Elizabeth then married John Chivington (Shivington) on 31 October 1847 in Elkhart County. The families had other connections, Sally, a daughter of John Chivington and his first wife Harriet Packard born about 1835, later married a brother of William Beckner, Caroline Seamon's husband.

There is some disagreement about who the mother of John Chivington's next child, Philip. If he was born in 1846, as some sources state, then he was the daughter of John Chivington's first wife, Harriet Packard. If he was born 28 November 1847 then he was the daughter of Elizabeth, and Elizabeth was than pregnant at the time of her second marriage. The 1846 date is supported by the 1850 Federal census that lists Philip Chivington as four years old.

John Chivington and Elizabeth Dillon (Seamon, Chivington) had three additional children: Clement C. Chivington, born 1848, who, on 11 March 1869 and who, in Elkhart County; he later married Livina L.Yhomy. Elmer Chivington, was born 27 July1851, who married Lucinda Freed, and who died in Lydeck, Indiana, 14 August 1925. Amos Hascall Chivington (often called Hascall or Chiv ) born 24 June 1854 in Goshen, Elkhart County; he married to Cordellia Henry in Kearney, Nebraska, in 1889 and, after her death. on 25 October 1905 he married Grace Remington; Haskall Chivington served for six years as sheriff of Routt County Colorado, and died 26 October 1942 in Denver, Colorado.

In 1850 the Federal census of Clinton Township lists Elizabeth Chivington's age as 37 and John Chivington's as 44. The couple was living in Clinton Township, Elkhart County, John was a farmer with property worth $1200. With them were eight children with the last name Chivington and four children, John, Henry, Thomas and Reuben with the last name Seaman. In the 1860 Elkhart County census we find a 14 year old Reuben Seaman living with Elizabeth's oldest daughter Caroline is shown with her husband William Beckner. John Chivington died 3 June 1861 at 55 years of age.

On 6 August 1865, the twice-widdowed Elizabeth Chivington married for a third time. Her husband was George Walters. George was a farmer in Middlebury Township, Elkhart County, Indiana.. George's first wife Mary M. Fuller Walters had died on February 19 1865. The 1880 Federal census lists Elizabeth's age as 66 years and her state of birth as Ohio. Elizabeth lived with George Walters in Middlebury Township until his death. George Walters died, on 1 January 1881. In the estate documents H. Chivington witnessed Elizabeth's mark. I assume that this was Hascall Chivington

There were no children of their union of George and Elizabeth but, in 1874, Elizabeth's granddaughter Amanda Beckner, the Daughter of Caroline Seamon and William Beckner, married Frank A. Walters, a son of George and his first wife. son by his first wife. After the death of her third husband, Elizabeth lived for some time with Amanda and Frank. The 1898 Goshen city directory lists Mrs. Elizabeth Walters is living with Frank A. Walters and his family in Goshen.

Elizabeth died 7 February 1901 and is buried in Stony Point Cemetery, Kosciusko County, Indiana next to her second husband John Chivington. Her tombstone lists her as Elizabeth Walters and her age as 88 years, 7 months, and 21 days.

Surnames mentioned with alternate spellings: Beckner, Chivington, Dillon, Freed, Fuller, Henry, Remington, Seamon, Seamon, Seamons, Seaman, Shivington, Walters, Yhomy.

By William D. Walters, Jr.
Copyright: William D. Walters, Jr.

Frank A. Walters was born on his father's farm in Middlebury Township, Elkhart County Indiana, on 22 March 1853. His mother was Mary Margaret Fuller (15 January 1806 to 19 February 1865). His father was George Walters (9 November 1805 to 1 January 1801). Frank was the youngest of 11 known children of George and Mary. In the 1860 census Frank is listed as Ashbury, his middle name. In the 1870 census he is shown as Francis and is said to be 17 years old. Upon maturity he styled himself Frank A. Walters. He is also later, at least once incorrectly listed as Franklin. We can confirm Frank's relationship to George because he shares with his siblings in his father's estate and from his death certificate and from his brother Clark's biography. In 1870 Frank was the only child still living at home. Frank and his wife Amanda are listed with George's farm along with George and George's second wife Elizabeth (Dillon, Seamon or Seaman, Chivington) whom George had married in 1865.

On 7 November 1874 in Elkhart Co Frank married a granddaughter of his father's second wife, Amanda K. (or R.) Beckner. Amanda was the daughter of William Beckner (1827 to 1896 and Caroline Seaman ( or Seamon) (7 May 1834 to 21 March 1861). Both of Amanda's parents had been born in Ohio but had spent almost all of their lives in Elkhart County. The marriage date on the index of Elkhart county marriages is incorrect, but is given correctly on the certificate. When the 1880 Federal census was taken Frank was still living on his father's farm. He was a resident of Elkhart County when he received $35.63 from his father's estate. Amanda is listed as his wife on estate documents.

Frank and Amanda's first two sons were born while he was working on his father's farm. The first, Frederick Walters, was born about 1876. He was alive in 1880 but died before his father and I know nothing further about his history. The second son George Walters was born in 1877. Young George was listed in the 1880 Federal census as suffering from rickets. Later that year he died and was buried in Cornell Cemetery, a few miles west of his grandfather's farm. Several relatives, but not Frank and Amanda, rest in the same place. A third son Rollo Frank Walters was born in Elkhart County on 17 May 1882; he married Blanche Violet Weaver. A daughter Elizabeth Beth Walters was born in Goshen on 4 March 1885. Beth was still alive at the time of Frank's death. On 6 June 1905, in Elkhart County, Beth married Earl Cissell (14 October 1883 to August 1961). They lived for many years in Goshen and had one daughter, Dorthie Cissell. Beth died in LaGrange, Cook County, Illinois, in February 1976.

