ELDER DAVID M. BECK, ex-County Superintendent, was born February 4, 1836, in Lawrence County, Ind., and is the sixth of ten children descended from David and Elizabeth (Phillips) Beck, the former a native of North Carolina, the latter of Kentucky, who were married in Washington County, Ind., and in 1850 located in this county, where Mr. Beck remained until death, having given up his ministry a few years previously, which he had followed thirty years. Elder Beck grew to manhood on a farm, received a practical education, after which he began teaching in Lawrence and Brown Counties, having taught in both twenty-three terms. August, 1872, he commenced his ministrations in the Christian Church, to which he still adheres. In 1877, he was appointed Superintendent of Brown County, and in 1879 re-appointed. September, 1856, he married Miss Mary J. Litten, who died leaving one child - Paris M. (deceased). March 22, 1862, he wedded Mary J. Allen, to which union eight children were born - Julia A., Emma J., Lottie E., William W., Cora A., Laura L., David C. and James A. (deceased). Elder Beck owns a food farm of eighty-three acres, beautifully located, and with many improvements and adornments. He is now a Democrat, also a Prohibitionist, and a worthy, trusted and honored citizen.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Van Buren Township" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.


DR. MARION A. DUNCAN, physician and surgeon of Bellsville, was born June 9, 1855, in Marion County, Ind., and is the eleventh of the thirteen children of Alexander and Sarah F. (Redick) Duncan, natives of North Carolina, and respectively of Scotch and Irish descent. Dr. Duncan was reared as a farm boy near Nashville, this State; attended the common schools, and one term at the State University. When quite a boy he expressed a predilection to be a doctor, and commenced the study of medicine at twenty-two years of age, under Dr. J.M. Cook, with whom he remained one year, then attended lectures at the Ohio Medical College; returned home, and began practice at Jonesville in 1879. In 1880, he removed to Nashville, stayed two years, and finally located at Bellsville, where he has done well. December 23, 1881, he married Miss Lucinda Francis, born April 24, 1855, the crown of which union has been two children - Pearlie and Varnie. Dr. Duncan is a good business man, a promising physician, an energetic Democrat, and a trusted citizen. Mrs. Duncan is a member of the Christian Church.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Van Buren Township" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.


ARNOLD S. GRIFFITT, M.D., physician and surgeon, was born September 19, 1840, in Morgantown, Ind., and is the sixth of twelve children born to Reuben and Lovina (Shell) Griffitt, both deceased, natives of East Tennessee, and of German extraction. Reuben Griffitt was Justice of the Peace for a number of years, and Postmaster at Morgantown for thirty-three years. Arnold S. Griffitt worked on a farm until he was twenty-eight years of age; he received the rudiments of an education in youth, and when twenty-six began studying medicine with Dr. J.L. Grinnell, under whom he remained two years, then attended lectures at Louisville University, Kentucky; graduated in 1869, and located at Nashville, where he continued until 1879; removed to Taylorsville for eighteen months, thence to Nashville again until 1882, at which period he purchased seventy-five acres in this township, and farmed in connection with his practice. While at Nashville he was Postmaster four and Pension Examiner two years. September 9, 1861, he wedded Miss Emeline F. Anderson, who died leaving four children - Lucetta E., Annie C., Katie and Joseph G. He next married Mrs. Emma Taggart August 16, 1876. Dr. Griffitt is a member of the Masonic body, and active Republican, and an esteemed citizen. At present Dr. Griffitt is selling goods, holding the positions of Postmaster and Notary Public at Story, as well as medical practitioner. From 1861 to 1866 he taught school. He and wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Van Buren Township" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.


ROBERT HENDERSON, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Jackson County, Ind., born August 28, 1827, and is the eldest of ten children of Robert and Parmelia (Newkirk) Henderson, the former a native of Virginia, the latter of Indiana. The father of our subject was born 1795, remained in Virginia until he was fourteen years of age, moved thence to Kentucky, thence to Lawrence County, Ind., in 1815, and to this county in 1829. Our subject grew to manhood on a farm, having been brought here when an infant, and remained wit his parents until he was twenty-three years of age. December 13, 1850, he married Mary A. Davis, from which union sprang eleven children, of whom are living - Emeline, James M., John C.B., Parmelia, Robert M., Benjamin, Jasper and Freeman. Mr. Henderson has a good farm of 200 acres, on which he lives, also one of 200 acres in Jackson County, which farm is well improved. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and a Democrat; was elected County Commissioner in 1870, re-elected in 1872, and is now a candidate for re-election. Mr. Henderson is an excellent citizen, and he and wife are members of the Baptist Church.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Van Buren Township" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.


