SOUVENIR EDITION OF THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
 

THIS BROCHURE is presented under the sponsorship of the Centennial Anniversary Committee appointed a year ago to arrange for a special observance of the coming to Daviess County, Indiana, of the Gregory, Steen, Vance, and Johnson families from Union South Carolina, in the year 1837, just one hundred years ago.
 

 This observance is held in connection with the Steen-Arthur Reunion, which for many years has been celebrated as an annual event, bringing together also many old-time neighbors and friends in a happy home-coming.

 We therefore extend to one and all a most hearty welcome on this momentous occasion.
 

A HISTORY OF THE CENTENNIAL GROUP

Comprising the Gregory, Johnson, Vance, and Steen Families

 In the year 1837 there lived in Union District, South Carolina a man who was known as Colonel Gregory.  He was a man of high standing in the community, and of unquestioned character.  He was the owner of a large plantation, and being a planter depended on slave labor as was the custom in that section.  He owned a colony of slaves, and naturally was a stanch defender of Slavery as an institution.  His children were now grown up, married, and rearing families of their own.  And having inherited some of the traits of their forebear, began to feel the urge of independence.  There was no more land to be had in Carolina, and for some time there had loomed up before them on the distant horizon, the flattering prospect of the great and growing North-West Territory.  Fabulous stories had come to them concerning this new land of opportunity: the fertility of the soil, its wonderous productiveness, and the offer of this choice Government land almost for the asking.

 Their interest was directed especially to the new State of Indiana which had been admitted as a Free State where slavery could never exist.  This feature especially appealed to them, though Col. Gregory's children had grown up under the influence of slavery conditions.  It was this desire that impelled them to seek homes for themselves and their families in Indiana.  And after a period of preparation, they set out overland with all their belongings destined for Old Post Vincennes, Capitol of the North-West Territory, and seat of the Government Land Office.  The caravan arrived after weeks of painful travel, and their choice led them finally to settle in southern Daviess County, where they established their homes, and reared their families.  Here they became a part of the community wherein their lot was cast by the hand of Providence as we believe.

 This is now the year 1937, and the cycle of one hundred years has passed.  All these have gone to their reward, and another generation has come.  Yes, other generations, even to the sixth.  We celebrate in their honor this Centennial Event.

 It has been thought a brief historical sketch of the four families who  made up this honored company might be a fitting tribute to their sacrificial
service in the upbuilding of this section of the country.
 

IV. THE ARTHUR FAMILY

THE NAME

 The Arthur name is one of ancient and honorable distinction.  When the British Isles were new, and stable government was in the making, the name Arthur was well known in the land.

 Not only did the British and the Scotch find symbolic meaning in the name, but also the Irish and the Welsh.  Even the Anglo-Saxon, and the Latin were made to do service, and the starry heavens gave fruitful explanation of its fulsome meaning.

 In the British, we have the humble starting with AT meaning Strong man, in the sense of courageous; the Scotch has ARD DOAR meaning high land, and so the Irish; the Anglo-Saxon has EARNTHOR, strong eagle; the Welsh has the plainest meaning, ARTH, a bear, and UR, a man, and THOR, strong, or VIRTHOR, strong man a fair interpretation of the name.

 King Arthur, of the Round Table, is said to have been named from the Welsh, ARTH, a bear; or from the Irish Gaelic, ARDHEER, the highest chief; and some other corruptions of the name have the meaning, governor, or husbandman.  Joyce says, "As a personal name ART was, I suppose, originally meant to convey the idea of hardness, bravery, and power of endurance in battle; it was much used in Ireland from very early times, several of our early kings having borne the name."

 There are several forms of the Name Arthur, owing to the modified spelling of various languages, and dialects.  Among the recognized forms are, Arter, Arters, Arturs, Arther, Arthers, Arthurs, and Arthur, the most common, and most widely used.  MacArthur is common in all parts, and is only the addition of the Scotch mac, meaning son, to the family name Arthur.
 

EARLY HISTORY

 Any statement of authentic history concerning the Arthur family would necessarily begin with King Arthur of the Round Table,  There is definite historical reference to the interesting personage, and his valiant exploits as early as the fifth, and sixth centuries.

 Arthur was the son of Uther Pendragon, and the grand-son of Ambrosius.  His courageous son was Smervic Mor.  Arthur was elected King of Britain at the age of fifteen, and was called to defend the country against the Saxons and defeated them.  He is said to have slain five hundred Saxons with his own sword, the famous Calibur.

 In the early days of the fourteenth century, John MacArthur in Scotland embraced the cause of Robert the Bruce, and fought with him in the battle of Bannockburn, and received large gratuities of land.  But when James I acceded to the throne, four generations later, he beheaded another John MacArthur, and confiscated his vast estates.  In succeeding centuries, the fortunes of the Highlanders became more and more uncertain, and they suffered many wrongs at the hands of British rulers.  They made their last stand under the heartless King George III, and it is said between 1763 and 1755 not less than 20,000 of them were proscribed, banished for the most part to America, and with them went out most of the Arthurs.

 Among the early Arthurs in other parts of the Isles were: William Arthur in County Essex, William Arter in Somerset, Arthur of Lincolnshire, and Stephen Arthur in Wiltshire, all in 1273; Henry Arthur before 1327; Robert Arthur of Norfolk 1559, and Thomas Arthur in 1585; Robert Arthur was in London, 1615; John Arthur in Cornwall, in the latter 17th century, and Piers Arthur in County Clare early in the 18th century.

