Rev. William Paxton was born in Preble County, Ohio, Nov. 27, 1831, a son of Dr. James and Polly Paxton. In 1839 his parents moved to Rush County, Ind., and settled on the line of Henry County, and in 1845 moved to Greensboro in Henry County. His father was a physician and also a preacher in the Wesleyan Methodist connection. He finally gave up his practice and gave his whole attention to the ministry. He was a radical reformer and took an active part in the anti-slavery agitation. In later life he bought a home in Marion, Ind., and retired. He died in May, 1859, aged forty-nine years. William Paxton received a good education and when sixteen years of age began teaching school. He taught seven terms and then turned his attention to farming for about twenty-five years. In 1865 he moved to Grant County, Ind., and while there was licensed to preach and was subsequently ordained an Elder in the Wesleyan Methodist connection. In 1882 he came to Henry County and located in Maple Valley, where he has a fine farm of 156 acres on sections 6 and 7. He is still a member of the Indiana Annual Conference and preaches as health will permit and occasion requires. William Paxton was married in 1849 to Lucinda, daughter of Jacob and Christiana (Hiatt) Burris, who came to Henry County in 1824. They were among the first pioneers in settling Wayne Township and were among the leading and most prominent citizens of the county. Mrs. Burris died in 1865, and Mr. Burris in 1879. Mrs. Paxton is an estimable lady of great firmness of character and a thorough reformer as well as her husband. Miss Laura Campbell, a promising young lady of some twenty summers, has been a member of their family some sixteen years.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Wayne Township.
Page 894.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Milton Peden, Knightstown, Ind., is a native of Washington County, Pa., born March 23, 1823. In 1835 his father, James Peden, removed with his family to New Paris, Preble Co., Ohio, and in November of the following year moved to Madison County, Ind. In the fall of 1842 Milton Peden came to Knightstown and worked as a farm hand for two years; then at the cabinet-maker's trade one year, and then at millwrighting with Oliver H. Armstrong till October, 1849, when under the gold excitement he went to California and worked in the mines till September, 1851, when he returned to San Francisco, took passage on the ill-fated steamship Carolina, which was caught in the equinoxial storm on the 19th of September and driven ashore on the coast of Central America, in a disabled condition, from which point he traveled through the Republic of Nicaragua to Sangrean Del Nort, where he took shipping for New York and reach Knightstown, Ind., Dec. 24, 1851. He then engaged in farming for some years. In 1854 he was elected to the State Legislature and served one term. In 1860 he was elected Justice of the Peace and served till the breaking out of the Rebellion. In August, 1861, he assisted in raising Company K, Thirty-sixth Indiana volunteers, and was appointed its First Lieutenant, serving till April, 1862, when the Captain resigned and he was promoted to fill the vacancy, and served till the expiration of his term of service. In 1863 he was appointed Brigade Provost-Marshal, on the staff of General William Grose, Third Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-first Army Corps. He participated in all the great battles fought by the Army of the Cumberland, from Shiloh, April 6 and 7, 1862, to the fall of Atlanta, September, 1864, and at the battle of Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862, was wounded in the right thigh and disabled for duty four months. After his return home he was elected to the Indiana State Senate from Henry County, and served in the session of 1864-'65. He then resigned his seat in the Senate, re-enlisted and was appointed Colonel of the One Hundred and Forty-seventh Indiana Infantry, and was ordered to the Valley of Virginia and served till the close of the war; was mustered out of the service the 4th day of August, 1865, at Harper's Ferry, Va. He returned to Knightstown, Ind., and engaged in the stove and tinware business till June, 1882, when he was appointed special timber agent, under the General Land office, and assigned to duty in the pineries of Northern Minnesota, to look after and protect the Government's interest therein, which position he still occupies. In July, 1866, he was married to Mrs. Mary A. Furgason, daughter of Sidney Muzzy, Esq., who died in 1875, and widow of S. W. Furgason, Esq., who died in February, 1864. She had two daughters but one of whom is now living. Mr. Peden did not remove his family to Minnesota, but still maintains his home at Knightstown, Ind.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Wayne Township.
Page 894 and 895.