E.H. MOORE (of the firm of Moore & Tilton, New Bellsville, Ind.) is a native of Coshocton County, Ohio, was born September 19, 1846, and is one of ten children of Peter and Mary (Nelson) Moore, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Ohio. The grandfather of our subject, Patrick Moore, emigrated from Ireland, settled in Westmoreland County, Penn., then moved to Ohio, where he came to death, the father of eleven children. Peter Moore was a native of Ohio, born August 12, 1810; was married in 1832, and in 1850 went to California, where he engaged in mining for two years; then came to this county, where he came to death October 12, 1871; his wife November 10, 1881. Their family were Robert, Susan, John, Laban, James, Irena, Edward, Emmanuel H., Thomas J. and George W. October 4, 1864, our subject entered the war of the rebellion in Company D, One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war, being discharged July, 1865. November 22, 1866, he married Miss Mary e., daughter of Benjamin and Rebecca Moore, a native of Belmont County, Ohio. In 1868, Mr. Moore moved to Grundy County, Mo., and in 1873, returned to this county, where he engaged in farming for a year, then began dealing in tobacco, in which he has since been engaged, now extensively, and in 1881 he opened a store with J.G. Tilton. Mr. and Mrs. Moore have a family of five - Anabel (deceased), Edward L., Linnie M., Benjamin F. and Clara R. Mr. Moore belongs to the Masonic order and the Methodist Episcopal Church.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Van Buren Township" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.


JOHN T. PING is a native of this county, was born January 29, 1842, and is descended from Job and Christina Ping, natives of Kentucky, where they married, then moved to Batholomew County, Ind., in 1831, and thence to this county, in 1841, where Mr. Ping closed his life, February 2, 1883. Mrs. Ping is still living in this township; their family was William, Catherine, Betty, Logan, Walker, David, Deborah, John T., Silas and Job J. John T., our subject, married in Bartholomew County, Ind., February 2, 1862, Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Jesse and Elizabeth Campbell, and born in Muskingum County, Ohio, July 1, 1841. After marriage, Mr. Ping settled in this township, and February 7, 1865, enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Indiana Regiment, served until January 21, 1866, when he was discharged. After his return he moved to Bartholomew County, remained until 1870, then returned to this county, where he has since resided, in pursuit of his trade as carpenter. Mr. and Mrs. Ping are parents of six children - Sarah F., Rosalie, Emory (deceased), Cora A. (deceased), Andrew B. and John W. Mr. Ping is a greatly respected citizen.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Van Buren Township" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.


JOHN C. WERT was born in Preble County, Ohio, November 11, 1809, and is a son of Jacob and Catherine (Balsley) Wert, natives of Fayette County, Penn. The grandfather of our subject, Christian Wert, emigrated from Switzerland to Pennsylvania, before the Revolutionary war, where he wedded Marie Neeley, and moved to Fayette County, where he subsequently died. He was a soldier in the Revolution and the father of six children. Jacob Wert was born in 1784, was a soldier of the war of 1812, was married in Fayette County, Penn., moved to Ohio in 1807, and settled on what is now a part of Cincinnati; this land he sold and moved to Preble County, where he died in 1850, his wife surviving him thirteen years; they were parents of fourteen children. John C. Wert when a young man learned the trade of milling, which he followed for a large portion of his time. November 4, 1832, he married Miss Jane E., daughter of Larkin and Susan (Crisler) Weaver, and a native of Virginia. In 1846, Mr. Wert moved to Aurora, Ind., worked as a miller, and in 1855 purchased a mill in Ohio County, which he managed until 1867, at which time he came to this county and purchased and settled on a farm which is now his home and sustenance. Mr. and Mrs. Wert have been the parents of twelve children - William, James, Maria, Susan, Washington, Amanda, Arabelle, Isabelle (deceased), Thomas (deceased), Charles, Eliza and Harvey. Mr. Wert is a Mason, a Republican and an Odd Fellow.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Van Buren Township" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.


