Washington Township (part 1 of 2)

Washington Township

This township lies in the south-east part of "Wayne county, and is one of the six townships into which the county was divided in 1817 by the county commissioners after the adoption of the state constitution of 1816. Its length, east and west, is 7 miles ; its breadth 6 miles, containing an area of about 42 square miles.

The earliest settlements in the township are believed to have been in the north part. Thomas Symonds settled December 6, 1811, about a mile north of where Milton now stands, having cut his way through the woods for 12 miles. There was no other settler near. His widow, still living, says, that, for six weeks after their arrival, she did not see the face of a white woman. Mr. Symonds was from IST. C, and had stopped a few months at Cox's settlement, where Eichmond now is. His family consisted of himself and his wife. They were much annoyed by Indian beggars, and by wild animals that approached their cabin by night and by day. In the spring of 1812, from fear of the Indians, they, like other settlers, left their home, and sought safety in the settlements in the vicinity of the present city of Richmond, where they remained until after the pacification of the Indians in 1814. They were obliged to go some 15 miles to mill, until Mr. Symonds himself built a mill, which was completed late in the autumn of 1814, or early in 1815. His wife once made one of these trips to mill, it being deemed safer than to remain at home alone. He died September 30, 1865. His wife is still living at Spiceland, Henry county.

In the north-east part of the township were some who settled there about the same time as Symonds in the northwest part. After the treaties of peace with the Indians, rapid progress was made in the settlement of the township.

In the fall of 1814, Benj. Beeson, from ]S"orth Carolina, settled 31 miles south of the present town of Milton, on land which had been entered in 1812, where he resided until his death in 1852, and where his son Benj. F. Beeson resides.

James Walker, from Tenn,, settled in the adjoining county of Fayette in 1812, and in 1814 came to this township, where he died about 40 years ago. The farm is now ow^ned by Bezaleel Beeson. He had a large family, of wdiom only James and Prudy remain in the township. In 1814, John Wallace, from Ohio, settled 2 miles south of Milton, where he died; land now owned by his sons, Oliver, James, and John.

In 1811, Thomas Beard, from N. C, brother of John and Patrick Beard, settled 2h miles south-east trom town. In 1815, James Jackson, from N. C, settled on land adjoining Beeson's on the north. He removed about 1840 to Marion county, and died there. In 1815, Adam Banks, from Tenn., on the Wayne county line. He was a Baptist minister, and for several years a justice of the peace, and was famed as a on land now owned by Monford G. Beeson. Eli Wright, from K. C, settled near Benj. Beeson's. He had served in the war of 1812 as a ranger in Vincennes and Whitewater valley. He was a justice of the peace and a member of the legislature; land now owned by Sanford Caldwell.

Others settled in the south-west part of the township, the dates of the settlement of the most of whom are not ascertained. Among them are the following :

In 1816, came Micajah and ISTimrod Ferguson, from !N". C. Micajah settled on the land now owned by his nephew^, Leland Ferguson, and died in Posey township. I^imrod settled on the farm where his widow and his sons John W. and Casburn reside. He w^as probably the only pioneer in the county who did not enjoy the luxuries of log cabin life. His first and only house w^as built, in his small clearing, of bricks made near Milton. It is occupied by his surviving family. Thomas Beeson settled on land now owned by Elwood Beeson, on the w^est line. Harrison Shortridge, (not the first,) where Norman Munger resides. Joseph Caldwell, in the south-west corner of the township; land now owned by his son James. Jehiel Lampson, and later, Jacob Smith, on land now owned by G. W. Smith's heirs. Solomon Burkett, on land since owned by Eli Elwell and his son Hiram, now by

Thomas Williams. Jolin Foulke, on laud since owned by Matthew Wilson, now by Eli Elwell, who has removed to Milton. Joseph Williams, on the west line of the township ; land now owned by his son James. Matthew Symonds, west part of the township, where he died; farm now owned by Wm. Johnson. David Shay, on west line; land lately owned by John Welch, now by Daniel Whitely, Jun.

In the north-west part of the township, Gideon Myers settled about the year 1820. Joab Raines and Samuel Drury settled west of Milton ; in 1832, Joseph Gray, and about 1828, Isaac and Daniel Whitely. Thomas Pierson, afterward Abraham Symonds, settled in the north-west corner of the township ; land now owned by James Gray and Daniel Heacock. Peter Martz, afterward Silas Hiatt, from N. C, settled, first, where Joseph Gray now owns; next, where Henry Izor lives. Moses Cooper settled, in 1817, on land now owned by Jesse Murray and his father, Yeniah Murray. John Callaway, a native of Delaware, in 1814, from Ohio, settled on land first owned by Boaz Thorp, lately by Joshua Gresh, now by Henry Frazee. A short time after Thorp's arrival, a daughter, about three years of age, was taken away by Indians, and never recovered. In consequence of this bereavement, he soon sold his land to Mr, Callaway, and left the country. John Callaway died in Warren county, Ohio, aged 84 years. James, son of John Callaway, came with his father, and, in 1820, settled half a mile west of Milton; afterward removed to town, where he still resides. He is the father of John Callaway, President of the First National Bank, Cambridge City. John Bell settled on the land now owned by John Callaway, of Cambridge City.

South of Milton, Jehu Wilson, a native of South Carohna, from Ohio about 1818, settled 1 mile south of town, on land bought of Joel Ferguson, where he resided until his death. The farm is now owned by his grandchildren. Jonathan Justice, a native of N. C, settled near Milton, where he died. The farm is now owned by Gideon C. Wilson, son of John, who was a son of Jehu Wilson. James Cathcart settled on the laud now owned by Joel Pennington, IJ miles from Milton.

Washington T0T7Nship

The following are believed to have settled during or soon after the war of 1812 : James Shaw, 2^^ miles south of Milton, where Isaac Kinsey lives; John Shaw on the adjoining farm, now owned by Jeremiah W. Swatford ; John Knipe, one mile south-east of town, the farm now owned by Henry Hoover; Reuben Bronson, 2^ miles south-west of Milton, on the farm lately owned by Alfred Hankins. Bronson was an early nursery-man.

On the east side of the river, Jacob Boyer settled where now his son Jacob lives. Aaron White, where now his son Richard resides. Isaiah Drury, in 1816, on the farm now owned by Charles H. Moore. Enoch Warman, on the land now owned by Joseph Kimmel, Thomas A. Moore, and David Sutton. Geo. Beeler, on township line ; land now owned by Wm. Beeler. VVm. G. Reynolds, on laud lately owned by Samuel Jacobs. Jacob Oldacre, where Mr. Sowerboer lives. Joseph Swaiiord where David Hibbel resides. Wm. SwaiFord, on the laud now owned by Wm. Kimmel. Jacob Kimmel settled early 2 miles east of Milton ; lands now owned by his sons William and George and the heirs of Jacob Kimmel. Abraham Schock, on laud now owned by David Sutton and Benj. Conover's heirs. John Conover, a mile south-east of town ; land now owned by Sarah A. Wilson and John Brown. Joseph Hollingsworth, on land lately owned by J. Good, where now Robert Cornthwaite lives. Edward Emerson, from Vermont, about 1812, settled where his son Thomas now lives. He served in the war of 1812. His sons, James X., William, and Oliver P., reside in N"ew Boston, 111.

In the valley of Greenes Fork, the following named persons were early settlers : Samuel, Jesse, Levi, and William Willetts, brothers. On the east side, Samuel settled where AVm. Kerlin lives ; Jesse, where Peter Wisler lives ; on the west side, Levi, where Caleb Lewis lately lived ; and William, on the land now owned by P. Schloniger, and occupied by Gingrich. William and Levi died on their farms. Levi was an early justice of the peace. Jesse was in 1829, and for several years after, a county commissioner. He removed to Xew Boston, Mercer Co., 111., and died there, at the age of QO years. Elisha, his son, lives near where his father settled ; l^elson, son of Elisha, three-fourths of a mile south. J. B. and I. B. "Willetts, son of Eli, a brother of Elisha, reside on the west side; and adjoining them on the west, Solomon Reese settled where he died; land now owned by Wm. Vanbuskirk. Caleb Lewis, mentioned above, had been a member of the legislature. His land is owned by his heirs. Thomas Marlatt settled on the east side, where his son Harrison lives, and has latterly removed to near the mouth of the Fork, and lives with his son Albert. Of his other four sons, James lives on the west side of the stream, where Wm. Swaftbrd early settled; Thomas has removed to New Boston, HI., and is a United Brethren preacher; Washington, to Manhattan, Kansas, a Methodist minister; Abraham l!^., a Methodist minister, at Rushville. His four daughters are: Rebecca, wife of Washington Wolf, and Evaliue, wife of Solomon Wolf, who reside at 'New Boston, 111. ; Mary, wife of Elihu Cecil, at Smithfield, Ind. ; and Ellen, wife of Jacob Walker, at JSTewcastle. Conover settled on the east side, on land now owned by his William.

In the north-east part of the township, Joshua Lamott and Thomas Kelly own nearly a whole section ; hrst owner not ascertained. Abraham Hathawa}^ settled on the land now owned by his son McCarty and other heirs. Henry Hartman settled where he still lives. David Smith, wdiere A. J. Smith resides.

Along the valley of Poland's Fork were the following : East side, Wm, Beeson, where Stephen Crow now is. Philip Burris, on land now owned by L. M. Jones and T. and [N". Burris. Moses ISTethercutt, on land now owned by Philip Jenkins. Rudolf Waymire, on land owned by Samuel Clevinger, of Abington. David Waymire, south of Rudolf, on land owned by John Little. The north half of section 16, [school lot,] lying principally west side of the Fork, was sold to Dickson Hurst, and is now owned by Charles N\ McGrew and Morgan Williams ; the south half to John Doddridge, now owned by his sons, Philip and Isaac.