Frank A. Walters moved his family to Goshen, Elkhart County, Indiana. In the 1898 city directory for Goshen lists Frank Walters as a well borer living at 907 Logan in Goshen. Also at that address is a Mrs. Elizabeth Walters; probably his father's second wife and widow as well as Amanda's grandmother. The Goshen city directory for 1906-1907 lists Frank as a pump man who is living with his wife Amanda at 308 Queen Street. The 1906 -1907 Goshen city directory lists Frank as a well man living at the same Queen Street address with his wife Amanda. His son Rollo, same address, is listed as a well driller. No Walters appear in the 1908-1909 directory. In the 1910-11 Goshen directory Frank is shown with his Wife Amanda at 315 N. Main Street. His occupation is a well and cistern contractor. Frank's obituary says 'for a number of years he has been engaged in the plumbing business, but his death certificate say he was a pumpman.

The Elkhart Truth for January 13 1913 gives the following account of Frank's death. Stricken with apoplexy, Frank Walters, aged 60 and for over forty years a resident of Goshen fell dead in George Meyers pool room at Goshen about 1:00 this afternoon. He is survived by his wife, one son [Rollo] and one daughter [Beth]. Mr. Walters was well known in Goshen for a number of years where he has been engaged in the Plumbing business. The death certificate lists the cause of death as organic heart disease.

Frank's residence at the time of his death was 213 N. Third Street, Goshen, Indiana. Frank is buried with his wife in Oakridge Cemetery, Goshen, Indiana.

Surnames mentioned with alternate spellings: Beckner, Cissell, Dillon, Fuller, Seaman, Seamon, Walters, Weaver

By William D. Walters, Jr.
Copyright: William D. Walters, Jr.

George Clindaniel was born January 15, 1805 in Sussex County, Delaware. Together with an only sister, Mrs. Eliza Carpenter, they emigrated to Milton Township, Cass County, Michigan in January 1836. He was united in marriage to Rhue Ann Stineback on July 11, 1843 in Berrien County, Michigan. To this union were born seven children: Elizabeth Ann, who married William Tucker; James Henry, who married Melissa Knowlton; Mary E. who married Chauncey Knowlton; Luella, who married George Rivers; Jennie, who married Louis Henderson; Ida, who married Elias Pittman; and William Silas, who married Mary Ida Mickle.

George made his home in Milton Township, Cass County, Michigan until 1864 when he moved his family to Madison Township, St. Joseph County, Indiana until 1885. George made a living farming, including 80 acres in Madison Township. He then moved with his wife to Locke Township, Elkhart County, Indiana to live his remaining days. Death came to Mr. Clindaniel on July 3, 1887 in Locke Township.

Early in life George united with the Methodist church at Smith's Chapel, in Milton township, with which he was an active member until 1881, when he became a member of the United Brethren church. He lived and died a Christian.

George Walters was born in Pennsylvania 9 November 1805. He spent much of his life in Elkhart County. George lived a long life and eventually fathered eleven children. His ancestors were German. George may be a son of another George Walters. I do not know his mother’s name. This first George Walters seems to be the one listed in Amanda township of Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1820 there is a male of the correct age for George Walters.

On 19 October 1824 George Walters married Mary Margaret Fuller (1806-1865) in Fairfield County, Ohio. His wife seems to have been the daughter of a widow Lucinda Bevins Fuller, who was listed as head of household three houses away in the 1820 census enumeration. Her husband Amos Fuller had died in 1815. In the 1820 census there is a female Fuller child of the correct age for George’s future wife. At the time of the 1820 census George Walters and Mary Fuller would have been 15 years old. The Fuller’s and the Walters family were closely linked. A few years later Elizabeth Walters (1811-1866 [or 1886] married a Daniel B. Fuller in Fairfield county, Ohio; she was probably a sister of George Walters. In 1842 Elizabeth Walters Fuller and Daniel Fuller followed the Walters family to Elkhart County. Later one George and Mary’s daughters married an Amasa Fuller, a son of another of Mary’s brothers.

I have been working to establish for certain the identity of George Walters father. An 1882 biography of one John J. Walters (Biographical Record of Fayette, Pickaway, and Mason Counties, Ohio) records that this John J. Walters was the son of Daniel Walters, a native of Pennsylvania who came to Ohio when Daniel was eight years old. It further records that Daniel’s father George had Cleared land in Amanda Township, where he continued to reside until his death. If this George was the father of George Walters (1805-1881), Daniel and George, Jr. were brothers and Elizabeth was their sister. We could establish the date George, Sr. moved to Ohio by knowing Daniel’s age. So at present we must be content to say that George Walters was certainly born in Pennsylvania and probably came to Ohio as a child. From the names of George’s children we can guess that as an adult George was an English speaker.

George and Mary Walters had many Children and I believe that I know all of their names. Details of the children and their later lives are given below. The first two daughters Elizabeth and Lucinda were born before 1830. Two young females are listed in George and Mary’s household in the 1830 Federal Census. There is another George Walters in Amanda township and I assume was George’s father. Four other children were born in Ohio, John W. Walters, Henry W. Walters and Mary.Walters.

A 1919 biographical article on one of George and Mary’s grandsons makes an interesting statement about George and before going to Indiana lived for a number of years at Freemont, Ohio, where he became acquainted with and was a personal fiend of Rutherford B. Hayes. This statement presents all sorts of problems. There is no evidence George Walters ever lived in Fremont, Ohio. Hayes did not move to Lower Sandusky, which later became Fremont, until 1845, by which time George had long since moved to Indiana. However, Hayes’s uncle, mentor, benefactor, and close companion, Sardus Birchard did live in Lower Sandusky. We know that the future president frequently visited him there. George Walters future father-in-law did die in Sandusky, but this was long before any of Hayes relatives lived in the town. A more likely connection may have been through Delaware County, Ohio. The future president was born and raised here. He lived in Delaware from 1822 until he went away to school. Hayes’s wife Lucy Webb was from Delaware County. A more likely connection is through Amos Fuller. Amos and George were close. Amos married George’s sister, George’s brother married Amos’s sister, George’s daughter would later marry Amos’s son, Amos and George were three years apart in age and grown up within a few houses of each other. Amos married Rebekah Burroughs, in Fairfield County, on 1 April 1824 and sometime between then and 1826 moved 50 miles north to Ostrander in Delaware County near where Hayes was living which his widowed mother. Visits to Amos between 1826 and 1836 or even after George moved to Indiana may account for the contact which George’s grandson 80 years later assumed to have been in Fremont.