HEZEKIAH AXSON, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Yadkin County, N.C., was born August 19, 1831, and is the eldest son of Samuel and Winnie (Mathews) Axson, both natives of North Carolina, and respectively of English and Irish extraction. Samuel Axson moved to Monroe about 1838, and to this county twelve years afterward. Hezekiah Axson received a subscription-school education in youth, and remained at home until he was twenty-one years old, and followed various occupations, principally farming. September 5, 1861, he entered the service and remained three years, serving in the following battles: Pittsburg Landing, Stone River, Chickamauga and others. He received two gunshot wounds, one in the left thigh, and one in the left shoulder, and was mustered out September 2, 1864. After this experience he resumed farming. April 15, 1854, he married Miss Mary Helenburg, a native of Virginia, from which union have sprung seven children - Andy W. (deceased), Mary J., Amanda E., Stanley, Alice M., John T. and Cordelia. Mr. Axson is a member of the Masonic fraternity, a Republican in politics, and an estimable citizen. His greatest ambition is to leave with his children a good education as a basis for life.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Johnson Township" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.


DR. JOHN H. LEONARD is a native of Monroe County, was born December 27, 1843, and is the eldest of eleven children born to William and Lucinda (Grimes) Leonard, both natives of Indiana. William Leonard came with his parents to Monroe County about 1825, of which locality he is yet a resident. John H. was reared a farmer, with such education as the schools afforded, and when seventeen began the business of telegraphing, which he followed until he was thirty years of age, at which time he began to study medicine under Dr. Dowden, at Owensburg, with whom he studied three years, then attended a course of lectures at the Louisville Medical College, and afterward located at Elkinsville, Brown County, Ind., in 1876. His first marriage was to Dulcinea Carr, which union was blessed with three children, two having been named - Charles (deceased) and Dora E. After the death of this mother, Dr. Leonard married Miss Louisa E. Stark, by which marriage has been born one daughter - Ida B. Dr. Leonard has a good and growing practice. He is a prominent Democrat, and the present Assessor of the township. He is a trusted physician and a good citizen, and, as is his wife, a member of the Christian Church.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Johnson Township" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.


THOMAS MADGETT, farmer, was born in Ennis, County Clare, Ireland, March 24, 1817, and is son of John N. and Sarah (Perry) Madgett, the former a native of Ireland, the latter of Canada. John N. Madgett received a good education at an endowed school, and May, 1807, was commissioned Doctor of Pharmacy, and followed that profession throughout his life, having been in a hospital at Ennis; Mr. Madgett died in 1849, and Mrs. Madgett fourteen years before; they were members of the English Church. Thomas Madgett obtained a classical education in the land of his birth, passed his early years at farming, and when thirty-eight emigrated to America, lived for a time in New York and Cincinnati, and finally came to this county, where he now lives. He entered school land at the time, and now has a fine farm under good cultivation. Mr. Madgett is a member of the Masonic fraternity, has been Township Assessor and Township Trustee, and is at present County Commissioner. He is a leading citizen, a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and resides with his sisters.

"Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Johnson Township" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.


WILLIAM M. WALTMAN. This pictorial family tree was found and contributed by William's great-great grandson, Bill Waltman. Please be patient, it's large so may take a few minutes to load.