A large portion of the south-east part of the township was early settled, and is still owned, by the Doddridge, Hurst, and Jenkins families. John Doddridge, from Pa., settled in 1814, on the east side of the Fork, where his widow, Avis Doddridge, still resides, with her son David, on the east line of the township. Their sons are Isaac, Philip, John, and David. Their daughters were Phebe, wife of James Baker, who lives in Illinois; Eliza, wife of Wm. Ream; Sarah, wife of John T. McMnllen, a Methodist minister; and Xancy, who married Frank AIcAluUen, and resides in ^Missouri. Eliza and Sarah are both deceased. Two or three children of John Doddridge died young. Isaac, Philip, and David reside in the township. David Jenkins, a brother-in-law of John Doddridge, in 1814, settled on the section south of Doddridge's, where he died. The land is now owned by his son Isaac, and Benj. Pierce, son-in-huv of David Jenkins. Dickson Hurst, in or about 1820, settled on the county line, near the Fork, east side; the land now owiied b}' his son-inlaw, Henry Sweet; afterward removed to where Isaac Doddridge now^ lives, and died there in 1858. His children were Lucinda, wife of Henry Sweet; Marj^ Ann, wife of Wm. A. Rifner, of Henry county; "William, east side of the Fork; Melinda, wife of Charles IST. McGrew; Alfred, who lives in Iowa. John Hurst settled where Gilbert Thomas lives. His sons were, Benedict, who is dead ; Sanford, in the south-east corner of the township; John M., w^est side of the Fork; land now owned by his heirs ; Dickson, deceased ; and Elijah, wdio settled on the west side of the Fork; Isaac, who moved to Flat Pock; Bennett, who died in Madison county. His daughters were, Sylvia, wife of Robert Watt, who lives east of the creek; Cjmthia, wife of Joseph Howard, who lived where Thomas Marlatt now lives - both dead ; Mary Ellen, wife of John Orr, of Connersville. Mr. Hurst had other daughters.

On the east side of Whitewater river, below the mouth of Green's Fork, were Jacob Grewell, a very early settler, where James Ely lives, on the township line ; Robert Diever, on land now owned by Henry Eliason; James MeLane, where John IloUiugsworth lately lived ; land now^ owned by the heirs of John M. Hurst. James Hannah settled on land nowowned by Isaac Doddridge. His sous were Samuel; [Sk.] Abraham, who is said to have been an early teacher ; Hugh L., who owned the old homestead, and died there in 1860 ; and William, a laAvyer at Laporte. Fernandes, son of Hugh L., has removed to Chicago. Peter Wisler, after a residence of ten or more years in Jackson, near Germantown, settled where he now resides. Two of his sons, David and Peter, live with him on the farm. His other sons are Rudolf, who lives south of Milton ; Jacob, at Shields ville, in Hamilton county; and John, at New Lisbon, Henry county.

On the vjest side of the river, Joseph Lower settled early where his daughter, widow Clark, resides. Benj. Harvey, 2 miles south-east of Milton, where his son John lives. John Kinley, on the land now owned by his son, John W. Kinley. Thomas Hardin, where Mark D. Beeson lives.

The first grist-ynill in the township was built by Thomas Symonds in 1814, a mile north of Milton. It was afterward owned, successively, by Mordecai Mendenhall, Jacob Schock, Joseph Stubbs, and others ; and a mill was continued there until about twelve or fifteen years ago. One is also said to have been built by Samuel Shortridge, on Green's Fork, 4 miles east of Milton. A saw-mill was afterward built there, and one of each has been continued to the present time. They came early into the hands of Jacob CruU, and are now owned by Gideon Zaner. John and Christopher Miller, about the year 1820, built a grist-mill on Green's Fork, 4 miles below Milton. Neither remains. Jesse Brewer, about 1830, built on Green's Fork, 3 miles south-east of Milton, a grist-mill which w^as burned, and not rebuilt. The next mill in the township is believed to be the " river mill," at Milton, built by Jacob Sinks. It has since passed through the hands, successively, of Daniel Sinks, Swaflbrd, Kimmel & Co., John Iioss,-Levin Warren, and Jonathan Petty, to Wm. H. Moore, its present proprietor. This mill has the capacity to manufacture 100 barrels in twenty-four hours. The Canal Mill ^vas built in 1846 by Jonathan Macy, Henry Izor, and Daniel Sinks. Milton Iliatt soon bought the interest of Sinks. In 1852, it passed to Lewis B. Morrison, Thomas Newby, and

Hemy Izor. In 1854, Izor sold out, since which time it has passed through the firms of Morris, Myers & Co., and several others, into the hands of its present proprietors, Bozier & Carr. Its capacity is 150 barrels in twenty-four hours.

There was a Saw-mill at the grist-mill of the Millers; and one was built at the river mill, which still runs. A water sawmill was built about forty years ago by Samuel Cummack, at the mouth of Green's Fork, and did a pretty large business. Another was built about twenty years ago by Samuel Stokes, as some say, and owned also by G-eorge Boden, a mile north of Milton, and afterward converted into a steam mill. It has since been removed to Beeson's Station, where it is run b}' a portable engine, and is owned by Nathan H. Cummack.

A Carding llachine, said to have been the first in the township, was built by Jonathan Hunt, about the year 1828, a mile north of Milton, and was continued many years. A carding machine was put up also in the north-east part of the township, on Green's Fork, by Williams Petty, as is supposed, to which cloth-dressing machinery was added by Fish & Venable. On this site, Edward Wagoner has at present a saw-mill, a clover huller, and other machinery. Samuel Cummack built a carding machine and fulling mill near his saw-mill. Some ten or twelve years afterward, it was changed to a woolen factory, and run by him a number of years, and removed by N"athan II. Cummack to Milton. It was much improved and enlarged, and conducted by a manufacturing company, and took the name of 31iUoii Woolen 3Iills. The proprietors, in 1866, were Nathan II. Cummack and John Ilollingsworth. In 1868, Caleb J. Morris became a partner. In 1869, Cummack retired, and George W. Callaway and Richard Wallace & Co. came in ; and the association took the name of 31ilton Woolen Ilill Company. In December, 1869, Ilollingsworth sold his interest to Richard White. Two sets of machinery are employed in the manufacture of cassimeres, plain and f)]aid jeans, satinets, plain and plaid flannels, blankets, and stocking yarn. Attached is a, knitting factory for making ladies and gentlemen's hose. Sales annually about §60,000.

power, and made the first year 25. In 1867, a stock company was formed, composed of Isaac Kinsey, Alexander Jones, and Aaron Morris, l>y whom the business is still continued. Joseph Ingels is general agent for the company. They manufacture one and two-horse wheat drills, corn drills, and double-shovel iron cultivators. They give employment to between '40 and 50 hands; and their annual sales have averaged for the last four years, about $114,000.

Thomas Reagan kept the first Store in the town, one block north of the main corner, the year not remembered; probably soon after the town was laid out, which was done in 1824. Samuel Pierce commenced soon after on the opposite [west] side of Main street. John Wright & Son, it is believed, next opened a store on the corner where now John Brown & Son trade; and after them, Joshua Willetts and James Antrim, in partnership. Elijah CofUn commenced in 1829. Among the numerous firms since that time, and down to 1845, were the following; the order and dates of their establishment respectively are not remembered: John Talbot, Moore & Hiatt, Elliott, Hannah & Meredith, Sinks & Talbot, E. P. & H. Justice, Mary & Sarah Roberts, Jesse Hiatt, ^ Hopkins & Hiatt, Benj, Elmer, Shipley L. Foulke. Present merchants: Dry Goods - Jones & (Iresh, Warren & Myers, Richard Wallace & Co., and Milton Woolen Mills Company. Grocers - John Brown & Son, Michael, Jones & Gresh [Morgan Michael, Franklin Jones, Henry Gresh.]

David G. Kern established a Drug Store in 1844, and has continued it until the present time. Another has been established the present year by Dr. Joel Pennington,

Dr. Joel Pennington, the first resident Physician in the township, settled in Milton, in 1825, and is still there in practice with Isaac F. Swainey as a partner. Other present practicing physicians are Benj. F. Witmer, and Allison B. Bradbury.

blacksmiths in Milton. Enoch Maudlin, George Wirick, Wm. B. Unthank, and Richard J. Hubbard, early carpenters. Joel and Mordecai Hiatt and Charles H. Moore were early saddlers and harness makers. Early tailors - John Conrad, Harvey P. Irvin, Wm. Williams. Henry J. and David G. Kern, from

Pa., came to Milton in 1839, and commenced the tailoring business. In 1844, David retired, and commenced the (h-ng business, as above stated. Heurj still continues the business of merchant tailor. Enocli Maudlin and Cliarles "Wright were early loac/on-makers ; the present are I^eter AYarren and Wm. Ferris. First sJioemakcrs - John jNIaze, Simeon Hubbard; the present, John D. AYallis, Elias Moore, Jacob Noll, Adam F. Spangler.

The first ReUgious Society in the township was formed by the Friends at Milford, a half mile north of Milton, about the year 1819, called the Milford llcefinr/. Some of its members resided in Jackson township. Meetings were first held in a log house. Among their early members were Thomas Symonds, Jonathan Justice, John Kinley, John Bell, Aaron Morris, Matthew Symonds, Silas Iliatt, Henry Thornburg ; and later, Mordecai Hiatt, Benajah Hiatt, Aaron White, Charles H. Moore, Richard J. Hubbard. A few years after the formation of their society, they built a frame house, where their meetings have been held to the present time. Among their early preachers have been John Kinley, Benajah Hiatt, Margaret White, Annie Moore, Benj. Fulghum, Louisa, his wdfe, and John Miles.

In 1828, a separation of the Milford Meeting took place ; and those known as Ilicksites formcil a new society, Avhich also w^as called Milford Electing, and built a frame house in the lower part of the town of Milton. Their early members w^ere Matthew Symonds, Aaron Morris, John Morris, Henrj- Thornburg, John Ferris, Jonath;in Justice, Silas Hiatt, Bethuel Coffin, Daniel and Isaac Whitely, and others.

The Methodists [Episcopal] are said to have formed a society about the 3'ear 1820, and built a log meeting-house 7 miles south-east from Milton. It is probable, however, that a class was formed there several years earlier. Among the early members of this church w-ere Philip Doddridge, John Doddridge, John Spahr, and their wives, Joseph Lower, Joseph Williams, Thomas Beard, David Waymire ; also, Michael Helm and his Avife, John Henwood, and Isaac Weekly and their wives.

bers of the above society residing near its western bounds, they built a hewed log house about 5 miles below Milton on the west side of the river. Some twelve or more years after, they built on Lower's land a frame house, called Lower's Chapel, which has since been named Havens Chai^el, probably in honor of James Havens, an early Methodist minister in this part of the state. Among their members were Joseph Lower, Alexander Walters, John Elliott.

James Havens, John Burns, Elijah Whitten, Benj. Lawrence, A. W. Elliott, and John Strange are remembered as among the early Methodist preachers. The last named is believed to have labored here as early as 1812.

About the year 1846, a Methodist Church was formed in Milton. John W. Sullivan, an early preacher, formed the class, of which Thomas D. Axe, James Swafibrd, Grandy Bell, Linteu, and their wives, and John Walker, were members; John Zell, Alexander Jones, Joshua Gresh, and Peter Warren and their wives, a few years later. Dr. John Bell and John Zell formed the lirst Sabbath school in the town. Mr. Zell was from the time of its formation for many years its superintendent. Among the preachers of this society have been Stiver, Seth Smith, Eliphaz Miller. Their first meeting-house, a frame building, in the west part of the town, was built about the year 1846.

