Thomas Runyan, one of the early settlers of Henry County, was born in New Jersey, Jan. 26, 1799, a son of Noah and Catherine (LaBoyteaux) Runyan. When the subject of this sketch was six years old his father moved with his family to Hamilton County, Ohio, and settled in Colerain Township, about eleven miles from Cincinnati, which was then comparatively a small town. Here Thomas Runyan grew to manhood, and was married to Mary Mullen March 16, 1820. The fruits of this union were nine children, four of whom died in infancy; another, Mariah, married to Henry Jones and died about three years after her marriage, leaving a husband and one child. The remaining four, a son, A. J. Runyan, and three daughters, Mrs. David Wilson, Mrs. David Millikan and Mrs. Jane Peed, widow of Richard Peed, are living. On starting out in married life he and his wife were entirely dependent on their own labor and management for their support, but by industry and economy they soon secured a small home in the immediate neighborhood where they were reared. To show the value of property near Cincinnati at that time we will here insert one of his tax receipts. The reader will observe a tax receipt was not worded half a century ago just as it is now:

Hamilton County Treasurer's Office, Nov. 13, 1829.
Received of Thomas Runyan the sum of two dollars, forty three cents and one mill, being in full of the tax assessed against him for State, county, township, road and school purposes, for the year 1829, on the following property:

R. T. Sec. Acres. Value. Tax.
1, 2, 14 N. W., 22……….$60 $.51
1, 2, 15 S. W., 100………130 1.10.5
Two horses and two cattle. 90 .81.6
Total………………………….. 2.43.1
Fr. R. Fosdick, Treas. Thos. M. Jackson.

When a boy he was taught the business of farming and the cooper's trade, and continued to follow these two occupations for several years, when he concluded to turn his attention to farming, exclusively, and in order to secure land better adapted to that purpose, he removed with his family to Henry County, Ind., in 1831, and purchased the farm on which he resided till his death, April 25, 1877. His wife died nearly ten years before, May 14, 1867. It may be said of him that one of his principal traits was to be strictly honest, and all through the journey of life he sustained the reputation of being an honest man. His old homestead is now owned and occupied by his son, A. J. Runyan, whose birthplace it was and whose home it has always been.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Liberty Township.
Page 735 and 736.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Enoch H. Shawhan, farmer, was born in Warren County, Ohio, in 1827, a son of David C. and Eliza (Huff) Shawhan, natives of the same county, his father born in 1801, and his mother in 1807. His parents were married in 1824, and in 1830 moved to Henry County, Ind., and settled in Fall Creek Township. David C. Shawhan was purely a self-made man. He studied law, and practiced several years in connection with attending to his other business. He erected a grist and saw mill in Fall Creek Township, but in 1842 traded it for the farm of 120 acres, where Enoch H. now resides. He served several terms as Commissioner of Henry County, and one term in the State Legislature, as a representative of the county, elected by the Whig party. He and his wife were active members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He died in 1853, and his wife in 1864. Of a family of eight daughters and two sons, four daughters and one son are living, three in Howard County, Ind., and two in Henry County. Enoch H. Shawhan received a good education and taught school two years in Henry County. Nov. 3, 1853, he was married to Melinda Humbard, of Wayne County. In 1856 he moved to Madison County, Ohio, and engaged in farming in the summer and teaching school in the winter, till 1864, when he returned to Liberty Township and settled on the old homestead, where he has since resided. Politically Mr. Shawhan is a Republican. His wife is a member of the New Light church. They have had five children; but three are living - Emma, wife of E. Ellabarger; Paulina and Silas. The deceased are - Albert and Frank.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Liberty Township.
Page 736 and 737.
Submitted by: Jeanie

