore the most eligible. A public square was laid out by Joseph_ Wilson, the original proprietor of the town, and the lots sold readily at fancy prices. Uriah Powers removed his store from the Wilson farm to this point; a grocery was established a short time subsequently, and blacksmiths, carpenters and cabinetmakers added the impetus of their industry to the growing prospects of the town.

The new county (Blackford), was duly formed in 1839; but alas! for the hopes of Elizabethtown; the line stopped within half a mile of the proposed county seat, and four townships of J ay constituted the county, the prospect of which had caused such a flutter. An immediate decline was the consequence. Merchants removed to more favorable localities, mechanics followed the example, and almost like magic, Elizabethtown became a thing of the past: To-day the plowshare turns the sod of the public square, and farms are cultivated where once-the lines of a busy metropolis were to be. Two or three houses are all chat is left to indicate the site of the embryo city, and the stranger, unfamiliar with the details, would pass the spot without a suspicion that he was within the corporate limits of the town.

Wheeling was laid out by William McCormick, on a portion of his farm. The business of the town is transacted by the following firms: Ephraim Smith, general merchandise; Dr. J. E. Hoover,and Dr. Anderson physicians; John Mattox, blacksmith; Henry Sutton, carpenter; R. H. Trout, proprietor flax-mill; Henry Johnson, proprietor of the hotel.

New Corner was laid out by David L. Jones in February, 1855, on the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of Section 33. The following is the business directory of the town: Reasoner & Knight, dry goods and groceries; Vinton Nickey, drugs; Dr. W. D. Clemens and Dr. D. O. Munsey, physicians; George Brady and S. J. Fradley, blacksmiths; D.M. Rowlet, shoemaker; Frederick Huber, proprietor of sawmill; EK. H. Case & Co., proprietors tile-factory.

In 1850, the population of Washington was 757. Ten years later it had grown to 1,076, and, in 1870, it is stated at 1,190. Of this number 1,176 were native Americans, and 14 were of foreign nationality.

Business Directories City Of Muncie

NAME DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS. "Genes. a2 Nativity Anthony, E. V.....|Dealer in all kinds of Agricultural. Implements, Manufacturer of the Legal Tender Plow, and Blackamith:.......ccssoseasecrsveccese South Walnut......... 1855\Ind. DE, Wo caiawcnattteccices ov coun +- sackpes amv vdenndn tee oor cnduke Cor. Washington & Mulberry)|1846/Ohio. Adamson, B. R.,) |Muncie T Store, Wholesale Gro-|E.side Pub. > eet 1865\Ind Adamson & Goddard.. WR RO cscs aassctek dy caidiees suns cgi Odd Fellows' Blk : Buckles, J. S .......;Attormey at Law........c.sccccccccccceclecscecccsveccsccccssecsoves 1833)Ohio. BUOY, Ds cwekeoadss Trustee Center Township.............. 38 E. Washington..../1836|Ohio. Brady, E. W....... Rditor and Proprietor of the Muncie 'Times' |Office 7imes Building)1846)Ind. Brady, 8. F........ Mail Agent.....-..scccceseccscccevesscoes 170 E. Washington.../1836|Ind. Brotherton, W...... Attorney at Law........00. pisesvemp seen Cor.Adams & Monroe/1851|Va. Boyce, James...... « , . aiisidlvdesds sone esceoesn SE RE aie Pee es 1870/Ireland. Bandey, P. H. D..\Contractor, Builder and Architect. Proprietor Planing-mill............./S. Walnut.........+.... 1860)\Eng._ Barnes, J. M....... Photographer. Copying and En-|E. side Court House larging a Specialty........-..seceees Bquaves ...-0.ccennane 1854\Ind Blease, T. H......... Manufacturer Boots and Shoes.|Cor. Washington and Fine Goods a Specialty..........++. Walnnt........s<05¢ ~|1875| Eng. Brady, 8. Q......++. Ex-Chief Engineer Fire Department........+.-|eccsesesecescceeescssessees 1870/Ohio. Burson, J. E........ Assistant Cashier Muncie National Bank........ Muncie National Bank Blk../1856)Ohio, Clancy, A. W...... County School Superintendent...... S.Welnute: Ase: dae8s. 1866/Ohio. Claypool. A. J...... UII OM ..v. «Kathi ons Kea ceeet eee ties <0 oss Cor. Adams and Madison...)1871|Ind Case, D.. Bsdissee.. Contractor and Builder............... 156 W. Washington..|1860|Ind. Cook, 'W. .ijsessseess Dealer in Staple and Fancy Groceries......... HS. BQUARG 6 cs caucccen 1871\Ohio. Cook & Dwyer.....\Dealer in Staple and Faney Groceries. Cash paid for Country Produce.......++....00. 2/72 N. Walnut......... 1879 TOT gcse ces .cvess NUNIT <2 idan othtagcohens re ddseseces es Ee MRGON<; <i. canavabiaps 1862|Ohio. Cooper, W. H. M..jAttorney at Law...........ceccsceceeeee East of Pub. Square/1859|Ind. Dungan, J. W.......\Sheriff of Delaware County......... Center Township..... 1834|[nd Davis, J. M.........crsetured Parmer... .. 0955.5 2s .cccscececes E. JACKSON... sccesecee 1835)Penn Dwyer, J. A........ ie iantackdthsiveissnnvertsoresaves MURS civs cs <vecugy aan .-|1855)Ind. Davis & Williams..|Editors aud Proprietors Muncie 'Democrat' ..\Office Walnut St......|...... Ethell, N. F.........|Editor .and Proprietor Muncie Daiiy and Weekly News........+-.. Office Patterson Blk./1839|Ohio. Everett, W.. his. fe Manufacturer Boots & Shoes. Reng neatly done...............6+ W. Washington........ 1847/Ohio wan y J... First white child born in Muncie...\Cor. Gilbert and Jefferson..|1826 _ Fraxi*,im, P. PERE isis sis on sf kno ppupstaa tees a> =0steadl Cor. 2d and Mulberry|1848)Ind Grain-Dealer and Farmer............. Center Township.....|1858|N. Y micorney Bt LAW)... nitive csoes scksgas Masonic Building...../1846|Ind

