USA > Indiana > Henry County > History of Henry County, Indiana > Part 41
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supply, present pastor. Membership, about seventy. Present Elders: D. W. Chambers, T. R. Vaughan.
Lutheran .- St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church was organ- ized by Rev. J. Geiger, Sept. 14, 1850. The original members were: Benjamin Shirk, Frances A. Shirk, Mary Over, Susan Mitchell, Henry F. Clunk, Catharine Clunk, Elizabeth Johnson, Catherine Mowrer, Jacob Mowrer, Elizabeth Clunk, Joanna F. Wood, Louisa Newcomer, John Heichart, Rebecca Heichart. The first officers were: John Heichart, Elder; Benjamin Shirk and Henry F. Clunk, Deacons. The pastors have been: Revs. S. P. Snider, S. Mc- Reynolds, H. Bickle, J. Keeler, P. G. Bell, Duncan Ross, J. H. Link, J. C. Myers, C. S. Sprecher, P. G. Bell, E. A. Wagner and J. B. Baltzley. The present house of worship was erected in 1857, under the pastorate of Rev. S. McReynolds, at a cost of $2,400. The present membership is thirty-four. Present officers: George Alsbaugh and Benjamin Shirk, Elders; D. W. Kinsey, George M. Byer, C. Sweigart and J. M. Fisher, Deacons.
United Brethren .- The first class was organized by this de- nomination in 1853 and consisted of Jacob Byers, Martha Byers, Jacob Shupp and wife, Henry Shupp and Hershey Shupp. In 1854 Jacob Byer and Jacob Shupp purchased the brick school- house for use of the congregation. The present house of worship was erected in 1863 and remodeled in 1883. The congregation is in a prosperous condition with about 100 members. The pastors have been as follows: First, Rev. William Nicholson, followed by Rev. C. W. Witt, Father Witt Floyd and James Wall. Present pastor, Rev. J. M. Kabrich.
Christian Church .- "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If you continue in my word you are truly my disciples, and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." " And the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch."
March 1, 1863, at New Castle, Henry County, about 100 per- sons, known as Disciples, or Christians, were organized into church relation, with Miles Murphey, Clement Murphey and Samuel Roof as Elders, and N. T. Clawson and James Loer, Deacons.
Miles Murphey, James Loer, Clement Murphey, James Mullen, George Koons and William L. Boyd were elected Trustees, and, with the addition of Daniel Murphey, they were the Building Committee. The congregation met regularly every Lord's day, in what was known as the Murphey Hall, until the following
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spring. During the year the present edifice, situated on South Main street, ninety feet long and forty-five feet wide, was erected, and basement rooms finished, the congregation and Sunday- school occupying them the spring of 1864.
In August of 1865 the audience room, seating 800, the gallery, library room, vestibules, etc., were all finished, and furnished at a cost of about $15,000, A. I. Hobbs, then of Cincinnati, preaching the dedication sermon. In 1873 a baptistry, with dressing rooms and a large cistern, were built in an unoccupied part of the base- ment. In 1880 a new roof of iron, with all the external wood repainted, added very much to the preservation and beauty of the building.
The women of the church superintended the remodeling of the audience room, decorating the walls and ceiling, and filling the windows with handsomely colored glass, and subsequently putting in two large coal stoves, the addition and repairs costing about $1,650. The exterior of the church building presents a massive and substantial appearance; the interior, harmonious, and beau- tiful, while its acoustic properties are pleasing -to speaker and audience.
While twenty-one years have passed away, and the church building, seemingly able to stand the conflict of many scores of years yet to come, what of the congregation that first met within its walls ? Of the 100 members at organization sad requiems have been sung over the lifeless remains of about one-half. Many elderly saints and young lambs of the fold have been gathered into the garner of God. Vividly do we recall that patriarch Elijah Mar -? tindale, whose faith never faltered amid persecutions or adversities ;S also, the three brothers, Miles, Clement and Eli Murphey; Asahel Woodward and wife, Elijah Stout and wife, Mark Modlin, Nancy Watkins, Dorothy Roof, Melvina Mullen, Sarah Murphey, Clarinda Lennard; "Mother" Goodwin, whose voice in prayer and exhor- tation so often cheered the younger members on to duty; Martha Branson, so devoted and enthusiastic in her Christian life; Elder A. S. Burr, who recently passed over-kindred spirits, happy in associations, sacred in memory, the flitting years are but bringing us to thee! Oh, when will Death this moldering old partition wall throw down, and give to beings one in nature one abode ?