Submitted by: Jeanie

James A. Pike, dealer in lumber, sash, doors, lath, shingles, lime, coal, cement and plaster paris, South Jefferson street, opposite Valley House, Knightstown, Ind., was born in Wabash, Ind., in 1849. In 1853 his parents moved to Monroe County, Iowa. In January, 1864, his father, Jordan Pike, enlisted in the Thirty-sixth Iowa Infantry, under command of General Banks, and April 25, 1864, was killed at the battle of Red River, Ark. In 1867 his mother with her children returned to Indiana and located in Knightstown, where she died in 1873. Her four children are all living, three in Henry County and one in Huntington County, Ind. In early life Mr. Pike learned the brick and stone-mason's trade, working at it several years. June 20, 1880, he became established in his present business, where he now employs from twelve to fifteen hands, and is the leading dealer in this line in the city. He was married in 1877 to Mary E., daughter of Thomas James. They have two sons. Mr. Pike is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Wayne Township.
Page 895 and 896.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Joseph Pritchard, Raysville, Ind., a son of Samuel and Harriet Pritchard, was born in Wayne County, Ind., March 12, 1840. His parents were natives of North Carolina, and emigrated to Indiana in 1833, residing in Wayne County two years, and then removed to Henry County, where the father died May 13, 1878. His mother is still living. They endured the privations incident to pioneer life, and by their industry gained a competency and were enabled to give their children good educations. Samuel Pritchard was a prominent man in the early history of the county, and was well known throughout Eastern Indiana. Joseph Pritchard received a good business education. He is a practical farmer, and has made his knowledge the means of providing him with a good home. He owns 175 acres of fine land, well improved. April 19, 1871, he married Annie, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Binford, of Rush County, Ind. They have four children - Henry, Frank, Mary and Hattie. Politically Mr. Pritchard is a Republican. He is a member of the Society of Friends.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Wayne Township.
Page 896.
Submitted by: Jeanie

J. C. Ramsay is a native of Virginia, born March 12, 1828, a son of H. B. and Jane Ramsay, natives of Pennsylvania, and great-grandson of Thomas Ramsay, who came to America from Ireland in an early day, and entered a claim of 900 acres of land. Oct. 12, 1829, his father came to Indiana and settled in Wayne County, where he died in 1870, aged seventy-two years, his wife following him in twenty-nine days. J. C. Ramsay received a good education, and then began farming, at which he has been very successful, now running 240 acres of fine land. He was married June 10, 1863, to Christina C., daughter of John and Rebecca Morris, natives of Virginia, who came to Indiana in 1856. Politically Mr. Ramsay is a Democrat.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Wayne Township.
Page 896 and 897.
Submitted by: Jeanie

F. J. C. Rawlins, M. D., is a son of John and Patsey Rawlins, natives of Delaware, of Welsh descent. His grandfather, Lot Rawlins, was a native of Wales, and when a young man came to America and located in Delaware. His parents moved to Scott County, Ky., in 1803. His father died March 29, 1851, and his mother, September, 1859. Dr. Rawlins was born in Scott County, Ky., July 1, 1827, and spent his early life in Georgetown, where he attended school till eighteen years of age. He began the study of medicine in 1847 with Dr. James Rawlins, and then entered Transylvania University, where he graduated in March, 1850. After graduating he began the practice of his profession in Cleveland, Ind., but a short time after removed to Knightstown, where he remained two years. He then moved to Rush County and from there to Spiceland, but subsequently located permanently at Elizabeth City, where he has built up a large practice. He was married May 12, 1852, to Mary C., daughter of Jacob and Hannah Weaver, of Welsh and German descent. They have three children - Patsey C. (wife of William Lewis), John W. and William F., now at the State University, Bloomington. John W. read medicine with his father four years, and in 1880 entered the Indiana State Medical College, from which he graduated in 1882. He is now practicing with his father. He was married Nov. 1, 1882, to Alice, daughter of B. Brown, of Cumberland County, Ill. They have one daughter - Elsie C. Dr. Rawlins is a member of the Methodist Episcopal, and his wife of the Presbyterian church.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Wayne Township.