 There was a saying in the Argyllshire, "There is nothing older unless the hills, MacArthur, and the devil."  There were Arthurs scattered throughout the British Isles even before the American colonization began.  For this reason it becomes difficult to trace lineages, or establish family connections.
 

AMERICAN COLONISTS

 Among the earliest of the Arthur name to join the American Colonies was George Arthur in the Isle of Wight County, Virginia, in 1637, just 300 years ago.  No family records were kept, but as early as 1642 there were James, Alice, and Chris Arthur in the same county, who may have been related to him.

 In all the colonies from New England to the Carolinas, and Georgia, there were Arthurs widely distributed.  In 1775 William Arthur was a delegate to the Colonial Congress from Orange County, S.C.; Barnabas Arthur was a justice of the peace in the same county.  William Arthur, born in Ireland, was in Charleston, S.C. in 1773.  In the days of '76 there were serving in the Revolutionary War, John, and Barnabas Arthur from Virginia, William Arthur from Bedford County, Va., James Arthur from Maryland, Francis from Georgia, and others from various colonies.  Military training through long centuries enured them war's rigors.

 Before 1773, Richard Arthur was living in Groton, Conn.  John Arthur lived in Salem, Mass., and was thought to have been the earliest of the name in New England.  He married Priscilla Gardner, and after his death she moved with his children to Nantucket, but their given names are not known.  There were Arthurs in Nantucket in the early 18th century.  Chester Alan Arthur, once President was the son of Alan Arthur, and grand-son of Gavin Arthur of Antrim, Ireland.

 Other distinguished members of the family may be mentioned here as Timothy Shay Arthur, distinguished writer, and Joseph Charles Arthur, a noted botanist, of New York.  Also Julia Arthur of Canada, an actress with stage name, Ida Lewis.

 In practically every State in the United States, there are Arthurs to be found.  They are for the most part humble citizens content to carry on in the making of America, as did their forebears across the waters, in the early history of the British Isles.
 
 

JAMES ARTHUR, ANCESTOR

 James Arthur was born in Ireland about 1776, and came to America the latter part of the 18th century.  He married a woman born in Wales.  They were in Virginia for a time, then joined the stream of Western Emmigration that brought them to Kentucky, it is thought in Mason County near Mayslick.  About the turn of the century, they joined a caravan consisting of several families who were bound for Old Post Vincennes, Indiana.  Six of these families were: Arthur, Donaldson, Eskridge, McClellan, Robinson, and Wise.  Most of these ultimately settled in southern Daviess County, Indiana.

 James Arthur and his wife, however, lived at Chelsea, about four miles east of Washington, Ind.  There they reared their family of six children, three boys, and three girls.  The eldest son James, is thought to have been born about 1798; Matthew, the second son was born March 22, 1800; John C., the third, was born Jan 26, 1801; Margaret, Mary, and Melvina followed in order, but no dates are known.

 The name was originally MacArthur, but after the settling of the family at Chelsea, James applied to the Government for naturalization.  The matter was delayed for several months, and when at last the papers came the name had been inserted, James Arthur.  No effort was made to have them corrected.

 There is no record of the death of James Arthur, but he was a man of delicate health and probably did not live beyond middle age.  He is known to have been burried at Chelsea, but his grave is unmarked, and unknown.  The Welsh wife who had been his bosom companion, and reared his six children, subsequently married a man named McKinley and lived with him and raised a family.

 Members of this family formerly made occasional visits with members of the Arthur family in Daviess County, notable Robert, Wash., and Albert McKinley, and others of a later generation.

 The six children born to James Arthur and wife grew to maturity, married, and established homes.  All continued to live in Indiana, except James who returned to Kentucky, and reared a large family there.

 Matthew Arthur, the second son of James Arthur and his Welsh wife, was born Mar. 22, 1800, and died Mar. 27, 1852.  He was married to Margaret Hopkins, sister of Samuel Hopkins, and together they reared three children.  She outlived him many years, and became affectionately known in the family as, "Aunt Peggy Arthur."  Their children were, Clarissa, Milton, and Mary Ann Arthur.

1. Clarissa was born April 3, 1823, and died February 13, 1863.  She married Alfred Miller Sept. 18, 1843, and to them were born two children, Andrew Miller who married, and died without issue and Alice Miller who never married.

2. Milton Arthur died at the tender age of sixteen years.

3. Mary Ann Arthur was born Nov. 5, 1827, died Nov. 12, 1900.  She married Andrew Jackson Hart, Feb. 8, 1854, but to them there was no issue.

John C. Arthur the third son of James Arthur was born Jan. 26, 1801, and died July 5, 1842, and on Jan. 10, 1826 married Nancy Robinson.  Their history will follow in a subsequent chapter.

 Margaret Arthur married Robbin Burris, but no dates are available.

 Mary Arthur married John Hardick, but no dates are available.

 Melvina Arthur first married a Mr. Black, who died, and later married a second time to a Mr. Burris.  No dates are known in either case.
 
 

JOHN C. ARTHUR

 John C. Arthur was the third son of James Arthur and his Welsh wife.  At the age of twenty-five he was married to Nancy Robinson, a product of the Kentucky caravan aforementioned.  They settled on a farm four miles southeast of Washington, and a mile south of the Vealescreek church.