About one-fifth of the charter members are yet living in this community, faithful in their attendance upon the services of the house of the Lord. Among them are: Samuel Roof, now past
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eighty-seven years of age. He and his wife, Dorothy, were the first persons immersed as Disciples in New Castle, Nov. 5, 1839. Mrs. Miles and Mrs. Eli Murphey, Mrs. Julia A. Shroyer, Ara- bella Goheen, Mrs. Maria L. Nay, James Mullen, N. T. Clawson, Ellen Murphey, William Murphey, Sr., Mr. and Mrs. George Goodwin, Belle Stanford, Maggie Shirk, Naomi Shively and Sarah A. R. Boor. The widows of Elijah Martindale and Clement Murphey, past ninety-one and seventy-four years of age, are no longer able to meet with the Disciples on the Lord's day, but are patiently waiting to hear the summons: "It is enough! Come up higher."
The membership at this time is 175; men, 55; women, 120. The present Trustees are: Dr. W. F. Boor, James Mullen, Elias Nay, N. T. Clawson and H. L. Shopp.
The Elders are: Robert S. Lynn, James Harvey, Ephraim Clark and A. H. Moore, the resident preacher, together with a full corps of deacons and deaconesses, all of whom comprise the Official Board; H. L. Shopp, Clerk of the Board.
A large and interesting Sunday-school has always been sus- tained, and many of its members have united with the church. The women of the church have an auxiliary missionary society, sending out for foreign missions $100 per year; also a woman's working society, whose funds are used for home needs. The women are the janitors of the church building, attending to all that appertain thereunto. They believe with the Psalmist, " That it is a good thing to be even a door-keeper in the house of the Lord."
The first regularly employed preacher was Alex. Johnston. His successors were: W. G. Irvin, D. H. Gary, J. B. Ludwig, J. A. Roberts, A. J. White, and A. H. Moore, who has now entered upon his sixth year's labor. The congregation has also enjoyed the preaching of Benj. Franklin, who was its organizer; Samuel K. Hoshour, Elijah Martindale, T. D. Garvin, O. A. Burgess, L. L. Carpenter, E. L. Frazier, Charles Blackman, Daniel and Joseph Franklin, O. A. Bartholomew, J. C. Tully, Robert and William Howe, J. L. Parsons, S. L. Conner, William Baxter, David Walk.
St. Anne's (Roman Catholic) Church. - Catholics began to settle in New Castle about 1851, when railroad building com- menced. There was occasional preaching for several years in private houses, by Rev. Willian Doyle, of Richmond, and other
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priests. In 1872, under Rev. Herman Alerding, stationed at Cam- bridge City, the building of a church was undertaken. The build- ing was dedicated by the Bishop, Rev. Maurice de St. Palais, May 25, 1873, It cost $1,365.85, of which sum not less than $405 was contributed by non-Catholics. Rev. John Kelly, of Cambridge City, was pastor from 1872 till 1881, and under him the parsonage was built. The first resident pastor was Rev. John Ryves, 1881-'83, succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. John B. Unver- sagt, Sept. 11, 1883. The congregation consists of about thirty- seven families.
African Methodist Episcopal Church. - The colored popula- tion of New Castle have quite a flourishing congregation. Their house of worship is situated on Christian Ridge, and was com- pleted in 1875. The church is of the Methodist denomination. The present pastor's name is Mitchell.
NEW CASTLE CEMETERY ASSOCIATION.