Franklin Church, about 2| miles east from Milton, was organized June 27, 1840, some of whose members had belonged to a society called "Newlights." The following named persons are believed to have been members at, or soon after the organization: Wm. G. Reynolds, Caleb Lewis, Wm. McGrew, Wra. Swafford, and their families ; Mary Wharton, wife of Richard Wharton, and their children ; Jacob Boughner, Jacob and Amos H. Oldake, Wm. Kerlin, and their wives ; Jane, Ruth, and Mary Willetts, and Eli Willetts' wife. Officers - Wm. G. Reynolds, elder; Milton Reynolds, Wm. Kerlin, deacons; Caleb Lewis, standing clerk. Daniel Winder, first preacher; next, A. Harlan, Samuel K. Hoshour.

The United Brethren have a church in the north-east corner of the township. The date of its organization and the names of its early members are not ascertained.

The Town of Miltoyi was laid out by John Bell as proprietor, and the plat and description recorded July 5, 1824. A number of additions were made by the following named persons: Thomas Symouds, Benajah Hiatt, Jonathan Justice, Elijah Coffin, the date not ascertained. Thomas Symonds and others, Dec. 5, 1825, and March 31, 1827. Jonathan Justice, July 6, 1829. Jacob Sinks, July 3, 1838. Jonathan Justice laid out another, Oct. 6, 1838, which was recorded March 23, 1839. James Brown, Feb. 8, 1847 ; recorded Feb. 16, 1847.

Thomas Beard, a brother of John, Patrick, and Jesse Beard, elsewhere noticed, was born in Randolph Co., N. C, and came to this county in the fall of 1811, and settled on the west side of Whitewater river, about a mile below the mouth of Green's Fork, in what is now Washington township, on a farm now owned by Bezaleel Beesou. He was one of the first few settlers within the present limits of the township, and had a thorough experience of pioneer life. He "cut his way" for his team from where Abington now is, through the wilderness. He had not been long at his new home when the Indian alarms commenced. He received a visit from Judge Martin, Samuel Jobe, and Isaac Dyer, who came to warn him and his neighbors, who had increased to the number of about half a dozen, of tlieir danger, and advised them to leave immediately, or to " fort." Mr. Beard, unwilling to remove his effects, or to leave them exposed, resolved to remain. Four of the six, however, determined to leave. The three men went home, and returned with ten or twelve others, with guns and rifles, to assist in building a fort. The cabin of Mr. Beard was taken into the inclosure, in which three block-houses were built. The three families were crowded into this single cabin. This fort was afterward adopted as one of those in which the government kept small garrisons. This fort was never attacked ; but near tbe fort next below, two young men were shot down, and although but about one hundred yards from tlie fort, they were scalped before the Indians could be driven off by the pickets. Mr. Beard was a member of the first board of county commissioners elected in the county. They met at Salisbury in February, 1817. He resided on his farm where he first settled until his death. He had eight chiklren, the eldest of whom was an only son, John, the subject of the following notice.

John Beard, sou of Thomas Beard, came with his father from North Carolina, where he was born Jan. 4, 1795. In the spring of 1816, three months after he attained his majority, he cast his first ballot for delegates to the convention that framed the first constitution of the state. He was a few years after, though 3'Oung, elected a justice of the peace. There being little litigation, his official business was chiefly the posting of stray horses, and in the absence of the minister, marrying some of the young people, with whom, being himself young, he was rather a favorite. For this service no charge was ever made nor fee received. There having been for several years an unusual amount of sickness, from which his family had greatly suftered, and hoping to find a more healthful locality, he followed some of his friends to Montgomery county, and settled, in the fall of 1823, near Crawfordsville, a new" town just laid out, where he still resides. In 1827, he was elected a representative from that county in the legislature, and, with a single exception, was continued in one or the other branch, for fifteen consecutive years, most of the time in the senate. Of all the members with whom he served the first term, but one besides himself is now living; and he is a citizen of Wayne county - John Jones, of Center township. He attained a high reputation as a legislator. Bills for the abolition of imprisonment for debt; liberal exemptions of property from liability to execution ; investing the governor with power to commute capital punishment for imprisonment for life, and the free school system received his active and efficient support. He rendered very eftective service in the passage of the bill for the construction of the Wabash and Erie Canal. The most formidable opposition to this measure came from James Rariden, a representative from Wayne county ; the other two members, Wm. Elliott and John Finley, being friendly to the measure. In 1833, Mr. B. being then in the senate, a bill to incorporate a state bank had passed the house, and was sent to the senate. The great loss sustained by the general government from the old State Bank at Vincennes with her branches, induced Mr.

Beard and other senators to oppose it ; and it was defeated by a single vote. But believing that the people were determined on having a bank, he ofi'ered a resolution, which was passed, providing for the report, at the next session, of a plan designed more effectually to secure the public against loss. The measure was a complete success. The advantages to the people of this state of that institution are w^ell remembered by the oldest citizens of the state.

In 1841, Mr. Beard was appointed by President Harrison to the office of Receiver of Public Moneys at the land-office at Crawfordsville ; in consecpience of which, he resigned his office of senator two years before the expiration of the term. He held the office until after the accession of Mr. Van Buren to the presidency; and in 1846 he was returned to the senate. The remainder of his legislative career was no less successful than the former part had been. Several measures of great public importance adopted during his last term in the senate, w^ere largely indebted for tJK^ir success to the influence which he had acquired in that body. Although Beard many years ago ceased to be a resident of the county, he is remembered and esteemed by many of its old citizens - some of them his associates in the legislature. This fact, together with that of his having been one of the earliest settlers of the county, for which he still entertains a warm regard, seems to justify a compliance with the expressed wishes of his old friends that his name be given a conspicuous place in our county's history.

Benjamin Beeson was born in Guilford county, 5^. C. lie was married to Dorcas Starbuck ; and in 1814 he settled in "Washington township, 3 miles south of Milton, on the farm on which he resided until his death in 1852, and on which his son, Benj. Franklin, now resides. He was an earl3\justice of the peace. The following are the names of his children, the first two of whom were born in Carolina : 1. Bczaleel, who married, first, Anna IIoo\'er, and had four children, three now living ; married, second, Phebe Bobbs, who has a son. 2. 0thniel. [Sk.] 3. TenipUion, who resides near the line of the township, in Fayette county. 4, 5. Dclil'ih and lu'.r/nl, who died leaving families. 6. Gididma, married, and lives in Hamilt(m county. 7. Benjamin F., living on the homestead.

Othniel Beeson, son of Benjamin, was born in North Carolina, May 7, 1813, and came, when young, with his father's family to Washington township, in which he has resided until the present time. He was in 1838 elected a justice of the peace; in 1850, a delegate to the constitutional convention; in 1858, a state senator for 4 years; re-elected in 1862, and again in 1870. He married in Washington, Elizabeth Whissler. Their children are, Monford G., who married Louisa Harvey, and resides in the south-west part of the township ; Helena ; Barbara, who married Franklin Y. Thomas, of Posey, Fayette county ; Amanda N.

Benajah Hiatt, second son of Wm. Hiatt, was born in North Carolina, and was married to Elizabeth White. In 1824 he removed to this county, and settled near Milton. He was the first saddler in the township, and had a shop in a part of his dwelling. After a few years, he devoted his attention wholly to farming. He had 6 children, who settled in this county: 1. Naomi, wife of Elijah Coffin. 2. llordecai, who married Rhoda Dicks, in N. C. ; removed to Milton in 1827, commenced business as a saddler, and continued it about 25 years, when he removed to his farm near town, which he conducted about 16 years ; and in 1868 removed to Richmond, where he now resides. He had 9 children, besides 3 who died in infancy and childhood: Elizabeth D., wife of Samuel F. Fletcher, in Richmond. Benajah W., who married Martha Ann Wilson, and lives in Kansas. Semina, wife of Dr. Wm. P. Waring, Richmond. Martha W., wife of Joshua Moffitt, Thorntown, Ind. Jesse D., who married Louisa Woodward, and moved to Springdale, Kansas. Wm. J., who married Eliza Smith, of Indianapolis, and is a merchant in Richmond. Francis Henry, unmarried; resides at Springville, Kansas. 3. Anna, second daughter of Benajah Hiatt, married Eli Unthank ; they live at Spiceland. 4. Jo/i?i, who married Rebecca Unthank; they live at Spiceland. 5. Esther G., wife of Joseph Dickinson, both living and residing in Richmond.

William Hiatt, who remained in North Carolina, had 9 children who reached mature age, all of whom, except one, came to this county: 1. Prudcnre, wife of James Stanley, w])0 settled in Ohio, both still living, aged about 92. 2. Joel, who settled at Milton, about 1827. His son, Allen, came in 1824 or 1825; was first a potter, afterward a merchant at Knightstown and at Anderson a few years, and for many years at Milton, of the firms of Moore & Hiatt, and Hopkins and Hiatt. Isom, another of his sons, removed west. 3. Benajah, subject of the foregoing sketch. 4. Rachel, wife of Wm. Kersey, who settled south of Dublin, now in Washington township. A son, Vierling Kersey, is a physician in Richmond. Another son, also a physician, resides 3 miles east of Richmond, and is also a farmer. 5. Silas, who married Anna Clarj^ and settled one mile southwest of Milton, and died at Milton. 6. Isoyn, married, and lives in Ohio. 7. Esther, wife of Jesse Evans, both living 2 miles west of Richmond. 8. Amor, who married Achsah Willis and lives in Hamilton county. 9. Rebecca, wife of Wm. Unthank, Spiceland.

Jesse Hiatt, son of Eleazar Hiatt, came, when young, with his father, from North Carolina to Ohio in 1815, and thence to Richmond in the winter of 1818-19. He was for about five years a clerk in the store of Hiatt & Moore, in Milton, and, in 1840, commenced trade for himself, and continued until 1860. In 1861 he removed to Dublin, where he is still in business with his son, Wm. F. He married Margaret Ann Fletcher. He has four children: William F., who married Frances M.Lawrence, daughter of Edmund Lawrence, formerly a county commissioner and a member of the legislature. Charles E., who married Ella Pike, and is on a farm in Henry county, adjoining Jackson. Frank F.,at Earlham College, and Sarah Anna, aged 11 years.