William H. Smeltzer was born in Frederick County, Md., June 5, 1847, a son of Jacob and Arie E. (McLain) Smeltzer, natives of Maryland, the former of German and the latter of Scotch descent. They were married in their native State and resided there till the death of the latter, in 1879. Jacob Smeltzer then removed to Ohio, where he died May 12, 1883. Our subject was reared on the home farm in Maryland, receiving a good common-school education. At the age of twenty-four he came to Henry County, Ind., and worked on a farm for John Stanley about eighteen months. He was married Sept. 28, 1876, to Sallie Kessler, daughter of Jacob and Catherine Kessler, who were natives of Indiana, but are now deceased. They are the parents of two daughters - Elzora and Lulu May. After his marriage he farmed on Riles Stanley's farm about four years, then removed to Delaware County, Ind., remaining there one year, when he moved to the farm where he now resides. Mr. Smeltzer is a member of Fidelity Lodge, No. 54, I. O.O. F., of New Market, Ind. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Liberty Township.
Page 737.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Richard Smith, farmer, postoffice Millville, was born in Union County, Ind., March 8, 1849, a son of John P. and Mary (Sedgwick) Smith, his father a native of Kentucky and his mother of Union County, Ind. His parents were married in 1839, and subsequently moved to Wayne County, locating near Richmond, where the mother died in 1864 and the father still resides. Richard Smith received a good education, attending Earlham College two years. He was married in 1877 to Belle, daughter of Wright and Rebecca Lancaster, of Richmond. In 1878 he moved to Henry County and bought the farm where he has since resided, containing 160 acres of well-improved land. April 7, 1884, he was elected Assessor of Liberty Township. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have one son - George D.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Liberty Township.
Page 737.
Submitted by: Jeanie

James A. Stafford, M. D., is a native of Henry County, Ind., born Sept. 28, 1839, of Quaker parentage, the eldest child of Dr. D. H. and Sarah G. (Stretch) Stafford. His father is a native of Indiana, and mother of New Jersey. He received a common-school education and then attended Earlham College, Richmond, Ind., afterward teaching a few terms of common school, then began reading medicine with his father in 1864. After attending two full courses of medical lectures in the Physio-Medical Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio, he graduated in 1867. He then located in Millville, Ind., where he has built up a large and lucrative practice. He owns a good farm of 100 acres which he has cultivated in accordance with the latest and most approved modes of agriculture. Also he devotes considerable attention to bee culture and the improvement of apiarian furniture which is attested by his fine apiary and bountiful products of beautiful honey. He owns a general store with an average stock of $5,000 in Millville, of which his wife has full charge. In 1879 he was appointed Postmaster, still holding the position. He was married in the fall of 1860 to a daughter of John Payne, who died in 1866, leaving two sons - Horace and Charles, who are now attending school at Purdue University, Lafayette, Ind., preparing themselves for the medical profession. In 1868 Dr. Stafford married his present wife, a daughter of John Worl, an early settler of the county. They have one son - Earl, aged thirteen, who is an amateur printer, taking great interest in his business. Dr. Stafford is a member of the First District and State Physio-Medical Association, and of the Odd Fellows Lodge. Is very lenient in his religious views, but assists liberally in all local religious movements. He is also an uncompromising temperance man, believe that the use of all intoxicating beverages should be discouraged and prohibited by law.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Liberty Township.
Page 737 and 738.
Submitted by: Jeanie

John W. Turner, Jr., was born in Fayette County, Ind., Aug. 10, 1841, a son of John W. and Jane (Port) Turner, natives of Ireland, his father born in 1801,and his mother in 1802. His parents were married in Ireland, and with four children came to America in 1837 on account of religious opposition. They were members of the Methodist church, but ten years before her death his mother professed faith in the Universalist church. On reaching America they proceeded to Cincinnati, where they were met by William Port, a brother of Mrs. Turner, who had come to America fifteen years before. They located in Fayette County, Ind., but in 1853 moved to Henry County and bought the land where our subject now lives, where the father died in 1858, and the mother Feb. 13, 1867. Of five children, Robert, Margaret and John W. are the only ones living; William and James P. are deceased. Mr. Turner was Postmaster of Waterloo from 1837 to 1853, and at the same time carried the mail from Waterloo to Connersville. Our subject remained with his parents till his marriage in 1862 to Tabitha, daughter of Charles and Mary Wilson, natives of Kentucky and Virginia respectively, and since then has engaged in farming on the place where he now resides. He owns eight acres of well-improved land. Mr. and Mrs. Turner are members of the Universalist church. They have two children - Mark P. and Julia. Their son is highly educated and has taught school five years. He is at present Principal of Salem High School in Dudley, Township.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Liberty Township.
Page 738 and 739.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Jacob Williams, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, May 19, 1835, the fourth son of Israel and Susannah (Ritter) Williams, the former a native of Bedford County, Pa., and the latter of North Carolina. They were married in Montgomery County, Ohio, and in the fall of 1836 they moved to Wayne County, Ind., where Israel Williams followed farming till about 1859, when he kept a toll gate till his death, which occurred July 3, 1863. His wife survived him till Feb. 7, 1878. They were active members of the German Baptist church for many years. Their family consisted of eight children, seven still living. Jacob Williams was reared on his father's farm and was educated at the district schools. When seventeen years old he began learning the carpenter's trade and worked as a journeyman a number of years. He moved to Henry County, Ind., in 1865, where he has since followed farming and carpentering. He is a member of the United Brethren church and has been a minister in the church for ten years. He is a Republican in politics and is a strong advocate of Prohibition. He was first married May 13, 1866, to Martha, daughter of David and Martha Bird, who died March 13, 1878, leaving three children - Laura, Horace and Mary Elizabeth. Mr. Williams was again married March 8, 1879, to Mary, daughter of Samuel and Margaret L. (Jacobs) Williams, natives of Darke County, Ohio. To this union were born two children - Cora and Arthur.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Liberty Township.
Page 739.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Levi Williams is a native of Ohio, born Oct. 27, 1832, and is a son of Israel and Susannah Williams. His educational advantages were very limited, his youth having been spent in assisting on the farm. He was married Sept. 29, 1857, to Miss Barbara Bennett, a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Buck) Bennett. To this union have been born five children, three of whom still survive - Josephus, Benjamin F. and Ida L. Two daughters are deceased - Mary E. and Eliza Ann. After his marriage Mr. Williams engaged in farming and is still engaged in agricultural pursuits in Liberty Township, where he has a very pleasant home. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren church.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Liberty Township.
Page 739 and 740.
Submitted by: Jeanie