In 1836 George Walters moved his growing family to Elkhart County, Indiana. In May of 1837 he purchased 146 acres of land in Elkhart County. George Walters new farm was located on rolling land on the Southwest quarter of Section 19 of Middlebury Township. The seller was Robert Dickeson (or Dickenson) Blackmer of Elkhart county. The land was just off the main road from Goshen to Middlebury about midway between the two places. George spent the remainder of his life on this land farming and fathering children. His farmhouse still survives and I have a picture of it before it was remodeled. In 1873 George, mistakenly listed in the County Atlas as George Watters, had 94 acres of land. His neighbors included numerous Cornell’s including one, just to the south of his land, on whose property. Other neighbors include, include R. England and Jacob Harzler who would eventually be one of the administrators of George’s estate

We can trace some of the history of George’s farm from land records. Do 11 December 1843 George and Mary sold one acre to John Dedgaramore and a year later sold another seven acres to John Degrano. In 1861 a survey showed they had 149.68 acres. In other words, George was a middling sort of farmer. On 22 July they sold their daughter Margaret McCoy two acres. In 1868, perhaps in preparation for retirement, George sold 40 acres to W. H. Carmain of Elkhart for $1200. In the same year they sold five acres to their son Clark. George retained the remainder of the land until his death.

In the 1850 Federal Census George Walters was listed as a farmer In Middlebury Township and he told the census taker that his land worth $1000. In 1860 census George Walters is listed as a 56 year-old farmer living with his 54 year-old wife Mary who is keeping house. Six children remain at home; the first of these is 26 year old Henry who is also listed as a farmer. The other children, who have no listed occupation, are George, Clark, Jane, Rufus, and Ashbury. In 1870 George’s real estate was worth $4,000 and his personal property $1600. Both of these numbers are typical of neighborhood farmers in these years. An interesting feature of the 1870 census is that George’s wife is listed as Margaret; her middle name. Mary’s gravestone shows George’s wife as Mary M. Walters.

George’s wife, Mary Fuller Walters, died on 19 February 1865 and was buried in Cornell cemetery. The following summer, on 6 August 1865, in Elkhart County, George married Elizabeth Chivington. (Also spelled Shivington) At the time of their marriage Elizabeth was 53 years old, twice widowed. Elizabeth’s first husband was Ruben D. Seamon (Seamon) and her second John Chivington. She had been born in Ohio as Elizabeth Dillon. Elizabeth could not read and write. George’s youngest son Frank would later wed Elizabeth’s granddaughter Amanda Beckner. All of George’s children were by his first wife Mary Margaret Fuller.

The 1880 census found George living on his farm in Middlebury Township with his wife Elizabeth and his son and daughter-in-law, Frank and Amanda. At this time Frank was probably working on the farm of his elderly father father.

George Walters died without a will on New Year’s Day 1881 and was buried next to his first wife Mary M. Walters, in Cornell Cemetery. Eight children shared in his estate. At first the value of his estate was estimated as $1,000, but a good deal of this went for expenses. When everything was sorted out, only $183.24 remained. Most of the eight heirs received $15.27, but for reasons I do not understand Albertha McCrory and Frank Walters received $35.63. George’s second wife Elizabeth received a note for $200 payable in two years.

Many of George’s relatives are buried nearby. Benjamin Cornell and Thomas Cornell were neighbors. Their name is found on a December 1843 land transaction by George and Mary Walters. Also buried in Cornell Cemetery are several Fullers including George Walters’ sister Elizabeth and her husband, Mary’s brother, Daniel Fuller, their son Alva and his wife Margaret Several of George and Mary’s children and grandchildren are buried here. Also interred here members of the families that would be related to George by marriage including, McCoys, McCrorys, England’s and Kerns.

The following children were born to George and Mary.
1. Elizabeth Walters was born in Ohio 10 June1827. She died unmarried in Elkhart County in 19 June1849 and is buried in Cornell Cemetery.

2. Lucinda Walters who was born in Ohio in 1829. In one document she is called Susanna and her grand nephew’s biography calls her Lucindah. Lucinda is presumably named for her mother’s mother. In Elkhart County on 12 September 1850. She married her cousin Amasa Fuller, the son of her mother’s brother Amos Fuller and Rebekah Boroughs. In 1860 they were living in Porter County, Indiana. Amasa Fuller served in the 53rd. Regiment, Indiana Infantry, during the Civil War. In 1880 Amasa was a farmer living in Porter County, Indiana, and were still in Porter County when George died in 1881.Amasa died in Valparaiso, Porter County, about 1894. Lucinda died in Indiana, but I do not know the date. Amasa or Lucinda applied for a pension based on Amasa’s service in the Civil War and the Invalid status of their daughter; I do not know if it was granted. Their children include Ida Fuller born about 1860 and Elizabeth Fuller born about 1868.

3. John W. Walters was born in Ohio about 1831 On 28 December 1856, in Elkhart County, he married Maria C. Mock. John served in the Civil War and in1881 was living with his wife in Porter County, Indiana. Children include: Willie Walters b. 2 January 1859, d. 13 March 1861, buried Cornell Cemetery; Catura J. Walters b. 25 January 1860, d. 26 January 1861, buried Cornell Cemetery.

4. Henry W. Walters was born in 1833 in Ohio. He served as a soldier in Company D. 100th Illinois Infantry during the Civil War. On 1 January 1867 he married Harriet Karn [Kern], who was the daughter of German-born J. P. Karn (3 August 3 1805 - 3 January 1877) and his wife Catherin (3 April 1818 to 27 February 1902). In the 1880 Federal Census of Elkhart County Henry is shown as Henry W. Walter and is a farmer living in Middlebury Township. He and his wife are living in the dwelling next to the Kern family. In 1881 they were living in Elkhart County. In 1883 Henry was granted a Federal pension for life. Henry W. Walters died 3 August 1898 and is buried in Cornell Cemetery. A son John H. Walters was born about 20 February 1876 [ some accounts suggest 1874] in Elkhart County and died in October 1962, his wife was Mary E. , but I do not yet know her maiden name. Both are buried in Cornell Cemetery.

