Randolph County Indiana Biographies Surnames Starting with W

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DON C. WARD is a lawyer by profession as well as a veteran educator. He was born near Union City, Indiana, October 26, 1888, son of A. H. and Ella S. (Scott) Ward. His father taught school in Pennsylvania, coming to Union City in 1876, where he taught in the public schools for thirty-six years. His death occurred in 1912 and the widowed mother now lives with her son. Don C. Ward attended grade and high schools and the Eastern Indiana Normal University and Ball Teachers College. He started teaching when seventeen years of age, teaching in the district schools for two years and in the public school of Union City for five years. During this time he studied law and in 1910 was admitted to the Indiana bar. He practiced law two years and gave it up to become editor of the Union City Eagle. In 1915 he was appointed postmaster of Union City and held that office two terms, until August, 1923. On resuming schoolwork Mr. Ward became principal of the Wilson Union Consolidated School, and in 1928 became principal of the Wayne Consolidated School. In 1930 he accepted a position in the East Side High School at Union City, Ohio. He has been a leader in Democratic politics in this section of the state and in 1926 was nominee for the office of District judge and in 1928 was on the Democratic ticket in Indiana for congressman from his district. He has been township and city chairman of this party. Mr. Ward is a forceful speaker, and has delivered many talks and addresses on educational subjects and also in political campaigns. His hobby is music, and for twenty-five years he has been manager and one of the players in the Union City Band. He is a member of the Indiana Historical Society. For eight years Mr. Ward served as assistant city attorney of Union City. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, has filled the chairs in the subordinate lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was district deputy grand master for Randolph County. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias and in 1925 was delegate to the International Convention of Kiwanis Clubs representing the club at Union City. He is a member of the Ohio State Teachers Association, Central Ohio Teachers Association and the National Education Association.
This book has no cover, and no index, and no author. I bought it on Ebay; it just has the insides, but it is full of Indiana biographies. I am not researching this family, just thought I would share. I do not know anymore about these families or these surnames. NOTE: I don't know if there is any additional mention of this family in the book, it has no index. I do not want to sell this book. I am typing the biographies from it.
Typed by Lora Radiches

Pages 327-332

Chapter VII

Five Generations.
Richard Williams.
Rev. Daniel Williams.
Nathan Hunt Williams.
Joel Hiat Williams.
Carlton O. Williams.

Richard Williams, the first part of this sketch; his birth, life and death is but little known to the writer, therefore will only say that he was a resident of Guilford County, North Carolina, near the Friends' meeting house, known as New Garden/
Rev. Daniel Williams, the second part of this work, was born near New Garden meeting house in Guilford county, N. C., 8th month, 23d day, 1792, died near Richmond, Ind., 8th month, 14th day, 1873.
He was a renowned and devoted minister of the Gospel, belonging to the denomination of Friends. His early life was spent in North Carolina, then Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia, from whence he moved, in 1833, near to the place of his death.
In 1814 he was married to Margaret Janes, who died in 1821, leaving five children, Lydia, Rebecca, Susan, Nathan and Mary.
About the year 1815 he began the work of the ministery, and was recorded as such within a year after he began the work. In 1823 he was married to his second wife, Mrs. Margaret Shoemaker, which was again broken in later years by the death of the wife. By this union there were six children, Solomon, Jesse, Jacob, Sarah, Margaret and Daniel.
In 1848 he was married to his third wife, Lydia Rider, who survived him by about eight years. By this union there was one child, K. R. Williams. Daniel was known especially in the denomination to which he belonged, in many parts of the country for his many acts of kindness and good deeds. He made several extended religious visits' two or three of which were to the old world, Great Britian and Ireland, at which time and place was spent in the vineyard of the Lord, endeavoring to win precious souls to God and from an endless ruin. He became so feeble before his death that he would sit down to finish preaching. Before his death he made a request that four of his grandsons (as he thought a great deal of his grandchildren) should convey him to his grave and let him down, which was complied with.
At this time the number of offsprings is as follows:
Children …………………………….….…12
Grandchildren…………………………....125
Great grandchildren….………………..…187
Great great grandchildren…………………11
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Total number, including marriages, &c…335