David Wilson, Jr., was born in Harrison County, Ky., Dec. 1, 1819, a son of David and Jane (Guynn) Wilson, also natives of Kentucky. His father and three uncles, William, James and Jackson Wilson, served nine months in the war of 1812. When he was fifteen years of age, he with two brothers, two sisters and his mother (his father had died many years before) came to Indiana. His mother being an invalid, a consultation was held as to the best way to bring her. Although in the fall of the year it was decided to bring her in a covered sled, which they did by nearly killing a good team, camping out excepting one night. They settled in Liberty Township, Henry County, where he has since lived. At that time it was heavily timbered, but now is one of the finest farms in the township. His mother remained with him till August, 1864. He was married Nov. 2, 1843, to Cyntha Runyan, a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, born March 13, 1824, a daughter of Thomas and Mary Runyan. They have had a family of four sons and four daughters; two of the sons are deceased. They have been members of the Universalist church since its organization, and are among its most liberal supporters. Mr. Wilson has served as Township Trustee several years, and has filled many other offices of trust.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Liberty Township.
Page 740.
Submitted by: Jeanie

James Wilson, deceased, was born in Kentucky, Jan. 29, 1812, a son of David and Margaret Wilson. He came to Indiana with his mother and two brothers and settled on the farm where his brother David now lives, at that time in the woods. April 22, 1852, he was married to Lucinda Pressel, a native of Henry County, Ind., born Feb. 23, 1831, a daughter of John and Barbara Pressel, natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. After his marriage Mr. Wilson settled on the home farm with his mother, remaining there till her death. In 1862 he bought the farm where his widow resides, and where he died June 10, 1881. He was Trustee of the township two or three terms. He was a member of New Castle Lodge, No. 91, F. & A. M. Mrs. Wilson is a member of the Universalist church, and although not a member he was a strong advocate of its doctrines. Of their eight children six are living - John David, the eldest son, was born June 9, 1854. After his father's death he assumed the management of the farm, and has met with marked success. The home farm contains 177 acres of fine land, and J. D. owns 104 acres adjoining. He resides with his mother. He is also a member of the Universalist church.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Liberty Township.
Page 740 and 741.
Submitted by: Jeanie

William H. Wilson was born in Liberty Township, Henry Co., Ind., Sept. 29, 1846, a son of David and Cyntha Wilson. He received a good education, attending New Castle Academy and Dublin High School several terms. He then taught three terms, but on account of ill health was obliged to abandon the schoolroom and turn his attention to out-door pursuits. He was married Feb. 17, 1881, to Lizzie L. Millikan, daughter of Mathew R. and Arminta (Davis) Millikan, and settled on the farm where he now lives. He owns 100 acres of land, well cultivated. He has served one term as Trustee of Liberty Township. Mrs. Wilson is a member of the Christian church.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Liberty Township.
Page 741.
Submitted by: Jeanie