Page 897.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Jesse Reeves, Knightstown, Ind., is a native of Brown County, Ohio, born Sept. 16, 1818, a son of Ila and Frankie (Stephenson) Reeves, natives of Kentucky. In 1828 his parents moved to Rush County, Ind., and settled in the woods. They cleared the land of timber and cultivated it, making a good farm and living there over forty years, when they moved to Knightstown, where the father died in 1872, and the mother in 1875. They were the parents of ten children, eight of whom lived till maturity, and four of whom are living. Jesse Reeves spent his youth in assisting his father, remaining with him to manhood. His early education was limited to the subscription school, but arriving at the years of discretion he had an insatiable thirst for knowledge, and spent his leisure hours in reading such books as could be obtained. He began life as a farmer, but subsequently engaged in the manufacture of wagons and carriages, being associated a part of the time with T. P. Meridith. He continued in business till 1873, when he withdrew from the firm and has since lived somewhat retired. Mr. Reeves was married in October, 1840, to Sallie A., daughter of Jacob and Ann Johnson, of Rush County. They have three children - Alfred C., Frankie A. (wife of William H. Peters), and Eliza J. (wife of Edward L. Jones). Mr. and Mrs. Reeves are members of the Christian church. In politics he has always been an adherent to the Jeffersonian doctrines. In his public life he was Justice of the Peace, Township Trustee, Assessor and Councilman from his ward, in each office for several years.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Wayne Township.
Page 897 and 898.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Albert W. Saint was born in Henry County, Ind., Aug. 24, 1838, a son of Alpheus and Irena (Hiatt) Saint, of Champaign County, Ill. His parents were natives of North Carolina, and came to Indiana in 1816, locating in Wayne County, and in 1833 came to Henry County, subsequently moving to Illinois. Albert W. received a good education in the common schools, and then entered Union High School, where he took the full course. He then taught three of four years, and in August, 1861, enlisted in the war of the Rebellion, as a private in the Thirty-sixth Indiana Infantry; was afterward promoted to First Lieutenant. He participated in the battles of Perryville, Wildcat, Stone River, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge and the 100-days battle with Sherman to Atlanta. He was discharged at Indianapolis in the fall of 1864. In 1866 he was married to Emma Kern, of Greensboro. They had a family of four children; but three are living - Frederick, Grace and George. Harry is deceased. Mr. Saint moved to Nebraska, where his wife died in 1881, and he soon after returned to Indiana. In the fall of 1882 he married Lida, daughter of David and Susannah Edwards. They have one child - Edward. Politically Mr. Saint is a Republican.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Wayne Township.
Page 898.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Martin V. Scovell was born in Rush County, Ind., Oct. 6, 1830, son of Elisha and Anna (Ramsey) Scovell, natives of Pennsylvania. His parents moved to Indiana in 1818 and settled in Wayne County; from there moved to Rush County, and in 1831 moved to Henry County, and settled on the farm where our subject now lives. He afterward moved to a farm near Grant City, and from thence to Knightstown, where he died in 1862. There was a family of six children. Martin remained with his father until manhood. He has always followed farming and stock-raising, and is one of the most successful men in the township. Mr. Scovell was married in 1856 to Ellen Smiley. They have four children, three sons and one daughter. He owns a fine farm of 380 acres near Grant City, where he lived till 1877, when he moved to his present home, which contains 232 acres. He has a fine two-story brick dwelling and comfortable farm buildings. Mr. Scovell has gained his property by his shrewd business ability and his economical habits, assisted by his estimable wife.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Wayne Township.
Page 898 and 899.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Ithamar W. Stuart, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Wayne County, Ind., born near Richmond, May 18, 1820. His parents, Jehu and Sarah (Cook) Stuart were natives of North Carolina, the former born Nov. 10, 1772, and the latter Dec. 12, 1772. They came to Indiana in 1814 and settled in Wayne County. In 1831 they moved to Henry County, and settled on the farm now occupied by our subject, remaining here the remainder of their lives. The father died in 1845 and the mother in 1855. Ithamar W. Stuart has lived in Henry County since he was eleven years of age, a period of fifty-three years. His early education was limited, being unable to attend even the district school more than three months in the year. He remained on the farm with his parents and after his father's death took charge of it for his mother. He now owns 215 acres of second bottom land, adjoining the city of Knightstown. His residence is a two-story brick, surrounded with shrubbery and flowers. His farm buildings are commodious and in good repair. He makes a specialty of raising cattle and hogs, disposing of the most of them on his farm. Mr. Stuart was married in 1846 to Margaret, daughter of Dayton and Barbara Holloway, of Rush County, Ind. They have had six children - Caroline M., now Mrs. Caleb Ball; Charles S., married Ella Dennis; Sarah E., now Mrs. B. L. Barrett, of Hancock County, Ind.; Laura H., now Mrs. J. B. Morrison, of Indianapolis; Horace G., married Lillie M. Bowman, died Jan. 11, 1884; Ithamar H., now attending school at Earlham College. Mr. and Mrs. Stuart are members of the Society of Friends of which he is an Elder. He has served as County Commissioner nine years and as School Trustee several years.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Wayne Township.