CHAUNCEY EUGENE WALTMAN was born April 13, 1896, in Beanblossom, Brown County, Indiana. Chauncey or Chick, as he was called, was the third of four children born to Walter V. Waltman and Ida J. Schneider. Other children included William, Mary and Wallace. Early on, the family lived on Hill 56, just south of their original homestead. When Chick's father decided to become a Presbyterian minister, he went to seminary school in Cincinnati. As a result, the children were sent to live with various relatives. Chick's mother and sister, Mary, moved to Nashville, Indiana to live with her parents. William and Wallace stayed with their grandfather, William M. Waltman and Chick stayed with his Uncle Ambrose Waltman. The family moved around the country; first to Cincinnati, then St. Ignace, Michigan. While in high school in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Chick developed into an excellent artist, becoming the school cartoonist for the school paper – The Helios. His talent was professionally recognized when Berkery & Guy Furniture Company visited his high school art class and selected him to work in their decorating department. He began by decorating Chinese cabinets and tables. In 1916, Chick married Myla R. Smedley of Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was the daughter of Charles Osmer Smedley and Lillian Hinsdill. This marriage bore two sons, William S. Waltman of Grand Haven, Michigan and Charles T. Waltman of Lake Forest, Illinois. The success of Chick's designs helped propel him to one of the top industrial and furniture designers in the world. The office of Waltman Associates was located at 165 Chicago Ave. just around the corner from the famed Chicago water towers. Chauncey Waltman was an avid sportsman and participated in the famed Mackinaw yacht race a number of times. He was stricken and died of natural causes while sailing in Lake Michigan off Port Washington, Wisconsin in October 1962.

Submitted by: Bill Waltman



WALTER VORHEES WALTMAN was born on August 7, 1866 in Beanblossom, Brown County, Indiana. He was one of eleven children born to William M. Waltman and Mary E. Moser. While working in Edinburgh, Indiana, Walter married Ida J. Schneider on October 2, 1989. They later moved to Columbus, Indiana, where Walter worked for the Post Office. They had four children, William, Mary, Chauncey and Wallace. Later, Walter attended Seminary in Cincinnati and became an ordained Presbyterian minister. His first church was Pilgrim's Chapel on Mt. Adams, in Cincinnati. Later, in an effort to help reduce his hay fever, he became the minister of the First Presbyterian Church in St. Ignace, Michigan. Walter later became one of the leaders of the Michigan Anti-Saloon League. After the death of his wife, Ida, Walter married Florence Hazel. Walter Waltman died on June 30, 1949 at his home in Mason, Michigan.

Submitted by: Bill Waltman



THOMAS WALTMAN was born January 22, 1837, in Frederick County, Md., and is the sixth of eleven children born to Thomas and Catherine (Wolf) Waltman, natives of Maryland. Our subject was reared on a farm, with a common school education, and when about nineteen years old he commenced the task of getting his own living, and followed farming where his father had entered 160 acres, and purchased the first mill, which mill our subject has since managed. March, 1862, he married Ann L. Ellender, to which union were born eight children, six of them living today - Hiram D., Armilda, Minnie May, Gresilda, John and Bessie. Mr. Waltman is the possessor of 400 acres, under good cultivation, improved with comforable residence, fair barns, and other appurtenances for use and value, all of which were acquired by industry and skill. Mr. Waltman is a member of the Masonic fraternity; is a Democrat, and has served as County Commissioner for two terms. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church.

Submitted by: Bill Waltman "Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Jackson Township" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.



WILLIAM M. WALTMAN is a native of Georgetown, Brown County, Ind., was born November 15, 1844, and is the tenth child of Thomas and Catharine (Wolf) Waltman, natives of Maryland and of German extraction. The grandfather of our subject, Michael Waltman, was a soldier of the Revolution. William M. Waltman, at the age of fourteen years, went to work in a tannery, where he labored some years. November 15, 1865, he married Mary E. Moser, which nuptials resulted in nine children - Walter V., Edgar C., Hattie L., Thomas M. (deceased), John A., Charles G., Maggie, Bertie W. and Rubie. Mr. Waltman is the possessor of 180 acres, 80 being improved, constituting a good home and valuable property. He was admitted to the bar in 1874. He is a member of the Freemasons, and a charter member of Lodge 527. He is a self-made man truly, and has accumulated his property and acquired his good name by industry and ability. He is now Notary Public at Georgetown, and esteemed as an honorable, benevolent citizen. He and Mr. Chafin were the founders of the Brown County Democrat. Mr. Waltman, Sr., was one of the first promoters of the Brown County Old Settlers' Association. The grandfather of Mrs. Waltman was a soldier of the war of 1812.

Submitted by: Bill Waltman "Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Jackson Township" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.