George Wimmer, farmer, was born in Liberty Township, Henry Co., Ind., in 1856, a son of William and Eve Wimmer. He was reared on the farm and received a good common-school education. He was married in 1876 to Izetta A. Sowash, daughter of John and Minerva Sowash. They have two children - Vaughn and Emma. After his marriage Mr. Wimmer located on the farm where he still resides. He owns 160 acres of fine land, all well improved, and is one of the promising young farmers of the township.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Liberty Township.
Page 741.
Submitted by: Jeanie

John M. Wimmer, farmer, was born in Henry County, Ind., in 1855, a son of Noah and Catherine Wimmer, old settlers and residents of Henry County. He spent his early life with his parents, receiving a common-school education. He was married Aug. 8, 1880, to Dora A., daughter of Frederick and Sarah Dilling, of Wayne County, Ind. They have two children - Everett F. and Glen D. After his marriage Mr. Wimmer lived in Wayne County two years, and then moved Liberty Township, Henry County, and rented 160 acres of land, where he has since resided. He is one of the promising young farmers of the township.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Liberty Township.
Page 741.
Submitted by: Jeanie

William Wimmer, farmer, was born in Liberty Township, Henry Co., Ind., in 1829, a son of William and Susan (Mullen) Wimmer, natives of Ohio. His parents came to Indiana in 1820 and entered land from the Government, near the site of Ashland, which they afterward sold, and entered the farm where William, Jr., now lives. Ten years later he sold this farm and entered another in the same township, where the mother died in 1840. At the time of their coming to the county there were but four other families in the township, Thomas Stanford and wife and David Odom and wife being two of them. Mr. and Mrs. Wimmer were members of the New Light church many years, but after his wife's death he became a member of the Universalist church. He was for many years a School Director. Mr. Wimmer died in 1854. His family consisted of four sons and four daughters. William Wimmer, our subject, was reared in pioneer times and his educational advantages were very limited. He has always devoted his time to farming in Henry and Howard counties, and in 1880 bought the farm where he now resides. He owns 295 acres of fine land, all well improved. He was married in 1851 to Eve, daughter of George and Catherine Evans, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Ohio, of German descent. Of their ten children, nine are living - Sarah C., James, Joan, George, Mary J., Alice, Electa J., Maggie and Emma. William Carl is deceased. Politically Mr. Wimmer is a Republican.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Liberty Township.
Page 741 and 742.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Alonzo J. Winnings, youngest son of Joseph and Jane (Mullen) Winnings, was born Oct. 16, 1854, in Liberty Township, Henry Co., Ind. His boyhood days were passed on the farm till he was twelve years of age, when he went to Muncie, Ind., and attended the High School there about three years. At the age of fifteen years he began clerking in the grocery store of his brother, T. J. Winnings, remaining with him till he was twenty-one years old. He then engaged to sell tobacco and cigars by sample for Rudy & Co., of Hagerstown, which business he followed till his health failed. He then came to Henry County and has since resided on the home place. He was married April 26, 1876, to Ida B., daughter of Seth S. and Maria Bennett, of New Castle, Ind. He and his wife have been members of the Christian church for eight years.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Liberty Township.
Page 742.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Joseph Winnings (deceased) was born near Pittsburg, Pa., Aug. 12, 1812, a son of Archibald and Christina Winnings. When he was nine years old his parents moved to Ohio and settled on a farm in Hamilton County where his father soon after died. He was married March 3, 1836, to Jane Mullen, a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, and a daughter of Hugh and Mary Mullen. To them were born seven children, six sons and one daughter. One son is deceased. After his marriage he engaged in farming and also worked at the cooper's trade, which he has previously learned. After selling his farm he moved his family to Henry County, Ind., March 4, 1854, and bought the farm in Liberty Township where his widow now resides. Mr. Winnings served as Trustee of Liberty Township for two terms. He was an earnest worker in the Christian church, being a prominent member for over forty-five years. Mrs. Winnings is also an active worker in the same church. Mr. Winnings died April 10, 1880, aged sixty-eight years, and was buried in Benton's graveyard by the Masonic order, he having belonged to Hagerstown Lodge for over thirty years. Out subject commenced on very limited means but by good management he succeeded in owning one of the finest farms in Henry County. At his death he owned 240 acres of excellent land. At one time he owned 340 but divided 100 acres among his children.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Liberty Township.
Page 742 and 743.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Eli M. Wisehart, farmer, was born in Liberty Township, Henry Co., Ind., April 13, 1846, a son of John L. and Margaret Wisehart. He received a good education and when seventeen years of age began clerking in the dry goods store of B. F. Wisehart, in New Castle. He remained there two years, and then was employed a year by his brother, Samuel D., and his brother-in-law, B. Ingels, at Milton, Ind. He then returned to Henry County and carried on the home farm for his mother till his marriage in 1869 to Sarah J. Kinsey, daughter of Lewis and Catherine (Shultz) Kinsey. He resided on his farm adjoining his mother one year and on his father-in-law's farm two years. Then moved to a farm of his father-in-law's in Wayne County, and remained there a year when he rented the place where he now resides two years, and at the expiration of that time bought it. Mr. and Mrs. Wisehart are members of the German Baptist church. They have a family of eight children - Martin C., Ida F., Katie E., Lewis M. (deceased), David W., Carrie O., Goldie F., and an infant, unnamed. Politically Mr. Wisehart is a Republican.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Liberty Township.
Page 743.
Submitted by: Jeanie