 He was an industrious, and thrifty farmer, bringing under cultivation many acres of productive land.  He erected a comfortable home and substantial farm buildings as needed, and raised stock, fruit, and grain.  By his thrift he gradually acquired several tracts of valuable land, and became fairly well to do.

 Together, with his faithful and accomplished wife, he reared a family of eight children, four boys, and four girls.  Every advantage available was provided the children in the home, and every opportunity to gain a start in life.

 In matters of education, religion, and social advantage they had every encouragement possible.  Lessons of industry, frugality, honesty, and sobriety were diligently taught in the home, and the family life was a preparation for good citizenship in the days, and years to come.

 John C. Arthur was, like his father James, not destined to long life, for he died at the early age of forty-one years.  Nancy Robinson Arthur survived him fifty-one years, dying in the old family home July 23, 1893, at the age of 86 years.  The names of their children were: Elizabeth, Elijah, Sarah, Lydia, James Robinson, William, John, and Mary, all of whom spent their entire lives in Indiana, and mostly in Daviess Co.

I. ELIZABETH ARTHUR was born Oct. 18, 1826, dies Feb. 23, 1896.  She was married to Alfred Bassett, Dec. 27, 1846.  They lived on mile southeast of Washington, on the old Portersville road.  There were born to them six children, four boys and two girls, named: John, Milton, Helen, Charles, William, and Mattie.

1. John Bassett was born Sept. 14, 1847, and married Elizabeth Seickinus.  They lived for a time in Indiana, but later went to Louisiana where they continued to reside.  They have no children.

2. Milton Bassett was born Dec. 1, 1850, and on Dec. 23, 1880 was united in marriage to Mary A. Knight.  He was a plasterer by trade, and they spent their entire lives in Washington.  They had five children born to them as follows:

a. Harry Bassett was born April 9, 1881, died August 12, 1902.

b. Franklin Bassett was born July 10, 1883.

c. Lena Bassett, was born Dec. 17, 1885, and married Ross Ricks.  They have one son, Thomas.

d. Anna Laura Bassett, born July 10, 1889. And died Jan. 27, 1903.

e. Wilbur Sherridan Bassett was born Jan. 22, 1892.

3. Helen Bassett was born Sept. 2, 1853, and died Aug. 15, 1936.  She married Lee Osman Jan. 17, 1875.  He was a farmer and established the family home in Veale township, about two miles south of Cumback.  To them nine children were born.

a. Stella Osman was born Feb. 14, 1879.  She married Thos. J. Canolty Sept. 23, 1896.  To them seven children were born as follows: Cecil Ozro Canolty, Aug. 10, 1897, married Lois Colvin; Helen Martha Canolty, Sept. 12, 1899; Maude Ethel Canolty, Apr. 13, 1902; Rose Myrtle Canolty, June 19, 1906; Rex Canolty, Dec. 14, 1908; Ruth Canolty, Mar. 26, 1912; and Dorothy Canolty, Oct. 15, 1915.

b. Mame Osman was born May 2, 1881, and married Oliver Gilley Sept. 5, 1901.  To them seven children were born as follows: Lee Uvie Gilley, Sept. 6, 1905; Wilbur Job Gilley, Oct. 27, 1907; Carrie Violet Gilley, Apr. 5, 1909;  Herman Rudolph Gilley, July 31,  1812; Maude Elizabeth Gilley, Oct. 17, 1914, and married Hugh Fitzgerald, and to them were born Kenneth and Carol Sue; Ray Albert Gilley, Dec. 30, 1916; Helen Eliza Gilley, Nov. 25, 1919.

c. Elizabeth Osman, born Sept. 4, 1884, and married Harrison Davis.  The following six children were born to them: Gladys A. Davis, April 11, 1902, married Wm. L. Smith, and bore him Joyce Ann, and Ruth Marie Smith. Mercedes Davis, Aug. 28, 1904, married Ivan Fisher and bore him Barbara, and Donnie Fisher; Fred L. Davis, Mar. 15, 1909, married Erma Riker, who bore him Erma Lee Davis; Millis I. Davis, Aug. 15, 1913, married Carl Sullivan; Clarence A. Davis, Feb. 16, 1916; Raymond E. Davis, July 13, 1918.

d. Alfred Osman, born Dec. 5, 1885, and married Bertha Bingham, Jan. 11, 1912.  The following three children came to them: Sebert Lester Osman, Dec. 14, 1912; Martha Helen Osman, Sept. 27, 1915; Walter Osman, Sept. 5, 1918.

e. John C. Osman, born Dec. 5, 1885, died Sept. 30, 1893.

f. Walter Scott Osman, born Jan. 23, 1888, and married Bertha Baldwin Nov. 24, 1917.  Two children were born to them: Ralph Osman, and Catherine Osman.

g. Clarence Osman, born Dec. 25, 1888, married Elsie Gray, Nov. 23, 1916.  To them two sons were born.

h. Edgar Leander Osman, born Jan. 19, 1891, died May 7, 1918.

i. Esta Blanche Osman, born Oct. 24, 1896, died Sept. 5, 1905.

4. Charles Bassett was born Oct. 1, 1855.  Married Kate Smith Nov. 13, 1883.  They had no child of their own, but an adopted son, Walter Bassett, born Oct. 7, 1892, who married Agatha Carrico Sept. 23, 1916, and with them Charles now lives.