Page 899.
Submitted by: Jeanie

E. W. Swaim was born in Randolph County, N. C., May 15, 1813, a son of Michael and Susanna Swaim, natives of North Carolina, the former of German and the latter of Irish descent. In 1827 his parents moved to Richmond, Ind., and there he grew to manhood. He learned the carriage-maker's trade at which he worked forty years. In 1837 he moved to Knightstown, and subsequently to Ogden, and in 1841 drew up the petition to have Spiceland Township organized. He became one of the first Trustees of the township and served several years. In 1865 he bought a small farm near Dunreith, but in 1878 sold it and moved to Knightstown. In April, 1882, he was elected Trustee of Wayne Township and is now serving his second term. Politically he has always been a Whig and Republican. March 3, 1836, he was married to Catherine, daughter of John Morgan. She was a native of North Carolina, but at the time of her marriage a resident of Richmond. She died in 1877, aged sixty-three years. They had a family of six children; four are living - Julia A., wife of R. B. Breckenridge; Mary E., wife of J. E. Barrett; Sarah E., wife of J. B. Antrim; M. Addie, widow of W. P. Reid.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Wayne Township.
Page 899 and 900.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Charles H. Thrawley, is a native of Maryland, born in Caroline County, Aug. 17, 1827, a son of James and Rebecca (Boone) Thrawley. His mother was a descendant of the Boones of Maryland, and a distant relative of Daniel Boone. His parents both died when he was quite young leaving a family of eight children. His father was a man of means but lost his property by signing notes as security. When six years of age our subject was bound out but when eighteen ran away and went to Philadelphia and remained there three years. In the spring of 1849 he came to Indiana and stopped in Cambridge City for a time. He had $50 when he came to this county. After working on a farm for some time he rented a farm and invested his money in hogs, which all died of the cholera. He then hired out to a farmer to work three years for $1,000. By trading in the meantime he saved all his wages, and then rented a farm for three years. He afterward bought 160 acres of land in Centre Township, Rush Co., Ind., where he lived till 1875. He engaged in general farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of cattle and hogs. He added to his land from time to time till he owned 560 acres. His residence was situated on a high ridge from which was a fine view of the surrounding country. In 1875 Mr. Thrawley came to Henry County and bought the residence of R. Barrett, on Main street, Knightstown, where he has since resided. He was married in 1855 to Sarah J. Jackson. They have two children - William J. and Anna.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Wayne Township.
Page 900.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Harry Watts is a native of England, born Nov. 11, 1835, and when fifteen years of age he with Thomas Frisbie, a boy about the same age, came to the United States. They landed in New York in March, 1852, and after seeking employment in different places found themselves in Philadelphia and remained there one season. He then returned to New York and worked at bricklaying till 1853 when he came to Indiana and remained three months; then returned East, but subsequently came again to this State. In 1861 he enlisted in Company F, Twenty-fourth Indiana Infantry, as a private and served three years. He participated in twenty-six regular engagements and received three gun-shot wounds, still carrying one of the balls. At Champion Hills he was wounded in both legs and in the face. He was taken prisoner, but being so badly wounded the enemy did not think it worth while to carry him off, and soon after the Union forces retook the guns and drove the enemy back. He was mustered out at Baton Rouge in August, 1864. The following October he was married to Eveline, youngest daughter of William Lewis, of this township. She died in 1866 leaving one daughter - Lorena. After his marriage he located in Knightstown where he worked at his trade till he formed a partnership with Peter Watts in the manufacture of tile. In 1878 he established his present business in a small building built by H. V. Peden for a marble shop. He has been successful and has enlarged his business from time to time till he now has the largest trade in his line in the city. In the manufacture of brick and draining tile he employs fourteen men, and also has several men on the road putting on slate roofs. In 1883 B. M. Parker became associated with him the brick and tile business. In 1868 Mr. Watts married his present wife, Mary, daughter of Nathan Parker, an early settler of Rush County, Ind. They have two children - Grace and George. Mr. Watts is a member of the Odd Fellows order and of the Grand Army of the Republic, being Quartermaster of his post.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Wayne Township.