John L. Wisehart, deceased, was born Nov. 9, 1814, in Henry County, Ind. He was reared a farmer receiving his education in the subscription schools. March 17, 1836, he was married to Margaret Davidson, a native of Mason County, Ky., born Dec. 18, 1818. She came with her parents to Henry County, Sept. 14, 1826. After their marriage they settled in Liberty Township, a mile and a quarter from Millville, where Mr. Wisehart died March 25, 1864, and where Mrs. Wisehart still resides. To them were born twelve children - Benjamin F., Samuel D., Eli M., Wilson A., Alonzo, Lagrande, John W., America (deceased), Martha A., Viretta, Ella, and Mary E. (deceased). Mr. Wisehart served as Township Trustee two terms, and as Constable. He was a member of the Christian church as is also his wife.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Liberty Township.
Page 743.
Submitted by: Jeanie

S. D. Wisehart, of Wisehart & Kent, grain dealers, Millville, Ind., was born in Liberty Township, Henry Co., Ind., Oct. 4, 1839, a son of John L. and Margaret (Davidson) Wisehart. He received a good education, residing with his parents on the farm till twenty years of age, when he engaged in the general mercantile and grain business in Millville. In 1873 he sold his stock of merchandise and gave his exclusive attention the grain trade. Sept. 1, 1880, Edmond L. Kent became associated with him. In June, 1883, they erected a grain elevator at Mooreland at a cost of $800. They ship annually from Millville and Mooreland 75,000 bushels of grain, and also deal in all kinds of agricultural implements. Mr. Wisehart was married June 5, 1870, to Alice, daughter of William S. and Mary A. (Case) Layboyteaux. They have two children - Edmond and William. Politically Mr. Wisehart is a Democrat.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Liberty Township.
Page 743 and 744.
Submitted by: Jeanie

John Worl was born in Wayne County, Ind., Dec. 20, 1816, a son of Joseph and Nancy (Bell) Worl, who were natives of Kentucky. They immigrated to Indiana in an early day and settled near Jacksonburg, Wayne County, but the Indians becoming hostile they soon after went to Eaton, Ohio, remaining there two years. Joseph Worl was a soldier in the war of 1812, and for his services received 160 acres of land from the Government. He died in 1852 and his wife died in 1870. They belonged to the Christian church for many years. Their children were - Polly, Milton, Matilda, Sallie, Washington, Elizabeth, John, Joseph, Lucinda and Martin. John Worl, our subject, remained on the home farm till he was twenty-one years old and received only a limited education. He was married Jan. 10, 1837, to Mary A. McShirley, who died March 20, 1855. To this union were born seven children - Elizabeth, Manda, Joseph, John M., Mary J., Nancy and Martin. After his marriage Mr. Worl bought a farm in Liberty Township, Henry Co., Ind., where he has since resided. When he first came to his farm, only eight acres had been cleared and the buildings consisted of one log cabin in which he lived eight years. He has now a fine large house, erected two years ago, and his farm contains at present 159 acres, he having divided the balance, 214 acres, among his children. Mr. Worl married again Jan. 10, 1857, Charlotte Silvers, a daughter of Asa and Catherine (Hefflin) Silvers, and to them have been born two children - Laura Bell and Monroe. He and wife are members of the Christian church, to which he has belonged thirty-three years. Mr. Worl has been an invalid for eleven years and is now entirely confined to his room. He has been a life-long Republican.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Liberty Township.
Page 744.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Deb Murray