Before closing with the sketch of Daniel Williams we will give one of the incidents of his life, recorded by Daniel Hill (in his Reminiscences of Nathan Hunt) who said in connection with the influence that the older may have upon the young-let me pause here a moment and relate the following circumstance, related to me by the venerable Daniel Williams, of Wayne County, Ind., during the winter of 1872. Myself and family during that winter lived next door and often went to spend a social hour with Bro. Williams. One evening he said to me:
"I remember well the visit of Nathan Hunt to my father's house when I was only a boy of 8 or 10 years. I stood in the corner near the great fire place and listened to the conversation between him and my parents. When dinner was announced and as they passed to the kitchen, for our dinning room and the kitchen were all one, as he passed me he laid his hand upon my head and said, 'God bless thee, lad, what is thy name, my son?' I told him 'Daniel Williams;' he said, 'Well, Daniel, if thou wilt be true and faithful to thy heavenly father, thou wilt cross the ocean and stand before kings and princess for His name's sake.' It made a deep impression on my mind at that time, but as years passed away I forgot it. A few years later my parents moved to the west, as we called Indiana then, and in the course of time I became a preacher. I traveled much in the Master's service, and finally I felt impressed to cross the ocean and visit old England. I obtained a minute of concurrence from my monthly and quarterly meetings and it was endorsed by the yearly meeting. I started on my mission. When I got on board the great ship at New York and had sailed on through the narrows, soon our ship began to rool on the great Atlantic ocean. I got to thinking on my position, when it occurred to me I had made a great mistake. It was all wrong. I had undertaken a mission that I was not fitted for. I thought that not only had I made a mistake, but that my monthly and quarterly and even my yearly meetings had all made a great mistake in allowing me to undertake such a mission. I was greatly distressed. I did not know what to do. When all at once the memory of Grandfather Hunt's blessings on me, as he laid his hand upon my head, when a boy, now flashed across my mind. I seemed to feel his warm hand again, I could hear the tones of his voice as he said, 'Thou shalt stand before kings and princess for His name's sake.' Instantly all fear left me. I had no further difficulty; I realized that I was in my right place. I performed my Master's service in the old world and returned to my native land with great peach and joy."
Nathan H. Willims, the third part of this sketch, was born near Philadelphia, Penn, 1st month, 5th, 1820, and with his parents moved to Wayne County, Ind., about the twelfth year of his age. The greater portion of his life was spent in farming and carpentering. In 1841 he was married to Mary Ann, daughter of Thomas and Sarah Brown, both of whom have since died in Winchester. After marriage he moved to Randolph County, near Spartansburg. By this union there were five children, Elizabeth, Luther, Mahala, Joel and Wesley.
Inn 1853 he removed to a 40-acre farm near Olive Branch, some county, at which place he spent the most part of his after life, until death, which occurred 1st month, 15th, , 1887. Mary Ann, his wife, died 3rd month, 5th, 1857, and broke up housekeeping and the children separated no telling when to meet again. But in 1858 he was remarried to Sarah Milner, and the children were again brought home. Sad to relate, but this union of wife and husband, mother and children, were soon broken by the death of the mother. Elizabeth, the oldest of the children, now being of sufficient age, took up the responsibilities of the house work. In 1861 he was re-married to his third wife, Mrs Eliza McKee, who still survives and lives on the old home farm. By this union there were three children. Alice, Robert and Daniel, the second having died when an infant.
At this thime the offsprings is as follows:
No. of children………………………………………8
No. of grandchildren……………………………….32
No. of great grandchildren………………………….1
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Total number, including marriages, &c…………….51
Joel H. Williams, the fourth part of this sketch, and the writer of the whole, was born in Fountain City, Wayne County, Ind., 7th month, 7th, 1850. When less than a year old, with his parents moved to this county (Randolph) and settled on a farm near Spartansburg. In 1853 removed to a farm near Olive Branch, same county. His mother died when but a child, leaving him without the tender care and kind advice of a loving mother. He was sent to live with his uncle in Wayne County, where he was brought up under the strict teachings of Friends. Later on his father having re-married, he was brought back to his old home, at which place he remained until he arrived at the age of 19, at which time he went forward for himself in the great battle of life, first working by the month for John Clayton on a farm near Farmland. The most part of his education was obtained at Olive Branch, the first part of which was in the old log school house, with seats or benches as they were called, made from legs and no backs; he remember of an incident once when a little one became sleepy, top-heavy or over-balanced and the floor caught it from behind, and then it said to its sister in a loud voice, "Jane, why didn't you ketch me?" The writing desks were made by boring slanting holes in the wall, placing wooden pins in the same on which was nailed a wide plank. As the ink would not on this inclined plank it had to be placed in the windows. The writing pens were made from the goose quill. When the teacher gave the signal or play the books from all parts of the room would go flying for the writing desk, helter skelter, sometimes knocking the ink to the floor and making a general splash which was only a small matter at that time;--all eager to get to the play ground. "Black man"' and "bull pen" were the leading games of the day; "Molly Brown" came in later on. As a signal that some one was out in time of books, the teacher had varied ways. One was a little bord or shingle on one side of which was the word "out," on the other side "in;" the shingle had to be turned ineither leaving the room or returning so as to show the condition of affairs inwardly and outwardly.
Another was a forked stick to be placed in the window near the door, which was to be taken by the one leaving the room and returned to its proper place when coming in. Sometimes the little ones (as was the case once with the writer) would forget and leave the forked stick at the other end of the route, thereby causing an extra trip into the deep wood.
My first teacher, Lib Stark, was an old foggy; had her bed in one corner of the school room and would cook a part of victuals on the school stove.
Once upon a time my father came home from town and brought me a new primer. The next day I gathered my new book and off I went to school with much glee, and was found in my place at recitation hour, ready to recite from my new book. But what did Mrs. Stark do? Jerked my new primer from my hand, threw it on the floor and stamped on it, then gave me an old McGuffey's Elementary spelling book and told me to study that. After she departed I picked my new primer from out the dust, took it home and left it there, where I thought it would receive better care.