Page 900 and 901.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Peter Watts, dealer in lumber, lath, shingles, coal, lime, etc, is a native of Lorain County, Ohio, born Dec. 5, 1838, a son of William and Mary Watts, natives of England. When he was fourteen years of age he began learning the mason's trade and worked at it several years. In the spring of 1858 he came to Knightstown and worked at his trade till 1870 when he opened a lumber yard, the first one in the town. He started on a small scale but has added to his stock from time to time till he now has a large business, the gross receipts last year being $35,000. His location on the main line of the Chicago, Pittsburg & St. Louis Railroad gives him first-class shipping facilities. He has a large brick shop in which he manufactures sash, doors, blinds and does a general repairing and carpentering business. He came to the county a poor man, but his energy and business integrity have made him one of the substantial business men of the place. Mr. Watts was married in June, 1866, to Sophia Roach, of Loraine County, Ohio. They have two children - William H. and Maud E. Mr. Watts is a member of Lodge No. 99, I. O. O. F.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Wayne Township.
Page 901 and 902.
Submitted by: Jeanie

John Weaver, dealer in drugs, medicines, paints, oils and chemicals, watches, clocks, jewelry and silver plated ware, Knightstown, Ind., is the eldest living son of Peter Weaver, a native of Berks County, Pa., who removed to Germantown, Montgomery Co., Ohio, with his parents, Jacob and Catherine (Gephart) Weaver, in 1806. His maternal grandmother, Catherine Beachler, was a daughter of Jacob and Susanna Gunckul, of Pine Grove Township, Berks Co., Pa. Our subject was born near Germantown, Dec. 10, 1819. He remained on the farm till sixteen years of age, when he entered school at Germantown. About this time he became a member of the Lutheran church, and soon after entered the Lutheran College at Columbus, Ohio, remaining there a year. He then returned to Germantown and took up the study of medicine with Dr. Christopher Espech. In April, 1842, he came to Knightstown and was employed as clerk in the drug store of David A. Zeller. Mr. Zeller died before the close of the year and the following spring Mr. Weaver succeeded him in business. In 1850 he added a stock of jewelry and watches and has since carried a complete assortment of everything in his line. In 1851 Mr. Weaver joined the Masonic fraternity and is now a member of Golden Rule Lodge, No. 16; Knightstown Chapter, No. 33; Cryptic Council, No. 29, and Knightstown Commandery, No. 9. He is Treasurer of each of the bodies, has served in that capacity for the Blue Lodge since 1851; for the chapter since 1856; for the council and commandery since organization, in 1866 and 1868, respectively. He has also served as Treasurer of the town corporation. Politically he has always been a Democrat. July 29, 1843, he was married to Elizabeth Hottle, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, Oct. 20, 1826, and died at Knightstown, Sept. 30, 1864. To them were born seven children - Orange R.; Ellen W., deceased; Walter S.; Sophia L., wife of J. E. Keyes; Charles H., deceased; Frank E., and Fannie F., wife of Henry Walls. Feb. 1, 1866, Mr. Weaver was married to Mrs. Jusitta Weaver, of Ogden, Ind. Mr. Weaver being continuously in business in Knightstown since 1842 is consequently one of the oldest merchants in Henry County.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Wayne Township.
Page 902.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Allen S. White, dealer in groceries, queen's-ware, etc, Knightstown, Ind., is a native of Henry County, Ind., born Sept. 20, 1848. His father, John T. White, was a native of North Carolina and his mother, Hannah A. (Park) White, of Ohio. His father came to this State in an early day and settled in Raysville. Our subject was educated in the public schools of Raysville and at Earlham College. When eighteen years of age he was employed assistant bookkeeper in the First National Bank, Knightstown, retaining that position eighteen months, when he was obliged to resign on account of failing health. He then engaged in trading in stock three years, and in 1871 went to St. Louis, Mo., and manufactured woven wire mattresses two years, and sold teas for his brother. In 1876 he returned to Knightstown and in 1879 became associated with James Mills in the grocery business. In 1881 he bought Mr. Mills's interest and subsequently bought the building on Jefferson street to which he moved his stock. He has a steadily increasing trade, having gained the confidence and esteem of the community. Mr. White was married in 1876, to Anna Rathbone, of Brooklyn, N. Y. They have three children - Frederick M., Francis J. and Nellie R. Mr. White is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has taken the Knight Templar degree. He and his wife are members of the Society of Friends.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Wayne Township.
Page 903.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Deb Murray