Silas D. Byram, proprietor of the “Central Hotel,” Liberty, Ind. This citizen is a native of the village of Liberty, where he was born September 20, 1828. His parents were William and Abby D. (Miller) Byram, the former of English descent. One of his paternal ancestors, coming from England, settled, in the early history of the colonies, in Massachusetts, and from him sprang the Byrams of New Jersey, where William was born in Essex County, in the year 1800, being one of a family of thirteen children. His wife, too, was a native of New Jersey, and with her people emigrated to Preble County, Ohio, in an early day. Here she married William Byram in 1825, and to them were born the following-named children that reached mature life: Huldah M., Silas D., Adaline, John C. and Ellis (several died in infancy). Of the three living, John C. and Ellis are in California. Mrs. Byram died May 10, 1871, aged sixty-seven years. At the age of seventeen years, William Byram left his home in Morristown, N. J., and with a friend walked to Dayton, Ohio, making, according to his diary, 621 miles in thirty-six days. About the year 1825, he settled in Liberty when almost the whole site of the village was occupied by heavy forests. By trade, he was a plasterer and mason; but able to do any kind of work, and willing to be actively engaged, he, perhaps, as much as any other man, helped to change this place from a wilderness to a habitable country with a prosperous community, and as a citizen he was known only to be respected and honored. For fifty-one years successively, his ballot was deposited in the one place, and, as near as any man’s might, it fell on the side of God and right. He was always the friend of good, just and philanthropic measures. Justice, honesty, uprightness and straightforwardness were marked characteristics of the man. He resided in Liberty until 1834, and them moved to what is now the Dr. Morris farm in Center Township, where he lived until death. From 1840 to 1848, he served as County Treasurer. At the time of his death (February 11, 1877), he had been a professed Christian and a member of the Presbyterian Church for more than sixty years. He was always in his place at every church service. When the Presbyterian Church was organized here in 1829, he was one of the original thirteen members, and remained actively connected with it until his death. As an illustration of his faithfulness to the church, it may be said that in all the forty-eight years of the church’s life he was absent but from two communions, sickness being the cause. He was a useful citizen. Our subject was reared in Liberty and vicinity and trained in the common schools of the village and at the seminary of William Haughton at Beech Grove, and was a classmate of the late Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside and others who became distinguished. After reaching his majority, Mr. Byram learned blacksmithing, which he followed for some eleven years. In the fall of 1857, he began merchandising, and started the first exclusive grocery store in the village. At the breaking-out of the war of the rebellion, in April, 1861, he was chosen Second Lieutenant of Company F, Sixteenth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, and in August of that year was transferred to the signal service under Gen. Myers, with which branch of the service he remained until the middle of June, 1862, being in Gen. Banks’ division of the Army of the Potomac, and for meritorious service Mr. Byram was presented with a signal flag. Since the war, he has been variously occupied, farming a little, and for a time engaged in the boot and shoe business, and subsequently in the grocery business. In 1879, he began keeping hotel and is still so engaged, being the proprietor of the “Central Hotel,” which is in every respect a first-class house; the building is new, large and roomy, and things within are correspondingly neat and inviting. Mr. Byram has been twice married, the first time, in 1852, to Lizzie Goodwin, who died in 1855. To them were born Ida F. and Charles C. His second marriage was with Laucetta Harris, a daughter of Zachariah G. Harris, which took place January 12, 1863. She is a native of Maryland. To them the following children were born: Ada J., Lizzie (deceased), Mary H., Margaret D., Lina Louise and Morris C. Mr. Byram and family are members of the Presbyterian Church, and are highly esteemed people. He is a member of the Masonic order, and in politics a Republican.

Submitted by: Jeanie
Atlas of Union County Indiana.
J. H. Beers & Co. Chicago. 1884.
Page 61 and 62.