Richard J. Hubbard, son of Jeremiah Hubbard, was born in North Carolina, and was married to Sarah Swain, November 26, 1826, and in the fall of 1828, removed to Milton, where he now resides. He is by trade a carpenter. He has taken an active interest in political affairs. About the year 1834, he was elected a representative in the state legislature, and re- elected at the next three successive elections. He belonged to the Whig party; hut in 1848 joined the Free Soil party in support of Martin Van Buren and Charles F. Adams, the presidential nominees of the Buffalo convention, by which party he was nominated as a candidate for Congress. He has had a life-long connection with the society of Friends. He had twelve children, five sons and seven daughters, none of whom died until nearly full grown; and nearly all of them attained to manhood and womanhood. Four of his sons served in the late Union army, two of whom died as veterans in the service. Mr. Hubbard has a brother at Newcastle, Butler Hubbard, late recorder of Henry county, and two sisters and a daughter who are ministers iu the society of Friends. He has a second wife.

William McGrew, a native of Kentucky, moved from Ohio, and settled about 1814 four miles east from Milton. He was a soldier under General Harrison in the war of 1812. He died of cholera, in Iowa, in 1851, while on a visit, with his wife, to their children in that state. Their children were : 1. Lewis, who married Ann Highfield, removed to Iowa, and died there. 2. Isabella, wife of Charles Myers; both deceased. 3. John, married, and resides at Muscatine. 4. Polly, wife of John Scott, who is dead; she resides at Carmel, Hamilton county. 5. Rachel, wife of B. Scott, and died in Illinois. 6. Charles, who married Melinda Hurst, and lives about 5 miles south-east from Milton. 7. Elizabeth, wife of Dr. Whitmer, of Milton. 8. Melinda, wife of Jonathan Fertish, Carmel. 9. Letitia, wife of James Morris, Upland. 10. James B. married Huldah A. Welliver, and is postmaster, Dublin. 11. Hannah, wife of John Ewing, Wabash. 12. Lindsey married Sarah Zell, and lives in Milton.

Charles H. Moore was born October 24, 1806, in Person county, N. C, and at the age of 10 years removed to Guilford county. In 1829, he removed to Milton, and engaged in the saddle and harness making business. In 1834, in company with Joel Hiatt, he went into the dry goods trade and the saddling business, in which they continued until 1841, since which time he has lived on his farm half a mile east of town. He is an esteemed citizen and an exemplary member of the society of Friends. In 1839, he married Marcia White, daughter of Aaron White. Their cliildren, besides one who died in infancy, are: Thomas Albert, Mary Anne, Morris Henry, Deborah W., Elizabeth W., Marcia F.

Joel Pennington was born in Huntingdon county, Pa., February 11, 1709. He removed to Springboro', Ohio, in 1818, where he married Ann jMatthews, September 8, 1820. He studied medicine at Springboro' and Centerville ; took his first course of lectures in 1832 or 1833, and graduated at Ohio Medical College in 1847. He settled at Milton in October, 1825, where he has practiced his profession with success for forty-six years. He has probably had a longer practice in the county than any other physician now living. Both as a professional man and as a citizen, he has ever enjo^'ed the confidence and esteem of the community.

Source changes here: from History of Wayne County, Indiana : Together with Sketches of Its Cities, Villages and Towns, by Inter-state Publishing Company (Chicago, Ill.), published 1884; 16,005 words in this source stream.

Washington Township

Washington Township, situated in the southwestern corner of Wayne County, is one of the six townships into which the county was divided in 1817. Washington was formed Feb. 10, of that year, and included an extensive territory. Its dimensions were reduced by the formation of Fayette County in 1819, and have been rendered still smaller by the formation of other townships from parts of its territory. It is, however, still a large township, seven miles east and west, and six north and south. The surface is variable, being broken by the Whitewater and its tributaries, which furnish good drainage and abundant water-power. The soil is generally of excellent quality, and farms and improvements are fully equal to those in any part of the county. The first election was held at the town of Waterloo, which was then within the township limits, [n 1819 the election was held at the house of Levi Willetts. In 1829 the voting place was changed to the town of Milton.

Thomas Symonds, from North Carolina, was probably the first settler in the township. He arrived in December, 1811, and began an improvement about a mile north of Milton. His family consisted of himself and wife. Indians were numerous and no other white settlers were near. During the troubles of 1812 he left his plantation and went to the settle- raent in the vicinity of Richmond, where he remained until danger was over. Mr. Symonds erected the first mill in the township (a corn-cracker) in 1814. He died in 1865. His mill was successively owned by Mordecai Mendenhall, Jacob Shock, Joseph Stubbs and others. Thomas Beard settled two and a half miles southeast of Milton about 1811. The Beard farm is the site of an old block-house built by the settlers as a defense against the Indians, about 1812.

Benjamin Beeson, who died in 1852, settled three and a half miles south of Milton in 1814. James Walker, from Tennessee, and John Wallace came the same year. Adam Banks (who was a Baptist minister and a Tennesseean) located on the county line in 1815. James Jackson, from North Carolina, settled adjoining the Beeson farm in the same year. A man named Logan was an early settler on land afterward M. G. Beeson's. Eli Wright, an early Justice and Member ot the Legislature, settled near Benj. Beeson's. Micajah Ferguson, from North Carolina, settled on section 15 in 1816. His brother Joel, who was a Baptist preacher, settled earlier on section 11. Nimrod Ferguson came in 1816, and at once began the erection of a brick house - a rare kind of dwelling at that date. Thomas Beeson, from North Carolina, came in 1818. Harrison Shortridge, Joseph Caldwell, Jehial Lampson, Solomon Burkett, John Foulke and Joseph Williams were early settlers in the southwestern part of the township; Matthew Symonds and David Shay, in the western part. In the northwestern part of the township the following were early settlers: John Callaway, 1814; John Bell, Boaz Thorp (whose daughter, aged three years, was stolen by the Indians), Moses Cooper, 1817; Peter Martz, Thomas Pierson, Isaac and Daniel Whitely, Job Paynes, Samuel Drury and Gideon Myers.

Jehu Wilson, 1818, settled one mile south of Milton. Jonathan Justice was a pioneer who died near Milton. James Cathcart settled early in the same neighborhood. James and John Shaw settled on or near the present farm of Isaac Kinsey, soon after the war of 1812. John Knipe and Reuben Bronson came early to the same neighborhood. Among the early settlers on the east side of the river were:

In the valley of Green's Fork, Thomas Marlatt (who reared three sons that have become ministers), William, Levi, Jesse and Samuel Willetts settled early. Levi was an early Justice and Jesse a County Commissioner. Wm. McGrew settled in 1820.

John and Philip Fox were early settlers in the southern part of the township. Philip and John Doddridge, Isaac Jenkins and several others came from Pennsylvania with their families in 18M, and settled in the eastern part of the township, where their descendants still live. John Hurst, who was the father of a large family of sons and daughters, settled early in the same neighborhood.

David Smith, Henry Hartman and Abraham Hathaway were quite early in the northeastern part of the township. Joshua Lamott is now the oldest resident in that part of the township. David and Hudolph Way mire, Moses Nethercutt, Philip Burris and Wm. Beeson were early settlers along Nolan's Fork.

Joseph Lower was an early settler west of the Whitewater. Benj, Harvey, Thomas Hardin and Isaac Kinley also settled on that side of the river early. On the east side of the river, below the mouth of Green's I'ork, were James Hannah, James McLean, Robert Diever and Jacob Grewell.

Among the early mills of the township were Symonds', already mentioned; Samuel Shortridge's, on Green's Fork; John and Christopher Miller's saw-mill and grist-mill, on the same stream, built about 1820; Jesse Brewer's, 1830, gristmill on Green's Fork; Samuel Cummack's saw-raill, and several others of later date. Jonathan Hunt set up a cardingmill a mile north of Milton about 1828. There was also an early carding and cloth-dressing mill in the northeastern part of the township, owned by Wm. Petty. Samuel Cum- mack built a carding-mill near his saw-mill, and afterward converted it into a woolen factory. It was subsequently removed to Milton by N. H. Cummack, and became known as the Milton Woolen Mills. It is now a flourishing establishment owned by the Milton Woolen Mill Company.

Milton, one of the most thriving and prosperous country towns in Wayne County, is substantially built and pleasantly situated. It is in the northwestern part of Washington Township, on the old Whitewater Canal, the Whitewater Railroad, and the Fort Wayne, Cincinnati & Louisville Railroad. The town was laid out by John Bell and the plat recorded July 5, 1824. Additions were soon after made by Thomas Symonds, Benajah Iliatt, Jonathan Justice and Elijah Coffin; additions by Thomas Symonds and others in 1825 and 1827; by Jonathan Justice in 1829 and 1838; by Jacob Sinks in 1838; and by James Brown in 1847.

The first house built in the town stood on the north side of the alley opposite Dr. Pennington's lot. In 1825, says Dr. Joel Pennington, to whom we are indebted for many interesting items of early history, the town contained eight families, viz.: Those or' Thomas Reagan, Samuel Pierce, James Lee, John Dill, Lewis Perry, Allen Hiatt, Joseph Neff and Mrs. Catharine Evans. Mrs. Polly Michael, recently deceased, lived on the Sinks farm, not far from where the woolen-mill now stands. Reagan and Pierce each kept store and exchanged dry-goods and groceries for farm products. Butter was then 6 to 8 cents per pound; eggs, 2 to 4 cents per dozen; corn, 10 cents; oats and potatoes, 10 to 12 cents; wheat, 31 to 37 cents per bushel, and other articles in proportion. At that time Milton contained but two two-story bouses, one at present occupied by the store of J. Brown & Son; the other on the opposite corner where the brick store stands; this was early occupied as a tavern. It is still standing, having been moved from its original location. Dr. Pennington passed the first winter in Milton in a double log cabin, 12 x 14 feet in size. Allen Hiatt, Esq., occupied the other end of the cabin.

John Bell, Jacob Sinks, Jonathan Justice and Elijah Cofl5n, early proprietors of Milton, were all Quakers from North Carolina. The town as originally laid out was bounded on the north by Canal street, east by West River street, south by Connersville street, and west by Brook street. "Wm. Mc- Kinney was the auctioneer for the first sale of town lots; Samuel Morris, still living, acted as clerk of the sale.

At the time the town was platted the county road leading from Centreville westward to the State capital passed through Milton. The location of the National road north of the town was made a few years later, 1827.

Milton grew quite prosperously during its early years. In 1826 it had a population of nearly 200, with four stores, two blacksmith shops, a physician, one tavern, one hatter, a shoemaker, a potter, a saddler, a tannery, and a postoffice.

The first store in the town was opened by Thomas Reagan prior to 1825. His store stood one block north of the principal corner. Samuel Pierce commenced soon after on the west side of Main street. John Wright & Son were probably the next merchants, where John Brown & Son now have their store. Joshua Willetts and James Antrim soon after engaged in the mercantile business in partnership. Elijah Coffin commenced keeping store in 1829, and continued the business many years.