The New Castle Cemetery Association was organized Sept. 11, 1858, with a capital stock of $1,800 in shares of $25 each. This stock was immediately taken by citizens of New Castle and vicinity. Sept. 30, 1858, the following gentlemen were chosen Directors of the association : Miles Murphey, John Powell, Jacob Mowrer, E. B. Martindale and John W. Grubbs. At the same date the capi- tal stock of the association was increased to $3,000. The Board of Directors organized with the following officers : Miles Murphey, President; John W. Grubbs, Secretary; John Powell, Treasurer. In January, 1861, the following Directors were elected: James S. Ferris, President; Benjamin Shirk, Secretary; Wm. I. Haskett, Treasurer; Jacob Brenneman and James A. McMeans. From February, 1862, to March, 1866, the following Board of Directors served : Eli Murphey, President; Benjamin Shirk, Secretary; James S. Ferris, Treasurer; Henry Shroyer, Elisha Clift. From 1866 to the present time the board has been as follows : Joshua Holland, President; Benjamin Shirk, Secretary; Elisha Clift, Treasurer; Henry Shroyer, Nathan Livezey. This board have managed the affairs of the association to the entire satisfaction of the stock- holders. The cemetery is kept in good condition and the associa- tion is financially sound, having a surplus in the treasury of about $1,500. The cemetery contains about ten acres of ground, sur- rounded by good fence. The lots are 15 x 25 feet, and so arranged as to be easily accessible by good graveled drives.
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HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY.
LODGES.
Odd Fellows .- Fidelity Lodge, No. 59, I. O. O. F., is an old and prosperous organization. It was chartered July 13, 1848. The following were the charter members: John C. Beck, John Corr, James Comstock and James V. Wayman. The lodge has enjoyed great prosperity, and now has property valued at about $7,000. It owns a large two-story brick building, situated on Main street. The lower floor is occupied by Mowrer's drug store, and on the upper is a large hall, finely furnished, in which the lodge meets. This building was finished in 1875, and dedicated on the 27th of May. The membership in January, 1884, was seventy-five.
Henry Encampment, No. 69, was chartered Nov. 21, 1865. C. Markle, George Paul, Nathaniel Carey, A. R. Shroyer, Henry Hernly, Frank Wills and J. L. Peed were the charter members. The present membership is forty-five. The encampment is in a good condition financially and otherwise.
Masonic .- New Castle Lodge, No. 91, F. & A. M., was insti- tuted Feb. 13, 1850, with the following charter members and first officers : Franklin Woodward, W. M .; Bushrod W. Scott, S. W .; J. H. Healey, J. W .; John C. Beck, S. D .; W. H. Beck, J. D .; Jesse Ice, Treasurer; W. Millikan, Secretary; John King, Tyler. The lodge has had the following Worshipful Masters, some of whom have served several terms : Franklin Woodward, Daniel Mowrer, John W. Grubbs, Elijah Holland, Geo. W. Lennard, James J. Hamilton, Robert M. Chambers, Wm. L. Brown, W. P. Goode, John Thornburgh, Owen Evans, Seth S. Bennett, Asa Hatch, L. L. Conner, T. W. Gronendyke and N. T. Clawson. The present officers are: N. T. Clawson, W. M .; John F. Thompson, S. W .; Geo. F. Mowrer, J. W .; John Rea, Treasurer; Newton F. Williams, Secretary; T. H. Hazelrigg, S. D .; Samuel Arnold, J. D .; Jacob Mowrer, Tyler. The present membership is ninety- four, and the value of the lodge property, $2,500.
New Castle Chapter, No. 50, R. A. M., was organized Feb. 22, 1864, under a dispensation from E. W. Ellis, Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Indiana. The following named companions officiated at the first meeting : Reuben Peden, E. H. P .; Milton Mahin, E. K .; C. P. Pence, E. S .; James Brown, C. of H .; Lewis Dale, P. S .; J. W. Heaton, R. A. C .; J. J. Hamilton, G. M., Third Vail; H. M. Crouse, G. M., Second Vail; J. H. Hart, G. M., First Vail; J. B. O'Harra, Guard; T. B.
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HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY.
Redding, Secretary. The chapter was granted a charter May 19, 1864. The charter members were : Milton Mahin, C. P. Pence, J. J. Hamilton, David Millikan, Joseph Pearson, C. B. Morehouse, C. C. Connell and John B. O'Harra.