William H. H. Clark, Superintendent of County Infirmary, Liberty, was born in Sullivan County, N. Y., May 10, 1840. His parents, Walter and Ann T. (Many) Clark, were natives of the Empire State, and to them were born a family of four children, our subject being the only son. The father was a physician and resided in his native State, following his profession until 1850, when he removed to Montcalm County, Mich., where for the most part he has since resided. When William H. H. Clark was eight years of age, he was bound out to an uncle, who was a hotel keeper, whom he remained with some eight years, and then accepted a position as clerk in a dry good goods store in New York City. After remaining in the city five years, he returned to his native county, and after working for his uncle some two years, he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Forty-third New York Volunteer Infantry. He participated in the battles of Lookout Valley, Mission Ridge, Resaca, Dallas Ridge and a number of lesser engagements, the last being the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, where he was slightly wounded in the left shoulder. After his term of enlistment was out, he returned to his native State, where he remained until the fall of 1865, when he came to Union County, Ind., and for some time was variously employed. He operated a saw mill in Liberty Township some four years. In 1876, the County Commissioners appointed him Superintendent of the Poor Asylum, a position he has since held. He was married, June 19, 1866, to Miss Lin Booth, who was born December 15, 1849. This lady died October 20, 1870. By this union there were two children – George W. and Mary V. Mr. Clarke was united in marriage with Miss Rebecca Bond March 27, 1873. She was born in Ripley County, Ind., September 8, 1841. By this union there were two children – Thomas B. and Morris. Until the breaking out of the late war, Mr. Clark voted with the Democratic Party, but since then has been a stanch Republican. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and the orders of Odd Fellows and Knights of the Mystic Chain. Under his efficient management the Poor Farm has become self-sustaining. He is an intelligent and public-spirited citizen, and has the respect and confidence of all who know him.

Submitted by: Jeanie
Atlas of Union County Indiana.
J. H. Beers & Co. Chicago. 1884.
Page 62.

Lewis and Sylvanus Cockefair, Harmony Township, Union County, Ind. Both these gentlemen are natives of Harmony Township. The former was born August 12, 1822, and the latter October 29, 1832. Their father, Elisha Cockefair, was born in Essex County, N. J., April 25, 1797. He received little or no education, and when a small boy was bound to a woolen manufacturer in his native county. He remained with this man until about sixteen year of age, when, owing to harsh treatment, he ran away. Not having formed any definite plans for the future, and having but little money, he kept traveling – his face toward the West – until he arrived at Pittsburgh, Penn., having walked the entire distance. While working in his native county, he had for a companion, a man, a native of England, who was an expert in the art of dyeing. The art of making “fast” and uniform colors was understood by but few in those days, they jealously guarded the secret. Young Cockefair, however, by closely observing all the Englishman did, obtained his secret and many other important facts connected with the business, and on his arrival in Pittsburgh he found no difficulty in obtaining work and good wages, which he did near that city. Here he remained some time, and then went to Cincinnati, Ohio, but after a short time went South, spending some time in New Orleans, when he returned to Cincinnati. On July 15, 1819, he was united in marriage in Warren County, Ohio, with Miss Frances Millard, and the following year he came to Union County, Ind., and soon after purchased a portion of the farm now owned by his son, Sylvanus, in Harmony Township. He knew little or nothing about farming, but upon the place he purchased was a small carding mill that had been in operation but a short time. He gradually improved both farm and mill. In 1825, he built a brick mill, which, in 1841, was replaced by the one now in operation on the old homestead. His experience in the business, together with his energy and scrupulous honesty, made for the mill a reputation second to none in the State, and for many years was largely patronized by people from Ohio as well as Indiana, and is still doing a good business under the management of the sons. It is one of the oldest woolen mills in the State, and, with the exception of a very few months, has been run ever since its commencement in about 1817. Up to 1846, the mill was operated as a carding and fulling mill; since then they have done spinning, weaving, etc., etc. Elisha Cockefair was in the fullest sense of the word a self-made man. He not only improved a large tract of land and operated his mill to its fullest capacity, but also dealt largely in live stock, driving to Cincinnati and other points. He was a man of broad and liberal views, ever ready to help the poor and distressed, and to contribute his means toward supporting all laudable enterprises. He was a strong anti slavery man and a member of the Universalist Church. He held many positions of honor and trust, among them that of Commissioner of Union County. He was industrious, honest, philanthropic, an upright man and citizen, true to all of life’s obligations, and his battle against poverty was successful, as he secured a handsome competency. This early settler and honored citizen departed this life March 7, 1864. His wife survived him until August 30, 1877, when she also was called to her reward. In their family were eight children, whom they reared in a creditable manner. Lewis and Sylvanus Cockefair received such an education as the schools of that day afforded, and spent their life and early manhood assisting upon the farm and in the mill, being taught by their father lessons of honesty, frugality and industry, that have remained with them and are manifested in all their acts, public and private. Lewis was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. White, a native of Essex County, N. Y., July 3, 1854, and to this union have been born two daughters, viz., Lillian B. and Grace E.; the latter is deceased. Lillian B. is the wife of R. H. Watkins, a gentleman holding a prominent position in the Government Signal Service. Lewis has, in connection with his brother Sylvanus, operated a woolen mill for a number of years. He has also paid some attention to farming and stock raising and shipping. He went to California in 1849, where he remained some time, engaged in mining. He owns 460 acres, a portion of which is in Fayette County, although it adjoins the old homestead in Union County. His residence is in Fayette County, where he has a nice home and pleasant surroundings. Sylvanus was married to Miss Mary A. Brookbank February 5, 1863. She was born in Fayette County, Ind., February 7, 1845. From this union there were three children, two of whom are now living, viz., Alice M. and Lafayette. Sylvanus, with his brother Lewis, rented the woolen mill of their father soon after Lewis obtained his majority, and having succeeded in making some money, they rented a mill of the same kind at Cambridge City, Ind., and operated that and the one at home some time, when they sold out at Cambridge City. They have both dealt in live stock, and have been very successful in all their business undertakings. Sylvanus owns over 800 acres of land in Union and Fayette Counties, Ind. The brothers are well known to the people of Union and adjoining counties, and have the respect and confidence of all. They are stanch Republicans and members of the Universalist Church. They are reading, intelligent citizens, and liberally contribute to all enterprises that tend to build up the community in which they live, or benefit their fellow-man.