BEE. Wen Gt, FRG BV, Ute. Pcnbaaeecoeyeseees S. Anthonytown...... 1850) Ind Boyt. W. Aisss.cevs Deputy Treasurer lilavane County TA Cor. Elm and Gilbert|/1870/Ohio Hodge, H. (. & L. L....|\Dealers in Dry Goods, Notions, bs Hats, Caps and Groceries.......... 12 N. Walnut ......... 1845|Ind Jones, W. F......... Ex- Mayor City Bisecsssstedecsperceseens KG, RGD... cade baadeeesys 1852\N. Y Johnson, W. H.....|\Carpenter and Builder..............+.. Cor. Jackson and Madison..|1856|/W. Va Kerwood, A. L.....\Clerk County Court Delaware County........... Cor. Jackson and Franklin..|1859|Ohio Keener, J. A........ BUOPNCY At LAWesisceqadvee ss sc ccesee cds We MAGAM. .ccccodsuses :..11863'Ohio

Source changes here: from A Portrait and Biographical Record of Delaware County, Indiana :, published 1894; 12,748 words in this source stream.

Perry Township

ILLIAM BEALL is a well known and prosperous citizen of New Burlington, Perry township, Delaware county, and a native of Henry county, Ind., where he was born November 26, 1853. He is the son of Charles and Vashti (Rea) Beall; the father a native of Ohio, and the mother of Indiana, and both of English descent. The father was a farmer all of his life, and at the time of his death owned 173 acres of land. He and his wife were the parents of fourteen children, namely: Martha;

Thomas; Marcus; and Lewis, deceased. The father was a hard working man and gave his children every advantage that he could. His wife died in 1872, and was buried in the Eriends' cemetery in Henry county. He died January, 1892.

William Beall lived with his parents until he was of age, when he took his father's farm and managed it for four years. He was married, in 1877, to Lucy Wilkinson, daughter of Samuel and Angeline (Hubbard) Wilkinson, natives of Ohio, and of English descent. Mrs. Beall's father was born in 1833, and in i860 moved to Henry county, where he was engaged in farming. Mrs. Beall was born

March 2, 1862, and is one of eleven children, nine of whom are living. Both her parents reside in Henry county. By his marriage, William Beall is the father of three children, namely: Clement, born October 9, 1878;

Bertha, born April 15, 1884; Lavaria, born April 3, 1892. After his marriage Mr. Beall located on a farm of forty acres in Henry county; lived there five years, then bought the farm upon which he now lives, consisting of eighty-five acres of well improved land. Mr. Beall has built a, fine new house and barn, and although a young man he has earned every dollar that he owns, being a hard working farmer, and a good manager. He has never speculated, but has made his money as a farmer. He was a republican until 1892, when he voted the prohibition ticket.