5. Mary Walters was born in 1835 or 1836 just before the family moved west. Mary married Milan (Milon) England on 29 March 1857 in Elkhart County. He was perhaps the son of R. England who, in1861 and again in1874, farmed the land just west of George Walters. In 1880 they were living in Goshen, Elkhart County, where Milan was employed as a grafter. Mary was alive at the time of George’s death. A son Elbert J. England was born about 1866. I do not know the date of her death.

6. Margaret [Maggie] I. Walters was born about 1839; On 5 September 1858, in Elkhart County, she married John McCoy. In 1861 they purchased two acres from George. John served in the Civil War Company I 74th Indiana Infantry. In the 1880 census Margaret McCoy is a widowed dressmaker living in York Township Elkhart County.

7. George Walters, who was born about 1841 and was still alive in 1860, but not at the time of his father’s death.

8. Adam Clark Walters, called Clark A. Walters in estate documents, was born 2 January 1844. In one document he is listed as A.C. Walter. Clark married Elizabeth Rexrode in Elkhart County on 29 October 1863. She was born in Virginia and was the daughter of Henry E. and Mary Burkholder Rexrode. At first Clark rented land near Goshen. Clark suffered from ill health. In November 1878 he moved with his wife and three children to Ness County Kansas. He had little money and moved his family in a covered wagon drawn by a single team. Here he homesteaded the NE quarter of Section 8, Township 20, Range 22. Here he erected a modest sod house. He also took a timber claim, which he later sold, using the proceeds to buy cattle. He was present in Ness County for the 1880 census. However, in 1881, when George died, Clark and Elizabeth were living in Collin County Texas. He became postmaster of Francis and conducted that post office from his home. He was a Republican and an active Methodist. Clark Walters died about 1891. The children of Clark and Elizabeth include Edward J. Walters, b. 29 October 1864, m. Anna Eyer 21 September 1887; Delbert J. Walters, b. 7 August 1866, d. Clarendon, Texas 14 December 1911; William L. Walters, b. Long Lane, Missouri 25 October 1870, d. Goshen, Indiana. A daughter born 28 October 1876 died the same day. Mary Lelia Walters b. 16 November 1878, m. 11 April 1897 to Walter S. Buff of Hodgeman, Kansas; Charles Walters, b. 1 July 188l, d. Moline, Kansas, 18 October 1881; Eva Pearl Walters b. 19 July 1884, m. 26 December 1906 to Edward H. Reinert, d. 22 May 1916. Fred Earl Walters , b. 20 August 1887, lived for 10 years in San Francisco, in 1919 lived in Kansas City.

9. Albertha Jane Walters, called Bertha, was born about 1846; she married Franklin Mitchell McCrory 22 June 1863. Her husband was the son of Robert McCrory who owned land just south of Cornell Cemetery and in Jefferson Township, Elkhart County. In 1880 they were living in Elkhart County where Mitchell worked as a blacksmith. In 1883 they were living in Spink County, Dakota Territory which is now in South Dakota. In 1886 they were back in Goshen. The couple had three Children. Homer C. McCrory born about 1867, alive 1880, but may have died before reaching maturity. Henry McCrory b. 7 April 1863, d. 17 June 1865, buried Cornell Cemetery. Claudius Franklin McCrory; Alta Alletta McCrory, b. about 1872, m. John Colliver McConnaghay in Pawnee County, Kansas. She later moved to Lerned, Kansas. Franklyn Mitchell McCrory died 6 February 1889 in Lernad, Pawnee County, Kansas. Albertha Jane McCrory died 14 March 1892 in Lerned, Pawnee County, Kansas. Both are buried in Learnad Cemetery.

10. Rufus Walters was born about 1851; he was still alive in 1860, but not recorded at later dates. He spent his entire live in Indiana. He is perhaps the R. C. buried with no date. in the Walters plot, Cornell Cemetary.

11. George’s last child was FRANK ASHBURY [ or Asbury] WALTERS, my great great grandfather, born 22 March 1853. He married Amanda R. Beckner in 7 November 1874. Early in married life Frank lived and worked on his father’s farm. Later they moved to nearby Goshen where Frank was in the well and pump business. He died in Goshen 13 January 1913 and is buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Frank and Amanda had four children: Frederick Walters born. 1876 about whom I know nothing. George Walters was born in 1877, died in 1880, and is buried Cornell Cemetery where he is listed as the son of F & A Walters. . My grandfather Rollo Frank Walters was born 17 May 1882; he grew up in Goshen where he married Blanche V. Weaver in 1904, he moved to Rock Island, Illinois, to Kalamazoo, Michigan and then settled in Highland Park, Michigan; he died 28 August 1949 in Royal Oak, Michigan and is buried in Acacia Park Cemetery, Birmingham, Michigan. Elizabeth Beth Walters b. 4 March 1885 Goshen, She married Earl Cissell (14 October 1886 – August 1961) on 6 June 1905 in Goshen and died in LaGrange, Cook County, Illinois in February 1976; Beth and Earl had one daughter Dorthie Cissell.

Surnames mentioned including alternate spellings:: Beckner, Birchard, Blackmer, Buff, Burroughs, Carmain, Cissell, Cornell, Chivington, Degrano, Dedgaramore, Dillon, England, Harzler, Karn, Kern, Fuller, Hayes, McConnaghay, McCoy, McCrory, Mock, Rexrode, Seaman, Seamon, Reynert, Shivington, Walter, Walters, Weaver.

By William D. Walters, Jr.
Copyright: William D. Walters, Jr.

John Holderman was the first of the original three founding fathers to purchase land in Olive twp, land which would become part of the village of Salem. However, John did spend half his life in the Ohio before this would come to pass.