The first officers were as follows: Milton Mahin, E. H. P .; Thos. B. Redding, E. K .; John Minesinger, E. S .; John B. O'Harra, C. of H .; C. C. Connell, P. S .; Levi Leakey, R. A. C .; C. B. More- house, G. M., Third Vail; Frank Wills, G. M., Second Vail; E. T. Ice, G. M., First Vail; J. J. Hamilton, Sec .; Jos. Pearson, Treas .; Lewis Dale, Chap .; J. Q. Minesinger, Guard. The fol- lowing have served as High Priests of this chapter: Milton Mahin, W. P. Goode, L. L. Dale, John R. Peed, G. W. Burke, James M. Mowrer, C. P. Pence, W. F. Walker, John Thornburgh, John Needham, L. L. Conner. The present officers are: T. W. Gronendyke, E. H. P .; John Needham, E. K .; R. H. Polk, E. S .; F. P. Ice, C. of H .; G. W. Burke, P. S .; R. M. Chambers, R. A. C .; Lewis Swindle, G. M., Third Vail; Lewis Smith, G. M., Sec- ond Vail; J. M. Harris, G. M., First Vail; S. H. Elliott, Treas .; George F. Mowrer, Sec .; Jacob Mowrer, Guard. The assets of the chapter amount to about $600; the membership is now fifty- six.
New Castle Council, No. 50, R. & S. M., was organized under a dispensation April 12, 1881, and chartered later. The petitioners for the dispensation were James M. Caffey, N. S. Hawkins, Levin Swiggett, T. E. Whetton, Hugh L. Mullen, James J. Hamilton, James M. Mowrer, Thomas L. Campbell and H. L. Shopp. The first Illustrious Master, J. J. Hamilton, has been succeeded by James M. Mowrer and John Needham. The coun- cil has twenty-eight members, and is in a good financial condition. The present officers are: John Needham, I. M .; Hugh L. Mullen, D. I. M .; R. H. Polk, Treas .; T. W. Gronendyke, Recorder.
Knights of Pythias .- Crescens Lodge, No. 33, K. of P., was organized in 1872, with officers and charter members as follows: T. B. Loer, Chancellor Commander; A. W. Coffin, Vice-Chancel- lor; H. L. Mullen, Prelate; George N. Rea, Keeper of Records and Seal; Eli B. Mooney, Master of Finance; D. W. Kinsey, Master of Exchequer; C. R. Scott, Master-at-Arms; W. G. Hil- lock, Inside Guard; R. H. Mellett, Outside Guard; A. M. Grose, Past Chancellor; Ed. Kahn, J. F. Murphey, Lee Harvey, Frank Bowers, C. H. Cunningham, Henry Herliman, W. H. Albright, Lon Rogers, N. T. Nixon, Henry Denius. Total number of mem- bers since organization, 122; present membership, eighty-nine.
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HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY.
The present officers are: P. C., Wentford Needham; C. C., W. A. Brown; V. C. C., W. O. Barnard; K. of R. and S., Charles Sudworth; M. of F., John R. Hernley; M. of E., W. W. Modlin; M. A., M. Peed; I. G., L. Moore; O. G., Wm. Kinsey; Trustees: Lon Rogers, A. W. Coffin, and Dr. J. F. Thompson. Present value of lodge property, $1,000.
Knights of Honor. - New Castle Lodge, No. 121, K. of H., was organized June 11, 1875, with the following charter members and officers: George W. Burke, Past Dictator; H. L. Mullen, Dictator; W. S. Bedford, Vice-Dictator; W. M. Watkins, Assistant Dictator; C. M. Moore, Guide; Frank Bowers, Reporter; J. W. Ashdill, Finan- cial Reporter; R. B. Carr, Treasurer; John S. Hedges, Sentinel; Milton Brown, W. N. Clift, George H. Cain, I. W. Ellis, I. W. Pitman, M. E. Anderson and M. D. Harvey. Since the organiza- tion thirty-seven have been admitted to membership. The lodge has the same number of members in good standing at present. The lodge is financially in a sound condition, meeting all obliga- tions promptly without making demands upon members, except for the regular dues. The officers for the present term are: H. L. Hernly, P. D .; John F. Thompson, D .; W. H. Elliott, V. D .; Adolph Rogers, A. D .; George B. Robson, R .; George H. Cain, F.R .; W. N. Clift, T .; N. T. Clawson, C .; L. S. Denius, G .; A. F. Kramer, G. S .; Reporter to G. L., George B. Robson; Lodge Deputy, Lon Rogers.