OHN N. BELL, M. D. - In these latter days, the aspirant for success in any line must have not only have zeal in his heart but also wisdom in his head. Lortunately this has been the case with the distinguished gentleman whose name introduces the present sketch. Dr. John N. Bell was born in West Virginia, April 21, 1858, a son of Henry and Louisa (Swisher) Bell, the former of Irish descent, and the latter of German. Henry Bell was born Lebruary i, 1824, and the mother of the doctor December 24, of the same year. The paternal grandparents of the doctor are yet living, at a good old age, in West Virginia. His parents were there married and became the progenitors of a family of ten children, eight of whom are yet living. The family record is as follows; Mar)^ V. and Sarah A., deceased; Andrew^ J., Margaret L. , George W. , Samuel H., John N., Charles L. , Carrie L. , and a deceased infant.

in the county of his birth. He attended the common schools, and being unusually intelligent, was able, at the early age of sixteen years, to successfully teach school. This profession he followed for ten years. In 1885, he began the study of medicine, and later took a two years' course at Columbus, Ohio, and then entered the Ohio Medical college at Cincinnati, from which he graduated in March, 1888. Immediately coming to New Burlington, he found a field awaiting him, and has been signally successful in his practice.

Dr. Bell was married, November 28, 1888, to Miss Carrie L. Will, the daughter of John and Mary (Keesling) Will, both of them natives of Indiana and of German descent. Mrs. Bell was one of four children, and her family are among the most highly respected in Perry township. One little daughter has came into the happy household of Dr. Bell; - Letha E., born June 18, 1891. Both Doctor and Mrs. Bell are earnest and working members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically he is a republican, as is his father, w'ho is also an ex-soldier. Since his location in New Burlington, Dr. Bell has built up a large and lucrative practice and now takes rank among the foremost physicians and surgeons of Delaware county. He is not only distinguished for eminent attainments as a healer of disease, but he is known as the friend of the rich or poor who need his skill. He is an indefatigable worker and is among that class of physicians who encourage all the advancements of science, and he gladly takes advantage of them for the benefit of the medical profession.

AMES GARMIGHAEL is a resident of Perry township, Delaware county, Ind. He was born in Union county, in the same state, December 6, 1819, and is a son of Andrew and Margaret (Mansfield)

Carmichael, the former of whom was a native of Kentucky and the latter of Ohio, both being of Irish descent. James Carmichael was one of nine children, only three of whom still survive. He remained at home until he lost his father, whom he had assisted ably in the cultivation of the home farm, which farm also received his personal attention in the interest of the family until his marriage. He was united in marriage with Tacy Watson, in 1841. She was the daughter of James and Frances (French) Watson, natives of Virginia, the former being of English descent and the latter of Irish. By this union, children were born as follows; Rebecca, the deceased wife of Samuel Hindman; Margaret F., the wife of Wellington Rees; Elizabeth L. , deceased; William W. , Andrew, George L. , John L. , Charles M., deceased; Mary, the wife of Samuel Richison; Eliza, the wife of William Stanley, and Milton,

The republican party enunciates the principles with which Mr. Carmichael can agree, and it has his vote and influence. He is a man of prominence in the community where he resides, takes an active interest in all movements having for their object the public welfare, and occupies a conspicuous place among the representative citizens of Perry township.

ACHARIAH W. CECIL. - The fine estate of Z. W. Cecil is located in Perry township, Delaware county, Ind. , and is known to be one of the finest by nature as well as one of the best improved farms in the county. Its owner was born in Shelby county, Ohio, October 25, 1820, a son of Aaron and Anna (Springer) Cecil, the former a native of Virginia and Scotch descent; the mother born in Kentucky of Swedish parents. These parents were married in Kentucky in 1812, went to Ohio, and in 1831 moved to Delaware county, Ind. Aaron Cecil reared a family of eight children, all of whom lived to rear families of their own. Their names were: John, Sarah A., Zachariah W. , Elihu,

Samuel, Rebecca, Mary and Gordon. At one time Aaron Cecil owned 366 acres of land, which he had made by his own efforts, as he was a very hard working and prudent man.

Zachariah W. Cecil was reared on his father's farm in Ohio, and had but limited educational advantages, not exceeding three months in the year. After he became of age he began farming for himself in Delaware county, where he now lives. At the age of twenty-four, in 1844, he married Miss Mary J. Legg, daughter of Walter and Barbara (Berges) Legg, and five children have been born to this union, namely: John B.,born June 16, 1851, a farmer; Sarah A., born November ii, 1845, the wife of Thomas J. Jordan, a farmer of Daviess county, Ind.; Barbara A., born December 16, 1848, the wife of J. W. McDaniel, a Methodist minister, residing in Daviess county, Ind. ; Charles W. , born May 20, 1857, a farmer on the old home farm, and Ellen, who died in infancy.