On Saturday, 6-6-1812, in a small log home far, far away from Olive twp soil, a baby boy was born to Jacob Holderman and his wife. They chose the biblical name, John, for their new son. Although Jacob was from PA, he had settled in Tuscawaras County, OH prior to the birth of John. John spent his childhood working on the family farm. It was a time in history when getting an education was a special experience, but to most parents not as important as hard work. Therefore John never received any formal schooling. The neighbors remembers, when passing the Holderman far, John usually was seen using an ax or mattock.

At age 20 John married a young girl by the name of Charity Culp. Two years later they were blessed with a daughter they named Anna. Anna would grow up and marry Solomon Culp and reside in Harrison twp, Elkhart County. John and Charity had two more children; Margaret and Jacob (named for John's father). Shortly after the birth of their son Charity died and was buried in Holmes County, OH where she and John had lived in Walnut twp.

On 11-26-1838 John was married to Anna Seese in Holmes County, OH where she was born 6-30-1815. To this union would be born 12 children, 6 prior to their migration to Elkhart Co., IN.

At age 36 John decided to move west. He and Anna packed their belongings and 9 children and began the long trek to Indiana. Arriving in Elkhart Co. in May 1848, John journeyed to the Recorder's Office located in the courthouse in Goshen, where on the 17th he recorded the purchase of 176 acres in Olive twp from Samuel C. Sample of St. Joseph Co. for the sum of $480.00. This land included what would become both the northwest and northeast corners of the village of Salem some four and one half years later.

The next day he purchased 160 acres in Harrison twp where he and his family farmed the land, residing there until 1857. During this time John and Anna became the parents of Tobias, Lovina and James.

Seven months after John bought the 160 acres, he sold them to John and Leah Smeltzer, new arrived settlers from Richland Co., OH. He retained ownership of what would be the northwest corner of Salem. In October 1852 John, in company with John Smeltzer and Jacob Pletcher, owners of adjoining properties, decided to survey and plat corners of their farms in order to found a town. John Holderman supplied land for Block two, containing 12 lots. It was platted in October and he sold 5 lots on October 27th, one going to Thomas Inks, reported to be the first merchant open for business. On 3-11-1857 John procured land in Baugo twp and moved his family to that location where they continued to farm. The following year John and Anna became parents of their 12th and last child, Sarah Ann.

John fathered 3 children with his first wife Charity and 12 with his second wife, Anna. Those known to have grown to adulthood and married were: Jacob married Catherine Miller in 1860 and went on to become a Mennonite Minister, Christian J. married Lydia Miranda Mace in 1864, Elizabeth married Samuel Cohli in 1864, John A. married Nancy Helms in 1866, Rachel married William Helms in 1863, David married Elliana Bishop in 1872, Abram E. married Elizabeth in 1871, Tobias married Lovina Crater in 1872, Lavina married John Page in 1892, James married Calista M. Stone in 1880 and Sarah Ann married William J. Fish also in 1880.

John and Anna lived for 30 years at their home in Baugo twp where, on 6-18-1887, John passed away. At the time of his death he was a large man, weighing about 325 lbs and requiring a special coffin for his burial. Anna lived for another 18 years, dying 8-16-1905. They are both buried in the Olive Cemetery, Elkhart Co., IN.

John was my great great grandfather and Jacob was my great grandfather.

Submitted by Gwynn Hayden

JOHN MUSSELMAN, is a native of Maryland, born November 13, 1817. In his infancy his parents, John and Christina Musselman, moved to Pennsylvania, remaining in that State until 1829. They then removed to Darke County, Ohio, where they lived until he was about seventeen years of age. In 1834 they went to Elkhart County, Indiana, subsequently returning to Darke County..Our subject was married in Elkhart County, Indiana, to Miss Keziah Odell. After his marriage he moved to Lawrence County, Missouri, and there his wife died. They had a family of five children-- William A., Daniel M., Nancy M., Elizabeth C. and Samuel G. In 1846 Mr. Musselman returned to Ohio and there married Miss Sarah Spencer, and to them were born eight children, two sons and six daughters-- John A., William L., Sarah K., Mary E., Anna T., Emily A., Harriet O., Margaret H.In 1850 he went to Randolph County, Indiana, and eight years later came to Iowa and entered 120 acres of land in Clarke County, and at the same time bought forty acres of timber land adjoining, which is his present farm. Mr. Musselman has been a prominent and influential citizen of Fremont Township, and is honored and esteemed by all who know him. In 1880 he lost his eyesight from some unknown cause, but otherwise is in good health, and is active for one of his years.

Surname: Musselman, Odell, Spencer

Posted by Celia Davis on Fri, 16 Jun 2000
from reprint of Clark County Historical and Biographical Record by Lewis Publishing, 1886. p. 168

W.L. Tucker, son of Loton and Sarah (Mallory) Tucker, was born in Vermont in 1827, and is of French-English descent; his mother is living in Michigan, and is a native of Vermont; his father, a native of France, died in 1830. Mr. T. came to this county in 1833, and after living in Concord Twp. three years removed to Michigan; after traveling about considerably in Michigan, Missouri and St. Joseph county, he finally came to this tp. and entered into the saw-milling business here, mention of which has been already made. He was married in 1850 to Elizabeth Clindanell, a native of Delaware, and they have 3 children: Cora, Bion and Mabel. Mr. T. has held the office of Constable, and is a member of the Odd Fellows' lodge at Niles, Michigan, No. 6. Politically, he is a Republican.

Submitted by KAMAJORY@aol.com
History of Elkhart County Indiana; History of Indiana, Illustrated Chicago: Chas. C. Chapman & Co., 1881 Page 1064

AMANDA MOLVINIA CARPENTER
(27 October 1832- 15 January 1894)
Updated; 9 October 2006
Amanda was born on 27 October 1832 in Ephrata Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Her father was a Millwright Giles Carpenter (1800 – 1857), who was descendant of early Lancaster County settler Heinrich Zimmerman. Her mother was Jane McClintock (9 June 1809- 15 February 1879), whose parents were James McClintock and Ann Margaret Lee. At the time of Amanda’s birth her father’s family had been living in Lancaster County for over a century. On 4 April 1854, in Ephrata Township, she married Solomon H. Weaver (ca 1830-1865). Rev. J. J. Strine officiated at the wedding. A daughter, Lydia Ann Weaver, was born on 27 October, 1854.