5. William Bassett was born Apr. 14, 1961, died Aug. 7, 1907, unmarried.  He died probably of Apoplexy, or heart trouble, on a Government claim, near Deming, N.M.  He was alone, and found by neighbors several hours later.  The body was returned home for burial, with funeral at Vealscreek Church.

6. Mattie Bassett, born Jan. 15, 1866, died Aug. 13, 1936.  Married Geo. Hunter, Feb. 7, 1895.  Three children were born: Carrie M. Hunter, Feb. 6, 1896; Helen M. Hunter, May 17, 1899; Walter Bassett Hunter, May 15, 1905.  Mr. Hunter was a farmer.

II. ELIJAH ARTHUR was born Sept. 17, 1828, and died Mar. 10, 1905.  He married Sarah Reed, daughter of Nathan Reed of Sugarland neighborhood, and reared a family of nine children.  He was a miller by trade, and was employed at Brown's Mill at Washington several years, and later, with the Laycock Furniture Co., at Indianapolis.  The family home was moved from Washington to Indianapolis in 1899, and almost the entire family was with this company at some time.  To Elijah and Sarah Reed Arthur were born the following:

1. May Arthur was born Oct. 20, 1856, and died Feb. 14, 1935 at Southport, Ind.  She was taken to Washington, Ind. For funeral, and burial at the old Ebenezer Church in Harrison Twp.  She was married to Alfred Ellis Feb. 13, 1889.  She was the mother of three children.

a. Louise Arthur, born Oct. 23, 1885, and married Walter McDonald Feb. 15, 1908.  To them seven children were born as follows: Dorothy May McDonald, July 2, 1908, who married Wm. Davis, Dec. 20, 1929, and bore him Nancy Louise Davis; Lucy Marie McDonald, Nov. 9, 1912, who married Jules Blaes, Nov., 1931, and bore him Jules Blaes Jr.  They live at Bicknell, Ind.; Martha Genevieve McDonald, Nov. 11, 1914, and married Fred Dickey, Shoals, Ind., and bore him two children, the first not surviving, and the second a daughter; Catherine Isabell McDonald born Nov. 22, 1917; Virginia McDonald, Oct. 13, 1920; William McDonald, Oct. 13, 1923; and Robert McDonald, Apr, 12, 1927.  Since the death of Louise Arthur McDonald, which occurred soon after the birth of this child he has lived with his aunts at Southport, Ind.  Twin children were born to Alfred and May Ellis:

b. Infant Ellis born Sept. 2, 1895, died Sept. 21, 1895

c. Infant Ellis born Sept 2, 1895, died Sept. 22, 1895.

2. Richard Arthur was born Apr. 7, 1859, and was married to Sarah V. Robling Dec. 24, 1884, who departed this life Sept. 9, 1931.  To them was born one daughter: Mattie Arthur, Sept. 1, 1886, married William Boyd Aug 12, 1908, and bore him Richard A. Boyd June 30, 1909.

3. Ida Arthur was born May 17, 1861, and died Dec. 12, 1863.

4. William Arthur was born Oct.8, 1963, and died Aug. 1, 1865.

5. Martha Grace Arthur was born Sept. 12, 1865.  For a number of years she was a successful teacher in the Washington schools, and later a stenographer at the Laycock plant, Indianapolis.  Her home is now at Southport, Ind.

6. Dora Arthur was born Oct. 3, 1867, and Jan 1, 1913 was married to Melvin F. Berry at Grand Bay, Ala.  Their home is now at Southport, Ind.

7. Dennie Arthur was born Feb. 8, 1870, and died Feb. 17, 1932.  On June 20, 1900, she was married to George Schowe, who preceded her in death.  They lived in Indianapolis, Ind.

8. George Arthur was born Oct. 3, 1872, and died Jan. 23, 1898, of Typhoid fever.

9. Etta Arthur was born Jan. 3, 1879, and married Charles E. Vollmer, June 22, 1904.  Three children were born to them as follows:

a. Sarah Virginia Vollmer born Jan. 6, 1908, living at home, employed.

b. Martha Miriam Vollmer, Oct. 30, 1916, student in Butler College.

c. Mary Louise Vollmer, March 25, 1920, student in High School.

Charles Vollmer is a business man, and the family home is in  Indianapolis.

III. SARAH ARTHUR was born Oct. 30, 1830, and died Aug. 21, 1854.  She married Milton Marmaduke Feb. 10, 1852.  They lived about one mile north of the Arthur home.  She bore one child to him, and after her death, he remarried to Jane Feagans, and with her reared a family.  They lived in Washington.

1. Frank Marmaduke was born July 6, 1854, and married Martha F. Grow Nov. 18, 1875.  To them four children were born as follows:

a. Sallie Marmaduke was born Aug. 2, 1878.

b. Hattie Marmaduke was born March 24, 1880.  She married Jesse Yarbrough Dec, 12, 1898, and eight children were born to them: Walter, May 3, 1900; Wilbur, Aug. 6, 1902; Grace, Feb. 24, 1906; Mildred, Apr. 6, 1908; Clarence, July 20, 1910; Carl, June 5, 1912; Chester, July 22, 1914; and Francis  Mar. 22, 1918.

c. Harry Marmaduke was born Oct. 4, 1884.  He married Jessie Diemer Mar. 10, 1917.  Marjorie Marmaduke was born to them Oct. 30, 1918.

d. Sherman Marmaduke was born Mar. 9, 1893.  He married May Jones, Nov. 9, 1915.  Richard Calvin Marmaduke was born to them Aug. 5, 1917.