Walter Legg, the father of Mrs. Cecil, was a native of Lapland, of Scotch descent, and her mother was a native of north Canada, of English descent, and they were parents of six children. They emigrated to Wayne county, Ind., in 1818, and in 1862 Mr. Legg came to Delaware county on a visit, and died while here; eight years later the mother died, both of them being buried in the cemetery at Mount Tabor.

After marriage Mr. Cecil located on the farm where he now lives and has followed agricultural pursuits all of his life. At this time his fine farm of 236 acres of fertile Indiana soil is his own, and the possession of such a fine property must be some recompense for the hard labor employed in obtaining it. He and wife, and also the children, are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which all take a deep interest. Socially, he is a member of one of the Masonic lodges located at Muncie. His political opinions are those advanced by the republican party. He is an honest man, a good citizen, and stands deservedly high in the estimation of the community, in the material and moral advancement of which he has been for many years a potent factor.

ACOB CLEVENGER, owner of one of the fine farms of Perry township, Delaware county, Ind., was born in Delaware county, Ind., March 20, 1832, son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Conner) Clevenger, the former a native of Ohio, and the latter of Indiana, and both of Irish descent. Thomas Clevenger came with his parents to Randolph county at an early day, and endured all of the hardships of pioneer life. He was married to Elizabeth Conner, and reared a family of ten children, with the exception of two, to years of maturity, but Jacob and a brother are the only living members. Thomas Clevenger died February 23, 1867, having been a farmer all of his life.

Jacob Clevenger lived at home with his parents until he was eighteen years of age, attending the poor schools of that time and neighborhood. He recalls one school which he attended, where the master regaled his pupils at Christmas with whisky. At the age of eighteen he married Mary Smith, a daughter of John Smith, and they reared four children; Charles C. , born September 23, 1853, who married Louisa Johnson, and resides in Yates county, Kan.; Sarah J., was born July 18, 1855, 3.nd is the wife of John VanFleet, and resides in Henry county, Mo.; Thomas W. , born June ii, 1859, married Ella Bell, and

When the first Mrs. Clevenger died, his eldest daughter took charge of the household until his second marriage, which was with Miss Samantha Ray, daughter of William and Sarah (McClain) Ray, both natives of Ohio, the former of Scotch and the latter of Irish descent. Samantha was one of a family of ten children, of whom but only four are now living. By this marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Clevenger had two children; Leonia M., born September 23, 1866, the wife of Parker Marshall, and Ada B., born November ii, 1875, wife of Luther Daughty, of Perry township. Socially, Mrs. Clevenger is a member of the Whitney Masonic lodge. No. 229, located at New Burlington. He and his wife are members of the Christian church. Politically, he is a republican, although formerly he voted the democratic ticket, but his first republican vote was for Abraham Lincoln. He is one of the old and well known residents, and is highly esteemed.

HOMAS CLINE, deceased. - " The evil men do lives after them, the good is often interred with their bones." The fact that this quotation is frequently reversed is brought forcibly to the mind of the thoughtful reader as he cons the pages of this book, and learns that the prosperity of this fertile region is due not only to the efforts of the present generation, but largely to those who have passed away, prominent among which enterprising and worthy men occurs the name of Thomas Cline. Mr. Cline was born in the state of Pennsylvania, March 18, 1810, the son of Peter and Nancy (Inghram) Cline, both natives of the same state, of German descent. The parents of Mr. Cline were very poor, and from earliest youth Thomas was taught the true dignity of labor. While still a boy he started toward the setting sun to seek his fortune, selecting Ohio as a field of operation. While in that state he met and married Miss Sarah Wilcox, and by this marriage had ten children, six girls and four boys, namely; Joseph, born December 4, 1840; Mary, born January 19, 1842; David L. , born July 9, 1843; Henry C. , born October 16, 1844; Martha J., July 6, 1847; Nancy H., born June 12, 1849; Elizabeth A., born July 9, 1851; Harriet C. , born May 25, 1853; Maria A., born December 23, 1855; and Inghram B. ,born September 25,1859. December 26, 1 860, Mr. Cline lost his wife, and the same year removed to Indiana with his children. Five years later he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret J. Wilcox, daughter of Joseph and Maria (Brant) Wilcox, a sister of his former wife. Joseph Wilcox was a native of New Jersey, while his wife was a native of Ohio, both being of English descent. Mr. Wilcox died in Miami county, Ohio, while his wife ended her days in Butler county, same state. By his second marriage Mr. Cline had two children, namely; William R. , born February 24, 1871, and Burtice E., born November 23, 1872.