Pierce built the corner building, now Grigsby's drug store. He sold out to Feuner & Harker, and went to Richmond. Later merchants were: Henry Develin, Shank & Hawkins, and Crum & Moorman.

Other mercantile firms of former years were: John Talbot, Moore & Hiatt, Moore, Hannah & Meredith, Sinks & Talbot, E. P. & H. Justice, Mary & Sarah Roberts, Morris & Frampton, Jesse Hiatt, Hopkins & Hiatt, Benj. Elmer, S. L. Foulke, Hiatt & Moore, C. H. & W. H. Moore (1854. to 1860 - erected brick corner, 1856) and many others.

The date of the establishment of the postoffice at Milton cannot be definitely ascertained. Elijah Coffin was the first Postmaster, serving until 1833. His successors have been: Henry Develin, 1833; John Talbot, 1844; Henry Develin, 1844; Edward Roberts, 184:9; Wm. McLaughlin, 1853; Lu-

An early incident in the history of Milton is worthy of record here. The famous and eccentric Lorenzo Dow preached here once in 1828. The services were held in a private house and a large congregation was present. At the conclusion of the exercises Dow jumped out of the window, mounted his horse and rode away without a word to any one.

Among the leading business men and prominent citizens of Milton in 1836 were: Charles Moore, Joel Hiatt, Allen Hiatt, Daniel Sinks, George Hopkins, John Wright, Enoch Justice, Henry Justice, and others. David Crum, John Moorman, Daniel Sinks and Samuel Pierce were the merchants.

The completion of the Whitewater Canal gave some impetus to the business of Milton. The main building now occupied by the Dorsey Machine Works was erected by the Canal Company and used by them as a warehouse for several years.

The first cabinet-maker was a man named Peck, in 1825, Wm. and Jonathan Matthews soon after engaged in the same business. In 1826 came Peter Du Hadway, a native of Maryland; he was the first tailor. Enoch Maudlin and Charles Wright were early wagon-makers. The first carriage manufactory was started in 1840 by Charles Leibhardt. The first physician was Dr. Pennington, in 1825. Among the first blacksmiths were Wm. Harris and Samuel Walker.

Tanneries were among the early industries; one of the most extensive was on the ground now occupied by the mill of Crawford Brothers. It was owned by William Conwell of Connersvilie, and operated by Henry and William Hall. Richard Moore started a tannery in 1842, and continued the business until 1845.

Pork-packing was once carried on quite extensively in Milton. The business was commenced in ] 836 by George Plopkins, Charles H. Moore and Joel and Allen Hiatt. Their packing-house stood on the southwest corner of Connersvilie street and Central avenue. They took their pork to market with wagons until the canal was built, and were also in the

A saw-mill was built at Milton by Jacob Sinks prior to 1825. About 1840 he erected a grist-mill on the site of the present river mill; it was subsequently owned by Daniel Sinks, SwafFord, Kimmel & Co., John Ross, Levin Warren, Jonathan Petty and Wm. H. Moore successively. In the fall of 1871 it was burned, involving a loss to its owner of $12,000. In 1872 W. H. Moore, Henry Myers and N. R. Nixon erected a paper-mill on the same site for the manufacture of wrapping paper. They sold out in the summer of 1875, and the establishment was soon after burned, involving a loss of $40,000. A grist-mill was built in 1880 by F. G-. Myers, and is now owned by Isaac Kinsey.

The canal-mill in Milton was built in 1846 by Jonathan Macy, Henry Izor and Daniel Sinks. Milton Hiatt soon after purchased Sink's interest. In 1852 Lewis B. Morrison, Thomas Newby and Henry Izor became the owners. Morris, Myers & Co. and others afterward owned it. Brosier & Carr became its proprietors next, and the mill was destroyed by fire. In 1880 Geo. Leggate erected the flouring mill now owned by Nordyke, Marmon & Co.

In 1859 Joseph Ingels, the inventor of the Hoosier Drill, commenced the manufacture of drills at Milton, using horsepower, and making twenty-five drills the first year. In 1867 Isaac Kinsey, Alexander Jones and Aaron Morris formed a stock company, Joseph Ingels acting as their agent. They did a large business manufacturing drills, cultivators, etc., and employing fifty to seventy-five hands. In 1877 they sold out to the present Hoosier Drill Company, who established a manufactory at Richmond.

In the fall of 1879 the Dorsey Machine Company was formed, and then purchased of Oliver Ferguson the property, formerly the Hoosier Drill Company's works in Milton. Mr. Ferguson, a stockholder, and successor to the company, had used the works for the manufacture of gates and fences. The Dorsey Machine Company was incorporated with a stock of $60,000, with the following ofiicers: Aaron Morris, President; Oliver Ferguson, Vice-President; D. P. Leibhardt, Sec- retary and Treasurer. In 1882 the capital was increased to $125,000. There are about twenty stockholders. The present officers are: Aaron Morris, President; Liuville Ferguson, Yice-President; W. T. Gaines, Secretary; D. P. Leibhardt Treasurer. The company manufactures harvesters and twine-binders, self-raking reapers, droppers, mowers, etc. They give employment to 140 men on an average. The average annual sales amount to about $300,000. The machines made by this company are sold principally in the States of the Ohio and Mississippi valleys. The manufactory is one of the most important in the county, and has proved instrumental in greatly advancing the prosperity of the town of Milton. The dimensions of the principal buildings are as follows: One main building, two-story and basement, brick, .36x87, and wing 40x56 feet; main building, two-story frame, '36 X 190 feet; foundry, one-story brick, 41x41 feet; smith-shop, one-story brick, 35x41 feet; storage buildings, 36 X 88, and 20 x 68 feet, frame.

A bank, known as the Citizens' Bank of Milton, was organized June 1, 1865. Wm. H. Moore, the principal organizer, was its first President, and was succeeded by A. B. Claypool. The bank closed its business in 1870.

The mill now owned by Crawford Brothers was built in 1876 bv Commons, Lee & Walker. It is a two-story brick structure, 48x60 feet, and was intended for a furniture factory The property changed hands after a few months, and has 'since been used principally for the manufacture of

Milton had a population of 823 in 1870 and of b55 in 1880 Since the ceusiis of 1880 it has grown quite rapidly, and tliere are now probably nearly 1,100 inhabitants Among the business interests not already noticed are the following Drygoods stores, Jones and Grush, Jttorris H. Moore & Co Chas. Miller & Co.; groceries and hartore F. M. Jones & Co, John Brown & Son; groceries, Wm. P. Moore, Jones and Atkinson; drug stores, St. Clair and Perkins, G. W. Callawa}^ & Co., J. M. Grigsby; shoe store, L. Baker; furniture Wm. H. Moore; undertakers, Lantz Brothers; stoves and tinware, P. J. Hoshour, D. HoUoway; carriage-maker, Peter Warren; liverv stable, James Ferguson; lumberyard, J. L. Lyons. W. H. Moore erected a fine hotel building during the year 1883, which will be opened to the public during the present year. There are other minor business interests which we have not space to mention.

Officers of the town of Milton for 1883-'4: Councilmen - 0. J. Morris, First Ward; Wm. A. Bragg, Second Ward; John H. Frazee (president), Third Ward ; Morris Moore, Fourth Ward; H. M. Grush, Fifth Ward; Clerk, J. B. Summers; Treasurer, D. P. Leibhardt; Marshal, Marcus Moore; Justice, Wm. McCullum.

Methodist Episcopal. - The fi.rst religious organization in the township was probably formed by the Methodists, as early as 1818. A log building was erected for a meetinghouse by Philip Doddridge, near the eastern line of the township, and the church still bears the name of Doddridge Chapel. Among the early members were: Philip and John Doddridge, Jacob and David Waymire, John Spahr, Michael Helm, John Henwood, Isaac Weekly and their wives, Mrs. David Jenkins, Mrs. William Walters, Joseph Lower, Joseph Williams, Thomas Beard and others. About 1825, for the Convenience of the members living on the west side of the river a church, built of hewed logs, was erected on that side of the river in the southern part of the township. The Lower and Williams families, Alexander Walters, John Elliott and others were early members here. About fifteen years later a frame church was erected on the land of Joseph Lower and named Lower's Chapel. It is generally known by the same name, though it is properly Haven's Chapel, named in honor of Bishop Haven. An organization is still maintained at the Lower church. The Doddridge Chapel of logs was replaced by a brick building about 1830. In 1876 a fine brick church was erected at a cost of about $4,000. A large cemetery adjoins the church lot. The membership of both churches is small. Among the pioneer Methodist preachers were John Strange, an eloquent and able man, James Havens, John Barns, Elijah Whitten, Benjamin Lawrence and A.W. Elliott.

Milton M. E. Church. - A Methodist church was formed in Milton about 1846. The class was organized by John W. Sullivan, minister. James Swafford, John Walker, Grand Beli, Thomas D. Axe, Mr. Linten and their wives were among the first members. Alexander Jones, John Zell, Joshua Grush, and Peter "Warren were early members. The first Sabbath-school in the town was organized by Dr. John Bell and John Zell, the latter being Superintendent for several years. Early preachers - Stiver, Seth Smith, Eliphaz Miller. Eev. A. IS". Marlatt is the present pastor. A frame meeting-house was erected in 1846. The present brick church was built in 1875-'6 at a cost of about $8,000. Eev. A. K Marlatt is the present pastor. The Trustees are - J. H. Frazee, John L. Wilke, A. D. Nefifand J^eison Gronendyke. The church and Sabbath-school each have about 100 members.

Milford Meeting. - About 1819 the Friends, who formed a large proportion of the early settlers, established a religious society and named it the Milford Meeting. The first meeting-house was a log building erected about a mile north of Milton. Among the early members were : Thomas Symonds, John Kinley, Jonathan Justice, Aaron Morris, John Bell, Matthew Symonds, Henry Thornburgh and Silas Hiatt. A little later, Mordecai and Benajah Hiatt, Aaron White, Richard J. Hubbard, Benjamin Morgan, Jehu, John, Gideon and Seth Wilson. Wm. Hawkins, Jonathan Hawkins, Thomas Moore were also members quite early. Still later, James Smith and Sarah his wife (the latter a minister for several years), Stephen and Elizabeth Morris and John Morris were prominent members. A few years after the meeting was established a frame house was erected which was used until 1882. A meeting-house was then built in Milton at a cost of about $1,500. Among the ministers of this meeting have been: John Kinley, Benajah Hiatt, Margaret White,

Annie Moore, Benj. Fuls^hum, Louisa Fulghum and John Miles. Philander Hinshaw is the present minister. There are about forty members at present. The Elders are Isaac and Susan Wilson ; Trustees, Caleb J. Morris and Richard Hastings. Milford belongs to Bethel Monthly Meeting.