IV. LYDIA ARTHUR, born Nov. 4, 1832, died Sept. 20, 1907, at Washington, Indiana.
 

V. JAMES ROBINSON ARTHUR was born Sept. 30, 1834, and died Mar. 15, 1905.  He was married to Lettie Ellen Steen Feb. 19, 1857.  She was born Aug. 14, 1840, died Sept. 6, 1915.  Soon after their marriage they established a home for themselves on the Portersville road in Harrison township, seven miles from Washington.  Here they spent the remainder of their days.  To them fifteen children were born, twelve of whom lived to middle age.  James Arthur first engaged in the saw milling business with his brother William, then took to farming and stock raising.  He built his home on a heavily timbered tract of land, rived clapboards to cover the house and farm buildings.  He went into the woods with ax, and maul, and wedge and split rails to build miles of fence.  He cleared the ground, rolled logs, and pulled stumps.  He drove yokes of oxen and teams of horses, in rain and mud, and sleet and snow.  He plowed, and planted fields, and furrows; he shucked the corn with his own hands; cut the grain with a cradle, and mowed the hay with a scythe.  He gathered, and marketed the products of the farm; fed cattle, and sheep, and hogs, and drove them to market over miles of rough country roads.  With iron determination, he forged ahead through the years, challenged, and mastered hard conditions, and untoward circumstances.  By dint of hard work, he improved the land, and fashioned it into farms second to none in the country.  He led the community in the erection of better buildings, in the improvement of the soil, in the introduction of better stock, and better products of the soil.  His companion in the home was a helpmate in every sense.  She reigned as queen in her own home, instructed, and nurtured her children, and provided for them the best of everything available in the home.  The children went to school, and church, and each one learned some useful occupation.

And now long since, the two of them have gone to their reward.  They served together well their day and generation, and have answered the summons of Him who said, "Come hither".  In the quiet Vealscreek churchyard, surrounded by their kith and kin, they rest side by side just as they had planned it.  In the wide countryside, there are multitudes of those who have risen up to call them blessed.

The following were the children of James R. and Lettie Steen Arthur:

1. John Franklin Arthur was born Oct. 24, 1857, and died Mar. 23, 1927, at Redlands, California.  He was the eldest of fifteen children.  On Sept. 4, 1880, he was married to Clara E. McCafferty.  Three children were born to this union as follows:

a. Franklin James Arthur, born Dec. 7, 1881.  He began very early a newspaper career, which has become to him a settled profession in journalism.  He married Helen Williams June 21, 1906, and to them were born: Paul William Arthur, Mar. 26, 1907, who died Apr. 2, 1907; Franklin Arthur Jr., June 27, 1910; and Barbara Jean Arthur, Jan., 1921.  Since their marriage, Frank and Helen Arthur have lived at Redlands, California.

b. Iona Priscilla Arthur was born at Washington, Ind., Mar. 1, 1886, died at Redlands, Calif., Jan. 15, 1931.  She was married Nov. 3, 1908 to Wilbur Acton.  To them was born one child who did not survive.

c. Cecil Easterly Arthur was born Jan. 3, 1890.  He too began early a journalistic career with Washington, and Redlands papers, and has steadfastly held to that profession.  He married Jewel Dane Siple at Petersburg, Ind., Aug. 28, 1914.  To them were born: Robert Siple Arthur, Mar. 17, 1916; and Dorothy Dane Arthur.

John F. Arthur lived with his family many years in Washington, Ind.  But Sept. 1916, removed the family home to Redlands, Calif.  And after the death of his wife Clara McCafferty on June 13, 1917, he was married a second time to Carrie Myers, who survives him.

2. Nancy Ann Arthur was born Aug. 12, 1859, and on Nov. 27, 1881 was married to McLoed Washington Chappell of Algiers, Ind., who departed this life Aug. 12, 1925.  Early in their married life they settled at Minden, Nebr., where they reared a family of five children as follows:

a. Charles Arthur Chappell, born Oct. 9, 1882.  On July 19, 1917, he was united in marriage to Oletha H. Pattison, of Minden, who was born Nov. 12, 1892.  Their issue: Ruth Ann Chappell, Oct. 1, 1921; Margery Jean Chappell, Dec. 23, 1923; Arthur McLoed Chappell, Dec. 6, 1930; John Charles Chappell, Jan 28, 1935.

Charles Chappell chose the legal profession, and served as State Senator of Nebraska.

b. Lettie E. Chappell was born Sept. 29, 1884, married Frank Reinsch, Sept. 6, 1910.  Mr. Reinsch has been a successful teacher at Lincoln, Nebraska, and Hollywood, California.  Donald Arthur Reinsch was born to this union, Sept. 21, 1924.

c. Ross Chappell was born Oct. 31, 1889.  He was married to Mary Beth Jaminson, Aug. 19, 1921.  He chose the clerical profession in the Railway service.

d. James Robinson Chappell was born Sept. 20, 1892, and on Aug. 23, 1921 married Blanche Weeks.  To them were born: James Carroll Chappell, May 30, 1924; William Robinson Chappell, Apr. 23, 1928.