About 1855 the young couple moved to Seneca County, Ohio. They are listed in the 1860 census as living in Eden Township of Seneca County. The post office was Melmore. Solomon was working as a laborer with property worth only $50. On 23 June 1856, in Seneca County, a son, Henry Albert Weaver (1856-1912) was born. He was followed on 12 January 1858 by a daughter, Sarah Jane Weaver (1858-1944), and on 23 May 1861 by another daughter, Almina Rachael Weaver. The family then moved to New Paris, Jackson Township, Elkhart County, Indiana. Here, on 19 August 1862 Milton Alby Weaver (1862-1946) was born.

In the fall of1864 Solomon, left his pregnant wife, and enlisted Company K, 35th Indiana Volunteers. He was a hired substitute for James Weed of Elkhart, Indiana. Solomon contracted “Malarial typhoid fever” and on 26 March 1865 died military hospital # 1 in Nashville, Tennessee. Just before Solomon’s death, on 15 March 1865, Amanda gave birth to a son Solomon Weaver(1865-1935). The widowed Amanda applied for a pension. The pension was denied because her husband had joined as a substitute for another man.

On 9 March 1868 Amanda married for a second time to a Jesse L. Manahan. On 27 June, 1868, Charles Melvin Manahan was born. By 1870 Amanda and Jesse were divorced. Charles is listed in the 1870 census as Charles Manahan, 2 years old, but in the 1880 census as Charles Weaver, 11 years old. Charles died on 27 February 1912.

In 1870 Amanda was living in the Town of Elkhart, Elkhart County Indiana. She was shown as the head of the household with personal property worth $400. As other Manahans are listed in Elkhart, it seems likely that she moved here when she married Jesse Manahan. Living with Amanda in 1870 were her children Henry, who was 15 and working on a farm; Sarah J., 13 who would marry Absalom Mikel in 1876; Almina; Milton; Solomon; and two year old Charles Manahan.

On 9 July 1876, Amanda married Nathaniel Moorehouse. The 1880 census finds her still living in the town of Waterford, Elkhart County, with her third husband. Nathaniel Moorehouse is working as a cooper, the same job he had held in 1870. Like Amanda, Nathaniel was born in Pennsylvania. Living with the couple in 1880 were Nathaniel’s son Levi, age 13, and Amanda’s son Charles “Weaver.” Nathaniel and Amanda had no additional children.

Amanda died in January, 1894, and was buried in nearby Violett Cemetery next to the markers for her husband and her son Solomon Weaver (1865-1835). On 10 January 1894 Solomon Weaver paid the Elkhart Funeral Home twenty-three dollars for Amanda’s casket, but one source gives the date of her death as 15 January. Nathaniel Moorehouse died 5 August 1902 in Elkhart City at the age of 77 and was buried at Violett cemetery not far from the Weaver plot.

Amanda’s children were as follows:

Lydia Ann Weaver (27 October 1854 – 7 October 1862).

Henry Albert Weaver (23 June 1856 – 14 August 1912). He was born Seneca County, Ohio. He married Mary A. B. Wolfe (b. ca 1864), daughter of Israel Wolfe (1829-1901) and Nancy Wilson [Wolf] in December 1879. A son Henry H. Weaver was born 12 March 1880. Divorce quickly followed. On 8 October 1882 he married Mary Freelove Hale (1859-1916); her middle name is sometimes given as “Love.” Henry and his wife left Elkhart County about 1911 for Rock Island, Illinois where he died on 14 August 1912. He is buried in Chippiannock cemetery. Their children were Bernice [McConahay](1884-1949); Blanche Violet [Walters] (1886-1939); Harrison Morton (1888-1958); Howard Henry (1891-1966); Hazel Margaret [Hilmer] (1894-1978); Katherine “Kappy” Ridel [Schneider] (1894-1878); and Noble Ridel (1897-1955).

Sarah Jane Weaver (12 January 1858 - 1944), nickname “Sat.” Born Seneca County Ohio. She married John W. Stutsman in Elkhart County on 4 November 1877. Their Children include Laura Belle Stutsman, 17 July 1879 – 1919, Lettie Stutsman, 1882 –1948 who married Elton Lepird and had one son Robert Lepird1905-1930.

Almina Rachel Weaver (23 May 1861 – 28 March 1950), often called Alma. Born Seneca County Ohio. She married Charles Miller.

Milton Alvin Weaver (19 August 1862- 21 May 1946) Born New Paris, Elkhart County, Indiana. Married Alice C. Clark on 19 August 1883 in Elkhart County. Their children include Elsie (Elcie) May Weaver, born in 1885.

Solomon Weaver (13 March1865 - 26 September1935) Born New Paris, Elkhart County, Indiana. He served in the Spanish American war, Company C. 157 Regiment, Indiana Volunteers. He lived in Chicago for 16 years. He died in Goshen, Elkhart County. Solomon probably never married.

Charles Melvin Manahan (27 June1868 -27 February 1912 ?)., born Elkhart, Elkhart County, Indiana.

By William D. Walters, Jr.
Copyright: William D. Walters, Jr.

Henry Albert Weaver
(23 June 1856 to 14 August 1912)
Updated: 9 October 2006
Henry Albert Weaver was born on 23 June 1856 in Seneca County, Ohio. His father was Solomon H. Weaver, (1830 – 1865) a laborer with personal property worth a meager fifty dollars. His mother was Amanda M. Carpenter (1832-1894). He was their first son and the first child born in Ohio. A daughter, born earlier in Pennsylvania, died at an early age. Dr. C. McHenry was present at Henry’s birth, which took place at his parent’s home. Katherine Klais was also present. By 1862 the family had moved to New Paris, Jackson Township, Elkhart County, Indiana. In March 1865, when Henry was nine years old, his father, Solomon, died on duty in the Civil war. Amanda attempted to obtain a government pension, but was turned down on the grounds that her deceased husband had enlisted as a paid substitute.