Submitted by: Jeanie
Atlas of Union County Indiana.
J. H. Beers & Co. Chicago. 1884.
Page 62.

Elijah Coe (deceased). This gentleman was born in Loudoun County, Va., January 3, 1805. His father, William Coe, removed with his family to Ohio previous to the last war with Great Britain, and soon after its close came with his family to this county, and located on the farm now owned by his grandson, Robert Coe, in Union Township. Here he afterward resided, and was well and favorably known to the early settlers of Union County. It was on this farm that Elijah Coe was reared to manhood. He received but a limited education, and February 21, 1836, was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Osborn, who was born in Harmony Township, this county, January 1, 1815. By this union there were eleven children – William, Amanda, Martha, Emeline, Elmer, Cynthia, Susan, Harriet, Lydia, Robert and Melissa. Mr. Coe was noted for his industry and correct business dealings. He always voted with the Democratic party, but never aspired to any political honors. He was a good man, a useful citizen, and was highly respected by all who knew him. His widow survives him, and resides upon the old homestead with her son Robert, who is one of the enterprising and successful farmers and stock-raisers of Union County.

Submitted by: Jeanie
Atlas of Union County Indiana.
J. H. Beers & Co. Chicago. 1884.
Page 62.

Jacob Creek, farmer, P. O. Billingsville. Jacob Creek was born in Union Township, Union County, Ind., August 21, 1829, and is a son of John and Rebecca (Waddell) Creek. John Creek, the father of our subject, was one of the foremost pioneers of this county. Born and reared in Greenbrier County, W. Va., he received such education as the common schools of his day afforded, and, being impressed with the desire to hew a home for himself out of the wild forests in the then distant West, he left the country of his nativity, and with his family emigrated to what is now Highland County, Ohio, in the year 1803. After a years sojourn in that locality, he again bent his steps westward, and selected and entered a large tract of land within the present limits of Union County. It was not, however, until 1808 that he became a permanent resident on this his newly acquired possession. From that date until his death, in 1851, he occupied this extensive farm. In habits, he was frugal and industrious, and in consequence amassed a goodly portion of property. His political sentiments were strongly anti-slavery, but he did not aspire to official preferment, desiring rather the enjoyments and quiet of private life. He was a patriotic citizen, and was closely identified with the development and improvements of his community and county. His straightforward and man course in life won for him the respect and esteem of his numerous and extended acquaintanceship. John Creek was thrice married. His first wife was Catherine Cart, a native of Virginia. She bore him nine children, three of whom yet survive. Miss Rebecca Waddell, his second wife, was a native of North Carolina. Of their ten children, four are still living. By his third marriage, Mr. Creek had five children, two of whom are deceased. Jacob Creek, our subject, was born of the second marriage. He grew to manhood on the farm, receiving a common school education. At the age of twenty-six years, April 3, 1856, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Davis, who was born in this county June 17, 1835. This union has been blessed with four children – Lydia, Adaline, Mary and Sarah. Mr. Creek commenced life for himself with a farm in Adams County, Ind., which he received from his father. He subsequently sold it, and invested in real estate in his native county. He is now the own of 420 acres of well-improved land, and is an extensive stock-raiser. His stock is of excellent quality. His cattle are Durham breed, and his hogs Poland-China. In politics, Mr. Creek in early life was an ardent Whig, and since the advent of the Republican party he has been a stanch supporter of its principles.