James is a dentist, located at Hastings, Nebraska.  He served in the World War.

e. William Elliott Chappell was born Mar. 26, 1595.  He Married Mona Elizabeth Satzgaber, June 25, 1918.  To them were born: Elliott Rea Chappell, Apr. 11, 1920; Ida Janice Chappell, Aug. 20, 1926.

William E. is a dentist at Minden, Nebraska.  He served in the World War.

3. Charles Watis Arthur was born Feb. 26, 1861, died Dec. 28, 1933, in a hospital in Twin Falls, Idaho.  He was buried at Buhl, Idaho, Jan. 3, 1934.  Services were conducted by Rev. Gordon Goldthwaite of the Presbyterian church.  Charles went to the far West at the age of 21, and spent some years in Washington and Oregon, and later settled on a Government claim on Snake River in Idaho, near Buhl.  He married Albina Pisklak Pech, June 16, 1915, who at that time had one child, Evelyn Pech.  To them were born three children:

a. Martha Lettie Arthur, May 25, 1916, who died Dec. 8, 1931, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Glover, near Maysville, Ind., where she had recently been living.

b. Margaret Albina Arthur, born Aug. 14, 1917, who with the other children, after the death of her mother in Idaho, came to Indiana to live in 1919.  Margaret made her home with Mr. and Mrs. James Meade near Glendale, Ind.

c. James Robinson Arthur, Mar. 1, 1919.  He was reared in the home of Dr. and Mrs. H.M Arthur, Hazleton, Ind., from the first year of his life.

4. Sarah Bell Arthur was born Aug. 12, 1862, died Jan. 16, 1868.

5. Laura Jane Arthur was born Aug. 12, 1863, died July 8, 1926, in hospital at Washington, Ind.  She was wed to Douglas Hooker Ricks, Aug. 29, 1886.  They made a home for themselves on a farm four miles south of Washington.  Their children are:

a. Loring Ezra Ricks, born Sept. 4, 1887.  He married Laura Fish, May 3, 1910.  They live on a farm in Veal Twp.  To them were born: Ruth Ricks, Apr. 13, 1911, who married Roy McGuire; Robert Fish Ricks, Oct. 14, 1912, who married Darlis Dyer, Dec. 29, 1932.  She bore him Paul Ricks, Oct. 27, 1933; and Marlyn Sue Ricks, Nov. 10, 1935.  Naomi Ricks, June 13, 1916, who married Donald Moore, Aug. 18, 1934, and bore him Donald Lee Moore, June 16, 1935; John Elijah Ricks, May 29, 1919.  Blanche Eliza Ricks, May 29, 1919; and Marvin Dale Ricks, Oct. 29, 1923

b. Nina Adaline Ricks, born Aug. 4, 1889, who married Frank Glover, Aug. 7, 1920.  He was enlisted in the World War, and afterwards engaged in farming.  He died at the Veterans Hospital at Indianapolis, May 18, 1937, result of Army service.

c. Elijah Onel Ricks, born July 31, 1891, and died July 11, 1935, in the Veterans hospital, Indianapolis, results of Army Service.  He was a melon and fruit grower.  He married Clara Lett, Jan. 7, 1920, and to them four children were born: Charles Ricks, Nov. 2, 1920; Ralph Ricks, July 14, 1922; Rose Mary Ricks, Sept. 11, 1924; and Laura Ellen Ricks, Jan. 21, 1927.

d. Fred Bertle Ricks, born Apr. 2, 1893.  Married Martha Fitzjerald, Oct. 8, 1922.  Born to them were Helen Elaine Ricks, June 13, 1923; Carl Ricks, Jan. 23, 1932.

e. Fannie Ellen Ricks, born Oct. 9, 1894, died Mar. 28, 1916, of Tuberculosis.

6. William Arthur was born Mar. 22, 1865.  Married Clara Belle Lett, Sept. 12, 1886.  They live happily surrounded by their children on farms near the old Arthur homestead in Harrison Twp.  Their children are:

a. Ursula Dell Arthur, born Sept. 23, 1887.  She was married to Clyde Wallace, Sept. 6, 1910.  To them were born seven children, who are: Arthur Leroy Wallace, Nov. 1, 1911, and married Opal Arnold, Mar. 28, 1937; William Wallace, May 19, 1913; Joseph Hamilton Wallace, July 15, 1915; Lettie Elizabeth Wallace, Apr. 13, 1917; Watis Merle Wallace, Nov. 6, 1919; Martha Ruth Wallace, Mar. 26, 1923; and Marjorie Edith Wallace, July 9, 1925.

b. Henry Hamilton Arthur, born Dec. 28, 1984.  Married Bessie Davis, July 31, 1920.  Five children were born to them: Ralph Arthur, Jan. 24, 1921; Robert Arthur, Nov. 29, 1925; Kenneth Lee Arthur, Feb. 28, 1932; Thomas Dale Arthur, Oct. 15, 1934, died Nov. 12, 1934; Infant twin, born and died Oct. 15, 1934.