In 1828 a separation of the Friends took place, and that branch known as the Hicksites formed a new society, retaining the same name, Milford Meeting. In 1829 they erected a meeting-house in the town of Milton where they still worship. Their early members were: Matthew Symonds, John Caldwell, Henry Thornburgh, John Ferris, Silas Hiatt, John Lacy, Jehosphat Morris, Aaron Morris, John and Samuel Morris, Bethuel Coffin, Jonathan Justice, Daniel and Isaac Whitely, Isaac Frampton, Solomon Sweigart, Oliver Matthews and oth^s. George Hatton, Joseph Cadwallader, William Mc- Kimmy and others were early ministers. The present membership is small, representing about fourteen families. Samuel Morris, John Carr, Daniel Haycock and Joseph Ferris are among the oldest living members. The overseers are: Isaac Whitely and Wm. Ferris.

The Wesleyan Methodists, formed a church in Milton about 1855. A year or two later, a union church, free for all denominations, was built, at a cost of about $1,200, and is still used as such. This was the place of worship of the Wesleyan Methodists until their organization expired about 1862.

Milton Christian Chiirch. - This church was organized chiefly through the labors of elder Samuel K. Hoshour, who preached in Milton for some time prior the organization. The church was formed in May, 1844; Samuel Walker was chosen Elder, and John Walker and Thomas Virgin, Deacons. The original members were: James and Catharine Walker, Rachel Griffy, Julian J. Walker, Mary Wallace, Mary A. Doran, Julia A. Griff}'^, Minerva and Sarah Asher, Jane Mills, Nancy Boggs, Agnes Knipe, Sarah Ritter, Catharine Walker, Mrs. Sarah Asher, Matilda Jones, Richard and Sarah Hubbard, Peter Warren, Henry B. Shull, Elizabeth Warren, Ruth Brown, Caroline Allison, Sarah Virgin, Sarah Shull, Margaret and Nancy Warren, Jane Virgin, Ann Cooper, Susan Walker and Lydia Shank. At first services were held in the school-house and later in the union church. In the latter worship was held until 1883, when a church edifice was erected at a cost of about $2,500. There are over 100 members. The early pastors were: Elders Hoshour, Benj. Franklin, J". L. Parsons, Daniel Yan Buskirk, Henry K. Pritchard, J. B. Irvin and others. The present pastor is Eev. J. M. Land. Present church officers: Elders, Dr. Joel Pennington, Dr. B. M. Witmer; Deacons, Thos. Hunt, J. B. Manlove, Charles Harrison.

Franklin Church, situated in the township, about two and a half miles east of Milton, was organized in 1840. Daniel Winder, A. Harlan and S. K. Hoshour were early pastors. Wm. G. Reynolds, Caleb Lewis, Wra. McGrew, Wm. Swafford and their families, the Oldlakes, Kerlines and Willetts were early members. The congregation no longer has stated worship, and the church is only occasionally used for preaching. Franklin church belonged to the Disciples, or Christians,

The United Brethren organized a church in the northeastern part of the township several years ago. Nobody seems to know the history. It is locally known as the " Slab-bench Church, " occupies a neat frame building and has a small membership.

Masonic. - A lodge of Freemasons was instituted in Milton on the 14th day of February, 1851, under a dispensation from Elizer Doming, Grand Master of Masons in Indiana, bearing date Feb. 6 of the same year, with the following members and officers, viz.: Joel Pennington, W. M.; Edmund B. Kewman, S. W.; William McLaughlin, J. W. ; John M. Hiatt, Treasurer; Joseph Shissler, Secretary; Japhata Sellers, S. D. ; Joel Hiatt, J. D. ; and David I. George, Tyler. On the 30th day of May following, a charter was granted by the Grand Lodge of Indiana, and it was given the name of Milton Lodge, No. 108, F. & A. M., with the same officers as named under dispensation. It held its first election fdr officers at its stated communication on the day ton, W. M. ; Edmund B, jSTewman, S. W. ; Japhata Sellers, J. "W. ; Granville S. Newman, Treasurer; Joseph Shissler, Secretary; William McLaughlin, S. D. ; Joel Hiatt, J. D.; and David I. Georo^e, Tyler. It holds its meetings in its own hall, on West River street. The lot and building are valued at $1,200, including lodge furniture. It numbers at present thirty-eight members, and the following is a list of its officers for 1884: William E. Booth, W. M. ; Edward Bramwell, S. W.; Thomas Hunt, J. W.; Martin Y. Brown, Treasurer; Edmund B. Newman, Secretary; John B. Summers, S. D.; Aaron Crawford, J. D.; Robert Comthwait and Leopold Baker, Stewards, and John Wissler, Tyler. There are but three of the original members still belonging, viz. : Pennington, McLaughlin and Edmund B. Newman. The latter has served as Master of the Lodge for over twelve years. The other five, with one exception, John M. Hiatb, who lives in Keokuk, Iowa, have passed beyond that bourne from whence no traveler returns. The lodge meets in stated communication every month, and by its action wields a valuable influence in the community.

Biographical

Elkanah Ball, farmer, was born in Granger County, Tenn., in 1825, a son of James and Clarissa (Rice) Ball, his father a native of Yirginia, born in 1798, and his mother of South Carolina, born in 1797. They were married in Tennessee and five years later moved to Wayne County, Ind., and settled in Washington Township, where the fatJier died July 23, 1848. He accumulated a good property, owning at the time of his death 260 acres of well-improved land. Both he and his wife were active members of the Baptist church. To them were born ten children; six are living - Thomas E., of Lewisville, Henry Co., Ind. ; Benjamin T., residing near Spiceland; Elizabeth, widow of Robert C. Foster, who was killed at the battle of Richmond Mountain, Ky. ; Mary, wife of John H. Walker, of Nebraska; Daniel R., of Nebraska, and Elkanah. William H., Emeretta and two infants are deceased. Elkanah Ball was reared on a farm and his educational advantages were very limited. In 1846 he was married to Mary Farley, daughter of Joseph and Rebecca Farley, of Henry County, Ind. She only lived a month after her marriage, and in 1847 Mr. Ball married Elizabeth A., daughter of Adam and Lettice Ream, of Wayne County. They had a family of nine children; four are living - D. M., of Nebraska; Mercy A., wife of William Green; Ira R., of Nebraska, and Mary E., wife of Omar Kirlin. James, Margarett P., James M., Clarissa J. and an infant are deceased. Mrs. Ball died in 1877, and Mr. Ball subsequently married Mrs. Geraldine T. Severe, a widow of James Severe. They have one child - Maud. In 1864 Mr. Ball enlisted in the Twentysixth Indiana Infantry and served eight months. He receives a pension on account of disease contracted while in the service. He is a very active member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is now living on one of Isaac Doddridge's farms, which he is carrying on successfully.

Benja7nin Beeson^ one of the successful farmers and mechanics of his day, came from North Carolina to Wayne County, Ind., in 1812, on horse-back,, on a tour of exploration. He selected one-fourth of section 24, for which he paid the Government $2 an acre. He then returned to North Carolina but in 1814 with his wife and two children moved to Indiana Territory and built a log cabin in tJie unbroken wilderness preparatory to commencing the battle of pioneer life for which he proved to be competent. He worked at the blacksmith and wagon-maker's trades in bad weather and by patient industry cleared his land and made for himself one of the finest farms in Washington Township where he reared a large family and upon which he lived till his death in 1852.

£^ ^\ Beeson^ fourth son of Benjamin and Dorcas Beeson, was born Aug. 11, 1824, on the farm where he now resides. He was reared to a farmer's life and obtained a limited edu_ cation in the primitive log school-house. He was first married Jan. 22, 1848, to Catherine, daughter of John and Sarah Howard, old settlers of this county. Of nine children born to them, five are now living - Oliver H., Lizzie (wife of Albert Williams), Elmer E., MayF., and Minnie E. William M. died April 1, 1873, aged twenty-two years. Mrs. Beeson died April 14, 1873, aged forty-seven years. Sanford G. died May 10, 1873, aged thirteen years. Joseph F. died Aug. 8, 1873, aged nineteen years. Ira J. died Aug. 13, 1863, aged eighteen months. After his marriage Mr. Beeson resided on a farm adjoining the old homestead five years, when, upon the death of his father, he settled on the home farm where he has since carried on farming and stock-raising, having 300 acres of fine land. Jan 22, 1879, he was married to Kate, daughter of Henry and Lydia Roadcap. Mr. Beeson has three married children, two sons and a daughter, located on farms in sight of the homestead, given them by their father. Politically he is a Democrat.

Florance M. Beeson^ farmer and station agent at Beeson Station, was born Oct. 5, 1857, a son of M. G. and Louisa (Harvey) Beeson, and a grandson of the Hon. Othniel Beeson. He was reared on the farm and received the rudiments of his education at the common school, which he completed at Earlham College and Spicqjand Academy in Henry County, Ind. Oct. 9, 1878, he was married to Kate, daughter of George A. and Jeanette Richmond. He was appointed Postmaster at Beeson in May, 1881, and still holds that office. He has an excellent farm containino- 194 acres of hisrhlv cultivated land.

M. D. Beeson^ son of Benjamin Beeson, was born Oct. 18, 1829, on the Beeson homestead, in Washington Township, Wayne Co., Ind. His boyhood days were spent on the farm and in attending the subscription schools. He was married in 1851 to Elizabeth E., daughter of Benjamin Harvey. To them were born four children - Lycurgus W., Orum L.,

George W. and Eva, wife of Charles Ferguson, of Posey Township, Fayette Co., Ind. Since his marriage Mr. Beeson has resided on his present farm. He owns 200 acres of wellimproved land, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was elected Township Trustee in 1882, and still holds that office. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party.

Othniel Beeson was born in North Carolina in 1813, a son of Benjamin Beeson, who came to Indiana Territory in 1814. He was reared on the farm, and has always followed that vocation. He has been successful in his business life. He has always taken an active part in political aflfairs. He was originally a Jackson Democrat, acting with the party till 1854, when it made slavery the chief corner-stone of its organization, and he was ruled out of the party as a heretic for refusing to co-operate with them in endeavoring to open the door to slavery in all our Territories. He at once joined the Republican party, and has since been one of its firmest supporters. He has held several responsible positions as a representative of Wayne County. In 1850 he was elected a Member of the Constitutional Convention of the State; in 1858 he was elected to the State Senate, and re-elected in 1862; in 1863 he was appointed by Governor Morton to investigate the condition of refugees sent North bj'' the order of General Sherman, and also to enroll the militia of Wayne County; in 1870 he was again elected to the Senate, and was appointed chairman of several important committees. He has had an extensive acquaintance with the leading influential men of Indiana.