Submitted by: Jeanie
Atlas of Union County Indiana.
J. H. Beers & Co. Chicago. 1884.
Page 62.

Samuel M. Crist, dealer in hardware, Liberty. George Crist, the grandfather of this gentleman, came from near Cincinnati to Union County, Ind., in September, 1814, and entered a tract of land, a portion of which is now included within the corporate limits of the town of Liberty, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits and he and his wife passed the remainder of their days. They had a family of eight children, who, with the parents, were well and favorably known to the first settlers of Union County. William B., a son of the above parents, was born near Cincinnati in 1805, and was reared to manhood upon his father’s farm, receiving such education as the schools of that day afforded. In 1828, he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Lafuze, who was born in 1810 in Pennsylvania. To them was born the following family of children, viz.: John M., James O., Armanza R., Ezra, Henry H., Narcissa, Casper C., Samuel M., Isaleen, Louisiana M., Parker and Alfaretta. Mr. Crist was a man of great executive ability, and during his lifetime carried on many and varied businesses. He was a farmer, a stone-mason, a brick-maker, a cabinet-maker, and was at different times otherwise engaged. He started the first nursery in Union County, and also the first hardware store in Liberty, which his son Ezra successfully conducted many years. He owned considerable real estate adjoining the town of Liberty, a portion of which he laid off into building lots and has become a portion of the town. He was at one time Associate Judge of Union County, and was called upon to fill other positions of honor and trust. He was emphatically a workingman, whether in private or public life. He was a strong anti-slavery man, and always voted with the Whig and Republican parties, and few men did as much as he toward building up and developing Union County. He died March 31, 1860. His wife survives him, and resides in Liberty. Samuel M. Crist was reared in the town of Liberty, receiving a common school education. He was variously employed until about nineteen years of age, when he entered the employ of his brother Ezra in the hardware business, whom he remained with until 1881, when he took charge of the business, which he has since successfully conducted, taking in as partner, in April, 1883, William Leviston. He was united in marriage with Miss Laura E. Scott November 10, 1871. This lady is a native of Butler County, Ohio. By this union there are four children – Orpha D., Delplain S., Raymond S. and Glenn. Mr. Crist owns one of the largest and most complete stocks of hardware in Eastern Indiana, and is a practical and successful business man. He is a member of the Masonic order, a Republican, and one of the county’s prominent and useful citizens. Three of his brothers – Henry H., Armanza R. and Casper C. – were in the late war. Henry H. at first enlisted in a company of Zouaves at Connersville, Ind., but after three months became a member of the Sixteenth Indiana Light Artillery, and served with them until the close of the war. Armanza R. was in Company I, Fifteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was killed at the battle of Mission Ridge. Casper C. was born in this county, September 27, 1841. He received but a common school education, and in 1860 began working at the carpenter’s trade. August 11, 1862, he enlisted in Company G, Sixty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and twenty days later his regiment was engaged in the battle of Richmond, Ky., which resulted in about half the regiment being killed. From this time until the close of the war, Mr. Crist was in all the battles in which the old Sixty-ninth took a hand. At the siege of Jackson, he was wounded in the knee, but not severely. He continued in active service until the close of the war, having the respect and good will of his officers and comrades in arms. He was united in marriage with Miss Emma E. Knowlton, June 22, 1869. She is a native of Union County, and was born October 10, 1846. They have two daughters – Bessie B. and Estella M. Casper C., after his return from the army, worked for the most part at his trade until 1881, when he entered the employ of his brother Samuel, as clerk, with whom he has since remained. In taking a retrospective view of the Crist family, who will say that they are not serving of a prominent place in the history of Union County? They are ever ready to contribute to any enterprise that goes to build up the county or benefit their fellow man, and in the hour of the Nation’s peril they freely gave their money and shed their blood that the country might live. In their business dealings there are careful, courteous and honorable, and in private life, affable, and possess the faculty of making themselves agreeable to the company they are in, and no men in Union County are more popular than “Sam” and “Cass” Crist.

Submitted by: Jeanie
Atlas of Union County Indiana.
J. H. Beers & Co. Chicago. 1884.
Page 62.