On 9 March 1868 Henry’s mother re-married. The marriage took place in Elkhart County and her new Husband was Jesse L. Manahan. I do not know how this marriage ended, but it did not last long, and was over by 1870.The 1870 Federal census found 15 year old Henry Albert Weaver working on a farm and living with his mother in the town of Elkhart, Elkhart County. Amanda appears as the head of the household and Jesse Manahan is not present. Several younger siblings are listed, as is Charles Manahan, Henry’s stepbrother. Therefore, Henry Albert Weaver’s childhood was spent in conditions of considerable instability and considerable poverty. Henry’s mother married a third time. This husband was a cooper, Nathaniel Moorehouse. Henry is not listed with this family in the1880 census.

The circumstances of Henry Albert Weaver’s first marriage are unclear. On 13 December 1879, in Elkhart County, he married Mary A. B. Wolf, who was fifteen years old at the time. Mary’s parents were Israel Wolf (1829-1901) and Nancy Wilson (1830-1913). A son Henry H. Weaver was born 12 March 1880. The 1880 Federal census, taken in June, reveals a curious family situation. Henry is listed as a farm laborer, who is living with his sister, Sarah Jane Stutsman, who had recently married a Harrison township farmer, John W. Stutsman and their three-month old daughter Laura Stutsman. Henry’s marital status is shown as single. A nearby entry shows the family of Israel and Nancy Wolf. With them is Israel’s brother, William Wolf, working as a farm laborer, and three of the couple’s children. At he bottom of that household are listed “Mary Weaver” age 16, daughter of Israel, and Mary’s son “Henry H. Weaver” three months old. Mary is listed as married. I have yet to find documentation as to how the marriage ended.

On 8 October 1882, in Goshen, Indiana, Henry Albert Weaver married Mary Freelove Hale (sometimes listed as Mary Love Hale) Mary had grown up in Three Rivers, Michigan, twenty-five miles north of Goshen. She was the Daughter of David S. Hale and Mary Ann McMurtrie. We know from David S. Hale’s obituary that, in November of 1885, Mary Freelove and Henry Weaver were living in New Paris, Jackson Township, Elkhart County, Indiana. The 1890 Goshen City Directory shows Henry A. Weaver as “Chief Postal Clerk” living at 120 Cross Street. The 1898 Goshen city directory shows him as a postal clerk living at 218 N. East Street. In the 1903 Goshen city directory Henry A. Weaver is a shipping clerk living at 218 N. East Street. With Henry and Mary, in 1903, are his children are Bernice and Blanche, both stenographers, and sons Harrison and Howard. The 1906-1907 Directory shows him as a Baggageman for the L.S. and M.S. Railroad, living at the above address. The 1910-1911 directory lists Henry A. Weaver as “Baggage master” and still at the same address.

In 1911, perhaps in the summer, Henry moved with his wife to Rock Island, Illinois, where his daughter Blanche and her husband Rollo Frank Walters were living. Henry Albert Weaver was living at 1411 Fourteenth Street, Rock Island, Illinois, when he died of Typhoid Fever on 14 August 1912. At the time he was fifty-six years old. A funeral was held at his home on August 16 and he was buried in Chippiannock Cemetery, Rock Island. His obituary lists survivors as his widow, Mary F. Hale, three daughters [there were, in fact, four], two brothers, and two sisters. His sons are not mentioned. When Henry Albert died he left a widow with at least two children still at home.

The Children of Mary Freelove Hale and Henry Albert Weaver were all born in Elkhart County. They include the following:

Bernice Lore Weaver (13 March1884 to 26 May 1949); on 15 March 1904 she married Vernon .B. McConahay (19 April 1875 - ?). Their children were Vernon McConahay (26 January 1905 – September 1926). Laura Isabella McConahay (10 November 1912 - ?); and John Hale McConahay (2 June 1915- ?).

Blanche Violet Weaver (26 January1886- October 1939); On 18 June 1904 she married Rollo Frank Walters. She lived in Rock Island, Illinois, Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Highland Park, Michigan. Blanche and Rollo had four children: David, Margaret, William and Dan. She died while living in White Pigeon Michigan 0n 11 October 1939.

Harrison Morton Weaver (15 November1888 to 1958); By 1910 he was living in Chicago and working as a railroad brakeman. In 1917 he was a freight conductor working for the Pennsylvania Railroad living at 202 Chicago Ave. in East Chicago, Lake County, Indiana; he had two children and was described as being tall, of medium build with brown hair and brown eyes. By 1930 he was listed as a yardmaster dealing with tank cars. Harrison Weaver married Madeleine Dorn (ca 1889 - ?). They had three children. One daughter, Lois Weaver, was run over and killed by a streetcar, in Chicago, 31 January 1918. Phyllis H. Weaver was born 26 May 1912. Donald Weaver was born about 1916.

Howard Henry Weaver (4 July 1891 to 11 September1966). Howard’s wife was Gertrude McCloughan who was known as “Anna” or “Vallie”. They had a daughter Marizella Weaver (ca 1921 -?) and a son Glenwood Weaver who was killed in September 1926. Sometime before 1916 Howard took up residence in Sangamon County, Illinois. In 1917 he was single, living in Rock Island, Illinois, and working as a telephone installer across the river in Davenport, Iowa. At that time he was single and described as tall, slender with blue eyes and brown hair. He served in World War I. Howard became an electrician and then an electrical contractor. He followed this occupation until retirement about 1963.He was a resident at Homestead nursing home, Springfield, when he died on 11 September 1966. He is buried at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois. Marizella married Francis Cox. They had two daughters (Dixie Lee) who married Joseph Stickles, of Decatur, Illinois, and Jean K. Who married Ray McKean, in 1966 lived in Bloomington. In 1966 there was one great grandchild Melody Ann Stickles.

Hazel Margaret Weaver (3 April 1894 to May 1978); married Max Lorrain Hilmer). She died in Guthrie, Oklahoma. There were two children. Max L. Hilmer (b. 30 May 1919) and Joal Louise Hilmer.

Noble Ridel Weaver (8 March 1897 to 17 April1955). He married three times; Ines K. Nelson, Hazel Shore, and Lillian Barefoot.