At the annual session of the Grand Lodge in February, 1881, Past Dictator, W. N. Clift, of the New Castle Lodge, was elected Grand Dictator of the State, and at the session of 1882 be was elected Reporter to the Supreme Lodge for two years. He attended the sessions of that lodge at Baltimore, Md., in 1882, and at Galveston, Tex., in 1883.
Grand Army .- George W. Lennard* Post, No. 148, G. A. R., was organized March 15, 1883, with officers and charter mem- bers as follows: George H. Cain, P. C .; W. H. Elliott, S. V. C .; H. C. Gordon, J. V. C .; E. T. Mendenhall, Adj .; Samuel Arnold, Q. M .; T. W. Gronendyke, Surg .; George W. Bunch, Chap .; A. W. Coffin, O. D .; G. W. Goodwin, Jr., O. G .; T. W. Gough, S. M .; M. E. Anderson, Q. M. S .; Patrick Sullivan, Miles Haguewood, P. Harvey, T. Burchett, Owen Evans, Isaac Grove, Thad. Coffin, Jacob Sweigart, George Robson, Wint Needham, J. I. Newby, William Thomas, A. F. Kranor, Louis Moore, W. H.
* See biography in Bar Chapter.
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Albright, D. Daniels, Milton Burk, John M. Goar, John Albert- son.
Membership in January, 1884, sixty-seven. Present officers: Exum Saint, P. C .; Jos. M. Brown, S. V. C .; Lewis Moore, J. V. C .; Thad. Coffin, Adj .; Andrew F. Kramer, Q. M .; E. T. Menden- hall, Surg .; George W. Bunch, Chap .; W. F. Shelly, O. D .; Owen Evans, O. G .; Asa Hatch, S. M .; M. E. Anderson, Q. M. S.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
James Armstrong, merchant-tailor, New Castle, Ind., is a native of County Sligo, Ireland, born Dec. 20, 1831. He learned the tailor's trade in his native country serving an apprenticeship of five years. After completing his trade he came to America, and remained in Philadelphia, Pa., eighteen months; then went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was employed as a cutter till 1871. He then came to New Castle, and was employed as cutter for Shroyer & Loer eighteen months when they went out of the busi- ness. Mr. Armstrong then opened a shop in the second story of the Shroyer building and subsequently moved to his present place of business on Broad street, opposite the court-house, where he is well established carrying a full line of clothing, cloths and trim- mings. He was married to Mary, daughter of Michael O'Donnell, of Cincinnati. They have eight children, four sons and four daughters. Two of his sons. Hugh and James, are practical tailors. Mr. Armstrong is a member of Fidelity Lodge, No. 59, I. O. O. F.
William O. Barnard, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, of Henry County, Ind., was born in Union County, Ind., Oct. 25, 1852, the eldest son of Sylvester and Lavina (Myers) Barnard, now of Spice- land. He was principally educated in the Spiceland Academy, and subsequently taught district schools there winters. He was prin- cipal of the schools of Economy, Ind., a year and then accepted the same position in the schools of New Castle. In the meantime he studied law with James M. Brown, and was admitted to the bar in 1876. In 1878 he began the practice of his profession, being associated with D. W. Chambers two years, and since then has conducted his business alone. He served as Treasurer of New Castle two years, and in October, 1883, was appointed Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for a term of two years. He was married in 1876 to Mary V., daughter of Nathan H. Ballinger. They have three sons. Mr. Barnard is a member of the Knights of Pythias.
Hunt.
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HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY.
John W. Bell, Superintendent of the Henry County Poor Farm, was born in Blue River Township, Henry Co., Ind., May 9, 1846, a son of Nehemiah and Emeline Bell, his father a native of North Carolina and his mother of Virginia. His mother came to Henry County with her parents in 1822, aged four years, and lived here till her death in 1880. His father was born in 1804 and came to Henry County when a small boy, still residing here, in his eightieth year. John W. received a good education and subsequently taught school six years, and since then has engaged in farming. He was appointed to his present position in 1880, and has proved himself fully competent to fill it, everything being kept in good order, and satisfactory to the county. He was married in 1871 to Mary E., daughter of Rev. Samuel and Mary Sayford. They have one daughter-Irene S. Mr. Sayford died many years ago. Mrs. Sayford is living in Delaware County, Ind.