7. Phebe Angeline Arthur was born Apr. 11, 1867, and married James Blankenship Mead, Nov. 11, 1889.  They have spent their entire married lives in the neighborhood of the old Arthur home, in the occupation of farming.  Their children are:

a. John Alva mead, born Aug. 11, 1890.  Married Pearl Fitzjerald January 29, 1914.  They live near Missouri Valley, Iowa, engaged in farming.

b. Alice Esther Mead, born Jan. 1, 1893, and was married to Owen Fitzjerald Mar. 1, 1921.  They reside on a farm in Veal Twp.  Their children are: James Nelson, July 12, 192; Donald Arthur, Nov. 24, 1924, died Feb. 8, 1925; Mary Catherine, Sept. 3, 1926; Phebe Lou, May 1, 1928; Owen Ray, Aug. 1, 1930; Jack Allen, Sept. 15, 1932; Burke Hays, Nov. 12, 1934.

c. Infant daughter born and died Jan. 1, 1893, a twin of Alice Esther.

d. Elmer Ray Mead, born Jan. 9, 1896, and married Hallie Gilley Oct. 27, 1923.  They reside on the old Steen homestead, where Lettie Steen Arthur was born.  Their children are: Arthur Ray Mead, Sept. 11, 1927; and Ralph Marvin Mead, Dec. 16, 1931.

e. Martha Anness Mead, born Jan. 17, 1899, living at home.

f. Maud Mead, born Sept. 5, 1903, and married Donald Stuckey, Oct. 8, 1923.  They live on a farm in Veal Twp., near Pleasant Hill.  Their children are: Ruth Ellen Stuckey, July 30, 1925; and Wilma Ann Stuckey, June 15, 1936.

g. Ira Mead was born Nov. 27, 1904.  He is Principal of the Glendale schools, and a graduate in Oakland City College, and received a Masters degree from Indiana University.

8. Emma Naomi Arthur was born Dec. 19, 1868, and died Nov. 16, 1870, of Diptheria.

9. Elijah A. Arthur was born July 31, 1890, and on September 4, 1900 was married to Eva Leora Ford of Mount Auburn, Indiana, graduated at Franklin College and Theological Seminary at Lebanon, Tenn.  He is a Presbyterian Minister, served in the War with Spain, and was a chaplain in the World War.  Born to this union were:

a. James Ford Arthur, born May 25, 1901.  Married Emma Piersing of Steger, Ill., in Chicago, Ill.  She was born Sept, 15, 1904, and died Mar. 13, 1923.  Born to them was Richard Edward Arthur, Mar. 3, 1923.  After the death of Emma Piersing Arthur, James F. Arthur was married a second time to Ione Henry of Chandler, Ind., on Aug. 11, 1928, and to them was born Mary Ann Arthur, Feb. 5, 1935.  They live at Evansville, where he is employed as a railway mail clerk.  He attended Franklin College.

b. Lillard Dale Arthur, born Oct. 8, 1903, at Lebanon, Tenn.  He graduated from Indiana Dental College in 1927.  He was married to Mary Elizabeth Loughery, Apr. 27, 1928, at Ashville, N.C.  They established a home at Charlotte, N.C., where he is a dental surgeon.  Their children are: Loughery Dale Arthur, born Oct. 27, 1930; Thomas Ford Arthur, born Apr. 29, 1933.

c. Grace Maude Arthur, born July 23, 1906.  She graduated at Indiana University in 1928, is a teacher, and librarian in the high school at Crawfordsville, Ind., where the family home is established.

d. Richard Edward Arthur was born, and died May 12, 1914.

10. Hamilton M. Arthur was born July 20, 1872.  Was married to Bertha D. Chapman Apr. 25, 1898.  He attended Indiana Medical School, graduating in 1989, and engaged in the practice of Medicine, first at Alfordsville, then at Hazleto, Ind., where the family home is now established.  He has been engaged in various other business enterprises, a member of social and fraternal orders, and other activities.  Four children have been born to this union:

a. Viola Olive Arthur was born Feb. 14, 1899.  She married Harry B. Scott Sept. 28, 1919, who was born May 16, 1890, and died Jan. 7, 1937.  He was an invalid through several years, owing to an accident he received as signal maintainer on a railroad.  Their home has been at Hazleton ever since their marriage.

b. Flora Elizabeth Arthur was born July 10, 1903.  She married Harold Ray Caniff June 26, 1926.  She was a teacher for several years, while he has been engaged in the trucking business.  They live at Hazleton.  Their children are: Harold Ray Caniff, Jr., Mar. 23, 1927; Barbara Jean Caniff, Sept. 10, 1928; Nancy Ann Caniff, born Jan. 9, 1930, and died Feb. 3, 1935.

c. Ada Eugene Arthur, born July 5, 1906.  She married John Hudelson. Eugene was also a teacher, and John is engaged in the oil and trucking business.  They live in Hazleton.  Their children are: John Arthur Hudelson, born Dec. 13, 1929; Janet Hudelson, Feb. 2, 1937.

d. Eunice Ellen Arthur was born Feb. 5, 1909, and married Lowell Armstrong, who was formerly a teacher, but later engaged in the milling and feed business at Hazleton.  Their children are Artur Lowell Armstrong, born Dec. 24, 1929, and died Feb. 12, 1934; Ellen Earle Armstrong, Sept. 14, 1931; Bertha Jane Armstrong, Dec. 10, 1935.