Thomas Beeson was born Dec. 20, 1792, in Guilford County, N. C. He removed to Wayne County, Ind,, in 1818, and located in Washington Township, where he was successfully engaged in farming till his death. He was married in his native county Jan. 16, 1817, to Eunice Starbuck, a native of the same county, born Nov. 27, 1790. To them were born ten children, of whom three are living - Tremilius, Elwood and Jacob. The two latter reside on the place where they were born. The deceased are - Junius, Irena Knipe, Mahala Jackson, Luzena Wright, Semira (Knipe) Leeson, Ariel and Lexemuel. Elwood Beeson was born Sept. 16, 1833. March

3, 1868, he was married to Sallie E., daughter of William P and Charity S. (Beeson) Lindsay. To them have been born two children, one of whom died in infancy. Mr. Beeson was politically a very staunch Democrat. He was an upright man, of good common sense and sound judgment. He died May 17, 1867. He owned at his death one thousand acres of land, 160 acres in Wayne County. His wife died Jan. 11, 1884, at the advanced age of ninety-three years. She was a bright, intelligent and very true woman. She retained her mind until her death. She had lived nearly sixty years on the farm where she died.

Jacob Brooks^ deceased, was born in Augusta County, Ya., Aug. 27, 1795, a son of Jonathan and Betsey (Larue) Brooks, natives of Virginia. When he was six years old his parents moved to Hamilton County, Ohio, where a short time after his father died. His mother, with her family, then moved to Kentucky, where she again married, and subsequently returned to Ohio. Jacob Brook's boyhood was spent on a farm,, and he received but a limited education. "When seventeen years of age he enlisted in the war of 1812, and served through the most of the war, receiving subsequently a pension for his services. His father was a soldier in the war of the Revolution. Mr. Brooks was married May 31, 1818, to Eliza, daughter of Thomas Robinson, of Kentucky. She died Dec. 31, 1827, leaving two daughters. Oct. 19, 1830, he married Mrs. Mary (Vorhis) Felter. To them were born eight children - Mary J., Jackson, Martha M., T. Benton, Irene, Addie, Josephine, Aurelius. Mary J., the eldest, is deceased. After his marriage Mr. Brooks settled on a farm in Centre Township, residing there till his death. He was an influential man of the township, public spirited, energetic, liberal and genial. He was honored and esteemed by all who knew him. He was prosperous in business. Starting in life with very little, he accumulated a handsome property, owning at one time 260 acres of excellent land, half of which, however, he sold. He was a member of the Old School Baptist church twenty-seven years. His wife has been a member of the same church thirty-five years. Both were active members and regular attendants of the church. Mrs. Brooks was born Sept. 28, 1802, near the Little Miami River, Ohio, a daughter of Jacob and Hannah Yorhis, her father a native of New Jersey and her mother of Pennsylvania. She was married in 1821 to William C. Felter, who died Aug. 27, 1827, leaving four children, all now deceased. In 1824 they removed to Hagerstown, Ind., and were living there at the time of Mr. Felter's death. Mrs. Brooks was married both times by the same minister, Elder James Jones, and both husbands lie in the same cemetery.

G. Tf . Callaway^ Postmaster and druggist, Milton, Ind., was born in Washington Township, Wayne Co., Ind., in 1834, a son of James and Matilda (Cooper) Callaway, his father a native of North Carolina, and his mother of Pennsylvania. His grandparents, John and Sarah Callaway, and Moses and Catherine Cooper, settled in Wayne County about 1816. His paternal grandfather entered 160 acres of land from the Government. He was an influential member of the Friends society, and was instrumental in building the Milford meeting-house. Our subject's parents were married in Wayne County. To them were born ten children, six of whom are living - Mary Ann, widow of Joshua Gresli; Dr. B. T., of Madison County, Ind. ; John, George W., Morris M., Sarah E.jWife of James Bragg of Greenfield, Ind. James, Solomon, William and Robert, are deceased. The father died in January, 1878, and the mother in 1873. He was a radical antislavery man, and voted with the Whig and Republican parties. Our subject was reared on the farm, but received a good education, completing it at Fairview Seminary, in Rush County, Ind. He then taught school in Wayne and Fayette counties seven years, and subsequently settled in Milton, where he has been engaged in business of different kinds. In 1880 he established his present drug-store, and at the same time was appointed Postmaster. He has served as a member of the School Board twelve successive years, and while living in Fayette County served a short time as Justice of the Peace. Mr. Callaway was married in 1858 to Elizabeth E., daughter of James and Harriet McCollora. They have three children - William, Charles H. and Robert F. Mr. Callaway's brother, Robert F., enlisted in 1861, in Company E,

Fifty-seventh Indiana Infantry, and was elected its First Lieutenant. He participated in all the battles of the regiment till the engagement at Kennesaw Mountain in 1863, when he was wounded, from the effects of which he died in the hospital at Chattanooga, July 3, 1863.

Robert L. Gomthwait was born in Butler County, Ohio, Nov. 8, 1830, and there passed his boyhood and early manhood, receiving a good education. He followed farming in his native county till 1861, when he moved to "Wayne County, Ind., and settled in "Washington Township. He owns 240 acres of the most productive land in the "Whitewater bottoms, all well improved, and is one of the successful and influential business men of the valley. Mr. Comthwait is a Master Mason of high standing, a member of Milton Lodge, ISTo. 108. In politics he is an earnest supporter of the Republican party. June 8, 1851, he was married to Mary M. Good, a native of Butler County, Ohio, born Oct. 21, 1829, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Good, both natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent, who moved to Ohio in 1816. To Mr. and Mrs. Comthwait were born four children; all were married; one lives in Wayne County, one in Missouri, and two in Kokomo, Ind. Mr. Comthwait's father, Francis Comthwait, was born in Pennsylvania in April, 1799, a son of Edward Comthwait, who came from England in 1788 and located in Pennsylvania, living there till 1805, when he removed to Butler County, Ohio, remaining there till his death. At that time there was but one brick house in Cincinnati. Francis Comthwait was married in 1818 to a Miss Cowgill, who died in 1828, leaving six children. In 1829 he married Margaret, daughter of John and Letta Bone, natives of New Jersey, and the first couple married west of the Big Miami River. To Mr. and Mrs. Comthwait were born six sons, one now deceased. They were very active members of the Christian church. Mr. Comthwait died April 25, 1866, in his sixty-seventh year. His wife died May 1, 1883, aged seventy-eight years.

Isaac Doddridge, farmer, was born in "Washington County, Pa., Dec. 19, 1809, a son of John, and grandson of Philip Doddridge. John Doddridge was born in Pennsylvania, May

2, 1786, and June 15, 1803, married Avis Manchester a native of Rhode Island, born Oct. 5, 1791. April 14, 1810, with his father and family they came to Wayne County, and settled on the farm where David Doddridge now lives, entering the land from the Government. Phillip Doddridge and wife were very active members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was one of the founders of the church known as Doddridge Chapel, and gave the ground for the cemetery and church, and helped build the first church there. They died on the farm where they first settled, aged eighty-five years. The first ,year after coming to Wayne County John Doddridge rented one of John Fox's farms. He afterward moved to the farm entered from the Government, where he spent the remainder of his days. He died in 1841, his wife surviving him till Sept. 1, 1883. They are both buried in the cemetery at Doddridge Chapel. They were prominent members of the Methodist church. To them were born eleven children, but four of whom are living - Nancy, wife of Frank McMullen, of Missouri: Isaac and David, of Wayne County, Ind., and John, of Lawrence County, Kan. The deceased are - Mary, Joseph, Benjamin, Sarah, Phoebe, Eliza and Philip. Isaac Doddridge was reared to manhood on the farm, and owing to poor educational advantages, schools in that day being few and of an inferior quality, his education was limited. When twelve years old he commenced to drive a four-horse team to Cincinnati, Ohio, and continued in that business till some time after his marriage. March 27, 1834, he was married to Sarah Weekly, a native of Yirginia, born in 1816, and a daughter of Isaiah and Agatha (Fishback) Weekly, who came to Wayne County in 1819, and settled in Abington Township. Mrs. Doddridge and Frances, wife of Philip Jenkins, are the only two of their four children now living. The first year after Mr. Doddridge was married he resided with his father. He then moved to Union County, Ind., and lived there nineteen years, when he bought the Lambert farm in Wayne County, and lived there eleven years. He then bought the farm where he now lives of the Hurst heirs. Mr. Doddridge is the largest land-owner in Wayne County, owning 2,000 acres in Wayne County, and 700 in

Union County. He has always been a hard-working man and his industry together with his good management has been the means of providing him and his family with comfort, and it is now a pleasure to him in his declining years to contem-' plate the result of a well-spent life. To Mr. and Mrs. Doddridge have been born eleven children, ten of whom are living - Mary A., wife of William Wright; Francina, wife of William Kramer; Eliza, wife of Harry Honseworth ; John H., pastor of the Fletcher Place Methodist Episcopal Church, Indianapolis; Isaiah, of Kansas; MordecaiD.;Lurana, wife of John Judkins; Benjamin, Wilbur and James. Phoebe is deceased. March 27, 1884, Mr. and Mrs. Doddridge celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage at which was present nine children and fourteen grandchildren, besides many friends and neighbors who were glad of an opportunity to congratulate their friends on their safe and prosperous arrival at this stage of their life journey.

M. D. Doddridge was born in Union County, Ind., in 1850, a son of Isaac and Sarah Doddridge, old settlers of Wayne County. He passed his boyhood days on the farm, receiving a good education in the common schools. In 1875 he entered the National Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio, where he remained a year. He then taught six terms in the district schools of Wayne and Union counties. Sept. 12, 1883, he was married to Mary J. Spahr, daughter of Joseph and Matilda Spahr. After his marriage he engaged in farming one of his father's farms, where he still resides. He and his wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church and earnest workers in the Sabbath-school. He is a young man of good business ability, and has the confidence of all who know him. His father, Isaac Doddridge, is the wealthiest man in Washington Township. He owns 3,000 acres of good land, the most of it in the township. He is a public-spirited, influential man, and is liberal in aiding all enterprises of benefit to the township. Although over seventy years of age, he is active and industrious, carrying on the affairs of his farmland superintending his own business. March 27, 1884, he and his wife celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage.