Rev. William S. Birch, Presiding Elder of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Richmond District, Ind., is a native of Hock- ing County, Ohio, born March 29, 1825, the eldest son of Benjamin and Eliza Birch, natives of Virginia. His parents moved to Tippecanoe County, Ind., in an early day, and he received his primary education in the schools of that county. He afterward attended Asbury University for a time and then taught school two years. In the fall of 1849 he entered the ministry of the Northern Indiana Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has since faithfully performed the duties of an itinerant minister. He has served as Presiding Elder of Goshen, Fort Wayne and West Fort Wayne districts, in all eleven years. In 1872 and 1876 he was a delegate to the General Conference. He assumed the pastoral charge of the church in New Castle in May, 1883, and in April, 1884, was appointed Presiding Elder of Richmond District. He has for many years been President of the Board of Trustees of Fort Wayne College. Mr. Birch was married Aug. 28, 1851, to Cynthia A., daughter of Caleb and Malinda Stevens, of Wabash County, Ind. They have three children-Emma L., wife of Rev. W. H. Daniels; Eddie A., and Rose M.
mills Jesse Bond, deceased, emigrated from Grayson County, Va., to the then Territory of Indiana, and purchased and settled on the farm where Earlham College is now located. After a few years' residence in Richmond, he moved to a farm near the present site of Washington and resided there till his death, April 11, 1862. He was a member of the Society of Friends and one of the first ministers
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of Whitewater Meeting. Though a recorded minister for sixty- four years, it was not his mission to travel in that capacity. His communications were not embellished by human learning, yet his ministry was clear and powerful. He seldom gave extended di s- sertations on abstruse questions of doctrinal controversies. His object was to draw the minds of the people to practical rightness- from all outward dependencies to the sure foundation. His devo- tion to religious truth and duty was strikingly shown in the fact that after being in a measure cut off from other opportunities he erected a meeting-house on his farm, where, for many years meetings were held regularly twice a week, composed of his own family, and the families of his children, and such of his neigh- bors and others as saw proper to meet with him. He early felt the enormity of African slavery, and his testimony was strong against it. When the schism in the Society of Friends occurred, he plead with his friends against separate organizations, recommending them to the light of Christ within, as He was one with the Father and all men are brethren. His mental powers continued unim- paired to the close of his life, a period of four score years and ten. His clear perception of spirtual truths remained undimmed. His wife, Phoebe, daughter of the late Robert Commons, a true help- meet and worthy companion, died a few years before her husband.
Jonathan C. Boone was born in Spiceland, Henry Co., Ind., Aug. 14, 1852, a son of Driver and Elizabeth C. Boone. His father was a native of North Carolina, and came to Indiana in 1830, settling in Spiceland, where he resided till his death in 1880, aged eighty-five years. He opened one of the first stores in the place and was ap-
pointed the first Postmaster. Kersey He was married in North Carolina to Anna Kesey, who died soon after coming to Indiana. He after- ward married Elizabeth, widow of Richard Ganze, and to them were born five children-Richard G., now Superintendent of the Frankfort, Clinton County, schools ; Christina B., widow of Dr. Thomas Ganze; John W. and Anna J., died in childhood ; and Jonathan C., who was reared and educated in Spiceland. When sixteen years of age he began clerking for Samuel Parch. He afterward clerked for Halloway & Stanly four years, and for O. H. Nixon, druggist. In 1879 he entered the office of T. B. Reeder, Recorder, and remained with him two months when he was employed by Milton Brown to complete a set of abstract-books. In 1882 he was elected County Recorder, his duties to begin Nov. 4, 1884. Mr. Boone was married in August, 1878, to Mary A.
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Dennis, of Wayne County, Ind. He is a member of Crescens Lodge, No. 33, Knights of Pythias.
William F. Boor, M. D., was born in Perry County, Ohio, June 10, 1819. He is the sixth of a family of seven children, of Nich- olas and Rachel (Guisinger) Boor, who were Pennsylvanians, of German descent.
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