11.  Martin Luther Arthur was born Aug. 18, 1876.  He married Bertha Willey, Apr. 28, 1897.  He practiced Medicine at Alfordsville, Ind., after graduating at the Indiana Medical College at Indianapolis in 1898.  They later moved to Patoka, where he resumed his practice.  He was in business, and lodge work, and was commissioned a Captain in the World War.  Born to this union were:

a. Wella Gamelle Arthur was born Aug. 3, 1899.  She married Dec. 23, 1922 to Dale D, Skelton of Princeton where they engaged in the printing business.  To them was born Jeanne Lucile Skelton, Jan. 20, 1924.

b. Gladys Leora Arthur, born Apr. 20, 1902, who married Claude M. Yates, July 14, 1923.  To them was born Betty J. Yates, Apr. 21 1924.  In Mar. 1933, Gladys was married a second time to Leonard Chapman, Ridgewood, N.J.

c. Vivian Ruth Arthur was born June 4, 1903, and died Aug. 3, 1917, of typhoid fever.

d. Josephine Bertha Arthur, born Sept. 4, 1904, is a registered nurse in the city schools at Cleveland, Ohio.

After the death of Bertha Willey Arthur, Dec. 18, 1905, M. L. Arthur was married a second time to Essie M. Devin, Aug. 6, 1908, at Logansport, Ind.  To them were born:

e. James Devin Arthur, born July 26, 1910, who married Margaret Fern Hargrove of Patoka.  Born to them were: Joan Arthur, May 13, 1930; Janet Ruth Arthur, June 10, 1933.  Devin Arthur is engaged in the printing trade with the Standard Printing Co., at Princeton.  They have their home at Patoka.

f. Catherine Lettie Arthur, born Apr. 29, 1913.  She graduated in 1935 at Indiana University, and is engaged in journalism at Danville, Ill.

12. Infant daughter Arthur, born and died Mar. 11, 1978.

13. Nora Maude Arthur was born June 27, 1879.  She attended college and University.  Graduating at Franklin College and the Indiana Medical College, she practiced medicine, did research work, and lectured for the State of Indiana, was Superintendent of the Daviess County Orphans Home, conducted a farm, and various other activities.  She has an adopted son, Melvin Arthur.

14. Martha Rozilla Arthur was born August 14, 1881.  Martha was a World War Nurse from Jan. 2, 1918 to Oct. 23, 1919.  She served in France with the British and American forces.  In July, 1933, as a nurse, she made a trip to France with the Gold Star Mothers' Pilgrimage.  She is a registered nurse in the city schools at Cleveland, Ohio.

15. Austin Owen Arthur was born August 18, 1883.  Married Oma Fitzjerald June 17, 1908.  He is a farmer, and is engaged in Farm Organization Work.  Attended High School and Franklin College.  To this union four children were born:
 

a. Milton Fitzjerald Arthur, born April 6, 1909.  He is a teacher in Washington schools.  He graduated at Terre Haute Teachers College.

b. Helen Vonceile Arthur, born May 3, 1910.  Employed at Boehne Hospital, Evansville.

c. James Robert Arthur, born April 27, 1917.  He studied at Purdue University and at Lockyear's Business College, at Evansville, Ind.

d. Mary Ellen Arthur, born Aug. 7, 1919, died Oct. 7, 1920.

V. WILLIAM ARTHUR was born March 6, 1837, died Aug. 31, 1861, of milksickness.  He married Mollie Taylor, daughter of Samuel Taylor, of Hudsonville, Ind.  After his death without issue Mollie Taylor Arthur married Francis Ashbury Ward, and reared a large family with him.  William Arthur was engaged in the saw milling business with his brother James, and was said to be the strongest muscled man in the community, and James was second only to him.

VI. JOHN ARTHUR was born May 27, 1839, and died on his farm in Harrison Twp., Oct. 14, 1906.  On Nov. 26, 1865, he was married to Ellen Johnson.  After her death Jan. 20, 1888, he was married a second time to Mrs. Catherine Jones Pitt, in the Sugerland, N.E. of Washington, Jan. 6, 1889.  She was born April 17, 1851, and died Dec. 19, 1919.  John Arthur had no children.  He was a thrifty farmer, left several tracts of valuable land, and was comfortably well to do.

VII. MARY ARTHUR was born May 5, 1842, and died July, 1912.  She was married to Albert Pershing about 1890.  She had one daughter -

1. Jennie Arthur, born 1860, and died 1884.  She married Anderson Dunnigan about 1880.  To them was born one son -

a. Arthur Dunnigan who was born Oct. 10, 1883, who married Maude Marsh, and lives in Knox County, near Wheatland, Ind., on a farm.  The have the following children - Newel Dunnigan, born May 24, 1907, who married Anna Lee Perry, who bore him Earl Dunnigan, born 1931; and George Lavon Dunnigan, born 1933; John William Dunnigan born May 24, 1915; Lowell A. Dunnigan, Aug. 10, 1916; An infant son that did not survive; Jennie Emily Dunnigan, Sept. 3, 1918.
 

 In a thrifty family, the history is never written.  The Arthur family is no exception.  This sketch will be found incomplete, but it is our hope that the way is blazed for a more pretentious effort at some future time.  If only we have succeeded in provoking an interest in the matter of keeping family records, and reporting them, we shall feel ourselves well repaid.
 

AN APPRECIATION

Without his knowledge or consent, the families interested in these historical sketches wish to extend their heart-felt thanks to the Rev. Elijah A. Arthur of Crawfordsville, Indiana, for almost entirely to him are they indebted for all the facts contained therein. He devoted largely both of his time and means to the end that such might be put in this form so they could easily be preserved for future generations.  The families take this method of expressing to him, in a small way, the gratitude due him for this work
of love.
 
 Keyboarded by: Lauren McNiece
Submitted by:   Joe Wallace           mcwallis@pullman.com
Date: 20-Sept-1998