EUElwelh deceased, was born in Dnchess Connty N.Y W 1 1789 He received an academic education m his r qt land in 1820 he came to Indiana, locating near

Township Trustee, and assisted in organizing the township into sckool and road districts. He also ser\^ed as County Commissioner. For several years Mr. Ferguson has been connected with and been President of the First National Bank of Cambridge City. He is politically a Democrat, and cast his first vote in 1836 for Martin Van Buren. He was a delegate from Fayette County to the State Convention that nominated James "Whitcomb, the Democratic candidate, for Governor. His father was born in Wilkes County, N. C, May 16, 1784, a son of John Ferguson, and in 1816, with a wife and three children, came to Wayne County and purchased land, residing here till 1858, when he moved to Fayette County, where he died July 25, 1866. His wife died Oct. 23, 1871, aged eighty-two years. To them were born eleven children, but five are living - Linville, Salena, Savannah, Lindley and Kilby; Matilda, Horton, Livingston, Stanford, Jane and Olive are deceased. Micajah Ferguson was politically a Democrat, but, being a quiet, unostentatious man, had no ambition for public notoriety. He and his wife were members of the regular Baptist church. He was by occupation a farmer, although a great portion of his time he was employed in making the old-fashioned spinningwheels.

Nimrod Ferguson, deceased, was born Aug. 2, 1786, in Wilkes County, JST. C, and was of Scotch and Irish descent. He came to Wayne County, Ind,, about 1809, with his brother Joel, who bought a quarter-section, where Isaac and Charles Wilson now live. He partly explored the Twelve-Mile Purchase, but as the land had not been surveyed returned to North Carolina. He subsequently came to Indiana and bought and began clearing the land where his widow now resides, but the Indians proving troublesome he again returned to his home in North Carolina. After the close of the war of 1812 he returned to Indiana and bought a kiln of brick of Nat Leonard, who had a large kiln for supplying his neighbors brick for chimneys, and built the second brick house in the county. In 1817 he went to North Carolina, and Oct. 11, 1818, was married to Elizabeth Isbell, who was born Nov. 18, 1796, a daughter of Thomas Isbell. The same year he returned to Wayne County with his wife, and located on his land, remaining there till his death. He accumulated a large property. Politically he- was a Democrat. To Mr. and Mrs Fercruson were born eleven children; seven are living- Thomas L., Milton, John W., Pinkney, Casburn, James, and Sarah C widow of James Swafford. The deceased are - Almyra,'wifeof Pansom Wilcox, of Wabash County, Ind.; Yienna wife of William Wallace, of Wabash County, Ind.; Caroline, wife of William Carver, of Madison County, Ind and Discretion, wife of Mathias Lair, of Fayette County, Ind. Mr. Ferguson died Aug. 13, 1865, aged seventy-nine years. His wife is still living, aged eighty-seven years^ Thomas L. Ferc^uson was born on the old homestead in Wayne County, Ind" Oct 13 1819. His boyhood days were spent on the farm and in attending the subscription schools in the winter season. He was married in 1848 to Mary J., daughter of Caleb Lewis, after which he settled one mile east of his present farm, but soon after moved to the place where he now r sMes. He owns an excellent farm of 160 acres, which is unTe a high state of cultivation. He and his wife have been active members of the Christian church twenty-five years. Of the three children born to them, but one is hvmg-Ida F., wife of Lycurgus W. Beeson, of Fayette County, Ind^

Jolvh Ferris is a native of New Castle County, De and waVbfrn hi 1811. His parents were John and Anna Gray) Fe risnatives of Maryland. They emigrated to Indiana in mCand settled in the western part of ^-^^ -^TowU" ship on section 3, but subsequently removed to Milton, wtoe ie carried on a flour and feed store and also cultiva ed r Wl fann he owned adjoining the town. John Ferris died T«^\ Led eighty-two years, and Anna, his wife, died m 1^856 at'edseve'fySght years! They had four children- Ed' h Matthew William and Joseph. They were all mem- ItfhnT^o^U^ of Hicksite Friends. Joseph Ferris was

Albert W. Florea, fanner, was born in Fayette County, Ind., in 1836, a son of Lewis C. and Eliza (Dale) Florea, Ms mother a daughter of Joseph Dale, of Kentucky, who came to Indiana in an early day. Lewis Florea was born in Woodford County, Ky., in 1808, and in childhood came to Indiana with his parents, but being left an orphan returned to Kentucky, where he lived till manhood. In 1833 he came to Indiana, and in 1835 was married and settled in Fayette County, where he lived till his death in 1871. His widow still resides near the old homestead. To them were born eight children one of whom, the youngest, is deceased. They were active members of the old school Baptist church. Albert W. Florea passed his boyhood days in Fayette County, receiving a good common-school education. He subsequently attended Fairview high school, Rush County, and became qualified to teach, a vocation he followed in Fayette and Wayne counties three years. July 30, 1861, he, was married to Addie, daughter of Jacob and Mary Brooks, and settled on the farm where they now reside. He owns 162 acres of well-improved land, situated in the bottoms of the West Fork of Whitewater River. Mr. and Mrs. Florea have been members of the old school Baptist church eleven years. To them have been born four children - Josephine A., Lewis A., Emma E. and Perseus B.

Joseph T. Gai'd, deceased, located in Milton, Ind., in the spring of 1861, coming from his native county, Butler County, Ohio. He was reared a farmer, and purchased 160 acres adjoining the village of Milton. He married Phoebe Robinson, by whom he had one child - Anna, a resident of Sioux City, Iowa. Mrs. Gard died and he afterward married Harriet C. Fairchild, of Morris County, N. J. They had six children - Stephen, Daniel, Augusta, Jesse and Francis at home, and Seymour W., of Iowa. Mr. Gard died in November^ 1877, in the sixtieth year of his age.

Rev. P. E. Hinshaw was born in Randolph County, Ind., Aug. 6, 1848, a son of Solomon and Rachel (Hodgin) Hinshaw, natives of North Carolina, who, with their parents, settled in the above county in an early day. He was reared on a farm and after attaining his majority worked at the carpenter's trade in connection with farming. He was married Sept. 9, 1869, to Emma Haisley, and susequently removed to Rice County, Kan. While living in Kansas his crops were twice destroyed by grasshoppers. He visited his old home in the interest of the Friends, and was successful in securing considerable aid with which to build them a meetinghouse. He entered the ministry of that society in Kansas and has labored energetically for its benefit. In November 1882, he was called to the society in Milton, Mr. and Mrs. Hinshaw have seven children - Edwin M., Elbert R., Carrie J., Ella I., Laura M., Franklin S. and Mary J.

C. O. Hurst was born in Fayette County, Ind., in 1849, a son of M. and Sarah (Willetts) Hurst. When he was ten years of age his parents moved to Wayne County and settled on the farm where he now resides. His bcJyhood was spent on the farm, and he received a good education. Jan. 18, 1872, he was married to Sarah A., daughter of Isham and Elizabeth Ann Waymire, of Wayne County. After his marriage he located on the old home place where he still resides. He owns 325 acres of well- improved land, and is one of the best farmers of the township and a very highly respected and influential citizen. To Mr. and Mrs. Hurst have been born three children - Icy May, Cora B. and Charles E. Mrs. Hurst is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Hiram L. Jones, farmer, was born April 9, 1835, in Milton, Ind., a son of Alexander and Mary (Dickel) Jones, natives of Lancaster County, Pa., his father born in 1808, and his mother in 1811. Alexander Jones came to Wayne County, Ind., about 1834 and settled in Milton, where he worked at the cooper's trade till 1864, and was also engaged in farming and general merchandising. In 1867 he was one of four to organize the Hoosier Drill Works, his partners being Joseph Ingels, the original patentee, Aaron Morris, and Joshua Gresh. The capital stock was $60,000. Mr. Jones was Treasurer of the company till 1874. He owned 160 acres of excellent land in Iowa and a saw-mill and furniture factory in Milton, and also a handsome residence, but prior to his death he gave the greater part of his property to his children. He and his wife were active members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politicall}^ he was first a Whig and afterward a strong Eepublican. He died Nov. 7, 1879. His wife died Feb. 7, 1881. To them were born ten children - all living but Isaac, who enlisted in the war of the Rebellion in October, 1861, in the Fifty-seventh Indiana Infantry, and served till the spring of 1862, when he was taken sick at l^ashville, Tenn., and died in May. Wilson D. is a dry -goods merchant of Milton; Hiram L., our subject; Sarah Ann, the wife of John Woodburn, resides in Washington County, Pa.; Mary Eliza is the wife of William Davis; Alexander, Jr., resides in Carroll County, Ind.; John L. is a miller in Wayne Township; Francis M. is a merchant of Milton; George M. is the confidential clerk ofFleischmann&Co., distillers, Cincinnati, Ohio; Henry S. has charge of the city trade of Clark & Wise, manufacturers of oils anS axle grease, Chicago, 111. Hiram L. Jones was educated in the common schools of Milton and subsequently attended two terms at Fairview Academy, Rush Co., Ind. In 1861 he was appointed to the first-class clerkship in the Patent Oftice at Washington, D. C, by David P. Holliday, and served two years. He was then promoted to the second-class clerkship and served two years, and was again promoted to second assistant examiner of patents, and served till May 1, 1870, when he resigned and returned home, and engaged as traveling salesman for the Hoosier Drill Company remaining with them four years, and then traveled two years for Ludlow & Rogers. May 24, 1877, Mr. Jones was married to Minerva Lewis, who was born Jan. 20, 1844, a daughter of Caleb and Mary (Willits) Lewis. They have one child - Nellie. After his marriage Mr. Jones settled on his present farm, a mile east of Milton, where he is successfully engaged in farming. He is a member of Milton Lodge, No. 108, F. & A. M. Politically he is a Republican. Mrs. Jones 'is a member of the Christian church.

George Kimmel^ farmer, was born in Washington Township, Wayne Co., Ind., in 1841, a son of Jacob and Martha Kimmel. His boyhood was passed on the farm and he received a very limited education in the district schools.

May 16, 1865, he was married to Elmira Sourbeer, daughter of Michael and Fanny Sourbeer, natives of Lancaster County, Pa., who came to Indiana in 1854 and settled in "Wayne County. ]^rs. Kimrael died in 1872, leaving two children - Chalma and Ora. She was a member of the Lutheran church. In 1875 Mr. Kimmel married Mrs. Jennie Sowers, widow of George Sowers. They have two children - Lutber and Edith. Mrs. Kimmel is a member of the Lutheran church. Mr. Kimmel owns eighty acres of good land, and also, with his brother, 180 acres in another part of the township. He owns a fourth interest in the Gang Plow Works at German town.