Levi P. Cully, merchant, Liberty. Among the well-known business men of Liberty is this gentleman. He is a native of the county in which he resides, and was born December 3, 1832. His grandparents, Thomas and Elizabeth (Clark) Cully, were natives of the Keystone State, and removed from there to near Dayton, Ohio, in 1804, and from there, in 1816, to the northern part of Liberty Township, this county. They had a family of eleven children, one of whom, Joseph, being the father of Levi P. He was a soldier of the war of 1812, and was a man well known to the people of Union County. He married Miss Sarah Leviston, and to this union were born a family of eight children, three of whom are now dead, as are the parents. Joseph Cully was noted for his industry, sobriety and strict integrity. He never aspired to any political prominence, but was an Old-Line Whig, a strong temperance and anti-slavery man. Levi P. Cully received but a limited education, and at the age of seventeen entered the employ of his uncle, James Cully, a merchant of Liberty. He remained with him some time, clerking in the store and driving a huckster’s wagon. He then clerked in dry goods stores in Hamilton, Ohio, Dubuque, Iowa, and Richmond, Ind., in all about six years, four of which were spent at Dubuque. He then gave up clerking, and for ten years followed farming. In 1869, he embarked in the dry goods trade at Liberty, a business he since followed, at the same time dealing extensively in grain and wool. He was united in marriage with Miss Susan R. Showalter October 2, 1856. She was born in Union County, Ind., October 21, 1837. By this union there are two sons – Charles S. and Daniel T. Mr. Cully, when a boy, manifested great ability in the way of acquiring property, and, while yet a young man, had by his own exertions made and saved quite a snug sum. This he has handled in a judicious and practical manner, until he is now one of the wealthiest men in Union County. Probably there is not a man in Union County who has done the amount of business and handled as much money as L. P. Cully. His success has been due to his close attention to business, honesty and fair dealings. At the present time, he and his sons command an extensive patronage in the dry goods trade. Their store contains a large and well-selected stock, where every purchaser is treated with courteous and gentlemanly attention. Mr. Cully is a Republican, and a member of the Presbyterian Church. He is a man of sound judgment, unassuming manners, and has the respect and confidence of all who know him..

Submitted by: Jeanie
Atlas of Union County Indiana.
J. H. Beers & Co. Chicago. 1884.
Page 63.

Robert A. Cunningham, farmer. This gentleman was born in Union County, Ind., on the 7th of April, 1819. His parents were James and Susannah (Clark) Cunningham, natives, the former of Washington County, Va., born October 12, 1779, and the latter of Tennessee, born in 1787. They were married in Virginia, and emigrated to this county in 1815, settling in what is now Brownsville Township, this county, living for a time on the present site of the Hanson J. Robinson farm. In 1818, he entered a tract of land in the same township where Enoch Cunningham now resides, and there remained during the balance of his life, occupied as a farmer. His death occurred in 1853. In politics he was a Democrat. His wife died in 1864. She was reared a Methodist, and adhered to the doctrines of that church through life. The children of these parents were John, Rebecca, William, James, Samuel, Robert, Mary, Sarah, George W. and Enoch, only three of whom are now living – Sarah, the widow of Archibald Dunn, resides in Fayette County, this State, and Enoch in this county. Our subject grew to manhood on his father’s farm, and on the 24th of April, 1841, was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of Francis and Elizabeth (Snyder) Harvey, both belonging to pioneer families of this county. The Snyders emigrated from Virginia and settled on Richland Creek in 1807. Mary (Harvey) Cunningham was born in this county October 18, 1822. Mr. C., after his marriage, removed into a large two-story log house on the homestead in which he himself was born, and subsequently three of his children. Here he lived and farmed five years, then purchased the Moses Harvey farm (a tract of seventy-nine acres), upon which he resided until 1852, when he bought a quarter of a section of the land upon which he now resides, to which he has since added until it is a farm of 370 acres well improved. He has a beautiful and substantial country residence, and is surrounded with the comforts of life. To Mr. Cunningham and wife have been born the following-named children: Michael J., Eva A., Sarah J., Elizabeth S., Franklin P. and Albert R. Mr. C. served the people of his township as Trustee for ten years, and held other township offices, performing his public trusts to the satisfaction of the people. In 1879, he became a candidate on the Democratic ticket for County Commissioner, and his party being greatly in the minority in the county he was defeated, though he ran upward of 100 ahead of his ticket. During the days of granges in this section, he was a member of the one at Dunlapsville. Both he and his wife are members of the Christian (Campbellite) Church, to which they have belonged for about thirty-five years. He is one of the substantial farmers and citizens of Union County..

Submitted by: Jeanie
Atlas of Union County Indiana.
J. H. Beers & Co. Chicago. 1884.
Page 63.

Deb Murray