My next was Martin Shinn, a little better than the first; then came John Hedgepeth. He would not allow the boys to hollow for Abraham Lincoln. Oh, it was a task to refrain, but nevertheless we stood the racket.
Next came Henry Schoofield, Charlie Steele, Lib Parker, David Graham, Page Loofborough, Calvin Diggs and R. A. Leavell. So ends my country schooling. After this I attended the Farmland graded school, Prof. Lee Ault, superintendent, and by the way, a fine instructor. Also attended the Ridgeville college, where I had the work of book-keeping, penmanship, German language and vocal music.
Later on I attended the Pen Art schools, of Delaware, Ohio, Prof. G. W. Michael, superintendent, who was considered one of the best instructors of the art in the United States.
December 25th, 1875 I was married to Marietta Wright, daughter of Amos and Deliah Wright, at the residence of the bride's home, two miles west of Winchester, Ind., Rev. P. S. Stephens officiating. Several of the immediate friends and relatives were in attendance. This union has been blessed by the addition of two, Carlton (the last mention in this sketch) and Lyra Myrtle, born 8th month, 8th, 1881.
The most part of his public life has been spent in carpentering, merchandising and school teaching, having done business at Stone Station, Farmland and Winchester. Taught school in the following townships: White River, Washington, Monroe, Green, Stony Creek and Franklin, all in the county of Randolph. At the present time is the proprietor of the "Mid-Way Grocery," south side public square, Winchester, Ind. About two years ago he began the geneology (chantform) of his grandfather, Daniel Williams, which is now nearly complete, giving all the decendants of D. W., to whom and where married, names, births, dates and deaths. He is writing a book of religious songs, which, when complete, will be an excellent selection, giving it the title of "Sacred Melodies," for social worships and revival services. He is also writing a book of poetry and prose under the title name of "Read and Reflect," or "Golden Gems of Choicest Thoughts for Thinking People to Ponder." The selections are charming, captivating and entertaining, as well as exalting, elevating and ennobling, suitable for both young and old, being of a moral and religious sentiment. When means will suffice for its publication the work will be completed and a copy should find its way to each and every family, as the tendency will be toward a better observance and in keeping with all the principles of righteousness.
Carlton O. Williams, the last of this sketch, and completing the five generations, was born in Winchester, Ind., 11th month, 19th, 1876, and has spent the greater portion of his life in the town of his birth. He began his schooling in the country, but with his parents soon moved to town, where he has since graduated. He is now in the employ of his father under the firm name of J. H. Willims & Son.
Reminiscences of Adams, Jay and Randolph Counties City of Publication: Fort Wayne, Ind. Publisher: Lipes, Nelson & Singmaster, job printers Date: 1897? Page Count: 366
Transcribed by Andrea Long