7) Mary Katherine “Kappy” Weaver (17 February 1902-March 1982). On 16 October 1923 she married she married Paul Leonard Schneider (1899 – 25 May 1960) an engineer who worked in Anderson Indiana. Both Kappy and her husband are buried in East Maplewood cemetery, Anderson, Indiana. Their children were Marjorie Ann Schneider, born 10 August 1925, who married William P. Moroney in 1947 and Mary Elizabeth (“Mary Beth”) Schneider, b. 10 April 1930, who married Donald P. Driftmeir in 1954.

By William D. Walters, Jr.
Copyright: William D. Walters, Jr.

Proctor -
The Proctor Family of Elkhart is one of the most prominent in this county. They are noted for their longevity. John Proctor, father of the well-known business man and capitalist, William Proctor, was born in 1791, and is consequently 89 years of age; yet he is still quite vigorous, and can talk fluently of the early times when the nation was yet in its youth. Mr. Proctor's father came from England at a very early day. His son thinks he was brought over when a boy, and his labor sold to a Virginian for the purpose of replacing his passage money. The boy's father and mother were dead before he left England. He was bound out as an appren tice to a shoemaker in some town near Norfolk, VA. He grew to be a man and was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and was in many of the battles throughout the seven years' contest. He was at the battle of Stony Point, under General Wayne; and was at the siege of Yorktown.

After the war closed he traveled over the Alleghany Mountains and Blue Ridge chain to West Virginia, and began life as a farmer, locating on the Kanawha River. In process of time he engaged in milling, and constructed boats, and in coopering, and shipped the product down the river to market. He continued to run the mills after John had reached his majority, and then John managed the mills, while his father worked the farm. John also worked at coopering, and boated on the Kanawha. He speaks of the great amount of game that abounded in that country in the early days, such as elk, deer and wild turkeys. The employment of the people was largely fishing and hu nting. He attended school in a log cabin, with slab stools for benches. It was amid such primitive and uncouth surroundings that Washington, Madison, Jefferson, and Randolph rose to the eminence of the greatest of our earlier statesmen; and contending with such circumstances, gave endurance and energy to such pioneers as Mr. Proctor. The teachers of schools in that day and section were generally soldiers crippled in the Revolutionary War, who were thus pensioned on the subscription of the people. There were here and there planters of considerable importance, who lived in better style than the majority, and had slaves to perform their labor and home service.

Mr. Proctor's mother's family were natives of Virginia, and her maiden name was Elizabeth Huddleson. John was married in 1812 to Miss Rebecca Spangler, a lady of German descent. In 1816 he resolved to go to Indiana. Being a boatman, he determined to make the voyage toward his future home in a dug-out. Accordingly he procured a large tree trunk, fashioned his primitive transport, placed his family, his household goods and "gods" therein, and embarked on the gliding Kanawha. Floating down that stream and out upon the Ohio, the voyaging family at length reached Cincinnati. From that city they made the journey to Brookville, Franklin County, Indiana, by wagon. As soon as he could get settled he began to work at coopering, black smithing, and carpentering, and labored hard at various employments for a dollar per day. As time passed he bought 80 acres of land in Randolph County (then Wayne). Buying at second hand he had to pay $4 an acre instead of the Government price. He farm was on the boundary of the Indian lands, and Mr. Proctor gives them the honorable name of excellent neighbors and honest men, living in the garden of Eden, without a car, and unburdened by the labor and exigencies of civilized life , and untainted by its sophistries and fictions and dishonesties. He now asserts with earnestness that he had rather have one of those Indians than 20 Christians; that money by the bagful was perfectly safe in their hands, and lost property of any kind once found by them would be faithfully restored. The without charge, assisted him to erect his first cabin. Eventually Mr. Proctor sold his original farm, and bought land in Henry County, which he afterward traded for a mill on Buck Creek.

This brings us to the time when William Proctor was quite a lad. He was born in Randolph County in 1822. When he was four years old he removed with his parents to Henry County, and remained there till 1835, when the family came to Elkhart County. He lived upon the farm till he was 20, when he went to LaPorte County and engaged in saw milling, carpentering and farming till fall. The following winter he taught school eight miles south of Goshen. After his three Months' term closed, he began a course of study at Ontario Seminary, LaGrange County, and remained there nearly three years, working on farms during haying and harvesting. He spent the winter of 1846 in Texas. In the spring he returned to Indiana and bought 120 acres, built a barn, and in 1849 was married to Miss Frances Downing, daughter of Col. Downing.

In the spring of 1850 Mr. Proctor went across the plains to California, driving a team. He remained there till the fall of 1851, mining and trading the while. When he returned he resumed life on his farm, and occupied it till 1856, when he located in Elkhart and engaged in the mercantile business, which, while he was occupied with it, embraced dry goods, hardware, clothing, groceries, etc. He also has constructed some of the finest buildings in Elkhart. He built the Fourth and Fifth Ward school houses, Odd Fellows' block, Main Street, and several other structures. In 1869 he was superintndent of the Elkhart Hydraulic Works, and had over___ of the construction of the St. Joseph River Works.

In 1873, in connection with John W. and Edwin Irwin, he had the job of constructing the hydraulic works of Constantine, Mich., a work that was successfully accomplished. Since that time he has busied himself mostly with farming. He has 150 acres of farm land within the city limits. He was City Marshal of Elkhart for two years, namely in 1872-'3. He served one year as Trustee of Washington Twp. Mr. Proctor's domestic relations have produced its mingled joys and sorrows. He has lost 4 children by death, and 3 are now living. His son, C. M. Proctor, is now a civil engineer, with an office in Elkhart. Another son, L. M. Proctor, is attending school at Notre Dame. Ella May is but 15 years of age, and is attending school. The deceased children were named respectively, Emma, Florence, Homer and Marian. Mr. Proctor is a member of the Odd Fellows' Association.

Submitted by: Cindy Kimes
"History of Elkhart County", Chicago: Chas. C. Chapman & Co, Jan 1881. p. 856-858.