When Mr. Cline commenced working for himself, he engaged by the day until he earned enough money to buy a farm, and so successful was he that at the time of his death he owned 370 acres of well improved land, all of which was purchased with money earned by his own efforts. In all matters which affected the public welfare, Mr. Cline's political views were in accordance with the principles enunciated by the republican party. He was a man who was proud of his township, his county, state and nation, and always did all in his power to advance the interest of the commonwealth. During life he was a devout member of the Methodist church, with which body his wife and children are still connected.

The annals of Delaware county abound in the names of many noble men of whom the present generation feel deservedly proud, and a true record of their lives, placed upon the printed page, will not only be perused with pleasure by those who know and honor them for their many sterling qualities of manhood, but will also be a source of much gratification to those who come after them. Among the hardy yeomen, to whose efforts and self sacrifices is the flourishing county of Delaware largely indebted for its present proud position among the sister counties, is Alexander B. Cunningham, a brief epitome of whose life is herewith presented to the reader. Mr. Cunningham was born in York county. Pa., November 17, 1825, and is a son of Samuel and Julia Cunningham, both natives of the "Keystone state, " the former of Scotch and the latter of English extraction. Samuel Cunningham was born April 7, 1778; married, January 15, 1807, Julia Boyd, whose birth occurred December 10, 1788. He served in the war of 1812, and his father, one of the early settlers ol Pennsylvania, was a soldier in the Revolutionary struggle. Mrs. Cunningham died in the state of nativit} in 1834, and in 1845 Samuel Cunningham emigrated to Delaware county, Ind. , where his death occurred September 17, 1849. The

Alexander B. Cunningham remained with his father until he was twenty-three years of age. He attended school in Pennsylvania in his youth, but when left to his own resources learned the trade of carpentering under an excellent workman by the name of James Truitt, and soon became very skillful in all departments of his chosen calling. He continued carpentering for some time, but, being at- traded by the finer class of mechanical work, finally discontinued building and began working at cabinet making in a shop with Mr. Lewellen, at the town of Smithfield. After working at this place for a period of two years he went east, where he once again engaged in carpentering, but, at a later date, accepted a position as agent and track supervisor with the B. & O. railroad company, in the employ of which he continued four years. After severing his connection with the road, Mr. Cunningham was for two and one-half years engaged in the mercantile business in Virginia, at the end of which time he returned to Indiana, and in partnership with his brother purchased a large tract of land in Delaware and other counties. For many years Mr. Cunningham has devoted his attention almost entirely to agricultural pursuits and stock raising, and his success in both these lines has been most encouraging, his farm at this time being one of the largest and best improved in the county of Delaware. His home is known far and wide as the abode of free-hearted hospitality, and his elegant residence, erected at a cost of $20,000, is perhaps the finest farm dwelling in this part of the state. Mr. Cunningham was married December 12, 1865, to Mollie C. Hoopman, daughter of Rev. John and Liza (Redman) Hoopman, the result of which union has been three children: Fiord E. was born October 12, 1867, and died February 12, 1888; Bertha L. was born July 6, 1870, and is now the wife of William Gilmore, to whom she was united in marriage August 5, 1889; Frank H., whose birth was September i, 1873.

Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham and their two children are members of the Methodist church, in which they are highly esteemed. Fraternally, he is a member of the I. O. O. F. , belonging to lodge No. 186, at Selma, and his political opinions are those enunciated by the republican party. Mr. Cunningham's business and social standing in the community are of the very best, and universal is the esteem in which he is held. For nearly a half century he has been an honored resident of Delaware county, in growth and developement of which he has borne no insignificant part. Among his friends and neighbors, and wherever he is known, his word is considered as good as his bond, and it is a fact worthy of note, that he has never been sued at law on his individual paper, nor had much business of consequence in the courts. He is one of Delaware county's representative farmers, and in all that goes to make up true citizenship, few occupy a more prominent position in the community.

ARION A. CUNNINGHAM. - To be an efficient and honorable agriculturist in this highly favored section of Indiana, where the soil responds so generously to the hand which cultivates it, is to be assured of a comfortable home and favorable surroundings. Among the successful men of Perry township, in Marion A. Cunnningham, who was born in Delaware county, Ind. , October 6, 1854, a son of Benjamin G. , born August 28, 1811, and Sarah (Rees) Cunningham, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Indiana. The ancestors of the family for many generations were industrious tillers of the soil, and, following their custom, Benjamin G. Canningham early chose agriculture for his life work, and so continued until his death. He came to Delaware county in 1836, a poor boy, but any one who then noted his energy and thrift might reasonably have predicted what followed, namely: His final standing as one of the wealthiest men, and most successful farmers of the section in which he resided. At the time of his death, which occurred May 14, 1865, he was the owner of