Farmland Enterprise, June 17, 1904 - The tenth annual reunion of the families of the Moormans, Diggs and Ways , held on Thursday of last week at the grove of Henry A. Moorman, four miles east of Farmland, was one of the best they have ever had. About one hundred and fifty representatives of the families were present. Following the dinner the association was called to order by T. Frank Moorman, its president, and a literary and music program given. The Diggs branch of the family are the descendants of Sir Dudley Diggs, Master of Rolls, under Charles I of England, who settled in Virginia upon a grant of 4444 acres to which he gave the name of "Chilham Castle Manor Place," in honor of his castle in Kent couty, England. From Virginia representatives of his came to this county about the year 1820. The ancestor of the Moorman family came to America with William Penn, settling in Pennsylvania. He was a Quaker and came to obtain for himself and his descendants that liberty of conscience which was denied him in the land of his nativity. The immediate ancestors of this family came to this county from Guilford county, North Carolina, in 1822. In the early history of the county they owned large tracts of land which the descendants have quite largely retained. The Way family are the descendants of Henry Way, the Puritan who came to America in 1630 and settled at Dorchester, Massachusetts. William Way, the great-great-grandson of Henry, was born on the island of Nantucket, August 8, 1756. Later he removed to South Carolina, and from there to this county, in the year 1817. Paul Way, a son of his, acting as county agent of this county, platted and laid out the original plat of the city of Winchester, and for many years was one of its foremost and most public spirited citizens, while many other members of the family have been and are men of sterling worth. Moorman Way was probably the ablest lawyer who ever practiced at the Randolph county bar. Intermarriage is responsible for the relationship of these families, and so for the triune character of their reunions. T. Frank Moorman was re-elected president and Henry A. Moorman secretary of the association, and the place of meeting for next year the grove where the present reunion was held, the time being the second Thursday in June, 1905.

Submitted by Billy Baker

From - William G. Cutler's History of the State of Kansas
First published in 1883 by A. T. Andreas, Chicago, IL.

Franklin County --

JACOB WILKERSON , breeder of pedigreed Poland-China hogs, Section 29, P. O. Ottawa, was born in Randolph County, Ind., in December, 1851, and reared on a farm. In the spring of 1872 he came to Kansas and assisted his father, John Wilkerson, in farming in this township. A year later his father died and he and his brother William conducted the farm together for some years. In the spring of 1878 he moved onto his present farm. He owns eighty acres all improved, forty-five of which are under cultivation. He is making a specialty of breeding Poland-China hogs, and is quite successful. He was married in Franklin County, July 14, 1878, to Miss H. N. Leachman, a native of Illinois.

Submitted by Billy Baker

From - William G. Cutler's History of the State of Kansas
First published in 1883 by A. T. Andreas, Chicago, IL.

Franklin County --


WILLIAM H. WILKERSON , farmer, Section 24, P. O. Ottawa, was born in Randolph County, Ind., March 14, 1849, and reared on a farm. He came to Franklin County, Kansas, in September, 1870, and located on his present farm. For about three years he farmed with his father, since then for himself. He has 360 acres of land, all improved, cultivates 210 acres of it, and makes a specialty of fattening cattle and hogs for shipment. He has two good houses on his land and an orchard of three acres. Mr. Wilkerson was elected trustee of this township in 1880. He was married in Franklin County, Kansas, September 21, 1876, to Pauline L. Cannon. They have a family of three children: John N., Lucy J. and Jessie H.

Submitted by Billy Baker

From - William G. Cutler's History of the State of Kansas
First published in 1883 by A. T. Andreas, Chicago, IL.

Nemaha County --

ELIAS WOODBURN , farmer, Section 18, P. O. Wetmore, was born in 1827, in Preble County, Ohio. Is a son of John Woodburn, of Kentucky, and Elizabeth Telley, of Ohio. He was reared in Randolph County, Ind., where his parents settled in 1834. Mr. Woodburn came to Kansas with a wife and three children. In July, 1857, after a six weeks' tour of observation, he closed the claim which has since been his home, built a 14x16 foot log house, roofed with clapboard. And began his pioneering with only the Campbell, Thomas and White families as neighbors. To-day we find him on a well-improved farm, fenced with hedges and wire, a good frame house, a stable, etc., 300 apple trees, and with his native timber and plentiful water supply, can easily envy him. His wife was Sarah J. Odle, a native of Randolph County, Ind., and they have four children - Anna R., now Mrs. J. Helsby; Mary, Mrs. T. C. Overhulse; William T., born in Kansas, and a teacher; and Mattie. Two daughters - Millinda E. and Emma E., died at the ages of Twenty and twelve, respectively.

Submitted by Billy Baker