CALVIN MOSER is a native of Cumberland County, Tenn., was born February 17, 1817, and is a son of Jacob and Polly (Stephens) Moser, both of Dutch descent, who moved to and settled in Monroe County about 1819. Calvin was reared as a farmer, had poor school advantages, and lived at home until March 12, 1840, when he married Margaret Williams, from which union sprang nine children, eight of whom are living - A. R., Martha A., Mary, J.P., M.S., Isaac B., Rebecca and Katie M. After the decease of his first wife, February 23, 1875, Mr. Moser married, on September 24, 1875, Mrs. Hannah Prosser. After this marriage, Mr. Moser moved to where he now resides, and purchased 80 acres, to which he steadily added until 600 acres had become his, most of which he improved, and afterward sold for the benefit of his children, he now retaining but 350 acres, well improved, planted and stocked. Mr. Moser is a self-made and self-sustaining gentleman. He is an active Democrat, has served one term as Township Trustee, is a valued and trusted citizen, and he and wife belong to the Baptist Church.

Submitted by: Bill Waltman "Counties of Morgan, Monroe & Brown, IN - Jackson Township" - published in 1884 by F.A. Battey & Co.



AQUILLA R. MOSER, farmer and stock-raiser, was born February 2, 1841, in this county, and is one of the eight children of Calvin and Margaret (Williams) Moser, the former a native of Tennessee, the latter of Indiana. Our subject lived with his parents until his marriage, December 13, 1862, with Clarissa Calvin, which union produced seven children - Alva N., Haron D., Jennie June, Cortez Mexico, Brigham Young (deceased), Jack William and Roscoe La Mar. After marriage, Mr. Moser lived four years near Georgetown, and in 1866 he moved to his present site, where he owns 193 acres, with good residence, barns, buildings, peach and apple orchards, etc., most of which was acquired by his own industry. Mr. Moser is a leading Democrat, and was elected County Commissioner in 1870. He has a half-interest in the gravel road leading south from Morgantown. He was formerly a member of the Grange, and is an honorable man and an esteemed citizen.

Submitted by: Bill Waltman



Ida J. Schneider
December 13, 1868 to August 14, 1833

Ida Jane Schneider was born on December 13, 1868 in Madison, Jefferson County, Indiana. She was the daughter of John Schneider, a recent immigrant who was born in Germany, and Marie Catherine Ochs, who was born in Madison about 1842.

John Schneider worked as a saddle tree maker in Madison. Marie Catherine Ochs was the daughter of John Conrad Ochs, who was born in Bavaria, Germany on March 22, 1809. He was the grocer on Walnut Street, just north of 5th Street. John’s wife, Rosie Ochs died before 1880.

Ida had a younger brother, Edward, who was born in 1870, and a younger sister, Catherine, who was born about 1875. In addition, Ida’s grandfather, John Ochs lived with the family, as did a young house maid by the name of Maggie Schwab, who was born about 1863.

By the age of 20, Ida had moved to Edinburg, Indiana, where she met Walter V. Waltman, who had been raised in Beanblossom, a little way south. Their relationship flourished and they were married on October 3, 1889 in Madison, Indiana.

Over the coming years, they would have four children; Mary A., born November 3, 1891, William L., February 25, 1894, Chauncey Eugene, April 13, 1896, and Wallace W., born July 2, 1898.

After their marriage, Walter was appointed postal clerk in the railroad mail service where he worked for three years. Taught school for two years and worked as a clerk in a general store for nine months. At some point, the family moved to Columbus, Indiana, where worked in the insurance and real estate business. Was Deputy County Recorder. Worked as a letter carrier for 12 years until 1905 when at the age of 39, he entered Lane Seminary to prepare for the ministry.

This decision would have a lasting effect on Ida and her children. Ida and daughter Mary went to live with her parents in Madison. William and Wallace moved in with their grandfather William M. Waltman in Beanblossom, and Chauncey went to live with his uncle, Ambrose Waltman.

After being ordained, Walter’s first assignment was in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was the minister at the Presbyterian Church. Later, the family moved to St. Ignace, Michigan, where Walter served until he retired. Walter and Ida settled in Mason, Michigan, where he worked tirelessly for the Michigan Anti-Saloon League.

Ida Schneider Waltman suffered a heart attack and died some days later on August 14, 1933 in Mason. She is buried in the Maple Grove Cemetery there.

Submitted by: Bill Waltman



Deb Murray